Category: ENTERTAINMENT

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Character actor Saanand Verma has joined the cast of the upcoming movie “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan”, starring Vikrant Massey.

Praising Vikrant, Saanand said: “He has been in the industry for the last 21 years, and I think acting comes very naturally to him. Balika Vadhu brought him into the limelight, and there has been no looking back since. I really admired his work in projects like Mirzapur, 12th Fail, and Haseena Dilruba.”

“Whatever he does, he does it from the bottom of his heart. He is a very effortless actor who knows exactly what the director wants, what the story needs, and what the scene demands,” he added.

He also mentioned that Vikrant is one of the most sorted actors he has ever worked with.

“I got along with him very well. He is simply an unbelievable person—always smiling. We shared many jokes off-camera and talked about acting and his incredible variety of roles,” he said.

“I mentioned the ease with which he performs such diverse characters, highlighting the glorious success of ‘12th Fail’, which is considered some of the finest work by an exceptional filmmaker, Mr. Vidhu Vinod Chopra. I am extremely delighted to have had this opportunity to work with him,” he added.

The team of “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” is currently shooting for the movie in the mountains. The film, which also stars Shanaya Kapoor, recently wrapped up the first schedule of the film.

Touted as a musical love story, the film is being shot across Mumbai, Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Europe.

It was on December 5, when Vikrant started shooting for ‘Ankhon ki Gustakhiyan’. The opening clap ceremony of the film was held, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with the cast and crew attended it.

Expressing his admiration, CM Dhami remarked, “I am glad to see young filmmakers like Mansi ; Varun Bagla showcasing the state’s beauty while presenting a timeless story that celebrates love and human resilience.”

Meanwhile, the ’12th fail’ actor has recently clarified that he is not retiring from films; he is just going for a long break to focus on his health and his family.

In a statement, Massey said, “Acting is all I can do. And it has given me everything I have. My physical and mental health have taken a hit. I just want to take some time off, I want to better my craft.”

“I feel a sense of monotony at the moment. “My post has been misinterpreted that I am quitting or retiring from acting. I want to take some time off to focus on my family and health. I would be back when the time feels right.”

–IANS

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Los Angeles, Dec 11 (IANS) Actress-singer Selena Gomez, who has earned the best supporting actress Golden Globe nomination, is embracing the moment.

She has also spoken up on the issue of the feeling of loneliness and getting isolated in Hollywood, reports ‘People’ magazine.

Talking about her Golden Globes nomination, she told ‘People’, “I’m overwhelmed, very, very honored and grateful. I can’t wait to see what happens”.

Nominated in the same category as actress-singer Ariana Grande, 31, the actresses sat next to each other at the luncheon, held in Los Angeles at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

As per ‘People’, the two awards season favorites separately grew to fame as child stars on television, Gomez in Disney Channel’s ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and Grande on Nickelodeon’s ‘Victorious’.

In her keynote speech, Selena emphasised how she’s found community in more recent years.

“I know firsthand how isolating this industry will feel at times, but moments like this and rooms like this, and talking to all these amazing women just reminds me that I’m not alone, and we aren’t alone,” she said, gesturing to her table where Grande sat along with stars including Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Awkwafina, Gal Gadot, Rita Wilson, Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde.

On the red carpet, Selena added that she stays positive amid moments of negative discourse by looking at the lighter side of things.

“It’s humor for me,” she told ‘People’. “I know people say it’s a defense mechanism, however, I think it’s a great distraction from all of the noise sometimes. And just to have a laugh with your friends or do something that can bring you a little bit of light”.

For others feeling lonely in Hollywood, Selena is ready to offer a helping hand.

“To the young women watching us, I just want you to know that you are heard and you are seen, and your perspective matters deeply. And if you ever feel lonely at any event, I’m usually on my phone, playing some sort of weird game. Just come up to me, and I’ll be happy to chat”, she grinned on stage.

“When we share and we stand together, we create a ripple effect that stretches far beyond our own lives. That’s why events like [this] are so important, they’re a celebration of our collective achievements, but they’re also a reminder of the work we still have to do”, she added.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) On Dilip Kumar’s 102nd birth anniversary on Wednesday, veteran actress Saira Banu has remembered her “Sahib” and recalled that whenever the legendary star was around her, he shed the aura of a legend and let the child within him emerge playful, carefree and unburdened by the weight of worldly chaos.

Saira took to Instagram, where she shared a video montage featuring memorable moments with Dilip Kumar, who passed away aged 98 in 2021.

For the caption, she wrote: “A few people walk into your life to stay, becoming a part of you in every possible way. That’s what happened when Dilip Sahib entered my life to stay with me forever. We are one in our thoughts and being.”

“The days may change, and the seasons may pass, but Sahib has always been there, walking with me hand in hand. Today, on his birthday, I reflect on what a gift he is not just to me but to everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

She said that to the world, Dilip Kumar was the epitome of mannerisms, poise, chivalry, and a presence that could silence a room.

“Yet, whenever he was around me, he became something else entirely. He shed the aura of a legend and let the child within him emerge playful, carefree, unburdened by the weight of worldly chaos. He laughed with ease, teased with the innocence of a boy, and lost himself in the simplest of moments, as though the world beyond us had ceased to exist.”

She shared an anecdote about Dilip Kumar.

“One thing I can say for certain about Sahib is that he could never sit still. He loved to travel. Whenever he had days off from shooting, he would ask us to accompany him to beautiful destinations.”

“My brother Sultan’s children, others in the family, and I would often join him on these trips, creating some of our fondest memories together.”

Sharing a memory, Banu noted: “His spontaneity still amazes me. I remember one such moment vividly. I had gone to the airport just to see him off, bidding him goodbye as he prepared to leave. He turned to me and asked, “Saira, what are you up to?” I casually replied, “My shoot got canceled, so nothing.”

“What happened next left me astonished that he took me along with him! In those days, flight tickets were booked directly at the counter. Sahib promptly sent his secretary to secure a ticket for me and took me along with him.”

“Now, picture this: I was dressed in a simple cotton salwar kameez, with no change of clothes and no preparation whatsoever. Yet, Sahib brought me to this grand wedding. I attended the entire ceremony in that simple attire, while Dilip Sahib walked beside me, hand in hand. His simplicity defined him, and it was this very trait that allowed him to effortlessly surprise me and draw me into his world…”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actor Aditya Seal is sporting a new military-inspired haircut for his upcoming high octane action war-based project by a debutant director.

Sources have confirmed that Aditya is set to be gearing up to join the trend.

A source said: “As an actor, transformation is a key part of the craft. Exploring different roles and personas keeps Aditya excited and challenges him to push his boundaries.”

“His new look has certainly stirred some curiosity, and while we can’t confirm or deny anything right now, we can say that he is always on the lookout for projects that allow him to explore uncharted territory as an artist”.

War-based stories have always fascinated Aditya, shared the source.

“Not just for their action sequences but for the depth and emotion they bring to the screen. Such projects showcase human resilience and sacrifice, and as an actor, that’s something he would love to dive into,” the source added.

“The love Aditya received for Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani was overwhelming, and it reaffirmed his belief in taking on unconventional roles. The new look is for an action genre project”.

Aditya was last seen in the big screen in “Khel Khel Mein” starring Akshay Kumar in the lead. The film also features Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Ammy Virk, Pragya Jaiswal, Aparshakti Khurrana, Johnny Lever, and many others. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, “Khel Khel Mein” tells the story of a group of friends and their partners who gather for a dinner and end up revealing secrets about each other.

Aditya made his film debut as a teenager with the erotic film Ek Chhotisi Love Story opposite Manisha Koirala. As an adult, he starred in the romantic drama film Tum Bin II and had a supporting role in the teen film Student of the Year 2. He was then seen in series such as Fittrat and The Empire.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Bollywood fashionista Sonam Kapoor revealed that one dish that reminds of her home includes Sindhi delicacies.

Sonam, whose mother Sunita is a Sindhi, took to Instagram stories, where she shared a reel about “one dish that always reminds of home” is “Sindhi koki with dahi and papad.” She also shared a video of “masala bread.”

The actress in her stories also shared that she is on her way back to home in London after her stay in Dubai.

Sonam shared a picture of a Christmas tree and wrote: “Back home in London coming back to this lovely @dior.”

On December 8, Sonam shared glimpses of her family by the sea. In the first picture, Sonam can be seen sitting with her husband, Anand Ahuja, on the seashore, enjoying the sunset view.

In the next few pictures, Sonam and her son Vayu can be seen playing by the sea.

Along with the pictures, Sonam added a caption that reads: “A friend recently asked me, ‘If I had to drive to meet the person I wanted to be in my wildest dreams, who would that be?’

“The answer was so clear: it’s just me. The best version of me—a diamond in the rough that experiences and life keep polishing and refining, making me better every day. Everything I’ve ever wanted, everything I’ve dreamed of being, is already here. This picture says it all.

“It’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about embracing who I am, completely, and trusting the journey to keep shaping me. @anandahuja, love you #everydayphenomenal is only with you by my side.”

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja tied the knot in 2018 in Mumbai in a lavish ceremony. They dated for five years before getting married. The couple welcomed their son, Vayu, in August 2022. Post marriage Sonam divides her time between London, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Sonam will next be seen in “Battle of Bittora”, produced by her father Anil Kapoor and sister Rhea Kapoor.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, Dec 11 (IANS) Hollywood star Pamela Anderson’s iconic fiery red swimsuit from “Baywatch” will be displayed at an exhibition at London’s Design Museum.

The swimsuit will be showcased in the ‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’. The 57-year-old actress wore the red bathing suit during her stint on the hit TV show between 1992 and 1997, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Amber Butchart, the guest curator of ‘Splash!’, said: “It’s incredible to be showing Pamela Anderson’s iconic ‘Baywatch’ swimsuit in the exhibition, especially at this pivotal point when she has reclaimed her own image, and has designed and modelled her own swimwear.”

The new exhibition will focus on Britain’s enduring love of swimming and swimwear over the past 100 years.

‘Splash!’ will feature more than 200 objects and will explore swimming’s evolution, in a social, cultural, technological and environmental context, over the last century.

Tim Marlow, the director and CEO of the Design Museum, said: “The story of swimming is more than just a story of sport, as our new exhibition will make abundantly clear.

“By examining the culture of swimming through the lens of design, we will explore a range of evolving ideas about the way we have lived from the beginning of the 20th century to the present, from materials and making to leisure, travel, performance, wellbeing and the environment. It’s another innovative exhibition that will show visitors to the Design Museum the profound impact of design in almost every aspect of our lives.”

‘Splash!’ will open at the Design Museum in London on March 28, and tickets for the exhibition are now on sale.

Anderson rose to prominence after being selected as the February 1990 Playboy Playmate of the Month. She holds the record for the most Playboy covers by any individual.

She went on to star in the series “V.I.P.” and “Stacked”. Her film credits include Raw Justice, Barb Wire, Scary Movie 3, Borat, Superhero Movie, Blonde and Blonder, The Institute, Baywatch, City Hunter, and The Last Showgirl . Anderson also appeared in her own reality series Pam: Girl on the Loose among many others.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actress Soha Ali Khan had spent a memorable weekend with her family including mother Sharmila Tagore, husband Kunal Kemmu, brother Saif Ali Khan and sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan along with kids.

Soha took to Instagram, where she shared a video of how “the weekend” she wanted, where Sharmila is seen playing with grandchildren Inaaya, Taimur and Jeh. Some moments also featured in the clip include Kunal jumping into the pool, a chat session and a peek into what their fun dinner table conversations are like.

“The weekend we all wanted,” Soha captioned the post, which had the track “Kitni Haseen Zindagi” by singer Lucky Ali in the backdrop.

Soha and Kunal got engaged in July 2024 and in 2015 the duo tied the knot. In the year 2017, they became parents of their adorable daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu Khan.

On the work front, Soha will feature in horror-thriller ‘Chhorii 2’ which is a sequel to Nushratt Bharuccha-starrer 2021 film ‘Chhorii’. It is a remake of a Marathi film titled Lapachhapi.

Recently, Kareena shared a glimpse from their weekend getaway featuring her favourite couple Soha and Kunal.

Kareena took to her Instagram, where she shared a picture of Soha and Kunal sitting. In the image, Soha is seen reading a book, while her husband Kunal is listening to her with full attention.

The Bollywood diva captioned the image: “Favourite couple Kunal Kemmu and Soha Ali Khan.”

On December 8, Kareena celebrated the birthday of her mother-in-law and veteran star Sharmila Tagore.

The actress took to Instagram to wish her mother-in-law on her birthday. She shared a picture of herself with the veteran actress. In the picture, both of them can be seen in comfortable clothing.

“Who’s the coolest Gangsta ever? Do i need to say? Happy birthday to my mother-in-law. Just the Best,” she wrote as the caption.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) As his debut film “Band Baaja Baaraat” clocks 14 years since its release, Bollywood star and new dad Ranveer Singh reminisced about the time when his “dreams became a reality.”

Ranveer took to his Instagram stories, where he shared several highlights from the film, which was released in 2010.

“14 years since Band Baaja Baaraat… When my dreams became a reality #blessings #gratitude,” he wrote as the caption for the film, where he featured alongside actress Anushka Sharma.

“Band Baaja Baaraat”, a romantic comedy film was directed by Maneesh Sharma. In the film, Anushka’s Shruti Kakkar and Ranveer’sBittoo Sharma team up to create a wedding planning business. A Tamil remake titled Aaha Kalyanam starring Nani and Vaani Kapoor in the lead roles was released in 2014.

One of the highest-paid Indian actors, Ranveer after his debut, was then seen in “Ladies Vs Ricky Behl”. He gained praise for playing a melancholic thief in the drama Lootera.

However, it was in 2013, when he established himself as a star through his collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, beginning with Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao I and Alauddin Khilji in Bhansali’s period dramas Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018), respectively.

He was then seen in films such as “Simmba”, “Gully Boy”, “83” and “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”.

Ranveer, who is married to Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, is all set to be seen in filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller. The actor will reportedly play an R&AW agent in the yet-untitled movie.

It was in July, when the project was announced. Ranveer had shared a post on Instagram at that time and captioned it: “This one is for my fans, who have been so patient with me, and been clamouring for a turn like this. I love you all, and I promise you, this time, a cinematic experience like never before. With your blessings, we embark on this great, big motion picture adventure with spirited energy and pure intent. This time, it’s personal.”

The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios along with Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar under their banner B62 Studios. This follows their recent super hit collaboration “Article 370”.

The movie features a star-studded cast, including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal.

Ranveer’s latest release is “Singham Again” by Rohit Shetty. The film also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff and Arjun Kapoor, who played a negative character in the blockbuster.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) The team of the upcoming film ‘Vanvaas’ organised a special screening for the Indian businessman Vijaypat Singhania in the Nariman Point area of downtown Mumbai.

The film, which stars Nana Patekar and Utkarsh Sharma, explores themes of familial betrayal and personal resilience.

The film struck a deep chord with the businessman as he was ousted from his home in Mumbai by his son Gautam Singhania.

In 2015, Vijaypat Singhania sold off his entire 37% stake in Raymond Group to his younger son and then-chairman of Raymond. This was the start of a widely-publicszed and long-running feud in Singhania’s family over various matters stemming from the transfer.

Vijaypat Singhania (84), who was once a top business tycoon of one of India’s largest and most iconic textile brands rarely steps out for events.

‘Vanvaas’ is directed by Anil Sharma, who is known for ‘Gadar 2’.

Anil Sharma, who returned to the fold in 2023 with his blockbuster ‘Gadar 2’ is known to tell the stories in an old school way but packaged in a new format.

‘Gadar 2’, which starred Sunny Deol and Utkarsh, collected Rs. 686 crore worldwide, out of which a huge chunk of its collections came from India where it collected Rs. 525.7 crore. The film breathed new life into the career of Sunny Deol, who will be next seen in ‘Lahore 1947’.

2023 proved to be great year for the Deols with the Dharmendra-starrer ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ turning into a superhit followed by Sunny’s ‘Gadar 2’ and Bobby Deol’s ‘Animal’.

Meanwhile, given Anil Sharma’s keen storytelling and this compelling cast, ‘Vanvaas’ goes beyond traditional drama to offer a deeply emotional journey through timeless themes. The film is produced, directed, and written by Anil Sharma, and is set for a worldwide release under Zee Studios on December 20, 2024.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) The first film dynasty of Hindi cinema, the Kapoor family is currently in Delhi. The members of the family including Ranbir Kapoor, his wife Alia Bhatt, his mother Neetu Kapoor, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, her husband Saif Ali Khan, and actress Karisma Kapoor met PM Narendra Modi in the national capital.

The family extended the invitation to PM Modi for the centenary celebration of legendary filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor. Earlier during the day, the family was spotted at the Mumbai airport as they were clicked while leaving for Delhi.

While Ranbir Kapoor was dressed in a sharp black jodhpuri suit, Alia twined with Kareena as the former opted for a radiant red saree. Kareena donned a red and silver suit. Saif Ali Khan was seen in a white kurta, pyjama, beige jacket and red shoes. Neetu Kapoor and Karisma twinned in white and golden suits.

December 14, 2024 marks the centenary of Raj Kapoor, who is widely regarded as one of the biggest cinematic forces of India. He was born in Peshawar (present day Pakistan), and was the eldest son of actor Prithviraj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor starred in and produced many films for which he received multiple accolades, including three National Film Awards.

His films ‘Awaara’ and ‘Boot Polish’ competed for the Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1951 and 1955’s editions respectively.

The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 1971 for his contributions to the arts. India’s highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was bestowed to him in 1988 by the Government of India.

He was hugely popular in the Soviet Union, and was known as Comrade Awaara in the Soviet Union.

Earlier, the International Film Festival of India, organised jointly by the National Film Development Corporation of India (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state Government of Goa, in Goa, honoured Raj Kapoor on his centenary, and invited Ranbir as the speaker to share anecdotes about his grandfather.

–IANS

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