Category: ENTERTAINMENT

Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Punjabi actor Ammy Virk has expressed his distress as his wife and 6-year-old daughter are presently in the UAE amidst the ongoing tension in the region.

Putting his concern into words, the ‘Qismat’ actor penned on his official Insta handle, “The situation in the UAE has been weighing heavily on my heart. My wife and my 6 year old daughter are there, and as a husband and father, it’s impossible not to feel emotional and tense during times like this. (sic).”

Sharing what his little one told him, putting on a brave face amidst these uncertain times, he added, “”Papa I will hide under my bed if something happens. I’m a strong girl Papa don’t worry” is not what a father wants to hear. Every news update feels personal. No matter how strong we try to be in public life, at the end of the day we are family people.”

Ammy Virk further expressed his gratitude to the UAE government and authorities for ensuring the safety of the residents.

Praying for the safety of all those stuck in the region, the ‘Saunkan Saunkne’ actor hoped that this phase would also come to an end soon.

“At the same time, I know there are so many other families going through the same fear and anxiety. My prayers are not just for my loved ones, but for every single person affected. I also want to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts being made by the UAE authorities and the UAE government. From what I’m being told, they are working tirelessly to ensure people remain safe and supported during this time. For that. I am truly grateful. Let’s continue to pray for peace, stability and the well being of everyone there. May this phase pass soon, and may all families feel secure and protected,” concluded the post.

–IANS

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​Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Actress Lakshmi Manchu used social media to pen a heartfelt note praying for brother Vishnu Manchu and his family’s safety, who are presently in Dubai amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Lakshmi Manchu took to her official social media handle and dropped an emotional note, praying for the safety of her loved ones during these uncertain times.

“Praying for Vishnu and his beautiful family to stay safe and protected in Dubai during these difficult times. When it’s your own, it hits differently. Holding you all close in my heart. May God’s grace surround you. Only love shall prevail (sic),” she wrote on the micro-blogging site.

Recently, Vishnu Manchu uploaded a clip on social media from Dubai showing missiles streaking across the night sky. The ‘Kannapa’ actor shared that the loud interception sounds have left his daughter Ayra scared.

Vishnu Manchu further thanked the UAE defense forces for making sure that the civilians are safe.

While posting the video on the internet, he wrote, “In Dubai visiting family tonight. Missiles visible in the sky. The loud interceptions shook our home and frightened little Ayra. Praying for peace. No child anywhere should grow up hearing the sound of war above their roof.” He added, “Grateful to the UAE defense forces for keeping civilians safe. (folded hands emoticon). Moments like this remind us how fragile life really is. Praying for strength and Peace. Har Har Mahadev.”

Several members of the film fraternity have expressed their distress amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East region.

Meanwhile, Tamil heartthrob Ajith Kumar is also in Dubai at the moment. Sharing an update about the ‘Thunivu’ actor, his manager revealed that while Ajith Kumar was expected to leave Dubai, he could not fly back to Chennai given that the flights out of Dubai remain suspended for now.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Actor Anil Kapoor, who graced the latest episode of the gaming reality show ‘Wheel of Fortune’, served a dash of nostalgia when he spoke about his first paycheck.

The actor told the show host, Akshay Kumar that he worked for the state broadcaster Doordarshan in 1976 effectively setting the stage for a long and fulfilling innings.

Talking about the same, he said, “Aur ek anecdote hai jo mai sunana chahunga, maine 1976 sabse peheli meri kamaayi huyi thi. Wo Doordarshan se huyi thi. Worli main Doordarshan ka studio tha aur waha jaake maine perform kiya tha television par, jiske liye mujhe INR 250 mile the. Aur television se aap keh sakate hai ki mujhe woh recognition mila, apne aap ko parde par dekhna, mummy daddy aur dosto ne mujhe chote parde par dekha (And there’s an anecdote I would like to share, my first earnings were in 1976. It was from Doordarshan. There was a Doordarshan studio in Worli, and I performed there on television, for which I was paid INR 250. And from television, you could say I got that recognition, seeing myself on screen, my parents and friends saw me on the small screen)”.

He further mentioned, “Main koshish bahut kar raha hoon ki mujhe woh clip mil jaaye par mujhe woh clip mil nahi raha taaki main bhi dekh sakun ki how I did that. Fir uske baad mene theatre kiya jab mai St Xavier’s college main tha. Aur peheli baar jab theatre kiya tab Shashi Kapoor sahaab Chief Guest the. Uss play ke liye mujhe unke hatho se Best Actor ka trophy mila aur waha se mujhe motivation mili ki main actor ban sakta hoon. Aur waha se maine acting course shuru kiya aur Shashi Kapoor sahaab ka mere career main bohot bada haath hai ( I am trying very hard to get that clip, but I can’t find it so that I can also see how I did that. Then after that, I did theater when I was at St. Xavier’s College. And the first time I did theater, Shashi Kapoor was the Chief Guest. For that play, I received the Best Actor trophy from his hands, and from there I got the motivation that I could become an actor. And from there, I started an acting course, and Shashi Kapoor sir played a significant role in my career)”.

Elsewhere in the show, a puzzle led the audience to call out the iconic ‘Dhak Dhak Karne Laga’ song. What followed was a heartwarming trip down memory lane led by Anil Kapoor and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Anil Kapoor said, “Ye gaana sirf Madhuri ji ka hai. Main toh side mein sirf supporting role kar raha tha (This song is solely Madhuri ji’s. I was just playing a supporting role on the side)”.

Akshay Kumar quickly stepped in, reminding everyone that ‘Dhak Dhak Karne Laga’ was as much Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit’s song. It was one of the most celebrated tracks of its time. With a smile, Akshay asked Anil if he remembered what it was like shooting that unforgettable moment.

Anil happily shared, “Ye gaana Saroj ji ne choreophragph kiya tha. Raj Kapoor studio main shoot kiya tha aur film complete ho chuki thi. Ye hamne last din pe shoot kiya tha. Ye gaana hamne raat ko shoot kiya tha, kyunki main aur Madhuri already din mai do-do shift kar rahe the. Toh ye gaane mai jo freshness dekh rahe hain hamari, woh ham do filmo’n ki shooting karke aate the aur teesri shooting hoti thi iss gaane ki raat main (Saroj ji choreographed this song. Raj Kapoor had shot in the studio and the film was complete. We shot this on the last day. We shot this song at nite because Madhuri and I were already doing two shifts during the day. So the freshness you see in this song of ours is because we used to shoot two films and then the third shoot was for this song at night)”.

‘Wheel of Fortune’ is available on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has officially joined the cast of ‘Tumbbad 2’. The actor is expected to bring formidable depth to the sequel’s narrative.

While details about his character are still under the wraps, it’s suggested that he will play a pivotal role central to the film’s folkloric arc, one that promises psychological intensity and moral complexity.

Talking about the film, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shared, “‘Tumbbad’ has always been a film I admired for its originality and atmospheric storytelling. When Sohum shared the vision for the sequel, I liked the story and I joined them in their journey. Collaborating with Sohum Shah and Pen Studios on a project of this scale is truly exciting. The character I’ll be portraying has many layers, and I’m looking forward to exploring this immersive universe with such a passionate team”.

With production slated to begin soon, Tumbbad 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events in the making.

Producer-actor Sohum Shah said, “Bringing Nawaz Sir on board ‘Tumbbad 2’ feels incredibly exciting for us. He is an actor who brings an unmatched intensity and authenticity to every role he takes on. The character he will portray plays a very crucial part in expanding the emotional and psychological landscape of the sequel. With Nawaz Sir joining the team, we believe the narrative will reach a whole new level of depth and impact”.

Producer Dr.Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios shared, “We at Pen Studios are committed to presenting good content as hence with ‘Tumbbad 2’, we are taking the cinematic experience to a much grander level. Bringing Nawazuddin Siddiqui on board aligns perfectly with that vision. His craft, versatility, and powerful screen presence will significantly elevate the film”.

‘Tumbbad 2’ is spearheaded by actor-producer Sohum Shah under Sohum Shah Films in collaboration with Pen Studios, led by Jayantilal Gada.

–IANS

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Mumbai March 2 (IANS) Television superstar Ankita Lokhande took to her social media account to extend her warm wishes on the occasion of Ramadan.

She shared a graceful video of herself dressed in a red traditional outfit, adorned with gold detailing and statement jewellery.

The actress, through her post, conveyed the message of peace and compassion, reflecting the spirit of the holy month.

She captioned the post as, “Ramadan is a reminder of patience, peace and compassion. To every soul fasting across the world, may this month fulfil your heartfelt wishes. Prayers and love from India.”

Recently, the actress along with her husband Vicky Jain had performed the Bhaktambar Pooja, after which she said that she felt extremely peaceful and blessed.

For the uninitiated, Bhaktamar Puja is a sacred Jain ceremony centered around the devotional chanting and reverence of the Bhaktamar Stotra, a revered 7th-century hymn composed by Acharya Mantunga.

Ankita had taken to her social media account, where she shared a few glimpses from the pooja and wrote, “We performed Bhaktambar Puja, and once again I felt how powerful it is when a married couple prays together.”

She added, “There is a different kind of peace that comes when two souls sit side by side and offer something meaningful to God — it calms the heart, settles the mind, and nourishes the soul.”

Ankita further said that she feels deeply grateful that she is “married into a family whose values reflect the same devotion I was brought up with.”

“The way we all come together for every spiritual moment… it feels like a blessing in itself. For me, God is one — and when you offer anything with a pure heart, it reaches Him in the most beautiful way,” she wrote.

She added, “And I felt blessed. I am thankful for everything I have, everything I had, and all that is coming my way in the future. My heart is open. My soul is ready. I am always prepared to receive the best that the universe has written for me. Thank you, God. Thank you, universe.”

–IANS

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Mumbai March 2 (IANS) Actress Shilpa Shetty on Monday shared a video of herself performing a difficult and intense yoga asana known as Vatayansana , saying that ‘if one could hold the pose, then could definitely handle Monday better!’

The actress was seen motivating her followers to begin the week on a healthy note.

In the video clip, Shilpa was seen balancing perfectly on a yoga mat placed on a lawn, and demonstrated strength, flexibility and body control while performing Vatayansana

She captioned the post as, “If you can hold this pose, you can definitely handle Monday”

She further elaborated on the benefits of the asana. “Benefits of Vatayansana:• Boosts concentration, strengthens willpower and helps balance awareness.• Helps reduce stress, anxiety and mental fatigue.• Improves flexibility and strength in the hips, thighs, knees and ankles.• Helps increase blood circulation in the lower body.”

Further throwing a challenge to her fans, the actress wrote, “Challenge thrown to you: for how long can you hold your balance in this asana? #MondayMotivation #SwasthRahoMastRaho #FitIndia #YogaSeHiHoga.”

The actress and fitness enthusiast is often seen motivating fitness junkies with her social media posts.

A few weeks ago, Shilpa was seen strengthening her entire body, including her core, legs, back, shoulders, and arms, by performing a full-body compound exercise.

She mentioned that along with engaging all the major muscles of the body, this exercise also helped stabilize the muscles, something that proves crucial for balance and joint control.

Shilpa uploaded a clip of herself performing the exercise with dumbbells, along with the caption, “Full body fired up, no muscle left behind (sic).”

The actress follows a disciplined lifestyle that is inclusive of hard-core workouts, yoga sessions, healthy eating along with following positive and spiritual guidance.

–IANS

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Mumbai March 2 (IANS) Members of the Bollywood fraternity, on Monday, took to their respective social media accounts to congratulate the Indian national cricket team on their spectacular win against the West Indies cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Bollywood stars Anil Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi Soha Ali Khan took to their social media accounts to celebrate the team’s incredible performance and march into the semi-finals.

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor lauded cricketer Sanju Samson for his stellar innings.

Sharing a picture of Samson on his Instagram Stories, Anil wrote, “What an exceptional innings by Sanju Samson. The composure under pressure, the way he paced the chase, absorbed the early tension, and then shifted gears with such authority, that’s high-quality cricket. Controlled aggression. Smart shot selection. Complete command of the moment.”

He added, “That wasn’t just a knock… it was leadership with the bat,” with an Indian flag and clap emoticons.

Actor Vivek Oberoi also praised the cricketer and the Indian team’s momentum.

Posting a graphic that read “Sanju Special”, he wrote, “The stadium is a blur of blue, and @imsanjusamson is in the centre of the storm! Pure grace under pressure! And @surya_14kumar, the nation bows down to the insane talent of Samson along with you today! Believers, celebrate. Doubters, take a seat. Semis, here we come!” using Indian flag, fire and clap emoticons.

Meanwhile, actress Soha Ali Khan shared a clip of the match on television and captioned it as, “Game on!!! Calm under pressure…semi-finals here we come #indvswi #iccmensT20worldcup2026,” using an Indian flag emoticon.

India’s victory over West Indies has propelled the team into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The match took place on the 1st of March, and was held at the Eden Garden stadium in Kolkata.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) The makers of ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’ on Monday unveiled its trailer, offering a heartfelt, humorous, and refreshingly honest glimpse into one of the most poignant portrayals of mature love on screen. Actress Dimple Kapdia, who plays a key character, said that the film felt like a project where all her boxes were ticked.

Dimple on playing Anusuya said: “Jab Khuli Kitaab truly felt like a project where all my boxes were ticked — a beautiful story, the opportunity to work with Pankaj Kapur, and to be directed by Saurabh ji, all while basking in the beauty and divine energy of the mountains.”

She added that Anusuya is written with such depth and honesty that it was a joy to explore her many shades.

Dimple shared: “What drew me to her is the simplicity of intention — she isn’t trying to break her marriage; she’s trying to be honest within it. That kind of honesty, especially after decades together, requires immense emotional courage. It feels great to portray such a nuanced character.”

Written and directed by Saurabh Shukla, the film delves into the emotional complexities of a five-decade-long marriage disrupted by a truth long buried in silence.

The trailer offers a window into the quiet, familiar world of Gopal played by Pankaj Kapur and Anusuya, a couple bound by 50 years of shared routines, memories, and silent understanding. Their seemingly peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when Anusuya reveals a long-buried secret, shaking the very core of their relationship.

Struggling to come to terms with the revelation, Gopal finds himself torn between heartbreak and dignity, eventually choosing to pursue divorce.

Talking about his character Gopal, Pankaj said, “What makes Jab Khuli Kitaab truly special is Saurabh Shukla’s vision. It’s rare to find a filmmaker who chooses to shine a spotlight on older, mature love — and to do it with such honesty, humour, and tenderness.”

He said that Saurabh has crafted a narrative that is not only refreshing but deeply real.

“He reminds us that love doesn’t fade with age; it evolves, it complicates, it bruises, and it heals. It was a rewarding challenge to portray a man rediscovering love in the most unexpected way; I’m grateful to be part of a story that treats this stage of life with such dignity, authenticity, and emotional depth,” shared Pankaj.

The story leads them to a young lawyer, played by Aparshakti Khurana, where difficult conversations begin to unravel years of unspoken emotions, lingering pain, and buried affection. As memories resurface and truth come to light, the trailer unfolds as a moving and nuanced portrayal of love tested by time.

Aparshakti added, “My character becomes the unlikely mirror through which Gopal and Anusuya begin to confront their past. The generational gap creates moments that are both comic and emotionally revealing. What I love most is how the film handles forgiveness and connection with such lightness, yet such depth. It’s a rare story.”

Jab Khuli Kitaab will premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on March 6.

–IANS

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Mumbai March 2 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan took to her social media account to share a dose of humour and honesty on parenting as she posted a much-relatable ‘Monday Motivation’ message.

Resharing a story that she found extremely relatable, Kareena wrote, “Monday Motivation.”

The post that Kareena reshared, and that was based on ‘parenting hack’ read, “Parenting Hack: There are no hacks. Everything is hard. These kids don’t listen. This is your life now. Godspeed.”

Kareena, in the hilarious post, expressed how navigating through the everyday hustle bustle and chaos around raising children is hard.

Kareena, who is a mother to two boys, often is seen sharing relatable posts talking about parenting, children and also mother-children relationship.

Through the posts, Kareena gives fans glimpses into her parenting journey. A few months ago, the actress had revealed how she trains her kids Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan to pose for photographs while on their holiday.

The actress had reshared a post on her social media that read, “Parents forcing their kids to take holiday pictures like: “Sit your butt down, smile, don’t pick your nose — and if you don’t behave: no ice cream…and then posting captions like, “The reason I breathe.”

Sharing this post, Kareena wrote, “Me Me Me!!!,” indicating that she too forces her kids to pose for pictures while on their holidays.

A few days ago, Kareena Kapoor and actor husband Saif Ali Khan’s younger son Jeh celebrated his 5th birthday.

Wishing her little one on his special day, Bebo revealed that Jeh had spent his birthday painting trees with his parents and brother Taimur.

Kareena took to her social media account and uploaded a couple of adorable snaps of the family getting their hands dirty for a good cause.

“Birthday’s are all about planting trees and being free (Red heart and raindown emoji) Happy birthday Son…(Red heart emoji) Jeh Baba (Red heart emoji) (sic),” she wished her little munchkin in the caption.

For the unaware, welcomed her first child, son Taimur, in 2016, followed by another boy, Jeh, in 2021.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Veteran actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar is all set to be seen in the play titled “Animal”, which he says comes from what he has witnessed first-hand in the film industry.

Animal examines the slow, often invisible erosion of the human spirit in the pursuit of ambition. At its centre is Dattu played by Mahesh, a young man from a small town near Pandharpur, Maharashtra, who arrives in Mumbai chasing the promise of stardom.

What begins as faith in the city and belief in himself gradually turns into a fight for survival. Alone on stage, Dattu addresses the city, imagined audiences, and his own fractured conscience, as performance and confession merge into one.

“Dattu is not a hero,” Mahesh says.

“He is not even extraordinary. He is a young man from the soil who arrives in Mumbai carrying a suitcase full of dreams and a stomach full of hunger. I have seen thousands like him. Some become stars. Most become shadows.”

The actor-filmmaker added: “What drew me was his innocence and how slowly the city peels it away. Dattu does not turn into an animal overnight. It happens quietly. One compromise. One humiliation. One rejection at a time.”

Animal comes to the stage after nearly nine years of discussion and preparation. In the production, Mahesh takes on the dual role of director and performer – a choice that gives the play its urgency and vulnerability.

In Manjrekar’s words, “Dattu speaks to Mumbai like a lover. Mumbai answers like a judge.”

Elaborating on his approach, he added, “I did not want to show Marine Drive or skyline projections. I wanted the city to exist through sound, through pressure. Local train announcements. Audition rooms. The word ‘Next!’ said casually. Doors closing. On stage, we created emptiness. Because that is what the city often gives you – space, but no place.”

Mahesh and and veteran theatre producer Ashvin Gidwani come together for Animal, presented by AGP World.

Reflecting on the partnership with Manjrekar, Gidwani shares, “Mahesh Manjrekar is, quite simply, one of the finest creative minds in Indian theatre, a director, writer, and performer of rare calibre. His Marathi theatre discipline brings a rigour and authenticity that cannot be replicated.”

“And beyond the professional, there is our friendship that spans over two decades. The shared trust, the mutual respect, is perhaps the real secret sauce of our success each time.”

Animal will be showcased on March 7 at the Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.

–IANS

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