Deepika Padukone talks about what ‘self care’ means to her

Mumbai, June 17 (IANS) Actress Gauahar Khan recently looked back on her early interactions with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, recalling moments that, to her, capture the true essence of his stardom.

Speaking about his grace, respect, and humility both on and off the stage, Gauahar highlighted how small gestures from Shah Rukh left a lasting impression on her. Speaking to IANS, the ‘14 Phere’ actress spoke about moments and the qualities that make SRK not just a beloved actor but a remarkable human being whose stardom continues to touch lives beyond the screen.

Reflecting on her early career, Gauahar remembered hosting a show where Shah Rukh was also present during the shoot of Fauji 2. It was backstage, she said, that she experienced the legendary actor’s humility firsthand.

“We didn’t have any contact with Fauji. But yes, when Fauji 2 was releasing, the first kit was sent to Shah Rukh sir. But during Fauji’s shoot, I actually had the privilege to host a show where he was. And the respect he gave me backstage, the way he talked to me on stage, and the way he talks to his friends—that is his greatness. And it is because of such small things that he is such a big superstar. Because he touches the hearts of people,” she shared.

Gauahar went on to share how, years later, he still greets her with warmth and affection, something she treasures deeply. She also expressed how proud and grateful she feels to be part of the same Fauji legacy and said it’s a story she will pass down to her children.

“And today I am saying this because I will remember it for the rest of my life. Whenever I meet him, even after so many years, he meets me with so much love. For me, it is enough that in Fauji 1, there was Shah Rukh Khan, and in Fauji 2, there was Gauhar Khan. I will tell this to my children all my life. And by adding this legacy to them, I am very happy and grateful to Allah.”

Gauahar Khan made her fiction TV debut with “Fauji 2”, the sequel to Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic 1989 show. Produced by Sandeep Singh under Legend Studios, the show also starred Vicky Jain. The series premiered on DD National on 18 November 2024 and digitally streams on Waves.

–IANS

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Chennai, June 6 (IANS) Actor Rishab Shetty, who is best known for directing and acting in the pan-Indian blockbuster, ‘Kantara’, has now penned a touching birthday greeting for his good friend actor Rakshit, saying that the latter was his biggest pillar of strength.

Taking to his Instagram page on Friday, Rishab Shetty wrote a touching birthday greeting to his friend in Kannada. Calling Rakshit his biggest pillar of strength, Rishab said that Rakshit had been by his side, both during good and difficult times.

The ace director pointed out that Rakshit had stood strong by his side on difficult days and thanked him for not letting go of his hand “in this journey of ups and downs.”

“May all your dreams come true. Good health and huge success always be yours,” the director wished his actor and director friend.

On the work front, Rishab Shetty is currently working on two huge films that are eagerly awaited.

The dashing star next has director Prasanth Varma’s mythological epic ‘Jai Hanuman’ and ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, a prequel to the blockbuster ‘Kantara’.

‘Jai Hanuman’ is a project that will be combine mythology with modern filmmaking techniques. The film will not just be about the undying spirit of devotion and courage that Lord Hanuman embodies but also a reminder that strength guided by faith can move mountains. Rishab Shetty plays Lord Hanuman in the film, marking his first appearance in such a pivotal role.

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, on the other hand, will be set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. It has been written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films. The film will serve as a prequel to the 2022 film ‘Kantara’.

The movie stars Rishab and Jayaram in the lead roles. Filming for the upcoming actioner began in November 2023, with the first look and teaser released on November 27. Sources reveal that Rishab Shetty will portray a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers in the film. ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ is scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) In a significant move to boost Uttarakhand’s standing as a preferred destination for filmmakers, actor Sunny Deol on Tuesday met with officials from the Uttarakhand Film Development Council.

The meeting was held at the Halduwala location in Dehradun, where the large-scale war set for his upcoming film Border 2 has been constructed. This interaction highlights the growing collaboration between the film industry and the state government to promote Uttarakhand as a major hub for film production. Council CEO Bansidhar Tiwari, along with Joint CEO Dr. Nitin Upadhyay, met the actor and director Anurag Singh. A source close to the development revealed that the team held an in-depth discussion on Uttarakhand’s progressive film policy, the rich variety of shooting locations, and the state government’s continued support to filmmakers.

“From timely permissions to local resources and seamless administrative cooperation, the environment in Uttarakhand is proving ideal for film productions,” said Tiwari, highlighting how the state is becoming a stronghold for quality filmmaking. Sunny Deol too expressed his appreciation for the state’s cooperation.

The meeting also shed light on other film projects underway in Uttarakhand. Filming for ‘Ginny Weds Sunny 2,’ starring Avinash Tiwari and Medha Shankar, is ongoing in Dehradun. Veteran actors Govind Namdev and Sudhir Pandey are also part of the project. Comedy satire ‘Uttar Da Puttar, ‘featuring Annu Kapoor, Pawan Malhotra, and Bijendra Kala, is being shot across Dehradun and Rishikesh.

Supporting regional cinema as well, three Garhwali-language films — ‘Marcha, Teri Maya’, and ‘Namak’ — are being shot in Dehradun, Tehri, and Uttarkashi. These films are receiving technical and logistical support from the government, promoting local language, culture, and tradition.

The council shared that over the past year, several noteworthy Hindi films and web series, such as ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,’ ‘Do Patti,’ ‘Putul,’ ‘Rautu Ka Raaz,’ ‘Tanvi The Great,’ and ‘Kesari 2,’ have completed shoots in the state. In the fiscal year 2024–25 alone, the Uttarakhand government has issued 225 filming permits.

Speaking of ‘Border 2,’ directed by ‘Kesari’ fame Anurag Singh, the upcoming action drama is being produced by JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta, and T-Series. The film is based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war and features an ensemble cast including Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty alongside Sunny. A massive set replicating a Kashmiri village has been erected in Dehradun’s Halduwala area, with work beginning as early as November last year. The film includes elaborate war sequences with tanks and army movements, relying heavily on VFX to enhance its visuals.

‘Border 2’ is slated to hit theatres on January 23, 2026.

–IANS

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