Nearly a month after Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor declared that he was single, dancing diva and fitness enthusiast Malaika Arora has also set the record straight about her relationship status. Malaika and Arjun started dating in 2018. The duo, however, had never opened up much about their relationship but kept posting romantic pictures from their vacations as well as wishing each other on birthdays. Earlier this year, it was reported that the two had parted ways. Malaika Arora announces her relationship status Malaika Arora took to Instagram and shared a template with three options - in a relationship, single, and hehehe. She ticked off the last one. Malaika was previously married to actor Arbaaz Khan. They have been co-parenting their son Arhaan since their divorce in 2017. Arbaaz, on the other hand, tied the knot with Sshura Khan in 2023. For those unversed, Malaika’s post comes a month after Arjun attended the Diwali bash hosted by politician Raj Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai with the team of ‘Singham Again’. As the crowd gathered outside and chanted Malaika’s name, Arjun replied that he was single. Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor’s work front On the work front, Malaika is best known for her dance numbers 'Gur Naal Ishq Mitha', 'Chaiyya Chaiyya', 'Rangilo Maro Dholna', and 'Munni Badnaam Hui' among others. She is currently one of the biggest advocates of yoga in B-town. Malaika has also appeared on several reality TV shows as a judge including ‘Zara Nachke Dikha’, ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’, and ‘India's Got Talent’. Coming to Arjun, the actor is basking in the success of ‘Singham Again’. His role as Danger Lanka was widely appreciated. Before Singham Again, Arjun experienced a professional lull, with films like 'Lady Killer' and 'Bhoot Police' failing to resonate with audiences. ‘Singham Again’ is directed by Rohit Shetty and also stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Ravi Kishan. Notably, 'Singham Again' also sees Bollywood superstar Salman Khan making a brief yet significant cameo, marking his entry into Rohit Shetty's cop universe. It is the fifth installment of Shetty's Cop Universe franchise. The movie has been given a spin on Ramayana.
25 November,2024 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is garnering rave reviews, courtesy of his latest film ‘I Want To Talk’ mentioned his actor-wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the first time amid their ongoing divorce rumours. In an interview, Abhishek thanked the former Miss World for staying at home with their daughter Aaradhya, while he went out to make movies. Abhishek Bachchan thanks Aishwarya for being at home Aishwarya has only been a part of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ and hasn’t been active on the film front. In an interview with The Hindu, Junior Bachchan recalled how his mother Jaya Bachchan also stepped away from acting for the sake of her children. “My mother stopped acting when I was born because she wanted to spend time with the children. We never felt the void of Dad not being around. I think at the end of the day after work, you come home at night,” he said. Drawing parallels between Jaya and Aishwarya, Abhishek added, “In my household, I’m lucky I get to go out and make movies but I know that Aishwarya is at home with Aaradhya and I thank her immensely for that but I don’t think the kids look at it that way. They don’t look at you as a third person, they look at you as the first person,” he said. Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai divorce rumours Reports of possible tension in Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's marriage have been circulating for some time. The couple, who tied the knot in a high-profile wedding in 2007, has been making headlines due to divorce speculations. Abhishek's alleged closeness to his ‘Dasvi’ co-star, Nimrat Kaur, along with complex family dynamics involving Shweta and Jaya Bachchan, are said to be contributing factors to the rumoured troubles. In July, the ‘Taal’ actress attended Anant Ambani’s wedding solo with her daughter Aaradhya, while the Bachchan family was present in full force. This further fuelled speculation about potential issues in her marriage. Additionally, during a recent episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, Amitabh Bachchan talked about the iconic song "Kajra Re," referencing Abhishek and Rani Mukerji but notably omitting Aishwarya, who also appeared in the music video. 'I Want to Talk' is directed by Shoojit Sircar and stars Abhishek in the lead role. The story explores complex emotional dynamics with Abhishek playing a pivotal character in the film grappling with deep emotional conflict. Shoojit Sircar and Ronnie Lahiri have produced the project under Rising Sun Films. The film released in theatres on November 22.
25 November,2024 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, who returned to the movies with ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, has confirmed that she is single. Mallika, who was dating Cyrille Auxenfans, who hails from France, asserts that they broke up, and doesn’t intend to talk about it. Mallika Sherawat is officially single Speaking to Times of India, Mallika said, “It’s so difficult in this day and age to find a worthy man. It is true, I am single.” When asked about Cyrille, she stated, “We broke up... I really don't want to talk about it.” Asked if she believes in the institution of marriage, Mallika adds, “I’m not for it, but I’m not against it. I’m indifferent to it. It depends on what two people want.” Mallika Sherawat on being labelled a ‘sex symbol’ In the same interview, Mallika opened up on being tagged as a “sex symbol” which she found very regressive. She explains, “I believe boldness is in the mind.” When asked if the image cost her to lose out on projects, she added, “There are two sides of a coin. If you're too coy, then certain things don't work out for you. If you are bold, certain things don't work out for you. You must choose the best, with what's available. I like to focus my attention on what's working for me rather than what's not working for me. Because what's working for me has given me fame. It's made me extremely rich.” Mallika Sherawat’s acting front Mallika stepped into cinema in 2002 with the film ‘Jeena Sirf Merre Liye’, where she was credited as Reema Lamba. Her journey to stardom began in 2000 when she got the title of a sex symbol courtesy of her performance in the Emraan Hashmi-starrer ‘Murder’, a 2004 romantic thriller. The actress was then seen in the West with movies such as ‘Hisss’ and ‘Politics of Love’. Her credits also include movies including ‘Khwahish’, ‘Bachke Rehna Re Baba’, ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’, ‘Aap Ka Suroor - The Real Love Story’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Kis Kis Ki Kismat’ among many others. Mallika’s movie ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ marked her second Hindi film after two years. She was earlier seen in the Rajat Kapoor directorial ‘RK/RKay’.
25 November,2024 02:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPoet and lyricist Gulzar is one of the most revered and beloved personalities thanks to the beautiful verses and songs he has gifted us with. His contribution to literature and cinema is unparalleled. Even at the age of 90, Gulzar continues to actively contribute to cinematic productions and attend literary events. He was in Delhi recently for such an event recently, and while returning from the capital, he received a warm welcome from the flight crew. Air India crew's sweet gesture for Gulzar The Padma Bhushan awardee was on an Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai. He shared a post on Facebook about the warm hospitality of the flight crew. "Receiving this kind of warm welcome from the crew of AI-863 (Del-Bom) at this height, I really felt very high - higher than 35,000 ft in the sky. I love them all . Thank you very much Air India," he wrote in the post. The post included a photo of the flight crew's welcome note, which said, "Dear Mr Gulzar, we are truly delighted to have you on board today. Thank you for choosing to fly with us." Take a look: 'I haven't lost my childishness' The literary icon was in Delhi to speak at a session during the Sahitya Aaj Tak at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. He said he believes that he hasn't lost his childishness and it is probably why he is able to come up with songs that resonate with audiences of all generations. "I feel I haven't grown up, and that's why I'm still a child. I haven't lost my childishness. I still play, write, and share the thoughts of young people and children like I did in the earlier days," the writer said. When asked about his ability to connect across ages, Gulzar referenced the writings of Rabindranath Tagore. "In Tagore's writing, there is a mention as well... Someone once asked him, 'Your hair is all white now, do you worry about 'pralok' (the afterlife)?' He said, 'Why do you just see my hair? I'm a poet of all ages.'"Whether you are with children or people of different ages, you speak differently with all of them, whether it is your grandfather, mother, brother or sister. One should remember that you live different lives in one life. And so I write songs for different ages," he said. (With PTI inputs)
25 November,2024 02:31 PM IST | MumbaiAmong several highlights of the much-anticipated Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directorial, Love and War, is his reunion with actor Ranbir Kapoor after 17 years. Since Bhansali announced the film earlier this year, his lead star remained tight-lipped about featuring in the love story, until today when Kapoor opened up about his excitement to go back to sets with the filmmaker, who launched in him in the movies. Speaking during a session at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Kapoor, who began shooting for Love and War earlier this month, mentioned how he continues to remain in awe of Bhansali. "I am extremely excited to go back to sets with him. He is my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him. So, for me, I am working with him again after 17 years, it still feels the same. I am still in awe of him. I respect him so much," the actor said. Kapoor further shared that Bhansali is as obsessed about the movies, his characters and stories as he was when they shot Sawariya. "He hasn't changed at all. He is extremely hard working, all he thinks about is his movies, he just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different. So I am extremely excited," the actor smiled as the crowd cheered on. Besides Kapoor, Love and War also stars actor-wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Though the film's announcement left fans excited for the multiple reunions the romantic drama ensures, they were surprised with the collaboration between Kapoor and Bhansali, courtesy the conflicting history they have shared. While the actor has always maintained that the filmmaker was his guidebook to acting, on several occasions, Kapoor has also spoken candidly about his difficult experience working with Bhansali, saying that he used to yell and scold him on Sawariya sets.
25 November,2024 01:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaRanbir Kapoor's last release, Animal (2023), is one of the most successful yet polarising films of recent times. While Kapoor's perfomance as a son, who turns revengeful in his obsession for his father, was appreciated, the film was criticised representation of violence and misogyny. Even as 2024 comes to an end, the discourse around the Sandeep Reddy Vanga-directorial continues. So, when Kapoor graced the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to speak at a session dedicated to celebrate the life and work of his grandfather-filmmaker-actor late Raj Kapoor, an audience member stated how contemporary Hindi films, including Animal, show excessive violence that can leave a negative impact on the society. He went on to ask the Bollywood star his opinion on the social responsibility of film artistes. To which, the actor replied, "I completely agree with your opinion. As actors, this is our responsibility to bring movies that makes a positive impact to the society. But having said that, as an actor, it’s important for me to dabble in different genres and characters, and play varied roles. But what you are saying is absolutely true. We have to be more responsible towards the kind of films we make." While making his point, the audience member also referred to the times when Kapoor's late grandfather Raj Kapoor made movies, saying that the bygones era didn't have movies showing violence. Kapoor was speaking at the ongoing 55th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where he attended a session to discuss the works and life of his grandfather. The actor revealed that a Raj Kapoor film festival would be held next month, which would including a re-release of his classics. "With NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India), NFAI (National Film Archive of India), my uncle Kunal Kapoor and Film Heritage Foundation, we have started restoring his films.We have done 10 films so far and we have much more to do. So we are going to have a film festival from 13th to 15th December. All over India, we are going to release his movies. So, I am really hopeful, you guys will check out his work because there are so many people who haven't seen his work," he said.
25 November,2024 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaPushparaj Allu Arjun is the latest superstar to enter the Thunder-verse. He has been signed in as the brand ambassador of the popular soft drink brand Thums Up. Reportedly, with this deal he has become the highest-paid ambassador in Asia for any commercial. Allu Arjun's demand in the endorsement market has only increased with high anticipation around the release of his film 'Pushpa: The Rule', a sequel to his 2021 release 'Pushpa: The Rise'. The first part directed by Sukumar earned a cult following and also won Allu Arjun his first national Award for Best Actor. The upcoming film is expected to break all records at the box office and not just in the southern states but across the country. Allu Arjun getting on board as the brand ambassador of a brand like Thums Up only proves that he has great influence not only in Indian but also the international market, Thumbs up through the collaboration is looking to expand its reach across Asia and elevate its value. The beverage brand had reached billion-dollar sales in 2021 and enjoyed a 20% market share as of 2022. Over the years, Thums Up has seen several big stars from the film and cricket business become the face of the brand. The brand has always benefitted from current trends by associating with names who were making headlines. In early 2022, it was announced that Shah Rukh Khan was onboarded at the brand ambassador. It was a time the actor was working on his comeback projects like 'Pathaan', 'Dunki' and 'Jawan' all of which was released in 2023. "Teaming up with King Khan, the brand amplifies this core value and adds an action-packed cinematic storytelling with SRK portraying both reel and real-life hero in the ad-film," said a joint statement. Apart from King Khan, Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda, cricketer Jasmit Bumrah and Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeepa are also faces of the brand at present. Past brand ambassadors of Thums Up Akshay Kumar was among the first prominent face of the Thums Up from Bollywood and was associated with the brand for eight years. Salman Khan was the face of the brand till 2016. The company also tied with Khan's movie 'Dabangg 2' and his charitable organisation as part of the deal. In 2016, the brand parted ways with the superstar as they reportedly wanted a younger face to align with its flagship brand. The company also cited Khan's commitment to a daily TV show sponsored by a competitor brand. Then came in Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador. In 2023 February, Ranveer became the face of rival brand Pepsi, hence ending his association with Thums Up. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu was among the first south star to become the face of the brand. He endorsed it till 2021.
25 November,2024 01:25 PM IST | MumbaiSwara Bhasker's husband Fahad Ahmad lost his maiden election during the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024. He contested from the Anushakti Nagar seat in the state on ticket by Sharad Pawar led Nationalist Congress Party. The couple who campaigned together in the days leading to the election have accepted their defeat. Swara took to social media and spoke about the defeat but also praised Fahad for going down with a fight. Swara Bhasker accepts poll results Swara took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of Fahad looking at his phone possibly watching the election results. She also shared a congratulatory note posted by her husband on X, formerly called Twitter, which read: “We accept the election result. Congratulations to Ms. Sana Malik. I hope you will serve our constituency without discrimination or favour Thanks to all my voters, supporters & team. I will always stand by you and be there for you. This is just the beginning”. The actress took to the caption section, where she penned down her thoughts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swara Bhasker (@reallyswara) “Fahad contested and lost the Maharashtra assembly election on Anushakti Nagar seat by a very slim margin of 3378 votes in a bitter contest that he led for the first 17 of 19 rounds. Yes… it’s disappointing but he got more than 45,000 votes which is no mean achievement.” “We fought tooth and nail in a David-Goliath battle and there’s some solace in knowing that we went down fighting! Thank you so much for your help and support. We deeply appreciate it. Best, Swara and Fahad,” she wrote. Swara Bhasker's first reaction after elections results On November 23, the Maharashtra election results were announced with the Mahayuti (an alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar) sweeped the polls. After the poll results, Swara accused of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) being faulty as her husband, Fahad Ahmad lost from Anushakti Nagar in Mumbai. She said that he was leading in majority rounds, only to lose towards the end. On Saturday, the actress took to her X and raised questions on the authenticity of EVMs. She wrote, “In #AnushaktiNagar vidhaan sabha after a steady lead by @FahadZirarAhmad of NCP-SP.. round 17, 18, 19 suddenly 99% battery charger EVMs are opened and BJP supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate takes lead. How can machines that have been voted on ALL day long have 99% charged batteries? Why do all 99% charged batteries give votes to BJP and its allies? @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @NCPspeaks @supriya_sule @rautsanjay61 @OfficeofUT @INCIndia @RahulGandhi”.
25 November,2024 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDoting mother Genelia Deshmukh penned an adorable birthday post for her son Riaan. Her post included some unseen photos of her firstborn from the time he was an infant, to the little lad scoring on the football field. The pictures were accompanied by a comprehensive post where Genelia poured her heart out. Genelia Deshmukh’s birthday post for son Riaan Genelia wrote on Instagram, “Yesterday on the eve of your birthday, we celebrated the last of your single digits my baby boy, and just like that you are 10 today - a boy with the kindest heart and the willpower to do better every day… The beauty of the last decade is, that I also complete 10 years of being a mum and every day you teach me to be the best version of myself... I always knew the saying “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but rather learning to dance in the rain but in your 10 years, you have lived this and taught me to live it too. I Love You Riaan - Happy Birthday Baby Boy. P.S. Always going to be your loudest cheerleader and be the one who feel rob a kiss from you at every opportunity I get.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh tied the knot on February 3, 2012. They welcomed their son Riaan in November 2014 and their second son Rahyl in June 2016. Genelia Deshmukh’s work front Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia's debut film 'Tujhe Meri Kasam' was re-released on September 13. The story revolves around two childhood friends, Rishi (Riteish Deshmukh) and Anju (Genelia), who are inseparable. As they grow up, their friendship blossoms into love. However, their journey is not without its challenges and obstacles. The film explores the trials and tribulations faced by the couple as they navigate their way through the complexities of love and relationships. On the work front, Genelia Deshmukg will be next seen in 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' alongside Amir Khan. It is a sequel to 'Taare Zameen Par' and also stars Darsheel Safary. 'Taare Zameen Par' revolved around an eight-year-old gifted boy Ishaan. Aamir plays his art teacher who discovers Ishaan is dyslexic and helps him explore his true potential.
25 November,2024 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor Usha Uthup, the opportunity to be part of NH7 Weekender was special owing to the diverse lineup that she was set to join. “The variety that will be seen and the passion with which it has been created motivated me to be part of it. This is the opportunity to get music lovers from across the country to listen to good music, and not everyone would like the same kind of music,” says the veteran, who will join musicians like Amit Trivedi, King, Raftaar, and Dhvani Bhanushali, among others, at the December festival. Uthup’s name inarguably appears to be a seamless fit among a lineup of younger composers owing to her ability to strike a chord with listeners across generations. She credits the knowledge she receives from her grandchildren on the music tastes of the young generation, as well as her own ability to speak their language, for her popularity among them. “When they see me sing Skyfall in a sari, or sing songs like Ramba ho and Shaan [Doston se pyaar kiya], they wonder how I handle it. Because I’ve been a nightclub singer, it comes to me naturally. Then, I also render [English] songs like Miley Cyrus’s Flowers, which my daughter insists I should sing. So, my family keeps me grounded. Today, [singers] should be grounded to listen to what children are saying because the kids will teach you what you ought to know. The younger generation considers me as their elder sister, mother, aunt, or grandmother. It doesn’t matter, because after a point, once they hear the music, they forget everything. I talk their language. I don’t look down upon them or speak to them [without respect]. I treat them like I do my contemporaries. And that’s important when you want to be part of their lives.” Uthup may not be an avid consumer of English music, but she adheres to the suggestions of her grandchildren when it comes to selecting songs for her shows. “I also listen to music on YouTube and pick songs that I think our band could perform well. [Music by] Daft Punk is like that. [Their music has] also won the Grammy Award. These things matter when it comes to song selection.”
25 November,2024 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaEarlier this month, Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu, who made headlines with her statements on ‘Dunki’ remuneration, and how big actors avoid female actors who overshadow them, has now explained her stance in detail. During a session at Sahitya Aaj Tak in Delhi, Taapsee said it doesn’t matter if she’s been roped in opposite a big hero, but wants to do substantial roles. Taapsee Pannu doesn’t mind working with big heroes Taapsee Pannu shared that her managers often tell her how people don't come to her with films featuring big heroes assuming she won't agree to the same. She said, When I do a film with a big hero, the pressure on making the film work is not on me. Like in Dunki, it was (Rajkumar) Hirani and SRK (Shah Rukh Khan), and I was relaxing. I want to do such films, with substantial roles, of course, but without any pressure. I want to do good roles, meaty characters, and it doesn't matter if it's opposite a big hero.” Taapsee Pannu reveals low pay for ‘Dunki’ In an interview with the Indian Express, Taapsee stated, “Funnily, people think I do films like Judwaa or Dunki for money, that I get paid a lot. But no, it is the opposite. They feel, ‘There is already a big hero, why do we need anybody else for that?’ I fight these notions on a daily basis.” She added, "75 percent of the time, it is the hero who has a big say on who the heroine is going to be. Now, obviously, the hero would want someone who is more in trend, someone who is getting more audience attention right now. Some are secure, others think, ‘Let me cast someone who will not overshadow me'." Taapsee Pannu is known for her powerful performances in movies such as 'Pink', 'Thappad', 'Rashmi Rocket', and 'Shabaash Mithu', among others. She was last seen in the films ‘Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba' with Vikrant Massey and Sunny Kaushal, and 'Khel Khel Mein' which features Akshay Kumar, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal in lead roles, with Chitrangda Singh making a cameo appearance. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and other prominent producers.
25 November,2024 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
