Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal, who climbed up the ranks owing to his latest film ‘Chhaava’, is saluting the brave personnel of the Indian Armed Forces. On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared pictures of the men and the women in uniform. While the first picture is of a brave soldier from one of India’s elite forces taking blessings from Lord Hanuman, the second picture is of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who gave precise briefing during Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror operation after the Pahalgam attacks in April. Vicky also penned a long note in the caption, as he expressed his gratitude to the soldiers, who protect India. He wrote, “The way to peace is through strength. Saluting the unmatched bravery and precision of our Indian Armed Forces. No words can ever describe the gratitude and pride we feel in our hearts for our true heroes. We exist of you. Jai Hind”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, when it carried out precision strikes inside the territory of Pakistan, which is notorious for harbouring terrorism. The strikes were carried out at 9 sites in Pakistan and targeted key terror infrastructures killing close to 100 terrorists. In the following days, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated as the latter sent in surveillance drones, and also allegedly fired a Fatah missile in addition to the Chinese made PL-15. India’s air-defence system consisting of the Russian S-400 engaged with the drones, missiles and other air-borne threats successfully neutralising all of them. Pakistan’s Mirage aircraft was also shot down by the Indian forces. Mirage aircrafts are made by the same French company Dassault Aviation, which makes French Rafale jets. Currently, India has put up a tough stand after the recent skirmishes with Pakistan, and has declared that any future terror attacks sponsored by Pakistan will be an act of war. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 May,2025 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAamir Khan and Jr NTR, two of the biggest stars of the country, are set to play the iconic role of Dadasaheb Phalke on screen. While Aamir Khan will reunite with Rajkumar Hirani, Jr NTR will be reuniting with his RRR filmmaker SS Rajamouli. Jr NTR and SS Rajamouli's film Jr. NTR is reportedly set to play the role of the Father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, in the upcoming project, Made in India. Touted to be a pan-India release, the film was earlier announced as a biopic of Indian cinema, inspired by the life of Dadasaheb Phalke. Earlier in 2023, SS Rajamouli shared the announcement of Made in India, which will be produced by Varun Gupta (Max Studios) and SS Karthikeya (Showing Business). Since then, these makers have been building the script and have locked the complete draft. According to sources, SS Rajamouli, SS Karthikeya, and Varun Gupta recently narrated the script to Jr. NTR, who did not miss a beat to give his nod to the film. Adding to the sources, the RRR actor was blown away by the lesser-known stories of Dadasaheb Phalke. The story revolves around the birth and rise of Indian cinema, and the Young Tiger was stunned by its detailing. After hearing the narration, the actor delved into a discussion about the screenplay and its treatment. The film will also give him a chance to step back from action and explore a space that he hasn't done before. Headlined by Jr. NTR, Made in India is to be created by SS Rajamouli, SS Karthikeya, and Varun Gupta. As the film stars a substantial actor and the creative visions of acclaimed filmmakers, Made in India is sure to dive deep into the making of Indian cinema, delivering a never-seen-before cinematic spectacle through the lens of the Father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. About Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani films Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have delivered two hits previously — 3 Idiots and PK. The Dadasaheb Phalke biopic will mark their third film together. The yet-to-be-titled project will be set against the backdrop of India’s independence struggle. Shooting for the biopic is scheduled to begin in October 2025. According to a statement from Aamir Khan’s team, the actor will begin preparing for the role after the release of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par on June 20. “He will start preparing for his part soon after the release of Sitaare Zameen Par. VFX studios from LA have already created AI designs to recreate the era and setting of the film,” the statement read. The statement further added that the script has been in the works for the past four years: “Rajkumar Hirani, along with Abhijat Joshi and two other writers — Hindukush Bharadwaj and Avishkar Bharadwaj — has been working on this script for the last four years. Dadasaheb Phalke’s grandson, Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar, has been supportive of the project and has provided major anecdotes from Dadasaheb Phalke’s life.”
15 May,2025 04:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAcademy Award winner Guneet Monga’s initiative, Women in Film India, is making its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival with the launch of a fellowship for producers, including Tillotama Shome. The first initiative kicks off at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival — a special program spotlighting three women producers from India. “With WIF India, we’re putting real structure behind the idea of equality - mentorship, access, and leadership pathways,” said Guneet Monga Kapoor, Founder of WIF India. She added: “This launch is just the beginning of a long term commitment in investing in women not just for today, but for the future of the Indian entertainment industry.” Backed by Women In Film Los Angeles (WIF LA), WIF India joins a global coalition of over 50 chapters across six continents working to advance gender equity in the entertainment industry. To commemorate its debut, WIF India is introducing The Women in Film India Fellowship: Cannes Producers Edition, a flagship program designed to elevate mid-career women producers by providing them with access to the Producers Network at the Marché du Film at Cannes. We proudly launch Women in Film India with @womeninfilmla — a movement to uplift women in film, TV & digital media.Our 1st initiative, the Cannes Producers Scholarship, supports @TillotamaShome, @roo_cha & Dimpy Agrawal at #Cannes2025.JOIN US 👉 https://t.co/NkDtDesVLm#WIF pic.twitter.com/GErEnzHsxf — Guneet Monga Kapoor (@guneetm) May 15, 2025 This year’s inaugural scholarship recipients include award winning actor Tillotama Shome, who has recently become a producer with a Bengali feature film, Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox). Veteran studio executive and creative producer Rucha Pathak, who has worked on films like Paan Singh Tomar, Neerja, Barfi, and most recently Madgaon Express, and Dimpy Agarwal, an independent producer known for socially conscious storytelling—also a co-producer on Baksho Bondi and involved in award-winning films like Chashma, Umeed, and Monica O My Darling—are part of the initiative. WIF India has also awarded an Accreditation Grant to an outstanding woman producer from the Marathi film industry, Shefali Bhushan, whose films Sthal is being showcased at the Cannes Film Market. Kirsten Schaffer, Chief Executive Officer, Women in Film said, “Our partnership with Women in Film, India marks an important step toward building a strong, interconnected community that supports women across all aspects of the screen industries.” “This fellowship is a key part of the solution to ensuring that women have equal opportunity to create high quality film and television”. WIF India is governed by a distinguished Board of Directors representing all facets of India’s film and media ecosystem, including: Siddharth Roy Kapur, Karan Johar, Faye D'Souza, Anupama Chopra, Tahira Kashyap, Gauri Shinde, Nikhil Advani, Jyoti Deshpande, Gayatri Yadav, Aparna Purohit, Varun Grover, Kanika Dhillon, Vani Tripathi, Miriam Joseph, Ekta Kapoor, Twinkle Khanna, and Guneet Monga Kapoor. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 May,2025 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actress Kajol took to social media to wish Madhuri Dixit on her birthday, calling her the 'original dancing queen.' On Thursday, the 'Diwale' actress took to her Instagram stories and shared a smiling picture of the Dhak Dhak girl, writing, “Happy Birthday to the OG dancing queen…May you always stun us with your grace on stage and off of it @maduridixitnene.” In the image, Dixit is seen wearing a heavily embellished red saree and smiling while looking away from the camera. Despite being two of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses, Kajol and Madhuri Dixit have never appeared together on screen in a film. Not to forget, Kajol made headlines last year when she recreated Madhuri Dixit’s iconic look from the blockbuster film "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!." Her outfit closely resembled Madhuri’s memorable appearance in the song “Didi Tera Devar Deewana.” Tagging Dixit, Kajol captioned the photo, “Hum Aapke Hai Kaun... Ode to the OG @madhuridixitnene #diditeradevardeewana #saree.” Meanwhile, Madhuri Dixit turned 58 on May 15. On her special day, the actress received heartwarming wishes from her family members, fans, and celebrities on social media. Madhuri’s husband, Dr. Shriram Nene, also penned a sweet birthday note for her. He shared a series of photos featuring the couple and their kids and wrote: "Happy Birthday to the one who’s brightened our lives in every way You’ve made everything lighter, warmer, and better—just by being you. I’d choose you all over again in a heartbeat. Thank you for the love, the laughter, and the light you bring Here’s to us, and to many more beautiful years ahead. I love you, always.” Work-wise, Madhuri Dixit last appeared on the big screen in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” which was released in 2024. The horror-comedy featured her in a pivotal role alongside Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Tripti Dimri. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 May,2025 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAuthor and former actress Twinkle Khanna shared a heartfelt moment on social media, showing three generations of women in her family—her mother, her daughter, and herself bonding over their shared love for creativity. In her post, Twinkle reflected on growing up surrounded by creativity, with her home always filled with art, poetry, and music. She spoke about how this environment of creative chaos shaped her and how she’s now able to pass that joy on to her daughter. The simple act of sitting together and creating something with their hands has been a cherished tradition in their family for years. Khanna reflected on the enduring influence of creativity that runs through her family. Taking to Instagram, she posted a beautiful video showcasing her mother, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia; her daughter, Nitara; and herself, all engaged in different forms of artistic expression. For the caption, the ‘Mela’ actress wrote, “Three generations-my mother, my daughter and me-each creating a small piece of art in our own way. I grew up like this, surrounded by creativity. Everyone in our household was always drawing, making knitted little dolls, writing poems. There were sitar teachers and painting ‘sirs’ ambling in and out of the house. It was glorious chaos. I’m grateful I can still give my daughter a taste of that joy — the magic of sitting together at a table and making something with your hands.” Twinkle Khanna is known for her active presence on Instagram, where she frequently shares photos with her kids, offering fans a glimpse into her personal life. Work-wise, Twinkle Khanna, daughter of the legendary Rajesh Khanna, made her mark in the film industry during the 90s and early 2000s. She began her acting career with a lead role in the film “Barsaat” and went on to star as the leading lady in several films, including “Jaan,” “Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai,” “Baadshah,” and “Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega.” After a series of performances, she eventually stepped away from acting. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 May,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actress Genelia Deshmukh has opened up about her experience working alongside Aamir Khan in the much-anticipated film “Sitaare Zameen Par.” Calling the collaboration “incredibly special,” Genelia expressed her excitement about being part of a project that reunites her with meaningful cinema and a powerhouse performer like Aamir. Speaking about the film, Genelia shared, “Collaborating with Aamir Khan Productions after all these years feels incredibly special. This role is unlike anything I’ve done before! It’s emotional, layered, and deeply human. I’m truly grateful for the love the trailer has received, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience the film.” In the upcoming film, Genelia Deshmukh takes on a brief yet impactful role as Aamir Khan’s love interest. The project marks a nostalgic full-circle moment for Genelia, who had earlier won hearts as Aditi in “Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na” (2008), a film also backed by Aamir Khan Productions. Recently, the makers released the trailer of the film, and it showed Aamir stepping into the shoes of a tough, disillusioned basketball coach. Sharing the trailer on social media, the makers wrote, "1 Tingu Basketball Coach, 10 Toofani SITAARE aur unki journey. Watch #SitaareZameenPar #SabkaApnaApnaNormal, 20th June Only In Theatres. Trailer Out Now!" The trailer introduced us to a very different side of Khan — far removed from the empathetic teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh we once knew. This time, he plays a weary, short-tempered basketball coach, seemingly at odds with the world and himself. Tasked with training a team of intellectually disabled youngsters, his journey promises growth, not just for his players, but for him as well. Besides Aamir and Genelia, the film stars 10 debutant actors: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. “Sitaare Zameen Par,” which marks Aamir’s return to the silver screen after his 2022 film "Laal Singh Chaddha," is slated to hit theatres on June 20. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 May,2025 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Tusshar Kapoor, who is gearing up for his upcoming movie ‘Kapkapiii’, has refused to comment on the ongoing controversy about Turkey and Azerbaijan. The actor, who attended the trailer launch of ‘Kapkapiii’ on Wednesday in Mumbai, spoke with IANS, and said that he doesn’t have adequate information to furnish any comment on the ongoing issue around Turkey and Azerbaijan supporting Pakistan in the wake of recent skirmish between India and Pakistan. In the follow-up to the Operation Sindoor launched by India, Turkey came out strongly in support of Pakistan, and also gave military aid to Pakistan in the form of Asisguard Songar drones, which were intercepted by the Indian air-defense system. The Turkish warship TCG BYKADA was also reported to have docked at the Karachi port amidst the tension. Indians have called for a complete boycott of tourism to these countries. When asked if it’s the right time to release the film in theatres as the nation is facing an external threat from its notorious neighbour. He told IANS, “I think every film has its own destiny, every film has its own quality. Genres, especially the genre of horror comedy is outstanding right now It's a blockbuster genre So, the phase that's going on right now, I think people want to see more horror comedies but the film should be good the film should look exciting and this film has all that I think our audiences would like to see in the theatre on a Friday”. When he was probed about the Turkey and Azerbaijan dispute, he said, “I don't have all the information about who is supporting whom but all I will say is that we are abiding by the rules and the regulations of the authorities. According to that, the theatres are open and the films are running which means people are feeling safe and that confidence is coming from our very strong and resilient government”. “The month of May is the month of holidays for children and colleges and schools and youngsters. So, in a time wherein things are normalized and relaxed we should go and watch movies. I am not in a position to answer those questions because I don't have the adequate information”, he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 May,2025 02:46 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSNo Entry 2 has been one of the most talked-about and much-anticipated projects. With Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Arjun Kapoor collaborating for the comedy-drama, audiences were quite excited about the film. But it looks like the movie has hit a roadblock. A recent update on the project claims that Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has decided to quit the project. Diljit Dosanjh exits No Entry 2 Yes, if the report is to be believed, Filmfare claimed that Diljit Dosanjh will no longer be a part of the comedy-drama, and his decision has come after some creative differences. The portal quoted a source saying, “Diljit was very excited to collaborate with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor. But over the last few weeks, he couldn’t align with the film’s creative ideas. That’s why he’s decided to leave the project because of creative differences.” With Diljit Dosanjh opting out of the project, there has been no update on who will replace him in the lead role. At the same time, earlier it was said that Tamannaah Bhatia is set to join the cast of No Entry 2, starring alongside Arjun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. According to reports, her role will be similar to Bipasha Basu’s character in No Entry (2005). The Anees Bazmee directorial will mark Tamannaah’s return to the comedy genre after Humshakals (2014) and Himmatwala (2013). The director had previously shared that he was “plotting and prepping for the madness that’s No Entry 2, releasing on Diwali next year.” About No Entry The 2005 No Entry, which was also directed by Bazmee, was a massive success upon its release. The film, which starred Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, and an ensemble cast including Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, and Esha Deol, became a major hit. The storyline centered around three married men hiding their extramarital affairs from their wives. Diljit Dosanjh on the work front On the work front, Diljit has quite an interesting lineup in his kitty. The actor, who was shooting for his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaarji 3, will now concentrate on the Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan starrer Border 2. While the makers have remained tight-lipped about the actors’ roles in the movie that chronicles a chapter of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Dosanjh recently revealed on a podcast that he will step into the shoes of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, an officer in the Indian Air Force who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
15 May,2025 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a world of heroes and superheroes, Ajay Devgn’s no-nonsense Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Amay Patnaik from the Raid franchise is a refreshing change. Director Raj Kumar Gupta knows that he has not only an enduring character in Patnaik, but also a universe that can be expanded. That’s probably why he has hinted at the possibility of the third instalment in the final shot of Raid 2, which sees the antagonists — played by Riteish Deshmukh and Saurabh Shukla — strike a deal behind bars to get back at the hero. So, is a threequel on the anvil? “I thought it would be fun to have a scene like that, but it has taken its own meaning,” laughs Gupta. “I can’t predict what will happen in the future, but I’d love to work with powerful actors like Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh again.” (From left) Riteish Deshmukh and director Raj Kumar Gupta during the film’s shoot With Raid 2 coming seven years after the 2018 original, the director turned Devgn’s crime thriller into a franchise and showed how income tax raids — a subject that had hardly caught Bollywood filmmakers’ attention before — can play out dramatically on the big screen. Given the concept’s adaptability, Gupta can create an on-screen universe of crime, politics, and corruption. Something that Raid 2’s climax teases. The director is measured when asked whether he is taking that route. “As a filmmaker and writer, there are stories I want to tell. Also, having grown up in the small town of Hazaribagh and being familiar with this kind of world, I have more of such stories to tell. Maybe the idea can be taken ahead with different characters or different [premises]. Making a successful film is difficult, and making sequels is more difficult since there are more expectations attached to it. What these characters have in store, only time will tell.” What he is forthcoming about, however, is the research that entails such films. He shares, “Today a lot of my college friends are IRS and IAS officers, bankers, and businessmen. They form a part of my research and help me understand the characters.” Raid 2 has fared well, earning over R130 crore in the domestic market. Understandably, it slowed down last week because of the India-Pakistan conflicts. “The film would naturally get affected as there are bigger causes at stake. But when things started becoming normal, people started going to the theatres again to watch it,” states Gupta. Rs 130 CRThe film’s estimated collection so far
15 May,2025 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBROn May 14, mid-day reported that Alia Bhatt decided to skip the opening ceremony of the ongoing Cannes Film Festival, owing to the sensitive situation in India in the aftermath of its conflict with Pakistan (Cannes calling, May 14). With the French Riviera out of her itinerary at the moment, the actor is focusing on Love & War, helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. We have learnt that Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal began shooting their combination scenes in Film City’s Joker Maidan earlier this week. A source close to the production revealed, “A major schedule began this week with the three leads. While Sanjay sir kicked off the project last October, this is the first time that Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky are shooting together. It will be an intense few days of filming, with the director crafting some of the most emotionally demanding scenes in this leg.” Another insider shared that elaborate sets have been built for this schedule that will run throughout this week.With Bhatt’s portions expected to be wrapped up by the weekend, the actor is likely to make an appearance at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival on May 24. A source shared, “As the ambassador for a leading beauty brand, Alia remains committed to her global representation duties. She will head to France in the last leg of the prestigious film gala, after this critical phase of Love & War’s shoot is wrapped up.”
15 May,2025 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu‘Nobody wants a war’ Ajay Devgn has become the first Bollywood celebrity to react to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, a retaliation attack launched by the Indian armed forces. At the trailer launch of Karate Kid: Legends, Ajay said, “Nobody wants war, but when there’s no choice left, then...there’s no choice left. I salute the armed forces, the PM [Narendra Modi], and [the] government. They had to do what they did, and they did great. Thank you.” The actor concluded with a resounding “Jai Hind,” receiving a thunderous response from the audience. Ajay’s son Yug was also present at the event as he is also a part of the Hollywood project, marking their first ever collaboration. Wrapped in mountain breeze Avinash Tiwary and Aditi Rao Hydari mid-day had reported that Avinash Tiwary and Aditi Rao Hydari have reached Mussoorie for their upcoming show, O Saathi Re (Love in Mussoorie, May 8). Now, a crew member on June 14, took to social media and shared a picture of a clapboard against a picturesque hill-station background, with “It’s a wrap,” written on it. Approximately 80 per cent of the show was first shot in Mumbai, and the remaining 20 percent was shot in Mussoorie in the last few days. Imtiaz Ali is the creator, writer, and showrunner of the series, and it is directed by his brother, filmmaker Arif Ali. Two idiots score a hat-trick Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir Khan Aamir Khan recently unveiled the heartwarming trailer of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, a sequel to his acclaimed 2007 human drama Taare Zameen Par. While the film is yet to release, Aamir already appears to have his next venture lined up. Reports suggest that he is in talks with director Rajkumar Hirani for a new collaboration, marking their reunion 11 years after PK (2014). We have learnt that the filmmaker had multiple ideas to pitch before finalising a story that struck a chord with the actor. The film is said to be a slice-of-life narrative, blending comedy with inspirational undertones. Though the project remains tightly under wraps, the duo has “principally agreed” to begin production next year.
15 May,2025 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamADVERTISEMENT
