Almost a month after Allu Arjun's arrest, because a fan died in Sandhya theatre during the stampede at the premiere of the film, producer Boney Kapoor has reacted on the case. Boney Kapoor said that Allu Arjun was 'unnecessarily dragged' in the case as the death was largely due to the large number of crowd gathered there. Boney Kapoor defends Allu Arjun in a recent interview In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Boney Kapoor mentioned that he was amazed to see the craze of South Indian fans for the stars. He said, "When I first saw, Ajith's film releasing at 1 in the morning. I was shocked to see 20-25k people outside the theatre. After I came out of the show around 3.30-4 am, there were still that many people outside. I am told the same thing happens with films of Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, or present-day stars like Jr NTR, Ram Charan, and Mahesh Babu." Boney Kapoor defended the Pushpa 2 star, Allu Arjun, and said, "Ticket rates are inflated on the first two days or at least the first day for extra shows. That is why this situation has arisen where unnecessarily Allu Arjun was dragged and blamed for the death of a fan. It was only because of the crowd that had gathered to see the film." Earlier, Varun Dhawan, Nani, Rashmika Mandanna, and Pawan Kalyan came out in support of the Pushpa 2 actor. Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 screening stampede case at Sandhya theatre On the eve of Pushpa 2's release, a special screening of the film was kept for the fans at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre. Allu Arjun arrived with actress Rashmika Mandanna and wife Sneha Reddy unexpectedly and a large crowd gathered at the theatre. This led to a stampede-like situation, causing the death of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi. Her 8-year-old son was admitted to the hospital in a critical situation. The state government alleged that Allu Arjun appeared at the theatre unannounced and without permission. He also refused to leave after being told of the situation. Allu Arjun has dismissed these claims. The actor was arrested last month on the charges of culpable homicide among other things. But he was released the following day after the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail. The case is currently under investigation.
02 January,2025 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Mouni Roy, who fell outside a bar on New Year’s Eve is now kickstarting 2025 on a positive note by seeking blessings at a temple. Dropping a couple of pictures from her spiritual visit on Instagram, she wrote, "Embracing the divine possibilities of the new year, trusting that every step we take is guided by the loving hand of god...Happy 2025." View this post on Instagram A post shared by mon (@imouniroy) Mouni Roy’s nasty fall on New Year’s Eve Clad in a black mini dress with a halter neck, Mouni looked like a million bucks while entering the lavish party. However, while leaving she had a terrible fall on the pavement. Her husband Suraj Nambiar and friend Disha Patani helped her get up and escorted her safely to the car. Mouni held herself together despite the embarrassing situation. Watch the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saalim Hussain Rizvi (@saalim_hussain110) Mouni married Dubai-based Malayali businessman Suraj Nambiar on January 27, 2022, in traditional Bengali and Malayali ceremonies in Panaji, Goa. As soon as the clip reached social media, the comment section was full of mixed reactions. While there were a few who claimed that Mouni Roy was drunk, which led to her fall, others were concerned about her safety. Mouni Roy’s acting journey Mouni Roy is best known for portraying shape-shifting snakes in the supernatural thriller series 'Naagin'. She started her acting career in 2006 with the television show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. She essayed the role of Sati in 'Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev', and Meera in 'Junoon – Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq'. Roy made her film debut in 2011 with the Punjabi romantic film, 'Hero Hitler in Love'. She made her Hindi film debut with the 2018 period sports film, 'Gold', directed by Reema Kagti and starred Akshay Kumar in the lead. She has then appeared in movies like-- 'London Confidential’, 'Made in China', and 'Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva'. She was also seen in 'Blackout', which is a comedy-thriller that delves into the depths of human nature and the consequences of one's actions in the face of adversity. The film takes on a thrilling journey through the streets of Pune, where a single night of darkness engulfs the city in mystery. The 38-year-old actress had last appeared in the web series 'Showtime' directed by Mihir Desai and Archit Kumar. It stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead. Mouni next has 'The Virgin Tree' in the kitty.
02 January,2025 04:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn 2018, multiple women came out to share their MeToo ordeals against filmmaker Sajid Khan, after which he stepped down as director of Housefull 4. Khan had been named by multiple women including two actresses -- Sonali Chopra and Rachel White -- and one journalist for sexual misconduct. He has been called out not just for harassment but also for allegedly flashing women. Six years later, Sajid opens up for the first time on the issue and reveals that he contemplated suicide on multiple occasions. Sajid Khan thought of ending his life many times In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sajid Khan shared, “I thought of ending my life many times in the last 6 years. It’s been extremely bad, in the sense that I’ve been out of work. Despite getting a clearance from the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA). I’m trying to get back on my feet. I had to sell my house and move to a rented flat because of no earnings.” Sajid’s mother Menaka Irani passed away last year. He added, “I was 14 when I started earning because my dad passed away, leaving me and Farah with debts. Today, I wish my mum was alive to see me try to get back on my feet. More than her son, I was her caretaker. Life has been quite tough.” Sajid Khan on being sacked from Housefull 4 Following the MeToo allegations, Sajid Khan was asked to step down from Housefull 4. He states, “I left Housefull 4 because I didn’t want the dates to get shuffled. The producer, Sajid Nadiadwala, had put up a big set with 10–15 busy actors. Changing dates would’ve disrupted the film for years. Mine was a trial by the media, very one-sided. What does a man work for? Respect. When that’s taken away, your self-respect comes into doubt.” Sajid had tweeted back then: "In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producer, and the stars of my film 'Housefull 4', I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth... I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out." Sajid Khan was last seen as a participant in Bigg Boss 16 hosted by Salman Khan.
02 January,2025 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActors Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Rakul Preet Singh will be seen sharing screen space in a film titled 'Mere Husband Ki Biwi'. On Thursday, the makers announced the project with a release date. The film will hit the theatres on February 21. "Yahaan pyaar ki geometry thodi twisted hai--kyunki ye love triangle nahi, pura circle hai! #MereHusbandKiBiwi In Cinemas 21st February, 2025," a post read on the official Instagram handle of Pooja Entertainment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Entertainment (@pooja_ent) The makers also unveiled the film's motion poster which shows a man's shoe caught between a stiletto and a Punjabi jutti. Mudassar Aziz, who earlier helmed projects like 'Khel Khel Mein' and 'Pati Patni Aur Woh', has directed 'Mere Husband Ki Biwi'. Excited about the film, Aziz in a press note said, "As a filmmaker, I've always believed in telling stories that entertain, and leave audiences of all ages smiling. I believe such films that endure and make for repeat viewings. Mere Husband Ki Biwi is a film that celebrates the quirks and complexities of romantic relationships. I've always been one for wholesome entertainers--movies that bring friends and families together, make them laugh, and give them something to talk about. That's exactly what we've aimed for with this film." He added, "It's lighthearted, relatable, and full of moments that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. I was eager to cast it exactly this way and when the audience meets their characters, they will know just why! " The plot details have not been disclosed yet. The movie is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, and Deepshikha Deshmukh. (ANI) 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
02 January,2025 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIOne among a string of developments that were aimed at piquing curiosity around Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayan was the appointment of Hans Zimmer as the score composer of the mythological drama. The film was set to mark the legendary German musician’s Bollywood debut, but that title can now rest safe with Fateh, Sonu Sood’s directorial venture, which, the actor confirms, will mark Zimmer’s first Hindi film work. “Everyone is a Hans Zimmer-fan, and I am no exception. I’m a huge admirer of his work. He is an Oscar winner and has composed music for some of the greatest Hollywood films. I feel fortunate that we have his song, To the moon, in Fateh. This marks the first time one of his songs will be featured in an Indian film,” he says, adding that the track has been penned by Zimmer, known for his scores in The Dark Knight (2008) and Interstellar (2014). Hans Zimmer News of Zimmer’s association with the project follows that of ace vocalist Loire Cotler’s work in the film, with Sood stating that the Grammy-nominated American musician, who rendered the song, Call to life, was “incredible” to work with. “Her talent resonates on a global scale. Her composition in Fateh perfectly captures our vision and infuses a mystical energy into the action sequences. Bringing her on board wasn’t just a decision; it was essential to deliver a world-class musical experience.” For his directorial debut, which also has him serve as producer, Sood appears to be leaving no stone unturned. Apart from bringing the best musical talent on board, he also roped in ace action director Lee Whittaker to craft the sequences for the January 10 release that revolves around a cybercrime syndicate.
02 January,2025 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuIndian authorities appear to have had little headway in tackling the menace of pirated cinematic content in the aftermath of the Pushpa 2: The Rule fiasco, when crucial scenes of the Allu Arjun-starrer were leaked online within days of its release. The latest film to fall prey to piracy is the Christmas release, Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, which has already illegally made its way to the content-sharing platform, Telegram. Producers and trade experts are rightly raising alarm about the escalating concern, with several organisations now being urged to take action to combat the spread of high-definition prints. The matter, we are told, will be discussed at the next meeting of the Producers Guild of India, informs a committee member. “Released just 10 days ago, Mufasa has also fallen victim to piracy, with its HD version surfacing online on Thursday. Earlier, pirated versions would appear months after theatrical releases, often coinciding with or following their OTT debut. Now, we’re seeing leaks of pristine-quality prints within days of release. The fact that the audience is not willing to go to the theatres is causing this demand. But what is shocking is that this is being facilitated. Telegram, with its ability to disseminate large files quickly, has become the primary conduit for such piracy,” the member informs. A producer, who is also a Guild member, tells mid-day on the condition of anonymity, “For every ticket lost to piracy, jobs, livelihoods, and future investments are put at stake. I have lost approximately R20 crore because of piracy when a film that I had produced had been prematurely leaked. An expensive film like Baby John, which has been made on a budget of R130 crores, may [only collect] R40 crore, because the film is already out for people to download. We will be discussing this with the Guild members because we have big titles like Game Changer, Chhaava, Sikandar, and Sitaare Zameen Par [up for release this year].”
02 January,2025 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuAthiya Shetty kicked off the New Year by feeling grateful for all the blessings she had. She shared photos on her Instagram with her husband KL Rahul. The couple looks adorable in the picture. Currently, the actress is stationed in Australia for Australia and India's test series. The next test will be played between Jan 3-7, 2025. Athiya Shetty shares pictures with husband KL Rahul View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athiya Shetty (@athiyashetty) The Motichoor Chaknachoor actress shared a video of her walking hand-in-hand with her husband and cricketer, KL Rahul, while she flaunts her baby bump. Athiya, who had been avoiding the Indian paparazzi ever since her pregnancy announcement with cricketer KL Rahul was spotted with her baby bump on display overseas, during the fourth test between Australia and India in Melbourne. The couple announced their pregnancy in November, last year. They had dropped a note which read, "Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025 (baby feet emojis)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athiya Shetty (@athiyashetty) The actress also spread positivity by sharing an optimistic message in her latest Instagram post, which read, "Slow down often, count your blessings, be kind to your heart, believe in new beginnings". The actress captioned the post, "2025, looking forward to you." KL Rahul drops pictures from New Year celebration with wife Athiya Shetty View this post on Instagram A post shared by KL Rahul👑 (@klrahul) Yesterday, KL Rahul shared a post with his wife, Athiya Shetty. The couple celebrated New Year together in Melbourne, Australia. They both look adorable as they pose for the camera while sitting in an eatery. KL Rahul is wearing a white lined shirt and Athiya looks beautiful in a black dress as she wraps herself around the cricketer. Rahul also shared a picture of the New Year fireworks in Melbourne. He captioned the post, "2025". On the work front, Athiya Shetty was last seen in the 2019 romance drama film, Motichoor Chaknachoor, alongside, Nawazuddin Siddiqui. She will next be seen in the upcoming film, Hope Solo, which is a biopic, based on the life of Kashmiri footballer Afshan Ashiq.
02 January,2025 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood's latest lovebirds, Ibrahim Ali Khan, and Palak Tiwari have sparked dating rumours again as they were spotted twinning in black at the airport on Wednesday night. The duo was seen at the airport, reportedly returning from a vacation in Goa. Their appearance at the same time at the airport has reignited their dating rumours. Ibrahim Ali Khan and Palak Tiwari were spotted twinning at the airport The two were twinning in black outfits. Ibrahim kept his look casual with a simple black hoodie and blue denim. Palak, on the contrary, looked chic in a body-hugging black top with blue denim. Both were seen carrying their luggage separately on strollers. Despite being papped together multiple times, Ibrahim and Palak have denied the claims. These rumours began in 2022 when paparazzi spotted them together at a party. Later, they were spotted together at a concert, further fuelling these rumours. However, Palak has always dismissed these claims by saying that they are just friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Recently, Palak's mother and famous actress Shweta Tiwari expressed her views on her daughter's love life, “Rumours don’t bother me anymore. In all these years, I have realised people’s memory only lasts for 4 hours. They will forget the news after that, so why bother?" The Singham Again actress further said, “As per rumours, my daughter is dating every third guy, and I am getting married every year. According to the internet, I’m already married thrice. These things don’t affect me now. Earlier they did, back when social media wasn’t there, and certain journalists disliked writing good things about you. Negativity about actors sells. After dealing with that era, this doesn’t affect me." Work front of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Palak Tiwari While their New Year getaway to Goa has reignited the rumours, Ibrahim and Palak remain tight-lipped about their love life and focus on their upcoming projects. Ibrahim is set to debut in 2025 with Sarzameen alongside Kajol. The film is produced by Karan Johar and directed by Boman Irani's son Kayoze Irani. Palak was last seen in Salman Khan's 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', and also has a few projects in her pocket. She debuted in 2021 with her horror mystery project, Rosie: The Saffron Chapter.
02 January,2025 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent90s Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani recently appeared on Indian Idol 15 as a chief guest. Back in the 90s, Sangeeta and Salman were the IT couple of the industry and were all set to get married also. However, their relationship did not work out with rumours of cheating floating around. Despite their past, the two continue to be friends. However, recently the actress spoke about an ex-boyfriend whom she described as controlling. On Indian Idol 15, a contestant asked Sangeeta Bijlani if she would like to change anything in her career. Responding to this, the actress reflected on an ex-boyfriend whom she did not name. Bijlani said, "Jo the na humare ex (it would be my ex), I was very constricted. Matlab kapde yeh nahi pehanna, itne short nahi hone chahiye. Itna long hona chahiye, voh gale main... (I was told not to wear short clothes; the neck shouldn't be deep." She added, "I could not wear this kind of dress. Initially, I did but then I was not allowed to. So I was shy then; abhi main aisi nahi hoon. Abhi poori gundi hoon. I’m not afraid now; I was reserved then." Before speaking about her ex, she made a gesture that is very well associated with Salman Khan. This has led to fans wondering if she was talking about the 'Dabangg' star. Sangeeta Bijlani talks about how she was not 'allowed' to wear short clothes by Salman!byu/New_cinephile inBollyBlindsNGossip Sangeeta on her wedding cards with Salman Khan During the same episode, a contestant is seen asking Sangeeta about the rumours of hers and Salman’s wedding cards being printed. Judge Vishal Dadlani who seemed shocked by the question further asks Sangeeta to reveal the story. She says, “Jhoot toh nahi tha (It wasn’t a lie).” The clip ends there. Sangeeta Bijlani and Salman Khan’s relationship Sangeeta and Salman reportedly began dating in 1986, sharing a serious relationship that lasted eight years. Their bond was so strong that they even made plans to marry, with wedding invitations reportedly printed. However, their love story took an unexpected turn when the wedding was called off just a month before the big day. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Salman’s ex-girlfriend Somy Ali revealed: “The wedding cards were printed, but Sangeeta caught Salman red-handed in my apartment. What Salman did to Sangeeta, the same happened to me. This is called karma; when I grew up a little, I understood it.” In November 1996, Bijlani married cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin in Mumbai. The marriage ended in a divorce in 2010.
02 January,2025 11:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWoh kaun thi? Despite staying away from the limelight, Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s eldest son, often makes headlines. This time, he sparked speculation by spending New Year’s with rumoured girlfriend Larissa Bonesi. A video circulating on social media shows Aryan arriving at a venue in his car, with Larissa seated in the back alongside other friends. Larissa, an actor and model from Brazil, has appeared in films such as Go Goa Gone (2013), Thikka, Next Enti?, and Penthouse. Although neither Aryan nor Larissa have commented on their relationship, their frequent public appearances together fuel the rumours. Curious minds want to know. Not ready yet The makers of the Tamil film Vidaamuyarchi, fronted by superstar Ajith, have postponed its release due to unavoidable circumstances. Directed by Magizh Thirumeni, the action thriller was initially slated for release during Pongal in 2025. It also stars Trisha Krishnan and Regina Cassandra. Lyca Productions, the banner behind the film, announced the delay on its official X page, stating, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, the release of Vidaamuyarchi is postponed from Pongal. Kindly stay tuned for further updates as the wait will be worth it!” Will it? Letting bygones be bygones Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan have left negativity behind to embrace a year of positivity and growth. Yesterday, Vignesh shared a photo of the two and captioned it, “Where there is love, there is happiness. Happy New Year to all of you! Focus on love, focus on all the good things in life. Keep all the negativity out of focus. [Have] faith in your blessings and being faithful to your conscience not only brings success but also gives a lot of satisfaction and happiness.” The couple celebrated New Year’s Eve in Dubai. Last year was challenging for Nayanthara, who was embroiled in a legal dispute with producer-actor Dhanush over the use of footage from their film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), in her Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. So, is the feud over? Vivaah on OTT A still of Bada Naam Karenge; (right) Sooraj Barjatya Making his debut on OTT with his production Bada Naam Karenge, director-producer Sooraj Barjatya reveals that his upcoming series delves into the beauty of relationships, love, and the strength of family values. Discussing the series, he said, “This series holds a special place in my heart. It is about finding balance amidst life’s changing dynamics, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this heartfelt story with the audience.” The show follows the journey of Rishabh and Surbhi, whose arranged marriage takes an unexpected turn when their past resurfaces.
02 January,2025 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamVeteran actress Saira Banu paid a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Naseem Banu, on her birth anniversary which falls on January 1. The veteran actress shared a series of unseen nostalgic photos which captured the precious moments from her life with her mother. In an emotional post on Instagram, Saira Banu reflected on her mother's strength and resilience, recounting how Naseem Banu raised her and her siblings while facing numerous challenges. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu) Her touching words and rare photographs offered fans a glimpse into their close bond, honouring the legacy of her beloved mother and wishing her a peaceful afterlife. While sharing the unseen photos, the veteran actress wrote, "The first of January marks the beginning of a New Year for the world, but for me, it is also the birth anniversary of my beloved mother. Today, as we embrace this new beginning, I want to pay tribute to the woman who shaped my world, my mother, Naseem Banu Sahiba." She continues, "Known as "Pari Chehra," she wasn't just a star, she was a constellation in her own right, the first female superstar of Indian cinema. Yet, behind her charming beauty and legendary fame was a soul steeped in resilience, grace, and love." Recalling her childhood and the importance her mother played in it. The actress wrote, "We were a family of four my grandmother Shamshad Abdul Waheed Khan, her sister Khurshid Begum, my elder brother Sultan Ahmed, and myself. Life thrust us into the embrace of single parenthood early on, and at just 16, Appaji took on the mantle of our protector and guide. With a determination beyond her years, she ensured we were not only cared for but also given wings to soar." The 'Padosan' actress reflected on the cinematic journey of her mother. "Her cinematic journey began with Sohrab Modi's Pukar, where she played the role of Empress Noorjahan. The film's impact was so profound that audiences removed their shoes before entering cinemas, as though stepping onto a Mughal Court. Legends like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan have named her the most beautiful woman they ever seen." However, cinema was not only a significant attribute of her life. It was also her 'balance of tradition and progress.' "Yet, her beauty wasn't confined to her visage. It was in the way she balanced tradition and progress. Though we were educated in London, she kept us grounded in our Desi roots. Every summer holiday was spent in Bombay or Delhi, reconnecting with our heritage. When I chose films over further studies, it was her ingenuity that shaped my path. She put a keen attention on the costumes for Junglee, ushering in a new era of cinematic fashion, and transformed the way make-up was approached in Indian cinema, with innovations that became the hallmark of my career. But what truly defined Appaji was her devotion. Every success I have achieved is rooted in her sacrifices. She was a mother who gave not just life, but also purpose, structure, and infinite love. As I share this, I know no words can capture her charisma. Happy Birthday Appaji...no words would ever be enough when it comes to you, be at peace wherever you are. Love Saira" wrote Saira Banu. Veteran actress Saira Banu is known for films like 'Padosan', 'Jwaar Bhata', 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', 'Resham Ki Dori', 'Hera Pheri' and others. 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
02 January,2025 07:25 AM IST | Washington | ANIADVERTISEMENT
