Former Bigg Boss 16 contestant and renowned social media influencer, Abdu Rozik called off his wedding with fiancee Amira citing “cultural differences.” The Tajikistani musician, known for his vibrant online presence, got engaged on April 24, 2024. The ceremony, held in Sharjah, UAE, was an intimate affair. Abdu and Amira were to tie the knot on July 7, however, the wedding was postponed with Abdu prioritising a boxing match for his financial security. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abduroziq Official (@abdu_rozik) Abdu Rozik calls off wedding with Amira Abdu told Hindustan Times, “I am sad to announce that I have cancelled my wedding. This is due to some cultural differences that became apparent as our journey progressed. As you all know I am classed as a person of determination and this has its own challenges in everyday life and requires an extremely strong and mentally equipped partner who is able you cope with that.” He added, “I am forever grateful for my health and because I am the way I am you all know me and I became so prominent so I never feel sad about being me. The relations I have made and friendships I will cherish forever. In future I hope to find love again and hope for all your well wishes.” Abdu Rozik’s journey to stardom For the uninitiated, it hasn't been a cakewalk for the global social media sensation. He was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Rickets which meant at the age of 5 he stopped growing and his hormone development stopped. According to Rozik, as a young teen, he was bullied and mocked for his size as a result of which he could only get 3 years of formal education. After facing bullying back at home Abdu started to hum his tunes and write his lyrics. He was singing in the street bazaars of Tajikistan to provide for his family until the age of 17 when he was spotted and sponsored by Yasmine Safia who hails from the royal family of UAE, who then invested to harness and hone his skills and allowed him to travel all over the world. Over the past couple of years, he has performed with some of the most reputed artists including A.R. Rahman, Redone, French Montana and Will I AM. Abdu's initial tryst with fame was during his public spat at a boxing press conference in Moscow with his opponent that amassed over 400 million views worldwide. Abdu Rozik was also seen alongside Salman Khan in the film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan'.
18 September,2024 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Great Indian Kapil Show is back with its second season on Netflix. The season-opening episode will have Jigra stars Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina along with producer Karan Johar as guests. Netflix has dropped a promo of the episode which shows the fun moments from the episode, as well as gives us a better insight into the bond between Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar. 'Alia is my first daughter' Karan has always maintained that he has a special place in his heart for Alia, whom he launched with Student of the Year in 2012. In this episode, Karan is seen referring to Alia as his first daughter. Karan is father to two kids, Yash and Roohi, via surrogacy. The filmmaker also talks about troubles of being a single parent, revealing that he is probably the only man in the WhatsApp group of mothers he stays in touch with. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Kapil Sharma teases Alia, "Let me tell you something, there was a girl in Ranbir's life before you. Should I call her?" A surprised Alia asks, "You are going to call her on the show?" Sunil Grover is seen entering dressed as Dafli. If you remember, season 1 of The Great Indian Kapil Show opened with Ranbir Kapoor as guest, along with sister Riddhima and mom Neetu Kapoor. Sunil Grover and Ranbir Kapoor have been flirting with each other onscreen on Kapil's show for years now. Karan Johar talks about his singlehood Karan Johar has manifested many a B-Town relationship on his show, Koffee With Karan. Referring to that, he says, "I have helped with the progress of many people's relationships, but I am still single." Alia reveals that Karan has a sixth sense and can gauge the chemistry between two people, which also happened when she and Ranbir became "friends". The Great Indian Kapil Show season 2 starts Sep 21 Netflix unveiled the trailer of the upcoming second season of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ today, and everyone is looking forward to the Shanivaars (Saturdays) turning into Funnyvaars (Funny Saturdays) starting September 21! Season 2 promises to celebrate India and its rich culture with the superstars of the country. From the celebrated actress Alia Bhatt to visionary producer-director Karan Johar; the suave and chic Saif Ali Khan to the eminent superstar of the South-Indian film fraternity Jr NTR and the current sensation Janhavi Kapoor, the audience will get to know them like never before.
18 September,2024 12:39 PM IST | MumbaiMom-to-be Drashti Dhami wished her best friend Sanaya Irani with the cutest birthday post. The actress, who is all set to welcome her little bundle of joy, took to Instagram and shared a beautiful reel featuring a compilation of all her pictures and videos with Sanaya from her baby shower. In one picture, the duo can be seen hugging each other, while a video shows them having a serious discussion. Another clip from the reel shows Dhami displaying Irani’s special gift for her at Drashti’s baby shower. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Drashti Dhami π (@dhamidrashti) Check out Mom-to-be Drashti Dhami’s Birthday Post for Sanaya Irani While sharing the sweet post, Dhami wrote, “Happy happy birthday sunny masi we love you. You’re gonna be the bestesttttttttt and my most favourite masi. Can’t wait to meet you and hug you and wish you HAPPY BDAY BABY... I love you soooo much. One of the bestest things that happened to me is you.” As soon as Dhami dropped the post, Sanaya reacted to it by saying, “Thank you and love you too, both my babies. Masi coming back soon.” About Drashti Dhami’s Pregnancy Announcement Drashti Dhami made a fun video announcing her pregnancy, with the help of their friends. Sharing the announcement, Drashti wrote, "In a galaxy not so far away, a tiny rebel is joining our crazy tribe. Please send love, blessings, cash & french fries our way #BabyKOnBoard (sic)." In the video, the couple can be seen standing with a poster that reads: "Could be Pink, Could be Blue. All we know is that we are due! October 2024." The couple got married in 2015. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Drashti Dhami π (@dhamidrashti) Drashti Dhami’s Work Front On the professional front, Drashti was last seen in the series 'Duranga', co-starring Gulshan Devaiah. In the ZEE5 crime thriller created by Goldie Behl, Dhami plays the role of Inspector Ira, who grapples with the revelation that her husband is a serial killer. Apart from that, she has also been part of several TV soaps, such as 'Dil Mill Gayye', 'Geet - Hui Sabse Parayi', 'Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon', and 'Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani', among others.
18 September,2024 10:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIf you have shifted to Mumbai, the chances of you having a story to tell are high, especially when it comes to searching for a home. Asha Negi, the recent guest on Mid-day.com's Mumbai Meri Jaan, was no exception. The actress, in conversation with us, recalled sharing a 1 BHK with three girls in Malad's Evershine Nagar. Asha, who knew her calling to become an actress since childhood, shared that her family was totally against it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) Life in Malad: Asha Negi recalled sharing a 1BHK with three roommates When asked if she remembered her first home in Mumbai, Asha Negi shared, "I remember when I was about to come to Mumbai, a friend of mine helped me make the move. She even helped me find a place to stay. She knew someone who needed a roommate, so I first stayed in Malad, Evershine Nagar. I used to live in the hall. It was a one-bedroom flat, and there were two sisters who lived in the bedroom while I stayed in the hall with one more girl. That's how I started sharing a flat with three girls.” Recalling the rent of her home in Malad, Asha shared that it was around 4500 per person. Considering the current real estate situation in Mumbai, we were surprised to hear the rent Negi used to pay 11 years ago. How Asha Negi's passion for acting began Though the mountains will always be her love, Asha came to Mumbai to become an actor. She had always known she wanted to be an actress since childhood. Recalling her early days, Asha shared: "Even in childhood, I used to get ready in front of the mirror, and I used to dance and act. I never took it seriously as a child, but as I grew up, somehow things fell into place. My family was completely against me becoming an actress because we had no connections, but then somehow things worked out." About Asha Negi Asha Negi gained wide recognition for her work in Ankita Lokhande & Sushant Singh Rajput starrer Pavitra Rishta. Before appearing in Pavitra Rishta, Asha Negi had a brief role in the popular show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. Following her success in Pavitra Rishta, she ventured into various fictional and non-fictional TV shows like Nach Baliye 6, Ek Mutthi Aasmaan, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6, Kuch Toh Hai Tere Mere Darmiyaan, and more. Later, she transitioned to OTT platforms and starred in series like Khwabon Ke Parindey, Abhay, among others. Additionally, Asha has also acted in films such as Ludo and Collar Bomb.
18 September,2024 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi ChaturvediIt seems like ‘Bigg Boss 17’ winner Munawar Faruqui can’t stop making headlines, that too for all the unfortunate reasons. About a month after he courted controversy for his derogatory joke about the Konkani community, he received a potential death threat in Delhi, following which, the stand-up comedian rushed to Mumbai. Threat to Munawar Faruqui’s life in Delhi According to a report by ETimes, Munawar Faruqui, who was in the national capital for the Entertainers Cricket League rushed to Mumbai after Delhi Police received intelligence about a potential threat to his life. The cops got the information when they were interrogating the suspects of another shooting case. The suspects confessed to being instructed to conduct reconnaissance of the hotel Munawar stayed for a murder. A search was conducted and Munawar’s room was examined by the police. “We were merely instructed to enhance security at the stadium where a match between two teams named Haryanvi Hunters and Mumbai Disruptors was scheduled to take place,” a police officer informed the media outlet. Munawar Faruqui’s journey in showbiz Munawar started his journey in 2020 after he uploaded a standup comedy video titled 'Dawood, Yamraaj, Aurat'. After that, he released his debut song 'Jawab' with Spectra, an Indian musician. He started his journey in showbiz in 2022 with the reality show 'Lock Upp', hosted by actress-politician Kangana Ranaut. He was crowned as the winner of the show. He was then seen in 'Bigg Boss 17' in 2023 and there too, he lifted the trophy. Munawar Faruqui to make his acting debut Munawar Faruqui, who has started filming his maiden web show 'First Copy', has called his acting debut an “exciting challenge.” He told IANS, "I am thrilled to be embarking on this new journey as an actor with First Copy. It's an exciting challenge, and I'm eagerly waiting for the audience to see this new side of me.” “The love and support I've received so far have been overwhelming, and I hope to make everyone proud with this web series," he added. Written and directed by Farhan P. Zamma, the film is produced by Kurji Productions and co-produced by Salt Media.
17 September,2024 09:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the upcoming episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16, Sanidhya Gupta, 19, a passionate sports enthusiast from Delhi will be seen on the hot seat, facing a barrage of questions from quizmaster Amitabh Bachchan. Currently pursuing his graduation in Economics Honours, Gupta claimed his true passion lies in sports, and dreamt of owning a sports team someday. During the interaction with the megastar, Gupta expressed his admiration for the Bachchan family’s involvement in sports, and revealed his aspiration to work as a data analyst or scientist in the sports industry. Sr Bachchan later promised to share Gupta’s dream with son Abhishek Bachchan and praised the contestant for showing true determination in pursuing this field.
17 September,2024 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamI’m nervous about interviews,” confesses Guru Randhawa as we catch up with the artiste at a local club in the city. Known to have created his mark in Punjabi music, he is now set to feature as a judge along with Sachin Sanghvi, Jigar Saraiya, Sachet Tandon, and Parampara Thakur on the singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. “This show is a new chapter in my life. To judge such a legendary show is a big deal,” he says, adding that he doesn’t believe in being strict with contestants. Having written and composed his own music, Randhawa emphasised the importance of independent music in the industry. He says, “I have always done independent music from day one. I am not dependent on Bollywood, nor am I someone who waits for calls or to be offered a singing part in movies. Everyone should be independent. Any contestant coming here should eventually aim to become independent. This stage, over the years, has created a lot of talent. Whether somebody wins the show or not, what they do after the show is what really matters.” Randhawa views his Sa Re Ga Ma Pa associates, especially his co-judges, as family. “I have worked with Sachet-Parampara on the single, Mehndi wale haath, and they gave a song to my film, Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay [2024]. I have worked with Sachin-Jigar on an entire album, Arjun Patiala [2019],” shares the singer. Apart from his judging duties and film shoots, Randhawa is also gearing up for a nationwide music tour, set to kick off in October. He shares, “We are doing a tour all over India from October. Big arenas have been shortlisted; the rest will be conducted on grounds. We are [performing at] IGI Stadium in Delhi, Gandhi Maidaan in Patna, Guwahati, and Indore. It’s going to be a fun tour. We are bringing some great acts on stage.”
17 September,2024 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamIt takes a lot for an actor to be self-aware of his strengths and shortcomings. At this point, Aarya Babbar believes his biggest strength is his ability to perform with complete abandon. This lack of inhibition came from stand-up comedy. While he enjoys stand-up comedy, acting is his first love. In conversation with mid-day, Babbar discusses how his new show Jagriti—Ek Nayi Subah helps him fulfil his passion for acting, finding his place in the industry and his learnings over the years. Edited excerpts from the interview. When did you start doing stand-up comedy?I started doing it one-and-a-half years ago. At that time, I was doing a lot of work in Hindi cinema, which was financially great, but it was not giving me creative satisfaction. For instance, I would do a film because I had bought a new house and needed to get the interiors done. I had become that person. I was in a rut mentally, until one day, I decided to try stand-up comedy on open mics. There were about 10 to 15 other comics, who were shocked to know that I was performing. The satisfaction I got that day was a high. Then, I kept going back as it made me happy. It helped me let go of many inhibitions, and the more uninhibited an actor is, the better he performs. One of my biggest opening jokes is about how I started my career with Ab Ke Baras [2002], which was about two births, and not even one could save the film! Laughing at oneself is never easy.It’s something I learnt from Shah Rukh Khan sir. He once said that if you can laugh at yourself, you will be the most confident person. Looking back on your career, did you ever believe the negative chatter surrounding you?When you have self-doubt, you believe in a lot of negative things said about you. It compels you to hear more negative chatter unconsciously. It happened in the initial years of my career because I thought I wasn’t getting the kind of roles I was expecting. Over the years, I realised that the industry is very kind [to me]. It will always give you the work you deserve at that particular time. If over the past few years, I was getting work that gave me money but no creative satisfaction, the industry perhaps believed I deserved that. [I realised] that getting work was the important thing. It is pointless to only get papped; I am an actor, not an influencer. How did Jagriti—Ek Nayi Subah come to you?The show’s casting director asked me if I was open to doing television. A lot of people assume that if an actor is rich, he won’t do [television]. You can’t fight that thought process, and sometimes you don’t wish to fight it. If someone believes you are wearing a real Rolex, even when it is fake, why correct that notion? But I was keen to work. When they sent me the scene for the look test, I wore a black salwar and kurta and performed. It was an instant yes from the makers. What was your discussion with the makers about the fictitious Chitta tribe?After reading the script, I had several meetings with them where I tried to understand the nuances they wanted from my character, Kalikant Thakur. I worked with a dialect coach too. We worked on my character’s body language, style and personality. We now have a bank of seven to 10 episodes. I irritate my co-actors by rehearsing a lot. While shooting for TV shows, you cannot go on set and rehearse for an hour or two. But when the crew is fixing the lighting, I keep doing my lines. The show sees you teaming up with Asmi Deo. What is it like to work with an eight-year-old?Every kid is annoying until s/he is on camera [laughs]. When Asmi is facing the camera, she is a complete professional. I have never felt that I am working with an actor who is not serious about their work. She knows what she is there to do and performs well.
17 September,2024 06:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamThe makers of ‘Bigg Boss 18’ announced its new season with a teeny tiny teaser hinting at what’s in store for those participating in the reality show hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The 10-second clip shared by Colors TV teases a new twist where time will play a key role. The caption read, “Hogi entertainment ki poori wish jab Time Ka Taandav lekar aayega Bigg Boss mein ek naya twist. Are you ready for Season 18? Dekhiye #BiggBoss18, jald hi, #Colors aur @JioCinema par.” Hogi entertainment ki poori wish jab Time Ka Taandav lekar aayega Bigg Boss mein ek naya twist. Are you ready for Season 18? ποΈ Dekhiye #BiggBoss18, jald hi, #Colors aur @JioCinema par. @BeingSalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/Gu8gEh3iDe — ColorsTV (@ColorsTV) September 16, 2024 Theme for Salman Khan’s reality show ‘Bigg Boss 18’ A source informed India Today, "The theme of Bigg Boss 18 will revolve around the past, present and future. Salman had a fun time shooting with the team. In the promo, which is expected to go live by the end of the month, fans will see him talk about these timelines. This would also be encapsulated further in the design of the house and the alteration in the format.” Salman Khan's sweetest interaction with an elderly fan on 'Bigg Boss 18' set Earlier this month, Salman Khan was spotted shooting for the promo of ‘Bigg Boss 18’ where he interacted with an elderly female fan. Salman was all suited up as he stepped out after the shoot. The fan happily expressed herself to the superstar and asked him for a saree as Ganesh Chaturthi was around the corner. She also said that she prayed for his well-being and told him not to go to jail. He promised her he would not go back. Salman Khan’s upcoming projects Salman will be seen headlining 'Sikandar'. The film marks the reunion of Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala after their previous successful collaborations 'Kick', 'Judwaa', and 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the film is set to release next Eid. In May 2024, the production house officially announced that Rashmika Mandanna was also a part of the film. Salman will also be sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Tiger Vs Pathaan’. The film will reportedly have Tiger (Salman) locking horns with Pathaan, played by SRK. It will mark their full-fledged collaboration after 'Karan Arjun'. An official announcement regarding the project is still awaited.
16 September,2024 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor-comedian Kapil Sharma, who is gearing up for the release of the second season of his streaming comedy sketch show ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, recently visited the Wagah border along with the cast members of his show. Close on the heels of season 1, Kapil and his gang of friends prepare to launch an all-new season on 21st September, with an aim to take this spirit of togetherness even further with its theme of celebrating India and its rich and vibrant culture. The team experienced the Retreat Ceremony at Attari-Wagah border. The atmosphere was palpable with patriotic energy perfectly in sync with the theme of the second season which celebrates India and its rich and vibrant culture. The Great Indian Kapil Show team at Wagah border Kapil Sharma said, “Aaj itna josh dekh ke aisa lag raha hai ki dobara 18 saal ke ho gaye hum log. Aise he aap log apna pyaar banaye rakhiye. Aur yeh jo mahaul hai wo adbhut hai. Shukriya aap sab ke pyaar ke liye (seeing this level of josh here today, is making me feel like an 18-year-old kid all over again. Please keep showing your love like this forever. The atmosphere here today is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for all the love you’ve shown us today)”. The new season embodies shades of India with Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Rajiv Thakur and Archana Puran Singh tickling the funny bones of the audience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma) Archana Puran Singh's first-ever visit to Wagah border Archana Puran Singh on her first-ever visit to Attari-Wagah border, shared, “Pehli baar yahan aa kar aisa lag raha hai ki pure Hindustan ka pyaar humari dharti mata ke liye dekhne ko mil raha hain (coming here and experiencing this atmosphere for the first time feels as if I’m collectively feeling and seeing the true love every citizens holds for Hindustan all at once)." She chanted ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ along with the audience at the ceremony. This was followed by a wonderful evening with the BSF (Border Security Forces) Jawans and their families, who gathered in hundreds to meet the cast. Season 2 of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ is set to stream on Netflix from September 21.
16 September,2024 06:45 PM IST | Wagah | mid-day online correspondentHina Khan, the fiery woman, is not ready to stop, even as the world throws all its challenges at her. The actress, who is battling stage 3 breast cancer, is currently in Ahmedabad. Hina Khan reached the city for a fashion week where she walked the ramp as a gorgeous bride. Dressed in a beautiful red lehenga with golden embroidery, the actress paired it with a matching blouse and a beautiful dupatta. Covering her hands with aalta, Hina wore heavy jewellery to enhance her overall appearance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by π―πππ π²πππ (@realhinakhan) Hina Khan shared a beautiful reel of herself as a bride While sharing a reel of her stunning look, Hina Khan included a motivating caption, stating, “My father always used to say, ‘Hey, Daddy’s strong girl, don’t be a cry baby, never complain about your problems, take control of your life, stand tall and deal with it.’ So I stopped worrying about the outcome and just focused on what’s within my control. The rest, I leave to Allah. He sees your efforts, hears your prayers, and knows your heart. This wasn’t easy, but I kept telling myself, ‘Keep going, Hina. DON’T EVER STOP.’"She concluded her caption by writing, “How do I look, BTW?” Fans react as Hina Khan turns into a bride As soon as Hina posted the beautiful reel showing her as a glamorous bride, fans started reacting to it. One said, “I’m going to cry. You are beautiful inside and out. You make me stay so strong in my current situation, so positive all the time. Thank you for radiating so much faith, love, hope, and positivity.” Another commented, “Stay strong, girl! You are so, so strong, ma sha ALLAH.” A third fan stated, “After seeing you, I feel like anything is possible if you want it.” Hina Khan's Work So Far: Hina, best known for her role as Akshara in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', has participated in 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8', 'Bigg Boss 11', and 'Bigg Boss 14'. She has also appeared in movies like 'Hacked', 'Wishlist', and the short film 'Smartphone'. The diva has starred in music videos like 'Bhasoodi', 'Raanjhana', 'Humko Tum Mil Gaye', 'Patthar Wargi', 'Baarish Ban Jaana', 'Main Bhi Barbaad', 'Mohabbat Hai', 'Barsaat Aa Gayi', and the recent track by Asees Kaur and Saaj Bhatt — 'Halki Halki Si'. Hina also recently made her Punjabi film debut with 'Shinda Shinda No Papa', alongside Gippy Grewal. She next has 'Country of Blind' in the pipeline.
16 September,2024 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
