Shah Rukh Khan, who recently bagged the prestigious Best Actor award at the 71st National Film Awards for his blockbuster performance in Jawan, indulged in a fun banter with Mukesh Chhabra in casting him in the role. SRK thanked the casting director for casting him in the role, twice - the response.

Shah Rukh Khan and Mukesh Chhabra had a hilarious banter on Twitter (now X). When SRK shared the video clip of him winning the award for Jawan, Renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who was behind the ensemble cast of Jawan, shared SRK’s award acceptance clip on X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt “Love you," with a lovestruck, evil eye and red heart emoji.

Reading that, SRK commented, "Thank you very much for casting me in the film... twice." A nod to his iconic double role in the film, the comment set the internet abuzz with laughter.

This playful banter adds another charming chapter to Jawan's incredible journey from breaking box office records to now sweeping awards and sparking online camaraderie. As SRK fans continue to celebrate his well-deserved win, this moment serves as a reminder of the superstar’s humility, humor, and heart.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan replies to Shashi Tharoor’s “simple praise” with classic wit after National Award win

Applause Entertainment, India’s leading content studio, has acquired the exclusive screen rights to six of Jeffrey Archer’s most iconic novels — The Clifton Chronicles, Fourth Estate, First Among Equals, The Eleventh Commandment, Sons of Fortune, and Heads You Win. Known for reimagining global formats and Indian books into acclaimed screen stories, this marks Applause’s first global fiction book acquisition, bringing one of the world’s most widely read authors into its growing content slate.

Spanning political drama, espionage, media power struggles, and multi-generational family sagas, these six titles offer a vast and versatile narrative canvas, rooted in Archer’s signature style of pace, plot twists, and character-driven storytelling. Applause will reimagine and develop these stories into premium series and feature films across languages and platforms, bringing Jeffrey Archer’s world to screen, made in India for the world.

With this collaboration, Applause expands its creative horizon, blending iconic global storytelling with its own unique narrative sensibility, and continuing to build a content slate that is bold, cinematic, and ready for the world stage. It also opens up a fertile creative ground for creators, writers and directors to engage with universally loved narratives and reimagine them with a contemporary, cinematic voice.

Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment, “This is a milestone moment for us. We’ve told stories reimagined from Indian books, formats, and real events and now we step into the world of global fiction. Jeffrey Archer’s novels are compelling, character-rich, and built for screen. To reimagine these stories with scale and style, and to position them for audiences across the globe, that’s the creative opportunity we’re excited about.”

Author, Jeffrey Archer, “It’s an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Sameer Nair and the team at Applause Entertainment. Their passion for storytelling, their body of work, and their global outlook make them the perfect partners to bring my books to screen. I’ve always had a deep fondness for India, a nation that has embraced my stories like its own and as an ardent cricket lover, it’s a country I feel incredibly connected to. I’m thrilled to see my characters and stories take on a new life, across India, and far beyond.”

Also Read: Applause Entertainment dominates 2025 OTT space with Black Warrant, Criminal Justice, and The Hunt

There are reports doing the rounds that Priyanka Chopra may be doing a “special number” in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War.

But a source close to Bhansali dismisses this as the “absurdest rumour in the history of Bollywood gossip.”

Said the source, “True, Priyanka had done a special song Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram Leela. But that was done as a favour after Aishwarya Rai, who was supposed to do the number, backed out at the eleventh hour. Priyanka did the Ram Leela song and dance on condition that she will be cast as the leading lady in Bhansali’s next. The promise was not kept and there was a big-fallout between the two. So no, Priyanka is not doing anything in Love & War.”

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra reveals saying yes to ‘Ram Chahe Leela’ was “complicated decision”: “But I knew I was her”

The first look poster of Jatadhara, a supernatural thriller rooted in Indian mythology, has just been unveiled—and it’s already sending shockwaves across the industry. Backed by Zee Studios and ace producer Prerna Arora, the high-octane visual spectacle features Telugu star Sudheer Babu and Bollywood’s fierce diva Sonakshi Sinha in transformative, never-seen-before avatars.

The striking poster reveals a chilling yet majestic world—where the sacred and the sinister collide. A flaming trident tears through stormy clouds, as Sudheer Babu’s intense silhouette stands poised for battle. Towering behind him is the shadow of Lord Shiva himself, hinting at divine intervention. Meanwhile, the underworld blazes beneath, home to the dreaded Dhanapisachini - a demonic guardian of cursed treasures - depicted in a haunting upside-down portrayal that hints at the twisted mythos that awaits.

With direction helmed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, Jatadhara is primed to be a mythic cinematic event. Combining advanced AI-enhanced storytelling with world-class visual effects, the film promises a stunning, genre-defying experience. The official teaser drops on August 8, 2025, and fans already can’t wait.

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This marks a major milestone for Zee Studios, under the visionary leadership of Umesh Kumar Bansal, CBO of Zee Studios. Known for redefining Indian content with strategic foresight and a keen eye for unique narratives, Bansal continues to position the studio at the forefront of genre innovation.

Jatadhara is also a significant return for Prerna Arora, her second big collaboration with Zee Studios after Rustom. Renowned for championing socially relevant yet commercially powerful cinema like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Padman, Pari, and Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Arora now aims to create an expansive mythological cinematic universe.

Produced by Zee Studios, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Shivin Narang, Aruna Agarwal, Prerna Arora, Shilpa Singhal, and Nikhil Nanda, with co-production by Akshay Kejriwal and Kussum Arora, and Divya Vijay as Creative Producer, the project is poised to be one of 2025’s most anticipated releases. Going by the recent update on the film, audiences can expect Jatadhara to not be just a film but a thunderous new chapter in mythological storytelling.

Also Read: Producer Prerna Arora on Jatadhara, “It’s going to be one of the most expensive Telugu films ever”

Actor, producer, and maternal rights advocate Neha Dhupia is reigniting her groundbreaking initiative Freedom to Feed with a renewed sense of urgency and empowerment this World Breastfeeding Week 2025. Originally launched in 2019, the campaign has since grown into a movement — shedding light on the stigma around public breastfeeding and sparking necessary conversations on body autonomy, maternal health, and societal judgment.

This year, Neha is set to take the movement a notch higher by engaging in raw, honest digital conversations with prominent celebrity mothers including Radhika Apte, Yuvika Chaudhary, and Sonnalli Seygall. These discussions will be unveiled across her social media platforms throughout the week, aiming to create a ripple effect of awareness, solidarity, and acceptance around breastfeeding and motherhood.

The 2025 edition promises deeper, more layered explorations into issues that most women face but rarely voice — from navigating emotional pressures to asserting bodily autonomy in public and private spaces. The campaign also aims to challenge existing taboos and ignite a national dialogue that’s long overdue.

This year’s campaign promises to be louder, more fearless, and unapologetically real. Speaking about reigniting the initiative, Neha Dhupia shared, “When I first launched Freedom to Feed, it came from a deeply personal space — from feeling vulnerable, judged, and isolated during what should have been the most natural and empowering time of my life. Over the years, I’ve realised how many women have felt the same, and how powerful it can be when we come together to share our stories. This year, I want to make the conversation even louder, even more honest. Because no woman should be made to feel ashamed for simply feeding her child. This is about choice, dignity, and respect — and it’s time we all stood up for that.”

Freedom to Feed began as a deeply personal project. Neha, a mother herself, used her platform to speak about the vulnerabilities and shame many women are made to feel while breastfeeding in public — a topic often shrouded in silence and discomfort. Over the years, her voice has resonated far and wide, drawing support from powerful women in the entertainment industry like Bipasha Basu, Freida Pinto, Soha Ali Khan, and Dia Mirza. Each has contributed to shaping a more inclusive, understanding environment for nursing mothers.

With bold voices joining in and stories that refuse to be silenced, Freedom to Feed 2025 could be the conversation that changes everything.

Also Read: Neha Dhupia praises Priyanka Chopra in Heads of State: “You are a force to reckon with”

In a shocking turn of events, the re-release of the 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa has sparked widespread outrage after the film’s climax was altered using Artificial Intelligence (AI) — without the consent of lead actor Dhanush or director Aanand L Rai. The AI-generated ending, introduced by Eros International, has ignited a heated debate on the ethics of AI in cinema, with Dhanush himself expressing “deep disappointment” and calling the decision a “threat to the integrity of storytelling.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dhanush didn’t mince words in his statement, “The re-release of Raanjhanaa with an AI-altered climax has completely disturbed me. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul… This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago.” He also called for stricter regulations to prevent similar alterations in the future. “The use of Al to alter films or content is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists. It threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema. I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future”, he added.

For the love of cinema ???? pic.twitter.com/VfwxMAdfoM — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) August 3, 2025

The original ending of Raanjhanaa was hailed for its heartbreaking realism — Kundan (Dhanush), bloodied and dying, lies unresponsive as Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) cradles his lifeless face. The moment was a raw portrayal of sacrifice and unfulfilled love, cementing the film’s cult status. In stark contrast, the new version shows Kundan surviving his injuries, waking up in the hospital to smiles and upbeat music. Fans were quick to slam the new ending, calling it “a betrayal,” “tone-deaf,” and “an insult to the original narrative.” It began trending as cinephiles shared clips, reactions, and nostalgic tributes to the original.

Adding to the backlash, director Aanand L Rai also voiced his disappointment, confirming he was not consulted and the filmmaker expressed his anger in a heartfelt note on social media. While Eros International released a statement defending their actions as an “experiment in cinematic innovation,” many believe the move sets a dangerous precedent — one where commercial interests override artistic authenticity.

As the controversy brews, one thing is clear: Raanjhanaa may have received a new ending, but the original story — and the emotions it evoked — still lives on in the hearts of its audience.

Also Read: REVEALED: THIS is what happens in the new AI-generated ending of Dhanush-Sonam Kapoor starrer Raanjhanaa

In a heartfelt and urgent plea, popular television and film actress Ankita Lokhande has taken to social media to raise alarm over the sudden disappearance of two young girls closely connected to her household. The actress revealed that Saloni, the daughter of her house help Kanta, and her friend Neha have been missing since 10 am on July 31, last seen in the Vakola area of Mumbai.

The emotional post, shared via Ankita's official Instagram handle, quickly gathered traction as concerned fans and fellow citizens began amplifying the message across platforms. Expressing the gravity of the situation, Ankita wrote, “Our house help Kanta's daughter and her daughter's friend, Saloni and Neha, have been missing since July 31, 10 am. They were last seen near the Vakola area. An FIR has already been filed at Malvani Police Station, but their whereabouts are still unknown. They are not just part of our home - they're family.”

The actress went on to tag Mumbai Police and include the hashtag #Mumbaikars, urging locals and authorities alike to help locate the girls. She continued, “We are deeply worried and request everyone, especially @mumbaipolice and #Mumbaikars, to help us spread the word and assist in any way possible to bring them back safely. If anyone has seen or heard anything, please reach out immediately or report to the nearest police station.”

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Lokhande’s post has triggered widespread concern and community support, with many resharing her appeal and tagging relevant authorities.

According to her statement, an FIR has already been registered at the Malvani Police Station, and efforts are underway to trace the missing girls. However, as of now, there has been no significant update on their whereabouts.

Ankita, who is best known for her roles in Pavitra Rishta and the film Manikarnika, is using her platform to push for faster action and public awareness. Her move has not only highlighted the plight of two missing girls but also underscored the importance of using celebrity influence for social causes.

Also Read: Ankita Lokhande responds to ongoing pregnancy speculation; says, “I’m tired of hearing this question over and over”

In an exciting development for music enthusiasts, pop icon Akon is set to perform in India this November. The concert, led by White Fox and co-produced by Percept Live, will see the ‘Chammak Challo’ singer light up the stage in Delhi on November 9.

Akon’s next performance will take place in Bengaluru on November 14, followed by a show in Mumbai on November 16.

Tickets for his concerts have quickly become some of the most sought-after in the country. HSBC cardholders will enjoy early access starting August 8 at 1 PM, while general ticket sales will open on August 10 at 10 PM. All tickets will be available exclusively on Distrito by Zomato.

Expressing his excitement about performing in India, Akon shared that the country has always welcomed him with immense love, making it feel like a second home.

“The energy, the culture, the fans… it’s on another level. I’m beyond excited to be back and perform live for y’all. This tour is gonna be something special — let’s make history together!,” added the ‘Smack That’ singer.

From the opening note of “Right Now (Na Na Na)” to the closing chorus of “Don’t Matter," this tour promises to rekindle many cherished memories.

Aman Kumar, co-founder of White Fox, said, “Bringing Akon back to India is a celebration. This is the night fans have been waiting for. We promise an extravagant experience that will be remembered for years to come.”

In addition to Akon, Grammy-winning artist Enrique Iglesias will also be performing in Mumbai later this year, marking the Spanish singer’s return to India after a 13-year hiatus.

In 2011, Akon lent his voice to two Hindi songs for the Bollywood film Ra.One. The first, ‘Chammak Challo’, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, became hugely popular. He also sang ‘Criminal’ from the same movie, alongside Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak. Both tracks, composed by Vishal–Shekhar, were major hits and helped Akon gain widespread recognition in India.

Recently, India has welcomed several international bands and artists, including Guns N’ Roses, Coldplay, Bryan Adams, Maroon 5, Alan Walker, Glass Animals, and Dua Lipa.

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan recently used social media to call out a fake Instagram account pretending to be her long-time cook, Dilip. She made it clear that the account is not run by her staff member and strongly warned the impersonator. Farah Khan’s popular celebrity cooking vlogs frequently showcase her cook Dilip, who has become an unexpected highlight and gained significant online fame.

On Sunday morning, Farah Khan used her Instagram Stories to expose a fake social media account pretending to be her cook, Dilip. She posted a screenshot of the profile, which had gained over 50,000 followers and falsely identified as a blogger, even including her name in the bio. Calling it a “FAKE account,” Farah stated, “This is a fake account!! N v r complaining...so @dilip.bihariO u better take it down!!"

When Farah Khan called out the impersonator’s profile, the account featured 244 posts, including multiple Reels—many of which had received over 100,000 views—mostly using reused clips from Farah and Dilip’s well-known vlogs. However, shortly after Farah issued her public warning, the account quickly altered its username and display picture, and either deleted or archived all its content. It is now listed as A1 Blogger and displays zero posts.

Interestingly, while the impersonated account had gained significant attention, a few other fake Instagram profiles also claim to be Dilip. However, these have minimal visibility, with most failing to reach even 100 followers.

In a recent vlog featuring Ajay Devgn, filmmaker Farah Khan shared a humorous story about how she first met her now-famous cook, Dilip. “You know how I found him? Oh my God! I have to tell you this story," she said to Ajay during their conversation. “He was outside your house. How could I forget this? Yeh aapke bungalow ke bahar ghoom raha tha (He was loitering around your bungalow). This was about 12–13 years ago," she added with a laugh.

Farah Khan launched her cooking vlogs featuring her trusted cook Dilip in 2024, and the series has quickly become a hit on social media. With her signature humour and natural rapport with Dilip, Farah adds a delightful charm to every episode. The duo has visited the homes of several celebrities, including Raveena Tandon, Sania Mirza, Malaika Arora, and Himesh Reshammiya, where they prepare easy, comforting dishes while sharing playful banter and engaging in relaxed, candid conversations.

Also Read : Farah Khan hails Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award win for Jawan: “This time the shiddat se koshish really came thru”

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has sent an official letter to actor Kartik Aaryan, raising concerns over his alleged association with an event reportedly organized by individuals from Pakistan. The letter cites a violation of guidelines issued by both FWICE and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which discourage participation in events involving Pakistani organizers due to strained diplomatic relations.

In their communication, FWICE emphasized that the film industry must refrain from any engagements that could indirectly support or legitimize cross-border participation involving Pakistani entities. The letter serves as a caution to Aaryan and reiterates the federation’s previously stated position, advising all Indian artists to avoid any professional or promotional involvement with Pakistan-based events or organizers.

The controversy stems from promotional material for an upcoming international event that featured Kartik Aaryan’s name and image, suggesting his participation. However, in response to FWICE's letter and the circulating event promotions, the actor’s team promptly released an official statement denying any involvement.

“Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. He has never made an official announcement about participating in this event. We have contacted the organizers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image,” the statement from his team clarified.

FWICE has taken the clarification into account but has maintained its stance on strict compliance with national and industry-level directives. The federation also warned event organizers against using Indian celebrities’ names without consent, calling it misleading and potentially damaging.

The situation is being closely monitored by industry bodies to prevent further instances of such misrepresentation.

Also Read : “Kartik’s film will be a rage” – Saiyaara’s success creates buzz for Kartik Aaryan’s next, says trade guru Taran Adarsh

Farhan Akhtar is set to return to the big screen with 120 Bahadur, a film based on the real-life events of the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-China War — one of the most valiant last stands in Indian military history.

The much-anticipated teaser drops on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, offering the first glimpse at an untold story.

Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai, the film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC — who led 120 Indian soldiers to defend Ladakh against thousands of Chinese troops. Their valiant stand forced the Chinese to call for a unilateral ceasefire — a detail many are unaware of, but one the film brings to life with urgency and intensity.

FARHAN AKHTAR - FILM ON INDO-CHINA WAR: '120 BAHADUR' TEASER DROPS ON 5 AUGUST 2025... #ExcelEntertainment and #TriggerHappyStudios to launch the teaser of #120Bahadur, starring #FarhanAkhtar, on [Tuesday] 5 Aug 2025.

Marks #FarhanAkhtar's much-awaited comeback to the big screen… pic.twitter.com/M1h5qhL210 — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 2, 2025

Shot across Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, the production recreated high-altitude war zones at 14,000 feet, braving temperatures as low as –10°C. To ensure scale and authenticity, the team roped in the Oscar-winning action crew from All Quiet on the Western Front and collaborated with Snow Business, the UK-based experts known for epic war environments.

120 Bahadur is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment, alongside Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Studios. The film hits cinemas on November 21, 2025.

The untold story of Rezang La. The legend of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC. Teaser out August 5.

Also Read : Farhan Akhtar shot in -10°C at 14,000 ft for 120 Bahadur in Ladakh’s harsh terrain

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday rejected a criminal petition filed by actor‑turned‑politician Kangana Ranaut, thereby allowing a defamation case initiated against her to proceed to trial. Ranaut had sought dismissal of both the underlying complaint and the summoning order issued by a Bathinda court under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.

The legal action stems from a retweet shared by Ranaut during the 2020–21 farmers’ protests. In her post she wrote, “Ha ha ha she is the same dadi who featured in Time magazine for being the most powerful Indian…. And she is available in 100 rupees. Pakistani jurno’s have hijacked international PR for India in an embarrassing way. We need our own people to speak for us internationally.”

During the hearing under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the bench of Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya carefully analysed the evidence and arguments. The court stated, “There are specific allegations against the petitioner, who is a celebrity, that false and defamatory imputations by her in the retweet have dented the respondent’s reputation and lowered her in her own estimation, as also in the eyes of others. Therefore, filing of the complaint to vindicate her rights cannot be termed mala fide

Justice Dahiya further noted, “The order has been passed after due application of mind to the facts of the case, by examining the preliminary evidence in the light of relevant provisions of law.”

Observers highlighted that Ranaut's defence hinged on the argument that the retweet lacked malice and was shared in good faith—without awareness of any factual inaccuracy. However, the High Court dismissed this rationale, rejecting that she was automatically protected under the Ninth or Tenth Exceptions to Section 499 IPC, which pertain to statements made in good faith for public good or cautioning others.

Significantly, the court also pointed out that Ranaut had not tendered any apology or acknowledgement of the mistake after being informed that the person in the image was mistakenly identified—and not the “Shaheen Bano” or the “Time magazine” figure as implied.

The Bathinda magistrate had previously issued a summons on February 22, 2022, after preliminary evidence satisfied him that a prima facie case of defamation existed. The High Court affirmed that determination, noting that the magistrate “duly applied mind to the material on record” before issuing process.

Also Read : Kangana Ranaut sparks uproar with claim that MPs have less power than panchayats and MLAs; says, “A lot of MPs end up feeling very frustrated”