In a landmark move set to redefine Bollywood’s music and film landscape, Saregama India Ltd has announced a strategic partnership with Bhansali Productions Pvt Ltd, helmed by celebrated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The alliance is anchored by an equity investment from Saregama, signalling a long-term collaboration between two creative powerhouses.

Under the agreement, Bhansali Productions will exclusively sell the music rights of all its future films to Saregama based on a pre-agreed pricing formula. This structure ensures a steady pipeline of premium film music for Saregama while eliminating competitive bidding and controlling acquisition costs.

Bhansali Productions will retain full ownership of its intellectual property and creative control over its films. Meanwhile, Saregama will provide governance oversight and financial discipline within the partnership framework. The deal also aligns with Saregama’s strategy to streamline in-house film production over the next one to two years, focusing instead on strategic collaborations.

The investment is expected to be earnings-per-share accretive by FY27, boosting margins across Saregama’s music and video segments.

Founded in 1996, Bhansali Productions has delivered cinematic gems like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, along with Netflix’s acclaimed series Heeramandi. The studio plans to produce over 10 feature films in the next three years, including the highly anticipated Love and War starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, and Do Deewane Seher Mein featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur.

For FY25, Bhansali Productions reported Rs. 304 crores in revenue, Rs. 60 crores EBITDA, and Rs. 45 crores profit after tax. Commenting on the partnership, Avarna Jain, Vice Chairperson at Saregama India, said that the collaboration reflects the company’s vision to work with established creative studios and generate long-term shareholder value. Bhansali added that the partnership is rooted in shared values of artistic integrity, music, and storytelling.

Kotak Investment Banking acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Bhansali Productions for this transaction. Saregama, part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, operates across music, digital content, television, artiste management, and film production.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt opens up on emotional impact of Gangubai Kathiawadi: “I completely surrendered to Sanjay Leela Bhansali”

The inheritance battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s colossal Rs. 30,000 crores estate has taken a sensational twist. On Tuesday, Priya Sachdev Kapur, Sunjay’s third wife, fiercely opposed any forensic examination of the Will that forms the bedrock of her claim to his personal assets and control over the Sona Comstar Group. The plea for scientific scrutiny—covering handwriting, ink, and paper analysis—was pressed by Sunjay’s children from his previous marriage, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapur, who argue that such checks are vital to confirm authenticity.

Legal experts say Priya’s resistance is highly unusual in a probate dispute of this magnitude, as courts routinely rely on forensic tests to settle doubts over testamentary documents. Blocking this process, they warn, could amplify suspicions surrounding a Will that completely excludes Sunjay’s biological children.

Adding fuel to the fire, Shradha Suri Marwah—the Will’s purported executor—has dramatically altered her stance on how she first received the document. Initially claiming Priya handed it over on June 24, Suri later said it came from Dinesh Agarwal on June 14, only to revert to her original version after reviewing Priya’s submissions. These oscillations, coupled with her admission that she was unaware of being named executor and lacked independent legal advice, have raised eyebrows. Her request for indemnity from Priya and reluctance to probate the Will further deepen scepticism.

Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Samaira and Kiaan, argued that under Indian law, an executor cannot be appointed without prior consent. If the Will fails judicial scrutiny, Sunjay’s estate would devolve equally among all Class I heirs—a point even Suri’s counsel conceded.

The Delhi High Court will hear both the forensic inspection plea and Suri’s amendment application on January 20, 2026, a date that could decide whether the Will reflects Sunjay Kapur’s true intentions or collapses under scrutiny.

For the unversed, Sunjay Kapur, Chairman of Sona Comstar, died suddenly on June 12, 2025, during a polo match in Windsor, England. The contested Will, dated March 21, 2025, allegedly leaves his entire personal estate to Priya and their minor son Azarias, excluding his children from his previous marriage to Karisma Kapoor. The dispute has spiralled into one of India’s most high-stakes inheritance battles, with allegations of forgery, concealment, and even conspiracy swirling around the case.

Also Read: Explosion in Rs. 30,000-Crore Sunjay Kapur estate battle: Missing email attachment triggers Will scam suspicion

Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, producer Bhushan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta and director Anurag Singh attended the teaser launch of one of the biggest films of 2026, Border 2. The team of the film talked about several aspects of the film. A conversation about Border is incomplete without the mention of the songs. The first part’s songs are memorable even today. The teaser features a recreated version of ‘Hindustan Hindustan’. At the event, Bhushan Kumar confirmed that a remixed version of ‘Sandese Aate Hai’ is also a part of the Border 2 album. He further revealed that it would be launched in a grand event that too at a town located at the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan.

Bhushan Kumar said, “This time, for ‘Sandese Aate Hai’, we have added other singers also. We are going to launch that song on January 2 at Longewala with the armed forces as it's a very, very special song. We have tried our best to make sure that it has the same feel as the original song and yet, it has the sound of today.” Interestingly, Border (1997) was based on the Battle of Longewala in 1971.

At the start of the event, Bhushan Kumar stated, “The credit for the film goes to J P Dutta sir. Nidhi approached me and expressed the desire to make Border 2. Obviously, the emotion of the whole world is connected with Border. Hence, we collectively decided at our studio that we should make this film.”

He then praised Sunny Deol, “Without Sunny sir, it is impossible to make Border 2. A big thank you to him for working so hard and devoting so much time. I have no words.”

Bhushan continued, “I am getting very nervous right now as the film is very emotional for us. Anurag, Varun, Ahan and everyone else have done a very good job. Whenever I talk to Varun’s father (David Dhawan), I tell him, ‘Varun has done a great job’. He hasn’t given a performance like this ever.”

Lastly, Bhushan Kumar thanked the director of Border 2, “Thank you, Anurag. You have worked extensively. We, at T-Series, are thrilled that we got such a great film.”

Border 2 releases in cinemas on January 23, 2026.

Also Read: Sunny Deol gets emotional at Border 2 teaser launch, marks first public appearance since Dharmendra’s demise

The buzz around O Romeo may be understated at present, but the creative forces behind the film have ensured that it turns out to be a project of considerable interest. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, the film marks his much-anticipated reunion with Shahid Kapoor, an actor who has delivered some of his most acclaimed performances under Bhardwaj’s distinctive and layered direction. They have earlier worked in Kaminey (2009), Haider (2014) and Rangoon (2017). Their collaboration once again sets high expectations for a performance-driven narrative.

The ensemble of O Romeo is further strengthened by the inclusion of Triptii Dimri and the legendary Nana Patekar, whose presence brings both freshness and gravitas to the film. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that O Romeo will also feature an impressive supporting cast, including Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia and Disha Patani, among others, positioning it as a true ensemble-led project.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O Romeo is slated for a Valentine’s Day release on February 13, 2026.

In December 2024, Bollywood Hungama had reported that O Romeo went on floors on January 6, 2025. At that time, a source told us, “Mustafa Stationwala, who created the sets of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Hindi Medium (2017), Airlift (2016), etc. is the production designer on this film. Sajid Nadiadwala has gone all out, like always, in ensuring that the set is grand but at the same time, authentic to the storyline. He and director Vishal Bhardwaj have also meticulously worked on the scheduling of the film.”

With less than two months left for release, expectations are mounting for O Romeo to blend Vishal Bhardwaj’s signature intrigue with Shahid Kapoor’s intensity, now further elevated by a strong ensemble cast that adds scale, variety, and serious screen presence to the narrative. With Sajid Nadiadwala mounting it on a lavish yet story-rooted canvas, the film is quietly shaping up to be one of the key entertainers of 2026 and among the year’s most interesting big-screen bets.

Also Read: What to watch after Dhurandhar? 6 Indian espionage thrillers worth your time

Actor and real life hero Sonu Sood continues to prove that real change begins with intent, and grows through action. Through the Sood Charity Foundation, he has taken on a mission that goes beyond awareness, focusing on something far more urgent making breast cancer treatment accessible, free, and stigma-free for women across India.

Sharing his vision, Sonu Sood said, “Jab maine Sood Charity Foundation ki shuruaat ki, toh mera mission tha ki is desh ki mahilaon ko breast cancer se mukt karna hai. Bahut sari mahilaen jo is takleef se guzarti hain, kai baar hospital ja hi nahi paati ya bata hi nahi pati.” Recognising the silent suffering of countless women, especially in underserved regions, the foundation launched a nationwide initiative promising free breast cancer surgeries for women, no matter where they live.

That promise has already translated into impact on the ground. He claims, "Aaj, 500 se upar surgeries ho chuki hain, 500 se upar jaane bach chuki hain, aur 500 se zyada parivaaron ko ek naya jeevan mil chuka hai. Mujhe badi khushi hoti hai ki hamari team aur hamare saath jude logon ke karan hum naya jeevan de paaye". For Sonu, these numbers represent stories of courage, resilience, and hope, made possible through collective effort.

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Acknowledging the medical professionals who stood firmly behind the mission, Sonu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors involved in this initiative, whose expertise in surgeries and radiation treatment played a critical role in delivering care. He also thanked the countless individuals who identified cases, reached out for help, and ensured that women in need reached the foundation in time.

While the milestone is significant, Sonu remains clear-eyed about the road ahead. “Yeh sirf shuruaat hai,” he said, extending an open appeal to the nation. Anyone, anywhere in India, who knows a woman battling breast cancer is urged to bring her forward. The foundation, he assures, will take full responsibility for her treatment, completely free of cost. In a country where healthcare often feels out of reach, Sonu Sood’s mission stands as a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when empathy meets action.

Also Read: Sonu Sood pledges to fund education of 10-month-old Bihar boy after his mother is killed in poll-related violence in Bihar: “From KG to PG, we’ve got you covered”

Bengaluru police have registered a case against Bastian Garden City, the upscale restaurant co-owned by Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, for operating beyond permitted hours following a viral video of a late-night altercation.

CCTV footage from December 11 around 1:30 am captured a verbal dispute among patrons at Bastian on St. Mark's Road, escalating into heckling before staff intervened. Businessman and former Bigg Boss contestant Satya Naidu was identified in the clip, denying any physical confrontation and claiming he visited only for dinner with friends, with confusion arising during billing.

Cubbon Park police filed the case suo motu under Section 103 of the Karnataka Police Act after reviewing the video, which showed operations past the 1 am closing time for pubs without special permission. Managers and staff have been booked, with investigations ongoing into whether this reflects a pattern of violations amid a pre-New Year crackdown on nightlife spots.

Bastian, partnered by Shilpa Shetty with founder Ranjit Bindra, is a premium brand known for high prices like Rs 920 jasmine tea and Rs 1.59 lakh champagne, reportedly generating Rs 2-3 crores nightly in Mumbai before its Bandra branch closed in October. This comes weeks after Shilpa Shetty and husband Raj Kundra faced a separate Rs 60 crores fraud probe. A similar case was filed against Sourberry Pub on Residency Road.​

Also Read: Democratic Sangha Forum 2025: Regena Cassandrra, Shilpa Shetty, Mamta Mohandas and notable politicians discuss key themes

A major controversy has disrupted the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram, as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has withheld screening permissions for several films, leading to cancellations.​

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticized the decision, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and highlighting the denial of clearance to 19 scheduled films. On December 16, 2025, he noted on social media that the original list was longer, but some approvals followed his intervention with I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requested by festival chairman Riyas LP, while others await Ministry of External Affairs clearance.

Tharoor described the bureaucracy's stance as a “staggering lack of cinematic understanding,” questioning blocks on classics like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 Russian Revolution film seen by millions worldwide, including in India. "The list of 19 films suggests an extraordinary degree of cinematic illiteracy on the part of the bureaucracy. To deny clearance to a classic like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 film on the Russian Revolution which has been viewed by literally hundreds of millions around the world (and in India) over the last century, is laughable. Denying permission to some Palestinian films reflects bureaucratic over-cautiousness rather than the cultural breadth of vision that should be involved when it comes to world cinema," he wrote.

It is most unfortunate that an unseemly controversy has arisen over the central government's denial of clearance to 19 films which were scheduled to be screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.

The original list was much longer, but several… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 16, 2025

He urged Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and S Jaishankar to expedite approvals, warning of damage to India’s cultural image, especially in cinema-loving Kerala.​

Films lacking Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval require special I&B Ministry exemption for festival screenings, and the absence of these has stalled the IFFK schedule.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan decried restrictions on landmarks like Battleship Potemkin, The Hour of the Furnaces, and the Spanish film Beef, calling it a “clear misunderstanding of cinema” that judges by titles or politics, undermining artistic freedom. Organizers are negotiating resolutions before the festival ends on December 19, amid delegate inconvenience.

Also Read: Karan Johar, Malaika Arora compare Pitch To Get Rich contestant to Shashi Tharoor; Congress MP gives cheeky reply!

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has officially confirmed that he is reuniting with Akshay Kumar after a gap of 15 years. While speculation around their collaboration had been circulating for some time, Bazmee put an end to the rumours by revealing that the duo is working on a new comedy project.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Bazmee shared that the script for the film is nearing completion. “It is a comedy. I am writing the script right now, it’s almost complete. If everything goes as planned, we will start shooting soon,” he said. The film is currently untitled, and while reports had suggested that it could be a remake of the Telugu action-comedy Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Bazmee chose not to comment on those claims.

The director, however, spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Akshay Kumar. Reflecting on their bond, Bazmee said there has always been mutual respect between them. “There is mutual love and respect between us. When I told him about this film, he was more than happy,” he added, noting that they remained in touch over the years despite not collaborating since Thank You (2011).

Having said that, it is worth mentioning that Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to report about Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee's reunion. Readers may recall that a source told Bollywood Hungama, "Anees and Akshay loved the plot of the lead character stuck between his wife and ex-girlfriend that Sankranthiki Vasthunam rides on. However, the original had a lot of Telugu flavour. To make the film palatable for the Hindi audience, Anees Bazmee is reimagining the film, keeping the core plot intact."

On the work front, Akshay Kumar has a busy slate ahead. The actor will be seen in Haiwaan and Bhoot Bangla, both directed by Priyadarshan, and is also set to return to the Hera Pheri franchise with Hera Pheri 3, once again under Priyadarshan’s direction.

Also Read: Anees Bazmee CONFIRMS Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, says, “It is work in progress”

After touching hearts with Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan Productions is now turning the spotlight towards the people who quietly shaped the journey behind the scenes. The makers have unveiled the trailer of Sitaaron Ke Sitaare, a documentary that introduces audiences to the real stars behind the film — the parents of the young actors who featured in the sports comedy-drama.

Sitaaron Ke Sitaare traces the lives, emotions, and everyday realities of the parents whose children became the ‘Sitaare’ of Sitaare Zameen Par. While the film itself emerged as a heartwarming family entertainer and resonated deeply with audiences, the documentary expands that emotional universe by focusing on the journeys that unfolded off-screen. The trailer offers glimpses of intimate moments, shared struggles, pride, and the process of growing up alongside their children’s dreams.

Directed by Shaanib Bakshi, the documentary continues Aamir Khan Productions’ pattern of taking unconventional routes to storytelling. It follows the studio’s earlier decision to make Sitaare Zameen Par available on YouTube through the “Janta Ka Theater” initiative at a nominal price, a move that challenged traditional distribution models and widened access for audiences across the country.

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Sitaaron Ke Sitaare is set to premiere on 19th December, exclusively on Aamir Khan Talkies’ YouTube channel.

The documentary builds upon the legacy of Sitaare Zameen Par, which starred Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and introduced ten rising talents — Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The film was directed by R. S. Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, and released in theatres on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: PVR INOX hosts special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par for Indian Air Force personnel

Dharma Productions has acquired Cornerstone’s stake in its talent management venture, Dharma Cornerstone Agency, and relaunched it under a new name — Dharma Collab Artists Agency (DCAA). The move marks a strategic expansion of Dharma’s presence beyond filmmaking into a wider cultural and talent ecosystem.

With the rebranding, DCAA will function as Dharma Productions’ exclusive platform for artist representation, spanning film, music, sports, digital media, live experiences, and cultural collaborations. The agency will continue to be led by Uday Singh Gauri as CEO and Rajeev Masand as COO, ensuring continuity as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Uday Singh Gauri, who brings over two decades of experience across talent management, music, live entertainment, and strategic partnerships, is expected to focus on expanding the agency’s reach and building new verticals. The aim, according to the leadership, is to help artists navigate careers that increasingly move across formats and platforms rather than remain limited to a single medium.

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, said, "Talent has always shaped Dharma’s identity, influencing both our creative choices and how we build for the future. With DCAA, we are creating a structured platform that supports artists across disciplines. This is a deliberate and long-term step toward deepening our role in the creative economy."

Speaking about the relaunch, Uday Singh Gauri said, "With DCAA, we’re building a platform that reflects the way artists work, express, and grow today. Representation now goes far beyond negotiation and visibility. It requires cultural understanding, business instinct, and the ability to move with — and ahead of — the industry. Our focus is on developing long-term careers across multiple formats, while creating meaningful pathways between talent and opportunity. This is about scale, yes, but it’s also about care, clarity, and collaboration."

DCAA’s current roster includes a mix of film actors, musicians, digital creators, and cultural voices such as Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Rasha Thadani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Harshvardhan Rane, Lakshya, Rohit Saraf, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Orry, Sumukhi Suresh, among others.

Dharma Productions, founded in 1976 by the late Yash Johar and now jointly owned by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, has built a reputation for launching new talent while delivering commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. With DCAA, the studio appears to be extending that legacy into artist management, positioning itself as a long-term partner in shaping careers across entertainment and culture.

Also Read: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions takes 100% control of talent venture after amicable split with Cornerstone

Dhurandhar had a fair opening, but on the weekdays, it went on another level. It became clear to the trade and industry that the second weekend would be higher. Yet, no one was prepared for the fact that the film would earn a huge Rs. 146.60 crores from Day 8 to Day 10. And as expected, the Tuesday offer of Rs. 99 will not be implemented this week as well.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The weekend trend gave a strong indication that the demand to watch Dhurandhar is incredible. Hence, a decision was taken by the distributors that cinemas shouldn’t reduce the ticket prices on Tuesday, as they usually do for other movies. Accordingly, the cinemas have been asked to follow blockbuster pricing for all days of the week, including Tuesday. The excellent hold on the second Monday has given an indication that their decision will prove right and lead to steady collections despite no discount.”

Last week, Bollywood Hungama had reported that ever since the Tuesday offer began on April 22, 2025, only two other films didn’t opt for a discount offer in Week 1 – Raid 2 and Sitaare Zameen Par. However, both films took advantage of the scheme from Week 2. Dhurandhar is thus the first ever film to not opt for the Tuesday offer twice.

In fact, an industry insider revealed, “If the momentum continues, there will be no offer on subsequent Tuesdays as well, on December 23 and December 30. It’s holiday time when business is on the upswing. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the Tuesday offer for Dhurandhar is implemented directly on January 6, 2026.”

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, it is directed by Aditya Dhar. The sequel is scheduled to be released on March 19, 2026.

Also Read: Samantha applauds Ranveer Singh’s transformation in Dhurandhar, calls him “unreal”

Bhanushali Studios Limited announced a creative collaboration with acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay. Known globally for shaping modern blockbuster cinema, Bay marked his first-ever creative association with an Indian studio and an Indian film through this partnership, a milestone he also shared on social media.

Michael Bay, whose body of work as a director and producer includes franchises and films such as Bad Boys, Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Transformers, and A Quiet Place, has been responsible for over USD 10 billion in global box office collections. His collaboration with Bhanushali Studios signals a notable cross-cultural exchange between Hollywood-scale action filmmaking and Indian storytelling.

The upcoming project is set to be directed by Anthony D’Souza, known for large-scale entertainers such as Boss, Blue, and Azhar. Elevating the film further is the involvement of Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman, whose music has consistently carried Indian narratives to a global audience.

Speaking about his first Indian collaboration, Michael Bay said, “It was an exciting opportunity to blend Hollywood’s action-driven approach with the heart and emotion of Indian storytelling. Working with Rahman, Vinod, and Tony offered the chance to create a new cinematic experience filled with energy, rhythm, and striking visuals. Anthony’s vision, particularly, his handling of scale and emotion made this collaboration especially fulfilling.”

A R Rahman reflected on the creative union, saying, “When different cinematic worlds come together, they open up a unique space for music. For me, composing has always been about discovering the soul of a film and giving the score its own identity — a voice for what remains unspoken. I let the music carry the emotion.”

Bhanushali Studios Limited has steadily built a strong slate of films through collaborations with prominent banners such as Warner Bros. Pictures, Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions, Hansal Mehta’s True Story Films, and Ali Abbas Zafar’s AAZ Films. The alliance with Michael Bay marks a further step toward international collaboration and global storytelling.

Vinod Bhanushali, Chairman and Managing Director of Bhanushali Studios Limited, shared, “Cinema is global and stories are universal. Collaborations like this remind us that creative scale has no boundaries. Bringing together Michael Bay’s dynamic filmmaking with A R Rahman’s musical universe was an ambitious and inspiring vision. We believed an Indian story could find a strong voice on the global stage through such partnerships.”

Director Anthony D’Souza also spoke about the project, saying, “Collaborating with Michael Bay’s creative intensity, Rahman sir’s musical brilliance, and the support of Bhanushali Studios was both an honour and a responsibility. This film aspired to balance scale, speed, and emotion while delivering a cinematic experience that remained soulful at its core.”

The film is in the early stages of development at the time of the announcement, with further details expected to be revealed as the project progresses.

Also Read: Narcos cinematographer Juan Carlos Gil praises Vikrant Massey’s unmatched commitment for White: “He was generous about the job”