A fresh controversy has erupted in the Hindi film industry after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a strongly worded letter to the producers of the upcoming war drama Border 2, objecting to the casting of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. The federation has labelled the move a “blatant violation” of its earlier boycott directive against the actor.

The letter, addressed to producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and the team at JP Films, criticizes the decision of casting Dosanjh in the sequel to the iconic 1997 film Border, directed by Anurag Singh.

In the letter, FWICE stated, “The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing the core workforce of the Indian film and television industry, is deeply disappointed and concerned by the casting of actor-singer Mr. Diljit Dosanjh in your upcoming film Border 2... This casting decision is in blatant violation of FWICE’s official directive to boycott Mr. Diljit Dosanjh, which was issued after his unpatriotic act of working with a Pakistani actress, Ms. Hania Aamir, in the film Sardaar Ji 3.”

The federation alleges that by associating with a Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Dosanjh has “brazenly ignored national sentiment.” It further stated that the decision by JP Films and T-Series undermines the collective stand taken by the Indian film industry “in solidarity with the nation.”

In a related move, the FWICE has also sent legal notices to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and veteran actor Sunny Deol for their reported collaboration with Dosanjh in an upcoming film slated for release in April 2026. The federation referred to these associations as part of a broader “appeal regarding collaboration” with the blacklisted artist.

The FWICE’s stance stems from longstanding directives discouraging Indian artists from collaborating with Pakistani talent in the wake of border tensions. However, critics argue that such boycotts risk infringing on artistic freedom and the global nature of creative collaboration.

As the controversy unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the makers of Border 2 and other upcoming films involving Dosanjh will stand by their casting decisions or bow to the directive of FWICE.

Also Read : FWICE accuses Border 2 team of violating its ‘official directive’ by casting Diljit Dosanjh: “The core workforce of the Indian film and television industry is deeply disappointed”

One of the greatest films of Indian Cinema, Umrao Jaan (1981), is all set to re-release this Friday, June 27. The makers and distributors, PVR Inox Pictures, are all set to make this a grand affair and have called the who’s who of Bollywood for its premiere.

Reportedly, the special industry screening of the film will be hosted by Muzaffar Ali and Rekha at PVR Maison, Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai on Thursday, June 26. The red carpet will be a grand affair as the expected attendees are Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon, Dimple Kapadia, Helen, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, A R Rahman, Suniel Shetty, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Boney Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Vedang Raina and others.

Interestingly, just a week before, on June 19, it was Rekha who had attended the premiere of Sitaare Zameen Par where Aamir Khan was the host. Both greeted each other warmly and the pictures and videos got humongous views. On June 26, the tables will turn once Aamir walks the red carpet and meets the eternal host of the evening.

Interestingly, Priyanka Chopra Jonas was also invited to the premiere. In an Instagram story, she confessed that she won't be able to make it and expressed regret about it.

Muzaffar Ali in a recent interview with Bombay Times talked about the casting saying, “When I chose Rekha, I realized that there was this resilience in her eyes which could make her fall and rise in the same moment. She can be broken and not defeated. I couldn't see that in anybody else. I found in her a sense of total surrender. For this film, she knew something organic was taking place in her system to become what she could never become otherwise. Had she been reluctant about it, she wouldn’t have reached where she did.”

When asked about who he would cast if he remakes Umrao Jaan in the present day, he replied, “It's not easy for Umrao Jaan to find Rekha and for Rekha to find Umrao Jaan. There were layers of preparation that went into essaying this role. You must also be the right age. Kareena Kapoor has something. Alia Bhatt has something. They have a lot of magic, but I can't say till I open the book.”

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra pens note for Rekha’s Umrao Jaan, says she’s “sad to miss” the re-release

Pakeezah director Kamal Amrohi’s son Tajdar says the authorized biopic on his mother, the mythic Meena Kumari, is likely to star Kiara Advani. “She hasn’t been signed as yet. But she is likely to play my mother,” said Tajdar.

Siddharth P Malhotra, who will direct the bio-pic entitled Kamal Aur Meena, also confirmed the casting likelihood. “Kiara is in consideration. But I will lock in the casting in August. For now, I am off to the USA for a month. Casting for Meena Kumari ji part is relatively easy. The harder part is casting for Kamal Amrohi Saab. I need to lock in the hero first. I will lock in Meena ji only after I find the perfect Kamal Amrohi,” he said.

Malhotra said he is making a biopic on Kamal Amrohi’s love for Meena Kumari. “Kamal Aur Meena is my Romeo & Juliet on the love between the greatest director-actress pair of Indian cinema,” he said.

Also Read: Kiara Advani’s heartfelt Father’s Day post includes special moment from baby shower

After receiving widespread praise for his nuanced performance in Stolen, actor Abhishek Banerjee has once again sparked curiosity among fans and film lovers. The actor recently posted a story on his Instagram, where he was seen posing in a crisp police uniform grinning ear to ear. The image instantly caught the attention of his followers, leaving many wondering: Is fan-favourite "Jana" about to take on a hard-hitting cop role?

While there has been no official announcement from Abhishek himself, a source close to the development shared, “Yes, Abhishek will be seen playing a cop on screen soon. He looked absolutely dashing in the uniform, and the look really suits him. It's a different shade for him and audiences who are going to love it.”

Abhishek Banerjee, who is known for his versatility and ability to dive deep into complex characters, seems to be exploring new terrain with this intense and layered role. The project, still tightly under wraps, is expected to be revealed soon.

Whether this marks a full-blown foray into police procedurals or a one-off dramatic turn, fans are excited to see the actor embrace an authoritative avatar. Stay tuned as more details unfold.

Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee hails Siddhant Chaturvedi as Bollywood’s hidden gem; says, “I had seen the spark and talent in him from the beginning”

Actor Parth Samthaan took a meaningful step off-screen recently as he joined a beach clean-up drive in Mumbai, lending his star power to a noble cause. Known for his charismatic on-screen presence and loyal fan base, Parth was seen rolling up his sleeves and helping clear waste from the shore alongside a group of dedicated volunteers.

The initiative aimed at raising awareness about coastal cleanliness and environmental responsibility, and Parth’s participation turned many heads, quite literally. Fans who happened to be around were pleasantly surprised to see the actor involved in the initiative, and many even got the chance to click pictures with him. Despite being engaged in the clean-up efforts, Parth took time to interact warmly with those who approached him.

Dressed casually and with gloves on, the Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan star proved that real-life heroes don't always work from scripts. His effort was not just about cleaning a beach — it was about setting an example and showing that change begins when individuals step up.

This isn't the first time a public figure has used their influence for social good, but Parth’s hands-on involvement struck a chord with many. Photos and videos of him interacting with fans and helping out at the beach quickly began circulating on social media, with many praising his humility and awareness.

With his small yet impactful gesture, Parth reminded everyone that making a difference doesn’t always need a stage — sometimes, all it needs is a trash bag and the will to act.

Also Read: Parth Samthaan responds to criticism over his role as new ACP in CID 2; says, “I’ve come to CID with a purpose, and that will unfold through the storyline”

Actor Aayush Sharma, who is currently recovering from two back surgeries, shared a heartfelt note on June 24 detailing his health journey and recovery process. The Ruslaan actor took to social media to open up about ignoring a persistent back injury for years and how it ultimately caught up with him while shooting for his next film.

In a candid post accompanied by photos and videos from the hospital and gym, Sharma reflected on the importance of listening to one’s body. “Life has its way of slowing you down to make sure you listen,” he wrote, adding that the pain began during a stunt for Ruslaan. Like many, he initially brushed it off. “Nothing too dramatic, so I did what most of us tend to do… ignored it, masked it, and kept going.”

However, the condition worsened during the shoot of his upcoming project. What initially seemed minor eventually impacted his ability to perform basic movements, including dancing, stunts, and stretching. “What I thought was temporary turned out to be far more serious,” he admitted.

The actor revealed he underwent two surgeries and is now officially on the road to recovery. “This phase has taught me that good health isn’t just about a six-pack — it’s about what’s happening inside. Don’t ignore the whispers your body sends you. Act early. Heal properly,” Sharma urged his followers.

He extended gratitude to his medical team, producer Sajid Qureshi, and director Kiran Korrapati for their support during the uncertain weeks of recovery. Sharma also thanked his wife Arpita Khan Sharma and their children, Ahil and Ayat, for transforming his recovery into a period of warmth and comfort.

Touchingly, he shared a moment with his son, who called him “Wolverine” and said, “Papa, you heal fast… I need my Wolverine back.” Aayush ended his note with renewed determination: “I’m coming back stronger. For you. For me. For all of it.”

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Sharma’s update has drawn support from fans and well-wishers across the industry, with many commending his resilience and honesty in sharing the challenges behind the glamour of showbiz.

Also Read: Aayush Sharma turns reporter in fun video, shares playful weather update with wife Arpita Khan and daughter Ayat

Emraan Hashmi, who was diagnosed with dengue on May 28 while filming his upcoming pan-Indian film They Call Him OG, has recovered and is back on set. He has resumed shooting in Mumbai.

Emraan Hashmi shared, “I am back in action, and it feels good! I took some time off to recover from dengue, but now I am fully recovered and back on set. A big thank you to everyone for all the love and thoughtful messages! I am excited to get back to the hustle and bring something exciting to the screen soon.”

It is worth mentioning here that Bollywood Hungama was the first publication to report on Emraan's health. A well-placed industry source told us, "Emraan Hashmi was shooting for OG in Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai. That’s where he contracted the disease. He was not feeling well and had dengue-like symptoms. On the recommendation of the doctors, he got his tests done. The test confirmed that he is suffering from dengue."

Speaking of the project, OG will mark Emraan Hashmi’s debut in Telugu cinema. The film also stars Pawan Kalyan in the leading role, along with Priyanka Mohan as the female lead. Meanwhile, Emraan will essay the role of the antagonist. OG is all set to release in cinemas worldwide on September 25. It is produced by DVV Entertainment of RRR (2022) fame and directed by Sujeeth of Saaho (2019) fame.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi to begin shooting Awarapan 2 in July after two-year script refinement; says the film “picked up over time through the internet, YouTube, and Torrent”

Cricket and cinema hold a special place in the hearts of Indians, and when the two worlds collide, the excitement among fans is palpable. After successful biopics on Indian cricketers like MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, audiences have been eagerly awaiting the Sourav Ganguly biopic. Now, it appears the wait is finally over.

In a recent conversation with NDTV, Rajkummar Rao officially confirmed that he will be playing the role of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly in the much-anticipated biopic. “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official — yes, I am playing him in his biopic,” Rao said. “I am nervous... It's a huge responsibility, but it's going to be a lot of fun,” he added.

Speculations around the casting had been circulating for a while, with names like Ranbir Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana also being considered. However, Ganguly himself seemed to have endorsed Rao recently, giving a strong indication of the actor’s selection.

Just a few days ago, in an interaction with PTI, Ganguly had spoken about the film’s progress. “It's going well. It will be released next December. Shooting starts in January. The pre-production, story writing, and scripting take a lot of time. Shooting doesn't take that much time — it's about three months — and then the post-production takes time,” the former cricketer said.

Rajkummar Rao’s casting comes fresh off the heels of his recent appearance in Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, a fictional sports drama centred around cricket. Currently, he is busy promoting his upcoming film Maalik, which is slated for theatrical release on July 11.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao grows his beard for 80 days for Maalik, fans can’t get enough

After a fantastic last week for Bollywood thanks to the Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, the trade and industry now gears up for another exciting film, Maa. The trailer of the film caught attention due to the casting of Kajol, the horror genre, and the subject. The only concern was that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) might ask for several cuts and even after doing so, they might award an ‘A’ certificate to the film. But with this film, the CBFC has given a pleasant surprise to one and all.

As per the cut list, the CBFC has passed the film without a single audio or visual cut. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “With CBFC, one can never know. In Sitaare Zameen Par, the members asked for Michael Jackson to be replaced by ‘lovebirds’ and ‘Business Woman’ was changed to ‘Business Person’. That and the insistence on adding a quote from the Prime Minister led to a storm. Hence, the fear was that when a clean film like Sitaare Zameen Par gets such cuts, what would happen to Maa which is a horror flick.”

The source continued, “However, the CBFC’s Examining Committee didn’t cut a single shot, though a few scenes are disturbing. And that’s not all. They also allowed the film to have a U/A 16+ rating. This means that the under-18 crowd can also view this film.”

This is a rarity because most horror or supernatural films are given an ‘A’ certificate like Chhorii 2 (2025), 1920: Horrors Of The Heart (2023), Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship (2020), Amavas (2019), Ghost (2019), Tumbbad (2018) etc. The only other supernatural Hindi film of recent times which didn’t get an adults-only certificate was Shaitaan (2024); like Maa, it was also backed by Devgn Films and Jio Studios. Horror comedies, meanwhile, are passed with a U/A certificate though.

Coming back to Maa, the CBFC, however, simply asked the makers to increase the disclaimer length up to readable time and also asked them to add about "anti-girl child and human sacrifice" details. Lastly, as per the rules in force since 2021, the makers were told to mention the title of the film in Hindi as well.

Once these changes were made, the censor certificate was handed to the makers of Maa on June 20. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 135.35 minutes, that is, 2 hours 15 minutes and 35 seconds.

Maa releases in cinemas on June 27.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jitin Gulati shares his excitement about being part of Kajol starrer Maa; says, “It was an easy yes”

The release of Sardaar Ji 3 has sparked controversy after it was revealed that the film stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Diljit Dosanjh. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and several industry voices, including filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, have now strongly opposed the film, calling for a boycott of Diljit Dosanjh.

In an interview with ANI, Ashoke Pandit said, “The matter is very serious because Diljit Dosanjh is a compulsive, regular lawbreaker, as far as our industry is concerned. He has always promoted Pakistani performers, Pakistani singers, Pakistani actors.”

The controversy gained momentum after the FWICE wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging them not to grant Sardaar Ji 3 a censor certificate and to block its release in India. “When the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 was released, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, which is the mother body of 36 crafts, immediately wrote a letter to CBFC and I&B Ministry, that this film should not get a censor certificate, and it should not be released here,” Pandit added.

FWICE’s strict stance is rooted in the non-cooperation notice the federation issued in the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama attack, which explicitly banned Indian film industry associations, artists, and technicians from collaborating with Pakistani performers across all crafts. “The Federation of Western India Cine Employees had issued a notice of non-cooperation after the Pulwama attack. All the people will not participate with any Pakistani performer. Be it a producer, a director, a singer, or a music director. No craft will involve them. Even the technicians will be boycotted,” Pandit explained.

He emphasized that the notice remains in effect and has never been withdrawn. “We reiterated all the attacks that our notice is still valid. We have not changed or withdrawn it,” he said.

Ashoke Pandit also urged the producer associations and event companies to distance themselves from Diljit Dosanjh. “We will issue another notice, where we are appealing to our producer bodies, to all the members of the producer association, that please don't cast him, please don't work with him. And apart from this, all the event companies, we are writing to them, that in any of their events, don't let him participate, don't hire his services. It is very important to boycott him from this country,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 is scheduled for worldwide release on June 27, but its fate in India now hangs in uncertainty.

Also Read: FWICE calls for ban on Diljit Dosanjh’s projects after Pakistani actress Hania Aamir appears in Sardaar Ji 3 trailer

The wait is almost over for fans of high-voltage thrillers. Raid 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, is all set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on June 26. Starring Ajay Devgn and Vaani Kapoor, the film is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and promises to bring back the same intensity and drama that made the original a crowd-puller.

Netflix made the announcement via Instagram with a gripping poster and the caption: “Aaj se ulti ginti shuru (The countdown begins today) Amay Patnaik is back with a new case and the same old fire.”

Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Amay Patnaik, the fearless IRS officer who takes on the corrupt without compromise. Known for his powerful screen presence, Devgn once again embodies a character who doesn’t wait for justice—he raids it. Joining him this time is Vaani Kapoor, who adds a new layer of intrigue and drama to the storyline.

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Raid 2 follows Amay as he takes on a fresh mission in a new city, setting the stage for a powerful confrontation that tests the very boundaries of justice. With stakes higher than ever, the sequel is expected to deliver on all fronts—suspense, emotion, and action.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, the film is a Panorama Studios production, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar. Director Raj Kumar Gupta, who helmed the first film, returns to direct the sequel, ensuring narrative continuity with an evolved storyline.

With its gripping narrative and compelling performances, Raid 2, which released in theatres on May 1, carried forward the legacy of its predecessor, promising a cinematic experience where every raid hits harder and justice arrives louder than ever. Raid 2 streams June 26, only on Netflix. Fans can expect another edge-of-the-seat ride with Amay Patnaik leading the charge.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Raid 2 actor Tarun Gahlot opens up on what to expect from Ajay Devgn-starrer De De Pyaar De 2: “DOUBLE dose of entertainment, comedy, drama; it’s going to be an AMAZING film; it was the most RELAXED shoot ever…”

Ishaan Khatter is set to attend the Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week on June 24, marking a significant international appearance for the actor. This event signals another step in Ishaan’s expanding presence on the global stage, particularly within the fashion industry.

Sources close to the actor have confirmed that Ishaan will be attending as an official guest of the Louis Vuitton maison. His participation not only highlights his growing influence beyond film but also positions him as a rising figure in international fashion circuits. This appearance is notable as he will be the only Indian actor invited to the show this year.

The timing of this invitation aligns with Ishaan’s increasing international profile. Recently, he starred in Netflix’s The Royals, portraying a reluctant modern-day prince in a fictional monarchy. The series has achieved success across multiple countries, with viewers acknowledging his portrayal for its emotional complexity.

Earlier this year, Ishaan also made his debut at the Cannes Film Festival with the film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. The film’s screening received a prolonged standing ovation, earning critical recognition within the festival’s Un Certain Regard section. His performance in the film was widely noted for its depth and impact.

In addition to his recent projects, Ishaan had previously been part of the Netflix series The Perfect Couple, where he starred alongside Nicole Kidman. The project marked his first major role in an international ensemble cast and contributed to his growing visibility in global entertainment.

Ishaan’s selection as a guest for Louis Vuitton’s Paris show adds to a series of milestones that reflect his evolving international career. His attendance is set to draw attention not only for his ongoing film work but also for his position within the expanding intersection of Indian cinema and global fashion.

The Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week remains one of the most high-profile events on the fashion calendar, and Ishaan Khatter’s participation marks a key moment in his professional journey.

Also Read: Ishaan Khatter shares glimpses of Manali getaway with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Pooja Hegde