Actor Deepika Padukone has addressed the ongoing row surrounding her demand for an eight-hour work shift, a request that reportedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Speaking with CNBC-TV18, the actor highlighted the double standards faced by women in the film industry when compared to their male counterparts.

“By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it,” Deepika said, responding to criticism. “But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry have been working for eight hours for years, and it’s never made headlines. A lot of them only work for eight hours Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends.”

Deepika further reflected on the need for structure in an otherwise chaotic work environment. “Even though we call it an industry, we have never really worked like one. It’s a very disorganised industry, and I think it’s time we brought in some system into this culture,” she noted.

The actor found herself at the center of debate after she exited Spirit, reportedly because her request for shorter working hours — made to ensure she could balance professional and personal commitments, especially time with her daughter Dua — was not accommodated. Soon after, production house Vyjayanthi Movies announced that she was no longer part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, citing the project’s demand for “a higher level of commitment.”

Her comments on work hours coincided with her visit to Madhya Pradesh on World Mental Health Day, where she marked 10 years of her foundation, Live Love Laugh. The event served as both a celebration of the foundation’s decade-long work in mental health awareness and a reaffirmation of her advocacy.

When asked if she felt she was paying a price for asking what she believed was fair, Deepika responded thoughtfully: “I have done this at many levels. Even as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I am someone who has always fought my battles silently, and for some strange reason sometimes they become public, which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles and to do it silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”

Despite the controversy, Deepika has already resumed work, beginning shoots for Siddharth Anand’s King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. She is also slated to feature in Atlee’s upcoming film AA22xA6 with Allu Arjun.

Also Read: The date that had everything — lunch, cheesecake, long drive and Mr Bean! Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone’s rare 2008 interview resurfaces

The 2019 romantic comedy De De Pyaar De turned out to be a solid box office success, winning audiences over with its unconventional storyline, sharp humour, heartfelt performances, and catchy music. Naturally, when news broke that a sequel was in development, excitement levels soared. Now, the much-awaited follow-up is nearly complete, and with its release a month away, anticipation is at an all-time high. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the trailer of De De Pyaar De 2 will be launched in a grand fashion by the makers a month before its release.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The trailer of De De Pyaar De 2 will be unveiled on October 14 and will be graced by the film’s lead actors, namely Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan and Rakul Preet Singh, director Anshul Sharma, producer Luv Ranjan, Bhushan Kumar etc.”

The source further said, “Usually, the trailer is launched in just one venue in one city. But for De De Pyaar De 2, the team has made an exception. It’ll be a two-city launch. The team will first release the trailer in Delhi on October 14. The same day, they’ll fly down to Maximum City and grace the Mumbai leg of the trailer launch. The makers are excited about their product and hence, they have decided to go for a novel two-city launch initiative. They are confident that it’ll further help them in grabbing eyeballs.”

 De De Pyaar De told the story of a 50-year-old divorcee who gets into a relationship with a 26-year-old girl. The first part was directed by Akiv Ali and focused on the chaos that ensues when the man tries to win the approval of his family for his newfound love. De De Pyaar De 2 is directed by Anshul Sharma and it marks the entry of R Madhavan as Rakul’s father. As per reports, it is the story of a hilarious one-upmanship that will ensue between Ajay and Madhavan, over Rakul’s character dating a man older than her father. It releases in cinemas worldwide on November 14.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh reveals how she picks roles as she gears up for De De Pyaar De 2, Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 and Ramayana

Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. The drama follows two childhood friends and their emotional journey through changing times, exploring friendship, identity, and resilience. After a modest start, the film is now witnessing a remarkable surge in audience demand.

In its third week, Homebound has received an impressive increase in screens and showtimes across major cities, with several theatres reporting houseful shows over the weekend. Initially released on around 200–225 screens nationwide, the film had a slow but steady opening. However, the tide has turned as strong word-of-mouth and glowing reviews have drawn more viewers to cinemas.

Trade sources reveal that multiplex chains in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru have expanded the film’s run, adding extra shows to meet the growing demand. Single-screen theatres in smaller cities have also reported full-house bookings for evening and weekend slots. The emotional storytelling and grounded performances have struck a chord with audiences, prompting many to recommend the film to friends and family.

The expansion strategy seems deliberate Dharma Productions and distributors are capitalizing on the film’s organic growth rather than pushing for a massive initial release. This platform-style rollout is helping Homebound build momentum week after week. Despite competition from new releases, the film’s rising occupancy rates and audience appreciation are positioning it as a sleeper hit.

Having also been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026, Homebound’s theatrical journey is far from over. With more screens being added and consistent word-of-mouth support, the film’s third week marks a turning point transforming it from a modest release into one of the most talked-about successes of the season.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Vishal Jethwa on the message of oneness in Homebound, “We will grow only when we look at everyone as humans, instead of focussing on their religion or surname”; recalls Aditya Chopra’s 1st reaction to his act in Mardaani 2: “He said, ‘No beta…’”

IRS Officer Sameer Wankhede has broken his silence amidst the controversy surrounding the defamation suit he filed against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Aryan Khan over the web series, The B***ds of Bollywood. The show, marking Khan's directorial debut, allegedly features a character that maligns Wankhede's reputation and mocks anti-drug agencies.

"There is none… I am an officer of law, whatever books and Acts are there, I do as per that," Wankhede told HT City, emphasizing his commitment to the rule of law. "We are not living in some kind of a banana republic out here. We have a constitution, we have a system, we have a set up... I am a very small man, just a government servant. How can anybody have such a grudge and all those things, you know? These things are just loose talks."

The officer's strong words come as a direct challenge to the portrayal in the Netflix series, which he alleges is a "calculated and vindictive hit job."3

For the unversed, the animosity between Wankhede and the Khan family dates back to October 2021. At the time, Wankhede was the Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai and led the highly publicized raid on a cruise ship, which resulted in the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, on drug-related charges. Aryan spent nearly a month in custody before being granted bail. In May 2022, all charges against Aryan were eventually dropped by the NCB due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

This high-voltage arrest laid the groundwork for the current legal battle. Wankhede’s suit claims that a character in The B***ds of Bollywood is an unmistakable caricature of him, designed to paint him in a false and malicious light. The Delhi High Court has recently escalated the matter by issuing summons to Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and other entities. Wankhede's plea demands Rs. 2 crore in damages, which he has pledged to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Beyond defamation, the former NCB officer has raised a serious objection to a specific scene: a character allegedly makes an obscene gesture immediately after uttering the national slogan "Satyamev Jayate." Wankhede argues this is a grave violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

While the High Court acknowledged that there is "cause" in Wankhede’s favor, it declined to pass an interim injunction to stop the series' streaming at this stage. The court has directed the defendants to file their replies within seven days, with the matter listed for further hearing on October 30. Wankhede is fighting not just for his personal honor, but for the "dignity of the law enforcement officers."

Also Read: The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Delhi High Court issues notices to makers over Sameer Wankhede’s plea against Aryan Khan and his web -series

In a recent turn of events, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Kriti Sanon is not part of Aanand L. Rai’s much-discussed film Nayi Naveli. Over the past few days, reports had surfaced suggesting that Kriti was set to headline Nayi Naveli, a fantasy drama said to merge Indian mythology with modern-day storytelling, with filming expected to begin by December. However, a source close to the development has now set the record straight, putting all speculation to rest.

“There is absolutely no truth to these rumours,” reveals the source. “Kriti has Tere Ishk Mein lined up for release, is currently shooting for Cocktail 2, and will start Don 3 right after. She’s completely focused on these projects, each giving her a unique space as an actor. There’s been no discussion or confirmation about Nayi Naveli from her end.”

The clarification comes amid growing chatter around Nayi Naveli, which is reportedly in the early stages of planning under Aanand L. Rai’s banner. While pre-production work is said to be quietly progressing, no director or final cast has yet been locked. Sources indicate that the team is currently working on finalising actor schedules before proceeding.

Meanwhile, Kriti Sanon continues to stay firmly in demand, striking a balance between commercial blockbusters and content-driven cinema. With Tere Ishk Mein generating strong buzz, Cocktail 2 promising a fresh spin on an iconic title, and Don 3 positioning her in a full-fledged action zone, Kriti’s 2025 slate looks packed and diverse.

This clarification effectively puts an end to speculation surrounding her association with Nayi Naveli. For now, Kriti remains focused on delivering a series of performances that highlight her evolving range and steady upward trajectory in the industry.

As for Nayi Naveli, the project continues to remain in the news, but without its rumoured leading lady.

Also Read: Tere Ishk Mein teaser: Move over Saiyaara; Aanand L Rai, Dhanush, Kriti Sanon to ensure the year ends on an intense, raging note!

Dharma Productions, the prestigious film production house spearheaded by Karan Johar, has leased a 5,500 square feet office space in the Lotus Signature commercial complex, located in the bustling Andheri West area of Mumbai. The lease agreement begins with a starting monthly rent of Rs15 lakh and has been signed for a four-year term.

The newly leased office occupies the eighth floor of the Lotus Signature building and comes with modern infrastructure suited for the company’s growing operational requirements. The agreement includes a five-percent annual escalation, meaning the rent is projected to increase to Rs17.36 lakh per month by the final year of the lease. Over the entire lease period, Dharma Productions is expected to pay an estimated total rent of around Rs 7.75 crores. Alongside this, the company will provide a security deposit of Rs 1 crores and pay stamp duty of Rs 2.04 lakh.

Industry experts suggest that this move signals Dharma Productions’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in Mumbai’s commercial real estate landscape. With the film industry hub increasingly expanding in the Andheri West region, securing a premium office space in such a strategic location allows the production house to manage its operations more efficiently while staying connected to the city’s vibrant business ecosystem.

The leasing of this office also reflects the broader trend of film and media companies opting for modern, well-located commercial spaces to support their administrative, creative, and production functions. For Dharma Productions, which continues to produce blockbuster films and high-profile projects, the new office provides the infrastructure necessary to accommodate growth and enhance operational workflows.

This move further cements Dharma Productions’ stature not just in the entertainment industry but also in Mumbai’s high-value commercial property market.

Also Read : BREAKING: Ayushmann Khurrana CONFIRMS Sooraj Barjatya and Dharma Productions’ next at FICCI Frames 2025: “These films are for a wider audience”

Jr. NTR is on a career healing mission. While focussing on his Telugu career and Prashanth Neel’s Dragon, NTR has gracefully bowed out of the proposed Hindi-Telugu biopic on the life of the Father Of Indian Cinema Dadasaheb Phalke.

According to a source close to the development, various factors influenced NTR’s decision. “Firstly, at the moment NTR doesn’t want to play a real-life character, and that too a legend from the past. Secondly, the Phalke biopic was to be directed not by Rajamouli but his son Karthik. Thirdly and most importantly, Aamir Khan is doing a Dadasaheb Phalke biopic directed by Rajkumar Hirani. Doing another of the same serves no purpose.”

Recently, there were rumours that Aamir had asked Hirani to rewrite the Phalke biopic. However, Aamir very clearly told this writer that the project is on schedule.

Rajamouli too is going ahead with the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic in spite of NTR's walkout and objections from the bio-subject's grandson Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar.

Rajamouli is looking for another actor to play Dadasheb. Rumours of Prabhas being approached are completely false.

Also Read: Jr NTR gears up for second schedule of the Prashanth Neel directorial NTRNeel; fans can’t contain excitement!

Raghav Juyal, who recently earned praise for his performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, appears to be on a roll with another potential project in the works. The actor’s light-hearted comment on Saiee M Manjrekar’s recent Instagram reel has stirred curiosity among fans and industry watchers alike.

Saiee had posted a beauty-themed video showcasing her skincare routine, to which Raghav jokingly commented, “shoot pe le aana yeh sab (get all of this during the shoot)”. The playful exchange quickly caught the attention of their followers, sparking rumours that the two might be sharing screen space soon.

According to emerging reports, Raghav Juyal and Saiee M Manjrekar are set to collaborate for an upcoming romantic thriller. While details about the project remain under wraps, insiders suggest that the film will bring together elements of passion and suspense, with a storyline that aims to keep audiences hooked.

A source close to the project shared, “Raghav and Saiee’s pairing is something fresh and unexpected. Both bring a unique charm and depth to their performances. The film beautifully blends elements of romance and suspense, and their chemistry will definitely be one of the major highlights.”

Following the critical success of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Raghav Juyal’s transition from dance reality shows to impactful acting roles has been closely followed by fans and critics alike. His performance in the Netflix satire was widely discussed, establishing him as a performer capable of taking on layered and unconventional characters.

Saiee M Manjrekar, known for her work in films like Dabangg 3 and Major, has also been expanding her repertoire with varied roles across languages. If reports about this new romantic thriller are confirmed, it will mark the first on-screen collaboration between the two.

As anticipation builds, fans are waiting for an official announcement to see whether this rumoured project indeed brings together one of the most intriguing new pairings in recent times.

Also Read: Photos: Abhay Verma, Lakshya, Raghav Juyal and others grace Mona Singh’s birthday bash

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit against Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment over directorial debut of Aryan Khan, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. The show, which premiered on the streaming platform last month, has stirred controversy after viewers noticed a character resembling Wankhede — the officer who famously arrested Aryan in 2021 during a cruise drug bust. On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued notices to both Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment following Wankhede’s plea.

The court had earlier dismissed his initial petition as “not maintainable,” but after he submitted an amended version, the case was taken up for hearing. “We appreciate that there is cause in your favour to approach this court but there is a process to be followed,” the court stated, as per Hindustan Times report. Representing Wankhede, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi told the bench that his client and family have been subjected to relentless online abuse since the show’s release. “In reference to the series, there are posts trolling me, my wife, and my sister. Ex facie defamatory. It's shocking. They (defendants) are surely not defending those posts,” Sethi said.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood, produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Aryan Khan, is described as a satire on the Hindi film industry. The show features a “plain-clothed cop” who raids a Bollywood party and detains an actor despite finding no drugs — a storyline many social media users have linked to the real-life 2021 incident involving Aryan Khan’s arrest. In his suit, Wankhede alleges that the series was “deliberately conceptualised and executed” to malign his image and has portrayed him in a “colourable and prejudicial manner.”

The controversy comes as The Ba***ds of Bollywood marks Aryan Khan’s first major project in the entertainment industry, adding another layer of public scrutiny to the young filmmaker’s debut.

With the court now issuing notices to both the streaming platform and the production house, the case is set to reignite debates around artistic expression, real-life inspiration, and the thin line between satire and defamation.

Also Read: Raghav Juyal shares valuable life lessons from Shah Rukh Khan on and off the set: “SRK told me, don’t be a loose cannon”

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that actress Pragya Jaiswal has been finalized to play the female lead opposite Sunny Deol in the much-anticipated film Soorya. The revelation comes after a behind-the-scenes video from the Jaipur schedule of the film went viral across social media, giving fans their first glimpse of the two actors sharing screen space.

Soorya, directed by M. Padmakumar — who also helmed the original Malayalam hit Joseph — marks a powerful collaboration between two distinct cinematic sensibilities. The Hindi adaptation is being produced by Kamal Mukut under his banner MM Moviez, the same production house that delivered last year’s blockbuster Gadar 2.

The clip, which shows Sunny Deol in a dramatic sequence alongside Pragya Jaiswal, has sent fans into a frenzy, confirming speculation about her involvement in the project. Pragya is reportedly playing a pivotal, emotionally complex role that forms the emotional core of the narrative — a character with depth, resilience, and strong dramatic undertones.

Pragya, who has recently been garnering critical praise for her performances in Khel Khel Mein and Daaku Maharaaj, continues her upward trajectory with this collaboration. With Sunny Deol riding high on the success of Gadar 2, their pairing in Soorya is expected to be one of the most talked-about casting choices of the year.

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Currently being shot across picturesque locations in Rajasthan, Soorya promises to blend thriller elements with human drama, staying true to the essence of the Malayalam original while offering a larger cinematic canvas. The film is eyeing a theatrical release later this year, and the buzz suggests that an official announcement from the makers is imminent.

Looks like Bollywood is all set for another powerful Sunny Deol comeback — and Pragya Jaiswal is stepping right into the spotlight beside him.

Also Read: Sunny Deol to resume shoot for Hindi remake of Joseph titled Soorya after two years before kicking off Border 2 schedule: Report

Bollywood and cricket’s ultimate power couple, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, are taking their star power into the fintech world as the new Global Brand Ambassadors for Pay10. The duo, known for their influence that transcends industries, will headline Pay10’s high-impact brand campaigns, kicking off with the launch of its UPI-enabled payments app in India.

Bringing together charisma and credibility, Virat and Anushka are set to infuse Pay10’s digital identity with a blend of trust, innovation, and style. The couple will appear in a series of brand films, digital initiatives, and large-scale campaigns designed to mirror Pay10’s mission of making financial transactions more inclusive, effortless, and secure.

For Pay10, roping in this iconic pair marks a bold move to reimagine how fintech connects with consumers. Their shared values — discipline, authenticity, and forward-thinking — align seamlessly with the brand’s promise of smooth and reliable digital experiences.

Pay10 Chairman Prabhpreet Singh Gill (Harry Gill) weighed in on the partnership and said, “Pay10 is building a brand for the next generation of digital finance, one that is innovative and highly trusted. Virat and Anushka embody these same qualities. His discipline, performance and passion and her creativity, authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit together make them ideal brand ambassadors to tell our story as we launch the Pay10 brand.”

On their part, both stars expressed excitement about the collaboration, Virat Kohli shared, “Pay10 is transforming digital payments by setting new standards for innovation, trust, and excellence. I’m proud to support a brand that shares my commitment to constantly pushing boundaries and striving for world-class performance.” Anushka Sharma added, “Payments with Pay10 are smooth and secure, giving businesses and their customers convenience, speed, and trust. I understand how important it is to have reliable payment solutions that make every transaction effortless.”

Virat Kohli, one of the most followed athletes globally with nearly 400 million fans online, continues to be a symbol of excellence and relentless ambition. Anushka Sharma, on the other hand, brings her reputation as an acclaimed actor, producer, and entrepreneur who has consistently championed creativity and strong storytelling.

Their combined appeal will anchor Pay10’s push to spotlight its wide range of services — from digital wallets and QR payments to real-time cross-border transfers and merchant solutions. By bringing Virat and Anushka into its fold, Pay10 isn’t just strengthening its brand — it’s setting the stage for a new era of star-powered innovation in the digital payment space.

Also Read: “Priyanka Chopra said I was sweet, Anushka Sharma disagreed”: Darshan Kumar speaks about actresses’ contrasting opinions about him

In a significant development in the ongoing Rs 60 crores fraud case involving Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, the Bombay High Court has raised serious questions about their request to travel abroad.

The couple had approached the court seeking permission to travel to Colombo and other destinations for a business trip. However, the court, led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, expressed scepticism over the nature of the trip. Their counsel, Niranjan Mundargi, was directed to submit an affidavit detailing the purpose of the trip, including formal communications and evidence supporting the claim that it was indeed for business purposes. The court granted time until October 14 for the submission of these details.

During the proceedings, when Mundargi reiterated that the trip was for business, Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar remarked with a smile, “You can first deposit Rs 60 crores if you wish to travel abroad.” This comment underscores the court's serious approach to the case and its scrutiny of the couple's actions.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police is investigating the case, which alleges that Shetty and Kundra diverted investment funds for personal use. In light of the ongoing investigation, the court has not issued any immediate orders regarding the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 14.

This development adds to the mounting legal challenges faced by the couple, who are under intense scrutiny over their financial dealings. As the investigation progresses, the court's forthcoming decisions will be crucial in determining the future course of action.

In a related matter, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police is investigating a case involving businessman Deepak Kothari. Kothari has accused Shetty and Kundra of diverting Rs. 60 crores of his investment for personal use. The EOW has found that Kothari’s funds were misused and has filed a case against Shetty, Kundra, and an unidentified associate under sections 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

Also Read : Shilpa Shetty questioned for 4.5 hours by Mumbai Police in Rs 60 crores fraud case: Reports