The announcement of the 71st National Film Awards on August 1 brought celebration for Shah Rukh Khan fans as the Bollywood superstar clinched his first-ever National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan, marking a historic moment in his 33-year-long career. However, not everyone appears to be in favor of the jury’s decision.

Veteran Malayalam actress Urvashi, who won Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku (shared with Gujarati actress Janki Bodiwala for Vash), has expressed her disappointment over the category placement of fellow actor Vijayaraghavan, raising questions about the criteria used to distinguish between main and supporting roles. Urvashi Speaks Out on Jury Fairness In a conversation with Asianet News, Urvashi strongly voiced her opinion that Vijayaraghavan’s performance in the Malayalam film Pookkaalam deserved greater recognition than Best Supporting Actor.

“Vijayaraghavan is such a great actor. What exactly did the jury consider to distinguish between Vijayaraghavan's and Shah Rukh Khan's performances? How did one become a supporting actor and the other the best actor? On what criteria?” she questioned.

She emphasized that both actors bring decades of experience to the screen and that such decisions should not be influenced by budget or production scale. “We should raise such questions, as we too are taxpaying citizens,” Urvashi added, referring to the need for transparency and fairness in the jury process. Vijayaraghavan’s Dedication Highlighted Urvashi went on to praise Vijayaraghavan’s dedication and transformation in Pookkaalam, where he portrayed a 100-year-old man. She revealed that she was initially approached to play his on-screen partner in the same film but turned down the offer due to the extensive makeup requirements. “Even if you pay me crores, I wouldn't do it. But he, at his age, endured all of that and performed. That alone deserves at least a Special Mention,” she said.

At the awards, Shah Rukh Khan shared the Best Actor title with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Meanwhile, Vijayaraghavan received the Best Supporting Actor honour for his role in Pookkaalam, opposite veteran actress K. P. A. C. Leela.

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

A new twist to the plot — vastly different from what Aanand L Rai originally shot with Dhanush in their acclaimed film Raanjhanaa twelve years ago — has angered fans of the film, the director, and the actor alike.

The producers of Raanjhanaa, Eros International, have reportedly altered the ending of the film using artificial intelligence to create a new “happy” conclusion. While Aanand L Rai had already voiced his opposition to this AI-generated desecration, Dhanush has now joined the battle, publicly taking a stand against the modification.

Aanand Rai confirms that he and Dhanush are “brothers from different mothers,” and are currently exploring various legal avenues to counter what he describes as “a very dangerous precedent.”

“I am very worried about my other films. So is Dhanush. We are actively looking at judicial remedies to restore and preserve our creative content from such extraneous interventions,” says Aanand.

Apart from Raanjhanaa, the filmmaker and actor have previously collaborated on Atrangi Re and are already planning a third project together. “But before we move forward, we are committed to tackling the current crisis,” Aanand Rai asserts.

Also Read: Raanjhanaa AI-ending row: Eros International counters criticism from Dhanush and Aanand L. Rai, reaffirms ownership of 2013 film

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has leased four upscale apartments in Mumbai’s Bandra West, specifically in the posh Pali Hill area, for a monthly rent of Rs 24.5 lakhs. The move comes as a temporary relocation, prompted by the redevelopment of the Virgo Cooperative Housing Society, where the actor currently owns multiple residential units.

According to property documents accessed by Zapkey.com and a report by Hindustan Times, Aamir Khan is vacating the Virgo society, where he reportedly owns around 12 apartments, due to an extensive redevelopment project that will replace the current structure with ultra-luxurious, sea-facing residences. Details of the New Lease The new apartments leased by Aamir are located in Wilnomona, a premium residential building just 750 metres away from Puja Casa—the temporary home of fellow superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose bungalow Mannat is undergoing renovation.

The lease agreement, which spans five years from May 2025 to May 2030, includes a 45-month lock-in period. The lease was officially registered on May 20, 2025, with a stamp duty of over Rs 4 lakhs and a registration fee of Rs 2,000. The agreement also includes a security deposit of over Rs 1.46 crore, and the rent is set to increase by 5% annually. Redevelopment of Virgo Cooperative Housing Society The Virgo society, where Aamir owns a significant number of units, is currently undergoing redevelopment to construct ultra-luxury apartments in the high-end real estate segment. Prices in the revamped project are expected to exceed Rs 1 lakh per sq. ft, with some apartments possibly valued at over Rs 100 crore.

Aamir Khan was last seen in the film Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by RS Prasanna. The film, which also featured Genelia Deshmukh, marked Aamir’s return to the big screen after a nearly three-year hiatus and grossed over Rs 165 crores at the Indian box office.

Also Read: Mahavatar Narsimha Box Office: Film enters top 10 list of most successful movies by Aamir Khan’s ‘Weekend to Lifetime’ formula

Eros International Media Limited has officially responded to criticism regarding the re-release of its 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa—now featuring an AI-assisted alternate ending. The re-release, also launched in Tamil as Ambikapathy, has sparked a public backlash from the film’s director Aanand L. Rai and lead actor Dhanush, who expressed disapproval over what they view as a tampering of their original vision.

In an official statement, Eros clarified that the AI-altered version is legally compliant, creatively supervised, and specifically intended for Tamil-speaking audiences. The company emphasized that the original version of Raanjhanaa remains untouched and widely available across all platforms.

“It does not replace or alter the original Raanjhanaa, which remains widely accessible. This alternate edition follows a longstanding cinematic tradition of offering creative adaptations and anniversary re-releases,” the statement read. Ownership and Intellectual Property Rights The production house asserted its legal standing as the sole financier, producer, and rights holder of Raanjhanaa, affirming complete control over the film’s intellectual property, moral rights, and derivative content under Indian copyright law. The statement also addressed Dhanush’s recent remarks, implying that Aanand L. Rai had personally invested in securing his casting in the film.

“While such comments may reflect personal admiration, they are factually inaccurate and legally inconsequential. No private or independent financial investment by Mr. Rai exists within the production, financing, or IP structures of Raanjhanaa,” said Eros, adding that the company undertook full financial risk for the project and retains 100% ownership. Objection to ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ Association With Raanjhanaa Eros has also taken issue with promotional material for Aanand L. Rai’s upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein, which reportedly attempts to position itself as being part of the Raanjhanaa universe. The company called this an “illegal and misleading attempt” and stated that no legal rights, approvals, or IP ownership have been granted for such positioning.

A cease and desist notice, dated July 25, 2025, has been issued to all parties involved in the marketing and creative direction of Tere Ishk Mein. Eros has also notified leading OTT and streaming platforms to prevent any further misrepresentation. “This act represents a clear violation of Eros’s exclusive copyright and intellectual property,” the statement read.

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Creative Direction of AI-Assisted Ending

Addressing criticisms over the use of AI in the alternate ending of Ambikapathy, Eros emphasized that the project was guided by a human creative team, with AI used only as an assistive tool, not as an autonomous content generator.

“Mr. Rai’s dissociation from the Tamil alternate version is his personal choice, but his claim to ownership or moral authority over the work is neither contractually supported nor legally enforceable,” Eros clarified. Clarification on Legal Proceedings Responding to accusations that the re-release is a diversionary tactic amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny, Eros stated that the NCLT proceedings involving Colour Yellow Productions pertain to corporate governance matters, not artistic rights.

“We categorically reject the suggestion that this creative initiative is a ‘strategic distraction’ from unrelated regulatory matters... Conversely, we urge the public and industry stakeholders to see through the coordinated and deliberately timed campaign of misinformation,” the company said.

Also Read: Dhanush slams AI-edited Raanjhanaa re-release: “This isn’t the film I made”

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.