A heartfelt letter from the Elite Games Federation has gone viral on social media after the organization formally requested the Government of Maharashtra to grant tax-free status to the latest release, Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par. In a powerful appeal, the Federation emphasized the film’s core message of empathy, awareness, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Taking to public platforms, the Federation wrote, “This film is not only a cinematic creation but a heartfelt tribute to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It spreads awareness, promotes empathy, and encourages inclusivity — values we, as a society, must collectively uphold and champion.”

The Elite Games Federation, a registered not-for-profit under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, is known for promoting sports and supporting para-athletes across the country. The letter further highlighted the organization’s mission to uplift specially-abled communities and expressed its alignment with the themes explored in Sitaare Zameen Par. “Declaring it tax-free in Maharashtra will ensure that it reaches a wider audience, particularly schools, colleges, NGOs, and families who will benefit from its message,” the letter added.

Directed by R. S. Prasanna and jointly produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, Sitaare Zameen Par hit theatres on June 20, 2025. The sports comedy-drama stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and serves as a spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. It is the official remake of the Spanish film Champions (2018).

"#SitaareZameenPar is not just entertainment – it is a moving portrayal of the abilities, struggles & dreams of children with intellectual & developmental disabilities. It aligns perfectly with our mission to promote inclusion in sports and society, especially for para-athletes". pic.twitter.com/Ghv51P8BRS — Kate Wordy (@KateWordy) June 21, 2025

The film follows the story of a hot-headed basketball coach (played by Khan) who, after being suspended, is sentenced to community service. Tasked with training a team of athletes with disabilities for an upcoming tournament, he embarks on a journey of personal transformation and discovers the power of empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

Given its sensitive yet uplifting narrative, Sitaare Zameen Par has been lauded by audiences and advocacy groups alike. The viral request from the Elite Games Federation has only amplified the conversation around the film’s societal relevance. The government is yet to respond, but support for the tax-free demand continues to grow online, with fans, educators, and disability rights activists echoing the call.

Also Read: BREAKING: After Sitaare Zameen Par’s HISTORIC Saturday jump, several multiplexes add post-midnight shows at 1:00 am and 3:00 am

Sitaare Zameen Par has managed to do the unthinkable. The advance booking wasn’t upto the mark and the makers, in a unique strategy, decided not to have shows before 11:00 am on the day of release, possibly to avoid negativity over poor occupancy in these shows. The film opened at Rs. 10 crores, which was a fair opening but below par for a star like Aamir Khan. However, the positive word of mouth along with the credibility that Aamir enjoys has finally come into play. The film jumped dramatically on Saturday. The shows of Sunday also began to get full and looking at the demand, the multiplexes had to add post-midnight shows.

The trend of having shows at 1:00 am, 2:00 am and 3:00 am is a post-pandemic phenomenon. The 2021 Diwali biggie Sooryavanshi was the first film to have such shows at night. Later, Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Drishyam 2 (2022), Gadar 2 (2023), Animal (2023), Pathaan (2023), Jawan (2023), Stree 2 (2024), Chhaava (2025) etc. also got shows allotted at the unearthly hour due to huge turnout. Hence, these shows became synonymous with the fact that the film is doing exceedingly well.

Some of the theatres in Mumbai which added post-midnight shows of Sitaare Zameen Par to cope with the demand are PVR Oberoi Mall Goregaon (1:00 am), PVR Lower Parel (1:00 am), Maxus Kandivali (3:00 am and 6:00 am), PVR Sangam Andheri (1:05 am), Maxus Borivali (1:30 am, 3:00 am and 6:00 am), Metro Inox (1:00 am), PVR Orion Mall Panvel (1:10 am) etc.

Sitaare Zameen Par opened at Rs. 10.70 crores while on Day 2, it is expected to earn around Rs. 20 crores. The advance booking for Sunday is super-strong and a weekend of Rs. 50 crores is now certain. The Saturday trend and demand for post-midnight shows makes it clear that it would hold strongly on Monday as well.

What is also heartening is that on the day of release, Sitaare Zameen Par was performing better mainly in elite cinemas and A centres but now the mass audience has also come out in full force. As a result, a healthy lifetime and solid trending is expected from the perfectionists’ latest release in the long run.

Also Read: Before you watch Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, these tweets are a must-read

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic bungalow, Mannat, located at Mumbai’s Bandra Bandstand, came under official scrutiny on Friday as a joint team from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the forest department conducted an inspection following a complaint alleging violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules during its ongoing renovation.

According to a report by ETimes, the inspection was prompted by claims that renovation work at Mannat may be in breach of regulatory permissions. A forest department official confirmed the visit, stating, “A team did carry out a site inspection as we received a complaint about renovation permissions. A report will be prepared based on the findings and submitted soon.”

Officials from the BMC’s H-West ward building and factory department and the building proposal department also accompanied the forest team. However, BMC clarified their limited involvement, noting that they were present only on request. “Our officials were accompanying the team, based on a request by the forest department. We had no other role,” a BMC official told the portal.

An officer present during the inspection added that Mannat’s staff assured the authorities that all necessary documents and permissions had been acquired and would be submitted for review. Addressing the controversy, Shah Rukh Khan’s manager has confirmed that there are no complaints and that all work is getting processed as per guidelines.

The inspection and allegations come just a day after former IPS officer and lawyer Y P Singh raised concerns about the historical and legal aspects of the property. He claimed that the original layout of Mannat included a heritage building named Villa Vienna, which was later renamed. He further alleged that in 2005, an extension building of seven floors was made behind the heritage bungalow along with an approval for 12 small independent flats which was taken from the BMC. However, after the approval, these flats were merged into a super luxury accommodation of a single family.

With the Mannat renovation now under regulatory review, the incident has sparked fresh conversations about heritage conservation, urban planning permissions, and celebrity real estate in Mumbai’s prime coastal zones. More clarity is expected once the inspection report is submitted.

Also Read: Photos: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Tiger Shroff, Genelia Deshmukh, Vicky Kaushal and others grace the premiere of Sitaare Zameen Par

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for crafting some of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories, is now lending his voice to a new kind of narrative—one that unfolds far from the glitter of wedding décor and dreamy romantic moments. Johar has been announced as the brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, a first-of-its-kind initiative that focuses not on the big day itself, but on the emotional and mental preparation that comes before and beyond it.

“I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes,” said Karan Johar and added, “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride. In a world of beautifully curated celebrations, we sometimes forget the inner transformation that marriage brings. The Bridal Retreat places that journey at the centre.”

Organised by E-Factor Experiences, The Bridal Retreat is a five-day experiential programme curated specifically for brides-to-be. It includes sessions on identity, wellness, body movement, communication, and cultural reflection, all conducted by seasoned experts from the fields of mental health, fashion, and relationship coaching. The idea is to guide women through introspection and self-awareness—helping them make mindful transitions into married life.

Samit Garg, co-founder and managing director of E-Factor Experiences, elaborates on the intent behind the programme. “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self. With Karan Johar joining us, we’re adding another layer of meaning and purpose to this platform,” he shard.

In 2025, limited-edition retreats will be held across seven Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa. Each edition will offer an intimate, supportive environment for brides-to-be to pause, reflect, and align with their personal vision of partnership and change.

With Karan Johar bringing emotional depth and cinematic insight to the initiative, The Bridal Retreat promises to redefine the bridal experience—shifting the focus from picture-perfect ceremonies to personal transformation and conscious beginnings.

Also Read: Photos: Karan Johar announced as Brand Ambassador for ‘The Bridal Retreat’ by E-Factor Experiences

Akshaye Khanna-starrer Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti, featuring an ensemble cast, will hit cinema halls on July 4, 2025, offering audiences a gripping, large-screen retelling of one of India’s most harrowing terror incidents.

Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film is a dramatic recreation of the 2002 terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat. It captures the horror of the assault and the bravery of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who led the operation to neutralise the attackers. The story, inspired by real events, blends tension, patriotism, and action in equal measure.

To mark the announcement, the makers released a new poster on Instagram, which features haunting temple pillars casting the silhouette of a lone armed commando — a striking visual that evokes both reverence and courage. The caption reads, “An act of terror met with unmatched bravery, The story of courage, sacrifice, and survival comes alive in #AkshardhamOperationVajraShakti”.

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Akshaye Khanna headlines the cast as Major Hanut Singh, a fierce and strategic NSG officer. The ensemble includes Gautam Rode as Major Samar, Vivek Dahiya as Captain Rohit Bagga, Akshay Oberoi as Captain Bibek, and Abhilash Chaudhary portraying the main antagonist, terrorist Iqbal. Supporting roles are essayed by Parvin Dabas, Samir Soni, Abhimanyu Singh, Mir Sarwar, Manjari Fadnis, Chandan Roy, and Shivam Bhaargava.

The film is presented by Zee Studios and produced by Abhimanyu Singh in collaboration with Contiloe Pictures. Key credits include Tejal Shetye as the director of photography, Mukesh Thakur in charge of editing, and a screenplay penned by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo.

Serving as a standalone sequel to State of Siege: 26/11, this new chapter continues to spotlight the valor of India’s elite forces, bringing their untold stories to life on the silver screen.

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna joins Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe; to play a key character in Mahakali

The overzealous PR machinery around certain stars often spins stories that serve their clients' agendas — even if they’re far from the truth. The latest “news” being floated for Allu Arjun fans is that he’s likely to replace Ranveer Singh in the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Shaktimaan, the iconic Doordarshan superhero series that aired from 1997 and ran for eight years.

Originally portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, Shaktimaan remains one of India’s most beloved homegrown superheroes. The film adaptation — currently in development — is being written and directed by actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph, who has always had Ranveer Singh in mind for the titular role.

While speculative reports of casting changes surface periodically, with the most recent rumour linking Allu Arjun to the role, a source close to the project has dismissed the chatter outright.

“No one else is doing Shaktimaan. It is Ranveer Singh and no one else. Whoever is spreading rumours of his replacement clearly has their own agenda,” the source stated.

To get clarity, I reached out directly to Basil Joseph, who firmly confirmed, “Shaktimaan will be made only with Ranveer Singh.”

Also Read: BREAKING: Basil Joseph’s Shaktimaan with Ranveer Singh is not a 3-part project

The trailer and assets of Maa, starring Kajol, have heightened a lot of curiosity and hence, trade and industry are excited to see how it performs at the box office. Viewers who’ll venture to watch the mythological-horror film will be in for a surprise as they’ll get a chance to see the teaser of the next big film starring Kajol’s hubby, Ajay Devgn – Son Of Sardaar 2.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It all fell in place beautifully. Both Son Of Sardaar 2 and Maa are backed by Devgn Films and Jio Studios. Son Of Sardaar 2 is a month away from release and the makers were anyway planning to release the teaser. They realized that it would be apt that the promo was attached with the prints of Maa. All the parties unanimously agreed with the decision.”

The source further said, “However, the teaser of Son Of Sardaar 2 will first be released digitally on Tuesday, June 24. Viewers can enjoy it on the big screen with Maa when it releases in cinemas on June 27.”

Maa also stars Kherin Sharma, Ronit Bose and Indraneil Sengupta. It is directed by Vishal Furia of Chhorii (2021) and Chhorii 2 (2025) fame. As for Son Of Sardaar 2, it features Ajay Devgn opposite Mrunal Thakur. The others in the star cast include Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal, Kubbra Sait, Chunky Panday, Sharat Saxena, Vindoo Dara Singh, Sanjay Mishra, Neeru Bajwa and the late Mukul Dev. It is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora. The comic caper releases in cinemas on July 25.

The trailer launch of Maa was held on May 29 and was a memorable affair. The host asked “Kahan se shuruaat hui?” with regards to the casting. Kajol, in her trademark style, immediately answered, “Ghar se shuru hui! Who could he imagine in a horror role besides me?” Ajay Devgn laughed and added, “Koi bhi husband apni wife ko hi cast karega!”

Also Read: Surjasikha Das on working with Ajay Devgn in Maa after clicking a picture with him during her early days; says, “Getting the opportunity to work with him so early in my career truly feels like a blessing”

2025 has been an eventful year for Jacqueliene Fernandez. The year started with Fateh, where she played the female lead. And just recently, she was seen in the multi-starrer comedy Housefull 5, which has turned out to be successful. Now, adding yet another feather to her cap, Jacqueliene is all set to be honored at the Italian Global Series Festival with the prestigious Italian Audiovisual Industry Ambassador Excellence Award.

The festival, which will take place from June 23 to 28, 2025, across the scenic Italian cities of Rimini and Riccione, is a grand celebration of television storytelling, writing, acting, and global creativity. It marks the much-anticipated revival of the iconic RomaFictionFest, which ran from 2007 to 2016 in Rome. Now reimagined and reintroduced in Romagna, the festival brings together the best of global television talent and vision.

A source close to the development shared, “Jacqueliene Fernandez will be honored with the Italian Audiovisual Industry Ambassador Excellence Award at the upcoming Italian Global Series Festival, taking place between Rimini and Riccione from June 23 to 28. The festival, seen as a revival of the iconic RomaFictionFest, celebrates global excellence in acting, creativity, and storytelling — and Jacqueliene’s recognition is a testament to her growing influence on the international stage.”

With this milestone, Jacqueliene continues to represent India on major global platforms — basking in international glory while staying rooted in her cinematic journey. Her presence at the Italian Global Series Festival promises to be a moment of pride not just for her fans, but for the entire Indian entertainment industry.

Also Read: Inside Jacqueline Fernandez’s retreat to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ashram

During an interaction with select group of journalists on June 4, Aamir Khan talked about Sitaare Zameen Par and opened up like never before on the remake factor. His latest release was remade from the 2018 Spanish film, Campeones aka Champions.

Aamir Khan began by saying, “Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) wasn’t my only solo remake before Sitaare Zameen Par. 10-15 of my films have been remade and most of them are super-hits, like Ghajini (2008). Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) was a remake of Romeo And Juliet. For me, it’s a new canvas. Also, so many remakes have worked in India. We are in 2025 now. If you start counting from the 1970s, toh aapko remakes zyada milegi original material se. Main yeh daava kar ke keh sakta hoon. Hence, its only the trolls (who are spreading negativity over the remake factor). Some of our biggest hits are remakes. And if cut and paste is so easy, toh fir aap kar lo. But its not cut and paste. You have to infuse life into it.”

He added, “If remaking is such a sin, then let’s forget Shakespeare. Why are we still adapting his works? Hence, yeh sab bakwaas baatein hai. I believe in remakes, and I’ll do it throughout my life. Whenever I come across a promising material, I’ll remake it. Why shouldn’t I? If you don’t want to watch it, please don’t it. That’s your choice. It’s my choice to work on the remake.”

He further told the journalists, “I saw such a beautiful film in Spanish. How many of you will watch the Spanish original? I don’t think you guys must have watched any Spanish film in your life. Ek aadh dekhi hogi. If I decide that I shouldn’t remake, then should I drop making a film on such a beautiful topic which will sensitize our audience? If, for instance, some filmmaker in Iceland makes a film, does this mean that no on in the world can remake it? Kya mazaak kar rahe ho yaar! The impact that the Spanish original had in the home market, I want that to happen in India as well.”

Aamir Khan then asked a journalist, “Have you tried Spanish film? Did you enjoy?” She replied, “I like Indian food.” Aamir immediately replied, “See, you like desi food! Like I don’t like aubergine but I prefer baingan ka bharta. I also like desi food. I love dal chawal; I eat it with my hands. The same applies for remakes. I am adapting a good story in the Indian context and I am presenting you as per the taste you prefer.”

Aamir got teary-eyed as he exulted, “When you were 7 or 8 years old, you must have attended birthday party in your society or extended family. You must have been excited to have cake and play with balloons. Now imagine that you are 7 years old and you have Down Syndrome or Autism. You are not being called for birthday parties. You ask your mother, ‘Why wasn’t I invited for the bash?’. What will your mother answer? Will she have the heart to say, ‘They don’t want you there’.”

Aamir Khan apologized for getting emotional. He continued, “So, should we change this situation or not? Hence, I made this film. Yet, some would say ‘Aamir is again remaking’. Arre, what Aamir Khan is making is very important, bhai. Aap dekho toh sahi.”

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan visits sets of Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, shares iconic moments with cast

On the occasion of World Yoga Day, which falls on June 21, India is set to witness a remarkable fitness movement through the Fit India Cult Yogathon, where 1 million Surya Namaskars will be performed simultaneously across the country. In Delhi, over 1500 participants will come together to take part in this unified celebration of health and well-being.

Adding to the significance of the event, actress Rakul Preet Singh and actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani will join participants on stage to perform Surya Namaskars, promoting the message of fitness as a way of life. Their consistent advocacy for wellness and balanced living has inspired many, making them ideal ambassadors for the campaign.

As a recognition of their contribution, the couple will be conferred with the title of ‘Fit India Couple’ at the venue. The honour celebrates their shared dedication to health and their ability to motivate others by leading through example.

A source associated with the event shared, “Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani embody the essence of fitness as a shared journey. This honour is a celebration of the lifestyle they represent—consistent, inspiring, and authentic. Their presence on World Yoga Day will further the movement’s impact across generations.”

As a recognition of their contribution, the couple will be conferred with the title of ‘Fit India Couple’ at the venue. The honour celebrates their shared dedication to health and their ability to motivate others by leading through example. Last year, actor Ayushmann Khurrana was conferred with the title of ‘Fit India Icon’ for the same initiative. The couple is also expected to promote the initiative through social media, encouraging their followers to embrace yoga and join the nationwide celebration of wellness.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh redefines ethnic glam in 10 traditional looks

Indian actor R. Madhavan and wife Sarita have given on rent a co-owned residential apartment located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex for a starting monthly rent of Rs. 6.50 lakh, according to property registration documents reviewed by real estate platform squareyards.com on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The leave and license agreement was officially registered in June 2025.

Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is a planned commercial hub in Mumbai, developed to ease congestion in traditional business districts. It hosts a concentration of financial institutions, multinational companies, and consulates, making it one of the city’s most sought-after office markets. While primarily commercial, the surrounding areas have seen high-end residential development driven by proximity and infrastructure. Strong connectivity and consistent demand continue to keep property values elevated across segments.

According to property registration documents accessed by Square Yards, R. Madhavan and his wife Sarita have rented out a residential unit located in Signia Pearl, Bandra Kurla Complex. The rental agreement includes a security deposit of Rs. 39 lakh and was registered with a stamp duty of Rs. 47,000 and registration charges of Rs. 1,000.

As per Square Yards’ analysis, the lease tenure spans 24 months (two years), starting from the first week of June 2025, with a lock-in period of 16 months. The monthly rent starts at Rs. 6.50 lakh in the first year and escalates by 5% to approximately Rs. 6.83 lakh in the second year. Over the full term, the cumulative rental value is estimated at approximately Rs. 1.60 crore.

Madhavan and his wife acquired this property—measuring 388.55 sq. m. (~4,182 sq. ft.)—for a total value of Rs. 17.50 crore in July 2024. Based on the agreed rental terms and acquisition cost, the gross rental yield stands at approximately 4.5% for the first year, rising to around 4.7% in the second year of the lease.

R. Madhavan is an Indian actor and filmmaker known for his work predominantly in Tamil and Hindi cinema, with appearances in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and English films as well. He established himself with successful Tamil films like Minnale (2001), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Anbe Sivam (2003), and Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004), while also making a mark in Hindi cinema with notable roles in Rang De Basanti (2006), Guru (2007), and the blockbuster 3 Idiots (2009). As of 2025, Madhavan remains actively involved in multiple film projects, following his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.

Also Read: Happy Birthday R Madhavan: Celebrating a remarkable 25-year journey in cinema

Prime Video, on June 20, announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Ground Zero. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment. Boasting a powerhouse cast featuring Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, and Mukesh Tiwari in lead roles, this riveting patriotic action-drama promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Ground Zero is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Inspired by real events, Ground Zero unfolds against the tense backdrop of Kashmir. The fictional film explores the remarkable two-year investigation led by BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey and his team to uncover the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack. The film stands as a powerful tribute to the valor, resilience, and strategic brilliance of India’s security forces. It delves into the intricate realities of counter-terrorism operations, capturing the high-stakes intensity of the mission while honoring the unwavering patriotism and sacrifice that led to one of the country’s most significant counter-insurgency victories.

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Also Read: Prime Video unveils the powerful trailer of In Transit, an unscripted docuseries produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti