Known as Bollywood’s original Khiladi, Akshay Kumar has now proven he’s a real-life hero too. In a groundbreaking move, the superstar has personally insured the lives of over 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India — offering them critical health and accident coverage many never had before.

This life-changing initiative arrives at a time when conversations around safety in the entertainment industry have gained urgency, especially in the wake of the tragic death of a stuntman named Raju on the set of an upcoming Tamil film by Pa Ranjith and Arya. For decades, stunt professionals have risked life and limb to deliver thrilling cinematic moments — often working with minimal safety gear and zero medical backup. A single injury can result in financial ruin, as the majority of these behind-the-scenes heroes lack basic health insurance.

Akshay Kumar’s initiative not only offers them tangible protection but also a sense of visibility and value long overdue. Speaking on behalf of the stunt community, seasoned action professional Vikram Singh Dahiya — who has worked on films like Dhadak 2, Jigra, Gunjan Saxena, Antim, and OMG 2 — expressed heartfelt appreciation.

“Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance,” Dahiya shared. “The policy includes both health and accident coverage. If a stunt performer is injured, whether on or off set, they can avail of cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh.”

This insurance plan — covering a substantial portion of the action community — is being hailed as a benchmark initiative. It demonstrates how influential figures in the film industry can use their platform to bring about meaningful, lasting change. With this bold step, Akshay Kumar is not just ensuring better safety nets for the unsung heroes of cinema — he’s setting a powerful precedent for social responsibility in showbiz.

Also Read: Farah Khan recalls film industry celebrating failure of Tees Maar Khan; says Akshay Kumar starrer is “legendary film” for Gen Z

It's a moment of joy and celebration for Border 2 producer Nidhi Dutta and director Binoy Gandhi, as the couple welcomed their first child — a beautiful baby girl named Sitara Dutta Gandhi. The birth of their daughter marks a heartwarming new chapter in their lives, made even more meaningful by the long and emotional journey that led to this moment.

In a sweet post, the couple announced the arrival of their daughter and also revealed her name saying, “She's Here! Ecstatic & Overjoyed Parents Nidhi & Binoy”, and added in the caption, “Sitara Dutta Gandhi. 7.7.2025”.

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Earlier, Nidhi had bravely shared her pregnancy journey on Instagram, opening up about her emotional struggles with infertility and the challenges of TTC (Trying to Conceive). In a heartfelt post that resonated with thousands, she wrote: “This picture in any other country but India would have been tagged on Instagram as ‘Sensitive content’ as it is an absolute mental health trigger for anyone that is TTC… The journey to get to this picture has been one of tears, fear, pain & longing… a woman ‘trying to conceive’ can have the greatest partner and support system but can still feel all alone through it.”

Choosing to speak out during her fertility journey rather than after, Nidhi’s post struck a chord with women everywhere, especially those facing similar challenges. She continued: “To all the women who have lost their babies before they met them… to the ones still waiting… no matter which phase of TTC you're in — this mom to be sees you… was you… and is praying for you with every step I take.”

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  A post shared by Nidhi Dutta (@nidhiduttaofficial)

With the arrival of baby Sitara, Nidhi and Binoy now step into a new phase of life, one filled with love, laughter, and late-night lullabies. The entertainment industry, fans, and well-wishers have showered the couple with congratulations and blessings.

Nidhi Dutta, daughter of legendary filmmaker J.P. Dutta, tied the knot with Binoy Gandhi in a grand ceremony at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur on March 7, 2021. While their wedding was a star-studded affair, their path to parenthood was filled with resilience, hope, and courage.

As Sitara Dutta Gandhi begins her journey in the world, her story — and her mother’s strength — will continue to inspire countless others still waiting for their miracle.

Also Read: Border 2 producer Nidhi Dutta shares behind-the-scenes moments from sets during pregnancy

Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions have been two of the most respected production houses of Indian Cinema and have always been each other’s support. Karan Johar started his career with Aditya Chopra; for a long time, YRF distributed films of Dharma and hence, their bond goes back a long way. Hence, both banners have never released their film on the same day. As a result, July 18, 2025, is a landmark date for films backed by these banners, which will be clashing in cinemas for the first time ever.

Saiyaara, produced by Yash Raj Films, will be released on July 18. Meanwhile, the Marathi comic caper, Ye Re Ye Re Paisa 3, also arrives in theatres on the same day. The film is presented by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla and Apoorva Mehta of Dharma Productions and is also distributing it worldwide.

In fact, the Marathi film has given a tough fight to the Mohit Suri-directorial in some areas, though Saiyaara has an upper hand in terms of the advance booking. In Mumbai’s Dadar, a predominantly Maharashtrian locality, Saiyaara has limited shows. In cinemas like Plaza and Gold, Saiyaara will not play in any show at all. Plaza will play Ye Re Ye Re Paisa 3 four shows a day. As for Gold, it has accommodated Ye Re Ye Re Paisa 3 in 4 shows and given one show to Sant Tukaram. However, in Chitra, its vice versa as the newly-renovated cinema hall will play 4 shows of Saiyaara and one show of Ye Re Ye Re Paisa 3. The plans at Dadar’s fourth theatre, Inox Nakshatra, are yet to open for next week at the time of publishing this article.

As per reports, YRF tried to go for limited showcasing for Saiyaara but looking at the extraordinary response and as per the demand from exhibitors, its shows have been increased considerably in theatres and multiplexes across the country. However, what has bewildered the trade, industry and even moviegoers is the limited showcasing of the film in Mumbai’s G7 theatre, popularly known as Gaiety-Galaxy.

Usually, a film like Saiyaara would play with 4 shows a day in Gaiety or Galaxy. But the musical saga has been allotted only 2 shows in Galaxy, at 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm. On the other hand, a film like Nikita Roy, which has extremely limited awareness and buzz, has been given four shows a day, that too, in Gaiety, which is a bigger theatre than Galaxy! Maalik, which has flopped in Week 1, will be continued with the balance two shows in Galaxy, at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm.

A trade expert said, “The bookings in both shows of Saiyaara at Galaxy on Friday are great and there’s no doubt that it’ll get sold out. This is an apt film for its target audience and ideally, it should have played in the matinee and noon show as well. Let’s hope the situation changes from Saturday.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Mohit Suri BREAKS silence on Saiyaara’s EXTRAORDINARY advance: “I have NO idea about bookings and I DON’T even want to know!”; opens up on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s unexpected praise: “NEVER seen such support from the industry; Alia Bhatt messaged, Anil Kapoor called…”

In their bid to amplify and augment their product to the extreme, the makers of the new version of the Ramayana featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol have turned the product into the most expensive entertainment content of all times.

Trade guru Taran Adarsh had this to say: “It’s a bit too early to comment on the final budget of Ramayana. Frankly, that’s a question best answered by the producer himself, especially when it comes to how he plans to recover the massive costs involved. That said, I genuinely believe Ramayana is an ambitious project, envisioned for a global audience. Based on a seven-minute clip I had the opportunity to watch, I must say I’m extremely impressed. The first part is currently in post-production, with its release slated for Diwali 2026. However, the release strategy remains under wraps. Whether it will open across the globe like a major Hollywood film remains to be seen. As I said – let’s wait and watch. We’ll know a lot more about the film as the release date draws closer.”

Ramayana, which is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and steeply-budgeted projects in the history of Indian cinema.

Producer-director Suneel Darshan said, “Producer Namit Naresh Malhotra of Prime Focus is an ‘out of the box’ visionary. He is looking to create a mega-movie and being amongst the topmost digital studios in the world he’s out to explore an audience-market that transcends barriers. Let’s wish him and his team and collaborators a magnum opus.”

Also Read: BREAKING: Move over dubbing and subtitles; Ranbir Kapoor-Yash’s Ramayana to feature lip-synced English, Spanish, Japanese versions via cutting-edge AI – Namit Malhotra makes a FASCINATING revelation!

A cinematic and soul-stirring biography written by acclaimed author Debleena Majumdar is based on the incredible true story of Sabu Dastagir, the Indian boy & a son of a Mahout from Mysore who rose from the elephant stables to become India’s first international movie star and conquered Hollywood. From colonial India to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sabu’s life is a forgotten epic of fame, war, identity, and legacy.

Sabu debuted in 'Elephant Boy' based on the story "Toomai of the Elephants" from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book (1894), directed by documentary filmmaker Robert J. Flaherty, who produced some of the Indian footage, and supervising director Zoltan Korda, who completed the film and also won the Best Director Award at the Venice Film Festival. The film was made at the London Films studios at Denham and in Mysore.

He then went on to star in Hollywood classics like The Thief of Bagdad, Jungle Book (1942), and Black Narcissus. A box office sensation, a war hero, and a cultural bridge between East and West, Sabu’s story is as awe-inspiring as it is heartbreaking. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

A legend who also served as a decorated air gunner in World War II, his story traverses continents, cultures, and eras. This story will be developed into a high-budget cinematic feature film and/or premium web series, celebrating Sabu’s iconic journey through colonial India, wartime Europe, and golden-era Hollywood.

“Sabu’s story deserves to be told with grandeur and truth. He wasn’t just India’s first global star—he was a bridge between worlds, cultures, and eras. To bring his story to the screen is more than filmmaking—it’s preserving a legacy the world must never forget and is a responsibility we hold close to our hearts.” Prabhleen Sandhu, Producer – Almighty Motion Picture.

"Thanks a lot to my literary agent, Mr. Suhail Mathur, for believing in me and for not only getting me a book deal & an AV one but also for sharing the amazing idea & Almighty Motion Picture for finding value in the story and for shaping it with this brilliant vision. It was an honour to research this book and, more importantly, to learn about how cinema and movies evolved through world-changing global events", says Author Debleena Majumdar.

Also Read: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey and director John M. Chu discuss film adaptation of Wicked: “Special magic is palpable”

Excel Entertainment, helmed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, stands tall as one of the most influential production houses in Indian cinema. Known for backing some of the biggest blockbusters, including the KGF franchise, the banner has consistently delivered hits that resonate with audiences nationwide. Now, all eyes are on their next ambitious project, 120 Bahadur, which stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead role.

The film, slated for a grand release this November, has already created a wave of excitement among fans. Adding to the buzz, sources suggest that Excel Entertainment is gearing up to unveil the teaser of 120 Bahadur in the first week of August.

According to reliable sources, the teaser launch of 120 Bahadur is expected to be a grand affair, with an immersive and large-scale event planned in Mumbai to kick off the promotions. "120 Bahadur is a big-scale action film, and the makers have gone ahead to make an uncompromised product by roping in an international crew for the key action sequences. After Lakshya, this is another army-based film from Excel, and the entire team is very bullish on the theatrical prospects of 120 Bahadur," the source shared.

In the highly anticipated film, Farhan Akhtar steps into the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC), bringing to life a powerful real-life story. "Farhan has a special leaning towards biopics, as he considers Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as one of the landmark films of his acting career. He underwent intense prep to play the part of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC), and will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in 120 Bahadur. The makers are going ahead with a longer-than-usual marketing campaign to create awareness for its theatrical release," the source added.

The much-anticipated teaser of 120 Bahadur is set to hit the big screens from August 14, 2025, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend. It will be attached to the release of the action-packed spectacle War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and NTR, ensuring massive reach and visibility across multiplexes nationwide. Currently, post-production work on 120 Bahadur, including editing, sound design, and VFX, is in full swing at Excel Entertainment, as the team gears up for a grand promotional rollout.

Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar is also preparing for his next directorial venture, Don 3, which is expected to go on floors in January 2026. The film will feature Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon in leading roles. Casting for the film is underway, with the makers reportedly in talks with a top A-list actor to take on the intense antagonist role.

Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandrra (Trigger Happy Studios), the film is an Excel Entertainment production. Releasing in cinemas on 21st November 2025!

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur brings the untold story of Rezang La to the big screen, a battle the army commemorates every year

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has sold one of his properties in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra west locality for Rs 5.35 crores, as per property registration documents accessed on the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) website and reviewed by SquareYards.com. The deal was officially registered this month in July 2025.

The apartment is located in Shiv Asthan Heights, a premium residential complex situated in the Pali Village area of Bandra. Measuring approximately 122.45 square metres (about 1,318 sq ft), the flat also includes three dedicated car parking spaces — a factor that contributes to its market value. The sale attracted a stamp duty of Rs 32.01 lakh, along with a registration fee of Rs 30,000.

Despite this sale, Khan continues to reside at his long-time home, Galaxy Apartments, located about 2.2 kilometres from the sold property.

Bandra west remains one of the most sought-after real estate destinations in Mumbai. Known for its mix of luxurious apartments, heritage homes, and a vibrant social atmosphere, the area continues to attract high-net-worth individuals, Bollywood celebrities, and investors. Its connectivity via the Western Express Highway, Bandra railway station, and under-construction Metro corridors further add to its appeal.

Notably, many of Bollywood’s biggest names reside in the neighbourhood, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Javed Akhtar. Power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are also expected to move into their new home in the area soon.

On the professional front, Salman Khan is gearing up to host the upcoming season of the reality show Bigg Boss, which is reportedly set to begin in August 2025. While reports suggest that filmmakers Karan Johar and Farah Khan may step in as hosts during his absence at certain intervals, there has been no official confirmation from the makers as yet.

Also Read: SCOOP: No Eid release for Battle Of Galwan; Salman Khan-starrer to probably release in January or June 2026

The upcoming action thriller Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh, has encountered a setback even before filming could commence. The shoot, originally scheduled to begin in mid-July in a village near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, has been postponed due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions in North India.

As per a report by Mid-Day, director Aditya Datt confirmed the delay, citing safety concerns as the primary reason for halting the schedule. “The situation in North India, especially Uttarakhand and even Delhi, has been quite serious. While our team was eager to push forward, for me, the safety of my crew comes first. We’re dealing with real locations, not sets, and the risk factor becomes too high in such weather,” he explained.

The team has now pushed the shoot to September, hoping for clearer skies and improved ground conditions. “We’d rather wait and shoot with full intensity once the skies clear,” Datt added.

Producer Deepak Mukut echoed the sentiment, noting the logistical challenges the weather has posed. “We’ve all seen how the rains have wreaked havoc, resulting in road closures, flooding, and landslides. It’s not the right time to shoot. We made this decision unanimously.”

The film, which generated early buzz for reuniting Emraan Hashmi with music composer Himesh Reshammiya - known for delivering multiple hits together in the 2000s—will resume preparations closer to the new schedule in September.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi calls Gunmaaster G9 ‘personal’; says, “I’m confident it will be remembered as a landmark in my filmography”

ITC's Sunfeast Wowzers, is excited to announce the beginning of an exciting journey with none other than King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan.

Sunfeast Wowzers is carving a niche in the cracker segment with its unique multi-sensorial experience. Featuring a rich cheesy flavour and a distinctive 14-layer crispy texture, the product offers a combination of crunch and taste aimed at elevating everyday snacking. With Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador, Sunfeast Wowzers looks to strengthen its appeal and expand its reach. His strong connect with audiences adds a relatable and engaging dimension to the brand’s identity.

To mark this milestone, Sunfeast Wowzers is launching a new TVC featuring Shah Rukh Khan, who adds his signature touch to the brand’s message of indulgence. Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the campaign is anchored by the tagline ‘Iske Har Bite Mein Hai Wow!’, highlighting the snack’s unique appeal. The TVC will be promoted widely across digital media platforms.

Commenting on the latest partnership, Mr. Ali Harris Shere, Chief Operating Officer, Biscuits and Cakes Cluster, Foods Division ITC Ltd., said, “Sunfeast Wowzers is more than just a cracker; it’s an experience that blends cheesy indulgence with crunch. Who better than Shah Rukh Khan to represent this ‘Wow’ factor? Sunfeast Wowzers offers a multi-textural delight which perfectly aligns with his charismatic personality, making the partnership even more special.”

Shah Rukh Khan said, “I've always believed that all magical moments have a ‘Wow’ in them. Sunfeast Wowzers is all about that ‘Wow’ factor—which comes from the fusion of melty cheesy delight and crisp, flaky layers. It’s the perfect snack to add a touch of delight to any moment. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey with Sunfeast Wowzers, and I hope everyone enjoys this indulgent experience just as much as I do.”

Sunfeast Wowzers is available in two delightful variants – Cheese crème enrobed cracker and Lemon crème enrobed cracker across general trade, modern trade and quick-delivery platforms.

Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan, AR Rahman, Mary Kom, and Jasprit Bumrah star in Zomato’s new campaign on hustle and discipline – watch

Mohit Suri’s romantic flick Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, is all set to release this Friday, July 18. The excitement for it is tremendous due to the enticing trailer, hit soundtrack and the association of Mohit Suri and Yash Raj Films. The censor process has been completed and, in this Bollywood Hungama exclusive feature, we’ll focus on the cuts given to the film.

Saiyaara has been passed with a U/A 16+ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the makers were asked to make certain changes. At four places, ‘objectionable’ words were censored and replaced with ‘appropriate’ words. The cut list doesn’t specify the cuss words and the replaced terms. Secondly, the makers were instructed to delete and replace 10 seconds of ‘sensual, intimacy, body exposure visuals’. Lastly, they were told to add a static disclaimer on helmet safety in scenes involving two-wheeler vehicles.

Once these changes were made, the censor certificate was handed to the makers of Saiyaara. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 156.50 minutes. In other words, Saiyaara is 2 hours, 36 minutes and 50 seconds long.

This is the second consecutive week when a film’s sensual scenes faced the Censor’s scissors. Last week’s Superman was passed by the CBFC with a U/A 13+ certificate, but on the condition that the studio delete 33-second-long sensual visuals, spread across two scenes. Bollywood Hungama broke this story and it led to widespread anger among moviegoers. The news went viral even among the Western media and fans.

Coming back to Saiyaara, it is all set for a big opening and if all goes well, can also open in double digits. As of Wednesday morning, it sold a whopping 45,000 tickets in the national chains – 33,500 tickets in PVR Inox and 11,500 tickets in Cinepolis. It also sold 2,059 tickets in the MovieMax chain.

Also Read: Yash Raj Films’ release strategy for Saiyaara REVEALED – no show before 9:30 am, only 6 shows on release day, discounted ticket price for 9:30 am show to attract college students

After Sikandar (2025), Salman Khan is now geared up to bring his next film, Battle Of Galwan, to cinemas. The first look of the film has been appreciated as it showcased Salman Khan in a never-before-seen avatar. As the war film is all set to go on floors, the trade, industry, and fans are asking when Battle Of Galwan will be released. As is widely known, Salman’s films are typically released on Eid. Hence, can the superstar’s war drama be expected to arrive next year on the festival?

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers are not looking at releasing the film on Eid. This is because three films are already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026 – Yash-starer Toxic, the comic caper Dhamaal 4 and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s intense romantic drama Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Love & War might not make it on Eid and even if we take this film out, two other movies have already taken the slot. Salman is fair in such matters and hence, doesn’t want to announce Battle Of Galwan as an Eid release at this stage.”

The source continued, “As of now, the makers are considering two months to release Battle Of Galwan. One is January and the other is June. There are too many releases in between these two months and the holy month of Ramzan will also commence from the third week of February. This is how these two months are in consideration. The makers will make a decision soon after which the release date will be officially announced.”

Another source revealed, “The makers plan to finish the shoot in 55-60 days. Therefore, there’s a possibility that they can still make it in January though it's just six months away. In case the post-production takes time, then June will be locked.”

A question that is sure to arise is – if not Ramzan Eid, why can’t Battle Of Galwan come on Bakri Eid? The second source explained, “They are probably not looking at Bakri Eid as it falls on May 27 while the IPL next year ends on May 31. Anyway, Salman is a bona fide star. He doesn’t need a festival or holiday release. If the film is exciting and stars him in a massy role, nothing can stop Battle Of Galwan from becoming a success even if it hits cinemas on a non-holiday.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Aarya actor Ankur Bhatia joins Salman Khan starrer Battle of Galwan

Archana Puran Singh frequently uploads daily vlogs featuring her family on her YouTube channel. In her most recent vlog, she chronicled her trip to Dubai alongside her husband, actor and filmmaker Parmeet Sethi, and their sons, Aaryamann Sethi and Ayushmaan Sethi. She also revealed that during their vacation, they were victims of an online ticketing scam after booking tickets for an indoor skydiving activity.

In the video, Archana appeared with her family as they looked forward to experiencing an indoor skydiving session at iFly Dubai. However, they were taken aback when they arrived and discovered that there was no reservation in their name. Archana stated, “We had booked three slots in iFly Dubai, but this lady is saying that we have no booking. We have been scammed because the website where we made the payment is not theirs. We have been scammed in Dubai. We have already paid and the tickets are not cheap... Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye. I never expected this to happen in Dubai, there are such strict rules and laws. People are scared of doing such things.”

Meanwhile, Parmeet expressed his disbelief, saying, “I am shocked... Thousands of rupees are gone…Pata chale yahi scam hai,” he joked. In the following part of the video, Aaryamann mentioned that he had a suspicion while booking the tickets, as the ride duration initially appeared as 4 minutes on the website but changed to 2 minutes on a different page. However, he didn’t feel the need to verify it further, assuming that a scam was unlikely on what he believed to be the official website.

On the work front, Archana most recently appeared in Nadaaniyan, portraying the character of Mrs. Braganza Malhotra. She also continues to serve as the permanent guest on The Great Indian Kapil Show.

Also Read : The Great Indian Kapil Show: Navjot Singh Sidhu returns for Season 3 of Netflix show; promises ‘double’ the laughter