Mohit Suri and producer Akshaye Widhani on day 2 of silver jubilee edition of FICCI Frames 2025 spoke about their surprise blockbuster Saiyaara.

Mohit Suri revealed, “When Adi sir (Aditya Chopra) and Akshaye saw the rough edit, it was really bad and quite loose (laughs). It was 3 hours and 15 minutes long. This was 2-3 months before the release. I said, 'Let me cut it down'. Yet, Adi sir was really confident and said, 'Even if this film opens to Rs. 4-5 crores, it will still do Rs. 100 crores'. What he meant is that he liked the film so much even in its rough format. Something had worked in the film.”

He added, “The last time I got this kind of love was during Aashiqui 2 (2013). You can never plan this kind of thing. I tried to imitate in Hamari Adhuri Kahaani (2015), it doesn't come across.”

Mohit Suri then confirmed that he is in talks with Yash Raj Films for one more film, “To be honest, we are planning to do a film together again. When I met them again, I said, 'This is a newer set of audience that is coming up to me. I have never had 60-year-old aunties telling me, 'Beta, jeete raho. Bahut acchi picture banayi' (laughs). I only know the guy who comes up and beats his chest. I have done that in my previous films. The only advise I have got from my seniors was that 'You cannot keep trying to put a formula and what worked for the audience. You can only start afresh’.”

Also Read: Rani Mukerji welcomes UK PM Keir Starmer to YRF studio during his India visit

Bollywood actor and producer Arbaaz Khan and his wife, celebrity makeup artist Sshura Khan, have officially announced the name of their newborn daughter Sipaara Khan. The couple shared the joyous news on social media, expressing gratitude and love as they began this new chapter together.

However, earlier reports about the baby’s birth date were incorrect. It has now been confirmed that Sshura gave birth on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Mumbai’s PD Hinduja Hospital, where she had been admitted on Thursday, October 4. Both mother and baby are healthy and doing well.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by sshura Khan (@sshurakhan)

Announcing their daughter’s name, Sshura posted a heartfelt message that read, “Welcome Baby Girl Sipaara Khan,” along with the caption, “Alhamdulillah.” The name “Sipaara,” derived from Arabic, signifies a section of the Holy Quran, representing spirituality and blessings a fitting choice for the couple’s little one.

The announcement was soon met with love and blessings from family, friends, and fans. Members of the Khan family, including Salman Khan and Arpita Khan Sharma, were among the first to visit the hospital and congratulate the couple. Arbaaz was also spotted leaving the hospital with the newborn in his arms, beaming with pride.

Arbaaz and Sshura tied the knot in December 24, 2023 in a private ceremony held at Arpita Khan Sharma’s residence in Mumbai. The couple has since maintained a low profile, keeping their relationship away from the media spotlight. With the arrival of baby Sipaara, they have joyfully stepped into a new phase of life embracing parenthood with warmth, love, and gratitude.

Also Read : Salman Khan visits brother Arbaaz and sister-in-law Sshura Khan in hospital after birth of their baby girl

Jhund actor Babu Chhetri, also known as Priyanshu Thakur, was reportedly killed in Nagpur following a violent altercation with a friend in the Nara area under the jurisdiction of Jaripatka Police Station in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to police sources, the incident occurred after a heated argument between Chhetri and his friend, identified as Shahu, escalated into violence. Around 3 am, local authorities received information about the alleged assault and immediately reached the scene. Chhetri was found with serious injuries and was declared dead at the spot.

Initial investigations suggest that Shahu may have attacked Chhetri with a sharp weapon before fleeing the area. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a case of murder has been registered. A manhunt has been launched by teams from the Jaripatka Division to trace and apprehend the absconding accused. Senior police officials also visited the crime scene in the morning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are currently looking into the motive behind the altercation, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Raghav Juyal reveals how Aryan Khan reacted Samay Raina’s ‘Cruise’ t-shirt

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most talked about finales conceived by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Love & War actors Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt recently met the filmmaker to discuss the details of the film’s grand climax.

A well-placed industry source revealed, “The recent spotting of Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt wasn’t just a casual catch-up. The Love & War trio met Sanjay Leela Bhansali yesterday to lock crucial details of the film’s climax. The discussion was an intense one, as SLB is known for designing his finales with remarkable depth and precision.” The film will reportedly wrap up with an elaborate 45-day schedule in Italy’s picturesque Sicily, where Bhansali is set to block an entire street to film the emotionally charged and visually opulent climax. The production team spent over four months scouting locations across Europe before finalizing Sicily as the ideal setting for the film’s culminating sequence. Given Bhansali’s reputation for crafting unforgettable climaxes—from Devdas and Bajirao Mastani to Gangubai Kathiawadi—expect Love & War’s finale to blend grandeur, emotion, and visual artistry on a scale rarely seen in Indian cinema. Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor shares his fashion tips, underrated accessories and a secret Instagram account

Talk show host and actor Karan Singh Chhabra, who recently appeared as himself in the TV show Anupama, will soon be seen in a new role. He is set to play an army officer in Pen Movies’ upcoming Hindi film Control.

Directed by Safdar Abbas and produced by Jayantilal Gada in association with Abhay Sinha and Pankaj Tiwari, Control is a cybercrime thriller scheduled to release in theatres on October 10, 2025.

Known for taking on varied roles, Karan Singh Chhabra has once again transformed his look for the film. After going completely bald for Chatrapathi, he will now be seen in a turbaned avatar in Control, reflecting his commitment to exploring diverse characters and appearances.

The film explores the world of digital crime, a topic that feels especially relevant in today’s technology-driven times. With its contemporary theme and intense narrative, Control aims to offer a gripping cinematic experience.

Sharing his thoughts on the role, Karan expressed his enthusiasm for portraying a disciplined yet emotionally layered character, noting that the project gave him an opportunity to grow as an actor.

Backed by a strong production team and a timely subject, Control is set to be an engaging watch when it releases in theatres this October.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has raised objections to the use of the title Chandni Bar Returns by producer Sandeep Singh and director Ajay Bahl. The director, who helmed the original Chandni Bar (2001) starring Tabu, has complained with the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), claiming that the makers of the sequel are using his registered title without consent.

The 2001 drama, which won multiple National Awards and cemented Bhandarkar’s place in Indian cinema, remains one of his most acclaimed works. In his complaint, Bhandarkar alleged that the title Chandni Bar belongs to him and that Singh and Bahl have proceeded without proper authorisation. Following his grievance, IMPPA has reportedly instructed the makers to stop using the title until the matter is resolved. Producers Respond With Legal Clarification In response, Sandeep Singh’s Legend Studios has issued an official statement, countering Bhandarkar’s claims and asserting that they hold all necessary rights to proceed with the project. The studio clarified that they acquired the option rights to the title from the original producers of Chandni Bar, represented by the late R. Mohan’s wife, Lata Mohan Iyer, who is listed as the proprietor in the Government of India’s Trademark Registry.

Co-producer Vishal Gurnani stated, “Sandeep Singh's Legend Studios has acquired the Option Rights of the said title from the Original Producers, who are also the owners of the Registered Trademark and IP owner of the original cult classic Chandni Bar (2001). We want to state that no other banner can legally make the said film. Our IP lawyers are replying to the concerned trade associations and are taking all necessary steps to validate and protect our legal rights.”

The studio also shared the official trademark certificate (Application Number 1662053, Class 41), which lists Lata Mohan Iyer as the proprietor, thereby substantiating its claim to the title. The Road Ahead for Chandni Bar Returns Despite Bhandarkar’s objection, Legend Studios has confirmed that the sequel is moving forward. The film, directed by Ajay Bahl, is slated for a worldwide release on December 3, 2026. The makers describe the project as a “reimagined sequel” that will retain the essence of the original while presenting a modern, gritty narrative for contemporary audiences.

Legend Studios maintains that it is committed to honoring the legacy of the 2001 classic while ensuring that the production of Chandni Bar Returns remains legally compliant and respectful of its predecessor’s cultural impact.

Also Read: Ankita Lokhande turns producer with Chandni Bar sequel; says she wants to pave the way for newcomers

For fans of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam franchise, October 2 has always been a date of significance. From its recurring presence in the narrative to its clever connection with the film’s suspense, the date seemed like the perfect occasion to unveil the announcement teaser of Drishyam 3. However, while a teaser—reportedly running for 1 minute and 25 seconds—was ready, the reveal never took place.

A report by Mid-Day suggests that the delay was not merely due to unfinished background music, as suggested by producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, but tied to creative agreements between the Hindi franchise makers and the original team behind the Malayalam films. Writer-director Jeethu Joseph and producer Antony Perumbavoor, who have overseen the franchise since its inception with Mohanlal, reportedly have a say in when and how the Hindi adaptations release content.

Meanwhile, on the Malayalam side, Drishyam 3 is already in motion. Mohanlal began shooting for the crime drama on September 22, with the official announcement following shortly after. In contrast, Ajay Devgn’s Hindi adaptation—helmed by Abhishek Pathak—is expected to go on floors only in December. After Mohanlal’s update, the Hindi team quickly announced an October 2, 2026 release date for their version. According to insiders, this sudden date reveal did not sit well with the Malayalam producers, prompting them to enforce the adaptation clause.

Adding another layer to the friction is the directorial choice. Originally, the vision was to have all three versions—Malayalam, Hindi, and Telugu (with Venkatesh)—directed by Jeethu Joseph, with a simultaneous global release planned for October 2, 2026. But with the blockbuster success of Abhishek Pathak’s Drishyam 2 (2022), producer Kumar Mangat reportedly pushed for his son to direct the Hindi threequel, breaking away from the earlier plan. This decision is believed to have created creative differences, leading Antony and Jeethu to focus on ensuring the Malayalam film hits the screens before its Hindi counterpart.

As it stands, while fans await clarity, both versions of Drishyam 3 are moving ahead—one already rolling cameras, the other gearing up for production. What remains to be seen is whether the long-anticipated story of Georgekutty and Vijay Salgaonkar will unfold in a carefully coordinated manner, or if audiences will experience the Malayalam conclusion before the Hindi.

Also Read: Drishyam 3 begins filming in Kochi as Mohanlal returns as Georgekutty: “The suspense is the excitement”

The legendary Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York, which has trained icons like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, has extended a rare honour to veteran actor Shabana Azmi. After watching her acclaimed solo play Broken Images, the institute’s President Victoria Kraner personally invited Shabana Azmi to visit the school and conduct an acting masterclass for NYU theatre students.

This marks a historic moment as Shabana Azmi is the first Indian actor ever to receive such an invitation from the institution regarded as the mecca of acting.

When this writer reached out to the incomparable Shabana Azmi in the US, she was surprised. “How did you get to know this so quickly? Yes, I have been invited to hold a masterclass at Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. How do I react to this honour? Like I do to all recognition. Just keep working, and never stop to admire yourself. And if the recognition for your work does our country proud, then I am happy.”

Shabana Azmi was also recently seen sharing a happy moment with Robert Ellerman, Director and teacher and Victoria Krane, President at Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi to tour North America with her play Broken Images, written by the legendary Girish Karnad

Jewellery brand Joyalukkas has announced actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu as its new global brand ambassador. The award-winning actor, known for her versatile performances and strong fan base across industries, will now represent the brand’s timeless designs and legacy of craftsmanship in international markets.

Sharing the news, Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group, said, “Samantha embodies the spirit of the modern woman – confident, stylish, and truly distinctive. Her persona resonates deeply with our ethos of celebrating life’s treasured moments with fine jewellery. We are honored to welcome her into the Joyalukkas family as we continue to inspire jewellery lovers across the globe.”

Samantha, who has often expressed her love for jewellery, said she was delighted to join hands with the brand. “Jewellery has forever been a personal expression of who I am – a tale of emotion, celebration, and strength behind every piece. Joyalukkas embodies all these aspects, and more. I’m thrilled to partner with a brand that celebrates beauty with substance and inspires women everywhere to shine with confidence.”

With this announcement, Joyalukkas strengthens its star-studded global presence, as Samantha now joins Kajol as one of the faces of the brand. The collaboration will soon roll out through an integrated global campaign showcasing Samantha in signature Joyalukkas creations, aimed at furthering the brand’s universal appeal.

Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares thoughts on not shooting five films at a time after health scare: “I need to listen to my body”

October 8, 2025, is going to be a landmark day for the residents of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will be inaugurating two highly awaited infrastructure projects, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the phase 3 of the underground Mumbai Metro 3. He’ll also grace the Global Fintech Fest in Bandra Kurla (Complex), where’ll be joined by the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. And now it has come to light that Keir Starmer will also travel to Andheri for a film-related reason.

Keir Starmer will pay a visit to Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios, and this was confirmed by Sanjay Jaju, secretary, Ministry of I&B today, October 7, at the silver jubilee edition of FICCI Frames 2025 in Mumbai. While the exact reason for his visit is not clear, a source told Bollywood Hungama, “Since Stramer will be in the capital of Bollywood, he wanted to have a look at a Hindi film studio. The authorities suggested YRF Studios since it is one of the biggest and one of most prominent in the country.”

Sanjay Jaju at FICCI Frames 2025 said, “International collaborations and co-productions are very important. The Prime Minister of the UK is coming to Mumbai tomorrow. He’s also visiting Yash Raj Films Studios.”

Sanjay Jaju further said, “We have co-production treaties with close to 17 countries. We have incentives being offered. It's important that filmmakers look at these treaties and incentives and create content that can cater to the audience on both sides. That’s what is important here. We might think that we have a great story in hand. But that great story should have the potential to travel international borders.”

#TB King @iamsrk with the Prime Minister of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, Kareena Kapoor and Yash Chopra on the sets of https://t.co/f1nptANnlk pic.twitter.com/f2FtmzFQu2 — SRK FAN CLUB JAIPUR (@SRKFCJaipur) June 21, 2018

YRF Studios – the one stop for film-obsessed world leaders Keir Starmer is not the first world leader to visit YRF Studios. Exactly a year ago, in October 2024, the President of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, met the CEO of YRF, Akshaye Widhani, in the studio premises, and the two spoke about the 50 year legacy of YRF and the forecast for the Indian film industry in the next 5 years.

In December 2010, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met a delegation of filmmakers at YRF Studios like Yash Chopra, Reliance Big Entertainment chairman Amit Khanna, Ramesh Sippy, Rakesh Roshan, Mukesh Bhatt, Randhir Kapoor, Manmohan Shetty and Puneet Goenka of Zee Group.

Medvedev, along with Yash Chopra, later dropped in on the sets of Ra.One (2011) at a time when Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor were shooting for the song 'Chammak Challo'.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan called “Bhoot uncle” by young KBC contestant in hilarious moment

Netflix India has partnered with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) and FICCI to support students in India’s AVGC-XR sector, which covers Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. The MoU was signed in the presence of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, during the 25th edition of FICCI Frames. The collaboration aims to combine Netflix’s creative experience, IICT’s industry-focused curriculum, and FICCI’s network to help nurture talent in India’s creative-technology field.

Netflix will work with IICT to help develop its curriculum and provide opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals. The collaboration will include workshops, masterclasses, and guest lectures either directly or through partners aimed at mentoring students, improving the learning environment, and equipping them with skills to succeed in the creative industry.

Under this MoU, Netflix will use the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity to provide scholarships to selected students, chosen in collaboration with IICT. The fund is aimed at creating opportunities for underrepresented talent in the media and entertainment industry.

To support this partnership, Netflix will join three of IICT’s national councils the R&D Council, the Academic Council, and the Industry Development Council bringing together experts from academia, industry, and policy to contribute to the growth of India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem.

Mahima Kaul, Director - Global Affairs, Netflix India, shared, “Building on our efforts to promote skill development and inclusive access in the media and entertainment sector, this collaboration with IICT and FICCI aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen India’s AVGC sector. By nurturing world-class talent, IICT aims to serve as a catalyst for India’s digital economy empowering youth and enhancing the nation’s creative capabilities. Together, we aim to equip every aspiring creator with the tools and opportunities to drive innovation in entertainment.”

Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, shared, “This collaboration with Netflix and FICCI marks a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and the creative industry. By providing our students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to global best practices, we are equipping the next generation of storytellers and technologists to thrive in India’s dynamic AVGC-XR ecosystem.”

Munjal Shroff, Chairman, FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, shared, “The establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) as the National Centre of Excellence marks a transformative moment for India’s AVGC-XR sector. This MoU with IICT and Netflix underscores our commitment to building an industry-led ecosystem where academia, industry, and policy converge to unlock new opportunities. FICCI is proud to facilitate this collaboration, which will not only strengthen India’s position as a global hub for creative technologies but also nurture future-ready talent, drive innovation, and create pathways for sustainable growth in the sector.”

Ayushmann Khurrana had an interesting conversation with journalist Mayank Shekhar on day 1 of the silver jubilee edition FICCI Frames 2025 at a five-star hotel in Mumbai on the choice of his films and a lot more. Ayushmann gave an interesting answer when asked about his love for ‘hybrid films’, that is, films that are mainstream but at the same time, they also push the envelope and challenge the status quo.

Ayushmann Khurrana said, “I have always done hybrid movies from day 1. That was my staple, be it Vicky Donor or Dum Laga Ke Haisha or Shubh Mangal series. The risk-to-reward ratio is very different when you see it from my lens because these films are not very expensive. They are low budget to mid budget films and are high on content. Toh itna risk toh le hi sakte hai (smiles). At the same time, it gives you a different high as I come from the street theatre background. While doing street plays in Chandigarh, we used to mix social issues entertainment. This seems to be like the extension of my theatre personality.”

He added, “Having said that, the entertainment quotient should always overpower the messaging. Audience bacche ki tarah hoti hai. Unko meethi goli deni padti hai dawai ki. Dawai kadvi lagegi toh mazaa nahin aayega! Subtle messaging with entertainment is most important.”

Is there a difference in the cinema pre-pandemic and post-pandemic? Ayushmann remarked, “We are having this discussion on this subject since half a decade. I really believe a good script is a good script. At the same time, I have deviated post-pandemic. My choices pre-pandemic was more taboo based. I am staying slightly away from taboo but not from quirk. So, it has to be for a bigger palette, more rooted, more commercial.”

He further said, “As for my line-up, Thamma is my first, big Diwali release. It would be followed by a Sooraj Barjartya film, which, again is for a wider audience. Then I am also doing a Dharma film which also would be for a wider audience. Lekin main beech mein panga leta rahunga. I’ll continue to do tedhi films as that’s my core!”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama)

This is probably the first time that Ayushmann Khurrana confirmed that he has signed Rajshri Produtions and Dharma Productions’ next.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana brings his signature charm to Amazon Pay’s ‘Payments ka A to Z’ campaign