Shahid Kapoor has made a name for himself in Bollywood as a credible actor, who can always deliver at the box office with the right film. He is collaborating with Dinesh Vijan on Cocktail 2 with Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon, and the film is presently on floors in Italy. Very reliable sources have confirmed that Cocktail 2 shoot will be wrapped up in the month of December, and producer Dinesh Vijan is looking to bring it to the big screen in the Summer of 2026.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Shahid Kapoor is all set to start shooting for the second season of his most loved OTT show, Farzi from the month of January 2026. A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Farzi is in the writing stage, and Amazon Prime, along with Raj and DK are excited to start the shoot for the second season from January 2026. Shahid has allotted 6 months to the shoot and is getting a fat pay cheque."

The source informs, "Shahid is drawing Rs. 40 crores for Farzi 2. This is the biggest pay cheque for him in his acting career, and this stems from the appreciation received by the first part." Farzi 2 will be the big project of Amazon Prime towards the end of 2026 - early 2027, and sources confirm that the second season will be a lot bigger than the first one.

Also Read: Shahid Kapoor – Vijay Sethupathi starrer Farzi 2 in development; Raj & DK to start season 2 after Citadel India and The Family Man 3

Making headlines is nothing new for Salman Khan. The superstar, who is currently in the news for his ongoing spat with Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap, has also kept fans curious about updates on his much-awaited film Battle of Galwan. And now, there’s some exciting buzz for his fans.

According to a recent report by Mid-Day, Salman is currently filming a crucial patriotic song sequence in Mumbai with over 60 background dancers. The number, choreographed by Mudassar Khan, is said to be an emotionally charged tribute to the spirit of Indian soldiers.

An industry insider told the publication, “It’s not a celebratory number. The mood is patriotic, and the song reflects the pride, sacrifice, and pain of the soldiers. Salman and the director were clear that it should feel organic to the story.”

The source further added that Mudassar Khan is focusing more on evoking the soldiers’ emotions than on choreography-heavy moves. “Filming will continue through the week,” the insider revealed.

Mudassar and Salman have previously collaborated on blockbuster tracks from Dabangg (2010) and Ready (2011), both of which became chart-toppers. Given their history, expectations are naturally high for this emotionally intense sequence.

While the makers have yet to confirm or deny these reports, one confirmed update about Battle of Galwan is that Arijit Singh will lend his voice to one of the songs in the film. It’s highly likely that the patriotic number currently being shot features Arijit’s vocals.

For the uninitiated, Salman recently addressed his decade-long feud with Arijit Singh during a Bigg Boss 19 episode. Calling the misunderstanding “a thing of the past,” the actor publicly acknowledged that Arijit is his “very good friend,” confirming their long-awaited collaboration on Battle of Galwan.

Also Read: Salman Khan never made Govinda feel his career was struggling during Partner shoot, reveals Deepshikha Nagpal

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.”

The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows of Thamma in four-screen theatres, 18 shows in five-screen cinemas, 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 30 shows in nine-screen plexes and 33 shows in 10-screen theatres.

It’s important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of Thamma in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, the exhibitors have expressed reservations. An exhibitor told us, “We would definitely want to show Thamma as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane-film can score big time. And let’s not forget that the Marathi film Premachi Goshta 2 and the Gujarati film Chaniya Toli are also up for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate it as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”

Another exhibitor remarked, “The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”

Meanwhile, a trade expert commented, “Just a few weeks ago, we saw what happened during the Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari clash. At that time, the makers of the former asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they asked for nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are reasonable in the case of Thamma.”

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi

Deepika Padukone has created history by becoming the first Indian to lend her voice to Meta AI, the virtual assistant integrated into Meta’s ecosystem, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, joining the list of the global lineup of voices for the AI assistant, including Hollywood celebrities Awkwafina, Judi Dench, etc. The collaboration marks a powerful intersection of technology and culture, positioning Deepika as a bridge between global innovation and Indian identity.

Meta announced that users in India will now be able to interact with Meta AI through Deepika’s voice, available in Indian English. Alongside this, the company introduced full Hindi language support and UPI Lite payments, making the experience more localised and personal. Yet, the biggest talking point remains Deepika’s voice — warm, poised, and unmistakably familiar.

Known for her global influence and grounded presence, Deepika brings authenticity and emotion to a space often dominated by synthetic tones. Her voice adds a human touch to artificial intelligence — turning digital interactions into something relatable and distinctly Indian. For millions of users, hearing Deepika guide them through tasks or respond to questions adds a sense of comfort and connection rarely found in technology.

This partnership also represents India’s growing significance in the global tech landscape. By featuring Deepika, Meta acknowledges India’s cultural power and linguistic diversity. The move goes beyond convenience — it celebrates representation and the inclusion of an Indian identity within a global product.

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For Deepika, this step expands her influence beyond cinema into the realm of digital innovation. It’s another milestone in a career defined by versatility, intelligence, and impact. With this collaboration, she becomes not just the voice of Meta AI — but the voice of a new era where technology feels a little more human, and a lot more Indian.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work rule sparks debate: Hansal Mehta, Hema Malini, and Sharmila Tagore weigh in

Actress Shweta Tripathi was recently seen performing Aarti and Puja at the sacred Ganga Ghat in Benaras during breaks from the shoot of Mirzapur: The Film. The serene moment was a deeply emotional one for the actress, who shares a long-standing and personal bond with the holy city. Benaras has always held a special place in Shweta’s heart, it’s where she filmed her debut film Masaan, and where her spiritual and professional journeys seem to intersect.

Reflecting on her connection with the city, Shweta shared, “Benaras… this city keeps calling me back. I’ve been coming here since the time of Masaan. My Nana studied at BHU, my mother wore a Benarasi lehenga for her wedding, in so many ways, this city is intertwined with my life. Even my trainer, Tridev Pandey, is from here. Mirzapur too has its roots in this region, and all of this makes Benaras feel like home to my heart. I love the food, the relaxed pace of life, the taste of kadak kulhad chai, and the simplicity of the people. These days, even the weather feels like it’s welcoming us with open arms.”

She further added, “The madness of Mirzapur is such that fans are constantly posting updates and pictures from our shoots across Benaras, it’s like getting live updates from our extended family! It’s not just the cast and crew anymore; the audience has become a part of our world too. Behind the scenes, there’s so much love, laughter, and beauty, it’s what keeps me motivated every single day. The family of Prime Video and Excel Entertainment has grown even bigger this time, and it truly feels like one big family now.”

With Mirzapur: The Film being one of the most awaited releases, Shweta’s emotional connection with Benaras adds a heartfelt layer to her journey, a perfect blend of nostalgia, devotion, and gratitude.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sonal Chauhan to star in Mirzapur: The Film, her addition is expected to add another layer to the plot

Actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Suniel Shetty has hit a significant digital milestone, crossing 1 million followers on LinkedIn. The achievement firmly establishes him as a major voice and respected figure within the corporate and startup ecosystem, admired for his authenticity and grounded perspective.

Shetty's engagement on the professional networking platform goes far beyond mere celebrity presence. Followers—including business leaders, corporates, and entrepreneurs—look to him for his candid wisdom on leadership, health, discipline, and people management, which he consistently shares from his real-life experiences. His content, often described as speaking "from the heart," reflects his unique philosophy: "Value Over Valuation. Impact Over Impressions."

The LinkedIn milestone comes amid a period of high activity and newsworthy developments for the versatile star, including protecting personality rights. In a move highlighting the growing problem of digital misuse, Shetty recently moved the Bombay High Court to seek protection of his personality rights. He is fighting the unauthorized use of his image, name, and likeness, particularly against deepfake videos and commercial use by unauthorized websites, including real estate and gambling platforms.

Fans can eagerly anticipate his return to one of his most iconic roles as Shyam in the long-awaited ensemble comedy, Hera Pheri 3, reuniting him with co-stars Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal. He is also set to feature in the massive ensemble action-comedy, Welcome to the Jungle.

Shetty’s most recent projects include Kesari Veer, a theatrical release, and Nadaaniyan, a direct-to-OTT release marking the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan.

Also Read: Suniel Shetty approaches Bombay High Court seeking protection of personality rights, cites fake photo with grandchild

Masaba Gupta, renowned for her innovative approach to Indian fashion, has earned a prestigious spot on the Economic Times 40 Under 40 list, standing out as the only Indian designer to be featured. This recognition celebrates not just her brands but also marks a milestone for Indian designers on the global stage.

Known for redefining Indian design language and challenging conventional beauty standards, Masaba’s work resonates deeply with contemporary culture, beauty, and entrepreneurship. She has carved a distinctive identity within the fashion industry, uniquely blending modern sensibilities with Indian tradition.

Reflecting on her journey in past interviews, Masaba has spoken candidly about the challenges and responsibilities of being a trailblazer. During a chat with ET Brand Equity in June 2024, she embraced the label of “rebellion,” noting that a lot of her creative expression is an act of challenging the norms. “We as Indians didn’t understand or embrace the exotification of India for a long time, but the world embraced it before we did,” she said.

Masaba also stressed the importance of endurance and hard work in entrepreneurship. Starting her business at 19, she recalls the gruelling work ethic required long before start-up culture became mainstream. “Before I see a spark of success, I will have to work 24/7, 365 days a year,” she shared, emphasizing loyalty and team engagement as key factors in sustaining a brand.

Also Read: Masaba Gupta teases Mini Masaba brand launch amid pregnancy glow: “Mini Masaba will be a celebration of motherhood, creativity…..”

The high-profile legal battle over the inheritance of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, husband of actress Karisma Kapoor’s estranged wife Priya Sachdev Kapur, continued in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. Priya Sachdev Kapur firmly defended the authenticity of Sunjay Kapur’s will amidst allegations of forgery and manipulation voiced by Karisma Kapoor’s children from her marriage to Sunjay Kapur.

Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Priya Kapur, argued before Justice Jyoti Singh that mere typographical errors or spelling mistakes in the will do not render the document invalid. “The only grounds to challenge a will are if the deceased was not of sound mind or was under coercion. Spelling mistakes, wrong address, or errors like writing ‘testatrix’ instead of ‘testator’ are not valid grounds,” Nayar asserted.

Further, the defense stated that the fact that the will surfaced seven weeks after Sunjay Kapur’s death does not invalidate it either. “Is that a challenge maintainable under the law? Suppose I kept the will in my pocket, and it surfaces at an appropriate time, will it be declared invalid?” the counsel questioned.

The legal tussle centres on a will dated March 21, 2025, which allegedly bequeaths Sunjay Kapur’s entire personal estate, reportedly worth Rs 30,000 crores, to Priya Sachdev Kapur. This has been vehemently contested by Karisma Kapoor’s children Samaira and Kiaan, who have accused Priya of forging the document and attempting to gain exclusive control over Sunjay Kapur’s assets.

Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the children, has raised serious doubts on the will’s validity, highlighting numerous discrepancies including the use of feminine pronouns “she” and “her” to describe Sunjay Kapur in several sections of the document. Jethmalani termed Priya Kapur as “an acute gambler” and characterized the alleged will as a “fabricated document” designed to disinherit the children and consolidate control of the estate.

Addressing the witnesses of the will, Nayar pointed out that the individuals who attested the document were a Chartered Accountant and a Company Secretary associated with Sunjay Kapur’s business, hinting at credibility. He also revealed that affidavits from these witnesses were submitted in court to substantiate the will’s authenticity.

The heirs have challenged the exclusion of Sunjay’s mother, Rani Kapur, from the will, and the disproportionate share it accords to Priya Kapur and her minor son, heightening the contention around the estate distribution.

The court has adjourned the matter for further arguments on Friday, as both parties prepare to substantiate their positions in this complex inheritance dispute that has captured extensive media and public attention.

Also Read: Priya Sachdev pens heartfelt birthday tribute to late husband Sunjay Kapur amid ongoing legal dispute with Karisma Kapoor and kids

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has secured a major legal victory as the Delhi High Court granted him interim protection against the unauthorised use of his name, likeness, and voice through AI-generated and deepfake content. The court directed the immediate removal of several objectionable URLs and online listings that used the actor’s identity for commercial gain without consent.

The ruling highlights the growing urgency around personality rights in India, especially with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence tools that can digitally replicate a celebrity’s appearance or voice. For Hrithik, who is among the country’s most recognisable faces, the case represents a firm stand against the misuse of AI technology for monetisation and misinformation.

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, while delivering the order, clarified that fan clubs or appreciation pages cannot be taken down indiscriminately at this stage. The court stated that “fan clubs cannot be taken down at the ex parte stage,” and instead instructed specific URLs and e-commerce listings violating Hrithik’s personality rights to be taken down. The matter has now been scheduled for its next hearing on March 27, 2026, where the court is expected to consider a broader injunction.

In its observations, the court noted that the unauthorised use of a celebrity’s persona—whether through merchandise, AI-manipulated images, deepfake videos, or voice simulations—amounts to a violation of their publicity and personality rights. The court’s stance reinforces that digital likenesses, when used without approval, could harm both reputation and public trust.

Hrithik’s move comes amid a rising wave of similar petitions from prominent industry figures including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Kumar Sanu, and Akkineni Nagarjuna, all seeking legal safeguards against AI misuse and digital impersonation. Earlier this year, the court had also directed Meta and Google to justify delays in removing morphed videos and false advertisements using celebrity identities.

Significantly, Hrithik’s case also draws attention to the fine balance between fan engagement and digital rights protection, as the court avoided a blanket takedown of genuine fan content.

As the proceedings continue, Hrithik’s legal team is likely to pursue a comprehensive interim injunction to further restrict the use of his image, voice, or name in unauthorised content. Industry observers suggest this verdict could serve as a benchmark ruling for Indian celebrities battling the AI deepfake crisis, redefining how identity and intellectual property are safeguarded in the entertainment world’s digital future.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan moves Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights amid rising AI misuse

Director Mani Shankar’s Knock Out completed 15 years today. Starring Irrfan Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Kangana Ranaut, the movie tackled the issue of India’s black money stacked in foreign banks. Shankar looked back at the film in an interview with us.

What made you plunge into this project?

Knockout was purely ideological. Third film of my trilogy on the state of the nation. In 16 December, the idea was to show that the enemy isn’t outside us, it’s within us and the real danger is always from within. In Tango Charlie, it was that the war which rages inside our own borders is the real battle we need to win. In Knockout, it was that our wealth looted in 60 years by our own people and carried beyond our shores far exceeds what the British did in 2 ½ centuries- and it can come back- if people are determined enough.

Was that the trigger for Knockout?

With that idea in mind, I set out to create a compelling thriller. Yes, the idea of Phonebooth inspired me, but more than that, the film Liberty Stands Still with Wesley Snipes was more inspiring. I liked the notion of a sniper holding someone hostage and adapted that to Knockout.

The casting Sanjay Dutt and Irrfan Khan was interesting

Sanjay Dutt performed masterfully. He, sort of, slipped into his character effortlessly. He, for the first time, played a person whose character kept morphing and shifting - with each iteration more spellbinding than the earlier one.

Irrfan? You had problems with him, he wanted the climax changed?

When at the end his character showed his true self, he had floored the audience, and his final demand as a gunman, hostage taker simply drew their breath away. Irrfan was a genius of an actor. Yes he wanted the climax changed.

Why?

Shall I tell the truth? He didn’t want the movie to end the way it did. He wanted to do the dirty job - betray his boss with a change of heart. But he wanted to die not live. He felt ethically crossed over. He wanted to do the job, get the money and wanted his death to tell a story by itself. We looked at his suggestion. It had its strong points. But in the end, I told him that the audience wouldn’t have wanted that. I convinced him and he went with it. Through the film he never meets Sanjay Dutt though they engage in all kinds of dialogue and action. He didn’t want to meet him even in the end, and he had his way.

The earlier ending was where the two men glance at each other in the last shot- a sort of recognition- “So it was you after all!” But Irrfan had his way with that. I must say it was a good ending. When two strong wilful actors meet, and the script pairs them equally, sparks happen I suppose. I think Knockout was a thriller and a great performance film. Kangana didn’t have much role. Between Dutt and Khan, they knocked away 85 percent of the footage. But she still did a super professional job and gave it her best. As did others, Sushant Singh, Gulshan Grover. I think the theme of Knockout will far outlive the film. Our nation’s money is still parked outside: an estimated 2 trillion dollars.

Jannat girl Sonal Chauhan is all set to star in the film version of the popular Prime Video series, Mirzapur. As per a source close to the development, the actress has come on board for one of the most anticipated films, promising to bring a refreshing energy and a striking arc to the film’s plot. There was buzz around Sonal’s casting in the film after she was spotted at the movie’s mahurat in August.

A source in the know told us, “Sonal Chauhan’s addition to Mirzapur adds a whole new layer to the plot, making it more exciting along with the substantial star cast. While the details are still kept under wraps, her addition promises to enhance the film’s storyline to newer levels.”

The film, which was announced last year, will mark the return of Pankaj Tripathi in his fan-favourite character Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal and Guddu Pandit, Divyenndu as Munna Tripathi and Shweta Tripathi as Golu Gupta. It also brings Abhishek Banerjee and Jitendra Kumar under one roof. The crime thriller, backed by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and is expected to release soon.

Meanwhile, Sonal Chauhan is making her Punjabi film debut with Shera, co-starring Parmish Verma. Written and directed by Savio Sanddhu, Shera releases in theatres on May 15, 2026.

Also Read: Sonal Chauhan meets die-hard fan who gifts hand-made sketch during Shera shooting

Veteran actress and dancer Madhumati passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to Indian cinema and dance. Her death was announced on October 15, 2025, triggering an outpouring of tributes from fellow celebrities and fans alike.

Actor Vindu Dara Singh, who learned dance from Madhumati, shared a heartfelt message on social media, calling her “our teacher and guide” and expressing deep sorrow: “Rest in peace, Madhumati ji. A beautiful life led filled with love and blessings from many of us who learnt dancing from this legend”.​

Akshay Kumar, who was one of her students and often credits Madhumati as his first dance guru, paid a touching tribute on social media, saying, “My first and forever guru. Everything I know about dance, I learnt at your feet, Madhumati ji. Har ada, har expression mein aapki yaad hamesha saath rahegi. Om Shanti.” He shared a nostalgic picture from his dance academy days, highlighting her profound influence on his career.​

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Born in Maharashtra in 1938, Madhumati began her career as a dance performer in 1957. She was trained in multiple classical forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, and Kathakali, and became known for her expressive dance style in films like Ankhen, Tower House, Shikari, and Mujhe Jeene Do.

Madhumati was also known for her personal life, having married respected dancer Deepak Manohar at age 19 despite her mother’s reservations. She was celebrated for her graceful performances, and many actors, including Akshay Kumar, regard her as a key influence and mentor in their dance journeys.

Madhumati’s passing was mourned by the entire film fraternity. Her last rites and the cause of her death are yet to be officially announced, but her impact on Indian dance and cinema remains immortal.

Bollywood Hungama offers its heartfelt condolences to Madhumati’s family and loved ones.

Also Read: Mahabharat fame Pankaj Dheer passes away after battle with cancer