Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming Original drama series Storm (working title), a high-stakes thriller set in Mumbai and produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under the banner of HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions. The series marks Hrithik’s significant step as a producer in the streaming space and reunites him with acclaimed director Ajitpal Singh, who serves as creator and director.

Storm features an ensemble cast led by Parvathy Thiruvothu, Alaya F, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad, and explores a world of ambition, secrets, and survival in the heart of Mumbai. Written by Ajitpal Singh, François Lunel, and Swati Das, the show is set to go on floors soon and promises an intense narrative centered on strong women characters navigating high-stakes situations.

Speaking about his decision to produce Storm, Hrithik Roshan shared, “Storm presented me with the perfect opportunity to make my debut as a producer in the streaming space, and Prime Video, with its proven record of bringing exceptional stories to life, was an instinctive choice. What drew me to Storm was the compelling world that Ajitpal has created. The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors. This series has the potential to resonate with audiences not just in India but across the globe, and I'm excited for viewers worldwide to experience its captivating narrative on Prime Video.”

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The collaboration also marks a milestone for Prime Video as the platform continues to expand its partnerships with leading creative voices in Indian cinema. Gaurav Gandhi, Vice President, APAC & MENA, Prime Video, said, “Hrithik Roshan is one of Indian cinema's most distinguished creative forces, and our collaboration with him and HRX Films is a significant milestone that exemplifies our dedication to excellence in storytelling. The development process of this series has been remarkably rewarding, with Hrithik's distinctive artistic vision and Eshaan Roshan’s dynamic energy enriching the narrative.”

With production expected to commence soon, Storm is already generating strong anticipation. The project is being positioned as a globally relevant thriller, blending emotional intensity with the fast-paced storytelling that has come to define contemporary Indian originals on streaming platforms. More details on the series are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Also Read: Producer Shobu Yarlagadda clears Hrithik Roshan Baahubali casting rumours: “It was always Prabhas”

A legal dispute has surfaced ahead of the release of the upcoming film Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. The daughter of the late Smt. Shah Bano Begum, Siddiqua Begum, has issued a notice to the filmmakers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking to halt the movie’s release, promotion, and screenings.

According to the notice, obtained by NDTV, the film allegedly portrays Shah Bano’s personal life, including private family events and social circumstances, without the consent of her legal heirs. The notice, sent by advocate Tousif Z Warsi on Siddiqua Begum’s behalf, is addressed to Haq director Suparn Verma, production partner Junglee Pictures, promoter Baweja Studios, and the CBFC.

Siddiqua Begum claims she is the lawful biological daughter and one of the surviving legal heirs of Shah Bano. She argues that the film’s conceptualisation and publicity have taken place without her or her family’s permission. The notice describes this as “unauthorised use, distortion, and commercialisation of private life events,” which it says violates Indian law.

The legal notice cites several precedents, including the Supreme Court’s 2017 judgment in Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India, which recognises the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also refers to a 2003 Delhi High Court ruling in ICC Development (International) Ltd. v. Arvee Enterprises, which prevents commercial exploitation of a person’s likeness or life story without permission.

In addition, the notice warns that any depiction that could “tarnish the image, moral character, or societal perception” of Shah Bano or her family could amount to defamation. The filmmakers are also reminded of provisions under the Copyright Act, 1957, which grant moral rights to authors and their heirs. The CBFC’s guidelines, which prohibit invasion of privacy and derogatory portrayal of individuals, have also been mentioned in support of the notice.

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The notice asks all parties to immediately stop releasing, promoting, or screening Haq in any format, including theatres and digital platforms, until written consent is obtained from Shah Bano’s heirs. It further requests the CBFC to withhold or revoke certification for the film until this consent is verified. The notice gives the parties seven days to comply before legal action is initiated.

The makers of Haq, during the teaser release, had described the film as “a searing and intense drama inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case.” They have not yet responded to the legal notice.

Haq stars Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam and is set to explore the controversial and historic case that captured national attention.

Also Read: Yami Gautam Dhar expresses gratitude over love being showered on Haq teaser; says, “Thank you”

Director Siddharth Anand recently created a buzz online with a mysterious post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, leaving fans speculating about a possible announcement related to King, the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan-starrer. Currently in the shooting stage, the film has already stirred excitement thanks to leaked images and videos from the set. Now, Anand’s cryptic post has further fueled anticipation among movie lovers.

Siddharth Anand's Post Sends Fans Into a Frenzy

On his X account, Siddharth Anand simply wrote: “Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.” Though brief, the post was enough to spark a wave of speculation among fans. Many interpreted it as a hint at an upcoming teaser or poster reveal for King, which features a star-studded cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and others.

Fan Reactions: Countdown to an Announcement?

The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section to decode its meaning. One user wrote, “Tik, tok... bang, boom... The bigger a #SRKian, the faster the heartbeat. Mine’s a stampede.” Another speculated, “Tick tock... feels like 2nd November is calling.” Several others pointed out the possible significance of the date, noting that Shah Rukh Khan's birthday falls on November 2, raising hopes for a special announcement on that day.

Another fan tried to crack the code with a theory: “2 tick 2 tock 2.11 it is. Message decoded.” Others asked the director directly if the promotional campaign for King was officially beginning.

Deepika Padukone Confirms Her Role in King

Adding to the buzz, Deepika Padukone recently shared a photo from the film’s set featuring Shah Rukh Khan, confirming her involvement in the project. She reportedly joined the team in Poland to shoot her scenes.

Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Deepika Padukone, the film also stars Rani Mukerji, Raghav Juyal, Abhay Verma, Abhishek Bachchan, and Akshay Oberoi in key roles. King is being positioned as an action drama, and expectations are high given the cast and crew involved.

All Eyes on November 2

While there has been no official confirmation yet, all signs seem to point toward November 2, Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday, as a likely date for a teaser, poster, or announcement related to King. Until then, fans are holding their breath and closely watching every move from the film’s team. Stay tuned for more updates on King as they unfold.

Also Read: Siddharth Anand on 6 years of War, “It has been the most important point in my career”

There’s a strange obsession in this country - a woman’s wardrobe seems to invite more outrage than burning issues ever do. Every few months, the outrage machine picks a new target, and this time it’s Deepika Padukone, once again.

When she wore a bikini in Pathaan, people screamed about “Indian values.” Now, because she wore an abaya and hijab in a tourism campaign for Abu Dhabi, the same voices are accusing her of being “too Islamic.” The contradiction is laughable - first she was too bold, now she’s too modest. Maybe what really bothers people isn’t what she wears, but the fact that she refuses to conform to their hypocrisy.

Let’s get this straight - what a woman wears is her right. Not a referendum for public approval.

If she wears a bikini on a beach, that’s confidence. If she wears a hijab in a mosque, that’s respect. If she wears a lehenga at a wedding, that’s culture. But in every single case, it is her choice, not yours.

The trolling around the Abu Dhabi ad is not just misplaced - it’s ignorant. Deepika was filming a tourism campaign at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, where every visitor - regardless of religion - is required to cover their head and dress modestly. It’s not about religion; it’s about cultural decorum. She didn’t “promote” anything controversial - she simply followed the same code that millions of tourists do every year.

What exactly do these critics want? Should she have walked into a mosque in a lehenga for their comfort? Or perhaps worn jeans to make them feel “modern”? This double standard reeks of insecurity - the need to police women while pretending to protect culture.

Here’s the part trolls conveniently forget: Deepika Padukone has always shown deep respect for Indian culture. There are countless images of her visiting temples in traditional attire, her hands folded in prayer. She has represented India at international platforms with dignity and grace, embodying the idea of a modern Indian woman - grounded in her roots, yet unafraid to express herself.

So, when she wears a hijab in a mosque abroad, she isn’t “changing sides” - she’s showing the same cultural empathy that defines her everywhere she goes. That’s not hypocrisy. That’s class.

But of course, empathy doesn’t trend as fast as outrage. It’s far easier to sit behind a screen and call a woman “too this” or “too that.” Because when a woman owns her freedom, it challenges the fragile egos of those who can’t stand to see her comfortable in her skin - or her choices.

If you’re still offended by what Deepika wears, the problem isn’t with her hijab, her bikini, or her lehenga.

The problem is with your mindset.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone joins Ranveer Singh to ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ in the latest global campaign

Dubai has officially been blessed with the presence of The Kareena Kapoor Khan, and honestly, the fashion world hasn't been the same since. Attending an event for Fable & Mane, the Ayurvedic hair wellness brand where she reigns as the first-ever Global Ambassador, Bebo didn't just walk onto the red carpet—she owned it. Forget your basic black dresses; this look, conceptualized by the style sorceress Rhea Kapoor, is a masterclass in Minimalist Maximalism and a total blueprint for evening power dressing.

The Look: A Rahul Mishra Couture Masterpiece Kareena dripped in a custom couture creation by the globally renowned Rahul Mishra. For the uninitiated, Mishra is a Paris Haute Couture Week regular, celebrated for his commitment to slow fashion and breathtakingly intricate hand embroidery and 3D artistry. This gown is a testament to that legacy.

The silhouette is classic Bebo: sleek, sophisticated, and utterly commanding. Crafted in a rich, deep-hued fabric (likely a luxurious velvet or matte satin), the gown featured a clean, figure-hugging line that pooled elegantly on the floor, allowing the actress’s Main Character Energy to do all the talking.

But let’s get into the real statement piece: The Architectural Sleeves.

In true couture fashion, the gown was designed with dramatic, voluminous sleeves crafted from a sheer, almost gossamer fabric, which are instantly recognizable as Rahul Mishra's signature. These aren't just sleeves; they are sculptural wings of delicate embroidery, adding a spectacular, almost gothic-glam flair to the overall ensemble. They provided the high-octane drama necessary for a global brand ambassador moment, without needing any extraneous bling.

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The Accessories: Strategic Slay The genius of Rhea Kapoor lies in her approach to styling a major look: Let the couture breathe. The accessories were chosen with surgical precision, offering light and sparkle where the dress was deep and dramatic.

Jewelry: Kareena skipped the necklace entirely (smart move—the neckline was perfection) and opted for breathtaking Mehta & Sons’ statement earrings. Their subtle sparkle and clean design perfectly framed her face, complementing the drama of the sleeves instead of competing with it. A bold cocktail ring from ABFJewels completed the hand stack.

Footwear: Keeping the foundation flawless, she grounded the look with chic, black heels from Saint Laurent, proving that a classic luxury shoe is the ultimate power move. The Beauty Moment: The Bebo Glow The hair and makeup, handled by Cristiano Pereira and Tanvi Chemburkar, mirrored the outfit's balance of power and polish. Her signature skin glowed, anchored by a subtly smoky eye that enhanced her intense gaze. The hair was pulled back—likely a sleek, voluminous high ponytail or a tight low bun—to ensure maximum focus remained on the jaw-dropping architectural sleeves and her sharp neckline. The Verdict Kareena Kapoor Khan’s look for the Fable & Mane event is a certified SLAY. It’s effortlessly chic, deeply couture, and showcases the symbiotic relationship between a global icon, an avant-garde designer, and a visionary stylist. She didn't just wear an outfit; she wore a piece of art that screamed, "I Ate, No Crumb Left." Gen Z, take notes: This is how you command a room.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan spills the beans on falling in love with Kareena Kapoor Khan; says, “She was kind and warm. We used to go for these long walks, and she’d ask me a lot of questions…”

Ahaan Panday’s debut in Saiyaara introduced him as a promising new talent to watch. Now, he is set to team up with Sharvari for director Ali Abbas Zafar’s next untitled film. As previously reported, the two actors will lead this upcoming project backed by Aditya Chopra, and the film will begin shooting in the UK.

According to a new report by Pinkvilla, filming is scheduled to start in March 2026. Described as a stylish action-romance with emotional depth, the film is expected to showcase the kind of storytelling Ali Abbas Zafar is known for. The report quoted a source sharing, “Ahaan Panday and Sharvari are all set to kick off the shoot in the UK, with detailed planning already underway. From scouting locations to finalizing the music and prepping the scenes, the team is fully geared up for the project.”

Zafar, known for directing hit films like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, is taking a new direction with this fresh on-screen pairing. Ahaan Panday, who made a strong impression in Saiyaara opposite Aneet Padda, has quickly gained attention as a rising actor in the new generation. Sharvari, too, has been steadily building her career with notable performances in Maharaj and Munjya.

The upcoming film marks the fifth collaboration between Ali Abbas Zafar and producer Aditya Chopra. Their previous projects together include Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. Each film combined mass appeal with compelling storytelling, and expectations are already high for what this next venture will deliver.

With a new lead pair, a proven director-producer team, and a genre that blends action and romance, this untitled film is shaping up to be one of the anticipated releases on the horizon.

Also Read: Sharvari to star opposite Ahaan Panday in Ali Abbas Zafar’s untitled action romance: Report

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in giving updates about Dhurandhar. Last week, we informed readers about what one can expect from the asset of the film, which will be released by the makers, Jio Studios and B62 Studios, around the festival of Diwali. And now, we are back with another exciting update straight from the sets of one of the highly anticipated films of 2025.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The lead actor of Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh, has wrapped up the shooting of his portions. Ranveer has given his all to this role and his last day on the set was very emotional and also fun-filled.”

The source further said, “However, the shoot of the film is yet to be completed. 2 days of Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna’s shoot is left. It’ll be completed soon. The makers had the aim to wrap up the filming by October 15 and that plan seems to be on.”

The source also added, “Another plan which is also on is to bring the film in cinemas on December 5. Contrary to what a section of the industry speculated, Dhurandhar is not postponed. As of now, there’s no change in plan, and the post-production is going on in full swing. Moreover, the Diwali asset will also prominently mention the release date of the film.”

Besides Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna, Dhurandhar also stars R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. It is directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) fame.

Last week, Bollywood Hungama had shared details about the Diwali promo, “The first look featured a version of the song ‘Jogi’ aka ‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’. The next asset will feature another recreated version of the song. But it's more fast-paced and the visuals are also cut on the same lines. The first look promo gave an idea about the world of Dhurandhar. The Diwali asset will give a little more glimpse into this world and the characters. However, there are no dialogues even this time. The idea of the makers is simple – build on the momentum of the first look, but at the same time, don’t give out too much about the film.”

Also Read: Ranveer Singh meets Adrien Brody and NBA legends at 2025 pre-season game in Abu Dhabi

As the debate around work-life balance and humane work hours in the Indian entertainment industry continues to heat up-especially after reports of actress Deepika Padukone requesting structured work guidelines post-motherhood—filmmaker Hansal Mehta has added a compelling perspective to the conversation.

In a detailed note shared on social media platform X, the Scam 1992 director reflected on the demanding nature of the industry and the toll it takes on artists, technicians, and crew members alike. His words resonated deeply across the creative community, shedding light on the exhausting work culture that many have long accepted as “normal.”

Mehta began his post by addressing the long-standing reality of relentless work hours in the business. “In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a ‘shift.’ The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends are rarely weekends. Breaks are looked down upon. Somewhere along the way exhaustion became normalised and rest became a privilege.”

He further questioned the very structure of the entertainment sector, calling out its dependence on overworked professionals. “Sometimes I wonder: can this really be called an industry if it runs on the relentless draining of its people? The hardest hit are those who have the least power - the daily wagers. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave surviving in conditions we’d call inhuman anywhere else.”

The filmmaker didn’t limit his observations to cinema alone, expanding his critique to television and OTT production as well. “On television it’s worse and now even OTT and films have slipped into the same pattern. We often celebrate the arrival of global corporations believing they’ll bring better systems. But more often than not they simply adapt to the broken ones we already have. Because it’s profitable.”

In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a “shift.” The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 10, 2025

Mehta ended his note with a strong message about empathy and systemic change, writing, “I truly believe that if we cared about well-being, ours and especially those who hold up the base of this pyramid we’d not only work better, but live better. The irony is that quality, efficiency, and even profit would follow. But first, we need to stop scoffing at the simple idea of rest. Because without that, what are we really building?”

Hansal Mehta’s statement has sparked widespread discussions online, with several voices from within the industry echoing his sentiments. As the conversation around fair work practices gains traction, his words serve as a crucial reminder of the need for balance and reform in an industry often driven by relentless pace and pressure.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta slams rumours about launching Rajkumar Hirani’s son, opens up about Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar fiasco

Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor has just given his enviable car collection a powerful upgrade. The actor recently registered a BMW M2 on October 3, a performance-packed coupe that perfectly reflects his stylish, dynamic personality.

Priced at over Rs 1 crore, the BMW M2 comes with a 2993 cc engine delivering an impressive 473 bhp. The four-seater sports coupe blends precision engineering with pure adrenaline, offering Shahid the perfect mix of luxury and speed.

Known for his love of fast cars and fine machines, Shahid’s garage already boasts several head-turners — and this latest addition only amplifies his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most style-savvy actors off-screen. Whether he’s cruising through the city or heading to a shoot, Shahid’s choice of wheels always makes a statement.

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With the BMW M2, Shahid joins an elite group of auto enthusiasts who appreciate the car’s balance between track-ready performance and everyday usability. Fans were quick to spot the actor’s new ride, with pictures and videos from his recent outings already doing the rounds on social media.

On the work front, Shahid continues to balance versatility and star power with projects spanning theatrical blockbusters and digital ventures. But when it comes to his personal style — both on and off the road — Shahid Kapoor proves yet again that he’s always a class apart.

Also Read: LEAKED footage from Cocktail 2 gives a glimpse of Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna on Sicily streets

The Celebrate Cinema 2025 festival is in full swing at Subhash Ghai’s renowned filmmaking institute, Whistling Woods International, transforming its campus into a vibrant hub of art, creativity, and cinematic passion. The extravaganza has drawn some of the biggest names from the industry, with Ranbir Kapoor making a notable appearance on October 9, among many other prominent celebrities. As the festival enters its grand finale today, October 10, Bollywood Hungama has learned that the closing day promises to be equally momentous, featuring an eclectic line-up of distinguished personalities from diverse fields.

Today evening, Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, will deliver a keynote address to the film students as part of the Celebrate Cinema 2025 event. He’ll be joined by Dr Priti Adani. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Mr Gautam Adani's session is called 'When Art Becomes Soft Power Of A Nation'. Through his speech, he aims to inspire the youth and also the creative fraternity. He highly believes that cinema is a powerful medium and can play a pivotal role in defining India’s presence on the world stage creatively. His speech will cover all these points.”

The source further said, “Mr Gautam Adani's session will be attended by actor Kartik Aaryan, blockbuster filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, producer Mahaveer Jain and Whistling Woods International founder Subhash Ghai. Their presence will add a lot to the theme of the session. Kartik delivered an inspirational saga, Chandu Champion (2024), which has had a positive influence on the youth. As for Mr Hirani, each and every film of his has entertained as well as enlightened. Hence, it’ll be a session to watch out for.”

With industry icons and visionary leaders coming together under one roof, the final day of Celebrate Cinema 2025 is set to underline the festival’s spirit, that is, where creativity meets purpose. As Whistling Woods continues to bridge art, education, and inspiration, today’s session promises to leave an enduring impact on both the audience and the industry.

Also Read: Gautam Adani dedicates a song ‘Jai Bharat’ to the spirit of our nation

Varinder Singh Ghuman, professional bodybuilder and actor known for his work alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Jhund and Salman Khan in Tiger 3, passed away at the age of 41 in Amritsar.

According to multiple reports, Ghuman had been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Amritsar for a minor bicep surgery and was expected to be discharged the same day. However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during the procedure, which proved fatal.

A celebrated figure in the bodybuilding community, Ghuman was also one of the few Indian athletes recognized internationally in the sport. Beyond his achievements in fitness, he successfully transitioned to cinema. He played the lead role in the Punjabi film Kabaddi Once Again (2012) and appeared in Bollywood films including Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and Marjaavaan (2019).

Tributes began pouring in soon after the news of his untimely demise. Director Milap Zaveri, who worked with him in Marjaavaan, shared a heartfelt note on social media: “RIP @veervarindersinghghuman bhai. How unpredictable life is. Will always cherish the memories we shared on #Marjaavaan,” he wrote, along with behind-the-scenes pictures from the film’s set.

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Ghuman’s sudden passing has left both the film industry and the bodybuilding fraternity in shock.

Also Read: Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram passes away at 94

Allegations of forgery and conspiracy clouded the inheritance battle over the Rs 30,000-crore estate of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, as Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that the purported will produced by Kapur’s widow Priya Sachdev Kapur was a fabricated document, crafted to exclude his two children --Samaira and Kiaan Kapur, and seize control of his vast fortune.

Appearing before Justice Jyoti Singh, Jethmalani representing Samaira and Kiaan Kapur, the children from Sunjay’s earlier marriage to actor Karisma Kapoor, alleged that Sunjay “had no role in his own will." The counsel said digital evidence and travel logs proved that the industrialist was on holiday with his son Kiaan between March 15 and 18, 2025, when the document was supposedly modified.

“The will was altered on March 17 at 11:54 am, when Sunjay Kapur was not even in the city. His digital footprints are missing, replaced by those of the conspirators, including Priya Kapur,” Jethmalani told the court. “It is a serious crime under Section 467 of the Indian Penal Code, which prescribes life imprisonment for forgery of a will.”

At the centre of the controversy is a will dated March 21, 2025, which allegedly bequeaths Sunjay Kapur’s entire personal estate to his third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur. The children have challenged its authenticity, calling it the result of “a criminal conspiracy” among Priya and three associates. The ‘Cinderella Stepmother’ Allegation The metaphor quickly became the day’s most-quoted line in the courtroom. Jethmalani alleged that Priya Kapur had behaved like “an evil Cinderella mother” to Samaira and Kiaan scheming to sideline them and their grandmother Rani Kapur, while consolidating wealth and power within her own household.

He accused Priya of engineering secrecy around the estate, including insisting that family members sign non-disclosure agreements before discussing assets. “If the will were genuine, why the need for NDAs? Why the haste?” he asked.

Jethmalani also questioned the role of Shradha Suri Marwah, the named executor, claiming that “the person executing the assets was not the executor but Priya herself.” Two witnesses to the will, he said, were later given roles in companies tied to the estate—an “ominously convenient” pattern that, he argued, exposed the forgery. Neither witness has filed an affidavit validating the will, adding to the doubts over its provenance.

Justice Singh, after opening the sealed cover that contained the original document and an asset list, observed that the list bore no signature, and directed Priya Kapur to re-file it with an affidavit. The court will continue hearing Jethmalani’s arguments on October 13 before the defence presents its case.

According to court filings, the will leaves Karisma Kapoor’s children with a residual stake of barely 26% in the family trust, while Priya Kapur and her minor son Azarius command control of nearly three-quarters of the assets. “The tearing hurry was to appropriate everything before the children could act,” Jethmalani told the bench. “This is no benign stepmother; this is Cinderella’s stepmother.”

Jethmalani further questioned the conduct of Shradha Suri Marwah, the named executor of the will, asserting that “the person executing the assets was not the executor but Priya herself.” He told the court that the two witnesses to the will were subsequently rewarded with positions in companies linked to the Kapur estate, an arrangement he described as “ominously convenient.” Neither witness, he said, has filed an affidavit confirming the will’s validity, a silence that “makes the document even more suspicious.” A Will Without Signature Justice Singh on Thursday opened the sealed cover submitted by Priya Kapur containing the original will and a list of assets. The judge observed that the list bore no signature, directing Priya to resubmit a signed version accompanied by an affidavit. The court will continue hearing Jethmalani’s submissions on October 13 before taking arguments from the defence.

Counsel Rajiv Nayar, representing Priya Sachdev Kapur, categorically denied the allegations, maintaining that the will was “executed and attested properly, long before Sunjay Kapur’s death.” He argued that the suit filed by the children was “not maintainable” and that the document’s authenticity was supported by contemporaneous evidence.

The dispute traces back to June 12, 2025, when Sunjay Kapur, chairman of the diversified Sona Group and a familiar face on India’s polo circuit, collapsed during a match in England and died shortly afterwards. In the weeks following his death, Priya initially claimed that all assets were held in the RK Family Trust and that no will existed. Only in late July did she produce the March 21 document, which the children now describe as “forged and fabricated.”

Jethmalani told the court that the alleged forgery amounted to “a conspiracy by four individuals” aimed at usurping complete control of the estate while leaving Sunjay’s elderly mother Rani Kapur and his two children “effectively penniless.” “The mother is the settlor of the trust,” he reminded the bench. “What ungrateful son would ever leave his mother without a rupee? This is not Sunjay’s doing.”

Beyond the personal drama, the case has broader implications for Indian corporate families increasingly relying on digitally executed wills and trust structures to manage intergenerational wealth. Questions over metadata, authentication and electronic signatures, all pivotal to this case, could shape future jurisprudence on digital inheritance documents.

For now, the High Court has ordered Priya Kapur to provide a verified list of assets and frozen any move to create third-party rights. The matter will resume next week, but the high-society feud has already gripped both legal and business circles, a cautionary tale of modern wealth, technology and trust fractured by suspicion.

As one lawyer observing the proceedings remarked, “This is not merely about money. It’s a story of power, betrayal and the perils of digital inheritance where the battle for legacy may outlive the man who built it.”

Meanwhile, Rahul R Shelke, Civil Lawyer, Bombay High Court, expert in succession cases, said, "The assertion that the will was modified while the testator was away with his son is legally significant. When such allegations are supported by an affidavit from the testator’s close kin and contextualised by evidence of marital discord, they lend considerable weight to claims of undue influence or forgery. Courts will generally adopt a cautious stance, prioritising the protection of the legitimate heirs’ interests until a full forensic examination is concluded."

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor battles for her children’s rights in Sunjay Kapur’s Rs. 30,000 crores estate dispute