Anupam Kher is currently in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela. The actor, who has a deep love for Indian traditions, reached the Maha Kumbh and has now shared a video of himself receiving divine blessings by bathing in the Ganga river. The actor, who was most recently seen in Kangana Ranaut's Emergency, took to his Instagram and shared a video of himself standing in the middle of the river Ganga and taking a bath. He has also attached a heartfelt caption along with the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) Anupam Kher shares post from Maha Kumbh While sharing the video of himself enjoying the sacred bath, Kher wrote in Hindi, "महाकुंभ में गंगा स्नान करके जीवन सफल हुआ !! पहली बार उस स्थान पर पहुँच के मंत्र उच्चारण किए जहाँ माँ गंगा, जमुना जी और सरस्वती जी का संगम होता है! प्रार्थना करते करते अश्रु स्वयं ही आँखो से बहने लगे।संयोग देखिए! ऐसा ही ठीक एक साल पहले आज ही के दिन अयोध्या में प्राण प्रतिष्ठान के दिन हुआ था! सनातन धर्म की जय।" (Taking a holy dip in the Ganga at the Mahakumbh feels like a life fulfilled! For the first time, I reached the sacred spot where Maa Ganga, Yamuna Ji, and Saraswati Ji converge. As I recited mantras there, tears flowed from my eyes on their own during the prayers. What a coincidence! Exactly a year ago, on this very day, the same happened during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya! Glory to Sanatan Dharma. Anupam Kher celebrated 40 years in the industry Anupam Kher recently completed 40 glorious years in cinema this year, and he celebrated this milestone moment of his career during the promotions of Vijay 69, a direct-to-streaming film that is garnering a lot of acclaim. Vijay 69 is currently streaming on Netflix and also stars Chunky Panday and The Archies fame Mihir Ahuja. While Anupam is basking in the success of the film, he looked back on how he began his journey in the Hindi film industry as a struggling actor trying his best to make ends meet. Anupam visited six places in the city that are extremely dear to him because of the nostalgic value they hold for him. He visited Casa Maria, St Paul’s Road, Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir (Bandra West), Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, Kalumal Estate, Juhu, Shastri Nagar, Santacruz Linking Road Extension, and Kherwadi.
22 January,2025 10:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFarhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment has consistently delivered entertaining and successful films. Among them, their 2011 release, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, stands out as one of the most remarkable films, receiving tremendous love from the audience and still ruling hearts. It is indeed one of the precious gems of Indian cinema. While the audience remains captivated by its timeless appeal, producer Ritesh Sidhwani has dropped a hint about a sequel. Actor-producer Farhan Akhtar shared a fun video of himself sitting with the other lead cast members of the film, Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol. In the video, the trio is seen gazing at a novel by Alexandre Dumas titled The Three Musketeers. Farhan and Hrithik are heard calling it 'Unbelievable' and 'Outstanding,' while Abhay smiles as he looks at the book. Farhan captioned the post, "@zoieakhtar do you see the signs?? @ritesh_sid @reemakagti1 @excelmovies @tigerbabyofficial" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar) Although this reunion of the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara cast was a fun banter to watch, it was Ritesh Sidhwani's comment that fueled speculation about a sequel to the film. He commented, "Let's make it happen, boys! @faroutakhtar @abhaydeol @hrithikroshan." This comment from Sidhwani has sparked conversations about a possible sequel to this film generating an outburst of enthusiasm among fans. Several users tagged Zoya Akhtar in the comment section and encouraged her to bring the idea to life. One of the fans commented, "Please make it happen @zoieakhtar🙏" Someone joked, "If a sequel is not coming and this is just a tease then IT IS NOT FUNNY!!!!!!!!" YouTube India commented "kyun nahin ho raha sequel 😭" and more brands followed suit. Netflix India wrote, "Kya tum signs dekh rahe ho my bwoy 👀". Zoya Akhtar replied with, "Yes, the universe is speaking to me 🤣," further fueling fans' hopes for a sequel. For now, fans eagerly await more updates on whether Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara will return to the big screen with a sequel.
22 January,2025 10:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Rashmika Mandanna is recovering from a leg injury at the moment, but kept her commitment to attend the trailer launch of her upcoming film, Chhaava. The actress was spotted in a wheelchair earlier in the day. Later in the evening, she limped into the massive theatre at Dadar Plaza where the grand trailer launch was held. Dressed in a red ethnic wear, Rashmika looked quite like the Maratha queen Yesubai she is playing in Chhaava. As her co-star Vicky Kaushal helped her, Rashmika stayed graceful and poised as she got on stage, hopping on one leg, and told the audience why she wouldn't have missed the event at any cost. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Rashmika attends trailer launch of Chhaava despite leg injury "This is a character that you get to play once in a lifetime, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Today is the trailer launch of the most special film in my heart, and I would have given up anything to be here today. This is how much Chhaava the film and the team means to me. Even if I had to stand on one leg and travel all the way from Hyderabad to Mumbai, I would have still made it," Rashmika said as the crowd applauded. This speaks volumes about Rashmika's dedication to her craft. Although she suffered an injury, she didn’t let that affect her work commitments and made it to the event. Rashmika was shocked when she was offered Chhava Chhaava is directed by Laxman Utekar, with Vicky playing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rashmika as the queen of Swarajya, Chatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Kingdom, Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale. "I was absolutely shocked that Laxman sir thought of me for this character. I just surrendered, because you don't have a reference. It's a story, and they are such impactful, majestic characters, how do you play them? There was a lot of rehearsals and practice for language and everything," she said. Chhaava will be Rashmika's next release after the success of Pushpa 2: The Rule. She has consistently portrayed strong characters. While as Srivalli she stood tall in Pushpa 2: The Rule, in Chhaava, she plays the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, yet another powerful role. Rashmika has an exciting lineup of films. She is set to appear in several major releases, including Chhaava, Kubera, Sikandar, Rainbow, Thama, Animal Park, Pushpa 3, and The Girlfriend.
22 January,2025 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Bohni BandyopadhyayAfter recently receiving his degree from DY Patil University in Mumbai, Kartik Aaryan got the chance to revisit his college, and this time, it was to have a blast. The actor attended the grand Coldplay concert held at the grounds of DY Patil University in Mumbai. Today, Kartik took to Instagram to share a video of himself enjoying the live performance. Kartik Aaryan attends Coldplay concert View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) Kartik Aaryan shared the video from the marvellous night on Instagram, and while posting the clip that featured spectacular fireworks and a massive crowd going wild, he wrote, "Sky Full Of Stars In My College Campus Pure Magic." As soon as Kartik shared the video, fans started reacting to it. One wrote, "My feed is full of only one STAR & that's you". "A Star himself at Coldplay Concert," another one commented. About Coldplay in India After their performance in Mumbai, the British band will head to Ahmedabad for another show on January 26. Coldplay's Ahmedabad concert will be live-streamed on an OTT platform. The grand performance will stream on Disney+ Hotstar, and the band announced this exciting news to their fans through a video. Greeting their Indian audience, they shared, "Namaste to all our friends in India. We’re thrilled to share that on the 26th of January, our show from Ahmedabad will be streaming live on Disney+ Hotstar, so you can watch it from anywhere in India. We hope you’ll join us – we’re so excited to visit your beautiful country. Sending lots of love!” The Ahmedabad leg of Coldplay’s globally acclaimed Music of the Spheres World Tour is part of the band’s record-breaking journey that has redefined the live music experience. Recognized as the highest-grossing rock tour of all time, the tour celebrates music, sustainability, and creativity. Kartik Aaryan's Work Front Looking ahead, Kartik is gearing up for his next venture, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Dharma Productions. Set to release in 2026, the film promises to be a delightful romantic comedy. In a teaser announcement shared on Instagram, Kartik humorously narrated the story of his character’s failed relationships, writing, "Mummy ki khaayi hui kasam, yeh Mumma’s boy poori karke hi rehta hai!" Additionally, Kartik is collaborating with acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Basu on another untitled project.
22 January,2025 08:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe trailer of Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Chhaava has been released today. The trailer of Vicky Kaushal's most violent film to date will have you on the edge of your seats. The trailer opens with a voiceover that says, "Jald hi Marathaon ki zameen par Mughalon ka shasan hoga." The trailer then moves on and gives us the first look at Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj. It provides a glimpse into the horrific attacks of Aurangzeb and the valiant attempts by Sambhaji Maharaj to battle against them. Here's a few takeaways from the trailer: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maddock Films (@maddockfilms) The Stellar Cast The trailer showcases the stellar cast of the film. While Vicky Kaushal plays Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandanna will be seen acing the role of his wife Maharani Yesubai. The movie also stars Akshaye Khanna in the role of Aurangzeb and features Divya Dutta and Diana Penty. The Impactful Dialogues The 3-minute 9-second trailer delivers goosebumps-worthy dialogues, giving a glimpse of what the film has in store. A few standout dialogues include: "Chhatrapati Shivaji ka sapna pura karke chhodenge, Jai Bhavani!" "Vishwas aapka saath hai to yudh lage tyohar." "Maut ke ghoongroo pehenkar nachte hain hum Aurangzeb." "Jahan jahan bhagwa rang nazar aaye, usse laal kar do." Battle Scenes The multiple battle scenes in the 3-minute glimpse are some of the biggest takeaways from the trailer and keep the excitement for the film alive. The scene of Mughal fighters surrounding Sambhaji literally sends shivers down your spine. Apart from the battle scenes, which are undoubtedly the biggest highlight of the trailer, the dance sequences add a lighter touch. While sharing the trailer, the makers wrote: "Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films present the trailer of Hindi Cinema’s biggest spectacle ever - #Chhaava. Yeh Sher Shiva ka Chhaava shor nahin karta, seedha shikaar karta hai! Releasing in cinemas on 14th February." As soon as the trailer was released, fans began reacting to the clip. One wrote, "Vicky Kaushal doesn’t just act; he transforms into Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, leaving us in awe of his brilliance." Another said, "The story of the bravest king everyone should know and what an epic trailer 👏🔥 This will be a sureshot blockbuster, and VK looks incredible." A third user shared, "The trailer is truly captivating, showcasing an epic blend of powerful performances, stunning visuals, and rich storytelling. Excited to witness this remarkable journey on the big screen!"
22 January,2025 06:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSaif Ali Khan was discharged from the hospital last evening following surgery after being attacked by an intruder with the intention of alleged robbery. Yesterday, after being discharged, Saif was snapped outside his Bandra house in the city. While some were happy to see Saif walking and smiling, many questioned how he could recover from a spinal injury so soon. Disappointed by this inhuman debate, a well-wisher has come out in support of Saif. A Bengaluru-based cardiologist, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, stepped in to give his perspective and defend the actor after his remarkable recovery. “For people doubting if Saif Ali Khan really had spine surgery (funnily, even some doctors!), let me remind you that recovery timelines can surprise you,” wrote Krishnamurthy on X. For people doubting if Saif Ali Khan really had a spine surgery (funnily even some doctors!). This is a video of my mother from 2022 at the age of 78y, walking with a fractured foot in a cast and a spine surgery on the same evening when spine surgery was done. #MedTwitter. A… pic.twitter.com/VF2DoopTNL — Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) January 22, 2025 The doctor also shared a video of his mother walking with a fractured foot in a cast and after spine surgery. While sharing the video, he wrote, "This is a video of my mother from 2022 at the age of 78, walking with a fractured foot in a cast and a spine surgery on the same evening when spine surgery was done. #MedTwitter. A younger, fit person can recover even faster. For doctors who are doubting Saif's recovery... all I want to tell you is to get better exposure." Security tightened at Saif’s home As Saif reached his building premises, he waved to the media. The Hum Tum actor looked healthy as he greeted the paparazzi with a smile. Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor were also spotted. As per reports, security has been tightened at Saif’s home, and CCTV cameras have been installed. He has hired personnel from actor Ronit Roy’s agency. The actor suffered stab wounds to his thoracic spine when an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who hails from Bangladesh, entered his home with the alleged intent of theft. Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries. Saif underwent surgery to treat serious injuries, including the removal of a 2.5-inch-long blade. Saif Ali Khan’s work projects Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan was last seen in Devara Part 1, which hit theatres on September 27 last year. Saif will next be seen in the heist thriller Jewel Thief - The Red Sun Chapter, directed by Robbie Grewal.
22 January,2025 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSalman Khan is back on the sets of Sikandar after wrapping up his hosting duties for Bigg Boss 18. Bhaijaan is now fully focused on his upcoming thriller. Recently, Salman began shooting for the film in Mumbai, and clips from the shoot are now going viral on social media. These behind-the-scenes glimpses are giving fans a sneak peek into the making of the film, leaving the audience excited over Salman's rugged look for the movie. Salman Khan shooting for Sikandar A video of Salman shooting for the project has surfaced on the internet, showcasing the actor in his dashing, rugged avatar. In the clip, Salman is seen exiting a kaali-peeli taxi. The scene appears to be a leaked moment from the film, where Salman Khan arrives at a location in a kaali-peeli, accompanied by a few of his men. They proceed towards a chawl while the kaali-peeli driver is heard screaming and reciting a dialogue from behind. View this post on Instagram A post shared by tahirJasus 007 (@tahirjasus2) The video also shows several extras running and roaming around, adding depth to the scene. In the clip, Salman is seen wearing a blue shirt paired with denim jeans. About the Sikandar teaser The teaser of Sikandar, which was dropped earlier, shows Bhaijaan Salman Khan entering a room filled with deadly weapons and a lot of masked men. The teaser has Salman Khan saying, “Suna hai bohot log mere piche pade hain, bas mere mudne ki der hai,” and that’s when Sikandar aka Salman turns, and the deadly action begins, which is sure to leave you in awe. If the teaser is this intense, imagine what the film has in store. Fans go crazy over Salman Khan’s look in Sikandar As soon as the teaser of the film was released, fans started gushing over Bollywood’s jaan, Salman Khan. One wrote, “This is MASS. Salman Khan is back. What BGM. What colour scaling. Eid celebrations begin today.”A user wrote, "Special reply... Suna hai bahut log mere pichhe pade hain... goosebumps... Indirect reply to Bishnoi gang." More about Sajid Nadiadwala and Salman Khan’s partnership This film marks another milestone in the celebrated partnership between Sajid Nadiadwala and Salman Khan, whose last venture, Kick, became a ₹300 crore blockbuster. Sikandar promises to take this partnership to new heights, delivering yet another blockbuster when it releases in cinemas on Eid 2025. Stay tuned to Mid-day for more updates on Salman Khan's Sikandar!
22 January,2025 04:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Saif Ali Khan finally met the autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana, who took him to the hospital on the night he was attacked by an intruder at his Bandra residence. The pictures show Saif meeting Bhajan at the Lilavati Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. The picture is from Tuesday afternoon before the actor was discharged. Mumbai Police questions autorickshaw driver Speaking to ANI, Bhajan Singh Rana said that he was called to the Bandra Police Station for questioning. He stated that he has not been contacted by Kareena Kapoor or anyone else so far. "I was called there (Bandra Police Station) for questioning...I did not think about money that night...I have not been contacted by Kareena Kapoor or anyone else so far. I have not had any conversation with them," Bhajan Singh said. Autorickshaw driver recalls a ‘bleeding’ Saif Recalling the harrowing incident, the driver explained that he saw a woman trying to hire an auto-rickshaw at 2 AM. Soon after, he approached the scene and saw the 'Hum Tum' actor covered in "blood," coming out of the gate, accompanied by a few others. The actor was "bleeding" from his "neck and back," the driver said. "I drive my vehicle at night. It was around 2-3 AM. when I saw a woman trying to hire an auto, but nobody stopped. I also heard calls for a rickshaw from inside the gate. I took a U-turn and stopped my vehicle near the gate. A man covered in blood came out, along with 2-4 others. They put him in the auto and decided to go to Lilavati Hospital. I dropped them there, and later I came to know that he was Saif Ali Khan. I saw him bleeding from his neck and back," Rana shared. Saif Ali Khan suffered stab wounds to his thoracic spine when an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who hails from Bangladesh, entered his home with the alleged intent of theft. Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries. Saif underwent surgery to treat serious injuries, including the removal of a 2.5-inch-long blade.
22 January,2025 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile Saif Ali Khan returned safely home from the hospital yesterday after surviving a knife attack by a burglar, there seems to be another battle he needs to fight on the property front. Properties belonging to the Pataudi family in Bhopal could be taken under government control, after a recent ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Saif to lose his properties in Bhopal? The historical properties belonging to the Pataudi family, estimated to be worth Rs 15,000 crore, are one step closer to being taken under government control, according to recent reports. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has lifted the stay imposed on these properties in 2015, potentially paving the way for their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, 1968. Prominent properties which could be acquired by the government include the Flag Staff House, where Saif spent his childhood. Other properties under scrutiny include Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, Kohefiza Property, and others. What is the Enemy Property Act? The Enemy Property Act allows the central government to claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition. Bhopal's last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan, had three daughters. His eldest, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950. The second daughter, Sajida Sultan, stayed in India and married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and became the legal heir. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the last ruler of the princely state of Pataudi during the British Raj, was the father of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Saif is the grandson of Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Sajida Sultan, and inherited a share of the properties. However, Abida Sultan's migration became the focal point for the government's claim to the properties as "enemy property", according to NDTV. Justice Vivek Agarwal said a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017, and directed the parties concerned to file a representation within 30 days. On December 13, 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had dismissed the actor's plea against the government move to declare the Pataudi family property in Bhopal as "enemy property". He can still appeal to the Appellate Tribunal.
22 January,2025 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPan-India actor Rashmika Mandanna, who had injured her leg earlier this month resumed work. She was spotted at the Mumbai airport in a wheelchair with a bandaid on her foot. The Animal actor wore a casual outfit and covered her face with a mask as she arrived for the trailer launch of her upcoming movie Chhaava. This speaks volumes about Rashmika's dedication to her craft. With sheer passion, she overcomes any challenge with grace. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Rashmika had to pause Sikandar, Thama, and Kubera shoot Rashmika, who has a massive lineup of films this year had to pause multiple shoots following the leg injury. She had earlier shared on Instagram, "Well… happy New Year to me, I guess! Injured myself in my sacred gym shrine. Now I’m in ‘hop mode’ for the next few weeks or months or God only knows, so seems like I’ll be hopping my way back to sets for Thama, Sikandar, and Kubera!" "To my directors, sorry for the delay…I’ll be back soon enough, just making sure my legs are fit for action (or at least fit for hopping). In the meantime, if you need me…I’ll be the one in the corner doing a highly advanced bunny hop workout. HOP HOP HOP," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna) Rashmika Mandanna to play Maharani Yesubai in Chhaava The makers of Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava shared the first look poster of Rashmika Mandanna who is set to play the role of Maharani Yesubai in the film. In heavy jewellery and a red saree, Rashmika looks regal in the poster. She will be playing the role of Maharani Yesubai in the film. The movie is set to release in the theatres on February 14. Maharani Yesubai was the wife of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj referred to as Chatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Kingdom. Produced by Maddock Films and directed by Laxman Utekar, the film also stars Akshaye Khanna. Chhaava is touted to be a "stirring tale of the courageous warrior whose coronation on this day in 1681 marked the beginning of a legendary reign." Rashmika will next be seen in Sikandar with Salman Khan. It is directed by AR Murugadoss and will hit the big screens on Eid 2025.
22 January,2025 01:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWatching Kennedy at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival with Vikramaditya Motwane, little did Rahul Bhat know it would pave the way for his next with the filmmaker. Today, as the actor is receiving wide praise for his performance in Motwane’s Black Warrant, he recalls how the filmmaker offered him the part. “When he saw Kennedy in Cannes, he really liked the film. On returning, he offered me Black Warrant. I believe the work I did with Anurag [Kashyap] influenced him,” says Bhat. Vikramaditya Motwane The actor worked with Kashyap on Ugly (2014) and Kennedy. Having teamed up with two of the finest filmmakers in the country, did he find any similarity in their vision? “They have unique voices, but they are creatively the same—from the way they treat their actors, to creating an atmosphere so that there is immense scope for creativity. Also, Vikram bohot mehnat karta hai! When I told this to Anurag, he was laughing. It doesn’t mean Anurag doesn’t work hard, but Vikram is always on his toes,” he grins. In a career spanning over two decades, Bhat has done only 10 films. Despite limited work and little social media presence, which unfortunately seems to influence casting today, he has Kashyap and Motwane projects on his résumé. “I want to tell the newcomers that they must stop being social media wannabes. These directors are passionate about their cinema. They don’t care if you are Shashi Kapoor’s grandson or Rahul Bhat. They want to know if you can be trusted to get the character right. You could be their brother or son, but they won’t cast you if you don’t suit the character. They don’t cast you looking at how many paps are clicking you. They are delightfully selfish. I feel so honoured and lucky that these directors really trust me, even though sometime they cast me against all odds. People would say, 'Why are they casting him?' People in this industry have this mindset, 'Oh, this person has five million following on social media. That one is a style icon. That one is hot and happening,' and all sorts of bull****. Despite all that, these wonderful directors backed me and had so much confidence in me that this guy would give his life for the character."
22 January,2025 11:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaADVERTISEMENT
