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Eijaz Khan says Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan pushes him to do better

Actor Eijaz Khan, who has successfully transitioned from television to cinema and OTT platforms, shared his experiences and key takeaways from Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, in which he played a significant role. Speaking to ANI, the Tanu Weds Manu actor expressed how working on the Atlee-directed Jawan has set a new benchmark for him. "The film has spoilt me, and now I always strive to do something better and better," he remarked. The film featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, with an ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone, Nayanthara, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Ridhi Dogra, Lehar Khan, Girija Oak, and Sanchari Bhattacharya in prominent roles. Eijaz Khan portrayed 'Manish Gaikwad', the brother of Vijay Sethupathi's character. Reflecting on the movie's success, Eijaz said, "I was a part of history. Everything felt unbelievable, like a dream. It spoilt me. Voh karne ke baad (after doing that), you always strive to do something better and better." Sharing his key takeaways from the film, Eijaz noted, "One thing I learned from the film is that even if you are supremely talented, the people who truly succeed in touching the hearts of millions are those who never settle for the fame and fortune they have. They keep working harder and harder." He elaborated, "Their efforts are continuous (unki mehnat jaari rehti hai). With each success, they feel an even greater responsibility to work harder and produce better work." Eijaz Khan's recent performance was in the OTT film Zabt, alongside Rahul Dev and Manoj Joshi. The movie is available for streaming on Prasar Bharati's OTT platform, Waves. The story follows Eijaz Khan's character, a smart and ambitious man who moves to Mumbai. To acquire real estate, he borrows money from an underworld don but gets robbed. The film delves into the mysteries of his past and his quest to recover the lost money. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

15 December,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Saira Banu. Picture Courtesy: Mid-day Archives; (right) Picture Courtesy/Saira Banu's Instagram account

Saira Banu dismisses rivalry rumours between Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar

Veteran actress Saira Banu is remembering Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor on his centenary. On Saturday, the actress, who enjoys a following of 94, 300, took to her Instagram and shared a video revisiting her memories of Raj Kapoor’s friendship with her husband Dilip Kumar. The video shows the two gentlemen sharing light-hearted moments, playing cricket, and acting goofy with each other. The actress also penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, “Raj Kapoor, the showman, the dreamer, the eternal storyteller, was once a boy roaming through the busy yet peaceful lanes of Peshawar. And I would say that it was no coincidence that two of the greatest legends, Sahib and Raj Ji, both hailed from Peshawar”.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu) She further shared that while many people in the industry and the admirers of their work thought them to be professional rivals, they were actually childhood friends hailing from the soil of Peshawar. She further mentioned, “They shared more than just a city, they shared a friendship so profound it transcended decades, fame, and even the barriers of life itself. Their bond was born in the streets of their hometown, strengthened in the whirlwind of Mumbai, and immortalized on the grand stage of life. But beyond the glitz and glamour, they were just two men who found joy in each other’s company. Their shared love for cricket brought them together as boys at heart, laughing and cheering under the sun. Their compassion united them as they worked side by side for causes greater than themselves, raising funds, and rallying hope in difficult times”. She continued, “Raj Ji, with his playful wit, often teased Sahib, urging him to marry. ‘Shaadi kyun nahi karta, yaar?’ he’d ask, grinning. ‘Jis din tu shaadi karega, ghutno ke bal chal ke aunga tere paas’. And when that day came when Sahib married me Raj Ji, true to his word, knelt before him and laughed, ‘See, I told you! Thank you for finally letting me do this’”. She shared that when Raj Kapoor was in a hospital bed after a cardiac arrest, Dilip Kumar, who was abroad, rushed back the moment he heard. “Standing by his motionless friend, he whispered through his tears, “Raj, wake up! I’ve brought the ‘khushboo’ of Chapli Kebabs. Let’s walk through the bazaar, like we used to eating kebabs, laughing, and reminiscing. Bas ab acting mat kar; take me back to Peshawar.” His voice broke, his heart shattered, and in that silent room, the depth of their love echoed louder than words ever could, she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

15 December,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Ridhima Pandit. Pic/Yogen Shah

Ridhima Pandit calls working with director Neeraj Pandey a dream come true

Actress Ridhima Pandit, who is making her Bollywood debut with “Sikandar Ka Muqaddar”, has heaped praise on director Neeraj Pandey, saying that she couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and guide.  Starring Jimmy Sheirgill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta opposite Avinash Tiwary, in “Sikandar Ka Muqaddar”, Ridhima plays a powerful and nuanced role which is pivotal to the story line. Sharing her experience of working with the renowned director Neeraj Pandey, the talented actress Ridhima said, “Working with Neeraj Pandey sir has been a dream come true. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and guide. She added: “His vision, precision, and dedication to storytelling are truly inspiring. Playing this role was both challenging and rewarding, as it allowed me to explore a new dimension of my craft.” Ridhima also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on a project that resonates with her as an actor and a storyteller. “Sikandar Ka Muqaddar” unfolds a gripping tale of a heist, a relentless police officer, and a pursuit that spans 15 years, offering a thrilling mix of high-stakes drama. The film also stars Divya Dutta and Zoya Afroz. The thriller delves into crime, obsession, and the pursuit of justice. Talking about Ridhima, she started her career as a model, and made her acting debut in 2016 with the sitcom 'Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant'. The show featured Karan Grover in the lead. She was then seen playing various characters in the comedy show 'The Drama Company'. It featured comedians Krushna Abhishek, Ali Asgar, Sugandha Mishra, Sudesh Lehri, and Sanket Bhosale. Ridhima also hosted 'Dance Champions', and was the second runner-up in the stunt reality show 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 9'. The season was won by Punit Pathak. She essayed the role of Amrita in 'Haiwaan: The Monster'. It starred Param Singh, and Ankit Mohan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

15 December,2024 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Rahul Dev. Pic/Yogen Shah

Rahul Dev appreciates Jodhpur youth for participating in marathon

Bollywood actor Rahul Dev arrived in Jodhpur to participate in a marathon set to take place on Sunday. The event aims to promote the message of a clean, healthy, and drug-free Jodhpur. Actor Rahul Dev is accompanied by actress Mugdha Godse. Speaking to ANI, Rahul Dev praised the youth of Jodhpur for their enthusiastic participation in the marathon. He said, "The marathon is being held in Jodhpur, and it's wonderful to see the youth actively participating. I've heard that this marathon has grown over the years, with more people joining each time. The people of Rajasthan have always been brave and resilient, drawing inspiration from leaders like Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga." Rahul Dev also highlighted the fitness culture in Rajasthan, noting how the marathon complements it. "Farming and life here are inherently challenging, which keeps people fit. Adding a marathon to this lifestyle enhances it further. Moreover, events like these contribute to cleanliness, and if you observe the running groups, they also emphasise greenery and clean paths," he said. He further remarked on the growing awareness among the youth: "If the youth weren't aware, how would world records be broken? The youth have always been at the forefront and will continue to lead." Rahul Dev, known for his powerful and villainous roles in films, has had a career spanning over two decades. Reflecting on his journey, he recently spoke about his Bollywood debut and how it paved the way for his string of negative roles in Hindi cinema. The actor made his debut with the film Champion in 2000, where he played the antagonist. He went on to portray similar roles in films such as Aashiq, Awara Paagal Deewana, Mass, and others. Discussing his career trajectory, Rahul shared his efforts to break free from typecasting by exploring South Indian cinema. "When your first project, like Champion, becomes a success and wins awards, it sets a precedent. Sunny Deol, being a larger-than-life hero, required a strong anti-hero. I didn't intentionally stick to negative roles, but diversifying is important to avoid monotony. That's why I tried opportunities in the South--it was becoming boring," he explained. Rahul Dev was recently seen in the series Zabt, currently streaming on Waves. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

15 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | ANI
Diljit Dosanjh Pic/Instagram

Diljit Dosanjh gives a twist to Pushpa 2 dialogue, dedicates concert to D Gukesh

Punjabi singing sensation Diljit Dosanjh performed in Chandigarh on Saturday as a part of his 'Dil-Luminati' concert. He dedicated it to India's newly crowned International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju. Not just that, Diljit also gave a twist to Allu Arjun’s dialogue from Pushpa 2 and left the audience impressed.            View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Diljit Dosanjh dedicates concert to Gukesh Dommaraju In an Instagram video, Diljit praised Gukesh's hard work and dedication to achieving his dreams from a young age. “This concert is dedicated to the world chess champion Gukesh,” Diljit said during his concert. He also shared that while everyone faces challenges in life, the one who knows how to deal with them achieves the target. Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history, defeating China's Ding Liren in the final game of their FIDE World Championship match. Gukesh received his FIDE World Championship trophy following his remarkable triumph the subsequent day. The championship, which was tied at 6.5-6.5 heading into the final game, concluded with a stellar performance by Gukesh, who secured a 7.5-6.5 victory over Ding Liren, according to FIDE's official website. Diljit Dosanjh gives a twist to Pushpa 2 dialogue  Diljit also referred to Allu Arjun-starrer Pushpa 2 movie's famous dialogue "Jhukega Nahi Sala" in his own way, saying "Sala nahi jhukega toh kya jija jhuk jayega". Pushpa 2: The Rule has taken the box office by storm. It has emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, raking in Rs 1,000 crore worldwide within seven days of its release. Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media, the film stars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil reprise their roles as Pushpa Raj, Srivalli, and Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's wife also attended the 'Dil-Luminati' concert in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, before Diljit’s show, the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) issued an advisory urging him to avoid performing alcohol-themed songs during his live performance. The advisory, issued by CCPCR chairperson Shipra Bansal on Thursday, specifically referenced songs such as 'Patiala Peg', '5 Tara', and 'Case', cautioning against performing even modified versions that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence.

15 December,2024 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kartik Aaryan

Kartik Aaryan to reunite with Satyaprem Ki Katha director for another love story

When an actor-director duo delivers a hit, an encore is often on the cards. Right after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) worked wonders at the box office, rumours were rife that leading man Kartik Aaryan and director Sameer Vidwans were planning to reunite. Over a year since, the two seem to have found exactly the kind of story they were looking for. mid-day has learnt that they have zeroed in on a love story and are currently shopping around for a producer. A source says, “During the shoot of Satyaprem Ki Katha, Kartik was so impressed by Sameer that he had expressed his wish to work with him again, even asking him to find another romantic drama. Recently, the director pitched a script to Kartik, who immediately loved it.” Not surprisingly, their first option for a collaborator was their Satyaprem Ki Katha producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The source adds, “They were eager to team up with Sajid, hoping to recreate the magic of their first offering together. Also, since Sameer had signed a two-film deal with the producer, he felt this could be the perfect second collaboration. But Sajid had to regretfully turn down the proposition as he has his hands full with four projects lined up for next year—Salman Khan’s Sikandar, Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5, Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4, and Vishal Bhardwaj’s film with Shahid Kapoor about Hussain Ustara. Since then, the actor-director duo has been shopping around for studios, without much success.” Sajid Nadiadwala and Sameer Vidwans Aaryan, who recently delivered a hit in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, has yet to announce his next project. The actor has a romantic drama with Anurag Basu and producer Bhushan Kumar, but it’s still uncertain whether it will be made as a part of the Aashiqui franchise or a standalone film. The sequel to Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019) is also in the pipeline. So, one wonders when the actor’s film with Vidwans will get off the ground. The source, however, is confident of it taking shape soon. The insider adds, “Sameer and Kartik’s bond is deeper than that of a director and actor; their friendship goes back many years. Kartik is an enterprising actor, and he will ensure this project shapes up.”

15 December,2024 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBR
(From left) Sarah Hopkins, Anshuman Jha and Ashish Dubey

Anshuman Jha to work with Australian actor Sarah Hopkins in Welcome to Agra

The new year will bring a new love into actor Anshuman Jha’s life, albeit for the screens. Come January, the actor will begin shooting for Welcome to Agra, which is set in 2000 and explores the unusual love story between a cycle-rickshaw driver and a British tourist in Agra. Debutant director Ashish Dubey’s film sees Jha as the cycle-rickshaw driver, while Australian-British actor Sarah Hopkins has been roped in as the female lead.    For Jha, Welcome to Agra was an easy yes as he feels that love stories have almost disappeared from Hindi cinema in the recent past. “As an audience, we haven’t had a quintessential love story like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge [1995] or Jab We Met [2007] in the past decade. This film has a rare story [set] before the times of social media and mobile phones. A rickshaw-wala and a British tourist falling in love is a novel concept. It’s a cross-cultural love story,” says the actor. While Jha is currently shooting for Lakadbaggha 2, he will begin prepping for Welcome to Agra in the first week of January 2025. He is looking forward to working with Hopkins, who previously featured in The Proper Etiquette for Being Alone (2019). He says, “Sarah has lived and trained as an actor in Perth. It’s a great opportunity to work with an artiste from another land.”

15 December,2024 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Rekha Pic/ANI

Have you heard? Rekha cries at Raj Kapoor's centenary anniversary celebration

Many moods of Rekha The centenary anniversary celebration of late filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor was an emotional affair not only for the Kapoor clan, but also for Rekha. Looking resplendent in a cream and golden saree, the senior actor got teary-eyed as she looked at the posters of the legend’s films on the red carpet. At the celebration, Rekha was also seen hugging Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. No prizes for guessing that the moment went viral, with netizens loving their warm interaction.

15 December,2024 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
In Pic: Kangana Ranaut and Diljit Dosanjh

Did Kangana indirectly condemn songs with alcohol themes amid Diljit controvesy?

Kangana Ranaut continues to make headlines and has now become the talk of B-town once again as she shared her views on songs with controversial themes like drugs, alcohol, and violence. She highlighted the collective responsibility of society and whether she’d address the issue in Parliament. Speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak, Kangana said, “Artistic expression is not dependent on anything. Himachal folk music has so many such songs. In art, it’s the emotions that matter. To each their own. That being said, when it comes to habits like substance abuse, it is not just the government’s responsibility but also that of the general public.” The debate also comes at a time when there’s been a lot of talk around Diljit Dosanjh's songs and his ongoing tour. In fact, Diljit has been advised not to serve alcohol to those below 25 years of age, refrain from calling children on stage, and avoid performing songs about alcohol or violence.   Diljit Dosanjh on songs with alcohol as theme Earlier, when asked to refrain from performing songs that referenced alcohol, Diljit said he would gladly pledge not to sing them if alcohol shops were shut down nationwide. Complying with a notice from the Telangana government, Diljit did, in fact, alter the lyrics of some of his popular tracks and replaced certain words. There are a bunch of restrictions for his Chandigarh concert today as well. Meanwhile, he will conclude the tour in Guwahati on December 29. Kangana Ranaut talks about Emergency Kangana, on the other hand, is gearing up for the release of her much-anticipated movie, Emergency. The film has faced multiple delays but is now slated for release on January 17. A biographical political thriller, the film sees Kangana play former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and depicts the 21-month Emergency period in India. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency also features Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman in key roles. Talking about the delay, Kangana had earlier told ANI, “I know how I made this film. I did not get any support from the film industry. It’s made on a huge budget. I, along with Zee and other partners, created Emergency, and now with the release delay, everyone is bearing a huge loss. A delayed release is a loss for all. I think the Censor Board should take responsibility to release this film at the earliest."

14 December,2024 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor & Mrunal Thakur

Kareena Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan to play the negative roles in Prabhas' Spirit?

Sandeep Reddy Vanga has made a space for himself in the Bollywood space with two hit films - Kabir Singh and Animal. And now, he is all set to make another big Hindi cop film starring Prabhas in the lead role. Prabhas will be donning a cop avatar for the movie and while the film is expected to go on floors in the first quarter of 2025, it is slated for a release in 2026. In addition, the team is also currently casting for the action film along with pre-production work. Mrunal Thakur to play female lead in Spirit? Reports in Pinkvilla have it that Sandeep Reddy Vanga is also in talks with Mrunal Thakur as the female lead opposite Prabhas. The source told the portal, “Spirit is the most ambitious and awaited films of Indian Cinema, and the makers are going all out to have the best and most talented actors of world cinema on board the film. While Prabhas is locked to play the role of a cop, the conversations are in progress with Mrunal Thakur, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor with the latter two for the negative turn." Spirit is touted to be one of the biggest films from SRV and in Hindi cinema as it is said to be his attempt to change how cop-based films are looked at in general. In fact, the report also stated that the story is a never-before-seen template for a commercial Indian film and while there are good and bad people, it will also have many grey elements that Vanga is known for. The source was quoted as saying, "Every character has a purpose, and it’s among the most ambitious films for Sandeep Reddy Vanga." Saif and Kareena in negative roles? In addition, reports have it that the team is currently in the writing and prep phase of the film and everything is currently in full swing. In fact, those who've heard the narration think that this film will have Prabhas in a never-before-seen avatar thanks to Vanga's vision. Saif and Kareena, too, will have a rather interesting dynamic and this will be the first time when a real-life couple will be seen playing a negative role. While the talks are currently on, once the monetary discussions are complete, they will sign the dotted lines. Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit is slated for a release in 2026. SRV will move to Animal Park with Ranbir Kapoor post Spirit's release.

14 December,2024 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
In Pic: Anurag Kashyap drops pics from Aaliyah's wedding

Anurag Kashyap drops an emotional post for daughter Aaliyah: ‘Ye bhi gayi...'

Bollywood’s ace filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's 23-year-old daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, tied the knot with American entrepreneur Shane Gregoire on Wednesday. Now, as Anurag sent his piece of heart with Shane, he took to Instagram and dropped a cute post for his little princess. The actor shared a carousel of images of him performing several rituals and attached it with a heartfelt caption. Anurag Kashyap's emotional post for daughter Aaliyah While sharing the pictures, the ace filmmaker wrote, "Ye bhi gayi... @shanegregoire my Silly, take care of her. And I will get back to my stubborn self. Thank you @artb and @rheadewan for making it happen so beautifully. Thank you, everyone, for coming." The first picture in the series shows Anurag cleaning his daughter’s feet as she sits on the chair with her now-husband Shane. The next picture is a close-up shot of the same ritual. In the third picture, he is seen sharing a smile with his ex-wife, Aarti Bajaj, as they sit on the stage. The last picture shows Anurag giving some money on a paan leaf as part of the ritual.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap10) Anurag Kashyap got emotional at his daughter's vidaai A video of Anurag getting emotional during his daughter's vidaai ceremony has gone viral. In the video shared by the paparazzi, Anurag can be seen telling the shutterbugs, “Dikh nahi raha shakal par ro raha hoon main (You can’t tell by my face, but I am crying).” Glimpse from Anurag Kashyap's daughter Aaliyah Kashyap wedding#AnuragKashyap #Bollywood #entertainment #EntertainmentNews #entertainmentreels pic.twitter.com/t2PhIUs0mD — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 11, 2024 For her wedding, Aaliyah wore an embellished lilac lehenga, while Shane kept it classy in beige. The two also got emotional as they embraced each other after Aaliyah walked down the aisle, accompanied by her bridesmaids, which included actress Khushi Kapoor. Aaliyah and Shane got engaged in a private ceremony in Mumbai last year, announcing the news on Instagram in May 2023. For the unversed, the Gangs of Wasseypur director shares his daughter Aaliyah with his ex-wife and Indian film editor Aarti Bajaj. The duo married in 1997 and divorced in 2009. Aaliyah is a social media influencer who promotes different labels through her social media accounts and creates videos on her YouTube channel.

14 December,2024 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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