Ananya Panday Launches ‘Kindness Curriculum’ to Nurture Empathy in Children
MUMBAI– Actress Ananya Panday has launched a “Kindness Curriculum” for schools across India through her initiative So Positive, in collaboration with NGO Slam Out Loud. She believes teaching kindness early can help children grow into more empathetic adults.
“Kindness has always been at the core of So Positive. I truly believe if we instill it in kids from a young age, it becomes second nature,” Ananya said. “With everything happening in the world, it’s more important than ever to raise a generation that is emotionally aware and compassionate.”
The curriculum will be implemented in schools through Slam Out Loud’s Jijivisha Fellowship and Arts for All programs, reaching over 250,000 children nationwide. It is also available on So Positive’s YouTube channel, and efforts are underway to add it to the Government’s DIKSHA Portal for wider access.
On the film front, Ananya is reuniting with Kartik Aaryan in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, their first collaboration since Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019). Directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora, the romantic drama is slated for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026.
Rakul Preet Singh Shares Emotional Birthday Tribute to Her Mother
MUMBAI– Actress Rakul Preet Singh took to Instagram to share a heartfelt birthday message for her mother, Rini Singh, celebrating their close bond with a touching video montage.
The video featured cherished moments from vacations, family gatherings, and childhood, opening with a throwback photo of young Rakul holding her mother’s hand. “Before I became anything, I was hers,” read the opening message. Other captions highlighted her mother’s unwavering support: “She has been my strength when I did not feel strong. My calm when life felt loud.”
Rakul captioned the post: “Happy Birthday to the one who gave me everything before I even knew how to ask. You are my safest place, my loudest cheerleader, and the reason I know what unconditional love feels like… I hope this day brings you the joy, peace, and love you’ve poured into my life every single day. I love you more than words could ever wrap around. Happy Birthday, Mommy!”
The tribute was set to OYmusic’s trending track “Happy Moment.” Known for her close relationship with her mother, Rakul often shares affectionate posts celebrating their bond.
On the professional front, the 34-year-old actress will next be seen in De De Pyaar De 2, the sequel to the 2019 romantic comedy. She reprises her role as Ayesha Khurana alongside Ajay Devgn, who returns as Ashish Mehra. Directed by Anshul Sharma, the film is slated for release on November 14.
Somy Ali Backs Tanushree Dutta, Says She Believes Her Harassment Claims
MUMBAI– Former actress and activist Somy Ali has voiced her support for Tanushree Dutta, saying she believes the actress’s recent claims of harassment at home.
Ali, who runs the U.S.-based NGO No More Tears, which helps victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, said Tanushree’s experiences resonate deeply with her own understanding of abuse and trauma.
“Tanushree spoke of being harassed, gaslit, having a spy planted as a maid, of attempted poisoning, and systemic defamation,” Somy said. “She was ridiculed, her mental health was questioned. But what if her story isn’t an outlier? What if it’s the norm?”
She pointed to Bollywood’s culture of toxic immunity, where powerful men are shielded, and survivors are silenced. “I’ve seen women pressured into exploitative ‘auditions’, punished for saying no, and pushed to breakdowns while abusers are celebrated,” she said.
Ali criticized the response to Dutta’s claims, saying it followed a familiar pattern of public relations spin, character attacks, and gaslighting. “The survivor is always painted as paranoid or unstable — the oldest trick in the abuser’s playbook,” she said.
Somy acknowledged that some may find Tanushree’s claims hard to believe but urged people to consider that they might be true.
Tanushree recently posted a tearful video on social media, saying she was being harassed in her home and had to call the police. “I’m sick and tired of this harassment. It’s been going on since 2018. Someone help me before it’s too late,” she said.
Her plea has reignited conversations around the treatment of survivors in India’s entertainment industry.
Soha Ali Khan Hits the Gym with Fatima Sana Shaikh, Teases Push-Ups Next Time
MUMBAI– Actress Soha Ali Khan had a lively workout session with fellow actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, sharing a fun behind-the-scenes moment with fans on Instagram.
In a light-hearted video, the duo are seen catching their breath and joking about their next move. As their conversation wraps up, Soha cheerfully shouts, “Lunges!” She captioned the post: “Tooo much fun working out with @fatimasanashaikh – next time push-ups pukka!! @mashable.india.”
Soha, known for her disciplined fitness routine, also gave fans a peek into her wellness habits this week. In an Instagram Story, she challenged her followers to guess what she eats on an empty stomach every morning: soaked almonds or raw garlic. The answer? Raw garlic, as shown in a short clip.
She previously shared that she drinks white pumpkin (ash gourd) juice every morning as part of a detox routine, calling it “cooling, detoxifying, and great for gut health.”
On the professional front, Soha was last seen in Chhorii 2 alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha. Fatima, meanwhile, recently appeared in Aap Jaisa Koi with R. Madhavan and in Metro… In Dino, which featured an ensemble cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Pankaj Tripathi, Sara Ali Khan, Neena Gupta, and others, directed by Anurag Basu.
Urvashi Rautela Hails Jeddah Performance as ‘Celebration of Global Unity Through Art’
MUMBAI– Actress Urvashi Rautela wowed audiences with a high-energy performance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she reportedly earned ₹7 crore for the show. She became the first Indian female artist to perform in the heart of the kingdom, sharing the stage with Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe.
Reflecting on the experience, Urvashi said, “I feel immensely proud and humbled to be the first Indian female artist to perform in Jeddah for Hope & Joy. This moment belongs to every Indian woman who dares to dream beyond boundaries.” She added, “It’s more than a performance — it’s a cultural bridge, a statement of empowerment, and a celebration of global unity through art.”
A viral video from the event shows Urvashi electrifying the stage with her dance moves as the crowd erupts in cheers. Dressed in a black and silver ensemble, complete with bold makeup and oversized silver earrings, she made a striking impression.
Sharing a clip of the performance on Instagram, she wrote: “MARHABA JEDDAH KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 🇸🇦 PURE LAND I LOVE YOU. SHUKRAN FOR ULTRA ROYAL WELCOME FOR MY FAMILY & MY @teamurvashirautelaofficial FOR OUR FIRST SHOW. Custom Diamond SAUDI KAFTAN: @reemaljesmi.”
Up next, Urvashi will appear in Indian 3 alongside Kamal Haasan, directed by S. Shankar. She’ll also be seen in Kasoor 2 with Aftab Shivdasani and Jassie Gill, Baap with Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dutt, Inspector Avinash 2 opposite Randeep Hooda, and Black Rose.
Shruti Haasan Pens Sweet Note for Father Kamal Haasan: ‘Proud of You Always, Appa’
MUMBAI– Actress Shruti Haasan shared a loving tribute to her father, legendary actor Kamal Haasan, with a heartfelt Instagram post.
Posting a cheerful selfie of the two smiling together, Shruti captioned it: “Love you and proud of you appa always @ikamalhaasan.”
On the professional front, Shruti is set to appear in Coolie, an action thriller starring Rajinikanth. The film also features a star-studded cast, including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and reportedly Aamir Khan in a cameo. Produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, Coolie is slated for release on August 14.
Shruti is also making her international debut with The Eye, a psychological thriller co-starring Mark Rowley, Linda Marlowe, and Peru Kavalieri. The story follows a young widow who returns to the island where her husband died and faces a dark, life-altering choice.
Additionally, she will reprise her role in Salaar Part 2: Shouryaanga Parvam, alongside Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The first installment, released in 2023 and directed by Prashanth Neel, was set in the dystopian city-state of Khansaar and followed the complex friendship between two royal heirs.
Alia Bhatt Shares Burger-Fueled London Holiday: ‘Good Vibes Only’
MUMBAI– Alia Bhatt gave fans a peek into her London getaway with a playful Instagram Story collage featuring clouds, puzzles, and a burger feast. Captioning it simply “Good Vibes Only,” she added emojis of a cloud, puzzle piece, and burger to match the mood.
The collage included snapshots of the sky, brain teasers she’s been enjoying with her daughter Raha, and a juicy holiday burger — all part of her relaxing break.
On the work front, Alia will next star in Alpha alongside Sharvari. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the action thriller features the two actresses as elite super agents and is slated for release during the 2025 Christmas holiday weekend. Alpha marks the seventh installment in Yash Raj Films’ expanding spy universe, following hits like Ek Tha Tiger, War, Pathaan, and the upcoming Tiger vs. Pathaan and War 2.
Meanwhile, Difficult Daughters, directed by Soni Razdan and co-produced by Alia, her sister Shaheen Bhatt, and indie veteran Alan McAlex, has been announced as part of the upcoming Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) lineup.
BIFF’s 2025 slate also includes projects from celebrated filmmakers across Asia, such as Payal Kapadia’s The Last of Them Plagues (co-produced by Kani Kusruti), Pradip Kurbah’s Moon, and LGBTQ+-themed The Magical Men by Bangladeshi filmmaker Biplob Sarkar. Other entries include films from Malaysia, Taiwan, China, and Japan, with themes spanning identity, labor rights, and youth struggles.
Sushmita Sen Thanks IIMUN for Warm Welcome: ‘A Joy to Be Among Minds That Dare’
MUMBAI– Actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen expressed her gratitude after speaking at the 10th edition of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), calling the experience both an honor and a responsibility.
Sharing photos from the event on Instagram, Sushmita stunned in an all-black outfit paired with nude makeup. “To be invited… an honor. To inspire… a responsibility,” she wrote. “Thank you IIMUN for the incredible energy, the fierce questions, and the unwavering hope you carry for the future. It was a joy to be among minds that don’t just dream but dare. Stay unstoppable. Stay kind.”
In her address, Sushmita delivered a powerful message on self-worth and acceptance. “People will call you beautiful all the time, and it has nothing to do with physicality. If something physical makes you feel better about yourself, go for it. Don’t listen to anyone else. It’s your life, your identity. Be accepting of yourself so you won’t judge others.”
Sushmita spoke at the “Role Model Series” held in Bandra on July 15, alongside actress Vidya Balan and former Union Minister Smriti Irani. The event was moderated by IIMUN founder Rishabh Shah.
On the acting front, Sushmita was last seen in Aarya 3, the hit crime-thriller series directed by Ram Madhvani. Based on the Dutch show Penoza, the Emmy-nominated series follows a woman who joins the mafia to avenge her husband’s murder and protect her family. (Source: IANS)
