Bhumi Pednekar’s Mom: ‘I Fought to Join the Army – Twice!’
On Independence Day, Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar got emotional about the patriotism she inherited from her parents — especially her trailblazing mom.
In a video Bhumi posted on Instagram, her mother is seen tearing up as she recalls how, back in her youth, women weren’t allowed in the Indian Army except in the medical corps.
“I was a paratrooper. I did two Republic Day parades — most people don’t even get one chance,” she said proudly. “I fought with the generals, asking, ‘Why won’t you take us in the army? What’s the point of all this training if we can’t serve?’”
Though she never got the chance herself, Bhumi’s mom beams over today’s female soldiers. “Now, girls are a vital part of our forces — in all three wings. I’m so proud. What we worked for is finally bearing fruit.”
Bhumi captioned the clip: “I wear my nationality as a badge of honor. I grew up on my parents’ stories of sacrifice and love for India. Yes, there’s still work to do, but each generation has pushed us forward. It’s our turn now.”
Richa Chadha on Independence Day: ‘We Showed the World the Way of Peace & Democracy’
Bollywood firebrand Richa Chadha marked Independence Day with a passionate Instagram post urging Indians to protect the nation’s hard-won freedom.
“Happy Independence Day to all Indians everywhere. Our freedom was hard fought and hard won — cherish it and work hard to retain it. We showed the world the way of peace and democracy,” she wrote, reminding followers that democracy means one person, one vote — not a system where “billionaires get a billion votes while the poor get none.”
Richa also shared snapshots celebrating India’s spirit — from artisans at work to families relaxing on the beach and the chaos of city traffic. She praised the National Anthem, penned in Bangla by Rabindranath Tagore, who famously renounced his British knighthood in protest after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
“No one — especially a work-for-hire — gets to define who or what is an Indian,” she added. “Jai Hind!”
On the work front, Richa and husband Ali Fazal’s latest project, Secrets of a Mountain Serpent, will premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Produced under their Pushing Buttons Studios banner, the myth-inspired drama stars Trimala Adhikari and Adil Hussain and is currently in post-production.
Rashmika Mandanna Gets Nostalgic as ‘Geetha Govindam’ Turns 7: ‘It Will Always Be the Most Special’
Seven years ago, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda set the box office on fire with their rom-com Geetha Govindam — and the actress still isn’t over it.
Marking the film’s anniversary, Rashmika shared never-before-seen behind-the-scenes pics on Instagram. “I can’t believe I still have all these pictures from 7 years ago… Geetha Govindam will always, ALWAYS be the most special film,” she gushed.
Calling for a cast-and-crew reunion, she added: “It’s been faaaaar too long since we’ve all met. I hope everyone’s doing super well… Happy 7, Geetha Govindam!”
The 2018 hit followed Vijay (Deverakonda) and Geetha (Rashmika) through a whirlwind of love, misunderstandings, and family drama — and cemented itself as a crowd favorite.
Rashmika also teased what’s next: The Girlfriend, a Telugu drama with Rahul Ravindran, and Thama with Ayushmann Khurrana. “Both are close to my heart,” she said. “One’s emotional, one’s thrilling — but no spoilers… yet!”
Parineeti Chopra & Raghav Chadha’s Cozy Independence Day: ‘Drenched in the Colors of Our Country’
Bollywood star Parineeti Chopra and politician husband Raghav Chadha skipped the big Independence Day bashes this year — opting instead for a quiet, love-filled afternoon at home.
Parineeti shared snaps of the couple enjoying a hearty lunch, sipping evening drinks on their balcony, and strolling through their lush green garden. “An afternoon at home, drenched in the colors of our country and family love. Happy Independence Day!” she wrote.
The pair recently appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show, where Raghav charmed the audience with playful banter. Asked if he’d ever join Bollywood, he quipped that politics already requires plenty of acting — and teased that Parineeti’s line of work has “a lot of politics” too. The actress laughed, admitting, “True, that’s actually true.”
Raghav even tried to recruit host Kapil Sharma into politics, claiming he’s got the “jokes, junoon, and jazbaat” needed — but Kapil wasn’t ready to make the leap.
On the work front, Parineeti has wrapped shooting for an upcoming Netflix series alongside Tahir Raj Bhasin, Jennifer Winget, Harleen Sethi, and Sumeet Vyas.
Shah Rukh Khan & Son AbRam Wave to Fans on Independence Day
King Khan gave fans a sweet surprise this Independence Day — stepping out on his balcony with his youngest, AbRam, to wave the tricolor and greet the crowd.
Sharing the father-son moment on Instagram, SRK wrote: “Our Independence is our greatest gift… a key to our progress. Let’s keep our heads held high and hearts open. Happy Independence Day… Jai Hind!”
The post came as Bollywood lit up with patriotic wishes. Salman Khan crooned Sare Jahan Se Accha, while Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini, Rajkummar Rao, Sara Ali Khan, Ram Charan, Suniel Shetty, and more sent their greetings online.
On the career front, SRK is still riding high after bagging his first National Award for Best Actor for Jawan. The Atlee blockbuster saw him in a dual role as Captain Vikram Rathore and his son, Azad — prompting casting director Mukesh Chhabra to joke about casting him “twice.” SRK fired back in typical wit: “Thank you for casting me in the film… twice.”
Anupam Kher Reunites with ‘Baby’ Co-Star Rana Daggubati at the Airport
Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher had an unexpected reunion with Baahubali star Rana Daggubati at the airport — and the smiles said it all.
Sharing a cheerful selfie on Instagram, Kher wrote: “So delighted to meet my friend and my Baby co-star @ranadaggubati! His love and warmth is so infectious!” He also revealed that Rana promised him a role in one of his upcoming productions.
The two last worked together in the 2015 spy thriller Baby, alongside Akshay Kumar and Taapsee Pannu.
Kher is now gearing up to play Mahatma Gandhi in Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files, the third film in the director’s “Files” trilogy. The actor unveiled his prosthetic-free transformation — glasses, white shawl, dhoti, and wooden stick — and admitted the role has “changed him from within.”
The Bengal Files, co-starring Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi, hits theaters September 5.
Dia Mirza’s Independence Day Pledge: ‘Protect the True Wealth of Our Nation’
On Independence Day, actress and environmental advocate Dia Mirza called on Indians to safeguard the country’s greatest treasures — its forests, rivers, oceans, and wildlife.
Posting photos with the tricolor and stunning shots of India’s biodiversity, Dia wrote: “Our forests, rivers, land, air, seas, and the rich web of biodiversity — this is the true wealth that sustains our health, peace, and security. Nature reminds us we are all connected, all part of the great circle of life. This Independence Day, may we pledge to preserve and cherish these treasures.”
Just days earlier, Dia paid tribute to her mother, crediting her as her first source of strength and inspiration. “She was my first understanding of Shakti — not just as strength, but as compassion, resilience, and grace,” Dia shared.
Salman Khan Serenades Fans with ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ on Independence Day
On India’s 79th Independence Day, Salman Khan swapped action for melody, gifting fans a heartfelt rendition of the patriotic classic Sare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Humaara.
Sharing the video online with a tricolor emoji, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan star reminded everyone he’s more than just Bollywood’s resident tough guy — he’s got pipes too. Over the years, Salman has lent his voice to hits like Main Hoon Hero Tera, Hangover, and Rafta Rafta Medley.
Meanwhile, director Kabir Khan celebrated 13 years since Ek Tha Tiger, his blockbuster spy thriller starring Salman and Katrina Kaif. The film not only shattered box office records but also kicked off YRF’s now-iconic “Spyverse.” Kabir praised producer Aditya Chopra for backing a genre-defining leap for Hindi cinema, boasting, “We delivered that level of action without much VFX support.” (Source: IANS)
