Bollywood Roundup: Ayushmann Khurrana, Randeep Hooda, Neena Gupta, and more…
Ayushmann Khurrana honors Asha Bhosle with Punjabi classic tribute
MUMBAI, India — Actor Ayushmann Khurrana paid tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle by sharing a video of himself performing her lesser-known Punjabi song “Das Mereya Dilbara.”
Khurrana posted the clip on Instagram, showing him strumming a guitar and singing the track originally performed by Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi. “This is one of my favourite lesser known Punjabi gems by Asha. Grew up on her voice. And it will live on, always,” he wrote.
Bhosle, one of India’s most influential playback singers, began her career in 1943 with the Marathi film “Majha Bal” and went on to record iconic songs including “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” and “Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani.” She sang in about 20 languages over a career spanning decades.
She died April 12 after being hospitalized in Mumbai. Bhosle was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Her funeral, held with full state honors in Mumbai, drew leading figures from Bollywood and politics, including Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Randeep Hooda highlights plastic pollution in wildlife habitat
MUMBAI, India — Actor Randeep Hooda is drawing attention to plastic pollution in forests after sharing a video of a tiger drinking from a pond surrounded by visible waste.
Posting the clip on Instagram, Hooda contrasted the scene’s natural beauty with the presence of plastic, warning of the growing environmental threat. “It’s beautiful… till it’s not! The wild doesn’t need our plastic. It needs our respect,” he wrote.
The actor urged people not to leave behind waste in natural spaces, emphasizing that even small actions can harm fragile ecosystems. Discarded plastic can contaminate water sources and endanger wildlife, which may ingest or become trapped in it.
Hooda has long been involved in conservation efforts, from cleanup drives to advocacy work across India. In a previous post, he stressed the importance of personal responsibility, saying meaningful environmental change begins with everyday choices and tangible action.
Neena Gupta hopes to reunite with Gajraj Rao after ‘Badhaai Ho’
MUMBAI, India — Veteran actor Neena Gupta has expressed her desire to work again with her “Badhaai Ho” co-star Gajraj Rao, sharing a recent photo of the two on social media.
Posting the image, Gupta wrote, “Waiting to work together, again @gajrajrao,” sparking excitement among fans who praised their on-screen chemistry in the 2018 hit.
In the photo, Gupta is seen in a printed saree with a turquoise necklace, while Rao wears a black Nehru jacket and tinted glasses.
The pair gained widespread acclaim for playing a middle-aged couple navigating an unexpected pregnancy in “Badhaai Ho,” which also starred Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra and the late Surekha Sikri.
Gupta, known for roles in projects ranging from “Woh Chokri” to “Vadh,” has built a decades-long career marked by both critical and commercial success. She previously drew attention online after openly seeking acting roles through a social media post, underscoring her continued passion for work.
John Abraham says ‘Force 3’ will take franchise to new level
MUMBAI, India — Actor-producer John Abraham says the upcoming “Force 3” will build on the franchise’s gritty legacy as filming gets underway for its first schedule.
“Force has always been a franchise I’ve believed in deeply,” Abraham said, adding, “With Force 3, we’re taking that legacy forward in a big way.”
The film, set for release on March 19, 2027, will see Abraham reprise his role as ACP Yashvardhan Singh. It also stars Harshvardhan Rane, who is making his debut in the series, and Tanya Maniktala as the female lead.
Abraham said he is excited to introduce Rane as an action hero, praising his “presence, energy and hunger.”
Rane called joining the franchise an honor, saying the film allows him to step into an intense action role. Maniktala said she is looking forward to sharing screen space with Abraham and Rane and contributing to the story.
Directed by Bhav Dhulia, “Force 3” is produced by JA Entertainment and Karolina Corporation. Dhulia, who previously worked on the original film, said the project feels personal and described the script as compelling from the first read.
Akshay Kumar says he’s avoided samosas for over 15 years due to acidity
MUMBAI, India — Actor Akshay Kumar revealed he has not eaten a samosa in more than 15 years, citing health reasons rather than diet or weight concerns.
Speaking on the quiz show “Wheel of Fortune,” Kumar told contestants that he avoids the popular snack because it causes acidity. “What’s wrong with that?” he said when asked about his long-standing habit.
He added that even while filming the song “Jab Tak Rahega Samose Mein Aaloo,” he didn’t eat a single samosa.
Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Kumar maintains a strict routine, including early mornings, timely meals, and a focus on fitness. He is also known for performing his own stunts in films.
On the work front, Kumar is set to appear in “Bhoot Bangla,” alongside Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi. The film is scheduled for release on April 16.
Neha Dhupia says de-glam role in ‘52 Blue’ felt liberating
MUMBAI, India — Actor Neha Dhupia says stepping away from glamour for her international debut “52 Blue” was a freeing experience, allowing her to fully connect with her character.
“The deglam aspect of the role was never a concern for me; in fact, it was liberating,” Dhupia said, describing the project as one of the most transformative of her career.
Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi, the film follows a young Indian football fan who travels as a migrant worker to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, exploring themes of identity, resilience and family.
Dhupia plays a mother for the first time on screen, calling the role both challenging and deeply fulfilling. She said it required tapping into “raw, instinctive, and deeply human” emotions.
Shot in Kochi, the film also stars Adil Hussain as her husband. Dhupia praised El Arabi’s storytelling as “honest and rooted,” adding that the setting brought authenticity to the film.
“52 Blue” centers on a young boy’s journey to break free from a restrictive upbringing, inspired by his mother’s quiet strength and his dream of meeting Lionel Messi.
Dhupia said the film’s universal themes of hope and perseverance would resonate with audiences across cultures.
Mona Singh credits Gaurav Gera’s persistence for ‘Dhurandhar’ success
MUMBAI, India — Actor Mona Singh says longtime friend Gaurav Gera’s recent success following “Dhurandhar” is the result of years of consistency and dedication.
Gera has gained widespread attention for his portrayal of Aalam in the film, with his performance earning praise online. Singh, who has known him for decades, said his persistence set him apart.
“I have seen him grow, change, and evolve. One thing I truly admire about him is his consistency,” she said, noting that he continued creating content even during slow periods in his career.
She highlighted his popular online characters, saying he stayed creatively engaged because of his passion for the craft.
Singh added that watching “Dhurandhar” made her proud, calling it a moment where his journey “has come full circle.” She also pointed to viral memes around his character as a sign of audience appreciation.
The two share a long-standing friendship that began on the early 2000s show “Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin,” where Singh played Jassi and Gera portrayed her close friend Nandu. (Source: IANS)
