Bollywood Roundup: Jacqueline Fernandez, Mrunal Thakur, Kriti Sanon, and more…

Jacqueline Fernandez Urges Fans to Leave Water Out for Birds During Heatwave

MUMBAI, India — Jacqueline Fernandez is using her balcony to help birds cope with the scorching heat.

The actress shared a photo on Instagram Stories showing a bird drinking water from a container kept on her balcony. She said the sight makes her “sooo happy every morning” because the birds are able to find relief there.

“This makes me sooo happy every morning that they get some relief from the heat on my balcony and it’s their safe place,” Fernandez wrote.

She also urged people to keep fresh water outside for animals and birds during the heatwave.

“Please keep out fresh water for animals and birds as it’s a heat wave at the moment,” she added.

Fernandez, who was recently seen at Cannes, made her Hindi film debut with Aladin in 2009 and has appeared in films including Murder 2, Race 2, Kick, Judwaa 2, Bhoot Police, Cirkus and Fateh.

Her latest release is Housefull 5. She is next set to appear in Welcome To The Jungle, which also stars Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty.

Mrunal Thakur Teases ‘Special’ Project From Dubbing Studio

MUMBAI, India — Mrunal Thakur has teased an upcoming project, saying she is dubbing for “something very very special.”

The actress shared a video from a dubbing studio on Instagram Stories, where she was heard saying, “All right lets go!”

“Dubbing for something very very special! Can’t wait for you all to witness the magic we have created… My heart is so overwhelmed and just so grateful to universe! Announcement soon,” she wrote.

Thakur is also awaiting the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a comedy directed by David Dhawan. The film is scheduled to release in June.

The title is believed to be inspired by the hit song “Hai Jawani Toh Pyaar Hona Hai” from Dhawan’s Biwi No. 1, which starred Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Sushmita Sen.

Thakur began her acting career on television with shows including Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan and Kumkum Bhagya. She made her Hindi film debut with Love Sonia in 2018 and has since appeared in Super 30, Batla House, Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna.

Kriti Sanon Gives Sister Nupur a Spa Day at Home

MUMBAI, India — Kriti Sanon gave her younger sister Nupur Sanon a relaxing spa session at home, with Nupur sharing a video of the moment on social media.

In the clip, Nupur is seen resting with her head on Kriti’s lap as the actress massages her scalp. Nupur jokingly referred to Kriti as “Maashooka bani Masseuse,” a nod to Kriti’s latest track from Cocktail 2.

“My Spa Day ft. badi behen. PS: Log sahi kehte hain… shaadi ke baad value badh jaati hai,” Nupur wrote in the caption.

Nupur’s husband, singer Stebin Ben, also joined in on the fun, commenting, “I also need. Thank you.”

The Sanon sisters often share glimpses of their close bond online. They recently posted a video of themselves dancing to “Jab Talak” from Cocktail 2.

Nupur married Stebin Ben in January during a multi-day celebration in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Kriti will next be seen in Cocktail 2 alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, directed by Homi Adajania, is scheduled to release June 19, 2026.

Kriti made her Bollywood debut with Heropanti in 2014 and has appeared in films including Bareilly Ki Barfi, Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew. She won the National Film Award for best actress for Mimi.

Boman Irani Says Working With Amitabh Bachchan Was a ‘Special Privilege’

MUMBAI, India — Boman Irani says working with Amitabh Bachchan for the first time in Waqt was a memorable experience and a “special privilege.”

In an interview with IANS, Irani recalled feeling unsure about performing alongside the Bollywood megastar before realizing that every actor, regardless of stature, is still part of the same creative process.

“It’s a privilege to work with everybody. Of course, it’s a special privilege to work with Mr Bachchan. When I worked with him for the first time, I thought how will we do it? But realised eventually, they are all artists,” Irani said.

The actor said he continues to learn from performers across generations, including younger actors.

“If I don’t learn something from a Gen Z person, then I am a fool thinking that I am more experienced than them. Every day you learn something new. From Mr Bachchan, I have learnt 5000 things. From a Gen Z person, I might learn 50 things. But I learn, and for me that’s very exciting,” he said.

Irani and Bachchan appeared together in Waqt, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Shefali Shah and Rajpal Yadav.

Irani is known for films including Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Don, Main Hoon Na and Dunki.

He will next be seen in Peddi, which is scheduled for release June 4 and stars Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor and Divyendu Sharma.

Siddharth Gupta Says Indian Fantasy Films Match Hollywood in Emotion and Devotion

MUMBAI, India — Siddharth Gupta says Indian fantasy and spiritual films may not have the same budgets as Hollywood productions, but they stand strong when it comes to emotion, devotion and intent.

Gupta, who plays Lord Krishna in Krishnavataram, said the two industries are difficult to compare directly because of differences in resources.

“Technically, comparing the two industries directly is difficult because there is a massive difference in budgets and infrastructure. However, when it comes to content, devotion, emotional depth, and intention, I believe we are second to none,” Gupta said.

The actor said he prepared for the role by reading texts, studying books and attending workshops rather than imitating earlier portrayals of Krishna.

“Whatever understanding I developed came from reading texts, studying books, and attending workshops. I kept asking myself how Lord Krishna would speak, how his eyes would express emotions, how he would breathe, walk, or carry himself,” he said.

Gupta said he consciously avoided watching other actors play Krishna because he did not want to copy anyone.

“Whatever emotions I understood naturally from within — whether it was compassion, softness, anger, or humour — I tried to perform them honestly,” he said.

Asked whether he felt pressure from comparisons to past portrayals, Gupta said he focused only on his own preparation.

“No, not really. Since I had already decided not to watch or follow any previous portrayal, I never carried that comparison in my mind while preparing for the role. I focused entirely on what I could learn from scriptures and workshops,” he said.

He added that audience comparisons after release are natural, but he stayed away from them while preparing for the part. (Source: IANS)