Bollywood Roundup: Shah Rukh Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, and more…
Shah Rukh Khan Praises Alia Bhatt After ‘Alpha’ Teaser Release
Mumbai — Shah Rukh Khan praised Alia Bhatt after the teaser for her upcoming spy thriller “Alpha” was released.
Taking to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Khan applauded Bhatt for continuing to push herself as an actor.
“Well done Alia, in years from breaking hearts and now to breaking bones your skill set keeps expanding,” he wrote.
Wishing her success for the film, Khan added, “May Alpha win hearts and still leave some villains standing for the sequel. Go get them Sigma girl!”
He also praised Bobby Deol, who appears in the teaser in a key role. “Lord Bobby….you are so good when you are bad!!! Big hug. And all the best to Shiv and his team,” Khan wrote.
Khan and Bhatt previously worked together in the 2016 drama “Dear Zindagi.”
The “Alpha” teaser opens with Bhatt’s character celebrating her 18th birthday with her father, played by Deol. The celebration soon turns serious when he reveals that her intense training was meant to prepare her for her first mission.
The teaser shows Bhatt in high-octane action sequences, including hand-to-hand combat, punches and daring fight moves. Deol’s character describes the world as divided between “wolves and sheep,” telling his daughter that a wolf’s daughter can only be a wolf.
He later introduces her to the secretive “Alpha” program, designed to train India’s next generation of elite soldiers. The teaser ends with Deol’s character declaring Bhatt’s character as “our only Alpha.”
Karisma Kapoor Says ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ Required Her Longest Rehearsals
Mumbai — Actress Karisma Kapoor has revealed that “Dil To Pagal Hai” was the film that demanded the most rehearsal time during her career.
Speaking as a judge on “India’s Best Dancer Season 5,” Karisma recalled that the 1997 musical, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, involved extensive preparation.
“We never really got much chance to rehearse, but I think the song that I rehearsed the longest for would probably be during Dil To Pagal Hai,” she said.
Karisma explained that the film marked choreographer Shiamak Davar’s Bollywood debut and that director Yash Chopra wanted the dance-based musical to stand out.
“Because we were working with Shiamak for the first time, and with Yash Chopra Ji, we wanted it to be exceptional. We wanted it to be amazing,” she said.
Reflecting on the film’s enduring popularity, Karisma thanked audiences for their continued love for the movie and its songs.
“Touchwood, it did turn out that way. I’m so thankful to the audience for loving Dil To Pagal Hai, Le Gayi Le Gayi, and the Dance of Envy so much,” she added.
Released in 1997, “Dil To Pagal Hai” remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated musicals. Karisma’s portrayal of Nisha earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, while the film won three honors at the 45th National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film.
“India’s Best Dancer Season 5” premiered on Sony Entertainment Television on June 6 and is also streaming on Sony LIV.
Ayushmann Khurrana, Tahira Kashyap Enjoy Nepal Getaway
Mumbai — Tahira Kashyap shared glimpses from a peaceful vacation in Nepal with her husband, actor Ayushmann Khurrana.
The writer and filmmaker posted a series of photos on Instagram, featuring scenic views, candid moments and family snapshots from the trip.
“The last one in the carrousel is all everyone wants. And the ninth one needed to have the lens cleaned,” she wrote.
The photos include Ayushmann and Tahira posing together, Tahira lighting diyas and the couple spending time in a park. She also shared a picture of her parents.
Tahira also marked her mother’s 70th birthday during the Nepal trip, posting a heartfelt note on Instagram.
“My soni mutiyaar turns 70! So many pics because I can’t have enough of you( even though you are embarrassed) mama you are my personal magic, my spiritual anchor, my biggest cheerleader! You are an embodiment of grace, beauty, happiness , joy and love! You make 70 so gracious I loveeee youuuu,” she wrote.
Ayushmann and Tahira married on November 1, 2008. Childhood sweethearts from Chandigarh, they have two children, son Virajveer and daughter Varushka.
Ayushmann was recently seen in the romantic comedy “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” co-starring Wamiqa Gabbi, Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Singh. Written and directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film is a spiritual sequel to the 2019 movie “Pati Patni Aur Woh” and was released in theaters on May 15.
Alaya F Marks Fitness Milestone With Hollowback Headstand
Mumbai — Actress Alaya F has shared a new fitness milestone after successfully performing a hollowback headstand.
The actress posted a video on Instagram showing her holding the challenging yoga pose with control and flexibility.
“The balance Gods have been very kind to me lately! Hollowback headstand unlocked, babyyyyy!,” she wrote.
Alaya, who often shares glimpses of her yoga and fitness sessions on social media, is known for highlighting her focus on flexibility, balance and mindfulness.
On the work front, Alaya made her acting debut in 2020 with “Jawaani Jaaneman,” co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. She has previously described the film as a special project because it marked her debut and gave her a strong character, supportive team and memorable filming experience.
She was also seen in “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” alongside Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Alaya will next appear in “Storm,” a high-octane thriller series set in Mumbai. Produced by Hrithik Roshan, the series also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma and Saba Azad.
Ishita Dutta, Vatsal Sheth Reveal Daughter Veda’s Face on First Birthday
Mumbai — Television couple Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth revealed their daughter Veda’s face on social media as they celebrated her first birthday.
The couple shared family photos in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday, captioning it, “And just like that, she is one. Happy Birthday, Veda.”
The birthday pictures show Veda dressed in a yellow outfit with two ponytails. Ishita and Vatsal twinned in blush-blue outfits for the celebration, which also featured a cartoon-themed birthday cake.
Until now, the couple had shared glimpses of Veda on social media while covering her face with a heart emoji.
In December, Ishita and Vatsal celebrated Veda’s Annaprashan ceremony, a traditional first-rice ritual. Their parents were also present for the occasion.
“Veda’s first taste of rice, wrapped in blessings, love, and tradition. Bengali Annaprashan,” they wrote at the time.
Ishita and Vatsal first met on the set of the television show “Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar” and married in 2017.
The couple welcomed their first child, son Vaayu, in July 2023, and later became parents to daughter Veda. They had announced her arrival on social media with a family photo and the caption, “From two to four hearts beating as one. Our family is now complete. Blessed with a baby girl.”
Khushi Kapoor Shares Lighthearted Apology Over Dinner Table Conversations
Mumbai — Khushi Kapoor shared a lighthearted “sorry” moment on social media after posting candid pictures with her friends.
The actress took to Instagram on Wednesday to share photos with Aaliyah Kashyap and others, offering a glimpse of their casual outing. In the pictures, Khushi is seen posing with her friends while wearing a short top and skirt.
“Sorry to everyone who heard our dinner table conversations,” she wrote.
Reacting to the post, Orhan Awatramani commented, “Sorry to everyone who dint also,” while Aaliyah wrote, “Legit.”
A few days earlier, Khushi had shared another set of stylish photos, captioning them, “Was a converse kinda day.”
Last month, Khushi remembered her late mother, actress Sridevi, on Mother’s Day by sharing a black-and-white collage of old memories. One photo showed a young Khushi embracing Sridevi, while another featured her as a baby with the “Mr. India” actress.
Sridevi married producer Boney Kapoor in 1996. The couple had two daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, both of whom are now active in films. Sridevi died in 2018 in Dubai at age 54 due to accidental drowning.
On the work front, Khushi is reportedly set to appear in a sequel to Sridevi’s 2017 film “Mom,” alongside Karishma Tanna. The project is being directed by Girish Kohli and produced by Boney Kapoor.
Khushi made her feature film debut as Betty Cooper in “The Archies.” She has since appeared in the romantic comedies “Loveyapa” and “Nadaaniyan.”
Madhuri Dixit Says Entertainment Can Reflect Society Without Being Preachy
Mumbai — Veteran actress Madhuri Dixit says entertainment is one of the most effective ways to reflect society without sounding preachy.
Speaking about her dark comedy “Maa Behen,” Madhuri said humor allows audiences to lower their guard while still engaging with social truths.
“Nothing better than entertainment and if you can say something through entertainment and entertaining people where they can sit down, have fun, laugh, look at society and say, yeah, this happens, but you know, they’re laughing at the same time,” she said.
“It’s much nicer to say things like that then, actually saying and being preachy and you know, like, listen. Listen to us. I like it, it’s fun! I don’t know what’s wrong,” she added.
Directed by Suresh Triveni, “Maa Behen” is streaming on Netflix. The film also stars Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durgaa and Ravi Kishan, along with Geetanjali Kulkarni, Arunoday Singh and Shardul Bhardwaj.
The story centers on Rekha, a mother whose life spirals after a dead body turns up in her kitchen. With her two daughters, Jaya and Sushma, she must think fast, lie faster and keep nosy neighbors from discovering the truth.
Madhuri was also recently seen in “Mrs. Deshpande,” directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, in which she plays a serial killer. The story follows police as they investigate a copycat killer and turn to an imprisoned murderer whose methods are being copied.
Madhuri, regarded as one of Bollywood’s finest dancers and most successful actresses, has appeared in more than 70 Hindi films and remains one of the industry’s most influential stars.
Alia Bhatt Showcases Action Avatar in YRF’s ‘Alpha’ Teaser
Mumbai — Alia Bhatt is stepping into full-fledged action with Yash Raj Films’ upcoming spy thriller “Alpha,” whose first teaser was released Wednesday.
The promo presents Alia in an intense new avatar as she takes on hand-to-hand combat, delivers powerful punches and performs high-octane action sequences in YRF’s expanding Spy Universe.
The teaser opens with Alia’s character celebrating her 18th birthday with her father, played by Bobby Deol. The emotional father-daughter moment soon turns serious when he reveals that her lifelong training was meant to prepare her for her first mission.
As the promo unfolds, Alia is seen kicking down opponents, throwing punches and executing daring action moves, establishing her character as a fearless operative trained to become an “Alpha.”
One of the teaser’s key moments features Deol’s character describing the world as divided between “wolves and sheep,” telling his daughter that a wolf’s daughter can only be a wolf. He later introduces her to the secretive “Alpha” program, designed to train India’s next generation of elite soldiers.
The teaser ends with Deol’s character declaring Alia’s character as “our only Alpha.”
Yash Raj Films shared the promo on social media with the caption, “The first. The fastest. The bravest. #ALPHA.”
The film also stars Sharvari Wagh in a key role, though details about her character have not yet been revealed. “Alpha” marks Alia’s first full-fledged action film and is among the most anticipated projects in YRF’s Spy Universe.
Alia was last seen in “Jigra” and is known for films including “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” “Highway,” “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” and “Dear Zindagi.” (Source: IANS)
