Bollywood Roundup: Anupam Kher, Karisma Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, and more…

Anupam Kher Prays for Nepal Flood Victims, Urges Global Support

Mumbai — Veteran actor Anupam Kher has expressed grief over the deadly floods in Nepal, offering prayers for victims and urging the international community to support those affected.

In an Instagram post, Kher described images of the destruction as “horrifying,” saying his heart went out to families who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

“I pray for the people of Nepal and for those affected across the border in Tibet,” Kher wrote. “I hope the world comes together to help—with compassion, with urgency, and with whatever each of us can give.”

In a video accompanying the post, Kher said the scale of the destruction to lives, property, animals and farmland was difficult to comprehend. He also praised ongoing Indian government assistance and called for broader international support.

Flash floods that struck Nepal on August 26 have killed at least 270 people, while more than 800 remain missing. The flooding swept away villages and damaged project sites near the Tibet border.

The Nepal Army has deployed 14 helicopters and specialized disaster response teams for rescue and relief operations.

Karisma Kapoor Says Kareena’s Natural Look in ‘Asoka’ Set a New Trend

Mumbai — Karisma Kapoor has recalled younger sister Kareena Kapoor’s natural look in the 2001 film “Asoka,” saying it helped usher in a new trend for Bollywood heroines.

Speaking on an upcoming episode of “India’s Best Dancer Season 5,” Karisma praised Kareena for appearing largely without makeup in the historical drama.

“I think ‘Asoka’ was one such film where, for the first time, a heroine did an entire film without makeup,” Karisma said. “Kareena Kapoor was without makeup, with only kajal in her eyes. She looked organic and so beautiful. It started a new era of being completely natural and organic. I’m proud of my sister.”

Karisma also said she sensed from childhood that Kareena was destined to become an actress, recalling how she would watch her dance lessons and showed an early passion for performing.

Directed by Santosh Sivan, “Asoka” starred Shah Rukh Khan as Emperor Asoka and Kareena as Kaurwaki. The film’s period-inspired styling and Kareena’s distinctive look later found renewed popularity on social media.

The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, included songs such as “Raat Ka Nasha” and “San Sanana,” both of which remain popular with fans.

Rakul Preet Singh Reveals Why She Chose to Play Surpanakha in ‘Ramayana’

Mumbai — Rakul Preet Singh has opened up about what attracted her to the role of Surpanakha in the upcoming epic “Ramayana,” saying she was drawn to the character’s complexity and lesser-known story.

Singh, who plays Ravana’s sister, said the role offered an opportunity to move beyond Surpanakha’s traditional portrayal as an antagonist.

“Every few years, you see a different interpretation and presentation of these characters, while keeping the essence rooted in the original text,” she said. “As an actor, you only look at a character from that lens, that it’s a character that has layers, that has the possibility and ability to shine through the film.”

Singh added that the script revealed aspects of Surpanakha’s life that she had not previously known, including events before and after Lakshman cuts off her nose.

“What happens in Surpanakha’s life and how does she meet, stumble upon Ram — there’s a lot which I didn’t know, which for me was new when I read the script, and which is why I liked it,” she said.

“Ramayana” also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Yash and Sunny Deol.

“Ramayana: Part 1” is scheduled to hit theaters on November 6, 2026.

Farhan Akhtar Calls Wife Shibani His ‘Sunshine’ in Birthday Post

Mumbai — Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar shared a heartfelt birthday message for his wife, Shibani Akhtar, calling her his “sunshine.”

Farhan posted a smiling photo of the couple on social media, writing, “Happy birthday, sunshine… love you @shibaniakhtar.”

Shibani responded in the comments with a simple, “Love you.”

She also received birthday wishes from friends and colleagues, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, who shared a photo of Shibani on Instagram Stories and wrote, “Happy Birthday darling, Wishing you all the things lovely.”

Farhan and Shibani married on February 19, 2022, in an intimate ceremony at Javed Akhtar’s farmhouse in Khandala near Mumbai.

The couple frequently share moments from their life together on social media. Earlier this year, Shibani marked Farhan’s birthday with a tribute describing him as her “best friend,” “happy place” and “everything.”

Preity Zinta Enjoys Favorite Kadhi Chawal While Recovering From Fever in Paris

Mumbai — Preity Zinta shared a glimpse of a thoughtful gesture she received while recovering from a fever in Paris, where a neighbor sent her favorite comfort food, Kadhi Chawal.

Taking to Instagram, the actress said a friend had mentioned that she was unwell to a neighbor, who then sent her a meal that included Kadhi Chawal and aloo gobi.

“This little act of kindness and warmth not only brightened my day but will stay with me forever,” Zinta wrote, praising the family for their Punjabi hospitality.

In a video, Zinta reacted excitedly to the meal, saying, “Oh my God, Kadhi Chawal! This is so sweet. I loved it. When you are ill, you want only comfort food.”

Earlier during her Paris trip, Zinta visited the Kanapathy Temple, where she offered prayers and shared photos and videos from the visit on social media.

On the work front, Zinta recently returned to the big screen after an eight-year hiatus with Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Batwara 1947,” which was released on August 14 and also stars Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal.

Manasi Parekh Says She Was Due to Visit Flood-Hit Gyirong Port

Mumbai — Actress Manasi Parekh has revealed that she was scheduled to visit Gyirong Port in Tibet shortly after the area was devastated by flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Parekh, who is in China as part of Sadhguru’s Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, shared videos of the flooding on social media and said she was safe.

“This is what happened. We were supposed to be here tomorrow morning,” she wrote alongside footage of the disaster.

In another post, Parekh said she had been welcomed at the same location just five days earlier. “And now the whole place is submerged,” she wrote.

Parekh said the tragedy was “absolutely heartbreaking” and added that the Isha Foundation was working to help members of the pilgrimage return home and locate people affected by the floods.

The flooding has caused widespread damage in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and the adjoining Gyirong region of Tibet, destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. Gyirong Port, a major Nepal-Tibet border crossing, was also badly affected.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the disaster, with reports pointing to a possible landslide or ice-rock avalanche that may have blocked a river before releasing a surge of water and debris downstream.

India has offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal and is coordinating with local authorities on rescue and relief efforts. (Source: IANS)