Bollywood Roundup: Saif Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt, Salman Khan, and more…
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Accused Seeks to Plead Guilty
Mumbai — The man accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has asked a Mumbai court to allow him to plead guilty, his lawyer said Friday.
Mohammad Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national who is in judicial custody, filed an application expressing his willingness to plead guilty and seeking leniency, attorney Vipul Dushing said.
The court asked the prosecution to respond and adjourned the matter until Sept. 11.
Additional Sessions Judge G.P. Deshmukh earlier framed charges against Islam under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to robbery with a deadly weapon, causing grievous hurt and house trespass. He also faces charges under the Foreigners Act and Passport (Entry into India) Rules.
Islam had previously pleaded not guilty.
Khan was stabbed multiple times during an alleged break-in at his Bandra home in the early hours of Jan. 16, 2025. He was taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Doctors said Khan suffered six injuries, including deep wounds to his hand and neck, and that a knife fragment was lodged near his spine.
Police arrested Islam following a multi-location manhunt.
Alia Bhatt Shares Childhood Photo With Sister Shaheen, Calls Her ‘Home’
Mumbai — Alia Bhatt marked Raksha Bandhan by sharing a childhood photo with her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, along with a more recent picture of the two.
In the throwback image, a young Alia is seen looking at Shaheen as the sisters hug. The second photo shows them smiling for the camera in another embrace.
Alia captioned the post by calling Shaheen her “Ghar,” or home. Shaheen responded with three teary-eyed emojis.
The sisters also work together through their production company, Eternal Sunshine Productions.
Their upcoming young-adult romantic comedy “Don’t Be Shy” is set to premiere Sept. 25 on Prime Video. Directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the film stars Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Bianca Arora and Piyush Khati, with Kunaal Roy Kapur, Anurag Basu, Neha Dhupia and Anju Alva Naik in supporting roles.
Salman Khan Celebrates Raksha Bandhan With Sisters Arpita and Alvira
Mumbai — Salman Khan celebrated Raksha Bandhan with his sisters Arpita Khan Sharma and Alvira Khan Agnihotri.
Arpita shared a video on social media showing her performing aarti, applying tilak and tying a rakhi on Salman’s wrist.
Salman was also spotted at Alvira’s home, where he posed for photographers and showed the rakhis tied on his wrist. He wore a maroon T-shirt, blue jeans and a cowboy hat.
Sohail Khan’s son, Nirvaan Khan, was also seen at Alvira’s residence.
On the work front, Salman will next star in the war drama “Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace,” previously titled “Battle of Galwan.” Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and also stars Chitrangda Singh.
Salman is also set to return as host of “Bigg Boss 20.”
Ananya Panday Waits for Rakhi Gift From Brother Ahaan
Mumbai — Ananya Panday is waiting for her Rakhi gift from cousin Ahaan Panday.
The actress shared a selfie on Instagram Stories with the message, “Waiting to get my Rakhi present @ahaanpandayy.”
Ananya and Ahaan are known to share a close bond and frequently appear in each other’s social media posts. She has also publicly supported Ahaan’s acting career.
Last year, Ananya called Ahaan the “light of my life” in a birthday post and said she was proud of him. She also celebrated his acting debut in Mohit Suri’s “Saiyaara,” writing, “A star is born.”
Ananya made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with “Student of the Year 2” and has since appeared in films including “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” “Khaali Peeli,” “Liger” and “Dream Girl 2.”
Kriti Sanon Responds to Ad Controversy With Raksha Bandhan Post
Mumbai — Kriti Sanon appeared to respond to criticism over her attire in a recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement with a social media post featuring her sister, Nupur Sanon.
Kriti shared a photo of their rakhi-clad hands and wrote, “While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in session… We’re focusing on what really matters. Happy Rakhi to all.”
The post came after Kriti faced criticism over an advertisement for jewelry brand GIVA in which she wore an off-white outfit featuring a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt. Some social media users said the attire was inappropriate for the festival, and the brand later withdrew the ad.
Kriti previously addressed the backlash, saying the meaning of festivals lies in their emotions and traditions rather than clothing.
She said she and Nupur tie rakhi to each other as a symbol of mutual protection and also extend the tradition to their dogs, whom they consider family.
Sushmita Sen Pens Heartfelt Birthday Note for Daughter Alisah
Mumbai — Sushmita Sen celebrated daughter Alisah Sen’s 17th birthday with a heartfelt social media post, calling her a “beautiful, thoughtful, kind and generous soul.”
The actress shared several family photos on Instagram and said she named Alisah, whose name means “God’s precious gift,” after welcoming her into her life 17 years ago.
“As time goes by & I witness the person behind the name… there is a deep, happy knowing, that you will indeed be a gift… for this world & humanity at large,” Sushmita wrote.
She added that she was proud of the person Alisah had become and praised her simplicity and kindness.
Sushmita is the mother of two adopted daughters. She adopted Renee Sen in 2000 and Alisah in 2010.
On the work front, Sushmita was most recently seen in the crime thriller series “Aarya” and previously starred in projects including “Main Hoon Na,” “Biwi No.1,” “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?” and “Taali.” (Source: IANS)
