Bollywood Roundup: Krystle D’Souza, Randeep Hooda, Yami Gautam, and more…

Krystle D’Souza Visits Lalbaugcha Raja for First Time, Calls Experience ‘Wholesome’

Mumbai — Actress Krystle D’Souza recently visited Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja for the first time, calling the experience deeply special and wholesome.

Sharing photos and videos on Instagram, D’Souza said she had lived in Mumbai all her life but had never previously felt compelled to visit the popular Ganpati pandal.

“He’s been here every year of my life. I’ve lived in this city all my life, and yet, until yesterday, I had never felt the need to go,” she wrote.

D’Souza said she woke up with an unexplained feeling that she needed to visit and made the trip with friends.

“Maybe that’s how it works. You don’t choose when you go to him. He chooses when to call you,” she wrote.

Videos from the visit showed D’Souza offering prayers and seeking blessings alongside friends, including actor Rithvik Dhanjani.

On the work front, D’Souza recently won the second season of “The Traitors” India alongside Rida Tharana. The Karan Johar-hosted reality show concluded on September 3.

Randeep Hooda Wins First National Film Award for ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’

Mumbai — Actor and filmmaker Randeep Hooda has received his first National Film Award, winning Best Debut Director for his biopic “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” at the 72nd National Film Awards.

Hooda shared photos from the ceremony on social media Wednesday, posing with the award alongside his wife, Lin Laishram, and daughter Nyomica.

Reflecting on the honor, Hooda said the award belonged to the team behind the film and to audiences who have supported his work over the past 25 years.

“This was not for me but for the team of many who worked tirelessly to bring this movie alive. It was also for the audience who have loved and supported my work for the past 25 years,” he wrote.

Hooda said receiving the award from the President of India was a moment of immense pride and added that attending the ceremony with his family made it especially meaningful.

“I wasn’t just there as Randeep Hooda but as Nyomica’s father and to share that moment with my family there made it even more special,” he said.

Hooda and Laishram married in Imphal, Manipur, in November 2023 and welcomed their daughter in March 2026.

Yami Gautam Credits Husband Aditya Dhar, Son Vedavid for National Award Win

Mumbai — Actress Yami Gautam has credited her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, and their son Vedavid for inspiring and supporting her following her National Award win for “Article 370.”

Sharing a note on Instagram, Gautam said receiving the award filled her with gratitude for the people, struggles and experiences that shaped her journey.

“Today, as I hold this National Award, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Not just for the award, but for everything that led me to this moment,” she wrote.

Gautam said Vedavid, who had not yet been born while she was working on the film, gave her strength during the production.

“You were with me during the making of this film, even before you entered this world, and somehow, you gave me the courage to keep going when I needed it most,” she wrote.

She also thanked Dhar for supporting her career and encouraging her through difficult moments.

“You inspire me every single day to be the best version of myself,” Gautam wrote, adding that she was proud to share the honor with him.

She concluded by encouraging others to keep working and believing in their goals, saying she would cherish the National Film Award for a lifetime.

Sumona Chakravarti Reflects on Life and Death After Attending Funeral

Mumbai — Actress Sumona Chakravarti shared an emotional reflection on life and death after attending a funeral, saying the experience made her think more deeply about how people choose to live.

In an Instagram post, Chakravarti said she spent nearly two hours quietly observing the final rituals rather than focusing on responsibilities around the ceremony.

“Life is fucking short. You may not even wake up tomorrow. Or you may lose someone you love to death. Birth & death = Life. Live it,” she wrote.

Chakravarti said watching the fire, smoke and sky during the rituals made her reflect on the inevitability of death.

“For almost two hours, I stood there and observed the last chapter of a life,” she wrote. “It really makes you think about what we’re doing with the chapters before it.”

She also shared a video of herself by the sea with a message encouraging people to enjoy life rather than focus solely on wealth or appearance.

In July, Chakravarti revealed that she had undergone surgery in May for endometriosis and had taken time away from social media to recover physically and mentally. She later said the experience had significantly changed her perspective on life.

Kajol Celebrates Mother Tanuja’s 83rd Birthday, Calls Her a ‘Rule Breaker’ and ‘Trendsetter’

Mumbai — Actress Kajol celebrated her mother, veteran actress Tanuja, on her 83rd birthday with a heartfelt social media post.

Sharing a series of candid photos, Kajol called her mother the “OG” and praised her as a “rule breaker,” “trendsetter,” “fashion icon” and “mother extraordinaire.”

“Happy birthday to the OG,” Kajol wrote, adding, “Love u always and forever 😉 now u can legitimately throw that 83 in my face.”

The photos showed Kajol and Tanuja smiling together, including one in which Kajol kisses her mother on the forehead.

Born on September 23, 1943, Tanuja comes from a prominent film family and is the daughter of actress Shobhana Samarth and younger sister of actress Nutan.

She began her career as a child artist before becoming a leading actress in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films including “Jewel Thief,” “Haathi Mere Saathi,” “Anubhav” and “Mere Jeevan Saathi.” She also worked extensively in Bengali and Marathi cinema.

Tanuja married filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee in 1973. They had two daughters, Kajol and actress Tanishaa Mukerji.

Lisa Ray Embraces Her ‘Aunty Era,’ Says Women Can ‘Rewrite the Script’

Mumbai — Actress Lisa Ray has opened up about embracing her “aunty era,” sharing a candid take on motherhood, aging and breaking traditional expectations.

In an Instagram post, Ray wrote, “Where my aunties at? I’m in my aunty era. Oh, but wait. I’m a mom of little ones too.”

She added, “Bitch, we’re the aunties who mess with the rules, rewrite the script and still make it to school pickup.”

Ray shared photos of herself, including one with her daughter, while wearing a white T-shirt with the word “Aunty” and blue jeans.

The actress frequently uses social media to reflect on motherhood, womanhood and different stages of life.

Earlier this month, Ray also reminisced about growing up in the 1980s, recalling the decade’s fashion, music and sense of independence.

Ray is known for films including “Water,” “I Can’t Think Straight” and “The World Unseen,” as well as the streaming series “Four More Shots Please.” “Water” was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category. (Source: IANS)