Bollywood Roundup: Wamiqa Gabbi, Mouni Roy, Yami Gautam, and more…

Wamiqa Gabbi Says Meeting Jyoti Nikam Helped Her Understand Role in ‘Prahaar’

Mumbai — Actress Wamiqa Gabbi says meeting Jyoti Nikam helped her understand the important role she has played in the life and career of prominent public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Gabbi portrays Jyoti in the upcoming film “Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam.”

“When I met Jyoti ma’am, I realized how important a role she has played in Ujjwal sir’s journey. I was very happy that I got a chance to play this role in the film,” Gabbi said at the film’s trailer launch.

She also praised Jyoti for her strength and dedication to her family.

“Jyoti ma’am, I love you. You are such a strong person, and I am honored that I got to play you,” Gabbi said. “I think the way you have handled your life, the way you have taken care of everyone, is commendable.”

Directed by Avinash Arun, “Prahaar” stars Rajkummar Rao, Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher. The film is based on the life and career of Ujjwal Nikam, who served as a prosecutor in the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Gabbi has said she was initially hesitant to portray a real-life person but became more comfortable with the role after meeting Jyoti.

“Prahaar” is scheduled to hit theaters Oct. 16, 2026.

Mouni Roy Calls Birthday ‘Cathartic,’ Says She Knows ‘Who’s Mine’

Mumbai — Actress Mouni Roy described her recent birthday celebration as “cathartic” and said the occasion left her especially grateful for the people who have stood by her.

Roy shared photos from the celebration on Instagram, including moments with close friends during a getaway in Goa.

“A little whimsical, a little lost, and happily curious… just like Alice, somewhere between here and Wonderland,” she wrote.

Reflecting on the year, Roy added, “This birthday felt cathartic, but also this year I know who’s mine & I’m so grateful.”

The actress also thanked friends who supported her through both good and difficult times, ending her post with, “Only love & grace & strength. Om Namah Shivaay.”

The photos showed Roy celebrating with friends, posing in a blue dress against a lush backdrop and spending time by the pool.

Roy turned 41 on Sept. 28 and marked the occasion with an intimate celebration in Goa.

Yami Gautam Says ‘Nayyi Navelli’ Character Is ‘Never Quite What You Expect’

Mumbai — Actress Yami Gautam says the unpredictability of her character Mohini is what attracted her to the upcoming film “Nayyi Navelli.”

“What drew me to Mohini is that she is never quite what you expect. There’s a warmth and familiarity to her, but also a mystery that slowly reveals itself,” Gautam said as Amazon MGM Studios and Colour Yellow unveiled the film’s trailer.

She said the role allowed her to move between family drama, humor, emotion, fantasy and action while keeping the character grounded.

Set in Meerut, “Nayyi Navelli” follows the Awasthi family after the arrival of Mohini, their seemingly perfect new daughter-in-law. What begins with traditional wedding rituals gradually gives way to an unexpected secret.

Director Balaji Mohan said the film starts with a relatable family before taking the story in an unexpected direction.

Backed by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, the film is written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma, with music by G.V. Prakash Kumar.

“Nayyi Navelli” is set to hit theaters Oct. 16, 2026, ahead of Dussehra.

Gauahar Khan Questions Mary Kom’s Claim That Qazi Touqeer Caused Her Fall

Mumbai — Actress and former “Bigg Boss 7” winner Gauahar Khan has questioned Mary Kom’s claim that Qazi Touqeer caused her to fall during a captaincy task on “Bigg Boss 20.”

Mary Kom was seen falling during the task and later blamed Qazi for pushing her.

Reacting on Instagram Stories, Gauahar said she had taken part in several physically and mentally demanding tasks during her own time on the reality show and did not believe Qazi’s action was forceful enough to cause Mary Kom’s fall.

“She literally fell like a small child. There was no harsh pull,” Gauahar said, adding that while the bag involved in the task appeared heavy, she expected greater physical strength from the celebrated boxer.

Gauahar also called on the show’s hosts to address the incident during the upcoming “Weekend Ka Vaar” episode.

“Bigg Boss 20” premiered Sept. 6 with 16 contestants, including Mary Kom, Qazi Touqeer, Kanika Mann, Mahhi Vij, Aasif Khan and Amrapali Dubey.

Arjun Rampal Calls Working With Mohanlal in ‘Operation Ganga’ an ‘Honor’

Mumbai — Actor Arjun Rampal has praised Malayalam superstar Mohanlal after working with him for the first time in the upcoming film “Operation Ganga.”

Rampal shared photos with Mohanlal on Instagram and called the experience inspirational.

“Such an honour to have the privilege to share screen space with you Sir. It has been inspirational. The supremely talented and gifted @mohanlal. Thank you,” Rampal wrote.

Directed by Vishnu Mohan, “Operation Ganga” is based on India’s evacuation mission to bring home citizens, including students, stranded in Ukraine after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began.

The film also stars Bhagyashri Borse and Adil Hussain and is produced by Gokulam Gopalan under the Sree Gokulam Movies banner.

Rampal also recently completed work on Imtiaz Ali’s “O Saathi Re,” which co-stars Aditi Rao Hydari and Avinash Tiwary.

Dia Mirza Says She Teaches Son Empathy, Kindness and Respect for Boundaries

Mumbai — Actress and environmentalist Dia Mirza says she is focused on teaching her son, Avyaan, the importance of empathy, kindness, respect and consent.

“Every single day, I strive to teach my son the value of care, respect, empathy and kindness towards all,” Mirza said.

She said children should learn that consent goes beyond simply hearing the word “no” and includes recognizing discomfort and respecting personal boundaries.

“I want him to understand that consent is not merely the absence of a ‘no’; it is the presence of a willing and comfortable ‘yes,’” she said.

Mirza added that children should also understand that no one owes them attention, affection or intimacy, and that rejection should not be treated as an insult or something to challenge.

She said parents raising sons have an important role in creating a safer and more equitable environment for girls.

Mirza is also stepmother to Samaira Rekhi, the daughter of her husband, businessman Vaibhav Rekhi, from a previous marriage. (Source: IANS)