Bollywood Roundup: Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan, Twinkle Khanna, and more…

Katrina Kaif Shares Biggest Lessons About Love and Relationships

Mumbai — Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif once reflected on her past relationships, saying her biggest lesson was learning that personal happiness should not depend on a romantic partner.

During an appearance on Season 6 of filmmaker Karan Johar’s talk show Koffee With Karan, Kaif discussed the importance of self-worth and emotional independence.

“I’m becoming comfortable with who I am, which I don’t think I was for a large part of my life because you somehow judge yourself based on how much love or attention you get from your partner,” she said.

Kaif explained that relying on a partner for validation can damage self-esteem when a relationship encounters difficulties.

“My biggest learning from my relationships is, ‘Nobody else is responsible for your happiness,’” she said.

Describing her ideal relationship, Kaif added, “The most beautiful kind of love is when neither of you need each other. There’s no great dependence on the other person, there’s admiration, respect, companionship, and there’s a space of ease between you.”

Kaif is now married to actor Vicky Kaushal, with whom she has a son, Vihaan.

Amitabh Bachchan Recalls Mother’s Discipline and Parents’ Inter-Caste Marriage

Mumbai — Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan shared memories of his mother, Teji Bachchan, and his parents’ inter-caste marriage during an episode of the quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Actress Madhuri Dixit, appearing as a guest, asked Bachchan about his childhood and whether his mother was strict.

Bachchan said his mother maintained discipline at home, particularly when it came to cleanliness and good habits.

“She did not like mess. If there was any mess anywhere, she would say, ‘Why have you thrown this cloth like this? You have been playing in the dirt and have come straight into the house.’ She would ask us to clean it up,” he recalled.

The veteran actor also spoke about his mother’s Sikh background and her decision to marry his father, renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who came from Allahabad.

Describing their inter-caste marriage, Bachchan said his mother made a life-changing decision to leave everything behind and marry his father.

“It is a very interesting story; you should read his autobiography sometime, and you will find it there,” he said.

The conversation is part of Kaun Banega Crorepati’s Amitabh Bachchan Birthday Week Special, scheduled to air Friday on Sony Entertainment Television.

Twinkle Khanna Shares Glimpse of Diwali Candle Collection

Mumbai — Author and entrepreneur Twinkle Khanna offered fans a glimpse of her Diwali preparations, sharing photographs of her upcoming festive candle collection.

Taking to Instagram, Khanna discussed balancing her writing career with her candle business, joking that she has become a “candle wali.”

“I’m a jack of many trades and the master of one. Writing will always be my main gig but between deadlines, I also became a candle wali,” she wrote.

Khanna said she has been experimenting with fragrances, jars, labels and ribbons while preparing her Diwali gifting collection.

Highlighting the importance of fragrance in creating a welcoming atmosphere, she revealed that her home smells of mogra, or jasmine.

“The first thing you notice when you walk into a home is the fragrance. Mine smells like a basket of mogra. The perks of owning a candle company,” she wrote.

She also invited followers to share their favorite festive scents, including champa, mogra and sandalwood.

The former actress, known for films such as Mela, turned to writing after leaving Bollywood. She made her literary debut in 2015 with Mrs Funnybones and later published The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, a collection of short stories.

Sona Mohapatra Defends Tanushree Dutta Amid Backlash Over Nana Patekar Remarks

Mumbai — Singer Sona Mohapatra has defended actress Tanushree Dutta after she faced criticism for her comments following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar.

Dutta, who previously accused Patekar of sexual harassment, offered condolences to his family but said his death could affect her professional commitments.

In an Instagram video Friday, Mohapatra criticized those attacking Dutta, arguing that mourning an actor should not require women to dismiss their own experiences.

“This woman spoke up about her sexual harassment on sets with this gentleman, fought an exhausting battle, faced public humiliation and professional consequences, and now she is expected to forget her experience and perform what for you? Grief,” Mohapatra said.

The singer also recalled facing professional consequences for speaking out during India’s #MeToo movement, claiming she was removed from a television reality show after filming nearly 19 episodes.

“I know what speaking up costs a woman,” she said, questioning why women who report harassment are frequently asked to produce evidence or explain why they did not pursue legal action.

Mohapatra also criticized social media influencers, particularly women, for targeting Dutta and questioned the tendency to overlook controversies surrounding public figures after their deaths.

“Growing old doesn’t make anyone morally infallible. Dying shouldn’t erase uncomfortable chapters of someone’s life,” she said.

The singer emphasized that people can honor Patekar’s acting career and express sympathy for his family without dismissing Dutta’s allegations.

“Death deserves dignity. So do the living,” she concluded.

Mohapatra also criticized the entertainment industry’s willingness to welcome back figures previously accused of misconduct, citing music composer Anu Malik as an example.

Sonali Bendre Expresses Admiration for Madhuri Dixit Ahead of ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ Premiere

Mumbai — Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre has expressed her admiration for Madhuri Dixit as the two prepare to share the screen for the first time in the premiere episode of Kon Honar Crorepati.

Bendre will appear as a special guest on the Marathi quiz show, hosted by Dixit, and play in support of an animal welfare foundation. She will also discuss her work for animal welfare and her Happy Podcast.

“I have always been a Madhuri Dixit fan, but I’ve also gotten to know her better,” Bendre said, revealing that their sons attend the same school.

“Her younger son and my son go to school together, so we meet often, but sharing screen space has never happened,” she added.

Bendre praised Dixit’s warmth, acting abilities and dancing skills, saying she always believed the actress would make an excellent television host.

Dixit, meanwhile, expressed excitement about appearing alongside Bendre despite never having worked together in a film.

“Sonali and I have never done a film together. But it’s never too late!” Dixit said. “Sharing the screen with you feels like such a special occasion.”

Bendre also expressed interest in collaborating with Dixit on a future project, saying, “If someone out there is watching or listening, please write something for the two of us. I would love it!”

Kon Honar Crorepati premieres October 12 on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV.

Neha Dhupia Recalls Sanjay Kapoor’s Support During ‘Julie’ Filming

Mumbai — Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia recalled how actor Sanjay Kapoor supported her and made her mother feel comfortable during the filming of their 2004 movie Julie.

Dhupia shared the memories when Kapoor and his wife, Maheep Kapoor, appeared on Double Date, a show hosted by Dhupia and her husband, Angad Bedi.

Reflecting on her early career, Dhupia said her mother frequently accompanied her to film sets but generally stayed away from the shooting area to allow her daughter to focus on work.

“My mom used to be on the sets, but she would never come out of the room,” Dhupia recalled, explaining that her mother preferred to remain separate from the working environment.

She praised Kapoor for making an effort to ensure her mother felt welcome while managing his own responsibilities on set.

“Sanjay was very nice. He was doing the balancing act between the director, producer, and attending to my mom, making her feel comfortable,” she said.

Dhupia and Kapoor had previously worked together in Qayamat: City Under Threat.

Directed by Deepak Shivdasani and produced by N.R. Pachisia, Julie also starred Priyanshu Chatterjee, Yash Tonk and Achint Kaur.

The film follows a businessman who falls in love with a sex worker whose troubled past makes her hesitant to accept his marriage proposal. (Source: IANS)