Bollywood Roundup: Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Ananya Panday, and more…
Alia Bhatt Celebrates Eight Years of ‘Tumbbad’ Ahead of Sequel
Mumbai — Actress Alia Bhatt celebrated the eighth anniversary of the cult horror film “Tumbbad” on Monday, sharing a playful tribute to the 2018 movie as she prepares to appear in its sequel.
Bhatt posted an Instagram selfie wearing an eye mask featuring the words “So Jaa Warna Hastar Aa Jayega,” a reference to the film’s supernatural character Hastar.
“Happy 8 years to the entire #Tumbbad team,” she wrote.
Actor and producer Sohum Shah responded, “Looks like Hastar has a new favourite! Thank you @aliabhatt.”
Bhatt confirmed in July that she would join Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in “Tumbbad 2.”
“Tumbbad has stayed with me ever since I first watched it. Very few films create a world that feels this original and immersive,” Bhatt said when announcing her involvement.
She also expressed excitement about working with Shah and Siddiqui and exploring a character in the film’s mysterious world.
Released on October 12, 2018, “Tumbbad” has developed a devoted following for its distinctive blend of horror, mythology and folklore.
Madhuri Dixit’s Husband Says He Didn’t Recognize Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan at Wedding Reception
Mumbai — Actress Madhuri Dixit’s husband, Dr. Sriram Nene, revealed that he did not recognize Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan at their wedding reception in 1999.
Nene shared the amusing memory during a visit by filmmaker Farah Khan and her cook, Dilip, to the couple’s Mumbai residence for Khan’s cooking vlog.
“I didn’t know anyone. It was like Prom King, you just waved at everyone and later look at the wedding album because you don’t know anyone,” Nene said.
He recalled that Amitabh Bachchan was the only celebrity he recognized because he had watched the film “Amar Akbar Anthony.”
When Khan asked whether he had recognized Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan, Nene admitted he had not, although he described the guests as extremely welcoming.
Nene also explained that he was unfamiliar with Dixit’s stardom before their marriage because he had grown up in the United States watching Hollywood films rather than Hindi cinema.
“I grew up on Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Star Wars. I didn’t watch Hindi films,” he said.
Nene recalled that he and Dixit dated for three months before he proposed.
The couple married on October 17, 1999, and have two sons, Arin and Ryan. Following their wedding, Dixit moved to the United States and took a break from her acting career.
Ananya Panday to Make Hosting Debut at IIFA Awards 2027 in Abu Dhabi
Mumbai — Bollywood actress Ananya Panday will make her hosting debut at the 2027 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, joining Varun Dhawan and Karan Johar for the event in Abu Dhabi.
Panday said the opportunity holds special significance because her association with IIFA began with her first performance at Yas Island, where the upcoming ceremony will also take place.
“Being a part of IIFA has always been incredibly special to me. My IIFA journey began in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with my very first-ever performance on that iconic stage,” she said.
“To now be returning to IIFA 2027 in a completely new role as a co-host to IIFA Awards makes this experience even more special,” she added.
Dhawan, who will also host the ceremony, expressed excitement about returning to Abu Dhabi and celebrating Indian cinema on a global stage.
“To return to Yas Island and host the IIFA Awards is a huge honour,” he said, describing the event as a celebration that brings the Indian film industry together.
Johar, who will host IIFA for the sixth time, said the excitement of the live event remains unchanged despite his years of experience.
“Six times as host sounds like a lot, but the excitement, the nerves and the sheer unpredictability of a live IIFA night never get old!” he said.
The 27th edition of the IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place January 22-23, 2027, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Tamannaah Bhatia Celebrates Navratri with Devotional Music and Prayers
Mumbai — Actress Tamannaah Bhatia marked the beginning of Navratri by attending a Mata Ki Chowki, sharing glimpses of an evening filled with devotional music, prayers and spiritual reflection.
The actress posted photos and videos on Instagram showing her participating in aarti and listening to bhajans. Her parents and actress Mrunal Thakur were also present at the gathering.
Bhatia praised devotional performer Preety Pathania for bringing stories of the goddess and the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi to life through music.
“With every song, every story and every beat, you can almost feel the climb, the sacred paths unfolding and the pilgrimage carrying you deeper within,” she wrote.
Reflecting on the experience, Bhatia said the combination of music and prayer created a sense of inner peace.
“Five hours of music, prayer and surrender that felt like a single, timeless moment. Jai Mata Di,” she added.
The actress previously spoke about a spiritual experience while filming a Chhath Puja song for her upcoming movie “The Vvaan.”
Bhatia said she studied the significance of the festival and its traditions in Bihar before filming, describing a deep connection with Chhathi Maiyya.
“The strong connection I felt with Chhathi Maiyya is something I cannot put in words,” she said.
Politician Kirit Somaiya Questions Actor Imran Khan’s Participation in Election Protests
Mumbai — Former Indian lawmaker Kirit Somaiya has filed a police complaint questioning Bollywood actor Imran Khan’s participation in protests over alleged electoral irregularities, claiming the actor is an American citizen.
Somaiya alleged that Khan, who was born in the United States, holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and may have violated restrictions governing foreign nationals’ activities in India.
In a complaint submitted to Mumbai’s Gamdevi Police Station on Monday, Somaiya cited provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which provide penalties for foreigners who violate visa conditions.
He questioned Khan’s participation in an October 10 demonstration at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai targeting India’s Election Commission.
Somaiya also said he had not received a copy of a First Information Report (FIR) and was unaware of the specific charges, if any, registered in connection with the matter.
The Mumbai demonstration was part of nationwide protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Protesters have accused the Election Commission of disenfranchising voters through its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have denied allegations of electoral manipulation.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other organizers were detained in New Delhi on October 10 ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
The protests have continued amid heightened security measures and legal challenges over restrictions on demonstrations.
Bipasha Basu Returns to Acting After Six Years in Hansal Mehta’s New Series
Mumbai — Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is returning to acting after a six-year hiatus, beginning filming on an untitled crime drama series directed by Hansal Mehta.
The upcoming Prime Video series also stars Sunny Kaushal and Vishal Jethwa. Written by Kashyap Kapoor and Raghav Raj Kakker, the project is produced by Prabhleen Sandhu under Almighty Motion Pictures Productions.
Set in a small town emerging as a major heroin trafficking hub, the series follows an honest police officer, played by Kaushal, who battles powerful forces inside and outside the system while trying to protect his integrity.
Further details about Basu’s character and the series’ release date have not been announced.
Basu last appeared in the 2020 crime thriller web series “Dangerous” alongside her husband, actor Karan Singh Grover. Her last theatrical release was the 2015 horror film “Alone.”
The actress married Grover in April 2016, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Devi, in November 2022. Since then, Basu has largely remained away from acting.
Meanwhile, Mehta is also working on “Gandhi,” a historical streaming series based on Ramachandra Guha’s books about Mahatma Gandhi. The three-season project stars Pratik Gandhi and explores the independence leader’s life, including his formative years in India, London and South Africa.
Mehta is known for directing films such as “Aligarh” and “Shahid,” as well as the acclaimed series “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story.”
Aditi Rao Hydari Reflects on Life, Career and Personal Growth Ahead of 40th Birthday
Hyderabad — Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who turns 40 on October 28, reflected on nearly two decades in cinema, sharing lessons about personal growth, resilience and staying true to herself.
Looking back on her career, Hydari said she would encourage her younger self to embrace uncertainty and remain curious.
“I would tell her to just happily be herself, not listen to the noise, trust the ones who will nurture her and challenge her. To not be in a hurry to have everything figured out,” she said.
The actress acknowledged that her journey has not always been easy but said she prefers to focus on gratitude rather than disappointments.
“It’s always been an uphill climb, but while every step uphill is tough, it’s a step up and as long as I am able to do that I’m grateful,” she said.
Hydari also emphasized the importance of recognizing her worth and working with people who respect her contributions.
“I believe that I must and will be the best version of myself, work hard and work with the best who demand the best of me and also value me,” she said.
As she approaches her milestone birthday, Hydari said she has no plans for an elaborate celebration, preferring to spend time with loved ones.
“I don’t usually make elaborate plans for my birthday. I like spending time with the people I love,” she said.
For Hydari, birthdays are an opportunity to feel grounded, with spontaneous celebrations often proving more meaningful than carefully planned events. (Source: IANS)
