Bollywood Roundup: Bhumi Pednekar, Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, and more…
Bhumi Pednekar Visits Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain Ahead of Diwali
MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar visited the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to offer prayers ahead of Diwali.
The 37-year-old actress shared photographs of her visit on Instagram, writing, “Just surrender Jai Shri Mahakaal. Happy Diwali”.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple, located along the Shipra River, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
On the professional front, Pednekar will portray warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma in the upcoming historical drama The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, alongside Rishab Shetty, Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi.
Directed and produced by Sandeep Singh, the film is planned as a two-part historical saga, with music composed by Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi.
Hrithik Roshan Shares Heartfelt Birthday Message for Ex-Wife Sussanne Khan
MUMBAI–Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan shared a heartfelt birthday message for his former wife, Sussanne Khan, praising her strength and dedication to their children as she celebrated her birthday on October 26.
Roshan posted family photographs on Instagram alongside a belated birthday wish, expressing gratitude for her positive influence on their sons, Hrehaan and Hridaan.
“My wish for you is that this year brings you all the love, warmth, joy and magic that you so beautifully and freely give to the people around you”, he wrote.
The actor also praised Khan for overcoming life’s challenges and remembered her late mother, Zarine Khan, writing, “Truly, Mom’s spirit lives on in you.”
Calling Khan the “best mama” to their sons, Roshan added, “I am and will always be here cheering for you.”
Roshan and Khan married in December 2000 and separated in 2013. Their divorce was finalized in 2014.
Roshan is currently in a relationship with actress Saba Azad, while Khan is dating Arslan Goni.
Shahid Kapoor Jokes About Changing Brother Ishaan Khatter’s Diapers
MUMBAI–Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor recalled changing his younger brother Ishaan Khatter’s diapers as a child, joking that Ishaan has promised to return the favor when Shahid grows old.
In a promotional clip from Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show, Shahid appeared alongside his wife, Mira Rajput, and Ishaan, sharing humorous stories about family life.
“When I was a kid, I changed his diapers. And in old age, he is saying that he will change mine,” Shahid said.
The actor also recalled Mira’s reaction after watching his 2016 film Udta Punjab for the first time.
“When Udta Punjab was complete, you know, they call you in the editing room and show you the film. She was sitting next to me. When the film was over, she was sitting on the other side of the sofa,” he said.
Host Kapil Sharma joked that Mira might have reconsidered marrying Shahid had she watched his film Kabir Singh beforehand.
During the conversation, Mira also described Shahid as a father who enjoys spoiling their children, though “not in a bad way.”
Shahid and Mira married in 2015 and have two children, daughter Misha, born in 2016, and son Zain, born in 2018.
Actress Madhoo Urges Firecracker-Free Diwali to Protect Animals and Reduce Pollution
MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Madhoo has urged people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers, citing concerns about air pollution, respiratory health and the distress loud explosions cause to pets.
In a video shared on social media, the actress acknowledged that firecrackers were an important part of her childhood celebrations but said changing traditions was necessary to protect people and animals.
“So here, standing here before you and saying no crackers, it’s almost like saying something no to my beautiful childhood memory but it has to be no crackers,” she said.
Madhoo expressed concern about Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality and the impact of fireworks on people with respiratory conditions.
She also highlighted the fear experienced by pets during fireworks displays.
“Noise is a big pollution, it hurts people and most of all it hurts my baby boo. All for all, I am speaking for all the pet parents, dog parents who have doggies at home. They are so nervous, they are so scared, they run helter skelter.”
The actress encouraged people to celebrate with colorful clothes, sweets and gatherings with friends and family instead of fireworks.
“Let’s save them, let’s help them, let’s celebrate and spread joy and happiness,” she said, wishing everyone a happy Diwali.
Parineeti Chopra Defends Jennifer Winget Amid Viral Cake-Cutting Controversy
MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra has dismissed speculation about a rift with co-star Jennifer Winget following a viral video from the success celebration of their film Shaque: Trust No.
The video showed Winget standing behind Chopra during a cake-cutting ceremony, prompting social media users to criticize Chopra for allegedly failing to make room for her co-star.
Responding on Instagram, Chopra said the two actresses found the controversy amusing.
“Jenny and I have spent the last two days watching some rather “creative” videos by self-proclaimed journalists. And guess what? The joke’s on you, because we’ve been laughing. Hysterically! Your wild interpretations only make you look foolish.”
Chopra also praised Winget’s performance in the film, calling her a brilliant actress and her favorite co-star.
Winget separately addressed the speculation, explaining that she stepped back simply because there was insufficient space during the celebration.
“Pari has always been kind and loving towards me, and we have nothing but love for each other. We’re a team, and there’s enough room for all of us to shine without pulling each other down. Thank you!”
Both actresses urged an end to the negative speculation surrounding the incident.
Madhuri Dixit Recalls How Her Lifelike Cutouts Fooled Aamir Khan on Film Set
MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit has recalled how lifelike cutouts of her created for the 1992 film Prem Deewane fooled both a visiting friend and actor Aamir Khan during filming.
Speaking on the reality game show Kon Honar Crorepati, Dixit shared how her friend mistakenly approached one of the cutouts and began talking to it, believing it was the actress.
“I went up to one and started talking before realising it was a cutout!” Dixit recalled her friend saying.
Film director Sachin Pilgaonkar explained that the cutouts were created for scenes depicting Jackie Shroff’s character living surrounded by images of Dixit’s character after their separation.
“I wanted them to look as lifelike as possible, so we measured Madhuri’s exact height and did a special photo shoot. We spent an entire day photographing her in different outfits and looks for those cutouts,” Pilgaonkar said.
He revealed that Aamir Khan, who was filming nearby, also mistook one of the cutouts for Dixit while visiting the set.
“He walked in, looked around and spotted one of the cutouts. For a moment, he thought it was Madhuriand waved to the cutout! I told him, ‘That’s a cutout.’”
Released in 1992, Prem Deewane starred Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Vivek Mushran and Pooja Bhatt. The romantic drama was directed by Pilgaonkar and produced by Ashok Ghai. (Source: IANS)
