Bollywood Roundup: Priyanka Chopra, Janhvi Kapoor, Preity Zinta, and more…

Priyanka Chopra Celebrates Karwa Chauth With Mehendi Honoring Husband Nick Jonas

MUMBAI–Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas marked Karwa Chauth by sharing a glimpse of her festive mehendi featuring the name of her husband, American singer Nick Jonas.

Priyanka posted a photograph of her henna-decorated palm on social media, writing, “Piya ke naam ki.. happy karwachauth to all those celebrating.”

In another post, she shared a closer look at the design and referred to a traditional method of darkening henna stains.

“The question is, will the chashni work? IYKYK,” she wrote.

Chashni, or sugar syrup, is traditionally applied to dried mehendi to help deepen its color.

Priyanka has frequently shared how she maintains Indian cultural and religious traditions while living in the United States with Nick and their daughter, Malti Marie.

Earlier, the family celebrated Dussehra at their Los Angeles home with traditional Hindu prayers and rituals. Priyanka also shared a video of herself teaching Malti a Sanskrit prayer from the Durga Saptashati.

Janhvi Kapoor Addresses Objectification Controversy Surrounding Her Role in ‘Peddi’

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has spoken out about criticism surrounding her portrayal in the sports drama “Peddi,” acknowledging concerns over the objectification of her character and expressing hope that the controversy will encourage filmmakers to take actresses’ concerns more seriously.

Appearing on “Koffee With Karan” alongside Varun Dhawan, Kapoor said she welcomed the discussion despite the criticism it generated.

“I’m glad it became such a big deal, my portrayal in ‘Peddi’, so maybe next time an actress says she’s uncomfortable, they won’t look at her like an alien,” she said.

Kapoor acknowledged that she could have done more to challenge aspects of her portrayal, admitting that the controversy weighed heavily on her conscience.

“Could have I done more? Could I have been more vigilant? Could I have made a bigger scene? A hundred percent, yes. Was it problematic? Was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes,” she said.

The actress explained that she struggled to balance her discomfort with professional expectations on set, where performers are generally expected to follow a director’s instructions.

She said she attempted to make certain aspects of the portrayal less problematic as concerns became apparent.

Kapoor expressed hope that the controversy would lead to greater awareness of gender representation in films and make it easier for actresses to voice objections without facing resistance.

Preity Zinta Waits for Moonrise as Cloudy Skies Disrupt Karwa Chauth Celebrations

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Preity Zinta shared a lighthearted complaint about cloudy skies on the U.S. East Coast as she observed the Karwa Chauth fast for her husband, Gene Goodenough.

Taking to X, Zinta expressed frustration over being unable to spot the moon, traditionally sighted before women break their Karwa Chauth fast.

“Is it just me or has the moon disappeared? Has any one seen the moon on the east coast? My karvachauth vrat is on & the moon is playing hide n seek in a cloudy sky,” she wrote.

Zinta, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their children, frequently shares updates about her family life and celebrations of Indian traditions.

The actress married Goodenough, a financial analyst, in February 2016. The couple welcomed twins, Jai and Gia, through surrogacy in November 2021.

In September, Zinta shared photographs from her journey home after traveling across the globe to attend her children’s first day of school.

“Rushed across the globe to make it for ‘First Day of School’. Wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world! Ting,” she wrote.

Zinta continues to balance family responsibilities with her acting career, having returned to films after an extended break.

Bollywood Stars Gather at Anil Kapoor’s Home for Karwa Chauth Celebrations

MUMBAI–Bollywood celebrities gathered at Anil Kapoor and his wife Sunita Kapoor’s residence Thursday evening for their annual Karwa Chauth celebration, bringing together several prominent figures from the entertainment industry.

Among the attendees were Shilpa Shetty, Mira Rajput Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Geeta Basra, Mini Mathur, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari, Padmini Kolhapure, Natasha Dalal and Anshula Kapoor.

Shetty wore a pink-and-red ombre saree with a green blouse, while Mira Rajput Kapoor chose a gold saree with a mirrored border. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni attended in a pink lehenga, and Geeta Basra opted for a pink sharara suit.

Maheep Kapoor wore a red embroidered outfit, while Bhavana Pandey appeared in a mustard-yellow traditional ensemble. Neelam Kothari selected an emerald green suit with gold embroidery, and veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure wore a red saree.

Natasha Dalal, wife of actor Varun Dhawan, attended in a dusty pink satin outfit, while Anshula Kapoor celebrated her first Karwa Chauth following her July 2026 wedding to Rohan Thakkar.

The gathering continued a longstanding Bollywood tradition, with Sunita and Anil Kapoor hosting celebrities for the Hindu festival, during which married women traditionally fast and offer prayers for their husbands’ well-being.

Kareena Kapoor Reacts as Orry Recreates Her Iconic ‘Poo’ Look With Alia Bhatt

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan gave her approval after social media personality Orry recreated her iconic character Poo from “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” in a humorous Instagram video featuring Alia Bhatt.

Orry appeared wearing a shimmering pink crop top, beige miniskirt and faux fur stole, recreating one of Kareena’s memorable outfits from the 2001 film.

In the video, Orry asks Alia, “Alia, how am I looking?” When she laughs, he responds, “Alia, it’s not funny; you asked me to dress like Kareena”.

Alia delivers the punchline: “I asked you to dress like Winny the Pooh, not Poo”.

The exchange caught Kareena’s attention, prompting her to comment, “Too good”, accompanied by a red heart emoji.

Orry responded, “@kareenakapoorkhan wait for the next one”.

Kareena’s portrayal of Poo remains one of Bollywood’s most recognizable characters, particularly for her fashion choices and outspoken personality.

During an earlier appearance on “Koffee With Karan,” Kareena was asked who could become the next-generation Poo. She replied, “Not applicable,” suggesting that her famous character remains irreplaceable.

Adah Sharma Says She Feels Fortunate to Live in Sushant Singh Rajput’s Former Mumbai Home

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Adah Sharma says she feels fortunate to live in the Mumbai residence once occupied by late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, dismissing suggestions that moving into the property required courage.

In an interview, Sharma explained that she rents the home, just as Rajput did before his death in June 2020.

“I actually don’t think it’s a matter of courage. I think it’s a normal thing. Firstly, that’s Lalwani sir’s house. I am living on rent. And as far as I know, I think Sushant Singh was also living on rent there. But I don’t see it as a matter of courage and all,” she said.

Sharma, who shares the home with her mother, said she particularly enjoys its natural light, outdoor spaces and terrace garden, where they grow vegetables.

“My mom and I like to live like this. We like to have our garden where we grow our vegetables and eat them. I enjoy it. There’s a terrace here. There’s direct sunlight here. So, we can do a lot. There’s sunrise on one side of the house and sunset. Moonrise on one side. I feel it’s magical. I feel very lucky,” she said.

The actress also described her happiness at returning home after spending two months away filming.

Sharma reportedly moved into the property in 2023 under a five-year lease. She is known for her minimalist lifestyle, preferring open spaces and limited furniture.

Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020, at age 34. (Source: IANS)