Alia Bhatt Pays Tribute to Rekha at ‘Umrao Jaan’ Re-Release: “There Will Never Be Another Like You”
Mumbai– Actress Alia Bhatt paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary actress Rekha during the re-release event of the 1981 classic Umrao Jaan, calling her “a living legend” and saying, “There never was, is, or will ever be another like you.”
Alia shared moments from the evening on Instagram, posting photos and clips from the event. One touching image showed Rekha leaning on Alia as they posed together, both smiling warmly. Alia wore a soft blush pink saree for the occasion and captioned her post: “An ode to a living legend… there never was, is or will ever be another like you, ReMaa.”
The film’s director, Muzaffar Ali, announced earlier this month that Umrao Jaan had been restored in 4K and would return to theaters starting June 27. He also unveiled a limited-edition coffee table book featuring rare behind-the-scenes photos, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry, and personal memories from the set—a tribute to the film’s cultural legacy.
“Umrao Jaan wasn’t just a film; it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture and forgotten tehzeeb,” Ali said. “Rekha didn’t just play Umrao Jaan—she lived her. I’m thrilled that a new generation will get to experience this timeless story.”
Based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film tells the story of a courtesan and poet in 19th-century Lucknow. Widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s finest works, Umrao Jaan won four National Awards, including Best Actress for Rekha.
Manushi Chhillar Champions Menstrual Health Awareness: “Times Have Changed, but Old Taboos Linger”
Mumbai– Actress and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar continues to advocate for women’s health through her nonprofit initiative, Project Shakti. As part of the campaign, she recently visited a Mumbai school to promote menstrual hygiene awareness and distribute sanitary pads to students.
During the visit, Chhillar addressed lingering stigmas around menstruation and highlighted how outdated practices still impact women today. “We now have access to sanitary pads—we can go to school, we can work,” she said. “But that wasn’t always the case. Earlier, kitchens were on the ground, and women had to sit and work, which was painful during menstruation. So, rest was advised. Those rules made sense back then, but even though times have changed, the taboos remain.”
Chhillar has long been vocal about menstrual health. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she urged state governments to provide free sanitary pads and essential supplements like iron to women unable to afford them.
On the film front, she is set to appear in Maalik opposite Rajkummar Rao and Tehran alongside John Abraham.
Tiger Shroff Drops Teaser for New Single ‘Bepanaah’, Set to Release July 2
Mumbai– Actor Tiger Shroff is back in the spotlight with the teaser for his upcoming single Bepanaah, offering fans a glimpse of his signature dance moves, chiseled physique, and a new romantic pairing with actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia.
Sharing the teaser on Instagram with the caption “#bepanaah teaser out now!”, Tiger revealed he not only stars in the music video but has also sung the track himself. The teaser showcases energetic choreography and stylish visuals, hinting at a mix of passion and swagger.
“Haven’t pushed myself this far in a while,” Tiger wrote in a previous post. “So excited to share my new single with you. Bepanaah releases July 2.”
Backed by DRJ Records, the song features music by Avitesh Shrivastava and choreography by Bosco–Caesar. The full video drops July 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Tiger is gearing up for Baaghi 4, set to release September 5. Directed by A. Harsha, the action-packed sequel stars Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa. In a recent post, Tiger described the franchise as one that gave him his identity, teasing a darker, more intense version of his character this time around.
‘Kalki 2’ in the Pipeline? Amitabh Bachchan Teases Sequel on Film’s 1-Year Anniversary
Mumbai– As Kalki 2898 AD marks one year since its release, Amitabh Bachchan has sparked speculation about a sequel with a cryptic post on social media.
Directed by Nag Ashwin, the sci-fi epic features Bachchan as the enigmatic warrior Ashwatthama. On the film’s anniversary, the veteran actor shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude and hinting at a potential return.
“My honoured privilege to be asked to be a part of it… ever to be a part of it any day again, IF THEY WERE TO EVER TO ASK,” Bachchan wrote, responding to a celebratory post by Vyjayanthi Movies. The production house had thanked audiences for turning their dream into an epic, marking the milestone with the hashtag #1YearForKalki2898AD.
Set in a dystopian future inspired by Hindu mythology, Kalki 2898 AD tells the story of a mission to protect SUM-80’s unborn child—believed to be the prophesied Kalki. The film features an ensemble cast including Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone.
Produced by C. Aswini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies, the film premiered on June 27, 2024. It became the second-highest-grossing film of the year and ranks among the top Telugu box office hits of all time.
With Bachchan’s teaser, fans are now eagerly awaiting confirmation of a sequel in the emerging Kalki Cinematic Universe.
Aditi Shetty Defends Bold Scenes in ‘Rana Naidu 2’: “Every Moment Had Purpose”
Mumbai– Actress Aditi Shetty has addressed the bold and intimate scenes in Rana Naidu Season 2, calling them essential to the storyline and her character’s emotional arc.
In an interview with IANS, Shetty clarified that the second season features only a handful of such scenes—and all were filmed with care and artistic intent. “Actually, Season 2 has very few bold scenes, and even those are shot aesthetically,” she said. “They were important for the story and added meaning to the character’s journey. Nothing felt unnecessary—it was all part of the bigger picture.”
Shetty also shared what drew her to the role. “I had worked with the directors on Mirzapur, and I was already a fan of Rana Naidu Season 1. The character had a strong arc, and when I read the script—especially the full face-off scene opposite Rana sir—I knew I had to do it.”
Her character Tasneem, described as “fierce, intense, and dominating,” stands in sharp contrast to Shetty’s off-screen personality. “I’m more bubbly and expressive, while Tasneem is very stoic,” she noted. However, she found common ground in their shared love for fitness.
Rana Naidu Season 2, starring Venkatesh Daggubati, Rana Daggubati, Arjun Rampal, and Kriti Kharbanda, premiered on Netflix on June 13.
Sonakshi Sinha on Not Being in ‘Son of Sardaar 2’: “It’s Completely Fair”
Mumbai– Actress Sonakshi Sinha has addressed her absence from the upcoming sequel Son of Sardaar 2, saying she fully understands and respects the decision.
Speaking to IANS, the Akira star reflected on her experience in the 2012 original, which featured her opposite Ajay Devgn. While she isn’t returning for the sequel, she said there’s no hard feeling. “It’s understandable that the story would be something else. The characters would not be the same. And that’s completely fair,” she said.
Sonakshi added that, as a seasoned actor, she accepts such changes as part of the industry. “We’ve worked in this field for so many years—we understand how it works. It’s not a big deal, and it doesn’t affect me at all.”
Directed by Ashwni Dhir, the original Son of Sardaar also starred Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla, and was a remake of the Telugu film Maryada Ramanna. The film was a box-office hit when it released on November 13, 2012.
The sequel, titled The Return of the Sardaar, is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and stars Ajay Devgn alongside Mrunal Thakur. Sanjay Dutt returns in his original role, while Sanjay Mishra replaces Ravi Kishan in a reimagined character. The film is set to hit theaters on July 25, facing box-office competition from Param Sundari starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor.
Twinkle Khanna Shares Humorous ‘Recession Tip’ During Breakfast Date with Akshay Kumar
Mumbai– Known for her wit and relatable humor, Twinkle Khanna gave fans a chuckle with her latest social media post—a tongue-in-cheek “recession tip” shared during a quiet breakfast outing with husband Akshay Kumar.
The former actress and bestselling author posted a video on Instagram showing the couple enjoying an empty café. It opens with a cheerful mirror selfie and follows with casual, cozy moments from their early morning date.
In the caption, Twinkle wrote: “Recession tip—Want to book a restaurant just for the two of you? Save the big bucks and show up so early for breakfast that it’s you, owls, and a paper-mâché bunny. #thestoryofourlives.”
While she didn’t mention what was on the menu, her followers were treated to a playful take on budgeting and quiet time—true to the “Mrs. Funnybones” brand.
Twinkle, daughter of legendary actor Rajesh Khanna, left acting after the early 2000s to pursue a career in writing and interior design. She married Akshay Kumar in 2001, and the couple have two children, Aarav and Nitara. Though she’s long stepped away from films, Twinkle continues to entertain fans with her signature humor and sharp observations.
Kajol Reflects on Channeling Divine Feminine Energy in ‘Kali Shakti’ Song from Maa
New Delhi– Bollywood icon Kajol says she felt deeply honored to portray the divine feminine power in her new film Maa, particularly during the intense and hypnotic “Kali Shakti” song sequence. The mythological horror, which released in theaters on June 27, features Kajol in a spiritually charged role that left a lasting impression on both the actress and the crew.
Speaking to IANS, Kajol said, “I hope I was able to bring that powerful feminine energy to the screen. The song was so visceral that everyone on set felt it. It had a hypnotic effect—you kind of go into a daze while listening to it. I’m supremely grateful I had the chance to do that.”
She recalled a particularly striking moment in the film—the unveiling of the statue of Goddess Kali. “It was one of the most beautiful shots,” Kajol said. “For the first four days, the statue was covered. When the cloth was finally removed, I was genuinely awestruck. She was just so beautiful.”
Kajol described the experience of working in front of the Kali statue as deeply moving. “Every morning I’d come to set and see her. It was such a unique and powerful experience.”
Maa is a spinoff of the 2024 hit Shaitaan, set in the same supernatural universe. It follows a mother and daughter who visit the late husband’s hometown, only to encounter a deadly curse. The film also stars Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma.
Ayushmann Khurrana Invited to Join the Academy for Oscars Voting
Mumbai– Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, giving him the opportunity to vote for future Oscar winners.
Khurrana is among 534 distinguished individuals invited this year, alongside global names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, Jeremy Strong, Jason Momoa, Jodie Comer, Jimmy Kimmel, and Gillian Anderson.
“We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang. “These exceptionally talented individuals have made lasting contributions to global cinema.”
Membership in the Academy is by invitation only, based on peer sponsorship or Oscar nominations, and is reviewed and approved by the Board of Governors. The selection emphasizes professional excellence and a continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in the film industry.
Khurrana, who began his career by winning MTV Roadies in 2004, made his Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor in 2012. He went on to star in acclaimed films such as Andhadhun, Article 15, Badhaai Ho, Bala, and the Dream Girl franchise. (Source: IANS)
