Bollywood Roundup: Ananya Panday, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, and more…
Ananya Panday debuts new hairstyle with fresh bangs
MUMBAI, India — Actress Ananya Panday has revealed a fresh new look, debuting soft layers and front bangs after a recent salon visit.
The actress shared a collage of photos on social media, offering a closer look at her updated hairstyle. In one image, she is seen seated in a salon chair alongside her hairstylist, while another shows her showcasing her voluminous, layered hair.
“She’s got bangs now, love it @amityashwant hair,” she captioned the post.
Panday appeared excited about the makeover, which marks a subtle but noticeable change in her style.
On the professional front, Panday made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with “Student of the Year 2” opposite Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria. She has since appeared in films including “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” “Khaali Peeli,” “Liger,” and “Dream Girl 2.” Her performances in “Gehraiyaan” and “CTRL” were particularly well received by critics and audiences.
She was last seen in “Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri” alongside Kartik Aaryan. The film, released in December, underperformed at the box office.
Panday is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey.
Akshay Kumar shares his take on eating with hands on ‘Wheel of Fortune’
MUMBAI, India — Actor Akshay Kumar offered a lighthearted take on food traditions, emphasizing the joy of eating with hands during a recent episode of “Wheel of Fortune.”
The conversation began after a contestant shared a dating anecdote about eating chicken with a fork and knife, prompting Kumar to weigh in on how he would approach the dish.
While noting that he does not eat non-vegetarian food, Kumar said he would still prefer using his hands. “Haath se khane mein jo maza hain, woh metal jo hain, woh apne muh mein daalne se maza nahi aata, uska maza nikal jaata hain (The joy of eating with hands, it is lost when one eats with metal utensils),” he said.
He added that properly washing hands before a meal enhances the experience and even improves the taste of food.
Kumar also described the traditional way of enjoying a meal — mixing rice with curd and dal, adding dishes like jeera aloo, bhindi, and gobi, and eating by hand — calling it a more personal and satisfying experience.
In a previous episode, the actor also spoke about his fondness for Gujarati cuisine. “Woh jo life thi na, jo undhiyu, jo tuar ki daal, usme jo mazza hai na… humara Hindustani khana hai jo, Gujarati thali ka jo maza hai, edamame aur baaki kisi aur cheez mein nahi hai,” he said.
“Wheel of Fortune” airs Monday through Friday at 9 p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV.
Alia Bhatt shares parents’ handwritten birthday note as she turns 33
MUMBAI, India — Actress Alia Bhatt marked her 33rd birthday on March 15, celebrating the occasion with a heartfelt handwritten note from her parents, Soni Razdan and Mahesh Bhatt.
Bhatt shared a photo of the note on social media, placed among a bouquet of pastel flowers. “Happy Birthday. Dearest Alia, may you always sparkle and shine! You are our precious jewel – love you so much. Love – Mama and Papa,” the message read.
She also posted glimpses from her celebrations, including a candid moment with husband Ranbir Kapoor, who is seen kissing her cheek, and a mirror selfie of the actress in an all-black outfit. “This is 33.. full of glee so grateful,” she captioned the post.
Bhatt spent part of her birthday week in Hong Kong with Kapoor, their daughter Raha, and her sister Shaheen Bhatt, where the family visited Disneyland.
The couple married in April 2022 in an intimate ceremony at their Mumbai residence and welcomed their daughter later that year in November.
Mannara Chopra supports Anurag Dobhal after accident, says ‘good to see you smiling’
MUMBAI, India — Actress Mannara Chopra expressed support for YouTuber and “Bigg Boss 17” contestant Anurag Dobhal after he shared his first social media update following a recent accident.
Dobhal, popularly known as UK07 Rider, posted a message reassuring fans about his recovery, prompting an outpouring of support from friends and followers. Among them, Chopra commented, “Good to see you smiling God bless you.”
Reports said Dobhal was involved in a serious accident after a period of emotional distress. His latest post has helped ease concerns about his condition.
Chopra and Dobhal developed a close bond during their time on “Bigg Boss 17,” where they were often seen supporting each other through challenging moments. Their friendship was widely appreciated by viewers.
In a recent vlog, Dobhal had spoken about personal struggles, alleging mental harassment from his family over his inter-caste marriage to Ritika, which he said faced strong opposition.
Harshvardhan Rane gains weight for action role in ‘Force 3’
MUMBAI, India — Actor Harshvardhan Rane has begun preparing for his role in the upcoming action film “Force 3,” revealing he is undergoing a weight gain transformation for the project.
Rane shared on social media that he weighed 81 kg during “Sanam Teri Kasam” and “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat,” but was asked to reach around 92 kg for the new film. He said he has already reached 90 kg, with two more kilograms to go ahead of filming key action sequences next month.
“Was 81 kg in STK and Deewaniyat, For #Force3 i was asked to be approx 92, reached 90 kg as of today, 2 more kg to go for the action scenes next month as the roles physical requirement. (sic),” he wrote.
Production on “Force 3” began earlier this month, with the first schedule underway in Gujarat. The film is directed by Abhinay Deo, with John Abraham continuing his association with the franchise after reacquiring its rights.
Apart from “Force 3,” Rane is also set to star in director Omung Kumar’s “Silaa,” alongside Sadia Khateeb and Karanveer Mehra.
Kangana Ranaut weighs in on Sara Ali Khan temple affidavit controversy
MUMBAI, India — Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has reacted to the controversy surrounding reports that actress Sara Ali Khan may be required to submit proof of belief in Sanatan Dharma to visit the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Ranaut said Sara should have no issue declaring her faith if she wishes to seek blessings at the temples.
“Everyone here is Sanatani. Whoever is present here, they are all Sanatani, because from the time we are born, ‘Sanatan’ means that which has no beginning and no end. All other religions are 1000-1500 years old, only Sanatan is the ultimate truth. Sara is also a Sanatani. Why does she have a problem in writing that she is a Sanatani, simply write it and submit the document,” she said.
The remarks come after Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said non-Hindus may be required to submit an affidavit affirming belief in Hinduism to offer prayers at the temples.
Sara Ali Khan has frequently visited Kedarnath Temple since her debut film “Kedarnath” was shot there in 2017. She has returned to the shrine regularly, taking part in prayers and documenting her visits on social media.
The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major pilgrimage site in India. (Source: IANS)
