Ananya Panday Has a ‘Wah Taj’ Moment at the Taj Mahal
MUMBAI– Actress Ananya Panday shared a picture-perfect moment in front of the iconic Taj Mahal, capturing the monument’s grandeur during a visit to Agra.
Dressed in a mustard yellow and deep blue printed dress, Ananya posted a series of photos on Instagram with the simple caption: “Wah Taj!” She paired the post with A.R. Rahman and Javed Ali’s romantic track “Jashn-E-Bahaaraa” from the 2008 film Jodhaa Akbar.
In her Instagram Stories, Ananya wrote, “Pictures don’t do this beauty justice. You have to see it to believe it,” emphasizing the Taj Mahal’s timeless allure.
She also teased a new project, sharing a glimpse of veteran actor Jackie Shroff — recognizable by his signature plant-wrapped neck chain that reads “Bhidu.”
Ananya will next appear in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, co-starring Kartik Aaryan, Neena Gupta, and Jackie Shroff. The film marks her second collaboration with Kartik after their 2019 hit Pati Patni Aur Woh. Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora, the film is slated for release on February 13, 2026.
Amitabh Bachchan Learns Instagram at 82: “I Hope It Works”
MUMBAI– At 82, Amitabh Bachchan continues to embrace the digital age, now turning his attention to mastering Instagram.
In a short video posted to his Instagram Stories, the Bollywood icon said, “So, I am just getting educated on how to use Instagram and I hope it works.” Fans are eager to see what the legendary actor shares once he gets the hang of the platform.
Though new to Instagram, Bachchan remains active on his personal blog, where he recently shared a nostalgic post featuring an old movie ticket from his 1975 blockbuster Sholay. The preserved ticket, priced at just Rs 20, served as a springboard for reflection.
“The Sholay ticket… kept and preserved… Rs 20!! I’m told that’s the price of a soda in theaters these days. Is that true?” he wrote. “So much to say, but say not… affection and love.”
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay will mark its 50th anniversary on August 15, 2025. The iconic film stars Bachchan and Dharmendra as Jai and Veeru—two ex-convicts hired by a retired police officer to capture a ruthless bandit terrorizing the village of Ramgarh.
Aamir Khan to Launch ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ on YouTube, Skipping All Other Platforms
MUMBAI– Aamir Khan is making good on his promise to make cinema more accessible by announcing that his latest blockbuster, Sitaare Zameen Par, will stream exclusively on YouTube starting August 1.
Breaking with industry norms, the film will not appear on any other digital platform.
“For 15 years, I’ve been trying to find a way to reach audiences who don’t have access to theaters,” Khan said. “Now, with UPI, India leading in digital payments, and widespread internet and YouTube access, we can finally connect with people across India and beyond.”
Khan added, “My dream is for cinema to be affordable, accessible, and available on demand. If this model succeeds, it could empower new creative voices and break geographic and economic barriers.”
Gunjan Soni, YouTube India’s Country Managing Director, called the move a milestone: “This launch marks a major step in democratizing Indian film distribution. YouTube is proud to provide unmatched reach and flexibility to filmmakers.”
Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par premiered in theaters on June 20.
Elli AvrRam Opens Up About Love, Marriage, and a Special Birthday in Sweden
MUMBAI– Actress Elli AvrRam is setting the record straight about her relationship status and her views on settling down.
Rumors recently linked the Swedish-Greek star to YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, but the buzz turned out to be premature — the two had only teamed up for a music video, “Chandaniya.”
Speaking exclusively with IANS, Elli said she’s not rushing into marriage and prefers to keep her personal life private until “there’s a ring on my finger.”
“Settling down isn’t a priority right now,” she said. “I love creating and achieving. When I do get married, I want it to be with someone who shares my vision — a true power couple.”
Elli is currently back in Sweden, celebrating her birthday with family — a return to her roots and a tradition she cherishes.
“My birthday means gratitude and growing wiser,” she shared. “We celebrate the Swedish way — I wake up to breakfast, cake, and gifts in bed. It’s how I’ve been celebrated since childhood, and that’s how I always want it.”
She also posted glimpses of the cozy celebration on social media, highlighting what she called “precious moments that can never come back.”
Manisha Koirala Finds Peace in Nature During Soulful UK Retreat
MUMBAI– Actress Manisha Koirala recently escaped the chaos of daily life with a rejuvenating retreat to the Lake District, a national park in the United Kingdom known for its tranquil beauty.
The Heeramandi star shared a series of serene photos from her getaway, posing against the lush greenery and showcasing the scenic landscapes and delicious meals that made up her three-day break.
“After some hectic days, I finally found space to breathe — and what better place than the Lake District?” she wrote. “Spent three soul-refreshing days immersed in nature’s quiet magic.”
Manisha described leisurely mornings with healthy breakfasts, long walks through rolling hills and grazing pastures, and even a steamer ride across the lake — though she and her companions briefly lost their way before being guided by a kind elderly woman.
She also stumbled upon a quaint bookshop and picked up a book on the meaning of life, later relaxing at a lakeside café as time seemed to stand still.
“Very few recognized me — perhaps because there were so few South Asians around — and in that rare anonymity, I found a quiet kind of joy,” she shared.
Reflecting on the natural beauty and calm of the area, Manisha said she now understands why poets like William Wordsworth drew inspiration from the Lake District. “It wasn’t just a destination — it was a soft, healing pause between the chaos. A place where even silence speaks.”
Shilpa Shetty Pens Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Sanjay Dutt: ‘What Sets You Apart Is Your Kind Heart’
MUMBAI– Actress Shilpa Shetty celebrated Sanjay Dutt’s 66th birthday with a warm and emotional post on Instagram, calling him a rare blend of talent, energy, and generosity.
Sharing a series of photos with Dutt—including one of them hugging aboard a flight and another posing at an event—Shilpa wrote, “Happy birthday to an incredible talent and an even more amazing person! You bring so much energy and passion to every part that I’m constantly inspired by your brilliance on and off screen.”
“What truly sets you apart is your kind heart and generosity of spirit,” she added. “Here’s wishing you all the love, happiness, and great health above all, Rockstar.”
Shilpa and Sanjay have previously worked together in films like Hathyar and Jung. They’ll reunite in KD: The Devil, set to release on July 10, 2026. The film also stars Dhruva Sarja, Vijay Sethupathi, and Nora Fatehi, and marks Shilpa’s return to Tollywood after nearly 20 years.
Sanjay also received touching birthday wishes from loved ones. His wife Maanayata Dutt wrote, “Every day with you is a gift… You’re my rock, my best friend, a protective father, the guiding star and the love of my life.”
Sister Priya Dutt shared nostalgic throwback photos, writing, “We argue, we fight, we laugh and cry together — but we all stand together in times of trouble. Our love makes that possible. Love you bhaiya.”
Mouni Roy Says Her Role in ‘Salakaar’ Is One of Her Most Emotionally Demanding Yet
MUMBAI– The trailer for Salakaar, an upcoming spy thriller inspired by real events, has been unveiled — and lead actress Mouni Roy says her character is far more than just brave.
“This is one of the most emotional roles I’ve ever done,” Roy shared. “She’s complicated, conflicted, and incredibly resilient. She operates in high-risk situations but also carries personal trauma into every decision. The trailer only scratches the surface of the layered storytelling.”
Directed by Faruk Kabir, Salakaar is set across two timelines — 1978 and 2025 — and explores a shadowy world of espionage, nuclear threats, and unfinished missions. It centers on Adhir, a former deep-cover spy who once sabotaged Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions. Decades later, as the National Security Advisor, he faces enemies from the past and must reconcile personal vendettas with national duty.
Kabir said the show is inspired by real intelligence operations and delves into the emotional and moral consequences of loyalty, memory, and legacy. “It’s a story of invisible wars and silent courage,” he added.
Naveen Kasturia, who also stars in the series, described Salakaar as intense and emotionally rich. “It’s the kind of story that stays with you — politically sharp, yet deeply personal.”
Veteran actor Mukesh Rishi echoed the sentiment, saying his role explores the weight of history and power. “The trailer gave me goosebumps. This isn’t just a show — it’s a reflection of decades of silent conflict.”
Also starring Purnendu Bhattacharya, Ashwath Bhatt, and Surya Sharma, Salakaar premieres August 8 on JioHotstar. The series is produced by Sphereorigins and Mahir Films.
Rashmika Mandanna Launches Fragrance Brand Inspired by Personal Memories
NEW DELHI– Actress Rashmika Mandanna has taken on a new role—entrepreneur—with the launch of her fragrance line Dear Diary, a brand born from deeply personal reflections on the power of scent.
Speaking to IANS, Rashmika said, “The idea of Dear Diary came from something very personal. I’ve always connected moments with how they smelled—like how my mom’s lotion brings back memories of home, or how a certain scent reminds me of a person or place.”
She explained that while people often preserve memories through photos or videos, scent is a powerful and underappreciated emotional trigger. What began as a series of honest, introspective journal entries evolved into a digital Dear Diary series that resonated widely—and eventually inspired her to bottle those emotions into fragrances.
“For me, fragrance is a memory in a bottle,” she said. “I may forget dates or conversations, but certain scents stay with me. There’s a specific mix of coffee and rain-soaked earth that always takes me back to my home in Coorg. That’s the feeling I want people to find in these fragrances.”
On the film front, Rashmika was last seen in Kuberaa, an action crime drama starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dhanush, and Jim Sarbh. Up next is Thama, a supernatural love story co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana. Directed by Muniya’s Aditya Sarpotdar and backed by Maddock Films, the film follows a historian who unearths ancient vampire legends—stirring dark forces in the process. Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui also feature in key roles.
Kajol Gets Emotional as Daughter Nysa Devgan Graduates in Switzerland: ‘So Proud and Wholly Emotional’
MUMBAI– Actress Kajol shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram as she and husband Ajay Devgn celebrated their daughter Nysa Devgan’s graduation from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Montreux, Switzerland.
The proud mom posted a video montage from the ceremony, featuring family moments with Ajay, Nysa, and their son Yug. The video, set to Rodell Duff’s “Good Days,” included shots of Kajol and Nysa beaming together and candid glimpses from the event.
“Such a special occasion… so proud… and wholly emotional,” Kajol captioned the post, adding hashtags like #graduation, #firstbaby, and #shesanadult.
Nysa, dressed in a lilac dress under her graduation robe, received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in International Hospitality. The ceremony, streamed live on YouTube, captured an emotional Kajol cheering loudly from the crowd, shouting, “Come on baby!” as Nysa accepted her degree.
Despite frequent speculation, both Ajay and Kajol have stated that Nysa has no plans to enter the film industry.
Back in April, Nysa turned 22, and her parents marked the occasion with loving posts. Ajay shared a mirror selfie snapped by Nysa, writing, “Thank you for always capturing memories… Happy Birthday, my baby! Love you endlessly.” Kajol posted, “Am I her blueprint or is she mine? Can’t really tell now… love love love u my darling girl!” (Source: IANS)
