Bollywood Roundup: Ananya Panday, Huma Qureshi, Varun Dhawan, and more…
Ananya Panday urges students to ease exam stress, calls tests a small part of life
MUMBAI, India — Actress Ananya Panday is encouraging students and parents to take a healthier approach to exam stress through her “So Positive” initiative, which has partnered with Nick India on new ways to tackle academic pressure.
The collaboration builds on Nick India’s “Pressure Ko Bolo Bye” campaign, urging families to focus on a child’s individual strengths and learning style rather than comparison. The initiative also promotes open conversations about stress and confidence-building.
As part of the campaign, Ananya joined popular characters Chikoo and Bunty for an on-ground activity where common exam worries written on balloons were popped to reveal simple stress-relief actions.
Reflecting on her own experience, Ananya said exams should not define a student’s life.
“Exam pressure is something almost every student experiences, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to define you. Growing up, I realised that the best way to deal with it is to take a step back, breathe and remind yourself that exams are just one small part of a much bigger journey.
“What I love about Nick’s ‘Pressure Ko Bolo Bye’ initiative is that it encourages kids and parents to talk openly about stress and handle it in a healthier, more positive way. Sometimes even small actions, like pausing, sharing how you feel or just letting go of expectations, can make a big difference,” she added.
Sharing the campaign online, Ananya wrote that the initiative aims to show students how to manage exam stress “one pop at a time.”
Huma Qureshi shares heartfelt birthday wish for brother Saqib Saleem
MUMBAI, India — Actress Huma Qureshi took to social media to celebrate her brother Saqib Saleem’s birthday, sharing photos and a heartfelt message centered on gratitude.
Posting pictures of the two together, Huma wrote, “Shukr (white heart emoji) Only one @saqibsaleem in the whole wide world (Evil eye emoji) Happy bday baby brother (sic).”
Several Bollywood figures also wished Saqib in the comments. Bhumi Pednekar wrote, “Happy birthday @saqibsaleem,” while Akshay Oberoi hinted at his latest project, commenting, “Happy Birthday, Kaptaan @saqibsaleem.”
Huma recently praised Saqib’s performance in “Kaptaan,” calling it a “banger” after attending a home screening with family and friends.
Saqib, who plays SSP Samardeep in the project, said he was drawn to the role because of its understated intensity.
“Honestly, the first thing that stood out to me was that Samardeep does not try to be a hero. He isn’t chasing validation. He walks into a room, and the energy shifts. That kind of presence is rare to find on paper. Also, he speaks very little, which works great for me. In real life, too, I’d pick fewer lines and more attitude any day,” he said.
“But on a serious note, what really stayed with me is that everything he does comes from a deeply personal place. He is not fixing the system out of the goodness of his heart. He is doing it because something within him is fractured,” he added.
Rakul Preet Singh begins dubbing for ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’
MUMBAI, India — Actress Rakul Preet Singh has started dubbing for her upcoming romantic comedy “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” which also stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, and Wamiqa Gabbi.
Sharing an update on Instagram Stories, Rakul posted a photo from the dubbing studio and wrote, “Jab ‘woh’ do ho jaaye…tab asli story shuru hoti hai…Dubbing for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do (sic).”
Earlier this year, she gave fans a glimpse of rehearsals for a song from the film, posting a clip of herself preparing choreography to an upbeat track. “And then we rehearse for a super fun song,” she wrote.
The film is directed by Mudassar Aziz, who also helmed the 2019 movie “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” a remake of the 1978 classic starring Kartik Aaryan, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ananya Panday.
Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur spark buzz with new look from ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’
MUMBAI, India — Varun Dhawan has shared a new glimpse of his upcoming romantic comedy “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,” this time featuring Mrunal Thakur, as anticipation builds around the film.
In the latest still posted on social media, Varun is seen embracing Mrunal from behind, highlighting the pair’s on-screen chemistry. The duo captioned the post, “Lekin jawani mein ishq baar baar hota hain.”
The image follows the film’s first look featuring Varun alongside Pooja Hegde, where the two were seen in a cozy pose by a river. “Ishq sirf ek baar hota hain!!! #haijawaanitohishqhonahai,” Varun wrote at the time.
Directed by David Dhawan, the film marks Varun’s fourth collaboration with his father after “Main Tera Hero,” “Judwaa 2,” and “Coolie No. 1.”
The movie also stars Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar, and is backed by Ramesh Taurani under the TIPS banner. It is slated for a theatrical release on June 12.
Soha Ali Khan shares glimpse of relaxed getaway with daughter Inaaya
MUMBAI, India — Actress Soha Ali Khan offered fans a look at her recent “no-alarm, no-schedule” vacation with daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, their pet dog, and close friends.
Sharing a video montage on social media, Soha captured moments from the laid-back trip, including a breezy boat ride, poolside fun, and playful scenes of the children enjoying their time together. Their dog Oreo also featured prominently, running around energetically throughout the getaway.
“Just two mums, our girls and one dog on a weekend break — no alarms, no schedule and apparently no desire on Oreo’s part to come home! #weekend #holiday,” she wrote.
The montage also showed Soha playing snooker with a friend, while the children splashed in the pool and spent carefree time together. The video ended with staff at the property waving goodbye to the group.
Soha, who is married to actor Kunal Kemmu, is known for taking short family vacations and often shares glimpses of her personal life online. She was recently seen celebrating Easter with her family, including her mother Sharmila Tagore, brother Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor.
Nia Sharma jokes she only cares about outfits and RTGS
MUMBAI, India — Television actress Nia Sharma offered a humorous take on her priorities, saying she “lowkey” only cares about her outfits and RTGS.
Sharing photos from the set of “MTV Splitsvilla,” Nia wrote on Instagram, “Lowkey I only care about my Outfits and my RTGS.Can’t register anything beyond that. @mtvsplitsvilla.”
The sixteenth season of the dating reality show is hosted by Sunny Leone and Karan Kundrra, and follows contestants competing in challenges while forming connections in hopes of finding love.
Nia is known for her roles in shows including “Behenein,” “Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai,” “Meri Durga,” and “Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha.” She also won “Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made in India” in 2020 and has appeared in web series such as “Twisted” and “Jamai 2.0.”
She is also currently filming the latest edition of “Laughter Chefs Fun Unlimited.”
Separately, Nia was recently seen out with her friend Krystle D’Souza in Mumbai, with the two sharing a video of themselves singing along to music during a car ride.
Deepika Padukone responds to backlash over silence on Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar 2’
MUMBAI, India — Actress Deepika Padukone has addressed criticism over not promoting her husband Ranveer Singh’s film “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge,” saying she had watched the movie “way before anyone else.”
Responding to a social media poll questioning her silence during the film’s campaign, Deepika wrote, “The latter my friend… P.S. I watched it way before any of you did. Now who is the joke on?”
Her comment comes after weeks of online scrutiny, with some users questioning her absence from the film’s promotions and a special screening. The debate intensified after she was seen attending a concert in Mumbai instead.
Several social media users also criticized her for not posting about the film’s success, drawing comparisons with her previous public statements and appearances.
“Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge,” starring Ranveer Singh, released on March 19 and has performed strongly at the box office. (Source: IANS)
