Bollywood Roundup: Bhumi Pednekar, Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, and more…
Bhumi Pednekar Explores Odia Cuisine During Rourkela Visit
Mumbai — Actress Bhumi Pednekar says a recent work trip to Rourkela turned into a food adventure as she explored Odia cuisine, which she called one of the country’s most underrated culinary traditions.
The actress shared a video compilation on Instagram showing her trying several local dishes during her visit.
“Bhooki Bhumi has reached Rourkela! I came here for work, but as usual, my stomach had other plans. Between meetings and madness, I went on a full-blown food adventure and discovered that Odisha has been quietly serving some of the most underrated food in the country. Seriously, why is nobody talking about this enough?!” she wrote.
Pednekar highlighted Pakhala Bhata, a traditional Odia dish made by soaking cooked rice in water and fermenting it overnight.
“Pakhala Bhata, Refreshing, packed with gut-friendly bacteria, and basically the original probiotic before probiotics became cool,” she added.
Sharing her experience, she wrote, “Every meal had me going, ‘Wait… what is this and why is it so good?’ The flavours are layered, the ingredients are thoughtful, and everything feels like it was created with purpose, not just taste, but wellness too.”
“Needless to say, I arrived in Rourkela for work and left with a new personality trait: talking about Odia food,” she added.
On the work front, Pednekar was recently seen in the Prime Video series “Daldal,” based on Vish Dhamija’s novel “Bhendi Bazaar.” She is also preparing for the second season of the series.
She will next be seen in a romantic comedy opposite Imran Khan, marking their first on-screen collaboration.
Kajol Wishes Dimple Kapadia On Birthday, Calls Her ‘Evergreen’
Mumbai — Kajol shared a warm birthday message for veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, calling her “evergreen” and praising her timeless charm.
The actress posted the message on Instagram Stories along with a photo of Kapadia striking a stylish pose in a white coat and statement neckpiece.
“Wishing the evergreen, gorgeous #Dimplekapadia a fantastic birthday!” Kajol wrote.
Kapadia received birthday wishes from across social media as she turned 69 on Monday. Jackie Shroff also shared a message, writing, “Happiness Always! #HappyBirthday.” He paired the post with their classic song “Tera Naam Liya,” sung by Manhar Udhas and Anuradha Paudwal.
Kapadia’s granddaughter Naomika Saran also wished her, writing, “Happy birthday to my greatest inspiration.”
Kapadia made her Bollywood debut with Raj Kapoor’s 1973 blockbuster “Bobby,” opposite Rishi Kapoor. The film became a major success and made her a national sensation.
After marrying superstar Rajesh Khanna, she stepped away from acting for several years to focus on family life and raise her daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna.
Kapadia returned to films with Ramesh Sippy’s “Saagar” in 1985 and went on to appear in films including “Arjun,” “Ram Lakhan,” “Krantiveer,” “Dil Chahta Hai,” “Luck by Chance,” “Finding Fanny,” “Pathaan” and “Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.”
Madhuri Dixit, Jaaved Jaaferi Recreate ‘Gabbar Singh Yeh Keh Kar Gaya’ After Nearly Three Decades
Mumbai — Madhuri Dixit and Jaaved Jaaferi reunited on “India’s Best Dancer Season 5” to recreate their popular song “Gabbar Singh Yeh Keh Kar Gaya” from the 1991 film “100 Days.”
The performance came after host Harsh Limbachiyaa requested the two actors to dance to the track. Madhuri, Jaaved and the contestants then came together for an energetic recreation of the song.
After the performance, Jaaved shared memories from the original shoot and praised Madhuri’s dancing.
“Ye I think do rato mai kiya tha Chinni prakash sir ne choreograph, and uss vakt ye (Madhuri) kuch do teen shifte karti thi to rehearsal ka time to hota nahi tha, mai to naya naya tha to maine kaha sir rehearsal to kaha vo but jo set pe kiya vo result to dikhta hai, she is amazing aur unko rehearsal ki bohot kam zarurat hai. I know because maine do gaane kiye hai inke sath, without rehearsal at all, the way she performed was amazing,” he said.
Madhuri also recalled how different “100 Days” was for its time.
“Uss vakt ke liye bohot alag film thi because like mystery thriller aur bohot se log ahi jo aaj bhi mujhse kehete hain that was the first time I got so scared while watching a movie kyuki ismai sabhi characters itne acche se written ki pata nahi chalta tha who is the murderer aur there were a lot of scenes that were amazing aur ek aur gaana tha humara le le dil de de dil, vo karte hue bohot maza aaya tha,” she said.
Jaaved described “Gabbar Singh Yeh Keh Kar Gaya” as “more of a fun song,” while Madhuri agreed, saying, “This was more like a mood, fun song dancy, dancy tha gaana.”
“India’s Best Dancer Season 5” airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
Sonakshi Sinha Shares Playful Vacation Moment With Zaheer Iqbal
Mumbai — Sonakshi Sinha shared a playful vacation video with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal, giving fans a glimpse of their light-hearted bond.
The actress posted the clip on Instagram, where she is seen sitting by a pool before Zaheer playfully pushes her into the water. The couple then laughs together as they enjoy the moment.
Sharing the video, Sonakshi wrote, “Not safe anywhere.”
Sonakshi and Zaheer often share playful videos and photos on social media, offering glimpses of their relationship.
Recently, Sonakshi celebrated her 38th birthday with Zaheer and close friends in the U.K. Sharing pictures from the trip, she wrote, “Thank you everyone for ALLLL the love on my birthday i enjoyed it in realtime off the gram and it was the bessssst!!! 02.06.2026.”
Zaheer also shared photos and videos from the celebration and wrote, “I love you my BIRTHDAY GIRL.”
Sonakshi and Zaheer married on June 23, 2024, in a private registered ceremony at her Mumbai residence. The wedding was attended by close friends and family, followed by a larger reception with several Bollywood celebrities.
Varun Dhawan Says Father David Dhawan Wanted To Joke About His Smile In New Film
Mumbai — Varun Dhawan has revealed that his father, filmmaker David Dhawan, once planned to include a joke about his smile in his new film.
The actor, who recently appeared on comedian Tanmay Bhat’s show, spoke about being trolled for his side smile and said he had expected criticism for other things instead.
“No, I thought I would be made fun of because of something else. I never thought anyone would make fun of this. I thought there are so many things (for which he could be trolled) like my voice, for instance. I would literally sound like an 8-year-old girl, initially. That’s what my brother used to tell me, when I made my debut, I thought voice, height, bad acting, etc. I didn’t think the smile was so bad,” Varun said.
The actor said he eventually started enjoying the jokes.
“I think after a while, it became funny. It actually became funny for me. I found the biscuit one very funny,” he said.
Varun then shared that his father had wanted to poke fun at his smile in his latest film, “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,” but later dropped the idea.
“There’s a joke in my new film, which my dad wanted to do on me. But then eventually he didn’t do it. It was supposed to be a scene where I have kids, and their smile is same as mine. I was like, ‘Why do you want to do that?. He said, ‘No, no, let’s do it. People will laugh at you,” he added.
Karan Johar Shares Reflective Note On Importance Of Alone Time
Mumbai — Filmmaker Karan Johar shared a reflective note on Instagram about the importance of alone time, saying it helps with recharging and emotional balance.
Johar reshared a post about five things Geminis cannot live without, including alone time, conversation, variety, freedom and laughter.
“Alone Time Gemini can be sociable; however, because they absorb the energies of others, they need alone time to recharge. Respect their quiet time and you earn their trust,” the post read.
It also said Geminis need meaningful conversation, change and freedom.
“Gemini cannot be boxed in emotionally, mentally, or creatively. They need space to move, shift, and change without explanation. Freedom is not a luxury for them—it is how they stay whole,” the note read.
The post also described laughter as essential, saying Geminis “need laughter like oxygen.”
Sharing the post, Johar wrote, “The absolute truth of a Gemini!”
Johar was born on May 25, 1972, in Mumbai, making his zodiac sign Gemini.
On the work front, Johar recently backed the romantic film “Chand Mera Dil” under Dharma Productions. The film starred Ananya Panday and Lakshya and released in theaters on May 22.
He is also set to produce “Naagzilla,” starring Kartik Aaryan.
Kiara Advani Wishes ‘Toxic’ Director Geetu Mohandas On Birthday
Mumbai — Kiara Advani shared a birthday message for filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, director of her upcoming period gangster drama “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.”
The actress posted the wish on Instagram Stories, calling Mohandas “the captain of our ship.”
“Happy Birthday to the captain of our ship…A genius mind powered by infectious passion and a fearless vision…Here’s to your best year yet…Love and more love to you always… @geetu_mohandas,” Kiara wrote.
To mark the occasion, the makers of “Toxic” also released a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot. The clip showed Mohandas directing on set, overseeing action sequences and guiding performances.
“Behind every shot that hit different, every silence that said more than dialogues ever could, there she was! Happy birthday @geetu_mohandas,” the makers wrote.
In December, the makers unveiled Kiara’s first look as Nadia from the film.
Speaking about Kiara’s performance, Mohandas had said, “Some performances don’t just belong to a film, they redefine an artist. What Kiara created on screen in this film is nothing short of transformative. As a director, I am deeply proud of her and for the performance she has delivered, and for the faith and heart she brought into our shared journey.”
“Toxic” is backed by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The film stars Yash in the lead role, along with Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.
The film was earlier scheduled to release on June 4, but the makers announced in April that the release had been delayed. A new release date has not yet been announced.
Shilpa Shetty Says ‘Growing Up Was Never Part Of The Plan’ On Birthday
Mumbai — Shilpa Shetty marked her birthday with a playful post on Instagram, saying she has no plans to grow up.
The actress shared a quirky video of herself smiling and wrote, “Birthday or no, growing up was never part of the plan.”
Shilpa received birthday wishes from husband Raj Kundra, sister Shamita Shetty and several friends and family members on social media as she turned 51.
Raj shared a video montage and wrote, “A different Birthday post this year … Not about celebrations or moments. But about what you truly mean and stand for in my life. Strength when life gets difficult. Grace when emotions overflow. Faith when everything feels uncertain. And light even in the darkest phases. You have always carried the energy of a Devi nurturing, protecting, forgiving and fiercely strong all at once Happy Birthday my love. May Maa bless you with everything your heart deserves @theshilpashetty.”
Shamita also shared a birthday note for her elder sister.
“Happy Birthday my darling Munki. My forever blessing. For me you’ve always been the blueprint for strength and grace, inspiring me in so many ways. Thank you for being my sister, my guiding light. Can’t imagine my life without you. Love you to infinity,” she wrote.
Shilpa made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 1993 film “Baazigar.” She later appeared in films including “Main Khiladi Tu Anari,” “Dhadkan,” “Rishtey,” “Phir Milenge” and “Life in a… Metro.”
In recent years, she returned to films with projects such as “Hungama 2” and “Sukhee.” (Source: IANS)
