Bollywood Roundup: Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman, Rasika Dugal, and more…

Bhumi Pednekar Enjoys New York Getaway but Says She Misses Home

Mumbai– Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has shared glimpses of her monthlong stay in New York, saying she is enjoying her time in the city while missing home.

Posting a series of photos on Instagram, the actress wrote, “Living my best life, but always missing home :).”

She also joked about struggling to capture an entire month of memories in just 20 pictures. “Also, how do I fit in a month of New York in 20 pictures. Too colossal a task. Instagram increase carousel pictures to 30 please. Ok bye,” she added.

The photos featured Pednekar posing against New York’s skyline, exploring the city, enjoying food and coffee, and spending time with friends.

On the professional front, Pednekar will portray warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma in the upcoming historical film The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, starring Rishab Shetty in the lead role.

Directed and produced by Sandeep Singh, the film also features Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi.

Zeenat Aman Shares Glimpses of Jaisalmer While Filming Secret Project

Mumbai – Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has shared glimpses of her time in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where she is filming an upcoming project whose details remain under wraps.

Taking to Instagram, Aman posted pictures showcasing the city’s architecture, golden sandstone buildings and scenic landscapes.

“Jaisalmer is quite something. I’ve been spending some time here, filming a project I’m not at liberty to talk about just yet,” she wrote, adding that the shoot has been challenging for everyone involved.

Reflecting on her experience, Aman said that after decades in the film industry, some of her most memorable moments have come from the places she has visited rather than the scenes she has filmed.

“Sometimes it’s the place, the light, a view from a window, or a quiet moment between takes. I have a feeling I’ll remember this place for a long time,” she wrote.

The actress recently also discussed her changing fashion preferences, revealing that she now favors more modest outfits over the miniskirts, plunging necklines and high heels she wore earlier in her career.

Rasika Dugal Calls for Open Conversations About Desire and Sexuality

Mumbai – Actress Rasika Dugal has emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations about sexuality and desire to ensure people have access to accurate information.

Speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming film “Little Thomas,” Dugal said people should have safe spaces where they can openly discuss sensitive topics without fear or embarrassment.

“I think it’s very, very important and very necessary that there is a place that you can get information on sex, on sexuality, on your desires, on everything,” she said.

The “Mirzapur” actress stressed the importance of guidance from trusted adults, noting that discomfort surrounding these discussions can contribute to misinformation.

“I think there’s really a need to normalize conversations around desire and sexuality,” she added.

Directed by Kaushal Oza and backed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, “Little Thomas” also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Hridansh Parekh. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on October 23.

Describing the film as a heartwarming story about a family from Goa, Devaiah said working with Oza and Dugal had been a memorable experience.

Swara Bhasker Recalls Director Pressuring Her to Rehearse Romantic Scene Alone

Mumbai – Actress Swara Bhasker has recalled an uncomfortable experience with a director who allegedly crossed professional boundaries while she was filming a leading role shortly after the success of “Tanu Weds Manu.”

Speaking on “Rise & Fall Season 2,” Bhasker alleged that the filmmaker repeatedly pursued her and insisted that directors should fall in love with their actresses.

She recalled that the director wanted to rehearse a romantic sequence privately with her, but she refused and insisted that the male lead and camera crew be present.

“If it is a rehearsal, then everyone should be there. Why should we do it alone?” she said.

Bhasker also described an incident at a guesthouse where she was expected to participate in a rehearsal or script reading while the director and cinematographer were drinking.

“Can you imagine why a young woman, a girl who is in her early 20s, should be made to rehearse or do a reading between two drunk men?” she said.

The actress further alleged that the director knocked on her door late at night and asked for a hug, which she refused.

When fellow contestant Tej Pratap Yadav asked why she had not physically confronted the filmmaker, Bhasker explained that she feared losing her role because he was directing the film.

Bhasker did not identify the director during the conversation.

Alia Bhatt to Present Earthshot Prize Award in Mumbai

Mumbai – Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has expressed excitement about participating in the 2026 Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai, where she will present one of five awards recognizing innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.

“The Earthshot Prize is really about hope… but hope that comes with ideas, action and people who are finding new ways forward,” Bhatt said in a statement.

She said hosting the event in Mumbai makes the occasion particularly special and expressed pride in India’s involvement in celebrating environmental innovators from around the world.

The ceremony is expected to bring together approximately 5,000 guests, with Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and actress Simone Ashley joining Bhatt among the presenters and special guests. Filmmaker Karan Johar will host the event.

For the first time, the Earthshot Prize Awards Night will stream globally on Prime Video, reaching audiences in more than 240 countries and territories in over 40 languages.

Founded by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize recognizes and supports individuals and organizations developing innovative solutions to protect and restore the planet.

Soha Ali Khan Celebrates Daughter Inaaya’s Ninth Birthday With Heartfelt Message

Mumbai – Actress Soha Ali Khan celebrated her daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu’s ninth birthday with an emotional Instagram post reflecting on their enduring mother-daughter bond.

“Nine years ago, we cut the umbilical cord. But apparently, you can’t actually get rid of your mother that easily,” Soha wrote.

The actress shared that she had read about how cells can pass between a mother and child during pregnancy and remain in their bodies for years.

“So here we are, nine years later: still connected haha!! You can’t roll your eyes at that! (Or can you),” she added.

Soha also shared photographs from the birthday celebrations, including moments with Inaaya and her mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore.

Meanwhile, Inaaya’s father, actor Kunal Kemmu, marked the occasion with an Instagram video showing him playing the guitar and singing for his daughter, who responded with hugs and kisses.

“Happy Birthday my Inni Boo,” Kunal captioned the video.

Soha and Kunal married in 2015 and welcomed Inaaya in September 2017. (Source: IANS)