Bollywood Roundup: Ileana D’Cruz, Mouni Roy, Shruti Haasan, and more…
Ileana D’Cruz Bakes Chocolate Cake for Father-in-Law’s Birthday
MUMBAI, India — Ileana D’Cruz marked her father-in-law’s birthday by baking him a homemade chocolate cake.
The Bollywood actress shared the celebration on Instagram Stories, posting a photo of her father-in-law with the caption, “Had to make a birthday cake for the best papa-in-law.”
She later posted a photo of the cake, which was covered in chocolate and topped with strawberries. “Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate,” she wrote.
D’Cruz married Michael Dolan in 2023. The couple welcomed their first son, Koa Phoenix Dolan, that same year, and their second son, Keanu Rafe Dolan, in 2025.
The 39-year-old actress made her screen debut in the 2006 Telugu film Devadasu and later appeared in films including Pokiri, Jalsa, Kick, Julayi and Nanban. She entered Hindi cinema with Anurag Basu’s Barfi! in 2012 and went on to appear in films such as Main Tera Hero, Mubarakan, Rustom and Raid.
She was last seen in Do Aur Do Pyaar, alongside Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi and Sendhil Ramamurthy.
Mouni Roy Apologizes After Airport Staffer Stumbles Near Her
MUMBAI, India — Mouni Roy apologized to an airport staff member Tuesday after the staffer appeared to stumble while escorting her at Mumbai’s international terminal.
The actress had paused for photographers near the airport entrance and smiled for the paparazzi before heading inside. As she walked toward the terminal, the staff member appeared to get caught near Roy’s feet and stumbled.
Roy immediately turned around and apologized. The staffer responded courteously, and both continued on their way.
Roy was later seen waving to photographers before entering the airport. She wore an all-black outfit for the trip.
The airport sighting came days after Roy returned from the Cannes Film Festival, where she made several red-carpet appearances and shared updates with fans on social media.
Roy has also recently drawn attention over reports about her marriage to businessman Suraj Nambiar. The couple has reportedly decided to separate, though Nambiar has denied online speculation that a third person was involved.
Shruti Haasan Recalls Watching Kamal Haasan and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Create ‘Masterpieces’
MUMBAI, India — Shruti Haasan said her involvement with Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s upcoming film Sing Geetham brought back memories of watching her father, Kamal Haasan, work with the veteran filmmaker.
Haasan recently launched the song “Emaindh” from the film and reflected on her childhood memories of seeing Kamal Haasan and Singeetham discuss cinema, dialogue and filmmaking.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching my Appa work and create masterpieces… Singeetham sir is one such great mind and master,” she said.
She said she did not fully understand their conversations as a child but remembered the atmosphere they created.
“I didn’t understand much as a kid, but watching them discuss the movie, the dialogues, the techniques they would employ, and fill the room with a unique fragrance of passion and hard work was a blessing to witness,” Haasan said.
Haasan praised Singeetham, 94, for continuing to make films, calling Sing Geetham a reflection of his creativity and persistence.
“At 94, Singeetham sir gives us another creation I eagerly await to witness,” she said.
She also said Kamal Haasan sounded deeply pleased after watching portions of the song and speaking with the film’s team.
“He sounded like a family member, so happy to see a brother and a friend win again,” she said.
Produced by Nag Ashwin under Vyjayanthi Movies, Sing Geetham stars Ayaan, Ahilya Bamroo and Shalini Kondepudi, with Thulasi PA, Benarjee, Sivanarayana and Agu Stanley in supporting roles.
Kriti Sanon Says Strict Diet Left Her ‘Cranky’ During Cocktail 2 Shoot
MUMBAI, India — Kriti Sanon said she was “extremely cranky” while filming Cocktail 2 because of the strict diet she followed for the role.
Sanon, who plays Ally in the sequel, spoke about the experience Tuesday at the film’s trailer launch. She said the shoot was especially difficult because it took place in Italy, where she had to avoid much of the food.
“I must say it was a very tough experience because I wasn’t getting to eat much, and I was, for the first time in my life, on a very strict diet, that too in Italy. And I think Shahid can vouch for the fact that I was extremely cranky and hangry all the time,” Sanon said.
She said the effort felt worthwhile because audiences were responding to her character.
“So yeah, I mean, everything is worth it, I hope so, now that you’re saying that Ally is feeling like your spirit animal, I hope everything is worth it,” she said.
Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 is described as a modern emotional drama set against a summer backdrop. Sanon said the film blends style with relatable relationships.
“What I love about Cocktail 2 is that it feels stylish & visually refreshing, but also very relatable & modern. The relationships are messy, warm, and real in their own way. The characters are beautifully flawed, & the film is a toast to friendship & love from today’s lens. And honestly, the music just takes everything to another level!” she said.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, Cocktail 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters June 19.
Bhumi Pednekar Backs Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative for Women’s Financial Independence
MUMBAI, India — Bhumi Pednekar has voiced support for the Pink E-Rickshaw initiative, saying the program can help women gain financial independence while also promoting environmental sustainability.
Pednekar attended the launch of the Bhamla Foundation’s #DriveHerFuture campaign with Saher Bhamla and Amruta Fadnavis. The initiative aims to provide e-rickshaws to women drivers, giving them a way to earn a livelihood independently.
“First of all, I would like to say that today we had an incredible panel where we talked about the environment, women’s safety, and empowerment, and I think this initiative exactly highlights those things,” Pednekar said.
She said the program offers a practical model for women’s empowerment.
“Basically, our female drivers will be given a rickshaw; they will be empowered; they will be given financial freedom; they will be given independence. And a very simple thing is that if our country’s women are capable, then our country will move forward faster, there will be more safety,” Pednekar said.
She added that 1,000 pink e-rickshaws are being launched in Mumbai, with a target of 12,000 across Maharashtra and plans to expand to other states.
Fadnavis also praised the project, saying the electric rickshaws support both women’s livelihoods and environmental goals.
“This is a very beautiful initiative,” she said. “Like this pink e-rickshaw, which gives a woman independence and self-confidence and gives her a livelihood. But at the same time, the same woman contributes on her behalf. Because this electric rickshaw is for the environment.”
The Bhamla Foundation, led by Asif Bhamla and Saher Bhamla, said the campaign is designed to create economic opportunities for women while supporting cleaner transportation.
Sara Ali Khan Marks Three Years of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
MUMBAI, India — Sara Ali Khan marked the third anniversary of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke by saying she missed working with co-star Vicky Kaushal and director Laxman Utekar.
The actress shared scenes from the 2023 romantic comedy on Instagram and thanked fans for their support.
“3 years to Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” Khan wrote, adding, “Thank you for all the love. Missing @vickykaushal09 & @laxman.utekar sir @raghav_dop.”
Produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke follows a small-town married couple trying to buy their own home. The film marked Khan’s first on-screen pairing with Kaushal and was released in theaters on June 2, 2023.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but became a sleeper hit at the box office.
Khan recently told IANS that social media criticism does affect her because actors ultimately work for audiences.
“I’ll be lying if I say I don’t get affected. I do get affected because ultimately, I, you know, do what I do for my audiences, and if I disappoint them, I don’t feel good,” she said. “But I think somewhere in this journey of having been here now for a while, you actually start also working for yourself. And I think I learned that late in my career.” (Source: IANS)
