Bollywood Roundup: Janhvi Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Shilpa Shetty, and more…
Janhvi Kapoor Says Pairing With Ram Charan in ‘Peddi’ Feels ‘Cosmic’
MUMBAI, India — Janhvi Kapoor said her pairing with Ram Charan in the upcoming film “Peddi” carries a special meaning for audiences because of the beloved on-screen chemistry their parents, Sridevi and Chiranjeevi, once shared in Telugu cinema.
Speaking at the film’s trailer launch Monday, Kapoor said she understood why fans were emotionally invested in seeing the two actors together.
“I understand there’s a different kind of attachment to us. It felt cosmic to come together for a very special film with him. And to get to know him, because he’s really the best person,” she said.
Kapoor also praised director Buchi Babu Sana, saying the two-year production had changed her personally and professionally.
“We have been working on this film for two years, and I’m so happy. It was all Buchi sir. He just seems so innocent, but he isn’t. He’s the rowdiest director in India. Honestly, he has changed me in so many ways. He has become my best friend. I have to call him at least once a day to talk nonsense. It just goes to show the investment,” she said.
“Peddi” also stars Divyenndu, Shiva Rajkumar and Jagapathi Babu. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters June 4, 2026.
Bhumi Pednekar Reflects on Meeting Dalai Lama in Dharamshala
MUMBAI, India — Bhumi Pednekar said she was moved to tears after meeting the Dalai Lama during a recent visit to Dharamshala.
The actress, who was recently seen in the streaming series “Daldal,” shared photos from the visit on Instagram and described the meeting as part of an “inward journey.”
“In the presence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, everything felt lighter, calmer & surreal. The moment I walked away, I realised tears were flowing down my face,” Pednekar wrote.
“It’s a feeling I can’t fully explain, only deeply felt. I’ve been on an inward journey and these moments of magic fill my heart with gratitude for the life we have been given. Truly blessed to have experienced a moment of such peace, grace & compassion. A memory I’ll carry with me forever,” she added.
The Dalai Lama has lived in India since 1959, when he fled Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. India granted him asylum, and Dharamshala later became the center of the Tibetan exile movement.
Pednekar’s post drew attention to the spiritual significance of the meeting, though the Dalai Lama’s presence in India remains tied to one of the most sensitive chapters in India-China relations.
Shilpa Shetty Shares Core Workout Challenge With Fans
MUMBAI, India — Shilpa Shetty gave fans a look at her latest gym challenge Monday, sharing a video of herself practicing a backward roll-to-stand movement that tested her mobility, balance and core strength.
In the video, Shetty repeatedly tries to roll backward and return to standing without using her hands for support. She stumbles several times before completing the move and smiling after the successful attempt.
“Learning how to get back up… literally,” she wrote in the caption.
The actress also described the exercise as a “Backward Roll to Stand Up” mobility and coordination challenge, adding that progress in fitness comes from “repeating, adjusting and showing up again.”
Shetty, long known for her fitness routines and wellness content, regularly shares workouts, yoga sessions and diet tips with followers. She also posts her popular “Sunday Binge” videos, in which she shares her weekly cheat meals.
Hina Khan Shares Family Food Moments With Sister-in-Law
MUMBAI, India — Hina Khan gave fans a look at her family time, sharing photos of homemade dishes prepared by her sister-in-law, Neelam Singh.
The television actress posted a series of food photos, including lemon cake, dosa, fried snacks, dumplings and a chocolate brownie.
“Freshly made Lemon cake Again by @neelamsingh.ritz,” Khan wrote while sharing a picture of the dessert.
In another post featuring dosa with chutneys and sambhar, she praised Singh’s cooking.
“Sab ghar pe banaati hai ye.. My sissy in law is a rockstar.. blessed,” Khan wrote.
She continued the food posts with more dishes, writing, “More fooooood. You are too good man.” Sharing a chocolate brownie, she added, “God didi. This was heaven. #chocolatebrownie.”
Khan also posted a photo of an aloo paratha topped with homemade white makhan, saying she had made it herself.
“Aloo paratha and ghar ka banaa white makhan. Made by me. Hasna nahi koi. It’s not a bad shape,” she wrote.
Khan married longtime partner Rocky Jaiswal in June last year. The two met on the set of “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” where Khan played Akshara and Jaiswal worked on the production team.
Ameesha Patel Says Indian Actors Face Harsh Trolling From Their Own Audiences
MUMBAI, India — Ameesha Patel said Indian actors are often criticized more severely by their own audiences than Hollywood stars are in the United States.
In a post on X, the actress said recent events showed a tendency in India to pull public figures down despite claims of national unity.
“Recent activities have clearly made it evident that our own INDIAN mentality has become to pull others down .. we call ourselves as ONE nation and united- but are we actually? (sic),” Patel wrote.
She said Indian actors frequently become targets over their appearances and outfits at major events.
“Actors here in INDIA r more badly trolled by our own people than Hollywood stars are within their country from their own people which is so sad !Whether it’s a Indain stars appearance or attire at big events they sadly become targets of their own people! Such a shame! (sic),” she wrote.
Patel recently drew attention for criticizing what she called the PR tactics of younger actresses. Asked about those comments by photographers in Mumbai, she defended her remarks.
“Sahi to kha maine. Aajkal sabhi aapne aap ko number one samajhte hain. (What I said was right. These days, everyone considers themselves to be number one),” she said.
Earlier this month, Patel accused some actresses of using publicity campaigns to project themselves as top stars without major box office achievements. She cited “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai,” “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha” and “Gadar 2” as examples of major commercial successes in her own career.
Rubina Dilaik Says She Relates to Neetu Kapoor’s Bollywood Comeback
MUMBAI, India — Rubina Dilaik said she relates to Neetu Kapoor’s decision to return to films after the death of her husband, Rishi Kapoor, calling the veteran actress an example of strength and resilience.
In an interview with IANS, Dilaik said Kapoor’s comeback resonated with her as a woman, mother and working professional.
“I completely resonate with Neetu Kapoor. Of course, she’s an epitome of beauty and strength, and we have seen it through the years,” Dilaik said.
She said Kapoor’s return to the screen after decades away from film sets could encourage other women to resume work after motherhood.
“That’s exactly how women should come out, set an example, and pave a path for others who are still not confident whether they should resume work after becoming a mother,” she said.
Dilaik has also spoken about her own support system, crediting her husband, Abhinav Shukla, for helping her continue her career while prioritizing their family.
“It takes immense strength as a man to keep your ego aside and say, ‘I will stay at home, go live your dreams, and we will make sure our daughters are taken care of.’ It is a conscious decision because he knows how much I love my work, and for him, me finding that purpose has always been important,” she said.
Dilaik, who has twin daughters, is set to appear on the reality show “Khatron Ke Khiladi” and is currently in South Africa for filming.
Rakul Preet Singh Shares Glimpse of Busy Promotion Day
MUMBAI, India — Rakul Preet Singh gave fans a look at a busy day of promotions for her latest film, “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” saying it was fueled by “coffee, glam, promotions, and good music.”
The actress shared a reel on social media featuring candid moments from her day, including getting ready, teaching dance steps, eating between promotional appearances and changing outfits before heading to a television show.
“We have two promotions today, we have to show the reels today, and then we change and then we go for Indian Idol. Right? Let’s go. Oh, oh,” Singh said in the video.
“A day powered by coffee, glam, promotions, and good music,” she wrote in the caption.
Directed by Mudassar Aziz, “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do” is a spiritual sequel to the 2019 film “Pati Patni Aur Woh.” The comedy also stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi and Sara Ali Khan.
The film follows a devoted forest officer who pretends to be his friend’s boyfriend to protect her, only to accidentally make his journalist wife and colleagues believe he is having an affair.
Singh will next be seen in S. Shankar’s “Indian 3,” starring Kamal Haasan.
In a recent interview with IANS, Singh also spoke about online criticism, saying actors need to shut out social media noise to focus on their work.
Mouni Roy Avoids Paparazzi at Mumbai Airport Amid Separation Reports
MUMBAI, India — Mouni Roy was seen rushing into Mumbai airport early Monday, avoiding interaction with photographers as she headed toward the international terminal.
The actress, dressed in an all-black travel outfit, walked quickly toward the entry gate while carrying a book, her phone and passport. She did not stop to pose despite repeated requests from paparazzi.
Roy’s airport appearance came after reports about her separation from husband Suraj Nambiar. Speculation began after fans noticed the couple had unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Roy and Nambiar later issued a joint statement confirming they had decided to part ways.
“We note with dismay the unnecessary and intrusive attention into our personal lives by certain quarters of the media. We would like to state that we have decided to part ways and are taking the necessary time to address matters privately and amicably,” they said.
Roy had also appealed for privacy on social media, asking media outlets not to spread false narratives about the relationship.
Roy and Nambiar married Jan. 27, 2022, in Goa in a ceremony attended by close friends and family. The two reportedly met through mutual friends during New Year celebrations in Dubai in 2019. (Source: IANS)
