Karan Johar: ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ Transformed Indian Television
MUMBAI– As the iconic soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi prepares for a return 25 years after its debut, filmmaker Karan Johar praised the show for reshaping Indian television and credited producer Ekta Kapoor for its enduring impact.
Sharing the promo for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 on Instagram, Karan wrote:
“One show. Many generations. Countless memories. Personally, the one show that changed the face of Indian television—and all credit to @ektarkapoor for that!”
He added: “A brand-new season begins July 29 at 10:30 PM on @starplus.”
Premiering in 2000 and running until 2008, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi followed Tulsi, an ideal daughter-in-law married into the powerful Virani family. It became one of Indian TV’s longest-running and most influential shows, launching a wave of daily soaps and boosting Ekta Kapoor’s career with hits like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasautii Zindagii Kay.
Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani, alongside Amar Upadhyay as Mihir. The new season also stars Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Shakti Anand, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Shagun Sharma, Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, Ankit Bhatia, and Tanisha Mehta.
The show’s beloved matriarch “Baa,” originally played by the late Sudha Shivpuri, remains a cherished memory. Shivpuri, who passed away in 2015 at age 77, was married to veteran actor Om Shivpuri and was mother to actor Ritu Shivpuri and son Vineet.
Kareena Kapoor Wishes Neetu Kapoor a Happy Birthday: ‘Sindhi Curry Forever, OK?’
MUMBAI– Veteran actress Neetu Kapoor turned 67 on Tuesday, and birthday wishes poured in from friends, family, and fans to celebrate the beloved Jugjugg Jeeyo star.
Among them was niece Kareena Kapoor Khan, who shared a candid Instagram Story featuring the two enjoying a meal—likely Kareena’s favorite, Sindhi curry.
“Happy birthday, Neetu Aunty. Sindhi curry forever, ok? Lots of love,” Kareena wrote.
A self-proclaimed foodie, Kareena has often expressed her love for Sindhi cuisine. Her mother, Babita, hails from a Sindhi family.
Kapil Sharma also joined in, posting a photo with Neetu and writing, “No words can give justice to my love and admiration for you. Happy birthday dear @neetu54 ma’am… Love you.”
Neetu’s Jugjugg Jeeyo co-star Maniesh Paul added, “Wishing you a very happy birthday @neetu54 ji. Stay as gorgeous and warm always.”
Her daughter Riddhima Kapoor shared a touching video montage featuring family memories with Neetu, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and the late Rishi Kapoor.
“You deserve all the happiness in the world… I love you most in the world! Happy Birthday, Ma,” she captioned the post.
Neetu began her film career in 1966 with Suraj and went on to star in classics like Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, and Kaala Patthar.
She will next appear alongside Kapil Sharma and daughter Riddhima in Ashish R. Mohan’s upcoming film, tentatively titled DKS.
Hrithik Roshan Wraps ‘War 2’ After 149 Days: “It Was All Worth It”
MUMBAI– After 149 intense days filled with action, dance, sweat, and injuries, Hrithik Roshan has officially wrapped filming for War 2. The actor shared his emotions and reflections on social media, calling the experience both exhausting and deeply rewarding.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Hrithik shared a celebratory photo with director Ayan Mukerji, captioning it:
“Feeling a mixed bag of emotions as the cameras stopped rolling for #War2. 149 days of relentless chase, action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries… and it was all WORTH IT!”
He went on to praise co-stars Jr NTR and Kiara Advani:
“@tarak9999 sir, it has been an honor to work alongside you and create something so special together. @advani_kiara, I’m excited for the world to witness your lethal side—you’ve been spectacular to share screen with.”
Hrithik added that wrapping up his role as Kabir was bittersweet:
“It’ll take a couple of days to feel like myself again. Now begins the journey of bringing this film to audiences on August 14, 2025.”
Jr NTR echoed the excitement, calling Hrithik a “powerhouse” and sharing his own gratitude on X:
“It’s always a blast being on set with @iHrithik Sir. His energy is unmatched. Ayan has set the stage for a big surprise. Huge thanks to @yrf and the crew. Can’t wait for you all to experience this high on August 14th!”
War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films, is set to hit theaters on Independence Day weekend 2025.
Payal Rohatgi Resigns from Husband Sangram Singh’s Charitable Trust—Trouble in Paradise?
MUMBAI– Actress Payal Rohatgi has stepped down as Director of her husband Sangram Singh’s charitable foundation, citing “personal reasons.” The move has fueled speculation of tension in their marriage.
Payal shared a photo of her resignation letter on Instagram, writing:
“I hereby tender my resignation from the position of Director of Sangram Singh Charitable Foundation with immediate effect due to personal reasons.”
She thanked the board for the opportunity and wished the foundation continued success.
Her caption, “Sometimes peace looks like distance,” added to the speculation.
The couple has faced public friction before. In December 2024, a video surfaced online showing a heated argument between Payal and Sangram, in which she accused him and his family of mistreating her for not conceiving a child.
In the video, Payal said, “Is this how women are spoken to in your family? Fine, you’re uneducated, but is this how one talks?” She also warned Sangram not to taunt her over not bearing a child.
Despite the public fallout, neither Payal nor Sangram has mentioned divorce.
The two married on July 9, 2022, in a private ceremony in Agra after dating for several years.
Shilpa Shetty Returns to ‘Super Dancer’ with a Special Tribute to Moms
MUMBAI– Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra is back on the judges’ panel for Super Dancer after a four-year break, and this season comes with a heartfelt twist: a focus on the mothers behind the young dancing stars.
The new season, premiering July 19 on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV, will highlight not just the talent of 12 young prodigies but also the inspiring journeys of their mothers—women who discovered, nurtured, and supported their children’s dreams every step of the way.
“It’s rare for a reality show to highlight anything beyond the contestants’ journey,” Shilpa said. “This time, we’re honoring the mothers who’ve been the real stars behind their children’s success.”
As a mother herself, Shilpa added, “While we celebrate kids, their mothers deserve just as much applause. On behalf of all the kids, I want to thank every mom—kyunki maa hi hoti hain bachchon ki safalta ke peeche ka asli sitara.”
With powerful performances and emotional stories of sacrifice and support, Super Dancer aims to captivate audiences once again, blending talent with touching real-life narratives.
Saiyami Kher on Completing Second Ironman: “I’ve Never Thrived on External Validation”
MUMBAI– Actress Saiyami Kher has completed her second Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, becoming the only Indian actor to participate in the race twice within a year.
She finished the grueling challenge on July 6, 2025, in Jönköping, Sweden. The Ironman 70.3 includes 1.9 km of open water swimming, 90 km of cycling, and a 21.1 km half marathon—all in a single day.
Reflecting on the experience, Saiyami shared:
“People often ask why I put myself through this kind of torture. The truth is, it’s not about proving anything to the world. I’ve never thrived on external validation. For me, endurance sport is deeply personal — it’s a race against my own doubts.”
She added, “This year, my only goal was to be better than I was last year. And I did just that.”
Despite facing harsh conditions—cold water, steep hills, and strong winds—Saiyami shaved 32 minutes off her previous time.
“As a woman, doing something this physically demanding while on your period is tough. But it’s a reminder that it’s always mind over matter. Finishing something that once felt impossible brings a deep, quiet joy,” she wrote.
Saiyami completed her first Ironman 70.3 in September 2024, marking her entry into the international endurance racing world.
On the acting front, she stars in Special Ops 2, releasing July 11, alongside Kay Kay Menon, Vinay Pathak, and Tahir Raj Bhasin. She also recently appeared in Jaat, starring Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda, directed by Gopichand Malineni.
Saiyami debuted with the 2015 Telugu film Rey, and later starred in Mirzya opposite Harshvardhan Kapoor.
Priyanka Chopra’s Daughter Malti Bonds with Salman Khan’s Niece Ayat: “Our Girls Are Such Besties”
MUMBAI– Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a heartwarming moment as her daughter Malti Marie found a new best friend in Ayat Sharma, daughter of Arpita Khan and Aayush Sharma.
Taking to Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning, Priyanka posted a sweet video of the two toddlers holding hands and chatting as they walked together—likely at Priyanka’s U.S. home.
“So good seeing you Arpita Khan Sharma. Our girls are such besties,” Priyanka captioned the clip.
Arpita re-shared the video, replying, “It’s always so lovely meeting you, and it was even lovelier spending the evening with Malti.”
On the professional front, Priyanka recently starred in Heads of State, an action-comedy directed by Ilya Naishuller and streaming now on Prime Video. The film features Priyanka as MI6 agent Noel Bisset alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.
She is also set to appear in Krrish 4, marking Hrithik Roshan’s directorial debut, and The Bluff, where she plays a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in a high-stakes drama.
In addition, Priyanka will star in SSMB 29, her first collaboration with acclaimed director S.S. Rajamouli. The film features Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles.
Kajol on the Evolution of the ‘Bollywood Maa’: “They Were Always Strong for Us”
MUMBAI– Actress Kajol, whose latest film Maa blends mythology and horror, reflected on how the portrayal of mothers in Indian cinema has evolved—highlighting that strength and vulnerability can coexist.
Speaking to IANS, Kajol noted, “The ‘maas’ of Bollywood have evolved along with society. Mothers were always strong—we had Mother India long before a film like Maa was even imagined.”
She emphasized that today’s on-screen mothers are more human, allowed to be complex and emotionally layered.
“The idea of a fallible mother is finally finding its place. Yes, she’s a superwoman, but she’s also soft and feminine. She can embrace that side too,” Kajol said.
When asked if cinematic mothers are now permitted to be flawed, fierce, or even a little selfish, Kajol pointed the conversation inward.
“It begins with how women see themselves. Do we forgive each other for being imperfect? Do we forgive ourselves? What even counts as a flaw—going to work, missing a school play? These are questions women must ask themselves.”
Kajol concluded that as women redefine their own self-image, society’s perception of motherhood will shift accordingly. (Source: IANS)
