Bollywood Roundup: Karan Johar, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neha Dhupia, and more…
Karan Johar Says Instagram Unfollowing Spree Is a ‘Digital Detox’
MUMBAI, India — Karan Johar has dismissed speculation over his decision to unfollow several Bollywood figures on Instagram, saying the move was simply part of a “digital detox.”
The filmmaker recently unfollowed several industry friends and collaborators, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Manish Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt. Kartik Aaryan, who is set to star in Johar’s upcoming production “Naagzilla,” was also no longer on his following list.
Johar addressed the attention in an Instagram Story, writing, “It’s a DIGITAL DETOX!!!! Am unfollowing everyone to reduce my time and energy spent on the gram!!! This can’t be national news for gods sake… please clickbait something else! This is irrelevant! (sic)”
The move left Johar following only 74 accounts despite having about 17 million followers. Among the accounts still on his list are Priyanka Chopra, Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta and business partner Adar Poonawalla.
Johar, who often uses Instagram to share personal updates, industry commentary and posts featuring his children, Roohi and Yash, recently produced “Chand Mera Dil,” starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya. The Dharma Productions film opened in theaters May 22 to mixed reviews.
He is also producing “Naagzilla,” starring Kartik Aaryan.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Shoots ‘Tumbbad 2’ During Eid
MUMBAI, India — Nawazuddin Siddiqui is spending Eid on a film set as he continues shooting for “Tumbbad 2.”
The actor said the holiday would be a working one as he films the sequel to the 2018 period folk horror movie.
“It is going to be a working festival for me. Even on Eid, I am shooting for Tumbbad 2. I am very excited about bringing this character to life as it has multiple layers,” Siddiqui said.
The original “Tumbbad,” directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, starred Sohum Shah as Vinayak Rao and followed his search for hidden treasure in the Maharashtra village of Tumbbad. The film premiered in the critics’ week section of the Venice International Film Festival.
“Tumbbad 2” is scheduled for release Dec. 3, 2027. The sequel is directed by Adesh Prasad and produced by Sohum Shah under Sohum Shah Films, along with Pen Studios. Pen Marudhar will handle distribution.
Siddiqui first appeared in small roles in films including “Sarfarosh,” “Shool” and “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” before gaining wider recognition with “Black Friday” and “Gangs of Wasseypur.” His credits also include “The Lunchbox,” “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” “Raees,” “Manto,” “Sacred Games” and “McMafia.”
Neha Dhupia Says Casting Director’s Comment Hurt Her Confidence for Years
MUMBAI, India — Neha Dhupia says a casting director’s criticism of her smile affected her confidence for nearly a decade.
The actress discussed the experience on her chat show, “Double Date with Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi,” during a conversation with Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem about self-doubt and body image.
Dhupia said a casting director once told her, “You look bad when you smile. You have no power on your face when you smile, so don’t smile.”
“I think that stayed with me for eight or nine years of my life. Imagine hearing something like that even after becoming Miss India. You start believing it somewhere,” Dhupia said.
She said the remark made her less comfortable smiling freely during shoots and public appearances. Over time, Dhupia said maturity and self-awareness helped her move past those insecurities and understand that confidence and authenticity mattered more than meeting someone else’s idea of perfection.
Qureshi also spoke during the episode about dealing with insecurities tied to appearance and public criticism.
Dhupia’s latest release is “52 Blue,” directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi. The coming-of-age film follows a young Indian football fan who travels to Qatar as a migrant worker during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Dhupia and actor Angad Bedi married in 2018. They have two children, Mehr and Guriq.
Preity Zinta Thanks Punjab Kings Fans After IPL 2026 Exit
MUMBAI, India — Preity Zinta thanked Punjab Kings fans for supporting the team through what she called a “rollercoaster ride” during IPL 2026.
Zinta, a co-owner of Punjab Kings, said the season felt more meaningful because of the loyalty shown by the team’s supporters.
“A big thank you to all the supporters of PBKS for standing strong with us all through the rollercoaster ride of IPL 2026. From the highs to the lows & everything in between…. felt more wholesome with all of your love Till we meet again, all my love & best wishes #Ting,” she wrote on X.
Punjab Kings, who entered the season as the previous year’s finalists, finished fifth in the league stage with 15 points, one point short of a playoff spot. The team had started strongly, winning its first six matches and leading the points table in the first half of the season.
On the acting front, Zinta will appear with Kunal Kemmu in the upcoming action-comedy “Vibe.” Produced by Kemmu and Chirag Nihalani under Drongo Films, the movie is scheduled to be released Sept. 18.
The film also stars Sparsh Shrivastava and debutant Vanshika Dhir. It follows two close friends whose ordinary lives are thrown into a chaotic adventure that tests their friendship and survival instincts.
Zinta is also set to appear in “Lahore 1947,” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. The film stars Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal and Abhimanyu Singh and is set against the backdrop of the partition of India.
Shraddha Kapoor Dances to Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ in Instagram Video
MUMBAI, India — Shraddha Kapoor is still caught up in Michael Jackson fever more than a month after the release of “Michael,” the biopic about the pop icon.
The actress shared a video on Instagram showing herself dancing to Jackson’s “Bad.” In the clip, Kapoor performs fusion-style moves while her partner, Rahul Mody, records the moment.
“Koi aisa dhoondho jo aapka aisa dance nikaal paaye,” she wrote, roughly meaning, “Find someone who can make you dance like this.”
Kapoor and Mody have been the subject of relationship speculation since early 2024, when they were spotted leaving a dinner date in Mumbai. They have since been seen together at several events, including the pre-wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Kapoor appeared to make the relationship Instagram official in June last year.
“Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and made with involvement from the Jackson estate, stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role. The film follows Jackson’s rise from childhood fame with The Jackson 5 to becoming one of the most influential entertainers in music history.
The movie has drawn attention for Jaafar Jackson’s resemblance to his uncle and for how it handles Jackson’s later controversies while portraying his musical legacy. (Source: IANS)
