Kareena Kapoor Sends Love to Rajkummar Rao Ahead of Maalik Release
MUMBAI– Kareena Kapoor showed her support for Rajkummar Rao ahead of the release of his upcoming action thriller Maalik, hitting theaters July 11.
Sharing the film’s trailer on her Instagram Stories, Kareena wrote, “Good luck to the entire team. Kill it, guys… sending huge love! Watch it in cinemas tomorrow!” She also tagged Rao and other cast members in the post.
Though Kapoor and Rao have never worked together, her public show of support highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect within the film industry.
Maalik, directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani (Tips Films) and Jay Shewakramani (Northern Lights Films), was announced on Rao’s 40th birthday. The film features a gritty, intense look for Rao, who grew his beard for over 80 days to fully embody his character’s wild energy.
“We wanted Raj to feel raw and unapologetically real,” Pulkit shared. “He fully committed to the role, both physically and emotionally. What you see in the teaser is just a glimpse—he’s delivered something truly special.”
The film also stars Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Medha Shankr, Huma Qureshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire.
Ekta Kapoor Explains Why She Initially Rejected ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ Relaunch
MUMBAI– As Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi marks its 25th anniversary, producer Ekta Kapoor revealed she was initially against the idea of bringing the iconic TV show back.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kapoor said her first reaction was a firm “no,” fearing that a relaunch might tamper with the show’s nostalgic value. “Why shake up nostalgia? You can never compete with it,” she wrote. “The way I remember my childhood will always be different from how it really was.”
Kapoor acknowledged that the television landscape has changed drastically. Once centered around nine major cities, today’s viewership is fragmented across platforms. She questioned whether a reboot could live up to the show’s record-breaking TRPs—or worse, risk its legacy.
But upon deeper reflection, she realized Kyunki was more than a ratings juggernaut. “The show gave a voice to women in Indian homes. Between 2000 and 2005, women began participating in family decisions, influenced by shows like Kyunki and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki,” she wrote.
The series tackled bold themes for its time—domestic violence, marital abuse, ageism, and euthanasia—and became a global symbol of Indian storytelling. Kapoor said that unfinished business and lingering impact inspired her to reconsider.
“In talking with peers, the abrupt ending of Kyunki stayed with us. I wondered—could we use television again to tell stories that matter, not just chase TRPs? Can we address parenting, societal pressure, and emotional struggles in a way that starts real conversations?”
That self-questioning led to a change of heart. “Let’s do this,” Kapoor wrote. “Let’s create a show that dares to ask difficult questions, that sparks dialogue, and that feels real in a world of visual gimmicks.”
She emphasized that the relaunch won’t just be a tribute to the past but a bold step forward—relevant, inclusive, and meaningful, without being preachy.
“Cheers to Kyunki, to storytelling that matters, and to making an impact,” Kapoor concluded. “This isn’t about competing with nostalgia. It’s about creating something powerful again.”
Chitrangda Singh Calls Role in Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan “Truly Special”
MUMBAI– Actress Chitrangda Singh has expressed gratitude for joining the cast of Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, calling the opportunity “truly special.”
Posting on Instagram, Chitrangda shared a photo of herself in a white salwar kameez and wrote: “Thank you so much for making me part of this… it is truly special! I look forward to working with the whole team.” Her message was reposted by Salman Khan Films with the caption, “Simplicity and elegance personified… Welcoming @chitrangda to the Battle of Galwan team.”
Director Apoorva Lakhia said he had long admired Chitrangda’s work, especially in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Bob Biswas. “She brings a rare mix of strength and sensitivity. Her presence will perfectly complement Salman Sir’s quiet intensity,” he noted.
Sources close to the film revealed that Lakhia was searching for someone who could portray resilience and emotional depth. He was reportedly struck by Chitrangda’s poise in candid photos taken at India Gate, which captured the essence of the role.
Battle of Galwan is based on the real-life 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. The brutal hand-to-hand combat, fought without firearms, marked the first deadly encounter along the Line of Actual Control in over four decades.
The film has already generated significant buzz, with Salman Khan’s intense first-look poster captivating fans.
Mannara Chopra Resumes Work After Father’s Passing: “Thank You for Your Support”
MUMBAI– Actress Mannara Chopra has returned to work following the death of her father, Raman Rai Handa, in June.
Taking to Instagram, Mannara expressed her gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support during this difficult period. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support you’ve shown to me and my family during these tough times. Resuming work now, with gratitude in my heart,” she wrote.
Her father passed away on June 16 at the age of 72. Sharing the news at the time, Mannara called him “the pillar of strength for our family.” His last rites were held on June 18 in Mumbai, followed by a prayer meet attended by Bigg Boss 17 co-contestants Abhishek Kumar, Khanzaadi, and others.
Raman Handa was married to Kamini Chopra, paternal aunt to Priyanka and Parineeti Chopra. Priyanka offered her condolences with a heartfelt message: “You’ll always be in our hearts. Rest easy Raman uncle (fufaji). Om Shanti.”
Mannara, who debuted in Bollywood with Zid in 2014, found fame as the second runner-up on Bigg Boss 17. She was most recently seen in Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment Season 2, alongside Elvish Yadav, Rubina Dilaik, Bharti Singh, Krushna Abhishek, Vicky Jain, Ankita Lokhande, and Abhishek Kumar.
Shubhangi Atre Calls Gender Divide in Entertainment an ‘Outdated Mindset’
MUMBAI– Actress Shubhangi Atre, known for her role in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, has called out the long-held belief that television is for women while films are a male-dominated space, calling the notion outdated.
In an interview with IANS, Atre said today’s entertainment world is about good content, not gender or platform. “That’s an outdated mindset,” she stated. “We now see so many strong, female-led films like Queen and Mary Kom. Whether it’s TV, film, or music—what matters is the story and the performance.”
She also acknowledged the demanding nature of television production, noting the extended work hours. “I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I’m a little tired,” she said with a laugh, reflecting on the intense schedule of daily soaps.
Atre recently released a music video titled Kaahe Saiyaan, which she also produced. The track, rooted in Raag Jog and tinged with Karun Ras, deeply moved her. “The pain and emotion in the song inspired me to present it visually. I didn’t just want to release a song—I wanted to tell a story,” she explained.
On venturing into production, Atre shared that it was driven by her desire to give back to the industry. “Acting roles come and go, but I kept asking myself—what am I really contributing? This project is a humble attempt to give something meaningful in return.”
Neha Dhupia: Stop Putting Women Under a Microscope for Their Appearance
MUMBAI– Actress Neha Dhupia has called out the ongoing scrutiny women face over their looks, saying it’s time to stop placing them under a microscope—regardless of age.
Speaking at a dermatology event, Dhupia was unexpectedly asked by a male doctor about her “secret” to looking young in her 40s. In response, she credited years of yoga for helping her stay balanced and healthy, but emphasized that judging women based on appearance—especially as they age—should no longer be normalized.
“It’s okay to want to look and feel a certain way at any age,” she said. “But it’s not okay to pass judgment on how someone looks. Comments about beauty secrets often feel backhanded and shouldn’t be welcomed.”
Dhupia added, “True beauty is about embracing yourself and allowing others to do the same—without fear of judgment.”
On the work front, Dhupia recently appeared in Bad Newz, starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk. The film, a spiritual sequel to Good Newwz, explores heteropaternal superfecundation—twins born to the same mother but with different biological fathers.
She also returned as a gang leader in MTV Roadies: Double Cross, the 20th season of the reality show. The season was won by Kushal “Gullu” Tanwar of Gang Elvish, with Hartaaj Singh Gill from Gang Prince as runner-up. (Source: IANS)
