Bollywood Roundup: Rashmika Mandanna, Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, and more…
Rashmika Mandanna calls viral audio clip an “invasion of privacy,” warns of legal action
MUMBAI, India — Actress Rashmika Mandanna has spoken out after an audio clip allegedly featuring her mother discussing Mandanna’s former fiancé, actor Rakshit Shetty, went viral online, calling the incident a serious invasion of privacy.
In a note shared on Instagram Stories, the “Dear Comrade” and “Animal” actress said the audio appears to be from a private conversation recorded nearly eight years ago and circulated without the knowledge or consent of those involved.
Mandanna said she has faced misinformation, harassment, and targeted attacks over the years, adding that parts of the conversation are being taken out of context to create misleading narratives for social media engagement.
She said the developments over the past 24 hours crossed a line and forced her to address the matter publicly, noting that the controversy has caused distress to her family and people close to her.
Mandanna urged media outlets, influencers, and individuals sharing the clip to remove it immediately, warning that she would pursue legal action if the content is not taken down within 24 hours.
“To everyone who has supported me with kindness, understanding, and love through the years, I remain deeply grateful. I love you and want you to know that random people will not and cannot dictate how we live. We choose. We have to,” she wrote.
The actress added that speaking out was not an easy decision but said it was necessary to protect her dignity, privacy, and peace.
Akshay Kumar praises Yash Chopra as one of Indian cinema’s finest directors
MUMBAI, India — Actor Akshay Kumar paid tribute to late filmmaker Yash Chopra during a recent episode of the game show “Wheel of Fortune,” calling him one of the finest directors in the history of Indian cinema.
The episode featured actors Gaurav Gera, Rakesh Bedi, and Ayesha Khan joining Kumar on stage, creating a lively and humorous atmosphere throughout the show.
An emotional moment came during a puzzle round when contestant Gaurav Gera nearly solved the answer but fell short. Kumar then invited a member of the audience to try, and the participant correctly guessed “Yash Chopra.”
The answer prompted Kumar to recall the legendary filmmaker with admiration.
“Yash Chopra hamare Indian film industry ke behtareen directors mein se ek the. (Yash Chopra was one of the best directors of our Indian film industry),” Kumar said.
Later in the episode, Kumar and Gera reminisced about their past collaborations, including the 2014 film “The Shaukeens” and their reunion a decade later in the 2024 release “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.”
“Wheel of Fortune” airs Monday through Friday at 9 p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV.
Separately, Kumar has also reunited with filmmaker Priyadarshan after 14 years for the upcoming horror comedy “Bhooth Bangla.” The recently released teaser offers a glimpse into the eerie town of Mangalpur, where residents fear a mysterious entity called Vadhusur. The film, backed by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R Kapoor, is scheduled to release in theaters on April 10.
Yami Gautam shares heartfelt birthday message for husband Aditya Dhar
MUMBAI, India — Actress Yami Gautam shared a heartfelt birthday message for her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, on social media on Wednesday, calling him her “one and only.”
Posting a couple of photos of the two together, Gautam expressed her affection in a short note.
“If only there were enough words to describe what you mean to me… To my one & only, Aditya!!! Happy Birthday, love,” she wrote.
One image shows the couple enjoying a sunny day in a mountainous landscape, while another features a gym mirror selfie with Gautam in a red sweatshirt and black tights and Dhar standing beside her in a black hoodie and cap.
Gautam was last seen in the film “Haq” opposite Emraan Hashmi, which received a strong response from audiences. Dhar, meanwhile, scored a blockbuster with his December release “Dhurandhar,” starring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna. The sequel, “Dhurandhar 2,” is scheduled to release on March 19.
Gautam and Dhar married in June 2021 in an intimate ceremony in Himachal Pradesh after meeting during the making of the film “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” which Dhar directed and Gautam starred in. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vedavid, in May 2024.
Sidhant recalls life lessons from his mother and grandmother that kept him grounded
MUMBAI, India — Actor Sidhant said simple advice from his mother and grandmother during his childhood in Jammu continues to guide him and keep him grounded in life and his career.
The “Black Warrant” actor recalled how the two would remind him every time he stepped out of the house to think carefully before acting.
“This voice is my mother’s and my grandmother’s. Every time I used to leave the door when I was growing up, they would tell me, ‘Jo bhi karna, dekh sunke karna,’” Sidhant said.
He admitted that as a child he often took the words for granted, but later came to see them as a life mantra as he realized how short life is and how big his dreams are.
“Back then, you took these simple life liners for granted. Now, when I have an understanding that life is short and dreams are big, every time I leave the door, that voice checks in in my mind… ‘Dekh sunke…’ So I never lose my way,” he added.
Sidhant said the advice has helped him stay grounded while working in an industry that can easily pull people off course.
Speaking about his background, the actor also reflected on his roots in Jammu and how some of his most prominent roles have connections to the region.
“It’s fascinating how two of my most prominent roles hailed from not too far from Jammu. To think of it, it must have helped in being casted. My breakthrough role of Jay Khanna in ‘Jubilee’ was from Karachi, which was a part of India then. And the recent role of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, was born in Kashmir. We’re obviously one state,” he said.
Arjun Rampal wishes filmmaker Aditya Dhar on birthday, says “no one was ready for you”
MUMBAI, India — Actor Arjun Rampal shared a birthday message for filmmaker Aditya Dhar on Thursday, praising the “Dhurandhar” director and calling him a creative force in the industry.
Rampal posted a photo on Instagram showing the two together on the set of their film, with the actor dressed as Major Iqbal and placing his arm around Dhar.
“Dearest Boya, One thing is for sure, no one was ready for you!!!! Happiest birthday my little brother. Have a Dhurandhar year ahead. #happybirthday @adityadharfilms (sic),” Rampal wrote.
Actress Yami Gautam also shared a birthday message for her husband, posting a series of photos and referring to him as her “one and only.”
“If only there were enough words to describe what you mean to me… To my one & only, Aditya !!! Happy Birthday, love,” she wrote.
In December, Rampal had spoken about the success of “Dhurandhar,” crediting Dhar’s vision and dedication to the film’s impact.
“The day you narrated me the film I realised what an important film you wanted to make, a story would unfold, in the uniquest narrative style. the level of research, the depth in all characters, the creation of each character from their look to their attitudes. You surprised, kept surprising. But most importantly you soaked up all the pressure while filming and never had a bad day. Thank you Boiya. Love you,” Rampal wrote at the time.
Soha Ali Khan joins girl gang at Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur wedding
MUMBAI, India — Actress Soha Ali Khan shared glimpses from the wedding celebrations of actress Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur, who tied the knot on Wednesday in an intimate ceremony.
In photos posted on Instagram, Soha was seen posing with the bride and groom alongside a group of friends. The “Rang De Basanti” actress wore a cream saree paired with a gold choker, light makeup, and her hair styled in a bun.
The post also featured solo pictures of Soha from the celebrations, as well as a photo with Kritika and actress Anya Singh.
In another moment captured during the festivities, Kritika was seen interacting playfully with Soha’s daughter, Inaaya, whose face was not visible as she stood with her back to the camera.
Sharing the images, Soha congratulated the couple in the caption, writing, “To a lifetime of love (sic).”
The wedding also drew attention for its lively entrance, with cricket stars Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Ashish Nehra, and Zaheer Khan joining the celebrations. Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar was also seen participating in the festivities.
Designer Masaba Gupta shared a video from the event showing the newlyweds making their entry behind a group of dancers during the celebration. (Source: IANS)
