Bollywood Roundup: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, and more…

Salman Khan Denies Government Pressure to Change ‘Maatrubhumi’ Script

MUMBAI–Bollywood star Salman Khan has dismissed reports that the Indian government pressured filmmakers to revise the script of his upcoming war drama “Maatrubhumi,” based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.

Speaking at a promotional event in Mumbai on Friday, Khan rejected claims that the film’s portrayal of China had prompted government intervention.

“So, this narrative that we are going against China, and our government has put pressure on us to change its script, and rewrite it, all this is nonsense. It’s not true at all. We have made a film on soldiers, their families, and what they go through, what the soldiers from both sides go through. So, there are no negative forces in this”, Khan said.

The actor emphasized that the film explores the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict and their loyalty to their countries.

Originally titled “Galwan,” the film draws inspiration from the June 15, 2020, confrontation in eastern Ladakh that killed 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops.

The clash, the deadliest between the two countries in more than four decades, heightened border tensions and led to increased military deployments and diplomatic negotiations.

Kareena Kapoor Shares Diwali Moment With Sister Karisma Kapoor

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a glimpse of her Diwali celebrations with sister Karisma Kapoor, posting a photograph of the two wearing matching yellow outfits.

Kareena shared the picture on Instagram with the caption, “Diwali with behna.” The photograph shows the sisters posing together in traditional yellow suits, with Kareena looking away from the camera and Karisma closing her eyes.

The Kapoor sisters are known for their close relationship and frequently share family moments on social media. Kareena has previously described Karisma as a source of guidance and support for both the Kapoor and Pataudi families.

The sisters also attended designer Manish Malhotra’s Diwali celebration in Mumbai on November 5, alongside several Bollywood celebrities.

Kareena arrived with husband Saif Ali Khan, wearing a gold sequin saree, while Saif chose a navy-blue kurta and white pajamas. Karisma attended in a black-and-white ensemble featuring a patterned blazer and fitted skirt.

Other guests included Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Karan Johar and Twinkle Khanna.

Kajol Embraces ’90s Nostalgia at Manish Malhotra’s Diwali Celebration

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Kajol brought a touch of 1990s nostalgia to her Diwali celebrations, sharing photographs with Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna from the designer’s star-studded party in Mumbai.

Taking to Instagram, Kajol posted a series of pictures and videos from the November 5 celebration, crediting Malhotra for recreating the glamour of the decade.

“The nineties called and said they wanted us back 😉 Only Manish could’ve made it happen. #diwalinight #aboutlastnight #lightandlove,” she wrote.

The photographs capture Kajol sharing lighthearted moments with Malhotra and Johar, including a candid shot of Johar kissing her cheek. Another picture features Kajol with her daughter Nysa and Twinkle Khanna, while others show her posing with Akshay Kumar and Karisma Kapoor.

For the occasion, Kajol wore a black saree with crystal embellishments along the border, paired with a halter-neck blouse. She completed the look with an elegant updo and minimal accessories.

Malhotra’s Diwali gathering also drew several Bollywood celebrities, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Janhvi Kapoor.

Sushmita Sen Shares Selfie Moments With Daughter Alisah Ahead of School Meeting

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen shared a series of selfies with daughter Alisah Sen as the two headed to her school for a parent-teacher meeting.

Taking to Instagram, Sushmita posted photographs of their mother-daughter outing, showing the pair wearing matching black outfits. The actress completed her look with sunglasses.

“Selfie shoot on the way to Alisah’s School for Parent Teacher Meeting!!! What can I say, this is how we roll!!! Besides, I love sharing ANY space this beautiful Angel occupies!!!” she wrote.

The actress also marked Dhanteras with a message celebrating the joy of raising daughters.

“I wish every parent knows the joy of having a Daughter….Truest ‘DHAN’ ever!!! Happyyyyy Dhanteras to you & all your loved ones!!! Sending abundance your way…always!! I love you guys!!!” she added.

Sushmita adopted Alisah in 2010, a decade after adopting her elder daughter, Renee. The actress frequently shares family moments on social media and has spoken openly about her close relationship with both daughters.

In August, Sushmita celebrated Alisah’s 17th birthday with an emotional Instagram post, describing her as thoughtful, kind and generous. She also explained that she chose the name Alisah because it means “God’s precious gift.”

Rakul Preet Singh Reflects on Playing Surpanakha in ‘Ramayana’

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has shared her experience portraying Surpanakha in director Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana,” describing the role as a special opportunity to participate in a story deeply rooted in Indian culture.

Taking to Instagram, Rakul expressed pride in being part of the ambitious production and praised the filmmakers for bringing the epic to the big screen.

“Have been waiting to share the experience of Playing Surpanakha in Ramayana. It has been such a special journey for me. It’s not every day that you get to be a part of a story that has been a part of our lives and culture for generations,” she wrote.

The actress thanked producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari for their vision and dedication to bringing the Indian epic to international audiences.

She also acknowledged her co-stars, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, Kajal Aggarwal and Shobana, along with the film’s production team.

Rakul gave special recognition to the hair, makeup and costume departments for developing her appearance as Surpanakha, a prominent character in the Hindu epic.

“Ramayana,” starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles, was released in theaters on November 5.

Aditi Rao Hydari Looks Forward to Celebrating Diwali With Husband Siddharth

MUMBAI–Bollywood actress Aditi Rao Hydari has expressed excitement about celebrating Diwali with her husband, actor Siddharth, after spending last year’s festival apart because of his filming commitments in the United States.

Aditi, who is promoting her upcoming film “Parivarik ManuRanjan” alongside Pankaj Tripathi, said she is particularly happy that Siddharth will be home for the celebrations this year.

“Last year Siddharth America mein shoot kar rahe the Diwali ke time, but this year woh yahin hain. So I’m very happy! Hum saath rahenge aur hopefully ghar bhi jaa payenge, promotions ke baad,” she said.

The actress explained that the couple hopes to spend time together and return home after completing her promotional commitments.

Aditi and Siddharth, who met while working on the 2021 Telugu film “Maha Samudram,” became engaged in March 2024 and married on September 16, 2024, in a traditional ceremony at the Sri Ranganayakaswamy Temple in Telangana.

The couple also made a joint appearance at a Diwali celebration in Mumbai earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Aditi is preparing for the November 13 premiere of “Parivarik ManuRanjan,” directed by Varun V. Sharma. The family entertainer marks her first collaboration with Tripathi.

Speaking about her co-star, Aditi said, “Sharing the screen with Pankaj ji for the first time was truly a joy. His humour is so effortless, so natural, that it made every scene feel lighter and far more fun.” (Source: IANS)