Gossip / The Times of India
Mika Singh, renowned for his musical talent, has also cultivated a substantial real estate portfolio, owning 99 houses and a 100-acre farm. Inspired by his farming background, he prioritized asset building over extravagant spending. Singh emphasizes the importance of wise investments and financial independence, contrasting his approach with peers who prioritize luxury purchases.
Manoj Bajpayee discussed his enduring friendship and creative partnership with Ram Gopal Varma, highlighting their iconic collaborations like Satya and Shool. After 27 years, they reunited for 'Police Station Mein Bhoot,' with Manoj praising Varma's visionary approach and fearless creativity. He also noted RGV's childlike enthusiasm and humility on set, contributing to remarkable filmmaking.
Amitabh Bachchan has ruled Bollywood for nearly six decades, but behind the towering legacy lies a personal regret. On a recent episode of his quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati, the actor admitted that despite all the success, he wishes he had spent more time with his children, Abhishek and Shweta Bachchan-Nanda, during their growing years.
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra's Mumbai home, Kinara, is a luxurious sea-facing property worth approximately 100 crore. Farah Khan's vlog offered a glimpse into its opulent interiors, featuring a grand entrance with lotus carvings and silver elephant statues. The house boasts antique mirrors, wooden accents, a formal lounge, a cozy family room, a gym, and an indoor fountain.
Guddi Maruti revealed insights into the 90s Bollywood dating scene, highlighting Akshay Kumar's flirtatious nature on set, recalling his many girlfriends during 'Khiladi.' In contrast, Govinda remained focused on work, seemingly oblivious to female attention. She also touched upon the privacy maintained by actors and the protective presence of actresses' mothers.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, never one to shy away from provocation, has landed in the middle of a storm yet again. On September 5, as the country marked Teachers Day, the director took to social media to pay tribute to the people who influenced his creative journey. His list began with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Steven Spielberg, Ayn Rand, Bruce Lee, and Sridevi. But what sparked outrage was the addition of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim among the names.
Priyanka Chopra lauded the Malayalam film 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra'. She called it a landmark film for Indian cinema. The film is now reaching Hindi-speaking audiences. Alia Bhatt, Akshay Kumar, Suriya, and Jyotika also praised the film. Dulquer Salmaan produced the film. The film is a five-part fantasy franchise inspired by Kerala's folklore. It crossed Rs. 100 crore globally.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are celebrating the 50-day theatrical run of their romantic musical, 'Saiyaara'. The film, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, has resonated with audiences. Ahaan and Aneet expressed gratitude to fans for embracing their film and shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, acknowledging the love and vulnerability shared with the audience.
Sanjay Gupta criticized the 'Buy One Get One' offer on a big-budget film's opening day, questioning the purpose of filmmaking in such times. While he didn't name the movie, it's implied to be 'Baaghi 4', which has this offer. Despite the offer and block bookings, 'Baaghi 4' faces competition from 'The Conjuring: Last Rites'.
On Teachers' Day, Karan Johar shared a heartfelt Instagram post for his 'Students of the Year' trio, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra, expressing gratitude for the lessons they inadvertently taught him. He acknowledged their significant impact on his life. Johar is currently promoting Teja Sajja's 'Mirai' and recently addressed concerns about Bollywood's box office performance.
Actor Ashish Warang, known for his roles in 'Sooryavanshi,' 'Drishyam,' and 'Mardaani,' has tragically passed away at the age of 55. The cause of death is currently unconfirmed, leaving the film industry in shock. Warang's contributions extended beyond Bollywood, encompassing Marathi and South Indian cinema.
A paparazzo finally photographed Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's daughter. Shah Rukh Khan's grey hair look from his new movie 'King' is creating buzz. Amol Parashar discussed his bond with Konkona Sen Sharma. Pallavi Joshi said Shah Rukh Khan's image-driven persona doesn't suit her films. Raj Kundra faces a lookout notice in a cheating case.
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, married in 2009, emphasize prioritizing their relationship amidst life's challenges. Raj, debuting in a Punjabi film, acknowledges marriage's difficulty, highlighting the importance of maintaining connection beyond initial romance. He stresses dedicating time for each other, even with parental responsibilities, to prevent the relationship from fading, using the analogy of adding jaggery for sweetness.
Raj Kundra shared his love at first sight experience with Shilpa Shetty. He revealed his father's initial reservations about Shilpa. Raj persuaded his father to meet her. His parents instantly adored Shilpa. Shilpa playfully added that her in-laws love her more than Raj. Their love story began in 2007 and they married in 2009.
Mahima Chaudhry, the Bollywood star of the 90s known for hits like 'Pardes,' faced a career-threatening accident when a truck collided with her car, leaving her with severe facial injuries. Fearing its impact on her career, she initially kept the incident private.
Karisma Kapoor, reminiscing at the 2024 Jagran Film Festival, shared her early struggles in the film industry, from juggling multiple shifts to facing harsh criticism about her appearance. Despite the challenges of entering films straight out of school at a young age, she persevered, driven by determination and the invaluable advice of her family.
This Friday witnesses a box office clash between 'Baaghi 4' and 'The Bengal Files,' with the former expected to lead initially. However, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' is currently dominating, surpassing both Hindi releases in collections.
Mohammed Rafi, born in a small village near Amritsar in 1924, found his initial inspiration in a travelling fakir, defying his conservative father's disapproval to pursue his passion for music.
Karan Johar, at a press event for 'Mirai,' defended Bollywood against claims of struggling box office performance. He asserted that each film has its own destiny, irrespective of star power, and success is unpredictable. Johar emphasized that trends evolve, and replicating the success of films like 'Saiyaara' or 'Mahavatar Narsimha' isn't guaranteed.
Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor's 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan,' directed by Santosh Singh, is now streaming on ZEE5 after its theatrical release. Inspired by Ruskin Bond's 'The Eyes Have It,' the romantic drama features Massey as Jahaan and Kapoor as Saba, a passionate theatre artist. The film, praised for its cinematography and music, also stars Rehmat Rattan and Zain Khan Durrani.
Hrithik Roshan, celebrated for his acting, dance, and looks, overcame a difficult childhood marked by stuttering and a spinal problem that doctors said would prevent him from becoming an actor. He faced immense challenges, including locking himself in a bathroom to practice speaking without stammering.
Pallavi Joshi, known for her roles in politically charged films, prefers trained actors over big stars. She believes star image overshadows character depth, using Shah Rukh Khan as an example. Joshi emphasizes that their films prioritize character-driven narratives, requiring actors to fully embody their roles for authenticity. 'The Bengal Files,' featuring Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, and Anupam Kher, released today.
Tiger Shroff's 'Baaghi 4,' also starring Sanjay Dutt, has premiered amidst considerable anticipation. Akshay Kumar extended his best wishes to the team, while Jackie Shroff encouraged everyone to watch his son's film. The action-packed film received an A certificate from the CBFC, involving 23 cuts, and features Harnaaz Sandhu's Bollywood debut.
Tiger Shroff's Bollywood journey, starting with a successful debut in 'Heropanti' in 2014, showcases his action and dance skills. He delivered hits like 'Baaghi 2' and 'War,' establishing himself as an action star. However, recent films like 'Heropanti 2' and 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' have faced box office struggles, making his future projects crucial for a comeback.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files,' exploring the 1940s Bengal communal violence, has released in theatres on September 5, 2025. Following 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files,' this film may stream on Zee5 after its theatrical run.
Director Krishnadev Yagnik has refuted rumors regarding the OTT release of 'Vash Level 2,' clarifying that no digital deal has been finalized. Yagnik emphasizes the film's current theatrical focus, aiming to connect with audiences in cinemas. He also dismissed claims of a ShemarooMe release, assuring fans that any future digital platform will be different.
Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's Param Sundari has become his sixth-highest grosser, earning Rs 39.75 crore in its first week. The film surpassed Hasee Toh Phasee's lifetime collection. Despite weekday drops, the film benefited from Onam and discounts. It now faces competition from new releases like Baaghi 4 and The Bengal Files.
Alia Bhatt, known for her diverse roles, is now seeking a lighthearted comedy, influenced by her daughter Raha. She prioritizes films aligned with her instincts, avoiding choices based solely on external advice. While working on 'Love and War' and 'Alpha,' Alia expresses a desire to explore comedy, aiming to create family-friendly content.
Dr. Mickey, who once played young Hrithik Roshan in 'Krrish,' transitioned from the Bollywood spotlight to a career in medicine. Now an eye surgeon, he reflects on how his acting experience shaped his current profession. He acknowledges the unique path he has taken, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and his ability to bring a superhero's touch to eye care.
The box office clash between *Coolie* and *War 2* saw varying performances in their third week. *Coolie*, starring Rajinikanth, outperformed *War 2* significantly, earning 12.50 crore compared to *War 2*'s 4.95 crore. *War 2* experienced sharper declines during weekdays, while *Coolie* maintained a steady average, highlighting Rajinikanth's strong pull with Tamil audiences.
Police in Thane arrested a 41-year-old actor for allegedly running a prostitution racket, coercing aspiring actresses into the illegal trade. Acting on a tip, authorities sent decoy customers and caught the actor accepting money. Two women active in television serials and Bengali cinema were rescued and sent to a shelter home, while a case has been registered against the accused.
Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming action thriller, King, has generated immense excitement, especially with Suhana Khan's debut alongside her father. A leaked photo, purportedly revealing SRK's grey-haired look for the film, has ignited social media. Directed by Siddharth Anand, King features a stellar cast, including Abhishek Bachchan as the antagonist, promising high-octane action and suspense.
Ashwin Kumar's mythological animation, Mahavatar Narimsha, demonstrates remarkable box office resilience, securing 8.15 crore in its sixth week, bringing its total to 246.40 crore. The Hindi version significantly contributed 185.12 crore, surpassing other films' sixth-week collections. Despite new releases, analysts anticipate a weekend surge, highlighting the film's enduring appeal to families and its success in the pan-India market.
Mohit Suri's Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Anneet Padda, is nearing the end of its successful run. The film earned Rs 70 lakh in its seventh week, a drop from previous earnings. Saiyaara's total domestic box office collection stands at Rs 329.40 crore. The film faced competition from big titles and is expected to conclude with Rs 330 crore.
Zain Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput's son, celebrated his seventh birthday, prompting a heartwarming Instagram post from Mira featuring an unseen photo and loving message. Last year, Mira shared a series of pictures for Zain's sixth birthday, expressing her love and joy.
Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files' revisits the harrowing communal violence of 1940s Bengal, portraying the aftermath of Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots. The film, featuring a stellar cast including Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher, uncovers stories of betrayal and survival during this dark period. Early viewer reactions highlight the film's intense and disturbing depiction of historical horrors.
Tiger Shroff's 'Baaghi 4' has ignited mixed reactions upon its release. While fans are praising Shroff's intense performance and the film's emotional depth, particularly highlighting the song 'Marjaana', the storyline is facing criticism. Some viewers appreciate the high-octane action, others find the narrative weak, leading to divided opinions on whether the film delivers beyond its action spectacle.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as the Warrens in 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' the franchise's final chapter, drawing strong fan reactions and a robust box office opening. While reviews are mixed, many praise it as a fitting and emotional conclusion to the Warrens' cinematic journey. The film is exceeding box office expectations, especially in India, signaling a successful farewell.
Rajinikanth's 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on September 11, less than a month after its theatrical release on August 14. The action drama, starring Rajinikanth as Deva, follows his journey to protect his friend's daughter, and will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. While directed by Lokesh, 'Coolie' is a standalone film outside his interconnected universe.
Rajinikanth's 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has completed its third week, earning approximately Rs 284 crore in India. Despite a slight slowdown during weekdays, the film saw a rise in collections on Day 22, inching closer to the Rs 300 crore mark. New releases like 'Madharaasi' and 'Ghaati' pose a challenge to its continued success at the box office.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, continues its successful run. The superhero film has surpassed Rs 50 crore at the box office. Early estimates indicate a collection of Rs 8 crore on day 8. The total collection stands at Rs 54.35 crore. The film saw high theatre occupancy during its first week.
The highly anticipated horror film, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' is set to dominate the Indian box office, potentially becoming the highest-grossing Hollywood horror film in the region. Advance ticket sales have surpassed those of major Indian releases, with strong early forecasts suggesting a double-digit debut.
Tiger Shroff's 'Baaghi 4' is poised for a strong box office debut, with advance bookings already reaching an estimated 5.54 crore. The film has sold 2.23 lakh tickets across 9,892 shows, primarily in Maharashtra and Delhi. Despite competition from 'The Bengal Files,' 'Baaghi 4' is expected to secure a double-digit opening, potentially landing in the 911 crore range.
Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, earned 39.85 crore in its first week. The film saw a dip in collections during weekdays after a strong opening weekend. Facing competition from new releases like Baaghi 4 and The Bengal Files, its box office performance in the coming days will be crucial.
Months after his film Sardaar Ji 3 stirred controversy, Diljit Dosanjh was spotted in Mumbai. The singer-actor, known for his chart-topping hits and global concerts, was seen seated inside a car, making a rare appearance in the city. Paparazzi captured the moment, but Diljit chose not to step out or interact.
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty still holds the record of having 19 films release in a single year. In a recent interview, his younger son Namashi Chakraborty, who will soon be seen with his father and sister-in-law Madalsa Sharma in Vivek Agnihotris upcoming film The Bengal Files, was asked if he ever questioned his father about that phase of his career.
Veteran filmmaker Samir Ganguly recently opened up about Shammi Kapoors attitude after the blockbuster success of Junglee (1961). He revealed that the actor became egoistic and demanded eight times his fee for the next project, which ultimately led to him being replaced by Biswajeet in April Fool opposite Saira Banu.
Diljit Dosanjh and Raj Kundra have pledged support for Punjab flood victims. Diljit shared an emotional message urging unity and aid, while Raj announced donating the first-day global earnings of his film Mehar to relief efforts. Over 1,600 villages and 175,000 hectares of farmland have been affected by the floods.