The Times of India
Elections 2026Bollywood / The Times of India
As the biopic 'Michael' garners box office success, Jaaved Jaaferi reminisces about Michael Jackson's 1996 India visit, attending the concert while his wife was seven months pregnant. Anupam Kher also shared a touching memory of meeting the legendary performer, describing it as touching 'a piece of magic'.
Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2' continues its strong box office run, nearing Rs 1,130 crore in India and Rs 1,780 crore worldwide after 38 days. Despite competition, the film saw significant growth on its 6th Saturday, earning Rs 2.95 crore domestically. Meanwhile, 'Bhooth Bangla' and 'Michael' also performed on Saturday.
Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur's 'Dacoit: A Love Story' continues its theatrical run, earning Rs 37 lakhs on Day 16, a slight uptick from the previous day. Despite a steady decline in daily collections, the film has amassed a respectable Rs 34.79 crore net in India and Rs 54 crore worldwide gross.
Dhanush has revealed his directorial plans will be delayed due to a packed acting schedule, with several films including 'D55', Mari Selvaraj's project, 'Vada Chennai 2', and a film with Pachaimuthu Thamizharasan lined up. He anticipates directing again in a few years. Meanwhile, his upcoming film 'Kara' releases April 30th.
Rukmini Vasanth expresses immense excitement for her upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups,' highlighting its unprecedented scale and ambitious vision. Directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Yash, the movie promises a unique cinematic experience. Hollywood action director J.J. Perry also lauded the team, calling his work on the project memorable.
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's 'Bhooth Bangla' has achieved a significant milestone, crossing Rs 100 crore in domestic collections and Rs 160 crore worldwide. The horror comedy delivered an impressive opening and maintained strong momentum into its second week, outperforming competitors like 'Dhurandhar 2' and Hollywood's 'Michael'.
Michael Jackson's biopic, 'Michael', is making waves at the Indian box office, showing a significant jump in collections. The film earned Rs 5.00 crore net on its second day, a 38.9% increase from its opening. With cumulative net collections reaching Rs 10.30 crore, 'Michael' is outperforming 'Project Hail Mary' and drawing large crowds.
Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal and her family have purchased a premium apartment in Santacruz West, Mumbai, for Rs 20.88 crore. This marks their third significant real estate investment in three months, following two luxury apartments in Worli for nearly 60 crore. The latest acquisition is a 2,900 sq ft apartment in the Vaayu building, registered on April 24, 2026.
Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi's younger son, Aayushmaan Sethi, lost Rs 87,000 in a credit card scam, a repeat of a previous Rs 80,000 loss. The incident, shared by his brother Aaryamann, led to family banter about Aayushmaan's susceptibility to such scams, despite his initial panic.
Actor Annu Kapoor clarified his past controversial remarks about Priyanka Chopra and an intimate scene in '7 Khoon Maaf'. He explained his frustration stemmed from persistent media questions about Chopra's comfort, leading him to comment on his perceived lack of 'hero' status. Kapoor also revealed he respected Chopra's hesitation and suggested removing the scene, which director Vishal Bhardwaj refused.
In a heartfelt tribute, the second season of Kate Hudson's 'Running Point' shines a light on Niko Mijailovic, a talented young volleyball player who tragically lost his life to sudden cardiac arrest. His family shared that the first season of 'Running Point' was the last show he enjoyed watching, making this dedication all the more poignant.
Brace yourself for 'We Bury The Dead', a gripping zombie apocalypse drama starring Daisy Ridley and Brenton Thwaites, premiering on Hulu this May 8th. Following its limited theatrical release, this film dives into Ava's harrowing quest to find her husband amidst a chaotic world ravaged by a rogue government weapon, forcing survivors to confront an army of the undead.
Dive into the chilling world of 'Apex,' the latest OTT sensation featuring the dynamic duo of Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the wilderness, this intense survival film unravels the compelling tale of a distraught climber (Theron) pushed to her limits as she faces off against a relentless serial killer (Egerton).
Sidharth Malhotra's bodyguard, Zeeshan Qureshi, recounted a tense moment during Kiara Advani's pregnancy when a corporate associate attempted to approach her inappropriately on set. He also detailed the extensive, months-long planning and security measures, including drone surveillance, that ensured the privacy of their Jaisalmer wedding.
Actor Ranveer Singh's plea to quash a criminal complaint over his 'Kantara' mimicry was accepted by the Karnataka High Court. He assured the court he would visit the Chamundi Hill Temple in Mysore as an apology for his controversial remarks, with the court to record this commitment before closing the plea.
Ameesha Patel has slammed comedian Zakir Khan for his recent comments about industry jealousy. She argued that it's easy to mock achievers and challenged comedians to achieve success themselves. Patel emphasized that 'Dhurandhar' has inspired others to improve, fostering healthy competition rather than insecurity.
Popular casting director Shanoo Sharma has married. She shared wedding photos on social media. Sharma kept her husband's identity private in the shared pictures. She announced the news on Instagram. Many film industry personalities sent their congratulations. Sharma is known for launching actors like Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor.
Ameesha Patel revealed her 'Mangal Pandey' casting stemmed from an Aamir Khan interview and a near-miss with 'Lagaan'. Aamir was impressed by her intelligence, leading to a connection. Though she screen-tested for 'Lagaan', her 'educated' look led to her exit, ironically paving the way for her 'Gadar' role. The 'Mangal Pandey' role was previously offered to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
In Riteish Deshmukh's view, the success of Hindi films such as 'Dhurandhar' illustrates a significant cultural shift; audiences are increasingly drawn to innovative storytelling. He encourages creators to break free from traditional molds, asserting that the richness of Indian cinema lies in delivering captivating tales, no matter the genre.
After successfully navigating the censor process, Riteish Deshmukh's historical drama 'Raja Shivaji' has been awarded a U/A 16+ rating. Spanning over three hours, the film underwent slight modifications, such as the removal of a scene depicting child violence. Additionally, the creators took time to clarify historical contexts and refine the film's title to ensure a seamless release on May 1.
Get ready for an electrifying new series! Stephen Fry takes the lead in 'The Interrogator,' where he will both star and collaborate on the writing, with production gearing up in the picturesque backdrop of Madrid. This 12-part thriller introduces viewers to MI6 spy Conrad Henry, portrayed by Fry, alongside a quirky crew committed to upholding justice.
Irrfan Khan, one of India's finest actors, died in 2020 at 53 from a neuroendocrine tumour after colon infection at Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital. Qarib Qarib Singlle co-star Parvathy mourned at a Pinkvilla event: It doesn't make sense that I am alive and he is not. His iconic films include Salaam Bombay!, Life of Pi, Angrezi Medium. Survived by wife Sutapa, sons Babil, Ayan.
Aamir Khan recalled being scolded by assistant director Reema Kagti on Lagaan sets for eating slowly. Despite being producer, he was told to follow schedule. The anecdote highlights strict discipline during filming. Released in 2001, Lagaan remains a landmark film, earning an Oscar nomination and eight National Awards in India history.
Michael Jackson's profound impact on global pop culture is evident in Bollywood's tributes. Artists like Tiger Shroff, Remo D'Souza's film 'ABCD', A. R. Rahman, and Jaaved Jaaferi have all drawn significant inspiration from the King of Pop's iconic music, dance, and stage presence, keeping his legacy alive.
Mumbai is gearing up for a star-studded evening as Karan Johar, the celebrated filmmaker, prepares to roll out the red carpet for an exclusive screening of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.' Limited to just 50 distinguished attendees from the realms of Bollywood and fashion, this closed-door event promises to be a feast for both cinema enthusiasts and style aficionados.
Akshay Khanna confessed in 2017 that he finds his 'Taal' co-star, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, so stunning that he can't take his eyes off her. He described the feeling as staring 'like a lunatic,' an effect no one else has on him. Khanna and Rai Bachchan previously starred together in 'Aa Ab Laut Chalen' and the critically acclaimed 'Taal'.
A heartwarming vintage video of Aishwarya Rai, post her 1994 Miss World win, shows her delightful interactions with children. Fans are captivated by her natural charm and maternal aura. The clip, believed to be filmed shortly after her crowning, features her playfully recreating the pageant moment with young ones.
Asha Bhosle's enchanting farmhouse in Lonavala, where opulence meets rustic charm, serves as the perfect getaway. This spacious retreat encompasses vibrant gardens, a chef's kitchen, four uniquely designed bedrooms, and luxurious features like a private pool and jacuzzi. Overflowing with natural light and breathtaking vistas, it embodies her appreciation for tranquility and a harmonious life far from urban chaos.
In a recent statement, Mohit Suri put rumors to rest, affirming that he wasn't approached for 'Awarapan 2', even though he shares a deep connection with Emraan Hashmi. He couldn't help but applaud Hashmi's impressive scene in Aryan Khan's latest venture, dubbing it 'kicka**'. Reflecting on their past, Suri also mentioned how Hashmi turned down a part in 'Aashiqui 2'.
During a thrilling night at Madison Square Garden, Demi Lovato took the opportunity to commemorate her wedding anniversary by inviting her husband, Jutes, on stage. They enchanted the audience with a heartfelt rendition of 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls, a meaningful choice that harks back to their romantic first dance from their wedding in May 2025.
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, celebrated for her musical talent, also cherished a deep love for food and cooking. In a resurfaced interview, she shared her passion, highlighting the importance of home-cooked meals for health and relationships. Bhosle credited lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri's wife and others for inspiring her culinary journey, emphasizing that good food brings happiness to a household.
Pop icon Barry Manilow, 82, has emerged publicly for the first time since undergoing a lobectomy for lung cancer in December 2025. Spotted smiling in New York City, this marks a significant recovery milestone. Manilow's early diagnosis, following a bout of bronchitis, has prompted a profound re-evaluation of his life and career.
Get ready for 'The Mummy 4' as it's coming to theatres a year earlier, on October 15, 2027! Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are officially returning as Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan, reuniting the beloved duo. Directed by Radio Silence, this highly anticipated sequel promises an exciting adventure for fans of the classic franchise.
Pop star Justin Bieber is taking a break from his busy schedule to enjoy simple family moments. He recently shared heartwarming photos of a fishing trip with his one-year-old son, Jack Blues Bieber, offering fans a rare peek into their private life. This comes after a whirlwind period for the couple, including Bieber's Coachella performances and Hailey's event collaborations.
On a chance flight, Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran had the serendipitous pleasure of sharing a seat with none other than cricket's superstar Sachin Tendulkar. The encounter took Prithviraj by surprise, transforming from a humble request for an autograph into a captivating exchange that filled their journey until they touched down in Mumbai.
Bollywood's Raj Kundra has embraced Sikhism, transforming from a orderline atheist to finding spiritual grounding. He shared his journey, noting his wife Shilpa Shetty's delighted and proud acceptance of his newfound faith. Kundra also lauded Shetty's own deep-rooted devotion and reverence for religious traditions, highlighting her lifelong faith.
In a surprising twist for Mollywood fans, the eagerly awaited 2026 film 'Patriot' has revealed that Suresh Gopi was originally in the running for a cameo traditionally associated with Mohanlal. Producer Subhash George Manuel disclosed that director Mahesh Narayanan initially envisioned Gopi for this role, heightening the anticipation for a film that already features heavyweights like Mammootty and Mohanlal.
Taron Egerton revealed a surprising fear of heights during the filming of 'Apex,' a challenging wilderness thriller. He recounted a terrifying wire drop, ultimately overcoming his phobia with the crew's support. Egerton also discussed his complex villain role and the intense physical preparation required for the movie, which he describes as a lovingly crafted popcorn thriller.
Sanjay Dutt announced Khalnayak Returns, revealing the sequel idea originated during his jail term when 4,000 inmates supported it. He also credited Subhash Ghai and said he backed the project. The first look sparked nostalgia. The 1993 original, starring Dutt, Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff, was very hugely successful hit.
Charlize Theron revealed her mother fatally shot her abusive, alcoholic father in self-defense when she was 15. This traumatic event in South Africa, she explained, forged her independence and resilience. Theron, who left her homeland at 16, credits her upbringing for her drive to live a full life, influencing her bold career choices and strong bond with her mother.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai revisits the 30-year journey of his 1993 blockbuster 'Khalnayak', highlighting Sanjay Dutt's unpredictable portrayal of the lead character. Ghai reveals how Dutt's spontaneous improvisation, including a shocking scene where he grabbed a co-actor by the neck, added authenticity and stunned the crew, ultimately contributing to the film's immense success.
Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar debunks the 'superfood' label, calling it a marketing tactic used to sell products. He explained to Soha Ali Khan that companies define superfoods to build credibility, often highlighting specific compounds.
After an exhilarating season on the revived 'Gladiators' show, Giant, the powerhouse with a heart, is ready to bid farewell. The beloved athlete revealed that his departure was influenced by a decision that didnt align with his ethics. Despite the bittersweet ending, he conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the fans who rallied behind him throughout his time on the show.
Renowned thespian Nawazuddin Siddiqui, celebrated for his gripping portrayals on screen, remains grounded by asserting he is merely a student of his craft. Viewing acting as an evolving journey, he underscores the importance of relentless learning and dedication. Fans can look forward to his upcoming performances in 'Main Actor Nahi Hoon', 'Noorani Chehra', and the much-anticipated sequel to 'Tumbbad'.
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12, 2026. Her grandson shared that just a day before hospitalization for a chest infection, she attended a three-hour Marathi play, even scolding attendees to preserve art. She died peacefully in her sleep, leaving her family, especially granddaughter Zanai, heartbroken but inspired by her resilience. Read on to know more in detail.
Helena Bonham Carter has exited Season 4 of 'The White Lotus' as production commenced in France. HBO confirmed the character, initially conceived for Carter, required significant changes and will be rewritten and recast. While saddened by the departure, the network expressed hope for future collaborations with the acclaimed actress.
The Hashir-starrer 'Vaazha 2' is enjoying a successful run, crossing 115 crore in India net collections. The film is now gaining momentum with its Telugu release, receiving support from actor Ram Charan. This popular franchise installment has already confirmed a fourth part, indicating continued audience interest.
In a spectacular collaboration, Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu have completed an intense dance sequence for the much-anticipated film 'Varanasi,' directed by the visionary SS Rajamouli. Choreographer Bosco Martis has shared snippets of their electrifying performance. Its noteworthy that this song was a pivotal factor for Priyanka's involvement in the project. Read on to know more in detail.
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has sent fans into a frenzy by meeting American electronic music duo The Chainsmokers. The Grammy-winning artists shared a picture with Mohanlal on their Instagram story, sparking immense excitement. Meanwhile, Mohanlal is preparing for his upcoming films 'Patriot' and 'Drishyam 3', slated for May releases.
In a bold statement, actor Avinash Tiwary has raised eyebrows about the current trends in Bollywood, specifically calling out the obsession with senior actors showcasing their six-pack abs. Unlike other global cinema markets, he argues this fixation on physical appearance detracts from the essence of true artistry and narrative depth. Read pn to know more in detail.

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