The Times of India
Elections 2026Bollywood / The Times of India
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has allegedly received a Rs 20 crore extortion threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang through a 90-second audio clip, believed to be the voice of wanted criminal Shubham Lonkar. The gang warned that unlike the February Juhu firing, this time the bullets would target Shetty directly.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan shared a humorous fan encounter where he was mistaken for Akshay Kumar. While rushing through the airport after a personal tragedy, a fan excitedly approached him, only to express her admiration for Akshay. This amusing mix-up left a lasting impression on the 'King' Khan. Meanwhile, SRK is gearing up for his upcoming film 'King' with daughter Suhana Khan, slated for a December release.
Sonakshi Sinha is prioritizing personal fulfillment over project quantity, choosing roles that offer creative satisfaction. Following appreciation for 'System', she's focusing on characters with emotional depth, like those in 'Dahaad' and 'Heeramandi'. Sinha expressed contentment with her current life, even if ideal scripts take time, and shared her surprise and humility at being compared to Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet by her 'System' director.
Choreographer Farah Khan radiated happiness as she marked a significant milestone in her career by working on Aryan Khan's debut directorial venture, 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood'. Beginning her journey with Aryan's father, Shah Rukh Khan, Farah expressed how profound it was to collaborate with the younger generation. She recently directed the lively song 'Ghafoor' for the series, starring Tamannaah Bhatia, calling it a personal triumph.
Tamil star Dhanush was visibly emotional at the funeral of veteran filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, who passed away at 73. Dhanush paid his respects and comforted Bhagyaraj's grieving family. The actor, who deeply admired Bhagyaraj's storytelling, had a special connection as the legendary filmmaker appeared in Dhanush's directorial debut. Bhagyaraj's demise has left the Kollywood industry in mourning.
Actor Jayaram is facing online criticism for his perceived excessive humility, with some netizens accusing him of insincerity. Fellow actor Baiju Santosh commented that Jayaram's humility, along with his tendency to humorously exaggerate crowd numbers, sometimes crosses normal boundaries. Baiju plans to advise Jayaram to moderate his demeanor, suggesting that such extreme humility might not resonate well with Malayali audiences.
With the release of 'Ikka' looming on July 10, director Siddharth P. Malhotra expresses his admiration for Akshaye Khanna, calling him a standout performer in cinema. Malhotra notes Khanna's incredible ability to infuse genuine depth into his characters, advocating for greater recognition. The courtroom thriller also features a reunion of Khanna with Sunny Deol, hinting at an enthralling storyline.
Music composer Anu Malik reminisced about his early collaborations with Hema Malini, starting with 'Maarg' and continuing with her production 'Awaargi', where her creative feedback significantly shaped his work. He also shared fond memories of his close, family-like bond with Dharmendra and Sunny Deol, highlighting Dharmendra's appreciation for his diverse musical compositions and their frequent interactions.
During her 'Eternal Sunshine' tour stop in Austin, pop superstar Ariana Grande thrilled her audience by playfully modifying the lyrics of her famous song 'Thank U, Next.' In a charming nod to ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, who was present, she sang, 'I know he's still got my back.' This delightful moment highlights their enduring friendship and marks a continuation of her lyrical creativity, following her recent friendly breakup with Ethan Slater.
Anangsha Biswas, known for playing Zarina in 'Mirzapur', opened up about the challenges of the role, saying people often assume she is as easy as her character in real life. She also teased her return in 'Mirzapur: The Movie', hinting that Zarina will be seen in a completely new light.
Prepare for the emotional journey of 'Aadarsha Kutumbam House No: 47'! With Venkatesh Daggubati and Srinidhi Shetty in leading roles, this much-anticipated film directed by Trivikram Srinivas is set to hit theaters on October 2nd. The recently unveiled posters showcase a touching family portrait, promising viewers a captivating experience. The film also stars Nara Rohit and Pujita Ponnada, with music composed by Thaman.
Huma Qureshi revives the iconic 'Ishq Kameena' for her upcoming film 'Baby Do Die Do', emphasizing a tribute rather than imitation. She and co-star Rachit Singh bring fresh energy to the revamped dance number, choreographed by Remo D'Souza. The film, set against an underworld backdrop, promises a thrilling tale of revenge and secrets, releasing July 3rd.
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli confirmed his upcoming Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra starrer, 'Varanasi,' will be a standalone film, not a franchise. Audiences can expect a grand adventure blending mythology, fantasy, and strong father-son emotions, featuring elements like Antarctica's cold and Ramayana gods. A significant portion of the shoot is complete, with an April 7, 2027 release planned.
Actor Satendra Soni, recognized for his roles in 'Panchayat' and 'Mirzapur', has raised serious allegations against the producers of 'Paid Palki', accusing them of failing to pay him and even issuing threats. Following his inquiries about payment, Soni claimed he was evicted from his hotel in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh. Fortunately, he confirmed his safe return to Mumbai, extending gratitude to those who supported him and the local authorities.
Actor Prabhas reflects on the global phenomenon of the 'Baahubali' franchise, marking its 10th anniversary. He shared heartwarming encounters with fans from diverse countries like Italy and Peru, highlighting the film's unexpected reach. Prabhas also recounted a humorous anecdote involving director SS Rajamouli in Norway. The immense success profoundly altered his personal life, making anonymity a rarity during his travels.
Next month, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will grace the UK with their presence as they accept King Charles' invitation for royal residency. This exciting trip will be their children's first visit to the UK, participating in events leading up to the Invictus Games. They also plan a poignant visit to Princess Diana's grave, all amidst talks of family unity and Prince Harry's ongoing legal battles for security.
Sai Durgha Tej's ambitious film, 'Sambarala Yeti Gattu' (SYG), has entered its final shooting phase. Filming is underway on a massive Hyderabad set, focusing on crucial action and emotional sequences. This project, touted as the actor's biggest-budget venture, features a star-studded cast including Aishwarya Lekshmi and a surprise Bollywood actor. The film is slated for a multi-language release.
Travis Kelce did not initially desire a serious relationship with Taylor Swift, despite her efforts to connect after he brought up a friendship bracelet. He approached the situation with caution, not showing much interest. Swift, however, steadily engaged with him and introduced him to her family, which gradually transformed their friendship into a two-year relationship now surrounded by wedding rumors.
Harry Styles caused concern during his London concert at Wembley Stadium when he collapsed on stage while performing. Videos showed the singer struggling to breathe and coughing after spitting water, before recovering and continuing the show. Fans expressed worry about his well-being and questioned the lack of immediate support from his team, especially amid a heatwave that had prompted relaxed water bottle policies at the venue.
Diljit Dosanjh's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' is experiencing an impressive resurgence at the box office. Following a lukewarm debut, enthusiastic audience reactions have fueled a significant boost in its second week, and the film's success extends into the third week. Now surpassing Rs 64 crore globally, this Partition-era romance continues to thrive on its 16th day, even amidst stiff competition from newly released films.
Chidambaram's 'Balan: The Boy' has achieved a worldwide box office collection of over Rs 24 crore, despite a slight dip on its ninth day. The film garnered Rs 84 lakhs net in India on Saturday, bringing its total India net collection to Rs 13.30 crore. Overseas markets contributed Rs 8.85 crore gross.
Milly Alcock's 'Supergirl' debuted with a modest Rs 1.40 crore at the Indian box office on its opening day. The film maintained this collection on Saturday, narrowly missing the Rs 3 crore mark with a total of Rs 2.80 crore. While the English version saw strong occupancy, Hindi and Tamil showings were less populated. The superhero flick faces stiff competition from 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Toy Story 5'.
Arya's political action thriller 'Ananthan Kaadu' saw a dip in box office collections on its third day, earning an estimated Rs 41 lakhs. Despite weekend advantage, the film's net India collection reached Rs 1.66 crore. Reviews point to a screenplay weighed down by lengthy dialogues and multiple themes, with Arya's character lacking impact. The film's local flavour is noted but feels somewhat forced.
Homi Adajania's 'Cocktail 2' has made a significant splash at the box office, collecting an impressive Rs 78.75 crore net within its first nine days of release. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, this romantic drama faces fierce competition from Akshay Kumar's 'Welcome to the Jungle'. With a global revenue surpassing Rs 120 crore, the film reflects a highly successful theatrical journey.
Although Ram Charan starrer 'Peddi' continues to enjoy a respectable theatrical presence after crossing the Rs 335 crore mark worldwide, Maa Inti Bangaaram is currently displaying stronger momentum during its second weekend.
The Indian film industry mourns the loss of veteran filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, who passed away at 73. Celebrated as the 'Screenplay King,' his unique blend of humor and emotion in films about ordinary lives and family relationships left an indelible mark. Stars like Mammootty, Rajinikanth, and Prithviraj Sukumaran paid tribute, remembering his five-decade contribution. Tamil Nadu announced state honors for the master storyteller.
Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid, who enjoyed a 13-year romantic journey marked by breaks and reconciliations, have decided to end their relationship. Described as mutual, their split follows a realization that their lives are no longer aligned. While official comments are absent, sources reveal McDaid has already begun dating someone new, and the couple's last public appearance was recorded in September 2025.
'Welcome to the Jungle', starring Akshay Kumar, has burst onto the silver screen, achieving a remarkable Rs 39 crore net debut in India over its opening weekend. Fans are embracing the film's playful nostalgia and ensemble talent, though reviews hint at some recycled humor reminiscent of earlier installments. Still, the sequel to the beloved 'Welcome' series has enjoyed a positive reception, captivating viewers in search of comedy.
Odia cinema mourns the loss of veteran cinematographer Dillip Ray, who passed away at 72 after a brief illness. Ray, a five-time Odisha State Film award winner, left an indelible mark on over 80 Odia films, alongside Bengali, Chhattisgarhi productions, documentaries, and television.
Vikrant Massey, now a celebrated actor, opened up about his humble beginnings, cleaning coffee tables as a teenager to support his family and education. He revealed that buying his first home at 24 fulfilled a lifelong wish of his mother, symbolizing the financial stability he craved.
Mirzapur's transition to the big screen this September brings back fan favorites, though Vikrant Massey's absence as Bablu Pandit is noted, with Jitendra Kumar stepping in. Massey fondly recalled the show's unexpected success, admitting he wished his character's journey hadn't ended so soon. He shared how the series, initially a collaborative effort, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with Bablu becoming a household name overnight after its release.
Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's 1968 interfaith marriage faced significant opposition, including death threats to Tagore's parents. Despite media predictions of failure and concerns from friends like Yash Chopra, the couple's union endured for 43 years. Tagore revealed they lived together before marrying for convenience and that Pataudi's kindness and patience profoundly influenced her, teaching her valuable life lessons.
Rumours of Kriti Sanon and businessman Kabir Bahia's breakup have been circulating after a picture of Kabir with another woman went viral. However, sources close to Kabir have clarified that the woman is a family friend he considers a sister, dismissing the breakup claims as baseless. The couple, who have been subject to dating speculation due to public appearances, remain focused on their careers.
Veteran filmmaker K Bhagyaraj passed away on Saturday. His last public appearance was at Khushbu Sundar's daughter's wedding. Khushbu has been sharing photos from her daughter's wedding on social media and faced backlash for sharing these wedding photos after Bhagyaraj's demise. The actress turned politician has now hit back at trolls.
Actor Imran Khan, embracing single fatherhood, shared insights into introducing his daughter Imara to his girlfriend Lekha Washington. He emphasized transparency and honesty in parenting, believing children learn by example. Khan also discussed how fatherhood has influenced his perspective on film portrayals of women and his cautious approach to technology for his daughter, cherishing their simple moments together.
Millie Bobby Brown confessed to apologizing to her 'Stranger Things' castmates, fearing their bond would end with the show. The 23-year-old actress, who began the series at 10, described the decade-long experience as akin to family, leading to emotional tears on a beach as she contemplated saying goodbye to her character, Eleven, and her on-screen siblings.
The Indian film fraternity mourns the loss of celebrated writer-director K Bhagyaraj. His impactful Hindi directorial debut, 'Aakhree Raasta' (1986), starring Amitabh Bachchan, showcased his unique blend of family drama and emotion, even within a genre dominated by action. Bhagyaraj's meticulous approach and Bachchan's trust in his vision resulted in a critically acclaimed film, leaving a lasting legacy.
Hollywood star Millie Bobby Brown revealed her close friendship with action icon Tom Cruise, who inspires her to embrace daring stunts. Brown shared that Cruise, her dear friend, encourages her adventurous spirit, even suggesting she learn to fly a plane. She recounted feeling like a female version of Cruise while performing her own stunts for the film 'Damsel,' a testament to his influence on her burgeoning action career.
North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, made a striking appearance at Paris Fashion Week with an avant-garde look. The 13-year-old sported baby blue hair, edgy facial piercings, and a dark manga-inspired outfit for the Vetements show. Her bold style, including angel bite piercings and metal jewelry, continues to capture attention, showcasing her evolving fashion sense.
Speculation is rife that cricketer Hardik Pandya has secretly married his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. Recent social media photos showing the couple with an elderly woman, where Mahieka appears to be wearing sindoor, have fueled these rumors. This comes after Pandya publicly confirmed his relationship with the model in October 2025, nearly two years after his separation from Natasa Stankovic.
A screenshot allegedly showing Jackky Bhagnani's profile on invite-only dating app Raya went viral, sparking a buzz online. The timing raised eyebrows as it came months after Jackky referred to his marriage with Rakul Preet Singh as a situationship. Rakul later clarified that his remark was taken out of context.
The Tamil film industry mourns the loss of K. Bhagyaraj, a master storyteller. Before his passing, the King of Screenplay harbored three unfulfilled dreams: directing a modern crime web series, witnessing his son Shanthnu's rise as a leading actor, and helming one final feature film. These aspirations, though unrealized, highlight his enduring creative spirit and leave a lasting legacy.
Zubeida Begum, an actress whose life intertwined films and royalty, continues to captivate audiences. Her ambitious journey, marked by love, heartbreak, and tragedy, inspired Shyam Benegal's film 'Zubeidaa'. Despite family opposition and a failed first marriage, she wed Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur. Their lives tragically ended in a plane crash, followed by further family misfortunes, cementing her story in both history and local legend.
Tamil cinema's 'King of Screenplay', K. Bhagyaraj, leaves behind an estimated Rs 50-70 crore legacy, including a Rs 10 crore Chennai property. Renowned for his unique focus on family narratives and witty screenplays, he directed and acted in numerous classics over five decades. Beyond his financial success, Bhagyaraj's true enduring asset is his profound influence on storytelling in the industry, inspiring generations of filmmakers.
Ravi Mohan's political thriller 'Karathey Babu' is set for a worldwide release on August 28, positioning it for a box office clash with Yash's 'Toxic'. Directed by Ganesh K. Babu, the film promises a fresh take on political dramas by exploring the personal lives and emotions of a legislator, moving beyond typical power struggles. The movie features a strong ensemble cast and is anticipated to make a significant impact.
Salman Khan is reportedly moving out of Galaxy Apartments, where his family has lived since 1974. The MCZMA granted clearance on June 16 to build a six-storey sea-facing bungalow in Bandra's Chimbai area. The move is said to be linked to repeated threats from Lawrence Bishnoi's gang.
Actress Suhasini shared poignant details of filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj's final moments. He attended a wedding in Goa and returned to Chennai, feeling well enough for his usual morning walk. Upon returning home, he complained of chest pain and was promptly taken to the hospital. Suhasini fondly remembered him as someone who always brought smiles, leaving a void in Tamil cinema.
Malayalam star Nivin Pauly's 50th film, titled 'Vijayam', has been unveiled by director Alphonse Puthren. The title announcement arrived via a creative short film-style teaser, showcasing Nivin in a striking biker avatar. This collaboration marks the reunion of the 'Premam' duo after 11 years, promising an exciting cinematic experience for fans. The film is poised to be a high-energy entertainer.
Veteran actress Bindu stopped the shoot of Yash Chopra's Joshila for two hours after being asked to wear a bikini without prior notice. She also recalled how Sanjeev Kumar struggled to call her Maa in Arjun Pandit, having spent the morning shooting romantic scenes with her for another film.
Superstar Rajinikanth halted the shoot of his film 'Dharman' to pay his last respects to his close friend, the late filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj. Describing Bhagyaraj as a 'wonderful human being' and an 'extraordinary talent,' Rajinikanth expressed his deep grief. The two shared a decades-long friendship and a memorable collaboration on the 1982 blockbuster 'Pokkiri Raja,' underscoring their profound mutual respect.

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