The Times of India

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.

Kannada action thriller 'JC The University,' starring Surya Prakhyath, has now landed on OTT platform Sun NXT. The film, which garnered decent reviews upon its February 6 release, follows a college student's descent into the underworld after a stalker incident. ETimes praised the strong performances and a well-crafted narrative.

Fans of 'Gen V' will be disappointed as the spin-off series has been cancelled and won't get a third season. However, its characters will continue their journey in 'The Boys' Season 5 and other upcoming projects within the VCU. The franchise is expanding with new shows like 'Vought Rising' and 'The Boys: Mexico'.

The anticipation for 'Cocktail 2' is reaching a fever pitch with whispers of Deepika Padukone stepping back into her beloved role of Veronica. While the news remains unverified, the curiosity from fans is undeniable, particularly about her chemistry with co-stars Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna, and Shahid Kapoor. Read the full article to know more in detail.

Pradeep Ranganathan's intriguing sci-fi romance, 'Love Insurance Kompany', continues to charm audiences in theaters, amassing Rs 44 lakh in its 15th day run across Tamil Nadu.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2' continues its impressive box office run, nearing Rs 1,170 crore worldwide and Rs 1,125 crore in India. Despite facing competition from new releases like Hollywood's 'Michael' and Bollywood's 'Bhoot Bangla', the spy drama added Rs 1.60 crore on its 37th day, showcasing its sustained popularity.

Michael Jackson's biopic, 'Michael', starring Jaafar Jackson, has made a strong debut in India, collecting an estimated Rs 5.50 crore on its opening day, including paid previews. The film narrowly missed out on surpassing 'Bhooth Bangla's' second-Friday earnings.

Authorities have apprehended a 26-year-old man in connection with the alleged leak of 'The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender' clips. The suspect is accused of remotely accessing a media server, downloading, and then sharing parts of the unreleased animated film online. Facing potential prison time and hefty fines, the investigation is ongoing.

Rihanna captivated India with a glamorous return, launching her beauty brand in Mumbai. She charmed fans and paparazzi alike, even inviting a cameraman to pose with her. Her humility shone through as she learned and used the Hindi word for 'thank you,' Shukriya, and personally met with a fan for a photo and autograph, winning hearts across the nation.

A video featuring veteran actor Dinesh Hingoo recently went viral, sparking concern across the film industry over his alleged financial condition. In the clip, believed to be around two months old, the 86-year-old actor is seen interacting with a fan and speaking about continuing to work and needing money for medical expenses. However, fresh clarification has now revealed that the situation may have been misunderstood.

Hollywood director Rob Reiner's son, Jake, shared a poignant tribute to his parents, tragically killed in December. He recounted the devastating moment he learned of their deaths, expressing profound grief and the loss of future milestones. Jake's brother, Nick, faces murder charges in the shocking incident that has deeply affected the family and Hollywood.

Anushka Sharma cheered husband Virat Kohli during his record-breaking IPL innings. The actress, sporting a Tulsi mala gifted by a spiritual leader, garnered fan admiration for her grounded style. The couple also enjoyed downtime and recently visited a spiritual ashram, highlighting their commitment to faith amidst their UK-based family life.

Unveiling a striking new look, the makers, on Friday, dropped the first look teaser of 'Khalnayak Returns'.

After reports of acclaimed singer Arijit Singh announcing his retirement from playback singing earlier this year, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan visited him at his home in Murshidabad. Describing the experience, Aamir said they spent four days with the singer. Comparing him to icons, Aamir said, Rafi saab, Kishore da, Asha ji, Lata ji, and Sonu Nigam have all told stories through their singing. Arijit has that same quality.

The Southern India Film Editors Association has suspended editor Pradeep E Raghav for alleged union rule violations and negligence concerning the illegal online leak of the film 'Jana Nayagan'. The association cited the employment of non-union assistants and admitted Raghav's 'negligence' in handling processes, emphasizing the need to protect the industry's integrity.

A new star is about to rise in Indian cinema as Zanai Bhosle, the granddaughter of iconic singer Asha Bhosle, steps into the spotlight for her acting debut. She will portray the role of Rani Sai Bhonsale in Sandeep Singh's much-anticipated historical film 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,' alongside acclaimed actor Rishab Shetty.

The gripping drama 'The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond' premieres on ZEE5 on May 8, following its theatrical success. The film delves into the lives of three young women entangled by manipulation and loss of agency, exploring themes of trust and control. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, it aims to provoke reflection on societal realities.

The highly anticipated King has reached its climax stage, with Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand heading to South Africa for an elaborate, action-heavy final sequence. The film marks their second collaboration after Pathaan, features Shah Rukh as a veteran assassin on a revenge mission with Suhana Khan, and is set for a Christmas 2026 release.