Celebrities / The Times of India
Varun Dhawan reflected on the sudden death of his long-time driver, Manoj, who passed away from a heart attack after 26 years together. This loss transformed Varuns perspective on life, leading him to seek solace in religious texts and prompting a reduced workload as he grappled with profound emotional pain.
Lee Jong-jae returns as Gi-hun in Squid Game season two, a role he deeply connected with. The show's global success propelled Lee's career, leading to roles in The Acolyte. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk surprised everyone by writing seasons two and three in just six months.
Art Evans, the actor who played Leslie Barnes in 'Die Hard 2', has passed away. He was 82. Evans died peacefully in his sleep on December 21st. His wife confirmed the news. A memorial service will be held later. Evans had a long career in film and television. He appeared in movies like 'Christine' and 'Fright Night'. He also guest-starred on shows like 'MASH' and 'The X-Files'. His final role was voicing Charlie in 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'.
Varun Dhawan's 'Baby John' is set for a Christmas release, facing box office competition from 'Pushpa 2' and 'Mufasa'. Advance bookings suggest a decent opening, but the film's success hinges on sustaining momentum amidst strong rivals. The Hindi remake of 'Theri' features Keerthy Suresh and boasts action sequences choreographed by international experts.
Blake Lively has sued director Justin Baldoni. She alleges sexual harassment and a targeted smear campaign. Baldoni reportedly used his PR team against Lively. The campaign involved online criticism and false narratives. Baldoni denies all allegations. The lawsuit mentions several Hollywood stars. It is expected to be a highly publicized legal battle.
Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule dominated the Indian box office for its third weekend, raking in over 75 crore and surpassing 1062.9 crore net. The film beat new releases, sold over 50 million tickets, and is on track to become the third highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, exceeding 1500 crore gross in just 18 days.
A public feud has erupted between Punjabi music stars AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh, stemming from accusations of social media blocking. Dhillon claimed Diljit blocked him on Instagram, a claim Diljit initially denied. Dhillon then produced a video seemingly proving the block and subsequent unblock, prompting a pointed remark about focusing on music over controversy. Amid the escalating tension, rapper Badshah issued a plea for unity within the Punjabi music industry, emphasizing collaboration o
Aishwarya and Aaradhya Bachchan, sporting matching black hoodies, were seen departing from Mumbai International Airport for the holidays. The duo wished the paparazzi a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year before heading to their undisclosed destination. This festive getaway follows Aaradhya's school play where she charmed as Mrs. Claus alongside AbRam, who played a snowman.
Hindi film box office success is a mix of star power, compelling sequels, and high production value. Good content and marketing are crucial. Audiences seek escapism and relatability. South Indian films raise the bar. Delivering a memorable cinematic experience is key for breaking box office records.
A photo of Ranbir Kapoor with Aamir Khan's bodyguard has ignited online speculation about a potential collaboration between the two actors. The image, shared on social media, prompted enthusiastic comments from fans hoping for a reunion after their successful teamwork in 'PK'. While some believe a joint project is in the works, others suggest it could simply be a casual encounter. Ranbir's recent action film 'Animal' enjoyed box office success despite controversy, while Aamir Khan's last venture
Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog 3 raced to the top of the box office with a $62 million debut, outpacing Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King, which earned $35 million. Video game adaptations continue to prove their box office power, while Disney's live-action remakes show mixed results.
Hyderabad police allege Telugu actor Allu Arjun refused to leave a cinema hall during a stampede at a 'Pushpa-2' screening, despite being informed of a woman's death. Police claim Arjun insisted on finishing the film before exiting. The incident sparked controversy, with officials warning of action against bouncers and the actor facing criticism for his response.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who is best known for his portrayal of Shaktimaan, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing trend of mythology-based films in the industry. His remarks come amidst discussions about Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana, following his intense role as Rannvijay in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's directorial Animal.
Renowned poet Kumar Vishwas stirred controversy during a poetry event in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, with indirect remarks seemingly aimed at veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha and his daughter Sonakshi Sinha. Without explicitly naming them, Vishwas said, Teach your children the Ramayana. Otherwise, it might happen that while your house is named 'Ramayana,' someone else may take away the 'Lakshmi' of your household.
Allu Arjuns residence in Hyderabad was attacked by a group of individuals on Sunday (December 22), who identified themselves as members of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU JAC). According to reports, the vandals allegedly demanded Rs 1 crore from Arjun for the family of the victim, Revathi. Now, the actor's father, producer Allu Aravind, has shared his first official statement to the media regarding the attack.
Playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who is known for his unfiltered remarks, stirred controversy during a podcast by claiming music composer R. D. Burman was igger than Mahatma Gandhi and labeling Gandhi as the Father of the Nation for Pakistan, not India, asserting Gandhi's role in Pakistan's creation and disputing his title in India.
Bollywood stars graced the NMACC Arts Caf preview event hosted by the Ambani family. Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and the Kapoor sisters were among the attendees. Orry, a social media star, shared pictures posing with Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Radhika Merchant, and others. The event was a dazzling display of fashion and star power.
Director Pankaj Parashar recounts an incident highlighting Sridevi's revered status in Bollywood. Top male actors like Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor spontaneously rose to their feet upon her arrival on set, demonstrating the immense respect she commanded without demanding it.
Singer AP Dhillon recently found himself at the center of a controversy involving fellow Punjabi music icon Diljit Dosanjh during a concert in Chandigarh. Dhillon accused Diljit of offering public support while allegedly blocking him on Instagram. The feud intensified when Diljit responded with a screenshot of Dhillons Instagram profile, asserting he had never blocked him. As the tension between the two artists escalated, rapper Badshah stepped in with a cryptic yet unifying message.
Bollywood buzzed with drama and controversy! Allu Arjun fired back at Telangana CM's stampede accusations, calling them humiliating. Kareena Kapoor's fans rallied against a Pakistani actor's ageist remarks. Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon's social media spat intensified, while Mamta Kulkarni shed light on her past with Vicky Goswami.
Tollywood superstar Allu Arjun's residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, became the scene of chaos after a group of individuals staged an aggressive protest on Sunday ( December 22). A recent clip going viral on social media shows a group of men pelting stones, breaking flowerpots, and reportedly throwing tomatoes at the building. Allu was not present at his home during the shocking incident.
Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit accusing her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment, including showing explicit content and making inappropriate remarks. Husband Ryan Reynolds reportedly blocked Baldoni on Instagram prior to the film's release. Baldoni's representatives have denied the allegations.
Kareena Kapoor offered a glimpse into the Pataudi family's Christmas preparations, sharing photos on Instagram. Saif Ali Khan was seen enjoying the festive atmosphere, while a personalized ornament revealed their Chelsea FC fandom. The Christmas tree, admired by Taimur, added to the holiday cheer. The family recently celebrated Taimur's 8th birthday with an intimate gathering of friends and family.
Following a premiere stampede incident at the Pushpa 2 screening, Allu Arjun urged fans to remain calm and avoid abusive behavior online and offline. He denied accusations made by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy regarding his response to the fan's death and clarified he learned about it later. Police and Arjun offered conflicting accounts of the event's approval process.
Rashmika Mandanna celebrated Dheekshith Shetty's birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling him a gem. This followed the release of the teaser for their film, 'The Girlfriend,' which features a voice-over by Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika's rumored boyfriend. Director Rahul Ravindran also praised Shetty's talent.
Zakir Hussain's family shared an emotional post on his Instagram a few days after his funeral. The legendary tabla maestro passed away at 73 due to lung disease complications. Hundreds attended his funeral in San Francisco, including fellow musicians who paid tribute. Hussain, a four-time Grammy winner, was honored with numerous awards during his six-decade career.
The future of the James Bond franchise hangs in the balance due to reported clashes between producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon over the series' direction. Broccoli's disapproval of Amazon's handling and potential casting choices has stalled production, leaving the next Bond film without a script, director, or star.
Selena Gomez joyfully shared photos of her marquise-shaped diamond engagement ring after announcing her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco. The singer showcased the ring on Instagram, expressing her lifelong dream coming true. The couple celebrated with an intimate gathering, sharing their happiness with loved ones. Blanco echoed the sentiment, still in disbelief over the joyous occasion.
Rapper Honey Singh revealed in his new Netflix documentary, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, how he collaborated with Salman Khan on the song Let's Dance Chotu Motu for the film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Khan personally requested Honey Singh to create and feature in the song's music video.
Rumoured couple Triptii Dimri and Sam Merchant are sparking speculation about their relationship as they share glimpses from their vacation in the Cotswolds. Triptii posted stories of feeding goats and enjoying hot chocolate, while Sam mirrored her posts. Despite the shared moments, neither has officially commented on their relationship status.
A pre-Bollywood Deepika Padukone stars in a resurfaced advertisement for a Chennai clothing brand. The ad features her as a newlywed missing her mother, who is later brought home by her husband. Fans praised her innocent and wholesome portrayal in the ad, which highlights her connection to culture and tradition.
Music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, detained at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center on serious charges, is reportedly refusing prison meals over poisoning fears. His gaunt appearance after three months in the notorious facility has raised concerns. Sources say Diddy remains mentally sharp and physically active, possibly subsisting on commissary snacks.
Mandira Bedi landed her 2003 Cricket World Cup anchoring role after her genuine cricket enthusiasm caught Sony TV's attention. Facing sexism and online criticism, she persevered, learning to ignore negativity and embrace support. Initially ignored by cricket legends on the panel, she ultimately found her voice, making discussions more engaging and her experience more fulfilling.
Moushumi Chatterjee shared her thoughts on Amitabh Bachchan's rise to stardom, noting a significant change in his personality after achieving fame. While she praised his dedication and work ethic during their collaboration in Piku, she expressed concern that success impacted his ability to connect with others.
Pakistani actor Khaqan Shahnawaz faced backlash from Kareena Kapoor's fans after jokingly suggesting he could play her son due to their age difference. The comment, made on a TV show, sparked outrage on social media, with fans criticizing Shahnawaz for age-shaming. This comes as Kapoor enjoys success with projects like Jaane Jaan and Crew.
Namgoong Min and Jeon Yeo Been star in the upcoming romance drama Our Movie. The teaser, released at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards, introduces a washed-up director and a terminally ill actress.
The Witcher universe is changing. The Witcher 4 game will feature Ciri as the main character. Netflix's The Witcher series may follow suit. Ciri's journey from princess to skilled fighter makes her ready to lead. With Geralt's actor changing, Season 4 could focus on Ciri. The final seasons might showcase Ciri's rise to prominence.
Actor Allu Arjun faces scrutiny after a tragic incident linked to him resulted in a woman's death and a child's critical condition. Accused of insensitivity and prioritizing his film's success, Allu Arjun defended himself in a press conference, expressing humiliation and denying the allegations. He claimed to have mourned privately for 15 days.
Actor Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against actor-director Justin Baldoni alleging sexual harassment on the set of their film, It Ends With Us. Lively's suit details a range of alleged inappropriate behaviors, including unwanted comments and attempts to smear her reputation. Baldoni's representatives deny the accusations, calling them categorically false and a desperate attempt to repair Lively's image.
Bollywood's power couple, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, made a stylish appearance at the NMACC Arts Cafe launch in Mumbai, twinning in black. Shah Rukh, sporting a salt-and-pepper look, guided Gauri for photos, charming the paparazzi. His fit physique hints at his preparation for his upcoming film, 'King', set to begin filming in January.
Vicky Kaushal and Karan Aujla's live performance of 'Tauba Tauba' from their film 'Bad Newz' captivated fans in Mumbai. The energetic performance received praise from Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan, further amplifying the song's popularity. Despite the film's box office failure, 'Tauba Tauba' became a trending dance track, adding to the film's positive reception for its comedic elements and performances.
Mamta Kulkarni opens up on her equation with Vicky Goswami. The actress says that she is not in touch with him and he had last contacted her in 2016. She reveals she's now completely into spirituality and God now, and when Vicky came out of jail, she didn't have any desire left for love or marriage.
Diljit Dosanjh has now reacted to AP Dhillon's claim that he has blocked him. Dhillon drops a cryptic note after Diljit's clarification.
When Dharmendra had said that his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol are quite innocent and they do not have affairs with any actresses. He further joked that during his time, there were many actresses running behind him.
Kareena Kapoor Khan had reacted to her relationship rumours with Hrithik Roshan and said that she wouldn't want to take the curse of another woman as Hrithik is already attached elsewhere (referring to Sussanne Khan). The rumours started floating just when Hrithik was getting married to Sussanne.
'Pushpa 2' has now crossed Rs 1000 crore at the box office and saw a good jump on third Saturday. It made Rs 25 crore on Saturday and the Sunday numbers are expected to be even bigger.
2024 has been a groundbreaking year for female-led performances, with actresses delivering exceptional portrayals across OTT and theatrical releases. Their work highlights evolving narratives in Indian cinema and showcases their unparalleled talent. Heres a look at the most notable performances of the year.
Varun Dhawan recently opened up about a terrifying fan encounter and other unsettling experiences during a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia on YouTube. The actor revealed how a fan, catfished by someone impersonating him, entered his home uninvited, leading to police intervention. The Babu John star also shared other uncomfortable fan interactions.
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) hosted a glamorous red carpet event for the preview night of the NMACC Arts Cafe, bringing together some of Bollywoods biggest names and prominent members of the Ambani family. The event saw Shah Rukh Khan arrive with his family, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor and others who dazzled in their stylish ensembles.
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya recently reignited the Bollywood supremacy debate with bold remarks about Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan during an interview with Shubhankar Mishra. While Abhijeet praised SRK, calling him in a different class, but dismissed Salman, claiming he isnt worth discussing.