The Times of India
Elections 2026Celebrities / The Times of India
Veteran lyricist Vairamuthu has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to build a memorial for the late filmmaker Bharathiraja at his burial site in Theni. Vairamuthu visited the site and emphasized Bharathiraja's significant contributions to Tamil cinema, particularly in showcasing rural life. He believes a memorial would serve as an inspiring landmark for future generations and a source of pride for the local community.
South Indian cinema mourns the loss of several iconic figures in the first half of 2026. Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, celebrated for his rural narratives, and the versatile K. Bhagyaraj, a master of screenplay, have passed away. Malayalam cinema bids farewell to the brilliant comedian and actor Salim Kumar, while Telugu cinema remembers veteran director Tripuraneni Chittibabu. Kannada cinema also lost acclaimed filmmaker and journalist N.S.
Faisal Khan has publicly apologized to his family, including brother Aamir Khan, for past allegations made during a press conference. He expressed deep regret for airing private matters publicly, emphasizing his desire for family peace over proving who was right. Faisal revealed that reading the Quran inspired him to reconnect, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation with his mother, siblings, and brother-in-law, ending years of estrangement.
Supermodel Cara Delevingne has revealed a past intimate entanglement with actress Amber Heard during Heard's divorce from Johnny Depp. Delevingne believes Depp was driven to jealousy by their connection, though she clarified nothing was exclusive. The article also touches upon Delevingne's successful modeling and acting career, her estimated net worth, and her ongoing struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, from which she has been sober since 2022.
Kangana Ranaut has wrapped up filming for 'Queen 2', the highly anticipated sequel to her 2014 hit. The actress shared celebratory moments with the cast and crew on Instagram, signaling the film's move into post-production. Fans eagerly await details on the release of the sequel, which revisits the beloved character Rani's journey years after her transformative solo honeymoon.
Ranveer Singh's zombie thriller 'Pralay', directed by Jai Mehta, will begin shooting in September 2026, with major filming in Australia. Made on a Rs 300 crore budget, it's set to be Ranveer's most expensive film. Kalyani Priyadarshan is reportedly making her Bollywood debut as the female lead in this post-apocalyptic survival drama.
While AI-generated wedding photos of Zendaya and Tom Holland circulated, stylist Law Roach dismissed them, asserting the actress's real wedding dress was far superior. He confirmed the wedding had already occurred, much to the surprise of some fans and Tom Holland's grandmother, who initially believed she was excluded. Holland himself alluded to the event, stating family members were present.
Angelina Jolie recently shared a rare glimpse into her personal life, revealing she hasn't been on a date since her divorce from Brad Pitt ten years ago. Her children have been her main priority, but they are now pushing her to step out of her comfort zone. With her film 'Couture' around the corner, Jolie is poised to embark on a new journey both personally and professionally.
Celebrating 26 years in Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan reflects on his evolving career, noting increased comfort and clarity in his acting choices. He emphasizes a newfound conviction in selecting projects, a shift from earlier insecurities about securing work. Bachchan also shared his perspective that directors ultimately hold responsibility for an actor's performance, a sentiment echoed by Shoojit Sircar. Currently, he is filming for Shah Rukh Khan's 'King'.
Filmmaker Seenu Ramasamy has urged Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to bolster the Tamil film industry with six key proposals. These include establishing government theatres for small films, integrating film appreciation in education, and hosting a global film conference. Ramasamy also called for simplified shooting permits via a single-window system, grants for independent cinema, and expedited housing for artists, expressing hope for significant policy reforms.
Bollywood's portrayal of doctors transcends mere medical expertise; they embody compassion and emotional resilience. From Munna Bhai's heartwarming 'Jaadu Ki Jhappi' to Jug's relatable guidance in 'Dear Zindagi,' these characters bring empathy to the forefront. Even the complex guilty pleasures, like Kabir Singh, exhibit surgical prowess. Dr. Priya's delicate fortitude in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' illustrates how cinema showcases doctors as healers of the heart as well as the body.
The trailer for 'Angry Birds 3' has finally arrived, showcasing Red tackling the trials of fatherhood with his companions Chuck and Bomb by his side. Many fans are thrilled with this refreshing twist on the storyline, yet there's a clear yearning for a sequel to 'Angry Birds Space'. Slated for a December release, this animated adventure features a remarkable voice cast, including Jason Sudeikis and Josh Gad.
'Alpha', starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has received a UA 16+ certificate from CBFC, with a runtime of 140 minutes. The synopsis reveals Alia plays Sita, a revenge-driven character. The film, also featuring Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor, releases worldwide on July 3, marking Alia's first full-fledged action role.
A court has ordered police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against actor Tini Tom following a complaint by Ansiba Hassan. Hassan had accused Tom of making defamatory and communal statements. The police had initially declined to file a case, citing insufficient evidence. Hassan's move to the magistrate court led to this directive, prompting a formal criminal investigation into the allegations.
In an exciting film adaptation of 'The Love Hypothesis,' Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman aim to bring the beloved best-seller to life. Reinhart has candidly shared her past uncertainties about romantic comedies, but was soon charmed by the screenplay and the novel's magic. Together, the actors vow to keep the character portrayals authentic, with a vision to engage and entertain both longtime fans and fresh faces discovering the story.
Following his split from Taylor Swift, actor Joe Alwyn is reportedly embarking on a new romance with Sarah Pidgeon. The pair, described as casually dating and eally into each other, were recently seen enjoying intimate moments during low-key dates in London and Brooklyn. Sources suggest their shared intellectual and laid-back personalities make them a compatible match as they navigate this budding relationship away from the public eye.
Filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar revealed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan felt abandoned by the film industry after her split from Salman Khan, believing it sided with him. Kakkar, who lived in the same building, described Salman as very physical and obsessive, noting Aishwarya found relief in the breakup despite industry perceptions. She felt betrayed by the industry's unfair stance, according to Kakkar.
Actor R. Madhavan was left in awe by a viral video of Russian child prodigy Lyonya Shilovsky, who led a full orchestra at just three years old. The clip, showcasing the young drummer's exceptional rhythm and confidence, continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Shilovsky, who began drumming at one, became an internet sensation with his remarkable performance of Can-Can, demonstrating a maturity rarely seen in such a young musician.
Actress Olivia Wilde narrowly escaped a life-threatening accident on the set of 'Cowboys & Aliens' in 2011. While filming a galloping scene, her horse fell into a ditch, leaving her vulnerable to the stampede. Actor Walton Goggins, without hesitation, positioned his horse sideways to shield Wilde from the oncoming herd, saving her from serious injury. Wilde credits Goggins as a real-life hero for his quick and brave actions.
In a candid podcast interview, Millie Bobby Brown reflected on her journey from child star in 'Stranger Things' to navigating adult life. She recalled feeling isolated from her peers due to her busy schedule working with adults. Fortunately, as she embarks on what she calls her 'social era,' her husband, Jake Bongiovi, is guiding her towards enriching social experiences.
Filmmaker Olivia Wilde, whose real surname is Cockburn, has revealed the often-teased pronunciation of her birth name. She adopted 'Wilde' as a tribute to Oscar Wilde. Despite childhood jokes, she learned to embrace the humour, finding it a grounding force throughout her evolving career and life journey. The name, she believes, ensures a certain level of humility regardless of success.
Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the beloved 'Dancing with the Stars' couple, bid an emotional farewell to Los Angeles as they permanently relocate to Florida. Documenting their journey on YouTube, the pair shared a tearful goodbye, acknowledging the difficulty of leaving comfort for what's meant to be. They expressed gratitude for their new chapter, noting their sons' happiness and their own fulfilled hearts.
Ahmed Khan's 'Welcome to the Jungle', starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, registered a healthy Monday hold, with Day 4 collections settling at Rs 8.50 crore, a 65.7% drop from Sunday's peak, well within the normal range for a mass-appeal family entertainer transitioning into weekdays. The film has now enetred into Day 5. Day 5 live tracking shows the chaotic comedy maintaining steady, resilient footfalls on its first Tuesday, positioning it to comfortably smash the Rs. 90100 c
At Ikka's trailer launch, Tillotama Shome revealed she once walked past Akshaye Khanna without recognising him because he was smiling. She also got emotional praising Sunny Deol. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, Ikka sees Sunny as a lawyer defending Akshaye's character in a courtroom drama reminiscent of Damini, releasing on Netflix July 10.
Actor Raghava Lawrence has officially denied contesting from Trichy East, stating it wouldn't be 'dharma' to enter politics and become an MLA immediately. He emphasized his long-standing commitment to social service, particularly for persons with disabilities, and revealed his mother's concerns about his political aspirations. While his party affiliation remains undecided, Lawrence assures an announcement soon, fueling further anticipation about his political future.
Debbie McWilliams, who once handled casting for James Bond, asserts that the rumored actors for the next 007 role are not suitable, emphasizing that an 'enigma' is essential. She recalls the initial criticism of Daniel Craig's selection and cautions against surveying public preference. The conversation now includes contenders like Jacob Elordi and Henry Cavill as the franchise seeks fresh talent.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's latest film, 'Maa Itni Bangaaram,' is a box office hit, prompting her to discuss the disparity in industry investment between male and female superstars. She believes filmmakers need to dedicate similar time and effort to build actresses into stars. Prabhu also shared her seamless working relationship with husband Raj Nidimoru on their recent projects and teased upcoming original, heartfelt films from her production banner.
Homi Adajania's 'Cocktail 2', starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, hit a speed bump on Day 11, with collections dropping a steep 60.2% to Rs 1.75 crore as the second-weekend bump faded and Welcome to the Jungle continued commanding the majority of screens nationwide. As Day 12 live tracking shows the film adding Rs 0.22 crore so far across 1,360 shows, the domestic net stands at Rs 85.12 crore, with the total India gross crossing the symbolic Rs 100 crore mark and the world
Zeenat Aman, a 1970s icon, reveals a significant disconnect between her sex symbol image and her true self. She recounts how filmmakers prioritized her appearance over her creative input, often focusing on glamour rather than substance. Aman also touched upon the male-dominated industry, unequal pay rooted in patriarchy, and how her fashion sense, influenced by global trends, was often more restrained than production demands.
'Welcome To The Jungle', led by Akshay Kumar, saw several actors drop out before release. Sanjay Dutt exited due to health reasons, Sharib Hashmi over date clashes with 'The Family Man 3', and Rahul Dev due to 'Ikkis' commitments. Inaamulhaq wanted role clarity, while Mika Singh's absence remains unexplained despite appearing in the teaser.
Ariana Grande's highly anticipated 'Eternal Sunshine' tour has faced date adjustments throughout July due to unforeseen production hurdles. The talented artist expressed her sincere apologies to her devoted fans, underlining the importance of safety and the desire for an exceptional show. Notably, select performances in Brooklyn and Boston have been rescheduled, with assurances that tickets remain valid.
Actress Khushbu Sundar became emotional at her elder daughter Avantika's intimate Goa wedding to Shravan Sreenivasan. A viral video captured her tears of joy. Following the ceremony, Khushbu shared heartfelt photos and defended her decision to post about the family milestone, even as the industry mourned a loss, asserting her right to celebrate personal happiness.
Amanda Batula announces her departure from 'Summer House' following a rollercoaster season filled with intense personal upheaval and tension among cast members. Her split from Kyle Cooke and evolving romance with co-star West Wilson spurred significant tension, culminating in a fiery reunion showdown with Ciara Miller. Despite the surrounding chaos, Wilson asserts the authenticity of their connection, leaving the future cast lineup for the next season up in the air.
The eagerly awaited biopic 'Eetha', featuring Shraddha Kapoor as Lavani icon Vithabai Narayangaonkar, is generating excitement with its proposed dance duel between Kapoor and Ulka Gupta. Scheduled for release in August, the film delves into the rigorous practice sessions for this mesmerizing performance. Despite some controversy over the title, audiences can expect a breathtaking depiction of Vithabai's journey and the essence of Marathi folk traditions.
Filmmaker Taylor Sheridan has strongly criticized Marvel movies and modern studio executives, lamenting a decline in storytelling quality. He argues that current productions rely on information dumps instead of visual narrative, a departure from Hollywood's past where directors and writers had more creative freedom. Sheridan believes marketing-minded executives, lacking storytelling expertise, fear audiences won't understand, leading to this shortcut approach.
Prince Harry is actively seeking alternative security measures for a potential UK visit with his children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie. Despite the UK government's refusal to provide taxpayer-funded security, the Duke remains determined to allow his family to see King Charles III. While accommodation was offered, Harry's primary concern is ensuring adequate protection throughout their stay, as they plan to undertake both private and public engagements.
Director Sudha Kongara has taken legal action against the makers of her film 'Parasakthi,' claiming Rs 8.39 crore in unpaid dues. The Madras High Court has placed an interim stay on satellite deals for 'Parasakthi' until July 8. Kongara is also seeking to halt the release of another film, 'Idhayam Murali,' by the same banner until her salary is cleared, with the industry keenly awaiting the court's decision.
The box office performance of 'Supergirl' has not met expectations, earning considerably less than forecasted in its opening weekend. Nevertheless, DC Studios maintains a positive outlook on its overall strategy, with co-chairman Peter Safran highlighting this situation as merely one aspect of an extensive plan. Featuring Milly Alcock, the film signifies a new phase for DC, with future endeavors such as the intriguing 'Clayface' body horror film on the horizon.
Director Rahul Ravindran is quitting X (formerly Twitter) after facing severe online abuse and death threats stemming from a debate on the Ketan Agarwal murder case. He revealed that a notification led him to disturbing comments that evoked intense rage and made him uncomfortable with his own emotional response. Ravindran expressed his desire to remove social media's influence over his feelings and confirmed his decision to delete the app.
Actor Jaaved Jaaferi addressed a long-standing rumour that he performed Sanjay Dutt's dance in the hit song 'Tamma Tamma'. Appearing on India's Best Dancer, Jaaferi clarified that Dutt himself executed the iconic moves. Urmila Matondkar explained the misconception arose due to Jaaferi's groundbreaking dance style, which captivated audiences and made them associate impressive choreography with him.
Dia Mirza faces backlash after sharing on Soha Ali Khan's podcast how her 5-year-old son Avyaan scolded a delivery boy for bringing coconuts in plastic bags. While Soha praised his conviction, social media users called Dia 'entitled' and accused her of 'insulated privilege', pointing to her own use of plastic-packaged makeup products.
In a heartfelt moment, veteran actor Ranjeet looked back on his longtime camaraderie with Bindu, humorously recalling how she once playfully yanked his ear. The memory surfaced after Bindu described him as 'innocent and jovial' in a recent interview. Their decades-long partnership in countless films has only strengthened their close friendship in the vibrant tapestry of Bollywood.
Newlywed Sonakshi Sinha, accompanied by husband Zaheer Iqbal and father Shatrughan Sinha, politely requested paparazzi to cease filming during a recent dinner outing. Despite initial interactions, the actress firmly asked photographers to stop, emphasizing the family's desire for privacy. This comes after her June 23rd wedding, followed by a star-studded reception.
Supermodel Bella Hadid tearfully revealed a severe Lyme disease flare-up, admitting she's been diagnosed with 12 other things. Struggling even to walk to the kitchen, she shared her daily battles and small victories, like showering without fainting. Later, she apologized to fans for causing worry, explaining her ebb and flow of symptoms over 15 years and the frustration of her body's limitations.
Speculation is rife about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's anticipated wedding on July 3 at Madison Square Garden. Reports indicate a glamorous affair, with Gigi Hadid and Selena Gomez possibly taking on bridal party roles. However, some prominent friends like Miles Teller and Karlie Kloss might miss the occasion. With hints of venue preparations and rumored performances, excitement is building, although the couple has yet to comment.
Ahmed Khan revealed Sanjay Dutt exited 'Welcome To The Jungle' due to date issues, not tension, after flying to the US for treatment. Some scenes were already shot with him. Dutt himself convinced Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff to step in. The film, starring Akshay Kumar and others, has crossed Rs 100 crore worldwide.
In a surprising podcast revelation, Kevin Spacey shares his belief in a Hollywood comeback after enduring sexual assault allegations. He pointed out that court decisions have often been in his favor, while recognizing his past errors. Though hes experienced setbacks, including losing major roles and his residence, Spacey now embraces opportunities in independent films, feeling a fresh wave of acceptance within the industry.
Beloved British actress Dame Penelope Keith, famed for her roles in 'The Good Life' and 'To the Manor Born', has passed away at 86. Her family confirmed her peaceful death at home after living with cancer. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth celebrated her remarkable career, noting her ability to create iconic characters while emphasizing her versatility beyond comedy, highlighting her significant contributions to both television and theatre.
Marvel Studios is reportedly charting its course beyond the Multiverse Saga, with industry insider Alex Perez revealing priority projects post-'Avengers: Secret Wars'. 'Black Panther 3', 'Shang-Chi 2', 'Spider-Man 5', and an 'X-Men' reboot are slated, alongside potential sequels for 'Thunderbolts' and 'Blade', and the formation of 'Midnight Sons'. A new 'Avengers' film is also hinted at, with the Russo Brothers possibly returning.
Ram Charan's recent sports drama, 'Peddi,' is reportedly heading to Netflix on July 16, 2026, though an official announcement is pending. The film, which has garnered over Rs 336 crore worldwide despite mixed reviews, follows a cricketer's transformation from a mercenary player to a selfless sportsman. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, 'Peddi' features a star-studded cast alongside Charan. His next project is with Sukumar for 'RC17'.

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