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Elections 2026Celebrities / The Times of India
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is reportedly considering an acting role in Ashutosh Gowariker's upcoming period drama about cricket icon Lala Amarnath, set during India's Partition. Akhtar, also producing, might play a pivotal cameo as Amarnath's close friend. This project reunites Aamir Khan and Gowariker after 'Lagaan'.
Idris Elba is one of those actors who makes every room he walks into feel ten degrees more intense. From Baltimore drug kingpin to tormented British detective to warlord, he has built one of the most quietly extraordinary careers in television and film, collecting some of the industry's biggest wins and nominations along the way. Here is his best work streaming right now, and where you can watch them on OTT.
The world mourns the loss of Sonny Rollins, the legendary saxophonist who defined the bebop era and captivated audiences for nearly a century. His groundbreaking tracks, including 'Airegin' and 'Doxy,' showcased his incredible talent and innovation, as he effortlessly fused jazz with rock, famously collaborating with The Rolling Stones on 'Tattoo You.
During the 'Maa Inti Bangaram' trailer launch, an overzealous fan surprised everyone by proposing to Samantha on stage. She handled the unexpected romantic gesture with remarkable composure, accepting flowers and a selfie. Her husband, Raj Nidimoru, also remained calm, earning widespread praise for their graceful reaction to the security breach. The film releases June 19.
In a heartfelt tribute to a cinematic icon, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously on May 25, 2026. His wife, the talented Hema Malini, took center stage at the award ceremony, embodying strength and grace. Esha Deol shared touching memories, showcasing the family's unwavering love and pride for their legendary patriarch. Read on to know more in detail.
A recent 'Indian Idol' episode brought Rajesh Khanna's legendary stardom back to life as Asha Parekh and Vishal Dadlani shared personal anecdotes. Parekh vividly recalled the overwhelming fan frenzy, comparing it to Dev Anand's era, and recounted an incident where hundreds of girls stormed a dubbing theatre just to see him. Read on to know more in detail.
Tamil Nadu theatres can now screen five shows daily for new films during their initial week and on weekends/holidays. This significant rule change, following industry discussions, eliminates the need for special permissions for these extra screenings. The move aims to boost flexibility for exhibitors and cater to increased audience demand, marking a key reform for the state's cinema landscape.
Sean Penn, a celebrated actor, openly questions the allure of stardom, calling celebrity culture an obscene disease. Despite achieving immense success, he expresses a desire to urn one's back on stardom, viewing it as a form of common sense. Penn's candid reflections reveal his discomfort with Hollywood's machinery and his pursuit of authenticity over fame.
Cricketer Virat Kohli's new waist tattoo, featuring an infinity symbol, has sparked speculation among fans. Many believe the ink is a heartfelt tribute to his wife Anushka Sharma and their children, Vamika and Akaay. This latest body art follows recent additions to his arms, with Kohli previously expressing his fondness for tattoos.
In a delightful twist of creativity, a man wowed his girlfriend with a spectacular dance during a 'Main Tera Hero' screening, capturing the attention of Varun Dhawan. As the David Dhawan Film Festival shines a light on comedy classics, fans are stepping out of their seats to replicate unforgettable scenes. Read on to know more in detail.
Alia Bhatt's upcoming YRF Spy Universe film, 'Alpha,' is shifting from a spy to an assassin role, marking a departure from traditional heroes. The film reportedly explores an anti-hero origin story, drawing comparisons to Marvel's Black Widow and Charlize Theron's Atomic Blonde. This bold narrative choice aims for shock value and a fresh female action character.
Samantha makes a powerful comeback in 'Maa Inti Bangaram,' set for a June 19 release. The trailer showcases her dual role as a loving daughter-in-law and a fearless protector of her family, featuring intense action and impactful dialogues. With a strong narrative and technical support, the film is poised to be a significant project in her career.
Musician Maisie Peters has addressed wedding guest rumours for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Appearing on the 'Zach Sang Show', Peters humorously stated she hasn't received a customized invitation or a sourdough loaf. She even joked her past rants might be the reason. Peters also shared buying Swift gifts before a Wembley Stadium performance.
At a star-studded charity gala, 80-year-old Jaclyn Smith shared her timeless beauty mantra: 'Clean living and being surrounded by love.' She expressed gratitude for her supportive family and husband, who contribute to her youthful glow. The 'Charlie's Angels' icon also teased her forthcoming memoir, hinting at the personal stories that shaped her legendary career.
Filmmaker David Dhawan recounted an interesting chapter from the making of 'Bol Radha Bol' in 1992, where the iconic Rishi Kapoor initially turned down the role, skeptical of Dhans skills as a burgeoning director. Yet, after some contemplation, Kapoor's willingness to join the project paved the way for an enduring friendship filled with laughter and creative sparks. Read on to know more in detail.
Legendary rocker Phil Collins has shared a positive health update, revealing that after a difficult period, he is now on the path to recovery. He detailed past struggles with his knee, requiring multiple surgeries. While unable to perform at his upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Collins expressed hope for a musical return, hinting at unfinished studio work.
Athiradi continues its successful theatrical run. The film starring Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph has crossed Rs 62 crore globally. Despite a dip in collections on Monday, its performance in overseas markets has been strong. Positive word of mouth and family-friendly content are contributing to its sustained audience interest. The movie is holding well in theatres.
Lizzo has taken a stand against unfounded rumors linking her to negative comments about Taylor Swift. Addressing the swirling social media speculation, she emphasized her respect for all artists, including the pop icon. The rumors originated from a casual podcast comparison between Lizzo's song title and Swift's 'Taylor's Version' re-releases.
Lakshya and Ananya Panday's film 'Chand Mera Dil' has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, who have praised its portrayal of a relatable love story. Although the film achieved respectable box office numbers, it fell short of the expected pre-release excitement. On day four, it experienced a notable 47.1% drop, raking in Rs 2.25 crore. Read on to know more in detail.
Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph's 'Drishyam 3' has achieved a remarkable worldwide box office collection of over Rs 156 crore within its first five days. Despite a notable drop on its first Monday, the suspense thriller has demonstrated strong performance, with India's net collection reaching Rs 61.80 crore.
Salman Khan reassured fans with a cheerful birthday celebration video for his team member after a brief Instagram outage. This comes amid reports of his upcoming film SVC63 and a recent public spat with paparazzi over hospital visits. The actor's strong words to the press highlighted his resilience. SVC63, co-starring Nayanthara, is slated for a 2027 release.
Ayushmann Khurrana's latest film, 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,' has hit a rough patch, pulling in Rs 37.37 crore net in India over two weeks. Despite an overall international gross of Rs 51.73 crore, its box office performance has been dulled by lukewarm reviews and fresh competition, leading to a notable dip in earnings as moviegoers flock to newer releases. Read on to know more in detail.
Get ready for the psychological thriller of 2026! 'Cape Fear,' starring Amy Adams and Javier Bardem, premieres June 4th on Apple TV+. This gripping miniseries, inspired by John D. MacDonald's novel, follows a family terrorized by a vengeful ex-convict. Directed by legends Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, it promises an intense exploration of survival, guilt, and morality.
An online scone skirmish erupted when Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand shared a recipe that champions the age-old argument of cream first, moments after Prince William echoed this preference, inspired by his grandmother. This synchronized announcement has fans buzzing with theories about whether it was orchestrated or just a happy coincidence.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali issued a heartfelt Instagram clarification to Deepika Padukone, addressing remarks about her public image during 'Cocktail' filming. He expressed deep admiration and love, assuring her he'd never be mean.
Veteran actor Rajeev Verma, known for films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Koi... Mil Gaya, has opened up about why he gradually stepped away from mainstream Bollywood and television despite being one of the most recognisable father figures on screen. Speaking in a recent interview, Rajeev admitted that years of repetitive casting and routine work eventually made him lose interest in the industry.
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh made his first public appearance after FWICE issued a Non-Cooperation Directive against him over his reported exit from 'Don 3'. The filmmakers allege Rs 45 crore loss due to his last-minute departure. Singh, maintaining silence, stated the issues are contractual and require legal adjudication, while FWICE remains open to an amicable resolution.
Abhimanyu Singh has opened up about his successful journey in the South film industry and his memorable experience working with Vijay. In a recent interaction, the actor spoke about the overwhelming love he received after Rakta Charitra and even recalled a terrifying near-death experience while shooting an action sequence with Vijay.
Veteran actress Anita Kanwal recently opened up about knowing Shah Rukh Khan since his Delhi theatre days, helping casting people connect with him during his struggling years, and the harsh realities faced by character actors in the entertainment industry today. She also spoke about the changing culture of Bollywood, and why reaching out to big stars and filmmakers is no longer easy.
Comedian Eric Andr humorously revealed he used his ex-partner's streaming account for years after being locked out of his own. He only regained access to his Netflix account after discussing his new film, 'Little Brother,' with high-ranking Netflix officials. Andre also shared his positive experience working with John Cena on the film, describing their on-set dynamic.
Christopher Walken's unforgettable remark from Batman Returns, 'I wish I could hand out world peace and unconditional love, wrapped in a big bow,' carries a poignant message that transcends the film's villainy. It reflects a heartfelt aspiration for universal peace and compassion, echoing the sentiments of countless hearts around the globe.
Veteran actor Alfred Molina, celebrated for his iconic villainous roles, is enjoying a remarkable career resurgence. With an estimated net worth of USD 10 million, his wealth stems from over 200 acting credits, including Spider-Man 2, Chocolat, and The Da Vinci Code. Recent projects like The Boroughs and Remarkably Bright Creatures highlight his enduring talent and continued presence in Hollywood.
Saba Azad has spoken out about the challenges women continue to face in society and the entertainment industry, months after reports surrounding Deepika Padukones alleged exit from Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD sparked debate over work conditions for actresses in Bollywood.
FWICE issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh over his exit from 'Don 3', after he failed to respond to three formal notices. Ranveer's spokesperson said he chose to maintain silence with dignity. FWICE President BN Tiwari declared that no one, not even a superstar, is above industry rules.
South Indian cinema is buzzing with major updates! Ram Charan's 'Peddi' is set for a June 4 release after dubbing completion. Jagapathi Babu lauded Prabhas and SS Rajamouli's support and humility. Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' might hit screens June 19. Shwetha Menon addressed AMMA controversy, and Mammootty received his third honorary doctorate.
Days after singer Diljit Dosanjh's manager Gurpartap Singh Kang's house was allegedly attacked in Haryana, a bomb threat email targeting Diljit's Ludhiana residence was sent to the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation. The email, allegedly from the 'Khalistan National Party', also threatened the Mayor's residence. Police have been deployed at the singer's home.
AMMA President Shweta Menon has addressed the ongoing crisis, stating she's ready to step down if senior members request it. Menon revealed feeling cornered and targeted within the executive committee, attributing some resistance to women in leadership. She also commented on the Ansiba Hassan-Tiny Tom issue, calling it 'planned' and noting communication gaps within the association.
OTT releases this week, from May 25 to May 31, bring a mix of courtroom drama, crime, comedy, thrillers, animation and superhero action across major streaming platforms. Viewers can watch new titles on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and ZEE5. The lineup includes big names, fresh seasons and regional stories, making it a packed week for those looking for films and shows to stream at home.
Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty received his third honorary doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University. The Kerala Governor presented the honour for his contributions to Indian cinema. Mammootty expressed his gratitude on social media. He had previously received similar honours from other universities. The actor also missed the Padma Bhushan ceremony. This latest recognition highlights his enduring impact on the film industry.
Viral reports claiming Paresh Rawal has quit 'Hera Pheri 3' are actually year-old news from 2025 that has resurfaced online. The dispute between Paresh and Akshay Kumar over Rs 25 crore was reportedly resolved last year, with Paresh returning to the franchise. Baburao is still very much on board.
Veteran actress Rekha's airport video has sparked an online debate. While some criticized her for not posing for a fan who allegedly waited six hours, others defended her right to privacy. The incident reignited discussions on celebrity-fan interactions, paparazzi culture, and personal boundaries in public spaces.
Sara Ali Khan recently revealed that during her student days in New York, she ate two pizzas and three brownies every day without counting calories. The unhealthy eating habits eventually pushed her towards a 45 kg transformation before her Bollywood debut with Kedarnath. She was last seen in 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do'.
Tamil star Vijay's recent viral gifts, including a 'GOAT' film number plate from Venkat Prabhu and a Virat Kohli-signed bat, have sparked widespread discussion. These presents, resonating with his political aspirations and known love for cricket, highlight his significant public appeal. Emotional fan gestures also underscore his deep connection with followers.
Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar recently spoke about a fan lifting her without consent during a post-show interaction. She shared that the incident brought back past trauma and childhood memories. Despite coming a long way in her healing journey, she admitted that one moment was enough to reopen old wounds.
In a poignant moment at the prestigious awards ceremony, Hema Malini graciously accepted the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her beloved late husband, Dharmendra, honoring his remarkable six-decade journey in cinema. The celebration also highlighted the talents of Satish Shah, who received a Padma Shri, and the melodious Alka Yagnik, awarded the Padma Bhushan.
FWICE has issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following his sudden exit from Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 3'. The complaint was filed through IFTDA, with Excel Entertainment reportedly seeking Rs 40 crore in compensation. The Producers Guild of India may also intervene to resolve the dispute.
Actor Ashutosh Rana celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Renuka Shahane, marking their silver jubilee with a heartfelt social media post. He shared a touching tribute, reflecting on their journey together and the profound nature of marriage. The post included a video of their wedding and photos, celebrating their enduring bond.
This year's Padma Awards, India's highest civilian accolades, shone a spotlight on luminaries such as Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, and R. Madhavan. While the awards honor extraordinary contributions to society, they come without monetary rewards or travel benefits. Instead, winners are presented with a medallion and a certificate from the President, celebrating their impact on our cultural landscape and public life.
Thalapathy Vijay's final film, 'Jana Nayagan,' is reportedly eyeing a June 19, 2026 release, ahead of his birthday. Despite previous delays due to censor issues and an online leak, the producer assures the censor process is nearing completion. Fans eagerly await the official announcement for Vijay's grand worldwide theatrical farewell.
The first season of 'Yellowstone' spin-off 'Marshals' concluded with a touching tribute to crew member Lenny Hancock, who tragically passed away in December at 54. Hancock, a prop master on the show, died in a UTV accident. His 17-year-old son has set up a funding page to honor his father's legacy and continue their shared racing dream.

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