The Times of India

Get ready for a week of laughter as Los Angeles welcomes the 'Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026' from May 4-10! With over 350 laughter-filled events at 35 legendary venues, this years headliners include comedy icons Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, Jerry Seinfeld, and Kevin Hart. Plus, enjoy musical performances by the sensational Lizzo and Jelly Roll.

AMMA has cleared its General Secretary, Kukku Parameswaran, in the memory card controversy. A committee confirmed women shared Me Too experiences in 2018, recorded on a memory card later given to KPAC Lalitha. The organization believes the data wasn't leaked due to the long gap, and no misuse occurred. Legal action is permitted for complainants.

Taylor Swift's leaked text messages have ignited a firestorm in the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni legal battle. The unsealed court documents reveal Swift allegedly criticizing Baldoni and offering strong support for Lively's script, implying her involvement in bolstering Lively's influence over the film's direction. This contradicts previous statements from Swift's representatives.

Bhavana's much-anticipated sci-fi thriller 'Anomie' has shifted its release date to February 6, 2026. While the makers haven't specified a reason, industry speculation points to a crowded release window. The film, starring Bhavana and Rahman, is written and directed by Riyas Marath. Bhavana recently opened up about her deliberate break from Malayalam cinema, emphasizing it was her personal choice.

Fallout Season 2 Episode 6 arrives today. Fans await more Vault-Tec secrets and survival struggles after Episode 5's twists. Lucy faces loyalty tests near Hank's Vault-Tec plans. The Ghoul deals with his losses. New Vegas emerges as a power center, linked to Vault experiments.

The music world mourns the loss of Rob Hirst, the legendary drummer and co-founder of Midnight Oil, who has succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 70. The band celebrated his legacy, calling him a 'brother' and a trailblazer in rock music. His daughter expressed her sorrow during this painful time.

The Rookie's Season 8 Episode 3, 'The Red Place,' delivered gripping storylines, including a cold case homicide solved by John Nolan and a tense kidnapping rescue by Lucy Chen and Celina Juarez. The episode also featured Nyla Harper and Angela Lopez pursuing a clever killer, and rookie Miles Penn encountering a past connection, all masterfully woven together.

Naveen Polishetty's 'Anaganaga Oka Raju' is performing strongly, crossing Rs 60 crore worldwide in six days. The film garnered 36.50 crore net in India, with a notable Rs 2.55 crore on its sixth day. Despite mixed audience reactions, praising Polishetty's comedic timing but critiquing the screenplay, the movie maintains healthy occupancy, especially in evening and night shows.

'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil' is maintaining a steady pace at the box office, completing six days with approximately Rs 17.65 crore net. The film, starring Jiiva, has seen consistent collections, with Sunday being a strong performer. Positive audience reactions and social media buzz are contributing to its sustained run, making it a potential Pongal winner.

Vir Das's stand-up venture, 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos', has seen a slow rise at the box office, raking in Rs 5.07 crore over its first five days. While some critics have applauded its clever humor and acknowledged Aamir Khan's commitment to supporting unconventional cinema, the film's attendance has been less than stellar, peaking at an 8.

'Dhurandhar' continues its impressive box office run, holding strong even in its seventh week. The spy thriller, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has defied expectations by maintaining a steady graph and setting a new record for highest seventh-week collections for a Hindi film. Despite a dip, it leads over other releases.

Sivakarthikeyan's 'Parasakthi' is nearing the Rs 50 crore mark, collecting Rs 49.76 crore in its first 11 days. Despite a significant drop in daily collections, especially on day 10 and 11, the film maintains a steady, albeit slow, pace. Director Sudha Kongara expressed admiration for Vijay and discussed the film's challenging release, including censor board issues.

Prabhas's 'Raja Saab' opened with a massive Rs 100.60 crore worldwide, but its initial success quickly waned. By day 12, collections plummeted to a mere Rs 73 lakh, indicating a significant loss of audience interest.

Shweta Bachchan Nanda, daughter of legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, may have stayed away from acting, but she has always spoken candidly about motherhood. In an old interview, Shweta opened up about raising her childrenNavya Naveli Nanda and Agastya Nandaand admitted that she has been stricter with her daughter than her son.

Based on the biography Oru Kanavin Isai, Chapter 7 delves into one of the most defining phases of AR Rahmans life his path to faith, spiritual transformation, and his familys eventual conversion to Islam. The chapter details the miraculous healing of Rahmans sister, an event that deeply influenced the composers belief system.

Comedian Sunil Pal, known for his blunt and controversial opinions, recently spoke about the changing landscape of Indian comedy and the need to evolve with time. During a recent podcast, Pal was asked about comedians who have faded away and those who continue to remain relevant.

Ahan Shetty has expressed heartfelt admiration for Sunny Deol, calling the veteran actor a father figure in his life. Ahan, who will be seen sharing screen space with Sunny Deol in Border 2, said the respect he holds for the senior star also comes from the deep regard his father, Suniel Shetty, has for him. The film is slated to release in theatres on January 23.

BTS star V has fans buzzing after a video of him seemingly kissing an animated frog went viral. While the clip was humorously dubbed his 'first on-screen kiss,' V's acting return might be delayed due to upcoming BTS music and a world tour. Fans are eagerly awaiting new music and a massive global tour scheduled to begin in April.

Vivek Oberoi has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his alleged disappearance from films, putting to rest rumours that a 2021 on-set accident forced him to step away from the industry. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the actor made it clear that while the incident was serious, it never curtailed his ability to take on physically demanding roles.

On January 20, 2026, Bollywood grabbed attention with several noteworthy developments. From director Atlee and Priya announcing their second pregnancy to Palaash Muchhal returning to cinema after his cancelled wedding with Smriti Mandhana, and Neha Kakkar urging people not to drag her innocent husband Rohanpreet Singh into speculation after announcing a break from relationships heres a look at the top five entertainment news stories of the day.

Bollywoods original He-Man Dharmendra and Dream Girl Hema Malini remain one of Hindi cinemas most adored couples both on screen and in real life. Their effortless chemistry translated into timeless films and an equally enduring love story off camera. One such cherished collaboration was Aas Paas (1981), and now, an unseen video connected to the film has resurfaced, leaving fans emotional.

Renu Desai slams trolls after street dogs press meet clash with Pawan Kalyan ex-wife. From a Varanasi ghat boat reel, she shares: I dont have a father, mother, elder brother or husband to protect me. All the hate I calmly share with Devi and Mahadev. She vows to fight dog killings despite personal attacks, recalling her fiery showdown and trolls dragging her kids into it.

Akshaye Khanna's recent success with 'Dhurandhar' has reignited memories of his past appeal. Kareena Kapoor once confessed to having a significant crush on him as a teenager, even while accompanying her sister Karisma to film sets.

Zakir Khan announced a 3-5 year comedy hiatus till 2028-30 for health recovery during his Hyderabad Papa Yaar show, citing a decade of grueling tours. He confirmed via Instagram from Dubai, limiting his India tour to select cities till June 20 before a long break.

David Beckham remained tight-lipped when questioned about son Brooklyn's recent social media outburst alleging parental control and attempts to sabotage his marriage. Brooklyn's claims, which have fueled years of feud rumors, suggest a deep rift since his 2022 wedding. While some praise his 'truth-telling,' others criticize 'nepobaby tantrums.' The family has yet to publicly respond.

Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi revealed their relationship began as a one-night stand and a fling after both had recently ended other relationships. Despite their initial intentions for a casual affair, they quickly became inseparable, proving rebound relationships can last. Their early days were marked by romantic gestures and humorous missteps, including Parmeet accidentally taking his ex-girlfriend's name.

Deepika and Ranveer keep baby Dua private since revealing her face in 2025. Deepika shared a cute Santa box for Dua on Instagram. Grandmother Anju showed Dua's name in mehendi and donated hair for her 3-month birthday. Deepika next stars with SRK in 'King' and Allu Arjun in Atlee's film.

Mark your calendars for summer as Tovino Thomas embarks on an exhilarating journey in 'Pallichattambi,' hitting screens this summer! Under the direction of Dijo Jose Antony, viewers can expect a captivating glimpse into the 1950s-60s era, alongside Thomass dynamic transformation. With a star-laden lineup and a diverse language presentation, the anticipation for this cinematic delight is skyrocketing!

Dr. Madhu Chopra hosted Chef Vikas Khanna for a lunch cooked by Priyanka's brother Siddharth, who wowed him with nostalgic dishes like Gajjar Halwa, Daal Bukhara, and Makki Roti. Vikas raved on Instagram about the heartfelt meal. Madhu thanked him warmly. Vikas judges MasterChef India Season 9.

Music maestro AR Rahman sparked debate with comments on Bollywood's alleged communal shift and calling 'Chhaava' divisive. Amidst online backlash, his children, Ameen, Khatija, and Raheema, rallied in support, highlighting his global achievements and integrity. Rahman clarified his views on the film and his career trajectory.

Actress Rimi Sen, known for hits like 'Dhoom', has transitioned to real estate in Dubai. She praised Dubai's welcoming environment and business-friendly policies, contrasting them with India's complexities. Sen also addressed plastic surgery rumors, clarifying she's only had fillers and botox, and expressed openness to facelifts post-50.

Actor Shruhad Goswami, a real-life Krishna devotee, shared how the film 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' deepened his faith, with God appearing as a friend. Co-star Karan Joshi also opened up about overcoming self-doubt, emphasizing that giving up is never an option despite life's challenges.

Shreyas Talpade discusses his portrayal of the over-enthusiastic salesman Sikander in 'Single Salma', highlighting the character's endearing nature and progressive outlook. He also shares his delightful experience working with co-star Huma Qureshi, praising her acting prowess and playful on-set antics. Talpade emphasizes the importance of authenticity, both on and off-screen, as a key takeaway from the role.

Madras High Court reserved its order on the 'Jana Nayagan' censorship row after a five-hour hearing. The court examined if the CBFC followed procedures when issuing and withdrawing film certification. Arguments focused on whether producers had adequate response time and if the board could revoke an initial decision. The outcome awaits the court's decision.

Vijay Varma shared 2016 throwback photos, calling it a career milestone. Viral selfie features Amitabh Bachchan's golden toilet. He reminisced about Pink with Big B, meeting Sachin Tendulkar & Irrfan Khan, Yaara, gym bonds, and latest 'Gustaakh Ishq'.

Kartik Aaryan's 'Tu Meri Main Tera' (2025) flopped at BO, but he's in advanced talks with Kill director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat for a unique mythological action-adventure. A major studio may back it. Meanwhile, he preps 'Naagzilla' (Ravi Kishan villain, Sreeleela lead) and Anurag Basu's 2026 musical saga.

Pooja Hegde credits early South Indian film success and working with top stars for her adaptability in the pan-India film industry. She learned discipline, professionalism, and audience appeal from seasoned actors, while also seeking depth in character-driven roles. Hegde navigates stardom's pressures with resilience, balancing commercial appeal and acting talent.

Chris Pratt has taken method acting to new heights for his role in 'Mercy,' a gripping futuristic thriller where he plays a detective put on trial by an AI for his wife's murder. In preparation, he insisted on being physically restrained in an execution-style chair, a move designed to authentically reflect his character's overwhelming feelings of entrapment and despair.

Actor Bhavana Menon views the controversial intimate scenes in Yash's 'Toxic' teaser as mere cinema, reflecting a changing audience mindset. While promoting her film 'Anomie', she stated that good films will be accepted. The teaser faced criticism and complaints for alleged objectification and violation of public decency.

In an enchanting moment shared with her fans, singer Ellie Goulding gave a glimpse into her personal world by posting an adorable video from her Louvre visit with partner Beau Minniear. Just weeks after revealing their exciting news of expecting a second child, Goulding playfully remarked on how Minniear stole her attention from the artworks, highlighting their loving connection.

Bollywood's 'January jinx' persists with lukewarm box office performances, contrasting sharply with Telugu cinema's early successes. All eyes are now on Sunny Deol's 'Border 2', releasing this Republic Day weekend. The film aims to break the trend, leveraging its star power, franchise legacy, and a strong director to potentially reclaim the month for Hindi cinema.

In a candid throwback, Jodie Foster reminisced about a frightful incident while shooting 'Napoleon and Samantha'. She vividly described a moment when a lion aggressively shook her, causing painful puncture marks on her skin. Surprisingly, this dramatic encounter went undocumented as filming had stopped at that moment.

Juhu Police nabbed speeding Mercedes driver Radheshyam Rai after he rear-ended an auto-rickshaw, flipping it into Akshay Kumar's security car on Monday night. Two injured, including the auto driver in serious condition. Videos show rescue chaos. Driver's brother seeks medical aid and compensation. Akshay silent.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao's gold smuggling arrest last year has resurfaced with a new controversy involving her stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao. A viral video allegedly shows the IPS officer in intimate situations within his official office, leading to his suspension and an ongoing inquiry.

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has openly addressed the swirling family controversy, recounting an awkward incident during his wedding when his mother, Victoria, seemingly usurped his first dance with wife Nicola. Furthermore, he shares concerns about his parents' attempts to drive a wedge between them, even suggesting they encouraged him to withdraw from the relationship entirely.

In a lighthearted jab at the new Star Trek series 'Starfleet Academy,' iconic actor William Shatner, who famously portrayed Captain Kirk, took to social media to share his thoughts. He humorously questioned why intergalactic medical advancements hadn't solved the issue of hyperopia by the 32nd century, suggesting the budget could be better spent on essentials like eyewear.

Legendary martial arts star Bruce Leung Choi-sang, best known for his unforgettable role in 'Kung Fu Hustle,' has sadly departed at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. As a distinguished member of Hong Kong's famed 'Four Dragons,' Leungs impressive career stretched over several decades, with his final film debuting in 2020.

Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' continues its record-breaking box office run, entering its seventh week with a strong performance. The film has achieved an extraordinary milestone in Mysore, nearing Rs 70 crore nett, a feat comparable only to 'Sholay' among Hindi films. Despite a slight dip on its seventh Monday, 'Dhurandhar' has amassed Rs 826.94 crore, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

A new Westeros series, 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' introduces Prince Aegon Targaryen, known as Egg, squire to hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall. This young prince is Daenerys Targaryen's great-great-grandfather, tracing a lineage back to the dragon-riding era. The show explores a quieter, personal adventure before the major conflicts.