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Elections 2026Entertainment / The Times of India
Veteran Malayalam actor Rajasekharan, popularly known as SI Rajasekharan for his memorable portrayals of police officers on screen, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Chingavanam in Kerala's Kottayam district. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Mammootty, who shared screen space with Rajasekharan in several films, paid his last respects to the late actor through a heartfelt Facebook post.
Actor-comedian Shekhar Suman has taken a humorous swipe at Aamir Khan following the actor's marriage to his girlfriend Gauri Spratt. In the latest episode of his popular YouTube talk show Shekhar Tonite, Shekhar mixed political satire with relationship humour as he joked about Aamir tying the knot for the third time.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's film 'Maa Inti Bangaram' has achieved a significant box office milestone. The movie, directed by Nandini Reddy, earned over Rs 100 crore globally. This success marks a historic moment for a solo female-led Telugu film. Prabhu expressed her initial fears about audience reception and industry biases. The film's achievement offers hope for greater opportunities for women-centric cinema.
Arshad Warsi sold his Andheri West shop for Rs 6.25 crore, nearly three times the Rs 2.12 crore he paid in 2012. The 684 sq ft ground-floor property at Grenville Co-operative Housing Society was bought by Umang Rajkumar Budhraja, working out to about Rs 91,400 per sq ft. The deal was registered on July 1, 2026.
Composer Ilaiyaraaja paid a touching homage to the late S. Janaki, hailing her as one of India's premier vocal talents and a committed artist. He highlighted the numerous obstacles she navigated during her lifetime and praised her steadfast devotion to achieving perfection in her music. Many fans fondly reminisced about Janaki's legendary collaborations with Ilaiyaraaja and her lasting influence on music.
Filmmaker Shashi Ranjan called 'Satluj' one of the finest films he's seen, praising its emotional storytelling. He criticized its OTT removal, arguing bans only spark curiosity and that history on screen doesn't mislead educated youth. Diljit Dosanjh's film, earlier titled Punjab '95, was pulled from ZEE5 within 48 hours over alleged police-excess portrayal.
The final shooting schedule for Dhanush and Mammootty's film 'Om' has now begun in Malaysia. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has also joined the cast of this upcoming action entertainer. Dhanush and Naseeruddin Shah are expected to participate in the entire schedule. Mammootty will reportedly shoot for five days in Malaysia for the film. The movie 'Om' is slated for a theatrical release on October sixteenth, 2026.
Kangana Ranaut backed UP Governor Anandiben Patel's expert mother remark, calling nurturing women's rue nature. She recalled childhood memories of playing with dolls, calling caregiving instinctive and divine. Patel had earlier said women should become expert mothers before pursuing careers like IAS or teaching, sparking a gender debate.
Tusshar Kapoor emphasizes conscious parenting and emotional availability for Gen Alpha children. He believes today's parents are more involved in their children's lives. Kapoor's son is passionate about football and enjoys outdoor activities. He encourages his son to pursue personal interests and gain confidence. Kapoor shares life lessons about optimism and perseverance.
Nagarjuna Akkineni recently shared a touching anecdote about his son Akhil, whose recent accident caused a profound shift in his outlook on life. This event not only spurred Akhil's maturity but also led him to discover a loving partner, fostering newfound stability. With this growth, Nagarjuna urged Akhil to tackle his upcoming movie with determination, while Akhil's latest film, Lenin, is garnering praise from audiences.
Singer Shweta Mohan shared an emotional tribute to the legendary S. Janaki. She expressed deep personal loss and admiration for Janaki's musical genius. Mohan described Janaki as her greatest inspiration and the world's best singer. She also cherished Janaki's genuine and caring personality. Mohan recalled working closely with Janaki on a musical project.
'Welcome to the Jungle', starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani and Jacqueline Fernandez, is now well into its third week at the box office. After a shaky Day 15 that saw collections dip to Rs 1.00 crore, the film bounced back with Rs 1.60 crore on Day 16, and is currently chasing the Rs 130 crore domestic net milestone on Day 17, even as new release 'Dhamaal 4' enters theatres.
Actor Shiv Panditt returns to Tamil cinema after fourteen years with the upcoming film Sigma. He expressed his gratitude for the Tamil audience's past affection and support. Panditt praised director Jason Sanjay for his clear vision and directorial approach. The action entertainer Sigma is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July thirty-first. This project marks a significant new chapter in Panditt's Kollywood career.
Antoinette Bower, a cherished figure in Hollywood, has passed away at 93. With a legacy that includes unforgettable performances in iconic series like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, her talent shone brightly in myriad projects. Over a career that encompassed nearly a hundred roles in film and television, Bower's significant contributions will forever resonate with her devoted audience.
'Dhamaal 4', starring Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh and Jaaved Jaaferi, has opened to a strong response at the box office, riding on the nostalgia of the nearly two-decade-old comedy franchise. After a Day 2 net of Rs 22.50 crore, marking a 60.7% jump from opening day, the film has entered Day 3 with live tracking showing it inching towards the Rs 50 crore India gross mark within its opening weekend itself.
Mick Jagger emphasizes that his main purpose as an entertainer is to create enjoyable experiences for his audience, allowing them to escape their everyday troubles during performances. He tends to weave political and social commentary into his music cautiously, recalling times when political humor on stage didnt land well. In a recent discussion, he reflected on his remarkable career and the expansive catalog of the Rolling Stones.
Sunita Ahuja exited 'Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa' as Govinda and daughter Tina escorted her out. She opened up on infidelity, trust, and forgiveness, saying no actor is squeaky clean but love means forgiving and moving on. She fell for Govinda at 15; they wed in 1987, welcoming Tina in 1989 and Yash in 1997.
Director Vikraman shared a rare unreleased song from an early Vijay film. The song 'Ootyku Poo Ethukku' is from the shelved 'Unnai Ninaithu' project. This footage was filmed over twenty-five years ago by the director. Original masters for the song are unfortunately no longer available. This release offers fans a glimpse into Vijay's early career.
S. Janaki, the iconic Nightingale of South India, has sadly passed away at the age of eighty-eight in Mysuru. Known affectionately as Janaki Amma, she famously rejected the Padma Bhushan in 2013, arguing that recognition for artists should come while they are still alive. Janaki passionately believed her legacy warranted the Bharat Ratna, highlighting the importance of timely recognition in the arts.
In a thoughtful reflection, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan addressed the nuanced boundary between candor and rudeness. He argued that hurting others with words cannot be considered true honesty, suggesting that sometimes, saying nothing is preferable to causing hurt. Celebrated for his remarkable impact on Indian cinema in the 1970s, Khan's notable works include the classic Sholay.
Nafisa Ali attended the 'Max, Min & Meowzaki' trailer launch days after chemotherapy, sharing on Instagram the toll it took on her. The trailer, out July 10, tells a love-loss-healing story set in Mumbai, starring Medha Shankr, Siddharth Menon, and others. Nafisa marks her acting comeback in the film, releasing July 24.
Brett Goldstein reportedly experienced humiliation after Jennifer Lopez publicly shut down romance rumors during a promotional event for their film. Sources indicate he felt embarrassed and exploited by her remarks. Meanwhile, Lopez is celebrating her newfound independence after a recent breakup. Their film, 'Office Romance', debuted on June 5, 2026.
Jana Nayagan's makers face scrutiny over a full-page newspaper advertisement. The Tamil Film Producers Council's rules are central to this ongoing industry debate. Questions arise about whether regulations will be applied equally to all producers. The film's release is anticipated soon, with high expectations from audiences. All eyes are now on the TFPC's decision regarding the promotional strategy.
Legendary playback singer S. Janaki has passed away at the age of eighty-eight. Her granddaughter Apsara Vydyula announced the news on social media platforms. Prominent actors Mammootty and Mohanlal offered their heartfelt condolences and tributes. Mohanlal remembered Janakiamma as the voice of his debut film. Her immense contribution to Indian music will be remembered by many.
The Pitt and Hacks lead Emmy nominations, setting new records for their genres. Newcomers Widow's Bay and Pluribus also made strong debuts with many nods. Broadcast television saw fewer nominations, but Dancing With the Stars returned to reality competition. Mariska Hargitay will host the ceremony after an exceptional professional year. Sally Field received a supporting role nomination, while Jamie Bell was a notable omission.
Indra Kumar defends 'Dhamaal 4' against backlash over jokes on Anjali Anand's weight, insisting they carry narrative context. He credits the franchise's success to its ensemble castAjay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferifamily-friendly comedy, and gripping story. The original 'Dhamaal' (2007) was inspired by 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'.
A memorial function honored filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj in Coimbatore. His son Shanthanu spoke emotionally about the public's deep affection. Bhagyaraj's wife Poornima became overwhelmed and cried during the event. Veteran actor Sivakumar offered comfort to Poornima and paid tribute. The gathering celebrated Bhagyaraj's significant contributions to Tamil cinema.
Disha Patani is set for her Hollywood debut in the supernatural thriller 'Holiguards Saga The Portal of Force', directed by Kevin Spacey, alongside Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, and Eric Roberts. She shared insights on cracking Hollywood and praised Spacey's directing style. She was last seen in 'Welcome to the Jungle'.
Raghu Dixit opened up about his marriage to Varijashree Venugopal, addressing public comments on their age gap that have affected him. He stressed that their relationship thrives on love, respect, and trust. With shared passions for music and travel, the couple treasures their individuality while nurturing their bond, proving that age is just a number in their journey together.
Actress Radhika Sarathkumar has backed Khushbu Sundar against online abuse targeting her daughters. Khushbu Sundar firmly stated that freedom of speech does not permit bullying or insults. She emphasized protecting her children from personal attacks for cheap publicity. Radhika Sarathkumar condemned targeting public figures' children as an act of cowardice. This incident reignites discussions on responsible social media behavior and cyberbullying.
On her fifteenth birthday, Harper Beckham celebrated with her parents, David and Victoria, and her brothers, Romeo and Cruz, but her brother Brooklyn was notably absent. The family enjoyed a meal at an Italian restaurant, and in a curious twist, Victoria Beckham deleted a photograph featuring Brooklyn from her birthday tribute, highlighting the ongoing estrangement that has persisted for more than a year.
Sunita Ahuja, Govinda's wife, will make her Bollywood debut alongside son Yash in a film backed by Ektaa Kapoor, releasing in September. She'll play his mother onscreen and has urged fans to bless Yash. Daughter Tina debuted in 2015. Sunita recently appeared on Netflix's Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa.
The film 'Satluj' has been pulled from global OTT platforms amid rising disputes. An inter-departmental committee is currently examining the movie according to IT regulations. The film's release will be halted until the committee delivers its conclusive decision. Meanwhile, unauthorized screenings in Jammu and Punjab have spurred a new petition demanding action against illegal public showings that incite violence and hostility.
Khushbu Sundar defended her daughters Avantika and Anandita against online trolls. She stated her family worked hard and faced many struggles to reach their current position. Sundar criticized those making hurtful comments about her daughters' appearances. She vowed to protect them from insults and disrespect for cheap publicity. The actress also warned YouTubers who speak about her family for money.
Actress Trisha Krishnan shared a heartfelt note remembering legendary singer S. Janaki. She also released rare behind-the-scenes photos from the film '96. S. Janaki appeared in a deleted scene which fans later saw and discussed. This scene was removed from the final cut due to runtime constraints. Fans hope her memory will be honored in the upcoming '96 sequel.
The highly anticipated horror film 'Obsession' is making its way to Netflix soon. Set to premiere on this popular streaming service in November 2026, this record-breaking thriller follows a college student's wish that spirals into terrifying consequences. In the meantime, audiences can still rent or purchase the movie through premium video-on-demand platforms while it enjoys an extended theatrical run.
In an exciting turn of events, Dhamaal 4 has dominated the box office scene during its opening weekend, amassing more than fifty crore rupees across the globe within just two days. Its second day showcased a remarkable sixty percent rise in revenue, leading to an impressive domestic net total of thirty-six point five crore rupees. Competing films faced a tough challenge, as Dhamaal 4 emerged victoriously.
Prince Harry shared a heartfelt family custom of making lemon drizzle cake, a tribute to his beloved mother, Princess Diana, on meaningful occasions. During a charity event, he engaged with young participants and opened up about his journey through grief. Recently, the Duke enjoyed a warm family reunion with the King and Queen, highlighting the unity despite challenges.
In an exciting turn, Argentine soccer sensation Rodrigo De Paul is now engaged to pop star Tini Stoessel. Their love story began in August 2022 but hit a bump with a temporary split. However, the pair reignited their connection in 2025 and were spotted together again. De Paul joyfully revealed their engagement in May 2026, referring to Stoessel as his life partner, celebrating her remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry.
Legendary playback singer S Janaki, fondly known as the Nightingale of South India, passed away at the age of 88 at Apollo Hospital in Mysuru after suffering age-related health complications.
Singer Jennifer Nettles shared her heartfelt thoughts on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding, describing the event as profoundly significant. Attending the private celebration at Madison Square Garden surprised her, especially with roughly one thousand guests present. Nettles reflected on her admiration for Swift's creative talent, feeling honored to witness this important moment and wishing the couple all the happiness in their journey together.
Mohanlal and director Krishand are reportedly collaborating on a new film. Actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju confirmed the project is in development. The film aims to be a commercial entertainer in the spirit of Chotta Mumbai. Niyog is currently writing the script, with the first draft ready. Mohanlal has several other projects currently in production.
Playback legend S. Janaki passed away at eighty-eight years old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the singer. He called her passing an irreparable loss to music and culture. Janaki sang thousands of songs in seventeen languages over six decades. Her versatile voice and melodies will continue to enchant listeners.