The Times of India News

People gathered in large numbers on Saturday to offer prayers for legendary actor Dharmendra at a prayer meet organised by his wife, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as fans, colleagues, and well-wishers came together to remember the man fondly known as Bollywoods original He-Man.

Peter Greene, who is best known for his chilling turns in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on Friday. He was 60. The news was first reported by the New York Daily News and later confirmed by his manager, Gregg Edwards. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Five decades after Sholay rewrote the grammar of Indian cinema, director-producer Ramesh Sippy has revealed a chilling behind-the-scenes moment that could have altered film history forever. In a recent interview, Sippy recalled how Amitabh Bachchan escaped death by just half a centimetre with Dharmendra unknowingly pulling the trigger.

Salman Khan recently attended the Red Sea Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, and what was meant to be a routine interaction soon turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the event. In a refreshingly candid admission, the Bollywood superstar surprised everyone by questioning his own acting abilities.

Newlyweds Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru made their first public appearance post their intimate Coimbatore wedding, spotted at Hyderabad airport. Meanwhile, an unseen mehendi ceremony photo shared by Raj's sister has gone viral, showcasing the couple's joy. Their traditional Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha ceremony took place on December 1, 2025.

Malayalam cinema's storytelling has been revolutionized by iconic scenes. From the tragic climax of 'Kireedam' to the psychological horror of 'Manichitrathazhu' and the intelligent twists in 'Drishyam,' these moments redefined genres. Films like 'Mathilukal,' 'Vanaprastham,' and 'Manjummel Boys' explored love, art, and brotherhood in groundbreaking ways, showcasing the industry's artistic evolution.

'Dhurandhars music has captivated listeners across India with its global influences. Among its stars is Daiaphi Lamare, aka Reble, a rapper from Meghalaya whose tracks have earned praise nationwide. From her early start as Daya to breaking through with bold lyrics and Northeast representation, Reble is redefining Indias hip-hop scene.

Twinkle Khanna credits her mother, Dimple Kapadia, for shaping her life and outlook. Raised by Dimple after her parents separation, Twinkle learned strength and independence by example. She recalls her mothers discipline, work ethic, and resilience, calling her the real superwoman who inspired her feminist beliefs and lifelong sense of self-worth.

Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya confirmed their relationship in July 2025 after months of speculation. In a interview, they shared details of their first date, musical moments, and a romantic trip to the Isle of Capri and Amalfi Coast. The couple now often appears together at events and online.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is a box office hit, crossing 255 crore by its ninth day. Director Rohit Shetty lauded the film as 'naya Hindi cinema.' The movie boasts a strong ensemble cast and has garnered significant audience appreciation, particularly for Ranveer's intense portrayal and Akshaye Khanna's memorable introduction.

Akshaye Khanna once said he couldnt portray his father Vinod Khanna in a biopic, noting, I dont look anywhere close to my father. Calling real-life roles challenging and risky, he praised his fathers legendary career. Akshaye, known for 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Ittefaq', continues to impress with diverse roles.

Anushka Sharma was spotted in Mumbai with Virat Kohli after months away. Dressed in a grey trench coat and black shirt, she kept it simple while Virat greeted paparazzi. Their visits purpose is unknown. Reports suggest the couple lives in London, where they were last seen with their kids.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' has achieved remarkable success, nearing Rs 240 crore in India and becoming a top hit in North America. Strong demand from southern states is prompting makers to consider dubbing the film into local languages, following the trend of successful South Indian film releases in Hindi.

Young State Award winner Akhil Vishwanath, known for his role in 'Chola', was found dead at his home. The 30-year-old actor, who began his career as a child artist, was discovered by his mother. Industry figures, including director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan and actor Joju George, have expressed shock and grief over his untimely demise.

Gujarati film Laalo-Krishna Sada Sahaayate has achieved a remarkable box office feat, becoming the 30th biggest hit of the year with Rs 92 crore. Defying expectations, the film's success was driven by strong word-of-mouth and cultural resonance, unlike Nandamuri Balakrishna's Daaku Maharaj. Laalo's impressive rise, particularly from its fifth week onwards, showcases the growing power of regional cinema.

Sunny Deol, preparing for 'Border 2', revealed a poignant deleted scene where his character addresses fallen soldiers. He spoke to them as if present, promising to care for their families and assuring them of their heavenly peace. This emotionally charged moment, though cut for runtime, highlighted the film's deep sentiment.

Shane Nigam's film 'Haal' is finally hitting theatres this Christmas after overcoming censorship hurdles. The High Court cleared the movie for release, overturning several proposed cuts. The poster itself highlights the legal battles, with the cast and crew now ready to present their work to audiences across multiple languages.

Films now face a crucial 'meme test' alongside traditional metrics. Viral moments, from dance clips to dramatic entries, are shaping popularity. Examples like 'Dhurandhar,' 'Wicked,' 'Saiyaara,' Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' look, and 'Spider-Man' demonstrate how memes can drive buzz and influence audience perception, sometimes even overshadowing conventional marketing efforts.

Sanjay Dutt, a Bollywood legend with a 44-year career, continues to rule both cinema and business. With properties in Mumbai and Dubai, ventures like whisky and Dutts Franktea, and luxury cars including a Rolls-Royce and Ferrari, his 295 crore empire reflects stardom built on talent, resilience, and ambition.

Divyendu Sharma continues to evolve as one of Bollywoods most versatile actors, balancing emotional depth with daring choices. In his latest film *Saali Mohabbat*, directed by Tisca Chopra, he plays a complex role. Known for shedding his boy-next-door image, Divyendu remains grounded, driven by creativity rather than conventional success.

Veteran actors Shatrughan Sinha and Rekha shared a remarkable 20-year silence. A minor disagreement during the filming of 'Khoon Bhari Maang' led to this prolonged cold war. Shatrughan Sinha revealed the fallout was over a silly issue. It was Shatrughan's wife, Poonam Sinha, who ultimately mended their relationship, restoring their friendship.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan finally met his football idol, Lionel Messi, in Kolkata. The actor, accompanied by his son AbRam, shared a heartwarming fan moment with the Argentine legend. Messi warmly greeted AbRam, signing his jersey, before shaking hands with Khan. This highly anticipated meeting of two global stars quickly went viral online.

Gaurav Gera's unrecognizable transformation as Mohammad Aalam in 'Dhurandhar' is a major talking point. The film's makeup team revealed the detailed process behind his makeover. Audiences expressed shock and admiration for the actor's versatility and the artist's skill. 'Dhurandhar' continues to be a box office success, with a sequel planned.

Filmmakers are increasingly embracing real locations for authentic cinematic experiences. From the spiritual backdrops of 'Kantara' in coastal Karnataka to the grand recreations and jungle adventures of SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi', and the breathtaking Kerala landscapes in 'Raavan', these films leverage natural beauty. The Malayalam classic 'Manichitrathazhu' also utilized heritage structures for its chilling atmosphere, proving the power of real-world settings.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar is a box office hit. The film earned over USD 5.25 million in North America in just eight days. This makes it the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Dhurandhar had a strong opening and maintained good momentum. Its second Friday collection was a record for an Indian film.

Assam Police's SIT has filed a chargesheet against seven individuals in the death of singer Zubeen Garg, who reportedly drowned in Singapore. The charges include murder, criminal conspiracy, and negligence. Garg's wife welcomed the probe, expressing faith in the judicial process for justice. Singapore police are conducting a separate investigation.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is a box office sensation, crossing Rs 239.25 crore in just eight days and surpassing 'War 2'. The film's strong opening and remarkable weekday consistency have propelled it to become the 6th biggest hit of 2025. Experts predict 'Dhurandhar' will soon challenge for the third spot, solidifying its status as a dominant cinematic success.

Dhurandhar is maintaining a strong box office presence, nearing Ranveer Singh's second-highest grossing film status. Despite a slight miss on its second Friday against Simmba's collection, the film's consistent weekday performance and a projected Saturday surge are set to secure its position. The action-packed narrative and stellar cast have propelled its success.

Akshaye Khanna's recent success in 'Dhurandhar' has brought renewed attention to his past. A former schoolmate from Lawrence School Lovedale recalled him as a quiet, mysterious teen who was the school's original 'Heartbreak Kid.' Despite his father Vinod Khanna's fame, Akshaye maintained a low-key and reserved persona throughout his school years.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' has shattered box office records, achieving the highest second Friday collection of 2025 with Rs 32 crore. This remarkable feat, surpassing other major releases, highlights the film's deep audience connection and sustained momentum. The movie has now amassed Rs 239.25 crore, marking it as Ranveer Singh's third biggest hit.

Dhurandhar has achieved a historic box office milestone in North America. The film has now recorded the highest ever second Friday collection for an Indian movie in the region. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Baahubali 2. Dhurandhar's performance highlights its strong audience reception and box office success.

Hollywood star Amy Schumer is divorcing chef Chris Fischer after seven years of marriage. The comedian announced the amicable split on Instagram, emphasizing their continued focus on co-parenting their son. This news follows weeks of speculation after Schumer removed photos of Fischer from her social media, though she had previously denied divorce rumors.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, at 52, reveals her secret to timeless radiance isn't complex routines but simplicity. She emphasizes early mornings, staying hydrated, and maintaining hygiene. Moisturizing daily, a habit since her career began, is crucial. Her approach highlights that glowing skin and graceful aging stem from consistent, basic self-care and inner confidence, proving a busy life can still be radiant.

HBO Max unveiled a 2026 slate promo, featuring a glimpse of 'House of the Dragon' Season 3. The teaser hints at a darker chapter with epic battles and bloodshed, including the massive Battle of the Gullet.

Despite a slight setback, the excitement surrounding Nandamuri Balakrishna's upcoming film 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' is palpable. With Netflix reportedly acquiring the digital streaming rights, fans are eagerly anticipating its debut following a four-week theatrical engagement, potentially on January 9, 2026. The film promises action-packed sequences, showcasing Balakrishna as the legendary warrior Akhanda, facing off against a formidable new mystic foe.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has arrived in Kolkata with his son AbRam, fueling immense fan excitement. His presence coincides with football legend Lionel Messi's 'GOAT India Tour 2025' stop in the city. Khan had previously teased a potential meeting at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13th, amplifying anticipation for this star-studded event.

Darshan Thoogudeepa's 'The Devil' opened strong but experienced a significant drop on its second day, earning Rs 3.50 crore. The action thriller, directed by Prakash Veer, garnered mixed reviews, with some criticizing its script and editing while fans appreciated Darshan's performance. The film's overall collection stands at Rs 13.50 crore.

Vinod Khanna's career took an unexpected turn when he left films for spiritual pursuits with Osho. This period significantly impacted his personal life, leading to his first divorce. After returning, Khanna remarried and found balance. He also built a political career, serving as a Member of Parliament. Khanna continued to deliver memorable performances in his later films before his passing.

Zootopia 2 has taken the cinematic world by storm, breaking the USD 1 billion barrier within just 17 days of its release. This animated masterpiece ranks as the third film of the year to achieve such a milestone.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan expressed profound gratitude for his fans' unwavering affection during Sunday darshan outside his Mumbai residence. He shared videos of the devoted crowd, questioning his own worthiness of such immense love. The legendary actor also reflected on the complexities of decision-making and the influence of external opinions, while acknowledging pride in his son Abhishek's achievements.

Kriti Sanon and Dhanush's 'Tere Ishk Mein' has crossed Rs 100 crore at the box office despite a significant dip in its third week. The film's collections slowed due to competition from 'Dhurandhar' and 'Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon 2'. Dhanush expressed excitement for challenging roles, noting this is his first Rs 100 crore net grosser in India.

In a heartwarming revelation, actress Hailee Steinfeld and sports icon Josh Allen have announced they are set to welcome their first child! With an irresistibly sweet Instagram video, they shared the joyful moment of Allen affectionately kissing Steinfeld's baby bump.

Kapil Sharma's 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' opened to a disappointing Rs 1.75 crore on its first day, significantly underperforming its 2015 predecessor. Facing competition, the film's occupancy was low, though evening and night shows saw some improvement. The comedy, featuring an ensemble cast and the late Asrani, explores a man's chaotic life married to three women.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is making waves, crossing the Rs 250 crore mark and eyeing historical box office records. The spy thriller's second Friday collections surged, surpassing its opening day and showing immense growth. With strong word-of-mouth, the film is poised for a massive second weekend, potentially outperforming major hits and setting new benchmarks for Ranveer Singh's career.

As 2025 approaches its end, ETimes reached out to Alexx ONell, Sadia Khateeb, director Tarun Mansukhani, and Gargi Kundu to explore the emotional patterns they uncovered, the beliefs they shed, and the lessons this year carved into their inner lives. Their reflections reveal a candid, vulnerable, and often surprising picture of what it means to be human in an industry that demands superhuman resilience.

'Sholay' re-released in theatres on December 12, it is an emotional moment for fans as recently Dharmendra passed away recently on December 4. The film also stars Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan and is directed by Ramesh Sippy.

Director Aditya Dhar expressed gratitude after Hrithik Roshan shared a second, highly enthusiastic review of 'Dhurandhar,' praising its performances. This followed Roshan's initial, more critical take on the film's politics. Dhar's response confirmed a sequel is in the works, as the film achieves significant box office success.

Fifty years after its release, Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra alongside Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, is back in theatres with its original endingone that audiences never got to see the first time. For director Ramesh Sippy, the re-release has reopened memories of a time when the film was written off long before it became a classic.

Director Aanand L Rai admits misjudging Shah Rukh Khan's persona in their 2018 film 'Zero'. He realized too late that the superstar's image needed to be integrated into the character, a crucial element he failed to incorporate. Rai confessed he was working with an actor, not fully accounting for the star power involved, leading to the film's box office disappointment.

The highly anticipated trailer for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, has reportedly arrived in theaters worldwide. This exclusive big-screen debut, a strategy mirroring Christopher Nolan's approach, aims to prevent early leaks before its potential online release during Christmas week. The teaser hints at Doom's pursuit of Captain America and Captain Carter for timeline tampering.