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Elections 2026Gossip / The Times of India
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'.
Arijit Singh has taken his fans by surprise with his unexpected dance performance of 'Chaleya' from the blockbuster 'Pathaan'. A captivating video of him showcasing his dance skills has since gone viral, garnering admiration from many who initially thought it was AI-generated. This thrilling display comes after Singh's recent decision to step back from Bollywood playback singing to pursue independent music ventures.
Thylane Blondeau, recognized as the 'most beautiful girl in the world,' has tied the knot with her long-term partner, actor and DJ Ben Attal, in a charming town hall wedding in Paris. This romantic event came just three months after they got engaged in Greece. Dazzling in a custom couture gown, Blondeaus wedding signifies a beautiful union between two influential figures in the French entertainment and fashion industries.
Ranveer Singh is all set to embark on an electrifying journey with 'Pralay', a groundbreaking entry into the zombie apocalypse realm, as filming kicks off in Australia this September. With a staggering budget of Rs 300 crore, under the direction of Jay Mehta, viewers can anticipate breathtaking visual effects and a captivating tale of survival.
Emma D'Arcy's portrayal of grief in 'House of the Dragon' is drawing significant praise, with the latest episode achieving a record rating. However, a viral comparison has emerged, highlighting striking visual and emotional parallels to a scene from the Turkish drama 'Magnificent Century: Kosem'.
Ram Charan's sports drama 'Peddi' has crossed Rs 240 crore domestically, despite a recent dip in collections. The film, which saw a massive opening week, has garnered Rs 336.85 crore worldwide. However, 'Peddi' also faced controversy over a romantic scene depicting non-consensual kissing, prompting an apology and changes from the director.
Radio host Rylan was stranded in Nice, France, due to unforeseen travel complications, forcing him to miss his scheduled broadcast. He explained his predicament to Emma Willis, detailing how flight cancellations led to him staying an extra day. Mark Goodier stepped in as a last-minute replacement. Rylan apologised to listeners on social media, promising to return next week.
Multiple well-known actors, such as Sanjay Dutt and Mika Singh, have stepped away from the soon-to-be-released film 'Welcome to the Jungle.' Dutt has cited health concerns as his reason for leaving, while the specifics of Mika Singh's exit are yet to be clarified. Scheduling issues also caused Sharib Hashmi and Rahul Dev to withdraw, while Inaamulhaq left due to ambiguity surrounding his role.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's action thriller 'Maa Inti Bangaaram' is a box office hit, raking in Rs 80.87 crore worldwide. Despite a slight dip on its second Monday, the film has shown strong performance since its June 19 release. The movie, also featuring Gulshan Devaiah and Sreemukhi, marks Samantha's comeback to cinema and has garnered significant attention.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is reportedly set to move from his iconic Galaxy Apartments to a new, luxurious sea-facing residence in Bandra. Construction is slated to begin on a six-storey building on a plot registered under his mother's name. This development follows recent security concerns and threats to the actor's life, prompting an upgrade in his personal security.
The filming of 'The Big Bang Theory' presented a significant emotional challenge for Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki as their real-life breakup coincided with their characters' on-screen separation. Director Anthony Rich reflected on the charged atmosphere of season three, especially during the 'Spaghetti Catalyst' episode. Cuoco's emotional struggle surfaced at times, yet the duo maintained remarkable professionalism, showcasing their strong friendship and resilience in navigating both personal
Akshay Kumar's 'Welcome To The Jungle' experienced a significant dip on its first Monday, earning an estimated Rs 8.50 crore. Despite this, the comedy has crossed the Rs 100 crore global mark within four days, reaching Rs 106.48 crore. The film's domestic net collection stands at Rs 72.25 crore. Analysts anticipate a strong first-week total, with potential to surpass Rs 150 crore if momentum is maintained against upcoming releases.
Mark your calendars for December 25th as director Robert Eggers unveils his latest creation, 'Werewulf,' featuring the magnetic duo of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp, reuniting from 'Nosferatu.' The gripping trailer teases a chilling narrative set in 13th-century England, where folklore and horrifying realities fuse. With the returns of Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson, audiences can expect another spine-tingling, historically rich experience from this visionary director.
Cara Delevingne has broken her silence on her past relationship with Amber Heard, confirming they were romantically involved after Heard's divorce from Johnny Depp. Speaking on a podcast, Delevingne addressed speculation, stating that while nothing was happening during the filming of 'London Fields' when Depp was also present, they became entangled later. She also alluded to Heard's other relationships during that period.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has revealed that actress Daveigh Chase, famed for voicing Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch' and playing Samara in 'The Ring', passed away at 35 due to complications from AIDS and chronic polysubstance use. Her father noted her struggles with homelessness and substance abuse since her teens. Chase's career included iconic roles in animation and horror, leaving a lasting impact on fans.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly set for a highly private wedding this weekend, with extensive security measures in place. Invitations feature unique watermarks to prevent leaks, and the venue, possibly Madison Square Garden, remains undisclosed on the invites. Cargo trucks have been spotted at the venue, fueling speculation for a July 3rd celebration.
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal were recently spotted enjoying a family dinner in Mumbai, accompanied by Sonakshi's parents, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha, along with Zaheer's father, Iqbal Ratansi. The family's warm outing caught the attention of paparazzi, with one heartfelt moment particularly winning over fans.
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Anup Jalota opens up about the spiritual significance of the event, why he never followed Salman-like stardom formulas, the pressures of instant fame, AR Rahman's remarks on communal undercurrents in the film industry, and what keeps him grounded after decades in music. Anuja Sahai, meanwhile, shares what she has learnt from her guru beyond music and why performing alongside him before thousands of devotees is the greatest blessing of her life.
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has once again defended her support for live-in relationships, maintaining that couples should live together before making a lifelong commitment through marriage. Although her views have drawn criticism from some of her contemporaries, including Mumtaz and Saira Banu, the actress says she continues to stand firmly by her belief.
Randeep Hooda has revealed that he chose not to follow career advice given by Salman Khan, despite admitting it was good advice. The actor said that while both Salman and his father encouraged him to stick to heroic roles and build a consistent screen image, he consciously decided to take a different path to avoid becoming repetitive as a performer.

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