Gossip / The Times of India
The Indian film and television fraternity gathered in Mumbai on October 17 to pay tribute to veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, who passed away a day earlier at the age of 68. A prayer meet was organised by the Dheer family, bringing together colleagues, friends, and admirers who came to honour the late actors legacy and immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Manav Kaul stars as DSP Ridwaan Sayyad in 'Baramulla,' a film exploring Kashmir's haunting beauty and a mysterious child disappearance. Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale describes it as a genre-bending tale blending emotion, tension, and the supernatural. The film, also featuring Bhasha Sumbli, premieres on OTT, promising a thrilling and unconventional cinematic experience.
Bollywood icon Sanjeev Kumar entered films in his 20s and quickly became one of the most respected actors of his era. Known for his versatility, he chose meaningful, character-driven roles over glamour or action. Off-screen, Sanjeev loved food and nightly gatherings with friends. Despite being born into a vegetarian Gujarati family, he adored chickenso much so that he bought a separate house in Pali Hill to enjoy it freely.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu revealed at a recent event that her decision to perform the 'Oo Antava' dance number was a personal challenge, as she never saw herself as 'sexy' and wanted to test her capabilities. She also spoke about her humble beginnings and how she uses her fame to create value, finding her purpose in her platform.
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are reportedly moving into their luxurious new Pali Hill residence this Diwali, a significant personal update following a viral social media post. The couple expressed gratitude for fan support while earnestly requesting privacy as they settle into their Rs 250 crore bungalow, redeveloped from Rishi and Neetu Kapoor's former home.
Siddhu Jonnalagadda's romantic drama, Telusu Kada, has garnered mixed reactions. While audiences praise Siddhu's brilliant performance and the film's stylish visuals, some critics point to emotional shortcomings and a hollow narrative. The movie's mature take on love and its urban dialogues resonate with viewers, though execution and emotional connect remain points of contention.
At the star-studded Joy Forum event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan shared laughs, memories, and candid moments from their decades-long friendship and illustrious careers. Amid the conversations about films and camaraderie, Salman took a moment to commend Shah Rukhs son, Aryan Khan.
Aishwarya Rai and daughter Aaradhya's absence from the Bachchan Diwali bash fueled divorce rumors with Abhishek Bachchan. Despite speculation, the couple has since been seen together, recently attending a fashion show in Paris where Aishwarya walked the ramp with Aaradhya backstage.
Diwali arrived early at the Sethi household as Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi hosted a warm and laughter-filled celebration for their staff. Their latest vlog, released on Friday, offered fans a peek into the festivities that included gifts, games, and a total prize pool of Rs 20,000.
Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu candidly shared her views on vulnerability and authenticity, admitting she's ot perfect and that being real has led to significant trolling. She believes authenticity is a continuous journey, not a destination. Prabhu also highlighted how readily available information about the elite can be demotivating, urging responsibility in navigating celebrity culture.
Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan made a rare joint appearance at the Joy Forum in Riyadh. During a candid discussion, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his admiration for Salman and Aamir, stating he looks up to them for their resilience through ups and downs and their inspirational journeys from scratch to stardom.
Arjun Bijlani emerged as the winner of Rise And Fall, Ashneer Grovers reality show, which concluded on Friday. Arjun walked away with the glittering trophy and a cash prize of Rs 28 lakh after weeks of intense competition and emotional confrontations inside the house.
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for his iconic Karna in 'Mahabharat', passed away on October 15, 2025, after a cancer battle. A prayer meet in Mumbai saw family and industry friends, including Abhishek Bachchan and Shilpa Shetty, paying tribute. Hema Malini fondly remembered him as a supportive friend and talented artist.
Bollywood star Salman Khan shares insights into his life. He describes his existence as simple and hardworking, often feeling misunderstood by the public and media. Khan reflects on his early career start and the challenges of balancing personal court cases with his professional commitments. He emphasizes his dedication to his work despite external perceptions.
Bollywood's biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, made a grand appearance at Riyadh's Joy Forum 2025, mingling with global icons like Shaquille ONeal and 'Squid Game' actors. Salman Khan also joined the trio for a memorable photo with YouTube sensation MrBeast, sparking excitement for potential collaborations.
Filmmaker Sandhya Suri's acclaimed cop drama 'Santosh' faced another setback as its Indian OTT release was abruptly halted. The film, previously denied a theatrical release due to censorship disputes over unacceptable cuts, has left the director disheartened. Suri emphasized that her objections to the cuts remain, impacting the streaming debut.
Raghav Juyal, famous for The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, thanked Farah Khan for introducing him to Shah Rukh Khan on the Happy New Year set. Hell soon debut in Telugu cinema with Paradise, sharing on Instagram his excitement about a new look and filming in Hyderabad.
Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's horror-comedy 'Thamma' has received a U/A certification with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The film, part of Maddock's horror-comedy franchise, is set for a festive release and is expected to feature surprise cameos from previous installments.
Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee, with over three decades in cinema, expressed a desire to explore VFX-heavy films, admitting he's never acted extensively in front of a green screen. He finds the prospect challenging and intriguing. Bajpayee was last seen in 'Inspector Zende' and will soon reprise his role as Shrikant Tiwari in 'The Family Man' season 3.
Rashmika Mandanna, known for her stunning looks, shared a playful airport moment with a fan. During Thamma promotions, she subtly hinted at her engagement to Vijay Deverakonda with a shining ring. She also revealed her new look for her Telugu debut in Paradise and upcoming project Cocktail 2.
Al Pacino expressed profound sadness following the passing of his former girlfriend and 'Godfather' co-star, Diane Keaton. He described her as a partner and friend who brought him happiness and influenced his life. Pacino recalled her boundless energy, magnetic on-screen presence, and her ability to inspire generations. He will always remember her resilience and humanity.
Singapore police anticipate a three-month delay in concluding their investigation into the drowning of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. While preliminary findings suggest no foul play, Assam Police have arrested seven individuals as part of their ongoing probe. Rahul Gandhi visited the singer's cremation site, urging a transparent investigation for the family's closure.
Akshay Kumar's daughter Nitara, 12, made a rare airport appearance, captivating onlookers with her striking resemblance to mother Twinkle Khanna. Fans noted the strong likeness in recent photos. While Twinkle prioritizes her children's privacy, Akshay remains busy with upcoming films like 'Haiwaan' and 'Hera Pheri 3'.
The trailer for 'Jatadhara', starring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha, has been released, showcasing a thrilling blend of myth and horror. Sudheer Babu plays a skeptic who confronts a vengeful spirit, Dhana Pisachi, brought to life by Sonakshi Sinha in her Telugu debut.
Saba Ali Khan Pataudi took to Instagram to elegantly handle a comment questioning her connection with Kareena Kapoor Khan. While commemorating Saif and Kareenas anniversary, Saba shared her philosophy of delighting in the happiness of others, gently reminding critics that personal interactions are a matter of choice. Read on to know more.
Actor Sharad Kelkar is gearing up for Diwali, highlighting his wife Keerti as the 'light of his life' who simplifies his world. He revealed that Keerti selects her own Dhanteras gift, a tradition he meticulously plans for. Kelkar also emphasizes extending Diwali's joy and prosperity to his long-serving staff with bonuses and gifts, believing the festival signifies happiness for everyone.
The promo for Silambarasan and Vetri Maaran's film 'Arasan' has been released. The makers aimed for a theatrical experience with the promo launch. This strategy faced online criticism. Silambarasan's team clarified their intention. The film features Silambarasan in a dual role. Anirudh Ravichander is the composer. 'Arasan' promises an untold story from 'Vada Chennai'.
Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju's 'Dude' has launched to a roaring success, with houseful shows and positive reviews marking a strong Diwali release. The film, directed by Keerthiswaran, is poised for a significant box office run. Netflix has secured the OTT rights, with a likely streaming date of November 14, potentially in multiple languages.
Sana Saeed, who played young Anjali in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', recently re-watched the iconic film on its 27th anniversary. The actress shared an emotional video expressing her gratitude to the film's team and reflecting on how the movie changed her life. Fans also shared their nostalgic reactions to the classic film.
Raj Babbar fondly remembered his late wife, the iconic Smita Patil, on her birth anniversary. He highlighted her impactful career, using cinema to drive social change and challenge norms. Babbar also recalled their first meeting on the sets of 'Bheegi Palkein,' a 'sweet clash' that began their relationship. Smita's legacy continues to inspire.
In a significant legal development, Taeil, a former member of NCT, has had his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for aggravated quasi-rape reaffirmed by the Seoul High Court. The appeals court rejected his pleas, keeping in place the original penalties which also include compulsory participation in sex offender rehabilitation programs and a prohibition on employment in related fields.
Dhruv Vikram's sports drama 'Bison,' directed by Mari Selvaraj, has released to positive reviews this Diwali. The film, lauded for its portrayal of determination and strong performances, is set to stream on Netflix after a four-week theatrical run. Vikram considers 'Bison' his true debut, showcasing his renewed cinematic journey.
Nagarjuna Akkineni's 100th film, tentatively 'King100', is generating buzz with potential Anushka Shetty reunion. Reports suggest dual roles for Nagarjuna and cameo appearances by sons Akhil and Naga Chaitanya. The action-packed family drama, possibly titled 'Lottery King', is eyeing a May 2026 release, promising a grand milestone for the star.
Rashmika has been spotted flaunting a sparkling diamond ring amid promotions for her film Thamma. During a viral video interview, she responded to congratulations, saying, Theres so many things happening.
Ed Sheeran continues his Indian collaborations, this time with Jonita Gandhi on a Hindi-English version of his song 'Heaven'. Gandhi, a long-time fan, expressed her excitement about the romantic ballad, which is part of Sheeran's latest remix EP. This EP also teases future collaborations with other prominent Indian artists, highlighting Sheeran's growing connection with the country's music scene.
Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol, and Sreeleela are coming together for a massive ad film. Directed by Atlee, the project boasts a staggering budget of Rs. 150 crore. This ambitious campaign is set to be shot on a scale comparable to a feature film. The ad film promises elaborate sets and detailed visual effects.
South star Pradeep Ranganathan's latest film 'Dude' premiered on Diwali, aiming for a hat-trick of hits. The director-actor joined fans for the FDFS in Chennai, receiving a massive welcome that underscored his rising popularity. With a strong cast and impressive pre-release business, 'Dude' is poised for box office success.
In a recent interview, Ishaan Khatter revealed that his character in 'The Royals', Prince Aviraaj Singh, was not modeled after his brother Shahid Kapoor. He sought to channel a unique charisma, aiming to traverse the complexities of the character across the series. Embracing the prince's entitlement, Khatter cherished the journey of deepening the characters personality for viewers with particular expectations.
Harish Kalyan's action drama 'Diesel' has released today. The film focuses on people's power and social justice. Fans are praising Harish Kalyan's performance as a mass action hero. The movie's intense action and drama are captivating audiences. Athulya Ravi also delivers a confident performance. Dhibu Ninan Thomas's background score enhances the film. 'Diesel' is among the Diwali releases.
Politician Amar Singh shared an anecdote about Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. He recounted an incident where Amitabh left a party upon seeing Rekha. Singh suggested this avoidance indicated a past relationship between the two stars. The story resurfaced years later, fueling ongoing speculation about their connection. Amitabh Bachchan continues his successful career in films and television.
Sonakshi Sinha underwent a remarkable 30 kg weight loss before her 'Dabangg' debut. Her fitness journey involved rigorous morning workouts, including Pilates, and a balanced diet emphasizing protein. Despite facing body-shaming post-transformation, Sonakshi remains unfazed, highlighting her dedication. She was last seen in 'Nikita Roy' and is set for the Telugu film 'Jatadhara'.
Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' has achieved historic box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film ever in Karnataka and nearing 200 crore in the state alone. The film's nationwide reach and a significant boost from a higher average ticket price have propelled its impressive performance, with domestic totals now exceeding 485 crore and heading towards 500 crore.
Internet sensation MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, has ignited a frenzy with a picture alongside Bollywood titans Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan in Saudi Arabia. His cryptic caption, Hey India, should we all do something together?, has fans buzzing with speculation about a massive upcoming collaboration, potentially uniting global and Indian entertainment.
Veteran journalist Hanif Zaveri revealed Sanjeev Kumar had warned Anju Mahendru about Rajesh Khanna's suspicious nature, predicting an unhappy marriage. This warning, coupled with Khanna's jealousy over Mahendru's alleged dating of Kumar, fueled their animosity. Industry insiders also cautioned director J Om Prakash against casting them together in 'Aap Ki Kasam'.
The promo for Silambarasan's film 'Arasan', directed by Vetri Maaran, has generated immense excitement. Released theatrically and then on social media, the five-minute promo showcases Silambarasan in a serious avatar, with Vetri Maaran's signature realistic storytelling. Fans are raving about Anirudh's powerful background score and the film's intense portrayal, anticipating a strong collaboration.
AJolly LLB 3 has reached the end of its fourth week, delivering a total gross of Rs 3.88 crore. Despite its promising debut, the movie's momentum faded as time passed, pointing to a disconnect with the audience's expectations. While it maintained a strong core of weekend fans, it faced tough competition from newly released films that siphoned off potential viewers.
Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi revealed his disciplined approach to Diwali festivities, emphasizing moderation over excess, particularly with sweets. While fans eagerly await his return as Kaleen Bhaiya in the Mirzapur movie adaptation, scheduled for a 2026 release, Tripathi's mindful eating habits highlight his calm and disciplined persona.
The 10th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival has been postponed to 2026, a decision made to honor the late singer Zubeen Garg, whose passing has deeply impacted Assam's cultural landscape. The festival organizers expressed solidarity with the grieving community. Meanwhile, an investigation into Garg's death continues, with five individuals, including festival organizers and his manager, sent to judicial custody.
Pradeep Ranganathan's latest film, Dude, is poised for a massive opening, potentially surpassing his previous hits like Dragon and Love Today. Advance bookings indicate a strong performance, with the film already crossing USD 100K in North America. This success could solidify Pradeep's position as a rising star in Tamil cinema, especially as the industry seeks new box office leaders.