Bollywood's biggest stars ignite the screen! From the dazzling premiere of [mention a recently released film or event] to the brewing controversies surrounding [mention a current entertainment scandal], India's entertainment scene is ablaze. This week saw [mention a significant entertainment event, e.g., a music launch, award ceremony, or box office milestone], further cementing India's position as a global entertainment powerhouse. The battle for box office supremacy heats up as [mention competing films or actors], while the digital realm witnesses the rise of [mention a trending OTT series or online sensation]. Beyond Bollywood, regional cinema continues to flourish, with [mention a noteworthy achievement in regional cinema]. From the vibrant world of music to the captivating realm of television, Abtak.com brings you the pulse of Indian entertainment. Dive in and stay updated on the latest news, reviews, and exclusive interviews—your ultimate destination for all things entertainment. Explore the captivating stories unfolding now!
Mumbai, Jul 11 (PTI) Karan Johar on Friday said it took time to bring "Dhadak 2" to theatres but the censor board understood what they were trying to say through the film, about two star-crossed lovers hailing from different castes. The Shazia Iqbal-directed movie, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri, faced significant delays and modifications. It is now slated to release in theatres on August 1. "We took a while to get to the cinema halls, but even the censor board was understanding and very compassionate... (They) understood what we were trying to say through the film. They were protecting the sensitivity, and we were protecting the sensitivity. We understood and respected their perspective," Johar told reporters here at the trailer launch of the movie. The producer said he is proud of the final movie, which talks about the "reality of our times" and addresses an important issue. "Sometimes these things take time, these things can't happen overnight. That's why there are processes in the censor and we must follow... It took time, but every good thing takes time (to come out)... "It is a story that makes you wake up and think. These topics are not just related to small towns, but they happen around us too. It is a true reality of our times, no matter where you live," he added. "Dhadak 2" revolves around Neelesh (Chaturvedi), a college student who falls in love with Vidhi but their different caste backgrounds come in between their love. The film was previously slated to release in November 2024, but had to undergo several postponements. Johar said he was not worried about the repercussions. "If I get scared in the beginning, then.... like there's a line in the film, 'If you've a choice then fight', and the best way to point a put across is through art." Speaking about his production banner, Dharma Productions, Johar said it has quintessentially been associated with a certain kind of cinema but they have time and again tried to shake things up. The filmmaker said storytellers have a responsibility to pick up important themes and address them in mainstream cinema. "Though I think we've time and again tried to shake that up. We've used up themes and presented them with utmost sensitivity and that was also the need of the hour... I believe cinema is an impressionable medium... 'Dhadak 2' is a mainstream film, an intense love story but it's saying something." Dimri, known for her roles in "Laila Majnu", "Bulbbul", "Qala" and "Animal", said she is proud of the film. "I am very proud of this film. I am very happy that I am a part of it, that I am working with such people. It was a bit challenging to play Vidhi. But I have always wanted to play those characters that challenge me as an actor. And I think this happened. and once you watch the film, you will understand why we are very proud of the film. It is something very special." Chaturvedi, who has been playing characters in urban settings in films such as "Gully Boy", "Gehraiyaan" and "Kho Gaye Hum Kahan", said the role of a small-town boy was something that he wanted to do for a long time. "Because I come from a small town, I didn't get those types of stories. And I remember when Karan sir called me and said there is a story, I said I will do it instantly. "By default, I tend to choose something which is a little challenging... And if I talk about a small town, I have lived that life. So somewhere I am connected to it. And somehow those things weren't coming, such scripts weren't coming, and I got this," he said. Iqbal, who wrote and directed critically-acclaimed short film "Bebaak", said the makers trusted her with the story without looking at her gender. "Generally, there is a certain type of story that is given especially to female filmmakers, but I don't think my producers ever had that thought. They had the full trust in me from day one, and I think that helps a lot," Iqbal said about her feature directorial debut. "And Sidhant and Tripti, once you watch the film, you will realise, they have given their all. And that is the best thing a director can ask for," she added. PTI KKP ATR BK BK
Kareena Kapoor Khan brought a deeply personal and touching element to her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by requesting him to write a heartfelt message for her two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan, who were unable to attend the event. A memorable highlight from the gathering showcased Kareena watching intently, her expression radiating pride and warmth, as the Prime Minister inscribed a note dedicated to her children, affectionately called "Tim and Jeh."Kareena Kapoor Khan added ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
KOCHI: Questioning the censor board's objection to the use of 'Janaki' in an upcoming Malayalam film and the need for modifying its title, the Kerala High Court on Friday observed that 'Janaki' was a common name used everywhere. It also wondered how the name could affect a particular section of society, as it did not belong to any specific caste or religion. Justice N Nagaresh made the remarks during the hearing of the petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the producer of 'JSK-Janaki Vs State of Kerala', which stars Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in lead roles. The Tam ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) A day after the members of Raj Kapoor's family met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan thanked him for inviting them to "commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy" of their grandfather ahead of the cinema icon's birth centenary. The Kapoor family, including actors Ranbir Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Neetu Kapoor, met the prime minister on Tuesday and invited him to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival to be held to celebrate the occasion. December 14, 2024 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor, an actor, editor, a director, and ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to France, the European Union (EU), and Belgium from June 8 to 14, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release on Sunday. The visit marks a significant step in further strengthening India's strategic partnerships with Europe. The EAM will first travel to Paris and Marseille, France, where he will hold bilateral discussions with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean Noel Barrot. Also Read | Indian Citizen Dies in UAE: Civil Engineer Issac Paul ...Read More >
A Delhi University panel's decision to drop proposed postgraduate Political Science papers on Islam, Pakistan, and China has failed to find consensus among the members. Photograph: Courtesy @UnivofDelhi/X While some called it ideological censorship, those who supported the decision termed it a step towards making the syllabus "India-centric" and free from bias. In its meeting on Wednesday, DU's Standing Committee for Academic Matters directed the removal of four elective papers -- Islam and In ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agri ...Read More >
Mumbai, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) It's not every day that Janhvi Kapoor's candid side surfaces online, but her latest exchange with producer Rhea Kapoor did just that. In her latest post on Instagram, the 'Dhadak' actress jokingly pleaded with Rhea Kapoor, saying, "Don't kill me." On Friday, Janhvi shared a couple of her stylish photos in a black outfit and captioned it, Ready for the Mumbai rains ( @rheakapoor don't kill me for the caption)." In the images, she made a stylish statement in a chic black outfit that she paired with a hat and heels. Janhvi Kapoor completed her look with a subtle m ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Kamal Haasan has added yet another feather to his already illustrious cap. The screen icon known for redefining Indian cinema with pathbreaking performances is now officially a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Haasan becomes only the second Indian actor ever to receive an invitation from the Academy. The first? Tamil star Suriya, who was inducted in 2022. But Haasan isn't the only Indian in the Academy's Class of 2025. This year, the Academy has inducted 534 global talents and it is the largest batch since 2020. Kamal aside, over a dozen Indians across ca ...Read More >
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 29 (ANI): Actor SJ Suryah is set to make his directorial comeback after 10 years with the film 'Killer'. The actor's last directed movie was Isai in 2015. In a post on the social media platform X, SJ Suryah announced his return to direction by sharing the details of his next project titled 'Killer'. Also Read | 'Heads of State' Movie Review: Priyanka Chopra Gets Ample Room To Shine in John Cena and Idris Elba's Fairly Enjoyable Action-Comedy (LatestLY Exclusive). It will be produced by Malayalam production house Sree Gokulam Movies along with SJ Suryah's A ...Read More >
'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' (2001) is a romantic drama directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, marking the Bollywood debut of R Madhavan and Dia Mirza. At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, actor R Madhavan opened up about the emotional journey of his iconic film 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' (RHTDM), which has achieved cult status over the years. The film, initially released in 2001, marked a significant milestone in Bollywood, both for R Madhavan and his co-star Dia Mirza, as it was their debut film. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the romantic drama also starred Saif ...Read More >
Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) The opposition Congress-led UDF on Monday intensified its criticism of Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi over their recent controversial statements, calling their remarks "immature" and accusing BJP leaders like them of having contempt for Kerala. Addressing reporters here, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, strongly criticised the "backward" remark made by Kurian, the Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries, on Union Budget day, and stated that Kerala has only sought the funds it rightfully deserves from the centre. Taking a ...Read More >
MUMBAI: Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari are set to share the screen in an upcoming film titled Parivarik ManuRanjan. Described as a heartwarming family entertainer filled with laughter, love, chaos, and music, the film revolves around a "perfectly mismatched duo", according to a statement from the makers. The project is backed by Vinod Bhanushali of Bhanushali Studios Limited and Himanshu Mehra. Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar joins the team as creative producer under his banner AAZ Films. Parivarik ManuRanjan will be directed by Varun V Sharma, known for his writing work on Zafar's 2 ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 4: Dreams do come true, says filmmaker RS Prasanna who went from being a cheerleader for Aamir Khan as the accepted an award for "Taare Zameen Par" in 2007 to finally directing him in its sequel "Sitaare Zameen Par". Prasanna, known for "Kalyana Samayal Saadham" in Tamil and its Hindi remake "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", was still in film school in 2007 when he watched "Taare Zameen Par". "I remember bawling my eyes out while watching 'Taare Zameen Par' with my friends, and my then-girlfriend, now wife. When Aamir sir won the Best Debut Director award at the Gollapudi Srinivas Award, ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jun 7 (PTI) A 26-year-old man allegedly beheaded his wife following a heated argument on the outskirts of Bengaluru after he suspected her of having an extra-marital affair, police said on Saturday. After killing Manasa, Shankar travelled with her severed head on his scooter to the nearest police station and confessed to the crime, they said. The man was later arrested, police said, adding that the incident occurred at Heelalige village, near Chandapura, Anekal taluk late on Friday. According to the police, the couple were married for over five years and have a four-year-old daug ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 28 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Saturday that 'socialism' and 'secularism' are Western concepts, and these words should be struck off of the Constitution. He said these words were included in the Preamble of the Constitution by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and these have no place in Indian civilisation. "How can I be secular? I am a hardcore Hindu. A Muslim person is a hardcore Muslim person. How can he be secular?" Sarma said. He was speaking after launching in Assam a book titled 'The Emergency Diaries: Years That Forged a Leader' which is b ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) Cinema veteran Naseeruddin Shah on Monday defended Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh amid backlash over Pakistani actor Hania Aamir's role in "Sardaar Ji 3", saying casting is not the actor-musician's responsibility. The row began last week after Dosanjh shared the trailer of "Sardaar Ji 3", which made its debut in overseas territories on June 27 and skipped release in India. Many social media users have called for a ban on Dosanjh, while trade unions like the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) have critici ...Read More >
Actress Ananya Panday has recently shared her aspirations to take on some of Kareena Kapoor's most iconic characters. Actress Ananya Panday has recently shared her aspirations to take on some of Kareena Kapoor's most iconic characters. The actress, known for her urban girl roles in films like "Student of the Year 2" and "Gehraiyaan," expressed excitement at the challenge of stepping into a completely different, more rooted character like "Chameli" and Dolly from "Omkara." During her recent appearance on Raj Shamani's podcast, Ananya said, "I would love to do something like Chameli or Dolly ...Read More >
Punjab '95 Controversy: Diljit Dosanjh has been awaiting the release of his highly controversial film for a couple of years now. The film has been completed and kept on hold for longer than expected due to several reasons. It was recently announced that the biopic will skip India and will be released internationally without any cuts on February 7, 2025, but has been postponed yet again indefinitely. Dosanjh took to his Instagram stories on 20th January mid-night and wrote, "We are sorry and it pains us to inform you that Punjab '95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our c ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari will be featuring together in an upcoming film, titled "Parivarik ManuRanjan". Filled with laughter, love, chaos and music, the family entertainer is about a "perfectly mismatched duo", the makers said in a statement. It is backed by Vinod Bhanushali of Bhanushali Studios Limited and Himanshu Mehra. Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar's serves as the creative producer through his banner AAZ Films. "Parivarik ManuRanjan" will be directed by Varun V Sharma, who served as a writer on Zafar's 2019 movie "Bharat", starring Salman Khan and Kat ...Read More >
Chennai, June 27: The prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Oscar Awards each year, has now extended an invitation to one of Indian cinema's iconic stars Kamal Haasan to join it. The Academy has extended invitations to 534 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures to join it this year and Kamal Haasan is one among them. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said,"We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 29 (PTI) Filmmaker S J Suryah is set to step into the director's shoes after 10 years with his upcoming film "Killer". Suryah is well-known for helming projects such as "Kushi" (2000), "Anbe Aaruyire" (2005) and "New" (2004), all of which had emerged as box office hits. Also Read | Oscar Winner Marion Cotillard, Guillaume Canet Announce Separation After 18 Years, Asks Public to Respect Their Privacy. Calling the film his "dream project", the 56-year-old director announced the news with a post on his X handle on Friday. "Hi folks , Ur Director S.J.Suryah is bk with His Dream ...Read More >
New Delhi: On this day in 2024, India defeated South Africa by 7 runs and lifted the T20 World Cup title at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. India posted a 177-run target for the Proteas in 20 overs after opting to bat first. Virat Kohli smashed 76 runs off 59 balls with the help of six boundaries and two maximums. Axar Patel also batted brilliantly and scored 47 runs off 31 balls, hitting four maximums and one boundary in his sensational knock. Chasing the target of 177 runs, Bumrah provided India their first breakthrough when he removed Reeza Hendricks in the second over of the run-chase, ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V Sivankutty has once again reacted to the Central Board of Film Certification's objection to the name of the lead character in the upcoming Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala, which stars Union Minister Suresh Gopi. "My name is Sivankutty... Will the censor board be coming this way?!" Sivankutty wrote on social media. Earlier, the minister had also quipped whether it is a "censor board or senseless board." CBFC had informally objected to the title and character name 'Janaki' for a rape victim, citing religious sensitivities. The Kerala High Court ...Read More >
This is a celebration of everyone who worked so passionately on the film, says the celebrated director. History was made as Payal Kapadia became the first Indian director to have won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director. Her much talked about movie, 'All We Imagine as Light' has won two GG nominations in total. One for Best Director and the other for Best Motion Picture (Non-English). The two prestigious nominations at the 82nd Golden Globes mark a milestone in Indian cinema. After Canne ...Read More >
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 29 (ANI): Tamil veteran actor Rajesh passed away at the age of 75 years on Thursday morning. As per his relatives, the actor passed away on the way to Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (MIOT) hospital after he suddenly experienced difficulty in breathing. Also Read | 'Sister Midnight' Censored in India: CBFC Blurs Nudity From Radhika Apte's Dark Comedy - View Full List of Cuts. Rajesh has worked in over 100 films in his entire acting career. He started his acting journey with a superhit film, 'Aval Oru Thodar Kathai', which also starred Kama ...Read More >
Imphal, June 7 (UNI) Three militants were nabbed in separate incidents during the last 24 hours in Manipur, police said on Saturday. Manipur Police arrested a militant from Moidangpok Awang Leikai from Khumbong Bazar under Imphal West District, they said. Security forces arrested a militant from the Elangkhanpokpi Mayai Leikai area under Kakching district. Security forces apprehended a militant from Wangoo Samushang in Bishnupur district and elected members from Kumbi area. In an operation, one M16 rifle, one bolt-action rifle, three pull-mechanism rifles, three improvised mortars, and fiv ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, who was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation to Europe, said that during their recently conclued visit they successfully communicated India's development story and its resolute stand against terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan. Highlighting the delegation's key discussions during the tour, Khatana told ANI, 'We discussed how we dismantled the terrorism factory in Pakistan by responding... We also talked about tourism infrastructure, G20 Summit, and projects like the six-lane roads, bridges, solar initiatives, our ...Read More >