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!
Bengaluru: The countdown for one of the highly anticipated Indian movies of the year, Kantara Chapter 1, has started. There is only one day left for the movie to hit the screens, and the anticipation among fans has reached fever pitch. Director-actor Rishab Shetty and the Hombale Films crew are busy with high promotions, and fans can't wait to decode the story that promises to take them back to the era of the Kadamba dynasty. As the buzz grows, writer-actor Anirudh Mahesh, who co-wrote the film alongside Rishab Shetty and actor Shaneel Gautham, had a conversation with ETV Bharat's Ravikumar MK to reflect on his three-year journey with Kantara Chapter 1. From his early beginnings as a playwright to being part of one of India's biggest cinematic spectacles, Anirudh opened up about the challenges, experiences, and rumours that surrounded the film. Q: How did your journey with scriptwriting and Rishab Shetty begin? Anirudh: "I began as a playwright. I loved writing stories and staging plays long before cinema came into the picture. My brother Abhijit Mahesh was already working as a screenwriter, and through him, I gradually found my way into films." "My turning point came during the Government Higher Primary School, Kasaragodu. I was invited to join the direction department, even though I had no prior idea how cinema really worked. That was when I got the chance to collaborate with Rishab sir, who was working on a children's film at the time." "Both my brother and Rishab Shetty deserve credit because they introduced me to the discipline of screenplay writing. From someone who only knew how to write plays, I was guided step by step into the world of cinema. I started as a scriptwriter and eventually became part of Rishab sir's core writing team." "Our work does not stop at the writing table. We are involved through every stage of production - from explaining things to the crew on set, all the way to dubbing. That is why I often say my journey, which began with Government Higher Primary School Kasaragodu, has brought me all the way here to Kantara." Q: How does it feel to be part of such a highly anticipated film? Anirudh: "Being part of Kantara Chapter 1 is nothing short of a lifetime achievement. I honestly never imagined I would get such visibility in a film of this scale."
Panaji (Goa) [India], November 27 (ANI): Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, known for his films with gripping storylines, shared his experience of being part of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and discussed his upcoming project, Wives of Bollywood. Speaking with ANI, he said, "I am very happy to be here. I have been attending for almost 20 or 22 years. I have been involved in various capacities -- sometimes as part of the standing committee, sometimes as a jury member, and sometimes as the chairman. It's a place where filmmakers from all over the world, as well as different sta ...Read More >
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: Dilip Kumar, the 'Tragedy King' of Indian cinema, continues to be remembered for his unmatched contributions to Bollywood. Born on December 11, 1922, as Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, he ruled the silver screen with his impeccable acting skills, emotional depth, and charisma. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, let's take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most iconic roles that made Dilip Kumar a cinematic legend, a man who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. 1. 'Andaz' (1949) In 'Andaz', Dilip Kumar shared the screen with Nargis and Raj Kapoo ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 5 (ANI): Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Saturday accused the Congress of misleading the country with its claim that the BJP-led government at the Centre wants to change the Constitution. He added that AICC has now become the 'All India Cheating Congress'. "The words 'secular' and 'socialist' were not there in the Constitution. It was added after the 42nd Amendment. The Amendment was brought during the Emergency. Emergency was a black day in the democratic history of our country. So, the original Constitution did not have the words 'secular' and ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 13: Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao's passing has left the film industry in mourning. Megastar Chiranjeevi and actor-producer Vishnu Manchu have expressed their grief and paid heartfelt tributes to the legendary actor on social media. Chiranjeevi took to his X handle to remember Rao's remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. He tweeted in Telugu which translates, "The news of the passing of legendary actor and multi-talented personality Sri Kota Srinivasa Rao garu has deeply saddened me. We both began our film careers together with the movie "Praanam Khareedu." Since then, he ac ...Read More >
Moradabad (UP), Aug 1 (PTI) The Moradabad district administration has cancelled the allotment of a government bungalow granted to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has been asked to vacate the premises within 30 days. The bungalow, located in the posh Civil Lines area near the Police Training College (PTC II), was allotted to the SP patriarch 31 years ago. Spread across nearly 1,000 square meters on Nazul land, the property serves as the local SP office. District Magistrate Anuj Singh said the property is needed for housing officers and other ...Read More >
Mumbai 25 August (SocialNews.XYZ): Bollywood ace designer Manish Malhotra is all pepped to debut as a producer. The actor took to his social media announcing the same on 24th of August. Titled as "Gustaakh Ishq", the teaser of the movie is out today and it gives classy, retro and romantic vibes. The poster that was also revealed today, features Naseeruddin Shah, Fatima Sana Khan and Vijay Varma. While Vijay and Fatima are seen looking into each other's eyes with a lot of love, Naseeruddin Shah is seen smiling holding a cat in his hands. The teaser gives major retro romance vibes, while the s ...Read More >
Mumbai, Sep 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Punjabi heartthrob Diljit Dosanjh has been constantly expanding his horizons. He recently joined forces with Sandalwood sensation Rishabh Shetty for his much-awaited prequel "Kantara: Chapter 1". Diljit and Rishabh shared a joint post where the two were seen greeting each other with affection before moving on to a fruitful musical session. These two also indulged in a fun chat after wrapping up their work for the day. The project marks Diljit's primary association with Rishabh. The 'Jatt & Juliet' actor has recorded a special song for "Kantara: Chapter 1". The ...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 >
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 >
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): The makers of Rishab Shetty's highly anticipated film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' have released a poster of the movie on the occasion of the actor's 42nd birthday. Taking to their Instagram handle, Hombale Films (the official production banner of the film) shared a poster featuring Rishab Shetty, who is seen holding a battle axe in one hand and a shield in the other. Shetty has donned tribal warrior gear in the poster, hinting at the breathtaking visuals in the movie. While sharing the poster, Hombale wrote, 'Where legends are born and the roar of the wild echoes. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 commenced with great fanfare, with some of the most celebrated names including Aamir Khan, Vir Das and Tillotama Shome in attendance. The event also hosted Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari, filmmakers Shoojit Sircar, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Tanushree Das and R.S. Prasanna along with Mukesh Chhabra. Das's "Baksho Bondi" featured as the festival's highly anticipated Opening Night Film. "It's great to be here in Melbourne. I'm elated to be part of the Indian film festival of Melbourne. It's a great initiative of cinema that brin ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 14: For 50 years, Sholay has stood as the most celebrated landmark of Indian cinema. This Independence Day, NH Studioz -- one of India largest and most influential custodians of film rights -- will unite the country in a shared moment of nostalgia and pride by bringing the restored Sholay to audiences nationwide and beyond. - Restored version of the iconic film to air on Doordarshan and NH Studioz FAST channels this Independence Day as Sholay celebrates 50 years. The golden jubilee celebration will span multiple platforms: * Doordarshan - 1:00 PM telecas ...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 >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 3 (ANI): National award-winning actor, Rishab Shetty, is all set to star in one of the most ambitious historical dramas in recent years, titled 'The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.' The film, a grand retelling of the life of one of India's greatest warrior kings, will showcase the legendary rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure who reshaped Indian history and fought to protect his kingdom from Mughal invaders. The movie promises to be a visual spectacle, featuring groundbreaking action sequences, stunning VFX, and a powerfu ...Read More >
Mumbai: The VELS Film International production studio has unveiled its ambitious slate of diverse films, which are slated for release between 2025 and 2027. Mumbai: Through an Instagram post, VELS shared a video that offers a glimpse into the studio's upcoming titles--spanning commercial blockbusters, socially rooted dramas, and high-concept genre films--further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in Indian cinema. The slate features collaborations with some of the most accomplished and promising filmmakers in Indian cinema, including Sundar C, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Vetri Maaran, Mari ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 14 (PTI) As actor Khushbu Sundar puts it, with the passing away of legendary actor B Saroja Devi, an era of golden cinema comes to an end. The actress known for her doe-eyed beauty and endearing screen presence made her debut when she was only 17 years old, as a co-star of Honnappa Bhagavathar, one of the pioneers of Kannada cinema in 'Mahakavi Kalidasa' (1955). Bengaluru-born Saroja Devi would eventually be crowned the first female super star of Kannada cinema. Soon after her death, another film legend from Bengaluru who made it big in Tamil Nadu, Superstar Rajnikanth, took ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
Scenes from 12th Fail and Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway New Delhi: The winners of the 71st National Film Awards have been announced, celebrating the best in cinema from 2023. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting revealed the winners on Friday at a press conference in New Delhi. The 71st National Film Awards recognise films certified by the censor board from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Rani Mukerji, who won her very first National Award for Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee Vs. Norway sha ...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 >
Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) Guru Dutt's legacy is not of awards but of silence, the kind that lingers on after the screen fades to black, says Mahesh Bhatt about the legendary filmmaker who "let beauty crumble into truth". Dutt, regarded as amongst the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema with films such as "Pyaasa", "Kaagaz Ke Phool" and "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam", would have been 100 on July 9. He was found dead, possibly from a cocktail of sleeping pills and alcohol, in 1964 when he was just 39. "He took the aching mess of human life, and turned it into poetry that could pierce even silence. Those o ...Read More >
PNN New Delhi [India], July 7: India's marquee motorsport league returns this August with 5 high-octane rounds. The Indian Racing Festival (IRF), India's premier city-based motorsport league, has just entered a thrilling new chapter as Kannada megastar Kichcha Sudeepa officially acquires the Bengaluru franchise and launches his racing team: Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru (KKB). This landmark move is more than a business decision -- it's a defining cultural crossover between the silver screen and the speed track, bringing with it the energy and influence of one of South India's most celebrated sta ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 13 (ANI): The Telugu film industry and fans across the country were left heartbroken on Sunday morning with the news of veteran actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao death. He was 83. Soon after the news of his death broke, several political leaders, film stars, and close friends began arriving at his residence to pay their last respects. From Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, many were seen offering condolences to Rao family. Actor Prakash Raj also visited Rao residence to pay his tribute to the late ac ...Read More >
New Delhi, Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound", horror-comedy "Stree 2" and hit shows like "Black Warrant" and "Paatal Lok 2" are among the films and shows nominated for the 2025th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. IFFM, which celebrates the best of Indian cinema and streaming, on Monday unveiled its nominations list for the 2025 edition, which will take place between August 14 and August 24, in Melbourne, Australia. The IFFM Awards Night, during which the winners of the categories wil ...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 >
Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, famed for 3 Idiots, passed away at 91 in Thane. Despite entering films at 44, he built a remarkable career with over 125 films and 100 TV serials. Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who was best known for his portrayal of a college professor in Rajkumar Hirani's popular film 3 Idiots, passed away at the age of 91. On Monday, the actor passed away in Thane. According to reports, he was recently admitted to the hospital for age-related complications, though the precise caus ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is all set to headline the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne as chief guest. The actor is excited to showcase some of his most cherished work at the prestigious event, where Indian cinema will be celebrated on a global platform. Expressing his gratitude, the 'PK' actor said he felt humbled and thrilled to join a festival that truly celebrates the richness and diversity of Indian cinema. Sharing his excitement, Aamir said, "I'm humbled and thrilled to be a part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It's a festival that t ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) They have grown up on stories of their grandfather, the fabled Guru Dutt, carry his name with pride and say the best tribute to him would be to work on films that connect with people. Karuna and Gouri, daughters of Guru Dutt's son Arun, are both in the film industry and have worked with several filmmakers as assistant directors. As grandchildren of the legendary Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt, one an actor-filmmaker and the other a singer, the sisters say they don't introduce themselves when they start a project. "... We're not like, 'Oh, you know who I am'... in the end they'r ...Read More >
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New Delhi: Veteran lyricist and writer Siva Shakthi Datta passed away on Monday night at his residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad, at the age of 92. A multifaceted personality in Telugu cinema, he was a renowned screenwriter, painter, director, and producer. Datta was best known for writing Sanskrit-based lyrics for Telugu films. He was the father of Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravaani and the uncle of celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli. MM Keeravaani, who has composed music for all of SS Rajamouli's films, including the internationally acclaimed Baahubali series and RRR, is his son. Dat ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 12 (PTI) The 2025 edition of the Venice Film Festival is set to showcase a 4K restored version of "Do Bigha Zamin", the 1953 classic directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bimal Roy. The announcement coincides with the legendary filmmaker's 116th birth anniversary. Presented under the Venice Classics section, "Do Bigha Zamin", titled "Two Acres of Land" in English, has been selected among a distinguished lineup of restored cinematic masterpieces, which also includes "Matador" by Pedro Almodovar, "Roma Ore 11" by Giuseppe De Santis, "Przypadek" by Krzysztof Kieślowski and "Lolita" by Sta ...Read More >