Is Ananya Panday secretly hinting at making her biggest jewellery move yet? Industry buzz sparks speculation

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Ananya Panday has once again found herself at the centre of industry chatter, this time for a mysterious new shoot that has set fashion and luxury circles abuzz. While no official announcement has been made, sources close to the actress suggest that something significant may be brewing behind the scenes.

“There's growing intrigue around Ananya Panday's latest hush-hush shoot, with industry insiders hinting that she may be fronting a major new collaboration with a leading jewellery brand. Those close to the production describe the mood as distinctly ‘elevated and modern,’ featuring sleek lighting, reflective surfaces, and intimate, beauty-led close-ups—an aesthetic departure from Ananya's recent brand outings,” a source revealed.

The visual language of the shoot, coupled with tight confidentiality around the project, has only fuelled curiosity. According to insiders, the styling and overall mood appear to signal a more luxe, contemporary direction, sparking conversations about whether this could mark a defining moment in Ananya’s brand journey.

“While the team involved has remained tight-lipped, subtle styling cues and early behind-the-scenes whispers have sparked speculation within fashion and luxury circles. Some believe this could be her biggest jewellery partnership yet, possibly tied to a new-age collection aimed at younger audiences or maybe miss Pandey is launching her own brand!!?? Is this AP's latest bait to attract the Gen Z audience and jewellery divas. Well only time can tell!” the source added.

Though speculation is rife, those close to the development stress that nothing has been formally confirmed. However, the buzz surrounding the project has already ensured that all eyes are firmly on Ananya, with many keen to see whether this mystery shoot translates into a major luxury association or an entrepreneurial leap.

On the film front, Ananya Panday was recently seen reuniting with Kartik Aaryan in Tu Mera Main Teri Main Teri Tu Mera, which hit theatres on December 25. Looking ahead, the actress has Chand Mera Dil lined up alongside Lakshya and is also set to return as Bella in Call Me Bae 2. In addition, she is reportedly juggling a few unannounced projects, further underlining her busy slate.

Whether it’s a high-profile jewellery collaboration or something entirely unexpected, Ananya Panday’s latest move has undeniably captured industry attention, making it one of the most closely watched developments in the fashion and entertainment space right now.

Also Read: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri gets prestigious screening at Rashtrapati Bhavan

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC deletes 15-second dialogue on India-Pakistan relations in Ikkis

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2026 will begin on a patriotic and emotional note, thanks to Ikkis. It tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, who, at 21, became the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for the bravery he showed during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. It was originally scheduled for a release on December 25 and was pushed to January 1. With the Christmas release in mind, the makers of Ikkis completed the censor process on time. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on this aspect.

To begin with, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to suitably modify the opening disclaimer and include the acknowledgement for Poona Horse Regiment, Colonel Hanuth Singh and the tank crew. The same was also to be communicated in a voiceover. This was followed by photographs of warriors and an introductory voiceover about Arun’s tank crew.

In the end credits, the makers were also asked to add a text with a voiceover. They also suitably modified the credits and added a full iconic image of a Lt. General as per the suggestion of a defence expert.

Due to the genre and realism of the subject, the makers submitted a consent letter from a member of the Khetarpal family and also proper documents for scenes based on true events.

Now, coming to the cuts. In the second half of the film, the name of a tank was asked to be deleted. Lastly, a 15-second dialogue about India-Pakistan relations was asked to be deleted. The CBFC members also asked the makers to blur the alcohol brand name and add anti-smoking static.

Once these changes were made, Ikkis was passed with a U/A 13+ certificate on December 15. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 147.15 minutes. In other words, Ikkis is 2 hours, 27 minutes and 15 seconds long.

Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, newcomer Simar Bhatia and the late Dharmendra.

Also Read:  “Ikkis is 100 times of what we see in the trailer”: Arun Khetarpal’s brother gets emotional after special screening

Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 to reunite OG cast with FIRST-EVER female villain: Report

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The much‑anticipated fifth instalment of the Golmaal franchise is shaping up to be a fresh and bold entry in the popular comedy series, with new elements including a fantasy‑inspired tone and a female antagonist. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the upcoming film marks a new creative direction for the long‑running ensemble franchise that began with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited in 2006.

According to a report by PTI, Golmaal 5 will bring back the familiar team of mischief‑prone characters led by Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Khemu, with Sharman Joshi rejoining the cast this time — reviving a connection to the original film.

An insider told the news agency that the new chapter is more than just another comedic romp: “The fifth part is going to be a fantasy comedy.” This suggests that the film will blend the franchise’s signature humour with elements of fantasy or surreal storytelling, potentially raising the stakes beyond the prank‑filled situational comedy of earlier editions.

One of the biggest twists in Golmaal 5 is the plan to introduce the franchise’s first female villain. While casting discussions are reportedly still underway, makers have chosen to write the story in a way that places a woman in the negative role — breaking new ground for the series. “This story was written in a manner that the negative character is (played by) a woman,” the insider explained.

Alongside the core cast, familiar supporting actors such as Johnny Lever, Ashwini Kaleshkar, Mukesh Tiwari and Sanjay Mishra are also expected to return, ensuring that the distinctive comic flavour of the series is preserved.

Over nearly two decades, the Golmaal franchise has built a reputation for chaotic humour and quirky characters who find themselves in absurd situations. With Golmaal 5, the shift toward fantasy could broaden the film’s visual and narrative palette while keeping its heart in the same mischief‑driven comedy that audiences have enjoyed.

Also Read: BREAKING: Rohit Shetty features in a rocking cameo in Ajay Devgn-starrer Son Of Sardaar 2; has a Golmaal 5 connection

Saif Ali Khan reveals he bought rights to Nilanjana Roy’s Black River for film adaptation; calls it “emotional piece”

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Saif Ali Khan has never shied away from speaking about his love for literature, and in a recent conversation with Esquire India, the actor offered rare insight into the books that have left a lasting impact on him—stories that are poetic, emotional, and deeply reflective of society and history.

Speaking about a novel that struck a particularly strong chord, Saif revealed that Black River by Nilanjana Roy is among his most cherished reads. Describing it as far more than a conventional crime novel, he said, “It’s kind of a police procedural murder mystery, but it’s also really emotional and kind of moving about the murder of a very young little girl.” The actor added that the story resonated with him so deeply that he went on to acquire the rights to the book.

“I love the story so much that I bought the rights to the book and we're trying to make a movie out of it,” Saif shared, while acknowledging that the adaptation process is taking time. He described the novel as “lyrical,” “dramatic,” and “really poetic, beautiful,” noting that its emotional weight extends beyond the mystery. Quoting the book’s description, he added, “It’s kind of like an ode to an India that might not exist anymore… quite an emotional piece as well.”

Saif also spoke about his fondness for ghost stories, particularly those rooted in strong literary tradition. One of his favourites is Japanese Ghost Stories by Lafcadio Hearn. Reflecting on the author’s life and writing, Saif said, “I love very well-written ghost stories,” before elaborating on Hearn’s journey from Ireland to Japan and his deep immersion in Japanese culture.

“He would retell famous Japanese ghost stories, but in this amazing, amazing poetic prose,” Saif noted, calling the collection one of his favourite books. For him, the appeal lies not just in the supernatural elements but in the emotional depth and literary elegance with which these stories are told.

Another book that left a strong impression on the actor is Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes, which offers a feminist reinterpretation of women in Greek mythology. Saif described it as “a kind of feminist take on all the famous women in Greek myth and history,” including figures like Medusa, who have long been portrayed as monstrous through a male-centric lens.

Discussing Medusa in particular, Saif said, “She was a beautiful girl, and she was raped in this temple. And then she was punished for being raped in the temple… And she's viewed as a monster.” He added that this reframing of mythological narratives made a deep impact on him, concluding, “I've always felt something for her.”

Through these choices, Saif Ali Khan’s reading list reveals a clear pattern—stories that challenge dominant narratives, explore emotional truths, and offer layered perspectives on culture, history, and humanity.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan reveals why Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan gave him one of his most rewarding acting experiences: “There was something to perform every day”

Aamir Khan and R Madhavan deny being approached for 3 Idiots sequel: "It also sounds far-fetched"

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Of late, the internet is afire with reports on Rajlumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots acquiring a sequel. When this writer approached the two principal players in 3 Idiots Aamir Khan and R Madhavan they individually declared they had no clue of this development.

Said Madhavan, “A sequel to 3 Idiots sounds great. But it also sounds far-fetched. All three of us Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi and I are much older now. Where do we go in the sequel? What are our lives like now? It is an interesting thought. But hardly conducive to a proper sequel. I would love to work with Raju Hirani again. But 3 Idiots again? I think that would be idiotic.”

Aamir Khan said that he is delighted by the thought of sequel to 3 Idiots. “We had so much fun making that film! My character Rancho is the most popular character I’ve played. People still talk about Rancho. So yeah, I’d love to do a sequel. But no one has approached me.”

One hopes this puts an end to the endless speculation on a sequel to a beloved film.

Also Read: 3 Idiots sequel to be titled 4 Idiots, makers in search for a fourth lead to accompany Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi: Report

EXCLUSIVE: Gadar director Anil Sharma's next titled Arjun Naga; to feature Utkarsh Sharma fighting multiple villains

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Anil Sharma went on a high with Gadar 2 (2023). A sequel to the all-time blockbuster Gadar – Ek Prem Katha (2001), the sequel, starring Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma, was also a record grosser. The filmmaker then followed it up with a family entertainer, Vanvaas (2024), starring Nana Patekar and Utkarsh Sharma. It didn’t work at the box office as expected, though it managed to touch the hearts of the viewers due to its subject and mass-appealing treatment. Exactly a year after Vanvaas, Anil Sharma is now all set to take his next film on floors, Bollywood Hungama has learned.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Anil Sharma’s next is titled Arjun Naga. It stars his son Utkarsh Sharma in the leading role. This would be Anil and Utkarsh’s fifth film together after Gadar – Ek Prem Katha, Genius (2018), Gadar 2 and Vanvaas.”

The source further said, “Just like other films of Anil Sharma, Arjun Naga will be a wholesome entertainer and will have action, emotion, comedy and drama in ample doses. And of course, it would also have a soulful and catchy soundtrack. Utkarsh will be presented in his massiest avatar to date and like never before. That’s not all. There are multiple antagonists in the film and Utkarsh will be shown fighting them.”

The source also said, “Anil Sharma’s biggest strength is that he knows the pulse of the audience. His films appeal not just to the multiplex audience but also to the masses and the lowest common denominator. Hence, his films are well-received across the country. Arjun Naga is on the same lines.”

The source said, “Besides Utkarsh, the rest of the casting is underway. Once things fall in place, Anil Sharma is expected to make an official announcement. The film is expected to go on floors in early 2026.”

Also Read: Apne producer Deepak Mukut miffed with Anil Sharma for calling off Apne 2: “He is not authorized to make such a rash statement”

Harshvardhan Rane to lead Ektaa R. Kapoor’s Shootout in Dubai: Report

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Bollywood actor Harshvardhan Rane is being linked with the next chapter of the popular Shootout franchise, with multiple reports suggesting he may headline a new project titled Shootout in Dubai. While neither the makers nor Rane have officially confirmed the film, reports say plans are moving forward for the franchise’s first international instalment.

According to a Mid-Day report, Shootout in Dubai is envisioned as a fresh entry that takes the gritty crime series beyond Mumbai’s underworld and into a fictional crime narrative set against Dubai’s cosmopolitan backdrop. The film is said to be produced by Ektaa R. Kapoor in collaboration with veteran filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who co-created the original Shootout films.

The Shootout franchise began with Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007, a dramatized retelling of one of Mumbai’s most notorious police encounters, followed by Shootout at Wadala in 2013. Both films were produced by Kapoor and Gupta and built a reputation for stylized action rooted in real-life events.

The report indicates that multiple drafts of the script for Shootout in Dubai have been developed since 2021, with creators ensuring the screenplay retains the tense atmosphere and visceral impact that fans expect from the series. Unlike its predecessors, this edition is expected to be entirely fictional while still embracing the franchise’s signature action and dramatic intensity.

Rane’s association with such a project could mark a shift in his filmography. In recent years, he has become one of Bollywood’s more visible young leads, particularly after the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam and the 2025 romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat found commercial success.

At this stage, details such as the full cast, crew, and release timeline remain unverified. Neither the production house nor Harshvardhan Rane has released an official statement either confirming his role or the project’s progress. Fans and industry watchers will likely watch closely for future announcements or confirmations as the story develops.

Also Read: BH OTT India Fest 2025: Shaad Randhawa on how Harshvardhan Rane won his heart on Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat sets: “He told me, ‘You speak my first 5 lines…RARELY seen an actor do that”