SCOOP: Salman Khan considering reclaiming his traditional Eid slot with Battle Of Galwan; might clash with Toxic and Dhamaal 4

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Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in delivering exciting and exclusive news about Battle Of Galwan, one of the most-awaited films of 2026. It stars Salman Khan in a never-before-seen avatar, as evident from the first look of the film. The film’s shoot is about to get over and the makers have still not announced the release date of the film. Earlier this month, we reported that the makers are considering releasing the film in June. But now, Bollywood Hungama has learned that Salman Khan is also eyeing the Ramzan Eid holiday.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It’s common knowledge that Salman Khan and Eid are synonymous with each other. Earlier, Salman Khan decided not to bring Battle Of Galwan on Eid, that is, March 19, 2026, as the slot was already taken by Toxic, starring KGF star Yash and the multi-starrer Dhamaal 4. But now, the superstar is toying with the idea and considering if his war film can arrive on the holy festival.”

The source further said, “The shoot would be wrapped up in December and hence, Battle Of Galwan will be ready by March. Moreover, his fans will be overjoyed if the film is announced as an Eid release. Hence, Eid is a date that he’s seriously considering and he plans to take a call on the same soon.”

It now remains to be seen whether Salman Khan announces Battle Of Galwan’s release date on his much-awaited 60th birthday next month or before the landmark occasion. It also remains to be seen whether Toxic or Dhamaal 4 will make way once the superstar decides to reclaim his traditional Eid release date.

If Battle Of Galwan does release on March 19 next year, it’ll be Salman Khan’s 17th Eid release, the other 16 being Judwaa (1997), Kyon Ki (2005), Jaan-E-Mann (2006), Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010), Bodyguard (2011), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Kick (2014), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Sultan (2016), Tubelight (2017), Race 3 (2018), Tubelight (2017), Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021), Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) and Sikandar (2025).

Also Read: SCOOP: Battle Of Galwan makers considering June 2026 release; shoot of Salman Khan-starrer wraps up in December

Fans Have Spoken: What India’s watching and why it matters

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The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is just around the corner. The grand show celebrating streaming content is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. One can expect a large number of prominent personalities from the digital space to gather under one roof. But before that happens, here’s looking at what India is watching currently and why it matters.

Over the past few years, India’s digital entertainment landscape has exploded — and in 2025, Hindi-language OTT shows continue to be at the heart of that boom. From crime thrillers to family dramas and superhero sagas, here’s a closer look at what Indians are tuning into right now — and why those viewing patterns are so consequential.

One standout in the current Hindi OTT lineup is Criminal Justice (Season 4) on JioHotstar. Starring Pankaj Tripathi, this legal drama has broken records: it became India’s most-watched streaming original in 2025 so far. Its success is emblematic of a larger trend: audiences are increasingly drawn to polished, character-driven stories that address moral and social dilemmas.

At the same time, legacy favourites are making major comebacks. The Family Man Season 3, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video — mixing everyday familial chaos with high-stakes espionage.

On a very different note, Paatal Lok Season 2 has also returned, continuing its unflinching exploration of crime, power, and inequality.

But it’s not only crime or spy thrillers dominating screens. Platforms are branching out into newer genres: Court Kacheri, on SonyLIV, is a legal drama laced with humour, set in the context of intergenerational and small-town courtroom dynamics.

And for lighter fare, Bada Naam Karenge (also on SonyLIV) brings fresh romantic drama, backed by Sooraj Barjatya’s signature storytelling.

Even superhero content is finding its place in India’s OTT ecosystem — Power of Paanch, a Hindi superhero series, premiered earlier this year on Disney+ Hotstar.

So, why does what India is watching right now matter far more than just entertainment?

First, this surge reflects a maturing OTT market. With the huge reach of platforms, streaming has become mainstream, not niche. This rise is shifting how Indian creators invest in storytelling: longer seasons, more complex narratives, and higher production values.

Second, the diversity of genres shows a growing appetite for varied content. Indian viewers are no longer satisfied with just melodrama or traditional family sagas: they want crime thrillers, legal turf battles, slice-of-life stories, and even superhero fantasies. That’s encouraging more experimentation, and it raises the bar for what “Indian content” can be.

Third, there’s a cultural impact. Many of these shows tackle deeply rooted social issues — corruption, class divide, justice — offering not just entertainment but reflection. For example, a courtroom drama like Court Kacheri or a legal thriller like Criminal Justice can spark conversations about the judicial system, power structures, and everyday morality.

Finally, this matters economically. As Hindi OTT originals scale up in popularity, they attract more investment, better talent, and stronger competition among platforms. This, in turn, fuels further innovation — a virtuous cycle for India’s streaming industry.

In short, what India is watching on its OTT platforms today is more than just good TV. It’s a mirror to changing tastes, evolving platforms, and an increasingly discerning audience — and that matters for the future of Indian storytelling.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: She’s the Story Now: Women who changed the screen in 2025

Celina Jaitly shares heart-wrenching plea for detained brother Major Vikrant: “444 Days without my brother”

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Celina Jaitly has once again turned to social media to highlight the emotional and uncertain battle her family has been fighting for more than a year. On Sunday, the actress penned a deeply emotional note for her brother, Army officer Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the Middle East for over 444 days. Opening up about the turmoil her family has endured since his abduction, she said the passage of time has felt like “a countdown of fear, hope and unbearable silence.”

In her note, Celina wrote that her brother’s detention began with eight months of complete incommunicado isolation, followed by his continued confinement at an undisclosed location. She recalled receiving one final call from him — a call he made to the only number he could remember, one that, according to her, “carried more pain than words and more truth than the world is ready to face.” She added that Major Vikrant suffers from several service-related injuries and has “given his youth, strength, mind and life to Bharat.”

Celina also expressed concern over what she described as a rising pattern of Indian soldiers and veterans being targeted abroad as India strengthens its global presence. She urged the nation not to remain silent, questioning whether such incidents could now be affecting national security. While raising difficult questions, the actress emphasised that she continues to place her full faith in the Indian government, calling for the same decisive action that secured the release of naval veterans from Qatar. “Our soldier deserves no less,” she wrote, stressing that no Indian soldier should ever be abandoned.

From the Battlefield to a Cell, The Unspoken Pain of an Indian Soldier, 444 Days Without My Brother! It’s been 1 year, 2 months, 17 days, 443 days in total, 10,632 hours, 637,920 minutes… since my brother, Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, was taken. Since Maj Vikrant was 1st… pic.twitter.com/CoxEIXVGpB

— Celina Jaitly (@CelinaJaitly) November 23, 2025

Her note closed with a powerful remembrance of her late father, Col VK Jaitly (SM), who often said: “If you want to honour a soldier, be an Indian worth dying for.” Celina vowed that she would not stop fighting until her brother returns home to Bharat — the country he dedicated his life to.

Earlier this month, the actress had shared a similar message of strength and resilience, reaffirming her support for Major Vikrant as he continues to endure difficult circumstances.

Also Read: Celina Jaitly pens emotional message amid brother’s detention in UAE: “I haven’t slept a single night without crying for you”

“My respectful salute to our brave security personnel”: Shah Rukh Khan shares message of courage as he honours 26/11 and Pahalgam heroes

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Shah Rukh Khan attended the Global Peace Honours 2025 on Saturday at the Gateway in Mumbai, where he paid tribute to the victims of major terror attacks and acknowledged the courage of India’s security forces. The event, organised by the Divyaj Foundation and led by Amruta Fadnavis, brought together survivors, families of victims, national leaders, dignitaries and members of the film industry for a collective remembrance.

During his address, Shah Rukh remembered those who lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Pahalgam terror incident and the recent blasts in Delhi. He also offered his respect to the personnel who were martyred in these tragedies.

Sharing a specially written set of lines dedicated to the armed forces, he said: “My humble tribute to the innocent people who lost their lives in the 26/11 terrorist attack, the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and the recent Delhi blasts, and my respectful salute to our brave security personnel who were martyred in these attacks. Today, I have been asked to recite these four beautiful lines for the brave soldiers and jawans of the country… When someone asks you what you do, say with pride that I protect the country.”

He further added, “If someone asks you how much you earn, smile slightly and say, I earn the blessings of 1.4 billion people. And if they turn around and ask you again, ‘Aren’t you ever afraid?’ Look them in the eye and say, ‘Those who attack us feel it’… Let us all take steps towards peace together. Let us forget the caste, creed, and discrimination around us and walk the path of humanity, so that the martyrdom of our heroes for the peace of our country is not in vain.”

#WATCH | Mumbai | At the Global Peace Honours 2025, Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says, "My humble tribute to the innocent people who lost their lives in the 26/11 terrorist attack, the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and the recent Delhi blasts and my respectful salute to our brave… pic.twitter.com/XQtJp0pm1I — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2025

The Global Peace Honours saw the presence of several notable attendees, including Nita Ambani, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Amruta Fadnavis, Tiger Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Vikrant Massey, Akanksha Malhotra, Archana Kochhar, Kripashankar Singh and others.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan come together to attend the VIP opening of the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

From Kiara Advani to Akansha Ranjan Kapoor: Actresses who are acing the mermaid gown trend

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There’s something undeniably timeless about the mermaid gown — a silhouette that hugs the body till the knees and then flares out dramatically, much like a mermaid’s tail. Elegant, sensual, and perfectly sculpted, this style has long been a red-carpet favourite across the globe, and now Bollywood’s leading ladies are giving it their own spin.

Be it structured metallics, pastel drapes, or high-shine sequins, these stars are redefining glamour and making the mermaid gown the statement look of the season.

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor

 

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Akansha Ranjan Kapoor is quickly carving her niche as one of the industry’s most effortlessly stylish stars. Recently seen in a pastel-hued mermaid gown that perfectly combined structure and softness, Akansha looked ethereal. The gown’s subtle train and sculpted bodice highlighted her frame without overpowering her natural elegance. With sleek hair, muted tones, and minimal accessories, she proved that quiet sophistication can often make the loudest impact.

Kiara Advani

 

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Kiara Advani is synonymous with red carpet perfection, and her love for the mermaid gown silhouette is proof of her refined taste. Whether it’s a corseted number with a dramatic trail or a sequinned creation that sparkles under the spotlight, Kiara knows how to strike the right balance between elegance and allure. Her polished styling, confident posture, and radiant charm make her one of Bollywood’s most consistent fashion icons.

Janhvi Kapoor

 

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When it comes to embracing figure-hugging glamour, Janhvi Kapoor rarely misses the mark. Her affinity for mermaid gowns — often in dazzling metallics and rich jewel tones — reflects her flair for dramatic yet feminine looks. With soft waves, luminous makeup, and that signature confidence, Janhvi channels the perfect mix of classic beauty and contemporary style.

Sharvari

 

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Sharvari’s rise as a fashion favorite has been nothing short of impressive. Her choice of a structured, jewel-toned mermaid gown recently showcased her evolving sartorial sensibility. The sculpted fit, clean lines, and subtle drama of the flare perfectly captured her balance of grace and modernity. Sharvari’s fashion journey continues to be about thoughtful choices that command attention without trying too hard.

Ananya Panday

 

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Ananya Panday brings a playful twist to the mermaid silhouette. From soft pastel tones to intricately embellished fits, her interpretations of the trend feel young, breezy, and full of personality. Often pairing her gowns with minimal jewelry and fresh makeup, Ananya effortlessly proves that the mermaid style can be equal parts fun and fabulous.

Also Read: Amar Kaushik clarifies rumours about Aneet Padda replacing Kiara Advani in Maddock’s next horror comedy Shakti Shalini

EXCLUSIVE: Shanaya Kapoor’s acting coach Rachit Singh believes the audience will get “blown away” by her in her upcoming films: “Like how Saiyaara happened to Aneet Padda”

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Rachit Singh was recently seen as a Betaal in Aditya Sarpotdar’s Thamma. The film was a part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. But much before making his film debut in the movie, Rachit has been working as an acting coach, who has trained quite a few actors. One of them is Shanaya Kapoor, who made her acting debut earlier this year in Santosh Singh’s Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, in which she was cast opposite Vikrant Massey.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Rachit said that the world will see Shanaya’s true talent in her upcoming projects. “You will now watch Shanaya’s actual potential,” he said. “Till now, we have only seen her in her first film. She is doing quite a few films in which she is playing different types of characters. She is a very hardworking girl.”

Rachit has also trained Aneet Padda, who hit a jackpot earlier this year with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. He gave her example for Shanaya saying, “Like how Saiyaara happened to Aneet. Of course, Aneet is very good but it’s also a good script and a good director, who can take that performance out of you. I think with Shanaya also (this can happen). She is doing so many different types of roles. She is working with so many directors.”

Rachit added, “I think once her films will start coming out, you will see her potential. Just fingers crossed for her because I know how hardworking and dedicated she is as an actor. I have been working with her from her first film. So, I have seen her journey and growth as an actor. I am just waiting for her films to come out and you guys to watch it and get blown away by it.”

As far as Rachit’s acting career is concerned, he will be seen next in Baby Do Die Do, which stars Huma Qureshi in the lead. The film is also produced by her and her brother Saqib Saleem under their banner Saleem Siblings.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Aneet Padda’s acting coach Rachit Singh when he first met her, “Whatever you ask her to do, she will listen, surrender and just do it”

Ninad Kamat reveals he lost a “big film” role after a four-round audition, says social media and lobbying have killed the art: “Very different ball game today”

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Veteran actor and voice artist Ninad Kamat, known for his extensive work across films, advertising, and dubbing, opened up about the emotional toll of constant auditions and rejections—even after spending over three decades in the entertainment industry. In a conversation with Digital Commentary, he revealed that the struggle for roles persists even with experience.

Sharing a recent incident, Kamat said he had auditioned just a week ago for a major film. Despite being called four times for the same character, he was eventually told he did not cut.

“Even after 31 years, you still have to audition,” he said. “Just a week ago, I gave an audition. And then came a heartbreaking rejection. It was a very big film—I can’t name it. I auditioned four times for one of the three main characters, travelling from Mahim to Andheri Versova each time. Three days ago, I was told, ‘Sorry, sir.’”

Kamat added that he had worked extensively on fine-tuning the character. “I picked a slight North Indian accent, worked on the humour the role required… all of that I kept practising at home. When they tell you three days before that it’s not happening—especially for a main character—it really hurts.”

Talking about the changing dynamics of casting, the actor said the landscape has shifted dramatically. “It’s a very different ball game today. Whether it’s social media, lobbying, or marketing… an actor’s follower count has started deciding things. I feel that’s what has killed the art.”

Kamat’s comments come at a time when several senior actors have been speaking up about how the audition culture often disregards years of experience.

Just a few months ago, veteran Marathi and television actor Usha Nadkarni recalled turning down an audition for Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. She revealed that she was offended when a young assistant director asked her to test for a role without having checked her decades-long body of work.

Nadkarni had said in an interview with Pinkvilla that she refused the offer immediately: “I asked him how old he is—he said 25. I told him I’ve been working longer than his mother has been alive. I don’t do such pointless auditions. When he told me who the director is, I said, ‘She’s the daughter of a big man, isn’t she? Ask her to look up my name on the computer, then she’ll know the work I’ve done.’”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Pranutan Behl reveals that she auditioned for Rajshri’s Dono; fondly recalls interacting with Rani Mukerji on Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye sets: “When I reminded her, she caught my cheeks in her typical loving way and gave me a small kiss”