EXCLUSIVE: Side Heroes to have a theatrical release on Friendship’s Day 2027; Varun Sharma says, "It is not just a hilarious friendship film; it’s like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara..."

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On the occasion of Friendship Day, actor Varun Sharma has exclusively spoken about his upcoming film, Side Heroes, a promising story celebrating friendship and centred on three friends. He assured audiences that it is not merely a maddening comedy but also explores important aspects of life. He further drew parallels with the iconic friendship film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011).

Varun Sharma said, “Side Heroes is not just a hilarious friendship film. It’s like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – it makes us realize what truly matters in life, success and views happiness with a fresh lens.”

Side Heroes is produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Besides Varun Sharma, the film also stars Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that a fresh face has been cast as the female lead in this coming-of-age friendship film.

Set in the heartland of India, Side Heroes tells the poignant yet comical story of three childhood friends who reconnect at a reunion after 15 years of distance and silence. It is an entertaining tale about friends rediscovering the true meaning of happiness while exploring themes of dreams, love, memories and life.

Meanwhile, another major update is that Side Heroes is being planned for release on Friendship Day 2027. Considering the film’s theme, the release date couldn’t have been more appropriate.

 

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After Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara gave audiences road trips and poetry in 2011, Side Heroes promises to offer the 2027 generation meme culture, small-town roots and a reminder that we often become the heroes of our own lives because of the “side heroes” who stand beside us.

Also Read: Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee and Varun Sharma unveil friendship anthem ‘Kahaan’

Sonu Nigam opens up on his failed acting career: "If I had found the right ‘mali’, this seed could have become something else"

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Sonu Nigam opened up about his career, the ups and downs, and much more in a conversation on the YouTube show 'Game Changers with Komal Nahta'. The actor began his career as a singer, and in the early 2000s he worked as an actor in films such as Jaani Dushman - Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002), Kash Aap Hamare Hote (2003), and Love In Nepal (2004). Sonu looked back at it and opened up like never before.

Sonu Nigam began by saying, “Uss baat ko 24 saal ho gaye hain. 24 years back, I was a baccha who had just experienced fame as a singer. Every artist is a beej (seed). That beej needs a mali (gardener), soil, sunlight etc. If the seed doesn’t get these requirements, it won’t grow, even if it’s a banyan tree’s seed. When it comes to singing, I got sunlight, favourable weather and nourishing soil. By that time, I would have got these nutrients for my acting career, maine acting chod diya (smiles). I didn’t get the chance.”

He remarked, “If I had access to the correct mali for my acting, toh yeh beej kuch aur hota. Gaane mein bhi agar mujhe mali acche nahin milte, toh main kahin nahin hota. I was surrounded by mali who helped me grow. Not just me, even Lata Mangeshkar ji stated that she learned from Anil Biswas ji, Mohammed Rafi ji etc. We are all beej, be it Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, A R Rahman.”

Sonu Nigam said that he has no regrets about his acting career not working out. He said, “Bahut hi accha hua. After that episode, I developed a one-track focus on singing. Had my attention been divided, I would not have been satisfied or happy with myself. If you are pulling one rope, you’ll be able to take it to a certain point. Now imagine pulling two ropes at the same time. You’ll cover only a short distance and won’t go very far, as your energies will be divided. Hence, had I juggled acting and singing, I would not have reached this stage in either craft.”

He ended his answer by saying, “Whatever the universe is doing is for our best, and there’s no reason for us to complain.”

Also Read: Ravi Kishan is internet’s newest NATIONAL TREASURE and India’s most wholesome meme SUPERSTAR: How his unfiltered charm, hilarious clips, NON-THREATENING persona won over Gen Z

Salman Khan shares heartfelt post for Sanjay Dutt; calls him ‘mera bada bhai’ in emotional note

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Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt have shared one of Bollywood's most cherished friendships for decades. Whether it is supporting each other through personal milestones or collaborating on screen, the two actors have often spoken about their deep bond. Once again, Salman gave fans a glimpse of their brotherhood by sharing a heartfelt social media post dedicated to Sanjay Dutt.

Taking to social media, Salman Khan posted a couple of heartwarming photos featuring the two actors embracing each other. The candid moments reflected the warmth and affection that has defined their relationship over the years. Alongside the pictures, Salman penned an emotional note for the actor, whom he has always fondly referred to as ‘Baba’.

He captioned the post, “Babaaaa for ever baba aur baba ,baba hota hai. Sanju baba hai hum sab ka baba n Sanju baba now apne bacchon ka baba , mera bada bhai Sanjay Dutt, Allah, Bhagwan Jesus sab iss Aadhmi ko khush rakhain, I love you Baba.” The post quickly caught the attention of fans, who flooded the comments section with love for the iconic duo. Many praised the actors for maintaining their close friendship over the years, while others reminisced about their memorable on-screen pairing in films like Saajan and Chal Mere Bhai.

 

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For the unversed, Sanjay Dutt celebrated his birthday earlier this week, and Salman’s touching tribute added to the wave of wishes pouring in for the veteran actor. Their camaraderie has remained one of the most admired relationships in the Hindi film industry, making every public interaction between the two a special moment for fans.

On the professional front, Sanjay Dutt is enjoying a successful year at the box office. He is currently riding high on the success of Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge, in which he essayed the role of S.P. Choudhary Aslam. The actor has also been seen in KD The Devil, Raja Shivaji, and Aakhri Sawal, all of which released in theatres this year.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan has an exciting slate of projects ahead. The superstar will next be seen in Maatrubhumi, a film inspired by real events. He is also set to collaborate with filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally for an untitled entertainer, which will mark his first on-screen pairing with Nayanthara, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.

Also Read: Salman Khan ate biryani while getting hair treatment, recalls producer Shailendra Singh: “There’s a price to pay to be a star, bro”

EXCLUSIVE: Daya Shankar Pandey’s Mahima Shani Dev Ki created a Jai Santoshi Maa-like cultural phenomenon; sparked a 400% INCREASE in temples across India; Ramanand Sagar’s kin reveals, “My grandfather asked, ‘Yeh kaun dekhega? Shani se toh sab log darte hai’”

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Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan is arguably the most popular show in the history of Indian television. He and his family subsequently created several more devotional series for the small screen. While some of these shows had a significant cultural impact, their influence remains largely unknown. One such series was Mahima Shani Dev Ki, produced by Ramanand Sagar’s grandson Shiv Sagar and written by his son Prem Sagar, who is also Shiv’s father. Titled Mahima Shani Dev Ki, it was an overnight success and topped the charts for a long time. As per the website of Sagar World, “the number of Saturn (Shani) temples went up by 400% in the entire country due to the impact of the show, which for the first time showed Shani in a positive light as a planet of justice and punishment, versus a harsh planet that everyone was afraid of!”

The show’s impact mirrored the cultural phenomenon witnessed after the release of Jai Santoshi Maa (1975), often described as one of the biggest return-on-investment successes in Indian cinema. In a May 2025 article published by The Times of India to mark the film’s 50th anniversary, it was noted that anthropologist Veena Das had written in 1981 about how Santoshi Ma temples proliferated following the movie’s success, “not only in metropolitan cities but also in pilgrim cities like Varanasi”. She explained, “After watching the film, many bhakts wanted to visit a Santoshi Mata mandir to express their devotion, to do fasting rituals or just sit there to pay obeisance. That’s why so many mandirs came up at that time.” Mahima Shani Dev Ki appears to have created a similarly extraordinary cultural impact.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shiv Sagar revealed, “My dad, Prem Sagar, conceived that show in 1992. He went to my grandfather and expressed the desire to make a show on Shani. My grandfather asked him, ‘Yeh kaun dekhega? Shani se toh sab log darte hai’.”

He added, “But in 2008, we got an opportunity. For the first time, we cast a positive face – Daya Shankar Pandey – for Shani. Until then, makers had usually portrayed Shani in an aggressive or negative avatar. Meanwhile, our take was very different on the show. If you’ve done something wrong and Shani is the God of Justice and Punishment, He’s just doing His job. So, don’t blame Him. Blame yourself for indulging in some wrongdoing (laughs)!”

Shiv continued, “This take was different and it worked. Then, so many other shows came on Shani Dev. There was a show on Colors TV as well. But we were the original creators in 2008 for NDTV Imagine.”

He also stated, “That show did very well. It ran for 4 years and always topped the charts. Then it was aired on Dangal TV because Manish R Goswami ji had acquired the rights. Even on Dangal, it was the number one show. Meanwhile, Dangal was the number one FTA channel in India, courtesy all the Sagar shows.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ramanand Sagar’s grandson Shiv Sagar shares FASCINATING trivia: “Vikram Aur Betaal cost Rs. 1 lakh per episode; it was shot and edited in our garage as we COULDN’T afford elaborate sets”

Birthday special: Mrunal Thakur's western style is anything but basic, and THESE 6 looks prove it!

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Mrunal Thakur is keeping herself far away from the basics of fashion, and it’s clearly working for the Dacoit star. One look at her western wardrobe, and you’d see how she’s adding flair to it with a plethora of colours, patterns, fabrics and aesthetics. As she celebrates her birthday today, here’s looking at the times she dramatised her western wardrobe.

Blacked Out: Mrunal dons a fitting, straight black outfit with strapless shoulders, offering a silhouette that accentuates her curves. The actress keeps it richly sophisticated by pairing her ensemble with contrasting drop earrings, styling her hair in a slick bun and glamming up with striking deep kohled eyes that add character.

 

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Denim-ed Up: Thakur offers a new twist to denims by donning a checkered midi dress featuring floral embroidery. Keeping it neat and simply letting the outfit take centre stage, the actress styles her look with minimal jewellery and completes it all with black stilettos.

 

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Pastel Aesthetics: Mrunal Thakur keeps it modernly urban and aesthetically pleasing by donning a striped wrap dress featuring balloon sleeves. The actress styles her hair in messy beach waves, accessorises her look with minimal jewellery and completes her look with brown pumps.

 

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Striped Affair: Mrunal Thakur chooses a pop of colour to brighten her fashion flair by donning a blue and white striped midi gown. Keeping the look clean and chic, the Sita Ramam actress styles her hair in a high ponytail, layers her look with contemporary jewellery and rounds up with golden heels.

 

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Golden Scaled: Mrunal Thakur redefines maximalist western fashion by donning a fitted black skirt with a modest thigh slit. But it is the exaggerated golden piece that defines the outfit’s no-nonsense mood, making it a standout as a whole. The actress styles her hair in a clean bun, accessorises her look with contemporary, golden earrings and brings her attire full circle with black heels.

 

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Chic in Black: Mrunal Thakur keeps it minimal yet stylish in a one-shouldered, crumpled bodice paired with a free-flowing skirt in the hues of red, black, cream and everything in between. The actress styles her hair straight and accessorises her attire with contemporary earpieces and stacked bracelets.

 

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Which of these western looks of the birthday girl are your favourites?

Also Read: Leica India hosts Steve McCurry for an exclusive conversation with Kabir Khan; Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap also graced the occasion

Anupam Kher wraps Yeh Prem Mol Liya, pens heartfelt note for Sooraj Barjatya: “A film with heart, grace”

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Veteran actor Anupam Kher has announced the completion of shooting for Yeh Prem Mol Liya, director Sooraj R. Barjatya's upcoming romantic musical family drama. Sharing the update on social media, the actor posted a series of photos and videos from the set and reflected on his long-standing association with the filmmaker, calling the project "another beautiful chapter" in their journey together.

The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead as Rajshri Productions' iconic "Prem", alongside Sharvari, marking their first on-screen pairing. Anupam Kher announces film wrap Taking to Instagram, Anupam Kher revealed that the film wrapped production the previous night. In his lengthy note, he expressed gratitude to Sooraj Barjatya, the cast and crew, while describing the film as one that left a lasting impact on him. "I've known Sooraj from the time he was an assistant on my very first film, Saaransh. Since then, we have shared the journey of more than eight films together. Watching him evolve into one of the greatest storytellers of our times has been a privilege," he wrote.

The actor also praised Barjatya for consistently making films that celebrate Indian family values and relationships. "In a world where cinema, like everything else, is constantly changing, Sooraj has remained beautifully constant. He has protected and celebrated the ethos of Indian families, relationships, compassion and values without ever compromising on honesty or emotion. His films don't merely entertain, they become a part of our lives," Anupam added.

Calling Yeh Prem Mol Liya "a film with heart, grace", he said the story touched him deeply from the very first narration and thanked the entire team for making the experience memorable. He concluded by saying that he could not wait for audiences to witness the film's magic when it reaches theatres. The post was geotagged at Banganga, Walkeshwar.

 

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Among the many reactions to the post, Anupam Kher's niece, Vrinda Kher, left a heartfelt comment, observing how happy he always seemed while working on a Sooraj Barjatya film. "I don't know if others have noticed but bade papa you look soo happy on a Barjatiya set! Even when we visited you on their set in Mumbai and now here. There is such an ease and a spark in you when you are there. It's beautiful," she wrote.

Anupam responded warmly, replying, "You are absolutely right my dearest."

Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, Yeh Prem Mol Liya is a romantic musical family drama produced by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films. The music is composed by Himesh Reshammiya, who reunites with Sooraj Barjatya after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). Yeh Prem Mol Liya is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 27, 2026.

Also Read: Anupam Kher calls Sooraj Barjatya a “national treasure” in birthday note

The Traitors Season 2 launch: Karan Johar refers to rival reality shows, leaves attendees amused: “Unlike other shows, winner won’t be a hack…when we get LOCKED UP with Prime Video, there will always be an ALLIANCE!”

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Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Prime Video’s Nikhil Madhok attended the launch of The Traitors Season 2 at a studio in Mumbai. The lavish and intriguingly themed event also saw the contestants of the new season being introduced for the first time – Rhea Chakraborty, Krystle D’Souza, Ranveer Brar, Mallika Sherawat, Shahneel Gill, Abhishek Malhan, Munawar Faruqui, Rida Tharana, Tanya Puri, Shalini Passi, Soundous Moufakir, Harman Singha, Ansh Chopra, Aditya Kulshreshtha aka Gullu, Karan Singh, Ikka, Parul Gulati, Shweta Tiwari, Prish, Sahil Salathia and Dalip Tahil.

Karan Johar, who’s also the host of the show and the producer, was asked whether he would be more unforgiving and ruthless than last season. He said, “My reputation precedes me! I won’t be forgiving. I’ll definitely be more ruthless. But we will never forget to be entertaining. That is the modus operandi for any popular show. “I am so proud that our show, The Traitors, is in its second season. You know, when you get the green light from a streamer, and there’s a Season 2, it only shows how popular Season 1 must have been for us to be validated with a second season (smiles).”

He then revealed, “This season shocked, surprised, appalled and even terrified me. I saw the level of betrayal, I saw the level of attack, I saw the level of manipulation and I saw the level of strategy that I was not expecting. When we say the show is called The Traitors and that it’s a game, trust me, it stopped being a game at some point… it became a dhamaka of betrayal. Literally, every night, there was an attack and there was a stab in the back. Emotions you won’t lack. And unlike other shows, the winner won’t be a hack.”

The last sentence seemed to be a dig at rival reality shows on other platforms. The fun further continued as Karan Johar said, “Prime Video is someone we love and we adore. And all I can say is that when we get locked up with Prime Video, there will always be an Alliance!”

The Traitors Season 2 will start streaming from August 13.

Also Read: Karan Johar shares heartfelt Guru Purnima note for Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra: “You both are the only reason I can tell stories today”