Scotland First Minister John Swinney visits Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions to explore Bollywood collaborations

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Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney recently visited the Mumbai office of Dharma Productions, where he met filmmaker-producer Karan Johar and the banner’s CEO, Apoorva Mehta, to discuss potential collaborations between Scotland and the Indian film industry. The meeting focused on exploring long-term opportunities for Indian productions to shoot in Scotland and strengthening the cinematic ties between the two regions.

Accompanied by delegates from Screen Scotland, Swinney highlighted Scotland’s filming infrastructure, skilled technical crews and financial incentives aimed at attracting international productions. The discussions also explored the country’s potential as a filming destination for upcoming Indian films and streaming projects.

The meeting held particular significance for Karan Johar, given his long-standing association with Scotland through his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). The film’s iconic title track featured picturesque Scottish locations, including Eilean Donan Castle, Blackrock Cottage and Tantallon Castle, which became part of the film’s visual identity.

Sharing photographs from the meeting on social media, Karan expressed his happiness at hosting the Scottish First Minister at Dharma Productions and recalled his experience of shooting in the country. He wrote, “It was such an honour to have the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney (@john_swinney_snp) visit our home, our office and our world at @dharmamovies! It took me back to shooting my first film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai where we shot some iconic sequences and scenes in the beautiful backdrop of Scotland. We spoke avidly about my memories and experience and conversed about how we could deepen the friendship between the two countries in the cinematic field. It was a pleasure and more, thank you for gracing us with your presence.”

 

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Beyond the Dharma Productions visit, the diplomatic tour included an industry roundtable organised in partnership with the Producers Guild of India. The meeting brought together senior Indian film producers, studio representatives and members of Scotland’s screen sector to discuss co-production opportunities, creative exchange programmes and logistical support for Indian productions filming overseas.

The initiative reflects efforts to strengthen international collaboration as Indian filmmakers increasingly explore overseas locations for theatrical releases and streaming projects. With Scotland looking to attract more international productions, the discussions could open up further opportunities for Indian filmmakers to explore its landscapes and production facilities for future projects.

Also Read: Koffee With Karan 9: Janhvi Kapoor says she lost 6 kg after fallout with Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan recalls calling him a ‘child’; says, “You became Amitabh Bachchan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”

Ranbir Kapoor reveals how three lions nearly stole the spotlight during his proposal to Alia Bhatt in Kenya

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Ranbir Kapoor recently revisited one of the most memorable moments of his personal life, recalling how he proposed to Alia Bhatt during their trip to Kenya in 2022. Appearing on Sony Entertainment Television’s Kaun Banega Crorepati as a part of the promotions of his upcoming film Ramayana Part 1, the actor shared a humorous account of how his carefully planned romantic gesture in the wilderness of Maasai Mara turned into an extraordinary experience, with three lions just about 100 feet away.

Recounting how he had arranged the proposal, Ranbir revealed that he had already spoken to his guide and driver to ensure that everything went according to plan. He had also brought a ring along and wanted photographs of the special moment.

Ranbir shared, “Maine pehle se hi apna jo guide hai, jo driver hai, maine unko ek tip de di thi ki aap kahin jaake rok dena beech jungle mein... main main ek angoothi laya tha ki main apne ghutno mein jaunga aur aap door se photograph khichna kyunki ladkiyon ko photographs ka bahut shauk hai.. Instagram pe dalne ka, toh maine socha ki yeh bahut zaroori tha Alia ke liye..” (I had already tipped my guide and driver and asked them to stop somewhere in the middle of the jungle. I had brought a ring and planned to get down on one knee, while asking them to take a photograph from a distance, because girls love posting photographs on Instagram. I thought it was very important for Alia)

His account prompted an amusing response from Amitabh Bachchan, who pointed out the importance of documenting such a special occasion. The megastar quipped, “Par sir ek... proof hona chahiye..” (There had to be proof, sir)

Agreeing with the observation, Ranbir went on to describe the rather intimidating surroundings in which he popped the question. While he had imagined a romantic moment on one knee, the presence of the big cats added an unexpected dimension to the experience.

He recalled, “Proof hona chahiye... Nahi angooti toh thi, main ghar se laya tha, par sir mahaul aisa tha ki... teen babbar sher is taraf the, kuch 100 feet ki doori par, meri sherni mere aage khadi thi, aur main chuha bankar apne ghutno mein khada tha ki baby will you marry me? So I think that was a very, very... ek jaise ek adbhut experience raha tha meri zindagi ka, I'll always remember..” (I had brought the ring from home, but the atmosphere was such that there were three lions about 100 feet away on one side, and my lioness was standing in front of me. I was like a mouse, down on my knees, asking, ‘Baby, will you marry me?’ It was an extraordinary experience of my life, and I will always remember it)."

 

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Ranbir’s candid storytelling had the audience laughing, with his comparison of Alia to a lioness and himself to a mouse adding a humorous twist to the romantic anecdote.

The couple’s engagement moment in Maasai Mara was followed by their wedding in April 2022. The actors, who have since welcomed their daughter, Raha, continue to be among Bollywood’s most closely followed celebrity couples.

The special appearance will be part of Kaun Banega Crorepati Diwali Special, which is scheduled to air on October 29 and 30 at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor reveals the secret to a lasting relationship as he opens up about his marriage with Alia Bhatt

Nitesh Tiwari clarifies AI use in Ranbir Kapoor starrer Ramayana; says, “It is only being used for lip sync”

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As anticipation builds for Ramayana: Part 1, director Nitesh Tiwari has clarified how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the ambitious mythological epic. While interacting with international media in Los Angeles, the filmmaker explained that the technology is being employed specifically to synchronise characters’ lip movements with dubbed dialogue, allowing audiences across the world to experience the film in their native languages.

Addressing the use of AI in the film, Nitesh Tiwari said, “As far as AI is being concerned, it is only being used to get the lip sync. So that we can present the film to the world in their language. So all the voices are dubbed by the artists. There is no AI out there. AI is only being used to get the lip movement right so that audience can enjoy it in their native language.”

A video of the filmmaker explaining the process has generated considerable buzz on social media, bringing attention to the role of technology in the film’s international presentation. His clarification distinguishes the use of AI for lip synchronisation from voice generation, with the dubbed performances being provided by artists.

The comments came during the film’s high-profile promotional event and international premiere in Los Angeles on October 27, 2026. Ahead of its worldwide release, the makers brought together key members of the team that is Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi along with producers Namit Malhotra and Yash, alongside cast members, to present exclusive footage and discuss the film’s scale and visual ambition with international media. The event, designed around a traditional Indian aesthetic, marked an important step in the project’s global promotional campaign.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 adapts the ancient epic attributed to Sage Valmiki. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with Sunny Deol playing Hanuman and Ravi Dubey portraying Laxman. The ensemble also includes Arun Govil, Lara Dutta and Rakul Preet Singh.

Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with Monster Mind Creations, the film features visual effects spearheaded by DNEG, music by A. R. Rahman and an original background score by Hans Zimmer. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

Also Read: AR Rahman calls Ramayana his biggest film yet, says soundtrack took 3.5 years to develop; speaks on collaborating with Hans Zimmer

Ayushmann Khurrana, Tahira Kashyap already welcome Diwali season in glamorous ethnic looks: “End October and early November is full of butterflies”

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Diwali celebrations appear to have begun early for Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap. The couple, known for hosting festive gatherings attended by members of the film industry, recently took to Instagram to share a portrait welcoming the season of lights. Their post also offered a glimpse of their festive style, with both opting for traditional ensembles featuring detailed embellishments.

Sharing the picture, Ayushmann and Tahira captioned it, “Diwali season is the best season for a reason. And the reason is love. End October and early November is full of butterflies.” The message reflected the celebratory mood as the couple posed together against a floral wallpaper backdrop, dressed in coordinated yet distinct festive looks. Not too long ago, the couple had hosted a Diwali bash at their residence which was attended by Sara Ali Khan, Karan Johar, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, among others.

For the occasion, Ayushmann opted for an all-black ethnic ensemble that combined traditional tailoring with subtle embellishment. The actor wore a bandhgala kurta featuring intricate dark sequin embroidery along the placket. Keeping the silhouette understated, he paired the outfit with relaxed, straight-leg black trousers and formal dress shoes. A sheer organza wrap added another layer to the look, with gold-toned tassel accents along the hem providing a contrast against the predominantly black palette.

Tahira, meanwhile, chose a champagne-gold lehenga set that leaned into the festive mood. Her sleeveless choli featured heavy embellishment, while the A-line skirt was detailed with mirror-work borders and delicate sequins across the fabric. She completed the ensemble with a matching sheer dupatta draped over her arm. Statement drop earrings and a cocktail ring served as accessories, while her softly styled, brushed-out waves complemented the outfit.

Together, their ensembles offered two different approaches to festive dressing. Ayushmann kept his look centred on dark tones, clean tailoring and restrained detailing, while Tahira embraced metallic hues, surface embellishment and traditional occasion wear elements. The portrait also fits into the couple’s familiar Diwali celebrations, with their social media post marking the arrival of the festive season.

 

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Ayushmann Khurrana’s Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Ayushmann was recently seen in Udta Teer, directed by Aakash Kaushik. The comedy caper also stars Sara Ali Khan, Rahul Bose, Ram Kapoor and the late Mukul Dev. The film follows a Pakistani spy who loses his memory after a blast and mistakenly believes himself to be an officer in India’s Counter Terrorism Squad.

The actor is also preparing for Yeh Prem Mol Liya, directed by Sooraj Barjatya and produced by Rajshri Productions. The family drama features Sharvari alongside Ayushmann, with Anupam Kher, Seema Pahwa and Supriya Pathak in the ensemble cast. With music composed by Himesh Reshammiya, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan visit Attari-Wagah border to promote Udta Teer

25 years of Asoka EXCLUSIVE: Shah Rukh Khan invited a common man for breakfast for an ENTIRE week during Jaipur schedule; treated his 17 employees like VIPs: “They were so charged up meeting him that our sales increased by 24%!”

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Rajesh Naik was in his early 40s when he got the opportunity of a lifetime – to have breakfast with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, not just for a day, but for an entire week! This extraordinary experience took place on the sets of Asoka (2001) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. As the period drama, co-starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, completed 25 years on October 26, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Rajesh Naik, now 66, about how a common man landed this enviable opportunity and came away with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Rajesh Naik began by saying, “I was deputed by the board of directors of Excel Industries Ltd to Jaipur, Rajasthan, to take over the operations. Initially, I was alone in Jaipur. My wife, Bhavna, and son, Hardik, had not joined me yet. Meanwhile, one of my close friends, the late Ravi Indulkar, was Shah Rukh Khan’s personal makeup man. We used to call him Ravi Dada. Shah Rukh also called him the same. Ravi Dada was aware that I had shifted from Mumbai to Jaipur. He called me one day at 8:45 in the morning and told me, ‘We are in your city and Sahab bhi hai’. By Sahab, he meant Shah Rukh. I asked him the purpose of the visit. He replied, ‘We are here for the shoot of Asoka. You should join us and have breakfast with Shah Rukh and us’!”

Rajesh Naik immediately agreed. When asked whether Kareena Kapoor Khan was also present at the breakfast table, he replied, “I don’t remember if she was there, but the child actor (Sooraj Balaji) was present. You won’t believe how Shah Rukh treated me. He was so happy that I accepted his invitation when it should have been the other way round! After we were done, he asked, ‘We are here for 7 more days. Aap roz hamare saath breakfast karne aayenge kya?’! The offer was very tempting, but I suddenly remembered that I had to be at work early in the morning. So, I told him, ‘Thank you so much, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to change my routine’. He understood my reason and told me, ‘Sure. Aapse ho sakta hai, toh hi aaiye. But I insist that you should join us’.”

Rajesh Naik revealed, “I couldn’t resist, and I ended up going for breakfast all 7 days! The shoot of Asoka was taking place 22 km outside the city. He used to call me ‘Sir’. During one of our breakfast sessions, he asked me, ‘Sir, would you and your office people like to come and see the shoot of our movie?’. I accepted this invitation too. I went to my office and asked my team if they were interested. Obviously, they agreed but requested that we go on a Saturday, which was an off day.”

He added, “My team had a total of 17 members. A minibus was booked, and we went to witness the shoot. The battle sequence was being shot. Even back then, he was a huge star, and yet, he was so kind to each one of them, as if we were VIPs. Food was arranged for us. A couple of people even went to his vanity van and shook hands with Shah Rukh!”

Rajesh Naik laughed as he shared, “My team was so charged up after that meeting and Shah Rukh's behaviour towards them that their efficiency increased. Our sales increased by almost 24% that year. The credit for it goes to Shah Rukh and Ravi Dada! Shah Rukh surely has some effect.”

Did he get a chance to click a picture with the superstar? Rajesh Naik said, “Yes, I clicked a picture with him. I asked him if he would put his hand on my shoulder. He laughed and was more than happy to accept my request (laughs).”

Rajesh Naik then got a couple of chances to meet the superstar, though those meetings were brief. Meanwhile, he also recalled a touching incident that Ravi Dada had narrated to him. He revealed, “While the shoot of Asoka was going on, his assistant’s mother passed away. Shah Rukh flew to Mumbai to pay his last respects. He even gave some money to the assistant. Then, he returned to Jaipur immediately. No one in the team was aware of his visit. Ravi Dada knew about it, and he told me. He said that this is how Shah Rukh treats every person in his team.”

After Shilpa Rao; Himesh Reshammiya's mic abruptly cut off at Bollywood Music Project; fans go 'Awwww' as he kisses wife Sonia; Ayushmann Khurrana calls him 'Lord Himesh'

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The tenth edition of the Bollywood Music Project, organised by Eva Live, took place on October 24 at Mumbai’s Jio World Gardens and drew a massive crowd. The star-studded line-up included Neeraj Shridhar, Roop Kumar Rathod, Anu Malik, Euphoria, Hariharan, Shilpa Rao, Himesh Reshammiya and several others. Shilpa Rao was the second-last performer, while Himesh Reshammiya was the final artist to take the stage. Bollywood Hungama earlier reported how Shilpa Rao's performance was abruptly cut short, leaving the audience furious. Thankfully, Himesh's epic act made up for the disappointment to some extent and ensured that the evening ended on an entertaining note.

Himesh Reshammiya began on a rocking note with 'Tera Surroor' from his album Aap Kaa Surroor. He followed it up with 'Viraaniya' from Namastey London (2007), 'Tanhaiyan' from Aap Kaa Surroor – The Movie (2007), 'Naam Hai Tera' from Aap Kaa Surroor and the title song of Tere Naam (2003). The crowd enthusiastically sang along, making it evident that Himesh's songs continue to enjoy a massive following.

At this point, Himesh's wife, Sonia Kapoor, joined him on stage. She recited a poem, following which Himesh sang 'Main Jahaan Rahoon' from Namastey London. As he performed the romantic number, Himesh lovingly embraced Sonia and kissed her on the forehead. The adorable moment prompted several attendees to go “Awwww”!

Bollywood Music Project 2026: @ayushmannk makes a surprise entry; crowd goes crazy. Joins #HimeshReshammiya as they promote #YehPremMolLiya @bmp_live https://t.co/qwcKDeH7DZ

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Singer Pragati Nagpal then came on stage to sing the female portions of the songs that followed. Himesh continued his musical extravaganza with 'Yahi Hota Pyaar' from Namastey London, 'Aashiqui Mein Teri' from 36 China Town (2006), 'Afsaana Banaaya Aapne' from the upcoming Gunmaaster G9, the title track of Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005), 'Kheech Meri Photo' from Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), 'Hookah Bar' from Khiladi 786 (2012), 'Soniye' from Aksar (2006), and 'Ek Haseena Thi' and 'Tandoori Nights' from Karzzzz (2008).

In between, he performed a foot-tapping medley comprising 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja' from Aksar, the title tracks of Sanam Teri Kasam and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006), and 'Kitne Armaan' and 'Aye Meri Zohrajabeen' from Phir Hera Pheri (2006).

Ayushmann Khurrana joins Himesh Reshammiya on stage; calls him ‘Lord Himesh’

In one of the biggest surprises of the evening, Ayushmann Khurrana suddenly appeared on stage, much to the delight of the crowd. The actor joined Himesh Reshammiya to promote their upcoming film, Yeh Prem Mol Liya.

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Ayushmann told the cheering audience, “I am just overwhelmed seeing you guys. It is so beautiful. Maine ek baar Himesh sir ka concert dekha tha Indore mein. Or maybe it was Raipur. This is when my debut film Vicky Donor (2012) had just been released. This is the second time I am at a Himesh Reshammiya concert. And you guys are singing along. It's absolutely crazy and madness here.” He then enthusiastically declared, “Lord Himesh is with us!”

Ayushmann also spoke highly of the music of their upcoming film, saying, “Yeh Prem Mol Liya is a Himesh Reshammiya musical. The tracks of the film are supremely hummable.”

The crowd, meanwhile, had another demand. Fans began insisting that Ayushmann sing his immensely popular song 'Pani Da Rang' from Vicky Donor. Himesh decided to have some fun and joked, “Maine aaj tak 'Pani Da' nahin gaaya. Main bhi gaa lu?” As expected, the crowd shouted, “Yes, yes!” However, Himesh ultimately let Ayushmann do the honours. Himesh, meanwhile, performed on the title song of Yeh Prem Mol Liya.

“Naak se gau ya khatarnaak se?”: Himesh Reshammiya leaves fans in splits

Himesh also entertained the audience with his trademark humour. During one of the performances, he proudly declared, “Lip-sync ya Auto-Tune nahin hai mere performance mein!” He then asked the crowd a hilarious question: “Naak se gau ya khatarnaak se?” The audience was left amused and confused, unsure which option to choose. Himesh, however, went ahead and sang in his much-loved nasal voice, much to the delight of his fans.

#HimeshReshammiya sings 'Aye Meri Zohrajabeen' from #PhirHeraPheri at Bollywood Music Project 2026; fans can't control their excitement @bmp_live https://t.co/XX2Dmsv61T

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

At another point, he revealed that he had plenty of songs in his repertoire but was unable to perform all of them due to time constraints. He added, “Uske liye Capmania Tour mein aana padega!”

Himesh eventually returned to 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja', performing a longer version of the iconic track and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Himesh Reshammiya takes cheeky digs at organizers

Towards the end of his performance, Himesh shot a selfie video with the massive crowd in the background for his social media handle.

He then made a remark that caught everyone's attention. Himesh said, “Main aap logon ke liye 24 ghante perform karna chahta hoon! Lekin hamare pyaare Bollywood Music Project waalon ne mujhe sirf thoda sa waqt diya hain!” The remark prompted loud boos from the audience. Himesh continued, “Kya karoon? If you guys want, main subah tak hilunga nahin!”

Even as his set was drawing to a close, Himesh seemed reluctant to leave the stage and wanted to entertain the audience with more songs. He then made another cheeky remark, saying, “I will perform until they don't switch off my mic.” Interestingly, that is precisely what happened. With the event having crossed its scheduled closing time of 10:00 pm, the organisers eventually switched off Himesh's microphone, bringing his performance to an end. Yet, Himesh continued speaking even after his microphone was switched off, hoping his voice would reach the fans. Sadly, his efforts were in vain.

#HimeshReshammiya keeps talking to fans at Bollywood Music Project 2026 even as his mic was cut off by the organizers https://t.co/9Iy7KQHoFv — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

His repeated remarks about being allotted limited time, particularly the reference to his microphone being switched off, were especially striking in light of what had happened with Shilpa Rao earlier in the evening. Whether or not the comments were intended as a dig at the organisers over that incident, they certainly added an unexpected layer of humour and drama to the proceedings.

Nevertheless, Himesh Reshammiya ensured that the Bollywood Music Project ended on a high. With his infectious energy, memorable songs, hilarious one-liners and generous doses of nostalgia, the singer gave attendees a performance to remember and, more importantly, their money's worth.

Also Read: Bollywood Music Project 2026: Roop Kumar Rathod ROCKS the show; Palash Sen sings Marathi OG version of ‘Chikni Chameli; Anu Malik reminds attendees, “DON’T forget that I composed ‘Sandese Aate Hain’”

Bollywood Music Project 2026: Roop Kumar Rathod ROCKS the show; Palash Sen sings Marathi OG version of ‘Chikni Chameli; Anu Malik reminds attendees, “DON’T forget that I composed ‘Sandese Aate Hain’”

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The tenth edition of the Bollywood Music Project, organized by Eva Live, took place on October 24 at Mumbai’s Jio World Gardens and drew a massive crowd. The star-studded line-up included Neeraj Shridhar, Roop Kumar Rathod, Anu Malik, Euphoria, Hariharan, Shilpa Rao, Himesh Reshammiya and several others. Shilpa Rao was the second-last performer, while Himesh Reshammiya was the final artist to take the stage, and their performances were keenly awaited. However, the acts preceding them were equally entertaining and ensured that attendees had a memorable evening.

Bollywood Hungama reached the venue just as Roop Kumar Rathod and his wife, fellow singer Sonali Rathod, took the stage. They instantly set the mood with a beautiful rendition of 'Tere Liye' from Veer-Zaara (2004). The original song was sung by Roop Kumar Rathod and the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. Sonali stepped into Lata's gigantic shoes, and she managed to impress the audience with her rendition.

#RoopKumarRathod at his best...sings 'Maula Mere Maula' from Anwar at Bollywood Music Project 2026; joined by wife Sonali Rathod https://t.co/cIDGx8hZtE — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Roop Kumar Rathod then crooned another crowd favourite, 'Maula Mere Maula' from Anwar (2007). Sonali followed it up with another Lata Mangeshkar classic, 'Yaara Seeli Seeli', from Lekin (1991). Roop Kumar Rathod concluded his set with the romantic classic ‘Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai’ from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) and the patriotic anthem 'Sandese Aate Hain' from Border (1997), which struck a chord with the audience.

Anu Malik entertains with hilarious shayaris, 90s chartbusters and patriotic fervour

The next performance on the main stage was that of Anu Malik and his team. The act began with Anu's youngest daughter, Ada Malik, dancing to some of her father's iconic compositions.

Shahid Mallya came next and sang the title song of Main Hoon Na (2004), followed by another popular track from the film, 'Tumse Milke'. Anmol Malik then took over and performed 'Talli' from Ugly Aur Pagli (2008), 'Jungle Hai Aadhi Raat' from Biwi No 1 (1999) and 'Main Naagin' from Bajatey Raho (2013).

Finally, Anu Malik made his grand entry and, as expected, brought his trademark energy, humour and spontaneity to the proceedings. Before beginning his performance, he entertained the crowd with a shayari: “Soch ko badlo, sitaare badal jaayenge. Apni nazar ko badlo, nazaare badal jaayenge!”

The entertaining Anu Malik sings 'Julie Julie' at Bollywood Music Project 2026; asks crowd to join him @The_AnuMalik @bmp_live https://t.co/nyxvvvDBf4

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Anu Malik announced that he would begin with a song that has found a new lease of life on Instagram Reels – 'In The Night No Control' from Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996).

He followed it up with 'Julie Julie' from Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1987). Thereafter, he belted out one hit after another, including 'Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din' from Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), 'Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai' from Ishq (1997), the title track of No Entry (2005), 'Aaila Re Ladki Mast Mast Tu' from Jung (2000), and 'Tan Tana Tan Tan' and 'Oonchi Hai Building' from Judwaa (1997). He ended his set with 'Ek Garam Chai' from Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000).

Veteran singer Amit Kumar then made an appearance and entertained the audience with two songs from Imtihaan (1994) – 'Dheere Dheere Chori Chori' and 'Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka'. He followed these with the evergreen 'Bade Achhe Lagte Hain' from Balika Badhu (1976) and 'Main Hoon Jhoom Jhoom Jhumroo' from Jhumroo (1961).

Bollywood Music Project 2026: Anu Malik tells crowd “DON’T forget that I composed ‘Sandese Aate Hai’”; then sings the Border song with Shahid Mallya, Amit Kumar, Anmol Malik @The_AnuMalik @bmp_live https://t.co/h6GzO4zGJn

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Anu Malik then called Ada Malik, Anmol Malik, Shahid Mallya and Amit Kumar together on stage. At this point, he referred to Roop Kumar Rathod's earlier rendition of 'Sandese Aate Hain' and reminded the audience that he was the composer of the iconic track.

He told the crowd, “Don't forget that I composed that song. I was asked by someone, 'Kya yeh gaana aapne banaya hai?'. I replied, 'Maine banaya hai'. That person suggested, 'Thoda gaa do'!”

He continued, “Yeh gaana maine apne Hindustan ke liye banaya hai. Yeh gaana maine apne Indian Armed Forces ke liye banaya hai, who protect us day and night. It's the song that came out of my heart. Main baar baar kehta hoon – naa aisa desh tha, na aisa desh hai aur na aisa desh hoga. East or West, India is the best!” This was followed by Anu and his team singing the patriotic anthem.

Palash Sen takes a dig at Bollywood; Hariharan mesmerizes with his evergreen classics

Palash Sen then took centre stage, accompanied by his son Kinshuk Sen, Shalmali Kholgade, Vaishali Samant and Abhay Jodhpurkar. Palash began with 'Aapki Duaa', originally associated with the late singer KK. A recreated version of the song is part of Euphoria's new album, Dhoomsday.

Bollywood Music Project 2026: Palash Sen sings in Marathi; joins Vaishali Samant in singing 'Kombdi Palali' from Jatra (2005); it was created as 'Chinki Chameli' in Agneepath (2012) @docpalash @vaishaliisamant @bmp_live https://t.co/tfes9TwKsC

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

He also performed 'Tum Ho Meri Main Tumhara' and 'Kaise Bhulegi Mera Naam'. In between songs, Palash expressed his disappointment over how the Bollywood music industry never gave him a chance. However, he also claimed that he had no regrets about retaining ownership of his music. Speaking about his immensely popular song 'Maaeri', he said, “I am glad I never gave away the rights to my song 'Maaeri'. Koi apni maa ko bhi nahi bechta!” Palash saved this track for the end of his performance.

In between, Vaishali Samant joined him on stage and, in a pleasant surprise, Palash sang the male portions of the Marathi chartbuster 'Kombdi Palali' from Jatra (2005). The song was famously recreated as 'Chikni Chameli' in Agneepath (2012).

Hariharan and his son Akshay Hariharan then took the stage and performed songs like the title track of Roja (1992), 'Nahin Saamne' from Taal (1999), 'Baahon Ke Darmiyan' from Khamoshi (1996) and 'Chappa Chappa' from Maachis (1996).

Bollywood Music Project 2026: For the first time, heard the rock version of 'Chappa Chappa'; performed by the legendary Hariharan and his son Akshay Hariharan @SingerHariharan @bmp_live https://t.co/CcKcRSeCtl

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Interestingly, 'Chappa Chappa' was presented in a rock avatar, which took the attendees by surprise. Hariharan also sang 'Telephone Dhun Mein Hasne Wali' from Hindustani (1996) and the recently released 'Vande Mataram'.

Finally, he concluded his performance with arguably one of his most iconic songs, 'Tu Hi Re' from Roja (1992), bringing his set to a fitting end.

Also Read: SHOCKING: Shilpa Rao’s mic switched off TWICE at Bollywood Music Project; HEARTBROKEN singer says, “Woh nahin gaane de rahe” as angry fans boo organizers (FIRST-HAND account)

SHOCKING: Shilpa Rao’s mic switched off TWICE at Bollywood Music Project; HEARTBROKEN singer says, “Woh nahin gaane de rahe” as angry fans boo organizers (FIRST-HAND account)

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The tenth edition of the Bollywood Music Project took place on October 24 at Mumbai’s Jio World Gardens and drew a massive crowd. The star-studded line-up included Neeraj Shridhar, Roop Kumar Rathod, Anu Malik, Euphoria, Hariharan, Shilpa Rao, Himesh Reshammiya and several others. Shilpa Rao’s performance began on a rocking note, but in a shocking turn of events, her microphone was switched off and her performance was abruptly cut short, seemingly because the event was running behind schedule. What followed left the singer visibly upset and the audience furious. Bollywood Hungama was present at the concert and brings you a detailed account of how the incident unfolded.

Bollywood Music Project featured two stages – the main stage and a smaller second stage, positioned to its left. The arrangement was simple: an artist or group would perform on the main stage, following which the performers on the second stage would take over. Once their act concluded, the next artist would appear on the main stage.

However, the event was running behind schedule. Shilpa Rao’s set was originally scheduled from 7:45 pm to 8:15 pm, but she arrived on stage only at around 8:30 pm. She began with a rocking performance of 'Tose Naina Lage' (Anwar; 2007), instantly setting the mood. However, towards the end of the song, her microphone suddenly stopped working. She gestured to the backstage team to provide her with a functioning microphone, and a crew member quickly rushed to her aid.

Singer #ShilpaRao sings 'Tose Naina Lage' from #Anwar as soon as she comes on stage during Bollywood Music Project...fans go crazy @bmp_live @shilparao11 https://t.co/OsBAKXp2Nt

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Shilpa Rao then told the cheering audience, “I don't need a mic. You guys are my voice!” Her remark sent the crowd into a frenzy. She also revealed that her mother was present at the venue and that it was her birthday. The audience immediately began singing 'Happy Birthday To You', making for a heartwarming moment.

Shilpa continued her performance with 'Tere Hawaale' (Laal Singh Chaddha; 2022), the title track of Kalank (2019), 'Khuda Jaane' (Bachna Ae Haseeno; 2008) and 'Woh Ajnabee' (The Train; 2007). The Rish also joined her on stage to perform 'Barbaad' from Saiyaara (2025).

Shilpa Rao then sang 'Chuttamalle' from Devara (2024). After finishing the song, she was preparing to perform her next track when, without warning, the lights on the main stage went off. Her microphone was also switched off. At exactly the same moment, the second stage came alive and Kutle Khan began his performance.

It took the audience a few seconds to comprehend what had just happened. Shilpa Rao’s performance had effectively been brought to an abrupt end. Although the main stage was plunged into darkness, one could see that the singer appeared visibly shocked, angry and distraught by the sudden turn of events.

#ShilpaRao's performance cut short by Bollywood Music Project team to give way for Kutle Khan's performance. Angry crowd chants 'Shilpa Shilpa'. @bmp_live @shilparao11 https://t.co/KMs6EiYEm9

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

The audience, meanwhile, was furious. Fans began loudly chanting “Shilpa, Shilpa”, demanding that the singer be allowed to continue. Amid the commotion, Shilpa Rao’s microphone was switched back on. She stepped forward, and a spotlight was directed at her. Kutle Khan, meanwhile, continued performing on the adjacent stage.

Addressing him, Shilpa said, “Kutle ji, main ek line bol ke nikal jaungi, theek hai? Aap bahut accha gaa rahe ho. Aap bahut sahi gaa rahe ho.”

As the crowd continued chanting her name, Shilpa addressed her fans, saying, “I just wanted to say bye. I can’t leave without saying bye. Woh nahin gaane de rahe.” Her remark prompted loud boos from the audience.

After her performance was forcefully cut short at Bollywood Music Project, #ShilpaRao allowed to say bye to fans. But even her goodbye message is cut short while Kutle Khan probably was cued to keep singing. One could see @shilparao11 feeling distraught and helpless. @bmp_live https://t.co/hMnL34k1lI

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) October 25, 2026

Shilpa continued, “But I’ll say one thing. You guys made 15-20 minutes of my performance amazing. After a long time, I have performed in Mumbai.” However, before she could complete her remarks, her microphone was switched off yet again, even as Kutle Khan’s performance continued on the second stage.

A visibly helpless Shilpa Rao could do little at this point. She made a heart sign with her hands, blew a flying kiss towards her fans and walked off the stage. The audience, however, refused to stop chanting “Shilpa, Shilpa”.

 

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Following the concert, Shilpa Rao took to Instagram to express her heartbreak over the incident. In an emotional statement, she wrote, “Mumbai, a little piece of my heart broke tonight. It hurts deeply to have something so beautiful taken away from us like this. But even when the music stopped, you did not. The way you kept calling my name, the love in your voices. I could feel it all. Our story tonight was left unfinished. I promise, I will come back I love you, Mumbai. Forever and ever.”

Also Read: Amit Trivedi recalls how Shilpa Rao introduced him to Anurag Kashyap: “I never saw myself as a music director”

Amitabh Bachchan shares health update after announcing social media break: “Yet more rest needed..adjusting..thinking and wondering..”

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Amitabh Bachchan has shared another update about his health, stating that he needs more time to rest and recover. The veteran actor had recently announced a break from his usual social media updates after being advised to prioritise his recovery. On Friday, he took to his Tumblr blog to share a brief update, indicating that he continues to follow the medical advice.

In his latest post, Amitabh wrote, “Yet more rest needed .. adjusting .. thinking and wondering .. the human body and its uniqueness.”

Earlier, the actor had also addressed his absence from social media through a post on X. Explaining the reason behind his decision, he apologised to his followers and said that he had been advised to take a few days off. In Hindi, he wrote that he was unable to write anything at the moment because of the instructions to rest and recover.

While extending his wishes to everyone on the occasion of Dussehra, Amitabh reiterated that he had been given strict instructions to focus on his health and limit communication. He wrote, “First Dussehra greetings to all .. love happiness, fulfilment, prayers. Under very strict rest and recuperation .. so am not allowed to communicate .. do excuse .. my apologies." He further added, “But do take this as my respected response .. more hopefully later.”

On the professional front, Amitabh will reprise his role as Ashwatthama in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film also stars Prabhas and Kamal Haasan. Deepika Padukone, who appeared in the first instalment, will not return for the sequel, as confirmed by the makers last year. The film's release date has not yet been announced. Amitabh has also returned as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati from August onwards.

Also Read : Amitabh Bachchan takes a break from social media for a few days following medical advice

Kriti Sanon opens up on her next solo lead with Maddock Films: “I'm doing a film that is on my shoulders”

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With more opportunities emerging for female-led films, conversations around gender parity, pay disparity and the commercial potential of women-centric stories continue to be a part of the entertainment industry. Actress Kriti Sanon recently shared her views on the changing landscape, highlighting the role of audiences in encouraging filmmakers to invest in stories led by women.

Kriti, who is reportedly set to headline a large-scale horror film backed by Maddock Films, also spoke about the difference in remuneration between male and female actors. While she acknowledged the growing number of substantial roles being written for women, she noted that pay parity remains an area that needs attention.

Talking about the rise of female-driven projects, the actress said, “With OTT and so many other platforms coming in, and also a lot of writers writing meaty parts for women, which is amazing, because now it's not just about male-driven films. There are many female-driven films that are also happening. Women are also opting for meaty parts. But of course, there is a lot of difference in the pay and the fee, which still needs to change. But it is all a mathematical calculation of what the return is going to be in theatres, what the platforms pay for certain films and certain actors.”

She added, “But I would actually like to say, I'm doing a film that is on my shoulders, a solo lead next. And I actually want the audiences to make it make as much money as it would if it had a male actor. Make it a blockbuster, and things will change. I feel it's not just about the industry. It's actually a calculated thing where how much you invest and how much you're getting is dependent on that. And actually, I feel the audiences need to make that difference also, you know, by watching a film regardless of the gender. So when that happens, and a film that's on a female's shoulders opens to big numbers, things will change.”

Through her remarks, Kriti emphasised that the success of female-led films at the box office could influence the industry's approach to casting, budgets and remuneration. She pointed out that the financial returns associated with a film play a role in determining how much producers invest in a project and how actors are paid.

The actress also called on audiences to support films based on their content rather than the gender of the lead actor. According to her, when a woman-led film achieves box-office numbers comparable to those of a male-led project, it could encourage the industry to explore more such ventures.

Kriti's next solo-led film is reportedly a large-scale horror project with Maddock Films. While further details about the project have not been confirmed in the information provided, her comments have brought attention to the commercial expectations surrounding female-led theatrical releases and the importance of audience participation in driving change.

Also Read : Kriti Sanon’s latest photo dump features dubbing studio glimpse, Pani Puri, Navratri celebration and more!

Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan share warm hug at IIFA press conference in Mumbai; video goes viral

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Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan sparked nostalgia among fans after sharing a warm hug at the recent International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) press conference in Mumbai. The two actors, who were among Bollywood’s most widely discussed couples in the early 2000s, exchanged smiles and pleasantries at the event, with videos of their interaction subsequently circulating on social media.

The moment unfolded as Kareena stepped down from the stage, where she had been sharing the spotlight with Salman Khan and other attendees. Shahid, who was standing nearby, caught her attention, and the two greeted each other with a hug before briefly exchanging pleasantries. Their cordial interaction quickly caught the attention of fans, many of whom associated the reunion with their popular on-screen pairing in Jab We Met.

Both actors made distinct fashion choices for the press conference. Kareena arrived in an all-black ensemble featuring a top and a tailored skirt, while Shahid opted for an all-white silhouette.

 

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This is not the first time their friendly interactions at an IIFA event have generated interest online. In early 2025, the actors also exchanged greetings at an IIFA press event in Jaipur. Responding to the attention their interaction received at the time, Shahid had said that it was nice if people felt happy seeing them together, while adding that they often crossed paths in everyday life.

Shahid and Kareena’s relationship was widely followed during the early 2000s, when they also appeared together in films such as Fida (2004), 36 China Town (2006) and Chup Chup Ke (2006). Their most celebrated collaboration remains Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met (2007), in which they played Aditya and Geet. The film went on to become a popular romantic drama, and their on-screen chemistry continues to be remembered by audiences.

The actors later appeared in Milenge Milenge, which was released in 2010, and were also part of the ensemble cast of Udta Punjab (2016), although they did not share screen time in the latter film.

Both have since moved on in their personal lives. Shahid is married to Mira Rajput, while Kareena is married to Saif Ali Khan. Their latest interaction at the IIFA press conference offered a glimpse of their cordial equation at an industry event, bringing renewed attention to a pairing that remains familiar to Hindi film audiences.

The press conference was held ahead of the upcoming IIFA awards event in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: Photos: Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kareena Kapoor Khan and others snapped at IIFA Digital Awards press conference

EXCLUSIVE: Vishal Rana calls Tu Hai Meri Kiran “our answer to Obsession”; reveals why he didn’t remix Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic Darr song: “Don’t want people to compare the two films”

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Vishal Rana is all set to release his next film, Tu Hai Meri Kiran, this Friday, October 23. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the producer spoke about the film’s casting, its catchy title, the crowded release date and a lot more.

The first thing that stands out about Tu Hai Meri Kiran is that real-life couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are seen in a completely different dynamic. How did that come about? The script came to me, and I found it interesting as it had a lot of twists and revolved around an obsessive lover. We approached Sonakshi first, and she really liked the story. We wanted an actress in the 25-30 age group, and she fit the bill.

Then it became a challenge to find an actor opposite her who could match her personality, aura, and demeanour. At the same time, the actor had to look more powerful than her, as he plays an obsessive, creepy stalker. We auditioned several actors, but we couldn't find the one we were looking for.

One day, I happened to meet Zaheer and felt that he should audition. When he tested for the part, my director Karan Rawal and I were both surprised. He brought the required intensity to the character of an obsessive lover. The character is a creep with grey shades who derives sadistic pleasure from troubling people. That came across very well during his audition.

I then realized that people would love to see Sonakshi and Zaheer pitted against each other rather than being together. That was the idea, and we are very happy with the casting, which happened quite unexpectedly.

The other catchy aspect of the film is its title, which is also a classic song from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Darr (1993). Tell us how you locked the title. Also, was it difficult to secure the title rights? Not really. We were looking for a suitable title. Since it’s the story of an obsessive person, one of the names that came to our minds was Darr. However, it was Zaheer who told us that he had narrated the film’s story to a friend, and she suggested the title Tu Hai Meri Kiran.

As you rightly said, even we thought that we might not get the rights. But we were pleasantly surprised when we approached IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association) and discovered that the title had not been registered by anyone!

The title works because it has strong recall value, but the film has nothing to do with Darr. It is neither similar to Darr nor a spin-off. It’s a completely different film, though the title gives you the vibe of a story revolving around an obsessive stalker.

Nowadays, remixes of old classics are in vogue. Did you consider acquiring the rights to the song ‘Tu Hai Meri Kiran’ from Darr? No. As I said, there are no similarities between the two films, and I don’t want people to compare them. We chose the title because the song ‘Tu Hai Meri Kiran’ has been strongly etched in people’s minds for years. We felt that the title itself was enough to give audiences an idea of what our film is about, without drawing direct comparisons. Hence, we didn’t acquire the rights to any song.

Globally, there has been a rise in films featuring dark and twisted themes, and many of them are working big time. The success of Obsession (2026) is a major example. Do you feel the timing is just right for Tu Hai Meri Kiran?

When I received the script, I liked it because it was different from the kind of films we usually make. As time passed, almost everything working in theatres was about obsessive lovers!

Obsession was released when we were completing our post-production. The film was a huge success, and we felt that the timing was perfect, as Tu Hai Meri Kiran could be our answer to Obsession.

We rarely make these kinds of films in our cinema. I hope people turn up in large numbers because the film will surely surprise them. Youngsters love stories packed with twists, and our film falls into that category. So, I believe the timing is right. Sometimes, you end up making the right film at the right time!

Tu Hai Meri Kiran releases on October 23, alongside six other films. Did you ever consider postponing its release? When I announced October 23 as the release date, only Luv Ranjan’s Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar and one more film were scheduled to release that day. Gradually, more films joined the line-up. Then Udta Teer shifted to the same date at the last minute. By then, we had already begun our promotional campaign, so pulling back made no sense.

There have been instances where a small film has worked despite clashing with three big films. That happens when the content connects with the audience. Whichever film has better content will succeed, whether during the opening weekend or in the subsequent weeks. Hanuman Ansh was released between two big films. Yet, it managed to hold its own and make a mark. Likewise, we believe in our content.

Also, we genuinely feel that October 23 is a very good release date for our film. The other films releasing that day are mostly mid-sized or small productions. There’s no major event film clashing with us or releasing around the same time. This gives us some breathing space and allows word of mouth to build. From next month onwards, big films will release back-to-back. Had we postponed our release, we probably wouldn't have been able to bring the film to cinemas until next year.

What is the screen count for Tu Hai Meri Kiran? We are targeting a release across 500 screens with approximately 1,500 shows. Since so many films are releasing simultaneously, it’s difficult to secure screens. However, I believe that the number of screens doesn't necessarily matter.

Several films have opened on a slow note but gradually picked up, prompting theatres to increase their shows. On the other hand, many films have opened across a huge number of screens, only to collapse by Monday because the content was weak. Hence, I am hoping that our film speaks for itself and earns additional screens on merit rather than us having to push for them.

Also Read: Bombay High Court directs makers of Tu Hai Meri Kiran to deposit Rs. 8.85 crores before release

Ayushmann Khurrana enters the spy universe with Udta Teer and does the exact OPPOSITE of what every other hero does

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For much of the past decade, whenever Hindi cinema discovered a successful genre, the instinct was understandably to make it bigger. Romances became glossier, action films became louder, and spy films steadily evolved into enormous spectacles filled with international missions, elaborate stunts and heroes capable of taking on entire armies.

Ayushmann Khurrana's career has usually moved in the opposite direction. Instead of asking how a familiar genre can become bigger, some of his most successful films have asked a more interesting question: what happens if you put a completely unexpected protagonist or problem inside it?

With Udta Teer, Ayushmann may now be applying that philosophy to one of Hindi cinema's most commercially attractive contemporary genres: the spy movie.

The basic idea itself announces that this isn't business as usual. Ayushmann plays a Pakistani spy, but the complication is deliciously unusual: he loses his memory. Suddenly, the man who is supposed to know everybody else's secrets is struggling with the most fundamental mystery of all: his own identity. The trailer consequently treats espionage not merely as an excuse for action but as the foundation for comedy, mistaken identity, satire and chaos. This is classic Ayushmann territory, but there is an important distinction.

Ayushmann hasn't simply spent his career choosing unconventional subjects. He has repeatedly taken recognisable Hindi-film genres and altered the way the protagonist is allowed to behave within them.

Consider the romantic comedy. When Ayushmann made Vicky Donor, the central romantic hero wasn't defined by the usual obstacle of family status, an ex-lover or parental opposition. He was a sperm donor trying to navigate romance, secrecy and an unconventional profession.

With Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, the traditional question of whether the boy and girl would get married was replaced by a far more intimate complication surrounding male sexual performance. Yet the treatment remained accessible, humorous and deeply rooted in family dynamics.

Bala took a familiar story about romance and self-confidence and placed premature baldness at its centre. Dream Girl transformed a comedy of mistaken identities into something even more bizarre through a man whose female voice creates a parallel persona desired by multiple strangers.

Then came Andhadhun, where even the protagonist's relationship with the truth became slippery. Ayushmann's apparently blind pianist wasn't the conventional morally uncomplicated hero Hindi thrillers had conditioned audiences to expect.

The pattern becomes difficult to ignore. Ayushmann does not necessarily reject mainstream genres. He seems to enjoy entering them through the side door. That makes Udta Teer particularly intriguing because few Hindi-film genres currently carry as many established conventions as the spy film.

The contemporary cinematic spy is usually hyper-competent. He remembers licence plates, faces, codes, weapons, escape routes and confidential information with machine-like precision. His appeal comes partly from the fantasy that he is always three steps ahead of everybody else. Udta Teer appears to begin by taking away exactly that advantage. Ayushmann's spy cannot even completely depend on his own memory.

It is a small creative inversion with potentially enormous comic possibilities. Instead of asking audiences to marvel at how much the hero knows, the film can derive its entertainment from everything he doesn't. Instead of an invincible secret agent controlling his surroundings, the protagonist can find himself responding to a world that knows more about him than he does.

That reversal also happens to play directly into one of Ayushmann's most effective qualities as a performer. He is exceptionally comfortable playing men who do not have control of the room. Across his career, his characters have panicked, lied badly, been humiliated in front of their families, worried about what society thinks of them, battled insecurities and occasionally found themselves trapped in situations they cannot possibly explain without making matters worse.

For another kind of star, appearing constantly in control might be essential to preserving the hero image. Ayushmann's screen persona has frequently benefited from losing control. And that may be exactly what makes his entry into the spy space interesting.

The genre does not need another Ayushmann Khurrana pretending to be somebody's version of a conventional action star. It becomes potentially far more distinctive when the genre itself bends around what Ayushmann does naturally.

Indian audiences have seen several different interpretations of espionage in recent years, but the broad popular image remains connected to danger, patriotism, intelligence agencies and large-scale action. Udta Teer appears willing to retain the stakes while removing some of the solemnity.

The result could be the emergence of something Hindi cinema has rarely attempted at this scale: the genuinely mainstream spy patriotic comedy where the central joke isn't that the protagonist is incompetent, but that circumstances have robbed a potentially capable spy of the one thing every agent requires - certainty about who he is.

That is also why Ayushmann's casting seems less like an actor being inserted into a genre and more like the genre being recalibrated around an actor. This has been one of the fascinating constants of his career.

He doesn't necessarily reinvent genres by demolishing their rules. He does it by introducing one disruptive variable.

If Udta Teer succeeds in doing the same, Ayushmann Khurrana won't simply have entered the spy genre.

He may once again have done something that has quietly defined his most interesting work: entered a familiar Bollywood genre, rearranged its rules and walked out leaving behind a version that looks distinctly his own.

Also Read: The Ayushmann Khurrana genre is BACK: Udta Teer sees Bollywood’s king of crazy concepts return to his sweet spot

EXCLUSIVE: Shefali Shah recalls first turning to therapy; says, “I wasn't equipped to handle it”

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Actor Shefali Shah has spoken about her experience with therapy, recalling how she first sought professional help after struggling to manage certain aspects of her life. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the actor discussed her journey with mental health professionals, the importance of finding the right therapist and how therapy has helped her recognise emotional lows before they become overwhelming.

Shefali, who recently made her debut as an author with The Audacity of Being: A Sort-of Memoir, published by Bloomsbury on October 1, 2026, has been discussing personal experiences as part of conversations around her book. During the interview, she explained that her decision to seek therapy did not stem from one major incident but from a growing realisation that she needed professional guidance. Shefali Shah recalls how she first sought professional help Shefali traced her first experience with a mental health professional to a visit to her children's school, where a psychiatrist had spoken about attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD and ADHD). At the time, Shefali believed her son might have the conditions and approached the psychiatrist with her concerns.

Recalling the incident, she said, “My children's school had a psychiatrist who came and spoke about ADD and ADHD. So I went to her one day saying, ‘My son definitely has ADD, ADHD, everything.’ She asked me to bring him in, but after meeting him, she said he was fine. Then she asked me, ‘What is your problem?’”

Shefali said the exchange eventually became a joke between them. However, she later approached the psychiatrist again when she was struggling with sleep.

“I remember once going to her saying that I cannot sleep. I need something to sleep. She asked me how long it had been since I had slept, and I said around 22 hours. I had come from the gym and hadn't eaten anything,” she recalled.

The experience prompted Shefali to consider that she might need help managing her own concerns. “I just thought that I wasn't equipped to handle it,” she said, explaining that she gradually began seeing the psychiatrist. “I have to go to a dermatologist” Shefali said her decision to continue therapy was not necessarily linked to a single life-changing event. Instead, she came to understand that professional support could help her navigate difficult periods.

“I don't remember if anything happened which was earth-shattering. But things happen in your life and, at some point, I hope people realise that you need a third person who's a professional, who knows this better than me,” she said.

Comparing mental health support with seeking treatment for a physical condition, Shefali added, “I can't keep putting a cream on an allergy rash. I have to go to a dermatologist.”

She also acknowledged that, initially, she would turn to therapy mainly when she was going through a crisis, such as a period when work was scarce and she was feeling depressed. After some years, however, she felt that her existing approach was no longer helping her in the same way. Shefali Shah on finding the right therapist Shefali eventually met Dr Vishal Sawant after someone introduced them. She said one of the things that stood out about their first interaction was that he did not rely on her previous assessments to define her experience.

“When I told him what I thought was happening and showed him my report, he said, ‘I don't want to look at it.’ He never labelled me, which was fantastic,” she said.

According to Shefali, the therapist helped her understand that people experience emotional highs and lows differently, and that she might feel certain emotions more intensely than others.

“He said everybody goes through a low phase or a high phase. You might feel it more acutely than somebody else. That's how it started, and he's been a huge support, somebody who's made my life so much simpler,” she said.

Shefali added that therapy has gradually become less about seeking help only when something goes wrong. There are times when she meets her therapist simply because she feels the need to check in.

She recalled one of his early goals for her: “One of the first things he told me was that he wanted to reach a point where I didn't need him.”

Learning to recognise emotional lows Shefali said she has become more aware of her emotional state and can increasingly recognise when she is beginning to feel low. While she is unsure whether she has reached the point her therapist hoped for, she believes the process has helped her develop a better understanding of herself.

Discussing the role of therapy amid the pressures of everyday life, she explained that a therapist does not necessarily tell someone what decisions to make. Instead, the process can help a person understand their situation and decide how to respond.

“This person is not the one who will tell you what to do. He will just tell you, ‘This is what it is. Now you figure what you want to do.’ You have to choose your way, which is what you need anyway in life,” she said.

Shefali added that gaining perspective can sometimes mean stepping back emotionally and assessing a situation before deciding whether it deserves further attention.

Her account highlights how her understanding of therapy has evolved over time, from seeking help during difficult phases to developing greater awareness of her emotional well-being. Through her experience, the actor has also underlined the value of professional support in navigating life's pressures.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shefali Shah reveals Vipul Shah advised her against doing Waqt; says, “He told me don’t do it”

20 years of Don EXCLUSIVE: Cinematographer KU Mohanan recalls Shah Rukh Khan driving through fire in chase scene: “There was no duplicate. He will do anything you tell him”; also shares why the film’s twisted climax added to its success

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Farhan Akhtar’s Shah Rukh Khan starrer Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006) completed 20 years today. The film was a remake of Chandra Barot’s Don (1978), starring Amitabh Bachchan. Produced by Excel Entertainment and also starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Om Puri, Boman Irani, Arjun Rampal and Isha Koppikar, the action flick became a success at the box office. It was a major moment for mainstream Hindi cinema as sequels weren’t a regular feature back then.

 

Even after two decades, Don doesn’t appear old. A major reason for this is the visuals provided by cinematographer KU Mohanan. Interestingly, this was the first time he had worked in a mainstream commercial film. Mohanan revealed that there were apprehensions because of this before he came on board in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama.

He said, “At that time, I was mainly doing advertising work. I was quite big in advertising films. Maybe, that’s why Farhan got an idea about my work. But he knew I hadn’t done any big feature film before. He was a little apprehensive also in the beginning if I would be able to pull it off. This was a huge film. He expressed his concerns and asked me if I would like to do it. I said I will try because even I was not very sure about myself. But I took it as a challenge and accepted the film.”

Challenges of shooting action sequences

Mohanan faced that challenge of shooting high-octane action sequences for the first time. “It was very challenging,” he said. “But we had a good team, like the second unit director and the action team. The main person was from Australia. He had worked in many Hollywood and international films. We really wanted to make it look world class. Most of the action scenes were done in real. The chase sequences were done in that speed. There wasn’t too much of cheating. Certain things which we couldn’t do in real were done with a little VFX. At that time, VFX was not very popular. It wasn’t easy to do VFX.”

Shah Rukh Khan’s daredevilry made things easier

Mohanan shared that SRK made things easier and he was amazed by his commitment towards shooting action scenes. “He will do anything you tell him,” he recalled. “He used to get very excited for action, even at times when I used to get scared. I was sitting behind him in the car with the hand-held camera during a chase scene. He was driving the car and hitting the water barrel that was coming on the windscreen and then hitting a road roller. Everything is done by him. There was no duplicate.”

One particular scene involving fire astonished Mohanan about the kind of risks Khan was ready to take. “There is also a scene where the car is going through a fireball. That car is driven by Shah Rukh Khan. It wasn’t a stunt double. There was a camera mounted in front of the car, so you can see the actor. He did it twice. He is the greatest star I have worked with. He is a such a great, gentle and warm human being. He is a very hardworking actor and very supportive to everybody. He is a dream to work with. More than a star, I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan as a person,” he said.

Don started a good professional bond between Mohanan and SRK, which continued in various projects in the years to come. “Shah Rukh is very fond of me maybe because of the quality of work I come with. He really appreciated the way I worked in Don. That’s the reason I did Raees (2017) and Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017). After that, I did innumerable TV commercials with him,” he recalled.

The end twist played a major role in Don’s box office success

Interestingly, KU Mohanan is a big fan of the original Don. It released when he was a school student in Kerala. He was glad to know that Farhan Akhtar’s remake threw in a major twist in the end. “It was so exciting for me to re-do that film as a cinematographer,” he said. “When I read the script and saw the twist, I felt it was very interesting. Otherwise, what is the point of making it exactly like before? That’s a great twist that Farhan brought in. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why the film worked at the box office. We had a very strong team along with the great vision of Farhan Akhtar. He is very supportive as a director and a great producer, along with Ritesh Sidhwani.”

Don’s international look was an effort to break the existing pattern in Bollywood back then

Don had an international look to it. Mohanan said that this is what they always aimed for. “We were trying to break the regular pattern of Bollywood cinema existing at that time,” he said. “Anyways, I am exposed to international cinema. Actually more than Hollywood, I am exposed to other kind of cinema – the cinema from Europe, Japan, etc. So, I have a different kind of way of looking at things. Maybe that worked in the film actually. That’s why it looks different.”

Mohanan made it clear that despite taking inspiration from international cinema, his aim was never to copy anything from foreign films. “You can get inspired by someone else’s work. You can get influenced by people who worked before us. It’s like carrying a baton forward. I tried to make it look very unique and our own. To an extent, I think, I succeeded in doing Don. It wasn’t a copy of Hollywood. But it also wasn’t like the regular Hindi cinema of that period,” he said.

The green colour palette

One can easily notice the green colour palette to the film right from the onset. Sharing the thought behind this, Mohanan said, “When we did the camera and look test, Farhan, myself, the production designer Aradhana Seth and the costume designer Aki Narula discussed decided that we will go with one particular colour palette. It’s a collaborative work, actually. We also decided that we will cut off certain type of a colour. For example, there are no warm colours in the film; it’s a very cold film. You have shades of blue, green and black. We thought this looks like a good colour palette for the film. Otherwise, Hindi cinema was not doing any colour palette at that time. There wasn’t a properly paletted film. It was all haywire. There is only one song (‘Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana’) where there is a lot of warmth, like red, orange, etc.”

Don started a healthy working relationship between KU Mohanan and Excel Entertainment

Don was a pleasurable experience for KU Mohanan. It became a start to a long collaboration with Excel Entertainment, with movies like, Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), Fukrey (2013) and Raees. He laughingly said, “Most of my filmography is produced by Excel Entertainment. They are very good producers. They are very straightforward and very quality conscious. That’s the reason I did most of my films with them. Ritesh Sidhwani is a very great producer.”

Surprisingly, Mohanan wasn’t a part of Don’s sequel Don 2: The Chase Continues (2011). When pointed this out, he said, “I was busy with some other work actually.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday to witness a KING-sized BLAST; Siddharth Anand gears up to launch EXPLOSIVE teaser on November 2

SS Rajamouli cheers for Ramayana Part 1, praises Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra ahead of November 5 release: "Looking forward"

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Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has extended his wishes to the team of Ramayana Part 1 ahead of the film's worldwide theatrical release on November 5. The filmmaker praised director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for bringing the epic to the screen on a large scale.

Rajamouli shared his thoughts on X, describing Ramayana as a story that Indian storytellers have long aspired to bring to the screen. He wrote, "It's a joy to see @niteshtiwari22 and @malhotra_namit bring it to the screen on such a grand scale. Each actor brings these timeless characters to life with depth."

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and co-written by Shridhar Raghavan, Ramayana Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Prince Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film also features Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Anupam Kher, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan and Lara Dutta in key roles.

#Ramayana is a story every Indian storyteller grows up aspiring to tell. It's a joy to see @niteshtiwari22 and @malhotra_namit bring it to the screen on such a grand scale. Each actor brings these timeless characters to life with depth. Looking forward to 5th November. Best wishes to the entire team. https://t.co/zRAQ54SfJm

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) October 17, 2026

Ramayana Part 1 brings together a large ensemble The film's cast includes actors from different parts of Indian cinema, with Yash making his Hindi film debut as Ravana. The project brings together several performers for a new cinematic adaptation of the epic.

The music for the film has been composed by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The makers are also planning a worldwide theatrical release, including IMAX screenings.

Ramayana Part 1, also referred to as Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on November 5.

Also Read: Yash calls himself “Radhikapati” at Ramayana international trailer launch in Bengaluru, credits wife Radhika Pandit for her support

Amit Trivedi reveals he CRIED while working on Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu: "If Shakun Batra liked a song, Karan Johar wouldn’t like it and vice versa; mujhe kuch samaj mein nahin aa raha tha"

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Amit Trivedi had a conversation with Komal Nahta in which he revealed that he had a dream run as a music composer in the initial phase of his career. However, he got a reality check while working on Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012), starring Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Amit Trivedi said, “For Dev D, I made 18 songs and all of them got selected. The same happened with Aamir. There was a requirement of 5 songs. I only composed 5 songs and they all got selected. This was repeated with Udaan (2010) as well. I began to assume, ‘Wow. Aise hi hota hoga. This industry is amazing’ (laughs). Then, I got a shock of my life when Karan Johar came into my life. That’s also when mainstream Bollywood came into my life.”

He explained, “I signed Shakun Batra’s film, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, which was produced by Karan Johar. While working on the film, I asked myself, ‘Yeh kya ho raha hai?’. It was completely contrary to my previous experiences. Until then, I had worked in 5-6 films, including a song in Karan Johar’s Wake Up Sid (2009), that is, ‘Iktara’. Woh gaana bhi one shot tha. Everything was smooth. But during Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, mere nakshatra badal gaye! Every song got bounced. If Shakun would like it, Karan sir won’t like it, and vice versa. Aur mujhe kuch samaj mein nahin aa raha tha!”

Amit Trivedi revealed, “At that time, I felt very vulnerable and sad. I even cried. I had self-doubt. I asked myself, ‘Am I not good enough? Don’t I know how to make good music? But then how did I manage to work on so many films? Also, many of those songs were hits as well. So, I am not the problem. The problem is somewhere. But Karan sir is also vastly experienced’.”

Also Read: Kiran Rao and Saba Azad react to Imran Khan facing legal trouble over Mumbai protest; come in support of the actor

Ramayana International trailer shares a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama having an epic face off with Yash as Ravana

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The international trailer of Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, was unveiled in Bengaluru on October 15, marking the beginning of Sony Pictures’ global campaign to take Namit Malhotra’s ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic to audiences across international markets. The launch was attended by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, composer A. R. Rahman and director Nitesh Tiwari, among other members of the cast and crew.

Hosted by Prime Focus Studios and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the event offered audiences a fresh look at the film ahead of its worldwide theatrical release. The international trailer presents the story on an expansive fantasy scale, centring on the cosmic conflict between light and darkness and the battle against tyranny.

The nearly two-and-a-half-minute preview opens in a mythic era of celestial order, when men and gods are depicted as coexisting, with Kunal Kapoor appearing as Lord Indra. The narrative then shifts to the rise of Yash as Ravana, who declares, “Before me, every head will bow”, establishing the central conflict that drives the epic.

Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama is presented as a righteous figure confronted with an extraordinary destiny, with the character emerging as humanity’s hope against the looming threat. The trailer features Rama’s resolve in the line, “If I don’t stop him, the world will fall”. Sai Pallavi as Sita also features in glimpses that hint at the emotional dimension of the story, while the preview places considerable emphasis on large-scale battles, ancient architecture, atmospheric landscapes and visual effects by DNEG.

The film’s score, composed by Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, further shapes the trailer’s expansive presentation of the epic. The preview offers a glimpse of the scale on which the makers have envisioned the story for the big screen, combining its mythological setting with large-scale fantasy elements.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part saga is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

With Sony Pictures spearheading its international campaign and handling distribution globally outside India, the film is being positioned for audiences across markets. Dharma Productions will distribute it in the Hindi-speaking market. The film will release in IMAX and in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam across India.

Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026. The second instalment is slated to arrive during Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ramayana international trailer to be unveiled at Bengaluru event; Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi to attend

Koffee With Karan 9: Salman Khan takes a dig at Karan Johar over Shah Rukh Khan feud; says, “You were scared of me because of Shah Rukh Khan”

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Salman Khan made a dashing entry on Koffee With Karan Season 9, bringing his trademark humour and decades-long camaraderie with host Karan Johar to the couch. However, what began as a playful exchange soon took an interesting turn when the superstar brought up his highly publicised fallout with Shah Rukh Khan, leaving the filmmaker at the centre of a conversation about one of Bollywood’s most talked-about feuds.

During their conversation, Karan Johar admitted that Salman had always made him nervous, saying, “No one gets me more stressed, nervous, and hyper than you. I don't know why, it hasn't changed.” Salman was quick to respond with a teasing question: “Is it because of you or is it because of somebody else?” The remark appeared to allude to Shah Rukh Khan, with whom Salman shared a close friendship before their relationship reportedly soured in 2008.

The fallout between Salman and Shah Rukh became one of the biggest talking points in Bollywood at the time. The two superstars, who had shared a warm equation through the 1990s and appeared together in films, reportedly had a disagreement at a birthday party hosted by Katrina Kaif in 2008. The incident was widely discussed in the media, with reports linking the rift to tensions surrounding Salman’s personal life and his relationship with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. However, the precise circumstances behind their disagreement have remained a subject of public discussion over the years.

Karan Johar’s presence at the party also became part of the conversation, given his close friendship with Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan. Against that backdrop, Salman’s playful interrogation of the filmmaker on the Koffee With Karan couch carried an added layer of significance.

Putting the matter into perspective, Salman told Karan, “Right now you should not be stressed because everything is all good. It's been good for the longest time,” referring to the now-repaired equation between him and Shah Rukh. The two actors famously appeared to put their differences behind them when they reunited at politician Baba Siddique’s Iftaar party in 2013, after years of speculation surrounding their relationship. Salman, however, was not done teasing the filmmaker. He added, “At one point of time, it was not good. So, I could have understood that you were scared of me because of not you, because of Shah Rukh.”

Karan chose not to prolong the discussion, but Salman’s candid remarks brought the spotlight back to a chapter in Bollywood history that continues to intrigue fans. With the two superstars having since maintained a cordial relationship and supported each other’s film appearances, the exchange offered a reminder of how far their equation has evolved since the highly publicised fallout.

Also Read: Salman Khan REACTS as Karan Johar revisits ‘Are You Still A Virgin?’ moment in Koffee With Karan Season 9 promo: “Control yaar, Brother”

Bigg Boss 20: Kushal Tanwar aka Gullu’s team alleges Nakul Dhull entered show with plan to fight him, demands eviction

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A physical altercation between Kushal Tanwar, popularly known as Gullu, and Nakul Dhull has sparked a fresh controversy inside the Bigg Boss 20 house. Following the confrontation, Gullu’s team has accused Nakul of entering the Salman Khan-hosted reality show with an intention to pick a fight with him and has questioned how details of the incident allegedly surfaced before it took place.

Tuesday’s episode appeared to hint at some history of conflict between the two contestants. During the confrontation, Nakul was heard threatening Gullu, saying, “Gurgaon mein aa ke marunga, jab bole tab.” Gullu responded by calling him out, saying, “Story kaa badmash hai tu.”

Nakul then referred to an alleged earlier incident involving Gullu, saying, “Goa bhaga tha na tu. Mere gaon ke ladke aaye the na, Goa bhag gaya tha tu.” As the argument escalated, Mahhi Vij intervened and remarked, “Ye firak mein hai do din se maarne ki.”

 

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Gullu’s team questions how fight was allegedly leaked beforehand

Following the altercation, Gullu’s team addressed the incident through his social media channel. The team questioned why someone with alleged unresolved issues with Gullu was allowed to enter the reality show. “This is so unfair. How are people like this even allowed to enter the house in the first place, and for what reason?” the team wrote.

Gullu’s team further alleged that Nakul had entered the house “with a plan to fight with Gullu” and questioned whether the confrontation was pre-planned. The team also raised questions about reports surrounding the altercation allegedly emerging on Saturday, a day before the fight reportedly took place on Sunday.

“Physical altercation between him and Gullu was leaked on Saturday when the actual fight happened on Sunday. How could such specific information about an incident be out a day before it even happened? Because, at that point, the incident hadn’t even taken place in real time,” the team stated. Team demands action against Nakul Dhull Gullu’s team also condemned what it described as unnecessary physical violence and an alleged breach of personal boundaries inside the Bigg Boss 20 house.

“Secondly, unnecessary physical violence and crossing someone’s personal boundaries are absolutely unacceptable. Bigg Boss is a show, not a place where people should be allowed to threaten or physically attack others,” the team said.

Maintaining that Gullu had entered the reality show to participate in the competition rather than be targeted, his team called for action against Nakul. It referred to Nakul as a “goon” and concluded its statement with a demand for his eviction.

 

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Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: ScoutOp’s friend questions Salman Khan’s criticism; accuses makers of targeting him