Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram passes away at 94

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram, who passed away at the age of 94. The veteran star, celebrated for her graceful performances and remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, breathed her last on Saturday, October 4. Her final rites were performed at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park, Mumbai.

While there has been no official statement from the family regarding the cause of her demise, reports suggest that the actress passed away due to age-related complications. Sandhya’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, as she was among the last surviving icons of the golden age of Hindi and Marathi films.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the film industry and political circles, as fans and colleagues remembered her incredible body of work. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief. He wrote, “Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji. Her iconic roles in films like #Pinjra, #DoAnkhenBarahHath, #Navrang, and #JhanakJhanakPayalBaaje will forever be cherished. Her remarkable talent and mesmerizing dance skills have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. ???? #OmShanti ?? #LegendaryActress #CinematicIcon.”

Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji. Her iconic roles in films like #Pinjra, #DoAnkhenBarahHath, #Navrang, and #JhanakJhanakPayalBaaje will forever be cherished. Her remarkable talent and mesmerizing dance skills have left an indelible mark on the… pic.twitter.com/fOttHtmuMz — Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 4, 2025

BJP leader Ashish Shelar also paid his respects, acknowledging her impact on both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He wrote, “Heartfelt Tribute! The news of the passing of Sandhya Shantaram ji, the renowned actress from the film 'Pincjra', is extremely heartbreaking. In the Marathi and Hindi film industries, she left a distinct impression on the audience's minds with her unparalleled acting and dance skills. Her immortal roles in films like 'Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje', 'Do Aankhen Barah Haath', and especially in the film 'Pincjra' will forever remain etched in the hearts of the audience. May God grant eternal peace to her soul!”

भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली !

‘पिंजरा’ चित्रपटातील प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्री संध्या शांताराम जी यांच्या निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत दुःखद आहे.

मराठी व हिंदी चित्रपटसृष्टीत त्यांनी आपल्या अप्रतिम अभिनय आणि नृत्यकौशल्याने प्रेक्षकांच्या मानावर एक वेगळी छाप पाडली. ‘झनक झनक पायल बाजे’, ‘दो आंखें बारह… pic.twitter.com/Gsdq5KuXP9 — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) October 4, 2025

Born as Vijaya Deshmukh on September 13, 1931, Sandhya rose to prominence under the direction of her husband, the legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. Her filmography includes a series of classics that continue to be celebrated for their innovation and artistry — Amar Bhoopali (1951), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958), Navrang (1959), and the Marathi masterpiece Pinjra (1972).

With her exceptional acting and mesmerizing dance performances, Sandhya Shantaram carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate with audiences.

We at Bollywood Hungama express our heartfelt condolences to her family.

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Akshay Kumar reveals shocking cybercrime incident involving daughter Nitara: “The stranger asked for nude pictures”

Akshay Kumar recently made a powerful and emotional appeal while speaking at an awareness event on cybercrime, organised in association with the Mumbai Police. The actor, who has always supported social causes, spoke candidly about the growing threat of cybercrimes and the urgent need to educate children about online safety.

During his speech, Akshay shared a disturbing personal experience that hit close to home. The actor revealed that his young daughter, Nitara, was once a target of online harassment while playing a video game. Recalling the incident, Akshay said, “I want to tell you all a small incident which happened at my house a few months back. My daughter was playing a video game, and there are some video games that you can play with someone”.

He continued, “You are playing with an unknown stranger. While you are playing, sometimes a message comes from there...Then a message came, ‘Are you male or female?’ So she replied female. And then he sent a message, ‘Can you send me nude pictures of yours?’ It was my daughter. She switched off the whole thing and she went and told my wife.”

The actor went on to highlight that such incidents are far more common than people realise, especially among children and teenagers who spend significant time online. He explained how predators often use kindness and casual conversation as a trap before revealing their true intentions. “This is how things begin. This is also a part of cybercrime...” Akshay said with concern.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Actor Akshay Kumar says, "I want to tell you all a small incident which happened at my house a few months back. My daughter was playing a video game, and there are some video games that you can play with someone. You are playing with an unknown stranger. While… pic.twitter.com/z9sV2c9yC6 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2025

In a heartfelt appeal to the authorities and the audience, Akshay urged for systemic awareness programs in schools. “I would request the Chief Minister that in our Maharashtra state, every week in the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth standards, there should be a period called cyber period where children should be explained about it. You all know that this crime is becoming bigger than street crime. It is very important to stop this crime...,” he added.

Akshay’s emotional address not only underscored the increasing risk of digital crimes against minors but also reflected his proactive stance as a parent and citizen.

The actor’s initiative, supported by the Mumbai Police, aims to spread awareness about different forms of cybercrime and empower both children and parents to identify and report online threats. Through his advocacy, Akshay Kumar continues to use his influence for meaningful change, urging society to prioritise digital safety in a rapidly evolving online world.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar recalls co-star getting bigger room because his film was a hit, and his wasn’t: “I come from a place where 24 people lived in one room”

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Akshaye Khanna transforms into Shukracharya for his Telugu debut in Mahakali

With Puja Kolluru at the helm, Mahakali marks not only the next big chapter of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) but also Akshaye Khanna’s debut in Telugu cinema.

On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, filmmaker Prasanth Varma, known for Hanu-Man, unveiled Akshaye Khanna’s striking first look from Mahakali. The actor plays Shukracharya; a mystic whose wisdom shaped the destiny of both gods and demons. Revered as the master of Sanatana Vidya and keeper of the secretive Mrita-Sanjivani Mantra—the power to restore life—Shukracharya is portrayed as both a spiritual guide and a formidable strategist capable of altering the cosmic balance.

The first-look visual captures the legendary essence of Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras in Hindu mythology, standing tall before a colossal mountain fortress, enclosed by towering cliffs—an image that blends mysticism, power, and grandeur.

Also Read: Mahakali: Akshaye Khanna transforms into Shukracharya in first look of Prasanth Varma film

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Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan file Rs 4 crores lawsuit against Google, YouTube over deepfakes: Report

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have taken legal action against Google and YouTube, filing a Rs 4 crores lawsuit over the alleged misuse of their images and videos through AI-generated deepfakes. The Bollywood couple, who had earlier asserted their personality rights, have accused the platforms of allowing manipulated content to spread unchecked.

According to a Reuters report, the Bachchans have raised concerns over YouTube’s content moderation and third-party training policies, claiming they create space for abuse. The court filings reportedly stated, “Such content being used to train AI models has the potential to multiply the instances of use of any infringing content — first being uploaded on YouTube and viewed by the public, and then also being used to train.”

The legal complaint highlights “egregious” and “sexually explicit” deepfake videos that have been circulated online. One such channel, AI Bollywood Ishq, is said to host more than 250 manipulated clips featuring celebrities, with several videos crossing millions of views. Among them are doctored clips allegedly showing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with Salman Khan in a pool, and Abhishek Bachchan in fabricated sequences where he suddenly kisses an actress or reacts angrily to altered scenes.

Last month, the Delhi High Court directed Google’s counsel to submit a detailed written response. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for January 15.

On the professional front, Abhishek Bachchan is gearing up for two major projects — King, an ensemble drama also featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji and Abhay Verma, and Raja Shivaji, a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj starring Riteish Deshmukh in the titular role. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, meanwhile, has not officially confirmed any upcoming films.

Also Read: After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan files petition over misuse of his personality rights

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With Kalki 2 casting uncertain, Nag Ashwin reopens talks with Sai Pallavi for his woman-led film: Report

Almost a year ago, reports suggested that Alia Bhatt was in advanced talks with Nag Ashwin for his yet-untitled, woman-centric action drama. However, eleven months is a long time in the film industry, and the project appears to be heading in a different direction. With Kalki 2 currently facing casting changes after Deepika Padukone’s dramatic exit, the filmmaker is said to be considering prioritising his female-led film before resuming the mythological sequel.

Fresh chatter from industry circles indicates that Sai Pallavi, often regarded as Ashwin’s original choice for the role, has re-entered discussions. A report by Mid-Day quoted a source saying, “Nag didn’t let go of the idea of the woman-led film. It was simmering on the backburner through most of 2025. With the recent developments in Kalki 2, bringing the other project forward is a possibility.”

The timing, however, remains tricky. Alia Bhatt has reportedly allocated bulk dates to Maddock Films’ Chamunda starting March 2026, narrowing the window for her to take on additional projects. Pallavi, on the other hand, is committed to Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part Ramayana. She is expected to complete work on the second instalment only by mid-2026, after which her schedule may open up. “If the dates align, she could step into Nag’s film before he moves to Kalki 2,” the source adds.

Both Ashwin and Pallavi have had a notable run in recent years. Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, headlined by Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, became one of the biggest spectacles of Indian cinema. Meanwhile, Pallavi has steadily built a pan-India fan base with acclaimed performances in Gargi, Shyam Singha Roy, and her ongoing role in the Ramayana franchise.

Also Read: “Never afraid to ruffle feathers”: Deepika Padukone talks about “walking a difficult path” as IMDb lists her in top spot amid Spirit, Kalki 2898 AD exit

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Alia Bhatt approves Varun Dhawan’s titles “Tricky with Singham” and “Stunts with Khiladi on Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s Two Much: “He is marketing expert”

The second episode of Amazon Prime Video’s Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle brought together longtime co-stars and friends Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. Known for their effortless camaraderie both on and off screen, the duo added a lively spark to the episode with spontaneous quips and playful banter.

In a clip shared by Prime Video on social media, Varun was seen asking, “Is it tricky with Singham?”—a slip that immediately drew laughter from Kajol, Twinkle, and Alia, who responded in unison, “Tricky with Singham?” Kajol quickly quipped, “That’s not the title of our show,” while Varun laughed off his fumble.

Alia, however, found the accidental title rather catchy. “It’s actually a very good title. Tricky With Singham. I like it,” she remarked, while Twinkle jokingly added, “She does gymnastics. Nothing is tricky for her.” Keeping the energy going, Varun turned to Twinkle with another idea: “Gymnastics would be for you. Stunts with Khiladi. Tricky with Singham and Stunts With Khiladi,” prompting even more laughter. Twinkle wrapped it up with a witty line: “Sometimes you do everything that is right.” Alia chimed in, acknowledging Varun’s knack for catchy lines: “See, I told you he is a marketing expert.”

 

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Interestingly, this isn’t the first time “marketing” has become a running gag on the show. In the premiere episode featuring Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, Kajol was often seen nudging her superstar guests to promote Two Much. Salman, true to form, slipped into his playful zone, offering quirky taglines such as “Twinkle in Kajol’s eyes,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars,” and “Kajol yeh show hai jhol nahi.” The spontaneity left both Kajol and Twinkle in splits, with even Aamir Khan unable to hold back his laughter.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan bring chaos and charm to Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle

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Allu Arjun extends heartfelt Dussehra wishes for fans

Allu Arjun, one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, has delivered several blockbusters and carved a special place in the hearts of audiences globally. Known for his powerful screen presence, versatile acting, and charming persona, he enjoys a massive fan following across the globe. He never misses an opportunity to connect with his fans and celebrate his success with them. On the joyous occasion of Dussehra, Allu Arjun shared a heartfelt wish, spreading happiness and prosperity.

Allu Arjun wished everyone, writing, “Wishing everyone a Happy Dussehra filled with triumph, happiness, and prosperity #Happy Dussehra”

Allu Arjun has set new benchmarks of success with Pushpa 2: The Rule. The film not only won the hearts of audiences across the nation but also created history at the box office, raking in an extraordinary Rs 800 crore in Hindi and over Rs 1800 crore worldwide. Riding high on this massive success, he is now preparing for his next big venture with celebrated director Atlee, tentatively titled AA22XA6. Allu Arjun has already begun an intense physical transformation under the guidance of international fitness coach Lloyd Stevens. Adding to the excitement, the film also stars Deepika Padukone.

Also Read: Allu Arjun pays heartfelt tribute to late grandfather Allu Ramalingaiah on his birthday anniversary: “Forever in our hearts”

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BREAKING: Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 ends with a promise of a sequel titled Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 2

One of the most anticipated films of the year, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, has finally been released today. It is the second part of the Kantara series; the first part was released in 2022 and was a sleeper blockbuster. Interestingly, while Kantara was set in 1990, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is set more than a thousand years before the events of the former. Hence, it is a prequel to Kantara.

Many were wondering if there would be a third part in the series. It has now come to light that a third installment is indeed in the offing. The title of the upcoming part is Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 2 and it is unveiled at the end of Chapter 1. As the title suggests, it will be another prequel to Kantara. However, it will be a sequel to the second part, that is, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.

Kantara starred Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore and Achyuth Kumar in leading roles. It tells the story of a carefree young lad in a forest in Karnataka who rises as a hero when a greedy landlord, believed to be friendly with the villagers, tries to usurp the land treacherously. The villagers are devotees of Panjurli, a demigod protecting the forest's villagers and this aspect plays an important part in the story.

As for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, it stars Rishab Shetty along with Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah and Jayaram. This film attempts to delve deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. Both films are directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Homebale Films.

With Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 2 now confirmed, audiences can expect the saga to expand further, exploring untouched layers of devotion, destiny, and folklore. By promising another chapter, Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films have ensured that Kantara evolves into a full-fledged cinematic universe, keeping anticipation at its peak.

Also Read:  Trade experts predicts that Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 will open at around Rs. 12-14 crores: “Day 1 record of Chhaava will remain intact”; Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari expected to open at Rs. 7-8 crores

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Experience Pandora like never before: Fire and Ash preview plays with Avatar: The way of water

As the movie Avatar: The Way of Water returns to theatres for a limited one-week run starting October 2, fans are in for a unique cinematic experience. Audiences will get an exclusive first look at James Cameron’s upcoming film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, shown only in theatres before the feature presentation.

In addition to the preview, movie goers will see a personal message from Oscar-winning director James Cameron. In it, he offers insights into the next chapter of the Avatar saga and a glimpse behind the scenes of what’s to come.

The exclusive footage introduces a new setting and characters, beginning with the Sully family and Spider riding the medusoids — large, jellyfish-like creatures connected to the Windtraders. They are joined by Peylak, portrayed by David Thewlis, who appears for the first time in the franchise as the leader of the Tlalim Clan. This scene confirms Jake Sully’s new alliance with the Windtraders, though the full details and implications of this partnership remain under wraps.

The sneak peek dives deeper into the world of Pandora, offering a taste of the visual spectacle, emotional depth, and high-stakes storytelling that fans can expect from Avatar: Fire and Ash. With stunning imagery and powerful new characters, the preview sets the tone for what may be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet.

This marks the first time any footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash have been shown publicly, making it a special event for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to revisit Avatar: The Way of Water on the big screen and be among the first to witness the next chapter of Pandora’s story.

Also Read: BREAKING: Moviegoers to experience Avatar: Fire And Ash’s trailer for the FIRST time in cinemas in India with Avatar: The Way Of Water’s re-release on October 2

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Bigg Boss 19: Bigg Boss SLAMS housemates over “Save Neelam Giri from nominations” drama; calls it “irrelevant and useless” discussion

In the past couple of weeks, Bigg Boss 19 has faced criticism from the audience for the housemates’ constant efforts to save contestant Neelam Giri from nominations. The “Save Neelam from Nomination” drama reached a peak last week during the captaincy task, when it became one of the major reasons Gaurva Khanna lost votes. Zeishan Qadari chose Farrhana Bhat over him, as Farrhana promised that if she became captain, she would save Neelam from nominations using her special powers. However, in true Bigg Boss fashion, all plans went awry in the recent episode.

On Day 37 of the season, which was also the fifth nomination process, the house was abuzz with constant chatter about nominations, with many plotting to save Neelam through Farrhana’s special powers as captain. Bigg Boss directly took a dig at the housemates, saying, “Housemates, who will the leader of the house save in the nominations today? Everyone has started racing their minds over this.”

Bigg Boss then asked the previous captains to clarify whether captains always get the same special powers in nominations, to which they all answered no. The host added, “When no one even knows whether the captain will get any special power or not, what’s the point of this ‘Save Neelam’ movement that has been happening for the past two weeks?” The housemates began hooting in response, and Nehal Chadasma added, “This movement came out of fear.” Bigg Boss continued, “So this ‘Save Neelam’ movement, which starts with every captain or before every process for the past two weeks, does it even make any sense? You waste your own and the viewers’ valuable time discussing irrelevant powers about which you have zero information.”

The host further clarified that Farrhana will not have any special power to save anyone from nominations. Instead, she was asked to nominate one contestant directly, and she chose Ashnoor Kaur. The other nominated contestants this week are Amaal Mallik, Kunickka Sadanand, Nehal Chadasma, Pranit More, Tanya Mittal, Neelam Giri, and Zeishan Qadari.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 19: Salman Khan takes subtle dig at Abhinav Kashyap; says, “People go on podcasts and talk rubbish”

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SHOCKING: Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari manages to bag shows in just 4 single screens in CP; Kantara: Chapter 1 secures 260 cinemas

Bollywood Hungama has been reporting about the clash between Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. The distributors of both films have got into a tough fight for screens; with less than 40 hours to go for the commencement of the first show, the fight continues, especially for the single-screen theatres. And now, Bollywood Hungama has come across a shocking piece of information, straight from CP territory, situated in the heart of India.

A trade source told us, “AA Films, the distributors of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 have signed as many as 260 single screens in the CP territory. As per their agreement with these theatres, they'll be giving 100% showcasing to the Rishab Shetty-starrer and won't go for show sharing.”

The source further said, “As for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, the in-house distribution team of Dharma (Productions) tried their best. But as of the morning of September 30, they have only 4 single screens in their kitty in CP - Fun Cinemas Saroj Talkies in Amravati, New Regal Cinema in Akola, Liberty Cinema in Nagpur and Kamal Cineplex in Nagpur. Of course, their dedicated team is trying their best to get all shows in more screens or at least a show or two in some of the single screen theatres. A clearer picture will emerge by tomorrow.”

The CP Berar territory consists of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Southern and Eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and has around 275 single screens in all. Coincidentally, this is the second consecutive Varun Dhawan film to get step-motherly treatment in the single screens of CP. His last film, Baby John (2024), was released in 4 single-screen theatres in this circuit. At that time, industry sources had blamed the faulty distribution strategy of PVR Inox Pictures and competition from Pushpa 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King. Even then, Bollywood Hungama was the first to break this story and it created a storm in the industry.

An industry insider commented, “Dharma is trying its best. Even though it doesn’t get sufficient showcasing in single screens, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari will get a healthy number of shows in the multiplexes, which will be more than enough for the film to emerge profitable.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari vs Kantara: Makers of Varun Dhawan-starrer ask for 50% showcasing in 2-screen theatres, 33% showcasing in 3-screen multiplexes, 25% showcasing in 4-screen theatres

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Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani to wrap action and song scenes in 40-day Bangkok schedule for Awarapan 2: Report

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, sparked waves of nostalgia for the classic Emraan Hashmi era, with fans filling social media with calls for his return to the kind of intense, brooding roles that defined his early career. While Hashmi has consistently delivered projects on the big screen, it’s been a while since he explored a part in the same space as Awarapan. That is set to change with Awarapan 2, which recently went on floors in Bangkok under director Nitin Kakkar, co-starring Disha Patani in a pivotal role.

According to a Mid-Day report, the team has locked in a 40-day Bangkok schedule, after which filming will continue extensively in Mumbai. A source revealed, “The last moments of Awarapan showed a dream sequence of Shivam reuniting with his love, played by Shriya Saran. The sequel begins from this point — Shivam comes back to life and meets Disha’s character, who helps him in his next mission. Last week, Nitin and producer Vishesh started shooting on a bustling Bangkok street. This week, they will film a high-octane action scene in a local market. All the action set-pieces and songs will be completed during this leg. The producer has arranged tight security as filming is taking place in real locations, and they don’t want pictures leaking online.”

The source also shared details about the cast’s prep: “Shivam has matured after his loss. Emraan will be seen with a leaner frame and a French beard. Disha has undergone intense training as she has many action sequences in the film.” The Bangkok schedule is expected to wrap by early November, after which the focus will shift to emotional sequences in Mumbai. The makers have already planned two schedules there, one of which will involve a sprawling set recreating the characters’ homes inside a suburban studio.

 

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Director Nitin Kakkar is expected to dedicate early 2026 to post-production before the film’s scheduled release on April 3, 2026. Interestingly, Awarapan 2 is among the fastest-moving sequels in recent memory — announced just six months ago, the film has already gone on floors.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Manushi Chhillar NOT playing Emraan Hashmi’s leading lady in Awarapan 2; was never approached by the makers

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Deepika Padukone’s role in Atlee’s AA22 x A6 with Allu Arjun trimmed? Here’s what we know!

Of late, Deepika Padukone has been in the news as much for her film choices as for the chatter surrounding them. After her exit from Spirit earlier this year and Kalki 2898 AD reportedly over differences related to fees and working hours, the actress is once again making headlines—this time for her upcoming projects. Padukone recently began filming King in Poland alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Now, according to reports, she is set to kick off the shoot for Atlee’s highly anticipated AA22 x A6 with Allu Arjun in October, right after wrapping up King.

A report by Mid-Day clarified speculation about her role being trimmed in the ensemble film. Quoting a source, it stated: “There is no truth to rumours that Deepika’s screen time has been reduced. Her role has not changed from what she was offered when she came on board in June. She has a fierce part, which is essential to the first and second acts of the narrative.”

Reportedly, Padukone has allocated dates from late October until the end of December. The first schedule will introduce her character, followed by large-scale action set-pieces in November, including a chase sequence designed by Atlee with a South Korean stunt team. In December, the production is expected to shift to the UAE, where Padukone and Arjun will film a crucial mid-film twist and emotional sequences.

The sci-fi action drama, said to explore themes of time travel, reportedly features Arjun in multiple roles and an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur alongside Padukone. The presence of so many leading ladies has sparked speculation that Padukone’s role is a cameo, but insiders insist otherwise: “It’s not a cameo at all. Her character drives the story. Every actor has a clearly etched-out part.”

For now, fans will have to wait for Deepika Padukone to officially announce the commencement of her shoot.

Also Read: “Never afraid to ruffle feathers”: Deepika Padukone talks about “walking a difficult path” as IMDb lists her in top spot amid Spirit, Kalki 2898 AD exit

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Before Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted Rani Mukerji as Gangubai: Aditya Narayan

Singer and television host Aditya Narayan recently shared a lesser-known detail about the early development of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s critically acclaimed film Gangubai Kathiawadi. In a conversation with Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa on their YouTube channel, Aditya revealed that Bhansali had initially considered casting Rani Mukerji in the lead role—years before the film was eventually made with Alia Bhatt.

Aditya, who once worked with Bhansali as an assistant director, said the opportunity came after a challenging period in his career. Following the commercial failure of his film Shaapit, Aditya struggled to find work and was out of the spotlight for nearly a year. During that time, even basic support from public relations professionals dried up, and previous project offers disappeared.

His fortunes began to shift when he got the chance to host X Factor India, where Bhansali was one of the judges. Encouraged by singer Sonu Nigam, Aditya expressed interest in learning filmmaking and approached Bhansali for an assistant director role. Initially, Bhansali didn’t take him seriously. “He didn’t give me any work the first week—probably thought I’d quit,” Aditya recalled. But eventually, Bhansali involved him in the creative process. During that time, Bhansali was developing two scripts—Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi. According to Aditya, the director asked his team for feedback on both. “He handed us the two scripts and asked which one we thought was better. I liked Ram-Leela more,” Aditya said. He also revealed that Bhansali had once envisioned Gangubai Kathiawadi with Rani Mukerji in the lead role. However, the project took a different turn, and several years later, the role went to Alia Bhatt.

When Gangubai Kathiawadi finally released in 2022, it became both a critical and commercial success. Based on a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film followed the life of Gangubai, a woman who rose from difficult circumstances to become a powerful and influential figure in Mumbai’s Kamathipura district. Alia Bhatt’s performance earned her the National Award for Best Actress at the 69th National Film Awards.

The film also featured Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh, Seema Pahwa, and Ajay Devgn, and went on to earn Rs. 211.5 crores worldwide. As of now, Aditya Narayan is appearing on the reality show Rise & Fall, hosted by Ashneer Grover, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali is currently working on his next film, Love & War, starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal. The film is expected to release in 2026.

Also Read: Two of my favourite actors: Ranbir Kapoor talks working with Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt in Bhansali’s Love & War

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Sunny Deol to resume shooting final leg of Lahore 1947 in Punjab, film release pushed to 2026: Report

Aamir Khan’s production Lahore 1947 is heading into its final schedule. After initial reports in November last year suggested that Khan had recommended changes to the film following its first cut, it appears director Rajkumar Santoshi and leading man Sunny Deol are set to implement those revisions.

A report by Mid-Day reveals that Sunny Deol will return to the sets next week for what is expected to be the last leg of the period drama, which traces the emotional journey of people caught in the upheaval of India’s Partition. The unit will travel to Punjab for the schedule, with preparations already underway. “Sunny and Santoshi sir will shoot most of these newly envisioned sequences in real locations of Punjab. The shoot will begin on October 10 and go on for 12 days,” the source told the portal.

While the ensemble cast also features Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi, the final schedule will focus solely on Deol, as the other principal actors have completed their portions. Preity wrapped up filming in June this year, sharing a heartfelt note and montage on Instagram. Calling it “the toughest film” she has worked on, she thanked Rajkumar Santoshi, Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, cinematographer Santosh Sivan, and composer A.R. Rahman, adding, “I sincerely hope all of you appreciate & enjoy this film as much as we did making it.”

The period drama went on floors in February 2024 with an eye on a 2025 release. However, the makers have decided to extend the timeline. An insider reveals, “When Aamir, Sunny, and Santoshi sat down to discuss the film’s progress, they unanimously agreed that it was more important to have a superior quality product than to compromise on the vision for a quick release.” The film is now expected to arrive in cinemas in 2026, with post-production already underway.

 

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With its final stretch of filming about to begin, Lahore 1947 is steadily moving towards completion, promising to be an ambitious addition to Indian cinema’s exploration of Partition-era stories.

Also Read: Will Aamir Khan now release Rajkumar Santoshi’s Indo-Pak partition film Lahore 1947?

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