Prerna Arora on Manoj Kumar: “Listening to him was like reliving the Golden Era”

Producer Prerna Arora has the fondest memories of her interaction with veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar. “As a huge fan, it was my sincere wish to remake one of his most popular films, Woh Kaun Thi. I was told he wouldn’t like the idea, as he didn’t believe in remakes. But I was adamant. When I contacted him, he was so warm, welcoming, encouraging—and so knowledgeable. He was an encyclopedia on Indian cinema. Just listening to him was like reliving the golden era of our cinema,” says Prerna, visibly moved.

The remake of Woh Kaun Thi, which originally starred Manoj Kumar, was to feature Shahid Kapoor in the lead role. “Sadly, the project never took off. But I got the chance to interact with one of the most brilliant minds in the film industry. As an actor, Manoj Sir was the handsomest, the most adorable. I can watch him endlessly in Woh Kaun Thi, Gumnaam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Dus Numbri, and Purab Aur Paschim. He and Dharam Paji are, in my eyes, the handsomest actors in India.

As a filmmaker, Manoj Sir was on par with greats like Raj Kapoor and Mehboob Khan. The songs in his films are simply to die for,” Prerna gushes. When asked about the decline in Manoj Kumar’s later career, Prerna responds, “Why bring it up? Everyone has their ups and downs—even God. Why not focus on Manoj Sir’s vast achievements rather than dwell on the lean phase?”

Also Read: Salman Khan mourns Manoj Kumar’s death; calls him a “True legend” in heartfelt tribute

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Akaal: Gippy Grewal, Karan Johar, and team seek blessings at Golden Temple ahead of grand release

As the highly anticipated action-drama Akaal nears its release, Gippy Grewal, Karan Johar, and Apoorva Mehta visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar to seek blessings. The trio was seen dressed in traditional attire, offering prayers at the sacred shrine, a moment that resonated deeply with fans and the Punjabi film industry alike.

With April 10 set as the release date, the visit held special significance for Dharma Productions, as Akaal is their first-ever Punjabi-language film. This marks a historic expansion for the Bollywood powerhouse, stepping into the vibrant world of Punjabi cinema.

Akaal: A Grand Punjabi-Hindi Bilingual Spectacle

Written and directed by Gippy Grewal, Akaal is a larger-than-life period action drama set in the 1840s. The film narrates the tale of Punjabi warriors standing against a vengeful army, showcasing bravery, sacrifice, and cultural pride. With its bilingual (Punjabi-Hindi) release, Akaal aims to bridge the gap between regional and mainstream Indian cinema.

 

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Speaking about the film, Gippy Grewal previously stated that Akaal is one of his most ambitious projects, as it brings Punjabi history and storytelling to a national audience. The film’s grand scale, action sequences, and emotional depth make it one of the most awaited Punjabi releases of the year.

Dharma Productions' Big Leap into Punjabi Cinema

Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, known for delivering Bollywood blockbusters, is making a bold move with Akaal. The production house, led by Karan Johar and CEO Apoorva Mehta, is venturing into Punjabi cinema for the first time, signalling a new chapter for the industry. Given Dharma’s strong storytelling legacy, their involvement is expected to elevate Akaal’s production quality, making it a visually and emotionally powerful cinematic experience.

Johar, who has roots in Punjab, has often expressed his admiration for Punjabi culture. His involvement in Akaal not only strengthens the film’s reach but also highlights the growing demand for regional cinema on a national scale.

Fans Await the Historic Release

With only days left for Akaal to hit theatres, the excitement is at its peak. The film’s blend of historical action, cultural richness, and Dharma’s production finesse is expected to set new benchmarks for Punjabi films.

As the team wrapped up their temple visit, fans flooded social media with excitement, as they are all set to witness a historical saga unfold on the big screen—one that promises thrill, emotion, and an unforgettable tribute to Punjab’s warrior spirit.

Also Read: Gippy Grewal on First Meeting with Karan Johar, Punjabi Film Industry, OTT, South Industry & more

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Hrithik Roshan fan turns entire filmography into studio Ghibli-inspired art

Hrithik Roshan’s presence on screen has always been larger than life - equal parts charisma, craft, and constant reinvention. But a fan on X (formerly Twitter) has reinterpreted that magic in a way no one saw coming. Inspired by the ongoing “Ghibli-fication” trend, the fan artist has turned every film that featured Hrithik Roshan into a Studio Ghibli-style anime poster—offering a visual tribute as heartfelt as it is breathtaking.

The illustrations don’t just offer a visual treat - they chart the many avatars Hrithik Roshan has embodied through his cinematic journey. From the fresh-faced Rohit of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai to the enigmatic Kabir of War, each artwork pays homage to the actor’s dedication to transformation. Known for reinventing his look and body language with every role, Hrithik has never repeated a persona. The anime-style reinterpretations highlight this evolution in fine detail: the innocence of Rohit, the intense depth of Rohan in Fiza, the sharp-edged charisma of Aryan in Dhoom 2, the quiet strength of Karan Shergill in Lakshya, and the royal aura of Emperor Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar. Even the gentleness of Super 30’s Anand Kumar and the rawness of Kaabil’s Rohan Bhatnagar is distinctly captured through the pastel, magical lens of Ghibli-style art.

What if Hrithik Roshan movie posters were in the viral studio Ghibli style ???? A thread ???? pic.twitter.com/kD0iVZhLCg

— Pratyush Singh (@singhpratyush52) April 3, 2025

Hrithik Roshan, widely celebrated as one of India’s most versatile and stylish actors, has always balanced superstardom with substance. Whether it was pioneering India’s first superhero franchise with Krrish, delivering powerhouse performances in Agneepath and Guzaarish, or embracing soul-searching narratives like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, his filmography is a testament to evolution. These fan-made illustrations, spanning over two decades and covering films like Mission Kashmir, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kites, Bang Bang, Vikram Vedha, and Fighter, aren’t just nostalgic—they’re reflective of a journey that’s as visual as it is emotional.

While the actor has yet to publicly acknowledge the tribute, fans online have already embraced it as a love letter to one of Bollywood’s most chameleon-like stars. In these Ghibli-fied frames, Hrithik’s legacy feels timeless - as if his stories could live forever, somewhere between dream and memory.

Also Read: From Aamir Khan to Randeep Hooda to Vir Das: 10 Bollywood actors who have or will soon be donning the director’s hat

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Akshay Kumar, Tabu set to shoot Bhooth Bangla’s climax in Hyderabad

Akshay Kumar and Tabu will begin shooting the climax of their horror comedy Bhooth Bangla in a southern city on April 17. Sources reveal that director Priyadarshan has planned a month-long schedule focused primarily on the film's climax and other key scenes. Once the schedule wraps up by mid-May, Bhooth Bangla will be almost complete.

That’s swift progress for the horror comedy, which began filming only this January in Rajasthan. The shoot kicked off at Chomu Palace in Jaipur, with the cast—including Kumar, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Mithila Palkar—later filming in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Now, director Priyadarshan is set to begin the film’s most crucial phase.

A source shared, “A grand palace set has been created by art director Sabu Cyril at Ramoji Studios for this segment. The main cast will be involved in a sequence where Kumar’s character, a magician, debunks myths surrounding black magic. While it deals with a serious theme, the scene will be delivered in an entertaining manner, much like Priyadarshan’s approach in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).”

Once this schedule wraps, the team—along with leads Akshay, Tabu, and Wamiqa—will head to London for the final leg, which includes a song and a few dialogue scenes. Given the film’s heavy use of VFX, Priyadarshan is aiming to complete principal photography by May to allow ample time for post-production ahead of its April 2026 release.

Bhooth Bangla is generating buzz as it marks the reunion of Kumar and Priyadarshan after 15 years. Backed by Ektaa R Kapoor, the film weaves together fantasy, horror, and humour to delve into the theme of black magic.

A source reveals, “With Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan addressed myths about spirits while highlighting a mental health issue. This time, he’s turning his lens on black magic—a practice still widely believed in across India. The script draws from some of the oldest Vedas to build its argument against witchcraft, curses, and sorcery.”

Also Read : Ajay Devgn and Vicky Kaushal laud Akshay Kumar starrer Kesari Chapter 2 trailer: “Brings back the pain and courage of that dark chapter”

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Imran Khan shares how living with girlfriend Lekha Washington changed his lifestyle; says, “Lekha and I had to share one plate and fork”

Actor Imran Khan follows a Japanese minimalist lifestyle, but things have shifted since his girlfriend Lekha Washington became a part of his life. In a recent interview, Imran shared how his life has evolved since the two began living together.

Imran and Lekha are said to have begun dating during the Covid lockdown and moved in together just a year ago. Since then, it's been a journey of striking a balance—Imran often complains about having too many possessions, while Lekha enjoys bringing home anything that catches her eye.

So how did Imran shift from his minimalist lifestyle to living with someone who loves collecting things? According to him, it happened gradually. In an interview with Bombay Times, the actor shared a moment that highlighted his minimalist ways—he once didn’t even have enough cutlery to entertain guests.

He said, “Around two years ago we had friends, a couple came home for dinner. So there were four of us and I only had three plates and three forks. I didn't usually have company and that's how I have been living so it was unusual to have four people at home. We found ourselves in a situation where Lekha and I had to share one plate and fork. After that Lekha told me we need more stuff and now we have enough to entertain guests.”

Imran explained that he had always preferred owning fewer things, believing it helped him stay organized and save time.

He stated, “I wanted to reduce the stuff that I am dependent on by limiting it to only what I can manage by myself. If there are only three plates and two cups the pile of dirty dishes can't go higher than that thus reducing the mess, that can be cleared in ten minutes. That was the process. Prior to Lekha and I living together I didn't have any staff, and I still don't. If someone else is washing, then you can keep using it.”

Imran and Lekha were reportedly part of the same social circle and began dating in 2020. Lekha was previously in a relationship with journalist Pablo Mukherjee, who happened to be an old friend of Imran. Imran, on the other hand, was earlier married to Avantika Malik. The two separated in 2019, ending their eight-year marriage. They share a daughter named Imara.

Also Read : Imran Khan’s comeback project is not produced by uncle Aamir Khan: Report

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Kareena Kapoor Khan on aging gracefully; says, “Age is just a number. I want to always be fit”

Kareena Kapoor Khan on Wednesday said she aims to stay fit to handle the challenges of aging, allowing her to continue working and enjoying family life for as long as possible.

The 44-year-old actor shared her thoughts at the launch of her nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar's book, The Commonsense Diet.

Kareena, who shares sons Taimur and Jeh with her husband Saif Ali Khan, said she wants to stay independent in daily life without relying on “someone or a stick.”

At an event, she said, “Age is just a number. I want to always be fit to take on whatever old age brings. I want to be able to do what I have to do, whether I have to go to set also at the age of 70, 75. I want to keep working all my life. I want to be able to bend to pick up my grandchildren. So for that, I need to eat right with her guidance.”

She added, “That's what for me, ageing and life is. I love it, I'm embracing it, but I'm taking all these particular things like eating ghee, eating khichdi, doing a little bit of weight training for muscle strength, walking a little, my Surya Namaskars, doing my little work on my own rather than skin treatments and Botox.”

Kareena, known for her iconic role as the lively and self-loving Geet in Jab We Met (2007), still lives by her famous line, “Main apni favourite hoon.” She stated, “That's the only way every woman should live her life because self-belief is everything. No matter how you think or feel, you have to constantly reassure yourself every day, and then others start believing it.”

Kareena revealed that after giving birth to her second son, Jeh, in 2021, she gained around 25 kg and briefly doubted her appearance. She recalled, “After Jeh's birth, there was a moment of like, ‘Oh, my God. I have to go back and do this all over again.’ But it was just like for a flash of a second. Then, it was just like, ‘No, it's fine. I'm still looking fab.’”

Also Read : Kareena Kapoor Khan turns heads in dazzling red ensemble at Vivienne Westwood Show; watch

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Rohit Shetty celebrates Ajay Devgn’s birthday with AI generated Ghibli edits; watch

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn turned 58 yesterday, April 2. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty wished him on social media. He joined the Ghibli-style trend and shared some charming AI-edited images of them together.

On Tuesday, Rohit Shetty paid tribute to Ajay Devgn with a Ghibli-style birthday post on Instagram and captioned, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER @ajaydevgn.” He shared AI-generated edits featuring them together. One image showed Rohit holding a camera while Ajay fought a goon, another captured them sitting behind the camera watching a scene, and the last, a heartwarming hug, was truly adorable.

 

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Fans couldn’t get enough of the images, calling Ajay and Rohit their “favorite duo.” One user commented, “Last one (heart emoji),” while another wrote, “This is too good. Evil eyes off you both.” A third fan compared the final picture to Thompson and Thompson from Tintin (heart emoji), and another simply said, “It’s so lovely.”

Ajay's wife, actor Kajol, shared a playful birthday wish for him on Instagram, writing, “All the cool people are born in August, but we don’t mind wishing you a happy birthday… Thank you for always being older than me.”

 

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Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn have worked together on several films, including Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Sunday, Golmaal Returns, All The Best, Golmaal 3, Singham, Bol Bachchan, Singham Returns, Golmaal Again, and Singham Again. Most of these films have been major box office hits. Their latest collaboration Singham Again, which also starred Kareena Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, and Arjun Kapoor, was released during last Diwali.

Ajay Devgn will next star in the crime drama Raid 2, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. The film features Riteish Deshmukh, Suniel Shetty, and Vaani Kapoor in key roles. A sequel to the 2018 film Raid, it follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik as he takes on another white-collar crime case. Raid 2 is set to hit theatres on May 16, 2025.

Also Read : John Abraham confirms collaboration with Rohit Shetty; says, “The subject will blow people away”

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Kajal Aggarwal celebrates Gudi Padwa on the sets of The India Story

Kajal Aggarwal spread joy and festive cheer as she celebrated Gudi Padwa with the team of her upcoming film, The India Story. The actress, who commenced shooting for the film in January in Pune, marked the occasion with the team of the film, embracing the spirit of the festival on set.

Fans received a glimpse of these celebrations which included traditional rituals and festive sweets as the photos found its way online. As the shoot progresses, fans eagerly await further updates on the project. Going by the look, the actress is donning, it seems like she will be seen in the role of a lawyer in this upcoming project.

Directed by Chetan DK and produced by Sagar B. Shinde under MIG Production and Studios, The India Story is set to hit the big screens on August 15, 2025. The film is a hard-hitting drama that delves into the dark realities of pesticide scandals, shedding light on their far-reaching consequences. With its powerful social message, the film aims to spark awareness and initiate crucial conversations about the impact of toxic pesticides on farmers and consumers alike.

The film also features Shreyas Talpade and Murali Sharma in pivotal roles. Known for their impactful performances, both actors are expected to bring depth and intensity to this thought-provoking narrative. Their presence alongside Kajal Aggarwal further strengthens the ensemble cast, promising a gripping cinematic experience. Speaking about the project, Kajal Aggarwal expressed her enthusiasm, stating that The India Story is a film that holds deep significance. “This is more than just a film; it’s a story that needs to be told. It highlights a crucial issue that affects many lives, and I am honored to be a part of it,” she said in an earlier interview.

Given the film’s powerful subject matter and its release date coinciding with India’s Independence Day, The India Story is expected to leave a lasting impact on audiences. With a mix of intense drama and a socially relevant theme, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly awaited project.

Also Read: Kajal Aggarwal shares excitement as she begins shooting for The India Story in Pune

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Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies faces plagiarism claims over similarities to Arabic film Burqa City

Kiran Rao’s widely discussed directorial Laapataa Ladies has been accused of being inspired by the 2019 Arabic film Burqa City. A recently surfaced video from Burqa City on social media has sparked speculation among netizens about the originality of Rao’s Bollywood film. The viral clip shows that the Arabic movie follows a newlywed man searching for his wife after she is mistakenly swapped with another burqa-clad woman.

As the video gained traction on social media, netizens reacted with skepticism, questioning whether Kiran Rao had copied the concept from the Arabic film. One user commented, “Nothing that Bollywood produces seems to be an original work of art. They are all brazenly copy pasted from somewhere else, shamelessly billed as original work.” Another added, “Plagiarism in India. Not a new concept.” A third user expressed disappointment, saying, “Abhi kuch nahi ho sakta..I was under the impression that it was original..good that this movie gave one beautiful song ‘Sajni re’ by Arijit.”

Laapataa Ladies hit theatres on March 1, 2024. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film stars Sparsh Shrivastava, Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel, and Ravi Kishan in key roles. Set in rural India in 2001, the story follows two brides who are mistakenly swapped during a train journey, leading to a series of twists as their husbands set out to find the real bride.

Produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, Laapataa Ladies marked Kiran Rao’s directorial return after Dhobi Ghat. Before its theatrical release, the film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received a standing ovation. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Vijay Varma also praised the movie. It was later chosen as India’s official entry for the International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars.

Also Read : Kiran Rao calls Aamir Khan “VVIP” in 60th birthday post; shares heartwarming unseen pics of Mr Perfectionist!

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Shalini Pandey on being compared to Alia Bhatt; says, “We don't need another Alia because she is amazing just as she is”

Shalini Pandey made her acting debut in 2017 alongside Vijay Deverakonda in Arjun Reddy and quickly became an internet sensation. Her innocence, charming looks, and electrifying chemistry with Vijay caught everyone's attention. In 2024, she once again went viral after starring as Kishori in Maharaj, the debut film of Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan.

Many netizens pointed out her striking resemblance to Alia Bhatt, from her facial features to her voice. However, Shalini isn’t particularly flattered by the comparison.

In a recent conversation with Instant Bollywood, Shalini Pandey responded to comparisons with Alia Bhatt. The Arjun Reddy actress acknowledged Alia’s talent, saying, “Alia hai! We don't need another Alia because she is amazing just as she is.” She praised Alia not just for her performances but also for her off-screen persona.

However, Shalini emphasized that she wants to be recognized for her own individuality and said, “I want people to see me as Shalini rather than box me into something.” While she appreciates the comparison when made with love, she prefers to carve her own identity.

After the video surfaced, netizens once again compared Shalini Pandey to Alia Bhatt. One user commented, “Her voice and tone are exactly like Alia’s… In some angles, she even looks like her.” Another wrote, “She even talks like Alia. The similarities are striking.” A different comment read, “She sounds so much like Alia!” Meanwhile, one user speculated, “She seems annoyed by the comparisons but won’t outright say it because of Alia’s massive stardom.”

Also Read : Pulkit Samrat stars with Fukrey co-star Varun Sharma along with Shalini Pandey in Rahu Ketu

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Kareena Kapoor Khan turns heads in dazzling red ensemble at Vivienne Westwood Show; watch

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor stole the spotlight at the Vivienne Westwood fashion show in Mumbai, making an unforgettable entrance in a stunning red ensemble. The actor, known for her impeccable sense of style, wowed onlookers with a breathtaking outfit that showcased her flawless fashion sensibility.

She donned a striking red dress featuring a corset bodice, off-shoulder sleeves, and a flowing skirt with a daring thigh-high slit, perfectly accentuating her graceful silhouette. Kareena’s confidence was palpable as she posed for the paparazzi, who eagerly captured her every move. The actor stood unfazed amidst the frenzy, effortlessly striking poses while showing off her gold-hued heels.

With a beaming smile, she captivated everyone, radiating both elegance and poise as photographers urged her to turn this way or that to get the perfect shot.

 

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As the flashes from cameras continued to pop, Kareena remained composed, giving the photographers one last wide smile before heading inside the venue. It was evident that she had stolen the show, not only with her chic attire but with her magnetic presence that left the crowd in awe.

Videos from the event show the actor enjoying her moment in the spotlight, looking radiant in her red dress, with the camera crew and spectators constantly vying for her attention. After the photoshoot, Kareena met with a representative of the show before making her way into the venue, leaving everyone wondering if she had just set a new standard for fashion at such high-profile events. The actress truly proved she is not just a star on screen but a style icon in her own right.

Also Read : Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan hint at Ki & Ka 2 on the film’s ninth anniversary

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