2025 has been a life-changing year for actor Vicky Kaushal. He not only delivered the highest-grossing film with Chhaava, but also embraced parenthood for the first time. The actor is currently enjoying this new phase of his life, as he shared that he is now better at changing diapers than acting. He also calls fatherhood a magical feeling. Vicky Kaushal on embracing fatherhood Vicky was honoured with the Actor of the Year award for his stint in Chhaava at the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025, held in Delhi on Friday. “Thank you, this is for my family and my little one, who has come in as a blessing… Yeh pehli baar hai jo main shehar chhodhke aaya hoon after becoming a father, and it was very tough (This is the first time I’ve left the city after becoming a father, and it was very tough). But I'm sure when he grows up and watches this, he'll be proud of his dad.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) Talking about whether the role of being a father came as a challenge, Vicky shared, “It is too new to feel any challenges. It's all magical right now. It's all very blissful right now… I don’t know, main shabdon mein nahi baiyan kar sakta ke kya feeling hai (I can’t describe the feeling in words). There are all sorts of objectives that I can mention, but it's just a very special feeling, and truly God has been very kind. The family is very happy, and this one is for my entire family and especially for him.” Vicky even admitted that he is now “better at changing diapers than acting.” About Vicky Kaushal For the uninitiated, Vicky Kaushal and superstar wife Katrina Kaif embraced parenthood on the 7th of November. Sharing the good news with their fans, the couple posted an announcement on social media. They wrote, “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November, 2025. Katrina and Vicky.” The couple had tied the knot in 2021 in a private ceremony in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. On the work front, Vicky Kaushal is keeping busy with multiple film projects, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor. He also has Maddock Films’ Mahavatar in his kitty. As per reports, Deepika Padukone is roped in alongside him for the film.
20 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAkshay Oberoi can hardly wait for 2026, as he will be seen in two big-budget movies — Shah Rukh Khan’s King and Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups. The actor points out that his third offering, a yet-untitled thriller led by Manoj Bajpayee, has him equally excited. After all, it gave him the opportunity to work with Neeraj Pandey, who has produced it. “Neeraj sir’s understanding of this [genre] is incredible. I’ve come away from this project feeling like I’ve grown, not just as an actor, but as someone who understands storytelling better,” he said of the thriller that marks screenwriter Ritesh Shah’s directorial debut. Sharing screen space with Bajpayee was the cherry on top. “Manoj sir is an institution in himself. Just watching the way he prepares and the intensity with which he approaches his work is inspiring. Being around that kind of focus pushes you to be better,” said Oberoi.
20 December,2025 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuWhen Ikkis opens on January 1, it will, among other things, remind us of what Hindi cinema lost in 2025. Sriram Raghavan’s directorial venture, led by Agastya Nanda, will mark the final on-screen appearance of Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24. In the swansong, we’ll also see the superstar’s last dance, in a qawwali track. (Left) Dharmendra with Vijay Ganguly (extreme right) during the shoot Featuring Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, the song was shot in Pune in May 2024. It apparently sees the veteran actor’s character going to his college reunion. A source from the unit said, “Initially, it plays in the background as Dharmendra’s character catches up with his friends. Then it moves to the foreground as his friends get him to the dance floor and he shakes a leg. It’s a fantastic moment! While the college is shown to be in Lahore in the narrative, producer Dinesh Vijan and Sriram filmed it in a Pune college.” Agastya Nanda leads the January 1 release In Ikkis, Dharmendra portrayed the father of Nanda’s character, Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal. Working with him on the number was a moment of pride for choreographer Vijay Ganguly. Remembering the 89-year-old actor as being “full of life”, Ganguly told mid-day, “Shooting with Dharmendra was amazing as he was vibrant and full of life. He was awake till we completed the song at 4 am.” What made the collaboration sweeter was the fact that their association went way back. The choreographer, who has designed two songs in the biopic, added, “It was a moment of nostalgia for both of us. Dharamji had done a film earlier with my father [filmmaker Anil Ganguly] called Dushman Devta [1991]. During the shoot, he remembered my father fondly. He told me he was a kind man and that he enjoyed working with him.” Sriram Raghavan. Pic/Yogen Shah ‘Ikkis’ was Dharmendra’s second collaboration with Sriram Raghavan. The superstar had also featured in the director’s ‘Johnny Gaddaar’ (2007)
20 December,2025 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRThe makers of Ikkis have dropped the final trailer for the upcoming film featuring newcomer Agastya Nanda in the lead role. The final trailer comes weeks before its theatrical release on January 1, 2026. The trailer gives another glimpse of the biographical drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously honoured for his bravery in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Ikkis final trailer The new trailer introduces viewers to Arun Khetarpal's journey through military training, personal challenges, and moments with his family. It reveals a mix of military action and personal stories, focusing on Arun Khetarpal’s sense of duty and his relationships with family members, who shape his outlook on service and sacrifice. Featuring Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra in significant roles, the 2-minute-11-second trailer is loaded with gripping battlefield action, dramatic tank encounters, heartfelt family moments, and a powerful real-life story of bravery. Towards the end of the trailer, Dharmendra delivers a moving performance as Arun's father, with his impactful line, "Yeh meri family hai, chota beta Mukesh 50 saal ka hai aur yeh bada beta Arun yeh hamesha ikkis ka hi rahega." Sunny Deol pens an emotional note Actor Sunny Deol has expressed his undying love and admiration for his late father, Dharmendra, after watching the veteran actor's powerful appearance in Ikkis.Clearly moved by the glimpse, the 'Border' actor expressed his heartfelt love and admiration for his father. On Friday, Sunny took to his Instagram handle and shared the new trailer of the movie and captioned it as, "Love you, papa. Witness the true story of the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, a hero who was only 21 and became eternal -Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal. Ikkis In cinemas on 1st Jan 2026 ExperienceCourageOn1 Jan." Ikkis will mark Dharmendra's final appearance on the big screen. The legendary actor passed away on the very day the makers released his character poster. They captioned the post, "Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another. Ikkis TrailerOutNow Ikkis in cinemas worldwide on 25th December 2025." (With inputs from IANS)
19 December,2025 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA video claiming to show a leaked romantic song featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone from the upcoming film King has gone viral on social media, sending fans into a frenzy. The short clip, widely shared across platforms, shows the much-loved on-screen pair in an intense romantic moment, complete with a close embrace and a soulful track playing in the background. However, the excitement surrounding the clip has now been tempered by the truth behind it. Fact check: Was the video real or AI? Despite appearing convincing at first glance, the viral video is not an actual scene from King. It has been revealed to be a fan-made edit created using artificial intelligence tools. The clip stitches together manipulated visuals that resemble Shah Rukh Khan’s reported look for the film, paired with Deepika Padukone styled in glamorous outfits, giving the illusion of an official song sequence. The addition of romantic lyrics and dramatic visuals further fuelled speculation that a song from the film had been leaked online. KING SONG LEAKED Who tf made this 😭 pic.twitter.com/6piFMvgSj7 — Sameer (@sameerahmadx) December 18, 2025 As the video gained traction, several social media users began questioning its authenticity. Many pointed out the unnatural transitions, visual inconsistencies, and overly polished appearance that hinted at AI involvement. Soon after, it became clear that no official footage, song, or teaser from King had been released by the makers, confirming that the clip was purely fictional. The viral edit once again highlights how advanced AI technology has become, making it increasingly difficult for viewers to distinguish between real and fabricated content. While some fans praised the creativity behind the video, others expressed concern over how easily such edits can be mistaken for official material and spread misinformation. Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone reunite Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s pairing continues to generate immense excitement, thanks to their iconic collaborations in films like Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, and Pathaan. Their reunion in King is already one of the most anticipated aspects of the film, which perhaps explains why even a fake clip managed to attract so much attention. The makers of King have not issued any statement regarding the viral video, maintaining silence as anticipation around the film continues to build. Until official visuals or music are released, fans are advised to treat such viral content with caution. While the AI-generated clip may not be real, it serves as proof of the audience’s eagerness to see Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone together again on the big screen, a reunion that continues to spark excitement, even through unofficial fan creations.
19 December,2025 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNeeraj Ghaywan’s directorial Homebound is India’s official entry for the Oscars and has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category. The film, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, narrates the tale of friendship during a trying and testing time. Recently, Khatter revealed that his character had a beautiful love story in the film, which the team had also shot. However, the portion never made it to the final edit. Ishaan Khatter on his edited love track in Homebound In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ishaan revealed that his character had a love track in the film, and the role of his partner was essayed by Reem Shaikh. While the scenes were shot, they did not make it to the final cut. The actor revealed that the first edit of the film was 3.5 hours long, but it was eventually cut down to nearly two hours to meet Oscar eligibility criteria. Talking about the love track, Ishaan said, “It was a beautifully written track and was quite personal to Neeraj as well. We shot it. Reem Shaikh played the character and she is incredible and everybody loved it. But in the interest of the final film and what it needed, sometimes decisions need to be taken. I have learnt this quite early that sometimes you have to kill the darlings.” Homebound gets shortlisted for Oscars 2026 Homebound will be competing in the Best International Feature Film category with Argentina’s Belen, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirat, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. The final nominees in all categories are expected to be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, with comedian Conan O’Brien returning as the host. Filmmaker Karan Johar expressed his joy after the film was shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Thanking director Neeraj Ghaywan for making his dream come true, KJo penned an emotional note on social media saying, “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of HOMEBOUND… all of us dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … (sic).” “Thank you, Neeraj Ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist, this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film! Upwards and onwards…….. HOMEBOUND streaming now on Netflix_in,” the Dharma head added.
19 December,2025 06:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent'Mann Bhareya' singer B Praak has been blessed with a baby boy. An excited singer took to his social media handle to share the happy news with all his followers. He revealed that the baby was born earlier this month and also shared the name of the baby. B Praak announces baby's birth Sharing a post featuring the image of Bal Kanha along with cows, B Praak announced that he has embraced fatherhood yet again on December 1 and also revealed his baby’s name as ‘Dvijj Bachan’. The announcement note read, “DVIIJ BACHAN. Twice Born – A Spiritual Rebirth. By the divine grace of RadheShyam. We are blessed with a baby boy on December 1, 2025. Our hearts overflow with gratitude and joy. The sun rises again, bringing light, hope, and new beginnings into our lives.” For the social media caption, B Praak wrote, “Sab Radhe Radhe Hai. Jay Shree Krishna.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by B PRAAK (@bpraak) For the uninitiated, B Praak and his wife, Meera, first embraced parenthood in 2020 and are parents to a 5-year-old baby boy. In 2022, the singer and his wife, Meera, had tragically lost their second son at the time of birth, an incident that B Praak considers as 'extremely heavy and emotional'. B Praak's work front On the professional front, B Praak has lent his voice to soul-stirring songs like Mann Bharryaa, Teri Mitti, Filhall, and Ranjha. Earlier, while talking to mid-day, the singer picked his favourite song from his career that best represents India. He picked Maaye from Sky Force and explained, “It beautifully reflects the courage and sacrifices of our soldiers. The lyrics carry pride, love, and respect for the nation, and the music has a purity that connects instantly. It’s a fresh yet timeless expression of our unity and resilience. " A few days ago, B Praak came up with a spiritual spectacular with Sounds of Hari, an immersive journey designed to awaken devotion, emotion, and inner stillness. The singer-composer highlighted that it wasn't about entertainment but was more about surrender. Speaking about what makes Sounds of Hari different, B Praak said, “I have performed on countless stages, but ‘Sounds of Hari’ is special. It comes from a sacred place inside me. This is not about entertainment; this is about surrender.” He added, “I want people to walk in with the weight of the world and walk out feeling light, healed, and connected. Even if one moment of this experience brings someone peace, that will be my true achievement.” (with inputs from IANS)
19 December,2025 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhenever Raghav Juyal and Remo D’Souza share space, on screen or off, it’s a collaborative spark that needs no choreography. Their association, especially through the ABCD franchise, has been marked by an easy camaraderie that audiences have loved and grown familiar with over the years. Fresh off a string of performances that have reshaped his screen identity, Raghav has emerged as one of the most exciting actors to watch today. From the raw intensity of Kill to the controlled, morally complex turn in Gyaarah Gyaarah, and the standout performance in The Bads Of Bollywood, the actor has consistently demonstrated remarkable versatility and range—making fans curious about how he could surprise yet again, possibly in ABCD3. Now, a little birdy tells us that Raghav and his mentor Remo could be circling back to each other for a new project, with industry whispers hinting at ABCD3. While nothing has been officially announced, speculation points to a film backed by a strong story and Raghav in a lead role. Adding fuel to the buzz are Raghav’s recent comments about manifesting collaboration with Remo—remarks that many believe could be pointing towards ABCD3 and have not gone unnoticed within industry circles. A source shares, “What works between Raghav and Remo is that they understand each other's instincts. Remo has always seen Raghav beyond the comic or quirky label, and Raghav trusts Remo to give him space to surprise the audience. If they do come together again—be it ABCD3 or another project—it won’t be for nostalgia or fan service. It will be because the story demands their combined energy. An announcement is definitely on the cards.” For audiences who have enjoyed their infectious fun, effortless chemistry, and creative synergy in the ABCD universe, the possibility of Raghav Juyal and Remo D’Souza reuniting for ABCD3 is undeniably exciting. Whether Raghav’s manifestation has worked remains to be seen—but the buzz around ABCD3 is certainly growing louder. Raghav Juyal builds 5-storey bungalow Raghav recently appeared in filmmaker Farah Khan's YouTube series, which contributed to his celebrity. He arrived in style, wearing jeans atop denim and accompanied by a bodyguard. Farah was impressed with his transformation and commented, “Oh my God! This is what stardom looks like. You look like a rockstar from Hollywood. You used to look like you were from Nala Sopara… now you have changed.” She added with a smile, “You look so nice, success is working for you.” Later in the conversation, Raghav confidently stated, "I am building a massive house near Dehradun. "It has five stories." He said that once it's finished, he'll call Farah over to make another video there. Farah then inquired, "So, do you live on rent in Bombay?" Raghav confidently responded, "Not at all! I own a home here!"
19 December,2025 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the investigation into Zubeen Garg's tragic death continues, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has now clarified that, based on current findings, no foul play is suspected. They added that investigations into the death of the acclaimed Assamese singer are still ongoing. The Singapore police released a statement on Friday, December 19, amid growing online speculation. Interestingly, their statement conflicts with the media reports emerging from India. Singapore police find no foul play Addressing rumours spreading on social media, the SPF emphasised that the case remains open and is being handled rigorously under Singapore’s legal framework. In its official statement, the police stated, “The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is aware of online speculation regarding the circumstances of Mr Zubeen Garg’s death, and that the Indian media has reported that a Special Investigation Team in India has charged four persons for the murder of Mr Garg. The case is currently still being investigated by the SPF, in accordance with the Singapore Coroners Act 2010. Based on our investigations so far, the SPF does not suspect foul play in the death of Mr Garg." The Singapore authorities further explained that once the police investigation is completed, its findings will be formally submitted to the State Coroner. Subsequently, a Coroner’s Inquiry (CI) will be conducted to decide the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the singer’s death. According to the SPF, the inquiry hearings are expected to take place in January and February 2026. The Coroner’s Inquiry is a fact-finding legal process, and the conclusions of the inquiry will be made public once proceedings are complete. The police also urged restraint, stating that they remain committed to a thorough and professional investigation into the matter. They also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. Probe ongoing in India Meanwhile, the authorities in India have also been conducting a parallel probe through a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam Police. On December 12, the SIT filed a detailed chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Guwahati. According to reports, the main chargesheet spans approximately 2,500 pages and is supported by an additional 12,000 pages of documents. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 22. So far, the Assam Police SIT and CID have arrested seven individuals, including event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, co-singer Amritprava Mahanta, the singer’s cousin Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya in connection with the case. Earlier, on October 21, a high-level SIT delegation led by Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta had travelled to Singapore to coordinate with local authorities. The SIT reportedly recorded statements from over 300 individuals so far as part of the investigation.
19 December,2025 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLove stories in Bollywood often come wrapped in glamour, but some of the most beautiful ones are born in the simplest moments, and Kriti Kharbanda’s story about Pulkit Samrat is one of them. During a recent candid conversation with Karan Johar, Kriti opened up about a deeply personal memory that sealed her decision to marry Pulkit, a moment that had nothing to do with fame, success or luxury. Kriti Kharbanda reveals her nickname for Pulkit Samrat Recalling a late-night drive through Bandra, Kriti shared how the two were still keeping their relationship private at the time. As they drove quietly through the city, a Lamborghini passed them by. Almost instinctively, she turned to Pulkit and asked him what he would do if he ever had andha paisa (unlimited wealth). Without missing a beat, Pulkit responded while still focused on the road. His answer wasn’t about cars, homes or indulgence. “He said he would build a Gurudwara and make sure it serves food 24×7,” Kriti revealed. That was the moment everything changed for her. Kriti shared that it was then that she knew without doubt that he was the man she wanted to spend her life with. “In that moment, pyaar happened all over again,” she said, smiling. Fondly adding that she calls Pulkit Annapurna at home, Kriti explained that his instinctive generosity and desire to give back to the community are what truly define him. It wasn’t the ambition, the success, or the lifestyle; it was the heart behind his words. The revelation struck a chord with audiences online, offering a rare, authentic glimpse into their relationship, one built on shared values, empathy and quiet moments rather than grand gestures. In an industry often associated with excess, Kriti and Pulkit’s love story stands out for its simplicity, proving that sometimes, it’s a single sentence on a late-night drive that changes everything. Kriti completes 9 years in the industry In September this year, Kriti completed 9 years in Bollywood. The actress who made her Hindi film debut in 2016 with Raaz Reboot opposite Emraan Hasmhi, reflected on her journey and expressed gratitude for her beautiful time in the industry. Sharing a still from her debut film, Kriti penned down a beautiful note that read, "Dear Bollywood We met 9 years ago today. You’ve made me laugh, cry, hustle, and grow. You’ve given me memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to our complicated, beautiful relationship. Bollywood debut: Survival: Dance numbers: Tears, tantrums, triumphs: Heroine feels: 9 years later, I’m still here… and still not done Thank u for your love and not keeping it a RAAZ." Pulkit Samrat took to her comment section and wrote, “Biggest Fan”. He also shared a heartfelt message for his wife on his own social media account. Posting a happy picture of Kriti, he wrote, "9 years in the industry and you only just beginning!! So much more for the world to witness. So much more for the world to love!! Congratulations love!!"
19 December,2025 05:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirector Anurag Kashyap revealed that he is used to the failure of his films. During the teaser launch event of Dacoit, co-starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, in which he will be essaying the role of a fearless and uncompromising cop, Swamy, Kashyup was asked about the box office failure of his latest directorial venture, Nishaanchi. The filmmaker was asked, "You have had other releases also this year in different capacities, as a producer, as a presenter, this time as an actor. Your directorial venture, Nishaanchi, was really a passion project, and much like what usually happens with your films, you know, it gains a cult following over the years; I think pretty much similar is going to happen to Nishaanchi. However, were you disappointed or upset with the box office reception of the film?" Reacting to this, Kashyup said, "No, no, I'm used to it," leaving everyone laughing. "I'm used to it because, yeah, I probably expected a little bit more and thought maybe the audience and I are cinema men. But then I realized the very second day", he added. The Gangs of Wasseypur maker went on to share, "I was used to it, then we decided to, because it was one film, we decided to put that one film, both parts together, on OTT. Because it was a film produced by Amazon, so it was already seen. So I'm happy with OTT." Before this, Kashyap opened up about how Nishaanchi was initially called Babloo Nishaanchi, Rangilee Rinku, and Dabloo. He revealed that the film’s initial title was different before it was finally changed to Nishaanchi. The filmmaker said, “Initially, the title was Babloo Nishaanchi, Rangilee Rinku, and Dabloo — everyone said it was too long. The story of how Nishaanchi was coined and the film was finally named.” For the unversed, Babloo and Dabloo are the names of Aaishvary Thackeray’s characters of twin brothers in the movie, whereas Rinku is the name of Vedika Pinto’s character. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 December,2025 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
