HBO Max launches in India

Kevin Vaz, CEO – Entertainment, JioStar, said: “This marks a defining moment in how premium global content is accessed and experienced in India. By bringing HBO Max to JioHotstar, we are creating a unified destination for premium international content and raising the bar for quality content once again. We are combining scale, curation, quality and ease of access. This unlocks a deeper and more immersive entertainment experience for audiences nationwide.”

James Gibbons, President of APAC, WBD said: “India is one of the most vibrant streaming markets globally, and in JioHotstar, we have a partner with unmatched scale and a deep understanding of local audiences. The launch of HBO Max exclusively with JioHotstar marks the next chapter in our long-standing collaboration, enabling us to broaden the reach of our premium brands and franchises, and build deeper connections with fans across the country.”

HBO Max and Warner Bros shows now available in India

HBO Max offers a rich and expansive catalogue of globally celebrated series, including highly anticipated upcoming titles and new seasons of HBO and Max Originals. Premiering today in India, fans can enjoy season three of the critically acclaimed Euphoria, with the next installment of House of the Dragon, new series from DC Studios Lanterns, as well as the hugely anticipated eight-episode first season of the upcoming HBO Original Harry Potter series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - all still to come in 2026. Series available to stream now via the HBO Max hub include The Last of Us, The White Lotus, The Pitt, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Succession, Dune: Prophecy, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones.

With the renewed partnership, JioHotstar subscribers can also enjoy perennial fan favourite Warner Bros. Television series Friends and The Big Bang Theory for the first time, alongside popular shows The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and The Flash. Film fans can catch the celebrated Warner Bros. slate, including the beloved collections of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, as well as blockbusters from the DC Universe.

The HBO Max hub is available alongside JioHotstar’s existing portfolio of international and local content, delivering greater choice and accessibility to audiences across the country. Starting at Rs 49 per month, the add-on pack provides access to the HBO Max hub along with JioHotstar’s full international content library.  

Uorfi Javed on not `making it` in the industry

She expressed disappointment that her journey has not shaped up as she expected, and said that she still does not feel like she has truly "made it" in the industry.

Speaking about Follow Kar Lo Yaar, she penned, "Now, this was my reality show, something which I dreamt of, something which I wanted more than my life. I can never forget the day I got the call from smitalshintre saying the show is finally happening. I gave my 500 percent to this show, I thought it will change my life and it did. Not because of the fame or validation but because of the people I met through the show. The entire team, who I still talk to, who I call my closest friends. I remember losing my hair, weight, sleep, everything before the show."

She wrote that after emerging as the winner of The Traitors India, she believed her life would transform again with fame and money and she would have no worries left. "Then I got this show - I thought winning this show will change my life (when I talk about change my life I mean blind fame and money), I thought after this show I will be a household name, I will never have to worry a single day in my life, everything will be sorted. That didn`t happen but I still won. I had never won anything in my life. This was a crazy experience."

Uorfi on receiving threats from politicians

Uorfi Javed mentioned that she has been abused and even received threats from politicians, normal people and people from the industry, prompting her to visit the police station numerous times.

"I`ve been subjected to the harshest of trolling and abuses. Politicians, normal people, industry people, I`ve been abused, trolled, given threats. I`ve gone to the police station so many times. I still feel I haven`t reached my full potential. I still keep asking universe mera time kab aayega? With every step I took I just wanted to be accepted by the people, appreciated. I chose a very very unconventional and difficult way for myself. The world wasn`t kind to me. There was a time I used to cry when someone complimented me cause I was only used to the abuses. I`m still waiting for that one moment, one opportunity."

Set in a Mumbai housing society, Last Man in Tower revolves around a teacher who refuses to sell his flat to a real estate developer when the building is under consideration for redevelopment. Through the story, Adiga explored themes of greed, ambition, and urban development. 

Aravind Adiga. Pic/AFP

Dutta’s character is expected to be central to this conflict. A source told mid-day, “Divya’s antagonist isn’t one-note; she is shown as ruthless and calculative, but there is also vulnerability to her. This film thrives on tension between her and Manoj’s characters.”

The adaptation is currently in development, with Rekhi and the team aiming to take the project on floors in the second half of 2026. The source added, “Constant redevelopment of residential properties that builders undertake for their profits is a reality of our times. The story is just as relevant today as it was in 2011.”  

From Aravind Adiga’s pages to the screen

. ‘Selection Day’ (2018)

. ‘The White Tiger’ (2021)

Being a part of Manjule’s on-screen world is something the newcomer had never imagined. “Ghar Banduk Biryani was my first exposure to the intensity and discipline that filmmaking demands. After that, when Nagrajji encouraged me to audition for Matka King, it felt like a moment of trust to me. On set, there were moments when I doubted myself, but his quiet reassurance, patience, and guidance helped me find my footing.”

Nagraj Manjule. Pic/Instagram

Ashwini plays one of the four daughters to Gulshan Grover, whose character is pitted against Varma’s protagonist in the drama set in Mumbai of the 1960s. Manjule recalled that his casting team was in search of a fresh face for the part. The director told mid-day, “The production team auditioned many candidates in search of a fresh face. Ultimately, Simran’s audition stood out due to the freshness and vulnerability she brought to the role.” 

Sairat. Pic/Youtube

Nagraj Manjule launched Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar with ‘Sairat’

King to make his acting debut with Lukkhe

King, whose real name is Arpan Kumar Chandel, has given many superhit tracks like Maan Meri Jaan, Tu Aake Dekhle among others, which went viral on the internet. Now, the rapper is set to shine on the screen in a new avatar as an actor in the upcoming web series named Lukkhe. 

Created and executive produced by Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha, it is an eight-episode series headlined by Raashii Khanna and King. Along with the acclaimed Indian rapper, songwriter, and singer, Lukkhe also stars  Palak Tiwari and Lakshvir Singh Saran in lead roles, along with Nakul Roshan Sahdev, Kritika Bharadwaj, Shivankit Parihar, Yograj Singh, and Ayesha Raza Mishra in pivotal supporting roles. Notably, it also marks the streaming debut of Palak Tiwari. Lukkhe is set to release in over 240 countries and regions worldwide on May 8, 2026.

About Lukkhe

Lukkhe is an intense fictional musical action drama set against the pulsating backdrop of Chandigarh, where rap culture, ambition, and crime intersect. At its core, it is a gripping tale of revenge and redemption, as rival rappers MC Badnaam (King) and OG (Shivankit) are caught in a deeply personal vendetta that blurs the lines between art and animosity. It blends high-octane action, gunfights, and raw musical energy, marking an ultimately coming-of-age story shaped by pain, love, and ambition.

Nikhil Madhok, Director and  Head of Originals, Prime Video, India, says, “At Prime Video, we believe in constantly raising the bar by experimenting with storytelling, whether it’s blending genres, exploring new formats, or championing unconventional narratives. Lukkhe is a strong reflection of this vision, bringing together high-octane action with pulsating rap music, while seamlessly balancing pace with emotional intensity to create a truly distinctive world. At its heart, the series is a compelling story of revenge and redemption, driven by complex characters and the choices they make. With KING and Palak Tiwari making their OTT debuts alongside a stellar ensemble cast, we are confident Lukkhe will be loved by audiences in India and across 240 countries and territories when it premieres on May 8.”

In the series, Vijay essays the role of a fictional gambling lord, who operates a string of matkas (gambling pots) across Mumbai. To fine tune his character, Vijay got in touch with a magician, who taught him the card tricks.

The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the show, and shared how he honed his skills with the card, and spent 10 months with the deck of cards.

He told IANS, “I got familiar with the cards in the sense, I learnt how to hold them, shuffle them. I also learnt some tricks. There is a magician called Ashwam. The production guys used to send him to my house. So, I did 12 or 15 sessions with him. Over the span of one month. He used to teach me how to do it with cards, what tricks to learn, how to shuffle it, how to show it. I wanted to show that my character has a second skin, the cards. So, it was a lot of fun to achieve that”.

However, the actor soon realised that cards take away a lot of attention given the tricks and the game, and he was met with the challenge of delivering his lines while being fully immersed in the game.

He said, “When you engage with cards, it takes so much of your energy or attention that you won`t be able to do the scene. Like a new musician can`t sing while playing the harmonium. Either he will play or sing. I wanted to talk while playing the game”.

“The cards were in my hand for 10 months while I was shooting for the series. So, this was the preparation. My director, Nagraj sir and I used to see it daily to see how we can evolve the game. It was very important to establish a trustworthy, honest character in the first episode. So, we tried to make people relate to this character and get them involved in its journey”, he added.

Directed by Nagraj Manjule, ‘Matka King’ is set to stream on Prime Video from April 17, 2026.

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

Excerpts from the interview:

What do you feel when you look back at your career?
That can encapsulate a lot of things. I’m very grateful for whatever steps that I have taken till now. To be an actor, I left my city without knowing anyone or anything. I see this journey as something that evolved for me as a better human being. I feel regrets get you nothing. I don’t regret doing anything that came my way. I’ve only had learning on this journey.

Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Harshita Gaur, and Shriya Pilgaonkar on the set; (right) The team of ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’

You’ve played Dimpy Pandit for nine years. What does taking her story to the big screen feel like? Did you imagine the series would ever become this big?
No, this was not on anyone’s mind when we started at all. We just wanted to make a good project. And by God’s grace we reached here. Now, scaling up to 70mm, of course, it’s going to be big in terms of experience because from your mobile and TV screens, it’s suddenly gone to the cinemas. I feel with this you could actually experience it [more closely]. We’ve not had any show converting into a film in the middle of the series, so, I am more excited to watch Mirzapur on the 70mm as the audience.

The film was also shot in Mirzapur. Did that help you understand and perform the role better?
A lot of these places where we shot offer that small-town feel. The moment you move to Varanasi or Mirzapur, that helps way more than maybe shooting in Mumbai for something like this. But, for an actor, it’s ultimately about the imagery in your mind.

There is speculation that the film is a prequel to the series. Is that true?
This is something very interesting, though I probably shouldn’t say anything. You will know about it in a month or so. [But] it’s not a prequel.

How has Dimpy evolved in the film?
I have done something different, which when I started out as Dimpy [in 2018], she would have not thought of doing. But obviously, I can’t share more details on it. Let the trailer come, all your questions will be answered.

You’ve also ventured into production this year with your first short film, Rang De, based on Holi. What sparked that inspiration?
I’ve grown up on stories. I didn’t know the starting steps. I am taking it slow. Because Rang De got a lot of love, it motivated me to do more. I know the kind of stories I want to bring to audience. I want to create a space where my stories don’t force you to feel. [It should be a] place where the audience can breathe with the story. That’s what is in my head right now. Let’s see where it goes.

13
Number of years in the industry

Plans of direction?

Harshita Gaur says that “direction requires a different skill set.” For now, the actor has written a few stories. “My next step is to try and make those. I am still building my thoughts towards it. I want to travel with my stories,” she says.

What stands out, however, is the evolution of Divya Dutta’s character, Kamlesh. Though she appears courageous, the patriarchy ingrained in her drives her to make choices one would least expect from a protagonist. “While writing, I felt like slapping Kamlesh too. When she slaps Pooja [Prasanna Bisht], you see it as her conditioning and illiteracy. We are trying to have a conversation with the audience living in small towns and villages, who don’t even know that [marital rape] is wrong. We wanted our protagonist to be one of them so that people could relate to Kamlesh as she has the same questions. We also wanted to take away the saviour complex. Pooja is the victim of the crime and Kamlesh is the victim of patriarchy,” explains Sharma. 

Divy Nidhi Sharma. Pic/Instagram

The series culminates in a public confrontation, without a definitive punishment. While the ending may feel unsatisfactory, Sharma says the choice was deliberate to retain realism. “How do we show victory in the end that doesn’t sound implausible or impossible? Pooja has a moral compass, but because she is in [trauma], it takes time for her to gather courage. Kamlesh has courage, but she lacks a moral compass. Once they come together, the story revolves around them finding their voice, which is their first victory. We have maintained a realistic depiction. We couldn’t go the legal way or take the vengeance route. I know it is not perfect, but we don’t live in a perfect world.”

Did you know?

The core concept of ‘Chiraiya’ was inspired by the Bengali series ‘Sampurna’ 

He says, “Chiraiya was gut-wrenching. I feel that the audience watching [may] not be able to see it. [I had to put myself] in Arun’s shoes and imagine what would have happened. It was a traumatic experience. Nayyi Navelli was a fun project to write after the intense Chiraiya.”

The Yami Gautam-starrer went on floors in April this year. “Nayyi Navelli is a very beautiful, charming film. It is in the mythology and horror space. But I would like to use the words beautiful and charming,” says the writer, who is known for crafting strong female characters. “The film also has a very strong feminine streak running through it,” he adds.

April
When he cast and crew of  ‘Nayyi Navelli’ began shoot

Divy Nidhi Sharma’s other works:

2023: ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (additional dialogues)
2024: ‘Heeramandi’
2026: ‘Nakhrewaalii’

“I didn’t understand how people would take this character because everybody is doing comedy except me. But now, I [feel] people have liked my character a lot. They didn’t expect such a twist,” says the actor, who plays a newly-appointed judge in the Patparganj district court.

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari

For Bhattacharya, the role may not have been big, but its layers made it tempting. “It was tough because I had to be precise as there is a certain dignity and sanctity attached to the position of a judge. [My character] also had to balance between how much to tell and not. The character was written in a way that you can’t tell whether he is positive or negative. I couldn’t project a lot in this performance because he shouldn’t be seen. If you see him, you 
will find out that something is fishy.”

The actor’s calendar is packed this year. In July, he will be seen in Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, and directed by Shiv Rawal. Bhattacharya, who plays a key role in the upcoming instalment of the YRF Spy Universe, has previously worked with Rawal on The Railway Men (2023).

While the actor refuses to divulge details about Alpha, he says, “It was a fantastic shooting for Alpha. Aditya is a young director. He is dedicated and passionate. He leaves no stone unturned to achieve what he wants. The film boasts of good actors and technicians,” he says, adding that he also enjoyed sharing screen space with Bhatt. “She is a good actor. It was during Poacher’s [2024] promotions that I met her for the first time.”

Up next:

After ‘Maamla Legal Hai 2’, Dibyendu Bhattacharya will be seen in Prime Video’s ‘Raakh’, directed by Prosit Roy. The series also features Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre. “I love the subject and the director. Prosit is a talented man. I have a long association with him,” he says

Alfia Jafry talks about her legacy

“I come from a creative family, but I’ve always believed in carving my own path and letting my work speak for itself. Of course, there’s inspiration all around me, but I’ve never wanted to rely on that. I want every opportunity I get to be because of what I bring to the table as an actor,” she shares.

The Tribe star adds that while legacy can sometimes create expectations, she sees it as a foundation rather than a crutch. “I’ve always wanted to take the longer route if it means learning more and growing as an artist. I don’t want to be known just for where I come from, but for what I bring to the table.”

For Alfia, legacy is a foundation, not a shortcut. She believes that while a creative environment can shape one’s perspective, it is ultimately hard work, discipline, and individuality that define longevity in the industry. Her choices reflect a conscious effort to take on roles that resonate with her sensibilities rather than follow a predictable trajectory.

With The Pyramid Scheme, she marks the beginning of a journey rooted in authenticity and self-belief. The project allows her to present herself not just as someone from a known lineage, but as a performer ready to stand on her own merit.

As audiences get ready to see her on screen, Alfia Jafry is clear about one thing, she’s here to be recognized for her work, and she’s willing to put in everything it takes to earn that space.

About The Pyramid Scheme

The return of 24 comes at a time when audiences are increasingly leaning into fast-paced, genre-driven content, making its arrival on JioHotstar particularly timely. With its tightly woven plotlines and relentless sense of urgency, the series has remained a strong recall title for viewers who enjoy edge-of-the-seat thrillers.

Anil Kapoor on 24 streaming on JioHotstar

Sharing his thoughts, Anil Kapoor said, “I’ve played many intense and action-driven roles over the years, but 24 was never just another show for me, it was an adrenaline rush like no other. The pace, the pressure, and the real-time storytelling pushed me to stay constantly on edge, both as an actor and as a storyteller. It’s a project that challenged me in the best way and continues to be very close to my heart. I’m excited that it’s now coming to JioHotstar, and I look forward to audiences experiencing that thrill all over again.”

With 24 set to stream on JioHotstar, the platform is adding a proven, high-engagement title to its catalogue one that blends nostalgia with the kind of storytelling that continues to resonate with today’s viewers.

Anil pens note as Sonam Kapoor welcomes second boy

On March 30, Anil Kapoor took to social media to express his joy on becoming nana once again as Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja welcomed their second son. Taking to Instagram, the Subedaar actor penned a heartfelt note. 

He wrote, "And just like that... my heart has grown even bigger. Welcome to the world, my little one, you are already so deeply loved. Vayu, you`re a big brother now... and I know you`ll be amazing. Thank you, Sonam and Anand...Nana`s heart is full. Welcome to the madness, my baby-welcome to a lifetime of love."

Speaking on the sidelines of the Women`s Reservation Bill, Shweta emphasised how true progress comes when women are given proportionate opportunities across all spheres of life, further adding how the dynamics have started changing.

In a conversation with ANI, the Mirzapur star shared, "I feel like things are now changing. I feel like, there`s me, there`s Kiran Rao... There are also writers like Juhi Chaturvedi. There is no competition between men and women. But when it comes to the women population, whether it`s in the parliament, behind the camera, or in any industry, it has to be proportionate."

Noting that the representation of women in Parliament has been low in comparison to the overall population, the actor explained how the changing laws will reach every household in the country.

"The representation of women in Parliament or in the Legislative Assemblies is still low in comparison to the population. But the policies, the laws, will affect every household. Women need to be heard and need to be accepted," she added.

Shweta also weighed on the need to learn from the past to ensure a smooth and faster transition toward equality.

Acknowledging that the Women`s Reservation Bill marks a significant step forward, the challenge lies with its effective implementation, she said.

"This is the beginning, and everything has a beginning. It happens little by little... we will progress, we will go back two steps, and it`s very heartbreaking and very frustrating. It is the same with the Women`s Reservation Bill, but we have to be at it," Shweta said.

The actor also spoke about how public figures must voice their thoughts on such matters, further explaining that the responsibility equally lies with everyone, including women themselves.

"Women don`t need to wait for superheroes to bring a change. They must be their own superheroes," Shweta asserted.

The remarks came in the backdrop of the government`s ongoing plans to bring an amendment bill to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 from 543 seats. The idea is to have at least 273 seats reserved for women.

According to sources, the key agenda may include amendments to the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act and the introduction of the Delimitation Commission Bill.

The sources said that the Centre has planned to take the 2011 census as the basis for delimitation and seat redistribution. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 seats. With a proposed 50 per cent increase, the number of seats will rise to 816, with 273 (about a third) reserved for women.

On the work front for Shweta Tripathi, she will be next seen in the much-awaited Mirzapur: The Film. It is set to hit theatres on September 4, 2026.

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

The 37-year-old actress is currently juggling promotional duties for her series Matka King while simultaneously shooting for her upcoming project. Despite the whirlwind of celebrations, Kritika and her husband, Gaurav Kapur, managed to squeeze in a quick 3 to 4-day getaway to Goa.

Speaking about getting back to work, Kritika said in a statement, “It was a beautiful and special time for me personally but I was always sure that I won’t take a long break pre and post wedding.”

However, the couple are now back to work. Gaurav, too is keeping busy with the ongoing IPL season.

She added, “Gaurav and I are both back to doing what we love with new energy. I’m really excited to share more about Matka King and going back to set for my upcoming film that I’ve been training for. Busy days ahead, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Sources close to the actress reveal that Kritika has been diligently managing her time between promotional events for Matka King and her ongoing shoot, showcasing her dedication and passion for her craft.

Kritika and Gaurav got married on March 11 in an intimate wedding setting with their families and a close circle of friends in attendance. They had their registrar wedding at home.

Talking about Kritika, she made her acting debut in 2007 with Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar. In 2009, she played a singer, Arohi, in Kitani Mohabbat Hai opposite Karan. She was then seen in Pyaar Ka Bandhan, Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge.

In 2015, Kritika played a reporter, Ananya Kashyap, opposite Rajeev Khandelwal, in Reporters. She was then seen as Princess Chandrakanta in Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta. She made her film debut in 2018 with Mitron. In 2021, she played a college student, Sana in the web series Tandav.

The actress played a reporter, Vidhi, in the 2023 film Bheed. In the same year, she played Habiba in Bambai Meri Jaan. Her most recent release is The Great Shamsuddin Family.

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

Kubbra took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures from her luncheon with the cast and crew of the socio-political drama series helmed by Prakash Jha.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Kubbra Sait (@kubbrasait)

For the caption, she wrote: “The grand slam Sankalp reunion!! How could we not celebrate in true prakashjproductions style… lunch + laughs always So much LOVE.”

The show, which also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Neeraj Kabi, explores how power is manufactured not through elections, but through mentorship and institutional control. Inspired by the ancient Chanakya-Chandragupta chronicles, the series reimagines political strategy for modern India, where classrooms replace battlefields and bureaucrats replace soldiers, as per the synopsis.

Talking about the 42-year-old actress, she is known for her work in films such as Ready, Sultan, Deva and Son of Sardaar 2. She has also worked in the OTT in projects such as RejctX, The Verdict - State vs Nanavati, Farzi, Shehar Lakhot, The Trial, Sacred Games and Foundation.

She was recently seen in the reality show Rise and Fall hosted by Ashneer Grover. It is based on the British show of the same name. It has contestants divided themselves into the Rulers and the Workers. While the Rulers lived in a luxurious penthouse, making the decisions, the Workers lived in the basement, carrying out tasks to earn money for the prize pot.

She will next be seen in the Varun Dhawan-starrer Hain Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hain a romantic-comedy, which also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde.

The title is reportedly inspired by the song Ishq Sona Hai from David Dhawan`s 1999 blockbuster Biwi No.1, featuring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen.

Backed by Ramesh Taurani under the banner of TIPS, the much-talked-about drama will see Mrunal Thakur, Mouni Roy, Chunkey Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, Ali Asgar, Kubbra Sait, Rohit Saraf, Rajeev Khandelwal, Nitish Nirmal, and Sreeleela in key roles, along with others.

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

Jackie Shroff. Pic/Rane Ashish

Apparently the actor’s exit comes down to scheduling conflicts. A source revealed, “Shilpa was excited about the material and the chance to collaborate with Jackie again after Jung [2000]. But the dates could not be aligned, given her existing commitments.” The show, backed by Boong producers Shujaat Saudagar and Vikesh Bhutani, is expected to go on floors later this month.

Nupur Asthana

With the timeline locked, the makers have moved swiftly to secure a replacement. And a strong performer at that — Shefali Shah. Word is that the actor is in advanced talks to headline the story. Another insider shared, “The makers needed someone who could bring gravitas to the part. Shefali was always on their wishlist. The conversations have been positive, and the teams are now finalising the paperwork and dates.” 

mid-day reached out to Bhutani, who didn’t respond till press time.

8
Episodes in the slice-of-life series

Next, Sayani Gupta will be seen in the Netflix series, ‘Glory’, led by Suvinder Vicky. Pic/Youtube

“It’s one of the best scripts I have ever read,” Gupta said of the international co-production. “We are hoping to make it the way we want to; it’s ambitious. There are such amazing storytellers and stories around. The idea is to be involved in them in some way.” 

Her maiden directorial venture, ‘Aasmani’, has Dia Mirza (R) as a co-producer and Nikkhil Advani (C) as an executive producer. Pic/Instagram

Juggling acting, writing, directing, and producing is undeniably tough. As much as she is enjoying her new roles, Gupta asserted that she doesn’t want the actor in her to take a backseat. “I hope people don’t start looking at me as a director and producer only, because I want to work as an actor as well,” she laughed. 

Indian cinema has had its fair share of female actors who successfully turned filmmakers. The new director said she draws inspiration from the ones who came before her and made the path easier for their next generation. “The idea is to do all of it. It is hard, but there are so many women who have done it. One of the reasons I wanted to be in movies was Aparna Sen. As a kid, I grew up watching her films. She is a powerhouse performer and such a sensitive filmmaker. Then of course there’s Nandita [Das], and Konkona [Sensharma]! She is such a terrific actor, and her first directorial venture is a perfect film. I saw A Death in the Gunj [2016] six times.”

Talking about choosing Kaptaan, Saqib shared his instant excitement. “I’m the Kaptaan, they offered me a Kaptaan…,” he said, adding that it was a character he had been waiting for. “It was just a character that I hadn’t gotten in a really long time… somebody who has a lot of swag but yet has a backstory of his own, has an emotional turmoil that he’s going through, yet he has to play this strong guy all the time.”

On the layers of his character in Kaptaan

He emphasised the complexity of the role, calling it a perfect mix of contrasts. “So I feel like there was a lot of dichotomy in the character, which got me really excited as an actor because I thought, I’ll get to do a lot.” He further explained how the OTT format helped him explore the role in depth. “It already allows you to get deeper into your character vis-a-vis a feature film… there was a backstory, there were individual relationships… it just gave me so much to play with as an actor.”

Recalling the intense shoot conditions, Saqib painted a vivid picture of the team’s camaraderie. “When we were shooting, the weather was 45 degrees. There used to be one fan in front of which we would stick to each other,” he said. He added, “We have survived together in that heat… after one point, I was not able to understand what is my sweat, what is Anjum’s sweat… sometimes while fighting, someone got hurt.” Despite the challenges, he noted, “Now when we sit back… we are like, it was all worth it.”

Saqib Saleem reacts to 8-hour work debate

On the much-discussed 8-hour shift debate, Saqib offered a balanced take. He said, “When I work with someone, all these things are sorted before the shoot—it’s not something that suddenly happens on set. If I’m making a film that can’t afford an eight-hour shift, I make it clear to the actor in advance. Every film has a budget; films don’t flop, budgets do. The same film made within the right budget versus an expensive one makes a huge difference. That said, if I have the flexibility to spend a little extra to give someone comfort especially if they have personal responsibilities like a child I’m more than willing to do that and figure it out. But some films just don’t allow that. The kind of films I’ve made often require everyone to put in extra effort because there’s limited budget, and people end up working 10–12 hours as per the project’s needs. However, if I ever have the budget to offer better comfort to someone I’m working with, I would absolutely do it why wouldn’t I?”

With Kaptaan, Saqib Saleem brings both intensity and nuance, marking a compelling new chapter in his career.

On challenges while transitioning from TV to OTT 

Talking about his transition from TV to OTT and films, Siddharth admitted it hasn’t been smooth. “The transition honestly wasn’t easy at all. Television gives you massive reach, but breaking out of that image is the real challenge. People tend to see you in one space and box you there,” he said. Determined to grow, he added, “For me, the biggest challenge was making people believe I can do more than what they’ve already seen. It took patience, a lot of auditions, and saying no to repetitive roles.”

The actor also addressed being typecast early in his career. “Yes, I was definitely offered similar roles safe, familiar characters that I knew I could do easily. But I consciously chose not to repeat myself,” he shared. Explaining why Kaptaan stands out, Siddharth said, “Kaptaan was special because it allowed me to break that image and show a different side more intense, more layered.”

Kaptaan brings a breakthrough for Siddharth Nigam

On the ongoing debate around working hours in the industry, Siddharth offered a balanced perspective. “Coming from television, where 12–14 hour shifts are quite normal, I understand both sides. Long hours do build discipline and stamina, but at the same time, creativity needs rest,” he said. He further added, “I believe a balanced approach is important. If an actor is well-rested, the performance automatically improves.”

Reflecting on his desire for a breakthrough role that redefines his image as a former child artist, Siddharth shared, “I think a breakthrough role for me would be something very raw and intense maybe an underdog story or a character with strong emotional depth and physical transformation.” He emphasised, “Something where people completely forget Siddharth Nigam and only see the character.”

Beyond screen acting, theatre has also played a significant role in his growth. Speaking about his experience, he said, “Theatre has been a completely different and beautiful experience. Working with Gulki Joshi has been amazing because theatre is very pure you don’t have retakes, you don’t have cuts.” He concluded, “It pushes you as an actor to be present in the moment and connect directly with the audience.”

With Kaptaan, Siddharth Nigam signals a clear shift one driven by risk, reinvention, and a commitment to evolve as a performer.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, the Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand actor said that there are several great actors who do not fit the conventional profile of a lead, and they are finally getting their due, thanks to OTT and social media.

Varun was asked, "You are a well-known name in television and have also worked in films. With the rise of social media and OTT platforms, even character artists are gaining popularity. Do you think this trend will continue?"

To this, the Saiyaara actor said, "I think OTT platforms have played a significant role in this change. There are many talented actors who may not fit into conventional lead roles, and earlier, they did not receive the recognition they deserved. OTT has given them strong, meaningful roles because these shows are not entirely star-driven."

Talking about the impact of social media, Varun explained that even a small character becomes a household name with the help of reels and memes.

"Social media also contributes, as when a small character becomes popular, memes and reels amplify that recognition. But I believe such content only becomes popular when an actor is given a good opportunity in the first place, and OTT has provided exactly that," he went on to add.

Giving an example of Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh`s Dhurandhar, Varun said that a movie driven by concept does not depend on stars.

"The same shift is visible in films as well. For instance, a concept-driven film like Dhurandhar is not dependent on stars. That is the beauty of it. Actors like Rakesh Bedi are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, something they have waited for over the years. Even smaller characters in such films have become widely popular", he shared.

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

Structured as a 9-episode series, the show brings together well-known celebrity parents, including Vikrant Massey & Sheetal Thakur, Neha Dhupia, Imran Khan, Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar, among others, for candid conversations on the realities of modern parenting.

About Mom Talks

Mom Talks offers an intimate, engaging format where Parineeti Chopra will lead honest, heartfelt, and often humorous discussions with fellow celebrity moms, prominent mom influencers, and trusted category experts. The series explores the chaos, charm, and everyday learnings of motherhood — combining personal stories with relatable humour and reassuring expert perspectives.

Check out the trailer :

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

Designed to meet the growing appetite for authentic and credible parenting content, Mom Talks will be available to stream for free on ZEE5 AVOD from April 4, 2026, with new episodes dropping every Friday and Saturday, and will also be available on the BULLET microdrama app.

Parineeti Chopra on launching Mom Talks

Actor and Host Parineeti Chopra said, “Kisi ki mat suno, sabki advice lo, but do the parenting of your child in your style. Nothing is wrong. Everything is right for your child. You have a doubt, please ask for advice from your doctor, from your elders, from the internet. But please never feel guilty for any decision you are taking for your baby because that is right for you. So I really hope that moms feel empowered after watching our new show on ZEE5, Mom Talks, and they don`t feel society pressure, family pressure, internet pressure, or anything. You do you.”

Stream Mom Talks every Friday and Saturday from 4th for free only on ZEE5. 

Parineeti on Raghav Chadha talking about paternity leave

One of the recent issues raised by her husband, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha, was the need for paternity leave, emphasising that parenting responsibilities should be shared equally and not fall solely on mothers.

Reacting to his speech in Parliament, Parineeti, who welcomed her first child with Chadha last year, wrote, “My dearest husband, you spoke today not just as an MP but as the dad I see every single day. We have discussed this so many times, how our baby deserves both parents to be present to the best of their ability. So when you spoke today, it wasn’t just policy. It was built from the way you parent our child, the way you show up without being asked, the way you understand that parenting is shared, not assigned.”

Harshita Gaur on Mirzapur

Mirzapur: The Movie is set between the events of season 1. In season 1, Harshita`s character Dimpy starts as a principled, innocent girl who then loses all her loved ones and struggles to come to terms with her reality before discovering inner strength by the end of Season 3. 

When asked whether returning to an earlier phase of her character felt like undoing Dimpy’s growth, Harshita admitted that stepping back into season 1`s emotional space was challenging. 

She explained that reconnecting with Dimpy’s idealism required a conscious shift: “It definitely wasn’t easy to step back into the old version because with each season the characters and their emotional graph had gone to a higher point. Going back to that first year and channelling that naive energy was very different. It was a little difficult to make that mental shift. But everything in Mirzapur is so comfortable because we’ve been doing it for almost nine years.”

When asked about the experience of shifting from a show format to a film, she highlighted the larger scale of the film: "The scale of the shoot was grander, the sets were bigger structurally. You have to expand the scale because it has to look like a cinematic experience. The feeling of it was very different. We also shot songs, which we hadn’t done in the series. You will see me dancing in the film, which was exciting.”

On choosing Anarth

Harshita also has Prime Video’s psychological horror film Anarth in her kitty. While remaining tight-lipped about her character and the narrative, she revealed that it was the film’s novel concept that instantly drew her in. Calling it a departure from her previous work, she said, “Horror was a space I had never done before. When I went for the narration, I fell absolutely in love with the story. It was so good that I felt I had to be part of it. More than my character, I was drawn to the story.”

Her excitement was amplified by the prospect of working with a stellar cast. “My co-stars were fabulous. You always want to work with good actors, so naturally I was excited when I found out I would have scenes with Kalki Koechlin and Parambrata Chattopadhyay. They were both great, and we bonded over food. We were shooting in Kolkata, and would often get authentic Bengali food for us, and we all used to sit and eat it together," she said, describing their warm off-screen camaraderie.

However, she recounted that her experience on set wasn`t all smooth-sailing. "Because we were shooting a horror movie, the whole vibe of the set was very daunting and very eerie."

Harshita shares the benefits of meditation

On the occasion of World Health Day, Harshita shared her approach to fitness and well-being. She emphasised the benefits of strength training, particularly for women, and cautioned against overlooking it in one’s 20s.

She said she consumes amla daily along with fruits to boost her Vitamin C intake. Additionally, she swears by “a spoonful of ghee or cold-pressed coconut oil in summer mornings” to keep her skin looking radiant and luminous.

Underscoring the importance of mental well-being, she said, "One rule that I follow is not to pick up my phone at least an hour after I wake up and an hour before I sleep. I also meditate every day. In today’s world, it’s important not to make a habit of sitting with your phone but to use that time to meditate instead. We go to the gym to train our bodies, but we don`t train our minds. If we do, we will be equipped to handle anything life throws at us.”

In the interview tied to Levy`s forthcoming Netflix comedy show Big Mistakes, the Emmy-winning creator strolled down Goodwood, Ontario, the small community that served as the filming locale for the fictitious town where a newly broke wealthy family was forced to settle in the show Schitt`s Creek.

Levy noted he had not returned to the set since filming wrapped on the show ahead of 2020, including the Goodwood Mercantile store, which served as his character David`s artisan crafts store, Rose Apothecary. The real store now sells merchandise and also includes a condolence book dedicated to O`Hara.

"Yeah, I was thinking about it," John Levy said of a potential sequel to Schitt`s Creek. "It`s tough, it`s tough being back. I didn`t think that I`d have quite an emotional reaction," added John Levy as quoted by Deadline.

He tearfully added of his feelings, "Just a lot of memories, a lot of memories with Catherine. It`s what you have to hold on to, is the memories of it all," as quoted by Deadline.

Schitt`s Creek was a runaway breakout toward the latter half of its six-season run, when it scored a Netflix bump that took the show from its humble cult origins to eventual status as a mainstream staple.

Running from 2015 to 2020, the series starred Levy and his father, Eugene Levy, and sister, Sara Levy, as well as O`Hara, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, Jennifer Robertson and Noah Reid. It was nominated for 19 Emmys and won nine, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and clinched trophies in all four of its nominated acting categories, reported Deadline.

O`Hara, the beloved two-time Emmy-winning SCTV, Home Alone and Schitt`s Creek alumna, died of a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer as the underlying cause in late January of this year at age 71, reported Deadline.

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

Anjum Batra on his character Mintu

Reflecting on the first season, Anjum shared, “In Season 1, the character of Mintu… was quite single-layered, according to me. There weren’t many dimensions to him; he was essentially Tyagi’s shadow, his yes-man.” He added, “Whatever Tyagi said or did, Mintu believed it was the best. He always stood by him and followed his lead.” Despite that simplicity, Mintu’s positivity stood out. “He was also someone who never spoke negatively… always positive, a high-spirited person… someone who stays happy no matter what.”

However, the new season brings significant changes. “But this season is different. The writers have added a lot more layers to Mintu,” Anjum revealed. With Mintu now stepping into a position of authority, “he was made the acting president of the Bar Association, and that brings in a sense of responsibility and competition.” He further teased, “There’s also a dynamic involving Sujata and the tussle within the chamber… whether it will be Balli Negi and Associates or Negi Balli and Associates. That competition starts even with the name.”

The actor also hinted at emotional shifts. “Along with that, there’s a new love-hate dynamic, which was not present in the previous season,” he said, adding, “So overall, Mintu has a lot more to do this time… I hope the audience enjoys it. The rest, I can’t reveal much, you’ll have to watch the show.”

On working with Ravi Kishan

Speaking about his craft, Anjum noted, “If you ask any actor what kind of roles excite them… we all enjoy playing different kinds of characters.” He explained, “Every person is unique; their mentality, body language, and expressions differ. That’s what makes acting so exciting.” Drawing from experience, he said, “I consider myself lucky because I’ve worked on shows like Crime Patrol, Bhanwar, Saavdhan India, and Code Red for almost 10 years.”

Despite the comic tone of the show, he emphasized growth. “In Season 1, Mintu was largely a comic character… but thankfully, there are more layers to the character, which made it even more enjoyable.” Addressing typecasting, he said, “If you play a character very well, you often get typecast. But thankfully, that hasn’t happened to me yet.”

Anjum also spoke about the challenge of playing Mintu. “Mintu is very different from who I am; I don’t have that comic energy in real life… that challenge makes it fun.” On the Tyagi-Mintu bond, he assured, “That love and friendship… will continue,” while teasing, “there is a twist… you’ll get to see it in one of the episodes.”

He concluded by sharing updates on a new film: “It’s a story set in the 1980s, based on India and Pakistan… speaking in the West Punjab dialect… was a challenge. But overall, it was a great experience.”

Prasanna Bisht recalls a sexual harassment incident on sets

Given that the character was a vulnerable and emotionally intricate one, we asked the young actor how she got into the mindset of Pooja. To which she revealed, "Something happened with me before I got the show. I faced something during the shoot. I had invested so much of my emotions and my time in a project that I was emotionally connected to. And there was this person who crossed their limits. When I spoke about it in front of the team, I thought the team would back me up on that. But they started quoting me as a problem.  They titled me as somebody who was creating problems on set, just because I spoke up for myself."

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

She added, "So I think that experience really helped me. I think I was just portraying what I went through. That`s how I could relate to the character more."

Further explaining how she prepared for the darker scenes in Chiraiya mentally, she says, "It`s the trauma that we all have seen. It`s the experiences that we all have faced as women. And I have seen it happening around me, with me. So, of course, it was very dark, and it was very heavy."

Living and reliving such trauma while filming a scene is no ordinary deal, but Prasanna says, "I feel like I`m an actor, and if somehow my five-minute trauma, if I live it again and it empowers people, then I`ll do that again and again."

Prasanna reveals the most emotionally draining scene

Did the emotional scenes stay with her after the cut? "Yeah," she asserts, adding, "It happened when there`s a scene where I go, and I try to speak to my mother and she tells me to go back. She doesn`t help me, she doesn`t listen to me. She was not ready to accept that something like this could even exist. And even if it does, then she just wants me to sacrifice myself, my body, so that my father-in-law can help my brother with his job and other things."

The Farrey actress explains, "So, that kind of stayed with me because I think I come from a family where my mother and father have always taught me to be independent. They are very supportive. Even though there were times that I was not able to speak to them about sexual harassment because I think there`s something with Indian families, they don`t even talk about it. Like, there is no conversation about it."

"When I did that scene, then I realised that there are so many parents out there who don`t even support their daughters. And that completely shattered me. And then I started thinking about women who actually live in such houses."

Talking about how she got out of that zone, she says, "I think everything takes time. You just live with it. You don`t come out of it. You just live with it, and you just talk about it."

Talking about his journey after 750 projects, Ravi told IANS: “When I started, there was only Doordarshan, no option for strugglers. There are 15 lakh strugglers in Mumbai. Then the time came, then the channel came, then the serials came and people started getting work.”

The Mumbai-born actor talked about how OTT turned out to be a whiff of fresh air for talents like him.

“Then what did OTT do? Actors like me, Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, all my friends and colleagues, all of them were brought back to life by OTT from the world of darkness. It brought me back,” said Ravi, who left an impressionable mark with his stint in the maiden season of Bigg Boss with his catchphrase “Zindagi Jhandwa Fir Bhi Ghamandwa.”

He added that people thought of Ravi Kishan as just a “Bhojpuri superstar” or a “parliamentarian”.

“‘This man can do Laapata Ladies? This police officer, sitting in a small room of 10 or 12, with a betel leaf, can do VD Tyagi in Maamla Legal Hai. This is Ravi Kishan? Thanks to this OTT, in all that darkness, people were forgetting the artists living in hell. Or they wanted to forget them by giving them a blanket,” said Ravi, who currently serves as Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Gorakhpur since 2019.

“I am also one of them. So, this transformation that I have seen,” he added. Ravi is now excited about the release of the second season of Maamla Legal Hai and has promised that it is a “binge watch”.

“You will love it if you do because this is the first season… This is the first series that has come in, which has gone into rerun and trending. I remember about Blacklist.”

“This is the magic of this show, which spans. This is a show about India…A small court case, a case of lawyers. Every person, whether they are a farmer or a tycoon of a city, has a lawyer in their life. And it is about their (lawyers’) personal life.”

“That is the beautiful part about this series. And the real, true events. Like in Bihar, recently, a horse-riding smuggler was running away. Police came after him with alcohol. Because alcohol is banned in Bihar. He ran away. The horse-riding smuggler who jumped into the jungle ran away. The next day, it was published in the newspaper that the horse was standing in the police station.”

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

Hey Kay Navin? plot

Currently streaming on ZEE5, the series follows Rama (Priya Bapat) and her husband Aditya (Umesh Kamat). On the surface, their life appears nearly perfect, they have a beautiful home in Pune, stable corporate careers, and a loving, supportive marriage even after ten years. Aditya, in particular, comes across as an ideal partner, always encouraging Rama and backing her decisions without hesitation.

Yet, beneath this seemingly content life, Rama grapples with a persistent sense of stagnation. Her insecurities are amplified when she compares her life to those around her, friends navigating parenthood and others embracing a more carefree lifestyle. In search of purpose and renewal, she decides to pursue her passion for fashion by launching her own clothing brand. The eight-episode series traces her journey, capturing both the professional hurdles she faces and the emotional shifts in her relationships along the way.

Writer-director Varun Narvekar crafts a nuanced narrative that delves into the insecurities couples face at different stages of life. Much of the story unfolds from Rama’s perspective, allowing viewers to experience her internal conflicts and perceptions. Her comparisons, whether with her seemingly “perfect” neighbours raising a child or her free-spirited friends in a live-in relationship, add layers to her dissatisfaction, often straining her otherwise strong bond with Aditya.

What sets Hey Kay Navin? apart is its refusal to idealise its protagonists. Rama and Aditya are deeply in love, but they are also flawed, vulnerable, and occasionally at odds with each other. Their arguments and emotional missteps lend authenticity to the narrative, making their journey feel real and relatable.

Priya Bapat and Umesh Kamat anchor the show with compelling performances, their real-life relationship adding an effortless chemistry on screen. Priya, in particular, delivers a standout performance, especially in emotionally charged moments, like confronting her mother, who dismisses her ambitions, or breaking down when her first major professional opportunity falters under pressure. Umesh complements her well, portraying a partner who is both supportive and grounding without overshadowing her journey.

The supporting cast, including Shubhangi Gokhale and Uday Tikekar as Rama’s parents, along with Payal Jadhav, Tanvi Kulkarni, and Rajasi Bhave, adds depth and texture to the narrative, strengthening its emotional core.

Narvekar maintains a largely light-hearted tone, allowing humour and emotion to coexist organically. While the narrative occasionally leans into heightened emotional beats, it largely stays grounded in the everyday realities of its characters.

Conclusion

Hey Kay Navin? succeeds in capturing the quiet anxieties that often go unspoken in modern relationships, the fear of stagnation, the weight of comparison, and the constant yearning for “something more.” With relatable characters, sincere performances, and a thoughtful narrative, the series offers a reflective yet comforting watch. It may not provide all the answers, but it gently reminds viewers that the search for newness often begins within.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Huma shared a few glimpses from the screening at home, which was attended by their friends and family.

She wrote in the caption, “It’s Kaptaan time at the Qureshi household." In another story she wrote, "Saqib Saleem killed it Kaptaan. What a banger,” expressing her excitement and pride for her brother’s performance.

Saqib too had shared an emotional note about the film’s screening night, describing it as “truly special.” The actor revealed that the evening was made memorable by the presence of his friends, family, and the film’s cast and crew, all coming together under one roof.

He wrote: “Last night was truly special. I had the most wonderful evening surrounded by my friends, family, and everyone who came to watch Kaptaan. Having all my loved ones under one roof, along with the incredible cast and crew I had the privilege of working with, felt surreal.”

He added that the most meaningful part of the night was having his parents by his side, whom he called his “real-life Kaptaans.” Saqib said seeing their proud smiles and feeling their unwavering support made the moment feel complete.

“But the most special part of the night was having my real-life Kaptaans, my parents, right there by my side. Seeing their proud smiles, feeling their love and support in that moment, made everything feel complete.”

The actor described the experience as emotional and overwhelming, filled with immense happiness that words could hardly capture. “It was emotional, overwhelming, and filled with so much happiness that words truly fall short. Grateful and thankful to God for everything. Kaptaan is now all yours to watch. And also bday was brought in early. Thanks Danish n Ridhima.”

Talking about Kaptaan, the series is set against the charged backdrop of Jwalabad. This gritty crime saga dives into a world where crime has evolved into structured cartels, and power is no longer claimed through chaos alone, but control. The series also stars Siddharth Nigam, Kavita Kaushik, Varun Badola, Anjumm Shharma, Aarif Zakaria, Poojaa Gor, Vikram Kochhar, and Anushka Kaushik in pivotal roles. 

Duke was previously played by Barry Keoghan in Netflix`s sequel film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which was released last month, but Bell will play the gangster going forward.

Stranger Things and Industry star Charlie Heaton will also lead the cast of the sequel series. Other cast members include Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, according to Variety.

The Peaky Blinders page shared the first look on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Peaky Blinders (@peakyblinders)

The new show will take place 10 years after the events of The Immortal Man and follow the next generation of the Shelby family in the 1950s, reported Variety.

"In this new era of Peaky Blinders, a decade after World War Two, the race to rebuild Birmingham becomes a brutal contest of mythical dimensions. This is a city of unprecedented opportunity and jeopardy. At its blood-soaked heart is Duke Shelby: older, wiser, more ambitious, and most certainly more dangerous," reads the official logline, as quoted by Variety.

Two six-episode seasons of the sequel series, now filming in Birmingham, will arrive on Netflix and the BBC. The show is produced by Banijay U.K.`s Kudos and Garrison Drama.

"I am thrilled that we are announcing a new era of Peaky Blinders, moving the story to post-war Birmingham in the early 50s," said Peaky Blinders creator and writer Steven Knight. "We are incredibly fortunate to have Jamie Bell taking the role of Tommy Shelby`s oldest son, Duke, and to have the incredible Charlie Heaton also leading the cast. There are more exciting cast announcements to come, and Peaky is on the road again," reported Variety.

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

On Friday, the streaming giant shared BTS pictures from the sets of the fifth season. Check out.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)

"6 years of being in Phulera and never wanting to leave PanchayatOnPrime, New Season, Now Filming," the streamer captioned the post.

Since its debut in 2020, Panchayat has steadily grown into one of India`s most beloved series, winning hearts across seasons.

The new season will continue the story of Abhishek and the people of Phulera.

According to the makers, the upcoming season will show Abhishek facing a difficult work environment under a new and vengeful leadership. While he prepares to move ahead with his dream of pursuing an MBA, he must first settle some unfinished matters in the village of Phulera.

Panchayat is produced by The Viral Fever and is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra. The story is written by Chandan Kumar.

The series stars Jitendra Kumar in the lead role. The show also features actors like Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Saanvika, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak and Sunita Rajwar in important roles.

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