Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan recently reacted to rumours of her cousin Ranbir Kapoor planning to revive late actor-filmmaker and their grandfather's Raj Kapoor’s iconic production house, RK Studios. Notably, the production house, which was founded in 1948 in Chembur, Mumbai by the legendary actor. Earlier reports suggested that Ranbir had signed a 20-year lease for a large space in the city. Kareena Kapoor Khan clarifies Ranbir Kapoor not reviving RK Studios Kareena during a chat with ETimes said that the news of RK Studios' revival is not true. She added that it has even been discussed in the family group, revealing everyone's reaction. She added that while people really wish for it to happen, Ranbir is currently focused on acting. Kareena clarified, "That's just not true. It was even being discussed in our family group, and everyone was like, 'This isn't happening.' I feel people really want it to happen. I feel like Ranbir is focused on acting. He loves acting. I think he's the best actor in India we have today. So, his focus is on that. It's heartbreaking, but it's not happening. Maybe Lolo and Ranbir should think about it because I don't think I can think like a director or a producer." Earlier, reports suggested that Ranbir was planning to revive RK Studio and make his directorial debut under the banner. Additionally, reports also suggested that he was also working on a strong creative line-up before establishing a space for RK Films in Mumbai. RK Film's closure The RK Films banner's last film was Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), directed by Rishi Kapoor. However, shortly after, the decline of the Chembur-based studio began since newer studios started developing in the suburbs of Mumbai. A terrible fire at the property in 2017 caused devastation, loss of countless RK films and classic memorabilia, and eventually the loss of operational viability of the studio. Reportedly, the Kapoor family later sold the original RK Studios to Godrej Properties for Rs 180 crore in May 2019. The RK Studios property holds sentimental value for fans. It was the first studio in India and was built and owned by the Kapoor family.
23 March,2026 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe highly awaited comedy Hera Pheri 3 has encountered a major legal hurdle after a South Indian production house moved the Madras High Court, claiming that it holds the copyright to the franchise, not producer Firoz Nadiadwala. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, producer Vijay Kumar of Seven Arts International, which is contesting Nadidawala's claim to the rights, asserted that Nadidawala is deliberately trying to 'delay legal proceedings.' Producer Vijay Kumar accuses Firoz Nadiadwala of delaying proceedings Opening up about the legal battle, Kumar reiterated that he holds the rights to the franchise and accused Nadiadwala of making Hera Pheri 2 without obtaining authorisation too. “We have the total rights for Hera Pheri franchise, clean and clear, everything. This man did the second instalment without permission. After the second film, he also announced a third one. That’s when we became aware of the situation and wrote to him, but he kept avoiding us. Eventually, we had to approach the court, and the court has made it very clear that the rights are with us… We had only given a one-time remake right for the Hindi version. He made that, but then proceeded with a second film without our knowledge. For whatever reason, we didn’t pursue that matter at the time. However, when he attempted a third film, we issued a notice stating clearly that he has no rights, and even the second film was a violation,” Vijay said. He added, “For the third instalment, he did not respond positively. Instead, he was trying to sell or transfer it to a third party. That’s when we approached the court and filed an IPR case. He has appeared in court, but continues to delay proceedings. I am not sure what he is trying to achieve, but the court has been very clear that the rights are with us, and we are confident of getting that order as well.” About Hera Pheri 3's legal battle For the unaware, Hera Pheri is a remake of the Malayalam film Ramaji Rao Speaking. Seven Arts International says that it purchased the full rights to the original Hera Pheri franchise from the makers. According to Seven Arts, the deal gave it exclusive ownership of the story and all related films, including future instalments. The company contends that Nadiadwala was only authorised to make one Hindi remake of the original Malayalam film. The dispute escalated when Nadiadwala reportedly sold rights for Hera Pheri 3 to actor Akshay Kumar’s company, Cape of Good Films, a move Seven Arts says was invalid since he did not legally own those rights to begin with. The production house is now asking the court to recognise its copyright and block any further use of the Hera Pheri brand without its consent. In response, Cape of Good Films said it acquired the rights under the belief that Nadiadwala was the legitimate owner. Nadiadwala has not publicly responded to the allegations, and director Priyadarshan has said he is unaware of the legal dispute.
23 March,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar’s directorial Dhurandhar: The Revenge was released in theatres on March 19. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, the film has been breaking box-office records with each passing day. However, it has also faced criticism for its storyline, particularly portions that appear to justify the Modi government’s 2016 demonetisation move, when Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were withdrawn overnight. Vishal Dadlani takes a dig at Dhurandhar 2 Now, singer Vishal Dadlani has taken an indirect dig at the film for its depiction of the policy decision. In the movie, the move is renamed “Operation Green Leaf” and is portrayed as a strategic step to curb terror funding networks. Although Vishal did not directly name the film, he hinted at it by using Satinder Sartaaj’s track Jaiye Sajna, which features in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, making the reference evident. Vishal shared an Instagram Story featuring screenshots of several reports on the real-life impact of demonetisation on citizens and the country’s economy. One of the statements he posted read, “The high percentage of cash return led to widespread analysis that the move failed to permanently eliminate a large portion of ‘black money’ from the economy, as intended (sic).” Adding to this, Vishal wrote, “In light of the new BS doing the rounds, it's important to remember that… A film is just entertainment. Facts are facts no matter what (sic).” In another story, he shared a separate analysis that stated, “Terror attacks and violence in India continued after the 2016 demonetisation, with major incidents like the 2019 Pulwama attack and ongoing border disturbances. While aimed at curbing terror funding, analysis indicates aggregate terror incidents remained unchanged, showing varied impacts: capital-intensive attacks fell in the Northeast while Left-Wing Extremism areas showed no disruption (sic).” He added alongside it, “Watch films for fun, but get your information from better sources (sic).” More About Dhurandhar 2 Released on March 19, the action-packed spy thriller opened to massive numbers and gained strong momentum over its first weekend. The film crossed the Rs 300 crore mark at the domestic box office within three days. It delivered a record-breaking opening, earning Rs 43 crore from paid previews on Wednesday and Rs 102.55 crore on its first day. Its total domestic nett collection currently stands at Rs 339.27 crore. Set in Lyari town in Karachi, an area known for its history of gang wars and violent turf battles, Dhurandhar revolves around covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and terror events. The sequel charts the rise of Ranveer Singh’s character, Hamza Ali Mazari, in Karachi’s underworld while also exploring his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, tracing the journey of a young man who eventually transforms into a covert operative.
23 March,2026 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Arjun Rampal, who is basking in the ground-breaking success of Dhurandhar 2, recently recalled a haunting memory from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He went on to reveal how the traumatic experience of the attack stayed with him for several years and eventually shaped his performance in Dhurandhar. Arjun Rampal calls Dhurandhar his revenge for 26/11 Rampal was recently honoured at the Hello! Hall of Fame Awards held in Mumbai on Sunday, March 22, during which he spoke about witnessing the events of 26/11 unfold in real time. During his speech, Rampal said he was in the city on the night of the attacks, and that it happened on his birthday. Recalling the chilling experience, he said, "On November 26, 2008, I was in this hotel (Four Seasons, Worli). I'd come to pick up my friends and we were on our way to Taj because we were going there to celebrate my birthday. One guy was getting ready...God bless him. We were at the bar, we ordered a drink and the first bomb went off near Mahim. I heard that sound and my glass shook. We were like 'What the hell was that?'" He added, "Within 10 minutes, our phones were ringing and everybody said there's some gang war that has broken in Colaba and we were asked not to go there. In 20 to 30 minutes, the whole Four Seasons was cordoned off. We were allowed to stay in the hotel that night and were asked not to go out as it was not safe. On my birthday, I saw the horrors of 26/11 attacks play out." Rampal further shared that what began as a birthday celebration soon turned into a night of fear and uncertainty. The explosion and the rapid escalation of panic around him made it clear that it was something far more serious than a gang conflict. He further recalled, "In the morning when I drove back home, I stopped ta least three times because I thought I was going to be sick. When Aditya Dhar narrated to me the 26/11 scene, I knew I was going to have my revenge and that's what I did with Dhurandhar. All I want to say is 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'." Arjun Rampal's role in Dhurandhar Arjun Rampal plays the antagonist Major Iqbal in the Dhurandhar franchise. He is a cold and calculating ISI mastermind inspired by real-life militant figure Ilyas Kashmiri. His character is shown to be one of the key figures behind the 26/11 attacks. Rampal’s performance as the ruthless antagonist has been widely appreciated, with many crediting him for the film’s success alongside actors like Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi and Akshaye Khanna.
23 March,2026 12:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJanhvi Kapoor's relationship with her rumoured boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya, keeps making headlines, even though the couple prefer to keep things low-key. From temple visits to birthdays to dinner outings, the two are often seen together, and they keep appearing on each other's social media accounts, giving fans a glimpse into their sweet bond. Over the years, Janhvi has also dropped several hints about their relationship, such as wearing a ‘Shiku’ necklace, which quickly caught the eyes of eagle-eyed fans. Their chemistry and comfort around each other have made them a favourite among netizens. Shikhar Pahariya appears in an influencer's video Recently, Hardik Panchal, who is an influencer, shared a reel of himself doing a fit check in a formal outfit in a building lobby. As he showed off his suit to the camera, Shikhar Pahariya unexpectedly appeared in the background. He was seen stepping out of a lift, dressed in an all-black outfit, unaware that he was being recorded. The clip quickly went viral, especially after the influencer captioned it “I see the vision now" and tagged Janhvi Kapoor, referring to their relationship. The video soon reached Janhvi, whose sweet but simple reaction won hearts. She hyped him up, commenting “Shiku" along with a heart-eyes emoji, which left fans gushing. Her reaction added a personal touch to the clip and made it even more relatable for viewers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hardik Panchal (@itshardikpanchal) Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya's relationship It's been a while since the couple has reportedly been dating. Amid the rumours, they continue to appear together. Recently, their close bond was also evident during Anshula Kapoor’s Gor Dhana ceremony in October 2025. In one of the photos, Shikhar was seen resting his hand on Janhvi’s shoulder while she held onto his finger. In November 2025, the two were spotted cuddling at Boney Kapoor's 70th birthday party. In the viral family picture, Shikhar is seen lovingly wrapping his arms around Janhvi from behind as they pose for the camera with the rest of the family. Their cute gesture has left fans gushing. Many lauded their undeniable chemistry. Earlier in 2025, Shikhar’s family, including his mother and grandparents, were seen attending the premiere of Janhvi’s Oscar-nominated film Homebound.
23 March,2026 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt’s all a dopamine hit — the views racking up, the likes increasing constantly. But soon singer and songwriter Malvika Sheth realised that she didn’t want to build a career on numbers. Instead, her music had to be built on the solid foundation of being true to oneself and lasting art. She believes her latest EP, Online/IRL, reflects just that. In a chat with mid-day, Sheth speaks about an inward shift as she goes from chasing visibility to prioritising authenticity and longevity. Excerpts from the interview. Performers chase visibility in the social media age. In contrast, when did it feel like an obligation to you?It wasn’t a single moment; it crept in gradually. Optimising for performance became instinctive, and I began thinking about what would work rather than what felt honest. At the same time, there was hollowness. My morning journaling practice made me confront how much I was diluting my emotional truth for metrics. What was the emotional starting point of creating Online/IRL?It began with a question: am I living to be seen, or am I actually living? I was building visibility, momentum, and creative output; but internally, I felt misaligned. The EP became a way to examine that tension. The message isn’t anti-technology or anti-ambition; it’s about intentionality. Social media is powerful, but it shouldn’t define identity. At its core, the project is about reclaiming authorship. Views and comments are an artiste’s currency today. Was it tough stepping away from validation by numbers?It was uncomfortable. There’s a withdrawal from constant dopamine — likes, reach, comments. I had to redefine success beyond numbers and labels, towards depth and longevity. I didn’t abandon ambition; I refined it. Did growing up in the US influence your creative identity? Growing up Indian-American meant constantly navigating dual worlds. At home in Los Angeles, there was classical dance, ritual, and Hindi music; outside, global pop and internet culture. I don’t see identity as fragmented, but layered. With your shift towards making music that feels honest, what does authorship mean to you now?It means creating from alignment, not applause. Joy and experimentation are central again. I’ve stopped chasing labels, and focused on the work. With Online/IRL, that meant trusting instincts and resisting the urge to dilute the narrative for trends. FiveNumber of songs in the EP Which song in the album are you the proudest of? I’m proud of ‘Spiralling’ because it’s the most emotionally honest. It was the hardest for me to record, and put out, because it represents the stage of burnout and the breaking point before the final rise to confidence.
23 March,2026 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalRapper Badshah has been in the headlines for his controversial song Tateeree, which has received a lot of flak and legal trouble. The Haryana Police has now heightened its action against the song, taking strict measures across digital platforms. This comes after multiple FIRs were filed in Haryana against the rapper over the content of the song. The situation soon escalated when the Haryana State Commission for Women sought his arrest after he failed to appear before the court despite multiple summons. Haryana Police pull down Badshahs' Tateeree song According to the latest figures released by Panchkula Police, the police have taken down a total of 857 links related to the song so far, including 154 YouTube videos and 703 Instagram Reels. Police officials stated that this action is being taken in coordination with various social media platforms under due legal process. Similarly, notices have been issued to the platforms, demanding that they remove all versions of the song, including re-uploads, short videos, and other formats. The move seeks to curb objectionable content, particularly the lyrics and materials of the song, which allegedly contain inappropriate language targeting women and minors. Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal also said that any form of objectionable content violating the dignity of women and minors will not be tolerated in the state, and that strict legal action will be taken in cases like Tateeree. The Haryana DGP further added that monitoring and enforcement on digital platforms have been strengthened to ensure compliance with the law. About the Tateeree controversy Tateeree is a Haryanvi hip-hop track that was released on March 1, 2026, featuring Badshah alongside Simran Jaglan. The track is produced by Hiten and written by Badshah, while the music video has been helmed by directors Mahi Sandhu and Joban Sandhu. An FIR was registered at the Cyber Police Station, Sector-20, Panchkula, following which the case is currently under investigation. Notably, Badshah has not yet issued any statement on the case. Nevertheless, he was granted interim protection from arrest in connection with the controversy by the Punjab and Haryana High Court last week.
23 March,2026 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were spotted at a restaurant in Mumbai on Sunday afternoon. Their visit comes days after the release of Dhurandhar 2, which stars Ranveer in the lead. The film has become a massive hit and is breaking box-office records with each passing day. On Sunday afternoon, the couple visited a seafood restaurant in Worli to quietly celebrate the film's success in each other’s company. Deepika and Ranveer's lunch date Deepika and Ranveer arrived at the restaurant in casual, relaxed outfits—perfect for a summer afternoon lunch outing. Locals in the vicinity soon learned about the couple's visit, and a huge crowd gathered outside the restaurant. As they stepped out after lunch, they were greeted by screaming fans trying to get autographs and selfies. While Deepika rushed to the car, Ranveer stopped to shake a few hands on the way. However, the crowd began pulling him in, prompting the actor to quickly make his way to the car as the gathering swelled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal) Meanwhile, pictures of the couple happily posing with the restaurant staff have surfaced on social media. They also obliged fans who were dining at the restaurant with photographs. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone with the staff of Maaslli Restaurant in Mumbai today 😍♥️ #deepveer #RanveerSingh #DeepikaPadukone pic.twitter.com/4qSOW7JeIW — DeepVeer Fanclub (@DeepVeer_FC) March 22, 2026 Dhurandhar 2 enters Rs 500 crore club Released on March 19, the action-packed spy thriller opened to massive numbers and continued to gain momentum over its first weekend. The film saw a sharp rise in collections on day three, fuelled by strong word of mouth and heavy footfall in theatres. This surge helped it comfortably enter the Rs 500 crore club in record time. The film’s impressive run can be credited to several factors, including the success and recall value of its first installment, strong advance bookings, and immense audience curiosity. Even before hitting theatres, it generated significant revenue through paid previews, reflecting the scale of anticipation surrounding the project. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Rakesh Bedi alongside Ranveer Singh, the film has received praise for its gripping storyline, high-octane action sequences, and grand cinematic scale. Both audiences and critics have responded positively, further boosting its collections. The timing of the release also played a crucial role in its success. Arriving during festive occasions like Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, the film benefited from increased theatre turnout across regions. Due to overwhelming demand, several cinemas introduced additional late-night and early-morning shows to accommodate viewers.
23 March,2026 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor-director-writer Adivi Sesh, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Dacoit, has shared his experience of working with director-actor Anurag Kashyap in the film. The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and called Anurag Kashyap, “India's best Hindi dialogue writer”. Adivi Sesh says Anurag Kashyap helped with Hindi lines Sharing his experience of working with Anurag Kashyap, he said, “He constantly surprised me, surprised me with the first moment when I met him at his house, we were discussing the story for the first narration after me pitching it to him. He was so unfiltered and honest. And it was almost childlike because you don't see people with that level of honesty because there's always a certain amount of manicuring and diplomacy we all have in the world. And the fact that he didn't have it was so refreshing and it was beautiful. And it made me want to be authentic, my authentic self in front of him”. He shared, “On a side note, what happened was us having him, India's best Hindi dialogue writer on set with us. And him giving us Hindi lines for free all over was fantastic. That was just good, that was a great moment. He's a very, very good actor”. “It's so interesting that he never actually crossed the line, he never directed us. Just one day after almost 90 percent of the movie was over, we had a few more days left. He came to me and said, ‘If you'll give me permission, I just want to tell you one thing in one scene’. I was like, ‘Sir, please’. That one hour was a masterclass for me. I think it's extraordinary, and just how amazing he is”, he added. Adivi Sesh reveals how he pitched Dacoit to Anurag Kashyap How did Sesh, the film's actor and co-writer, convince Kashyap to come on board? Well, he did it in the most unexpected place - at Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya's December 2024 wedding in Hyderabad. "I pitched the film to him at the wedding itself," laughed Sesh. According to him, the filmmaker-turned-actor was also the go-to person when it came to fine-tuning the Hindi filmy dialogues. "We'd go to him to check how something should be said. It was like having a master craftsman on set," he added. Dacoit is slated to hit theatres on April 10.
23 March,2026 11:01 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor and comedian Gaurav Gera, who plays a pivotal role in Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he revisited a letter he had written to his parents on December 3, 1998, shortly after moving to Mumbai. Gaurav, who plays an Indian spy in the movie, took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the handwritten letter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaurav Gera (@gauravgera) In the letter, a 23-year-old Gera wrote warmly to his “Mamma and Papa,” reassuring them that he was doing well and settling into the city. He mentioned meeting new people for work, attending rehearsals regularly, and being part of a musical play, which he described as “marvellous.” He also shared his excitement about working with a prestigious group and noted that he had found a small, affordable place to stay, adding that it would be easy on the pocket. Gaurav also checked in on his family back home, asking about their health, relatives, and even the household garden, reflecting a sense of longing and connection despite the distance. “The future is bright, but I still need a lot to learn,” he had written, adding that it would take time to understand the right people. Ending the letter on a tender note, he expressed how much he missed them and urged them to take care, writing that he hoped to visit in January of that year. Reflecting on the years gone by in the caption section, the actor said his career has been a fulfilling mix of television, film, ad projects, musical theatre, radio, and, more recently, digital platforms like TikTok and Reels. He described the journey as “lovely,” and the caption reflected both highs and lows. He wrote: “This letter to my parents - 3rd Dec 1998. .. less than a month that I moved to Mumbai this is 28 years ago .. so no emails, Letters.. of course after that lots tv, some films, ad films, musical play, Radio, TikTok, Reels .. been a lovely journey with ups and downs.. God has been kind.. but this (camera emoji) Dhurandhared.. dunno what future holds .. but I wanna thank my 23 year old self for staying hopeful and Ma Pa for endless support DhurandharTheRevenge.” 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
23 March,2026 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSJewellery designer Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, also known as the sister of Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor, penned a heartfelt note for her daughter Samara as she turned 15, calling her ‘the greatest blessing’ in her life. Taking to her social media account, Riddhima shared a carousel post featuring throwback pictures capturing Samara’s growing years. In the first picture, a toddler Samara, barely a year old, can be seen taking her first few steps while holding hands with her ‘mamu’, Ranbir Kapoor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni (RKS) (@riddhimakapoorsahniofficial) In another picture, Samara is seen dressed in a lavender fairy gown. Riddhima captioned the post as, “My Sampie. 15 years of loving you holding your hand and calling you mine…my greatest blessing.” She added, “You make my world brighter just by being you. Stay as kind strong and beautiful as you are I love you to the moon and back - and a little more every day. Happy 15th birthday my heart (sic)” Earlier, Riddhima had taken to her social media account to share a cute throwback video of her daughter Samara taking over the stage at just 3 years old. The clip uploaded by Riddhima features a little Samara grooving to the tunes of the piano, playing in the backdrop. She looked absolutely adorable in a pink and white frock, as she enchanted everyone with their graceful moves. She had captioned the post as, "Warning 3-year-old performer taking over the stage (Dancing girl emoji) Sampie (sic).” For the uninitiated, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni is married to Delhi-based businessman Bharat Sahni. She is the daughter of late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and actress Neetu Singh, and the sister of actor Ranbir Kapoor. Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt is her sister-in-law. On the professional front, Riddhima made her OTT debut with the show The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. 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
23 March,2026 10:24 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
-1774247299324_d.png "Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya")
-1774245278775_d.png "Badshah")
