The latest edition of the Cadence Music Festival, founded by renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai, will take place from March 30th to April 1st this year. As part of the tradition, the festival will help bridge the gap between industry maestros and the aspiring talent. The three-day event, which will turn the Whistling Woods International campus into a music hub, will also celebrate the profound impact of music on the cinematic arts. The festival is slated to kick off on March 30th at 4:30 PM with a grand Inaugural Ceremony headlined by singer and composer Kailash Kher. Continuing the momentum, on March 31st at 4:30 PM, the festival will feature a stellar lineup, with the dynamic composer duo Salim–Sulaiman alongside the celebrated singer Sonu Nigam. Reflecting on the significance of this year's lineup, Ghai said that the festival focuses on providing a space where the next generation is able to find their own rhythm and take forward the glorious legacy of Indian music. The Taal maker said, "At Whistling Woods, we have always believed that music is the heartbeat of the creative arts. The Cadence Music Festival 2026 is not just a celebration of melodies; it is a platform where the wisdom of legends meets the fire of young ambition. Our mission remains to provide a space where the next generation can find their own rhythm and carry forward the rich legacy of Indian music." The music festival will conclude on April 1st. The day full of musical diversity will commence at 12:00 PM with Ameya Dabli. This will be followed by an evocative session at 4:00 PM with the renowned flutist Naveen Kumar. The evening will conclude on a high note with a closing ceremony at 4:30 PM featuring another musical legend, Sukhwinder Singh. 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
28 March,2026 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSFilmmaker Karan Johar said that the recent blockbuster Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge reminded him of the 70s solid Hindi cinema, which used to be watched on single screens. Karan shared in his latest Instagram post that watching those movies inspired him to be a part of this fraternity, and watching Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge made him realize how grateful he is for living that dream today. Praising the storytelling style of Aditya Dhar, the Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani maker penned on the photo-sharing app, "The discussions on Testosterone, hyper alpha energy and deep rooted patriotism will continue as it must… BUT DHURANDHAR2 is so much more than that … the heart wrenching back story of Jaskirat… the heartbreaking sacrifices made for our motherland…. The humanisation and layered back story even of the antagonist… the impeccable craft… the soundscape and the all round cinematic prowess proves the brilliance and directorial command of ADITYA DHAR … what an absloutely astounding and outstanding filmmaker he is… he not only raises the mainstream bar but also creates a new one… yeh naya director hai!!! Box office records todke ghusega bhi aur har record maarega bhi!! (sic)" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) Congratulating protagonist Ranveer Singh on the best work of his career to date, KJo added, "Aur aur aur ranveersingh tu kya hua yaar?!?????? Your career BEST work and every tear of yours, every quiet stare, each time you walk with undeniable swag you prove you are one of the greats!!! You are and will always be an artist of huge calibre for the ages…. True DHURANDHAR MOVIE STAR!!! …." Reminiscing about the good old days, the Dharma head concluded saying, "I went back to the days I watched pure solid Hindi cinema in single screens in the 70s… and came out satiated and dreamt of being a part of this business… today I am a part of the fraternity and Dhurandhar reminded me of how proud and grateful I am to be here today… adityadharfilms officialjiostudios". 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
28 March,2026 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSRapper Badshah has been making headlines in the past few weeks. Recently, he became a topic of discussion for the objectionable lyrics and suggestive visuals of his song, Tateeree. After facing a lot of backlash, Badshah even apologised through a social media post. After that, the alleged wedding photos of the rapper and singer with the Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi surfaced online. Now, Badshah has published a long note on his Instagram Stories after a concert in London, saying that he is ready for the next phase. He claimed that the last couple of weeks have been extremely challenging for him. Badshah wrote on the photo-sharing app, "I’ll be honest with you, these past few weeks tested me in ways I wasn’t fully prepared for. There’s a version of this life that looks perfect from the outside, and then there’s the reality of what you actually carry when the cameras are off. I’ve been sitting with a lot. (sic)" He expressed gratitude to his fans for making his London concert such a massive success. Badshah added that being on that stage reminded him who he is and what this journey has been all about. "But London reminded me of something I needed to be reminded of. When I walked out on that O2 stage, the energy hit me before the sound did. The faces, the voices, the warmth in that arena. You flew in from different cities, different countries, different lives, and you showed up for this music, for me, like it meant something to you. That night I remembered who I am and what this is all for," he went on to add. Badshah concluded the post on a positive note, saying that he is ready to step into the next phase of life with some new music. "I think I’m ready for the next phase. New music is on its way and I’m pouring everything into it. Thank you for holding me down even when I couldn’t say why I needed it," he concluded. 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
28 March,2026 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSMusic composer and singer Vishal Dadlani is being boycotted on social media over his recent video with a Pakistani journalist. Many users have also demanded his ousting from the singing reality show Indian Idol. The composer serves as one of the judges on the singing reality show. On Friday, users took to their X, formerly Twitter, and spoke about how the composer has spoken with the journalist of a rogue nation which is India’s arch-nemesis. One social media user wrote, “Remove Vishal Dadlani From Indian Idol SonyTV”. Another wrote, “Vishal Dadlani has questioned our sovereignty and our right to exist as a nation by aligning with Pakistani terrorists. This clearly constitutes an act of terrorism as per new Bhartiya definition Please get him booked under UAPA”. A third user wrote, “He is the biggest anti-Indian I have ever seen and is getting repetitive opportunities”. Another user wrote, “The best way to teach them a lesson is to not watch. Sony is known not to give a damn about such issues”. The recent controversy involving Vishal Dadlani stems from a viral video showing him interacting with Pakistani journalist Safina Khan in London, the latter is known for harbouring anti-India views. The clip quickly gained traction across social media platforms. The interaction appeared informal, with both seen conversing casually at what reports describe as a public or event setting. The video triggered strong online reactions, largely due to Safina Khan’s controversial public image and alleged political positions, which have been debated. As of now, the composer has not issued a detailed public clarification regarding the interaction. India and Pakistan share a long history of conflicts and war exchanges. The two nations have fought 3 major wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999, with India comprehensively winning all of them.
28 March,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Manoj Bajpayee on Friday attended the ongoing International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026, where he spoke about the growing impact of AI in filmmaking and the importance of personality rights. During his interaction with the media at the festival, the Family Man actor spoke about how any use of an artist's work or identity should come with proper "payment" and respect for their years of effort. He said that actors build their credibility over time and if someone uses anything related to them, they must be paid for it. "Agar humari cheez use karenge, toh paise humko denge. Humse judi koi bhi cheez agar aap upyog karenge, toh uska moolya toh aapko dena padega. Kyunki main as an actor 32 saal se kaam kar raha hoon, toh zaahir si baat hai ki aap apni credibility khud banate ho, aur uska agar koi upyog karega, toh ek tarah se rights ke hisaab se paisa dena padega." (If someone uses our work, they must pay us. If anything related to us is used, they will have to pay for it. I have been working as an actor for 32 years, so you build your own credibility, and if someone uses it, they must pay for it as a right.) Manoj Bajpayee is also scheduled for a special "In-Conversation" session at the festival, where he will talk about his long journey in the film industry. Organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival of Delhi is a government-led, city-wide festival showcasing Indian and international cinema while making film culture accessible to audiences across the capital. The week-long festival, running from March 25 to 31, will offer a series of screenings, discussions, and industry events across various venues in New Delhi, uniting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe. 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
28 March,2026 10:40 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIEver since its first instalment, Dhurandhar, released in December 2025, it has dominated conversations, winning both acclaim and audience love. One of the most talked about and appreciated aspects of the film and its sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is the film’s impeccable cast, brought together by ace casting director Mukesh Chhabra. In a recent interview, the casting director offered a glimpse into his casting vision and how the perfect ensemble came together. Mukesh Chhabra reveals Akshaye, Sanjay and Arjun needed convincing to do Dhurandhar Talking about his casting approach for the film Dhurandhar on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, Season 3, Mukesh Chhabra revealed, "Initially, even Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna were not sure about being a part of the film. Only R Madhavan said yes. For the others, it took time. Aditya and I were considering so many people, and honestly, earlier we had never thought we would cast so many big stars. We had a very different kind of actors in mind. Then I pushed him to think bigger." He further added, "When you start a film, you wonder how so many big actors will come on board. At first, none of this was there, but gradually, as we discussed, it started falling into place" Explaining why the actors were hesitant, he shared, "Madhavan and Arjun were on the set of the film only for 12 days. Most actors usually worry about how much screen time they will get. We said that here, the impact is what matters. If you look at Madhavan’s part, with only 12 to 14 days of work, the impact of the role is huge." Mukesh Chhabra praised Aditya Dhar for his support Earlier, opening up about the overwhelming response to the casting with mid-day, Mukesh credited director Aditya Dhar for his clarity and trust. “I feel great, but the real star or the real Dhurandhar of the film is Aditya Dhar. The way he explained things to us and the way he trusted all of us has brought Dhurandhar to life. I'm sure all the love I'm getting for the casting is because of his clear vision and trust in me. Sometimes, when you're casting, so many different people get involved. Everyone wants a say. But with Aditya, only he and I are making the decisions, and that's the biggest part,” he said.
28 March,2026 10:21 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDhurandhar 2 has completed more than a week at the box office and is showing no signs of slowing down. Despite witnessing a minor dip at the box office, Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller, which is directed by Aditya Dhar, has managed to officially cross the Rs 700 crore milestone domestically on Friday. The film was released on March 19, is currently in its second week and gears up for its second weekend. Dhurandar 2 day 9 collection Ever since its release, Dhurandhar 2 has stormed through box office records, etching its name among the top grossers. It became the first Indian film to surpass Rs 100 crore in a single day in, earning Rs 145 crore (nett) through paid previews and opening day collections in India. The film opened with a massive Rs 761 crore worldwide in its first four days, including a record-shattering paid previews on March 18. It maintained its streak of Rs 100 crores each on the first four days. It carried its momentum through the week, to become the second fastest film to enter the prestigious Rs 1,000 crore club, It did so within just seven days. As per trade reports, the collection on the second Friday, March 27, which happens to be day 9, is at Rs 41.55 crore. Dhurandhar 2 total collection These numbers take Dhurandhar 2's overall India nett collection to Rs 715.72 crore, officially crossing Rs 700 crores. Similarly, the film which Rs 1,088 crore worldwide within its first week, has taken its collection to Rs 1,128.99 crore worldwide by day 9. With that, the film starring Ranveer Singh has cemented its place among the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a sequel of the 2025 hit, Dhurandhar. The film was released on March 19 in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film includes an ensemble cast that includes R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Set in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood, the film's plot follows Hamza Ali Mazari’s rise in the underworld, while tracing his past as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, a young man who evolves into a covert operative. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar.
28 March,2026 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSunny Deol is in no mood to slow down after the strong start to 2026 with Border 2. In the first week of March, the senior actor kicked off his yet-untitled next, an action thriller produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, at Film City. Sources have told us that director Balaji Ganesh has almost wrapped the first schedule of the project, which also stars Jyotika and Vijay Varma. Vijay Varma plays the antagonist in the cop actioner Designed as an out-and-out action entertainer, it sees Deol play a cop. Apparently, the actor sports a distinct look — think a moustache and beard. A source told mid-day, “Over the past three weeks, the unit has been shooting all across Mumbai. They began with an action sequence, featuring Sunny and Vijay, in Film City, where a huge set depicting a carnival was erected. Over the past fortnight, they shot at a bungalow in Bandra, then in a college near Churchgate, followed by a stint at Marol Police Camp in Andheri East.” Jyotika As soon as the director calls it a wrap on the first leg on March 30, filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari will come calling for Ramayana: Part 2. The source added, “Sunny wants to complete his portions of Hanuman by April-end. In May, he will resume his cop role in Goa.” The film will reach the finish line by July. Did ya see that? In February, Sunny Deol unveiled his upcoming Netflix courtroom drama, ‘Ikka’. It also stars Akshaye Khanna
28 March,2026 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRA trailblazer is how international model and actor Chandrika Ravi views late Silk Smitha. For the past eight years, the Australia-born actor of Indian origin, has been developing a biopic on Smitha, who was one of the biggest sex symbols of South cinema in the 1980s. To her, the project feels personal. “She left an impact on many people like me. Much like Silk Smitha, my craving to be seen as desirable was gravely misunderstood in India,” Ravi told mid-day. Silk Smitha. Pics/Instagram In 2018, Ravi made her Tamil film debut with Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu, and followed it up with several dance numbers. Despite her successful international modelling career, she hasn’t been able to break into the Indian film industry. Drawing parallels between Smitha and her own journey, she reflected, “I can do justice to her story because I too know what it’s like to be an outsider and fight for recognition in an industry where it’s often who you know, not what you know [that matters].” To be directed by Jayaram Sankaran, the biopic will roll later this year. Comparisons with Vidya Balan’s The Dirty Picture (2011) are inevitable. But Ravi is unperturbed. “Every film’s take is different. What Vidya Balan did in The Dirty Picture was incredible, but I’m not trying to recreate that. My journey with Silk is personal, and I want to tell her story in my own way.” Know Chandrika Ravi Chandrika Ravi 2018 Chandrika Ravi made her Tamil film debut with ‘Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu’ 2021She appeared in the endorsement of Kim Kardashian’s brand, SKIMS 2026She starred in Diljit Dosanjh’s song, ‘Saanvle’
28 March,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuEpics don’t fit in one movie Filmmaker SS Rajamouli seems to have changed the release plan for his his ambitious film ‘Varanasi’. According to a new report, his epic action-adventure will be released in two instalments. Much like what director Aditya Dhar did with his ‘Dhurandhar’ movies, Rajamouli plans to split ‘Varanasi’ into two to narrate the entire expansive tale without butchering it to fit theatrical standards.“Three hours-plus would not be enough for ‘Varanasi’. They are looking at extending it into a two-part format,” a source close to the project’s developments told Bollywood Hungama. “The director and his team feel this extended format would allow them the liberty to tell a more expanded story without looking anxiously at the clock.” The movie features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on April 5, 2027. Varanasi in Hyderabad SS Rajamouli Rajamouli has recreated a massive replica of the temple town, Varanasi in Hyderabad, including a full-scale Ratneshwar Mahadev temple. Built on a rented plot, the elaborate set will be demolished after filming is complete. Story of dignity (L-R) Raj Vasudeva and Adil Hussain Following a strong international festival run, Adil Hussain and Raj Vasudeva’s Mercy, directed by Mitul Patel, is set to arrive in cinemas on April 24. The film is centred on passive euthanasia. Speaking about the movie, Adil said, “For me, Mercy is more than just a cinematic project. It is a significant reflection on the human condition and the dignity we all deserve. Stories told with such raw honesty have a universal language. I feel pure anticipation for the audience to experience this journey.” Future is female Samantha Ruth Prabhu Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has voiced her hopes for women in cinema, saying the industry often makes them “fight for everything twice as hard”. Speaking at a THR India event, she highlighted how women “adjust, sacrifice, and apologise”, adding, “We do it so cheerfully that we don’t even register it as a sacrifice.” Urging change, she said, “Stop. You deserve to take up the space you have earned.” She added she dreams of a time when stories are not labelled “female-led” and women on screen are portrayed as “fully” human. Better luck next time Prabhas in ‘The Raja Saab’ and Maruthi Director Maruthi has seemingly addressed the failure of Prabhas’s The Raja Saab. Sharing an update on his next project, he wrote, “Every journey is a learning experience. A heartfelt thank you to my audience, well-wishers and the media for constantly supporting me and sharing your valuable feedback. I will put in my best efforts and sincerely strive to earn your appreciation and respect (sic).” The movie, reportedly mounted on Rs 400 crore budget, grossed only Rs 100 crore at the global box office.
28 March,2026 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamWhere there is Tiger Shroff, there is an action film — sooner or later. Sure enough, the actor’s next with producer Murad Khetani and director Sachin Ravi, which was to originally roll in October 2025 and was postponed twice over, is finally set to go on floors on April 10. According to sources close to the development, the repeated delays were due to scheduling conflicts. An insider revealed, “The team wanted to ensure everything was locked, especially the action design, before rolling.” Pre-production is reportedly complete, with action blocks and international stunt teams already finalised. “The yet-untitled film is designed as a stylised action spectacle. From April 10, it will be shot across Mumbai, particularly in sets built in Goregaon and Malad,” added the insider. Shroff will juggle the project with Lag Jaa Gale, a romantic drama that he has been filming with actors Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya Lalwani. Director Sachin Ravi previously helmed the Kannada hit, ‘Avane Srimannarayana’ (2019)
28 March,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
