Back to the grind Actor Babil Khan has returned to the sets, resuming work on a new project in Bhopal. Sharing a glimpse from his vanity van, he wrote, “Back to the grind, time to make you proud again,” striking an emotional chord with fans. The post drew warm reactions, with admirers saying they had missed his “powerful performances”. While details of the film remain under wraps, a source had earlier told mid-day that Babil had been preparing for an actioner, for which he underwent intense Muay Thai training. Pause and return Babil Khan was on a short break from work and was last seen in ‘The Railway Men’ (2023). There were reports suggesting that he was shooting for the Hindi remake of the Telugu romantic drama ‘Baby’ (2023), directed by Sai Rajesh AI in my kitchen A scene from ‘Khana Dil Se’ showing Gujarati Undhyo; (right) Hansal Mehta Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is returning to food storytelling with Khana Dil Se – An AI Journey Through India’s Kitchen, a new episodic series blending culinary heritage with artificial intelligence. Hansal earlier directed chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s iconic cookery show Khana Khazana from its inception in 1993 until 2000. Office on wheels Harshvardhan Rane shows off his new vanity van After the success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (2025), actor Harshvardhan Rane has given fans a sneak peek into his new vanity van that doubles up as a caravan. Sharing a video on social media, he is seen grooming and washing the vehicle himself. “This is my new home on wheels… had to make sure it’s perfect. There’s something satisfying about doing it all on your own.” The actor’s minimalist caravan has struck a chord with fans.
25 March,2026 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamFor a year, Amol Parashar has been travelling across the country with Besharam Aadmi, his one-man show that examines themes of masculinity and gender roles. Now, the show is set to go international. On April 11, it will open in London. Over a call, an excited Parashar told mid-day, “My show is not exactly stand-up, it’s a different format. I have a feeling this story will work more in London than here.” Why so? Because the story — directed by Vijay Ashok Sharma — involves a couple, household chores, and the absence of domestic help. He reasoned, “When we did this show in India, people asked me, ‘Does the couple not have a house help?’ But it’s the reality for many couples outside India. My friends living abroad don’t have domestic help. In fact, I know a few people who returned to India because they couldn’t manage so much work. So, people there will relate to it.” By telling the story of a man who feels uncomfortable putting his wife’s bra out to dry, in front of his parents, Besharam Aadmi also explores the cultural difference between young couples and their parents. “You can’t do it in front of your mother [despite considering] yourself progressive. So, it’s introspective humour,” he added. April 11When the show will open at The Bhavan in London
25 March,2026 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaHorror is a genre Ajay Devgn knows inside out, having explored it with Bhoot (2003), Kaal (2005), and Shaitaan (2024). But there’s something else about his next horror film with director Rohit Jugraj that has us excited. mid-day has learnt that the actor will play a character with grey shades in the offering. Rohit Jugraj Before this, Devgn essayed a grey character in Kaal. A source told us, “Almost 21 years after that horror film, Ajay will play a dark character again in Rohit’s movie. Set in London, the story will have the superstar essaying a brooding and intense character with supernatural powers. He will sport a distinct look in the film. So, he wants to complete his pending assignments before the project rolls.” Ajay Devgn (R) is currently filming ‘Golmaal 5’ with Akshay Kumar The actor is currently shooting for Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 with co-stars Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Kemmu, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, and Shreyas Talpade in Mumbai. While the comedy has him booked till May, June will be dedicated to the patch shoot of Drishyam 3. Only in July will he step into Jugraj’s supernatural world. The source added, “Rohit has begun pre-production on the film. He will call action on it in July and plans to wrap it by the last quarter of 2026. Ajay is also finalising another movie, which he plans to start by November-December.” What has Rohit Jugraj directed before? . Diljit Dosanjh’s film franchise ‘Sardaar Ji’ . ‘Jatt James Bond’ . ‘Chamak’ This is the second time Devgn and Jugraj are working on a horror film. The latter had assisted filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma on the Devgn-led ‘Bhoot’ (2003)
25 March,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRAnjali Anand is one of the popular actresses of tinsel town. After carving a niche in television, she transitioned to the web space and films. Her most memorable role so far has been in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The actress has not conformed to the quintessential beauty norms of the industry and has been vocal about it. Recently, she was fat-shamed by a netizen, to which she gave a befitting reply. Anjali Anand slams troll fat-shaming her In one of her recent Instagram posts, a man dismissed the term “curvy” and instead called her “fat.” Rather than ignoring the disrespectful comment, Anjali chose to respond head-on. She replied with a sharp yet humorous comeback, saying, “I know I am fat. Same way you know you are bald.” The actress further continued, “Mote ko mota bolte hai, takle ko takla. Aap samajh gaye ki aur samjhaun? Mujhe pata hai main moti, jaise aap ko pata hai aap takle ho (They call a fat person fat, and a bald person bald. You understand that, or should I explain more? I know that I’m fat, just like you know that you’re bald).” She shared a screenshot of the exchange on her stories, writing, “They also call me UNF–KWITHABLE. Stay away!” In an earlier interview, Anjali revealed that people would tell her she would never become an actor because of her looks. However, she shared that after landing her second lead role on TV, many people suspected that she had given sexual favours in exchange. “When I got Kulfi, which was my second show, people DMed me—hundreds of messages saying, ‘Who gives a fat girl a second show as a lead? I am sure she must be sleeping with someone.’ And I am wondering, these people think you won’t get work without sleeping with someone? It is stupid that we are still talking about all of this,” she said. Anjali Anand’s upcoming movies The actress will next be seen in Manish Malhotra’s Bun Tikki, alongside Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman. She is also a part of Dhamaal 4, which is set to release on June 12 this year. Initially, Dhamaal 4 was slated to hit theatres on March 19. However, in order to avoid a box office clash with two much-hyped dramas—Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Yash’s Toxic—the release was pushed. Made under the direction of Indra Kumar, Dhamaal 4 will retain the core cast of the popular franchise, including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, and Jaaved Jaaferi. Joining in are Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar, and Ravi Kishan.
24 March,2026 10:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBefore the release of Dhurandhar (2025), lead actor Ranveer Singh landed in controversy for mimicking the Daiva scene from Kantara: Chapter 1. Many fans took offence, and police complaints were filed against the actor. Even as Ranveer made headlines for the historic box office success of Dhurandhar Parts 1 and 2, the case related to the mimicry continued in the Karnataka High Court. The actor has now agreed to apologise in court. Ranveer Singh to issue apology During a hearing in the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, counsel representing Ranveer Singh said the actor would issue an unconditional apology for his actions. The court was hearing Singh’s plea to quash an FIR registered against him in the matter. The High Court observed during the hearing that what the actor did was not appropriate. Advocate CG Malayali, appearing for the complainant, contended that Ranveer Singh’s apology lacked sincerity. He noted that the actor had described Chamundi Daiva as a demon and had only apologised through a tweet posted by his team. Since the alleged remark was made verbally, Malayali argued that the apology should also be delivered orally. He further maintained that Ranveer Singh must personally visit Chamundi Hill with his legal counsel and apologise in person. The bench concurred, observing that if the complainant sought a court-directed appearance for the apology, the actor ought to comply. Senior advocate Poovayya told the court that an affidavit expressing regret would be submitted and confirmed that Ranveer Singh would visit Chamundi Hill. The bench emphasised the need to offer apologies at the temple and demonstrate genuine remorse, noting the strong influence public figures have on society. The court adjourned the matter to April 10 for further hearing. Ranveer Singh’s father was present during the proceedings. All about the controversy The incident occurred when Ranveer mimicked the finale sequence from Kantara: Chapter 1 in front of a live audience that included director-actor Rishab Shetty. During the impersonation, he likened the sacred Chamundi Daiva, a mystical figure revered in coastal Karnataka, to a “female ghost.” While the remark drew laughter from some attendees at the event, it quickly triggered outrage after a video of the incident surfaced online. The clip spread rapidly across social media, with many viewers calling Ranveer’s performance “insensitive” and “tone-deaf.” Several critics said the attempt at humour came across as disrespectful to followers of the Daiva tradition.
24 March,2026 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is a huge success at the box office, the makers ruffled some feathers with one of the scenes where R Madhavan recites a verse from the Gurbani while smoking a cigarette. Members of the Sikh Community filed a complaint against the makers alleging hurting religious sentiments with the scene. Now, actor R Madhavan who was a part of the scene has issued a clarification on the matter, saying that they did not wish to hurt any sentiments with the scene. R Madhavan issues clarification on Gurbani scene R Madhavan who plays Ajay Sanyal in the film stated that he might have had the cigarette at the beginning of the scene, but he had properly put it out way before speaking his lines. "This is a misunderstanding. Because I am sure that during this scene, before saying this line, Aditya Dhar Ji, who takes care of all these things more than me, had told me that while saying this line, you should not smoke and there will be no smoke coming out of your mouth, nor will there be any smoke on the screen, nor will there be a cigarette in your hand because this is very pure and sacred for us." Madhavan said that they have immense respect for the Sikh community. "Before every film's release, I go to the Golden Temple. Everyone knows this. So, believe me. We had no intention of hurting anyone." View this post on Instagram A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy) 'There was no smoke': R Madhavan Explaining the scene in question in his own words, Madhavan continued, "In the beginning of the scene, it is possible that I had a cigarette in my hand. But after that, when the scene starts and the rest of the people speak, I properly put out the cigarette. And long before my line came, there was no smoke in the scene. Nor is there a sign of a cigarette till the end of the scene." He concluded the post by apologizing if they knowingly or unknowingly ended up hurting someone. A formal police complaint has also been lodged in Mumbai over the alleged disrespect towards Sikh religious sentiments by the makers of "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge". (with inputs from IANS)
24 March,2026 06:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been the talk of the town ever since it hit theatres on March 19. While the Ranveer Singh-starrer has smashed several box office records, an unsettling incident during its screening in Kanpur has now grabbed attention, after a woman was allegedly harassed inside a cinema hall, leading to chaos outside the theatre. Woman gets harassed during Dhurandhar 2 screening A disturbing incident was reported from Kanpur, where a young woman was allegedly harassed inside a cinema hall during a late-night screening. The incident occurred on Monday at Gurudev Palace Talkies in the Rawatpur area, while the woman was watching Dhurandhar 2 with her family. According to reports, the accused, who was seated next to her, allegedly tried to touch her inappropriately, taking advantage of the darkness inside the theatre. The woman immediately objected and raised an alarm, drawing attention to the situation and helping identify the man. UP – In Kanpur, a man sitting in the adjacent seat harassed a young woman who had come to watch Dhurandhar-2. As soon as they stepped out of the hall, the woman's father beat up the accused and handed him over to the police.pic.twitter.com/J9qbsDUdok — Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) March 24, 2026 After the screening ended, the woman’s father confronted the accused outside the theatre. The situation escalated as he, along with other family members and bystanders, allegedly assaulted the man. Police were soon informed and reached the spot, after which they intervened, rescued the accused from the mob, and took him into custody for further investigation. More about Dhurandhar 2 Directed by Aditya Dhar, actors Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi are reprising their roles in the latest film. Set in Lyari town of Karachi, an area known for its history of gang wars and violent turf battles, Dhurandhar revolved around covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The sequel charts the rise of Singh's character, Hamza Ali Mazari, in the Karachi underworld, while also delving into his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, tracing the journey of the young man who eventually transforms into the covert operative. Due to the plot, the film has been under scrutiny, with several political leaders terming it as propaganda. Recently, a scene was also under scrutiny, after which the Sikh community sought the lodging of an FIR for hurting religious sentiments.
24 March,2026 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKubbra Sait recently starred in Prakash Jha’s Sankalp, which showcased her fierce side as a cop. The actress stands out as a true advocate for embracing one’s uniqueness and constantly evolving. With a career spanning over 15 years in both Bollywood and the global stage, she has made her mark. In an exclusive chat with Mid-day, she talks about working with Nana Patekar, being judged for her looks, and sheds light on how the industry is evolving. Kubbra on working with Nana Patekar Talking about sharing space with veterans like Nana Patekar and filmmaker Prakash Jha, Kubbra says, “When you have a script rooted in a teacher-student dynamic, there’s an inherent sense of submission. Working with stalwarts like them, you can never step out of being a student.” The Farzi actress also shares how she looked up to actors like Divya Dutta, Sheeba Chadha and Radhika Apte as her mentors. She credits the rise of OTT platforms for expanding opportunities, allowing audiences to embrace complex, layered female characters beyond traditional leads. Kubbra Sait on being judged for her looks Opening up about her early struggles in the industry, Kubbra Sait reflected on starting out in second-lead roles and navigating self-doubt, beauty standards, and personal growth. She asserts, “I had no idea what I was coming into, so I was willing to make mistakes. And you should be willing to fail on your own account. I take responsibility for my failures because I want to be the one who rises.” She adds that she has seen things change for actors while recalling how she was judged for her looks initially. “I was told that my nose is crooked and that my curly hair would not work. There was a time when every ‘beautiful’ girl had straight hair. I used to get my hair straightened and rebonded. Then I stopped wearing my hair curly. Eventually, I started believing that I look beautiful no matter what. I think that’s because I had no one else to support me but my own mind.” Kubbra Sait on her journey After spending nearly 15 years in showbiz, Kubbra believes a lot has changed and evolved for the better. “I feel like this industry has done a lot of good. We’re not doing things that we would have done 50 years ago, and that’s exciting for me to see and understand. One thing that has been in conversation a lot in recent times is how we are one cinema.” Kubbra also points out a crucial shift she hopes to see more of. “In our Bollywood, so to speak, we are largely an artist-driven or star-driven industry. But I think it needs to become a story-driven industry.” Addressing ongoing industry concerns, she acknowledges that progress is being made, albeit gradually. “Pay parity is something we are still working on. There are big changes happening. Earlier, there was no entourage culture, but now it has become a big thing. What happens is, if we pick up one trend, we tend to amplify it. Even paid PR has become disproportionately significant now. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself, if your business needs to survive, are you willing to do paid PR? There’s a benefit to everything, but there’s also a downside.” Kubbra’s upcoming movies The actress will next be seen in David Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Expressing excitement about the project, she gushed, “I was called by David sir, and I immediately said yes. Even being directed by him for a second is a blessing, and I’m very happy. I got to work with one of the greats of this country, and a legend in comedy and entertainment.” She is also a part of Farzi Season 2.
24 March,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti BaglaThe buzz around Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2 refuses to slow down! Almost a week after its release, the high-octane spy thriller is continuing to dominate the box office and set new records. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has quickly become one of the most-talked-about releases. It has received rave reviews from viewers, critics and celebrities, but a certain section of people have criticised it for showing pro-establishment propaganda. Background actor shares his negative experience on set Amid the phenomenal success, Sushant Charak, an aspiring actor from Mumbai, has shared his negative experience from the shoot that left a bitter impact on him. The actor appeared in the film briefly as part of a crowd scene and took to Instagram to open up about his experience. The video has since gone viral. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushant Singh Charak (@sushantcharak) He revealed that he bagged the role immediately after he arrived in Mumbai in 2025. Barely a week into the city, he received a casting call for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which was his first brush with a big-budget production. He shared that he was brimming with hope and excitement when he stepped onto the set, eager to witness stars like Ranveer Singh and Arjun Rampal in action. However, his hopes were soon dashed when he experienced an uncomfortable situation. Recalling the incident, the actor revealed that the shoot environment became extremely hot. Unable to bear the heat, he slightly adjusted an air conditioner towards himself, but a crew member immediately intervened and told him that the cooling was reserved only for “bade artists” (lead actors), not background performers. The remark made him feel humiliated and belittled. The actor tried standing his ground and saying that basic comforts like cool air should be for everyone, but to no avail. He then told the crew member that one day, when he becomes a successful actor, he hopes to be treated differently. Reflecting on the experience, he said it opened his eyes to the struggles newcomers often face in the industry. Choosing an optimistic outlook, he quoted the film's dialogue, "Hausla, Indhan, Badla," suggesting that setbacks can become stepping stones and summing up his mindset. Dhurandhar 2 crosses Rs 850 crore While Mondays are often dull days for films and their box office collections, as the numbers drop drastically, it wasn't the case for Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The first working day of the week had no impact on the film's collections, which have now crossed the Rs 850 crore mark worldwide. Leave alone slowing down, the Ranveer Singh-starrer went on to register the biggest Monday in Indian cinema history. On Monday, the spy thriller was expected to see a drop, as films normally do. However, Dhurandhar 2 managed to limit that dip to just 43%. On Monday, the film collected another Rs 65 crore net in India. On Monday, it added USD 2.5 million to its kitty internationally. It earned Rs 100 crore worldwide on Monday.
24 March,2026 04:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Alaya F recently walked the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai. After her appearance, the actress sparked chatter online, with several users speculating that she had gone under the knife. Alaya quickly took note of the reactions and shut down rumours of undergoing cosmetic surgery. Alaya F took to social media to address claims that she had altered her nose and lips. She clarified that she would never hide such a decision from her audience if she ever chose to undergo cosmetic procedures. The actress said her social media was flooded with comments from users assuming she had a nose job and lip fillers. Did Alaya F get nose job? Reacting to the speculation, Alaya shared a video on her Instagram Stories addressing the rumours. She said, “Guys, I want to address something that I'm seeing in my comments right now. For some reason, a lot of you think that I've gotten some surgery done. I'm getting nose job and lip comments. I have not done anything, I promise.” She also zoomed into her face in the video to show that she had not undergone any cosmetic procedure. She continued, “If I had, I would have told you. See, it's the same nose, the same lips… Kuch nahi kiya hai. It's just different lighting, I don't know, good habits, hydration, face massages. I don’t know.” “Mainne surgery nahi kiya hai. If I would have done it, I would have happily told you. I'm not the type to hide or lie about it at all. But see, it's the same, promise. God knows why you guys think I've gotten something done. Nothing. Same only. Promise,” Alaya said while concluding the video. When Alaya considered cosmetic surgery Back in 2021, Alaya, who made her debut with Jawaani Jaaneman, had spoken about considering a nose job. She said she had thought about it because she has a slight bump on one side of her nose. During an appearance on By Invite Only, Alaya was asked if she had ever considered cosmetic surgery. She candidly confessed, “Yes, I have. I have considered it; I have not done it. I think everyone has been like, ‘Maybe I should…’ It is the smallest thing, I don’t even know if people can see it. So, this side of my nose is the nice one (shows right profile), this one (showing the left side) has a slight bump here. It’s like the tiniest thing in the world.” “I’ll probably never do it because it’s so pointless.” When the host said he couldn’t see what she was referring to, she replied, “Most people don’t, but it’s okay."
24 March,2026 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShifting gears from the high-octane energy of Chhaap Tilak, the makers of Ginny Weds Sunny 2 have released the film’s most soulful track yet, Aye Khudaa. While the first song got the nation dancing, this new release dives into the emotional core of the film, capturing a poignant moment of heartbreak and longing. About Aye Khudaa The music video offers an intimate look into Sunny’s headspace, weaving together flashbacks that reflect the couple’s shared journey and lingering memories. A deeply soulful track, it resonates with anyone who has experienced heartbreak. With heartfelt lyrics and a melody that truly hits home, the song is set to become a go-to anthem for those navigating the quiet ache of love and loss. Aye Khudaa is composed and written by Usman Khan, whose lyrics capture the silent void of separation. The song features a powerhouse vocal performance by Altamash Faridi, whose voice brings remarkable depth to the melody, while producer Amir Khan crafts a soundscape that balances vulnerability with cinematic storytelling. Avinash and Medha on the song Talking about the song, Avinash Tiwary said, “Music is the heartbeat of any love story, especially when that story takes a difficult turn. ‘Aye Khudaa’ captures the exact emotional moment Sunny experiences for Ginny. Filming the song was intense, and I think audiences will truly connect with the honesty of this track.” Medha Shankr added, “While our first song was a celebration, Aye Khudaa reveals the more vulnerable, human side of our characters. It’s a beautiful, heavy track that stays with you long after it ends. Even though it’s told through Sunny’s eyes, it reflects the deep history and pain both Ginny and Sunny carry.” Singer Altamash Faridi shared, “When I first heard Usman Khan’s composition, I knew the vocals had to feel raw and stripped to the soul. ‘Aye Khudaa isn’t just about sadness, it’s about searching for answers when you suddenly feel alone. I’ve poured my heart into this rendition, and I hope it resonates with everyone who hears it.” Composer and lyricist Usman Khan said, “Writing and composing ‘Aye Khudaa’ was about finding words for the silence that follows a breakup. I wanted the lyrics to be simple yet impactful. Seeing how the song underscores Sunny’s emotional journey in the film is very special, and I’m glad we could bring this vision to life.” Ginny Weds Sunny 2, presented by Zee Studios and Soundrya Production, is produced by Vinod Bachchan and Umesh Kumar Bansal. Written and directed by Prasshant Jha, the film stars Avinash Tiwary and Medha Shankr and is set to hit theatres on April 24, 2026. Aye Khudaa is out now on Sony Music India and available across streaming platforms.
24 March,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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