Being King is about taking responsibility He is ‘King Khan’ to his fans and the industry and his next film quite coincidentally is called King too. Shah Rukh Khan, however, brushes off the power the title bestows on him, saying it’s less an identity and more “a reminder to live with heart, humility, and purpose”. “The word ‘king’ has never meant power to me. It has always been about responsibility — to the people who believe in you and the stories you choose to tell,” Shah Rukh told PTI. The superstar, first seen in the TV show Fauji (1989), has worn the ‘Bollywood king’ crown with ease over three decades, and continues to be called the Baadshah of Bollywood. Bullies of the past Siddhant Chaturvedi Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi has spoken about being bullied at school over his appearance, admitting it shook his confidence. He said his curly hair and mixed-language background made him feel out of place. “I was bullied for the way I looked. I used to try to straighten my hair,” he recalled. Over time, moving to Mumbai helped him embrace his individuality.
18 February,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamJackie Shroff posing at events with a potted plant in his hands is a frequent sight. The senior actor has consistently used public appearances to reinforce his message of preserving the planet and building a greener tomorrow. Now, he is taking his environmental advocacy forward with Mitti Ki Awaaz, an initiative that encourages young people to take actionable measures around sustainability. Shroff, who has founded the initiative with JK Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, is clear that the youth need to be the driving force of change. Talking to mid-day, the actor said, “If the future belongs to the youth, they have to step in to shoulder the responsibility of a greener tomorrow. The planet must be shaped with them, and it’s our duty to clean up our mess.” And where do you speak to the youth if not at colleges? Shroff will host Mitti Ki Awaaz’s first on-ground initiative at PP Savani University in Surat, Gujarat, on February 21. On the third day of the university’s annual college festival, panel discussions, sapling plantation drive, and a concert will be held, all aimed at spotlighting the cause. The actor added, “Today’s generation has to be aware of what destruction is being left behind. Mitti Ki Awaaz [sparks a change] by actively involving the voices of today, not just by speaking to them.” Soft launch . Lucknow . Mysuru . Jodhpur Where sapling plantation drives were conducted in the run-up to the initiative’s official launch in Surat
18 February,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalLast December, Babil Khan posted a few videos of his Muay Thai training sessions in Thailand. That got us wondering whether it was a new skill the actor was picking up, or his prep for a project. Turns out, it’s the latter. The buzz is that Khan is prepping for an action drama, which is being mounted by a leading studio. While details are sparse at this point, a source close to the development told us that the shoot is expected to kick off in May. That gives Khan months to physically train for the movie. The source shared, “Babil has been training six days a week. His regimen includes pad work, bag drills, clinch techniques, sparring, and strength conditioning.”
18 February,2026 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuWe saw and loved Akshaye Khanna in ‘Dhurandhar’ (2025). Now, it looks like we’ll get a dose of another Akshay in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’. Before rumours emerge about Akshay Kumar’s cameo in the action drama, let us set the record straight. mid-day has exclusively learnt that a promotional song of Kumar’s ‘Bhooth Bangla’ will be attached to the March 19 release, thus serving as the first look of filmmaker Priyadarshan’s upcoming horror comedy. Ranveer Singh in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ Usually, movie trailers are attached to films playing in cinemas. But from what we’ve heard, ‘Bhooth Bangla’ producer Ektaa R Kapoor felt that releasing the track instead of a dialogue promo would instantly grab attention. A source shared, “Akshay and Priyadarshan’s 2007 horror comedy ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ benefited immensely from its title song, ‘Teri Aankhein Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, which became wildly popular. So, this time, with Pritam having composed another song that has the potential to become a chartbuster, Ektaa felt it would catch on among listeners and create buzz around ‘Bhooth Bangla’. Attaching it to ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ made sense as it’s among the most awaited films.” Priyadarshan and Ektaa R Kapoor Also starring Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi, ‘Bhooth Bangla’ is a fantasy horror comedy that reportedly explores black magic. The source added, “The song was filmed on a grand scale with Akshay and over 100 background dancers. Given the film’s theme, a set of a spooky mansion was built.”
18 February,2026 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRSidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, recently died in Delhi at his home. The former Merchant Navy captain reportedly passed away four days ago. The actor along with wife Kiara Advani rushed to Delhi to attend the last rites and are currently in the national capital to be with the family during this difficult time. Sidharth Malhotra pens emotional note Following his father's death, Sidharth took to his Instagram handle to pen an emotional and deeply touching note remembering him. The actor shared a series of throwback pictures with his father and wrote, “He was a man of rare honesty, integrity and culture. He lived by values that never bent. Discipline without harshness. Strength without ego. Positivity, even when life tested him beyond measure. From commanding the seas as a Merchant Navy Captain to facing illness with quiet courage, he never compromised, never lost his grace. Even when the stroke confined him to a wheelchair, his spirit stood tall." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@sidmalhotra) “Papa, your integrity is my inheritance. Your strength guides me every day. Your positivity still holds this family together. You left us peacefully in your sleep, but the space you leave behind is immeasurable. I am who I am because of you. And I will carry your name, your values and your light forward always. Love you Dad," he added, followed by two red heart emojis. For the unversed, Sunil Malhotra was a former Merchant Navy captain and an important influence in Sidharth’s upbringing and career. His passing has certainly left a void in Sidharth's life, as he has often credited his parents for keeping him grounded despite fame. When Sidharth Malhotra opened up about his father's illness Sunil Malhotra was reportedly unwell for some time. Back in March 2025, Sidharth had spoken about his father’s health. During a conversation with Lilly Singh, he said, “My father’s not been healthy for a while, and me being scared or angry at times tend to be a little more harsh on my mother because she’s the one who’s taking care of the meds. My father’s not keeping well to do that, and within that I realised… she suddenly… we got up one morning and just having coffee and tea in Delhi and she started speaking about 20 years back…what she had to deal with when we were much younger or when I wasn’t there or when I was trying to make my own life." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@sidmalhotra) He added, “She would hide that information from us as to you know what my father’s going through and uh and I felt uh I felt slightly ashamed of the fact that I didn’t really give her that credit for the years building up to my father’s health… During that period, my mother had made so many sacrifices that I wasn’t aware of, and I had to deal with her with far more sensitivity and love and, uh yeah, hopefully now I make up for it." On Father's Day last year, Sidharth had penned a sweet note wishing his dad. A part of his post read, "Thank you for being my first hero, my silent guide, and the reason I strive to be better every day."
17 February,2026 10:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Tuesday, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemned the repeated safety violations during the shooting of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge. This comes after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) blacklisted members of Aditya’s production house, B62 Studios, over repeated safety violations on the sets of Dhurandhar 2. AICWA condemns safety violations The AICWA released an official press note addressed by Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President of AICWA. In the note, the body condemned the ‘alarming safety violations’ on the sets of Dhurandhar 2 by director Aditya Dhar and his production house. “The life, safety, and dignity of film industry workers, technicians, and labourers cannot be compromised under any circumstances,” the note read. The note further added, “Due to such gross negligence, every year several workers lose their lives, while many others suffer severe injuries caused by fires, electric shocks, and collapsing or unsafe sets. Tragic incidents at Goregaon Filmcity and other studios, where workers lost their lives due to fire and unsafe working conditions, remain painful reminders of the ongoing danger faced by film workers.” In the press note, the cine workers' organisation also stated that they have submitted complaints to the Chief Minister and the BMC, demanding strict enforcement of the rules and strong legal action against violators. “Unfortunately, timely and strict action is rarely taken, which emboldens negligent production houses to continue risking the lives of innocent workers,” they stated. The AICWA also announced that they stand in support of the action taken by BMC against B62 Studios, saying, “When safety norms are ignored, thousands of workers are put in danger. In Mumbai alone, hundreds of shootings take place daily, and a majority of production houses fail to properly follow mandatory legal and safety requirements.” Dhuranhar 2 producers blacklisted by BMC A source from the BMC said that rules were violated multiple times during the shooting of the film Dhurandhar 2. Gas cylinders were reportedly used on the set for cooking, which is against the prescribed regulations. Additionally, the shooting location was changed without obtaining the necessary permission, said the source.Following these violations, the A-Ward office wrote a letter to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner recommending that the studio be blacklisted. However, the studio has not been officially blacklisted so far. The A-Ward office of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recommended blacklisting B62 Studios, the production company of filmmaker Aditya Dhar. The recommendation comes amid allegations that safety norms and civic regulations were repeatedly violated during the shooting of the film Dhurandhar 2.According to information available, burning torches were used in a high-security zone during the shoot. Terming it a serious security lapse, the Mumbai Police had to intervene and equipment was seized from the spot. As per the source, crew members allegedly changed the shooting location without permission and used the terrace of a building without obtaining the required clearance from the civic authorities. It has also been reported that two generator vans were operating on the set without valid approval from the local administration. In this regard, the BMC has sent a formal letter to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC), proposing a permanent ban on the studio from undertaking shoots through the state's single-window filming portal. As part of the action taken, the civic body has already forfeited the production's Rs 25,000 security deposit and has proposed imposing an additional fine of Rs 1 lakh. However, the studio has not yet been officially blacklisted, though the proposal has been cleared for further action. (With inputs from IANS)
17 February,2026 08:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actress Pravina Deshpande, best known for her supporting roles in Marathi and Hindi cinema and television, died on February 17, 2026. The actress breathed her last at the age of 60 after a prolonged illness. She is best remembered for her role of Shalini Chaudhary in Salman Khan’s 2011 film Ready, as well as her significant roles in several TV serials. Pravina Despande dies Pravina Despande had been reportedly fighting multiple myeloma since 2019. The news of her demise was shared by her family via her official Instagram handle. Taking to Instagram stories, the family shared that the actress breathed her last on February 17 following years of treatment for multiple myeloma. "It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mrs Pravina Deshpande has left for her heavenly abode on 17th February 2026," they wrote. Sharing details of the last rites, the statement added, "Cremation will be held on 17th February at 3:00 pm. Location: Muktidham, Hindu Crematorium, Sahar Road, Parsiwada, Chakala, Andheri East" The actress died at the age of 60 and is survived by her husband, Aniruddha Deshpande, two sons, Abhimanyu and Veer, and daughter-in-law, Ruchira. About Pravina Deshpande Pravina Deshpande made a respectable name for herself in her career spanning decades. She worked across the Marathi and Hindi entertainment industries. She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Shalu Chaudhary in the film Ready, starring Salman Khan and Asin. She also featured in supporting roles in notable films such as Parmanu with John Abraham, Ek Villain with Sidharth Malhotra, Gabbar is Back with Akshay Kumar and Rhea Chakraborty's Jalebi. Talking of her contribution in the television space, Pravina became a familiar face in popular shows like Ghar Ek Mandir, Kumkum, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, and Kulfi Kumar Bajewala. She was also recently seen in The Family Man Season 3, in which she played the mother of Manoj Bajpayee’s character, Srikant Tiwari. Most recently, she was seen in a cameo appearance in the 2026 crime thriller web series Taskaree, helmed by Neeraj Pandey and starring Emraan Hashmi. Her cameo in the series marked her final on-screen appearance.
17 February,2026 08:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFarhan Akhtar is all set to portray Bharat Ratna awardee and legendary sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes' ambitious project, The Beatles- A Four-Film Cinematic Event, marking his Hollywood debut. The announcement has generated significant buzz among his fans as the project marks a major milestone in Farhan’s career. The actor recently reacted to a topical doodle celerating the milestone. Farhan Akhtar reacts to topical about his Hollywood debut Adding to the celebratory mood of the announcement, renowned dairy brand Amul India joined the excitement with its signature topical tribute. The brand released a witty illustrated creative, which featured Farhan sitting next to Pandit Ravi Shankar holding a sitar in his hand, along with Amul’s trademark punchline, “Sitar Turn for Farhan” The dairy giant further wrote, “Amul Topical: Actor- director all set to make Hollywood debut in Beatles biopic as Ravi Shankar!” Farhan Akhtar was moved by the gesture as he reshared the creative on his official Instagram handle and expressed gratitude to the team for the thoughtful tribute. "Aww thank you," he wrote, tagging the brand followed by two red heart emojis. Farhan Akhtar's Hollywood debut The upcoming film series is structured as four interconnected biopics, each narrated from the perspective of a different member of the iconic British band, The Beatles. The project is slated for a global theatrical release in April 2028. Akhtar will step into the role of Pandit Ravi Shankar, whose influence on The Beatles, particularly through his close friendship with guitarist George Harrison, played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to Western popular culture. Shankar's mentorship of Harrison led to the incorporation of the sitar and Indian musical elements into several Beatles tracks, creating a cross-cultural exchange that reshaped the band's evolving sound during the late 1960s. The ensemble cast features Paul Mescal who will portray Paul McCartney, while Harris Dickinson takes on the role of John Lennon. Barry Keoghan has been cast as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn will essay George Harrison. While Akhtar previously made a brief appearance as Waleed, in the Marvel series Ms. Marvel in 2022, this film represents his first major international screen role. On the acting front, the actor has delivered outstanding performances in films such as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Toofan, Wazir, Karthik Calling Karthik, and The Sky is Pink, among others. He was last seen in 120 Bahadur. (With inputs from ANI)
17 February,2026 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran screenwriter Salim Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday morning, leaving fans worried. Now, Dr Jalil Parkar, who is reportedly treating the veteran writer, has issued a statement giving an update on the veteran screenwriter's health. The doctor mentioned that Salim has been shifted to the ICU and is under observation, although he is stable now. Doctor shares update on Salim Khan's health In a statement shared with PTI, Dr Jalil Parker, who is treating the 90-year-old, stated that Khan was admitted in the ICU early morning at 8.30 am. "He is stable but is under close observation in regards to his clinical status," the doctor said in the statement. He added, "Yes, it's true that Salim Khan (father of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan) and an icon in himself has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital under Dr Jalil Parkar in the ICU early morning at 8:30 am. He was brought into the emergency by their family doctor, Sandeep Chopra. Emergency care was initiated in the emergency, and Mr Salim Khan was shifted to the intensive care on the 1st floor. A team of doctors consisting of Dr Vinay Chavan (neurologist), Dr Ajit Menon (cardiologist) and Dr Nitin Dange (neurosurgeon) and Dr Bineet Ahluwalia attended to him. Respecting the relative's request, further details ain't being shared today". "However, tomorrow at 11:00 am, we shall be addressing a press bulletin with due consent of the relatives & maintaining the confidentiality of the patient to the utmost.kindly bear with us. he is stable but is under close observation in regards to his clinical status", Dr Parkar added. Salim Khan hospitalised Earlier in the day, Salim Khan's elder son, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, daughters Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Arpita Khan and the actor Aayush Sharma were seen arriving at the hospital. Salman left the shooting in Madh Island and went to meet his father. Reportedly, Salim Khan has complained of swelling. Salim Khan moved to Mumbai in the 1950s and initially worked as a film extra and supporting actor in Hindi cinema. His acting career was limited, but it led him to scriptwriting. In the late 1960s, Salim Khan partnered with Javed Akhtar, forming Salim-Javed, one of the most influential screenwriting teams in Indian cinema. Between 1971 and 1982, they wrote a series of commercially successful and culturally influential films, including Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta, Zanjeer, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Deewaar, Sholay, Trishul, Don, and Kaala Patthar. Their work helped establish the template of the Hindi commercial film driven by strong narratives, dialogue, and a central male protagonist. (With inputs from agencies)
17 February,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood star Alia Bhatt has been confirmed as one of the presenters at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) ceremony, set to take place in London later this month. The announcement comes as part of a star-studded roster of presenters from around the world who will be celebrating cinema’s biggest night on 22 February 2026. Alia Bhatt to be one of the presenters at BAFTA 2026 Bhatt will share the stage with celebrated international talents, including actors Cillian Murphy, Bryan Cranston, Alicia Vikander, Sadie Sink, Michael B. Jordan and Kate Hudson, among others. This diverse lineup highlights the global nature of the EE BAFTA Film Awards and the celebration of talent across both British and international cinema. The BAFTAs are widely regarded as one of the most important events in the film awards calendar, honouring outstanding achievements in filmmaking from around the world. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming at the Royal Festival Hall in London’s Southbank Centre, and will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, as well as on E! in North America. Bhatt’s inclusion in the presenter lineup marks a significant international milestone for the actor, who has gained acclaim both in India and abroad for her performances. In recent years, she has won multiple awards for her work in Hindi cinema and has continued to build a reputation as one of India’s leading screen personalities. Her role as a presenter at the BAFTAs not only underscores her rising global presence but also strengthens the bridge between Bollywood and international film platforms. List of presenters this season The presenter list for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards includes a wide array of performers and filmmakers, reflecting the ceremony’s commitment to celebrating cinematic excellence across genres and regions. In addition to Bhatt and Murphy, names like Gillian Anderson, Regé-Jean Page, Olivia Cooke and Riz Ahmed are also expected to take to the stage, making for an eclectic and star-filled evening. Alongside the presenters, the event will feature musical performances, including a live rendition of “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters by JAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, as well as a special tribute performance in the In Memoriam segment by Jessie Ware. These performances are expected to add to the celebratory atmosphere of what promises to be a memorable BAFTA ceremony in 2026.
17 February,2026 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rajpal Yadav has been making headlines after he was sentenced to jail in a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. He surrendered last week. Upon his arrest, many people, especially from the film industry, came forward to help him financially to secure the amount required for his bail. On Monday, the actor was granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court and was released on Tuesday evening. Rajpal Yadav walks out of jail On Monday, the Delhi High Court granted interim bail to Rajpal Yadav till March 18, 2026. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who was hearing the case, granted him interim bail subject to depositing Rs 1 lakh as a bail bond as well as furnishing one surety. Earlier during the hearing, the court had ordered the actor to deposit Rs 1.5 crore by 3 PM for interim bail. After the lawyer of the complainant, M/S Murli Projects, confirmed that the actor had deposited the amount in the company’s bank account against the bounced cheque amount, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Rajpal. Upon his exit from Tihar Jail, Yadav was met by reporters, where he addressed the case. He also thanked his well-wishers and people who had his back during this tough time. After his release, Rajpal addressed the media outside the jail. As per PTI, the actor told the media, “If you want to get any legal information, you can ask my advocate. But I want to say that my 30 years in Bollywood will be completed in 2027. Everyone was with me; that is why I could do 200-250 films. This story started in 2012-13. Everybody in Indian cinema was with me. I will follow the court proceedings.” About the case Back in 2010, Rajpal Yadav reportedly borrowed Rs 5 crore from Delhi-based Murli Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed at the box office, and as a result, the loan remained unpaid. Court records indicate that seven cheques issued later bounced. The dispute took a legal turn, and in April 2018, a magisterial court convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha. The actor was sentenced to six months of simple imprisonment. The conviction was later upheld by a sessions court in early 2019, following which Yadav approached the Delhi High Court in appeal. In 2024, the court directed the actor to show a sincere effort to repay the dues. However, in February 2026, the court ordered him to surrender due to multiple breaches of undertakings to repay the amount.
17 February,2026 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
