In a dramatic and emotional episode of The 50, actress Nikki Tamboli found herself at the centre of attention after making a major personal sacrifice during a high-pressure task. The challenge, part of the intense Dare or No Dare segment, tested contestants’ loyalty, strategy and willingness to give up prized possessions for the team’s benefit. Nikki Tamboli sacrifices her expensive belongings Nikki was called into the Lion’s Den while she was in the middle of doing her makeup, catching her off guard. She was tasked with collecting personal belongings from fellow contestants within a strict time limit to add money to the group’s prize pot. In the first round, she successfully gathered 1 kg of items, earning Rs 20,000. She followed it up with 2 kg in the next round, adding another Rs 30,000 to the total. However, as housemates became more protective and began hiding their belongings, the final round proved far more challenging. Nikki needed to collect 3 kg of items to secure an additional Rs 50,000. With limited options and time running out, she made a bold decision as she chose to sacrifice her own personal makeup and skincare products to complete the task. Nikki Tamboli gets emotional Her effort paid off, bringing her total contribution to Rs 1 lakh and significantly boosting the overall prize money. Despite her success, the emotional weight of the moment was evident. Nikki broke down, expressing disappointment over what she felt was a lack of support from some fellow contestants. The situation became even more intense when her boyfriend, Arbaz Patel, revealed just how expensive her products were. According to him, her moisturiser costs Rs 75,000, while her serum is priced at Rs 50,000. However, she was extremely upset with her boyfriend Arbaz in the house after the whole task. She even went on to say that she hurt her whole family by choosing him and he has been hurting her for this. The revelation highlighted the scale of her sacrifice, turning the episode into one of the most talked-about moments of the season. Nikki’s determination to prioritise the team over her personal belongings showcased both her competitive spirit and emotional vulnerability, leaving viewers divided yet deeply engaged.
19 February,2026 06:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe reality show The 50 has entered its most crucial stage, with the top four finalists officially confirmed ahead of the grand finale. After weeks of intense challenges, shifting alliances, and dramatic confrontations inside the palace, four contestants have secured their spots in the final race for the coveted trophy and the prize money of Rs 50 lakh for their fans. Grand finale gets their finalists From a large pool of celebrities drawn from television and digital platforms, the competition steadily narrowed as eliminations raised the stakes. Familiar names such as Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary, and Urvashi Dholakia were part of the season, making the contest even more competitive. As the show progressed into its final phase, only a handful of strong contenders remained, each fighting to secure a place in the finale. The four finalists who ultimately clinched their positions are Mr Faisu, Shiv Thakare, Rajat Dalal, and Immortal Kaka. Each of them has demonstrated resilience, strategy, and strong fan support throughout the season. Their journeys have been marked by tough tasks that tested not only physical strength but also mental sharpness and social gameplay. All about the show There had been considerable speculation surrounding other strong competitors, especially Prince Narula, who was considered one of the frontrunners for much of the season. However, the final qualifying rounds reshaped the leaderboard, leading to the confirmation of the current top four. The competition has remained unpredictable, keeping viewers engaged and invested in every twist. Since its premiere, The 50 has attracted significant attention for its unique format that blends celebrity dynamics with strategic gameplay and audience driven stakes. The show streams on JioHotstar and also airs on Colors TV, expanding its reach to a broad audience base. With the grand finale approaching, excitement is at an all time high. Fans are eagerly waiting to see which of the four finalists will emerge victorious and claim the ultimate title in what has been one of the most dramatic seasons of the show. Fans have already been rooting for Faisu and Rajat Dalal for the major win in the reality show.
19 February,2026 05:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Akshay Kumar is currently hosting the television game show Wheel of Fortune India. During one of the recent episodes, the host turned the mainstream entertainment platform into a space for social reckoning. He addressed racism faced by North-Eastern Indians for decades by fellow country people. Akshay Kumar addresses racism against North-East Indians What began as a contestant sharing her lived experience of racial abuse faced by people from the Northeast could easily have been brushed aside as an “uncomfortable moment.” Instead, Akshay leaned into it. He acknowledged it and then made his stand clear. Rather than positioning himself as a distant ally, he made the issue personal. He called his makeup artist, Kin, who is from Manipur, onto the stage, breaking the invisible hierarchy that often separates “stars” from those who work behind the scenes. “There is a boy with me who does my makeup and takes care of me. He is here — Kin.” That gesture shifted the conversation to a truth he was directly privy to. When Kin recounted being mocked, stereotyped, and reduced to slurs such as “Chinese,” “Chinky,” and “Momo,” it was no longer an abstract issue. It unfolded before millions in real time. Akshay did not dilute the moment with politeness or denial. “Today, after listening to you, I am convinced that these things happen,” he said. He then addressed the nation on the show. “I want to tell all the people of India- there is discrimination against people from the Northeast. They are all Indians. They are as much Indians as I am, as you are, and as everyone sitting here.” Akshay reminds contributions of Northeast Indians He went further, reminding viewers of the contributions of the Northeast, referencing the Naga Regiment and their role in wars such as Kargil and Bangladesh. “They have given their blood. They are Indians.” The moment reflects a pattern that has defined Akshay Kumar’s career - from films tackling social taboos and systemic injustice to themes of nationalism, health, and gender equality. For him, entertainment is not divorced from responsibility. By bringing Kin forward, naming discrimination plainly, and reaffirming belonging, Akshay used his platform to confront casual racism head-on. In a country that celebrates diversity in theory, it was a rare moment of moral clarity on prime-time television.
19 February,2026 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fresh storm has erupted in the palace of ‘The 50,’ and it revolves around Ridhima Pandit and Divya Agarwal. A recently released promo of ‘The 50,’ has taken the internet by storm. The promo which shows an intense war of words between Divya and Ridhima has left fans of the show rooting for Ridhima. While arguments are common in reality shows, this clash stood out for its raw intensity and personal tone. Divya Agarwal and Ridhima Pandit have a major confrontation The promo unfolds with Prince Narula discussing voting patterns with his group. He is seen asking, “Kab hua ki ladkiyon ko Larkin se kum votes mile ho?” Reacting to this, Divya comments, “Bhai Tejasvi gayi hai,” prompting Prince to reply, “Sabko finale tak lekar jaye, ye toh possible nahi hai.” Visibly upset, Divya withdraws, while Ridhima expresses her frustration by saying, “Ye log jo bol rahe hai na ke group bana de, usi mein bhi sabko sab hai.” Instead of responding calmly, Divya snaps back, “Toh Ridhima tu hi koi solution de de, tu kabse kat kat kar rahi hai,” triggering the confrontation. As the argument escalates, Ridhima refuses to stay silent. Hurt by Divya’s tone, she boldly questions her authority and says, “Tu Kaun hai? Tu koi boss hai kya yaha ki?” When Divya replies, “Dimag toh laga rahe hai na,” Ridhima fires back with a sharp reality check, “Tunhe lag raha hai ke Tera dimag kaam kar raha hai, ye dimag nahi hai.” Her fearless response reflects her strong personality and unwillingness to tolerate disrespect. Divya, however, continues with personal remarks, saying, “Ridhima stop this yaar. Ek bar bahar kya jaa ke aayi, fatt gayi hai teri.” This statement further fuels the tension, making her appear defensive and aggressive. Ridhima, clearly irritated, ends the arguement firmly with, “Dekhte hai kitna tikte hai,” leaving a lasting impact. Fans react to the brawl As soon as the promo dropped, netizens flooded social media with support for Ridhima. Comments like “Riddhima best” and “Riddhima fans attendance button” dominated the discussion. Viewers praised her courage and dignity, calling her the true heroine of the moment. With this explosive promo, The 50 has set the stage for dramatic episodes ahead, with Ridhima emerging as a strong voice of self respect and Divya facing growing criticism for her behaviour.
19 February,2026 01:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Hina Khan shared a heartfelt note as she geared up for Sehri, saying that dedication towards work and faith can beautifully go hand in hand. One of the highest-paid television actresses in India, she is widely recognised for playing Akshara Maheshwari Singhania in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. She emerged as the runner-up in the eighth and the eleventh seasons of Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and Bigg Boss 11. She then played the antagonist in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 from 2018 to 2019. Hina Khan balances work and faith With just a couple of hours left for Sehri, the actress took to Instagram stories to reflect on wrapping up a long and hectic work day, while still making time for personal commitments at home. She revealed that despite her packed schedule, she managed to remove her acrylic nails herself, calling it a small but meaningful win. Sharing a picture of her nails, she captioned it: “Sehri in 2 hours. And the hard work finally paid off. Who said work and faith can't go hand in hand. Had a long work day but I still managed to remove acrylics at home. Woh kehte haina, Jahan chaah hal, wahan raah bal...Alhamdullilah Ramadan Mubarak.” Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community. Hina Khan says the industry is hesitant to work with her Hina was part of the reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga with her husband, Rocky Jaiswal. However, she shared that she still feels the industry is hesitant to work with her because of her breast cancer diagnosis. She said, "This is my first project after the whole thing happened. I want to work. No one has directly said to me that, 'You've still not recovered completely', but I can sense that maybe people are hesitant (to work with me) for all the right reasons." She further adds, "It's okay. I'll have to break that norm. Maybe the show will do it, I understand it. Had I been in their place, I would've thought about it a thousand times. I'm open to auditions, where did I stop? No one has called me for the last one year, for all the reasons. I'm open to everything, please call me." In 2024, she revealed that she is suffering from Stage-3 breast cancer and confirmed that she is undergoing chemotherapy for treatment.
19 February,2026 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentComedian Kiku Sharda has defended his relationship with Kapil Sharma, calling it respectful and dismissing suggestions that Kapil is a “wannabe fake person.” In a candid conversation with the media, Kiku addressed their professional and personal dynamic, firmly putting to rest any notion of animosity between them. Kiku Sharda talks about Kapil Sharma Speaking warmly about Kapil, Kiku said, “Kapil Sharma is not a wannabe fake person.” He emphasised that people’s assumptions about their rapport are often based on misinformation, insisting instead that their bond is grounded in mutual respect. Elaborating on their relationship, Kiku shared, “Our relationship is respectful and we have been maintaining it very well.” He acknowledged the years they have worked together in the entertainment industry and reiterated that despite any ups and downs, they have always strived to stay professional and amicable. Kiku also addressed public perception and expectations, making it clear that not everything shared online about their interactions should be taken at face value. He stated, “What people show or perceive from outside is not what is inside.” Stressing that there is more to any relationship than what meets the public eye, Kiku urged audiences not to jump to conclusions based solely on rumours or social media narratives. Recalls his bond with Kapil Sharma His remarks come amid continuing conversations in the television industry around camaraderie, rivalry and respect among peers. By highlighting the respectful nature of his association with Kapil, Kiku aimed to set the record straight about their rapport. In closing, he touched on the importance of staying grounded amid speculation and remaining focused on one’s craft rather than feeding into drama. “I have always believed that relationships should be kept respectful, whether people understand it or not,” he said, underlining his belief that professionalism and dignity matter more than public perceptions. Kiku’s comments reaffirm his appreciation for his longstanding working relationship with Kapil Sharma and reflect his belief that respect and honesty are essential values in any collaboration within the entertainment industry. Kiku Sharda is currently a part of Kapil Sharma's comedy show The Great Indian Kapil Show and has been nailing each character he picks for the comic skits on the show.
18 February,2026 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood star Akshay Kumar was in a playful mood during a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune India, where he hilariously pulled RJ Mahvash’s leg as she attempted to solve a puzzle. The fun moment quickly grabbed attention, thanks to Akshay’s trademark humour and Mahvash’s candid reactions. Akshay Kumar ready to give Rs 1 cr In the promo, Mahvash appeared deeply focused on the puzzle board even before the clue was fully revealed. Noticing her intense expression, Akshay teased, “I can see that you’re very confused.” When she explained she was trying to figure out the answer, he jokingly pointed out that the puzzle had not even been shown yet. Laughing, he added, “Kisi ka baap nahi solve kar sakta,” implying that no one could possibly solve it at that stage. Taking the banter a step further, Akshay dramatically declared, “I will give Rs 1 crore to anybody who solves this. Forget Rs 1 crore, I’ll give you my kidney too.” His exaggerated promise sent the audience into fits of laughter, turning the moment into one of the most talked-about highlights from the episode. RJ Mahvash left in splits RJ Mahvash later shared her own humorous take on the experience through social media posts. Reflecting on the day, she wrote, “Iss din mere sath to jitna ghalat ho sakta tha, HUA THA. episode dekhna.” She also poked fun at herself, saying, “Hahahahhaha anxiety se bina shuru huwe hi solve karne lag jati thi main ti.” In another playful remark, she quoted someone defending her attempt: “Solve nai kar sakta par soch to sakta hai na insaan.” Continuing her self-deprecating humour, she added, “Meri kismat me ched leke gayi thi main iss din. Bilkul mat dekhna ye episode.” Despite the lighthearted mishaps, Mahvash revealed she was unwell during the shoot. She shared, “101 fever par bhi I think we managed to pull a great show together! B'cz no matter what, THE SHOW MUST GO ON! akshaykumar Sir you are a starrrrr. Found him sweetest of all the people I have worked with honestly.” The episode showcased Akshay’s effortless comic timing and Mahvash’s sporting spirit, making it a memorable moment for viewers of Wheel of Fortune India.
18 February,2026 06:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter her exit from The 50, Khanzaadi has once again spoken out, this time through a detailed Instagram Stories post reacting to the show’s re-entry task and her experience inside the house. In her statement, Khanzaadi praised the male contestants for their effort while questioning the intent and performance of some of the female participants. Khanzaadi slams Chahat Pandey Referring to the re-entry game, Khanzaadi wrote that all the boys played with full dedication and commitment. However, she alleged that a few female contestants did not perform sincerely and singled out Chahat Pandey, calling her “the most insecure” and claiming that she did not participate intentionally. Khanzaadi added that viewers could watch the episode themselves and form their own opinion. In her post, Khanzaadi also spoke about the lack of support she felt from another woman on the show. She wrote that it was unfortunate when women did not stand by each other, using the phrase “aurat hi aurat ki dushman hoti hai.” According to her, false narratives were created against her, which influenced others in the house and affected several of her genuine bonds and friendships. Defending her journey, Khanzaadi said she played the game with honesty, loyalty, and dignity, and was never insecure about anyone. She stated that standing strong in one’s truth often makes others uncomfortable, and alleged that insecurity and manipulation were visible in the episodes themselves. She further claimed that unfair narratives impacted her game but said she trusts that truth and karma eventually prevail. Ending her note on a thankful note, Khanzaadi expressed gratitude to those who supported her, adding that “real always recognizes real.” Her post has viewers reacting strongly to her revelations and revisiting the dynamics shown on the show. Khanzaadi calls out Tejaswi Madivada In another story, Khanzaadi even slammed Tejaswi for spreading misinformation in interviews, she wrote, "About this contestant named Tejaswi speaking against me in interviews. I have our real chats saved, she clearly said herself in the chat, that she doesn't even remember exactly what happened and yet she's speaking about me with full confidence. Sometimes people say things confidently even when they don't fully remember what really happened, and that can create a very different narrative from the truth."
18 February,2026 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDuring a recent podcast conversation, Karan Kundrra opened up about his experience on Bigg Boss 15 and revealed how he ended up securing what he believes was a record-breaking pay cheque for the season. Asked about his biggest pay cheque ever, Karan said, “Mera sabse bada pay cheque jo tha voh Bigg Boss ka hi tha. Humne history ukhaad di thi, Being at the right place at the right time waali situation hogyi thi.” He explained that talks about him joining the show had been on for several years, but only after the pandemic did things fall into place. “4-5 saal se voh baat toh kar hi rahe the aur uss time humara Covid khatam hua tha. They were like nahi Karan toh hume chahiye hi.” Karan Kundrra talks about the paycheck Karan joked about his own personality while explaining his negotiation, adding, “Toh maine kaha main toh thoda gusse waala admi hoon. Toh mereko mat hi leke jao,” suggesting he didn’t initially think he’d be the obvious pick. He said his negotiation ultimately paid off when the makers agreed to his terms. “Fir end main maine muh faada aur unhone haan kardia. Accha khasa muh phada tha.” He went on to share what the show’s team told him after the deal was finalised, saying, “Jo main bande hain show ke, unhone mujhe bataya tha ki jitna tune manga hai voh history main kisi contestant ne nahi manga.” His stint with Bigg Boss 15 Karan also provided some insight into why he knew what to ask for, pointing out his behind-the-scenes experience. “Because around that time, I was also behind camera and had done things as co-producers as well so I knew how much to ask for.” His statements illuminate both his confidence in negotiating his fee and his awareness of how the industry works, suggesting that his understanding of production dynamics helped him secure a deal he describes as historic. During Bigg Boss 15, Karan became one of the most talked-about contestants, known as much for his on-screen presence and relationships inside the house as for his rapport with fans outside. His remarks about pay have reignited conversations among reality TV viewers about how contestants are compensated and how personalities leverage their popularity. Elvish Yadav even joked that despite not winning Bigg Boss 15, he still got the trophy home with girlfriend Tejasswi Prakash.
18 February,2026 05:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major twist is set to shake up Pushpa Impossible, starring Karuna Pandey, as Muskan Bamne joins the show in a pivotal role. The upcoming track promises significant changes in the lives of Pushpa and Prathana, with Muskan’s character bringing fresh drama and emotional conflict to the storyline. Muskan Bamne on returning to TV After her appearances in Anupamaa and Bigg Boss 18, Muskan is returning to fiction television with renewed excitement. Sharing her enthusiasm about the project, she said, “Yeah, I'm very excited. Pushpa Impossible is happening finally, and I'm working after almost 2 years. So, I'm really very excited. And, Shanaya, my character's name is Shanaya, and I'm very excited to play her. She is a very interesting character. She is a little stubborn in the beginning, but then, you know, Pushpa teaches her what to do and all that.” Opening up about her break from television, she admitted, “Yes, I was missing, but also I was waiting for something good. And, yeah, Pushpa Impossible happened. And, I'm very excited, actually. I waited for 2 years, but finally back on screen. So, I'm enjoying it.” Muskan described Shanaya as a layered and challenging role. “I think challenging characters. Like, I really love doing that. Because, you know, like, Shanaya's character is a little shady in the beginning, and then she turns into some positive and all that. So, it's quite challenging. So, yeah, I love that. And also, script-wise, and also your co-actors, all that matters.” On working with Karuna Pandey Comparing fiction with reality television, she shared, “Two different worlds. Reality and fiction. So, it is very different. Like, you know, you guys know me. I'm not a reality show kind of a person. So, yeah, I'm so happy to be back here. And, yeah, both are very different. I just enjoy doing acting more than reality.” Muskan also reunited with Karuna Pandey after nearly a decade. “Yeah, I did my mock shoot with Karuna ma'am. And I've worked with her before also. Long back. When Star Bharat Life used to be okay. So, she played my mother in one show called Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali. So, yeah, it was great working with her after 10 years. So, we were very excited. We met very well. We chatted a lot.” With Shanaya’s entry, Pushpa Impossible is gearing up for an emotional and dramatic new chapter.
18 February,2026 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatA recent special episode of MasterChef India struck an emotional chord with viewers as it brought a deeply personal twist to the competition. In a segment themed around childhood memories, the show welcomed the mothers of celebrated chefs Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur onto the set, turning the high-pressure kitchen into a space filled with warmth, nostalgia and heartfelt moments. Special episode for the judges Titled around the idea of “Bachpan Ki Yaadein,” the episode encouraged the judges to revisit the flavours and dishes that shaped their early culinary journeys. Instead of their usual authoritative roles critiquing contestants, the chefs found themselves stepping back into the shoes of sons, guided and occasionally corrected by their mothers. The shift in dynamic offered viewers a rare and intimate glimpse into the personal lives of the culinary stalwarts. As the mothers entered the studio, the atmosphere transformed instantly. The chefs, known for their composed and professional demeanour, were visibly emotional and excited. They spoke about growing up in kitchens filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals and shared stories of how their love for food began at a young age. The challenge revolved around recreating dishes inspired by their childhood, with their mothers offering tips, encouragement and even playful criticism along the way. All about the show The episode highlighted how deeply family influences culinary identity. Each dish carried not just flavour but memories of simpler times, of school days, festive gatherings and everyday family dinners. Watching the accomplished chefs seek approval from their mothers added a touching layer of authenticity to the show. There were moments of laughter, light teasing and even a few emotional exchanges that resonated strongly with audiences. For fans, this special episode stood out as more than just a cooking challenge. It celebrated the roots of Indian cuisine and the generations of knowledge passed down through families. By blending competition with personal storytelling, MasterChef India once again demonstrated its ability to go beyond recipes and techniques, focusing instead on the emotional and cultural connections that make food such an integral part of life.
18 February,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
