Actor Adivi Sesh revealed how he once crossed the US-Canada border while pursuing his first love, further describing it as a six-month phase from his early life. The actor, who was speaking at an event for his upcoming film “Dacoit,” where he was present with director Anurag Kashyap and co-actor Mrunal Thakur. Addressing the media present, he said, “Let me say this again publicly. In my first love story, I was in the US. I went to Canada to chase the girl.” He added, “I didn’t have money in my pocket. I ran to the border of the country. I asked people there if there were any Indians so that I could find a place to sleep in someone’s house. It was a very interesting six-month episode in my life.” Talking about “Dacoit,” the movie along with Adhivesh, also stars Anurag Kashyap and Mrunal Thakur. Adivi Sesh has also been associated with projects such as “Bombay Shovel Club” and “The Field,” amongst others. The actor who has been an actor mainly down south, had earlier spoken about the strength of Telugu cinema. He had shared that unlike other film industries of India, Telugu cinema has a strong emotional core because it isn’t still ruled by the corporates. When asked what separates Telugu cinema from other industries of India, he told IANS, “I think emotional ownership. And I'll tell you what I mean by that. Telugu cinema till date is still produced by individual producers. Someone might have mortgaged a house and he's come to produce a film, someone sold a piece of land, and he's come to produce a film.” He added, “Someone did well for himself in real estate or she's a doctor and she's come to produce a film. Whatever it may be. These are the people who are producing even our INR 300, 400, 500 crore films”. 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
05 April,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan took to her social media account on Saturday evening to share a candid moment with husband Saif Ali Khan, offering a peek into their parenting routine. Sharing a selfie, the actress captioned it, “Soccer Duties.” In the picture, Kareena is seen wearing a red bandhani print kurta and black sunglasses, pouting for the camera, while Saif is seen seated behind her, unaware of his wife clicking him candid. The backdrop suggests a sports ground, indicating that probably both the parents are attending their children’s activity. Kareena Kapoor hasn't given any glimpse of her kids, but It appears that their sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jahangir Ali Khan, are busy playing soccer while their parents cheer from the sidelines, fulfilling what Kareena called their “soccer duties.” Both Kareena and Saif never miss any of their children's activities or important days. From their sons’ annual days to sports day and so on, both the doting parents manage to take out time from the busy schedules to be present at the special days. Talking about Kareena and Saif’s love story, it dates back to the sets of the movie Tashan, where the two grew close. Their relationship blossomed over time, and they finally tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in October 2012. The couple welcomed their first son, Taimur known as Tim Tim in December 2016, followed by their second son, Jahangir fondly known as Jeh, in February 2021. On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor was last seen in the movie The Buckingham Murders directed by Hansal Mehta. 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
05 April,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Hrithik Roshan took to his Instagram handle to spread awareness about the use of VFX in cinema. He began by speaking about his fascination with special effects from a young age and how he continued to educate himself about them. He also addressed poor VFX and emphasised that criticism of the technique should be accompanied by a better understanding of it. Hrithik’s remarks come at a time when Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana is being criticised for its heavy use of special effects in this modern retelling of the popular mythology. Hrithik Roshan on 'bad VFX' On Saturday night, Hrithik Roshan shared his love for the art of VFX and how he educated himself. "Yes bad VFX exists. It's sometimes so bad it's painful to watch. Especially for me... and especially when it's a film I'm part of. As an 11yr old kid I saw Back to the Future on a trip to london and it changed me forever. I became obsessed. I would sit with my dads VHS player studying the frames pause -play pause-play until I broke the player. I ordered a book "industrial light and Magic" - The Art of Special Effects" from Reader’s Digest with my pocket money…and waited months for it to arrive at the Juhu post office. Happiest day of my life. I can still smell the book as I unwrapped it. Many others followed." He then went on to speak about the people who have shown the guts to bring their vision to life using VFX. "Today some special humans among us, like the makers of films like Kalki, Bahubali , Ramayana, ( also my dad for koi mil gaya n krrish ofcourse) are my heroes, they have the guts and vision to do what's never been done - all for the love of cinema so that we - the audience get to experience something never watched before. From my point of view they risked all that money, and years and years of effort just so another 11yr old kid could feel what I felt. To me that's noble. the intention by itself deserves applause! I am proud of my fellow Indians. What I would give to be a part of such dreams even as an assistant." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) Hrithik gives lessons on VFX Hrithik further said that his post is for the audience who can do with some better awareness on VFX before they bash films for its use. "In my little understanding from the little that I have learnt is that there are different VFX styles adopted by makers to bring their vision to life," he said. He explained that VFX can be in anime style, photorealistic (invisible) storytelling styled, hyperreal, fantastical realism and experimental along with movie examples for each. "Bad vfx is if the movie promises say 'photorealism' but is unable to inhabit it fully. Even a small lapse in physics/gravity can then destroy the entire illusion. Or the promise is of storybook style but they fail in making it beautiful enough or artistic enough or divine enough and so fails to engage. But to say that the storybook style is not looking photorealistic - isn't fair. Cause it's not meant to be," he said. He added, "AND you can't criticize the maker just cause he has chosen one style while you prefer another style. Thats not fair. So sometimes when you say “bad VFX.” Maybe it’s just a style you didn’t expect? So next time don’t just ask, “Is it real?” First ask, “Is it right for the story?” "is it making me feel what the maker intended?" Debate it. But debate it with awareness. Yes? Please!"
05 April,2026 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLost in the storm A piece of cinematic history has taken a hit. A portion of legendary actor Raj Kapoor’s ancestral haveli in Peshawar collapsed after heavy rains and a strong earthquake on Friday night. The century-old Kapoor haveli, declared a national heritage site in 2016, suffered structural damage after rains weakened the building, with tremors further destabilising its fragile structure. The Kapoor haveli in Peshawar. Pics/X Shakeel Waheedullah, secretary of the heritage council in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, confirmed that a section of the wall caved in, raising concerns about the safety of what remains. The house, built by Prithviraj Kapoor’s father, Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, between 1918 and 1922, is also where Raj Kapoor and his uncle Trilok Kapoor were born. A piece of history, quite literally, hanging by a thread. The Kapoor haveli, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was declared a national heritage site by the Pakistan government in 2016. ‘Emosanal Attyachaar’ ko ‘Nayan Tarase’ Mahie Gill and Abhay Deol in ‘Dev D’ If that title doesn’t already hit you with nostalgia, here’s more. Anurag Kashyap’s cult classic Dev D (2009) is heading back to theatres. The Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill, and Kalki Koechlin-starrer — the modern retelling of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Devdas — will re-release on April 26 in select cinemas. Anurag Kashyap Anurag says the experience feels “special”, insisting it’s a film “meant to be watched collectively”. With Amit Trivedi’s music and Rajeev Ravi’s visuals driving the narrative, this one isn’t meant for a quiet, solo watch. So, who’s queuing up?
05 April,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamAhmed Khan’s directorial venture is nearing the finish line. At the end of March, mid-day reported that producer Firoz A Nadiadwallah had deferred a song shoot in Dubai amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia (Welcome to Plan B — March 31). However, the director-producer duo remain keen to film in Dubai to capture a luxe lifestyle — and to shoot at least Suniel Shetty’s entry sequence in Welcome to the Jungle, alongside Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, and Rajpal Yadav. Suniel Shetty. Pics/Instagram The plan is now locked. The cast will fly to Dubai in mid-May to film the sequence. “Suniel’s introduction scene will be one of the most expensive [sets] in the movie, shot over three days,” a source reveals. The makers want Shetty’s entry to echo Feroz Khan’s iconic introduction in Welcome (2007). “Suniel plays a loveable don. The scene will be shot mid-sea, onboard a 200-foot sleek yacht with a helipad. Suniel and Arshad will get down from the helicopter and meet [the others].” Ahmed Khan and Foroz A Nadiadwallah The producer, in fact, insisted on shooting in Dubai. “It’s one of the most important scenes in the movie. The team also felt that only Dubai suited the ambience and mood we wanted for this universal family entertainer,” explains Nadiadwallah. Shetty, whose association with Dubai dates back 35 years, says he “feels safe safe and secure in Dubai”. “We will be shooting a grand sequence there in May. I am very excited to work with Firoz bhai,” the actor shares. Arshad Warsi and Paresh Rawal Also in Dubai Alongside shooting the film, Suniel Shetty will host a business reality series, ‘Falcons of Majlis’, which is “an investment-driven show similar to ‘Shark Tank’. I believe that Dubai will be back to its glory [soon]. Praying that peace comes to the world soon,” he adds.
05 April,2026 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRWhen filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali sets his mind on something, he refuses to settle for anything less than perfection — and perfection takes time. Since his ambitious period saga Love & War was announced in January 2024, the film has stayed in the news — not just for its star-studded cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, but also for its persistent delays. Originally slated for a March release this year, the film remains incomplete. Bhansali recently shared that only 10 per cent of the shoot is pending. However, scheduling conflicts loom at large. “Ranbir has Ramayana: Part Two, and Vicky has Mahavatar in the line-up. Nitesh Tiwari wants to wrap up the second part to begin post-production, because July onwards time will be dedicated to the promotions of Ramayana: Part One,” says a source. Kaushal, who was expected to bulk up for Mahavatar, but was busy with Love & War shoots all through 2025, has now finally set that plan in motion. As a result, Love & War will only resume filming in the second half of 2026, adds the source. Sanjay Leela Bhansali What remains? The climax. Despite a recent health scare, Bhansali is determined to meet the January 2027 deadline. “He has been working non-stop for the last two years. The team is reworking timelines. Post-production is progressing alongside to save time. Sanjay is certain that the film will release on schedule and exactly how he envisioned it,” another insider reveals. ‘Love & War’ timeline January 2024: Sanjay Leela Bhansali officially announces the film November 2024: Principal photography begins January 2025: Intense indoor schedules in Mumbai August 2025: The ‘War’ aspect kicks off March 2026: After missing the December deadline, it crosses the March date April 2026: Alia Bhatt wraps her final portions May 2026: Projected final wrap January 2027: Tentative release date
05 April,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaIt is a privilege for a film to travel the festival circuit, but despite appreciation overseas, most filmmakers struggle to find space for their projects back home. After a year-long international run, filmmaker Aditya Kriplani is gearing up to release his film Main Actor Nahin Hoon in India. The Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Satarupa-starrer revolves around a struggling actor in Mumbai who connects with a melancholic retired banker in Frankfurt through virtual acting lessons. Speaking to mid-day, Kriplani said, “We have a very able distributor in Platoon One Films, headed by Shiladitya Bora. They’ve backed smaller films, like Newton [2017] that have gone on to do very well. So we’re keeping our fingers crossed.” Aditya Kriplani In an industry where screens are often dominated by big-ticket spectacles, the question of space looms at large for intimate, dialogue-driven cinema. “That’s always a concern,” he admits. “But Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings credibility. He has carried many films as a lead in theatres. So we’re hopeful.” Kriplani also draws confidence from the overwhelming response at the film’s premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose. “It was a 600-seater theatre, completely full,” he recalls. “I’m really excited that the film has come home.” Did you know? Main Actor Nahin Hoon was shot across two locations simultaneously in 28 days.
05 April,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActor Adivi Sesh recently opened up about postponing the release of his upcoming film Dacoit, revealing that the decision was influenced by the theatrical dominance of Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar. Adivi Sesh gets candid about Dacoit's delay The film, which also stars Mrunal Thakur, was initially scheduled to hit theatres earlier but was pushed to a later date to avoid a box office clash with multiple big-ticket releases. Sesh explained that the move was primarily about ensuring his film gets adequate screen space and visibility. Speaking candidly, the actor admitted that the overwhelming presence of Dhurandhar 2 in theatres played a major role in the decision. He said, “Theek tarah ka showcasing nahi mil raha,” indicating that his film would not have received the kind of theatrical exposure it deserved amid the massive buzz surrounding the other release. రిపోర్టర్: “ధురంధర్ 2 మీ సినిమాపై ఎఫెక్ట్ చూపిస్తుందా?”@AdiviSesh: “ధురంధర్ 2 ఇంకా 3-4 నెలలు నడుస్తుంది… అది ఒక ఐపీఎల్ లాంటిది.”“ధురంధర్ 2 టికెట్లు దొరకని వాళ్లు ‘డెకాయిట్’ చూడడానికి వచ్చేస్తారు.”#Decoit #Dhurandhar2 pic.twitter.com/JJBc5wBnDk — M9 NEWS (@M9News_) April 4, 2026 Sesh also highlighted that the team had initially hoped the wave created by Dhurandhar 2 could benefit Dacoit. However, the reality of limited screens and audience attention led them to rethink the strategy. The actor stressed that every film deserves a fair chance to reach audiences without being overshadowed. The decision to postpone aligns with a growing trend in the film industry, where smaller or mid-budget films often shift release dates to avoid clashing with big-scale productions. In this case, Dhurandhar 2 had already generated significant hype, making it difficult for other films to secure prime show timings. Sesh’s comments reflect both practical considerations and respect for the box office dynamics. Rather than risking a compromised release, the makers chose to wait for a window where Dacoit could stand on its own. On doing it for friend Aditya Dhar Despite the delay, the actor remains confident about the film’s content and its ability to connect with audiences. He believes that with the right release timing, Dacoit will get the attention it deserves and perform well in theatres. The film has already generated buzz for its intense narrative and action-packed storytelling, marking a shift from Sesh’s earlier roles. With expectations running high, the makers are now focused on ensuring a smoother and more impactful release. As the industry continues to navigate crowded release calendars, Sesh’s decision underscores the importance of strategic planning in today’s competitive theatrical landscape.
04 April,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor and dancer Lauren Gottlieb is currently performing with rapper Honey Singh on his My Story tour. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Lauren opened up about collaborating with the rapper and spoke about her future plans in Bollywood. Lauren first performed at Honey Singh's concert on March 14 and followed it up by performing at his Mumbai concert on March 28. Now, she revealed that she plans to join him at his upcoming concert in Pune too. Speaking about how the collaboration came together, Lauren said it was very last-minute. "I got a call on a Thursday night, and they said, 'Can you be on a flight first thing in the morning?'” Lauren Gottlieb on performing with Honey Singh What made the Delhi performance stand out was that Lauren and Honey Singh were not just dancing together on stage, but were simultaneously shooting a live music video. Lauren revealed that what unfolded on stage was almost entirely improvised, since they were only able to rehearse twice before the concert. Recalling her dramatic entry, she said, "I had this really long walk-in, and Honey Singh was right in front of me, and I just gave him this look. I think it shocked him. Then all of a sudden he gave me a huge smile, and I realised that we were locked in together. When you have 25,000 people, but you’re doing something very intimate, that’s not really choreographed, you have to be locked into one another." Elaborating on the challenge of performing for the audience and camera simultaneously, the ABCD actress said, “It’s something that no one’s done before. And it’s like a one-take with the camera. We're performing for the camera. And everyone's able to see it on the screen. So I'm looking into the camera and giving all those expressions that you would in a normal shoot. But when I go off camera, and the camera's on him, then I'm performing for the rest of the arena. Because you have to know that 25,000 people are also there." Lauren details her Easter plans For Lauren, this Easter is special as it marks her first Easter post her marriage to Tobias Jones. Sharing her plans, she revealed, "I am performing with Honey on Saturday in Pune (The concert has since been postponed). So on Easter Sunday, we will be waking up, probably having a nice brunch and heading back to Bombay. I'll be away from my husband, away from my family back home. But everyone knows I'm living my dreams, and everyone's very supportive. I have to go home and see them very soon, or call them here." Lauren talks about her upcoming projects Lauren has been enjoying a mix of being in front of the camera and leading the creative vision from behind the scenes. She recently appeared in a supporting role in Single Salma, choreographed and performed the song Who Rules The World for The Royals. Lauren shared how her approach to projects has evolved after investing in learning acting. A trained dancer since the age of 7, Lauren largely restricted herself to special appearances in songs in films like Detective Byomkesh Bakshy and Welcome Back. However, now she is prepared to take on meatier roles. “I went to acting school in New York, which I hadn't done when I first entered Bollywood. So I'm looking out for the right roles now, and I'm being really intentional with what I’m doing. I’m exploring film opportunities and songs. I have a song shoot coming up in a couple of weeks,” she disclosed. Hinting at something bigger in the works, Lauren also shared, “I’m currently working on my own show, which is really exciting. It’s something I haven’t spoken about yet. It's going to be at a Hollywood meets Bollywood type of level and something never seen before.” She also got candid about her crackling on-stage chemistry with Honey Singh, expressing confidence in a future collaboration. “I think 100 percent we have to do a music video. I put money on it. The chemistry is there, and people love seeing us together."
04 April,2026 06:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahHirav Mehta, who plays a BUF rebel in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, spoke about the recent controversy over a morphed video showing Ranveer Singh supposedly smoking while wearing a turban. Filmmaker Aditya Dhar later confirmed the clip was fake, but it had already caused a stir online. Hirav said he never believed the viral video was real. “Honestly, I was not surprised or shocked at all. I know Aditya Dhar sir’s sensibility and how smart he is. When I saw the video, I immediately felt this was not possible. He is a very responsible person and would never do something like that. He always ensures that no religion or sentiment is hurt,” he shares. Hirav Mehta on actors being targeted using morphed images Speaking to the broader issue, Hirav said that facing false stories is now part of being an actor. “As actors, we receive a lot of love, but there are also trolls who spread hate and create things that are not even true. I feel this is part of our journey. Personally, I choose to ignore such narratives and not let them affect my mental health. The love I get is far greater than the hate,” he says. Content can be easily altered. Hirav stresses the importance of awareness among audiences. “It’s very important for people to verify before reacting. Earlier, people would react instantly because there wasn’t much awareness. But now, audiences are more informed and can often identify what is AI-generated or fake. I also think platforms should add proper labels or watermarks on such content,” he adds. Hirav also admits that controversies can put pressure on actors, even if they are not involved. “An actor’s life is very public, so when false news spreads, it does affect you somewhere. But over time, you learn to handle it. Audiences are smart—they may react initially, but eventually they understand the truth,” he explains. When asked if controversies help or hurt a film, Hirav gives a balanced answer. “Sometimes controversies do bring attention to a project, but I don’t think they harm it in the long run. A film involves so many people, so such situations are bound to happen. I don’t believe it negatively impacts the film overall,” he concludes. About Dhurandhar 2's controversy A Sikh organisation recently filed a police complaint in Mumbai against the makers of Dhurandhar 2 and actor Ranveer Singh, claiming that a promotional poster from the film has hurt religious sentiments. The complaint was submitted at Mulund police station on March 17 by a group that identified itself as Sikhs in Maharashtra. The group raised objections to the portrayal of the actor in Sikh attire. In the complaint, the organisation also objected to a poster that allegedly shows Ranveer Singh wearing a turban, sporting a long beard, and a kada, all of which are sacred symbols in Sikhism, while holding a cigarette in the same visual. Director Aditya Dhar took to his official Instagram handle to issue a statement, urging the audience not to believe in AI-created fake images of Ranveer Singh’s character Jaskirat shown smoking. He also reiterated that he holds the utmost respect for the Sikh community, requesting fans to rely only on official content. He called it "a deliberate act of misrepresentation intended to provoke and create mischief." He also warned of strict action against those involved in creating the "malicious" content.
04 April,2026 03:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor Ramakant, every rupee has a story — and spending them carelessly is never an option! Netflix has unveiled the trailer of Toaster, its upcoming dark comedy that dives into one man’s unwavering commitment to saving, no matter what it costs him. Toaster trailer The trailer introduces Rajkummar Rao as Ramakant — an endearing, no-nonsense kanjoos (miser) who believes every rupee saved is a victory. Whether it’s squeezing value out of everyday situations or refusing to let go of anything he’s spent money on, Ramakant takes thrifting to a whole new level. So when a toaster he gifted for a wedding ends up going to waste, he sets out to retrieve it, dragging himself — and everyone around him — into a series of increasingly messy situations, where every attempt to set things right only makes matters worse. Directed by Vivek Das Chaudhary and produced by Patralekhaa under Kampa Film, Toaster also stars Sanya Malhotra alongside an ensemble cast including Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi and Seema Pahwa. The film thrives on the chemistry of its ensemble, with each character bringing their own quirks, motivations and reactions into the mix, adding to the steadily building confusion and momentum. Rajkumar Rao shares his excitement for Toaster Sharing his thoughts on the film, Rajkummar Rao said, “This is a special one for me as it marks our first film under our production house, Kampa Film and produced by Patralekhaa. I’m truly excited to bring this story to audiences. What really drew me to Toaster was how something so small can completely take over a person’s mind. Ramakant is someone who genuinely believes he’s doing the right thing. He doesn’t see his actions as extreme; he sees them as practical. But that’s exactly what makes the journey so unpredictable." "It’s a story that comes from a very real place, and watching that sincerity spiral into chaos is what makes the film both engaging and entertaining. It was also a joy working with such a brilliant cast, which really brought this world to life. It's exciting to be working both behind and in front of the camera this time," he said. With its quirky characters and unexpected turns, Toaster promises a sharp, fast-unfolding ride that keeps things spiralling till the very end. Toaster premieres on April 15, only on Netflix.
04 April,2026 02:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
