Farhan 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 correspondentAs Ranveern Singh's Dhurandhar continues making history at the box office, the film has achieved another milestone. The Aditya Dhar directorial has completed an extraordinary 75-day theatrical run today, February 17, 2026, at the box office. Following its release on 5 December 2025, the film has built a remarkable global footprint at the box office, accelerated by exceptional word-of-mouth and audience enthusiasm. Dhurandhar's box office run Interestingly, its 75 days at box office milestone comes despite the film releasing on OTT. The film premiered on OTT on January 30 and has continued to draw crowds with remarkable consistency in cinemas. The film has been defying conventional box-office trends and continuing its strong hold despite new releases. Dhurandhar has successfully cemented its place as a modern cult sensation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jio Studios (@officialjiostudios) According to trade reports, the film has minted Rs 838.32 after a 10-week theatrical run so far and counting. As Dhurandhar continues its run in cinema halls, excitement for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, its sequel, is already at a peak. The anticipation for the film is sky-high, as fans cannot wait to witness the next chapter unfold. About Dhurandhar Dhurandhar also stars R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. Serving as the first instalment of a two-part film series, it centres on a high-stakes covert counter-terrorism operation. The film follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi's criminal syndicates and political power structures in Pakistan in an effort to dismantle a terror network targeting India. The film's storyline draws loose inspiration from multiple real-life geopolitical events and conflicts in South Asia, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and developments linked to Pakistan's Operation Lyari. Dhurandhar 2 resumes with Hamza Ali Mazhari, an Indian undercover agent who has successfully infiltrated Pakistan's underworld. After taking down Rehman Dakait, Hamza ascends the ranks of power, only to face his most formidable adversary yet Major Iqbal, the ISI mastermind known as Bade Sahab. Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a high-octane spy-action thriller written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. Presented by Jio Studios, this B62 Studios production is gearing up for a cinematic storm from March 19, 2026. (With inputs from IANS)
17 February,2026 06:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrench President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Bhavan. During his visit, Macron also interacted with members of the Indian film industry to discuss arts, culture, and potential collaborations between the two countries. President Macron meets Bollywood celebrities On Tuesday afternoon, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron met Bollywood personalities including Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha, and Shabana Azmi. The meeting took place at the Taj Hotel in Colaba, where the French President was staying during his Mumbai visit. French President Emmanuel Macron meets personalities from the arts and culture world, including Bollywood personalities Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha and Grammy-winning music composer Ricky Kej, during his ongoing visit to MumbaiPhotos… pic.twitter.com/hH7kwTh5Pv — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 French President's Mumbai visit In a post on X, PM Modi also stated that the French President shared his experience in India's financial capital, noting that Macron liked the city and enjoyed his morning run earlier in the day. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" the Prime Minister stated in his post on X. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of their bilateral talks, where they reviewed key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. They were also seen sharing a warm exchange as they greeted each other. Earlier today, at the start of the morning rush in Mumbai, the French President surprised Mumbaikers by joining the morning walkers. The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron decided not to disrupt his fitness routine despite being in a foreign country, ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings with PM Modi. On the same day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris.
17 February,2026 06:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Rajpal Yadav remains embroiled in a long running cheque bounce case, but his legal team has now alleged that the complainant is acting with “malicious intent” and is more interested in sending the actor to jail than resolving the financial dispute. Lawyer makes a shocking revelation Rajpal’s lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay, recently addressed the media, claiming that the case is no longer just about recovering money. He argued that the complainant refused to accept substantial security offered by the actor. “If it was only about money, they could have taken the security. But there was a malicious intent,” Upadhyay said. He further alleged, “The complainant said, ‘We don’t want this and just kindly execute the decree by sending him in jail.’” According to the lawyer, Rajpal surrendered original property documents worth over Rs 40 crore before the court in an attempt to demonstrate his willingness to settle the matter. “He surrendered it before the court stating the value of my property is more than 40 crores,” Upadhyay stated, emphasizing that the actor had provided collateral significantly higher than the disputed amount. The case stems from financial dealings linked to the 2012 film Ata Pata Laapata. Upadhyay clarified that the Rs 5 crore in question was not a personal loan taken for Rajpal’s personal use, but rather an investment made in the film. “This 5 crores was invested by the complainant in that movie, not given a personal loan to him for his personal needs,” he explained. All about the case The outstanding dues reportedly escalated to around Rs 9 crore over time, leading to legal proceedings and the actor’s imprisonment. However, Rajpal was recently granted interim bail, offering temporary relief. Upadhyay also maintained that his client remains cooperative and committed to following court directions. “He is strong. He says he will comply with court directions. His only request is that his side be properly heard,” the lawyer added. While the legal battle continues, Rajpal Yadav’s team insists that the actor is making genuine efforts to resolve the dispute and hopes for a fair hearing as the case progresses. Rajpal is now out on interim bail in the case till the next hearing.
17 February,2026 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEarlier on Tuesday, it was reported that Aamir Khan was playing peacemaker between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar by mediating to resolve the ongoing issue regarding Don 3. However, a new report has now stated that it is not the case and that Aamir himself denied any involvement. Aamir Khan dismisses reports of playing mediator According to a Bollywood Hungama report, when they approached Aamir Khan for a comment on reports of playing mediator, he ‘flatly denied any hand in the Ranveer-Farhan Akhtar dispute’, the report claims. This comes after Hindustan Times reported that Aamir Khan held a meeting at his residence in Mumbai to address the ongoing dispute between actor Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment. Among those spotted for the meeting at Aamir’s home were Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ekta Kapoor, Excel co-founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, Zoya Akhtar, and Zee Entertainment MD and CEO Punit Goenka. The meeting raised a lot of speculations ranging from a new collaboration to a major industry alliance. An insider reportedly told the portal that at least one of the meetings was focused on resolving the Ranveer–Excel issue. “Aamir is trying to resolve the issues between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment. The two have had some unresolved issues, which have caught the eye. The meetings at his place are for the same," the source claimed. Feud between Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh over Don 3 The ongoing issues reportedly began after Ranveer exited Don 3, which is an ambitious project produced by Excel Entertainment. The fallout became a public matter after reports of disagreements over the script and delays emerged. Excel Entertainment reportedly sought Rs 40 crore in compensation, citing pre-production expenses, scheduling changes and related losses from Ranveer Singh. The production house stated that groundwork had been completed only after Ranveer’s approval. Meanwhile, Ranveer, on the other hand, reportedly exited the film due to dissatisfaction with the script, the absence of a bound script and issues over the project’s management. The actor has argued that he did not receive any advance payment and was not compensated for time lost when other projects, including Baiju Bawra, were shelved. The Producers Guild of India has reportedly stepped in to mediate in the matter.
17 February,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Kiran Rao recently shared that she is down with chikungunya. She added that she is currently recuperating at home, while sldo urging people to take necessary precautions. Kiran Rao shares health update Kiran took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of herself. She is seen lying down with her cat beside her in the picture. Sharing a health update, Rao wrote, “Ok folks, I now have chikungunya. And yes, Miri is an excellent paramedic, timely monitoring her mamma’s fever." She also dropped a picture of a book, a thermometer, and a card kept next to her and wrote, “Taking it slow, admiring my friends’ cards, and catching up on my reading – when I can hold up the book!" She further added, “I know you know this but the joint pain is (drizzy face, mind blown and skull emojis) so TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS!" Despite the illness, the filmmaker shared that she is trying to stay positive and take things slow, while highlighting the severity of the symptoms. Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through by mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus. The most common symptom is fever, along with joint pain. About Kiran Rao Kiran, who is the former wife of superstar Aamir Khan, started her career as the assistant director in the epic film Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, whom she also assisted later on Swades: We, the People. Before Lagaan, she had also done a minute-long role in the 2001 hit film Dil Chahta Hai. She also worked as second assistant director with Academy Award-nominated director Mira Nair on the indie hit Monsoon Wedding. She scripted and directed the film Dhobi Ghat, which was released in January 2011 under Aamir Khan Productions. She also sang a Marathi song ‘Toofan Aalaya’, the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup Anthem. Her film Laapataa Ladies was selected as the Indian entry for the Best International Feature Film for the 97th Academy Awards. (With inputs from IANS)
17 February,2026 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBack in 2011, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Ra.One was considered an experimental film. Superhero movies were not common in Indian cinema at the time, but Sinha went ahead with the ambitious project, and Khan placed complete faith in it. The film combined advanced VFX, gaming culture, and Indian family drama. However, it did not receive the desired box office response upon release. Despite underperforming commercially, the film’s scenes and music remain memorable even today. Anubhav Sinha on Ra.One sequel In a recent interview with Prabhat Khabar, Sinha was asked about the possibility of a sequel. He said he is keen to make Ra.One 2, but it would require a long commitment of two to three years."Ra One 2 ka ye hai... mera bhi bada mann hai... Ra One 2 ko banane me lagenge 2-3 saal. 2-3 saal ki lambi shaadi hai wo. To main zara, thoda sa khaali ho jau. Phir sochta hu ki wo teen saal tab main zindagi me lagana chahta hu aur uss wakt Khan sahab available hai ki nahi hai. Kyuki Khan sabah bhi to lage hue hai ek ke baad ek, ek ke baad ek. (I wish to make Ra One 2. Unfortunately, it would take 2 to 3 years to make the film. It is a long commitment. So when I get a little bit freer, then I would start thinking about it. I would also have to see if Shah Rukh Khan is available or not. Since he is also jumping from one project to another non-stop.)” What Shah Rukh Khan said about Ra.One sequel? Meanwhile, on his 60th birthday last year, Shah Rukh Khan also hinted at a possible sequel during a fan interaction on November 2 in Mumbai. He shared that the film was very close to his heart and praised Sinha’s hard work. The actor said he had hoped the film would start a new trend in VFX-driven cinema. He added that while the film performed well, today’s tech-savvy audience might connect with its themes even better. Shah Rukh also expressed his willingness to return as G.One if Sinha decides to make the sequel, saying that the project can only be revived by its original creator. "Maybe people didn’t fully relate to PlayStation, video games or iPads back then. Now everyone has a smartphone. Today, it would probably be more acceptable. So yes, if Anubhav ever decides to… because he’s the one who made it, and only he can make it again. We worked really hard on it. And God willing, if the time ever feels right, we might do it again. It’s easier now anyway."
17 February,2026 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Sunny Deol is currently basking in the success of his film Border 2 which marked his first release of the year. The actor has some interesting projects lined up for release this year- both in theatres and OTT. After Border 2, the actor is now gearing up to return to the big screen with another promising release, Gabru. Gabru locks May 8 release The project, which has been made under the direction of Shashank Udapurkar, will be arriving in the cinema halls on 8th May this year. Gabru was previously slated to be out in the theatres on March 13. However, now, the makers have decided to push the release. While the makers have not revealed the exact reason behind delaying the release, the decision might have been taken in order to avoid a box office clash with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Yash's Toxic. Both these projects will be released on March 19. Backed by Vishal Rana and Om Chhangani, Gabru will showcase Sunny in a powerful yet emotionally resonant role that will celebrate strength and spirit. Speaking about his next project, Sunny revealed that Gabru is not just another project for him, but a story that resonates with him on a deeply personal level. He added that the movie reflects themes of courage, identity, and resilience; elements that have always defined his cinematic journey. About Gabru Along with Sunny, the core cast of Gabru further stars Simran and Prit Kamani. The film will further boast some noteworthy tracks composed by Mithoon and lyrics provided by Sayeed Quadri, Satinder Sartaj, and Anurag Saikya. The movie will be distributed nationwide by PVR INOX pictures. The first look of the drama was unveiled back in October 2025 on Sunny's 68th birthday. The video showed Sunny carrying the body of a little girl. In another scene, he was seen wearing a kurta-pajama, sitting with a serious look on his face. The clip concluded with the text, “Sunny Deol in and as Gabru.” After Gabru, Sunny will be seen in theatres on Independence Day for Lahore 1947.
17 February,2026 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
