Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut, who often makes headlines for her outspoken nature, came in support of Deepika Padukone after the actress parted ways with the big-budget movies, allegedly due to a lack of fixed working hours. Last year, Deepika found herself in the middle of a heated debate after her shocking exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD, over specific working conditions, including a request for an eight-hour working day. The debate continued for months, with several celebrities weighing in on it. Kangana Ranaut shares her take on the 8-hour shift debate In an interview with ANI, Kangana reflected on how work-life balance evolves with time and experience. She recalled the time when she and Deepika pushed themselves through long, demanding shifts, driven by ambition and the desire to succeed. Kangana said, “I don’t think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she (Deepika Padukone) is coming from, she has earned that place. She has a daughter, she’s a mother now, and the topmost actress. If today she is keen to work for eight hours, she has earned it." She recalled a conversation she had with Deepika when the latter was working on Imtiaz Ali’s film. “Deepika and I, when we were together, she said that they were working on Imtiaz’s film or something. She said, ‘We have a 12-hour shift.’ In response, I said that I work for only 10 hours. She’s like ‘That’s amazing’. So there was a time when we wouldn’t settle for anything less than 12-14 hours because we were ferocious. We wanted it. We were at it. We were going for it. We wanted to be successful and wanted all these things," she added. Kangana points out the societal pressures faced by mothers Kangana also criticised the societal pressures that require women to balance intense work demands with family responsibilities. "Let me just conclude it with this. You know, when you're new, you're coming up, you are replaceable. Your place is different. She, being where she is, she's a mother. She's got a family to look after. She's also earned that place where people are going to say that, wait a minute, I want her. And it's okay if she comes for eight hours because we'll work around her time. So why not?" "And I think all the talk around fertility rate, and all the talk about marriages collapsing, and all of it. What are we doing? We are putting so much pressure on our women. We are making them work double the amount now with the children."
16 April,2026 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood star Akshay Kumar recently shared an interesting story from his early days, recalling how his late mother played a key role in shaping his mindset when he was planning to buy his first home. The actor revealed that while he initially aimed for a modest 2 BHK apartment, his mother encouraged him to think much bigger. Akshay Kumar talks about his mother's advice Speaking during the promotions of his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, Akshay opened up about the conversation that changed his perspective on success and ambition. At the time, he was still establishing himself in the industry and wanted to make a practical, financially safe decision by opting for a smaller home. However, his mother had a very different outlook. She reportedly told him to aim higher and consider buying a 5 BHK instead. Her reasoning was simple yet powerful she believed her son was capable of achieving far more than he was allowing himself to imagine. Her advice, often summed up in the phrase “think big,” left a lasting impression on the actor. Akshay admitted that her words stayed with him and helped him shift his thinking from being cautious to being more ambitious. Instead of limiting himself, he began to see the value in dreaming bigger and pushing beyond his comfort zone. Over the years, this mindset has played a significant role in his journey to becoming one of Bollywood’s most successful and bankable stars. The actor has often spoken about the influence of his parents in his life, and this anecdote further highlights the strong bond he shared with his mother. Her belief in his potential gave him the confidence to take risks and aim for greater achievements, both personally and professionally. On the work front Today, Akshay Kumar enjoys a successful career, multiple properties, and a strong standing in the film industry. Looking back, he credits much of his growth to the early lessons he learned at home, especially the importance of thinking big and not settling for less. As he gears up for the release of Bhooth Bangla, the actor’s story serves as a reminder of how a simple piece of advice from a loved one can shape one’s ambitions and ultimately influence the course of life.
16 April,2026 04:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanbir Kapoor, one of the most compelling and influential voices in Indian cinema today, has been featured in TIME Magazine’s prestigious TIME100 list, which celebrates the world’s most impactful individuals. Known for his nuanced performances and fearless approach to storytelling, Ranbir has consistently pushed the boundaries of mainstream stardom to carve a space that is both culturally resonant and globally relevant. Ayushmann Khurrana lauds Ranbir Kapoor Honouring his journey and contribution to cinema, Ayushmann Khurrana penned a deeply insightful note- one that reflects not just admiration, but a deeper understanding of what Ranbir represents in today’s cinematic landscape. Reflecting on the nature of his stardom, Ayushmann wrote, “There are actors who chase legacy, and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter. In an industry as prolific and passionate as Indian cinema, we often measure greatness in decibels- box-office numbers, fan frenzy, and opening weekends.” He went on to highlight how Ranbir’s impact lies beyond the obvious markers of success, in something far more subtle yet lasting: “Every once in a while, an actor shifts something quieter yet far more enduring- our emotional vocabulary as an audience. Ranbir has been doing that film after film. In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalises. He shows our culture through quiet restraint. He represents the India that is finally learning how to listen to itself and leaves a mark through simple authenticity.” Ayushmann on Ranbir's global contribution He also highlighted Ranbir’s relevance on the global stage and how he has contributed to a cultural shift. Ayushmann added, “Globally, actors like Ranbir become important cultural bridges. He embodies an India that is evolving not just in scale but also in sensitivity. Our cinema is influencing the world. Ranbir isn’t just a movie star; he’s a storyteller talking to a global audience, telling them stories of a fabled, mythical country where epics like the Ramayana have inspired other civilisations and cultures.” Ayushmann’s tribute not only celebrates Ranbir Kapoor’s artistry but also positions him as a key voice in the evolving identity of Indian cinema. Ayushmann himself has also been recognised by TIME, having featured on the TIME100 list and later receiving the TIME100 Impact Award, making him one of the few Indians to be honoured twice within three years.
16 April,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSoon after the mega success of the box office phenomenon, Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge, casting director Mukesh Chhabra has now achieved another significant feat by venturing into production with Gudgudi. Starring Ahsaas Channa, Gudgudi has been officially selected under the Marché du Film segment at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, 2026, running from 12 to 23 May, 2026. Mukesh Chhabra reacts to Gudgudi's Cannes selection “Words can’t justify how I feel to see Gudgudi make its way to the 79th Cannes Film Festival. It’s an esteemed, global platform, and I feel grateful to be able to showcase our vision, Indian cinema’s vision, our capability and celebrate the teamwork that went behind creating this piece of work,” shares Mukesh Chhabra. “It’s a proud moment for India and a global opportunity to bring focus to Indian talents. This opportunity reinforces the growing global recognition of Indian craft, and I truly feel honoured to be a part of this milestone,” he adds. Directed by Manisha Makwana, Gudgudi marks the first-ever production of Mukesh Chhabra, becoming a significant addition to his body of work. View this post on Instagram A post shared by White Peacock Films (@whitepeacockfilms) Announcing the selection on social media, the makers shared a poster and penned a heartfelt caption that read, “Presenting Gudgudi Our yet another special film that has found its way to Cannes… and we honestly couldn’t be more grateful to share this moment with all of you. This is a dream come true with dream team manishamakwana18 ahsaassy_.” It added, “Thank you for all the unconditional love, belief, and support you’ve given us along the way…it truly means everything (red heart emoji)” Mukesh Chhabra reveals 3 actors rejected Rahman Dakait's role After Dhurandhar's release, Akshaye Khanna gained significant attention for his role as Rahman Dakait, a notorious Lyari ganglord. However, he was not the first choice for the role, in fact, he was the fourth actor approached, as three actors had earlier turned it down. In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, casting director Mukesh Chhabra revealed that three actors rejected the role for unusual reasons. Without naming them, he said, “Ek actor South se thhe, aur baki do Bollywood ke thhe. They gave me a very weird logic. They said, ‘Ye ensemble cast hain (This is an ensemble cast).’ ‘Ye toh Ranveer ki picture hain (This is Ranveer Singh's picture).’ I said okay leave, and Aditya [Dhar] is a cool guy and he said it is fine. He was sure about his film. I did feel bad because we think of an actor after a lot of thought.”
16 April,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher bumped into former India cricketer Anil Kumble at the airport and went on to not just heap praise on his sporting legacy but also his grace, humility, and deep-rooted connection to Indian culture. Anupam took to Instagram, where he mentioned the geotag of the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal in Mumbai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) The actor also shared a selfie with Kumble, who was regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, took 619 wickets in Test cricket and was the third-highest wicket taker of all time at the time of his retirement in 2008. The actor-filmmaker wrote in the caption: “Met AnilKumble at the airport - and what a delightful surprise that was! Of course, the world knows him as one of India’s finest cricketers. But beyond the legend of the game, I discovered once again what a wonderful human being he is - graceful, grounded and full of quiet dignity.” Anupam mentioned that he had the privilege of listening to a beautiful Sanskrit recital by him and his wife Chethana. “Recently, I had the privilege of listening to a beautiful Sanskrit recital by him and his wonderful wife Chethana. It was deeply moving and left a lasting impression on me.” Anupam concluded: “In a time where we often rush past our roots, they are nurturing and celebrating our culture with such sincerity. They truly are cultural ambassadors of our heritage in the most elegant way. Jai Ho!” On the work front, Anupam, who was recently seen in his own directorial Tanvi The Great, is set to reprise the role of Kamal Kishore Khosla in the second installment of the 2006 film Khosla Ka Ghosla! Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the sequel will have some familiar names from the original drama, such as Boman Irani, Parvin Dabas, Ranvir Shorey, Kiran Juneja, and Tara Sharma, along with some fresh faces such as Ravi Kishan. In addition to this, he has also collaborated with acclaimed director Sooraj Barjatya for another exciting project. 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
16 April,2026 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIActress Sameera Reddy recently shared an emotional video, where she was seen bidding farewell to her 92 year-old father as she left her maternal home to return to Goa. The heartfelt video captured the deep and emotional bond between a father and daughter. In the video, her father is seen offering prayers to the Almighty before she leaves. The video further captures tender moments between the two, with her father gently placing a peck on her cheek. Sameera is further seen warmly hugging him before leaving. Sameera wrote, “Everytime his lil girl leaves home. It’s the same emotion.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sameera Reddy (@reddysameera) She further also added, “At 47 I still have to give dad the ‘I’ve arrived safely call. As you age, leaving your parents back home gets harder. grateful” Sameera is extremely close to her parents and especially to her father. A few months ago, on account of her father's 91st birthday, Sameera had taken to her social media account to share a heartfelt note. In the video, she was seen adorably laying a peck on her father's head. She wrote, "People ask me where I get my crazy spirit from.. it obviously comes from my Reddy Garu His positivity, his masti, his love for life! Our roaring lion .. you inspire us everyday to live and love to the fullest. Each year I get more emotional because I am everyday grateful…” The actress, for the uninitiated, shifted base to Goa during the pandemic and only travels to Mumbai for work. The actress had taken a sabbatical from movies post motherhood, and has now become a full-time content creator. Sameera also shares a great equation with her mother-in-law, Manjari Varde and their fun videos on Instagram are widely loved by the audience. The actress before joining the entertainment world was reportedly a marketing professional at a multi-national company. Sameera, after a hiatus of 13 years, is set to return to Bollywood with a horror flick, Chimni to be released soon. 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
16 April,2026 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Yash has two major films lined up for release this year- Toxic and Ramayana. The first glimpse teaser introducing Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Lord Rama, was released recently. While the teaser received appreciation, it also faced criticism for its visuals. Yash, who plays Ravana in the film, has now addressed the feedback. He is also co-producing the film along with Namit Malhotra. Yash on VFX criticism for Ramayana During an interaction on Muse TV’s YouTube channel, Yash was asked about working on a film like Ramayana, which relies heavily on VFX. The host also mentioned that the visuals in the teaser appeared photorealistic. Responding to the criticism, Yash said, “That’s where I think DNEG comes in (laughs). Namit, who is my producing partner, brings that expertise. The photorealistic visuals you’re talking about- it’s still a work in progress. I’m sure it will be even better in the final product. We’re aiming for something truly top-notch.” DNEG is an Academy Award-winning British VFX studio known for its work on films like Inception, Interstellar, Tenet, Dune, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, and Dune: Part Two. He was further asked if he watched a completed cut of Ramayana. “We’re working on it and will keep improving it till the last minute. We’ve seen a fairly good version, but we’re still enhancing it. It’s exciting to build something you believe in and watch it on the big screen. At the end of the day, producers and actors also do it for themselves,” he said. Yash on working with Ranbir Kapoor In a conversation with Fandango, Yash spoke about his equation with Ranbir Kapoor. He shared, “Interestingly, we haven’t shared screen space yet. As you know, it’s a two-part film. In the first part, as Ravana, I have my own kingdom, and Rama has his own.” He added, “We’ve met a couple of times, and he’s a fabulous actor. There’s mutual respect between us. When you’re working on something as ambitious as Ramayana, everyone has one goal- to give their best to tell the story. Our visions are aligned, so chemistry isn’t an issue. We’re enjoying the process.” More about Ramayana Ramayana: Part 1 features a large ensemble cast, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan, and Sheeba Chadha, among others. The first part of Ramayana is slated for a global theatrical release during Diwali 2026..
16 April,2026 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Tamannaah Bhatia has suffered a legal setback after the Madras High Court dismissed her appeal seeking Rs 1 crore in damages from Power Soaps Limited. The case revolved around the alleged unauthorised use of her images by the company to promote its products. Tamannaah Bhatia's case witnesses a setback According to reports, Tamannaah had initially approached the court claiming that the brand had used her photographs without permission in its advertising campaigns. She argued that this amounted to a violation of her personality and publicity rights, and sought compensation for the same. However, her plea was earlier rejected by a lower court, prompting her to file an appeal before the High Court. In its recent ruling, the High Court upheld the earlier decision and dismissed her appeal, effectively denying her claim for Rs 1 crore compensation. The court found no sufficient grounds to overturn the previous order, thereby ruling in favour of the company. The case highlights the complexities involved in disputes over image rights and endorsement-related conflicts in the entertainment industry. Celebrities often rely on strict contracts to control how their likeness is used commercially, and any alleged misuse can lead to prolonged legal battles. While Tamannaah maintained that her images were used without authorisation, the court’s dismissal indicates that the evidence presented may not have been strong enough to establish her claims conclusively. The verdict reinforces the importance of clear contractual agreements and robust proof when pursuing such cases. All about the case This development comes as a setback for the actress, who has been actively working across multiple film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. Despite the legal loss, she continues to remain a prominent name in the industry with several projects in the pipeline. The ruling also sets a precedent for similar disputes, underlining that courts require concrete evidence to support claims of unauthorised commercial use. For brands and celebrities alike, the case serves as a reminder of the legal scrutiny surrounding endorsements and promotional content. Overall, the High Court’s decision brings closure to the case, at least for now, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about celebrity image rights and intellectual property in India’s entertainment sector.
16 April,2026 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra-starrer Toaster has been watched by Kunal Kemmu, and he quite liked it. Sharing a picture from the film's screening in Mumbai, Kunal took to Instagram and gave a shout-out to the entire team of Toaster. "What a whacky fun film.. must watch it on netflix_in vivek.daschaudary I'm so proud of you. Please make more films soon rajkummar_rao always in top form and always on point no matter what the genre. Love you brother sanyamalhotra you are a delight to watch. Mast!! archanapuransingh I did not see this one coming. So freakin good you are in this(highlight) upendralimaye mendoza bhai rocks nowitsabhi mumma tum kya mast kaam kiya once again man farahkhankunder I just love you. You are so funny without even trying. A natural patralekhaa producer Sahiba, bahut banut mubarak ho," he wrote. Headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, the dark comedy has been directed by Vivek Daschaudary and produced by Rao and his actor wife Patralekhaa under Kampa Films. Toaster revolves around Ramakant, essayed by Rao, a man whose extreme frugality leads to a series of chaotic and humorous events. It also stars Abhishek Banerjee, Archana Puran Singh, Farah Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Upendra Limaye in pivotal roles. 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
16 April,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIActors Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri starrer Maa Behen is now moving to the next stage. Director Suresh Triveni, in a social media post, shared a glimpse from the film's sets featuring the lead stars in a candid moment. "Agle padav ki taiyaari maabehen," he wrote. Madhuri Dixit, along with Triptii and Dharna Durga, could be seen joining the frame as the trio smiled, looking at the mobile phone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suresh Triveni (@sureshtriveni_) Many commented on the post, as many expressed high anticipation for the film. Triptii dropped heart emojis in the comment section. The teaser of 'Maa Behen' was unveiled in January this year. Directed by Suresh Triveni, the film centres around the constantly squabbling mother and daughters who find themselves in the "middle of a situation with a dead body in their kitchen." Madhuri plays Rekha, while Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga play her daughters in the film. In the teaser, the 'Animal' actress was seen fighting with her on-screen mother, Madhuri Dixit, over her mannerisms as she wears a sleeveless blouse in the house. The situation takes a downturn when they discover a dead body in their kitchen. After getting over a panic attack, the trio decides to team up to cover the crime. Ravi Kishan also plays a prominent role in the film. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) The film was announced at the Netflix India Slate in Mumbai. At the event, Dixit expressed her happiness at working in the comedy genre. "It's a dark comedy. When Suresh ji came, I am a big admirer of his work. When I heard the story, I felt like doing it because I haven't done comedy in a long time," said Madhuri Dixit at the event. Triptii Dimri said she has learnt a lot from Madhuri Dixit in the film. "It was a very nice experience working with her. It was like one happy family together. I am her big fan, I learned a lot from her." The film's release date has not yet been announced. 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
16 April,2026 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIThe much-anticipated film Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release, with new details about its timeline creating buzz among fans. The mythological epic, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema and is planned as a two-part saga. During a recent interaction at CinemaCon 2026, Yash, who plays Ravana in the film, confirmed that Ramayana: Part 1 is expected to release in the last week of October 2026. This update aligns closely with earlier reports suggesting a festive release around Diwali, a period often reserved for major Bollywood blockbusters. Yash confirms Ramayana to release in late October Yash mentioned, "Ramayana has a certain substance that stays with you for a long time." He also got candid about the what intrigued him, "The very reason this story has endured for so long, and gone beyond boundaries, almost transcending cultures, where people truly own it, suggests there’s something deeply universal about it. And I feel that experiencing it on the big screen, with today’s technology, could make it feel even more immersive and unique for audiences, something they can truly take in and enjoy the way it’s meant to be seen." The film has been generating massive excitement due to its scale, star cast, and cutting-edge visual effects. Apart from Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana, the film also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita. The project is backed by producer Namit Malhotra and is being mounted on an unprecedented budget, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. At CinemaCon, the makers showcased glimpses and promotional material, highlighting the film’s international appeal and high production value. Yash also hinted that while the film is on track for its planned release, the visual effects work is still ongoing, underscoring the effort being put into delivering a visually immersive experience. All about the film The two-part adaptation is based on the ancient Indian epic Ramayana and aims to present the story on a global scale, combining traditional storytelling with modern cinematic techniques. The first part will set the stage for the larger narrative, with the sequel expected to follow in the subsequent year. With its star-studded cast, massive budget, and global ambitions, Ramayana is already being positioned as a landmark film in Indian cinema. The confirmation of its late October release has only heightened anticipation, as audiences await what could be one of the biggest cinematic spectacles of 2026.
16 April,2026 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
