French 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 correspondentIn the entertainment world, there are very few comebacks that have created a benchmark and left everyone stunned. With their blockbuster returns, they have proven that they are the real OGs, certainly unbeatable when they come together. If we look at one OG duo that has created sheer magic in the comedy genre, it has to be actor Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan. Not only have they laid the foundation for some of the biggest comedy franchises, but they have also delivered cult classics and are now gearing up for yet another one with Bhooth Bangla. Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan reunite It’s just the announcement of Bhooth Bangla that has created a massive stir across the country. While the excitement is partly due to the trending horror-comedy genre, what truly makes it special is the comeback of the blockbuster duo, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan. They are not just masters of their craft; they are the creators who shaped this genre and dominated it with their iconic films. Known for their effortless chemistry, sharp banter and perfectly timed chaos, the duo has delivered some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable laughs. They previously collaborated for memorable hits like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Garam Masala, and Khatta Meetha. Seeing Akshay Kumar in a horror comedy is pure bliss, and when he is cast in a Priyadarshan film, nothing can beat that combination. A perfect mix of comedy and horror, backed by a brilliantly engaging story, music, and, most importantly, memorable characters, is what defines their films. Their reunion, alongside the familiar Priyadarshan flavour, is set to rekindle that classic humour with a fresh, spooky twist for today’s audiences. This is clearly visible in Bhooth Bangla as well. Bhooth Bangla preponed The demand for the film was so unbelievably high that the makers had to prepone it. Bhooth Bangla, which was previously slated to hit the theatres on May 15, 2026, has now been preponed and will arrive in the cinema halls on April 10, 2026. The decision to change the release date has been taken keeping in view Akshay’s packed theatrical lineup and the audience engagement This clearly reflects the immense excitement among the masses, making it one of the biggest films to watch out for. Such overwhelming anticipation for a horror comedy is rare, but when it’s the OGs, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan together, they make the impossible happen.
17 February,2026 04:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSocial media can truly be a source of distraction. Having realised this, A. R. Rahman has decided to stay away from the internet and focus solely on his work. The music composer announced that he is going on a 40-day digital detox to concentrate on the upcoming Ramayana event. He made the announcement during a live concert in Chennai. AR Rahman's digital detox According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, a source said, “There is a major event for Namit Malhotra–Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana coming up in March 2026, in which all the actors and technicians of the film will be announced to the public. Rahman needs to complete his work before that event. He will be working at a more rapid pace than usual to meet the deadline.” Rahman, along with international composer Hans Zimmer, has worked on the music of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. Talking about collaborating with Hans Zimmer, Rahman earlier told The Hollywood Reporter India, “It’s terrifying for both of us. We’re scoring something so iconic and so important to the world. We’re taking something so epic, which every Indian knows, and we have to give them something new — from India to the world.” He also spoke about his approach to the film’s music, saying they have to unlearn certain instincts while retaining the timeless quality of the epic. Rahman revealed he is working closely with poet Kumar Vishwas, who brings deep knowledge of the Ramayana and the Hindi language to the project. About the grand Ramayana event The event is reportedly set to be held on March 27 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. It will mark the official reveal of the principal characters in the film, which also stars Yash. Sources indicate that several senior leaders from the state and central government, along with stars from the worlds of entertainment and sports, are expected to attend. According to a report by Mid-Day, Ranbir, who plays Lord Ram, has personally invited family and close associates to the ceremony. Yash portrays Ravana, Sai Pallavi essays Sita, while Sunny Deol plays Hanuman and Ravi Dubey takes on the role of Lakshman.
17 February,2026 03:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Anushka Sharma and her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, were recently spotted leaving the Mumbai airport. In videos circulating online, Virat was seen dressed in a simple shirt and pants, while Anushka wore a simple suit. The couple paid a visit to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, and visuals from their visit are now doing the rounds on social media. Anushka and Virat mark first visit to Premanand Maharaj in 2026 On Tuesday morning, Virat and Anushka reached Keli Kunj Ashram at around 5:30 am to seek blessings from the spiritual leader. Several celebrities are known to follow the Maharaj, who has an ashram in Vrindavan. Anushka and Virat are also known to visit him regularly. Photos from the visit showed them in traditional attire — Virat in a dhoti-kurta and Anushka in a blue and white suit. The couple also wore tulsi malas and tilaks as they participated in chants at the ashram. VIRAT KOHLI & ANUSHKA SHARMA AT SHRI PREMANAND JI MAHARAJ DHAM IN VRINDAVAN. 🙏🥹 ❤️pic.twitter.com/HriZtYoinz — Rakeshcricket (@Rcm494) February 17, 2026 Couple's previous visit to the Maharaj Back in December, they had visited Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj at Varah Ghat, where they engaged in an intimate spiritual interaction. Videos of that visit had gone viral, showing them listening intently to the guru. The December visit had marked their third visit to the Vrindavan ashram. Earlier in May, they visited the Maharaj after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. Kohli drew the curtains on a stellar red-ball career, representing India in 123 Tests and scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. When Palaash Muchhal visited Premanand Maharaj Apart from Virat and Anushka, singer Palaash Muchhal also visited Premanand Maharaj’s ashram. After his wedding with cricketer Smriti Mandhana was reportedly called off, Palaash was seen at the ashram in Vrindavan, seated among devotees and accompanied by his mother. He was seen wearing a mask while listening to the Maharaj. The wedding was called off on the day of the ceremony on November 23 in Sangli. On the work front, Anushka Sharma was last seen in the film Zero and has not signed any new projects. She has the film Chakda Xpress which is yet to release despite wrapping up shoot long back.
17 February,2026 02:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn its first 10 seconds, the trailer of Assi tells you a chilling statistic -- that there are 80 reported rape cases in India every day. “That’s one every 20 minutes. By the time you finish this interview, one more would have happened,” director Anubhav Sinha told us, when we met him to discuss his upcoming film that sees Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer, who takes up the case of a sexual assault survivor, essayed by Kani Kusruti. The statistics disturb him, but what unsettles him more is the normalisation. “This story has crossed my eyes so many times through my life that it became ‘normal’. I was not okay with that.” He is careful to clarify that Assi is not based on one headline. “It’s not a specific story I picked up from a newspaper. I think it’s made up of all the stories I’ve ever read. I would see the headline and not even feel anything. That scared me.” Sinha locates rape culture within the structure of patriarchy itself. “We come from a very patriarchal society. There are two kinds of criminal acts. One is the hardcore, dominant, violent act. The other is the sly act, the sleazy one that happens inside homes, with people you know. Those are the ones mostly never reported.” The former becomes an FIR because it often leaves behind a body; the latter survives in silence. “Committed to a woman who wouldn’t speak. Hopefully," he says. Anubhav Sinha What angers him most is the generational failure. “Mothers tell their daughters at 13 this will start happening, this is how you deal with it. But men don’t tell their sons. We didn’t bring them up. We didn’t tell them about gender equality. We didn’t tell them that’s another person’s body. You might be attracted to it. You can’t snatch it. I think this film comes from that part in my heart.” Reuniting with Pannu, he insists, was never about chemistry but intention. “The reason me and Taapsee are making this film is exactly the same. She does these films for the exact same reason I want to make them.” He has little patience for actors who approach socially conscious cinema as a career strategy. “I meet a lot of actors who want to be in my movies because they think they should want to be in a movie like that. That’s when it doesn’t work for me. It’s too constructed. I won’t see your honesty in it. You will see her honesty through her eyes. Miles into her eyes. Because she believes in it. And she walks the talk.” ‘Mulk’ (2017) and ‘Thappad’ (2020) If Thappad explored the violence of a single slap within marriage, Assi widens the lens to interrogate the ecosystem that enables sexual violence. Yet Sinha admits that as a man, he entered the writing process at a disadvantage. “Every time me and Gaurav went to write a scene, we were trying to think like a woman. I’m very aware of the fact that I’m not a woman. That was the toughest part for me.” He and his writer Gaurav Solanki were two men in a room attempting to access a lived reality that was not theirs. “I was watching a whole lot of films about women to understand women. To feel like one. I hope it has translated.” The emotional afterlife of Thappad continues to shape him. “Post that film, I received calls from men and women both who just called to cry. They didn’t tell me their names. They didn’t tell me why. They just cried and said thank you. For me, that response affirmed cinema’s responsibility." He is blunt about the industry’s shifting priorities. “It’s tough. You don’t get actors because the onus is on box office. A lot of actors would rather be with a big star and be that star’s failure because if it’s a success, their fee goes up. Mid-budget films shrink in the shadow of hyper-masculine spectacles." And yet, he remains oddly calm this time. “I’ve never felt this confident before. I’m normally a very nervous man. This time, I’m not. Perhaps that confidence comes from what I have heard on the ground. While travelling across cities before announcing the film, I recall strangers asking me, “Why aren’t you making real stories from our world?” A cinema owner even asked, “Why don’t you make a film about rape? So many girls are being raped in India.” Sinha smiles at the memory. “I had already made one. I just hadn’t told him. Let’s talk about it now. It’s an urgent matter.”
17 February,2026 02:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActor Adarsh Gourav has admitted that his latest film Tu Yaa Main has had a slow start at the box office, but he has also expressed gratitude for the love coming their way. Gourav also lauded his co-star Shanaya Kapoor, calling her “real and vulnerable” further revealing that she surprised the team on set with her performance. Sharing powerful stills from Tu Ya Main, Gourav opened up about his journey playing Maruti and reflected on the film’s reception. He wrote, “Tu yaa main came at a time to me where I was feeling confused and helpless reading everything that was being developed. But when I walked out of abzeebandekar insane narration at the colour yellow office, I knew i had to be Maruti.” He added, “What was it about him that felt so personal to me? Maybe his desire to breakout and find an identity. Something infectious about a character who knows where he’s coming from and does not shy away from it. Would I ever be able to walk up to someone while owning my fears and let them see me for who I am? Probably not. Probably what I wanted to be. Maruti gave me a chance to be what I always envied. I wanted to be his friend the moment I read about him.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adarsh Gourav (@gouravadarsh) He added that he has been a big Bejoy Nambiar fan. “Been a big bejoy fan since day 1. The films he makes and the high stakes situation that his characters often find themselves in- is something I devour. Thank you bejoynambiar for making me part of such a cool film and believing in me as Maruti. aanandlrai I cannot thank you enough for backing me and always being such a calm and supportive producer.” Lauding his co-star Shanaya Kapoor, Gourav wrote, “shanayakapoor02 surprised all of us on set. I saw herself surrendering to the situation and the character. she was so real and vulnerable. Thank you for bringing believability to Avni and for being the best sport on set and off. Had such a great time shooting with ansh too. Phenomenal actor and human being and can’t wait for everything in store for him.” He further wrote, “This film is truly made by its crew. Blood sweat and tears literally for everyone who worked on this. priyalahon gopikagulwadi remydalai protekthero pujapalan6 sidmeer and all the other crew who made this vision possible, only love and respect.” “It’s important that people show up in bigger no.s and watch smaller commercial films like ours too cause it gives a real chance to other writers and directors to develop films that are clutter breaking. It encourages producers to back films that are trying to do anything unique. Plus this one is tailor made for a big screen experience. We are off to a slow start but we’ve been feeling all the love coming our way. If you liked the film- pls tell your friends about it and watch us all get destroyed by an 18 foot Crocodile,” he concluded. Talking about Tu Yaa Main, the movie has been directed by Bejoy Nambiar and backed by Aanand L Rai. The film features Gourav Adarsh and Shanaya Kapoor in lead roles, alongside Ansh in a pivotal part. 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
17 February,2026 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
