The recent web series Chiraiya has sparked serious conversations regarding sexual harassment, marital rape, and consent in arranged marriages. Actress Anjuman Saxena, who essays the role of Prasanna Bisht’s mother, reveals how she was taken aback during the narration. She also reflects on her career choices, working with Rishi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, and leaving music. Anjuman Saxena on Chiraiya Revealing how she was taken aback by the subject, Anjuman asserts how issues like the casting couch and sexual harassment exist beyond the film industry. “When I heard it for the first time, I was a little taken aback. It suddenly hit me that this is how things have always been taken for granted. This is not just about the film industry; it applies to every industry. You will see these kinds of issues happening everywhere.” However, things are beginning to change, with POSH training now becoming essential in every organization, and even on film sets. She explains, “There is always a dedicated POSH team present during shoots. This ensures that anyone, whether a woman or a man, can easily approach them and raise a complaint if something is going wrong.” Anjuman Saxena on leaving music Beyond acting, Anjuman is also a trained Hindustani classical vocalist and a respected music industry professional. However, she left her passion behind as she could not cope with the digital transition. “Leaving music was tough because it has always been my first love. However, I was no longer finding my space there due to the transition from the physical to the digital world. Fortunately, for more than a year now, I have returned to music along with acting, so I can say that I am enjoying the best of both worlds.” She added, “I do come across lyrics that have no real meaning, and especially in many item numbers, some lines seem to go beyond what is appropriate and should not be there. Those are the kinds of things I do not approve of. However, I would also say that this is a very good time for many newcomers to create their own original music.” Working with Rishi Kapoor Anjuman shared screen space with Rishi Kapoor in his last film, Sharmaji Namkeen. She shared how the actor was dedicated to his work amid his battle with cancer. “At that time, Rishiji had just recovered but was still recuperating, so he was not in the best of health. However, his dedication to his work, even then, was truly remarkable. The best part was that he would not simply go off to rest; instead, he would sit with all of us in one room. We would spend time together, and he would often engage in conversations. He was never aloof. Seeing that level of dedication was incredibly encouraging. It motivated me to work harder and do better. Although we had only a very short duration to shoot with him, and what happened during the shoot was truly unfortunate, those few days we spent together will remain a cherished memory for life.” Anjuman Saxena on star kids The actress, who has shared screen space with actors like Janhvi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Varun Dhawan, admits that they are scrutinized more and that everybody wants to poke them. Reacting to the trolling Varun is facing for his acting and family background, she shared, “David Dhawan did not really produce a film for Varun Dhawan or launch him. Varun worked his way up, assisted in the AD team, and only after that did he begin acting. He went on to do Student of the Year and many other projects. Ultimately, everyone has to work hard. I have seen how dedicated they are and the effort they put into their work.” She also heaped praise on Alia Bhatt and said, “I love her work. I loved her in Gangubai Kathiawadi and her role in Udta Punjab. She has turned out to be an amazing actor. The way she has portrayed her characters in films like Dear Zindagi is remarkable. These are the movies I remember her for because I like her.”
16 April,2026 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti BaglaLegendary playback singer Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle is remembering the late singer with a heartfelt message for the admirers of her voice. On Wednesday, Zanai Bhosle took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and shared a throwback video of herself with the late singer. In the video, the two can be seen enjoying a procession from their balcony. Zanai Bhosle also gave a peck to her grandmother on her forehead as the lens captured a heartwarming moment. She wrote on the video, “She would want us to celebrate just the way she celebrated life”. One of the most influential singers of her time, Asha Bhosle, sang her first song as a playback for the 1943 Marathi drama ‘Majha Bal’. She is known for lending her voice to some noteworthy numbers such as ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko’, ‘Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani’, ‘Kya Ghazab Karte Ho Ji’, ‘O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan’, and ‘Ye Ladka Hay Allah Kaisa Hai Diwana’, to name just a few. Along with Hindi, she has sung in around 20 Indian and foreign languages. Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12. The singer was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday. The singer was given the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award back in 2000, followed by a Padma Vibhushan in 2008. The singing legend was given the guard of honour at her residence in the Lower Parel area of Mumbai. Her mortal remains travelled from her Lower Parel residence to Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar. The mortal remains of the singing legend were draped in the tricolour, as she cremated with full state honours. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, actor Vicky Kaushal, Tabu, Vivek Oberoi, music composer Anu Malik, singers Anup Jalota, Sudesh Bhosale and Shaan, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, actress Padmini Kolhapure, were seen at the Shivaji Park during the last rites. Political leaders, who paid final respects to her included the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, and Uddhav Thackeray - the Member of Legislative Council Maharashtra, and the MNS supremo Raj Thackeray. 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 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Patralekhaa recently stepped into the shoes of a producer with her movie Toaster. The actress, in a heartfelt conversation with IANS, spoke in length about how her new role as a producer kept her busy, making post partum not hit her as much. “I am really happy about it. There’s something called postpartum that happens to women, not necessarily to everyone and motherhood can feel like a black hole at times. But because of Toaster and Raj, and I am glad the universe supported me this way, I didn’t feel it as much,” said Patralekhaa. The actress who, just a few months ago, welcomed a baby girl into her life, revealed how because of her work, she was able to become a much better and sorted mother to her baby girl Parvati. “I feel like I am a better mother to Parvati now. So thankfully, it’s a good space to be in,” she said. Talking about venturing into the production space as a debutant, Patralekhaa told IANS, “Actually, Raj (Rajkummar) and myself were waiting to venture into production for quite some time now. But then COVID happened and other things here and there.” But then Toaster happened, I read it, it was funny, it was something I felt wasn’t very serious. It’s fun, it’s a comedy, and I have realised that comedy is a much more difficult genre to make. The script was really funny, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will translate into a good film.” She added, “But I am glad we chose this, because the most difficult thing is to make people laugh, and hopefully Toaster will do that.” Talking about Toaster, the movie stars Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Archana Puran Singh in the lead. Directed by Viveck Daschaudhary, the movie releases on the 15th of April. 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 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor-producer John Abraham, Harshvardhan Rane and Tanya Maniktala are deep into the shoot for the first schedule of the third installment of “Force”, which is locked for a March 19, 2027, release. Talking about producing and starring in Force 3, John said in a statement: “Force has always been a franchise I’ve believed in deeply. What makes it special for me is that it has a certain grit and a strong identity that audiences have connected with over the years.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Abraham (@thejohnabraham) “With Force 3, we’re taking that legacy forward in a big way. I’m also really excited to introduce Harsh as an action hero. He has the presence, the energy and the hunger for it, and I think audiences are going to enjoy watching him in this space,” he added. Force 3 is directed by Bhav Dhulia of Khakee: The Bihar Chapter and The Freelancer fame, the third instalment of the successful action-thriller franchise promises to pack a punch. Produced by John Abraham’s JA Entertainment and Sheel Kumar’s Karolina Corporation, Force 3 will see Harshvardhan make an entry into the franchise. While John will reprise his role as ACP Yashvardhan Singh, Rane’s character is still under wraps. Meanwhile, Tanya will be seen as the film’s female lead. Harshvardhan called it an honour to be part of a film like Force 3. He said that the film gives him the chance to step into an intense, hardcore action space and bring that brute force alive on screen. “John sir is truly cut from a different cloth and has carved his own path in the Indian film industry. To be part of Bhav Dhulia’s grand cinematic vision, alongside John sir, is something I feel genuinely privileged about,” he concluded Tanya is thrilled to be a part of Force 3. “It’s exciting to share screen space with two actors who bring both charm and such strong presence to the screen. What makes this even more special for me is the role I get to play in the story. Being part of a franchise like this is a big moment, and I’m looking forward to giving it everything I have.” Bhav Dhulia added: “Having assisted the late Nishikant Kamat on Force and worked with John during that time, this film feels like coming home in many ways. There is history here, there is emotion here, and that makes Force 3 even more special for me.” The director says he fell in love with the script the moment I read it, and “I’m truly looking forward to bringing this story to life with John, Harshvardhan and Tanya.” Producer Sheel Kumar added: “My relationship with John and JA Entertainment goes back many years. Coming together for Force 3 feels both familiar and deeply special. I’ve believed in the Force franchise from the very beginning, and Force 3 is a film that comes from a place of trust, comfort and a shared conviction in the story that we want to tell.” Force 3 is produced by Sheel Kumar, Shahbaz Alam, John Abraham, Sandeep Leyzell and Minnakshi Das. The film is written by Simaab Hashmi and is a Ravi Basrur Musical, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Force 3 is all set release theatrically on March 19, 2027. 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 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe trailer of the upcoming film ‘Krishnavataram’ was unveiled on Wednesday. It was unveiled at the sacred Krishna Janmabhoomi. The unveiling extended across key sacred sites including Raman Reti Temple, Radha Rani Temple, Prem Mandir, and ISKCON Vrindavan, turning the launch into a multi-location devotional movement. The trailer gives a glimpse into the world of Lord Krishna, how he is compelled by the destiny to go turn from Radha. Lord Krishna is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is a central figure in the epic Mahabharata and the divine speaker of the Bhagavad Gita, where he imparts profound spiritual wisdom on duty, righteousness, and devotion. He is known for his playful childhood in Vrindavan, his enchanting flute, and his deep bond with Radha. Lord Krishna embodies love, compassion, and divine charm. As a statesman and guide, he played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war, symbolizing the triumph of dharma over adharma. The film emerges as a cinematic expression of devotion, bringing the story of divine love to the big screen at an unprecedented scale. The film is touted to be a heartfelt offering, created with the intent of delivering not just scale, but a deeply emotional and spiritual cinematic experience that resonates with devotees across the world. Written by Prakash Kapadia and Raam Mori, the film features cinematography by Ayananka Bose, music by Prasad S, production design by Chokkas Bhaardwaj, costumes by Nidhi Yasha, and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Krishnavataram will be distributed globally by AA Films, with music released by Saregama. Directed by Hardik Gajjar, Krishnavataram is presented and produced by Sajan Raj Kurup and Shobha Sant of Creativeland Studios Entertainment along with Poonam Shroff and Parth Gajjar of Athasrikatha Motion Pictures. Conceived as the first chapter of a three-part cinematic franchise, the film is is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2026. 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 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSTimeless comedy makers (L-R) Akshay Kumar and Asrani. Pic/X Superstar Akshay Kumar paid an emotional tribute to late actor Asrani ahead of Bhooth Bangla’s release. Sharing a photo from the sets, he wrote, “Sometimes a picture captures an entire journey. Working with Asraniji was like a masterclass every time.” Calling him a “master of comedy”, Akshay added, “This film is not just a release, it’s a tribute, a salute to a legend.” Akshay Kumar–Asrani collaborations . ‘Garam Masala’ (2005). ‘Bhagam Bhag’ (2006). ‘Malamaal Weekly’ (2006). ‘De Dana Dan’ (2009). ‘Khatta Meetha’ (2010) Pookie girl dad Sidharth Malhotra. Pic/Instagram Actor Sidharth Malhotra delighted fans with a playful Instagram post, embracing his “girl dad” phase. Sharing a photo with a tiny bow clipped to his hair, he captioned it, “Tell me you’re a girl dad without telling me you’re a girl dad.” Fans called it his “cutest post ever”. The actor, who welcomed a daughter with Kiara Advani last year, has often said fatherhood has “changed life for the better”. Tiger in action Tiger Shroff. Pic/Instagram Tiger Shroff is set to collaborate with Dhoom 3 director Vijay Krishna Acharya for a high-octane actioner slated to go on floors this August. According to reports, the film will be mounted on a grand scale with stylised action and a fresh avatar for Tiger, aiming to reinvent his on-screen image. It is expected to deliver a cinematic experience unlike anything seen before, with a theatrical release planned for 2027.
16 April,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamIs it the power of the melody, two timeless voices, or the universal experience of heartbreak? What makes Agar Tum Saath Ho from Tamasha (2015) relevant over a decade after it first released? Since last week, the poignant ballad from Imtiaz Ali’s movie has claimed the top spot as the most streamed Indian song on Spotify. When mid-day reached out to its composer AR Rahman, he recalled that the song came to him after several attempts. “It’s a song people can universally relate to because we all go through problems and need a shoulder to lean on. ‘Lean on me’ was the brief. We had to go through the process three times to get there. Once we got the song, we knew we had something special,” he told mid-day. The composer added that getting “iconic voices” like Alka Yagnik and Arijit Singh to sing the track added to its magic. Agar Tum Saath Ho. Pic/Youtube In Tamasha, Agar Tum Saath Ho comes at a critical point — after their break-up, as Deepika Padukone’s Tara tells Ranbir Kapoor’s Ved to confront his inner turmoil, he breaks down and walks away. Interestingly, Ali had shot the emotional sequence on a different track. The musician recounted that the three initially created tracks felt out of sync. “Initially, I felt the melody was light-hearted. The second one was more classical. So, I felt we should do something, which is universal and simple. We finally got it right [the fourth time],” Rahman shared. Imtiaz Ali. Pic/Shadab Khan Rs 69.8 crTimes ‘Agar Tum Saath Ho’ has been streamed on Spotify, as of April 15 The golden jodi of AR Rahman and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali . ‘Rockstar’ . ‘Highway’ . ‘Tamasha’ . ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ . ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
16 April,2026 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaIt’s not every day that Mahesh Bhatt hosts a chat show. Then again, it’s not every day that an urgent show comes his way. Within seconds of getting on the call, the filmmaker, succinctly yet philosophically, explained what drew him to Pehchaan. “When the house is on fire, you don’t debate; you bring water. Pehchaan is that water, because you know where the world is right now,” he stated. Directed by Suhrita Das, the SonyLIV unscripted series features Bhatt in conversation with 13 individuals from the Sikh community, who dedicated their lives to seva. To the host, it’s notable that the chat show’s subjects don’t preach their truth, but practise it. “They have drawn strength from their faith and translated it into action. We’re becoming a sound-byte society. We think we can solve the world’s problems just by talking, tweeting, or putting our ideas on Instagram. These individuals [on the show] are unsung and not seeking accolades. Today, when division is growing by the hour, Pehchaan speaks about connection,” the host asserted. Mahesh Bhatt. Pic/Ashish Raje According to him, artistes must focus on building connection in today’s times of hate and division. “Filmmakers and their stories should give you insights into [another human’s] complexities and the turbulence of life. It’s supposed to glue people together. Filmmakers can use a story as a weapon or as a way to stitch,” he said. When asked if stories on screen are “stitching” people together, he rued, “I don’t think so. The entertainment world and media have done the opposite. They are pushing people away from each other, by the hour.” ‘Sadak 2’, which released in 2020, was Mahesh Bhatt’s last directorial feature
16 April,2026 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaActor Anushka Sharma and cricketer Virat Kohli surprised everyone by tying the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2017. The power couple got married in Tuscany, Italy, with very few invitees from the film or cricket world. The couple later held a grand reception in Delhi. However, their Italy wedding seemingly had an uninvited guest who gatecrashed into the high-profile wedding. Man gatecrashed Anushka-Virat's wedding In a recent podcast with Hindi Rush, security head Yaseen Khan, who managed Virat and Anuhska's wedding, revealed that a gatecrasher managed to enter the wedding. Recalling a person who gatecrashed Anushka and Virat's wedding, Yaseen said, “A gatecrasher, dressed exactly like a maharaja, arrived in a BMW, accompanied by two bouncers in a Safari. I wasn’t present at the gate. I was on the main floor where the wedding was taking place. My team was there. We know gatecrashers by face. My supervisor had a doubt, so he flagged it for the event management team." He further revealed that the young trainees in the management team misperceived the gatecrasher for a real guest and ended up allowing him into the venue. He revealed how he then handled the situation and said, “When I got my eyes on him, he would stay only in the corner. His security guards would click his picture with a celebrity, after which he’d retreat into the corner. If you’re a guest, you’d mingle with others at the wedding." When Yaseen enquired about his identity, the uninvited guest claimed that he was the nephew of a prominent guest who had been unable to attend the wedding in Italy. Yaseen recalled that he then cross-checked the claim with Virat’s manager, who told him that the guest in question had been invited only to the Delhi reception, not the Italy wedding. Yaseen shared that he later informed the man that entry was restricted to invited guests only, following which the individual reacted with some attitude before eventually leaving. Virat and Anushka's love story Anushka and Kohli met when they collaborated on an advertisement. The couple dated for a brief time, but kept their relationship out of the public eye. They finally tied the knot in 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy, attended by close friends and family. The couple are now parents to two children, Vamika and Akaay. Over the years, they have maintained a low-profile strategy to their personal life, keeping the family largely out of the spotlight. They now reside in London, where they are raising their children. Anushka has been away from films for a long time; however, she is often seen supporting and cheering for Virat from the stands during his cricket matches.
15 April,2026 08:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirected by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who is known for the Fukrey franchise, and headlined by Kartik Aaryan, Naagzilla has been one of the most anticipated films. The film was all set to release on August 4, 2026, however, as per the latest update, fans will have to wait a little longer to watch the creature comedy. Naagzilla release date potsponed The comedy adventure film starring Kartik Aaryan is set to hit the cinemas on February 12, 2027. The makers of the film announced the new release date on Wednesday, along with the film's poster. Last year in April, Kartik had announced the film on his Instagram handle, sharing a striking motion poster that shows him shirtless, gazing over a cityscape from within a snake-filled lair. In the caption, Kartik wrote, "I've seen many human stories, now watch a story of naags. Naagzilla - Naag lok ka Pehla Kaand... Fun phailaane Aa raha hu main, Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand... Naag Panchami par aapke nazdeeki SsSsinemas mein. 4 August 2026 ko". About Naagzilla Naagzilla promises a world of shape-shifting snakes, rooted in Indian folklore. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Neetu M Jain. Backed by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the film is co-produced by Marijke deSouza & Divyansh Jain. Written by Gautam Mehra. Kartik Aaryan will essay the role of Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, an Icchadhaarinaag (shape‑shifting snake) who embarks on an epic adventure. Meanwhile, actor-politician Ravi Kishan will reportedly play the villain against Kartik. According to reports, South Indian actress Preity Mukhundhan will play the female lead in the film. However, nothing has been confirmed so far by the makers. Meanwhile, on the work front, Kartik Aaryan was last seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, alongside Ananya Panday, which bombed at the box-office despite a festive Christmas release. The romantic comedy opened to modest numbers but struggled to sustain momentum later. Going forward, the actor has films like the aviation drama Captain India (2027), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 in the pipeline. Similarly, he also has an untitled musical with director Anurag Basu, co-starring Sreeleela and a project with producer Luv Ranjan in development.
15 April,2026 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the success of Saiyaara in 2025, the team is back with another film. For the unversed, Saiyaara became the all-time highest-grossing love story in the history of Indian cinema. And now, the celebrated team of director Mohit Suri, producer Akshaye Widhani (CEO of Yash Raj Films) and breakout Gen Z stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are set to reunite. Saiyaara team reunites for a musical romance The team is all set to reunite for an intense romance. The untitled film will offer a cinematic experience that blends heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable melodies. Talking about the film, Mohit Suri says, “It’s always been love stories for me … overwhelming, when emotions are so unbound, self-consuming and become impossible to ignore. Love is supposed to be felt intensely and that’s why I naturally gravitate towards this as a storyteller. The film explores this unabashedly... so coming back with the same team from Saiyaara feels incredibly special, maybe it was always written in the stars. Reuniting … coming back home .. but with a renewed creative hunger. This time I feel like a newcomer... excited, anxious about this story and I hope my music will again touch people like I have always strived for through my films.” Similarly, Akshaye Widhani says, “Mohit and our collaboration is built on a shared creative pulse and an ambition to tell stories that touch the hearts of people. With Mohit, it’s never just about making a film, it’s about chasing a feeling, a piece of music, a moment that lingers long after the screen fades to black. Saiyaara was one such moment that we will cherish forever. As we come together again, we’re searching for something even more honest, more vulnerable and more enduring with our second collaboration. We are thrilled to have Ahaan & Aneet in our film as the most-loved Gen Z pair reunite for a Mohit Suri romance.” The new Ahaan-Aneet starrer YRF romantic drama is set to go on floors later this year and will be eyeing a 2027 theatrical release worldwide. About Saiyaara YRF's Saiyaara released to unprecedented acclaim and audience love in 2025, emerging as one of the defining musical blockbusters of its time. The film collected a staggering Rs 338 crore nett in India and about Rs 580 crore gross worldwide, marking an extraordinary achievement for a romantic musical with debutants. Its soul-stirring soundtrack dominated streaming charts for months, even after its release, highlighting its pop cultural impact in India and worldwide, especially amongst the youth. Meanwhile, the Saiyaara pair of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda became the sweethearts of Gen Z.
15 April,2026 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
