How did Aditya Dhar convince Nawaz Sharif to act in Dhurandhar: The Revenge?’ That and many other memes are circulating online, as the audience can’t get enough of the striking similarity between the character of Nawab Shafiq and the former Pakistan prime minister on whom the role is modelled. What does actor Mashhoor Amrohi, who played Nawab Shafiq in the action drama, think of it? Well, he is still in disbelief that his two-scene role has garnered so much attention. “For me, the biggest compliment is that nobody believes it is me. Some are saying that it’s AI. I had not anticipated this kind of adulation. There are memes and pictures all over the internet,” exclaimed Amrohi, the grandson of late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi. Mashhoor Amrohi. Pic/By Special Arrangement Look at the actor and you’ll find no resemblance with Sharif. But filmmaker Dhar and casting director Mukesh Chhabra felt he would be perfect to play the former Pakistan prime minister. Becoming him naturally entailed a lot of work. Amrohi recalled, “When we sat for the first make-up test, we didn’t quite achieve what the director wanted. We had to depict the [same] body weight, face, and ageing. Preetisheel [Singh, make-up artiste] went all out — I sat through more than eight hours of make-up daily for four days. For the weight, I had a bodysuit with a paunch.” You’ve seen Mashhoor Amrohi in: . ‘Accused’ . ‘Freedom at Midnight’. ‘War’
24 March,2026 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRA new star kid faced the camera on March 23. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s son Subhan Nadiadwala’s maiden film, helmed by Shashank Khaitan of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) fame, went on floors on Monday at an under-construction building near DN Nagar in Andheri. mid-day had earlier reported that the love story has been titled Aisi Deewangi, a nod to the memorable song from Deewana (1992) that starred Sajid’s late wife Divya Bharti (Tera naam rakh diya, June 18). Shashank Khaitan According to sources, the first day of shooting involved an action sequence that saw the debutant take on nearly 60 trained fighters. A source close to the production revealed, “Sajid sir wants to introduce Subhan as a full-fledged big-screen hero, who is adept at both action and romance. The director mounted a stylised action block for the opening day. It was a physically demanding shoot for someone who hasn’t done this before, but Subhan had been training for months for this sequence.” Besides an extensive leg in Mumbai, the film will also be shot in Manali. Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor in Dhadak This isn’t Shashank Khaitan’s first brush with a newcomer. He previously directed ‘Dhadak’ (2018), which launched Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor in Hindi cinema
24 March,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuAn almost four-hour runtime has enabled filmmaker Aditya Dhar to tell an expansive story in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. But it looks like the Ranveer Singh-starrer has arrived in theatres with a trim. Dongri Ke Sultan, a song that was recorded by singer Mujtaba Aziz Naza and shot on a grand scale in South Mumbai last year, has gone missing from the action drama’s final cut. When mid-day reached out to Naza, he shared that the song was conceived of as part of a celebratory sequence where Singh’s character Hamza returns to his den after winning the local elections. “We had shot three songs — Dongri Ke Sultan, and [the cover of] Jumma Chumma De De, and Apni Toh Jaise Taise. The set-up was elaborate — Ranveer and Rakesh Bedi were shown in a car, while there was a band on a truck performing. We shot the song over a day,” recalled the singer. Ranveer Singh in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’. Pic/Youtube Despite the scale and effort, the sequence and the three songs didn’t make it to the movie. Was there a rights issue since T-Series acquired the audio rights of Dhurandhar: The Revenge? In contrast, Dhurandhar’s (2025) music rights rested with Saregama, which allowed it access to a wide archival library. Naaz shared, “I don’t know why we had to remove them. The [makers] have edited the whole thing out. Fan clubs reached out to me, asking about the song.”mid-day texted Dhar, who didn’t respond till press time. 2024When Mujtaba Aziz Naza released the single, ‘Dongri Ke Sultan’
24 March,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu | Priyanka SharmaShah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan spent almost a month in custody after he was arrested in October 2021 from an alleged rave party. Sameer Wankhede, the officer in charge of his arrest, recently told the Bombay High Court that he never demanded or accepted any bribe from Shah Rukh Khan to spare his son. The claim comes as Wankhede seeks to quash a CBI FIR accusing him of corruption and extortion in connection with the case. Sameer Wankhede reveals he never took bribe from SRK Former NCB Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede told the Bombay High Court on Monday that he never demanded or took a bribe from actor Shah Rukh Khan to spare his son Aryan Khan following the latter's arrest in a cruise drugs case. Wankhede's counsel, Aabad Ponda, was arguing the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer's plea seeking to quash the FIR registered against him in May 2023 by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on charges of corruption and bribery. Ponda told a bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam that Wankhede never demanded or took a bribe from Shah Rukh Khan. As per the CBI FIR, Wankhede and the other accused in the case allegedly demanded Rs 25 crore from the actor to give a clean chit to his son in the drugs case. However, Ponda told the court on Monday that the CBI has no evidence to establish that Wankhede demanded or received any bribe. About Aryan Khan’s drugs case The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had received a tip-off about alleged drugs on the cruise ship Cordelia. A search was conducted in accordance with the law, and a few persons, including Aryan Khan, were arrested, the counsel added. Aryan Khan was arrested in the alleged drug bust case on the Cordelia cruise ship on October 2, 2021. Later, the NCB filed a charge sheet in the case against 14 accused but gave a clean chit to Aryan Khan in May 2022. The much-hyped case took a twist in 2021 when an “independent witness” claimed that an NCB official and other persons, including a witness, demanded Rs 25 crore to let off Aryan Khan. The CBI had registered the case against Wankhede and others on charges of criminal conspiracy (Indian Penal Code section 120-B), threat of extortion (388 IPC), as well as bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act on a complaint from the NCB. Based on the CBI's FIR, the Enforcement Directorate also registered a case against Wankhede, accusing him of money laundering. Apart from this, Sameer Wankhede has alleged that the recently released OTT series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, directed by Aryan, has shown false, malicious, and defamatory content. He also alleged that the image of anti-drug enforcement agencies has been tarnished and shown negatively, thereby undermining public trust in law enforcement agencies. The series features a sequence where a drug enforcement agency officer, bearing a striking resemblance to Sameer, raids a party, similar to how the latter raided a cruise party in October 2021. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2026 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, has been riding high on praise, even as some critics labelled it propaganda. Now, the film has landed in fresh trouble, with members of the Sikh community seek FIR to be filed against the makers over a scene reciting a sacred Gurbani verse in an inappropriate context, alleging it hurts religious sentiments and demanding an apology. Sikh community demands apology from Dhurandhar 2 makers In the scene where Jaskirat Singh Ranghi (Ranveer Singh) is being transferred, he refuses to accept Ajay Sanyal’s mission, claiming that he has given up and wishes to unite with Waheguru (Almighty). The officer reminds him about the Sikhs’ warrior spirit. He then recites, ‘Soora So Pechaniye, Jo lade deen ke het. Purja purja kat mare, Kabhoo na chadde khet’. R Madhavan recites this verse after he is seen smoking a cigarette. The Sikh community has taken offense at this and demanded an apology from the makers for hurting sentiments. Taking to Instagram, Shiv Sena leader Gurjyot Singh Keer criticised the movie and wrote, “Portraying a character, played by R. Madhavan, speaking to Ranveer Singh while smoking a cigarette and reciting the sacred Gurbani ‘Soora so pehchaniye jo lade deen ke het’ from the Dasam Granth Sahib, authored by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is deeply hurtful and unacceptable.” He criticised the film for casually diluting the essence of the shabad for many believers. He added, “This is not just dialogue. It is divine.” In the video, he urged the Sikh community to stand united and peacefully protest the alleged insult, calling on people to show black flags to those responsible, including Aditya Dhar, R. Madhavan, and Ranveer Singh, wherever they appear if they fail to issue a sincere apology to the SGPC and the Sikh community. “Apologise immediately, or history has shown what the Sikh community is capable of,” Keer issued a strong warning. More about Dhurandhar 2 Directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Set in Lyari town of Karachi, an area known for its history of gang wars and violent turf battles, Dhurandhar revolves around covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of geopolitical and terror events. Within four days of release, it has shattered several records by minting over Rs 700 crore.
23 March,2026 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMustafa Ahmed, who has garnered attention for his role in Dhurandhar 2, recently shared an emotional note reflecting on his journey and gratitude towards filmmaker Aditya Dhar. The actor revealed that Dhar played a crucial role in shaping his path in the film, even fighting to ensure he was cast. Opening up about the opportunity, Mustafa expressed deep appreciation for the director’s belief in him. He shared that Dhar stood by him when it mattered most, ensuring he got the role despite uncertainties. Calling it a turning point in his career, Mustafa acknowledged how rare it is for someone in the industry to back a newcomer so strongly. Mustafa Ahmed pens a heartfelt note In his heartfelt message, the actor admitted he is still processing the overwhelming response to his performance. “I have no clue what future holds for me,” he wrote, adding that he is simply grateful for the present moment and the chance he has been given. His words reflected both humility and hope, as he continues to navigate his journey in the film industry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mustafa Ahmed (@mustafa_thebull_ahmed) Mustafa also spoke about the challenges he faced before landing the role, hinting at the struggles and unpredictability that come with chasing a dream. Despite those hurdles, he emphasised how this experience has changed his life, both personally and professionally. Thanking Dhar once again, he credited the filmmaker for not just giving him a break, but also trusting his abilities. The actor highlighted how that faith pushed him to give his best on screen, making the experience even more meaningful. He further expressed gratitude towards the entire team of the film, acknowledging the support and encouragement he received during the shoot. According to Mustafa, being part of such a large-scale project was both intimidating and inspiring, but it ultimately helped him grow as an actor. On bagging the role The note struck a chord with fans, many of whom praised his honesty and rooted for his success. As Dhurandhar 2 continues to perform well and generate buzz, Mustafa’s story stands out as a reminder of perseverance and the importance of someone believing in you. With his performance earning appreciation and his emotional message resonating widely, Mustafa Ahmed seems poised for a promising future one that, as he says, remains uncertain, yet full of possibilities.
23 March,2026 06:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe grand “Lyari bungalow” seen in Dhurandhar 2 has become a major talking point among fans, especially after a viral behind-the-scenes video revealed a surprising truth about its real location. Ranveer Singh's Lyari bungalow In the film, Ranveer Singh’s character Jaskirat Singh Rangi, also known as Hamza, is shown living in a lavish mansion in Lyari, Karachi. The house is portrayed as a symbol of his rise in the underworld a space that reflects both power and personal transformation. However, contrary to what many viewers believed, the bungalow is not located in Pakistan at all. The viral video, shared by the architecture firm behind the property, revealed that the luxurious house is actually situated in Amritsar, Punjab. This revelation has left fans both surprised and fascinated, as the film convincingly presents the location as part of Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood. Known as “Ananda,” the sprawling property is a modern architectural marvel designed by 23DC Architects. Spread across nearly an acre with a built-up area ranging between 16,000 to 20,000 square feet, the home seamlessly blends contemporary design with natural elements. The bungalow stands out for its thoughtful layout and aesthetic appeal. It features expansive glass walls, open courtyards, and lush greenery integrated into the design, allowing natural light and ventilation to flow freely throughout the space. The interiors boast double-height ceilings, minimal yet elegant décor, and a striking black marble spiral staircase that serves as a visual centrepiece. All about the property Outside, the property includes manicured gardens and a spacious swimming pool, giving it the feel of a private retreat rather than just a cinematic set. The seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces adds to its charm, making it both visually stunning and functionally serene. In the film, the mansion plays a significant role beyond just being a backdrop. It represents Hamza’s softer, more personal side, offering a contrast to the violent world he inhabits. This emotional layering makes the house an integral part of the storytelling. The revelation about the bungalow’s real location highlights the magic of filmmaking where real Indian locations can convincingly double as international settings. As Dhurandhar 2 continues to generate buzz, this detail has only added to fans’ curiosity, proving that sometimes, what you see on screen is far from reality.
23 March,2026 05:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRaveena Tandon has reacted after an old video of her criticising Mumbai’s roads and pollution resurfaced on social media. The clip, from an interview she gave in the 1990s, recently went viral, prompting the actress to respond. Raveena Tandon reacts to her old video criticising Mumbai In the video, Raveena is seen criticising the condition of Mumbai’s roads and accusing city ministers of misusing road tax funds. An Instagram page shared the clip with the caption claiming that “The Film Federation of India has confirmed that a 2001 video of Raveena Tandon is deeply problematic.” Responding, Raveena wrote, “Haahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahah. What are you guys smoking these days? That’s illegal, I hope you know.” When a user asked if the interview was real, she replied, “The interview is absolutely right. The rest of this made-up story about the Film Federation is all rubbish. Your generation should’ve seen the roads in the 90s.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by @zeeloose What did Raveena say about Mumbai roads? Criticising Mumbai’s condition in the 1990s, Raveena said, “Considering Bombay’s traffic and the condition of its roads, I would advise not buying a very expensive car because after the rains, the roads become terrible. I don’t know where the road tax goes or whose pockets it ends up in, but the situation is so bad that it becomes difficult to maintain a good car in Bombay.” She also remarked that there was no difference between Mumbai’s roads and the moon’s surface. The video reportedly dates back to 1994. Raveena Tandon on insecurities and ‘classroom politics’ Raveena also addressed claims about insecurities and on-set rivalry in a recent social media post. She shared a screenshot of an article alleging that Karisma Kapoor would send people to spy on her costumes during the shoot of Andaz Apna Apna. According to the article, designer Ashley Rebello recalled that Karisma would send team members to check Raveena’s outfits. Refuting the claims, Raveena wrote, “Just to make it clear, I never had any insecurity or engaged in any kind of classroom politics. I have always been happy in my space and grateful for all the opportunities Eashwar has bestowed on me. Jai Shiv Shambhu. I never felt the need to disrespect anyone. God has been very kind. Those who know me will always know the truth. (sic)” She signed off the post warmly, writing, “Love you always ashley_rebello.” This is not the first time tensions between Karisma and Raveena during Andaz Apna Apna have been discussed. Their reported rivalry has often been spoken about by people associated with the cult classic.
23 March,2026 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar's Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the second instalment in the Dhurandhar franchise, is continuing its record run at the box office. However, the film has not been without controversy, with some critics labelling it as propaganda. Days after its release, the film has now run into trouble. As per a Tamil publication, a plea has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a ban ahead of the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu seeks ban on Dhurandhar 2 According to Live Law, a plea has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a ban on Dhurandhar 2 ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, citing a possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Advocate Sheela argued that the film presents one-sided political views that could influence voters. As per reports, the matter was mentioned before Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, who directed the petitioner to file a formal writ petition. The court stated that an urgent hearing can be sought thereafter, and a decision on the film’s release will be taken once the plea is officially considered. More about Dhurandhar 2 Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar: The Revenge has become the second Indian film after Pushpa 2 to have a record opening weekend figure, racing past Rs 761 crore globally in the four days of its release. Pushpa 2 made Rs 795.50 crore in its first four days. Dhurandhar 2, however, has edged past Baahubali 2, RRR, and KGF 2. A sequel to Dhar's 2025 film, the second part was released on March 19 in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. The movie also stars R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Set in Lyari town of Karachi, an area known for its history of gang wars and violent turf battles, Dhurandhar revolves around covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament attack, demonetisation, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The sequel charts the rise of Singh's character, Hamza Ali Mazari, in the Karachi underworld, while also delving into his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi.
23 March,2026 05:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Dhurandhar 2 continues to smash box office records, the film has truly become the talk of the town, with audiences and critics alike praising its performances. Amid all the buzz, casting director Mukesh Chhabra is being called the real hero for pulling off such a strong casting coup, and in an exclusive chat with mid-day, he opens up about the journey. Mukesh Chhabra on praise for Dhurandhar casting Opening up about the overwhelming response to the casting, he credited director Aditya Dhar for his clarity and trust throughout the process. “I feel great, but the real star or the real Dhurandhar of the film is Aditya Dhar. The way he explained things to us and the way he trusted all of us has brought Dhurandhar to life. I'm sure all the love I'm getting for the casting is because of his clear vision and trust in me. Sometimes, when you're casting, so many different people get involved. Everyone wants a say. But with Aditya, only he and I are making the decisions, and that's the biggest part.” He added how their conversation was always about breaking records with this movie. Chhabra said, “The conversation was that we have to break records. The film is great, and we have to take it to the next level in every department.” Mukesh Chhabra praises Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun The casting director also opened up about working with Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun in Dhurandhar 2, reflecting on their journey and performances. Speaking about Ranveer, he said, “He is a great actor. He is a very hardworking actor. I remember some of his initial tests were done by me. I met him many times during Lootera, then I did 83. It must be 15 to 16 years ago. I still have some old pictures. He was always a great actor. He just needed an opportunity to show everyone what he could do.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chhabra Mukesh Csa (@castingchhabra) Ranveer Singh was paired opposite Sara Arjun in the film, and their chemistry had sparked considerable chatter when the first part released. In Dhurandhar 2, her character sees a significant evolution, even stepping into the role of a mother. Addressing whether Sara had any hesitation in taking on such a part, casting director Mukesh Chhabra clarified, “No, not at all. She's a pure actor. She didn't even ask me if she was going to play a mother in the second part. She only went with the story. I don't know why people keep overthinking. She's a pure actor, and she knew everything. She gave one of the most beautiful and best tests of my career when I auditioned her. She was so good in that test.” Casting director Mukesh Chhabra emphasised his straightforward approach to casting. He shared, “When I cast, I only go with my conviction if the person fits my film’s character. I do not want to know their previous work. There is no other pressure I take.” Mukesh Chhabra on Ramayana, King Mukesh Chhabra expressed his excitement about the upcoming slate of big-ticket films he is associated with, sharing how grateful he feels to be part of ambitious projects. He said, “I’m super excited for King and Ramayana. I’m excited for every film I’m working on. I’m very happy that I’m a part of such big films. I’m just praying and wishing the best for everything, because all of us put in a lot of hard work into every film.” He also reflected on the growing recognition for casting directors in the industry, noting how their contribution is finally being acknowledged on global platforms.
23 March,2026 04:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti BaglaAhead of its official launch this May, the luxury jewellery label QWEEN has already found its first customer in Aamir Khan. The actor-filmmaker recently commissioned two bespoke rings for Gauri Spratt, custom-crafted by the brand and backed by leading global diamantaires. Aamir Khan's romantic gesture for Gauri Aamir Khan has also come on board as a strategic investor, making this both a personal gesture and a reflection of his belief in the label. While celebrities often invest in brands or lend their names to them, it is far rarer for that investment to translate into personally purchasing from the brand for an intimate moment, signalling Aamir’s genuine faith in its creations. When Gauri Spratt was recently spotted wearing a striking aquamarine ring, the luminous ocean-blue gemstone immediately drew attention for its unusual colour and distinctive design. The piece, it turns out, was privately commissioned by Aamir Khan. Details about the ring Instead of choosing a single ring to mark the moment, Aamir opted to create two separate rings, a gesture reflecting the belief that a single emotion rarely defines love. Rather than capturing a relationship in one symbol, the two rings express the balance of energies that coexist within every bond. They feature an aquamarine and a ruby, gemstones chosen not only for their beauty but also for their rarity and symbolism. At the centre of the aquamarine ring sits a luminous blue gemstone prized for its exceptional quality and rarity. Aquamarines of this size and purity represent less than 0.3% of stones discovered globally. Sourced from Brazil, the gem is set in gold and encircled by 40 natural diamonds forming a radiant halo. The piece came to life through more than 363 hours of craftsmanship, with 131 master artisans contributing to its creation. The second ring features a natural ruby sourced from Madagascar, a region known for producing some of the world’s most sought-after rubies, celebrated for their depth of colour and intensity. Less than 0.1 percent of rubies achieve this level of quality. The stone is secured in a prong setting and required over 812 hours of craftsmanship to complete. Together, the gemstones express a powerful duality: the ruby symbolises passion and enduring devotion, while the aquamarine reflects clarity and emotional depth—fire and water, two energies that often coexist within every relationship.
23 March,2026 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
