Rajpal Yadav’s tryst with troubles does not seem to end in the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. The Delhi High Court reserved its verdict in the matter after settlement talks between the parties failed despite repeated efforts by the Court. During the hearing, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma expressed displeasure over inconsistent submissions, while the actor made an emotional appeal. Delhi HC rejects Rajpal Yadav’s plea The matter was heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who expressed visible dissatisfaction over the shifting stand taken by Yadav regarding repayment of dues. At one point, the Court remarked, "I am not getting my answers. The undertaking said something else, and now you are saying something else," indicating concern over inconsistency in submissions. Frustrated, the judge added, "You are saying you are willing to pay, but your lawyers are saying that since you have already gone to jail, you will not pay. If you are willing to pay, then why am I hearing the matter? Make the payment." During the proceedings, the Court made earnest attempts to bring the parties to a negotiated settlement. On being asked, the complainant agreed to accept a reduced amount of Rs 6 crore as a full and final settlement. However, in a visibly emotional submission, Yadav opposed the proposal, stating that he had already suffered severe financial setbacks. Appearing virtually, he told the Court that he had been compelled to sell five flats and had already paid a substantial amount. In a moment reflecting distress and frustration, he stated, "I am not emotional... send me to jail five more times." Rajpal requested the Court to grant him 30 more days to pay the remaining Rs 6 crore. However, Justice Sharma refused, saying, "No means no. I will reserve. I will not give more time." In an effort to break the deadlock, the Court even proposed a structured payment of Rs 3 crore within a fixed timeline, clarifying that it was a judicial intervention and not a concluded settlement. Despite this, no consensus could be reached. The Court also took strong exception to the manner in which the proceedings unfolded, cautioning, "Never think the judge weak if the judge is nice to you," and noting that valuable judicial time was being wasted. With settlement efforts collapsing and differences remaining unresolved, the Court ultimately reserved its judgment in the matter. About Rajpal Yadav’s cheque bounce case Earlier, the High Court had extended Yadav's interim bail after taking note of partial payments made towards the outstanding dues. The case stems from multiple cheque dishonour complaints in which the actor was convicted by the trial court. While the High Court had previously granted opportunities to facilitate a settlement, it had also flagged repeated non-compliance with payment undertakings. On the work front, the actor is all set to appear in Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan. The film is set to release on April 16 and stars Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Tabu in lead roles. He also has Haiwaan in his pipeline.
03 April,2026 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRobot love story is back The idea of tech-meets-family drama has charmed audiences since ‘Small Wonder’ (1985). Over the years, the concept has found new life in different languages across mediums. In 2024, Maddock Films joined the bandwagon with ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon — with the latter playing a robot. Now, reports suggest the makers are gearing up for a sequel. The first instalment ended with Janhvi Kapoor’s introduction, and the sequel will begin where the first film left off. ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya 2’ will apparently reunite Shahid and Kriti, while bringing Janhvi into the mix. According to a Pinkvilla report, the script is underway and is expected to be locked by August. If all goes as planned, the sci-fi romance will go on floors by early 2027. Insiders also say the final call hinges on how the banner’s other release ‘Cocktail 2’ performs at the box office. Will they? Won’t they? Stay tuned. Rs 133.64 crReported global box-office collection of ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ Movie marathon Ranveer Singh in ‘Dhurandhar 2’. Pic/Youtube; (right) Aditya Dhar. Picture Courtesy/PR Got nine hours to spare? If yes — and if you happen to be in Hong Kong — you’re in luck. If the soaring box-office numbers of Dhurandhar: The Revenge are anything to go by, the frenzy for the actioner is only intensifying. So much so that a multiplex in Hong Kong is offering a full-on marathon, the first part followed by the sequel. The Aditya Dhar directorial venture will run for nine hours, complete with three breaks for survival (and snacks). Taking to social media, Hong Kong distributor AA Tech wrote, “You’ve been asking for it... and we’re making it epic! Dhurandhar movie marathon is finally here — the full spy saga you demanded! Watch Dhurandhar + Dhurandhar: The Revenge back-to-back with three planned breaks for comfort, snacks, and pure adrenaline recovery.” April 12Date of the movie marathon Returning to Phulera Jitendra Kumar. Pic/Instagram Jitendra Kumar is probably humming Mere Desh Ki Dharti while strolling through fields. The actor teased the return of the beloved series Panchayat with pictures of himself soaking in rural life. Sharing a few shots, he wrote, “Colours I like.” Fuelling further excitement around Panchayat 4, Prime Video commented, “Phulera returns.” And just like that, fans got the confirmation they needed. Not off-air Aasif Sheikh and Shilpa Shinde in ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain’. Pic/Instagram Rumours suggest that Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, starring Aasif Sheikh and Shilpa Shinde, is going off air. The speculation began after reports about the &TV channel shutting down surfaced. Aasif, who has been with the show since its inception, clarified that the show will move away from &TV and will now stream on Zee5. “We were informed of the shift to the digital platform a month back,” he said in an interview.
03 April,2026 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamLooking at the long queue of enthusiastic people outside PVR Palladium in Lower Parel at 8.30 am on April 2, it felt like the release day of a much anticipated film. Except it was for a teaser. That was enough indication of the high anticipation around the upcoming epic, Ramayana Part 1. Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra invited media and fans as they launched the first teaser, titled Rama, giving us more than a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram. For Tiwari, it was an emotional moment as he opened up on creating the big-budget two-part movie. Fans queue up for the teaser launch. Pic/Satej Shinde “It has taken me seven years to reach this moment. Filmmaking is a speculative and lonely process. In these years, I wondered about this moment, the reaction when it finally comes out. Today, seeing your reaction, those seven years feel worth it,” said an overwhelmed Tiwari, as fans clapped and cheered for the two-minute-38-second teaser. Ranbir Kapoor in the teaser. Picture Courtesy/PR Introducing us to the expansive world of Ramayana, the teaser shows glimpses of crucial moments — from Lord Ram lifting the bow at the swayamvar, to being exiled. Malhotra, whose company DNEG has worked on the VFX, revealed that the film is a result of the work of a 10,000-strong crew around the globe. “We have teams from Canada, the UK, Australia, Europe, and every corner of India, who are pouring their heart and soul into making this happen,” he said. Arun Govil. Picture Courtesy/PR An ode to the past: Arun Govil plays Lord Ram’s father Dashrath. The actor previously played Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayana’ Pic/Youtube Ravana next? The teaser ends with a back shot of Kannada star Yash, who plays Ravana, followed by a glimpse of Ravana’s grand Pushpak Vimana
03 April,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaBollywood actress Kajol celebrated her husband, superstar Ajay Devgn’s birthday in her trademark style. On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram and shared a picture of her husband in which he can be seen looking into the camera with a sarcastic and exhausted expression. Kajol wishes Ajay Devgn Kajol shared a picture of Ajay Devgn on her Instagram feed and penned a birthday note. She wrote in the caption, “At some point the candles on the cake look less like a celebration and more like a fire hazard. I think u have reached that point. Happy birthday anyways. May u always have cake (sic)”. The actor responded to her and wrote, "You’re also not far off from that point, just letting you know." Kajol and Ajay Devgn are known to hilariously roast each other and their camaraderie is enjoyed by their fans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) About Ajay Devgn Ajay Devgn is one of the biggest superstars of Hindi cinema with a solid track record at the box-office. He made his debut with Phool Aur Kaante, and established himself as a leading actor in Hindi cinema through the 1990s and 2000s. He is known for his restrained acting style, he built a career spanning action, drama, and comedy. His notable films include Jigar, Dilwale, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, and the Golmaal franchise. He has also directed and produced films under his banner. His one of the most critical performances is Zakhm. The film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt, and saw the actor playing a man dealing with personal and communal conflict, the role earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He later won another National Award for ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh’. Ajay Devgn married Kajol in 1999. The couple has two children and has occasionally collaborated on films. Over time, he has maintained consistent box-office presence, balancing commercial entertainers with content-driven cinema. His stardom is built on longevity, versatility, and steady audience acceptance rather than reliance on a single genre or image. The actor will be next seen in Golmaal 5, helmed by his friend and long-time collaborator Rohit Shetty.
02 April,2026 10:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwenty-two years ago, Krishna Cottage quietly carved out its place in Indian horror cinema, not through spectacle, but through an unsettling atmosphere that lingered long after the credits rolled. For actor Isha Koppikar, who played one of the film’s most memorable characters, the anniversary is not just about celebrating a cult classic, but revisiting a shoot that she says was far stranger than anything seen on screen. “There are things that happened on that set that I have never quite been able to explain,” she says. Isha Koppikar recalls eerie moment on sets One of the most vivid memories Isha recalls is a day she now laughs about, though it felt “very eerie” at the time. “I was still in my vanity van, getting ready for a shot where I had to go and scare my co-stars,” she shares. “But before I could even step out, they were already rattled. When I finally walked in, they asked if I was the one scaring them, and I hadn’t even left the van. Whatever had spooked them, it wasn’t me.” She adds that the incident set the tone for the rest of the shoot. “After that, nobody questioned it when something felt off. We just accepted that something else was there.” What lingered most for the actor was a constant, unsettling feeling throughout the shoot. “I always felt like someone was watching me,” she says. “My sixth sense was heightened the entire time. Not just during the scary scenes, but especially when the camera stopped rolling and I walked back to my vanity. That’s when it felt the worst, my neck would tingle every single time. It was deeply unnerving.” Despite the eerie experiences, Isha says she wouldn’t change a thing. “Not about the film, not about the experience. Krishna Cottage gave me something very few films did, it made me feel things I couldn’t rationalise. And that, I think, is what great cinema is supposed to do.” Isha's work front The actress returned to the screens last year with a story on motherhood, titled Rocketship. The film promises to touch souls and tug at heartstrings. This project holds special significance as it represents a beautiful collaboration between established talent and emerging filmmakers, namely the students of Subhash Ghai's prestigious Whistling Woods International academy. Isha's decision to participate in this diploma project, stems from her genuine commitment to nurturing young talent and her personal connection to their journey. Having built her own career from scratch without industry connections, she sees herself reflected in these ambitious students who are crafting their dreams from the ground up.
02 April,2026 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJanhvi Kapoor has spoken candidly about alcohol addiction, urging people to view it through the lens of mental health rather than morality. At a recent awareness initiative, the actor highlighted how conversations around addiction are often either missing or clouded by judgment, making it harder for individuals to seek help. Janhvi Kapoor talks about alcohol and mental health She stressed that addiction should not be seen as a character flaw. “It’s not a moral failing,” she said, underlining the need to shift societal perception. Kapoor pointed out that many people struggling with alcohol dependency are dealing with deeper emotional or psychological issues, and labelling them as weak or irresponsible only worsens the situation. Calling attention to the stigma attached to the issue, she remarked that discussions around alcohol addiction are “either absent or deeply judgmental.” According to her, this silence prevents meaningful dialogue and discourages those affected from opening up about their struggles. Instead of criticism, she believes empathy and awareness are essential in addressing the problem. Kapoor also emphasised the strong link between addiction and mental health. She noted that individuals often turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or unresolved emotional challenges. Because of this, she argued, recovery requires not just discipline but also care, understanding, and professional support. Urges people to have open conversation The actor advocated for a more compassionate approach, urging society to replace blame with support systems that encourage healing. She highlighted the importance of education and awareness in breaking stereotypes and helping people understand that addiction is a complex issue, not a simple choice. Her remarks come at a time when conversations around mental health are gradually gaining traction in India, though stigma still persists in many areas. By speaking openly about alcohol addiction, Kapoor hopes to contribute to a broader cultural shift one that prioritises empathy over judgment and encourages those in need to seek help without fear of being shamed. Through her statements, Kapoor has joined a growing number of public figures advocating for mental health awareness, reinforcing the idea that addiction should be treated with sensitivity and seriousness rather than moral scrutiny.
02 April,2026 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Sonali Bendre and her husband Goldie Behl have been accused of fraud in connection with a land deal in Maval, Pune. They have also been accused of violating regulations in a case involving approximately 30 guntas of land in the district. Sonali Bendre accused of fraud The complainants - Chandrakant Balu Shinde (50) and his mother Kamalbai (75) - claim that the celebrity couple was using their social influence and taking help of the local police to forcibly take possession of their 30 'guntha' (over 32,000 square feet) of land in Uksan village in Maval taluka of the district. The suit was filed against the celebrity couple and two others through advocate Vanraj Shinde last month before a civil court at Vadgaon Maval. The matter will next be heard on April 24. As per the suit, the Shinde family has been cultivating the land as "protected tenants" since the 1940s. The family alleged that their names were illegally removed from revenue records in the 1980s without a notice. The dispute began when the original owners allegedly sold the land to a local individual in 2012, who subsequently sold a portion of it to Goldie Behl in March 2021. The aggrieved mother-son duo claimed these sales were "illegal and void" because their pre-existing tenancy rights were never legally terminated.The plaintiffs have also made claims of intimidation and police bias. The Shinde family alleged that on December 14, 2025, Sonali Bendre and Goldie Behl arrived at the site with workers and heavy machinery to begin unauthorised construction. When Kamalbai tried to stop the work, she was allegedly met with threats. The police officers at the site also threatened to frame the mother-son duo in false theft cases if they continued to "harass" the celebrity couple, the lawsuit claimed. Sonali Bendre reacts Meanwhile, Sonali Bendre and her legal team have denied the allegations. She stated that her name does not appear in any government documents or land sale-purchase records related to the property. “These allegations are entirely baseless and have been levelled solely with the motive of extorting money,” the actor said. Her lawyer reportedly added that the farmer had previously filed multiple appeals with various government departments, which were dismissed each time. Chandrakant Shinde has named Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl, and two other individuals as parties in the case. The court has listed April 20 as the next date of hearing. (with inputs from PTI)
02 April,2026 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Thursday, the Delhi High Court passed an order on songs by well-known rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah. They were hearing a matter against songs released by the singers in 2006. Terming the track "vulgar" and "derogatory", the court said that it was in complete disregard of even the minimum standards of civility and directed its removal from online platforms. What the court said about the song Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said the court's conscience was shaken to its "absolute core" and that the dissemination of the song on platforms accessible to minors cannot be countenanced under the guise of artistic freedom and free speech in a society governed by the rule of law. Justice Kaurav said he heard the song in his chamber and thought that it lacked any artistic or social value, and reduced women to objects of ridicule."The title of the song can't be dictated in the order. The same seems to be completely unacceptable. "The court finds that the song is grossly vulgar, obscene and derogatory towards women... Lyrics are not only disrespectful and offensive but also ex facie dehumanising and normalise the treatment of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification," said the court. More about the case The court noted that the song, allegedly released in 2006 by the rappers under their collaboration Mafia Mundeer, has been uploaded by various users on social media and has garnered millions of views. The court issued notice to Honey Singh and Badshah on the petition by Hindu Shakti Dal on the issue and directed the rappers as well as any other person claiming rights in the uploaded song or its version to take it down from online platforms. "The court finds that allowing dissemination of the said song on public platforms, which are accessible to minors, cannot be countenanced in the guise of artistic freedom and free speech. The song is in complete disregard of the minimum standard of civility," the court said. The petitioner's counsel said that although both rappers have denied singing the song, Honey Singh sang verses of it at a concert in Delhi, which further sparked the controversy over the song's creation. It listed the case for hearing on May 7. (with inputs from PTI)
02 April,2026 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe first teaser of the much-awaited film Ramayana was unveiled in India on Thursday morning. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the makers released a video asset introducing Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. The teaser was unveiled to coincide with Hanuman Jayanti. Error spotted in Ramayana teaser As expected, the teaser of the big-budget film went viral on social media, with many viewers dissecting the two-minute-long video. Some netizens also claimed to have spotted an error, which further fuelled speculation about the use of AI in the film. A screenshot of a moment where Ranbir Kapoor, as Lord Rama, walks through a crowd has gone viral. In the scene, Lord Rama is seen walking through a sea of people as they shower him with flowers and bow to him. The teaser includes two shots of this sequence, a close-up and a wide frame. In the wide shot, a child on the right side appears to be bowing, but not towards Lord Rama; instead, it looks like he is bowing towards the camera. ain't no way this shot isn't AI generated 😭 pic.twitter.com/YXi6Cvtt3a — PrinCe (@Prince8bx) April 2, 2026 In the subsequent close-up shot, Lord Rama is expected to have moved ahead, but he appears to be standing near the same spot as the child, who is now seen throwing flower petals at him. This inconsistency did not go unnoticed by netizens, who pointed it out and criticised it as “weak detailing” by the director. Weak detailing by nitesh tiwari.Whom is this child bowing to? Lord Shri Rama has already moved ahead.😭😭Not expected this from a 4000cr+ budget movie. https://t.co/cV3af7gzDW pic.twitter.com/ZogfaKLMIs — Mogambo (@Netajinonsense1) April 2, 2026 All about Ramayana Ramayana, co-produced by Namit Malhotra, also stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, and Sunny Deol in key roles. Apart from glimpses of Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Dubey, the teaser also features veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously played Lord Ram in Ramayan. In this film, Govil plays Dasharath, Ram’s father. The first part of the film is slated for release this Diwali. Talking about the teaser, Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Rama presents a hero who puts duty before desire and relinquishes authority when necessary. Even in the face of banishment, grief, and injustice, Rama—revered as Maryada Purushottama, “the highest ideal of human conduct”—embodies dignity, compassion, and moral clarity. Ranbir Kapoor shared his thoughts on playing the role, saying, “I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare, and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”
02 April,2026 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanbir Kapoor is all set to return to the big screen in December 2026 with his much-anticipated film Ramayana, where he will step into the role of Lord Rama. Interestingly, this marks a full-circle moment for his family, as 92 years ago, one of his ancestors portrayed the same iconic character on screen. The Kapoor family and Lord Rama connection On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti 2026 (April 2), the makers are unveiling the teaser of Ramayana, offering audiences their first glimpse of Ranbir as Lord Ram. The teaser, with a runtime of 2 minutes and 38 seconds, has already been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features a powerful ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. What makes this even more special is its deep-rooted cinematic history. Back in 1933, the film Seeta, directed by Debaki Bose, brought the story of Ramayana to life on screen. Produced by East India Film Company, it was a landmark Bengali talkie that achieved global recognition. The film earned an honorary diploma at the Venice International Film Festival in 1934, making it the first Indian talkie to be showcased at an international film festival. Notably, the role of Lord Ram in Seeta was played by Prithviraj Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor’s great-grandfather. He starred opposite Durga Khote as Sita, alongside actors like Gul Hamid and Trilok Kapoor. This unique casting across generations brings a sense of legacy and nostalgia, as the Kapoor family once again brings Lord Ram to life on the big screen. Nearly a century after Prithviraj Kapoor’s portrayal, Ranbir Kapoor now takes on the revered role in a grand retelling of the epic. Ramayana Rama teaser Unveiled globally, the Rama teaser marks a significant moment that fans have been eagerly waiting for. The film brings into focus a figure whose story has endured for over 5,000 years. While most Indians have grown up with the story of Ramayana, the film offers a refreshed perspective. Ramayana Rama teaser Unveiled globally, the Rama teaser marks a significant moment that fans have been eagerly waiting for. The film brings into focus a figure whose story has endured for over 5,000 years. While most Indians have grown up with the story of Ramayana, the film offers a refreshed perspective. Ranbir Kapoor talks about playing Rama, "I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare, and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”
02 April,2026 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs India eagerly awaited Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Rama from Nitesh Tiwary’s upcoming film Ramayana, the Bollywood star’s absence from the grand media event held on Hanuman Jayanti on Thursday raised several questions. Earlier in the morning, Ranbir’s maiden look as Lord Rama was unveiled. A media event had been scheduled to mark the occasion, attended by director Nitesh Tiwary and producer Namit Malhotra. Despite the presence of cameras, reporters, and flashing lights, all set to capture the actor’s glimpse, Ranbir Kapoor was notably missing from the event. However, in a notable contrast, a special screening was held for select media houses on Wednesday evening, where Ranbir did make an appearance alongside the director and producer. Just a day earlier, he had attended a closed-door special screening with select media, a contrast that left reporters on the ground wondering what had changed between the two appearances. Adding to the intrigue, Ranbir had been actively present elsewhere, like attending the Los Angeles event for the same film earlier. What raised eyebrows further was that this wasn’t just any reveal, but the unveiling of Rama’s look itself, making his no-show at such a key moment hard to miss and even harder to explain. The film also stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Lara Dutta and Amitabh Bachchan in key roles. The Ramayana has been retold in over 300 versions across cultures and regions worldwide. Nitesh Tiwary's Ramayana is a two-part live-action cinematic universe being reimagined on the scale of the biggest tentpoles produced to date. Two music titans, Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, are joining forces for the film. The film also features Hollywood’s top stunt directors Terry Notary (Avengers, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa), choreographing the epic battles between gods and demons. Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will be released worldwide, with Part 1 releasing in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 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
02 April,2026 04:24 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
