After Dhurandhar's ground-breaking success in December, reports emerged that lead actor Ranveer Singh has exited Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated Don 3 due to creative differences. Recently, reports claimed that Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production company, Excel Entertainment were seeking compensation of Rs 40 crore from Ranveer for his exit. The two parties reportedly had two meetings mediated by the Producers Guild of India. Now reports about what unfolded behind the closed-door meetings have emerged, claiming Farhan and his team allegedly locked horns with Ranveer. Ranveer Singh claims Farhan Akhtar tried to replace him with Hrithik Roshan? According to a report shared by Bollywood Hungama, the meeting took place nearly a week ago, where key industry stakeholders evaluated the matter from both ends. However, things escalated last weekend when a second meeting took place, which was organised. A source, who claimed to be a producer present at the meeting, reportedly told the portal, “Ranveer blamed Excel Entertainment for unprofessionalism and not being serious about taking Don 3 on floors. He stated that Farhan Akhtar never had a bound script in place and that, as an actor, he prefers to work only with fully developed material. Ranveer also pointed out that Farhan was never open to feedback on the script and had issues incorporating certain subplots. He further alleged that Excel was exploring the possibility of getting Hrithik Roshan on board and only re-approached him after the success of Dhurandhar, to capitalise on his momentum.” For the unversed, Hrithik Roshan had a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra's Don 2 (2011). The source further added, “Farhan maintained that Ranveer never flagged any script issues. In fact, he was enthusiastic about portraying the third generation of Don after Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. He claimed the script was shared at regular intervals and approved by Ranveer at every stage.” Ranveer Singh says he endured three years of indecision Farhan and Ritesh are reportedly hoping to get their losses reimbursed and have even asked for a resolution against the unreasonable demands of actors. On the other hand, Ranveer Singh has reportedly left the project to save his sanity. He is seemingly upset about how a potential hit, such as Don 3, was treated by the makers. The actor also reportedly claimed that Farhan tried to prioritise other projects and his acting career over Don 3, which left the Dhurandhar star to ‘endure’ three years of indecision.
10 February,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGovinda and Sunita Ahuja's troubled marriage has often made news due to the latter's comments and cheating allegations on her husband. Now, the actor has made shocking claims about Karan Johar's film Govinda Naam Mera, which revolves around the theme of marital infedelity, alleging that it was based on his life. Govinda on Karan Johar's film Govinda Naam Mera In an interview with ANI, Govinda claimed that Karan Johar's Govinda Naam Mera is based on his troubled marriage with Sunita and even threatened that if he ever crosses paths with the filmmaker, he will give him the 'Rajinikanth treatment', presumably indicating the way the superstar beats up goons in films. "Someone made a film on my name, Govinda Naam Mera. I think it was Karan Johar. In the story, the husband and the wife get into a quarrel because of the girlfriend. They start doubting each other. So, they try to force-fit someone's personal life into a film," Govinda said. He further added, "I promise if we ever cross paths, I'll give them the Rajinikanth treatment in public. No misbehaving please! I request with folded hands—jokes don't look good every time, everywhere." Govinda Naam Mera stars Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani and is produced by Dharma Productions. In the film, Govinda (Vicky) is going through a troubled marriage with Gauri (Bhumi) and wishes to divorce her and marry his girlfriend and fellow backup dancer Suku (Kiara). However, he's stuck in the marriage as Bhumi asks him to return the Rs 2 crore amount given to him at the time of the marriage as dowry. Govinda and Sunita Ahuja's marriage Sunita Ahuja has often made revelations about their married life in public. In a recent interview with Miss Malini, Sunita claimed that Govinda should behave himself as it's not his 'age' to engage in such activities. "Mere bache bade ho gaye (My kids are grown up now). I have always said that they get disturbed. I always say that ye tumhari umar nahi hai (this is not the age for this). Lekin kya hai na, aajkal ki jo ladkiyan aati hain struggle karne ke liye, they need a sugar daddy jo unka kharcha chalaye. Shakal do kaudi ki hai, heroine banna chahti hai. Phir kya karte hain, phasa lenge, blackmail karenge (The girls who come today to struggle need a sugar daddy to pick up their expenses. They don't have a good face but want to be heroines. So they entice men and blackmail them)," Sunita said. Reacting to the ongoing chatter, Govinda had claimed that his 'loved ones' are being used against him in a bigger 'conspiracy'.
10 February,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood star Ranveer Singh, who has been enjoying the laurels of his latest release Dhurandhar received a concerning voice note. According to reports on IANS, the actor received a threatening voice note on Whatsapp demanding money. This comes days after a firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai residence. Ranveer Singh receives threatening note According to reports, Ranveer received the threat in the form of a WhatsApp voice-note. The security has been beefed up outside Ranveer Singh's house after the voice-note was sent to him, demanding crores of rupees through the message, after which the Mumbai Police was informed. Police have launched a manhunt for the sender of the threatening voice note. About firing at Rohit Shetty's house This comes days after the entertainment capital was shocked with firings at Rohit Shetty's home. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch has revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago. Later, Aditya Gayki and another accused, Samarth Pomaji, left the vehicle at a pre-decided place in Juhu area of Mumbai. According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire. According to the police, in previous crimes, a similar modus operandi is followed in which several small groups are hired for a crime but it is also taken care that one group does not know about the other group. For the uninitiated, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence. An exclusive footage, shot by IANS, shows three bullet holes on the building. Rohit Shetty's home has two gates, and more than 10 CCTVs can be seen across the tower. After the shooting, the suspects managed to escape from the scene. As soon as the incident was reported, senior officers of the Mumbai Police and teams from the Mumbai Crime Branch reached the scene. (with inputs from IANS)
10 February,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentProfessional dancer and flamenco artist Kunal Om spoke to mid-day in an exclusive conversation about making his Bollywood debut as a choreographer in Vishal Bhardwaj's O' Romeo. Kunal Om opened up about his experience working with Avinash Tiwary and Vishal Bharadwaj. Kunal shared that he was drawn to Flamenco after discovering the connection between his Rajasthani roots and Flamenco, as it is inspired by the traditional dance of the Romani people. He surrendered himself completely to flamenco and trained with the most acclaimed maestros in Spain for several years. He is also known for experimenting with flamenco, creating a fusion with kathak, as well as with Rajasthani folk, Qawwali, and Bollywood music. He recently performed at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Now, Kunal is all set to bring flamenco to Bollywood by choreographing a dynamic, never-seen-before sequence for Avinash Tiwary. Kunal Om on working with Vishal Bhardwaj Vishal Bharadwaj is known for his artistic sensibilities, so it was no surprise when Kunal divulged that Bhardwaj was familiar with the dance form and was keen to incorporate it in his film. He received a call from Bhardwaj's office and was called for a meeting, during which he was left in awe of Bhardwaj's humility and artistic vision. Though Bhardwaj had a distinct vision for the sequence, he had faith in Kunal’s choreography skills and gave him complete artistic freedom. “I wanted to prove my mettle and give my best to live up to Vishal ji's expectations. With his guidance, the sequence has come out really well. He gave me the liberty to create and explore. His passion towards flamenco was so encouraging and addictive. I am blessed that my journey started with him. He’s a gem of a person, a dynamic director, and he understands all elements and facets of art. It was so nice to see a person of his stature bringing out something so different.” Kunal Om on training Avinash Tiwary Talking about working with Avinash Tiwary, who plays a bullfighter named Jalal in the film, Kunal couldn't stop heaping praises on the actor. He revealed that he did a lot of one-on-one work with Tiwary to train him for the sequence. When asked about the difficulty of adapting flamenco for a non-dancer like Tiwary, Kunal remarked that he faced no challenges due to Tiwary’s patience and dedication. "Avinash wanted to completely immerse himself in the culture to lend authenticity to his performance." Citing an example of his commitment, he stated. "Avinash went the extra mile and did his own research about flamenco by watching videos of performances and studying the body language to prepare." For Avinash, flamenco became a tool for character-building, as he conditioned his body to play a bullfighter with carefully controlled footwork and posture.
10 February,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahAjay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 went on floors in December last year. While the core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran, will return for the third part, some new faces will also be seen in the film. After Jaideep Ahlawat, actor Prakash Raj has now joined the team of the popular franchise. Prkash Raj joins team of Drishaym 3 On Tuesday, Prakash Raj took to his X handle to announce that he has begun shooting for the film. He also clarified that he is not replacing any actor in the project. “Started shooting for this engaging franchise Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it (and yes, I’m not replacing anyone),” his tweet read. Earlier, reports had suggested that Akshaye Khanna had exited the Drishyam franchise after being a part of the second instalment. Prakash Raj’s clarification appears to be aimed at dismissing speculation that he was stepping in as Khanna’s replacement. About Drishyam 3 The original ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor and other celebrated actors, returns for this edge-of-the-seat instalment, promising a completely new and unexpected twist in the lives of the Salgaonkars as the story moves forward in the quintessential Drishyam timeline. Will the seemingly simple Salgaonkars be able to outwit the system once again, or will fate bring a future they cannot foresee? The answers will unfold on Drishyam Day. Presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, and promises to elevate the family thriller genre to new heights. About Malayalam Drishyam 3 Meanwhile, the makers of the original Malayalam Drishyam franchise have wrapped the third instalment. Directed and written by Jeethu Joseph, the film stars Mohanlal in the lead and is set to release in theatres on April 2, 2026. Recently, Jeethu Joseph confirmed that Drishyam 3 will be the final film in the franchise. In an interaction with Silly Monks Malayalam, the director stated that he has no plans to continue the series beyond the upcoming instalment. “I have not even thought of it in my dreams. I am trying to end this because even people are asking me to stop it. That’s why I am thinking this way,” he said.
10 February,2026 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPriyadarshan has two films in line for release this year. While his next release will be Bhooth Bangla, he also Haiwaan lined up with Akshay Kumar. The film also stars Saif Ali Khan in the lead. The team of Haiwaan has secured a massive digital and satellite deal with Sony Pictures Networks India. Haiwaan locks satellite and digital release Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan starrer Haiwaan, directed by the legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan, is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. Touted as a taut, edge-of-the-seat thriller, Haiwaan has already sparked significant buzz, especially around the massive collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after a long span of time. According to sources, the film has now secured a massive digital and satellite deal with Sony Pictures Networks India. A source revealed, “Haiwaan is the maiden project of Thespian films and KVN Productions together, and the team has successfully locked this massive deal with the prestigious Sony Pictures Networks India for the film’s digital and satellite release. The makers are currently in discussions regarding the release date, which shall happen very soon." The shoot of Haiwaan has already been wrapped, and the makers have been sharing intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses, taking audiences by surprise. The Priyadarshan directorial also boasts an eclectic ensemble cast, including Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, among others. Haiwaan is produced by KVN Production and Thespian Films, by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. More about Haiwaan Haiwaan is an adaptation of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam (2016). The Hindi movie sees Khan as a visually challenged man with a heightened sense of smell and hearing, who takes on Kumar’s antagonist. “I am doing an action-oriented movie after a long time. Haiwaan is a comedy thriller, almost a cat-and-mouse game with a lot of action,” says the director, whose last Hindi release was the comedy Hungama 2 (2021). The film will also see a cameo by Mohanlal. Saif and Akshay last worked together in Tashan, which was a commercial and critical disaster. Haiwaan is produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, and jointly produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn.
10 February,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanbir Kapoor recently spoke about how fatherhood has changed him and how he is craving his own path as a father and a member of the Kapoor family legacy. After welcoming his daughter, Raha, the Ramayana actor shared how his approach differs from the previous generation of parents. Ranbir Kapoor on fatherhood In a video posted on the YouTube channel Ranbir Kapoor Kingdom, the actor was seen comparing his relationship with his late father, Rishi Kapoor, to his own with his daughter. "My father’s relationship with me had a little bit of distance; it was not like a friendship, because that’s how that generation was; there was a glass wall. But now, differently with my child, I want to break that glass wall. I want to be a friend to her, give her the wings to fly in whichever direction she wants," Ranbir said. He also opened up about the Kapoor legacy, emphasising on the importance of an individualistic approach. He said, "Once you know you have come from a family of achievers, the next generation doesn’t succeed on past laurels. You have to take an individualistic approach, your own thought process, bringing something new to the table. If you are doing the same copy-paste of what your forefathers have done, somewhere there would be a saturation point. So I think it’s the intention—you have to really carry a feeling, a feeling of legacy and emotion forward. If you have that in the true sense, then nothing can stop you." When Alia Bhatt spoke about Ranbir Kapoor as a father Earlier, Ranbir's wife and actor Alia Bhatt had shared her perspective on how he has transformed as a father. Speaking to Esquire India, she described him as more sensitive saying, "He’s shy, so he holds a lot back. But with her, he’s incredibly expressive. His eyes, his face, everything lights up. He almost becomes a child himself." Alia also spoke about Ranbir’s constant eagerness to spend time with their daughter, Raha. "He would go for a shoot and literally run home. He’d run straight into the room to see her. His love is very obvious. He can’t help himself," she shared. On the work front, Ranbir Kapoor is currently working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Later, he also has Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana with Sai Pallavi and Yash in the pipeline, followed by Animal Park.
10 February,2026 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAnsh Chopra, who will be seen in director Bejoy Nambiar's survival thriller, Tu Yaa Main, sat down with Mid-day to share memorable anecdotes from set, open up about his camaraderie with Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor, and express his views on nepotism in the industry. Ansh, an actor and content creator, is best known for his Instagram page titled Bigg Nerds, where he creates comedic reels. In the film, he plays the role of Adarsh Gourav's best friend and manager. He was approached for the role by director Bejoy Nambiar, who saw his content on social media. Ansh Chopra shares how the cast pranked each other Talking about his experience on set, Ansh stated that it was extremely fun performing with Adarsh and Shanaya because they instantly made him feel comfortable during the initial ice-breaking sessions. They were also given leeway to improvise. “Bejoy sir was open to everything, and whenever we asked if we could improvise a scene, he told us to go ahead. We pranked everyone on set - Shanaya, Adarsh, Parul (Gulati).” Ansh recalled how he became the victim of a prank on his very first day on set. Shanaya and Adarsh convinced him to greet Bejoy Nambiar by touching his feet and seeking blessings. “They told me, ‘It’s your first day on set. So when you meet Bejoy sir, you have to touch his feet, because he views it as a sign of respect.’ So, during my first take, I went up to him and did just that. He was completely taken aback and told me I had been pranked.” On another instance, he was locked in his vanity van for hours by Adarsh Gourav, while the crew frantically searched for him to begin filming. Sharing how he avenged the prank, he said, “There was a scene where we were shooting with the crocodile. The crocodile was right behind Adarsh and Shanaya, but they were both facing ahead and listening to the narration. I went behind them and grabbed their legs, and they screamed hysterically. I couldn't stop laughing. They thought it was the crocodile.” Ansh shares his views on nepotism Ansh began his career as a child star. He revealed how he had a cameo in Love Sex aur Dhokha (2010), which was set to be his Bollywood debut. However, his scene didn’t make the final cut, leading to disappointment. He then made a brief appearance in the Tamil movie Thalaivaa (2013), starring Thalapathy Vijay, which he described as an amazing experience. As it became tougher to secure film roles, he turned to content creation to keep his passion for acting alive. When asked about his views on the nepotism debate, as he struggled for a meaty role like this for years while Shanaya Kapoor got to headline a film without having proven her mettle, he stresses that every individual has their own journey. Dismissing comparisons with Shanaya, he firmly states, “I know she has worked a lot on herself to reach this stage. She went to film school. She worked as an assistant director first, assisting on Gunjan Saxena, and then she got this opportunity. So, don’t think it is unfair. I believe everyone has their own journey and their own struggles.”
10 February,2026 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahManoj Bajpayee and the makers of his forthcoming Netflix drama Ghooskhor Pandat received a major relief after the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition seeking a ban on the release of the film. Notably, the decision comes after the producers of the film, including streaming platform Netflix, informed the Delhi High Court that they are going to change the name of the movie. Netflix to change the name of Ghooskhor Pandat The decision of the producers was informed before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who was dealing with a petition that sought a stay on the release of the film due to its 'offensive' and 'defamatory' title. "The producer has taken a conscious decision in light of the concern that has arisen to change the title of the film from Ghooskhor Pandat to an alternate title which more accurately reflects the film's narrative and intent," recorded Justice Kaurav. Netflix's senior counsel further added that the film, which is in editing stage, is a purely fictional police drama, and the title gave rise to "unintended interruptions" which did not align with the film's content. They also informed the court that all promotional material has also been taken down. In view of the decision taken by Netflix, the court closed the proceedings on the petition, observing that "nothing more was required to be adjudicated". About the controversy Netflix's announcement of the film, directed by filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, earlier this month sparked a storm on social media, with many users terming the title 'casteist' and offensive. A massive row erupted after social media users criticised the title of the film, calling it derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Apart from this, multiple FIRs were filed seeking a ban on the release of the project. A writ petition filed in the Delhi High Court challenged the show’s proposed release, claiming that its title and promotional content are defamatory and communally sensitive. Parallelly, political protests have erupted in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with members of Brahmin organisations demanding a ban and accusing the project of targeting a particular community. In Uttar Pradesh, an FIR has been registered against the director, and effigies of the filmmakers and Bajpayee have been burnt at several locations. (With inputs from agencies)
10 February,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor and dancer Nora Fatehi has publicly voiced her admiration for global superstar Bad Bunny after his Super Bowl LX halftime performance sparked widespread and mixed reactions. Fatehi took to her social media platform to share an emotional video message, explaining that Bad Bunny’s show deeply moved her and even brought tears to her eyes. Her reaction came after audiences and commentators around the world weighed in on the historic performance. Nora Fatehi comes out in support The Super Bowl halftime show, one of the most watched musical performances of the year, saw Bad Bunny become the first solo artist to headline the event with a primarily Spanish-language set. His performance emphasised cultural pride and unity, featuring energetic choreography, vivid visuals, and appearances by other celebrated entertainers, and was widely discussed for its emotional resonance. While many music fans and celebrities celebrated the show for its artistry and cultural representation, reactions were sharply divided. Some praised the heartfelt, unity-focused message and its celebration of Latin heritage, while others criticised the choice of language and style for a mainstream American audience. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was among the prominent critics, describing the show in harsh terms and expressing disapproval publicly. Fatehi’s heartfelt endorsement reflects the positive responses from many viewers who felt the performance transcended language barriers and connected on a personal level through emotion and expression. She expressed that the show’s artistic and emotional impact outweighed the criticism it faced, standing by the idea that music can touch people’s hearts regardless of linguistic or cultural differences. All about Bad Bunny's performance The debate around Bad Bunny’s performance extended beyond the show itself. The artist later erased all posts from his Instagram account in a move that drew additional attention and speculation, with some fans interpreting it as a strategic reset or creative statement following the high-profile appearance. Overall, Fatehi’s message adds to a larger conversation about cultural representation in global entertainment and the power of music to evoke emotional reactions across diverse audiences.
10 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmerican-born singer and actor Nick Jonas was introduced to Indian culture and Hinduism after marrying actor Priyanka Chopra. The couple, who are parents to a four-year-old daughter, celebrate both cultures with equal enthusiasm. Over the years, Nick has often spoken about how deeply influenced he has been by India and is frequently seen sharing reels of himself grooving to Bollywood music. He also celebrates Indian and Hindu festivals with Priyanka and their daughter. Recently, Nick opened up about embracing his wife’s culture and raising their daughter with strong values from both traditions in a multi-religious household. Nick Jonas on embracing Hinduism Speaking on the Sach Sang Show, Nick Jonas shared that he had always envisioned a big extended family and a partner who shared the same outlook. “It was kind of magic when I went to India for the first time and got the chance to spend time with her family and friends and experience her culture in a more meaningful way. Some of my favourite traditions and holidays are now Indian traditions. Some of my favourite memories in life are either based in India or India-adjacent, and it’s pretty incredible,” he said. The actor also spoke about learning more about Hinduism and embracing its philosophies. “I have learned a lot about Hinduism as well, which is just amazing. It’s profound and beautiful. The practice of karma doing unto others as you would like to have done to you and good things coming back to you if you do good. Dharma is beautiful, and we are raising our daughter to have real Hindu values and an understanding of them in a meaningful way. I am very blessed to have a multicultural and multi-religious family,” Nick shared. About Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas After dating for some time, Nick and Priyanka tied the knot in 2018 in a grand wedding that included both Christian and Hindu ceremonies. The couple welcomed their daughter, Malti, via surrogacy in January 2022. Speaking about opting for surrogacy, Priyanka had earlier shared, “I had medical complications, so this was a necessary step, and I’m so grateful I was in a position where I could do this.” Recalling the difficult early months, Priyanka once said, “We spent every single day with her on my chest, on my husband’s chest. I didn’t know if she would make it or not.” Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s upcoming projects On the work front, Nick Jonas will next be seen alongside Paul Rudd in Power Ballad. Priyanka Chopra, meanwhile, is set to make her return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s next directorial venture, Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. She has already shot several crucial scenes in Hyderabad and other locations.
10 February,2026 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1770721373434_d.png "Kunal Om")
