Read Bollywood News
Iulia Vantur on singing Lag ja gale: 'I was worried about Salman's response'
Not too long ago, producer Sajid Nadiadwala had heard Iulia Vantur singing Lata Mangeshkar’s iconic track, Lag ja gale. He had told Vantur that he’d have her sing it for a film someday. At the time, she didn’t think much of it. But days before Sikandar’s trailer launch, Vantur was in the studio recording the track, just as Nadiadwala had promised. “I didn’t have time to think about it. He told me, ‘Just go and record the song.’ The [lack of time] was a [blessing] because otherwise I would’ve been worried about singing the ultimate song,” smiles Vantur. Iulia Vantur The reprised version appears prominently in Sikandar, with Rashmika Mandanna’s character crooning for Salman Khan. Among the compliments Vantur received, Khan’s reaction particularly relieved her. “I was worried [about his response]. If Salman hears me pronouncing something wrong, he will not leave me until I say it right. That he liked it was a big thing for me,” she says. Vantur, who has lent her voice to many songs for Khan’s films, including Race 3 (2018) and Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021), says she has mixed feelings when recording a track for him. “There is the pressure of giving your best because you want the other person to succeed. You don’t want to spoil it for them. At the same time, it’s a beautiful feeling because you want to work with people you love and respect. I’m grateful to be a part of the incredible legacy he is giving to his audience.” Was it heartbreaking then to see Sikandar’s underwhelming box office performance? “I think the movie performed extraordinarily well, considering it was leaked before the release. What I also noticed is that his true fans were there for him,” she reflects.
09 April,2025 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
World Health Day Special
World health day: Randeep Hooda to Kriti Sanon, celebs share wellness tips
Randeep Hooda, on the importance of sports ‘Sports is big part of my life, as it should be for everybody. When you practice a sport, there’s an entire set of physical training that needs to be undertaken that doesn’t happen [in traditional fitness formats]. For instance, a rider must have a sense of balance, an understanding of callisthenics, and appropriate core engagement.’ Kriti Sanon, on the importance of patience and consistency ‘Nothing happens overnight. Even if you exercise for two hours each day and slog yourself, you won’t see results in four days. You have to be consistent.’ Shenaz Treasury’s lesson for women ‘I spent my 20s stressing over my body. I was often [mocked] for my big thighs. I’d wear long skirts to hide them, and it wasn’t until my first boyfriend gave me the confidence to [flaunt my legs] that I began to do so. I am thankful for my thick and muscular legs. Hopefully, they’ll take me through my 90s.’ Sonu Sood, on setting an example for children ‘If you need to be pushed to head to the gym, that’s [a problem]. But if you have that drive, half the job is done. My kids have grown up watching me be disciplined; they know that there has not been a single day that I’ve given up. That also keeps them on their toes.’ Vikas Khanna, on celebrating Indian eating patterns ‘It’s easy to adopt a foreign culture, but you must remember your roots. Our ancestors have taught us how to cook well, and have told us why some foods are consumed with others. We haven’t invented these things on our own. So, it’s important to be attentive to our practices.’
09 April,2025 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Shweta Tripathi: Staying physically fit is crucial for the job
For as long as her memory supports her, Shweta Tripathi recalls her father often asking her two questions. “The first would be, ‘Which book are you reading?’ And the other, ‘Did you exercise today?’ Because I wouldn’t do both, I’d often get annoyed with the questions. Even when I shifted to Mumbai in my 20s, the questions he’d ask never changed. It’s only now that I understand their importance. The two most crucial things that you should focus on are your mental and physical fitness. They go hand in hand, after all,” says the actor, whose social media pages are now peppered with videos of her jumping atop boxes, lifting weights, and performing a range of balancing drills. It wasn’t until the lockdown was imposed in 2020 that Tripathi, who achieved acclaim for her portrayal of a gangster in the series, Mirzapur, adopted a healthy lifestyle. Egged on by her actor-husband Chaitanya Sharma, she initially exercised at her building gym and subsequently turned to trainer Tridev Pandey when restrictions were lifted. “Tridev addresses your individual needs, which made training with him enjoyable. For the first time in my life, I look forward to the next class,” says the actor, who practises resistance training with Pandey, and yoga when he isn’t available. “I’m reaping the benefits of both forms because each is important and serves a different purpose.” Shweta Tripathi The actor doesn’t deny that it was the requirements of her role that also served as the impetus to get fitter. “I wanted to have a particular body frame because I wanted this character to look like someone who had strength. If this girl was picking up a gun, I wanted her to look like she was physically capable of doing so. Every time I do an exercise rep at the gym, I feel [like I am doing justice to the character]. The way I walk and my entire body language are different, and I now exude confidence. Also, I’m not only serving the character. My stamina has improved, which is important because we shoot for 12 to 16 hours a day, and often in places where [weather conditions] are different. Staying physically fit is crucial for the job.” For Tripathi, eliminating sugar from her diet wasn’t a tall ask, considering that the actor says she doesn’t have a sweet tooth. She is also favoured by her love for home-cooked meals, and often asks her contemporaries to send food to her set when she shoots near their residences. “The nutrition in home-made meals is unmatched. Packaged food is not something that appeals to me.” The Cheats Nikita Dutta What’s your cheat meal: It will have to be pizza or chaat.How often do you indulge: I try to indulge about once every five to seven days.Cheat meal Vs cheat day: I prefer to have a cheat day so that I can space out the food I want to relish.Do you compensate for it: Yes, I compensate by walking more than I regularly do, and aim to get in 12,000 steps. In Hasleen Kaur’s fridge Cream cheeseEggsMilkBreadChocolates
09 April,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia Lulla
Paramvir Singh Cheema: 'Every role that I choose should show my identity’
Can lives change overnight? Paramvir Singh Cheema believes so. The actor, who featured in Tabbar (2021) and Chamak (2023), broke out this January with Black Warrant. He says that ever since Vikramaditya Motwane’s prison drama dropped on Netflix, he has received multiple congratulatory messages from directors and actors. “I got a message that read, ‘Hi, this is Arjun Kapoor.’ I thought it’s fake. But then, it really was Arjun. A lot of directors messaged to appreciate my work. I was not expecting this to happen,” he smiles. In the Zahan Kapoor-led series set in the 1980s, Cheema plays a fellow jailer adjusting to his new role while tension brews in his hometown in Punjab. The actor reveals that he auditioned with the scene that sees him worried about his family in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984. “When I auditioned with that scene, I told Vikram sir, ‘I have to do it. It’s important that the right person plays this role.’ Hailing from Punjab, I’ve seen families getting separated, or someone leaving home and never coming back. [During the shoot], Vikram sir was happy with the way I portrayed my character’s outburst. I was worried [about a possible backlash] as my family is in Punjab and anything can happen these days. But then, Vikram sir made the scene so beautiful and human,” he shares. A still from Black Warrant It’s easy to see that Cheema consciously chooses stories that reflect his roots. “Identity is important to me. Every role I choose should show my identity.” His upcoming works are testament to that. The actor brings the Punjabi music industry’s underbelly to the fore with Chamak 2, and the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war to the screen with Border 2. “I gravitate towards stories that bring out Punjab’s reality. People say you need guts to do this. Why do you need guts to speak about your lived-in experience? I want my stories to show the truth of our times.” He hopes Border 2—starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh—will be his gateway to mainstream cinema. “The language of cinema is different. In Border 2, you can’t be subtle. I’ve been a fan of Border [1997]. So, when Border 2 came, I told myself I have to do this, even if it requires passing on something else,” says the actor, who has also bagged an Aanand L Rai film.
09 April,2025 07:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Jaya Bachchan snaps at fan during Manoj Kumar's prayer meet, video goes viral
Actress and Member of Parliament Jaya Bachchan's temper is not new. The veteran actress has never shied away from speaking her mind or reprimanding people when she feels it is necessary. On Sunday, the actress was seen at the prayer meet of late Bollywood star Manoj Kumar. A video from the event featuring Jaya Bachchan has gone viral on social media, where she can be seen getting upset with a fan for recording her. Jaya Bachchan gets angry at fan In the video, Jaya Bachchan is seen standing at the venue among other attendees when she feels a tap on her shoulder. She turns around to find an elderly woman dressed in a green saree. The lady’s touch seems to have startled Jaya, who turns back and firmly holds the woman’s hand, pulling it aside. Then, Jaya notices a man—likely the elderly woman’s husband—recording the moment on his phone. Clearly irritated, she says something to him before walking away. The video quickly went viral on social media, with netizens sharing their views on the incident. While some defended Jaya, stating that it was inappropriate to record at a prayer meet without consent, others felt the actress was rude in her response. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal) Manoj Kumar's prayer meet A prayer meeting for legendary actor Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 4 at the age of 87, was held on Sunday evening. Organized by his family to honor his memory, the gathering was attended by several Bollywood celebrities who came to pay their respects. Jaya Bachchan arrived solo for the service, which was also attended by stars like Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Prem Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, and others. Manoj Kumar was cremated with state honors at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday. The funeral was attended by several prominent Bollywood figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan. The legendary actor and filmmaker passed away at 4:03 a.m. on April 4 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in the 1960s and 1970s.The actor was affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic roles in patriotic films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed. In addition to his acting career, Kumar made significant contributions as a director and producer.
08 April,2025 10:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Birthday Special
6 interesting facts about Jaya Bachchan that will leave you amazed
Jaya Bachchan was born as Jaya Bhaduri in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on April 9, 1948. She is known for her relevant and naturalistic style of acting in Hindi cinema. Jaya Bachchan has won countless accolades in her long cinematic career, including the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992. Jaya Bachchan started her journey in films with the Bengali movie 'Mahanagar', which came out in 1963. The actress, however, entered Bollywood with the much-acclaimed film Guddi, in which her performance as a schoolgirl obsessed with Dharmendra is still widely regarded. In 1973, Jaya Bachchan married Amitabh Bachchan and had two children with him - Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda. Let's take a look at some other interesting facts about the veteran actress: - Koshish (1972), in which Jaya Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar played a deaf and mute couple, is considered among the actress' best performances ever. It was a remake of the Japanese film Happiness Of Us Alone. - Jaya's strength as a lead heroine was that she was equally adept at commercial as well as offbeat cinema, which explains her success while collaborating with directors as diverse as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, Ramesh Sippy and Prakash Mehra. - Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan worked together for the first time in the 1972 film Bansi Birju. Some of Big B-Jaya's famous films as a pair are Zanjeer (1973), Abhimaan (1973), Mili (1975), Chupke Chupke (1975), Sholay (1975) and Silsila (1981). - Jaya Bachchan was pregnant with her first child, Shweta, during the filming of Sholay. Following Yash Chopra's Silsila, Jaya decided to take a prolonged break from acting to concentrate on family. - Amitabh and Jaya's second child, Abhishek, was born on February 5, 1976. After a huge gap of 17 years, Jaya Bachchan returned to the big screen with the 1998 film Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa. - Since 2000, Jaya Bachchan has acted in a handful of films, a couple of which have been major hits, namely Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho. We wish the actress par excellence a very happy birthday! Jay Bachchan was last seen in the film 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' directed by Karan Johar.
08 April,2025 10:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Why does Jaya Bachchan always get upset with the shutterbugs? Paparazzo reveals
Jaya Bachchan and her love-hate relationship with the paparazzi is no secret. While the paparazzi often follow celebrities and update fans about their whereabouts, Jaya Bachchan is not someone who appreciates this invasion of privacy. But why does Jaya always get upset with the paparazzi? Manav Manglani, one of the most well-known paparazzi photographers, opened up about why the veteran actress behaves a certain way. On Jaya Bachchan's birthday, here's revisiting what the paparazzi have to say about the veteran star. Paparazzi Manav Manglani talks about Jaya Bachchan In an interview with Aleena Dissects, Manav said, “She is not used to so much media. During her days, there were hardly a few people who would do it all very gently. Now, the media has massively increased… She doesn’t mind them when they are at a press conference or film premiere. She hates it when they spot her off-guard. She gets shocked, ‘How come so many people gathered here? We were just out for dinner.’” “Then she has her fun banters too. She even suggests angles to the paps—‘Yeh neeche se kyun photo le rahe ho, iss angle se lo (Why are you clicking from a low angle? Shoot it from this angle).’ She is not media-savvy. She was just used to four-five people from certain channels and that’s it,” he added, while noting, “Jaya Bachchan has her own funda.” Jaya Bachchan on paparazzi culture Earlier, Jaya Bachchan also shared her views on the paparazzi culture during a podcast with her granddaughter Navya Nanda. She said, “I hate it. I despise it. I despise the people who interfere in your personal life and fill their stomachs by selling those products. I hate it. I’m disgusted with such people. I always tell them, ‘Aapko sharam nahi aati hai?’ (Don’t you feel ashamed?)” She further continued, “I feel very strongly about it and it’s not just today—I have felt this way since day one. I don’t mind if you talk about my work. Say, ‘She’s a bad actor, she did this film badly, she’s not looking nice,’ because it’s a visual medium—I don’t mind that. But the rest, I do mind.” Jaya Bachchan gets angry at fan In a video, Jaya Bachchan is seen standing at a venue among other attendees when she feels a tap on her shoulder. She turns around to find an elderly woman dressed in a green saree. The lady’s touch startles Jaya, who firmly holds the woman’s hand and pulls it aside. Then, Jaya notices a man—likely the elderly woman’s husband—recording the moment on his phone. Irritated, she says something to him before walking away.
08 April,2025 10:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tillotama Shome breaks down, recalls hurtful remark by a director
Actor Tillotama Shome is one of the most loved and versatile actresses in the industry and has delivered some amazing performances in her career. Recently, Tillotama opened up about an interaction with a director that left her hurt. The Kota Factory actress talked about how she was told she would never earn a certain amount of money. Tillotama Shome breaks down In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Shome broke into tears and talked about how one director bluntly told her that she would never make enough money in the industry. “It was in stark contrast to a director I once worked with who paid me very low. At the wrap party, we were all talking when someone asked me, ‘What would be something that you really are lusting for?' I mentioned a particular car that cost a certain amount, and said, ‘If I do a film where I’m paid this much, I could buy that car,’” she said. While wiping her tears, she added, “The director then said, ‘I’m so sorry to break this to you, but you’re never going to earn that kind of money. It’s unfair, but that’s how this industry is. You’re very talented, but unfortunately, you’ll never make that much.’ He said it in a tone that felt like he meant well—but it stayed with me.” Tillotama Shome on fighting to get enough pay Tillotama further continued and talked about how she made sure to get the fees she deserved in the next project she did and added, “Then came my next film, which was everything I could dream of creatively. I knew I’d never get a role that good again, but I still negotiated for four months. I fought for the money, and eventually, I got paid double the amount I’d mentioned at that party. When the contract was finalized, I messaged that director and said, ‘By the way, I just closed a deal and was paid this much. Thought you should know before you tell another actor what they can or can’t do.’ That moment meant a lot to me. I’m grateful I have friends who see my worth—because sometimes, potential is invisible. And true friendship is about recognizing what the world can’t yet see,” Shome concluded.
08 April,2025 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
I-T raid at Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan’s house? Here’s what Ajay Devgn would do
Ajay Devgn is all set to come back as an income tax officer for the second film in the Raid franchise. The much-awaited trailer of Raid 2 was dropped today at a grand event in the presence of media. After the Raid 2 trailer was launched, the cast and makers of the film interacted with the media and answered some interesting questions. At the trailer launch event, Ajay Devgn was asked what he would do if there was a raid at Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan's houses, and his reply left everyone in splits. While in interaction with media, when Ajay was asked what he would do if there is a raid at Salman or Shah Rukh's residence, the actor gave a hilarious reply. He, while replying to the question, said, "I play an officer in the film. I'm not going to their houses for real. So I don't really know what I need to manage. If ever there's a raid at their houses, I'll be sitting at my house, and vice versa. So I can't really manage anything." Ajay Devgn locks horns with Riteish Deshmukh The trailer of Raid 2 teases a gripping narrative between the two actors; brimming with thrills and suspense, it leaves the audience craving for more. It unveils Ajay Devgn’s signature intensity, which is both commanding and compelling, along with Riteish Deshmukh’s promising new avatar as an influential politician. Stepping into the shoes of a power-hungry antagonist, he oozes charm and cruelty in equal measure, making him the perfect nemesis to Devgn’s unshakable lawman. This time, the director has apparently turned to a real-life raid case in Uttar Pradesh for inspiration. “The story has its roots in a case that saw a UP politician-businessman being accused of tax evasion of over ₹100 crore,” a source informed earlier. About Raid 2 Helmed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid 2 is anticipated to be the new engrossing entertainer of the year. The film also stars Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, and Amit Sial. It is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and is a Panorama Studios production. Raid 2 is set to release theatrically on 1st May 2025.
08 April,2025 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mission Kashmir to Ground Zero: Patriotic films with Kashmir as backdrop
Bollywood has consistently delivered powerful patriotic and war-based films, many rooted in real-life incidents that stir deep emotions and evoke national pride. A recurring theme in these stories is Kashmir—a region that has evolved into a genre of its own in Indian cinema. With its long history of internal turmoil, unrest and its strategic role in the war against Pakistan, Kashmir has been the backdrop for numerous tales of bravery. From movies like URI: The Surgical Strike, Mission Kashmir, and Article 370 to the upcoming Ground Zero, here are 5 patriotic films that have Kashmir as their backdrop. Patriotic films to watch Ground Zero Ground Zero is an upcoming action thriller starring Emraan Hashmi as a BSF commander on a mission to hunt down a terror mastermind in Kashmir. Inspired by true events, it is based on a two-year BSF operation that led to the killing of Ghazi Baba in Srinagar after the 2001 Parliament attack. URI: The Surgical Strike URI: The Surgical Strike was a hit based on the 2016 Indian Army's surgical strikes in response to a terrorist attack in Uri, Kashmir, where 19 soldiers were killed. It showcases bravery, strategy, and patriotism in a gripping dramatization of real events. Article 370 Article 370 is a political drama based on the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Set against real events, it follows special agent Zooni Haksar on a secret mission to control unrest in the region ahead of the historic constitutional decision, blending action and politics. Amaran Amaran is a film set against the backdrop of Kashmir, focusing on Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's military journey. It highlights his valor during counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, portraying the emotional and patriotic challenges faced by soldiers in conflict zones. Mission Kashmir Released in 2000, the Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial brought together a powerful cast with Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Preity Zinta, and Jackie Shroff. The movie follows the story of Altaaf (Hrithik Roshan), a boy whose life changes forever after his parents are killed during a police raid led by Inayat Khan (Sanjay Dutt). The film explored terrorism, identity, and emotional conflict with a gripping narrative and haunting visuals.
08 April,2025 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sunita Ahuja gets angry over divorce rumours with Govinda: ‘Kuttey hai log'
Bollywood actor Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja has finally reacted to their divorce rumours. The couple made headlines for their alleged separation earlier this year. Sunita, who has been quite vocal in the media for her candid answers, addressed the same after weeks of staying mum on the matter. Recently, ABP asked Sunita about the same, and she reportedly got angry over those spreading “negativity” about her marriage with the superstar. Sunita strongly reacted, stating, “Positive hai ya negative hai. Positive hai mujhe pata hai. Mai sochti hu kuttey hai log bhaukenge (Whether it is positive or negative, I take it positively. I think people are dogs, so they will bark). Till the time you don’t hear it from mine or Govinda’s mouth, don’t believe anything." Govinda-Sunita's lawyer on their divorce rumours In February, the couple's lawyer, Lalit Bindal, who is also a close friend, told India Today, “Everything is fine between them now. Such things keep happening between couples, but they are going strong and will always be together.” He added, “It is unfortunate that people are only talking negatively about them when the couple is together, and I can assure that they will always be. No divorce is going to happen.” Govinda is among the best comic actors the Indian cinema has ever seen. During the 90s, he was at the top of his career and delivered some evergreen superhit comedy films for which he got a lot of appreciation. Some of his best films are 'Dulhe Raja', 'Coolie No 1', 'Hero No 1', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', and 'Haseena Maan Jayegi' among others. Govinda and Sunita tied the knot in March 1987. The couple is blessed with two kids: their daughter Tina and son Yashvardhan. Sunita Ahuja’s work front It was earlier reported that Sunita is in talks for the next season of the popular reality show, 'Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives'. A source informed IANS, "We heard Sunita Ahuja is going to be considered for the upcoming season of 'The Fabulous Housewives'. She has been someone the audiences have truly loved, and her fan following has increased by the day."
08 April,2025 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent