Dia Mirza’s production venture One India Stories has won Best Indian Short Film at the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) for its debut film Panha, a moving, intimate story about home, heritage, and the price of progress. Founded by childhood friends Dia Mirza and Ananya Rane, One India Stories was born from a shared belief that storytelling can build empathy and spark change. Panha marks their first film under the banner, and its journey has already touched hearts far beyond the mango orchards of Maharashtra where it was shot. What is Panha about? Directed by Sakshi Mishra, Panha follows a family of mango farmers facing eviction from their ancestral land due to a bullet train project. The story unfolds through the tender eyes of seven-year-old Vithu — inviting us into a world where loss is quiet, courage is fragile, and childhood carries the heaviest truths. The film offers neither judgement nor propaganda, but a rare, humane pause to feel what “development” means for those left in its shadow. Dia Mirza on Panha winning an award Speaking about the win, Dia Mirza shared, “Panha was made with love, trust, and a deep respect for the lives it portrays. This win is for the farmers who opened their homes and hearts to us, and for every child whose story deserves to be seen and felt. Cinema, to me, is at its most powerful when it reminds us of our shared humanity.” Co-founder Ananya Rane reflected on the purpose behind One India Stories, “We started One India Stories to tell honest, compassionate stories that bring people closer to each other and to the world they inhabit. Panha is our first step in that journey, and this recognition tells us that small, sincere stories can travel far.” Director Sakshi Mishra added, “Panha was never about spectacle — it was about stillness, intimacy, and listening. The farmers of Maharashtra didn’t just lend us their orchards; they trusted us with their lives. This award belongs as much to them as it does to our team.” Made on a modest budget, Panha was brought to life by a committed cast and crew alongside indigenous farmers from rural Maharashtra, whose generosity shaped the film’s truth and texture. Along with its ALT EFF 2025 win, Panha has also been honoured with the Best Film award at the 9th World Indian Film Festival Hyderabad, received an Honourable Jury Mention at the 13th Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival, and secured an Official Selection at IDSFFK (Kerala) 2025 — a heartening journey for a film that began with a whisper and is now being heard across the country. Panha reminds us that some stories don’t just entertain — they awaken. And sometimes, the softest voices speak the loudest truths. The film features a talented cast including Ujjwala Jog, Suhas Sirsat, Prithvik Pratap, Sayali Sanjeev, Shubhangi Bhujbal, Payal Jadhav, and Aarav Aeer, each bringing a natural, honest performance that adds sincerity and warmth to the story.
07 December,2025 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar's directorial Dhurandhar was released in theatres on December 5 and has become a talking point on social media. This is Dhar's second directorial after the film Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). The story of Dhurandhar does not conclude in Part 1 despite a runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes. The Ranveer Singh-starrer will conclude in Part 2 in March 2026. While audiences await the rest of the film, theories have started floating on social media. One among them is that Dhar has created his own universe linking both his directorials. Connection between Dhurandhar and Uri explained Both Dhurandhar and Uri: The Surgical Strike are based/inspired by real-life incidents. Now, the internet has found the connection between the two films. In Uri, Vicky Kaushal's character Vihaan meets Indian Air Force Pilot Flight Lieutenant Seerat Kaur, whose Army officer husband was martyred in an ambush. Seerat’s role is played by actress Kirti Kulhari. After the release of Dhurandhar, a clip of Seerat and Vihaan’s conversation from Uri has gone viral. In the scene, Seerat reveals the name of her late husband: Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who belonged to the Punjab Regiment and lost his life during the Naushera Sector ambush. Interestingly, Ranveer Singh's character in Dhurandhar is also named Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who disguises himself as Hamza Ali Mazari to infiltrate Pakistan’s underworld. In Dhurandhar, Rangi is sent on the mission because of his criminal past. However, not much is explained about his history, which will be explored in Part 2, offering further clarity on the connection between the two films. If Seerat's husband mentioned in Uri and Ranveer's character in Dhurandhar is indeed the same person, then Singh’s character may end up dying in Part 2. All about Dhurandhar's upcoming sequel Dhurandhar follows Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajay Sanyal, played by R. Madhavan, as he leads a high-risk mission to dismantle a terror network in Pakistan. Ranveer Singh stars as a 20-year-old Punjabi youngster recruited from prison and trained to penetrate Karachi's criminal underworld. The film was shot in Thailand, Mumbai, Punjab, and Ladakh between July 2024 and October 2025, and has a duration of 214 minutes, making it one of India's longest theatrical releases of the year. Furthermore, it has been reported that Dhurandhar 2 will be released on March 19, 2026, clashing with Yash's upcoming action film Toxic at the box office. It will be interesting to witness the showdown between the two massive films.
07 December,2025 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen an opportunity allows you to tick every box that excites you as an actor, you grab it with both hands. Kritika Kamra did exactly that with The Great Shamsuddin Family, an upcoming family dramedy helmed by Anusha Rizvi. The JioHotstar film marks the director’s return 15 years after her acclaimed debut, Peepli Live (2010). Alongside Kamra, the film features an impressive ensemble that includes Juhi Babbar, Sheeba Chadha, Farida Jalal and Shreya Dhanwanthary. “There are so many brilliant women in film, and then I was getting the opportunity to work with Anusha, whose Peepli Live I loved. I was really interested in just her voice as a director,” says Kamra. Kritika Kamra In the film, Kamra plays Bani Ahmed, who is racing against a deadline amid the chaos stirred by her large, dysfunctional family. Her excitement about the role also stems from the belief that the character draws inspiration from Rizvi herself. “I could be starting this rumour, but I think it’s a little bit autobiographical. There were times on set when I would look at Anusha and ask her, ‘Why do you look dressed like my character?’ Besides the fun, you [see] a subliminal message that Anusha is known for. The film is about belonging, identity, a family, and the eldest-daughter syndrome. Although I’m not the eldest in the film, I’m that daughter who takes up the responsibility of being the problem solver for everybody. So, I think it comes from her own experiences,” she shares. Kamra says the film’s realism reflects Rizvi’s desire to explore a regular day in the lives of different women. “Anusha likes a very realistic, chaotic, not done-up kind of world. She said the other day, ‘I wanted to make a film about women where they are not going on a road trip, or there’s no big event being planned. I just want to see their relationships, the dynamic between sisters, cousins, different generations on a regular day’,” the actor recounts. The Great Shamsuddin Family marks Kamra’s third women-led project after Kaun Banegi Shikharwati (2022) and Hush Hush (2022). She hopes such opportunities keep coming. “I feel like I have gotten a bit spoilt. [If at] anytime there is an opportunity to work with a woman director and more women on set, I’d jump at it. I want to be a part of it because I’ve had enough experience to know that it is very different from a really male-dominated, testosterone-high set. I feel there are some stories that need to be told with vulnerability. Certain stories when written and directed by a woman have more layers. I really enjoy being a part of it and I am okay to be stereotyped with women-led projects,” she laughs.
07 December,2025 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaThe buzz has been building since April when the announcement was first made — Neetu Kapoor and Kapil Sharma would star in Dadi Ki Shaadi, marking Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s Bollywood debut. Now, first-time director Ashish R Mohan tells mid-day that the family entertainer is set to wrap up soon, and he hopes to release it on Mother’s Day (May 10, 2026) or sometime in April. After a 40-day schedule in Shimla, Mohan shares that although most of the shoot is complete, some patchwork scenes, including an end-credit song, remain to be filmed in January. “I wanted to complete the film after I locked my release date. We had shot a song choreographed by Ganesh [Acharya] master in Shimla earlier this year, but a one-day shoot remained as there was talk of a [conflict between] India and Pakistan,” he recollects. On May 7, India launched strikes on Pakistan in an operation code-named Operation Sindoor. For safety, Mohan returned to Mumbai with the cast and crew. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Ashish R Mohan He shares that the finale number features “700 children from the schools in Shimla and outside and has the entire cast in it. I will invite the entire cast to come down [to] shoot the song and scenes — in Golden Tobacco Factory or Film City. [We also have] one-day scene to shoot with Riddhima,” adds the filmmaker. Currently in post-production, Dadi Ki Shaadi is a comedy revolving around a family who gets involved in a family matriarch’s marriage. Earlier, the film — also starring South superstar Sarath Kumar, Nikhat Hegde, Tejaswini Kolhapure, and Sadia Khateeb — was planned for a December release. The makers will now announce the release date on December 20.
07 December,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRKangana Ranaut has once again grabbed attention for wearing her heart on her sleeve. She found herself making headlines after she visited Varanasi recently. A video went viral in which the actress is seen enjoying popular chaat, tikiya chole, in the city. However, after eating, many social media users accused her of tossing it onto the road. Kangana has now issued a clarification, calling the claims misleading and sharing photographic evidence. Kangana Ranaut issues clarification Kangana took to Instagram Stories to post a new picture from the stall. In the image, she marked an arrow pointing towards a dustbin. She asserted that she, too, had placed her plate in that dustbin. She called out a news portal, writing, “Selective clips and twisted captions are not journalism; they are propaganda. Verify facts before publishing lies.” About Kangana Ranaut Kangana started her political career in 2024 when she contested on a BJP ticket and won the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from the Mandi constituency. In a recent podcast, she was asked if she enjoys her political career. To this, Kangana said, “I’m getting a hang of it. I wouldn’t say that I am enjoying it (politics). It’s a very different kind of work, more like social service. This hasn’t been my background. I’ve never thought of serving people. I’ve fought for women’s rights, but that’s different... Somebody’s naali (drain) is broken, and I’m like, ‘But I am an MP, and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems’.” “When they see you, they come to you with problems like MLAs, broken roads, and I tell them that’s a state government issue, and they say, ‘You have money, you use your own money,’” she added. When it comes to Bollywood, she was most recently seen in Emergency. Based on Indira Gandhi’s political life, the film received a lukewarm response at the box office. It also starred Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman and Mahima Chaudhry in pivotal roles. According to Variety, Kangana is now set to make her Hollywood debut with the upcoming horror film Blessed Be The Evil, produced by US-based Lions Movies. She will star alongside Teen Wolf actor Tyler Posey and Scarlet Rose Stallone.
06 December,2025 11:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Vicky Kaushal, who recently embraced fatherhood, has marked the joyful milestone with a lavish purchase. Just days after he and his wife, Katrina Kaif, welcomed their first child, a baby boy born on 7 November 2025, Vicky acquired a brand-new luxury car, the Lexus LM350h 4S, reportedly worth Rs 3.20 crore. All about the new car The purchase was spotted when Vicky attended an event in Mumbai, later seen confidently behind the wheel of his new four-seater Lexus. The vehicle is described as an ultra-luxury MPV offering high-end comfort and style, a perfect celebratory ride for this happy new chapter. The LM350h 4S is more than just a car: it stands out for comfort and refinement. Inside, it boasts a premium interior with plush, reclining seats, advanced accommodations, and likely the kind of features expected in the highest luxury class. The decision to purchase such a vehicle immediately after becoming a father appears symbolic, both a celebration and a way to mark the new phase of life. On embracing fatherhood For Vicky, 2025 has become a landmark year. Alongside the arrival of his son, he described fatherhood as the “biggest moment” of the year. In interviews, the actor has spoken of how becoming a dad has felt magical yet grounding — an emotional and heartfelt shift he had hoped for, but which also brought depth, purpose, and gratitude beyond professional success. The baby’s arrival was announced by the couple on social media with a heartfelt statement: “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy,” dated 7 November 2025, signed “Katrina and Vicky.” The post was met with a wave of congratulations and warm wishes from fans and peers in Bollywood alike. Reports from the hospital confirmed both mother and baby are doing well and are stable. As the couple savours the joys of new parenthood, Vicky continues to balance his personal happiness with professional commitments. The acquisition of the sleek Lexus comes across as a personal milestone, a gesture of celebration, comfort, and perhaps, as a way to usher in a new chapter of fatherhood and family life, with everything that comes along.
06 December,2025 07:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood is gearing up for a burst of absolute madness as Pellucidar Production Pvt Ltd announces the release date of One Two Cha Cha Chaa. Directed by Abhishek Raj and Rajnish Thakur, the film is set to bring a wave of confusion, comedy, and chaos that families can enjoy together this festive season. The film features a vibrant mix of celebrated actors like Ashutosh Rana, Lalit Prabhakar, Abhimanyu Singh, Anant V Joshi, Nyyraa Banerji and refreshing new talent, promising an original entertainer filled with energy and unpredictability. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pellucidar Production (@pellucidarp) Lalit Prabhakar, known for Anandi Gopal, expressed his excitement: "This film is pure madness on the move! We were laughing nonstop while shooting, and that same playful chaos is what the audience will experience on screen." National Award-winner Harsh Mayar, known for I Am Kalam and Gullak, shared: “Every day on set felt like we were in one giant comedy circus where nothing went according to plan—and that’s what made it so much fun! The film captures that same energy beautifully.” The film also stars Mukesh tiwari in pivotal role. Abhimanyu Singh, known for impactful roles in Gulaal and Sooryavanshi, shared: “There’s a special joy in being part of a comedy where anything can happen. One Two Cha Cha Chaa keeps you guessing and laughing till the very end.” Anant V Joshi, praised for his performances in Kathal and 12th Fail, added: "If you enjoy confusion, comedy, and full-on drama, then One Two Cha Cha Chaa is made for you. It's a wild comedy ride, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it." Ashutosh Rana, usually seen in intense roles in films like Dushman and Sangharsh, said: "People mostly watch me in serious characters, but this film let me explore a whole new flavour of madness. The humour, the timing, the confusion--it's a delight both to perform and to watch." Nyyraa Banerji, popular across films and television, had this to say: "This film has everything--from fun songs to hilarious situations. It brings out the true playful spirit of Bollywood, and every scene comes with a surprise." The film is backed by a strong creative team--production design by Bijon DasGupta, cinematography by Amol Gole, editing by Ranjit Bahadur, action by Abbas Ali Moghul, music by Vishal & Sangeet, Ripul Sharma, and Aishwarya Nigam, choreography by Chinni Prakash and Adil Shaikh, and background score by National Award-winner Harshwardhan Rameshwar. Produced by Sajan Gupta, Vijay Lalwani, and Ntasha Sethi of Pellucidar Production Pvt Ltd, along with executive producer M. R. Shahjahan. With its eccentric plot, eccentric characters, and powerhouse team, One Two Cha Cha Chaa is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. The film will release in theatres on 16th January 2026. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 December,2025 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIAamir Khan’s relentless pursuit of perfection is no secret in the film industry. The actor, known for his prolific choices, has found himself in the news for his married life as well. On his 60th birthday, Khan surprised everyone by introducing the media to his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt. In a recent interview, the actor revealed he never thought he would find love at this point. He also calls Gauri an amazing person while praising Reena and Kiran as well. Aamir Khan on Gauri Spratt Appearing at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025, he spoke about his love life and said, “No, I didn’t. I had reached a point where I thought I probably would never find someone who could be my partner. I wasn’t expecting it. She brings a lot of calm, steadiness. She’s a really amazing person, and I am so fortunate and lucky to have met her. I am very fortunate that while my marriages didn’t work, I am still very happy to have met Reena, Kiran and now Gauri in my life. They have contributed to me as a person in a very big way, and I look up to them in many ways.” Aamir Khan grabbed attention when he introduced his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to the media on his 60th birthday. Now, the actor has taken her along to the second Macau International Comedy Festival. Pictures and videos of Aamir affectionately holding Gauri have been making… pic.twitter.com/Vis5VAFSAr — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 13, 2025 Aamir on bond with Kiran and Reena During the conversation, Aamir talked about maintaining a cordial bond with his ex-wives and said, “It shows we are good people. Reena is an amazing person. We fell apart as husband and wife, but that doesn’t mean we fell apart as human beings. There’s a lot of love and respect for her in my heart. I grew up with her; she’s a fantastic person. When we separated, we didn’t part as human beings. It’s the same with Kiran. She is an amazing person, and we decided to part ways as husband and wife, but we are family. Reena, her parents, Kiran and her parents, and my parents, we are all actually one family.” Aamir married Reena Dutta in 1986, and they have two children, Junaid and Ira. After 16 years of marriage, they separated in 2002. Aamir later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005, and together they welcomed their son, Azad Rao Khan, in 2011. In 2021, Aamir and Kiran called it quits.
06 December,2025 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actress Shabana Azmi shared a heartwarming moment with Vikrant Massey on social media. The picture that landed up in her phone gallery had Vikrant lovingly placing his hand on Shabana's shoulders as the two flaunted their infectious smile in front of the camera. She wrote the caption, "Such a lovely moment with Vikrant Massey captured turned up on my phone (sic)." While Shabana looked her graceful self in a saree, Vikrant posed in a cream shirt, brown trousers, and a complementary tie. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) Vikrant Massey was equally thrilled upon seeing the throwback post and said he vividly remembered their meeting. "I remember this evening so vividly. Spending time with you, just listening to you talk & share a hearty warm meal on that cold evening, still brings a warm smile to my face. Thank you for sharing this. Bahut bahut pyaar. Can’t wait to see you soon," he wrote. On Wednesday, Shabana treated the netizens with a fun video of enjoying a gala time with her girl gang. The besties Divya Dutta, Vidya Balan, Sandhya Mridul, Tanvi Azmi, and Shahana Goswami were seen dancing their hearts out at a party in the clip dropped by Shabana on her social media handle. Although missing from the video, the veteran actress mentioned that it is never a dull moment when her girls are around. “Never a dull moment when my Gurlz gang get together. Love you all, and thank you for enriching my life, and that goes for all the ones who are a part of this group but not in the photo," the caption on the video read. 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
06 December,2025 07:16 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn recent days, several well-known actors, including Aditi Rao Hydari, Sara Arjun, Shriya Saran and Rakul Preet Singh, have spoken up about a growing and unsettling problem: fake accounts pretending to be them. These imposters have been using their photos, names and even look-alike phone numbers to contact people, offer fake work opportunities or simply start random conversations. For many in the industry, this has become more than just a nuisance; it feels like a real invasion of privacy. Aditi Rao Hydari and Shriya Saran talk about the imposter Aditi Rao Hydari was among the first to raise concern when she discovered that someone was using her pictures and name to offer bogus photoshoots to photographers. She clarified that all professional communication goes strictly through her team and urged everyone to stay alert and avoid responding to suspicious messages. Shriya Saran had a similarly disturbing experience. An impersonator reached out to her acquaintances, sending inappropriate messages while pretending to be her. She described the situation as both upsetting and alarming, reminding people that anyone receiving such messages should immediately verify the source and not take them at face value. Sara Arjun raises concern Young actor Sara Arjun also found herself dealing with an imposter account. Her father shared screenshots of a number pretending to be her, prompting Sara to publicly confirm that she has only one official social-media profile. She encouraged fans to stay cautious and not fall for any other accounts or claims made in her name. Rakul Preet Singh, too, called out a fake number pretending to be her and contacting people as if it were her personal line. She expressed her frustration, saying that this kind of impersonation isn’t just unethical, it’s an actual crime. She mentioned her intention to report the matter to the cybercrime authorities. Across the film industry, celebrities are feeling increasingly concerned about how easily their identity can be misused online. Many have said that while fame does come with unwanted attention, this kind of deception crosses a line. They’re urging fans, colleagues and the public to remain vigilant, double-check any unexpected communication, and report fake accounts immediately. In a digital world where anyone can pretend to be anyone, these actors are simply asking for one thing: awareness.
06 December,2025 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGulshan Devaiah has been on a roll with his back-to-back projects that have yet again proven his acting prowess. The actor, in real life, is as bold and strong as he is in reel life. Gulshan has always taken up projects that challenge him as an actor, and that is what has kept the Kantara actor sustained in the entertainment business for almost 15 years. With the social media game evolving like never before, has the casting game also changed? When IANS asked Gulshan about it, the actor, without mincing words, said, “I don’t give a shit. It’s a trend. Is it valid? Does it have any real merit? I don’t know.” “I’m not sure if all those followers are actually translating into subscriptions or ticket sales. I don’t know. But somebody who knows better than me is taking these decisions, and maybe they think it’s a good idea to hire someone based on that.” He added, “Some of those people are actually pretty decent, too; they are good actors. I don’t want to say anything negative about anyone. Everyone should find their own way.” Citing his own social media example, Devaiah said, “Now open my social media and see how many followers I have. I don’t even have 300K. Yet, I am getting work.” When IANS further asked if he ever feels the need or the pressure to keep up with the social media trends and game, Gulshan said, “No, I am not taking that pressure. People are making reels and trending content — that’s up to them. It’s not up to my management. It’s not even up to the audience or my fans. It’s only up to me. If they like me and follow my work, it’s because I am the way I am. If I suddenly start changing for social media and become someone else, then I won’t be myself. My authentic self — that’s what matters to me!” The actor has been receiving a great response for his recently released show The Perfect Family, which also stars National Crush Girija Oak opposite him. The series highlights the mental health stigma prevailing in almost every Indian household. The show has been lauded for its sensitive storytelling and powerful performances. The series also stars Seema Pahwa and Manoj Pahwa and has been produced by Pankaj Tripathi and Ajay Rai and directed by Sachin Pathak. 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
06 December,2025 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
