Actor Kartik Aaryan is all set to take a mythical leap as he transforms into an ichchhadhari naag in Naagzilla, an upcoming fantasy entertainer backed by Dharma Productions. Ever since the film was announced, several speculations have been doing the rounds about the leading lady. As per reports, Sreeleela and Pratibha Ranta were roped in for the role. However, it looks like the actor has found his leading lady in a South actress. Preity Mukhundhan in Naagzilla As per reports by Variety India, Preity Mukhundhan, who has previously worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, has been cast as the female lead in the Kartik Aaryan-starrer. The actress began her acting career in 2024 with the Telugu horror-comedy Om Bheem Bush, written and directed by Sree Harsha Konuganti. She was also part of the Telugu period drama Kannappa, a project that drew attention for its star-studded guest appearances by Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Akshay Kumar. Preity Mukhundhan made her Malayalam debut in 2025 with Maine Pyar Kiya, where she starred opposite Hridhu Haroon. Apart from films, the actress has also featured in popular music videos by Sai Abhyankkar and Teejay Arunasalam. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) The film was earlier scheduled to release on Aug. 14, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend. However, it may face a delay, as extensive visual effects (VFX) and post-production work are expected to take significant time. Kartik Aaryan’s upcoming movies On the work front, Kartik is set to essay the role of a kickboxing coach for Kabir Khan’s film. This marks their second outing after Chandu Champion. The film unfortunately tanked at the box office. After completing Kabir Khan’s project, he will dive into Shimit Amin’s Captain India. He plays a captain who spearheaded one of India’s most successful rescue missions. The film is based on Operation Rahat, a mission to evacuate citizens from a war-torn country. His upcoming lineup also includes Anurag Basu’s musical romance with Sreeleela, expected to release in theatres later this year. The film, initially touted to be Aashiqui 3, is now titled Tu Meri Zindagi Hai. It is one of his most anticipated films. He is also in talks with Nikhil Nagesh Bhat for a mythological drama.
04 March,2026 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMany got stranded in different parts of West Asia after Israel and the USA attacked Iran, and the latter launched missiles in retaliation. Amid the tension, actress Preity Zinta is glad that she returned to India for Holi following a hectic trip across the globe. The Veer-Zaara actress used social media to express her gratitude for being safe at home with her family amidst the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East region. Preity Zinta returns home amid tension in West Asia Extending her prayers for all those stuck amidst this conflict, Preity wrote on her official Instagram handle, “So grateful to be back home in Mumbai after a very stressful trip from across the world. Even more grateful to be safe & to be able to celebrate Holi... It’s been a rough couple of weeks for people around the world, and my heart and prayers are for all those people that are suffering and away from their families and in need of security, food, love and warmth. I pray to God to look after all of you.” (sic) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preity G Zinta (@realpz) The Kal Ho Naa Ho actress also treated her Instagram family to some glimpses from her Holi celebration with her loved ones. Wishing everyone on Holi, she added, “Happy Holi to all my fellow Indians and to everyone else celebrating Holi. Loads of love and light to you all.” Apart from Preity Zinta, several celebs, including Lara Dutta, Malaika Arora’s mom, and Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s son, are stranded in the Middle East. Earlier, celebs like Esha Gupta and Sonam Chauhan returned home safely. About the Israel–Iran attacks On February 28, massive explosions rocked Tehran after Israel launched what it described as “preventive” missile strikes against Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the region. The strikes came amid heightened strain between the United States and Iran over a potential nuclear agreement and growing fears of a wider military confrontation in the Middle East. Preity Zinta’s upcoming movies Work-wise, Preity, who has been a part of several blockbusters, will soon be making her comeback with Lahore 1947. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the project will have Sunny Deol in the lead, along with Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in supporting roles. That’s not all — Sunny’s actor-son, Karan Deol, will also star in the period drama. Backed by Aamir Khan, Lahore 1947 is set during the time of the Partition of India and is slated for release this Independence Day.
04 March,2026 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMany got stranded in different parts of West Asia after Israel and USA attacked Iran and the latter launched missiles in retaliation. On Wednesday, actress Lara Dutta has revealed that she is stuck in Dubai with her daughter Saira amid the ongoing unrest in the West Asia region. However, her husband, Mahesh Bhupati, is not with them, as he is away for work. Lara Dutta stranded in Dubai Lara Dutta shared that as she was shooting, she suddenly heard explosions and missiles being intercepted. Terming the last few days as stressful, she went on to say in the video uploaded by her on her Insta, "Lots of fighter jets flying overhead, lots of loud booms. Though we live in a villa and in a very safe neighborhood, the windows shake, the house, the doors rattle, and it's unnerving. But I haven't felt unsafe for not even once." Praising the UAE government, she went on to add, "And I just want to say that the UAE government has done an incredible job, I think for every single person, I can say this, I won't say it for anybody else, we felt really looked after. We felt wanted, we felt protected, regardless of our nationality or where we're from. We feel like we count, we matter. And the UAE government, as a resident, as somebody living in this city, is making sure that they do everything in their power to protect us and keep us safe. And I am amazed, my gardener's been showing up every day, mowing my lawn, watching the plants. Delivery riders are working." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@larabhupathi) Lara looking to come back to India Lara added that they are looking at flights back to India, but there are not too many. Keeping a positive outlook, the Partner actress continued, "We'll figure it out. But yeah, I just wanted to say that we were there. I was in India, obviously, when India and Pakistan went to war, and we saw how well our country protected us there. And it's the same here." She added, "No one, no one, no civilian deserves to live in fear or to be caught up." Lara concluded the clip, hoping that, in the end, common sense and better judgment would prevail. (with inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGlobal icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas once again set the internet buzzing as she attended the Dior Autumn/Winter 2026–2027 showcase by Jonathan Anderson at Paris Fashion Week, turning heads in a striking ensemble from the Dior Men’s Fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection. Priyanka Chopra stuns at Paris Fashion Week Making a powerful fashion statement, Priyanka embraced the house’s evolving creative language with a look that seamlessly merged heritage craftsmanship with contemporary styling. Known for her bold sartorial choices and commanding global presence, the actor effortlessly brought a fresh perspective to menswear at one of fashion’s most anticipated showcases. The ensemble featured a shrunken blazer layered over a fitted black full-sleeve T-shirt subtly embroidered with the Dior logo in blue, paired with a draped luminous jacquard bottom adorned with glistening embroidery and dense fringing. The silhouette balanced sharp tailoring with fluid drapery, creating a look that was both elegant and impactful. Jonathan Anderson’s Dior Men collection draws inspiration from the legacy of master couturier Paul Poiret, whose early 20th-century work transformed silhouettes and redefined the language of fashion. Echoing those influences, the look celebrated rich brocades, sculptural forms, and cultural references from Poiret’s body of work- interpreted through a modern lens. The result was a modern, nostalgic aesthetic where heritage textile artistry met contemporary design- a combination that perfectly complemented Priyanka’s effortless global style. Her appearance at the show also reinforces her strong association with the French luxury house. In recent months, she has championed Dior across major global moments- from promoting her recent film Bluff in a Dior Spring/Summer 2026 ensemble to gracing the Golden Globes red carpet in a custom Dior creation. With her Paris Fashion Week appearance instantly going viral across social media and fashion circles alike, Priyanka Chopra once again proved that when heritage meets contemporary elegance, the result is a moment that turns heads and breaks the internet. Priyanka's work front The actress was recently seen in the film The Bluff. The action-packed film saw the actress performs intense stunts. Co-starring Karl Urban, the film is currently streaming on Prime Video. She is currently shooting for SS Rajamouli's Varanasi along with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj.
04 March,2026 07:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian rapper Badshah is set to perform at The O2 Arena later this month. He is scheduled to take the stage on March 22 and will become the first Indian rapper to perform at the iconic venue. Ahead of his show, the rapper decided to visit the arena. However, he was denied entry. On March 3, Badshah took to social media and shared a video from outside The O2 Arena. Badshah denied entry into The O2 Arena In a video shared on Instagram, Badshah appeared visibly upset as he walked in front of the venue’s closed doors. Dressed in a blue and red jacket with track pants, the singer did not speak in the clip. Text over the video read, “Andar ghusne nahi diya, ab 22 March ko 20,000 ki family ke saath ghusunga” (They didn’t let me in. Now I’ll enter on March 22 with my family of 20,000). In the caption, he wrote, “London, izzat ka sawaal hai. 22 March. O2. Tickets link in bio.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by BADSHAH (@badboyshah) Badshah’s performance at the 2026 NBA all-star celebrity game The rapper recently created history as the first Indian rapper to take the court at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Los Angeles. Speaking about representing India, Badshah told IANS, “Moments like these remind me why I started- to break boundaries and create new firsts. I’m carrying the energy of Indian hip-hop, Indian fans, and Indian dreams with me to Los Angeles.” He added, “This moment belongs to all of us. Growing up in India, the NBA felt like a dream world.” The Mercy hitmaker said that the NBA sits at “the intersection of sport, music, fashion, and culture,” a space he feels he has always operated in. Badshah performed at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on February 13, which aired on ESPN. He joined a dynamic line-up that included Emmy-winning actor Keegan-Michael Key, producer and DJ Mustard, rapper GloRilla, and former NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin, among others. The event also featured a special halftime performance by five-member K-pop group CORTIS.
04 March,2026 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEven as controversies continue to surround him, whether related to his films or personal life, Vijay remains focused on his political ambitions. The actor, who is also the chief of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), recently addressed supporters during a campaign in Thanjavur on Wednesday. He urged citizens to give him a chance in the upcoming State Assembly elections while criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. Vijay addresses Jana Nayagan Speaking at a public rally in Thanjavur, Vijay referred to the controversy surrounding the release of his film Jana Nayagan, thanking Stalin for voicing support for the movie and acknowledging the widespread backing it received from the public. “Listen to what I say- the next government will be a TVK government. Fishermen, remain hopeful; your protection will be fully ensured. During the release of the film Jana Nayagan, many people raised their voices in support. Even our Chief Minister voiced his support. I thank them for that. Chief Minister, you may try to silence me, but you cannot silence every Vijay in every household. They have already begun their campaign,” Vijay said. Drawing parallels with cricket, Vijay criticised the DMK for framing the upcoming Assembly elections as “Team Delhi vs Team Tamil Nadu.” He asserted that even in cricket, the Delhi team cannot match Tamil Nadu, emphasising that “Tamil Nadu is TVK, and TVK is Tamil Nadu.” He added that such divisions would be set aside and that the TVK team would emerge victorious. “Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, DMK members are projecting it as a contest between the Tamil Nadu team and the Delhi team. Even in cricket, the Delhi team cannot match the Tamil Nadu team. Tamil Nadu is TVK, and TVK is Tamil Nadu. All such divisions will be set aside — the TVK team will win,” Vijay said. Canadian distributor shares update on Jana Nayagan release The latest update regarding Jana Nayagan came not from the makers but from Canadian distributor York Cinemas. The statement was shared with the caption, “Important Announcement of Jananayagan. From York Cinemas Management.” It read, “Dear Patrons, please note that the movie Jananayagan will not be releasing before April 30. If you have any pending tickets and your refund has not yet been processed, kindly contact our theatres to have it arranged at the earliest. All our loyal membership holders will receive priority booking access once the new release date is confirmed. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support.”
04 March,2026 07:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSinger Shreya Ghoshal, one of the most popular voices in India, has sung a wide range of songs over the years. Recently, she spoke about choosing not to sing raunchy tracks like Chikni Chameli again. Her earlier statement had attracted trolling online. Now, the singer has responded to the criticism and explained why she continues to perform Chikni Chameli at live concerts despite her stance on suggestive lyrics. Shreya Ghoshal on refusing songs that objectify In an interview with Raj Shamani, Shreya revealed that after the success of Chikni Chameli from Agneepath, she was offered several songs with lyrics she found objectifying. She refused to record them. She also shared that a composer friend once offered her a song with lines such as “make me into chicken and eat me” or “hold me like this.” She declined, saying even the thought of singing those words made her blush. On the show, she also reflected on Chikni Chameli, which was picturised on Katrina Kaif. “That song is not just a fun number; there’s a lot of artistry in it. There were toned-down versions too. The one that finally appeared in the film was more subtle than the original drafts, though still suggestive. At that time, I didn’t always understand what I was singing. I wasn’t mature enough to fully grasp the meaning of certain lines,” she said. The singer added that she has now become more mindful of the songs she records, especially because if a track becomes a hit, she has to perform it live at concerts- often in front of children- which can make her uncomfortable if the lyrics are suggestive. Shreya on facing trolling for Chikni Chameli Addressing the trolling she faced for saying she would not record songs like Chikni Chameli again while still performing it, Shreya clarified, “Yes, I did perform it. I like that song. I think it’s good. But I won’t record songs like that anymore. I’m not embarrassed. I sang that song at that time. It’s one song I will always have to live with, where even children in the audience may dance to it. Sometimes I close my eyes. But I cannot disown it. It’s my song. I’ve owned it.”
04 March,2026 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile Karan Aujla thrilled fans in Delhi during his P-Pop Culture World Tour, his recent show in Mumbai sparked strong reactions online, with many fans expressing their "disappointment" over the event's arrangements. The singer kicked off the India leg with a show in Delhi on 28 February at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Aujla captivated the crowd with some of his most popular songs, including Softly, Tauba Tauba, Gangsta, Boyfriend, and 52 Bars. Fans express disappointment at Karan Aujla's Mumbai concert Karan performed in Mumbai at a Holi-themed daytime concert on March 3. A large number of fans gathered to celebrate Holi and enjoy the music. However, after the show, many fans shared videos online, saying they were left "disappointed" and criticised the singer for poor crowd management. While some fans alleged that sprinklers were only available in the Fan Zone and not in the VIP or General areas, others claimed there were long queues to buy water. A few also said that some fans fainted due to the heat and the crowd. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rem (@remsandhu) In a viral video, a fan complained about spending Rs 6,000 on a ticket just to faint thrice due to the scorching sun and having to drink ORS to recover. In another video, a fan criticised the organisers, claiming she could not even catch a single glimpse of Karan Aujla because there were no large screens, and the stage was too far away, even for those in the VIP section. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chandni Dialani (@chandnidialani) Karan Aujla reacts to the backlash Although Karan has not addressed the complaints directly, he seemed to respond after his Pune concert later that day. On Instagram, he wrote, "Bombay, I think we need to add a night concert. Team Innovation, y'all coming back stronger or what???" However, the singer has not yet announced dates for a second Mumbai concert, though the hint has already generated excitement among fans. After Mumbai and Pune, Karan is set to perform in Chandigarh on 14 March, Indore on 21 March, and Bengaluru on 29 March. The tour will also visit Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow before ending in Ludhiana on 12 April.
04 March,2026 04:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Kerala Story 2, helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, stirred controversy within minutes of its trailer release. While some politicians and filmmakers labelled it propaganda and accused it of disturbing Kerala’s social harmony, others took particular offence to a scene involving forced beef consumption. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Ulka Gupta, who plays Surekha in the film, opened up about the backlash, the hate flooding her DMs, and how she reacted to sharp reactions from Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj. Ulka Gupta on preparing for her role Calling the film a long-awaited opportunity, Ulka shared that the role felt like something she had manifested for years. She felt deeply connected not just to her character but to the emotional fabric of the story. She also revealed that she admires Adah Sharma’s work, which served as quiet inspiration while shaping her own performance. To prepare, she met real-life victims and studied detailed case material. “Initially, I lost my sleep. I felt second-hand trauma after learning about their experiences,” she admitted. “As actors, you have to live the part to portray it truthfully. I had to tap into the bravest parts within me.” Ulka on receiving hate messages One of the most debated scenes in the film shows her character being forcefully fed beef by her in-laws. Recalling how she received hate messages for the scene, she shared, “After the trailer release, every time I opened my DMs, there were hate messages,” adding, “People would even post beef recipes under my photos. And it was difficult for me to deal with it because, I'm somebody who confronts, but I had to keep myself low-key.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ulka Ganessh (@ulkagupta) Though she describes herself as someone who usually confronts things directly, she consciously decided to stay low-key. “As actors, we don’t want to get into politics. I never got affected because I knew I had signed up for this and that the hate would come." While she refrained from mentioning the exact nature of the messages, Ulka shared that some audiences in Kerala were triggered by a few scenes in the trailer. “I got a lot of criticism from Kerala. They did feel very triggered by a few scenes in the trailer. And I still stand by my perception and the character that I’ve portrayed. If it has triggered anyone in the wrong way, I only request them to kindly watch the movie and understand what the motive is. It is not to bring down any state or culture whatsoever. This movie is not about any religion. It is about the psychological manipulation of girls.” Ulka reacts to stay on film’s release While the cast was on edge when the release was temporarily halted, Ulka believed the film would ultimately find its audience. She added, “The movie will find its audience, and if it is propaganda, it is up to them to decide. I was just sincerely connected with the story. I was also patient about the fact that the film will react the right audience.” Ulka on Prakash Raj and Anurag Kahyap's reaction Reacting to the remarks made by Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj, Ulka stated, “If a film doesn’t stir something within you, then what is it really doing? Cinema is meant to provoke thought and spark conversation. Some people will agree, some won’t — and that difference of opinion is the beauty of it.” On a parting note, she expressed hope that the film ultimately receives love and sparks meaningful reflection.
04 March,2026 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti BaglaActor Vijay Crishna, popularly remembered for playing Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Devdas (2002), has passed away at the age of 81. A well-known name in theatre and films, Crishna received tributes from several members of the artistic community. He is survived by his wife, Smita Crishna, a prominent businesswoman, and their daughter, Nyrika Holkar. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Lillete Dubey pays tribute to Vijay Crishna Actress Lillete Dubey took to Instagram to remember Vijay Crishna, sharing a picture from one of their plays. Posting the photo, Dubey wrote, “Heartbroken… our dearest Vijay Crishna… part of our theatre family and ‘Dance Like a Man’ for over 25 years… has passed away. A man of many parts — a brilliant actor, handsome, charming, bright, with his dry tongue-in-cheek trademark humour- he was much loved and cherished by us all. So many memories flood the heart and mind and overwhelm me. RIP my Jairaj… you will never be forgotten. May you entertain the angels as you did us all here. Love and prayers for his lovely wife Smita, girls Nyrika and Freyan, and the whole family.” More about Vijay Crishna He is most well-known for his performance as Shah Rukh Khan's father in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's noted film Devdas. Beyond his acting career, Crishna was also a noted environmentalist and a former executive director within the Godrej family-run businesses. A prominent figure in Indian theatre for over 25 years, he earned widespread acclaim for his performance in the 2004 English-language film Dance Like a Man, adapted from Mahesh Dattani’s celebrated play. The film, which also starred Shobana, Arif Zakaria, and Anoushka Shankar, went on to win a National Film Award. In Hindi cinema, he is best remembered for portraying the father of Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Devdas, sharing screen space with Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit. Outside of films, Crishna played a significant role in the corporate world. He joined the board of Godrej Industries as a non-executive, non-independent director in 1995 and stepped down in 2021 due to age considerations. He was widely admired for his dedication to environmental causes and his patronage of the arts. His wife, Smita Crishna, is a well-known trader with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. In late 2024, she and Jamshyd Godrej were ranked 22nd on the Forbes list of India’s wealthiest individuals. The family is yet to issue an official statement regarding his passing.
04 March,2026 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNational Award-winning actress Konkona Sen Sharma, who is receiving a lot of positive response for her work in the recently released streaming movie Accused, has called sensationalism a very easy reward. Konkona Sen says Accused stays away from sensationalism The actress spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film and said that Accused stays away from sensationalism. Accused follows the story of a woman who has been accused of sexually harassing a victim. It stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Pratibha Ranta in the lead. The actress told IANS, “Sensationalism is a very easy reward. It's a very quick and easy reward and it's a very quick new cycle. And we're not looking at that, actually. We're looking at this as a film with a great deal of nuance and depth and it's staying away from easy answers”. She further mentioned, “So it's really more an exploration of power and exploration of human relationships. What happens to a relationship when it is affected by an accusation like this? How does it unravel? How does it come together? And what were the pre-existing biases that are positive or negative that we have towards a woman in power, towards a queer couple? And how does that affect our judgment of them? So it's actually a completely different ballgame altogether”. Director Anubhuti Kashyap on Accused Earlier, Anubhuti Kashyap, who has helmed the film, had shared the prerequisites that she had in mind to tell the story. Kashyap’s previous works include Doctor G (2022), a movie about a medical student who becomes the only man in the gynecology department of his college She told IANS, “The story, the subject was such that it always needed a certain lens, a certain empathetic approach towards it. It couldn't have been sensationalised, is what we felt. And I didn't see it somehow in that lens at all. So we've kept that conscious choice, the treatment while writing the script also. We wanted to tell incidents in the story, events that make people uncomfortable in parts, not the queer relationship, but a lot of other things that were happening in the core of the story. So that was one of the guidelines”. Another interesting element is the central relationship between the two women. The film puts forward the queer relationship just like any other one, without making a great hoo-ha. “That’s why we based the film in the UK. If we had done it in India, we couldn’t have treated it so casually. We would have had to make a statement about it,” says Kashyap. Accused is available to stream on Netflix.
04 March,2026 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
