Global Icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to address the 23rd edition of the India Conference at Harvard University, scheduled to take place on 14 and 15 February 2026 in the USA. The conference organised by students at Harvard stands as one of the most influential student-driven platforms examining India’s evolving role on the world stage. Priyanka Chopra speaks at Harvard's India Conference Priyanka will join an eminent line-up of speakers, including Dr. Shashi Tharoor and Amitav Acharya, among other distinguished voices from policy, academia, business, and culture. This year’s theme, “The India We Imagine,” invites reflection on the values, complexities, and possibilities shaping India’s future by spotlighting voices that provoke thought and inspire collective imagination. Through its three subthemes, the conference explores the diverse forces influencing India’s identity, progress, and path forward - together weaving a vision for the nation’s future. As an annual global conference on Indian business, policy, and culture, it highlights India’s rise as a major global force. Few voices resonate with this theme as powerfully as Priyanka Chopra Jonas. An award-winning actor, producer, New York Times bestselling author, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she brings over 25 years of experience redefining storytelling across industries and borders. Through her work in film, business, and philanthropy, Priyanka has placed India at the centre of global conversations - using her platform to amplify Indian narratives with credibility, confidence, and impact. For over 22 years, Harvard students across schools have united to host experts from fields such as economics, education, business, and culture, offering a nuanced perspective on India’s present landscape and future potential. Priyanka’s participation underscores how her powerful global voice aligns seamlessly with the conference’s mission - reflecting the India we imagine and the India she continues to represent on the world stage. Priyanka's upcoming projects Priyanka will be seen next in The Bluff, a high-octane action drama featuring Karl Urban, that centres around the survival of a family on an island. Set in the late 1800s, The Bluff shares the journey of Ercell Bodden, a former pirate known by the name of Bloody Mary. As she successfully builds a different life for herself after fleeing her ruthless crew, predominantly taking the role of a mother living in the Cayman Islands, her past returns to haunt her. Her former crew tracks her down, forcing her to face the violent world she was once a part of. The film is directed by Frank E Flowers with a script he co-wrote with Joe Ballarini. Siblings Anthony Russo, Joe Russo and Angela Russo-Otstot serve as the producers of the film under the production banner AGBO. The Bluff will premiere on the OTT platform Prime Video from February 25.
27 January,2026 03:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the strong buzz around its trailer, Sajid Nadiadwala’s O’Romeo raises the tempo with its second song, Aashiqon Ki Colony, a lively, high-energy dance number that instantly stands out. Infused with a distinct 90s visual sensibility and powered by contemporary beats, the track seamlessly blends nostalgia with a modern pulse, driven by a hook that’s effortlessly catchy and instantly engaging. Aashiqon Ki Colony out The song brings together an iconic creative trio. Composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, written by Gulzar, and voiced by Madhubanti Bagchi and Javed Ali, Aashiqon Ki Colony carries a playful spirit that feels rooted yet refreshed. It channels the joy and warmth of classic Bollywood music while staying firmly in tune with today’s soundscape. The music is presented by T-Series. Adding to the song’s appeal is a fresh on-screen pairing. Shahid Kapoor and Disha Patani come together for the first time, bringing a dynamic energy that feels spontaneous and electric. Set against a vibrant, celebratory backdrop, both actors embrace the rhythm in their own distinct styles. Shahid appears in a rugged new look, slipping in a slick, Michael Jackson-inspired move that adds a memorable surprise, while Disha exudes confidence and ease, her performance marked by fluidity, grace, and infectious charm. With its throwback flavour, Indianized soul, and beats designed to get audiences moving, Aashiqon Ki Colony captures the essence of timeless Bollywood dance numbers - reimagined with a fresh, contemporary edge. Fun, spirited, and unapologetically energetic, the track adds another vibrant musical moment to O’Romeo as the film builds momentum toward its Valentine’s Week release. Vishal Bharadwaj addresses O' Romeo controversy Sanober Sheikh, the daughter of Hussain Ustara (whose life has reportedly inspired the film), has slapped the makers of O’Romeo with a legal notice. Sanober claims the film offers a wrong portrayal of her father and has demanded Rs 2 crore in compensation. She denied reports that her family threatened the makers of the upcoming film O’Romeo, saying they have resorted only to legal action and are asking for a pre-release screening to ensure an accurate portrayal of her father’s life. At the trailer launch, Vishal Bharadwaj addressed the claim. “There is a book called Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Hussain Zaidi has written that story. I took the rights of that story and made a film on it. I didn't think because that story is based on that story. The characters are the same, but there is a lot of fiction in it. Hussain Zaidi must have taken that permission or should have taken it. I didn't think I needed it because it's based on a story which is part of a book. The film didn't happen before, and it's finally happened now." O’Romeo releases in cinemas this Valentine’s Week on 13th February 2026.
27 January,2026 02:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLuv Films has launched the trailer of its upcoming thriller-mystery film Vadh 2, starring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, written and directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu. Driven by thrill and an emotional conflict, the trailer presents a new story while keeping its central act a mystery. Vadh 2 trailer The trailer underscores performances marked by gravitas and authenticity, anchoring the film’s emotional intensity. It depicts a bond between an old prison guard, Shambhunath Mishra (Sanjay Mishra), and a jail inmate, Manju Singh (Neena Gupta), forged behind prison walls. A newly appointed Inspector Ateet Singh (Amitt K Singh) arrives to investigate the disappearance of an inmate, Keshav (Akshay Dogra. As his investigation gets entangled, and the truth refuses to surface, their ordinary lives are pulled into a moral conflict. The film also features an expanded ensemble cast, including Kumud Mishra, Shilpa Shukla, Amitt K Singh, Akshay Dogra and Yogita Bihani. Talking about the film, writer & director Jaspal Singh Sandhu says, Vadh 2 is conceived to deliver an experience of a rich narrative driven by well-defined characters. We’ve pushed the envelope, taking the storytelling a notch higher to give the audience a layered thriller-mystery. The trailer offers a glimpse into this morally complex world of Vadh 2, where truth is not clearly defined.” Producers on Vadh 2 Producer Luv Ranjan says, “Vadh 2 takes forward the philosophy and emotional depth of the first film with a completely new story. What makes it special is that the franchise is led by remarkable senior actors- Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, and joining them is Kumud Mishra, and together their powerful screen presence reinforces our belief that strong stories transcend age and convention.” Producer Ankur Garg adds, “The response to Vadh 2 at IFFI, along with the enduring emotional connect audiences have with Vadh, reaffirms the strong bond they share with the world of the film. It reinforces our belief that audiences continue to seek out meaningful, character-driven stories. Vadh 2 builds on what resonated earlier while offering something fresh and impactful.” A Luv Films presentation, Vadh 2 is written and directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg. The film is slated to release in cinemas on 6th February 2026.
27 January,2026 01:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe family feud between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, caught headlines last week and soon became the talk of the town. Amid the ongoing controversy, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has reacted to the ‘saas bahu drama’ firmly standing on Victoria’s side amid the feud, calling her a ‘real queen’. Kangana supports Victoria Beckham Kangana took to her Instagram stories to share a clip from the 2007 reality TV special, Victoria Beckham: Coming to America. In the clip, the British designer and singer is seen clicking a picture for a driving license, but she makes it seem like a photoshoot. In the clip, DMV officials tell Victoria that they cannot ‘retouch’ her photo. Sharing the clip on her Instagram stories, Kangana wrote, “victoriabeckham getting her driving license (laughter emojis) Look no saas bahu drama gonna make me hate VB. She is so camp, come on, the person who can think getting a picture for a driving license is a photoshoot is a real Queen (laughter emoji). teamVB.” The Beckham family feud For the unversed, on January 19, David Beckham and Victoria’s 26-year-old son, Brooklyn, shared a lengthy note on his Instagram stories about their family feud. He claimed that his parents had tried to sabotage his marriage to Nicola Peltz. Nicola and Brooklyn tied the knot in 2022. The 26-year-old also claimed that his famous parents have often prioritised public branding over family. “For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into,” a part of Brooklyn’s note read. Further, Brooklyn also confirmed rumours about situations from his wedding to Nicola, wherein Victoria bailed from designing the bride’s wedding dress at the last minute. He also accused his mother of ‘hijacking’ the first dance that he was to have with his newlywed wife. Brooklyn went on to make serious allegations, saying, “She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone." David and Victoria got married in 1999 and have three other children, namely 23-year-old Romeo, 20-year-old Cruz and 14-year-old Harper.
27 January,2026 12:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Division Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday set aside its earlier order in the legal rivalry between the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and KVN Productions over the certification of Jana Nayagan. The bench sent the case back to a single-judge to reconsider its order of granting censor clearance to Vijay-starrer. Madras HC sets order aside, asks single judge to reconsider The Divisional Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava and Justice Arul Murugan maintained that the single judge had erred in considering the merits of a complaint made about the Jana Nayagan's content. As a result, the Division Bench sent back the case to the single-judge for reconsideration. "Single-judge ought not to have gone into the merits. The decision of the writ court has to go, the appeal is allowed and the impugned order is set aside. The writ petitioner is given the opportunity to amend the writ petition," the Division Bench order stated. The latest order means that the release of the movie will be delayed further, as the makers have not received any relief. About the Jana Nayagan censor controversy The Division Bench had stayed the order of the single-judge on January 9, on the ground that the Central government was not allowed enough time to file its response to the plea. Later, on January 15, the Supreme Court rejected a plea filed by the producer against the Division Bench order and the delays in granting the final censor certificate. Jana Nayagan, which is Vijay’s last film before his switches into full-time political career, was originally scheduled for release on January 9, coinciding with the Pongal festival. The producers approached the High Court claiming delay on the part of the CBFC in issuing the final censor certificate despite compliance with the cuts suggested by the examining committee. The controversy erupted after the film was referred to a revising committee on a complaint claiming improper portrayal of defence forces and potential hurt to religious sentiments. It was later discovered that the complaint was made by a member of the examining committee itself. The makers of the film informed the Court that they applied for censor certification on December 18, 2025. After a personal hearing, the Examining Committee, via a communication dated December 22, 2025, recommended the grant of certification under the UA 16+ category, due to depictions of violence, fight sequences, gory visuals, and brief references to religious sentiments. The Committee allegedly ordered certain excisions and modifications, which the producers claim were fully complied with. A revised version of the film was then resubmitted on December 24, 2025. The modifications were reportedly verified on December 29, 2025, following which the producers were told that the film would be granted UA 16+ certification. Later on January 5, the producers received an email stating that the film was being referred to a Revising Committee under Rule 24 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules based on an alleged complaint relating to religious sentiments and the depiction of armed forces. Following the email, the producers then approached the High Court. A single-judge granted relief to the film, but the same was stayed by the Division Bench.
27 January,2026 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has heaped praise on Rani Mukerji, who has clocked three decades in Hindi cinema, and said that he has always felt that she is one for the ages, one of the greatest ever actors in India, and someone who has defined the Hindi film industry through her work. Talking about his Sawaariya co-star, Ranbir said: “Rani is the co-star of my first film Sawaariya, and she is the first person who told me that if I worked hard, I would go a long way. I will never forget that interaction because it gave me so much confidence when I needed it the most.” “I have seen her as a person closely, I have seen her work closely and have been bowled over by her grace, charm, and brilliance.” He says it is amazing to see the entire industry come forward to celebrate 30 years of her iconic legacy. “I have always felt that Rani is one for the ages, one of the greatest ever actors in India, and someone who has defined our industry through her work. Her choice of projects and roles has shaped how women are portrayed on the screen today,” said Ranbir. Ranbir reveals Rani only wants to spread joy through her cinema. He says, “Thank you, Rani, for the movies, the memories, the nostalgia, and the powerhouse performances. She is an entertainer who has dedicated her life to making people happy, and I don’t have words to describe the impact her films have had on me.” Rani will soon be seen in the third installment of Mardaani, which is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra. Mardaani 3 delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society, further strengthening the franchise’s legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling. 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
27 January,2026 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan’s mother Pinkie Roshan has taken to her social media account to express her happiness as her ‘uncle’ and Bollywood superstar Dharmendra, is being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award. Sharing his picture in her social media account, Pinkie wrote, “My Heart feels elated as my Dearest Uncle Dharmendra, who is part of my childhood as family is being honoured by our Govt.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinkie Roshan (@pinkieroshan) She further wrote, “Felt his warmth and love as I grew up, being the most gentle and kind human who will continue to live in my Heart. I just wish he could have witnessed this Himself - His Legacy remains deeply felt Love you Uncle. Earlier in the day, actress Esha Deol and Dharmendra’s daughter expressed her delight as her late father is being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Wishing everyone on Republic Day, Esha took to her social media account and wrote, "Happy Republic Day Really happy that our papa is being conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award (folded hands emoji) (sic)." The actress also uploaded a picture of herself posing with half-brother Sunny Deol and sister Ahana Deol, and urged everyone to watch his recently released Border 2 with their family and friends. Congratulating Sunny and the rest of the team, Esha went on to write, "Watch Border 2 with your family and friends We watched the film last night iamsunnydeol you are the best (flexed bicep emoji) Shout out to ahan.shetty varundvn diljitdosanjh nidhiduttaofficial fantastic. Salute." Prior to this, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini had also thanked the Government of India for conferring the Padma Vibhushan award on her late husband. Taking to her X (Formerly known as Twitter) handle, she wrote, “So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award”. On Sunday, it was announced that Dharmendra is being posthumously honoured with Padma Vibhushan, along with Satish Shah, who will be posthumously honoured with the Padma Shri. Apart from these two, some other members from the industry, who have received the Padma Awards, are Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who will also be awarded Padma Bhushan, and actor R Madhavan, who will be receiving Padma Shri. Both Dharmendra and Satish Shah left for heavenly abodes in 2025. 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
27 January,2026 11:04 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Anupam Kher extended his heartfelt birthday wishes to his niece Tanvi, on whom the actor based his directorial film Tanvi The Great, which was released last year. Taking to his Instagram handle, Anupam Kher shared throwback photos of Tanvi, which feature the actor posing with Tanvi and actress Shubhangi Dutt. In the series of pictures, Tanvi appeared to be posing candidly with her family and Anupam Kher. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) Anupam Kher penned a long birthday note describing Tanvi as autistic yet full of goodness, intelligence, honesty, humour, and "a brilliant singer," while crediting Tanvi for the idea that made the film possible. Titled 'Happy Birthday to the real Tanvi', Anupam Kher wrote, "The seed of my film Tanvi The Great came from my niece Tanvi! She is one of my most favourite persons in the whole world! Being autistic, she has only goodness in her heart! She otherwise is Smart, very intelligent, funny, completely straightforward and a brilliant singer! Here is wishing her a long, healthy and happy life. Love you the most, Tanvi! You gave me the most amazing gift with the idea for the film." The actor concluded the message with heartfelt love, gratitude and blessings for Tanvi's long, healthy and happy life. "It made me the richest man on this planet! With Tanvi The Great, I understood the complete meaning of KINDNESS, GOODNESS, COMPASSION, and the POWER OF TRUTH! Thank you for these teachings! You have not only impacted my life but also of the 250 odd unit members and so many people who watched the film. God bless you, beta! Love and blessings always!" concluded Anupam Kher. Tanvi The Great, directed by actor Anupam Kher, features Shubhangi in the lead role of Tanvi Raina. The film explores themes of autism and the Indian Army. Shubhangi plays a young girl inspired by her late father's army service, as she dreams of following in his footsteps. The film also stars Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Karan Tacker in key roles. It has received praise internationally, having been screened at major festivals in Cannes, New York, Houston, and London. It also received standing ovations at special screenings at the National Defence Academy and Southern Command in Pune. 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
27 January,2026 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor Neil Nitin Mukesh has penned a tender note to wish his wife Rukmini on her birthday. He went on to tag her as his strength, peace, and his biggest blessing. Neil took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures with his wife Rukmini, whom he married in 2017. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neil Nitin Mukesh (@neilnitinmukesh) “Happy Birthday my love rukminineilmukesh. You are my strength, my peace, and my biggest blessing,” wrote the actor. He added: “Thank you for filling my life with love, laughter, and warmth every single day. May this year bring you all the happiness you truly deserve. Love you always baby.” It was in 2017 when Neil, who will reportedly be seen next in the Malayalam film Khalifa, married Rukmini. A year later, he went on to announce via Instagram that the couple were expecting their first child. On the work front, Neil’s latest release is the black comedy thriller titled Ek Chatur Naar, written by Himanshu Tripathi and directed by Umesh Shukla. It also stars Divya Khossla. The film is set against the backdrop of a quirky small-town Indian landscape, and the story follows a seemingly charming woman with a naivety that masks her razor-sharp wit. Ambitious and cunning, she effortlessly outsmarts everyone around her. When a lucrative opportunity comes her way, she dives in headfirst but is tangled with unpredictable twists and darkly comedic turns that test her cunning at every step. On the OTT front, he was seen in Hai Junoon! Dream. Dare. Dominate directed by Abhishek Sharma. The series Hai Junoon! is about rivalry and passion at Mumbai's Anderson's College, focusing on underdog dancer Sebi and his Misfits crew challenging the elite Supersonics team, led by music maestro Gagan, in the college's prestigious "GOAT" competition, exploring themes of dreams, ambition, and identity with reimagined Bollywood songs and diverse characters. 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
27 January,2026 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood diva Karisma Kapoor and Akshay Kumar treated fans with a dose of sheer nostalgia on the show Wheel of Fortune, as the latter revealed the actress to be his life's first heroine ever. The duo also recreated magic on stage by revisiting their memorable song Deedar Ho Gaya Mujhko Pyaar Ho Gaya, marking 34 years of the film Deedar and leaving fans thrilled. Karisma graced the show, along with Anu Malik and Mouni Roy, who joined in on the fun. It was here that Akshay Kumar shared a heartfelt moment, saying, “As you all know, she is my first heroine. I did my first film with her, my first song with her. I want to tell you how beautiful you are.” To this, Karisma responds warmly, “Thank you.” In another promo Akshay joked, “Bandra main har building ke andar inke ek-ek flat hain.” Joining the banter, Anu Malik, who accompanied Karisma to the show, quipped, “Akshay never lies,” while Karisma teasingly fires back, “You know, he owns entire Juhu!” Akshay ups the ante, adding Santacruz and Khar to the list. For the uninitiated, Deedar was released in 1992 and was directed and produced by Pramod Chakravorty. The movie featured Akshay Kumar and Karisma Kapoor in the lead roles, marking one of their early on-screen pairings. Akshay Kumar played Anand K. Malhotra, and Karisma Kapoor essayed the role of Sapna Saxena. The film also starred Anupam Kher, Laxmikant Berde, Tanuja, Dan Dhanoa, Rajeev Verma, Viju Khote and others in supporting roles. 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
27 January,2026 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actor Kartik Aaryan marked Republic Day by sharing a powerful picture featuring himself with the Indian armed forces personnel, and extended his wishes to the nation. The actor took to social media and wrote, “Happy Republic Day.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) The picture shared by Kartik features the actor standing amid a group of uniformed commandos, all raising their fists in a spirited gesture of unity and pride. The Indian national flag can be seen fluttering high in the background of the picture. Dressed in a black outfit, Kartik looks smart. The timing of the photo is not known. On the professional front, Kartik Aaryan has carved a strong space for himself with movies like as Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Dhamaka, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Chandu Champion and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, among others. Kartik was last seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which also starred Ananya Panday opposite him. The romantic drama, however, met with an extremely lukewarm response at the box office despite pre-release buzz. During the promotion of the movie, the actor has graced the latest episode of the streaming sketch comedy show The Great Indian Kapil Show with co-star Ananya Panday, where he had opened up about the wedding festivities of her sister Kritika Tiwari. He told the show host and star comedian, actor Kapil Sharma, “Everything was done by mother and my sister. I was the guest in my own family’s wedding festivities. I also danced at the wedding for free; my sister didn’t give me a single penny”. 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
27 January,2026 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
