As the nation comes together to celebrate Republic Day, actress Isha Malviya shares a heartfelt message filled with pride, gratitude, and hope. For Isha, the day serves as a powerful reminder of India’s journey and the values enshrined in the Constitution. Isha Malvaiya shares reflects on Republic Day Speaking about the significance of Republic Day, Isha reflects on both its deeper meaning and her fond childhood memories. “This day reminds us of who we are as a nation. Our Constitution gave us a strong foundation built on equality, freedom, and justice, and it is our responsibility to protect those values,” she says. She fondly recalls celebrating Republic Day during her school years, adding, “It was always such a fun day, we’d get snacks like muffins and wafers, there were no studies, just celebrations, laughter, and a sense of pride in being Indian. Those memories still make the day feel special.” The actress believes that true patriotism is reflected in everyday actions rather than just grand gestures. “It’s not only about celebrating one day. It’s about treating everyone with respect, believing in equality, and ensuring there is no discrimination. When we stand for fairness and kindness in our daily lives, that’s when we truly honour our country,” she shares. Isha also emphasizes the crucial role of the younger generation in shaping India’s future. “Today’s youth hold immense power to bring positive change. If we stay informed, compassionate, and united, we can build a stronger and more progressive India,” she says. Talking about unity, Isha adds, “What makes India truly beautiful is its diversity. Despite our differences, we stand together, and that unity is our biggest strength.” As an artist, Isha feels immense pride in representing India on screen. “Our stories, culture, and traditions deserve to be celebrated globally, and I feel honoured to be a small part of that journey,” she notes. Ending her message on a hopeful note, Isha says, “This Republic Day, let us promise to be responsible citizens and work towards an India that future generations will be proud of.” Isha on quitting Laughter Chefs 3 Isha Malviya has reportedly quit Laughter Chefs along with two other contestants. She urged fans to support her career choices and assured them that the decision was purely professional. Isha shared a voice note on her broadcast channel explaining, “Guys, itna tension mat lo Laughter Chefs wali news ke baad. Koi kisi ko replace nahi karta hai, nobody has been replaced. Mera hi apna issue hai because mere dates match nahi kar rahe upcoming Laughter Chefs shoot days pe. I have something else lined up, so because of that main nahi kar paa rahi. The other work is also very important for me because that could be my first big step in the industry, and hence I can’t cut that down. I’d request you to support me for my work and not worry too much." Apart from Isha, Vivian Dsena and Eisha Singh have also backed out of the show. Eisha is currently seen in Naagin 7.
26 January,2026 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThis week, MasterChef India is set to serve up something truly iconic as Karisma Kapoor graces the MasterChef India kitchen as a special guest. The upcoming episode promises a spectacular blend of Bollywood heritage, heartfelt memories, and rich culinary traditions, celebrating the favourite food items of Bollywood's Kapoor Khandaan. Karisma Kapoor on Kapoor Khandaan's love for food Karisma Kapoor receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the esteemed trio of judges: Chef Ranveer Brar, Chef Vikas Khanna, and Chef Kunal Kapur. Setting the tone for the challenge, Chef Ranveer Brar announces, “The soul of the dish, the heritage of the Kapoor family, and the originality of these classic Indian dishes, and to make a MasterChef-level dish.” Inspired by the rich culinary legacy of the Kapoor Khandaan, the contestants are challenged to recreate iconic family dishes, blending creativity with tradition while elevating them to the standards of MasterChef India. Speaking about her family’s deep-rooted love for cinema and food, Karisma shared, “Acting is our first love and our second love is food,” as she brings the legacy of Bollywood’s popular Kapoor Khandaan. Opening up about the emotional connection between food and family, Karisma Kapoor added, “Our family’s food has always been about love, memories, and togetherness. Sharing my family's love for food with the MasterChef India kitchen was an incredibly proud moment for me. It is heartening to see these jodis bring their own stories and flavours from every corner of the country, making the show a true celebration of pride. Together they inspire creativity, innovation, and confidence across the nation.” As Karisma tastes the lovingly prepared dishes, she is all praise for the contestants’ efforts and flavours. Expressing her contentment, she says, “Raj Kapoor, Rishi ji aur Ranbir yaha hote toh unko bhi bahut pasand aata, Lolo love.” With a perfect dash of glamour, emotion, and culinary artistry, this special episode reinforces MasterChef India’s core ethos: celebrating culture, family, and passion, while continuing to showcase the spirit of 'Desh Ab Frontfoot Pe Chal Raha Hai.' Shilpa Shetty pays ode to India on MasterChef Shilpa Shetty graced the show last month during its Harvest Special episode. Coinciding with festivals such as Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Magh Bihu, the Harvest Special became a vibrant reflection of India’s shared spirit. Welcoming the season of harvest, Shilpa Shetty beautifully captured the sentiment, saying, “At this time, the whole of India is engulfed in the colours of harvest and festivals. Sometimes Pongal, sometimes Sankranti, sometimes Bihu, sometimes Lohri. The names may be different, but the aim is one, happiness.” Sharing her experience of being part of the Harvest Special, Shilpa added, “The Harvest Special episode of MasterChef India felt truly special to me. Every dish narrated a unique story, every flavour paid homage to our rich culinary traditions, and together they came alive as a celebration of Indian talent that is stepping forward with confidence, creativity, and fearlessness on a global stage.” Don't miss the Special Week of MasterChef India, Monday to Friday, at 8:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
26 January,2026 05:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Sneha Wagh opened up about her role in Mahadev and Sons, her approach to choosing characters, and the changing realities of television in an exclusive conversation with mid-day. Speaking candidly, Sneha described her character as layered, emotionally driven, and deeply devoted, making it one of the most interesting roles she has played. Sneha Wagh gets candid about her character Talking about her character, Sneha said, “See, this is the fun. You know, suddenly this is a show where she is strong, she is not weak.” She explained that her character stood up for love and went against her family, believing they would eventually understand. “She stood up for her love… But I think somewhere she thought that my family loves me so much that they will accept it. It didn’t happen. That was the only reason,” she shared. While her character is strong, Sneha pointed out that emotionally she is gentle and submissive in love. “She is strong. But here, more than being strong, she is very docile. She is docile in love. She is very kind,” she said, adding that the character believes everything will eventually fall into place. What attracted Sneha the most was her devotion. “She is so devoted in love that she doesn’t think beyond it. For her, Mahadev is the start and Mahadev is the end,” she said, explaining that even family, children, and circumstances do not change that belief. “If Mahadev is saying this, it is right. If Mahadev is saying it, it’s wrong,” she added. Talking about her choices as an actor, Sneha said she never tries to compare characters with reality. “No, I never think about reality. When you are an actor, you should never think about reality,” she said, stressing that uniqueness makes characters memorable. Recalling her previous roles, she mentioned how playing intense, obsessive love stories excites her creatively. “I really like such characters. You do such things that you don’t get to do in normal life,” she said, calling them emotionally challenging yet fulfilling. Sneha Wagh addresses stereotypes in TV Sneha also spoke about how difficult it can be to separate personal emotions from performance. Recalling Veera, she said, “When I had to hate the little girl, it was very difficult for me… reality comes in your eyes, so it is not convincing.” Addressing stereotypes in television, Sneha acknowledged that OTT platforms have changed the game. “Television is a female-oriented medium, but it’s highly stereotypical,” she said, adding, “OTT has changed that thing… now you are like you are, and I am very thankful for it.” On what she strives for as an artist, Sneha concluded, “Audiences should enjoy watching them. If you are crying, they should cry with you. If you are laughing, they should laugh with you.” Talking about shows shutting down quickly, she said, “It’s risky for everyone… but that is the destiny of the show. Sometimes the shows are bad, that’s why they get shut. Sometimes the shows are good,” adding that every project comes with its own fate.
26 January,2026 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatThe upcoming reality show The 50 promises to bring together artists from diverse walks of life under one roof, including actors, influencers and reality stars. Among the well-known names joining the show is actor Ridhi Dogra, who marks her return to television with the high-stakes format. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Ridhi spoke about her journey, mindset, and what the experience means to her. Ridhi Dogra reflects on her TV comeback Reflecting on her career so far, Ridhi said she does not yet look at her journey from a distance. “I don’t really have a bird’s eye view as yet because I feel I’m still playing my innings. You don’t sit and say I did this or that so soon,” she shared. Calling herself someone who constantly pushes boundaries, she added, “I’ve always surprised people with whatever I come up with. Every time I do something, even I wonder, how are you doing this?” Expressing gratitude for her profession, Ridhi said, “I feel very blessed to be in this medium. I’m primarily an actor, so everything I do comes from that lens and from seeing it as a branch of art.” She revealed that she continues to invest deeply in personal growth, adding, “I do workshops every year, acting courses every year. I’ve even done Vipassana where I sat for 11 days without talking.” Ridhi Dogra talks about The 50 Talking about joining The 50, Ridhi admitted she views the show as a personal challenge. “I may be naive or foolish, but I’m looking at this as something that will push me and give me a fresh perspective,” she said, explaining how long careers can sometimes become limiting. “We forget that we should have confidence in ourselves and go into different mediums.” Asked about preparation, Ridhi said experience has taught her that nothing can fully prepare you. “I’ve done Khatron Ke Khiladi and Naach Baliye. We were blindfolded and taken to stunts, so I know you never know what you’re getting into,” she said. Her focus now is simple: “I want to go in with an open mind, be physically fit and mentally charged so I don’t get rattled easily.” Speaking about living with 49 other contestants, she admitted it would be overwhelming. “I live alone, so going from that to a haveli full of people will be madness,” she laughed, adding, “There will be competitors and 49 people I have to send home.” While Ridhi is open to forming bonds, she clarified her priorities. “I’m not seeking friendships. I’m seeking my games. I want to play calmly and focus my energy on what I’m going in for,” she said, summing up her mindset as she prepares to step into The 50.
26 January,2026 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatThe iconic television drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi continues to stir nostalgia with its much talked about second season, and the latest promo has heightened excitement among longtime viewers. The new teaser introduces a major twist with the return of Gautam “Gomzy” Virani, played by Sumeet Sachdev, who steps back into the Virani universe in a surprising new avatar. This time, Gomzy is seen as Ranvijay’s lawyer, setting the stage for an intense courtroom battle that places Tulsi Virani at the emotional centre of the conflict. Gautam aka Sumeet Sachdev returns to Kyunki 2 Titled “Zindagi Ki Adalat Mein Tulsi Akeli”, the promo opens inside a courtroom where Gautam, dressed in a lawyer’s robe, delivers a chilling line to Tulsi: “Mrs Tulsi Virani, zindagi ki adalat mein aapka beta aapke khilaaf khada hai.” The dialogue immediately signals a dramatic turn, hinting at a legal showdown that threatens to tear the family apart. Tulsi’s stunned silence and visible anguish underline the emotional weight of the moment. In the current storyline of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Ranvijay’s troubled marriage and divorce proceedings have become a major plot point. As tensions rise, Noina brings Gautam on board as Ranvijay’s legal counsel, adding complexity to the narrative. Gautam’s involvement is particularly significant given his deep-rooted history with the Virani family, making his return both emotionally charged and narratively powerful. Sumeet Sachdev’s comeback has been met with enthusiasm, especially from fans who remember Gautam as one of the most memorable characters from the original series. His re-entry has sparked widespread nostalgia, with viewers expressing excitement over seeing a familiar face navigate a completely new role within the same universe. For many, Gautam’s return bridges the gap between the legacy of the original show and the evolving storyline of the sequel. All about Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Smriti Irani’s return as Tulsi Virani continues to anchor the show, lending it emotional gravitas and continuity. The reboot has carefully blended classic elements with contemporary storytelling, ensuring it resonates with both loyal fans and a newer audience. With the courtroom drama unfolding and old relationships being tested under new circumstances, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 promises gripping episodes ahead. Gautam Virani’s return as a lawyer not only raises the stakes but also reinforces the show’s ability to reinvent itself while honouring its legacy.
26 January,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThere was more to the finale of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 17 than tough questions, lifelines, and prize money. The quiz-based game show got a musical twist as the a cappella ensemble, Voctronica, performed for superstar and host Amitabh Bachchan. “We’re still pinching ourselves,” said lead singer Arjun Nair of the six-member band. Comprising Nair, Warsha Easwar, Clyde Rodrigues, Nagesh Reddy, Ronit Chaterji, and Anup Gaikwad, the band performed a special medley celebrating Bachchan’s cinematic legacy. “To perform a tribute that celebrates Bachchan sir’s incredible film journey, and then do it right in front of him, was a huge honour for us,” added Nair. Reddy recalled that the energy on set was electric as they shot the episode over 12 hours. What added to the mood was the audience’s enthusiasm. “The audience joined in from the very first song, which made it even more special. But what stayed with me most was being in his presence and watching him up-close. His professionalism and humility [leave you in awe]. He is a true artiste in every sense,” said Easwar. The appearance on KBC 17 comes as a milestone for Voctronica that began its journey in 2013. In their 13-year career so far, the group has built a distinct sonic identity by going beyond the traditional idea of a cappella. Rodrigues explained, “We’ve always wanted to be more than just an a cappella ensemble. Our aspiration is to sound as ‘un-human’ as possible. That informs our arrangements — we think about how an actual instrument would perform a part, and then recreate that vocally.” International platforms have further sharpened their outlook. Chaterji shared, “Performing globally reaffirmed that our Indian identity can travel across cultures.”
26 January,2026 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalDays after announcing their separation, television actors Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij found themselves back in the spotlight for a touching family moment. Mahhi recently surprised her daughter Tara with a brand new Mini Cooper, reportedly worth around Rs 50 lakh, a gesture that quickly went viral on social media and drew widespread attention. Mahhi Vij bought a lavish Mini Cooper Mahhi shared a video of the emotional moment online, showing the family welcoming the car home. Explaining the reason behind the special gift, she wrote, “This is not about luxury. This is about a wish. When my daughter was four years old, she saw a Mini Cooper and said, ‘Mama, one day I want this car.’ At that time, I couldn’t afford it and I wasn’t even sure if giving such a thing to a child was right.” She went on to explain that the decision was rooted in creating memories rather than indulging in extravagance. “Years later, I realised it is not about the price tag. It is about giving her a memory. This is about our little drives, our laughter, our time together. These moments are priceless,” Mahhi shared, adding that the gift was meant to celebrate love, effort and shared experiences. Jay Bhanushali shared a video congratulating them What caught many by surprise was Jay Bhanushali’s response to the post. Despite the couple recently confirming their separation, Jay publicly congratulated Mahhi and Tara. He reshared the video on his social media and commented simply, “Congratulations,” alongside a picture of Mahhi and their daughter posing proudly with the new car. His gesture was widely appreciated and seen as a sign of mutual respect and healthy co parenting. Jay and Mahhi had earlier announced their decision to part ways after over a decade together. In their statement, they stressed that the separation was amicable. They had said, “There is no villain in this story. This decision comes from a place of mutual respect and understanding, and we will always be there for our children.” The Mini Cooper moment has since been viewed by fans as a reflection of that promise. Despite personal changes, both Jay and Mahhi appear committed to maintaining a supportive and positive environment for their daughter. The heartfelt gesture, coupled with Jay’s public support, has resonated strongly with audiences, highlighting that family bonds can remain intact even as relationships evolve.
25 January,2026 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 50 continues to build a powerful and competitive contestant lineup with the addition of Nikki Tamboli and Arbaz Patel, two personalities known for their strong presence, distinct journeys, and unapologetic individuality. Nikki Tamboli and Arbaz Patel join The 50 Known for her firebrand persona and unfiltered honesty, Nikki Tamboli enters The 50 ready to reveal a more layered side of her personality. Beyond the bold exterior, the format offers Nikki the space to showcase her strategic thinking, sharp focus, and relentless drive to win, as she navigates an intense game fuelled by instinct, chaos, and emotional awareness. Sharing her thoughts on joining the show, Nikki Tamboli said, “People know me for my fire and my honesty, but The 50 is where they’ll see the full picture my strategy, sharp focus, and an unshakable hunger to win. I’m walking into this game ready to challenge limits, embrace the chaos, and own every moment of the journey. This time, it’s all heart, all power, and absolutely no filters, no fear, no holding back.” “This journey is special for me. Every reality show teaches you something new, but this time I’m coming in stronger, wiser, and more fearless. I know who I am, I know my power, and I’m here to own it. Whoever wins, wins, but remember this: I am the ruler of my own game. Power lies in standing your ground, and I’m doing exactly that,” she added. All about their journey Joining her is her better half, Arbaz Patel, whom she met on the reality show Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5. Arbaz’s journey across formats like Rise N Fall, Bigg Boss, and Splitsvilla has shaped his understanding of competition, perspective, and emotional intelligence. Having navigated complex social dynamics and high-pressure situations, he now steps into The 50 with renewed clarity, confidence, and a sharpened competitive mindset. Sharing his excitement, Arbaz Patel said, “Reality shows have taught me that nothing is ever just black or white; every moment demands instinct, perspective, and emotional intelligence. After journeys like Rise N Fall, Bigg Boss and Splitsvilla, I’m stepping into The 50 with sharper clarity, deeper confidence, and a mindset shaped by real competition and real pressure.” With Nikki Tamboli and Arbaz Patel joining the lineup, The 50 further reinforces its promise of bringing together strong, diverse personalities ready to test their instincts, strategies, and emotional intelligence in a high-stakes, unscripted social experiment. The globally successful Banijay-owned format is set to make its Indian debut on JioHotstar and Colors, offering audiences a gripping and immersive reality experience.
25 January,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Tusshar Kapoor popular as Lucky in Golmaal movie franchise, was seen bringing back his iconic character's humourous flavour on the game show Wheel of Fortune. The latest promo of the show featured Riteish Deshmukh, Sajid Khan, and Tusshar Kapoor having a fun banter with the OG host, Akshay Kumar. These celebrities have brightened up the mood on stage, having fun, sharing anecdotes, and pulling each other's legs. As the trio on the stage interacted with Akshay Kumar, referring to Riteish, the superstar said, “mai ap logo ko batana chata hoon ke ye bhot lalchi kisam ka admi hai, kya problem hai tereko.” To this Riteish said, “Problem apse nahi hai, iss wheel se hai isliye mai aanpse sath wheel aur apne VIP vowels le ke aya hoon, mai Sajid khan ko le kar aya hoon ye wheel chair peye hai, tho ye maire wheel hai aur ye maire khud ke VIP shabad hai,” referring to Tusshar. To this, Kapoor recreated his iconic mimic from the Golmaal movie to which everyone started laughing. Riteish said “jinko samj nahi aya vo ye bole A E I O U.” Recently, Akshay Kumar had also shared a light-hearted tip on married life with Riteish Deshmukh. Keeping it simple and funny, Akshay said that learning to say “sorry” to wife is the key to a happy marriage. Power couple Genelia D'Souza and Riteish Deshmukh recently appeared on the premiere of Sony Entertainment Televisions latest show Wheel of Fortune, where the host, Akshay Kumar took part in a candid conversation with the couple. The exchange took a humourous turn when Akshay and Riteish shared anecdotes involving their respective wives, creating moments of warmth and laughter on the show. Bringing in a dose of humour on the Wheel of Fortune set, Akshay Kumar sparked a fun exchange by asking Riteish how long he and Genelia have been together. Riteish replied, “10 years of dating and 14 years of marriage, so it’s been 24 years in total.” Akshay continued, “25 saal wale ko puch. Sorry bolna seekho (Ask the person who’s been married for 25 years. You have to learn how to say sorry).” The moment got even more funnier when Genelia joined the banter and pointing out to Riteish said, “Ye toh sorry Deshmukh hai,” drawing laughter from everyone present. 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
25 January,2026 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSSplitsvilla X6 contestant Diksha Pawar has been facing a disturbing wave of online abuse following her recent tussle with a fellow contestant on the reality TV show. The trolling intensified after viewers began questioning her connection with contestant Himanshu inside the Splitsvilla house, despite Diksha having clarified since the beginning that she was not dating Ayush Yadav. Diksha Pawar clarifies dating rumours To put an end to the rumours of her dating Ayush, Diksha took to her Instagram stories and wrote, “I’d like to clarify that ayushyadav7100 and I were never in a relationship. We were simply friends and collaborated on content together. Many people have also been asking why I unfollowed him. I did so because I didn’t want unnecessary drama, though unfortunately it still happened. I sincerely hope everyone will respect this clarification and refrain from spreading false rumours. Thankyou for your understanding and support.” She has also been involved in a tussle with fellow contestant Akanksha, following which the opposing team has allegedly been running a negative campaign against her. As per reports, Diksha has been receiving rape and black magic threats. Sources also suggest that Diksha has been staying alone in Delhi, which has heightened worries amid such threats. Currently seen on Splitsvilla X6, Diksha Pawar has stood out for her strong opinions and her clarification has helped set the record straight amid the ongoing controversy About SplitsVilla X6 MTV Splitsvilla X6 is set to premiere on January 9, with actor Sunny Leone returning as its host. Apart from MTV, the dating show will also be available on JioHotstar. For the first time in the show’s history, it will arrive thrice a week, Friday-Sunday at 7 pm. Joining Leone will be actor Karan Kundrra, marking his debut as the show’s host. Previously, Kundrra appeared as a guest on the show, during its eighth season. Two more popular faces will be joining the show, Uorfi and Nia Sharma, both as “mischief makers”. The new is set against the scenic coast of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, where 32 single girls and boys will feature as contestants. The tagline for the show this time is: ‘Pyaar ya Paisa'. In a new twist, the series will pick up from where ex-contestants Digvijay and Kashish left off last season. The contestants will be divided into the ‘Pyaar Villa’ and the ‘Paisa Villa’, where love and money come into play.
24 January,2026 01:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPopular television actress Neha Marda recently had opened up on how body odour post pregnancy had shattered her confidence. The actress who recently turned an entrepreneur, appeared on Sony Entertainment Television’s Shark Tank India, where she pitched her personal care brand and opened up about the deeply personal reason behind starting the venture. During her pitch, Neha candidly shared her post-pregnancy experience, revealing how a sudden change in body odor affected her confidence. “Post my pregnancy, I started feeling a little discomfort with my body odor. Being an actor, my confidence was shaken that day. Nothing actually worked to solve it,” she said on the show. “What began as a personal problem soon turned into a business idea”, said Neha. Despite Neha’s popularity in the Hindi GEC space, the Sharks did not shy away from questioning the brand’s early visibility and momentum. One of the key points raised was Neha’s celebrity status, with the panel asking whether her popularity as a television star played a major role in accelerating the brand’s marketing and sales. Talking about Neha Marda, the actress was a popular television actress before she took a sabbatical from work post embracing motherhood. The actress was seen in the titular role in the show Doli Armaanon Ki. She was also loved for her character portrayal as Gehna in the superhit show Balika Vadhu. 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
24 January,2026 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
