With her iconic humour and trademark spice, filmmaker Farah Khan enters COLORS’ Mangal Lakshmi alongside internet favourite Dilip for a special episode where the kitchen turns into a lively fusion of dance and offbeat cooking tasks. In the ongoing track, the Pehla Swaad competition hits its most crucial stage with the Ticket to Finale challenge, where Bhabhiji (Neelu Waghela) as the new head chef pushes Mangal and Saumya into unexpected cooking tests. As Farah and Dilip introduce a thrilling ‘jodi challenge’, Saumya teams up with Adit, leaving Mangal to face the heat alone. And now, with the finale within reach, will Mangal be able to deliver a dish that not only wins the judges’ hearts but seals her place in the competition? Farah Khan on shooting a cameo in Mangal Lakshmi Shooting for a special episode of Mangal Lakshmi, Farah Khan said, “Arre bhai, jab kitchen ka maha-yudh ho raha ho Mangal Lakshmi mein, mujhe toh aana hi tha! I’m super excited to judge the ‘Pehla Swaad’ ticket-to-finale challenge — yahan khaane ka taste bhi test hoga aur contestants ka patience bhi. With my full-on Farah-tadka, thodi masti, thoda masala, and my cook Dilip joining the madness, the kitchen is guaranteed to get garam. Mangal aur Saumya dono ko mile surprises aur shocks, but who plates up the real winner’s swaad, that you’ll have to watch. All I can say is, this episode serves flavour, fun, and full-on fireworks." Deepika Singh on shooting with Farah Khan Deepika Singh on Sharing screen space with Farah ma’am in ‘Mangal Lakshmi’, ”Mangal Lakshmi is at a phase where the pulse of the story is a woman finally rising for herself and for the business she built alongside other women; and the audience has showered a lot of love to the show throughout Mangal's journey. That’s why creating a special Pehla Swaad episode with Farah Khan is a landmark moment, because the legend stands for everything my character aspires to. We’ve all admired her work, and having her on set instantly lifted the energy of an already thrilling challenge. Performing the cooking-and-dance act and then hearing her genuine words of encouragement is something I’ll cherish my entire life. I’m grateful to COLORS, Panorama Entertainment and, above all, our viewers, whose love drives the show from one milestone to another.”
09 December,2025 06:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTanya Mittal, the second runner-up of Bigg Boss 19, reflects on her experience and discusses the criticism she received. "People may disagree with me, but they cannot ignore me". Tanya, like the other contestants, claims that the show was difficult for her from the start, and there were times when she felt mentally exhausted. Tanya Mittal slams the trolls While talking to HT City, Tanya Mittal reacted to being called fake throughout the season for her claims of having an extremely wealthy lifestyle. "I’ve always been straightforward about who I am. I come from a family where I’ve grown up with certain habits and comforts, and I don’t see why that should be questioned,” she explains. “If I choose to spend on myself or maintain a particular lifestyle, it’s because I can. I work for it. That doesn’t make me pretentious. If a 30-year-old is able to take care of her needs, desires, what’s the issue with that?" says Tanya. Tanya went on to share that her choices often invited unnecessary trolls and reactions from people around her. She revealed, "There’s this assumption that if a woman does something slightly unconventional, it becomes a topic of debate. For example, people questioned why I spoke about having bodyguards. I don’t think such things should be restricted to men or celebrities. If someone can afford security, it’s their choice, simply a personal preference." Tanya Mittal reacts to criticism Despite the criticism, Tanya stays steadfast in her beliefs about her origins. "People often forget that what they see on a reality show does not represent the entire person. I was up in a highly sophisticated, grounded family, and I am proud of it. Whatever they observed inside the house was situational. It doesn't define my upbringing or values," she says. She summarises her experience by saying, "I realise I can be too much for some people, but I've always lived on my own terms. "I don't believe in conforming to expectations just to appear acceptable." While talking to Janta, Tanya even reacted to Gaurav Khanna lifting the trophy, she said, "I was too busy focusing on myself that I didn't see him winning. Jeet gaya kya GK? I think I have also won as I am sitting and talking to you guys."
09 December,2025 06:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTelevision actor Zeeshan Khan, best known for his role in Kumkum Bhagya and his stint on Bigg Boss OTT, has left everyone worried after he met with an accident late at night at Mumbai's Yari Road, Versova. While he didn’t sustain any injury, he is shaken by the incident. He has also filed a complaint. About Zeeshan Khan’s accident According to information accessed by Bollywood Bubble, the accident occurred around 8:30 pm in Mumbai’s Versova area. Zeeshan’s black car reportedly collided head-on with a grey vehicle. The impact was strong enough to deploy the airbags in his car. Following the incident, the actor went to a nearby police station to file an official report. Further details related to the accident are awaited. Zeeshan has not yet shared any official statement about the accident. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Zeeshan is a well-known television actor and has been a part of famous TV shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Naagin, Lock Upp, and Bigg Boss OTT. During his stint in Bigg Boss OTT, Zeeshan made headlines because of his physical fight with co-contestant Pratik Sehajpal. He was eliminated from the show due to the altercation. Zeeshan’s bathrobe controversy A few years ago, Zeeshan also grabbed attention when he boarded a flight wearing a bathrobe, and his airport video went viral. Talking about his wardrobe choice for the show, Zeeshan had said, “I have already done a white bathrobe, I have already done a panda suit. I have a lot of ideas; let me give you a hint—I have bathrobes. So, this season is going to be exciting, over the top.” Zeeshan was also in the news for his relationship with Kumkum Bhagya co-star Rehyna Pandit. However, they broke up after dating for two years. Reacting to it, he had said, “That's why I clarified that not every friend is your friend. We tried to solve our differences by sitting together one-on-one. We tried a lot, but we finally decided to part ways with no bad blood between us. If things are meant to be, we will find our way back to each other. If not, it is alright. Maybe her life story is written with someone else, and so is mine. However, I pray from my heart that we find a way back to each other.”
09 December,2025 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor the new family drama, ‘Lakshmi Niwas’, the makers have roped Gashmeer Mahajani. He plays the sensitive, honest, and emotionally aware Aditya Sahu. Mahajani shares, “I was drawn to this character because of the depth and purpose he brings to the story. Aditya is a beautifully written role. His journey creates a significant shift that shapes what happens ahead.” ‘Lakshmi Niwas’ follows Lakshmi and Srinivas, a couple who have spent 35 years in a rented house while nurturing two goals: building a home of their own and securing their daughters’ futures. But life takes unexpected turns, testing their familial bond.
09 December,2025 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamIn a thrilling and emotional grand finale, Gaurav Khanna was crowned the winner of Bigg Boss 19, lifting the coveted trophy and ending the season on a triumphant note. The actor, who entered the house with a massive fan following and a reputation for being grounded and disciplined, lived up to every expectation, and more, with a victory that has delighted millions of viewers. From the very beginning, Gaurav emerged as one of the strongest pillars of the house. Known for his composed nature, sharp intellect and mature way of handling conflicts, he quickly established himself as a contestant who could balance both heart and strategy. Whether it was performing demanding tasks, navigating alliances, or resolving heated arguments, Gaurav demonstrated a calm authority that earned him respect from fellow contestants and fans alike. Throughout the season, Gaurav maintained a steady trajectory, never relying on theatrics or unnecessary drama to stay relevant. Instead, he showcased leadership, empathy and emotional intelligence, making him one of the most admired personalities inside the Bigg Boss house. His ability to remain stable even during high-pressure situations became a defining trait of his journey. As the finale approached and eliminations shook the house one by one, Gaurav’s popularity remained unwavering. With Amaal Mallik exiting at 5th position, Tanya Mittal at 4th, and Pranit More securing 3rd place, the stage was set for an intense showdown between the final contenders. In the end, Gaurav’s consistent performance and overwhelming public support helped him lift the trophy. After being announced as the winner, an emotional Gaurav thanked his fans for standing by him throughout the season. His family and supporters celebrated the victory with immense pride, calling it a “well-deserved win.” With this achievement, Gaurav Khanna not only earns the trophy and prize money but also solidifies his place as one of the most impactful, dignified and inspiring champions in the show's history. Bigg Boss 19 will be remembered as his season — one that showcased his strength, integrity and remarkable journey to the top.
08 December,2025 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSinger Armaan Malik shared an emotional message for his brother Amaal Mallik, praising his grit and honesty through a challenging journey in the recently concluded “Bigg Boss 19” Armaan took to Instagram, where he shared two pictures with Amaal from the Family Week episode of the controversial reality show, hosted by Salman Khan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ARMAAN MALIK (@armaanmalik) For the caption, he wrote: “Onwards and upwards, no looking back! You walked this path with such courage and strength, and the world watched your truth and your journey unfold. I cannot wait for you to come back home so we can make magic with our music again! So proud of you, I love you @amaal_mallik.” Amaal made it to the top five of the show, which was won by actor Gaurav Khanna on Sunday night during the grand finale. Along with Amaal and Gaurav, Pranit More, Farrhana Bhatt and Tanya Mittal made it to the Top 5. Along with the trophy, Gaurav took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. "Bigg Boss 19" premiered on August 24, 2025, with 16 contestants including Ashnoor Kaur, Zeishan Quadri, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, and Mridul Tiwari. The season also saw two wild-card entries in the form of Shehbaz Badesha and Malti Chahar. Talking about Armaan, on December 3, he delivered another memorable number in the form of the “Chal Musafir” track from "Gustaakh Ishq". Describing his latest creative journey as transformative, Armaan revealed what it was like stepping into the world of 'Gustaakh Ishq'. Looking back at his experience of collaborating with Vishal Bhardwaj, Armaan called the experience 'refreshing'. “Stepping into Vishal sir’s musical world was both an honour and a refreshing shift in perspective. His music asks for two things at once—vulnerability and precision—and he somehow makes that balance feel completely organic." "What I loved most was the freedom he gave me. He didn’t over-explain anything; he shared a feeling, a world, and trusted me to find my own truth within it. As a singer, that kind of space is rare and incredibly inspiring.” 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
08 December,2025 02:11 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSGaurav Khanna emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 19, lifting the coveted trophy and proving that calm consistency can overpower chaos. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, the actor spoke candidly about being doubted, staying true to himself, his game plan inside the house and what lies ahead. On lifting the trophy Reflecting on being underestimated yet again, Gaurav said, “I think in my last reality show, also, this thing was very evident. A lot of people there were also thinking I'm not worth it for that show, and I won that show as well. I always feel that reality shows are marathons, they are not sprints, and I believe in doing the right thing at the right time, at the right moment in my way. So, I'm very happy that all fell in the right places and I'm here with you today.” Asked about his much-discussed calmness in a house full of chaos, Gaurav credited self-belief. “I think the belief in yourself was my biggest strength inside. I've always said that it's not important for me to look good, but it's important to look good because I've been in this industry. I know that I don't have to be popular just by looking good on this show. I have to be more popular by looking good on this show, and that is where the others missed.” Addressing perceptions about his simplicity, he laughed, “They always say that I keep drinking green tea. I'm still drinking green tea. I was very normal inside. If I had to act like a superstar, I would have gotten up early, dressed in designer clothes and blow-dried my hair. But I can’t do that every day. I used to eat lentils and rice by hand, knead dough and wash utensils. I was nothing extraordinary inside. I was a very normal guy, boy next door.” On selective participation in tasks He added pointedly, “The 15 people inside didn’t consider me right, but the 150 crore people outside did. Now tell me, whose weight is more?” On selectively participating in tasks, Gaurav clarified, “It wasn’t a strategy, it was an understanding. This is not a task show; this is a mind game. I had the mind in the right place and the heart in the right place. I knew when to do things my way.” He cited results as proof: “I won maximum sponsor hampers, the car and the ticket to the finale.” Speaking about Salman Khan’s advice, he shared, “He said not every fight you have to be a part of, but you should have a point of view. I never started a fight, but I always ended it.” On post-show plans, Gaurav smiled, “I am a happily married guy. I’d rather travel with my wife. I haven’t even gone back home yet. Let me get back to the real world first, then I’ll take it from there.”
08 December,2025 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatFarrhana Bhatt’s journey in the Bigg Boss 19 house was nothing short of a rollercoaster. From being evicted on the very first day to returning stronger and finishing as the first runner-up, the actress won hearts with her resilience and raw honesty. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Farrhana spoke candidly about the setbacks, heartbreaks, friendships and the moments she will cherish forever. Recalling her shocking first-day eviction, Farrhana admitted it completely broke her. “It did, of course, because I came directly from Kashmir, and you are being thrown out on the first day. I was like, What will I show my people? I have been an actor at that time as well. I have been through a lot, and now I have taken such a big decision that it is not easy to do a reality show in Bigg Boss. So, I took such a big decision, and I was thrown out on the first day. So, it was very heartbreaking for me.” Farrhana Bhatt recalls her journey Talking about moments viewers may not have seen, she shared how emotionally drained she often felt. “There were a lot of situations in which I used to have a heartbreak. Or sometimes I used to say that I have to get out of here, throw me out. I used to feel that I didn't want to be in this house with all these people.” She added that while many moments affected her, the first eviction remained the toughest. One of the most difficult phases came during Weekend Ka Vaar. “Two such weekends happened. It was the second week and the eleventh week. It was very heart-breaking for me. I felt that I have to go home. I have to go to my mother. I don't want to see anyone's face,” she said, adding that Salman Khan’s words hit the hardest. “A host is scolding you. That's the person who is your favorite… and then he said that I feel ashamed that I am on this stage. It hit me like a bullet.” On friendships, Farrhana was clear. “Nehal and Baseer are my friends. Relationships are formed in that house. They break and change, but there is a world outside that.” However, she sounded unsure about others, saying, “I don't think I will be in contact with Tanya. Amal is 50-50. I'm not sure.” Reacts to Gaurav Khanna's victory Reacting to Gaurav Khanna’s victory, Farrhana said, “Gaurav Khanna has won because of the support of his audience. That's it. And I respect that. Congratulations on his victory. I didn't even touch that trophy because I don't touch what I don't have.” She added philosophically, “I wanted to get that trophy. But if I didn't get it, God must have thought of something better.” The most cherished moment for Farrhana was deeply personal. “When Bigg Boss said, ‘Bigg Boss welcomes Farhana's mother Afroza in his house,’ it was a big deal for me. My dream was that my mother comes to Bigg Boss because of me, and I made that dream come true.” Addressing her visible weight loss, she explained, “I have a problem with taste. I can't eat everything. There were fights over food. Even if you were eating, you were so stressed. I used to feel hungry but I couldn't eat.” Signing off with gratitude, Farrhana told her fans, “Thank you so much for supporting me. I am here because of your support. We didn't win the trophy. Your love won. This season is Farhana Bhatt season. I don't care if I don't win the trophy, but you keep supporting me.”
08 December,2025 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatAfter ending his Bigg Boss 19 journey as the second runner-up, Pranit More exclusively spoke to mid-day, opening up about the emotions, learnings and relationships he takes back from the show. Reacting to coming so close to the top, Pranit said, “It feels good. Obviously, you feel bad when you get eliminated. Initially, you don't feel bad because you don't have any hopes. When I got so much support and reached the top five, I thought I'd win. I thought I'd reach the top two. Gaurav and I had planned to switch off the lights and leave. When I left, I felt a little bad. But it's okay, there's acceptance that people are supporting you just like they are supporting others. So, I guess my journey was up to here. So, I think it's better if you have a good heart.” Pranit More looks back at his journey Looking back at his long and eventful journey, filled with friendships, fights and emotions, Pranit called it special and introspective. “The journey was obviously very special because we spent a lot of time thinking about what we've done. Even during family week, our family members told us things. When I saw the journey, I found it very inspiring for myself. Bigg Boss usually scolds people, but they said a lot of good things. Overall, what I stood up for, I was good for my friends, and I made genuine bonds. Plus, I also entertained people,” he shared. On his bond with Malti Chahar Addressing the much-discussed equation with Malti, he clarified, “There was a part where I felt that I had a very genuine friendship with Malti. They made a romantic angle out of it, so I had a little problem with that. But still, I consider her a good friend.” On their unresolved fight, Pranit added, “I apologised to her, but she got eliminated before we could sort it out. When we met today, I talked to her. Things got a little better. She still feels bad, but she is a friend. That’s why she is feeling bad.” Speaking about Abhishek, Pranit explained his decision inside the house. “In that situation, it was not about who to eliminate and who to save. According to my values and my family, I felt Ashmoor was right. Obviously, Abhishek feels bad about it. I will convince him because he is a friend. That’s why he is angry.” One of the biggest highlights of his journey was the PM show inside the house, which boosted his confidence. “I didn’t even know what it was. When people I didn’t get along with hugged me and appreciated me, that’s when my confidence increased. Because of that, my personality came out more because of my work,” he said. Pranit also admitted he regrets one fight in the house. “The fight I had with Shehbaz made me realise that hurting someone back is not who I am. After that, I never crossed the line,” he confessed. As for friendships outside the house, he concluded, “My friendship with Awez and Mridul will go very far. I am sure this bond would go far. Rest of them aren't my friends but shall be cordial with them.” Summing up his biggest takeaway, Pranit said, “It is very important to accept your mistakes and learn from them. If it is your mistake, accept it, say sorry, and don’t repeat it.”
08 December,2025 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatOn November 24, Bollywood lost its He-Man, Dharmendra, one of its most successful and popular actors. The veteran superstar had made multiple appearances on Salman Khan's reality show Bigg Boss. Today, during the Bigg Boss 19 finale, Salman became emotional as he remembered Dharmendra and praised Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol for arranging the funeral and prayer meeting with great dignity. Salman Khan cries inconsolably While remembering Dharmendra, Salman Khan cries inconsolably, leaving everyone emotional. He said, “We lost the He-Man. We lost the most amazing man. I don't think there is anyone better than Dharmji. The way he lived life was king-size. He gave us Sunny, Bobby and Esha. Since the day he joined the industry, he only wanted to work. He did so many roles. My career graph… I have only followed Dharmji. He came with an innocent face and a He-Man’s body. That charm stayed with him till the end. Love you, Dharmji. Will always miss you.” Salman further revealed that this was the first time he witnessed such a huge outpour of love for Dharmendra on social media, “The main thing is… he died on 24 November, that’s my father’s birthday, and tomorrow is his birthday, as well as my mum’s. If I’m feeling like this, imagine what Sunny and his family must be going through. There were two funerals conducted with utmost dignity: Sooraj Barjatya’s mother’s and Dharmji’s. They held his prayer meet with so much grace and honour. Everyone was crying, but there was a decorum — a celebration of life. Hats off to Bobby and Sunny. Every funeral and prayer meeting should be conducted this beautifully.” Dharmendra's funeral and prayer meet Dharmendra was admitted to the hospital in November of this year, and by November 10, speculations of his death had spread on social media. However, his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol denied the rumours and stated that he was healing. The family eventually brought him home. Sadly, Dharmendra died on November 24 at the age of 89. Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan attended his funeral and expressed their grief. He is survived by six children and two wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur.
08 December,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn one of the most unexpected twists of the Bigg Boss 19 finale, popular contestant and fan-favourite Amaal Mallik was eliminated from the show, securing the 5th position. His eviction has sent shockwaves across social media, especially because he was widely predicted to be one of the top contenders for the trophy. Amaal entered the season with a calm presence, a dignified attitude and an emotionally grounded approach that quickly won the admiration of viewers. Throughout the show, he maintained strong friendships, avoided unnecessary conflicts and focused on performing tasks with sincerity. His journey was marked by maturity and composure, qualities that set him apart in a house known for chaos and confrontation. Many believed Amaal’s consistent popularity and clean image would carry him into the top three, if not directly to the winner’s spot. Pre-finale polls and online discussions had even placed him as a frontrunner. Therefore, his exit at the 5th position became one of the most surprising moments of the finale night. Amaal Mallik got evicted in the fifth place In the house, Salman Khan and Pawan Singh got a twist for the finalists where the parents had to finish their puzzle, and the ones with the finished puzzle were safe. Amaal's puzzle ended up being the incomplete one that got him out of the house in fifth place. While Amaal’s fanbase expressed disappointment, several viewers also praised him for maintaining grace and class until his final moment on the show. After stepping out, Amaal reportedly shared that he was grateful for the experience and the overwhelming love he received throughout his journey. His elimination, though unexpected, highlighted the unpredictability that Bigg Boss finales are known for. Amaal's grand journey Despite finishing fifth, Amaal’s stint on Bigg Boss 19 is being celebrated as one of the most dignified and inspiring of the season. Industry insiders believe the show has boosted his public reach even more, and he is likely to receive several new opportunities following his exit. As the finale continues and the top four battle for the trophy, Amaal Mallik’s graceful journey and surprising elimination remain one of the most talked-about highlights of Bigg Boss 19.
08 December,2025 08:23 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
