Ever since Bigg Boss OTT 2 star Jiya Shankar shut down rumours of her engagement to Fukra Insaan, aka Abhishek Malhan, fans have been dying to know the true identity of her boyfriend. Piquing their curiosity, Jiya recently shared pictures on social media, first introducing her boyfriend and later posting another photo of herself walking hand in hand with her "mystery man," leaving fans more desperate to know who he is. Who is Jiya Shankar's boyfriend? Jiya recently took to her Instagram Stories and uploaded a clip of herself holding hands with her 'mystery man' while walking on the streets. She captioned the clip 'Dil Tu Jaan Tu' song and added a red heart. However, she did not reveal the face of the man in the photo. As per Bollywood Shaadis' report, Jiiya might be dating Kaaran Dhanak. Kaaran is reportedly operating hookah parlour in the US. He is also reportedly also involved in the legal issues related to the vape and cannabis business. However, all of the reports are currently unverified. Abhishek Malhan refutes engagement rumours The rumours of Jiya and Abhishek's engagement began circulating after Telly Khazana posted, "It’s official! Fukra Insaan and Jiya Shankar have made their relationship public, and reports say an engagement could be on the way. Wishing this cute couple love and happiness always (sic)." After the engagement rumours went viral on social media, Abhishek immediately clarified the matter. He wrote on Instagram story, "I want to make to make one thing very clear- please stop linking my name with anyone. I was part of a show three years ago, and that chapter ended there. My choices and stance were made very clear back then, and nothing has changed since." He strongly stated that since he was part of Bigg Boss OTT, 3 years ago, his chapter with Jiya had ended there itself. Abhishek added, “What’s disappointing is that this has become a pattern. Almost every year, out of nowhere, the same narratives resurface without any reason or context. Even I can see it, and I believe the audience is smart enough to notice this pattern too." Jiya Shankar took to her social media handle and shared an adorable photo with a mystery man to dismiss the rumours. In the photo, the man was seen giving a peck on Jiya's forehead, and she hid his face with a red-heart emoticon. “Let’s leave false rumours in 2025!" she wrote.
03 January,2026 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNitibha Kaul, a Bigg Boss 10 contestant and social media influencer, finally showed her fans his face in addition to sharing photos of her ideal proposal. Nitibha chose the ideal video and pictures to reveal his identity after keeping it a secret for more than a year. Nitibha is seen entering the site, which was adorned with thousands of flowers, in the proposal video. The partner, whose identity is yet unknown, was likewise dressed in similar hues, while she wore a short white dress and white heels. Nitibha Kaul shared dreamy pictures from the proposal When she took off the blindfold, her lover was waiting for her with the ring and roses. She gave him a lot of kisses after being shocked by what he had just done. Nitibha shared the happy news with a post which she captioned as, “The easiest yes I’ve ever had to say.” With the photos, she wrote, “On this beautiful day, the love of my life asked me to be his forever After years of late night calls, airport goodbyes, endless tears, and loving each other across continents and time zones, this moment made every second worth it.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nitibha Kaul (@nitibhakaul) Nitibha got candid about the proposal planning, “He did so well, A proposal straight out of my fairytale dreams- the surprise, the castle, the ring, and most of all, the man who makes me feel like the luckiest girl alive, every single day. I can’t wait for our next chapter…. our forever, together. Still soaking in the magic of this day, still letting it sink in that I am a “fiancé” now. Can’t wait to share all the details & how he pulled this off, but for now, I’m just letting this moment sink in.” Fans congratulate the duo Nitibha received online congratulations from her admirers. "At last! The secret has been revealed! Congratulations and lots of love! Another person commented, "EEE can't wait to celebrate and hug you bothhhhhhhhhh. Your love was always worth it." "Am I seeing the cutest thing this new year?" someone said. And I'm like, "Awwwwwwwww." Nitibha frequently posted photos and videos of herself and her partner, but she never showed her fans his face. For more than a year, the pair was in a long-distance relationship.
03 January,2026 05:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 came to a close, Amitabh Bachchan delivered an emotional farewell that left the audience deeply moved. The finale was not just the end of another season of the iconic quiz show, but a moment of reflection for the veteran actor, who has been the face and soul of the programme for over two decades. Amitabh Bachchan gets emotional as the season wraps Addressing the audience, Amitabh Bachchan spoke about how time seems to pass differently when one is truly immersed in a journey. He said, “Sometimes we live a moment so deeply and get so lost in it that when it reaches its final point, it feels as though it had just begun, and yet it is ending so soon. Everything feels like it happened just yesterday.” His words resonated strongly, capturing the emotion of bidding goodbye to yet another season. As he continued, the actor grew visibly emotional while acknowledging the bond he shares with the viewers. “I am about to begin the last day of this game, going through these emotions. I have spent one third of my life, more than one third of my life, with all of you, and it has been a great privilege,” he said, drawing applause from the audience. Amitabh Bachchan also spoke about the unwavering support he has received over the years. “Whenever I have said wholeheartedly that I am coming, you have welcomed me with open arms. When I laughed, you laughed with me, and when my eyes filled with tears, you shed tears too,” he shared, expressing gratitude for the emotional connection formed with viewers across generations. Amitabh Bachchan recalls the most heartfelt moments with KBC In one of the most heartfelt moments of the night, he added, “You have been my companions on this journey, from the beginning to the very end. If you are here, this game exists. And if this game exists, then I exist. Thank you so much.” The finale blended emotion with celebration as Bachchan treated the audience to a special musical segment, singing a medley of songs from his illustrious film career. Comedian Kiku Sharda also joined the episode, bringing humour and warmth to the evening. As the season wrapped up, the farewell stood as a reminder of the deep bond between Amitabh Bachchan, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and the millions of viewers who have grown up watching the show, making the goodbye both touching and unforgettable.
03 January,2026 05:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker-choreographer and YouTuber Farah Khan, who is all set to decode The 50, says reality shows in India have followed a certain pattern for years and that the upcoming show is coming to shake that up. Farah Khan announces The 50 A glimpse was unveiled on Saturday, where at the centre of the intrigue is Farah Khan, who reacts to The 50 and its host, The Lion, in her trademark unfiltered style and is seen saying “Badalne waali hai reality shows ki reality,” prompting her to question why she hasn’t been called for what’s being touted as India’s biggest reality show. Speaking about the show, Farah said: “Reality shows in India have followed a certain pattern for years, and finally The 50 is coming in to shake that up. The scale is massive, the number of people is unprecedented, and the constant pressure leaves no room for comfort.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by JioHotstar Reality (@jiohotstarreality) “That’s exactly what makes it exciting—it’s intense, unpredictable, and a wild ride from start to finish. Comfort zone jaisi cheez yahaan exist hi nahi karti. Having seen and judged almost every kind of reality format, I genuinely believe The 50 will change the way audiences look at reality television,” she added. Talking about Farah, she has been a part of a string of reality shows, including Bigg Boss, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Indian Idol, India’s Got Talent, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi – Made in India and Celebrity Masterchef. The 50, India’s upcoming large-scale reality show produced by Banijay Asia, is a successful global reality franchise that has come to India after making waves internationally. Streaming soon on JioHotstar and Colors, The 50 promises a bold new format set to disrupt the Indian reality TV playbook. The 50 premieres on 1st February, streaming on JioHotstar and Colors. Farah Khan visits Nitin Gadkari She recently paid a visit to the house of Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways. The two spoke about Nitin’s achievement with regards to his YouTube channel with Farah saying that she has already got the silver play button from YouTube, and is looking forward to laying her hands on the gold play button like the politician. The conversation continued with Dilip requesting Nitin Gadkari to build a "small road" in his village. Farah playfully suggested that the minister could simply run the road straight through Dilip's house. Nitin Gadkari's wife, Kanchan Gadkari pointed out the potential consequences of such an action, referencing her own father's experience when his house was demolished for a road extension project. Farah was shocked upon hearing this. Nitin Gadkari calmly explained, "I demolished her father's home because we had to extend a road.” When asked if he had built a new home for his father-in-law, the politician replied, "No new home. I just gave him the compensation.” 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
03 January,2026 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati was graced by none other than Mona Singh and Vir Das who appeared on the reality show to promote their much anticipated next Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. The episode also saw Mithila Palkar and Sharib Hashmi who joined the show hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Mona Singh talks about her role in Happy Patel Among the many memorable moments from the episode, Mona Singh’s discussion about her character stood out. Known for portraying strong, relatable and largely positive roles across film and television, Mona revealed that Happy Patel marks a rare departure for her on-screen persona. Speaking about stepping into unfamiliar territory, she shared her excitement about finally playing a darker shade. “Zindagi me kabhi villain banne ka mauka hi nai mila, ye pehli baar hua that Vir gave me this opportunity and I don’t know what he saw in me but 100 tattoos lagakar mera look bhi ekdum mind blowing hai,” Mona said, leaving the audience intrigued and amused in equal measure. The trailer of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos which was recently released has taken the fun to another level. With its high humour quotient, the trailer features several entertaining and quirky moments, promising a thoroughly entertaining film. As both director and actor, Vir Das brings a refreshing brand of quirky comedy that is sure to deliver plenty of laughs. Packed with energy, charm, and a youthful vibe, the trailer further heightens the excitement for the film’s release. Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Happy Patel is directed by Vir Das and is slated to release in theatres on 16th January 2026. Mona Singh recalls how she bagged Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin In the episode, Mona Singh opened up about the struggles behind landing her iconic role in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. She revealed that she gave nearly 50 auditions and travelled daily by bus from Pune to Mumbai to pursue acting. Mona shared how the long audition process often left her unsure, but her persistence paid off when she was finally selected. Recalling her journey with host Amitabh Bachchan, the actress highlighted her dedication and love for acting, inspiring viewers with her story of hard work, patience and determination behind her success.
02 January,2026 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentViewers have been paying more and more attention to Naagin 7 because of its dramatic plots and exciting turns. A new antagonist in the shape of an enigmatic wolf is hinted at in the most recent teaser. In the next episodes, Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's character Ananta will face this shape-shifting wolf. It's interesting to note that the promo suggests that this wolf will be crucial in Ananta's transformation into Naagin, a snake. What mysteries will this new character bring to the show, and who is the actor behind the shape-shifting wolf? Fans are now excitedly guessing. Vivian Dsena to enter Naagin 7? Serial Gossip claims that Vivian D'Sena would appear in Naagin 7 as a "ichchadhari bhediya." But whether he would play the enigmatic shape-shifting wolf has not been verified by Colors TV or the producers. Fans are wondering that he might be the actor behind the wolf because the most recent villain is generating a lot of talk and rumors suggest that Vivian will play a significant role. Purvi will experience the most terrible catastrophe of her life in the following episodes, which are scheduled to air on January 1 and 2. She is left alone after her entire family is killed in an accident. According to reports, Eisha Singh's character—who the baddies incorrectly think is the actual Naagin—may be leaving these episodes. Purvi is anticipated to go into revenge mode after the tragedy, and the episodes might show Ananta ultimately changing into a serpent, which would heighten the tension and drama in the plot. Priyanka Chahar Choudhary to pay homage to all Naagins Priyanka Chahar Choudhary recently shared that she shall be soon paying a homage to all the naagins from the previous seasons and lauded Mouni Roy for creating the legacy. She said, “The moment I was offered Naagin 7, I felt an immense sense of responsibility because Naagin is a legacy that spans years. From Mouni Roy in Season 1 to Tejasswi Prakash in Season 6, each actor has donned the avatar of the Naagin with utmost dedication, and each of them has maintained and added to the legacy of this beloved franchise. I’ve taken inspiration from all the earlier Naagins, studying how they brought their own strengths and interpretations to the role. Of course, kudos to the OG Naagin, Mouni Roy, who set the benchmark and turned it into a true cultural phenomenon. My goal is to take the legacy of Naagin forward while paying homage to all the previous Naagins and adding my own twist to it.”
02 January,2026 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is all set to welcome the New Year with a special and emotional tribute to legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra. The upcoming episode will see the residents of Gokuldham Society coming together to honour the veteran star and celebrate his immense contribution to Indian cinema. New Years celebration to have a tribute to Dharmendra The idea for the tribute is introduced during a society discussion when Tapu Sena proposes dedicating the New Year celebrations to Dharmendra. Tapu tells Bhide and Madhavi, “Is baar 31st December, hum sab ke favourite actor Dharmendra ji ko yaad karke celebrate karenge.” Adding to the excitement, Gogi says, “Unki yaad mein hum jabardast programme karenge aur dhoom-dhaam se 31st manayenge.” Impressed by their enthusiasm, Bhide agrees to the plan, and Tapu Sena cheers in excitement. In the special episode, several members of Gokuldham Society will be seen dressing up as Dharmendra, recreating his iconic looks and paying tribute to his legendary screen presence. From action-packed roles to romantic and comic performances, the episode will highlight the versatility that made Dharmendra one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved stars. Asit Modi's heartfelt note for Dharmendra Producer Asit Kumarr Modi shared his admiration for the actor and explained why the team felt it was important to honour him. He said, “Dharmendra ji’s contribution to Hindi cinema is truly timeless. The films I watched in my childhood are still close to my heart. Whether it was comedy, romance, action or drama, he always brought warmth, honesty and sincerity to every role.” Asit also reflected on Dharmendra’s personality beyond the screen, noting how deeply the actor was loved for his simplicity and charm. Expressing his emotions, he shared that Dharmendra’s passing left him deeply saddened and that his smile, humility and love would always be remembered. The tribute episode aims to blend nostalgia with celebration, allowing fans to revisit Dharmendra’s unforgettable legacy through the light-hearted and heartfelt lens of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. By dedicating their New Year celebration to the legendary actor, the makers hope to honour his memory and remind audiences of the joy and inspiration he brought to generations of movie lovers.
02 January,2026 07:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDuring a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, actress Mona Singh revisited the struggle-filled journey that led to her iconic breakthrough in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. The actor revealed that landing the role was far from easy, as she went through nearly 50 auditions before finally being selected. Mona Singh talks about bagging Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin As Mona walked onto the KBC stage, the audience greeted her with loud cheers of “Jassi,” a reminder of the lasting impact of her character. Speaking to host Amitabh Bachchan, she shared how determined she was during her early days, recalling, “Main roz Pune se bus pakad ke Mumbai aati thi audition dene.” She went on to explain how she came to audition for the show. “I found out that Deeya and Tony were working on a project and auditions were going on, so I decided to try my luck,” Mona said. She cleared the first round, but the process stretched much longer than expected. “They kept calling me again and again for the third, fourth and fifth rounds. In total, I ended up giving around 50 auditions,” she revealed. At one point, the repeated auditions left her unsure about her chances. Mona admitted that she even asked the makers whether she was being seriously considered after investing so much time and effort. Eventually, she was told that the show was a big project and that she had been finalised for the role — news that changed her life forever. Mona Singh on her love for acting Mona also spoke about her deep love for acting, saying it was never a casual choice for her. Her dedication and persistence paid off when Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin became a massive hit, turning her into a household name. Her candid revelation struck a chord with viewers, highlighting the perseverance behind success. From daily bus journeys between Pune and Mumbai to becoming one of Indian television’s most memorable faces, Mona Singh’s story served as an inspiring reminder that patience and hard work often lie behind overnight success. The episode also has a fun banter between Amitabh Bachchan and Mithila Parkar as she asks him to recognise the Bombay slangs and Big B totally nails the rapid fire with her.
02 January,2026 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTelevision actor Krripp Kapur Suri and his wife, Simran Kaur, have announced their divorce after a long union of 11 years. Krripp is currently essaying the role of Arun, a traffic police officer, on the show Udne ki Aasha, which premieres on StarPlus. He rose to fame for playing the role of Prof. Vardhan Suryavanshi in the youth show Sadda Haq and Duryodhan in the mythological show Radha Krishn. The news of their separation comes as a shock to their fans, as the actor had previously dismissed divorce rumours in 2024. Their social media followers loved their cute couple posts and gushed over their real-life chemistry, with many stating how the duo looked perfect together. The couple are parents to a 6-year-old daughter. They welcomed a baby girl on January 19, 2020. They named their daughter Ray Kapur Suri, describing her as their "ray of hope." Sources close to the actor suggest that he is taking care of Ray after parting ways with his wife. Simran Kaur announces divorce Simran Kaur officially announced her divorce from Krripp Kapur Suri on January 1, 2026, by sharing a post on Instagram, as per media reports. Reports have also shared Simran's explosive separation note, which included a jab at her ex-husband, Krrip Kapur Suri. In the statement, Simran allegedly tagged Krrip's Instagram handle and wrote that she left the marriage not because she was weak, but because of her "bravery." She also added that she is going to make a fresh start and "SMILE without guilt." In this new phase of life, Simran plans to prioritise herself. Walking away from you (EX HUSBAND) iamkrripkapursuri was not my Weakness. Staying True to Myself was my Bravery. I am allowed to START again. I am allowed to SMILE without guilt. Holding my RAY close. Holding Myself closer. This "LOVE MARRIAGE" chapter ENDS with Dignity." However, Simran's account and this note have since been deleted, causing fans to question the authenticity and timing of this statement. Reports of a rift between the couple had been circulating since early 2024; however, Kripp at that time had refuted all rumours. According to recent reports, they had been trying to save their marriage for quite some time, but ultimately decided to separate. A reason for the separation has not been disclosed yet. About Krripp Kapur Suri and Simran Kaur's two marriages Krripp and Simran were wed twice due to personal circumstances on their original wedding date. The couple's official wedding was to be held on December 6, 2014, in Delhi. However, Krrip's father passed away on the morning of the wedding day after battling cancer. Following the tragedy, the elaborate wedding rituals and celebrations were put on hold. Instead, Krrip brought Simran home after simply applying sindoor on her forehead as a sign of marriage without any formal rituals. Krripp and Simran got remarried by following religious rituals 4 years later. They remarried on August 5, 2018, at a gurudwara in Mumbai.
02 January,2026 04:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a video of Splitsvilla X4 competitors Justin D'Cruz and Sakshi Srinivas went viral on social media, with some users calling it a "leaked MMS," the contestants have provided an explanation. The reality show stars were prompted to address the matter and correct the record after the rumors generated conjecture on the internet. Justin and Sakshi issue a clarification The viral video, which features a shirtless Justin chatting casually with Sakshi, caused unfounded allegations to spread on social media. As the video gained popularity, a number of people started posting links and requesting purported "MMS footage," which compelled the competitors to denounce the misinformation. A few days after the video went viral, Justin refuted the allegations and voiced his displeasure with how the footage was being portrayed in a clarification video that was posted on social media. He said that the video that was doing the rounds was a clip from one of their vlogs rather than an MMS. “Aajkal mere feed pe mere aur Sakshi ke MMS video leak ho gayi hai aur log link pe link maang rahe hai… Firstly, it is nothing, it is fake. Vo humare koi toh vlog ki clip hai,” Justin said in the video. Additionally, he reassured supporters that there was nothing offensive in the video and asked people not to panic. What had happened? Additionally, Justin disclosed that he personally went on the purported link out of curiosity and was astounded by the extent to which the fraudulent content was spreading. "USS link pe 1.5 se 2 lakh shares hai. Ye kaunse society mein reh rahe hai hum? Isse accha humare quality content pe engage karo," he continued, criticizing the harmful online culture of disseminating false and unreliable information. He continued by urging viewers to refrain from believing and spreading such rumours. "Jo bhi log ye reel dekh rahe hai, please samjho that it is completely fake," Justin remarked, denouncing the producers and distributors of such videos. The clarification video was shared with a caption that read, “There is no MMS. And there’s no LINK! Stop spreading this stupidity the clip that is circulating is actually a clip of our vlog.” Sakshi supported the explanation as well, stressing that the allegations were untrue and advising users to behave appropriately on social media.
02 January,2026 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal frequently attracted headlines for her audacious remarks made inside the house, such as asserting that she has more than 150 bodyguards and stating that she enjoys traveling to Dubai solely to indulge in baklava. One of those comments is now being clarified by Tanya, who says she never claimed to have such a large security squad. Tanya Mittal gives a tour of her house Tanya has returned to Gwalior following her time in the Bigg Boss house. In a recent video posted on the News Pinch YouTube channel, she provided an inside look at her factory. Tanya also addressed one of the most talked-about comments from the show—that she had 150 bodyguards—during the factory tour. To set the record straight, she denied ever saying that. "I never said this. There is no clip where you can hear Tanya Mittal saying she has 150 bodyguards. These things were self-made. You won’t find a single clip on the internet where I say I have 150 bodyguards. Zeishan Quadri was joking about it. I had told him that I have over 150 staff members, and he turned it into bodyguards," Tanya said. Tanya stated that although she has personal protection, it has been in place for a number of years. She made no mention of any precise figures. Tanya Mittal's multiple businesses Speaking of her multiple businesses, Tanya continued, "I have a textile factory, a pharma factory and a gift factory. But honestly, I can’t show you everything. The only reason I agreed to give a house tour or a factory tour is to prove that my supporters were not liars and that I never lied." In the recent videos, Tanya showed her home and also everything that she had mentioned inside the Bigg Boss 19 house. Be it the kitchen lift or multiple factories, she collaborated with a digital channel to give her house tour for fans. Tanya Mittal's journey on Bigg Boss 19 has made her the center of attention. The spiritual influencer placed third overall on Bigg Boss 19. Tanya not only made it to the finals but also landed an acting role with Ekta Kapoor. After the reality show, she is anticipated to start her acting career shortly.
02 January,2026 03:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT