Everyone had a funny line and comic timing down to the beat, but Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s character had to keep a straight face. So, while he was excited about joining Maamla Legal Hai 2, he was unsure how audiences would perceive his serious turn in Netflix’s madcap comedy. But since the second season dropped on April 2, the compliments haven’t stopped. “I didn’t understand how people would take this character because everybody is doing comedy except me. But now, I [feel] people have liked my character a lot. They didn’t expect such a twist,” says the actor, who plays a newly-appointed judge in the Patparganj district court. Alia Bhatt and Sharvari For Bhattacharya, the role may not have been big, but its layers made it tempting. “It was tough because I had to be precise as there is a certain dignity and sanctity attached to the position of a judge. [My character] also had to balance between how much to tell and not. The character was written in a way that you can’t tell whether he is positive or negative. I couldn’t project a lot in this performance because he shouldn’t be seen. If you see him, you will find out that something is fishy.” The actor’s calendar is packed this year. In July, he will be seen in Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, and directed by Aditya Rawal. Bhattacharya, who plays a key role in the upcoming instalment of the YRF Spy Universe, has previously worked with Rawal on The Railway Men (2023). While the actor refuses to divulge details about Alpha, he says, “It was a fantastic shooting for Alpha. Aditya is a young director. He is dedicated and passionate. He leaves no stone unturned to achieve what he wants. The film boasts of good actors and technicians,” he says, adding that he also enjoyed sharing screen space with Bhatt. “She is a good actor. It was during Poacher’s [2024] promotions that I met her for the first time.” Up next: After ‘Maamla Legal Hai 2’, Dibyendu Bhattacharya will be seen in Prime Video’s ‘Raakh’, directed by Prosit Roy. The series also features Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre. “I love the subject and the director. Prosit is a talented man. I have a long association with him,” he says
12 April,2026 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaIt took writer Divy Nidhi Sharma a year to write the Divya Dutta-starrer Chiraiya, which he describes as a “traumatic” experience. His next project, then, had to be light-hearted. Sharma shifted gears to write the mythological horror comedy Nayyi Navelli. He says, “Chiraiya was gut-wrenching. I feel that the audience watching [may] not be able to see it. [I had to put myself] in Arun’s shoes and imagine what would have happened. It was a traumatic experience. Nayyi Navelli was a fun project to write after the intense Chiraiya.” The Yami Gautam-starrer went on floors in April this year. “Nayyi Navelli is a very beautiful, charming film. It is in the mythology and horror space. But I would like to use the words beautiful and charming,” says the writer, who is known for crafting strong female characters. “The film also has a very strong feminine streak running through it,” he adds. AprilWhen he cast and crew of ‘Nayyi Navelli’ began shoot Divy Nidhi Sharma’s other works: 2023: ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (additional dialogues)2024: ‘Heeramandi’2026: ‘Nakhrewaalii’
12 April,2026 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaAs she steps into the world of OTT with The Pyramid Scheme, Alfia Jafry is embracing both her roots and her individuality with clarity and confidence. While she comes from a creatively rich background, the young actor is determined to build a journey that is distinctly her own. Alfia Jafry talks about her legacy “I come from a creative family, but I’ve always believed in carving my own path and letting my work speak for itself. Of course, there’s inspiration all around me, but I’ve never wanted to rely on that. I want every opportunity I get to be because of what I bring to the table as an actor,” she shares. The Tribe star adds that while legacy can sometimes create expectations, she sees it as a foundation rather than a crutch. “I’ve always wanted to take the longer route if it means learning more and growing as an artist. I don’t want to be known just for where I come from, but for what I bring to the table.” For Alfia, legacy is a foundation, not a shortcut. She believes that while a creative environment can shape one’s perspective, it is ultimately hard work, discipline, and individuality that define longevity in the industry. Her choices reflect a conscious effort to take on roles that resonate with her sensibilities rather than follow a predictable trajectory. With The Pyramid Scheme, she marks the beginning of a journey rooted in authenticity and self-belief. The project allows her to present herself not just as someone from a known lineage, but as a performer ready to stand on her own merit. As audiences get ready to see her on screen, Alfia Jafry is clear about one thing, she’s here to be recognized for her work, and she’s willing to put in everything it takes to earn that space. About The Pyramid Scheme The series, which will premiere on the OTT platform in 2026, is created by Shreyansh Pandey, who also directs, along with Ashish Shukla. It will feature Paramvir Cheema and actor Ranvir Shorey in pivotal roles. The Pyramid Scheme follows the story of Goldy, a restless young man, whose quest to get rich through a multi-level marketing business spirals into a rollercoaster of chaos -- risking not just his future, but the love and trust of his close-knit joint family, according to a press release.
11 April,2026 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJioHotstar is set to bring back Anil Kapoor’s 24, the slick, action thriller that became a standout in India’s long-format storytelling space. Led by Anil Kapoor in one of his most definitive roles, the show built a strong following for its real-time narrative, sharp pacing, and high production value, something that still feels distinctive even today. Episodes from both seasons of the high-octane thriller will be available to stream on JioHotstar, April 24th onwards, with 8 episodes dropping every Friday. The return of 24 comes at a time when audiences are increasingly leaning into fast-paced, genre-driven content, making its arrival on JioHotstar particularly timely. With its tightly woven plotlines and relentless sense of urgency, the series has remained a strong recall title for viewers who enjoy edge-of-the-seat thrillers. Anil Kapoor on 24 streaming on JioHotstar Sharing his thoughts, Anil Kapoor said, “I’ve played many intense and action-driven roles over the years, but 24 was never just another show for me, it was an adrenaline rush like no other. The pace, the pressure, and the real-time storytelling pushed me to stay constantly on edge, both as an actor and as a storyteller. It’s a project that challenged me in the best way and continues to be very close to my heart. I’m excited that it’s now coming to JioHotstar, and I look forward to audiences experiencing that thrill all over again.” With 24 set to stream on JioHotstar, the platform is adding a proven, high-engagement title to its catalogue one that blends nostalgia with the kind of storytelling that continues to resonate with today’s viewers. Anil pens note as Sonam Kapoor welcomes second boy On March 30, Anil Kapoor took to social media to express his joy on becoming nana once again as Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja welcomed their second son. Taking to Instagram, the Subedaar actor penned a heartfelt note. He wrote, "And just like that... my heart has grown even bigger. Welcome to the world, my little one, you are already so deeply loved. Vayu, you're a big brother now... and I know you'll be amazing. Thank you, Sonam and Anand...Nana's heart is full. Welcome to the madness, my baby-welcome to a lifetime of love."
10 April,2026 04:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Shweta Tripathi, known for her nuanced performances across film and shows, has equally used her voice beyond the camera to advocate for social change. Speaking on the sidelines of the Women's Reservation Bill, Shweta emphasised how true progress comes when women are given proportionate opportunities across all spheres of life, further adding how the dynamics have started changing. In a conversation with ANI, the Mirzapur star shared, "I feel like things are now changing. I feel like, there's me, there's Kiran Rao... There are also writers like Juhi Chaturvedi. There is no competition between men and women. But when it comes to the women population, whether it's in the parliament, behind the camera, or in any industry, it has to be proportionate." Noting that the representation of women in Parliament has been low in comparison to the overall population, the actor explained how the changing laws will reach every household in the country. "The representation of women in Parliament or in the Legislative Assemblies is still low in comparison to the population. But the policies, the laws, will affect every household. Women need to be heard and need to be accepted," she added. Shweta also weighed on the need to learn from the past to ensure a smooth and faster transition toward equality. Acknowledging that the Women's Reservation Bill marks a significant step forward, the challenge lies with its effective implementation, she said. "This is the beginning, and everything has a beginning. It happens little by little... we will progress, we will go back two steps, and it's very heartbreaking and very frustrating. It is the same with the Women's Reservation Bill, but we have to be at it," Shweta said. The actor also spoke about how public figures must voice their thoughts on such matters, further explaining that the responsibility equally lies with everyone, including women themselves. "Women don't need to wait for superheroes to bring a change. They must be their own superheroes," Shweta asserted. The remarks came in the backdrop of the government's ongoing plans to bring an amendment bill to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 from 543 seats. The idea is to have at least 273 seats reserved for women. According to sources, the key agenda may include amendments to the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act and the introduction of the Delimitation Commission Bill. The sources said that the Centre has planned to take the 2011 census as the basis for delimitation and seat redistribution. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 seats. With a proposed 50 per cent increase, the number of seats will rise to 816, with 273 (about a third) reserved for women. On the work front for Shweta Tripathi, she will be next seen in the much-awaited Mirzapur: The Film. It is set to hit theatres on September 4, 2026. 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
10 April,2026 04:21 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIActress Kritika Kamra, who got married just a month ago, has bounced back to work and said that she was always sure that she wouldn’t take a long break pre and post-wedding. The 37-year-old actress is currently juggling promotional duties for her series Matka King while simultaneously shooting for her upcoming project. Despite the whirlwind of celebrations, Kritika and her husband, Gaurav Kapur, managed to squeeze in a quick 3 to 4-day getaway to Goa. Speaking about getting back to work, Kritika said in a statement, “It was a beautiful and special time for me personally but I was always sure that I won’t take a long break pre and post wedding.” However, the couple are now back to work. Gaurav, too is keeping busy with the ongoing IPL season. She added, “Gaurav and I are both back to doing what we love with new energy. I’m really excited to share more about Matka King and going back to set for my upcoming film that I’ve been training for. Busy days ahead, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Sources close to the actress reveal that Kritika has been diligently managing her time between promotional events for Matka King and her ongoing shoot, showcasing her dedication and passion for her craft. Kritika and Gaurav got married on March 11 in an intimate wedding setting with their families and a close circle of friends in attendance. They had their registrar wedding at home. Talking about Kritika, she made her acting debut in 2007 with Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar. In 2009, she played a singer, Arohi, in Kitani Mohabbat Hai opposite Karan. She was then seen in Pyaar Ka Bandhan, Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge. In 2015, Kritika played a reporter, Ananya Kashyap, opposite Rajeev Khandelwal, in Reporters. She was then seen as Princess Chandrakanta in Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta. She made her film debut in 2018 with Mitron. In 2021, she played a college student, Sana in the web series Tandav. The actress played a reporter, Vidhi, in the 2023 film Bheed. In the same year, she played Habiba in Bambai Meri Jaan. Her most recent release is The Great Shamsuddin Family. 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
10 April,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Kubbra Sait shared a glimpse of the “grand slam Sankalp” reunion, featuring names such as Nana Patekar, Prakash Jha, and Sanjay Kapoor, among others. Kubbra took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures from her luncheon with the cast and crew of the socio-political drama series helmed by Prakash Jha. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kubbra Sait (@kubbrasait) For the caption, she wrote: “The grand slam Sankalp reunion!! How could we not celebrate in true prakashjproductions style… lunch + laughs always So much LOVE.” The show, which also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Neeraj Kabi, explores how power is manufactured not through elections, but through mentorship and institutional control. Inspired by the ancient Chanakya-Chandragupta chronicles, the series reimagines political strategy for modern India, where classrooms replace battlefields and bureaucrats replace soldiers, as per the synopsis. Talking about the 42-year-old actress, she is known for her work in films such as Ready, Sultan, Deva and Son of Sardaar 2. She has also worked in the OTT in projects such as RejctX, The Verdict - State vs Nanavati, Farzi, Shehar Lakhot, The Trial, Sacred Games and Foundation. She was recently seen in the reality show Rise and Fall hosted by Ashneer Grover. It is based on the British show of the same name. It has contestants divided themselves into the Rulers and the Workers. While the Rulers lived in a luxurious penthouse, making the decisions, the Workers lived in the basement, carrying out tasks to earn money for the prize pot. She will next be seen in the Varun Dhawan-starrer Hain Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hain a romantic-comedy, which also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The title is reportedly inspired by the song Ishq Sona Hai from David Dhawan's 1999 blockbuster Biwi No.1, featuring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen. Backed by Ramesh Taurani under the banner of TIPS, the much-talked-about drama will see Mrunal Thakur, Mouni Roy, Chunkey Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, Ali Asgar, Kubbra Sait, Rohit Saraf, Rajeev Khandelwal, Nitish Nirmal, and Sreeleela in key roles, along with others. 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
09 April,2026 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn February, mid-day had reported that Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Jackie Shroff were set to reunite for a slice-of-life series (Life in a metro with ’90s stars, Feb 21). But it looks like there has been a casting change in the series, tentatively titled Coke. Sources close to the development have told us that Shetty has exited the project. Jackie Shroff. Pic/Rane Ashish Apparently the actor’s exit comes down to scheduling conflicts. A source revealed, “Shilpa was excited about the material and the chance to collaborate with Jackie again after Jung [2000]. But the dates could not be aligned, given her existing commitments.” The show, backed by Boong producers Shujaat Saudagar and Vikesh Bhutani, is expected to go on floors later this month. Nupur Asthana With the timeline locked, the makers have moved swiftly to secure a replacement. And a strong performer at that — Shefali Shah. Word is that the actor is in advanced talks to headline the story. Another insider shared, “The makers needed someone who could bring gravitas to the part. Shefali was always on their wishlist. The conversations have been positive, and the teams are now finalising the paperwork and dates.” mid-day reached out to Bhutani, who didn’t respond till press time. 8Episodes in the slice-of-life series
09 April,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuA first-time filmmaker’s enthusiasm is almost unmatched. Ask Sayani Gupta, who wrapped up her maiden directorial venture, Aasmani, and has already begun developing two more productions. So, what’s next for the actor-turned-filmmaker? A fantasy horror film, she revealed to mid-day. Next, Sayani Gupta will be seen in the Netflix series, ‘Glory’, led by Suvinder Vicky. Pic/Youtube “It’s one of the best scripts I have ever read,” Gupta said of the international co-production. “We are hoping to make it the way we want to; it’s ambitious. There are such amazing storytellers and stories around. The idea is to be involved in them in some way.” Her maiden directorial venture, ‘Aasmani’, has Dia Mirza (R) as a co-producer and Nikkhil Advani (C) as an executive producer. Pic/Instagram Juggling acting, writing, directing, and producing is undeniably tough. As much as she is enjoying her new roles, Gupta asserted that she doesn’t want the actor in her to take a backseat. “I hope people don’t start looking at me as a director and producer only, because I want to work as an actor as well,” she laughed. Indian cinema has had its fair share of female actors who successfully turned filmmakers. The new director said she draws inspiration from the ones who came before her and made the path easier for their next generation. “The idea is to do all of it. It is hard, but there are so many women who have done it. One of the reasons I wanted to be in movies was Aparna Sen. As a kid, I grew up watching her films. She is a powerhouse performer and such a sensitive filmmaker. Then of course there’s Nandita [Das], and Konkona [Sensharma]! She is such a terrific actor, and her first directorial venture is a perfect film. I saw A Death in the Gunj [2016] six times.”
09 April,2026 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaSaqib Saleem is stepping into a powerful new avatar with Kaptaan, where he plays a stylish yet emotionally layered cop. In an exclusive chat, the actor opened up about what drew him to the role, the challenges on set, and his perspective on the ongoing debate around working hours in the industry. Talking about choosing Kaptaan, Saqib shared his instant excitement. “I’m the Kaptaan, they offered me a Kaptaan…,” he said, adding that it was a character he had been waiting for. “It was just a character that I hadn’t gotten in a really long time… somebody who has a lot of swag but yet has a backstory of his own, has an emotional turmoil that he’s going through, yet he has to play this strong guy all the time.” On the layers of his character in Kaptaan He emphasised the complexity of the role, calling it a perfect mix of contrasts. “So I feel like there was a lot of dichotomy in the character, which got me really excited as an actor because I thought, I’ll get to do a lot.” He further explained how the OTT format helped him explore the role in depth. “It already allows you to get deeper into your character vis-a-vis a feature film… there was a backstory, there were individual relationships… it just gave me so much to play with as an actor.” Recalling the intense shoot conditions, Saqib painted a vivid picture of the team’s camaraderie. “When we were shooting, the weather was 45 degrees. There used to be one fan in front of which we would stick to each other,” he said. He added, “We have survived together in that heat… after one point, I was not able to understand what is my sweat, what is Anjum’s sweat… sometimes while fighting, someone got hurt.” Despite the challenges, he noted, “Now when we sit back… we are like, it was all worth it.” Saqib Saleem reacts to 8-hour work debate On the much-discussed 8-hour shift debate, Saqib offered a balanced take. He said, “When I work with someone, all these things are sorted before the shoot—it’s not something that suddenly happens on set. If I’m making a film that can’t afford an eight-hour shift, I make it clear to the actor in advance. Every film has a budget; films don’t flop, budgets do. The same film made within the right budget versus an expensive one makes a huge difference. That said, if I have the flexibility to spend a little extra to give someone comfort especially if they have personal responsibilities like a child I’m more than willing to do that and figure it out. But some films just don’t allow that. The kind of films I’ve made often require everyone to put in extra effort because there’s limited budget, and people end up working 10–12 hours as per the project’s needs. However, if I ever have the budget to offer better comfort to someone I’m working with, I would absolutely do it why wouldn’t I?” With Kaptaan, Saqib Saleem brings both intensity and nuance, marking a compelling new chapter in his career.
08 April,2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatSiddharth Nigam is stepping into a new phase of his career with Kaptaan, surprising fans with his intriguing character Kabir. In an exclusive chat, the actor opened up about breaking stereotypes, evolving beyond television, and embracing new creative challenges. On challenges while transitioning from TV to OTT Talking about his transition from TV to OTT and films, Siddharth admitted it hasn’t been smooth. “The transition honestly wasn’t easy at all. Television gives you massive reach, but breaking out of that image is the real challenge. People tend to see you in one space and box you there,” he said. Determined to grow, he added, “For me, the biggest challenge was making people believe I can do more than what they’ve already seen. It took patience, a lot of auditions, and saying no to repetitive roles.” The actor also addressed being typecast early in his career. “Yes, I was definitely offered similar roles safe, familiar characters that I knew I could do easily. But I consciously chose not to repeat myself,” he shared. Explaining why Kaptaan stands out, Siddharth said, “Kaptaan was special because it allowed me to break that image and show a different side more intense, more layered.” Kaptaan brings a breakthrough for Siddharth Nigam On the ongoing debate around working hours in the industry, Siddharth offered a balanced perspective. “Coming from television, where 12–14 hour shifts are quite normal, I understand both sides. Long hours do build discipline and stamina, but at the same time, creativity needs rest,” he said. He further added, “I believe a balanced approach is important. If an actor is well-rested, the performance automatically improves.” Reflecting on his desire for a breakthrough role that redefines his image as a former child artist, Siddharth shared, “I think a breakthrough role for me would be something very raw and intense maybe an underdog story or a character with strong emotional depth and physical transformation.” He emphasised, “Something where people completely forget Siddharth Nigam and only see the character.” Beyond screen acting, theatre has also played a significant role in his growth. Speaking about his experience, he said, “Theatre has been a completely different and beautiful experience. Working with Gulki Joshi has been amazing because theatre is very pure you don’t have retakes, you don’t have cuts.” He concluded, “It pushes you as an actor to be present in the moment and connect directly with the audience.” With Kaptaan, Siddharth Nigam signals a clear shift one driven by risk, reinvention, and a commitment to evolve as a performer.
08 April,2026 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatADVERTISEMENT
