Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu has shared her experience of collaborating with Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan in her upcoming series Storm. The actress, who predominantly works in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, is returning to Hindi entertainment with her upcoming streaming series Storm produced by Hrithik Roshan. The title was announced as a part of the Prime Video slate during Prime Video Play on Thursday. The actress said that working with Hrithik has been a terrific experience, given the clarity of thought that emanates from him and radiates through the creative team. She told IANS, “Being part of Prime Video’s slate always brings a certain responsibility. There’s a wide, diverse audience engaging with the platform, and that makes it important for the storytelling to be both honest and accessible without diluting its intent. It’s an honour to have Hrithik Roshan step into the streaming space as a producer with a project”. She further mentioned, “There’s a clear belief in storytelling that is grounded and risk-taking, and that confidence filters down to the entire creative team. When producers back material that doesn’t follow templates, it gives actors the freedom to explore complexity rather than performance. That kind of support is essential for actors like me who thrive on challenges and authenticity”. Storm is a gritty, high-stakes thriller series set against the relentless pulse of Mumbai. The series also stars Alaya F, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad. The series is expected to explore themes of power, survival, and the difficult choices people make when pushed to their limits in an unforgiving city. The series has been created and directed by Ajitpal Singh, the acclaimed filmmaker, who helmed the series Tabbar and the Sundance selection ‘Fire in the Mountains’. The series is set to stream on Prime Video. 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
21 March,2026 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAfter impressing audiences with his performance in Heeramandi, Taha Shah Badussha continues to build strong momentum in his career. Working with visionary filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali marked a significant turning point, allowing the actor to showcase his range on a grand, cinematic scale. Taha Shah Badussha joins Karan Johar's Nazdeekiyan The actor has joined forces with producer Karan Johar for an Amazon Prime Video Original series titled Nazdeekiyan. The project also stars Paresh Pahuja, Akanksha Singh, and Nikita Dutta, bringing together a fresh ensemble. With its focus on modern relationships and layered emotions, Nazdeekiyan promises to offer a relatable and engaging story. Speaking about the moment, Taha shared, “Today feels very special. From being a part of Dharma’s Gippi to now collaborating again with Karan Johar, it truly feels like a full-circle journey. After working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir, I’m excited to explore a completely new space with Nazdeekiyan. I’m grateful and really looking forward to audiences experiencing it.” Backed by strong creative collaborations and a diverse choice of roles, Taha Shah Badussha is steadily carving a space for himself, with Nazdeekiyan set to further elevate his rising trajectory. Taha reacts to Paro making it to Oscars contention list Taha Shah Badussha's film Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery made it to the contention list for the Oscars 2026. He recalled the moment he got the news, saying, "To be honest, I was sitting here when they messaged me. So first of all, I was thinking that these people were pulling my leg and were joking. I was told by the producer and actress, Trupti (Bhoir). And I'm like, 'No, no'. She had to really convince me. She said, 'Hey, check the link.' I checked the link. Then I went up and down. I was seeing that these people were not joking around." "When I found out that this was actually happening, I think I went very quiet because I didn't understand that a film made from the heart, but a small film, can reach this level. It was a wish, but I never thought that it would actually reach this level. And then it takes a moment to sink in. I was shocked. After that, it took me half an hour to realise that it is true. Then I called everyone again, and everyone was very happy," he further shared. Talking of releasing in India, Taha added, "Now we're just trying to push it to get the right release."
20 March,2026 12:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAnanya Panday’s Call Me Bae is returning for Season 2. The new season will boost humour and drama, and explore sisterhood. While the key cast will be a part of this season as well, some new members are all set to bring in unexpected twists. As per the latest update, actress Shruti Haasan has joined the cast of Call Me Bae 2. Shruti Haasan in Call Me Bae The upcoming season of Call Me Bae is set to introduce a new face in a pivotal role. The makers have roped in Shruti Haasan for an important part that is expected to add an interesting layer to the narrative. A few days ago, clips of Shruti shooting in Jodhpur had surfaced online and quickly made the rounds on social media. At the time, however, it was unclear which project the actress was filming for. We can now confirm that those scenes were being shot for the second season of Call Me Bae. Given the show’s signature tone and fashion-forward approach, viewers can expect Shruti to appear in a character that blends drama with glamour. As per sources, “Her styling is very eclectic, with a boho-chic vibe. It’s very different from her personal style and vibe. Audiences will surely be surprised by Shruti's character.” Collin D’Cunha, who helmed the first season, is expected to return to the director’s chair. Much of the original cast, including Gurfateh Pirzada, Vihaan Samat, Muskkan Jaferi, and Niharika Lyra Dutt, will reprise their roles. Shruti Haasan upcoming movies Shruti was last seen on screen in the film Coolie alongside Rajinikanth. With this series, she steps into the stylish and quirky world of Call Me Bae, which became popular for its breezy storytelling, fashionable aesthetic, and vibrant characters. She will next be seen in Dacoit, a Telugu action-drama starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur. The film is set to hit theatres on April 10. She also has Aakasamlo Oka Tara, a Telugu feel-good drama where she plays a science teacher opposite Dulquer Salmaan. Apart from this, she will be seen in Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam, reprising her role as Aadhya. She will also be singing for S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi, which stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles.
19 March,2026 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Vartika Tiwari is currently seen as Astha in Naveen Kasturia and Sunny Hinduja starrer Aspirants 3, streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Reflecting on her journey, the actress shared that landing the role was as emotional as it was unexpected. How Vartika Tiwari bagged the role “I was on sick leave at the time and honestly not in the best headspace. Out of nowhere, Suvas Kar Das called me for the audition. A casting call from TVF had always been something I had been waiting for, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready - mentally or physically - at the moment,” she said. Opening up about what pushed her to finally take the leap, she added, “Almost two weeks later, my brother got a whiff of it and pushed me to send the test. He was relentless and even shot the audition for me. I’m really grateful to Suvas because he kept asking for the test and also kept the door open for me.” The actress also spoke about the kind of response she has been receiving from audiences. “I honestly didn’t expect such intense and heartfelt responses. People have been sending long messages and detailed feedback, which feels incredibly nurturing for my creative spirit and my soul.” Vartika Tiwari recalls her favourite moment from the show Talking about her experience on set, Vartika said, “I didn’t get the chance to share screen space with Sunny Hinduja. But I did have a brief exchange with Naveen Kasturia in the chai tapri scene. Even in that fleeting moment, I could sense his presence of mind and the depth of his experience as an actor. It inspired me in a way that pushed me to explore and pursue my character, Astha, more deeply,” she added. Recalling one of the most memorable moments from the show, Vartika shared, “All the scenes were beautiful and fun to perform, but the last scene where Pawan and Astha have a heated moment was especially memorable for me. It was intense and quite overwhelming for both of us.” “But Jatin really held the space for the scene and helped carry my confidence through it. His support helped me stay grounded and deliver the moment truthfully,” she concluded.
19 March,2026 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Nimisha Nair recently brought attention to a disturbing incident of harassment she faced in Bandra East, sparking fresh concerns about women’s safety in Mumbai after videos of the episode surfaced online. Nimisha Nair faces harassment The incident took place in the early hours near the Kherwadi flyover on the Western Express Highway, when Nimisha was travelling in a cab. According to her, two men on a scooter allegedly began harassing the driver after the vehicle overtook them. What initially seemed like a minor road altercation quickly escalated into a frightening situation. Sharing the ordeal on social media, Nimisha revealed that the men aggressively blocked their path and attempted to intimidate both her and the driver. She wrote, “These two… decided to teach my Uber driver a ‘lesson’ for overtaking them.” The men reportedly hurled abuses, issued threats, and even tried to forcibly open the car doors while demanding that she roll down the windows. Actress shares the ordeal The situation became particularly alarming as the confrontation unfolded on a busy highway. In the video, Nimisha can be heard pleading, “Please stop it, please stop it,” as the men continued their aggressive behaviour. Despite the pressure, she chose not to comply with their demands, prioritising her safety. She further described the incident as an example of unchecked aggression on city roads. Reflecting on her experience, Nimisha said, “Men taking the law into their hands… intimidating women,” highlighting a broader pattern she believes persists despite Mumbai’s reputation as a relatively safer city. The actress also revealed that this was not an isolated experience. She shared that a similar incident had occurred earlier this year in Colaba, for which she had filed an FIR. Expressing frustration, she mentioned difficulties in immediately lodging a complaint this time due to a packed schedule and technical issues with the online system, though she intends to take formal action soon. Her post has since triggered widespread reactions online, with many users voicing concern over safety and praising her for speaking out. The incident has reignited conversations around public safety, especially for women travelling late at night. While authorities have reportedly reached out to her, the episode serves as a stark reminder that even in metropolitan cities, incidents of road harassment continue to pose serious risks, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement and safer public spaces.
18 March,2026 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCeline Tengam Koyu made her acting debut as Deepa Nabam in the second season of the popular series Aspirants and is currently seen in its third season. She shared that she could connect to the vulnerabilities of her character well, as she herself faced some challenges when she first came to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. She feels that this connection helped her earn positive feedback from the audience. Celine Tengam Koyu discusses her character in Aspirants 3 Talking about her character Deepa, she revealed that she plays two versions of the same character—past and present. She said, "In the past timeline, I portray a civil service aspirant, and in the present, I am an IPS officer. For the past version, I had to show the vulnerability and innocence of a girl who has left her home and comfort to pursue her dreams. She navigates a new place, a new language, and new relationships." "In the present timeline, I portray a confident IPS officer who has achieved her dreams but now feels that having the love of her life beside her would make her journey complete," she added. She said, "Most of the feedback has been very positive. I think it’s because I could relate to my character a lot, especially the past version. The struggle of fitting in, coming from the Northeast to a new place to pursue dreams and a career—it was something I personally understood. I could truly relate to Deepa." Celine shares her "accidental" acting journey Hailing from Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, Celine is the eldest of four siblings. Her family has always been very supportive of her career choice, and that made her shift from Arunachal to Mumbai very easy. In 2021, she even won Miss Arunachal and was titled Miss Radiant Smile and Miss Talented at Femina Miss India Arunachal 2022. She credited her friends for making her participate in the contest and said, "I was always interested in pageantry, but it was my friends who pushed me to take it seriously after I won our university pageant. Maybe they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time." Her first acting assignment happened in college. She said, "I was cast in a music video. I think something clicked in me back then, too, but I chose to complete my education first." Celine calls herself an accidental actor and shared, "After completing my MA and my Miss India stint, I was preparing for the civil services examination. I submitted my audition without any expectations. When I was selected, I was shocked. That’s when I felt this might be my calling, and with a leap of faith, I took the opportunity. Interestingly, I was cast as an IPS officer—so in a way, it felt like destiny." "I went through almost eight auditions. Initially, I attended them casually because my exams kept getting delayed. It was only when I had a Zoom call with the director and writer that I realized this was something serious and that it was actually happening," she added. She is grateful that the series has not only helped her establish herself but has also brought representation to the entire Northeast. "Many people could relate to me, and seeing me on screen gave them a sense of belonging. This is especially meaningful when we often hear about cases of discrimination or assault against people from the Northeast. I hope I have made everyone feel proud and seen," she ended.
18 March,2026 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMilind Soman is gearing up for an exciting new project as he joins Vijay Sethupathi in the upcoming series Kaattaan. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Soman opened up about the role, his experience working in South Indian productions and the kind of characters that continue to motivate him as an actor. On returning to South Cinema Soman will be seen playing a character named Sivettan in the series. Speaking about returning to Tamil projects, the actor said he has been part of the South Indian film industry before but Kaataan marks a new experience for him in the streaming space. “Well, I have done South Indian films before, Tamil films, Telugu films. It’s my first series. And I did my first Tamil film, I think, maybe 17 years ago. And it was great fun. And I did a few more. But then they were offering me a similar role in all these films. So eventually I said, I don’t want to do this same kind of role anymore.” He explained that he is always drawn to characters that offer something different from what he has done earlier, regardless of how big the role may be. “If something may be positive, then I can do it. So I don’t mind the length of the role or the importance of the role. It just has to be something different from what I did before. So it can be the gardener, the cook, the uncle, grandfather, whatever it is.” Soman shared that after turning down repetitive roles, it took several years before more varied opportunities began coming his way. “So eventually, I mean, 10 years later, I started getting roles like that. And this one also came to me. So that was one reason to say yes to it, because number one, it’s a Tamil production. And it’s a positive role. The role is interesting. The character is interesting. And the people were great. That’s all that I look at.” On working with Vijay Sethupathi The actor also spoke warmly about working with Vijay Sethupathi and recalled how comfortable the atmosphere on set was. “Nothing really funny, but he’s just a really sweet person. You know, he introduced me to his family and we chatted. And I discovered he was an accountant. And it was nice. He made everything very comfortable. So every scene that we did together, there was no stress, you know, bad stress in doing those scenes. It was great fun. Very relaxed. The way I like it.” Reflecting on his long career, Soman said filmmakers often approach him with preconceived ideas about who he is as a person. “Usually people come to me looking at me over the last 35 years. They don’t come to me looking at, ‘Oh, you did that role and we want something like that.’ Because that’s not something that I like either.” “If they say you did that role and we want something like this, immediately I say no. So it has to be something like, ‘This is something that you’ve never done.’ That interests me.” He also finds it fascinating to hear how directors perceive him after watching his journey in the industry. “I know who I am. But I want to know what is their impression of me. It’s interesting to see the way they see me and then try to turn it around some way.”
17 March,2026 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatSourabh Raaj Jain has stepped into the OTT space with the series Sangamarmar, starring alongside Sheen Dass. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-day, the actor opened up about playing Aditya in the show, the challenges of portraying the character across two age groups, and the emotional depth of the story. Speaking about the opportunity, Sourabh shared that being part of the project felt special from the very beginning. The show is backed by Rajshri Productions, a banner known for its focus on family-oriented storytelling. Reflecting on that, he said, “I think I feel extremely blessed that I got the opportunity to play Aditya. First, because it's from Rajshri Productions, who's known for its family values. The things that they make, they take great care of it.” Sourabh Raaj Jain on playing a complex character He further praised the way the production house handles relationships and emotions in its narratives. “In that, all the things related to family and relationships are shown very well. Not only in which you see fights, or you see screaming, or you see high intensity drama. I think they portray the moments with a lot of purity, which I personally like a lot.” The actor admitted that the offer initially surprised him, but things slowly fell into place after the audition process. “So when I got the call, I was a little surprised at first. But later, when I went, did audition, got selected, then we had a meeting. So slowly, that thing started sinking in, that yes, I'm finally doing this particular role.” One of the biggest attractions of the role for Sourabh was the opportunity to play the same character at two different stages of life. “Apart from this, another attraction was that Aditya's character simultaneously, in the show, is performing in two age groups. One is the younger Aditya, another one is the matured Aditya. So that challenge, as an actor, I think, was very unique for me. Because I've never done this before. So that was also very nice.” He also spoke about the complexity of portraying Aditya’s journey from a young medical graduate to a seasoned surgeon. “It was challenging, definitely, in a way that that particular character starts off in the story like he has just done his MBBS, and then later he has become a surgeon by the end of it. And both of them are simultaneously shooting for it.” Because the two timelines were filmed around the same time, Sourabh had to consciously differentiate between the younger and older versions of the character. “So, during that time, the young character, the way he talks, the way he speaks, or the way he walks, is going to be very different, and the person must become a surgeon. So, that was definitely challenging.” However, he credited the writing for helping him shape the performance. Referring to the script by Rajita Sharma, he said, “But I must say that, the first thing for an actor is what is there in the scene in terms of dialogues, in the words. I have worked with Rajita ma'am before, and she did it so well, that when you read it, you would feel that character with the words, those were it.” On his chemistry with Sheen Dass He added that the writing clearly highlighted the differences between the two phases of Aditya’s life. “Because when you read the scene, that's when you understand that, yes, the way he speaks has changed a little. The young one is different, and the old one is different. So that thing helps a lot. You definitely have to keep that thing in mind, in terms of physicality, mannerisms.” Talking about the emotional core of Sangamarmar, Sourabh said the story focuses on companionship and support rather than expectations in relationships. “I think one is to be together, and the other is to support each other. I think this story is more about supporting each other.” He concluded by highlighting the beauty of that idea within the narrative. “And there is a different beauty in that. That you are together, but there is no expectation. In fact, there is no expectation of staying together. So, that is a very beautiful thought, which has been beautifully weaved in this story.”
13 March,2026 03:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatThe final episode of Ekaki was unveiled last month. This marked the debut series of YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, who is widely known for his comedy sketches. With Ekaki, he also ventured into the science-fiction space, a series he wrote, directed, produced and acted in. Ashish on facing loss Ekaki marked a turning point in Ashish’s career as well as a major creative pivot. The creator, who is known for his relatable comedy sketches, said he felt the need to experiment. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ashish was asked if his parents and well-wishers had advised him against taking such a huge risk. He admitted that he had been hearing that for a long time. “And I was like, ‘Now that I have turned 30, if I don’t take a risk now, then when will I take a risk? Till when will I keep making content about Holi, Diwali and tuition classes?’” he said. While the show has gained significant traction online, Ashish admitted that it has not been financially rewarding so far. “If we see monetarily, I am in a huge loss, but emotionally and mentally, I am in a lot of profit today. Paise kama lenge aage chalke 100% (we’ll earn money in the future 100%),” he said. Why Ekaki did not go on OTT? Chanchlani also revealed that several OTT platforms initially struggled to understand the show’s format. “Many OTTs didn’t quite get what I was trying to do. It’s essentially sketch comedy with a YouTube feel, but woven into a larger narrative. Since it was a new format, they found it difficult to grasp,” he explained. Ashish added that he even received a lucrative offer just 10 days before the show’s release but chose to turn it down. “A major platform offered me a good amount of money, and I could have easily cashed out. But I knew I wouldn’t have been happy,” he said, noting that releasing Ekaki on YouTube helped it reach a much larger audience. “The viewership Ekaki has generated on YouTube is crazy, almost 10 times more than it would have been on any other platform. Each chapter became an event, and people kept talking about it for months,” he said, calling the series a gift to his loyal audience. More about Ekaki With Ekaki, Ashish Chanchlani steps fully into the driver’s seat, taking on the roles of writer, director, producer and lead actor. The series reflects his passion and determination to bring a story to life exactly the way he imagined it. He is supported by a trusted team throughout the journey. Kunal Chhabhria joins as co-producer, Akash Dodeja appears as the parallel lead, Jashan Sirwani oversees operations as executive producer, and Tanish Sirwani guides the show’s creative vision.
13 March,2026 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentComedian and actor Sunil Grover once again left audiences in splits with his performance on the Netflix comedy series The Great Indian Kapil Show. In a recent promo for the Season 4 finale, Grover transformed himself into legendary actor and writer Kader Khan, impressing not only the audience but also filmmaker David Dhawan, who appeared on the show as a guest along with his son, actor Varun Dhawan. Sunil Grover dons Kader Khan's look The promo clip shows Grover fully immersed in his character, adopting Kader Khan’s distinctive mannerisms, expressions and dialogue style. His portrayal quickly turned into one of the most talked about moments from the episode, with the audience and guests laughing throughout the segment. The performance served as a nostalgic tribute to the late actor, who was known for his memorable roles and sharp comic timing in numerous Hindi films. As Grover performed the act, David Dhawan appeared visibly impressed by how accurately the comedian recreated Kader Khan’s personality. The filmmaker, who collaborated with the veteran actor on several popular films over the years, enjoyed the tribute and laughed along with the rest of the audience. His reaction highlighted how convincingly Grover captured the essence of the legendary performer. Varun Dhawan and David Dhawan were impressed The episode itself is expected to be a lively finale to the season. Varun and David Dhawan joined host Kapil Sharma and the rest of the team for a fun filled evening packed with jokes, playful banter and nostalgic moments. The show has built a reputation for combining celebrity interactions with comic sketches, and the finale promises to deliver the same blend of humour and entertainment. Sunil Grover has long been regarded as one of the most versatile performers in Indian comedy. Known for creating memorable characters and spot on impersonations, he often brings a unique energy to the stage. His ability to embody well known personalities while adding his own comic twist has made him a favourite among fans of the show. The tribute to Kader Khan also struck a nostalgic chord with viewers who remember the actor’s contribution to Hindi cinema. Apart from being a talented performer, Khan was also a celebrated dialogue writer who worked on numerous hit films, including several collaborations with David Dhawan during the 1990s. With Grover’s performance becoming a highlight of the episode, the upcoming finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show is expected to deliver plenty of laughter. The promo has already generated excitement among fans, many of whom praised Grover’s ability to recreate the legendary actor’s style so convincingly.
12 March,2026 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Gulshan Devaiah is overwhelmed with gratitude as his 2023 film 8A.M. Metro is winning love following its digital release on Amazon Prime Video. Despite a modest theatrical run at the time of its cinema release, the film has discovered a renewed wave of love only now on OTT. Starring Gulshan Devaiah alongside Saiyami Kher and written and directed by debutant filmmaker Raj Rachakonda, 8A.M. Metro is a warm, intimate movie. Over the past few weeks, the actor has been inundated with messages from fans who say the film resonated with them long after the credits rolled. Reacting to the outpouring of affection, he said, “The love that 8A.M. Metro is receiving now feels like a never-ending gift. When the film first released in cinemas in 2023, it had a very limited run - no massive promotions, no big marketing campaign, and not a wide release. It didn’t make noise at the box office, but somewhere deep down, we knew we had made something honest. Today, seeing audiences discover it on OTT and connect with it so personally is incredibly moving for me.” Reflecting on the film’s delayed discovery, the actor also spoke about the larger structural challenge such films face. “The reality is that there isn’t really a proper ecosystem for smaller, personal films like 8A.M. Metro.” Calling it the most emotionally vulnerable role of his career, Gulshan said, “8A.M. Metro is probably the most emotional performance I’ve given. It’s not your typical love story - in fact, it’s a love story that was perhaps never meant to find its ‘perfect’ fate. And that’s what makes it so real. Not every connection is meant to culminate in fireworks. Some are meant to exist quietly, beautifully, and then pass. Of course, one wishes that more people had discovered the film when it first released. But perhaps this is just the life cycle of certain stories. Some films take time to find their people. In a world filled with chaos, aggression, and constant noise, we need films like this. We need stories that allow us to sit with longing, vulnerability, and incompleteness. 8A.M. Metro reminds us that it’s okay to feel deeply. That there is beauty in melancholy. And I think that purity is what’s finally connecting with people.” May 19, 2023When the film released in theatres May 10, 2024When it first streamed on Zee5 Feb 15, 2026When it landed on Prime Video and found a wider audience
12 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
