Actor Anurag Sinha has been basking in the success of his recently released web series, Taskaree: A Smuggler's Web. His portrayal of Prakash Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Customs in the series has been widely appreciated for its rawness and realism. When Anurag sat with mid-day, he spilt the beans on his character, his career in showbiz and even reacted if the show would return for a season 2. Anurag Sinha about his role in Taskaree Anurag opened up about his character in the series headlined by Emraan Hashmi, wherein he plays a customs officer, assigned as Assistant Commissioner of Customs to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mumbai International Airport to curb smuggling and corruption. He reveals that despite a simple role on books, he plays different shades. He shared, "So there are different shades I have played. These are some shades that I have not attempted before. But the arc and the journey of the character is such that it invites great intrigue, for me as an actor to explore my possibilities and explore new dimensions that I have not done before. So it was a great opportunity." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anurag Sinha (@anuragsinha_insta) He further adds, "I have seen myself in lead roles. I have seen myself doing some good heroic stuff. But this was something different. Different in terms of the journey of the character and the impact that it has in the entire series." Anurag Sinha shares if Taskaree will come back for Season 2 While talking about the series, he expresses that viewers will want a season 2 after watching the series. When asked if a second season was on the cards, he responded, "That's a very pre-emptive answer, but I don't have any entitlement to tell you this. I don't want to comment on it because it's not my decision and I am not aware of it as of now." Anurag Sinha on his journey Given his educational background in chemistry and entrepreneurship, his journey into movies was naturally driven by passion. Recalling how movies happened, he shares, "I have done chemistry honours from St. Stephen's Delhi. And after that, I was not actually enjoying the way life was unfolding for me. So I wanted to pursue something that my heart." After a period of introspection, he said, "That's where things changed for me. I had to take a call, and I had to speak to my parents. They were very, very supportive. And that's how I went ahead, and then I did my acting diploma from the Film and Television Institute in Pune." Recalling how he bagged his first role in the critically acclaimed Black and White, directed by Subhash Ghai, he reveals, "I performed a play in Bandra and all the directors and the producers were invited to that show, and I had no clue who had watched me, what had happened. We were very naive and immature back then. A few days late,r I get a call that Subhash Ghai wants to meet me and there is something that he wants to discuss." Talking about his first meeting with the ace director, he shares, "I went and the first question I asked him that why are you taking me?" Later, he shares how the director narrated the story to him for three hours. He adds, "He was gracious enough to tell me what it is and all of that. I liked it, and I was on board. He had seen me performing, and that was good enough for him to understand."
30 January,2026 11:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarylisa GonsalvesAshish Chanchlani, one of India’s biggest digital creators and entertainers, recently stepped into a new creative territory by making his directorial debut with the series Ekaki. The horror-comedy thriller has been earning praise for its engaging storyline, strong performances, and Ashish’s confident filmmaking. After releasing four episodes, Ekaki Chapter 5 was scheduled to premiere on January 30. However, Ashish took to his Instagram Story today to share an important update with his fans, revealing that the episode will not be released as planned. Ashish Chanchlani on Ekaki delay In a heartfelt message, Ashish explained that he wanted to be transparent with his audience because he knows they have always supported and understood him. He shared that while several surprises had been planned for Chapter 5, an unexpected setback changed everything. Due to a hard drive issue, nearly 20% of the VFX footage was lost, resulting in the loss of six months of relentless hard work by the entire team. Calling it a stressful and panicky moment, Ashish assured fans that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and find a solution. He ended his message by requesting the audience to be patient and trust the process, promising that the team will deliver the episode soon and make it worth the wait. He also wrote in the story, “Nazar is real… Koi na, we’ll be back.” About Ekaki Ekaki revolves around a group of friends who go on a fun weekend getaway to the mysterious Ekaki Villa. However, their fun trip soon turns eerie as strange hauntings begin. The series has been receiving an outpouring of love from audiences across the country. With every new chapter, the mystery deepens and the excitement rises, making it hard for viewers to look away. The response has been nothing short of massive, with the show already crossing 100 million views across all episodes, reflecting the strong connection it has built with its audience. Ashish Chanchlani wears many hats in Ekaki, taking charge as the writer, director, producer, and lead actor. Ekaki premiered its first episode on November 27, 2025. The most recent episode dropped on January 5, 2026, and the series is streaming exclusively on ACV Studios’ YouTube channel.
29 January,2026 07:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Rawal, one of Hindi Cinema’s most promising young talents, has built a reputation for choosing challenging material over safer, surface-level roles. With Daldal, that very instinct was put to the test. In the upcoming psychological crime thriller, Aditya plays Sajid, a man caught between dependency and destruction, whose proximity to a string of violent acts raises more questions than it answers. Ahead of Daldal’s release, the actor reflects on the hesitation he felt before committing to one of the ‘most difficult characters’ of his career. Aditya Rawal on committing to Daldal Revealing how his initial hesitation became the clearest sign that the role was worth taking on, Aditya Rawal shares, “I’ll be honest, there was a moment of hesitation. Daldal is dark, uncomfortable, and emotionally demanding, and I wasn’t sure at first if I was ready to go that far. But when Amrit narrated the story, it stayed with me. I went home thinking that opportunities like this don’t come often, where characters that genuinely scare you and force you to understand parts of the world you haven’t yet. He elaborated, "It turned out to be the most difficult character I’ve played so far, but also the most rewarding. I loved the script, trusted the director, and felt this role would teach me something new - about addiction, vulnerability, and human fragility. At that point, the decision became simple: I wanted to do good work with good people and let everything else fall into place. That instinct led me to Daldal, and I’m incredibly grateful I followed it.” About Daldal The series features Bhumi Satish Pednekkar in the lead as the Mumbai Crime Branch’s newly appointed DCP, with Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori in key roles. Daldal is set in the bustling city of Mumbai and revolves around DCP Rita Ferreira, played by Bhumi, as she embarks on a dangerous investigation to track down a cold-blooded serial killer. The series, based on Vish Dhamija’s bestselling book Bhendi Bazaar, is helmed by Amrit Raj Gupta and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Suresh Triveni. An Abundantia Entertainment production, the series is created by Suresh Triveni and written by Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, and Priya Saggi, with powerful dialogues penned by Suresh Triveni and Hussain Haidry. Alongside Bhumi Satish Pednekar, the series also stars Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in lead roles. Daldal will premiere on Prime Video across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on January 30.
29 January,2026 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNetflix’s Bridgerton remains one of the platform’s most popular series. The much-awaited fourth season premieres on January 29, with only the first four episodes streaming initially. Viewers will have to wait another month for the remaining episodes to be released. Bridgerton season 4 narrative Each season of Bridgerton is also known for its signature use of instrumental covers of popular songs from around the world, making “Name That Tune” a favourite pastime for fans. Season 4 continues this tradition with music originally by Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Paramore, and Olivia Rodrigo. Music supervisor Justin Kamps, who had earlier expressed his admiration for Olivia Rodrigo’s songwriting, brings her music into the series this season. “I just think her songwriting is great, and it makes for some beautiful string quartet versions,” Kamps told Tudum. Season 4 will feature an instrumental cover of Rodrigo’s “Bad Idea Right?” from her album GUTS. “It’s got a great energy to it,” he added. The new season centres on Benedict Bridgerton’s love story with a mysterious woman he meets at a masquerade ball hosted by his mother. Actress Yerin Ha is introduced as Sophie Baek. Benedict’s chance encounter leads him on a determined search for her true identity, which she has compelling reasons to hide. With a Cinderella-like twist, the mystery woman flees the ball at midnight, leaving behind not a glass slipper, but a glove. Songs featured in Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 Episode 1: The Waltz Coldplay’s Life in Technicolor — Vitamin String Quartet Usher ft. Pitbull’s DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love — Strings From Paris Third Eye Blind’s Never Let You Go — Vitamin String Quartet Episode 2: Time Transfixed Taylor Swift’s Enchanted — Joseph William Morgan Episode 3: The Field Next to the Other Road Paramore’s All I Wanted — Vitamin String Quartet Episode 4: An Offer from a Gentleman Olivia Rodrigo’s Bad Idea Right? — Caleb Chan Bridgerton Season 4 cast The season stars Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Victor Alli as Lord John Stirling, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown, Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs Varley, Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, and Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling. Additional cast members include Daniel Francis, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Emma Naomi, and Hugh Sachs.
29 January,2026 12:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt takes a village to cover up a crime. And only a gust of truth to bring the house of cards down. The mist descends once more, this time over Dalerpura, a town with no clear answers and far too many whispers. Kohrra, Netflix’s critically acclaimed investigative crime drama, returns for a gripping second season with a haunting new trailer. Kohrra Season 2 trailer The story unpacks the murder of a woman (Pooja Bhamrrah) found dead in her brother’s (Anurag Arora) barn, a growing list of suspects including her own husband (Rannvijay Singha), and two officers determined to chase the truth to the end. The Netflix police procedural crime drama returns with the beloved Assistant Sub-Inspector Amarpal Garundi (Barun Sobti), who begins anew, far from his roots in Jagrana under a new commanding officer, Sub-Inspector Dhanwant Kaur (Mona Singh). She’s restrained, methodical, and firm where it matters, making her a striking contrast to Garundi’s more casual, instinctive persona. Brawn and brain come together as they peel back the layers of this complicated case, even as it lays bare their own vulnerabilities. Barun Sobti and Mona Singh on their characters Barun Sobti, reprising the role of Amarpal Garundi, shares, “Garundi begins this season hoping to start afresh, but in a world like Kohrra, the past never quite lets go. The mystery this time is denser and more layered, and that complexity reflects in Garundi’s own journey. He’s more introspective, more guarded, and constantly negotiating with his own choices. Season 2 pushed me as an actor in new ways, and I’m excited for viewers to return to this world and experience how the story unfolds.” Mona Singh, who’ll be joining the cast as Dhanwant Kaur, shares, “Stepping into the world of Kohrra was both exciting and daunting because of how thoughtfully it is written. Dhanwant is a woman of few words, but immense resolve. She’s navigating loss, responsibility, and the constant need to prove herself - often without saying much at all. It’s a role that demanded restraint, and I’m grateful to Sudip sir and the team for trusting me with it. I look forward to audiences experiencing her journey within the larger, quietly intense world of Kohrra.” A Film Squad Production in association with Act Three, Kohrra Season 2 is produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani. This season also marks Sudip Sharma’s debut as director alongside Faisal Rahman. A creative collaboration that is almost guaranteed to thrill with creators and writers, Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia, besides them. Tune into Kohrra Season 2 this February 11, only on Netflix.
29 January,2026 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPlaying a boxer had long been on Pulkit Samrat’s wishlist. The actor has manifested it this year with Glory, which marks his first OTT series as the leading man. “It’s a dream character for me,” he tells mid-day. Created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja, the Netflix sports thriller revolves around a renowned boxing coach and his two estranged sons, whose Olympic dreams collide with secrets and revenge. Samrat stars alongside Divyenndu and Suvinder Vicky. Revealing that the shoot wrapped in mid-2025, the actor shares that being part of the universe was physically taxing. “The process has been intense, yet addictive,” he smiles. Taxing as they may be, Samrat believes roles like these are essential to push creativity. He reasons, “Otherwise, it all turns into formulas. Everyone starts saying, ‘Oh, this is the formula, this works, and it’s all that sells.’ That’s not why we became actors. It’s necessary to get out of your comfort zone to see growth. You have to say, ‘Okay, let’s give the audience something they haven’t experienced before’.” Also in ‘Glory’ Suvinder Vicky and Divyenndu
29 January,2026 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuAfter kickstarting his career with films, Nakuul Mehta gained prominence on television with his stint in Ishqbaaz and Pyaar Ka Dard Hai. Now, he has forayed into OTT with Do You Wanna Partner and Space Gen Chandrayaan. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actor reflects on his journey, failures, and how fatherhood changed him. Nakuul Mehta on dealing with failures While Nakuul Mehta now knows all the tricks of the trade, he has dealt with several rejections before seeing fame in this industry. Reflecting on his audition days, the actor shares, “I've actually had more failures than successes. I would have auditioned at least 500 times in my life from the beginning of my career and not done a hundredth of that work. That's also the nature of the business you've chosen to be in. I think at some point you realize that failure is not to be taken personally, nor is success.” He added, “Like, for me to even imagine that I'd be living in Mumbai and make a career and have people watching your work is unthinkable. So, I don't take this for granted. I feel like this could be your best and last piece of work, and you've got to celebrate that. Then you're constantly moving and not being bogged down by your losses or by what's not there.” Nakuul Mehta on fatherhood Nakuul got married to Jankee in 2012, and in 2021, they welcomed their first child, whom they named Sufi. In 2025, the couple welcomed their second child, a baby girl, whom they named Rumi. While Nakuul shares how he has days of insecurity, he also admits that being a father has changed things for him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jankee Mehta (@jank_ee) The Ishqbaaz actor shares, “I think becoming a parent has changed a lot of things for me. Because when you go back, and in your child's eye, all he wants is for you to be present. You live for how you can become the best version so that this person can grow up to be a better human being. And then all of the outside noise sort of dwindles down. It's not to say that I don't have days of insecurity. I do. I'm a human being, so I have it. But you build a circle of trust and friendship around you, where you can be honest. And then days of insecurity kind of pass.” When asked how the actor strikes a work-life balance, he remarks, “I feel fathers are not considered parents on a set, unlike mothers. A mother is always a mother, who's a working mother. It's never a working father. But I take that role very seriously. There are days you're successful, there are days you fail, and that's life—but you try.” Talking about Space Gen Chandrayaan, the series also stars Shriya Saran and Danish Sait in pivotal roles.
28 January,2026 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti BaglaAmazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, announces its upcoming series Ab Hoga Hisaab. Set in Punjab, the series is deeply rooted in ambition, brotherhood, and the relentless pull of migration. Loosely inspired by true events, Ab Hoga Hisaab follows the lives of two brothers, Bobby and Bunty Manocha, whose lives take a dramatic turn after a life-altering incident, which pulls them into a dangerous world driven by power, greed, and survival. Ab Hoga Hisaab teaser The announcement promo offers a chilling glimpse into the high-stakes universe of the show, establishing a tone steeped in revenge, dominance, and unresolved moral debt. The teaser introduces Sanjay Kapoor as Goldy Sekhon, a ruthless force who believes in striking before time runs out; Shaheer as Bobby Manocha, a man pushed to the brink emotionally and physically; and Mouni Roy as Kamna, a sharp, calculating presence who understands the true price of power. Anchored by the haunting refrain, “Gunahon ka aur karmon ka… Ab Hoga Hisaab,” the promo sets the tone for a morally charged battle where loyalty is fragile, lines are constantly crossed, and every past action demands reckoning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amazon MX Player (@mxplayer) Produced by Arré Studio and directed by Divyanshu Malhotra, the series boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Kapoor, Shaheer, Mouni Roy, Avinash Mishra, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Harman Singha, and Asheema Vardaan, each bringing raw intensity and emotional depth to a narrative built on brotherhood, betrayal, and resistance against a far greater force. The cast speaks about Ab Hoga Hisaab Sharing his experience, Shaheer said, "Hisaab is built on emotion and intensity, and being part of this world has been an incredible experience. The vision behind the series, the energy on set, and the layered writing make it a special project. I’m excited for audiences to experience it.” Sanjay Kapoor shared, "What drew me to Hisaab was its honesty and the way it captures human emotions under extreme pressure. There is a realism in the writing and an intensity in the world that make the story powerful. We can’t wait for the audience to witness this compelling revenge drama unfold." Mouni Roy added, “What instantly drew me to Hisaab was the depth and detailing of its world and the way every character shapes the rhythm of the story. The story has a precise pulse and mood that makes it both challenging and exciting to perform. I’m thrilled for viewers to dive in.” Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, said, “At Amazon MX Player, we are focused on telling stories that feel raw and rooted. Ab Hoga Hisaab brings strong performances, intense emotional core, and a world inspired by true experiences. The series brings a compelling narrative that is both grounded and gripping.” Ab Hoga Hisaab will soon stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player, free of charge, across the MX Player app, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.
28 January,2026 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of the Kim Kardashian-starrer The Fifth Wheel have begun the production of this female-driven film. The film is being directed by Eva Longoria. Streaming giant Netflix has released first-look images from the set of The Fifth Wheel, which also stars Nikki Glaser in the lead role. Taking to her Instagram handle, Netflix shared behind-the-scenes photos from the film's shoot. "The Fifth Wheel, starring Kim Kardashian, Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster, Brenda Song, and directed by Eva Longoria, is now in production," wrote Netflix while sharing the photos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) Written by Paula Pell and Janine Brito, the film is set to follow a group of high school best friends as they "attempt to reconnect during a weekend haunt to Vegas, but when a hot outsider (the titular fifth wheel, played by Kardashian, of course) crashes their weekend, they're forced to face their messy lives, bad decisions and unraveling friendships," reported Variety. The Fifth Wheel is Longoria's second time directing a feature film. The Desperate Housewives star previously directed Flamin' Hot back in 2023, chronicling the creation of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The comedy is Kardashian's latest foray into acting; the reality star previously starred as Allura Grant in Hulu's legal drama All's Fair and as prominent publicist Siobhan Corbyn alongside Emma Roberts in Season 12 of American Horror Story. The Fifth Wheel marks Kardashian's first leading film role and first collaboration with Netflix. The film is produced by Pell, Kardashian, Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell and Alex Brown for Gloria Sanchez, and Cris Abrego and Longoria's Hyphenate Media Group. Mary Bundy and David Hyman serve as executive producers, according to Variety. A release date has yet to be announced. 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
28 January,2026 10:38 AM IST | Washington DC | ANIRanvir Shorey, who reprises his role as the pookie gangster Chhota Davan in Amazon MX Player’s Bindiya Ke Bahubali season 2, has high regard for his long-time collaborator and veteran actor Saurabh Shukla. The latter essays Ranvir’s father in the show. They met through their common friend and actor Rajat Kapoor and have been going strong even after decades in showbiz. Ranvir exclusively tells mid-day, “Saurabh is older than me in every possible way – experience, talent, and wisdom. There's a very older brother vibe, which I have with Saurabh. I not only enjoy spending time, but I also look forward to it. It’s a learning and fun experience for me.” Why Ranvir Shorey lost out on work opportunities Recently, many filmmakers and producers have prioritised social media clout over traditional acting merit when casting. Ranvir, known for his unfiltered presence online, acknowledges that his outspoken nature may have cost him significant professional opportunities. He explains, “Of course, I have no concrete evidence or conclusive proof of this. But I think it does affect how you are perceived in the business. But it’s one life, bro; I do not want to be boxed up. I don't want to toe the line. I don't want to live a life where I feel like my opinions have to lick somebody's feet.” Ranvir, who started his career with television and later transitioned into movies and OTT, says the industry has changed for good. “I think there are far more opportunities today in the world of filmmaking. And the flip side to that is that there is far more competition also.” Ranvir Shorey on Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 Ranvir is currently filming Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, a project he committed to only after confirming that original cast members Anupam Kher and Boman Irani were returning. Describing them as the "pillars" of the franchise, he likens the experience to a family reunion. “I didn't want to be the reason the Khosla family couldn't get back together,” he notes, emphasising his loyalty to the original ensemble. While Ranvir can shapeshift into any given role, he is largely associated with comedy as a genre. At a time when cringeworthy content is taking over intelligent writing, the actor states that it is paramount to back good projects. “People don't realise how much goes on behind the scenes. What actors, directors, and writers struggle with, you cannot imagine. The kind of egos you have to deal with just to be able to do the kind of work you want to do,” he signs off.
25 January,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesActress Richa Chadha was seen sporting a chic, shorter hairstyle to embrace a brand new look for an upcoming project that she is set to shoot from the first week of February. A source close to the actress told IANS: “Richa has always been someone who enjoys playing with her look for the sake of her craft. Whenever she changes her appearance, there’s usually a creative reason behind it.” “The new haircut is for a brand new project that will start in February. It's a major series for an OTT platform that will have Richa essaying the female lead in,” the source added. The actress will announce her new project for which she is sporting the new short-hair look. Richa made her acting debut with a small role in the comedy film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and tasted success with her work in the 2012 crime film Gangs of Wasseypur. She gained wider acclaim with her work in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Masaan, Fukrey, Section 375, and the series Inside Edge. Richa was last seen on screen in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed series Heeramand: the Diamond Bazaar. Set in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore during the Indian independence movement, the series explores the lives of tawaifs and their intersection with political and personal struggles under British colonial rule. The ensemble cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha. In 2022, she and her beau, Ali Fazal, announced their impending marriage and added that the ceremony would be eco-friendly. In October 2022, she married Ali at a ceremony in Lucknow. In 2024, the two welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Talking about Ali, he is currently busy with the movie adaptation of the series Mirzapur, which follows Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, a crime boss and businessman who is the proverbial ruler of Mirzapur district in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh state in India. In the first season, the main cast features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The second season retains the principal cast from the first season, excluding Massey and Pilgaonkar, with a new cast comprising Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Lilliput, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Anangsha Biswas, and Neha Sargam. The series was filmed primarily in Uttar Pradesh, with the majority of scenes shot in Mirzapur, as well as in other locations, including Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. 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
23 January,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
-1769664011019_d.png "Still from Kohrra Season 2")
