Recently the Kapoor family met the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and in no time, the pics went viral. This meet and greet was the talk of both, the tinsel town and the Parliament. Prime Minister Modi met the filmy family to celebrate Raj Kapoor's birth centenary. Apart from Saif, other members of the Kapoor family were present too including Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Neetu Singh, Aadar, and Armaan Jain. Raj Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary Raj Kapoor was born on December 14, 1924, and to commemorate 100 years of his legacy, several of his films were re-released in cinemas and a lot of events were held to honour the cinematic prodigy. Saif had expressed his happiness in being a part of this wonderful celebration. He thanked Kareena, Karishma, and Ranbir Kapoor and called it an honour to have a stamp of the legend Raj Kapoor to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary. Kareena Kapoor Khan shared pictures from their meet and greet with PM Narendra Modi on her Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) Saif Ali Khan's conversation with PM Narendra Modi Saif Ali Khan also met PM Modi and in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, he shared some snippets from his conversation with the head of the country. Saif Ali Khan said, “He arrived after a day in Parliament, so I was wondering if he would be tired. But he put on a warm smile and was attentive and charming to us all!” Saif revealed that PM Narendra Modi was eager to meet my sons and thought I would bring Taimur and Jeh with me. He further asked me individually about both his parents, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and cricketer late Mansoon Ali Khan Pataudi. Saif also shared that PM Modi signed a paper for both my sons that Kareena had asked him to. Lastly, the Sacred Games actor shared that he had asked Shri Narendra Modi about how much rest he has got. Saif said, "To me, he looked like he was working very hard running the country, and still taking time to connect on this level. I asked him how much rest he got and he said about three hours a night." Saif mentioned, it was a special day for them and they all felt honoured as the PM had taken out valuable time from his schedule to specially meet them.
15 December,2024 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Divya KhuranaAP Dhillon's Brownprint India Tour, presented by White Fox India, maintained its electrifying momentum with a capacity crowd at Delhi's IG Stadium on December 14th, 2024. Building upon the highly successful Mumbai launch, which featured surprise guest Malaika Arora, the Delhi leg of the tour delivered an unforgettable spectacle, fostering a palpable sense of community and collaborative spirit amongst the audience. This second show established a benchmark of excellence for the tour's continued progression. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AP DHILLON (@apdhillon) AP Dhillon’s Delhi concert The concert commenced with a dynamic opening set by viral sensation Josh Brar, skilfully generating an electric atmosphere that primed the audience for the evening's main event. The Punjabi hitmaker then took to the stage, delivering a high-voltage two-hour performance that captivated a sea of over 20,000 attendees. The crowd's enthusiastic engagement was palpable, evident in their fervent participation throughout his 25-track setlist, which seamlessly blended established favorites like ‘Dil Nu’, ‘Desires’, ‘Insane’ and ‘Excuses’ with newer hits such as ‘Bora Bora’, ‘After Midnight’, ‘Sweet Flower’ and ‘Old Money’. Dhillon demonstrated exceptional vocal talent and a commanding stage presence throughout his set. His affection for his fanbase was evident when he brought fans onstage to participate in his performance of 'Brown Munde'. Jazzy B, Honey Singh, and AP Dhillon sing ‘Dil Luteya’ AP Dhillon's performance was amplified by a stunning production design. A 360° stage, coupled with confetti, pyrotechnics, sparklers, star-shaped confetti, streamers, LED ball drop, Xylo bands, CO2 jets, and flames, created a truly immersive experience delivering every fan an unrestricted view. However, the evening's true zenith arrived with the unexpected appearance of Punjabi music legends Honey Singh and Jazzy B, who joined AP Dhillon and Shinda Kahlon onstage for a collaborative presentation that transcended a simple guest appearance. Their impassioned performance on ‘Millionaire’, ‘This Party Getting Hot’, ‘Dil Luteya’ and ‘315’ created an unparalleled ambiance of nostalgic energy, marking a significant and electrifying moment in Punjabi music history, harkening back to the vibrant soundscape of the 1990s. AP Dhillon thanks his fans AP Dhillon states, “Coming back to India after three years felt surreal. To see so many people singing along to my songs, was truly humbling and a moment I'll never forget. Thank you to everyone who made this night possible." The Delhi leg of the tour proved to be another phenomenal success for the Brownprint India Tour, demonstrating AP Dhillon’s immense popularity and his ability to craft memorable experiences for his fans. The tour moves to Chandigarh as the final pit stop.
15 December,2024 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Eijaz Khan, who has successfully transitioned from television to cinema and OTT platforms, shared his experiences and key takeaways from Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, in which he played a significant role. Speaking to ANI, the Tanu Weds Manu actor expressed how working on the Atlee-directed Jawan has set a new benchmark for him. "The film has spoilt me, and now I always strive to do something better and better," he remarked. The film featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, with an ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone, Nayanthara, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Ridhi Dogra, Lehar Khan, Girija Oak, and Sanchari Bhattacharya in prominent roles. Eijaz Khan portrayed 'Manish Gaikwad', the brother of Vijay Sethupathi's character. Reflecting on the movie's success, Eijaz said, "I was a part of history. Everything felt unbelievable, like a dream. It spoilt me. Voh karne ke baad (after doing that), you always strive to do something better and better." Sharing his key takeaways from the film, Eijaz noted, "One thing I learned from the film is that even if you are supremely talented, the people who truly succeed in touching the hearts of millions are those who never settle for the fame and fortune they have. They keep working harder and harder." He elaborated, "Their efforts are continuous (unki mehnat jaari rehti hai). With each success, they feel an even greater responsibility to work harder and produce better work." Eijaz Khan's recent performance was in the OTT film Zabt, alongside Rahul Dev and Manoj Joshi. The movie is available for streaming on Prasar Bharati's OTT platform, Waves. The story follows Eijaz Khan's character, a smart and ambitious man who moves to Mumbai. To acquire real estate, he borrows money from an underworld don but gets robbed. The film delves into the mysteries of his past and his quest to recover the lost money. 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
15 December,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIVeteran actress Saira Banu is remembering Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor on his centenary. On Saturday, the actress, who enjoys a following of 94, 300, took to her Instagram and shared a video revisiting her memories of Raj Kapoor’s friendship with her husband Dilip Kumar. The video shows the two gentlemen sharing light-hearted moments, playing cricket, and acting goofy with each other. The actress also penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, “Raj Kapoor, the showman, the dreamer, the eternal storyteller, was once a boy roaming through the busy yet peaceful lanes of Peshawar. And I would say that it was no coincidence that two of the greatest legends, Sahib and Raj Ji, both hailed from Peshawar”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu) She further shared that while many people in the industry and the admirers of their work thought them to be professional rivals, they were actually childhood friends hailing from the soil of Peshawar. She further mentioned, “They shared more than just a city, they shared a friendship so profound it transcended decades, fame, and even the barriers of life itself. Their bond was born in the streets of their hometown, strengthened in the whirlwind of Mumbai, and immortalized on the grand stage of life. But beyond the glitz and glamour, they were just two men who found joy in each other’s company. Their shared love for cricket brought them together as boys at heart, laughing and cheering under the sun. Their compassion united them as they worked side by side for causes greater than themselves, raising funds, and rallying hope in difficult times”. She continued, “Raj Ji, with his playful wit, often teased Sahib, urging him to marry. ‘Shaadi kyun nahi karta, yaar?’ he’d ask, grinning. ‘Jis din tu shaadi karega, ghutno ke bal chal ke aunga tere paas’. And when that day came when Sahib married me Raj Ji, true to his word, knelt before him and laughed, ‘See, I told you! Thank you for finally letting me do this’”. She shared that when Raj Kapoor was in a hospital bed after a cardiac arrest, Dilip Kumar, who was abroad, rushed back the moment he heard. “Standing by his motionless friend, he whispered through his tears, “Raj, wake up! I’ve brought the ‘khushboo’ of Chapli Kebabs. Let’s walk through the bazaar, like we used to eating kebabs, laughing, and reminiscing. Bas ab acting mat kar; take me back to Peshawar.” His voice broke, his heart shattered, and in that silent room, the depth of their love echoed louder than words ever could, she added. 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
15 December,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Ridhima Pandit, who is making her Bollywood debut with “Sikandar Ka Muqaddar”, has heaped praise on director Neeraj Pandey, saying that she couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and guide. Starring Jimmy Sheirgill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta opposite Avinash Tiwary, in “Sikandar Ka Muqaddar”, Ridhima plays a powerful and nuanced role which is pivotal to the story line. Sharing her experience of working with the renowned director Neeraj Pandey, the talented actress Ridhima said, “Working with Neeraj Pandey sir has been a dream come true. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and guide. She added: “His vision, precision, and dedication to storytelling are truly inspiring. Playing this role was both challenging and rewarding, as it allowed me to explore a new dimension of my craft.” Ridhima also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on a project that resonates with her as an actor and a storyteller. “Sikandar Ka Muqaddar” unfolds a gripping tale of a heist, a relentless police officer, and a pursuit that spans 15 years, offering a thrilling mix of high-stakes drama. The film also stars Divya Dutta and Zoya Afroz. The thriller delves into crime, obsession, and the pursuit of justice. Talking about Ridhima, she started her career as a model, and made her acting debut in 2016 with the sitcom 'Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant'. The show featured Karan Grover in the lead. She was then seen playing various characters in the comedy show 'The Drama Company'. It featured comedians Krushna Abhishek, Ali Asgar, Sugandha Mishra, Sudesh Lehri, and Sanket Bhosale. Ridhima also hosted 'Dance Champions', and was the second runner-up in the stunt reality show 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 9'. The season was won by Punit Pathak. She essayed the role of Amrita in 'Haiwaan: The Monster'. It starred Param Singh, and Ankit Mohan. 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
15 December,2024 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actor Rahul Dev arrived in Jodhpur to participate in a marathon set to take place on Sunday. The event aims to promote the message of a clean, healthy, and drug-free Jodhpur. Actor Rahul Dev is accompanied by actress Mugdha Godse. Speaking to ANI, Rahul Dev praised the youth of Jodhpur for their enthusiastic participation in the marathon. He said, "The marathon is being held in Jodhpur, and it's wonderful to see the youth actively participating. I've heard that this marathon has grown over the years, with more people joining each time. The people of Rajasthan have always been brave and resilient, drawing inspiration from leaders like Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga." Rahul Dev also highlighted the fitness culture in Rajasthan, noting how the marathon complements it. "Farming and life here are inherently challenging, which keeps people fit. Adding a marathon to this lifestyle enhances it further. Moreover, events like these contribute to cleanliness, and if you observe the running groups, they also emphasise greenery and clean paths," he said. He further remarked on the growing awareness among the youth: "If the youth weren't aware, how would world records be broken? The youth have always been at the forefront and will continue to lead." Rahul Dev, known for his powerful and villainous roles in films, has had a career spanning over two decades. Reflecting on his journey, he recently spoke about his Bollywood debut and how it paved the way for his string of negative roles in Hindi cinema. The actor made his debut with the film Champion in 2000, where he played the antagonist. He went on to portray similar roles in films such as Aashiq, Awara Paagal Deewana, Mass, and others. Discussing his career trajectory, Rahul shared his efforts to break free from typecasting by exploring South Indian cinema. "When your first project, like Champion, becomes a success and wins awards, it sets a precedent. Sunny Deol, being a larger-than-life hero, required a strong anti-hero. I didn't intentionally stick to negative roles, but diversifying is important to avoid monotony. That's why I tried opportunities in the South--it was becoming boring," he explained. Rahul Dev was recently seen in the series Zabt, currently streaming on Waves. 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
15 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | ANIPunjabi singing sensation Diljit Dosanjh performed in Chandigarh on Saturday as a part of his 'Dil-Luminati' concert. He dedicated it to India's newly crowned International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju. Not just that, Diljit also gave a twist to Allu Arjun’s dialogue from Pushpa 2 and left the audience impressed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Diljit Dosanjh dedicates concert to Gukesh Dommaraju In an Instagram video, Diljit praised Gukesh's hard work and dedication to achieving his dreams from a young age. “This concert is dedicated to the world chess champion Gukesh,” Diljit said during his concert. He also shared that while everyone faces challenges in life, the one who knows how to deal with them achieves the target. Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history, defeating China's Ding Liren in the final game of their FIDE World Championship match. Gukesh received his FIDE World Championship trophy following his remarkable triumph the subsequent day. The championship, which was tied at 6.5-6.5 heading into the final game, concluded with a stellar performance by Gukesh, who secured a 7.5-6.5 victory over Ding Liren, according to FIDE's official website. Diljit Dosanjh gives a twist to Pushpa 2 dialogue Diljit also referred to Allu Arjun-starrer Pushpa 2 movie's famous dialogue "Jhukega Nahi Sala" in his own way, saying "Sala nahi jhukega toh kya jija jhuk jayega". Pushpa 2: The Rule has taken the box office by storm. It has emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, raking in Rs 1,000 crore worldwide within seven days of its release. Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media, the film stars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil reprise their roles as Pushpa Raj, Srivalli, and Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's wife also attended the 'Dil-Luminati' concert in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, before Diljit’s show, the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) issued an advisory urging him to avoid performing alcohol-themed songs during his live performance. The advisory, issued by CCPCR chairperson Shipra Bansal on Thursday, specifically referenced songs such as 'Patiala Peg', '5 Tara', and 'Case', cautioning against performing even modified versions that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence.
15 December,2024 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen an actor-director duo delivers a hit, an encore is often on the cards. Right after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) worked wonders at the box office, rumours were rife that leading man Kartik Aaryan and director Sameer Vidwans were planning to reunite. Over a year since, the two seem to have found exactly the kind of story they were looking for. mid-day has learnt that they have zeroed in on a love story and are currently shopping around for a producer. A source says, “During the shoot of Satyaprem Ki Katha, Kartik was so impressed by Sameer that he had expressed his wish to work with him again, even asking him to find another romantic drama. Recently, the director pitched a script to Kartik, who immediately loved it.” Not surprisingly, their first option for a collaborator was their Satyaprem Ki Katha producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The source adds, “They were eager to team up with Sajid, hoping to recreate the magic of their first offering together. Also, since Sameer had signed a two-film deal with the producer, he felt this could be the perfect second collaboration. But Sajid had to regretfully turn down the proposition as he has his hands full with four projects lined up for next year—Salman Khan’s Sikandar, Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5, Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4, and Vishal Bhardwaj’s film with Shahid Kapoor about Hussain Ustara. Since then, the actor-director duo has been shopping around for studios, without much success.” Sajid Nadiadwala and Sameer Vidwans Aaryan, who recently delivered a hit in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, has yet to announce his next project. The actor has a romantic drama with Anurag Basu and producer Bhushan Kumar, but it’s still uncertain whether it will be made as a part of the Aashiqui franchise or a standalone film. The sequel to Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019) is also in the pipeline. So, one wonders when the actor’s film with Vidwans will get off the ground. The source, however, is confident of it taking shape soon. The insider adds, “Sameer and Kartik’s bond is deeper than that of a director and actor; their friendship goes back many years. Kartik is an enterprising actor, and he will ensure this project shapes up.”
15 December,2024 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRThe new year will bring a new love into actor Anshuman Jha’s life, albeit for the screens. Come January, the actor will begin shooting for Welcome to Agra, which is set in 2000 and explores the unusual love story between a cycle-rickshaw driver and a British tourist in Agra. Debutant director Ashish Dubey’s film sees Jha as the cycle-rickshaw driver, while Australian-British actor Sarah Hopkins has been roped in as the female lead. For Jha, Welcome to Agra was an easy yes as he feels that love stories have almost disappeared from Hindi cinema in the recent past. “As an audience, we haven’t had a quintessential love story like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge [1995] or Jab We Met [2007] in the past decade. This film has a rare story [set] before the times of social media and mobile phones. A rickshaw-wala and a British tourist falling in love is a novel concept. It’s a cross-cultural love story,” says the actor. While Jha is currently shooting for Lakadbaggha 2, he will begin prepping for Welcome to Agra in the first week of January 2025. He is looking forward to working with Hopkins, who previously featured in The Proper Etiquette for Being Alone (2019). He says, “Sarah has lived and trained as an actor in Perth. It’s a great opportunity to work with an artiste from another land.”
15 December,2024 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuMany moods of Rekha The centenary anniversary celebration of late filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor was an emotional affair not only for the Kapoor clan, but also for Rekha. Looking resplendent in a cream and golden saree, the senior actor got teary-eyed as she looked at the posters of the legend’s films on the red carpet. At the celebration, Rekha was also seen hugging Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. No prizes for guessing that the moment went viral, with netizens loving their warm interaction.
15 December,2024 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamKangana Ranaut continues to make headlines and has now become the talk of B-town once again as she shared her views on songs with controversial themes like drugs, alcohol, and violence. She highlighted the collective responsibility of society and whether she’d address the issue in Parliament. Speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak, Kangana said, “Artistic expression is not dependent on anything. Himachal folk music has so many such songs. In art, it’s the emotions that matter. To each their own. That being said, when it comes to habits like substance abuse, it is not just the government’s responsibility but also that of the general public.” The debate also comes at a time when there’s been a lot of talk around Diljit Dosanjh's songs and his ongoing tour. In fact, Diljit has been advised not to serve alcohol to those below 25 years of age, refrain from calling children on stage, and avoid performing songs about alcohol or violence. Diljit Dosanjh on songs with alcohol as theme Earlier, when asked to refrain from performing songs that referenced alcohol, Diljit said he would gladly pledge not to sing them if alcohol shops were shut down nationwide. Complying with a notice from the Telangana government, Diljit did, in fact, alter the lyrics of some of his popular tracks and replaced certain words. There are a bunch of restrictions for his Chandigarh concert today as well. Meanwhile, he will conclude the tour in Guwahati on December 29. Kangana Ranaut talks about Emergency Kangana, on the other hand, is gearing up for the release of her much-anticipated movie, Emergency. The film has faced multiple delays but is now slated for release on January 17. A biographical political thriller, the film sees Kangana play former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and depicts the 21-month Emergency period in India. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency also features Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman in key roles. Talking about the delay, Kangana had earlier told ANI, “I know how I made this film. I did not get any support from the film industry. It’s made on a huge budget. I, along with Zee and other partners, created Emergency, and now with the release delay, everyone is bearing a huge loss. A delayed release is a loss for all. I think the Censor Board should take responsibility to release this film at the earliest."
14 December,2024 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT