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Vir Das mocks Indian award shows for having a long list of sponsors

Vir Das is known for his quirk, and with his hilarious style, the actor often takes digs at various issues. Today, Vir Das has put out another post, leaving his followers in splits. While not naming any award shows, Vir talked about how major entertainment awards (probably Oscars) have stand-up comedians heading the event and why this doesn’t happen in India. While discussing this, he also took a subtle dig at the India’s Got Talent controversy. Vir Das’s subtle dig at India’s Got Talent controversy While taking to his Instagram, Vir Das wrote, "While watching a major entertainment awards show, I'm pretty sure a few fellow Indian comedians play a game in our heads. We wonder why Indian award shows don't use modern stand-up comedians at major awards. Then... we think of some of the jokes we would do, the utter shitstorm that would follow, then we think it's probably for the best."           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vir Das (@virdas) Vir Das mocked Indian’s award show He further mocked Indian award shows for having a long list of sponsors that the host has to name at the start of the event. He continued and added, "Also, we remember the opening monologue is at the top of the show, which logically requires showing up on time and staying for the whole show, which again reaffirms... probably for the best. Also, just rhythm-wise... it's hard to do an edgy joke after saying 'Manikchand Pan Pasand Fun Flips Zorro Plus Zandu Bandu MDH MCD Motorola Parivar...'" Vir Das on Mumbai’s AQI Earlier, Vir Das shared a hilarious post taking a dig at Mumbai's AQI. He took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the growing pollution in Mumbai’s air. As air quality continues to degrade, Vir compared breathing in the city to smoking cigarettes. Vir Das shared a post on Instagram that read, "I’ll smoke a cigarette socially maybe fifteen days a year. The remaining days, I’m a breathing Mumbaikar. Same taste. Today Mumbai was a Marlboro Light." This post from Vir sparked a meme fest in the comment section, with fans dropping hilarious reactions. Sonam Kapoor also echoed Vir’s thoughts on Mumbai’s air quality and reshared his post on her Instagram story. Reacting to Vir’s post, one user wrote, "Bhai, Delhi aao, 10 hukka chal raha hai roz ka." Another fan commented, "Come to Delhi, Habibi." "I just arrived in Mumbai, and my opinion—evacuate the city and fix it!" read another comment.

04 March,2025 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan & Nora Fatehi's Be Happy trailer unveils a heartwarming story

Get ready to experience the loving bond of father and daughter in the Abhishek Bachchan and Nora Fatehi-starrer 'Be Happy. ' It also stars Inayat Verma, Johny Lever and Harleen Sethi. The makers of the Abhishek and Nora starrer 'Be Happy' unveiled the trailer of the film. Packed with elements of humour, bittersweet moments, dance, dreams, care, and passion, the film shows the emotional, loving, and caring bond between a single father and his passionate daughter. It shows the dedication and passion of a daughter for making her career in dance and how her father is initially reluctant but later supports her in fulfilling her dreams. Taking to Instagram, Prime Video dropped the trailer of 'Be Happy' and wrote in the caption, "sometimes it takes two to achieve a dream ..#BeHappyOnPrime, March 14"           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) "Playing Shiv was an emotional journey, as he is a father fighting against time and fate to make his daughter's dream come true," said Abhishek Bachchan in a statement. "'Be Happy' is more than just a movie; it's a powerful testament to resilience--reminding us that the bravest thing we can do is keep moving forward, even when life's toughest moments try to hold us back, much like in dance. The film owes its heart and soul to Remo's vision and expertise. His ability to weave depth and emotion into every scene is unparalleled, and I believe the audience will feel a profound connection to the story and its characters. I'm looking forward to the movie premiering on Prime Video on March 14," he added. Nora shared, "Working on 'Be Happy' has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Portraying a dancer was especially meaningful to me, as it allowed me to merge my two greatest passions--acting and dancing. I've always enjoyed working with children, and it was wonderful to see Inayat bring such authenticity to her character. Sharing the screen with Abhishek Bachchan was a fantastic experience--his dedication and focus elevated every scene." She continued, "Reuniting with Remo D'Souza, a visionary director and renowned choreographer, was equally inspiring. His expertise in dance storytelling pushed me to bring out the best in my character." Lizelle Remo D'Souza said, "'Be Happy' weaves a simple yet heartfelt narrative, beautifully capturing the bond between a father and daughter against the backdrop of a dance competition. It balances emotion with light-hearted moments, exploring universal themes that will resonate deeply with viewers." Produced under the banner of Remo Dsouza Entertainment Pvt Ltd by Lizelle Remo D'Souza and directed by Remo D'Souza, 'Be Happy' follows a heart-warming journey of a single father and his wise-beyond-her-years daughter 'Be Happy' is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on March 14. 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

04 March,2025 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Pic/Instagram

Sonu Sood congratulates Adrien Brody on winning his second Oscar

Actor Sonu Sood has extended his congratulations to Hollywood star Adrien Brody after the actor won his second Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards. Brody was recognized for his outstanding performance as a Holocaust survivor in The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet. Taking to Instagram, Sonu Sood shared a throwback picture of himself posing with the Oscar-winning actor. Along with the picture, Sood added a caption that read, "Congratulations my brother @adrienbrody on your second Oscar. Many more on your way."           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Sonu Sood (@sonu_sood) Brody's first Oscar came at the young age of 29 for his role in 'The Pianist.' Brody won the Best Actor award at the Academy Awards, defeating strong competition from other nominees including Timothee Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan. As Brody walked on stage at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday (local time) to accept his trophy, he made an entrance by spitting out his chewing gum into his hand and throwing it to his partner, Georgina Chapman. But it was his speech at the Dolby Theatre venue in Los Angeles that stole the show. As the Academy began to play music to signal the end of his time, Brody politely told them to "turn the music off." "I'm wrapping up, please turn the music off," Brody said, adding, "I've done this before. Thank you. It's not my first rodeo, but I will be brief." With his second Oscar win, Brody joins the A-list group of actors who have won the Best Actor award twice, including Spencer Tracy, Jack Nicholson, and Tom Hanks. 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

04 March,2025 08:49 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANI
Pic/Instagram

Kajol shares sweet birthday wish for sister Tanishaa Mukerji

Actor Kajol posted an adorable birthday wish on social media for her sister, actor Tanishaa Mukerji. On Monday, Kajol posted a picture of the birthday girl on Instagram. She looked stunning in a yellow outfit. "Another year older but let's agree to stay the same age forever .. 10 and 6! Wish u the mostest and the bestest forever ......", she captioned the post.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) Tanishaa's brother-in-law and actor Ajay Devgn also showered birthday love by sharing a selfie of Tanishaa on his Instagram Story and wrote, "May you always keep spreading your love and light wherever you go! Have the best birthday! @tanishaamukerji." Kajol and Tanishaa are daughters of Bollywood's renowned actor Shomu Mukherjee and actress Tanuja. Meanwhile, on the work front, Kajol was last seen in 'Do Patti. ' The film is directed by debutant Shashanka Chaturvedi and written by Kanika Dhillon. The film is set in the fictional town of Devipur, Uttarakhand, where Kajol, who plays a fierce cop, is on a mission to uncover the truth in an attempted murder case. Kriti Sanon takes on a double role for the very first time, portraying twin sisters involved in the investigation, each hiding secrets that add to the unfolding drama. The film also starred Shaheer Sheikh, who plays Dhruv Sood, a character caught in a web of love and intrigue. It also marked Kajol's second collaboration with Kriti following their earlier film, Dilwale. 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

04 March,2025 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Shruti Haasan. Pic/AFP

Shruti Haasan on her psychological thriller The Eye: 'The film was meant for me'

Actress Shruti Haasan's British psychological thriller The Eye made its India premiere as the opening film of the 5th Wench Film Festival. The festival, which celebrates women-led cinema, took place from February 27 to March 2. In a press release, the actress spoke about the film and shared how she has always been attracted to stories that explore "love, darkness, and self-discovery." Shruti also added that she knew the film was "meant for her" the moment she read the script. "From the moment I read the script, I knew this film was meant for me. I've always been drawn to stories that explore love, darkness, and self-discovery--concepts that resonate deeply with me. The Eye allowed me to confront those emotions on screen, and working with such an incredibly talented all-female creative team made the experience even more special. It felt like the universe had aligned to bring this opportunity my way," said Shruti in a press note. The film was shot on location in Athens and Corfu. Following its initial screening at the London Independent Film Festival and at the Greek International Film Festival, The Eye continues to generate excitement among global audiences. The film is directed by Daphne Schmon and produced by Fingerprint Content. 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

04 March,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Shah Rukh Khan hugs Ashutosh Gowariker

Watch! Shah Rukh Khan hugs Ashutosh Gowariker at his son’s wedding reception

Ashutosh Gowariker's son, Konark Gowariker, and Niyati Kanakia's wedding celebration was a star-studded event. The festivities, which began on February 28, ended with a grand wedding and a star-studded reception on March 2. Now, inside pictures of the celebration have made their way to social media, and these clicks show the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, meeting the groom. Shah Rukh Khan looked effortlessly dashing as he attended Ashutosh Gowariker's son's wedding, exuding his charm and elegance ❤️#ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/XepU4nA9li — Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) March 3, 2025 In a video, Shah Rukh Khan can be seen reaching the festivities with heavy security. As he arrives at the grand ceremony, he meets Ashutosh Gowariker and hugs him. The clip shows them chatting, and later, he also meets the bride and groom and poses with them for pictures. For the event, Shah Rukh wore a white shirt, a black blazer, a matching tie, and trousers. The actor also wore sunglasses. Shah Rukh Khan at #KonarkGowariker and #NiyatiKanakia’s wedding—gracing the celebration with his signature charm! pic.twitter.com/lrWquPhMMq — Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) March 3, 2025 Not only Shah Rukh Khan but many other celebs also attended to bless the newlyweds. Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Raj Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey, Arjun Kapoor, Sajid Khan, and many others were present at the ceremony. Ashutosh Gowariker’s son tied the knot with Niyati Kanakia In a spectacular celebration of love and unity, Konark Gowariker, son of renowned filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and producer Sunita Gowariker, married Niyati Kanakia, daughter of Rasesh Babubhai Kanakia of Kanakia Builders, today. The wedding was a star-studded affair that brought together luminaries from both the film and business communities. About the wedding festivities The festivities began with the traditional haldi ceremony on February 28, followed by the sangeet ceremony on March 1, attended by close friends and family. The joyous event set the tone for the grand wedding that followed, filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt moments. The wedding ceremony itself was a lavish affair, with elaborate decorations and a stunning venue that perfectly captured the essence of the couple's love story. Guests were treated to a delightful blend of cultural traditions and modern elegance, making it a truly memorable occasion. About Shah Rukh Khan & Ashutosh Gowariker’s collaborations Shah Rukh and Ashutosh have worked together in several films, with one of their most loved collaborations being the 2004 film Swades. Apart from that, they have worked together in the films Chamatkar (1992) and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994).

04 March,2025 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sonakshi Sinha

Have you heard? Avika Gor to be Ektaa Kapoor’s new Naagin

Sona’s going to Tollywood Sonakshi Sinha is reportedly set to make her Telugu debut in the supernatural fantasy thriller, Jatadhara, directed by Venkat Kalyan. Although an official confirmation is awaited, sources suggest that that the actor will star alongside Sudheer Babu in a “never-seen-before avatar”. The film, which blends mythology and supernatural elements, was announced last year, with a poster of Sudheer being released on social media. The female lead was not locked then. The project is scheduled to go on floors from March 8. We have learned that the film’s team did a grand mahurat shot in Hyderabad on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Sonakshi will have a busy 2025 as the actor also has the second season of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar in her kitty. On the work front, she was last seen in horror comedy film Kakuda (2024) by Aditya Sarpotdar.  Pointing fingers Mika Singh recently sparked controversy with a shocking claim that Bipasha Basu’s on-set tantrums during the filming of Dangerous (2020) led the production cost increasing from R4 crore to R14 crore. He also alleged that her “unprofessional behaviour” was a major reason for her currently being out of work. However, Bipasha seems to have subtly fired back at his accusations with a cryptic Instagram post, stating, “Toxic people create chaos, point fingers, shift blame, and avoid taking responsibility.”  Cost of being a Deol Abhay Deol recently opened up about his “challenging childhood”. Despite being part of a renowned film family that includes uncle Dharmendra and cousins Sunny and Bobby Deol, Abhay seemed to have faced difficulties in school. He shared that some of his school teachers were overly nice to him due to his family’s fame, while others were harsh, judging him for his privilege. Abhay recalled the time when a tuition teacher publicly humiliated him, making comments about his family that affected him deeply. He said, “As a kid, you internalise these things.” Phir se shaadi mein zaroor aana It truly seems to be a year of re-releases in Bollywood. Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda’s romantic comedy, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), is set to return in cinemas on March 7. Despite receiving mixed reviews and being deemed a flop at the time, the film has since developed a loyal fan base. Kriti took to social media to express her excitement about the re-release. She wrote, “You’ve laughed, cried, and rooted for Aarti & Sattu [their characters] in the past, it’s time to feel it all over again...Let’s make this reunion special.” Other films that re-released this year are Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) and Padmaavat (2018). Not making a Rs 2000 crore film Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for directing films like Kabir Singh (2019) and Animal (2023), is working with Prabhas on the highly anticipated movie, Spirit. When asked if he is feeling the pressure to break the record of Prabhas’ most successful film, Baahubali 2:  The Conclusion (2017), Sandeep acknowledged the pressure but denied taking it upon himself. He said that he’d need to “hit R2000 crore” to beat SS Rajamouli’s directorial marvel, and that’s not what he is “attempting”. “I’m focusing on making an engaging and intriguing film, leaving the box-office pressure aside,” he said. Prabhas will be seen playing the role of a police officer in Spirit. ZNMD 2 not anytime soon A sequel to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) is going to take longer than expected. A recent social media post featuring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol posing together in a vintage car ignited rumours of the film being in production. However, Farhan recently stated that he’s “unsure if a sequel is in the works”. The picture turned out to be from their collaboration on a brand commercial. Who’s the new Naagin? Avika Gor, known for her role of Anandi in Balika Vadhu, is set to make her TV comeback after seven years with the seventh season of Ektaa Kapoor’s Naagin. We have heard that Avika has become the top choice for the makers, beating Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Isha Malviya. Avika will join the likes of Mouni Roy, Surbhi Chandna, and Tejasswi Prakash, who have all played the iconic role of Naagin. Fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the small screen, especially after her film career failed to take off as expected.

04 March,2025 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR

Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR to film dance sequence for War 2 in Andheri studio

Who is a better dancer between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR? The two superstars’ fans don’t have to pick a side just yet. They can give their verdict after seeing the actors shake a leg together in War 2. mid-day has learnt that starting today, director Ayan Mukerji will shoot a dance-off between Roshan and Jr NTR at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. The sequence is part of the climax of the espionage thriller, which also stars Kiara Advani. Bosco Martis and Ayan Mukerji The dance-off’s idea apparently came from producer Aditya Chopra, who knew that pitting the two accomplished dancers against each other would serve as the movie’s biggest highlight. Chopra, along with Mukerji and choreographer Bosco Martis, then conceptualised the set-piece. A source says, “While Adi was certain that War 2 would be a stylised actioner, he wanted the two superstars to groove together, since they are known for their energy and smooth moves. In the sequence, Hrithik, who reprises his role of R&AW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, makes his way to the hideout of the antagonist, portrayed by Jr NTR. What follows is an electrifying dance battle that segues into the climactic fight set-piece. The two actors have been rehearsing individually for the past 15 days. The makers have deliberately kept them apart so that when they lock horns in front of the camera, it will look natural.” A grand set has been built by production designer Amrita Mahal Nakai, and Pritam has composed the fast-paced number. Over 500 dancers will be part of the song. The source adds, “Knowing that the track will arouse curiosity among fans and the media, Adi has beefed up the security at the location. Phones are not allowed on the set, in a bid to ensure that pictures from the shoot don’t get leaked online. Each unit member has been given a badge to avoid a security breach.” After the song is wrapped up by March 10, War 2—which is the latest instalment in the YRF spy universe—will be almost complete.

04 March,2025 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBR
Himanshu Malhotra in Kesari Veer

Himanshu Malhotra on transforming for Kesari Veer: ‘Playing Rasool Khan was...'

After Shershaah (2021), Himanshu Malhotra eagerly awaits his next film, Kesari Veer—Legends of Somnath. The actor, who takes pride in giving his all to his roles, says essaying Rasool Khan was not easy. “Playing Rasool Khan was a transformation like no other. The physical demands—rigorous training, bulking up, learning dual-sword combat, and horse riding—pushed me to my limits,” he says. His character, the fierce and silent younger brother of Vivek Oberoi’s flamboyant Zafar Khan, required an intricate balance of menace and emotion. Prince Dhiman has directed the film, which also stars Suniel Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi. It is based on Hamirji Gohil, a brave warrior who fought against the Tughlaq Empire to protect the Somnath Temple and the Hindu faith. While the physical preparation was demanding, Malhotra asserts that the emotional preparation was equally challenging. “Portraying a silent warrior whose actions speak louder than words was a test of subtlety,” he explains.  Despite the challenges, he found the experience deeply fulfilling, thanks to the director’s clear vision. To portray the role authentically, Malhotra crafted a detailed backstory to justify his character’s unwavering loyalty in Kesari Veer. “Rasool is deeply attached to his elder brother, Zafar, who raised him after their parents’ death. This bond drives every action, making him both fierce and vulnerable,” he adds.

04 March,2025 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam Abraham
Adarsh Gourav

Adarsh Gourav to make Telugu debut with psychological thriller

Language barriers have not restricted Adarsh Gourav’s choice of projects. English offerings like The White Tiger (2021) and Extrapolations (2022) find a place in the actor’s filmography alongside Hindi movies. Now, while his latest Hindi outing, Superboys of Malegaon, plays on the big screen, Gourav has set his sights on Tollywood. He will make his Telugu debut with a psychological horror film that will be directed by Jahnavi, daughter of DVV Danayya, best known for producing the blockbuster RRR (2022). We’ve heard that the project will go on floors next week. An insider reveals, “Jahnavi, who is foraying into direction with the yet-untitled film, will launch new faces alongside Adarsh. A month-long schedule begins in Hyderabad next week.” When mid-day contacted Adarsh Gourav’s, he confirmed the development, saying that the film fits perfectly in his pursuit of diverse narratives across industries. He said, “I’ve always believed that great stories transcend language. The south film industry has consistently delivered some of the most innovative movies, and I’m excited to finally be a part of it. This project, in particular, is unlike anything I’ve ever done. With this, [I will explore] the psychological horror genre, and it has a gripping story that immediately drew me in.”

04 March,2025 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Manju Warrier in the film. Pics/Yogen Shah, Instagram

Manju Warrier's Malayalam thriller 'Footage' to release in Hindi

Almost six months after the release of Malayalam thriller Footage, the makers are bringing the Hindi version of the Manju Warrier-starrer to the audience. Saiju Sreedharan’s directorial venture will hit the theatres later this week. Ahead of the dubbed version’s date with the audience, Warrier says, “Whenever I have been to Mumbai or north India, people have come up to me and talked about my films. But that is an audience that loves watching Malayalam films. With Footage, I want to see how the Hindi film audience, which doesn’t consume Malayalam movies, responds to it.” Bollywood fans, who may not be familiar with the National Award-winning actor, will recognise a name in the movie’s credits. Footage, which belongs to the less-explored genre of found-footage, is presented by Anurag Kashyap. Teaming up with the filmmaker has Warrier elated. “I remember I had first met Anurag sir at the première of a Malayalam film. I was surprised that he even knew my name! Since then, we’ve been friends. When we finished filming Footage, he wanted to watch it. After watching it, he presented it in Malayalam, and now he is backing it in Hindi,” she smiles. The actor has two more releases lined up—L2: Empuraan, and Mr X. Bollywood too is on Warrier’s mind. In fact, she was to star in a Hindi film opposite R Madhavan. “We had started shooting for it, but had to [halt] it midway due to COVID. We couldn’t resume it due to various reasons,” she recalls, before adding, “I am looking forward to doing good films in Hindi.”

04 March,2025 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
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