Lollapalooza India returns for its third edition, promising to be bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever. While the festival’s stellar music lineup remains its biggest draw, the experience extends far beyond the stages. From interactive brand activations and striking installations to exclusive merchandise and a strong commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility, this year’s edition is set to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community. The transcendent third edition of Lollapalooza India 2025 is set to take over the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai on March 8th and 9th, 2025 bringing with it an electrifying lineup of legendary icons, global sensations and fresh emerging talent. #LollaForChange: A Festival with Purpose Lollapalooza India 2025 is more than entertainment; it is about creating a lasting impact. Through #LollaForChange, the festival continues its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that every fan experiences the festival in a meaningful, responsible and barrier-free way. BookMyShow Live strives to make it a zero-garbage festival with a zero waste-to-landfill goal. Initiatives include a plastic-free food court, redistribution of excess food to underprivileged communities, extensive recycling efforts and reusable cups made from crop waste. The festival’s production setup is also being reimagined to eliminate single-use plastics wherever possible. Lollapalooza India remains an inclusive space, ensuring music is accessible to all. Sign language interpreters will be present at major stages, with personalised services for visually and hearing-impaired attendees. Gender-neutral washrooms, safe spaces with trained counsellors and LGBTQIA+ sensitisation efforts further establish the festival as a welcoming and empowering environment. Accessibility is a top priority, with dedicated PWD risers at every stage, shuttle services for attendees with mobility challenges and a wheelchair-friendly layout ensuring seamless navigation. In collaboration with PWD organisations, the festival team receives specialised training to assist guests effectively. Travel to the festival is also made easier with eco-friendly transport options, including incentives for those that #TakeTheTrain and dedicated festival buses from key locations in Mumbai. Installations That Capture the Spirit of Lolla Lollapalooza India 2025 is an immersive world brought to life through larger-than-life installations, each designed to provide visually stunning, interactive experiences that reflect the festival’s spirit. Among the most anticipated returning attractions is the towering Lolla Inflatable, a crowd favourite that remains the ultimate festival landmark. The legendary Shaman, one of Lollapalooza’s most iconic symbols, takes shape as a mesmerising inflatable, paying tribute to Perry Farrell’s original sketch. The Lolla Buddies installation invites festivalgoers to step into a playful, interactive photo opportunity with dancing characters frozen in vibrant motion. Beyond the festival grounds, a specially designed Kaali Peeli taxi takes over Mumbai’s streets as a roving party zone. Passengers taking a seat inside the cab installation will be broadcast live on a massive billboard, transforming an ordinary taxi ride into a full-blown festival moment. The Lolla Artboard, a striking three-dimensional canvas bursting with colour and pattern, stands as a visual representation of the festival’s electrifying energy, providing the perfect backdrop. Adding to the festival’s whimsical charm, the Lolla Lollipops installation floats above the grounds, spinning playfully to embody the carefree, joyful essence of Lollapalooza India 2025. The Lolla Garden introduces a kinetic wonderland where spinning flowers move with the breeze, creating a dynamic, ever-changing visual spectacle. Alongside these new installations, festival classics such as the Lolla Ferris Wheel remain a must-visit attraction, offering breathtaking panoramic views, while the Big Top and Small Top tents provide inviting spaces for festivalgoers to relax and recharge. Every moment at Lollapalooza India 2025 is an opportunity to step into a world of creativity and wonder! Where Brands Redefine the Festival Experience More than just a music festival, Lollapalooza India 2025 is a playground where brands create unique, immersive interactions that go beyond conventional marketing, in partnership with BookMyShow Live. From high-energy fashion hubs to music-driven innovation spaces, these brand activations transform the way fans experience the festival. H&M brings its signature style to the heart of Lollapalooza India 2025 with an interactive fashion playground. 'The Sound of Style' comes to life with a striking runway designed in the shape of a megaphone, offering fashion and music enthusiasts the opportunity to amplify their individuality. The brand will also introduce digital activations and competitions, giving winners access to exclusive fashion experiences in a celebration of self-expression and creativity. Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer makes its mark with the ‘Keep Walking’ stage, an interactive zone that embodies the brand’s iconic ethos. Aspiring artists will have the chance to step into the spotlight, while festivalgoers can collaborate on a dynamic, evolving artwork that symbolises progress. Limited-edition merchandise will be available as a keepsake from this creative journey. With Corona at the forefront, AB InBev India’s is taking its collaboration with Lollapalooza India a step further by celebrating the “Golden moments” with the iconic lime ritual enjoyed by the consumers in the backdrop of India’s most premium music festival. Creating moments that resonate with their consumers, Corona will feature its Coron Vista experiential zone capturing its premium yet sun-soaked energy. These spaces provide the perfect setting to capture golden moments as day turns to night, complete with the legendary lime ritual to enhance the good. NEXA, a lifestyle automotive brand with music at its core, returns to Lollapalooza India. Festival-goers can enjoy the ultimate experience at the exclusive NEXA Lounge, offering premium seating and unmatched comfort. To further elevate the excitement, NEXA showcases the eVitara – Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle, proudly manufactured in India and poised to make a global impact. A Feast for the Senses: Lolla Food Park Returns with a Culinary Extravaganza The Lolla Food Park at Lollapalooza India 2025 is a festival in itself, bringing together over 70 food brands across stalls, food carts and food trucks, creating a vibrant culinary landscape. Year after year, it has delighted festival-goers, earning widespread praise for its diverse and delectable offerings. This edition features an array of special dishes crafted exclusively for the festival. A meat-by-the-pound experience brings the essence of American-style barbecue to the festival, serving up slow-cooked, juicy cuts accompanied by homemade chilli, cucumber pickles, slow-fermented red cabbage and bread to soak up the rich, smoky flavours. For those craving indulgence, a posh steak sandwich pays tribute to a beloved feline of the chef, offering a rich, satisfying bite worthy of the festival’s electric energy. Meanwhile, bite-sized truffle cheese kulcha pockets blend gourmet decadence with Indian spices, creating a crisp yet gooey festival treat that perfectly captures Lollapalooza India’s global spirit while staying rooted in local flavours. A light, summery doughnut with bright lime and fresh berry cream brings a touch of carnival nostalgia, fitting seamlessly into the open-air festival vibe. Silky chocolate custard layered with a beloved childhood biscuit, topped with smooth chocolate sauce and roasted nuts, offers a comforting taste of nostalgia in every spoonful. For matcha lovers, a strawberry matcha latte makes a limited-time return, specially for Lollapalooza India, blending fun, freshness and flavour in the perfect festival sip. A frozen yogurt creation celebrates the festival’s vibrant, inclusive energy, featuring seasonal fruits and crunchy chocolate toppings for a light yet indulgent treat. Adding to the lineup, chewy rice cakes paired with juicy sausage on skewers make for a delicious, easy-to-eat festival snack, coated in a spicy-sweet glaze that enhances the umami flavour. Its crispy exterior and chewy centre create a satisfying contrast, making it a visual and social media favourite. With an incredible range of food inspired by cultures around the world, the Lolla Food Park is set to be an unmissable highlight of Lollapalooza India 2025, offering something special for every palate. Exclusive Merchandise to Take the Festival Home Lollapalooza India 2025 extends its magic beyond the festival with an exclusive merchandise collection that embodies its vibrant energy. Featuring bold designs and striking colour palettes, the range includes T-shirts, crop tops and jerseys spotlighting the 2025 lineup as well as festival motifs and themes such as ‘Flamboyance’, ‘Boom Baja’ and the ‘Lolla Cat’. Tote bags celebrate the fusion of music, art and culture with quirky prints like ‘Lolla Colla’ and ‘India Dhol’, while stickers, bucket hats, fridge magnets and sippers offer the perfect keepsakes. A Festival Designed Around You - For Comfort and Cool Ensuring every festivalgoer’s comfort is just as important as delivering an electrifying musical lineup. Strategically placed shaded chill zones provide respite from the excitement, while misting systems offer bursts of cool relief to keep energy levels high. Free hydration stations across the venue allow fans to refill bottles and cups while reducing single-use plastic waste. Lollapalooza India 2025 creates a space where fans can fully immerse themselves in the festival’s magic without compromising on comfort, whether they are dancing in the sun or taking a moment to recharge. An Eclectic Lineup That Defines Music’s Future This year’s lineup blends rock, pop, electronic, indie and hip-hop, ensuring there is something for every music lover. Green Day sets the stage ablaze with their iconic punk-rock anthems, while Shawn Mendes delivers soulful pop hits in a powerful, singalong-filled set. For those who thrive on electronic beats, John Summit and Alok bring pulse-pounding drops and euphoric energy, while Glass Animals offer their signature psychedelic pop, Nothing But Thieves deliver electrifying alt-rock, Humankind delivers a rap superstar performance, Talwiinder brings the house on fire with Punjabi beats and Zedd fills the dancefloor with high-energy bangers. Lollapalooza India 2025 is also a space to discover new sounds, with rising stars like Wave to Earth, Isabel LaRosa and Spryk bringing fresh, boundary-pushing music. With a lineup that spans generations and genres, the festival is the ultimate destination for music discovery, celebration and unforgettable moments.
04 March,2025 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter years of dating, Bollywood lovebirds Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma have parted ways. The news of their split comes as a shocker since their fans had hoped to see them tie the knot someday. As per reports they continue to hold mutual respect and admiration for each other and plan to remain good friends. Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma part ways A source close to the couple informed Pinkvilla, "Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma parted ways weeks ago as a couple but they plan to remain good friends. Both have been working hard in their respective schedules." In 2024, Tamannaah officially confirmed her romance with Vijay in an interview in June. Since then, the couple has been openly affectionate, regularly commenting on each other's social media posts and making public appearances together at various events. Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia’s relationship They reportedly began dating during the filming of Netflix's anthology Lust Stories 2. Rumours about their relationship started circulating after they were spotted together at a New Year's party in Goa. However, Vijay clarified that they did not start dating during the shoot of the film. In an earlier interview with Tanmay Bhat on Netflix India’s YouTube channel, the actor called Lust Stories 2 a cupid, revealing that their real-life love story began much later. Vijay was quoted as saying, “There was talk of a wrap party happening, but it never took place. So, we wanted to have a wrap party, and only four people showed up. That day, I feel I told her I wanted to hang out more with you. It took 20-25 days for the first date to happen after that.” Tamannaah Bhatia on her past breakups Earlier, in an interview on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Tamannaah said, “I had two heartbreaks which were extremely important for my evolution. The first happened because I was very young. I think it came from a place where I felt like I wanted more. Just for that one person, I don't think that I could have given up many other things that I wanted. I felt like there was much more to see. Another heartbreak was that I could see that the person was not good for me… as an influence in my life and as a long-term partner.”
04 March,2025 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVir 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 correspondentGet 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 | ANIActor 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 | ANIActor 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 | ANIActress 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 | ANIAshutosh 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 correspondentSona’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 TeamWho 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 KBRAfter 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 AbrahamADVERTISEMENT
