Indian fitness icon and actor Milind Soman visited the Maha Kumbh 2025 with his wife Ankita Konwar on Mauni Amavasya. He took a dip in the holy River Ganga and condoled the deaths of stampede victims. Milind felt speechless while sharing his experience and wrote in his posts that although his heart is full, he is sad about the tragic event that led to the loss of lives. Milind Soman at Kumbh Mela 2025 Taking to Instagram Milind shared a post taking a dip in the River Ganga and wrote, “Blessed to be at the Mahakumbh with @ankita_earthy on the very special day of Mauni Amavasya! Such a spiritual space and experience reminds me of how small and insignificant I am in the vastness of existence and how every moment that we are here is so special. Even though my heart is full, I am saddened by the events of last night, and my prayers are with the families who lost loved ones. Har Har Gange! Har Har Mahadev!!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) In a subsequent post, he added, “There are no words to describe how full my heart is right now! To have the opportunity to be at the Mahakumbh and that too on the auspicious moments of Mauni Amavasya is beyond my comprehension. These are the moments that make you realise the importance of our very insignificant existence. My heart goes out to the people who lost their loved ones last night. May we all find peace through our prayers. Har Har Mahadev.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ankita Konwar (@ankita_earthy) What happened at Maha Kumbh At least 30 people were killed while 60 were injured in the pre-dawn stampede that occurred at Maha Kumbh, according to officials. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the kins of the deceased, while adding that security forces have been deployed at the site. Milind Soman’s work front Milind Soman was last seen in the film Emergency directed by Kangana Ranaut. He played the role of Sam Maneckshaw who was the former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. Based on the period when an emergency was imposed in the country in 1975, it stars Ranaut as the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
30 January,2025 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood superstar Aamir Khan was recently photographed attending a screening of the Marathi film Ilu Ilu 1998 with his son-in-law Nupur Shikhare and his mother Pritam Shikhare. It might be noted here that Mr Perfectionist's son-in-law comes from a Maharashtrian family. Also present for the same was the film’s lead actor Elli AvrRam, who marked her Marathi debut. Aamir's daughter, Ira Khan tied the knot with Nupur in a registered marriage on 3rd January 2024, in Mumbai's Taj Lands End. The couple got engaged back in September 2022. Nupur had popped the big question during a cycling race. Elli AvrRam shares insights on her role in Ilu Ilu 1998 In the film, Elli AvrRam essays the role of a Goan catholic English teacher. The actress, who is known for her effervescent charm and magnetic screen presence, is taking a nostalgic leap into the colorful chaos of 1998 in this quirky, heartwarming drama. The film is directed by Ajinkya Bapu Phalke and promises to be a delightful cocktail of romance, comedy, and heartfelt nostalgia. The movie takes its title from the iconic '90s catchphrase that still evokes a rush of sweet memories. This film is set to release on January 31. Talking about the film, Elli told IANS, “When I first read the script for ‘Ilu Ilu 1998’, I was immediately drawn to the depth and charm of Ms. Pinto’s character. I’m playing a Goan catholic English teacher. She is a woman full of warmth, strength, and subtle complexities, and I saw it as an exciting challenge to bring her to life. Making my debut in Marathi cinema felt like a natural progression for me as an artist, and I was eager to explore this vibrant industry.” Aamir Khan’s work front Moving on, Aamir is presently working on his next, Sitaare Zameen Par. If the reports are to be believed, he shot for the drama in Vadodara, Gujarat. Apart from Aamir, the movie will also see Genelia Deshmukh in a key role. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, the film is the sequel to the 2007 blockbuster, Taare Zameen Par. He is also producing the period drama Lahore 1947 which stars Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.
30 January,2025 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAce film director Priyadarshan celebrates his birthday on January 30. The movie maverick, who is busy shooting for his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla with Akshay Kumar, marked the special day on sets. He also received a sweet birthday wish from the Bollywood superstar who called him his mentor. Akshay Kumar’s birthday wish for Priyadarshan Akshay Kumar shared a candid picture of sharing a laugh with Priyadarshan from the sets of Bhooth Bangla and wrote, “Happy Birthday, Priyan Sir! What better way to celebrate than by spending the day on a haunted set, surrounded by ghosts…both real and unpaid extras? Thank you for being a mentor, and the only person who can make chaos look like a masterpiece. May your day be filled with fewer retakes. Wishing you a fantastic year ahead!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after a long gap. The duo has earlier given blockbuster films such as Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag, Garam Masala, De Dana Dan, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa among others. The film will also see a reunion of Akshay and Tabu after 25 years. It is produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms and Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films. The film is slated for a theatrical release on April 2, 2026. Paresh Rawal is also a part of the movie. Priyadarshan’s journey into showbiz Best known for his comedy films, movie maverick Priyadarshan has also experimented with some action, thriller, and period dramas. His collaborations with Mohanlal were highly popular in Malayalam cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Priyadarshan also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2019 for his period epic 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea'. In 2012, the Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award for his contribution to the arts. Akshay Kumar’s work front Besides Bhooth Bangla, Akshay will be seen as Lord Shiva in the upcoming Telugu film Kannappa. It also stars Vishnu Manchu in the lead role and features a star-studded cast including Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Madhoo, Mukesh Rishi, Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal. He also has Housefull 5 and Welcome to the Jungle.
30 January,2025 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIf franchise films are the ticket to success today as many filmmakers and trade analysts will have you believe, Ajay Devgn seems to have a winning hand. The superstar has seven franchise films in the pipeline, with his 2025 release slate consisting of three sequels—Raid 2, De De Pyaar De 2, and Son of Sardaar 2. He will also shoot for the latest instalment of Dhamaal this year, while scripting of Drishyam 3, Shaitaan 2 and Golmaal 5 is in process. For now, director Anshul Sharma’s De De Pyaar De 2 has Devgn’s undivided attention. An insider reveals, “With Rakul Preet Singh and R Madhavan, Ajay is filming the 12-day schedule at various sets across Mumbai. The cast and crew will head to Punjab by mid-February for the final leg during which two songs and some emotional scenes will be canned.” The actor will then swiftly move from the world of the romantic comedy to that of his action comedy. The insider adds, “While in Punjab, Ajay will also shoot a song for Son of Sardaar 2, after which it will be a wrap on the movie that also stars Mrunal Thakur and Ravi Kishan.” Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh in De De Pyaar De Summer will see the actor returning to the universe of Dhamaal, six years after headlining the last instalment, Total Dhamaal (2019). While Total Dhamaal’s stars Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit-Nene will be missing in the upcoming instalment, Devgn will reunite with franchise regulars Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi for Indra Kumar’s directorial venture. A source reveals, “The unit will kick off the shoot in Mumbai before heading to Goa for an elaborate schedule in April. Indra-ji has got bulk dates of the cast and will film the comedy in a straight schedule till August, readying it for a Diwali release. The adventure comedy, produced by Ajay and Bhushan Kumar, among others, has been written by Paritosh Painter, Balwinder Singh Suri and Bunty Rathore.” By the year-end, it will be time for the superstar to prep for what is easily among his most loved franchises—Drishyam 3. We’ve heard that the crime thriller’s script is currently being penned by the writing teams of the Malayalam and Hindi versions, with director Jeethu Joseph leading the former. The source adds, “The plan is to shoot Mohanlal’s Malayalam and Ajay’s Hindi versions simultaneously in 2026.”
30 January,2025 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRBest known for his comedy films, movie maverick Priyadarshan, who celebrates his birthday on January 30, has also experimented with some action, thriller, and period dramas. His collaborations with Mohanlal were highly popular in Malayalam cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. He later transitioned to Bollywood where he delivered several hits by teaming up with superstar Akshay Kumar. Check out their collabs as they reunite for Bhooth Bangla after 14 years. Hera Pheri Best comedy film of all times, this Akshay Kumar-starrer is a comedy thriller also featuring Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty, and Tabu in the pivotal roles. It is a remake of Ramji Rao Speaking 1989, a Malayalam film. This movie also has a sequel by the name of Phir Hera Pheri, which was released after the first installment of the movie. It revolves around a quest of three unemployed men, two tenants, and a landlord, who clash in desperate need of money and come together for a journey to seek out different ways to attain some cash. Bhool Bhulaiyaa This comedy horror film felt just a little short of becoming another cult classic. Inspired by the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, it featured Akshay, Vidya Balan, Ameesha Patel, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Shiney Ahuja in the lead roles. It revolves around an NRI couple who decides to reside in their ancestral home, which is said to be haunted. Soon, paranormal activities are detected by the couple which leads to the arrival of a friend, a psychiatrist who enters the frame to solve the mystery. Garam Masala Garam Masala is a romantic comedy that featured Akshay with John Abraham, Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen, Neha Dhupia, and Rajpal Yadav. It revolves around two photographer friends who are womanizers. It is a remake of the Malayalam comedy Boeing Boeing also directed by Priyadarshan. Bhagam Bhag Bhagam Bhag features Akshay Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal in lead roles. The film also stars Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Jackie Shroff, Arbaaz Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Manoj Joshi, Razak Khan, Sharat Saxena and Asrani. It revolves around a theatre group that travels to London for a show only to be accused of a murder they did not commit. They mistakenly become the enemies of a drug dealer and a gang. The film has adapted certain subplots of the Malayalam film Mannar Mathai Speaking. Bhooth Bangla Priyadarshan's upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla will be special for movie buffs, especially those who are fans of the 90s and early 2000s Hindi films. Tabu and Paresh Rawal are a part of the film. It is currently being shot in Rajasthan. For those unversed, Priyadarshan also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2019 for his period epic 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea'. In 2012, the Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award for his contribution to the arts.
30 January,2025 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Athiya Shetty, who will soon embark on the chapter of parenthood with husband and cricketer KL Rahul, oozes a pregnancy glow and flaunted baby bump in new pictures. On Wednesday, the soon-to-be mother posted some snaps on Instagram where she flaunted her baby bump in a black and white dress. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athiya Shetty (@athiyashetty) Athiya's father and veteran actor reacted to the post by dropping an 'Evil eye' emoji in the comment section. Celebrities also reacted to the post and wrote heartwarming comments. Shibani Dhandekar wrote, "Gorgeous" while Ileana D'Cruz called her "Beauttt". Bhumi Pednekar said "Congratulations" and Sonakshi Sinha wrote, "Soooo cute ya atthu." Athiya also left her fans gushing with pictures. They also showed their love by dropping heart emojis in the comment section. Earlier, KL Rahul took to his Instagram account to post a photo dump from his tour, which coincided with the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the first photo, KL is seen enjoying a coffee at a street-side cafe. Another picture shows two cups of coffee and a brownie, hinting at a cozy date with Athiya. Other photos feature random glimpses of Rahul, including him standing in front of a house, getting into a car, and sitting on a bench. There is also a scenic shot of the beach. However, what caught everyone's eye was the last picture of the post. It showed KL Rahul and Athiya sitting outside a cafe, with Athiya dressed in a sweater and oversized grey pants. She appeared to be enjoying a drink, while Rahul couldn't take his eyes off her as he lovingly admired her baby bump. The couple announced their pregnancy in November 2024 with an adorable post. The note read, "Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025" (with baby feet emojis), accompanied by clip art of an evil eye. KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty tied the knot on January 23, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Suniel Shetty's farmhouse in Khandala. Rahul recently completed 10 years in international cricket, while Athiya, who made her acting debut in 2015 with 'Hero', has also appeared in films like 'Mubarakan' and 'Motichoor Chaknachoor'. 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
30 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIAs Yash Chopra's classic film 'Deewaar' starring actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, a special screening will take place for moviegoers on February 1 at Mumbai's Regal Cinema. The announcement was made by The Film Heritage Foundation on Instagram, along with a poster of the iconic film. "A very special screening of Yash Chopra's Deewaar (1975) to celebrate 50 years of the release of this landmark film of Indian cinema on February 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Regal Cinema on the new screen! Produced by Trimurti Films, Deewaar was a smash hit that further established Amitabh Bachchan's iconic persona as the Angry Young Man and the famed screenwriter duo of Salim-Javed. Special thanks to Rajiv Rai and Trimurti Films for making this screening possible. The screening is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis," read the caption of the post. Take a look View this post on Instagram A post shared by Film Heritage Foundation (@filmheritagefoundation) Written by Salim-Javed and directed by Yash Chopra, 'Deewaar' remains one of Bollywood's most celebrated films. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi, and Neetu Singh, the film revolves around two brothers who take different paths in life--with one becoming a respected police officer and the other turning into a feared underworld figure. 'Deewaar', which was released on January 24, 1975, was a massive hit. The film is remembered to this day for its iconic scenes, including Shashi Kapoor's legendary dialogue, "Mere paas maa hai." The film played a crucial role in shaping Amitabh Bachchan's image as Bollywood's Angry Young Man and is considered one of the most influential films in Indian cinema. 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
30 January,2025 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIBollywood star Hrithik Roshan was recently honoured at the Joy Awards in Riyadh. On Wednesday, Hrithik shared a video from the event, which was attended by dignitaries such as Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey among others. "What a joy it was to be at the @joyawards 2025 in the presence of some of the best talents from across the globe! Thank you @turkialalshik for having me be a part of this celebration of Global Entertainment and cinema," Hrithik captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) In the video, veteran Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman and popular superstar Matthew McCounaughey can be seen acknowledging the honours. Hrithik also featured in the clip, donning\ a red suit and black shirt. Marking more than two decades in the Indian film industry, Hrithik Roshan is one of the most celebrated actors of Bollywood. Hrithik has delivered iconic films, including 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', 'Koi Mil Gaya', 'Lakshya', 'Dhoom 2', 'Krrish', 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Guzaarish', 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', 'Kaabil', 'Super 30', 'Fighter', and the 'War' franchise. On receiving the award, Hrithik expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared his perspective on his career, "Thank you Riyadh, Joy Awards, and my thanks to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for inviting me here from India. I'm humbled and grateful for this honour. It's been 25 years, but I feel like I've only just begun to truly understand acting. I take this as a symbol of hope and a promise for the next 25 years," he said. 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
30 January,2025 07:43 AM IST | Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) | ANIWhat’s Richie Mehta making next? The eager question follows the release of each of his works, from the International Emmy-winning Delhi Crime (2019) to the investigative thriller Poacher (2024). mid-day has learnt that the acclaimed filmmaker will capture the life of Phoolan Devi in his next web series, casting for which is underway. A source reveals, “The script was locked last month. Richie has been talking to several actors from mainstream and indie cinema for Phoolan’s role. He is primarily looking for an actor who can carry the weight of her story from her young years to the end. A Bollywood actor, who fronts a popular web series, recently auditioned for the part, performing a jail sequence, but Richie wants to look at more options.” Phoolan Devi’s journey not only stands for a woman’s rebellion, but also reflects the struggles of the oppressed caste and misogyny in India. Born into the oppressed Mallah caste, she was married off at 11 to a much older man. In the following years, she faced a series of brutal encounters—from being jailed on false charges, to being raped and tortured by the police, and ultimately pushed into the life of a bandit. She eventually led a gang of dacoits in the Chambal ravines. After the 1981 Behmai massacre, where 22 Thakur men were executed in an act of retribution following her gang-rape by upper-caste dacoits, she became a symbol of caste and gender resistance. After surrendering in 1983 and serving 11 years in prison, she joined politics and was a Parliament member for the Samajwadi Party until her assassination in 2001. Three decades ago, her life was brought on celluloid with Bandit Queen (1994). The source adds, “Through Phoolan’s story, Richie will explore themes of caste oppression, misogyny, and the limits of justice.” The series is expected to roll in August. We e-mailed Mehta, who didn’t respond till press time.
30 January,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuLast week, AK Saseendran, Kerala’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Protection, and the Kerala Assembly reiterated the need for amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in the wake of increasing animal attacks and loss of human lives in the state. The proposed changes include allowing chief conservators of forests to grant permission to kill threatening wild animals, declare wild boars as ‘vermin’, and control wildlife reproduction. Naturally, the proposal has sparked backlash, with many wildlife conservationists and animal rights activists arguing that the real issue of forest degradation remains unaddressed. Actor Randeep Hooda, who is an avid wildlife photographer, is appalled at the Kerala government’s suggestion of considering birth control measures for tigers. Emphasising that tigers are already classified as an endangered species and their numbers have risen after decades of conservation efforts, Hooda says, “The only population that needs control is humans, not tigers. It’s absurd to think about limiting the birth of a species already struggling for survival. Tigers are not just a symbol of our wildlife heritage; they are essential to maintaining the ecological balance. Any attempt to interfere with their natural reproduction process is a step in the wrong direction.” The actor, who has often used his celebrity status to highlight the plight of animals, plans to petition the Kerala government against the proposal. He states that wildlife protection and coexistence should be the top priority. “Instead of focusing on reducing the population of an endangered species, we should work towards creating a safer environment for them. Encroachment, poaching, and habitat destruction are the real threats that need action, not controlling their numbers,” he says.
30 January,2025 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuCelebrating Raj Kapoor Kareena Kapoor Khan is seemingly ready to return to work after the stabbing incident that occurred at her Bandra home and left her actor-husband Saif Ali Khan with injuries. Kareena will celebrate the life of her grandfather Raj Kapoor at the 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards. The tribute will honour his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. “This performance is especially close to my heart as it pays tribute to my legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor, whose 100th birth anniversary was recently celebrated. It’s a surreal moment for me to be able to connect these dots and be a part of this celebration of legacy, family, and the enduring power of cinema,” she said. Abhijeet at it, again Known for courting controversies for his poor choice of words, singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has invited the ire of an activist who has now approached the Pune Police with a plea. The activist seeks registration of a First Information Report against Bhattacharya for his alleged derogatory remarks about Mahatma Gandhi. The singer had previously stated that Gandhi was not the father of the nation of India, but in fact, the father of the nation of Pakistan. “India already existed; Pakistan was carved out of India later,” the singer had previously shared. The complainant, Manish Deshpande, submitted his application seeking to lodge a complaint to the Deccan Gymkhana police station, his lawyer said. What’s brewing? It’s been a long wait for fans of Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, who have looked forward to watching the husband-wife duo join forces on screen. Taking to their social media handles, they shared a note that read, “Something special is brewing. Can’t wait to share it with you all. Stay tuned!” They also shared a picture featuring their silhouettes against the backdrop of vibrant lights. Yep! Everyone thought precisely what you thought—that the two are set to welcome a child. But they dismissed it with a note that read: “PS: we are not becoming parents yet.” Hopefully, the couple doesn’t disappoint their fans. Race again Sharvari and Manushi Chhillar have been roped in to star in the next edition of the Race franchise, and will feature as the female leads. While Wamiqa Gabbi was initially in talks for the film, she has now opted out of the project due to undisclosed reasons. The action-packed franchise, known for its high-octane stunts and stylish storytelling, is gearing up for its fourth instalment. Previous editions of Race featured Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Akshaye Khanna. SRK’s black tongue? Ahmed Khan, who has helmed films belonging to the Baaghi franchise, and Heropanti 2 (2022), shared a memorable anecdote from the shoot of Chaand taare from the 1997 film, Yes Boss. Khan, who previously worked as a choreographer, said of filming with Shah Rukh Khan, “We were shooting outside Mannat, but it was not ‘Mannat’ then. I made Shah Rukh jump on a Parsi [individual’s] vehicle, and something went wrong. The guard asked us to move, and Shah Rukh joked, ‘Shot lena hain; khareed lu kya?’” Mannat, as fans of the actor know, is now the popular abode of the badshah. Ahmed further shared highlights of the song, stating, “It was an inspirational song. We were shooting with kids and various cartoon characters. So, the song [had] a double beat. I suggested that Jatin-Lalit make it a single-beat song, and they took it positively.” Ahmed is currently gearing up for the final schedule of Welcome to the Jungle.
30 January,2025 06:58 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamADVERTISEMENT
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