The much-awaited Batwara 1947 was finally released in cinemas yesterday, August 14. The Sunny Deol-starrer is adapted from the acclaimed and long-running play Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. While the core plot of the film remains faithful to the play, the makers have introduced several changes and additions to make the narrative more cinematic and elaborate. In this special Bollywood Hungama feature, we take a look at 10 key differences between Batwara 1947 and Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. Warning: The following article contains spoilers and reveals important plot points from Batwara 1947.

1. To begin with, Sikandar Mirza (Sunny Deol) and his family migrate to Lahore from Lucknow in Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. In Batwara 1947, the family is settled in Meerut before the Partition riots force them to leave their home overnight and flee to Pakistan.

2. In the play, Sikandar, his wife Hamida, son Javed and daughter Tanno manage to escape from Lucknow together and reach Lahore safely. The film adds a major dramatic track wherein Javed (Karan Deol) gets separated from Sikandar, Hamida (Preity G Zinta) and Tanno (Khhushi Hajare) amid the chaos, at Meerut railway station. He is finally reunited with his family several months later.

3. In Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya, the Mirza family is allotted the haveli, seemingly without much difficulty, after spending months in a refugee camp. Batwara 1947, however, goes into considerable detail about how Sikandar manages to secure the house.

He repeatedly visits the custodian's office seeking accommodation and is approached by a tout, who tells him that he will have to bribe the concerned officer if he wants a house quickly. An enraged Sikandar confronts the officer for exploiting refugees at such a vulnerable time. Habib Anwar (Ali Fazal), who happens to be present at the office, is moved by Sikandar’s plight and transfers the haveli allotted to him to Sikandar and his family.

The sequence is an effective addition as it explains how Sikandar and his family end up getting a sprawling 22-room haveli at a time when lakhs of displaced families are struggling for shelter.

4. Habib Anwar is a shayar who works at a radio station, and the film also explores his love life. In the play, however, the poet is named Nasir Fazli and neither has a romantic interest nor a stable job.

5. Javed’s character is also considerably expanded in the film. In the play, he has a lovely relationship with his father. In Batwara 1947, apart from being separated from Sikandar during the riots, Javed falls in love with Nishat (Kanikka Kapur), who happens to be the sister of antagonist Yakub (Abhimanyu Singh).

6. In Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya, Yakub is essentially a local ruffian who intimidates the Mirza family. Batwara 1947 turns him into a much more menacing antagonist. He wields greater influence and also harbours political ambitions.

7. The play largely restricts Yakub’s hostility towards Sikandar to threats and intimidation. In the film, his actions are far more aggressive. He threatens landlords against renting premises to Sikandar for his factory and even takes the dispute to local religious leaders. This eventually results in Sikandar and Yakub being summoned to the Town Hall, adding another layer to their confrontation.

8. One of the most significant sequences in Batwara 1947 is when Yakub’s men storm the haveli, forcibly throw Mai (Shabana Azmi) out and assault her. Simultaneously, they set Sikandar’s factory on fire.

Sikandar is initially occupied with trying to douse the blaze. The moment he learns that Mai has been attacked, he abandons everything and rushes to save her. The entire sequence is not present in the play at all.

9. In both versions, Mai refuses to leave the haveli because she continues to wait for her son Ratan to return. Ratan, his wife and daughter have been missing ever since the riots began. Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya never conclusively reveals whether the three are alive or dead. Batwara 1947, on the other hand, provides closure to this track through an important sequence which reveals that Ratan (Khaled Siddiqui), his wife (Rukhsar Rehman) and their daughter were killed by rioters.

10. Sikandar and his family gradually develop a deep bond with Mai in both the play and the film. However, the play does not have the Mirza family preparing meals for her, as Mai takes care of her own food.

Batwara 1947 adds a touching scene in which Hamida, having grown extremely fond of Mai, offers to cook for her. Mai initially hesitates because of their different food habits. Hamida assures her that she will prepare vegetarian food separately for Mai, using different utensils. She even promises to cook Mai’s food first before preparing meals for the rest of the family.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kanikka Kapur recalls Aamir Khan’s reaction during Batwara 1947 audition: “Who’s this girl? She’s good, she’s good!”; reveals, “My grandfather still gets nightmares about Partition”

Amitabh Bachchan recently revisited a warm memory of his late friend and longtime co-star Dharmendra while hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati 18. Remembering the veteran actor’s generosity and grounded nature, Bachchan shared how Dharmendra’s home was always open to people, including those who travelled from his village in Punjab.

According to Bachchan, Dharmendra’s hospitality was so unrestricted that people would often enter his house freely and make themselves comfortable. The anecdote offered a glimpse into the actor’s personality away from the spotlight, particularly his connection to his roots and his willingness to welcome people with warmth.

Recalling one such incident, Bachchan said, “Let me tell you another thing about his house. Their home was a ‘free for all’ whoever came, it was like their own house! I remember one day Dharam ji came home and saw 4-5 men walking up the stairs. So he asked them, ‘Who are you? What are you doing here?’ They said they had come from the village.”

Bachchan explained that Dharmendra initially assumed that his wife had invited the visitors. However, the actor himself apparently had no idea how many people would arrive at his home. “Dharmendra assumed that his wife had probably invited them! He himself didn’t even know how many people were coming and going in his house and always welcomed everybody with love and warmth. He had such a massive heart,” Bachchan recalled. Amitabh Bachchan remembered Dharmendra’s simplicity After Dharmendra’s death, Bachchan had written an emotional note remembering his friend not only for his screen presence but also for his simplicity and warmth. He described him as “the epitome of greatness” and praised the “largeness of his heart” that remained a defining part of his personality.

Bachchan also recalled how Dharmendra remained connected to his Punjabi roots despite spending decades in the Hindi film industry. “He brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament, unsoiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade. The fraternity underwent changes, not him,” he had written.

He further remembered Dharmendra’s “smile,” “charm” and “warmth”, describing the way he extended that affection to everyone around him as “a rarity in the profession.”

Bachchan concluded the tribute with the words, “The air about us swings vacant, a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus.”

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan offers a poignant tribute to Dharmendra: “He brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from”

Reports claiming that IPL founder and businessman Lalit Modi will enter the Bigg Boss 20 house have been denied by Modi, who has also issued a legal notice to publications and social media accounts that carried the claim. The clarification came a day after several social media accounts reported his alleged participation in the upcoming season of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show.

Taking to X early on Saturday morning, Modi categorically rejected the reports and said he has neither been approached for the show nor intends to participate in it.

“FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20. I am NOT participating in Bigg Boss 20. And I have NO intention of doing so. Amazing how a completely fabricated story can become ‘news’ without anyone bothering to ask the person concerned,” he wrote.

Modi also shared a legal notice issued by his lawyers, Hirani & Associates, and warned the publications and social media accounts that had carried the reports. “Perhaps next time, verify before you publish,” he added.

According to the legal notice, the reports suggesting that Modi had been signed as a contestant on Bigg Boss 20 are “false, baseless and mischievous.” His lawyers further clarified that Modi had not been approached by the show's producers, broadcasters, channel or any representative associated with the programme.

FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20. I am NOT participating in Bigg Boss 20. And I have NO intention of doing so.

Amazing how a completely fabricated story can become “news” without anyone bothering to ask the person concerned.

My lawyers have issued… pic.twitter.com/DUQZUbqUYn

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) August 14, 2026

“Our Client hereby clarifies that the said reports are false, baseless and mischievous. Our Client has not been approached by the producers, broadcasters, channel or any representative of the said Programme; no person has been authorised to represent our Client or to hold out on his behalf in respect thereof; and our Client has not consented to, and has no intention of, participating in or being associated with the said Programme in any manner whatsoever,” the notice stated.

The legal notice also pointed out that Modi had not confirmed his alleged participation to any publication. It stated that the reports were published without verification or authorisation and objected to the use of Modi's name, image, photograph, likeness, voice and other personality attributes to suggest an association with Bigg Boss 20.

Meanwhile, anticipation around the 20th season of Bigg Boss continues to build. Salman Khan is returning as the host, with the Hindi edition scheduled to premiere on September 6 on JioHotstar and Colors. The show's first trailer has already teased a new format element, with Salman introducing an additional ‘jeevan daan’, or lifeline, for contestants.

Also Read: Is Elnaaz Norouzi entering Bigg Boss 20? Here’s what we know

The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 has unveiled its winners, recognising a wide range of films, filmmakers, actors and storytellers from India and across the subcontinent. The awards celebrated diverse cinematic voices, notable performances and stories reflecting the changing landscape of Indian cinema.

Among the leading names honoured this year were Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, Kirti Kulhari, Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal.

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra won Best Film, while The Great Shamshuddin Family received a Special Mention in the category. Rima Das’ Not a Hero was named Best Indie Film, with Kikkran De Phull (Flowers of Acacia) receiving a Special Mention in the Indie Film category.

Rishab Shetty emerged as one of the evening’s major winners. He received the Best Director award for Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 and was also honoured with the Leadership in Cinema award for his contribution to contemporary Indian filmmaking and storytelling rooted in cultural identity.

Dulquer Salmaan won Best Actor for Kaantha, while Kirti Kulhari received Best Actress for Full Plate. Shahrbanoo Sadat’s No Good Men was named Best Film from the Subcontinent, and Madhushree Dutta’s Flying Tigers won Best Documentary Film.

The People’s Choice Award went to Saiyaara, while Sitaare Zameen Par received the Equality in Cinema Award, presented by La Trobe. Simran Mangeshkar received a Special Mention for her work on the film.

The festival also recognised diverse storytelling through the Rainbow Storyteller Award, presented to Lala and Poppy. In the Short Film Competitions, The Weight of Soil won in Australia, while Jo’s Turn emerged as the Indian winner.

The streaming categories saw Vijay Varma win Best Actor (Series) for Matka King, while Rasika Dugal was named Best Actress (Series) for Delhi Crime 3. Freedom At Midnight, Season 2 won Best Series.

Beyond the competitive categories, Pankaj Tripathi received the Artist of Distinction honour. IFFM also marked Rani Mukerji’s 30 years in cinema with a special recognition. Veteran actor Rekha was presented with the Excellence in Cinema award for her decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

The 2026 edition once again highlighted the range of Indian storytelling, bringing together mainstream films, independent cinema, documentaries, short films and streaming projects. Through its focus on cinema, diversity, equality and cultural exchange, IFFM continues to offer an international platform for filmmakers and artists from India and the subcontinent.

IFFM 2026 Winners

- Best Film: Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

- Best Film – Special Mention: The Great Shamshuddin Family

- Best Indie Film: Not a Hero – Rima Das

- Special Mention – Indie Film: Kikkran De Phull (Flowers of Acacia)

- Best Director: Rishab Shetty – Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1

- Best Actor: Dulquer Salmaan – Kaantha

- Best Actress: Kirti Kulhari – Full Plate

- Best Film from the Subcontinent: No Good Men – Shahrbanoo Sadat

- Best Documentary Film: Flying Tigers – Madhushree Dutta

- People’s Choice Award: Saiyaara

- Equality in Cinema Award, presented by La Trobe: Sitaare Zameen Par

- Special Mention – Equality in Cinema: Simran Mangeshkar – Sitaare Zameen Par

- Rainbow Storyteller Award: Lala and Poppy

- Short Film Competition (Australia): The Weight of Soil

- Short Film Competition (India): Jo’s Turn

- Best Actor (Series): Vijay Varma – Matka King

- Best Actress (Series): Rasika Dugal – Delhi Crime 3

- Best Series: Freedom At Midnight, Season 2

- Artist of Distinction: Pankaj Tripathi

- Special Recognition: 30 Years of Rani Mukerji

- Leadership in Cinema: Rishab Shetty

- Excellence in Cinema: Rekha

In 2020, Hansal Mehta made his digital debut with Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, a biographical financial thriller that became a groundbreaking success for SonyLIV and one of the most acclaimed Indian web series of its time. Mehta directed the Pratik Gandhi-led show with his filmmaker son Jai Mehta. Three years later, the franchise returned with Scam 2003: The Telgi Story; however, Hansal served only as showrunner, handing over directorial duties to Tushar Hiranandani. As the third season of the franchise, Scam 2010, takes shape, Hansal is set to return to the director’s chair, this time alongside a new co-director.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Sumit Purohit will co-direct Scam 2010 with Hansal Mehta. Purohit was among the writers of the first season and is intimately familiar with the franchise’s tone and storytelling approach, making him a natural fit for the job. The screenwriter made his directorial debut with the espionage thriller series Saare Jahan Se Accha and has also directed the satirical comedy-drama Baaghi Bechare, starring Pratik Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee and Faisal Malik, which is yet to be released. Scam 2010 will mark a significant step forward for Purohit as he transitions from writer on the first season to co-director of the third instalment.

Scam 2010 delves into the financial scandals surrounding maverick businessman Subrata Roy of Sahara India Pariwar. Marathi actor Siddharth Bodke (Devmanus, Drishyam 2) essays the role of Roy, while Kritika Singh (Rangbaaz), Moon Banerjee and CID fame Aditya Srivastava round out the principal cast. The show went on floors in late May and has since been shot across multiple locations, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun. The series is expected to wrap production by mid-September, with a global premiere on SonyLIV targeted for early 2027.

Produced by Applause Entertainment and Birla Studios, Scam 2010 will chronicle the meteoric rise of Roy’s vast business empire and the prolonged legal battles that followed. Based on Tamal Bandyopadhyay’s 2014 book Sahara: The Untold Story, the new season will explore the contradictions in Roy’s public image while examining the complex intersections of markets, governance and accountability in modern Indian finance.

Also Read: Scam 2010 begins production: Hansal Mehta to direct Siddharth Bodke in new chapter

Rani Mukerji was honoured at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) with a special citation recognising her excellence in acting. The honour marks her three-decade journey in Indian cinema and acknowledges the lasting connection she has built with audiences in India and around the world.

Mukerji became emotional while reflecting on her 30 years in the film industry and the affection she has continued to receive from audiences. Speaking at the festival, she described the journey as one filled with memories, dreams, achievements, setbacks and, above all, love.

“Thirty years! When I say those words out loud, they don’t feel like a number. They feel like a lifetime of memories… of dreams, of victories, of people, of failures and above all, of love,” she said.

The actress also spoke about how she defines success, stressing that for her, it is not simply about professional achievements but the love that remains with an artist over the years. “Success is the love that remains… year after year and only grows with time … that’s the only kind of success I have strived for,” Mukerji said.

Reflecting on her international journey, she recalled how she never imagined that the characters she portrayed early in her career would eventually connect with audiences beyond India. She acknowledged the warmth she has received from audiences in Australia and spoke about the reach of Indian cinema across borders.

“When I entered the Indian film industry as a young girl, I never imagined that one day my films and the characters that I have been fortunate enough to play, would take me across oceans … and that people in a beautiful country like Australia would embrace me with so much warmth,” she added.

Rani further highlighted the importance of audiences in completing an actor’s work. “As actors, we perform in front of a camera. But the real story begins only when that performance reaches someone’s heart,” she said.

The IFFM citation recognises Mukerji’s three-decade career, marked by successful films and memorable characters that continue to find new audiences across generations and countries.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Adnan Sami reveals Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Rani Mukerji, Raveena Tandon and others featured in his music videos for FREE: “Not one of them charged a penny”

The second season of The Traitors has started with high drama, unexpected eliminations and accusations among the contestants. Hosted by Karan Johar, the reality show returned with its first three episodes, introducing viewers to a game filled with suspicion and betrayal. Comedian Munawar Faruqui became one of the biggest talking points after he was eliminated during the first Circle of Shaq.

During the first round, Munawar openly accused Mallika Sherawat of being a traitor. However, his strategy raised suspicions among several contestants, who felt that he was behaving like a traitor himself. As the voting began, Munawar received the highest number of votes and was eliminated from the game.

The actual traitors at that point were Kullu, Krystle D’Souza and Harman Singha, while Shahneel Gill was later recruited as the fourth traitor in the second episode.

After his elimination, Munawar addressed the contestants and said that he had expected to be targeted. He said, “I had expected this to happen to me. I knew I would have to face it. This often happens to me. It is not the first time. This is not the first time that I have been targeted.”

He further accused the contestants of acting out of insecurity, adding, “Call me a soft target or someone too good to be there. I can clearly see through the insecurities of other people, and you will see how end up looking. Because your insecurities will be visible.”

When Karan Johar asked Munawar to reveal whether he was a traitor or an innocent, the comedian appeared emotional and strongly reacted. “F*** off, guys! I was playing the game! I wanted to play it well! I am an innocent! F*** off, insecure bunch of people. They thought I would eat them up here. They are all scared. Now recognise who is the one amongst you,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dalip Tahil became the first contestant to leave the game after receiving the least number of gold coins, while Karan Singh Magic became the first contestant to be murdered by the traitors. The Traitors Season 2 is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Also Read : Samay Raina roasts Munawar Faruqui’s second marriage by comparing him with Aamir Khan: “Aamir sir jaise game toh Munawar ne khela hai”