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Wednesday, 22 January 2025

January 22, 2025

Ira Khan shares heartwarming childhood photo with brother Junaid Khan, reflecting on sibling bond

Ira Khan, daughter of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, has shared a heartwarming childhood picture with her older brother, Junaid Khan, on social media. In the nostalgic post, the two siblings are seen enjoying each other’s company.

Ira captioned, “When he still thought I was cute! And look how excited I am to receive his attention and affection! I think we’re both cute.”

 

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  A post shared by Ira Khan (@khan.ira)

The candid caption not only reflects the sibling duo’s close bond but also captures a moment of innocence from their early years. Ira humorously added, “Someone asked me who’s older. Junaid!! 5 whole years. How is that even a question!? Can’t tell who’s being complimented and who’s being insulted.”

As fans showered the post with love, Ira playfully pointed out Junaid’s GenZ vibes, saying, “Though he does look very GenZ in #loveyapa” – referring to his upcoming film Loveyapa.

Loveyapa, set in the realm of modern romance, offers a heartwarming tale enriched with unforgettable performances, lively music, and breathtaking visuals. Celebrating love in all its shades, the film is poised to resonate with audiences of all ages. Loveyapa is poised to be one of 2025’s most exciting cinematic offerings. Mark your calendars for 7th February 2025 to embark on this enchanting journey of love.

Also Read : Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira Khan opens up about her evolving bond with brother Junaid Khan; says, “We fought every single day till he finished school”



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January 22, 2025

Rajnath Singh attends special screening of Sky Force, praises film’s tribute to Indian Air Forces

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently attended a screening of Sky Force, featuring Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, and shared his appreciation for the cast and crew on X (formerly Twitter). Akshay Kumar responded with gratitude, calling it a great honour for him and the team that the CDS and the three service chiefs made time to watch the film. Photos from the event, highlighting the special screening, were also shared online.

Rajnath Singh shared on X, “Joined CDS and three service chiefs at the special screening of ‘Sky Force’. The film narrates the story of Indian Air Force’s bravery, courage and sacrifice during the 1965 War. I laud the makers of the film for their efforts.” The photos featured Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Amar Kaushik, and Dinesh Vijan posing alongside Rajnath Singh and the three service chiefs.

Joined CDS and three service chiefs at the special screening of ‘Sky Force’. The film narrates the story of Indian Air Force’s bravery, courage and sacrifice during the 1965 War. I laud the makers of the film for their efforts. pic.twitter.com/a6NBB7Qkto — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 21, 2025

Akshay Kumar responded to Rajnath Singh’s tweet, writing, “Thank you, Sir. An absolute honour for me and the team of Skyforce that you, the CDS and the three service chiefs took out time to watch and bless our film. We’ve made it with a lot of gratitude and pride for the courage of our armed forces.”

Thank you, Sir. An absolute honour for me and the team of Skyforce that you, the CDS and the three service chiefs took out time to watch and bless our film. We’ve made it with a lot of gratitude and pride for the courage of our armed forces. ???? https://t.co/6o0CcDCu8H — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 21, 2025

Sky Force actors Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, portraying Air Force officers in the film, hosted a special screening for NCC cadets in Delhi yesterday. The event also featured the film’s producers, Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik. A special mention was made to Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh and the Indian Air Force’s Disha Cell for their support.

The NCC, the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, brought vibrant energy to the screening, with cadets visibly engrossed and reacting with awe to the film's impactful and emotional moments.

Sky Force highlights the untold story of India’s first and deadliest airstrike, presenting a compelling narrative of bravery, strategy, and sacrifice.

Also Read : Sky Force actor Akshay Kumar misses out on Bigg Boss 18 segment with Salman Khan; here’s the reason!



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January 22, 2025

Ayushmann Khurrana pens heartfelt birthday message for wife Tahira Kashyap’s 42nd birthday

Tahira Kashyap, wife of actor Ayushmann Khurrana, is celebrating her 42nd birthday today, January 21. Marking the occasion, Ayushmann shared a heartfelt birthday message on Instagram, accompanied by a monochrome photograph. In the image, Ayushmann is seen gazing at Tahira as she turns her head while walking.

In another post, Ayushmann Khurrana beautifully encapsulated their journey from young love to a happily married life. He shared a heartfelt note reflecting their evolving love story and wrote, “‘Ayush! Papa aa gaye! Baad mein phone karti hoon.’ Se le kar ‘Papa! Ayush aa gaya! Baad mein phone karti hoon.’ Tak ka ishq dekha hai.”

 

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  A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk)

The post quickly garnered reactions from fans and celebrities alike. Singer Harshdeep Kaur commented, “Ufff How cute!” Actor Rajkummar Rao shared his wishes, writing, “Happy Birthday @tahirakashyap.” Actress Malvika Mohanan added, “Such a cute photo.”

Tahira Kashyap and Ayushmann Khurrana tied the knot in 2008 after nearly seven years of dating. They welcomed their first child, a son named Virajveer, in 2012, followed by their daughter, Varushka, in 2014.

On the work front, Ayushmann Khurrana is currently filming his upcoming project Thama, a “bloody love story” featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, known for Munjya, the film is set to release during Diwali 2025.

In addition, Ayushmann is also working on an untitled action thriller backed by Karan Johar, co-starring Sara Ali Khan. Written and directed by Aakash Kaushik, the film's official release date has yet to be announced.

Tahira Kashyap made her directorial debut with the 2024 comedy-drama Sharmajee Ki Beti, which stars Sakshi Tanwar, Divya Dutta, Saiyami Kher, Pravin Dabas, and Shairb Hashmi in lead roles. The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Also Read : Tahira Kashyap recalls special moments from her first Lohri after marrying Ayushmann Khurrana: “My in-laws hosted a party to celebrate us, the newlywed couple”



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January 22, 2025

20 Years of Page 3 EXCLUSIVE: "5-6 actresses turned down the film; most of the actors in the film didn't understand what I was making; my editor asked, 'Yeh film mein story bhi hai ya sirf party chal rahi hai?'" - Madhur Bhandarkar

“We have to be in the system to change the system” – This dialogue uttered by Vinayak Mane (Atul Kulkarni) to Madhavi Sharma (Konkona Sen Sharma) in Page 3 (2005) is simple and yet quite hard-hitting and relevant even today for journalists, 20 years later. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, this film was in real terms what we call a ‘sleeper hit’. It was released without much expectation and many were not even aware of the Page 3 culture. Yet, the film grew with each passing day, shocking the industry and trade. As Page 3 completed 20 years on January 21, Madhur Bhandarkar spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about the film, his memories and a lot more.

At the very beginning of the film, you have thanked Shatrughan Sinha. Why was that?

Before Page 3, I directed Aan (2004), which starred him. I wanted to honour him as he encouraged me to make Page 3. He was one of the few ones to do so. For the same reason, I also thanked Raj Babbar.

Suniel Shetty was also in Aan. Is this how you got him to do a cameo in Page 3?

Suniel Shetty happened to be in Taj President where I was shooting a party scene. He learned that I was filming and he came to meet me. This is when I got the idea of having his cameo. It made sense since he’s a celebrity and hence, we could show that people take photos with him and his autograph. If you notice, he has appeared in casuals and not in party clothes as his cameo was a sudden decision. He was sweet enough to play himself. So, it's not like I planned the cameo or that he came specifically to shoot the scene.

As per the IMDB trivia, Kareena Kapoor was the original choice and not Konkona Sen Sharma..

I don’t want to name any one actor but the fact is that 5-6 actresses turned down the film. Some had issues with the fees, some had date problems and some had issues with the script. I made Chandni Bar (2001) and Satta (2003) which were hard-hitting flicks. With Page 3, they didn’t think the role was meaty enough as the protagonist was a rookie journalist who covered parties. They were of the opinion that she was not doing substantial. They came with the reference of Tabu and Raveena Tandon in Chandni Bar and Satta respectively. They were far stronger characters and they wanted something of that sort from Page 3. Also, they wanted to know who’d play their love interest. Also, many people didn’t understand what the concept of Page 3 was all about! And on top of it, they felt that the protagonist was one-dimensional and didn’t have an arc. What happens is that certain films are in the director’s mind. Hence, I don’t blame actors as they have a very myopic view. Very few actors understand the true essence of the script. And I was not ready to change the script. I wanted to make it my way. Honestly, 50% of the film was improvised and we thought of scenes and dialogues on the sets. My characters were defined but, on the set, we used to be like ‘Tu aise bol de, tu aise kar de’.

How did Konkona Sen Sharma come on board?

I am a very restless filmmaker. I want to make the film now as I’d lose interest after 4-6 months. Hence, I told my producer Bobby Pushkarna to make films with newcomers. I had seen Konkona in Mr & Mrs Iyer (2002). It was released in limited theatres. I had seen it on the big screen and I loved it. I called director Aparna Sen and praised her work. She told me, ‘If you can tell my daughter the same thing, she’ll be very happy’. Konkona then came on the line. She was pleasantly surprised to hear my voice. She said she was a fan of my work and expressed the desire to work with me.

A year after this conversation, I told Bobby that we should consider her. He asked me her name and I said, ‘Her name is Konkona Sen Sharma’. He replied, ‘Itna bada naam hai’! He didn’t know about Aparna Sen but I told him to watch Mr & Mrs Iyer. I assured her that she looks like a journalist and a girl next door and that we can make the film in a stipulated budget with her. Bobby liked her performance though he had doubts as no one in Bollywood knew Konkona.

Nevertheless, I called Konkona and told her that I had a role for her. She got excited and came down to Mumbai. We met and told her that I was making a film named Page 3. Her instant reaction was, ‘What is Page 3?’! I explained the concept, her character and the subject. 15-20 minutes later, she told me, ‘I am not understanding it’. But then she said, ‘I know you are a good filmmaker. I have seen Satta and Chandni Bar. I know you’ll make a good film. I’ll work based on your conviction’. She suggested that I should keep guiding her.

How did you finalize the rest of the actors?

This is also the time when Boman Irani’s Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) had just been released. I called and appreciated his work in that film. I then offered him the role and made it clear that I don’t have a big budget. In fact, I told this to every actor, ‘I don’t have a big budget’ (laughs)! Boman replied, ‘I know you are a good filmmaker’ and agreed to do the film.

Atul Kulkarni, meanwhile, had worked on Satta and Chandni Bar with me. When I offered him the part, he replied, ‘Tujhe toh mana kar hi nahin sakta main’. Upendra Limaye has become big today after Animal (2023). But I was the one to give him a break in Chandni Bar. He was gung-ho when I asked him to play the cop in Page 3. He said, ‘Madhur, tere liye toh anytime’.

I then called up Bikram Saluja, Suhasini Mulay ji, Soni Razdan ji, Darshan Jariwala, Kunickaa Sadanand, Kurush Deboo, etc. Basically, I assembled all my friends and told them that paisa nahin hai, chhoti film hai. Thankfully, they signed the film.

How was the experience of shooting the parties?

Well, it was like a party every night! Since we didn’t have a budget, we used to get access to five-star hotels to shoot the party scenes only after 10 pm. The hotel management reasoned, ‘Din mein corporate events chalte hai. Toh aapko access 10 ke baad milega’. Hence, all the party scenes used to be shot between 10 pm and 6 am. The actors used to be exhausted. When Konkona was in the foreground and was talking to Tara Sharma, we needed to show Soni ji, Kunickaa, etc. in the background. These actors used to be asleep in the van and we’ll wake them up at 2 am. They would then put up the make-up, do touch-ups, wear jewellery, etc. and give the shot. At times, they had no dialogues but they had to be there. At times, they are just going left to right or right to left. Hence, it was a challenging task.

Some people joked ‘Teri picture ka naam Page 3 hai ya Pastry hai?’! I am being very honest but most of the actors also didn’t understand what was I making! They were wondering ‘Yeh humko har jagah party karwa raha hai’! We used to send the footage to the editor every day. He would scan the footage and tell my producer, ‘Yeh film mein story bhi hai ya sirf party chal rahi hai?’ (laughs). He got the National Award, by the way! Nevertheless, I knew how strong my subject was and how it would unfold.

One of the highlights of the film is Manoj Joshi as the driver and how he and other drivers gossip about their masters…

I had the scene in my mind but I shot it much later, after completing the principal shoot. Then one day of patch work was remaining. This is when I decided to shoot.

Let me tell you how I got the idea. Once, I was at the Centaur Hotel, Juhu. I tried calling my driver but there was a network issue. So, I came walking towards my car. This is when I saw 8-9 drivers chit-chatting. I liked the visual of all these drivers, clad in white uniforms, discussing something as if ki panchayat chal rahi ho! We left and on the way, I asked the driver, ‘Kya baat cheet kar rahe the tum log?’. My driver was so enthusiastic that he told me that one driver was talking about his boss, an actor, who was having an affair with an actress. I asked him ‘Tune mere baare mein kya baat ki?’ (laughs)! He replied, ‘Aapke baare mein baat nahin ki’ though I didn’t trust him!

Hence, I wanted a driver’s point of view, like what are they thinking when we are partying inside. After all, the driver is someone from whom you cannot hide anything. You might think that you can talk in English and he won’t understand but he does. At times, the drivers analyze your body language and understand where you want to go next!

How did you sign Manoj Joshi for the role?

I called him as I had worked with him in Chandni Bar and Satta. I told him, like I told others, that I don’t have a budget! I explained to him that he plays like the head of the driver. We shot his scenes in Film City by parking 4-5 cars. The rest of the actors were real drivers. I shot the scenes together and then spread them throughout the film. After watching the film, many people told me that they have stopped talking in front of the drivers (laughs)!

Another scene that stands out is the funeral scene. It’s a bit funny but also very heart-breaking…

It is inspired by a real-life chautha that I attended of a Bollywood celebrity. I don’t want to mention whose chautha it was. But I was shocked to see the mighty people of Bollywood discussing ‘Did you see my movie?’, ‘What is your plan for tonight?’, ‘Are you partying tomorrow?’ while the bhajan was being sung on the stage. Hence, I decided to have a funeral scene in Page 3.

Page 3 is about homosexuality, paedophile, etc. and yet it got a U/A certificate and not an ‘A’ certificate…

The Censor people were shocked to see the film but they loved it. Also, they knew I had made Chandni Bar and Satta and were aware of where I was coming from. Hence, they appreciated it and said that they wanted this film to be seen by everybody. They just mute or maybe delete 2-3 abusive words. That’s it.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Madhur Bhandarkar’s next to expose the untold scandals of the Wives Of Bollywood: “It’s like Page 3 on steroids”



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Tuesday, 21 January 2025

January 21, 2025

Saif Ali Khan to get discharged on January 21: Report

Amid several new angles surfacing about the incident that occured on January 16, the Khan family will soon be heaving a sigh of relief as the actor is all set to return home. According to current reports, the hospital authorities will be discharging Saif Ali Khan after his surgery and treatment as soon as possible. While news about his discharge have been doing the rounds for quite some time now, it was confirmed by the doctors at Lilavati on Tuesday.

Saif Ali Khan to receive discharge on January 21 Dr. Nitin Dange has confirmed the details wherein it is being said that the papers for the discharge were filed on Monday evening. After reviewing the same, the hospital officials will be scheduling the discharge on Tuesday, somewhere between 10 am to 12 pm.

Saif Ali Khan underwent two surgeries For the unversed, Khan was stabbed six times on different parts of his body during an attack at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The actor was taken to Lilavati hospital in an autorickshaw where he had to undergo couple of surgeries including plastic surgery to recover from the wounds. The hospital doctors, however asserted that the actor received the right treatment at the right time which played a key role in his recovery.

More details on the attack While initial reports suggested that this was robbery that went wrong, it seems that the police continue investigate every angle. As per the latest reports, Khan’s wife Kareena Kapoor Khan was summoned to give her statement, wherein, she revealed that Saif Ali Khan sustained these injuries while trying to protect the attacker from going towards her second son Jeh. In the statement, she reportedly, also insisted that ther were some pieces of jewellery lying around the house, which the intruder didn't seem interested in.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan has received immense support from the industry folk who have expressed concern and raised questions about the security given to celebrities.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Attack: Suspect presented in court, undergoes custodial interrogation for further investigation



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January 21, 2025

Saif Ali Khan may get discharged on January 21: Report

Amid several new angles surfacing about the incident that occured on January 16, the Khan family will soon be heaving a sigh of relief as the actor is all set to return home. According to current reports, the hospital authorities will be discharging Saif Ali Khan after his surgery and treatment as soon as possible. While news about his discharge have been doing the rounds for quite some time now, it was confirmed by the doctors at Lilavati on Tuesday.

Saif Ali Khan to receive discharge on January 21 Dr. Nitin Dange has confirmed the details wherein it is being said that the papers for the discharge were filed on Monday evening. After reviewing the same, the hospital officials will be scheduling the discharge on Tuesday, somewhere between 10 am to 12 pm.

Saif Ali Khan underwent two surgeries For the unversed, Khan was stabbed six times on different parts of his body during an attack at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The actor was taken to Lilavati hospital in an autorickshaw where he had to undergo couple of surgeries including plastic surgery to recover from the wounds. The hospital doctors, however asserted that the actor received the right treatment at the right time which played a key role in his recovery.

More details on the attack While initial reports suggested that this was robbery that went wrong, it seems that the police continue investigate every angle. As per the latest reports, Khan’s wife Kareena Kapoor Khan was summoned to give her statement, wherein, she revealed that Saif Ali Khan sustained these injuries while trying to protect the attacker from going towards her second son Jeh. In the statement, she reportedly, also insisted that ther were some pieces of jewellery lying around the house, which the intruder didn't seem interested in.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan has received immense support from the industry folk who have expressed concern and raised questions about the security given to celebrities.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Attack: Suspect presented in court, undergoes custodial interrogation for further investigation



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Monday, 20 January 2025

January 20, 2025

Rs. 1 crore without a single frame: How Shah Rukh Khan's star power sold Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

In the vibrant tapestry of Bollywood’s history, few moments shine as brightly as the pre-release buzz surrounding Shah Rukh Khan’s 2000 film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. A film that exemplified the unparalleled star power of Shah Rukh Khan, it created record hype in the trade even before a single frame had been revealed to the public. Here’s a nostalgic look back at the phenomenon surrounding its release, the magic of its making, and the milestones it achieved.

Before its release, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani created ripples in the Bollywood trade circles by setting an unprecedented benchmark in the sale of its sub-distribution rights for Gujarat. The film was sold for a staggering Rs. 1 crore - a record-breaking figure at the time, reflecting the extraordinary hype surrounding it. The buyers, S.M. Movies, demonstrated immense faith in the project by paying almost half of this amount upfront as a signing fee, underscoring their confidence in the film’s potential to captivate audiences and rake in substantial box office returns.

What made this deal even more remarkable was that S.M. Movies committed to this monumental investment without having seen a single frame of the movie. This gamble on the star power of Shah Rukh Khan and the production team’s reputation spoke volumes about the buzz surrounding the film. To mitigate their risk, the buyers strategically negotiated exceptional Minimum Guarantees (MGs) from various exhibitors across Gujarat. This approach ensured that their investment was hedged by securing fixed revenues from individual territories, irrespective of the film’s eventual performance.

The deal not only underscored Shah Rukh Khan’s magnetic appeal as a superstar but also highlighted the industry’s high expectations from his new production venture under the Dreamz Unlimited banner. It became a defining moment in Bollywood’s distribution landscape, showcasing the sheer power of star-driven cinema and the trust Shah Rukh commanded both as a performer and as a producer.

What made this deal remarkable was the dual role Shah Rukh Khan played — not just as the lead star but also as the producer. Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani marked the first film produced under the banner of Dreamz Unlimited, a production house Shah Rukh Khan co-founded with Juhi Chawla and Aziz Mirza. This ambitious venture was a step towards creating content-driven cinema with a commercial edge. The record-setting deal underscored Shah Rukh’s growing clout in Bollywood, both as a performer and a savvy businessman.

Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani was not just a star-driven vehicle; it was a daring satire on the sensationalism of media and the corrupt nexus between politics and journalism. The film boldly addressed issues like ethics in journalism and the exploitation of common citizens, a theme that remains relevant even today.

Despite its noble intentions, the film underperformed at the box office. Critics and audiences were divided on its mix of comedy and social commentary, though Shah Rukh Khan’s performance was widely appreciated. While Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani didn’t set the box office ablaze, its record-breaking sub-distribution deal remains a testament to Shah Rukh Khan’s unmatched star power. The movie also marked the beginning of his journey as a producer, laying the foundation for future successes under his production banner, including Chennai Express, Raees, and Jawan.

As we look back, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani stands as a bold experiment that blended Shah Rukh Khan’s undeniable charm with an effort to tell a meaningful story. The record-breaking Gujarat deal was just one of the many milestones in the illustrious journey of the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. Truly, Shah Rukh sells - and how!

Also Read: 23 Years of Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani EXCLUSIVE: Writer Manoj Lalwani reveals it was not difficult to convince Shah Rukh Khan to wear the red towel: “He is very COOL. Unko convince karne ki zaroorat hi nahin. Woh khud bolenge, ‘Chalo main karta hoon’”



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