Wednesday, July 29
Connie Francis, the iconic voice behind timeless classics like 'Stupid Cupid' and 'Mama,' has passed away at 87. Her close friend Ron Roberts confirmed the news, sharing that she had been hospitalized recently due to health concerns. Francis had expressed gratitude to fans for their support during her final days.
Mohit Suri's 'Saiyaara' makes a mark before release. The film's advance booking surpasses Rs 7.50 crore. It becomes the second biggest Day 1 opener for a debutant-led film. 'Saiyaara' overtakes 'Student of the Year'. The film stars Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday. Its music and emotional trailer create buzz. Makers offer discount on tickets. The film may break 'Dhadak's' record.
Kiara Advani's pregnancy led to her departure from 'Don 3,' paving the way for Kriti Sanon to star opposite Ranveer Singh. Farhan Akhtar's production confirmed Kriti as the lead, with filming scheduled to begin in January 2026. Meanwhile, Kiara and Siddharth Malhotra welcomed their daughter on July 15, while the search for the film's antagonist continues.
Beyond the glitz of Bollywood, several Indian actors nurture a heartwarming tradition of sharing food and love. Stars like Salman Khan and Prabhas are renowned for treating their co-stars and crew to lavish, home-cooked meals. This generosity fosters bonding and a sense of community on set, reflecting the age-old Indian principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.
Maharashtra is embroiled in a language controversy following the government's decision to mandate Hindi for Class I students. Actress Renuka Shahane emphasized the importance of respecting local language and culture, advocating for accommodation rather than violence. Her husband, Ashutosh Rana, highlighted language as a tool for communication, promoting dialogue and acceptance within India's diverse society.
Following Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit' due to long work shifts, a debate sparked about work-life balance in the entertainment industry. Ram Kapoor shared his perspective, acknowledging the demanding hours, especially in television. He emphasized that achieving success allows actors to negotiate working hours, but commitment to projects remains crucial, and he feels fortunate to have the flexibility he enjoys.
Director Kabir Khan reveals that Kareena Kapoor Khan was his only choice for Rasika in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan,' even though it was a small role. Khan recalls that Kareena was moved to tears during the narration and immediately agreed to be part of the film.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again voiced his disapproval of the restrictions placed on filmmakers by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). His debut film Paanch (2003) ran into trouble over its portrayal of violence, drug use, and strong language. The movie could not make it to the theatres even after receiving a certificate, reportedly due to financial constraints.
Salman Khan is gearing up for the release of his next movie, Battle of Galwan. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, revolves around the fierce 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. Salman recently shared how physically demanding his character is in the movie.
Mandakini, who became an overnight sensation after her debut in 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili,' revealed the challenges she faced in the male-dominated Bollywood of the 1980s. She recounted instances where male actors influenced casting decisions, leading to her rejection from projects.
