Babil Khan’s family and team respond to viral video, they say he was ‘acknowledging’ his peers

Over the past few years, Babil Khan has earned immense love and appreciation for his work, as well as for his openness about his mental health journey. Like anyone else, Babil is allowed to have difficult days — and this was one of them. We want to reassure all his well-wishers that he is safe and will be feeling better soon.

That said, a video of Babil has been widely misinterpreted and taken out of context.

In the clip, Babil was sincerely acknowledging a few of his peers whom he believes are making meaningful contributions to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. His mention of artists like Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, Adarsh Gourav, Arjun Kapoor, and Arijit Singh came from a place of genuine admiration — for their authenticity, passion, and efforts to restore credibility and heart in the industry.

We respectfully urge media publications and the public to consider the full context of his words rather than drawing conclusions from fragmented video clips.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, where moments captured on camera can be easily taken out of context. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the full context before forming judgments.

Babil Khan continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his acting talent and his openness about his personal experiences. His recent works include performances in The Railway Men and the upcoming project The Umesh Chronicles alongside Amitabh Bachchan.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Babil Khan SLAMS formulaic cinema; says, “We’ve forgotten how to take risks”

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Saif Ali Khan clears the air on apologizing to son Taimur while watching Adipurush; says, “I apologised for being evil, not for the film”

Saif Ali Khan has set the record straight after a clip from a recent Netflix India video sparked chatter about him apologising to his son Taimur for making him watch Adipurush. In the segment, Saif was seen speaking to his Jewel Thief co-star Jaideep Ahlawat, where he mentioned Taimur giving him a look during the film. While it led many to believe the young boy had seen the movie and didn’t enjoy it, Saif now offers the full story.

“I apologised to Tim for being the evil villain in the film. I was growling and smashing everyone in sight! He said next time you should play the hero. I stand by all my films, and this one too.”

Adipurush, a modern retelling of the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, featured Saif in the role of Lankesh, a character based on the demon king Ravana. In contrast, Prabhas played the heroic Ram. Saif’s portrayal of the antagonist drew mixed reactions from audiences, but he remains confident about his performance.

The actor’s clarification has put an end to the rumors, reinforcing his pride in his body of work. It seems that while Taimur may have had a playful critique of his dad’s villainous role, Saif’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering. The candid moment between father and son has only added to the buzz surrounding Saif’s latest project.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar to play villain opposite Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan’s Oppam remake

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Abir Gulaal posts featuring Fawad Khan removed from Vaani Kapoor’s Instagram account following Pahalgam terror attack

Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor is slated to star alongside Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in his return to Bollywood with the film Abir Gulaal. However, following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, the film encountered significant backlash, with government sources informing PTI that it would not be permitted to release in India. In the wake of this, all traces of the film’s promotional content have been removed from Vaani’s Instagram account.

Shortly after the Pahalgam attack, all posts related to Abir Gulaal and Fawad Khan were removed from Vaani Kapoor’s Instagram. This included everything from posters and teasers to behind-the-scenes content. However, as reported by Times Now, Vaani’s team explained that the actress did not personally delete the posts. Since the content was shared as Instagram collaborations, the film’s production team handled the deletion, which led to the automatic removal of the posts from Vaani’s profile as well.

This action followed the restriction of Instagram accounts belonging to several Pakistani celebrities, including Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, and others, in India after the Pahalgam terror attack. Users attempting to access these profiles from India are greeted with a blank page and a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

For those unaware, Abir Gulaal, a romantic drama directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, was set to release in India on May 9. However, in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan, government sources informed PTI, “The movie Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be allowed to release in India.”

On April 22, 26 people, mostly civilians, were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir. This attack has been called the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019. Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and others condemned the incident. Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, also expressed their grief over the tragic loss of lives.

On the work front, Vaani Kapoor is seen in the recently-released Raid 2, where she plays the role of Ajay Devgn’s wife. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film also features Saurabh Shukla, Riteish Deshmukh, Rajat Kapoor, and Supriya Pathak in important roles. Next, she will appear in Badtameez Gill, alongside Aparshakti Khurana, Paresh Rawal, Sheeba Chaddha, Richard Bhakti Klein, and Monica Chaudhary in significant roles. The release date for the film is yet to be announced.

Also Read : Raid 2 Box Office Estimate Day 1: Ajay Devgn packs a punch with Rs. 18 crore opening on Day 1; exceeds trade expectations by 50%

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Prime Focus Group partners with Maharashtra Government to build $ 400 million global entertainment hub in Mumbai

Prime Focus Group, the world’s largest independent media services company, announced in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra its plans to develop a new global entertainment hub in Mumbai, the center of India’s film industry.

The announcement outlines an investment of 3000crs (approximately $400m USD) in the development of a new entertainment ecosystem, creating a unique destination for content creators, tourists, and fans of entertainment from all over the world, and creating thousands of highly skilled jobs in the region.

Prime Focus, established in 1997 by founder Namit Malhotra and listed on both the National and Bombay Stock Exchanges of India, is the parent company of the Prime Focus Group, which includes eight-time Academy Awardⓒ-winning visual effects and animation company DNEG, AI technology company BRAHMA, and content financing and production company Prime Focus Studios.

The facilities proposed for the new site include:

world-class production studios to facilitate high-end content creation, supported by a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure
creation of a worldwide entertainment destination, with live entertainment facilities, theme parks, and experience centres
and lifestyle experiences, including shopping and dining destinations, top-flight hotels, housing, and more.

The Prime Focus Group already owns and operates one of Asia’s largest production facilities in Mumbai, including eight Hollywood-designed soundstages in a 200,000 square foot studio complex. The Group’s post-production facilities, including its DNEG Mumbai studio, are located nearby.

The Honourable Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “Growth, infrastructure development, and a sustainable future are all vital to the development of Maharashtra. As we continue to lead the way in massive infrastructure projects – including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, the coastal road, and the Vadhvan Port – I am glad to add the creation of this next-generation entertainment hub to the list of projects that are transforming our state, keeping us at the forefront of India’s growth and development. I look forward to working with Prime Focus and DNEG to create a world-class production and tourism destination, securing Mumbai’s position as a filmmaking and entertainment centre of excellence.”

Prime Focus Group Founder Namit Malhotra said, “My vision for this development, which is shared by the Honourable Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, is to honour the 100+ year legacy of our world-renowned movie industry by bringing together the combined might of the Prime Focus Group companies – including DNEG’s Oscar-winning creativity, Brahma’s AI technology, and Prime Focus Studios financing and production capabilities – to build the world’s most advanced and innovative centre of excellence for the creation of content, right at the heart of our filmmaking heritage, here in Mumbai.”

“Leveraging our country’s history of skilled craftsmanship and innovation, we are not just developing the world’s foremost content creation centre; we are also creating a destination that presents India’s culture, our history, and our capabilities to the world, with entertainment and lifestyle experiences that are second-to-none,” continued Malhotra. “This new site will be a best practice example of what India can deliver in technology, creativity, and entertainment, and will become a worldwide leisure destination, right at the heart of one of the world’s oldest filmmaking industries. We are bringing India to the world by bringing the world to India.”

Also Read : Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin thanks VFX teams for pushing the limits: “Their creativity and technical expertise were instrumental in crafting the film’s climax”

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Hrithik Roshan wields a Japanese sword in War 2 LEAKED photo

The internet is in a frenzy after a high-octane sword fight scene featuring Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan from the upcoming action thriller War 2 was leaked online. The viral clip, showcasing Roshan in a breathtaking duel within a Japanese monastery, has sparked a whirlwind of excitement among fans while raising concerns about piracy and spoilers for one of 2025’s most anticipated films. As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War gears up for its August 14 release, this leak has only amplified the hype surrounding the Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe.

A Glimpse of Epic Action
The leaked photo captures Hrithik Roshan in “beast mode,” wielding a traditional Japanese katana in a meticulously choreographed sword fight set against the serene backdrop of a Japanese monastery. The scene, rumored to be Roshan’s grand entry as RAW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, was filmed at YRF’s state-of-the-art studio in Andheri, Mumbai, designed to resemble a 300-year-old hilltop monastery enveloped in misty grandeur.

Leaked picture of #HritikRoshan from War 2
Somebody’s cooking. pic.twitter.com/6cAMYOvneU

— Let’s Talk TV|Latest Updates (@letstalktv___) May 3, 2025

War 2, a direct sequel to the 2019 hit War, reunites Roshan with the YRF Spy Universe, where he reprises his role as the rogue-turned-hero Kabir. Joining him is Telugu superstar Jr NTR, rumored to play the formidable antagonist, and Kiara Advani in a pivotal role. Fans can expect cameos from Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan as Pathaan and Tiger, respectively, alongside a post-credit scene featuring Alia Bhatt from the upcoming Alpha. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the sequences were shot in Spain, Italy, and Mumbai.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan calls War 2 his ‘easiest film so far’; praises Jr NTR and Ayan Mukerji

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Babil Khan calls Bollywood “f*cked” and “the fakest industry” in now-deleted video

Babil Khan, the son of late acting legend Irrfan Khan, sent shockwaves through the Bollywood community after posting a series of emotional videos on Instagram, where he was seen crying and lambasting the film industry. The now-deleted clips, which went viral on Reddit, featured Babil criticizing Bollywood as “f*cked” and “the fakest industry” he’s ever been part of, while naming actors like Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, and Adarsh Gourav. The raw outburst has raised widespread concern for the young actor’s well-being and ignited discussions about the pressures of navigating Bollywood’s competitive landscape.

In the videos, Babil appeared visibly distressed, slurring his words as he expressed frustration with the industry’s dynamics. “Bollywood is so f*cked. Bollywood is so, so rude,” he said, as shared by a Reddit user. In another clip, he added, “Bollywood is the most fakest industry that I’ve ever been a part of. But there are a few people who want Bollywood to be better… I have so much more to give you.” The videos were quickly removed from his Instagram Stories, but not before they spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of support and worry from fans.
His PR is gonna have a hard time tomorrow
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another part of the story babil had put
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The context of Babil’s emotional breakdown remains unclear, leaving fans and netizens speculating about what triggered his anguish. As of now, Babil has not addressed the viral videos or issued an official statement.

Speaking of the work front, the 26-year-old actor made his acting debut with Qala and recently starred in the digital-age thriller Logout, streaming on Zee5.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Babil Khan SLAMS formulaic cinema; says, “We’ve forgotten how to take risks”

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EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar to play villain opposite Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan’s Oppam remake

In what promises to be one of the most electrifying face-offs in recent Bollywood history, Akshay Kumar is set to take a dark turn in Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller opposite Saif Ali Khan. While Bollywood Hungama was the first to report on Akshay Kumar joining the cast of the Hindi remake of Oppam, we now have an exclusive update on the superstar’s role—and it’s bound to surprise his fans.

According to a well-placed industry insider, Akshay Kumar will be playing the villain in this edge-of-the-seat thriller. “While Saif Ali Khan takes on the lead role, it’s Akshay who will be cast in a menacing avatar. The film is essentially a high-stakes battle between Akshay and Saif, and they’re going to go all out against each other. It’s going to be a gripping and intense watch,” the source revealed.

This marks a rare departure for Akshay Kumar, who is known for his heroic turns in action-packed dramas and comedies alike. His decision to play an antagonist in a Priyadarshan thriller adds a fresh dimension to both his career and the film’s anticipation.

Priyadarshan, known for crafting some of Indian cinema’s most memorable comedies and dramas, is reuniting with Akshay after several years. The duo has given audiences beloved hits like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Garam Masala. However, this collaboration ventures into darker, more psychological territory, as it adapts Mohanlal’s acclaimed Malayalam film Oppam for Hindi audiences.

The film is scheduled to go on floors in August 2025 with a start-to-finish schedule, and is targeting a release in the second half of 2026. With Saif Ali Khan anchoring the lead role and Akshay Kumar stepping into the antagonist’s shoes, expectations are sky-high for a riveting showdown under Priyadarshan’s seasoned direction.

As fans gear up for this unexpected twist in casting, the Saif-Akshay dynamic, bolstered by Priyadarshan’s trademark storytelling, is all set to redefine thriller entertainment in Bollywood.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar signs Priyadarshan’s Oppam remake with Saif Ali Khan in lead

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Sonu Nigam CLARIFIES Pahalgam remark at Bengaluru concert: “Jab pant utari gayi thi, toh bhasha nahin poochhi gayi thi”

Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has issued a clarification following a controversy at his recent Bengaluru concert, where he faced backlash for comments made in response to a fan’s demand for a Kannada song. The incident, which sparked widespread debate, led to an FIR being filed against the singer for allegedly making provocative statements that hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community.

During the concert on April 25 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Bengaluru, a fan repeatedly shouted for a Kannada song, which Nigam perceived as disruptive and rude. In a viral video, the singer paused his performance to address the audience, expressing his love for Kannada culture and his history of singing Kannada songs. However, his reference to the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives, stirred controversy. Nigam stated, “Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na. Dekho toh kaun saamne khada hai,” implying that such disruptive behavior could have broader consequences. Many interpreted this as equating the fan’s request to terrorism, prompting outrage among Kannada activists and netizens.

On Saturday, May 3, Nigam took to Instagram to share a video clarifying his remarks. He emphasized that his comments were directed at a small group of four or five individuals who were causing a disturbance, not the entire Kannadiga community. “Sirf chaar-panch gunday type the jo wahan pe chilla rahe the. In fact, wahan ke hazaron log unko mana bhi kar rahe the,” he said, noting that thousands of other attendees, including women, were urging the group to stop disrupting the event.

Nigam reiterated his respect for Kannadigas, stating, “Kannadigas are very sweet people,” but stressed the need to address the disruptive behavior. He further clarified his Pahalgam remark, saying, “Unn paachon ko yeh batana aur yaad dilana zarori tha ke Pahalgam mein jab pant utari gayi thi, toh bhasha nahi poochhi gayi thi,” referring to the terror attack where victims were targeted indiscriminately, regardless of language or identity.

 

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The controversy escalated when the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada group, lodged a complaint with the Avalahalli Police Station, leading to an FIR under Section 153 for intentional insults intended to provoke a breach of peace. The group argued that Nigam’s statements portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant, contrary to their peace-loving nature, and demanded an apology.

Also Read: Police complaint filed against Sonu Nigam over alleged insensitive remarks towards Kannada community

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WAVES 2025: Sushil Chaudhary responds to Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan’s call for cheaper cinemas; speaks about Pathaan, Gadar 2, and Jawan’s success in remote regions

Days after superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan suggested building more theatres and offering cheaper ticket rates to the audience, new age exhibitor Sushil Chaudhary says the Indian theatrical ecosystem can be revived by focusing on making cinemas more “accessible and affordable,” like what he does with his mobile digital movie theatre company, PictureTime. At the ongoing WAVES 2025, Chaudhary was part of the panel discussion ‘Decline in the Theatrical Industry and Sparse Cinema Distribution’, where he reflected on the need to mount more cinemas and how he runs a model of setting up inflatable theatres in remote regions, where people have no access to movies.

“I was happy to hear what Shah Rukh said regarding the need for more cinemas and cheaper tickets. Cinema is all about affordability, accessibility, and entertainment. After roti, kapda, makaan, cinema is the basic need. When we build our cinema, the focus is on keeping the capital cost under RS 1 crore and operational cost under RS 2 lakhs,” Chaudhary, founder & CEO of Picturetime, said.

Chaudhary revealed how he innovatively screened Kabir Khan’s 83 in Ladakh during the pandemic, drawing audiences despite 50% occupancy limits. Similarly, in Bommidi, a small town in Tamil Nadu, he set up a screen showcasing Vikram’s Veera Dheera Sooran, which now boasts over 56% occupancy, highlighting the enduring appeal of cinema.

“Movies like Pathaan, Gadar 2 and Jawan did very well on our screens in remote regions. Especially Gadar 2, which wasn’t promoted that much, but we had more than Rs 5 lakh collection every week from a 140-seater screen. The audience is willing to come. Like in Telangana’s Asifabad, which didn’t have a cinema hall for over three decades, we installed one during SS Rajamouli’s RRR, and today the average occupancy there is 30 percent. As Shah Rukh said, we need cheaper cinemas so that people can access our films. Disruption can happen then,” he added.

During the panel discussion, which was hosted by actor-filmmaker Vivek Vaswani, Chaudhary also highlighted the need for “clever programming” and answered why exhibitors often screen old films or are eager to showcase a re-release movie.

“The reason cinema hall owners like us screen old films is that the current distribution system is dated. We are forced to run one movie under multiple conditions, even if the film is not attracting the audience. So, clever programming is an answer. We re-release old films to optimise revenue. In interiors, I have seen that viewers watch a film as many as 40 times. Are we catering to them?

“Between 80s and 90s, we had 18,000 cinema screens and 21,000 were running licenses, but then there was a decline. Filmmakers also need to address how to avoid piracy, because every year we lose 3 billion dollars due to piracy. The big issues remain accessibility, affordability and outreach,” he added.

Also Read: WAVES 2025: Ektaa R Kapoor talks about the balance of culture and universal appeal in Indian content: “The more rooted you are, the more relatability”

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WAVES 2025: Prime Video unveils first-look teaser of Panchayat season 4

Prime Video unveiled the first-look teaser of the highly anticipated Panchayat Season 4 at the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), evoking a strong sense of anticipation and excitement among the audience. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, WAVES is an annual event that celebrates creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry, bringing together artists, creators, and professionals from various fields.

An engaging panel discussion on “The Making of Panchayat – Grassroot Storytelling” took audiences behind the scenes of the show’s creative journey and offered valuable insights into what makes Panchayat such a standout series. The discussion culminated in the special launch of the first-look teaser of Season 4, which sparked a wave of anticipation among the audience. Cast members Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, and Sunita Rajwar, along with director Deepak Kumar Mishra and writer Chandan Kumar, participated in this discussion, moderated by Manish Menghani, Director of Content Licensing at Prime Video India. Together, they explored the series’ signature storytelling, authenticity, and emotional resonance.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to unveil the first-look teaser of the upcoming season and host an engaging panel discussion with the Panchayat team at WAVES—an event that celebrates bold visions and authentic voices in Indian entertainment,” said Manish Menghani, Director — Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “At Prime Video, we have always believed in the power of rooted narratives told with sincerity, and their ability to leave a lasting impact. Panchayat is a brilliant example of how authenticity and relatability in storytelling transcend boundaries, becoming a cultural phenomenon that touches hearts through simple, heart-warming narratives.”

Deepak Kumar Mishra, Director of Panchayat, shared, “Panchayat is one of the most loved shows in India. Over the years, the series has provided a heartfelt exploration of rural India, showcasing its warmth, challenges, and resilience. As we venture into Season 4, we continue this authentic journey, infused with charm. Sharing a sneak peek of the upcoming season and participating in an engaging panel discussion at the prestigious WAVES, has been an incredibly delightful experience. The overwhelming support from our viewers has not only elevated the show but also underscored its universal themes, making Panchayat a beloved story that resonates across cultures globally.”

 

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Produced by The Viral Fever, created by Deepak Kumar Mishra & Chandan Kumar, written by Chandan Kumar, and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra & Akshat Vijaywargiya. The series returns for the new season with its much-loved returning cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha. As the countdown to Panchayat Season 4 begins, audiences can expect another unforgettable chapter, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the unmistakable charm of village life.

Also Read: On 5 years of Panchayat Season 1, Prime Video reveals release date of Season 4

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