Ankit Tiwari reacts to Pahalgam terror attack, urges PM Modi to take action: “This should be the last act by these cowards”

In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed multiple lives and left several injured, singer-composer Ankit Tiwari took to Instagram to express his anguish. His emotionally charged message reflected the collective grief and frustration felt by many Indians in the wake of yet another devastating incident.

In his message, he made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that such acts of terror must end and questioning why innocent citizens continue to pay the price. His appeal to the PM is a plea for decisive action, urging that such violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked. In a raw and heartfelt Instagram story, Ankit wrote, “@narendramodi ji, ye akhiri harkat honi chahiye in buzdilo ki, Kya kasoor tha mere humvatno ka? Apne desh mein saans lena ab kya itna mehenga ho gaya hai? MAIN HINDU HU (Respected @narendramodi ji, this should be the final act by these cowards. What was the fault of my fellow countrymen? Has breathing in our own country become so expensive now? I AM A HINDU).”

The Pahalgam attack has once again raised serious concerns about national security and the recurring threats to civilian life in conflict-prone regions. For public figures like Ankit, who typically use their platforms for music and entertainment, such a shift in tone underscores the depth of the pain felt across the country. Tiwari’s message resonates not just as a personal outburst, but as a reflection of widespread public sentiment. As an artist and a citizen, he appears to be voicing the exhaustion many feel in the face of repeated acts of violence. Not just him, but many other artists have expressed their grief and anguish as they mourn this incident not as a celebrity, but as an Indian heartbroken by tragedy.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Sonu Sood express horror; say, “Evil to kill innocent”

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Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Lalit Manchanda dies by suicide in Meerut

Television actor Lalit Manchanda, known for his roles in popular shows such as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, India’s Most Wanted, Crime Patrol, Maryada, Jhansi Ki Rani, and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has tragically died by suicide in Meerut. Reports indicate that he took this drastic step due to severe financial difficulties.

According to a report by Amar Ujala, Lalit Manchanda had been living in Mumbai for the past 12 years, taking up small roles in various television shows to make a living. However, facing financial hardship, he returned to Meerut about six months ago to stay with his brother at his home in Prahlad Nagar, located in the Lisadi Gate area. Lalit was accompanied by his wife, Taru Manchanda, and their two children — 18-year-old son Ujjwal and daughter Shreya.

On Sunday night, Lalit Manchanda chose to sleep in a separate room. The next morning, when his family went to wake him up for tea, they discovered his body. They immediately informed the police, who arrived at the scene and have since launched an investigation into the incident. Lalit’s body was sent for a postmortem and was later handed over to the family. He was cremated on Monday evening.

Back in 2020, Abhishek Makwana, one of the writers of the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, was found dead at his residence in Mumbai. A suicide note was recovered from the scene, in which Abhishek cited financial difficulties as the reason for taking his own life, according to Mumbai Mirror. His brother, Jenis, later revealed, “I checked my brother’s mail because ever since he passed away, I got multiple phone calls from different numbers demanding repayment of loans he supposedly owed. One of the calls came from a number registered in Bangladesh, another from Myanmar, and the rest from various states across India.”

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is one of India’s longest-running sitcoms, having first aired in 2008.

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EXCLUSIVE: With Naagzilla, Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films announce multi-film collaboration; expected to be a game-changing partnership

Following the much-anticipated and internet-breaking announcement of Naagzilla starring Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Sujit Jain as partners) are delighted to officially unveil a broader creative alliance, one that marks the beginning of a powerful, multi-film association.

With a shared vision of pushing boundaries and crafting genre-defying cinema, Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films are joining forces to produce a slate of ambitious, entertaining, and culturally resonant stories. From high-concept fantasies to contemporary dramas and compelling narratives rooted in Indian ethos, this collaboration promises a fresh wave of cinematic experiences for audiences across the country and beyond.

Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba spoke excitedly about this collaboration saying, “We’ve been inspired and entertained by films made by Karan since our growing up days and it was our deepest desire to be associated with Dharma productions in this journey of entertaining audiences. It’s a privilege to collaborate with Karan, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Team Dharma; we hope to inspire and entertain audiences, just as we’ve aspired to.”

Besides Naagzilla, Dharma and Mahaveer Jain Films have also begun work on other projects. A source told us, “Naagzilla, featuring Kartik Aaryan as a shape-shifting naag in a fantasy comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, is just the beginning. Several exciting projects will be periodically announced. In fact, two of these projects are already in advanced stages. The casting is also locked and the announcement is expected to happen soon.”

With this collaboration, Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films are all set to create waves and redefine what mainstream Indian cinema can aspire to be.

Speaking of Naagzilla, it is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and is all set to release in cinemas on August 14, 2026.

Also Read: Dharma Productions reveals motion poster of Naagzilla starring Kartik Aaryan as mystical naag; film to release on August 14, 2026

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Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai begin shooting for untitled human drama following OMG 2’s success

Following the critical and commercial success of OMG 2, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi and writer-director Amit Rai are reuniting to create a deeply emotional and socially relevant human drama. The upcoming untitled film has just begun shooting, with a 35-day schedule aimed at capturing the essence, culture, and untold stories of the state like never before.

Joining Pankaj Tripathi in the lead are esteemed actors Pawan Malhotra, Geeta Agarwal, Rajesh Kumar, along with several talented artists from the local Bhojpuri film industry. This blend of national and regional talent promises to bring a unique and authentic flavor to the film.

Speaking about his return to work with director Amit Rai, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “OMG 2 was a very special film for me—not just because it marked my first solo more than 180-crore box office success, but because it connected with people on a human and emotional level. Working with Amit again feels like a natural progression. His storytelling has depth, honesty, and a sense of purpose that I deeply relate to. This story is rooted in the soil of Bihar—my home, my identity. As an actor, there’s nothing more fulfilling than being part of a story that is both entertaining and socially meaningful.”

Director Amit Rai, known for his sensitive and thought-provoking storytelling, also expressed his excitement about the project, “Collaborating with Pankaj Tripathi again is like returning to a creative space where truth and performance meet seamlessly. This film is a heartfelt exploration of human relationships, resilience, and the social fabric that binds us. The support from Bihar Film Nigam has been invaluable, and we are committed to not only telling a powerful story but also celebrating local talent, landscapes, and life. This is more than just a film—it’s a reflection of lives lived and lessons learned.”

With its compelling narrative, rooted setting, and powerhouse cast, this collaboration between Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai is poised to touch hearts and spark conversations once again.

Also Read : World Theatre Day: Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and other Bollywood actors recall their first stage performance

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Emraan Hashmi plays Yami Gautam’s husband in the film based on Shah Bano case, first schedule wrapped up

On the 40th Anniversary of the landmark Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case (Supreme Court 1985), Yami Gautam stars in a compelling drama inspired by the life of Shah Bano. This case remains a significant moment in the struggle for Muslim women’s rights in India and their challenge to established personal laws.

Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a case that reshaped India’s constitutional history and deeply impacted the dynamics of a democratic society—highlighting the role of the state in issues of religion, individual rights, and women’s rights. Emraan Hashmi plays Yami’s husband, a character inspired by Shah Bano’s husband, Ahmed Khan. Audiences can look forward to powerful performances from the talented cast of this project.

A classic David Vs Goliath story, it saw a resilient Shah Bano with no financial resources and support from society take on the establishment of organised religion and fight the misogynistic practices carried out under the garb of organised religion.

The genesis of a subsequent legal framework that back in the 1970s, did not even merit a conversation, this story is a gripping tale of how a woman with nothing except courage and truth took on her husband who was himself a well to do lawyer, the mighty Waqf board, and went all the way to the Supreme Court and defeated all of them single handedly. The case laid the ground for innumerous women to make legitimate claims which they were not allowed before.

The case made global headlines and has also been listed as one of the Top 10 events that shaped Indian democracy and judiciary. It is still taught in law schools across the country and the citation has helped women of all faiths, religions or caste and different socio-economic strata to get their rightful due when a marriage goes bust owing to misogynistic laws.

This story also led to the genesis of what is now heading to a One Nation One Law under the proposed Uniform Civil Code.

The film is expected to have a massive theatrical release in cinemas across India and globally and is expected to release sometime in October/November 2025. The film has been shot in multiple locations across Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh and its first schedule recently got wrapped.

Yami Gautam Dhar is riding high on the success of Article 370 and this is her next theatrical release. Emraan Hashmi next release is the war film Ground Zero and was seen recently in Tiger Zinda Hai amongst others.

This is the next in the courtroom trilogy announced by director Suparn S Verma who is the creator of the multi-award winning critical and commercial success Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain starring Manoj Bajpayee.

Also Read : Emraan Hashmi, Yami Gautam headline film on Shah Bano verdict 40 years later

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Aamir Khan announces plans to begin work on Mahabharat; says, “I’m hoping to start work on it this year”

Aamir Khan has frequently shared his ambition to bring the Indian epic, Mahabharat, to the big screen. In a recent interview, it appears that the actor-producer is getting closer to making this dream a reality. He revealed that he plans to begin working on the project this year.

In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Aamir shared his intention to begin working on the Mahabharat this year. The actor also mentioned that he would be producing the film under his own production banner. When asked about the project, Aamir expressed, “I’m hoping to start work on it this year.”

Aamir also mentioned that the film will be divided into multiple parts, similar to the Lord of the Rings franchise. However, he emphasized that the writing process alone would take several years. “It will take a while because the writing process will take a few years,” he clarified.

Aamir also revealed that he hasn’t yet decided whether he will star in the film. The casting decisions will be made based on who is best suited for each role. “We’ll see who we should cast based on who’s appropriate for which part,” he stated.

Aamir expressed, “I don’t think you can tell Mahabharat in one film, so it will be multiple films. I am looking at a large scale. It’s too early to say, but we may need multiple directors,” acknowledging the immense scale of the Mahabharat project.

Aamir Khan was last seen in Laal Singh Chaddha, a remake of the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump, which hit theatres in 2022. After the film didn’t perform well at the box office, Aamir took a short break before starting work on his upcoming project, Sitaare Zameen Par.

Sitaare Zameen Par is a thematic sequel to Aamir Khan’s 2007 hit film Taare Zameen Par. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film features Genelia Deshmukh alongside Aamir Khan. Produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, it is set to release in theatres on June 20.

Also Read : Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Aamir Khan, John Abraham, Saif Ali Khan, and now Vijay Deverakonda: Actors who set the trend with buzz cut looks

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Tiger Shroff Death Threat: Mumbai Police crack down on fake assassination, man arrested in Punjab

In a startling incident, Mumbai police received a phone call on Tuesday alleging a plot to assassinate actor Tiger Shroff. According to reports, the caller informed the authorities that a security agency owner had hired him to kill the actor. He further claimed he had been provided with a revolver and Rs.2 lakh in cash to execute the plan.

Following the phone call, Mumbai police intensified their investigation. Authorities promptly registered an FIR, and the accused was subsequently arrested in Kapurthala, Punjab.

As more information is awaited, Lokmat Times has revealed that the accused is a 35-year-old man named Manish Kumar Sujinder Singh. According to the police, Singh was driven by anger and a desire for revenge after facing salary deductions due to frequent absences from work. In an effort to frame his superiors and tarnish the company’s reputation, he allegedly fabricated the entire story.

Meanwhile, Khar Police have booked Manish Kumar Singh under IPC Sections 353(2), 212, and 217 for disseminating false information and attempting to provoke public unrest.

On the professional front, Tiger Shroff is busy filming his much-anticipated movie, Baaghi 4. Earlier this month, to mark his 35th birthday, the actor unveiled a new poster of the film, featuring his character Ronnie in a more intense and rugged look.

Tiger Shroff wrote, “The franchise that gave me an identity and allowed me to express my eagerness to prove myself as an action hero… is now the franchise that is redefining who I am. He’s definitely not the same this time, but I hope you all accept him the way you did eight years ago. #gratitude, #SajidNadiadwala’s, and #Baaghi4.”

Baaghi 4, directed by A. Harsha, features a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa alongside Tiger Shroff in lead roles. The film is slated for release on September 5, 2025.

Also Read : Director Ahmed Khan’s son Azaan speaks on MMA prep and training with Tiger Shroff: “He helped me build the foundation”

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Emraan Hashmi, Yami Gautam headline film on Shah Bano verdict 40 years later

This year marks four decades since the landmark 1985 Supreme Court verdict in Mohd. Ahmad Khan v. Shah Bano Begum — one of India’s most celebrated and controversial judgments. A case that divided public opinion, questioned the country’s commitment to secularism, and ignited one of modern India’s longest-running debates: equality versus identity. Now, 40 years later, the story is set to return — this time, to the big screen. Directed by Suparn Verma, the untitled film is expected to star Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi as the leads.

According to recent media reports, the powerful feature film inspired by the Shah Bano case and other similar cases is currently in the works and recently the shoot for the same was wrapped in Lucknow. The project is poised to be Yami Gautam’s next major theatrical release after Article 370 and is expected to delve into the personal and political complexities behind legal battles that become national flashpoints.

In 1978, 62-year-old Shah Bano, a mother of five, approached the Supreme Court under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), seeking maintenance after being unilaterally divorced via triple talaq by her husband, Mohd. Ahmad Khan — a lawyer who invoked Muslim Personal Law to deny her continued support. After a protracted legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled in her favour in 1985, declaring that Section 125 applied to all citizens regardless of religion, thus ensuring a divorced woman’s right to maintenance — a landmark victory for gender justice and constitutional equality.

However, the verdict sparked fierce backlash from conservative Muslim groups. In response, the Rajiv Gandhi-led government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, effectively overriding the court’s ruling and sparking a nationwide debate on vote-bank politics, minority rights, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) — a debate that continues today.

The case remains a frequent point of reference in contemporary political discourse. Leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah often cite Shah Bano as a pivotal moment in India’s legal history — and in the ongoing push for UCC and reform within personal laws.

Also Read: 13 Years of Vicky Donor: Yami Gautam and Ayushmann Khurrana celebrate its anniversary with heartfelt throwbacks as film returns to cinemas

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The Royals trailer: Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter lead Netflix’s modern-day royal rom-com

Netflix is rolling out the red carpet for its latest original series The Royals, a quirky royal romantic comedy premiering on May 9, 2025. Created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, the show brings together the charm of Indian royalty with the sass of modern-day ambition.

Set in the grand yet crumbling city of Morpur, the story follows an unlikely partnership between a reluctant prince and a fiercely driven CEO. Ishaan Khatter stars as Aviraaj Singh, a polo-playing royal struggling to find purpose, while Bhumi Pednekar plays Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a sharp and self-made CEO determined to turn Morpur’s aging haveli into a luxury B&B. What begins as a strategic business move quickly spirals into a whirlwind of romance, comedy and chaos. Sparks fly, egos clash, and old secrets come to light as the duo tries to reinvent the royal estate — and perhaps themselves in the process.

Speaking about her character, Bhumi Pednekar shared, “Playing Sophia felt like stepping into a world that’s both aspirational and deeply relatable. She’s fierce, ambitious, and emotionally honest — qualities I’ve always been drawn to. I’m glad I could collaborate with Netflix and Pritish Nandy Communications for The Royals and extremely grateful that they brought this series to life — I hope people have as much fun watching it as we did making it.”

Ishaan Khatter added, “To share the screen with such legendary and accomplished actors has been inspiring and a joy. This marks my second collaboration with Netflix globally and my first with Netflix India and it has been an adventure yet again. The Royals is a fresh, modern-day rom-com — zany, unpredictable, and packed with surprises. I can’t wait for audiences to dive into the world of Morpur and binge it all! There’s a lot of love, drama, humour — something for everyone. Maharaja Aviraaj is the most frustratingly charming character I’ve essayed and I hope the audience enjoys him as much as I enjoyed playing the role.”

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, who also stars in the series, was unable to attend the trailer launch but shared her thoughts, “I find myself as passionate as ever about embracing new roles and opportunities. The Royals has been both refreshing and creatively fulfilling. Collaborating with vibrant young talents, brimming with energy and fresh perspectives, ensured that every moment on set was lively and engaging. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Pritish Nandy Communications and Netflix for bringing this extraordinary tale of romance, and for including me in this project.”

Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, and written by Neha Veena Sharma, The Royals features a robust ensemble cast including Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh, Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra, and Luke Kenny.

The Royals promises a blend of glamour, humour, and heartfelt drama as it explores what happens when royal tradition meets modern ambition — and maybe even love. The series drops exclusively on Netflix on May 9.

Also Read: Netflix unveils poster for The Royals featuring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, premiering May 9

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EXCLUSIVE: Love And War likely to avoid clash with Toxic; Sanjay Leela Bhansali production runs behind planned schedule

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has brought together the most talented actors of Indian Cinema – Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt – for his next directorial, Love And War. The film has been announced for EID 2026 release, but Bollywood Hungama has exclusively got an intel that Love And War will no longer release on Eid 2026 and will avert clash with Yash starrer Toxic.

A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama on anonymity that Love And War has been officially delayed from the already announced March 2026 date. “Love And War shoot began on time, but there has been a delay form Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s end. The film was to conclude by November 2025, but as per the newest chalked schedule, SLB is looking to finish the film by February 2026. The new release date of Love And War will be by mid-2026,” a trade source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

Reportedly, the delay in schedule has happened because of budget issues. “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is self-funding the film and was reworking on the budget to ensure that he meets the deadlines. It’s a period film and needs right costing to make things work. SLB has now procured required funds and is restarting the shoot sans a delay of 2 months,” the trade source tells us further.

A call on the new release date of Love And War will be taken soon, but the film is likely to be a mid-2026 release.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone to NOT feature in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War

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