Authorities have uncovered shocking details about a gang’s plot to kidnap veteran Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor. The revelations come in the wake of an investigation into the recent abduction of actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan, who was kidnapped from Delhi airport and held hostage in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, before managing a daring escape.

Details of the Kidnapping Plot
Four members of the gang involved in Mushtaq Khan’s kidnapping were apprehended by the police. Bijnor Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Jha disclosed that the gang specialized in luring film stars under the pretense of event invitations. They would send advance payments and air tickets to gain the trust of their targets.

Mushtaq Khan became a victim of this scheme. On November 20, Khan arrived at Delhi airport, expecting to attend an event in Meerut. He was forcibly taken from a stopover on his journey and held hostage. The gang accessed his bank details during his captivity, withdrawing ₹2.2 lakh before Khan managed to escape.
Why Shakti Kapoor Was Spared
According to a PTI report quoting authorities, Shakti Kapoor was also on the gang’s radar. They had offered him Rs 5 lakh to attend an event, but the deal fell through due to Kapoor’s high advance payment demand. This unexpected hiccup saved the veteran actor from becoming their next target.

Police revealed that the gang’s modus operandi involved selecting celebrities with significant public appeal. “The gang planned meticulously, but Shakti Kapoor’s insistence on a higher advance amount led them to abandon their plans,” said SP Abhishek Jha.
Ongoing Investigation
Efforts are underway to trace the remaining members of the gang, including their leader, Lavi alias Rahul Saini. The police have recovered Rs 1.04 lakh from the arrested individuals and are investigating possible links to other abduction cases involving film personalities.
A Widening Criminal Network
In a related case, another gang member, Arjun, involved in comedian Sunil Pal’s abduction, was injured during an encounter with the police in Meerut. Arjun was arrested after attempting to escape custody by snatching a sub-inspector’s pistol and opening fire. Meerut SSP Vipin Tada confirmed the recovery of an SUV used in Pal’s kidnapping and cash amounting to Rs 2.25 lakh.

Also Read: After Sunil Pal, Welcome actor Mushtaq Khan claims he was kidnapped and managed to escape

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/aF3tSk4

The announcement of Sajid Nadiadwala’s Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and starring Salman Khan, has created a buzz among audiences. This mega project has captivated attention since its reveal, and the excitement among fans for its release is at its peak. Now, elevating the ever-rising fervor, producer Sajid Nadiadwala has announced an exciting gift for Salman Khan fans on his birthday—the release date of the teaser, set to drop on 27th December 2024.

Finally, the audience will get a glimpse of the much-awaited Sikandar, as producer Sajid Nadiadwala has revealed the teaser’s release date. Scheduled to launch on 27th December 2024, the teaser will serve as a special birthday gift for Salman Khan’s fans. As one of the biggest superstars, Salman Khan enjoys a massive fan following eagerly anticipating his return to the big screen. With the teaser of his much-awaited film Sikandar dropping on his birthday, it promises to be nothing short of a celebration for his fans. This announcement has further heightened the excitement to witness glimpses of Sikandar on this special occasion.

Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson, Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, stars Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in leading roles. This action-packed entertainer guarantees an unparalleled cinematic experience, slated for the Eid 2025 weekend.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan says Salman Khan’s cameo in Baby John is “unlike anything seen before”; promises a long-lasting impact

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/Tet2KAP

Bisleri International, an Indian packaged drinking water brand unveiled its latest Bisleri #DrinkItUp sports campaign featuring Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor alongside prominent football franchises. The campaign emphasises the importance of hydration in sports while encouraging the audience to embrace the excitement of football.

The film showcases Kapoor stepping onto the football field, accompanied by Indian football players, including the national team captain Rahul Bheke and Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul KP, and Aakash Sangwan, representing Mumbai CITY FC, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyan FC and Kerala Blasters.

Commenting on the campaign, Tushar Malhotra, director – sales and marketing, at Bisleri International, said, “Bisleri is proud to champion football and hydration through the latest rendition of our ongoing #DrinkItUp campaign. Partnering with Shahid Kapoor was a natural choice, given his passion for fitness and sport combined with his youthful energy. The campaign is engaging and the interplay between Shahid and the players is entertaining.”

The campaign was conceptualised by the in-house creative team and the talent was managed by Wavemaker. Over the past few years, Bisleri International has built a robust sports marketing programme partnering with Procam International’s marathons, National Games, Ultimate Table Tennis League, Dubai Marathon, Professional Golf Tour of India, and several popular cricket franchises in India and UAE.

Also Read: Triptii Dimri cast opposite Shahid Kapoor in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Arjun Ustara, to begin filming in January 2025

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/312XA9E

Actor Aamir Khan completed the final shoot for his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, on Sunday night at Film City, Mumbai. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film is now moving into an intensive post-production phase, including editing, visual effects, and sound design. This development follows Khan’s recent announcement of postponing the movie’s release to summer 2025.

Final Shooting Details
A report by Mid-Day stated that the shoot was a day-long patch session that commenced at 2 PM and concluded late at night. “Aamir wanted to ensure the film was wrapped up on Sunday. With the shoot done, Sitaare Zameen Par has now reached the finish line,” shared a source. “The next steps include extensive editing, visual effects, and sound design to bring the film to life.”

Billed as a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par (2007), this project is an official adaptation of the Spanish sports comedy Campeones (2018). The story features Aamir Khan alongside Genelia Deshmukh in pivotal role.
Post-Production and Release Plans
The focus now shifts to the rigorous post-production phase. Khan is known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, often conducting focus-group screenings to refine his movies. “He had done this with Dangal (2016) and Secret Superstar (2017). The feedback from these sessions is crucial for him to fine-tune the narrative,” the insider explained. The team plans to start focus-group screenings by February 2025, ensuring ample time for necessary adjustments.
Summer 2025 Release on the Cards
Originally slated for a December 2024 release, Khan postponed the launch to allow sufficient time for perfecting the film. Sitaare Zameen Par is now scheduled to hit theatres in the summer of 2025.

Also Read: 100 Years of Raj Kapoor: Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Kartik Aaryan and others to grace red-carpet on premiere night

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/7YEBbA8

Globally celebrated Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday at the age of 73 in San Francisco. His family confirmed his demise in an official statement, citing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as the cause of death. Hussain’s exceptional contribution to Indian classical music and his role as a cultural ambassador have left an indelible mark on the global music community.

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, their families, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia.
Health Struggles and Family’s Statement
On Sunday, reports surfaced regarding the musician’s deteriorating health, with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia revealing that Hussain had been admitted to a San Francisco hospital’s ICU with heart-related complications. However, premature reports of his passing were dismissed by his publicist, who had requested prayers for Hussain’s recovery.

In an official statement released on Monday, Hussain’s family confirmed the unfortunate news, saying: “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”

The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Also Read: Grammy winners Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia announce As We Speak India Tour in January 2025

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/HChXbTO

Actor Aftab Shivdasani took to Instagram today, December 15, to announce a thrilling update about the much-awaited Masti 4. In a candid snapshot shared by the actor, co-stars Riteish Deshmukh and Jitendra, along with director Milap Zaveri, are seen sharing a moment of camaraderie, giving fans a glimpse into the fun-filled atmosphere on set.

Fans of the franchise have been eagerly waiting for updates since the film was announced earlier this year in February. Sharing his excitement about helming the project, Aftab wrote, “The madness begins. The funniest of them so far.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 
A post shared by Aftab Shivdasani (@aftabshivdasani)

Director Milap Zaveri expressed his gratitude and joy and he too shared a funny post with Riteish. He captioned the post, “Get ready for 4 times the #Masti with #Masti4. #Masti4 shoot begins. Missed you at the Mahurat today @vivekoberoi. Love you @riteishd @aftabshivdasani. Meanwhile.. the first day of #Masti4.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 
A post shared by Milap Zaveri (@milapzaveri)

Masti 4, directed by Milap Zaveri, aims to recreate the uproarious humor and charm of the original 2004 film while venturing into new comedic territory. The franchise, known for its blend of love, laughter, and chaos, has been a fan favorite for two decades. The film is produced by Indra Kumar, Amar Jhunjhunwala, Ashok Thakeria, and Shikha Ahluwalia, all of whom expressed confidence in this installment exceeding expectations.

Also Read: Masti 4: Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, and Riteish Deshmukh starrer to go on floors soon; makers reveal new logo of film’s title

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/JDO4qa2

Anushka Shetty impressed audiences with her intense portrayal in the glimpse of her upcoming film Ghaati, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. Following the success of Baahubali, this marks another Pan-India project for Anushka. Presented by UV Creations and produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Babu Jagarlamudi, Ghaati is the second collaboration between Anushka and Krish after Vedam and her fourth film with UV Creations.

The makers of Ghaati have announced the film’s release date as April 18th 2024, aiming for a summer debut. The announcement was made through a video featuring director Krish, Anushka Shetty, and the producers. The release date poster reveals Anushka in a fierce look, dressed in a saree, standing on a hill with a gun in hand. Her stern gaze and blood marks add to the intensity of the character, building anticipation for the Pan-India film.

With the tagline Victim, Criminal, Legend, Ghaati promises an unconventional narrative exploring themes of humanity, survival, and redemption. The film delves into the grey areas between right and wrong, where legends are forged. Directed by Krish, it is expected to offer a gripping, action-packed experience.

Ghaati boasts a strong technical team, with Manojh Reddy Katasani as the cinematographer, Nagavelli Vidya Sagar composing the music, and Thota Tharrani serving as the art director. The editing is handled by Chanakya Reddy Toorupu and Venkat N Swamy, while Sai Madhav Burra writes the dialogues. Mounted on a grand scale, the film features a high budget and top-tier technical standards.

Ghaati will be released across multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.

The film, Ghaati, stars Anushka Shetty and is directed and written by Krish Jagarlamudi. Produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Babu Jagarlamudi under First Frame Entertainment, it is presented by UV Creations. The technical team includes Manojh Reddy Katasani as Director of Photography, Thota Tharrani as Art Director, and Nagavelli Vidya Sagar as Music Director. Dialogues are written by Sai Madhav Burra, with the story by Chintakindi Srinivas Rao. Editing is by Chanakya Reddy Toorupu and Venkat N Swamy, and action choreography is by Ram Krishan. The film’s PRO is managed by Vamsi-Shekar.

Also Read : Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty: Prabhas takes MSMP recipe challenge for “Sweety” Anushka Shetty: “I’ve known Sweety for decades but I never knew her favorite recipe”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/CGfPbyL

December 14 marked a significant day in the history of Indian cinema as the country and the film industry came together to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Raj Kapoor. The grand event saw Alia Bhatt taking on the role of a gracious hostess, alongside her husband Ranbir Kapoor, in a night dedicated to the “Showman of Indian Cinema.”

Alia Bhatt’s Tribute to Raj Kapoor
On December 15, Alia Bhatt shared a video on her social media, offering fans an inside look at the star-studded celebration. The montage captured heartwarming moments from the event, showcasing her interactions with legendary actress Rekha, Kartik Aaryan, and other notable industry figures. Captioning the video, Alia wrote: “Time isn’t measured by days, but by memories. Coming together to celebrate the eternal showman, loved by audiences of all ages and countries — the unparalleled Raj Kapoor. #100YearsOfRajKapoor.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 
A post shared by Alia Bhatt ???? (@aliaabhatt)

As part of the grand celebration, R.K. Films, the Film Heritage Foundation, and NFDC-National Film Archive of India are presenting the festival Raj Kapoor 100 – Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman. This festival will feature curated screenings of ten iconic Raj Kapoor films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas, including PVR-Inox and Cinepolis theaters. Tickets are priced at an accessible Rs 100, reflecting Raj Kapoor’s belief in inclusivity and his vision to make cinema a universal experience.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt steals the spotlight at Raj Kapoor’s 100th Birth Anniversary Film Festival in style: “Mud mud ke na dekh”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/e6a7VMG

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for portraying the iconic superhero Shaktimaan, recently revealed that he once rejected an offer from Yash Raj Films (YRF) to sell the character’s rights. During an interview with Siddharth Kannan on YouTube, Khanna discussed why he turned down the proposal and expressed his views on potential actors for a Shaktimaan reboot.

Mukesh Khanna’s Encounter with YRF
Mukesh Khanna shared that Aditya Chopra’s team approached him a decade ago with a proposition to acquire the rights to Shaktimaan. Recalling the conversation, Khanna said, “Ten years ago, I was contacted by Aditya Chopra’s group. They asked me if I could give them the rights to Shaktimaan.” He added, “At that time, coincidentally, Ranveer Singh’s fan-made picture as Shaktimaan surfaced on social media. And then, suddenly, I got this call for the rights. I said, ‘Rights nahin doonga main (I won’t give the rights).’”

Khanna explained that he was concerned about the creative direction YRF might take with the character. He stated, “I told them, ‘Tell Aditya, whoever he is, if you want to make it, make it with me.’ I didn’t want to give away the rights only for them to make a disco drama. I refused.”
Casting Preferences for Shaktimaan
Earlier, in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Khanna expressed his views on actors who could potentially reprise the role of Shaktimaan on the big screen. While he acknowledged Allu Arjun as a viable candidate, he ruled out Ranveer Singh. “I think I have to watch more Allu Arjun films. Also, let me go out on a limb and say that he has it in him to be Shaktimaan. I am not saying he is doing it or anything. I’m just suggesting that it would look good on him. He has the personality to pull it off,” Khanna remarked.

Also Read: Mukesh Khanna aka Shaktimaan takes a dig at Akshay Kumar playing Prithviraj Chauhan; says, “Sirf muche aur wig lagaake thodi na ban sakte hai?”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/cQRUzxm

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is preparing for his next ambitious project, titled Spirit. The film stars Prabhas in the lead role as a cop. This high-budget action film is set to go on floors in early 2025, with a planned release in 2026. Pre-production work is already underway, and the team is finalizing its star-studded cast.

According to a recent report by Pinkvilla, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is in discussions with Mrunal Thakur to play the female lead opposite Prabhas. A source revealed to Pinkvilla, “Spirit is the most ambitious and awaited film of Indian cinema, and the makers are going all out to have the best and most talented actors of world cinema on board the film. While Prabhas is locked to play the role of a cop, the conversations are in progress with Mrunal Thakur, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor with the latter two for the negative turn.”

Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that, a couple of months ago, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report about Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan being considered as the movie’s antagonists.
A New Approach to Cop-Based Films
Spirit is expected to break the mold of traditional cop dramas in Indian cinema. The story is described as a “never-before-seen template for a commercial Indian film,” blending characters with good, bad, and grey shades—a hallmark of Vanga’s storytelling.

The source further stated, “Every character has a purpose, and it’s among the most ambitious films for Sandeep Reddy Vanga.” With such an innovative narrative, Spirit aims to redefine how Bollywood approaches the cop genre.
What’s Next for Sandeep Reddy Vanga?
While Spirit is scheduled for a 2026 release, Vanga’s plans extend beyond the Prabhas starrer. After completing Spirit, he will move forward with his upcoming project Animal Park, featuring Ranbir Kapoor.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar confirms Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal Park shoot to begin after Prabhas’ Spirit: “We will have a six-month gap…”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films – Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/sHo3pPB