Comedian Sunil Pal traced and safe after disappearing for hours, police investigate

Comedian Sunil Pal, who had gone missing for a few hours on Tuesday, has been safely traced and is now on his way home. The news of Pal’s disappearance initially sent shockwaves through his fans and well-wishers, but the situation has been resolved after he contacted his family later that evening.

Sunil Pal’s Disappearance Sparks Concern
On Tuesday, Sunil Pal, known for his participation in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (2005) and roles in films like Hum Tum (2004) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006), went missing, prompting his wife Sarita Pal to seek assistance from the police. According to reports, the comedian was unreachable by phone for several hours, adding to the growing concern about his well-being. His phone was reportedly switched off after some time, causing further distress.
Update on the Situation
Hours after the missing report was filed, Sunil Pal contacted his family to inform them that he was safe and on his way back home. His wife, Sarita, shared the update with the media, confirming that she had spoken to him. “Sunil ji se baat ho gayee. He has spoken to the police,” Sarita texted Mumbai-based photographer Viral Bhayani’s team.

Film trade analyst Girish Wankhede also revealed that Sunil Pal had informed him about a “problem” but reassured him that he was now “out of it” and was traveling back to Mumbai. A senior police official, Unit 9 Crime Branch Daya Nayak, confirmed that Pal had been found safe and would soon be questioned about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Also Read: Sunil Pal opens up on Shah Rukh Khan’s humility; says, “Shah Rukh would make late-night visits to the slums”

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EXCLUSIVE: CBFC passes Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s Hindi version 48 hours before release; replaces ‘Ramavatar’ with ‘Bhagwan’

Last week, on Thursday, November 28, Bollywood Hungama was one of the first ones to inform readers about the cut list of Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s original Telugu version. Bollywood Hungama now brings exclusive news of the censor process of the Hindi version of arguably the most awaited film of the year.

Today, December 3, the Central Board of Film Certificate passed the Hindi version but with a few cuts. The word ‘Ramavatar’ was removed and it was replaced with ‘Bhagwan’. The word ‘Haraam zaada’ was excised three times. It was replaced with ‘Haraamkhor’ in all three places. There is a dialogue, unspecified in the cut list, and it was changed into Hindi.

Then the scene of an amputated leg flying was asked to be removed. The same scene was also present in the original Telugu version and even there, it was censored. Finally, mandatory anti-smoking warnings were inserted in smoking scenes.

The original Telugu version of Pushpa 2 – The Rule was passed on November 28. For this version, the Examining Committee of the CBFC asked the makers to delete the word ‘r***i’ in three places. Similarly, the words ‘Denguddi’ and ‘Venkateshwar’ were also asked to be excised. Apart from the amputated leg scene, the protagonist is seen holding a severed arm of a person. Here, the CBFC asked the makers to zoom in on the protagonist so that the violent bit is not shown on the screen.

Both the Hindi and the Telugu versions of Pushpa 2 – The Rule have been passed with a U/A certificate and are 200.38 minutes long. Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, this action entertainer releases in cinemas on December 5. It is directed by Sukumar and its earlier part, Pushpa: The Rise – Part 01 (2021), was a surprise super hit in Hindi. The film was also widely consumed in Hindi and Telugu. As a result, the excitement for the sequel is unprecedented.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s father Allu Aravind’s prediction for Pushpa 2: The Rule: “I expect it to be the highest grosser of Indian cinema”

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Ajay Devgn starrer Raid 2 set to release on May 1, 2025

After winning over audiences in 2018 with Raid, Ajay Devgn is set to reprise his role as IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2. Directed by Rajkumar Gupta and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishna Kumar, the film is scheduled for release on February 21, 2025.

Starring alongside Ajay Devgn, Raid 2 features Vaani Kapoor as the female lead, Ritesh Deshmukh as the antagonist, and Rajat Kapoor in a key role. With extensive filming in Delhi and Lucknow, the sequel promises to deliver another thrilling experience.

The first installment was inspired by the real-life income-tax raid conducted by IT department officers on Sardar Inder Singh in the 1980s, which stood out as the longest raid in Indian history, lasting three days and two nights.

Raid 2 is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar, with Gulshan Kumar and T-Series presenting the film. It is a Panorama Studios production. Originally scheduled for release on November 15 this year, the film has now been postponed to February 21, 2025.

Also Read : Ajay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani starrer Azaad to release on January 17; deets inside

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EXCLUSIVE: Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s 3D release cancelled for the release week; 3D version to now be available from December 13

Less than 48 hours are left for the release of Pushpa 2 – The Rule and the tickets are selling like hot cakes across the country. The film will be available not just in different languages but was all set to be played in 2D, IMAX 2D and 3D versions. But in a sudden development, Bollywood Hungama has learned that the 3D version of the film will not be released.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The 3D version is not yet ready. Hence, the makers of the film decided to forgo the release of the film in 3D this week. As a result, on December 5, the film will only be played in 2D versions across the country and the world in various languages.”

The source, however, added, “The makers have now decided to release the 3D version next Friday, that is, December 13. By then, the 3D prints would be ready. The exhibitors all over have been informed about this development.”

A manager at a multiplex confirmed it on condition of anonymity. He said, “We were all set to play certain shows of Pushpa 2 – The Rule in 3D. But today we were told about the delayed 3D release. Now, we’ll play those shows in 2D.”

He continued, “The rates of 3D versions are slightly higher due to the 3D glass usage charges. We’ll now have to return this amount to the viewers. It has increased our workload but nevertheless, we are excited to play Pushpa 2 – The Rule from December 5. The advance booking is phenomenal.”

An industry insider commented, “It’s unfortunate but these things happen. The producers raced against time to complete the film more than a week before its release and also completed the Censor process last Thursday. Let’s not forget that Pushpa 2 – The Rule is being released in 5 languages. The makers should be lauded for getting the marketing right and exciting audiences in such a way despite the challenges in hand.”

Pushpa 2 – The Rule stars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil.

Also Read: Pushpa 2 The Rule: Makers unveil BTS starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, promising an action-packed ride

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EXCLUSIVE: Karan Aujla BREAKS silence on HARROWING Coldplay ticket experience: “We need more organized structures; NOTHING should come between artist and fan”

For a fan, enjoying the live performance of his or her favourite singer is often a dream-come-true moment. The fans are often willing to shell a bomb to witness the act of their singer and even travel to different cities and countries. Sadly, doing so can often be a challenging experience, as the recent Coldplay experience showed. The famous band will be performing at D Y Patil Stadium near Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21, 2025. As soon as the ticket booking commenced on a booking website, the fans were shocked to see lakhs of people in the virtual waiting room. Even before their turn could arrive, the tickets were sold out in no time. Meanwhile, certain resale websites put up tickets for sale at a highly inflated price. Some people in desperation contacted certain individuals who claimed to have tickets only to be duped by them. The backlash was so severe that an FIR was lodged and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police also got involved.

Karan Aujla, one of the most loved singers, who became even more famous after singing ‘Tauba Tauba’ in Bad Newz, is all set to have a multi-city tour in India in December 2024 and early January 2025 called ‘It Was All A Dream’. During an exclusive interaction with Bollywood Hungama, Karan was asked about this episode and what can be done to reduce such instances.

Karan Aujla replied, “Since I come from the industry and do shows regularly, let me tell you straight up how I see this – it’s a complex situation happening everywhere, not just in India. As artists, we need to work closely with organizers and ticketing portals to make this process more fan-friendly. It’s about the connection between the artist and the fan, nothing should come in the way of that. I think we need more integrated and organized structures.”

Regarding his upcoming India tour, Karan said, “My team and I always try to give fans something they’ve never seen before. It could be new versions of songs, special effects, or maybe some unexpected collaborations… who knows! I never want my performances to be just like regular shows. Every time you see me on stage, it should be a new experience. One thing’s for sure – whatever we’re planning, it’s going to be worth the wait!”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Karan Aujla talks about his EXCITING multi-city India tour and whether he’ll collaborate with Vicky Kaushal after ‘Tauba Tauba’: “It has to do justice to our artistry”; also adds, “I make songs for hearts, NOT for Instagram; if someone says ‘This hook will work on reels’, I’m clear…”

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Rishab Shetty to play Shivaji Maharaj in director Sandeep Singh’s magnum opus action drama The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

National Award-winning actor and popular filmmaker Rishab Shetty and director Sandeep Singh, on Tuesday, announced a massive collaboration for one of the biggest stories in Indian history, the respected Shivaji Maharaj. The brave tale of this renowned warrior and leader will be recreated on the big screen titled, The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Sandeep Singh, known for films like Mary Kom, Bajirao Mastani, among others also dropped a first look poster of the film showcasing how Rishab Shetty will breathe life into the role of the legendary warrior king who defied and inspired generations. The magnum opus promises action on a scale never witnessed before, featuring groundbreaking visuals, stunning VFX, and an unforgettable musical score. Backed by a team of top-notch technicians from across the globe, it will bring to life the story of India’s greatest warrior kings, a leader who reshaped history and brought the Mughal invaders to their knees.

Sharing his excitement on the film, Rishab Shetty said, “Sandeep’s vision for The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was so grand, that as soon as I heard the film, I said yes without blinking any eyelid. Playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an honour beyond words. He is a national hero whose impact transcends history, and I feel immense pride in bringing his story to the screen.”

 

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Sandeep Singh added, “Rishab Shetty was my first and only choice for the role—he truly embodies the strength, spirit and valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This film has been my dream for many years now, and it is my privilege and honor to be bringing this story to the silver screen. The film has been envisioned with a scale, grandeur and never seen before action choreography that will help take Indian cinema truly global.

Witness history being unfolded in cinemas globally with the arrival of the multi-lingual magnum opus, The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is slated to release on January 21, 2027 globally. Apart from this, Rishab Shetty also has interesting mega films lined up which includes Kantara: Chapter 1 which will release in 2025 and Jai Hanuman that is expected to hit cinemas in 2026.

Also Read: Kantara: Chapter 1: Hombale Films drops MAJOR update about release date; fantasy drama to release during the occasion of Dussehra 2025

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Nargis Fakhri’s sister Aliya Fakhri gets taken into custody after she is charged with murder of ex-boyfriend

Nargis Fakhri and her family are currently being dragged into a major controversy after the Rockstar actress’ sister got taken into custody on the heinous charge of murder. Reports suggest that Aliya Fakhri apparently set her ex-boyfriend Edward Jacob’s house on fire in a fit of rage which has led to his demise along with the death of his friend Anastasia Star Ettienne. The police officials, according to this report, have confirmed Aliya to be behind the incident and have denied her bail.

District Attorney Melinda Katz was quoted in Daily News saying, “This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno. The victims tragically died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries”. Along with that reports have also shared the reaction of both side of families along with a statement from a witness. While Jacob’s mother confirmed to the post that Edward and Aliya broke up about a year ago and that the latter continued to showcase her interest in Jacob, she also mentioned that Edward and Anastasia were ‘just friends’.

A pivotal witness came to the forefront after this incident who insisted that even though Anastasia was rescued, she went back into the house to save Jacob. As per the reports, this witness, who seems to be a friend of Edward and Star seems to have been present at the crime scene during the incident and was quoted saying, “We had to jump over it to escape. Star jumped over with me, but then she went back in to save”. Furthermore, the witness also shared opinion on Aliya and Jacob’s relationship, calling it ‘abusive’. “It was an abusive relationship. She had told everyone before that she was going to burn his house down, that she was going to kill him. We just laughed it off,” the witness added.

The house in question which was burnt down was a two-storey garage where Jacob and Anastasia died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Actress Nargis Fakhri, who is expected to be shooting for Housefull 5 with Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and others, has not commented on the matter. Whereas, her mother insisted on her other daughter’s innocence. According to multiple media outlets, she said, “I don’t think she would be killing someone. She was a person who was caring for everybody. She tried to help everybody”.

Also Read: Nargis Fakhri takes us through her fitness journey; says, “For women, muscle building and strength training are crucial”

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Sanjay Gupta DEFENDS Vikrant Massey for taking a break from acting, draws parallels with Hansal Mehta; says, “It takes guts, resilience and an insane amount of belief…”

In the wake of Vikrant Massey’s shocking announcement to step away from acting, filmmaker Sanjay Gupta shared his thoughts on social media, offering a perspective on the actor’s bold decision. The director took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the courage behind Massey’s move, drawing a parallel with another renowned filmmaker, Hansal Mehta.

Sanjay Gupta’s Heartfelt Thoughts on Vikrant Massey’s Break
In a series of tweets, Sanjay Gupta expressed admiration for Vikrant Massey’s decision to take a break from his thriving career, acknowledging the challenges actors face when they choose to step away from the spotlight. He began by recounting Hansal Mehta’s own break from the film industry, sharing that in 2008, Mehta left Mumbai and moved to a small village in Lonavala to reconnect with himself.
The Guts It Takes to Step Away
“Do you realize the guts it takes to do that? To walk away from it all despite having a family to look after and the possibility of never directing again? It takes guts, resilience, and an insane amount of belief in yourself,” Gupta added.
Vikrant Massey’s Retirement: A Personal Decision
Gupta drew a parallel between Mehta’s story and Vikrant Massey’s current situation, recognizing the personal sacrifices behind the actor’s decision. “In a way, Vikrant Massey is doing the same. In these times of competition, insecurity, jealousy, and rivalry, it takes guts for an actor to take a break and focus on his duties as a father, a husband, and a son. He should be lauded, not criticized,” Gupta concluded.

Vikrant Massey’s Unexpected Announcement
Earlier this week, Vikrant Massey shocked fans with an emotional post on Instagram, announcing his retirement from acting. The actor, who has received praise for his performances in films such as 12th Fail, Sector 36, and The Sabarmati Report, explained that he would step away from the industry to focus on his family. Massey wrote, “The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realize it’s time to recalibrate and go back home. As a Husband, Father & a Son. And also as an Actor.” He added that he would meet fans for “one last time” in 2025, with the message, “Last 2 movies and many years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between. Forever indebted.”

Also Read: SHOCKING! Vikrant Massey announces retirement from acting at 37: “Coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time”

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Bandish Bandits Season 2 to premiere on Prime Video globally on December 13, watch trailer

The musical drama returns with Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry as Radhe and Tamanna, joined by Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Kulkarni, Rajesh Tailang, and Kunaal Roy Kapur. Season two introduces new characters played by Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani, and Yashaswini Dayama.

Produced by Leo Media Collective Private Limited, Bandish Bandits Season two has been created by Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari. It has been directed by Anand Tiwari who has co-written the series alongside Atmika Didwania and Karan Singh Tyagi

Bandish Bandits Season two is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on December 13.

Watch the trailer here :-

 

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Prime Video unveiled the trailer for its upcoming musical drama series Bandish Bandits Season 2. Continuing from Season 1, the new season follows Radhe and the Rathod family as they work to preserve their musical heritage after Pandit Ji’s passing, while Tamanna pursues her journey at a prestigious music school. The season concludes with the India Band Championship, where Radhe and Tamanna’s bands compete, navigating personal ambitions and family legacies. Directed by Anand Tiwari and created by Amritpal Singh Bindra, the series features Ritwik Bhowmik, Shreya Chaudhry, Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Kulkarni, Rajesh Tailang, Kunaal Roy Kapur, and new additions Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani, Yashaswini Dayama, Aaliyah Qureshi, and Saurabh Nayyar. Bandish Bandits Season 2 premieres on Prime Video on December 13 in India and over 240 countries and territories.

The Season 2 trailer presents a narrative centered around the passing of Pandit Ji and its aftermath, bringing Radhe and Tamanna together in a face-off as they pursue their individual ambitions. Featuring Hindustani classical and contemporary Western music, the story explores ambition, conflict, and personal journeys.

“Bandish Bandits is a story that has deeply resonated with me and will always be close to my heart,” said creator and director, Anand Tiwari. “After the universal acclaim and appreciation, we received for the first season, we knew that we had to up the ante for season two – and it’s an endeavour I can proudly say, the entire cast and crew have been fully committed to. This season we have pushed the boundaries and strived to tell a story that is rooted, relatable and immensely engaging. I’m grateful to have the most collaborative team of actors and technicians working on this series, and I am looking forward to the premiere of this much-awaited season on December 13 on Prime Video in India and across the world.”

“For me, stepping into the shoes of Radhe is like coming home after a long day. It is a character I am grateful to have played for several reasons, most importantly, how much it has taught me as an actor and a person,” said actor Ritwik Bhowmik. “With the second season we see Radhe really grow into his own and embrace the responsibility of keeping his family’s traditions and legacy alive in an increasingly fast-paced and modern world while navigating his relationship with Tamanna. It has been an extremely rewarding journey and I am honoured to have had the opportunity once again, to work with such a talentedcast and crew. I am thrilled that we’re finally ready to bring the eagerly awaited second season of Bandish Bandits to our audiences on Prime Video globally and hope it continues to strike a chord.”

“Stepping back into Tamanna’s world for the upcoming season of Bandish Bandits feels like reconnecting with an old friend. She has grown, matured in ways I didn’t anticipate.  Tamanna goes through so much in her life, and it’s been thrilling to convey the depth of her emotions pain, love, anger, resentment all shaped by the situations she faces.” said actor Shreya Chaudhry. “There’s something deeply special about playing a character who is chasing her dreams while navigating love and the pressures of legacy—it mirrors the journey so many of us go through. It has been an absolute honour to watch and learn from the series’ incredible cast and I hope this season inspires people to believe in the beauty of their passion, just as it has reminded me of my own.”

Also Read : Bandish Bandits season 2 to start streaming on Prime Video from December 13; Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani and others join cast

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Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating X Woh Ladki’ mashup: Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s son Jay SLAMS media for not crediting his father; says, “This is not about Shah Rukh Khan…”

Pop sensation Dua Lipa recently made waves in Mumbai with an electrifying concert that was not only marked by her hit songs but also a surprise mashup of her global hit ‘Levitating’ with the Bollywood classic ‘Woh Ladki Jo’ from Shah Rukh Khan’s 1999 film Baadshah. While the performance went viral, it led to a stir in India when Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s son, Jay Bhattacharya, pointed out that social media and media outlets had failed to credit his father for the iconic Bollywood track that was part of the mashup.

Jay Bhattacharya Calls Out Lack of Credit
While fans flooded social media with clips of Dua Lipa’s mashup of ‘Levitating’ and ‘Woh Ladki Jo’, Jay Bhattacharya took to Instagram to express his disappointment. In his post, he questioned why no credit was given to his father, singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who lent his iconic voice to the song. Jay wrote, “The problem is that no one talks about it. What happened to ‘Woh Ladki Jo’—Abhijeet? Unfortunately, we live in a country where not one news outlet or Instagram page has mentioned the voice and the artists of this song.”
A Call for Fair Recognition of Singers
Jay’s post highlighted how the focus of the mashup’s praise seemed to be solely on Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement in the song, overshadowing the contributions of the singers. He further added, “Why has it always been about actors in this country? I’m sure when @dualipa heard this song, she must have heard it and not seen it and not appreciated the man who has sung this song.” He emphasized that the song should be credited to Abhijeet Bhattacharya and music composer Anu Malik, not just Shah Rukh Khan.
The Struggle for Singers’ Recognition in India
Jay also took a broader stance, criticizing the Indian media’s tendency to focus on actors instead of recognizing the singers who contribute significantly to the music. He stated, “This is not about Shah Rukh Khan. I am his biggest fan ever. This is about our audience and our media who don’t support the singers of our country like they do in the West.” His comments reflect the ongoing debate in the music industry regarding the often-overshadowed role of singers in Bollywood music.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya reshared his son’s post on Instagram, expressing his support.

Also Read: Suhana Khan gives a loud cheer for father Shah Rukh Khan as Dua Lipa performs mashup on Badshah’s song ‘Woh Ladki Jo’

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