In a move that caught many by surprise, Salman Khan has chosen to collaborate with Apoorva Lakhia for his next project – over his frequent collaborators Ali Abbas Zafar and Kabir Khan. The project is already gaining momentum, with Lakhia recently embarking on a recce to the breathtaking terrains of Leh-Ladakh, hinting at an ambitious scale for the film.

Sources close to the development informed Bollywood Hungama that the makers are eyeing a July 2025 start date and are in talks with Saqib Saleem to play a significant role in the film. “Saqib Saleem and Salman Khan have worked together in the Eid 2018 release, Race 3, and are now discussing a reunion on Apoorva Lakhia’s next. Since the role is of an army officer, Saqib’s look test will be done by Salman and Apoorva. Once the look test is approved, the casting will be locked,” a trade source told Bollywood Hungama.

We hear that Salman is personally looking into the casting of Apoorva Lakhia’s next, as he doesn’t want to take a wrong step. “There will be a big ensemble on board this film, and the first of the many will be Saqib Saleem. Two more actors from the younger generation will on board Apoorva Lakhia’s next. The talks were initiated with Sooraj Pancholi too for a pivotal role, however, the director of the film isn’t too keen on getting this actor on board.”

Apoorva Lakhia’s next is set to begin in July and release in 2026. It features Salman Khan as an army officer for the first time.

Also Read: Saqib Saleem recalls getting call from Salman Khan for Race 3; says, “I was like, what is there to check? I am doing the film”

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Shah Rukh Khan has been roped in as the brand ambassador for Candere, the lifestyle jewellery brand from the House of Kalyan. The collaboration marks a significant moment for Candere as it continues to strengthen its presence in the lifestyle jewellery segment, especially among digitally savvy and expressive consumers.

The actor will headline Candere’s multimedia campaigns across digital, television, print, and in-store platforms, showcasing the brand’s contemporary appeal and inclusive vision.

Speaking about the association, Shah Rukh Khan said, “Jewellery has always been a powerful expression of love, memories, and identity. I’m excited to partner with Candere, a brand from the House of Kalyan Jewellers, which offers a modern and fresh perspective on how people wear and gift jewellery today. It’s elegant, it’s relevant, and it speaks to those who celebrate meaning in every moment.”

Candere has carved a niche in the market with its design-forward approach to jewellery, catering to both women and men. It is particularly known for offering one of the largest men’s jewellery collections in the market.

Commenting on the appointment, Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Director at Candere, stated, “The Indian jewellery industry is undergoing clear segmentation, with consumers increasingly seeking pieces that reflect their personality, align with their lifestyle, and suit specific occasions. Candere is built for this shift — especially for those who are Gen Z at heart: expressive, individualistic, and digitally engaged.”

He added, “In Shah Rukh Khan, we found a partner whose cultural resonance, timeless appeal, and emotional connect mirror the values we stand for. His presence will help us articulate the idea that Candere’s jewellery is no longer just about adornment — it’s a thoughtful, personal expression of identity and intent.”

With this strategic move, Candere aims to further connect with consumers who value not just design, but also the deeper meanings attached to every piece of jewellery they wear or gift.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan-backed Sri Lotus Developers and Realty IPO set to redefine Mumbai’s luxury real estate game with Rs. 792 cr issue

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Amit Sharma, Country Manager for India and South Asia at Virgin Music Group, has been named to Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players list. This recognition reflects his role in the evolving independent music landscape in South Asia.

Since joining Virgin Music Group in 2020, Sharma has been involved in expanding the company’s presence across the region. His efforts include forming partnerships, such as the collaboration with Hungama Digital Media, aimed at increasing the global reach of Indian regional music.

Under Sharma’s leadership, Virgin Music India has supported a range of artists, including Himesh Reshammiya, Rito Riba, Ammy Virk, Babbu Mann, and Neha Bhasin, providing them with tailored solutions to grow their careers while retaining creative control.

Sharma’s inclusion in Billboard’s list places him among other Indian executives recognized for their contributions to the music industry, such as Devraj Sanyal of Universal Music Group and Jay Mehta of Warner Music India.

While this accolade highlights Sharma’s involvement in the industry, it also underscores the broader developments within South Asia’s music scene, where independent music continues to gain prominence alongside traditional Bollywood offerings.

This accolade places Sharma alongside other influential figures in the global music industry and underscores the significant strides being made by Indian executives on the international stage. As the music landscape continues to evolve, Sharma’s contributions are poised to inspire further growth and innovation within the independent music sector in South Asia and beyond.

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When I got a call from the super-prolific Priyadarshan at around 8 pm on Tuesday, he sounded visibly upset. “What the f**k is wrong with these people? Why is Paresh, whom I’ve always considered an integral part of my film family, behaving in such a manner? I don’t need this. I don’t need to make any films at all. I’m more than happy with what I’ve made so far. And I am financially well-off. I don’t need to make Hera Pheri or any other film.”

So how did this project even happen?
“You know very well that I never wanted to return to Hera Pheri — not twenty-five years ago when it was first made, and certainly not now. It was my dear friend Akshay Kumar who persuaded me. One day, while we were shooting Bhoot Bungla, he came to me and said, ‘I have paid a huge amount of money for the Hera Pheri rights. I’ve asked Suniel and Paresh to be part of Hera Pheri 3, and they have happily agreed. Now I am asking you. Will you direct Hera Pheri for me?’ Of course, I said yes. I can’t say no to Akshay. Otherwise, I had no interest in revisiting Hera Pheri.”

Pausing for breath, Priyan confided how stressed the entire incident has made him. “I’m in my village right now, peacefully spending time with my relatives, watching the sky. The last thing I need is this kind of tension. I don’t care for the stress of filmmaking anymore. I would be happy to retire right now. I’ve done enough work. I no longer feel excited about filmmaking.”

So, what exactly is the explanation Paresh Rawal has given for his sudden exit?
“That’s the thing — he hasn’t given me or Akshay any explanation. After Akshay asked me to come on board, I came up with an idea for Hera Pheri 3, which everyone liked. Yes, Paresh loved it too. We even shot a bit for the film, and everyone was happy. There was no sign of any unhappiness from Paresh. I don’t know where this is coming from. I feel the whole thing is one big conspiracy.”

Did Paresh indicate his withdrawal to you directly?
“Nothing! He indicated nothing. When I heard about his decision, I messaged him to ask what happened. He replied saying I shouldn’t try to call him because he didn’t want to talk about it, and that he does not want to disrespect me. Is this how you show respect? Subhash, I am very, very hurt. There are two actors I’ve worked with the most: Mohanlal and Paresh Rawal. In Hindi, I don’t think there’s any actor I’ve worked with as extensively as Paresh. Every time I wrote a script in Hindi; I would find a proper place for Paresh.”

On Akshay Kumar’s Rs. 25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal
“I’m not surprised. It’s his money. He paid a huge amount for the Hera Pheri rights. Now suddenly one of the core actors decides to opt out. It’s Akshay’s problem, not mine. He has all my support. But the financial losses are his. By the way, everyone — including Paresh — has been paid an advance.”

Would Hera Pheri 3 be made without Paresh?
Priyan loses his cool at the question. “I don’t give a f**k. I don’t care whether it’s made or not. I was doing it for Akshay. I really don’t want to work anymore. I have some commitments to fulfil. I’ve just completed Bhoot Bungla with Akshay, and I have a film with Akshay and Saif that I am committed to direct. Beyond that, I don’t need this kind of tension. I would rather play with my grandchild than make movies with unprofessional actors.”

Also Read: Priyadarshan sides with Akshay Kumar as Paresh Rawal exits Hera Pheri 3: “He hasn’t spoken to me till date”

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Kiran Rao has been named to the international jury of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), one of Asia’s most prominent and competitive film festivals. The appointment marks another milestone in Rao’s acclaimed career as a director, producer, and writer. Rao, whose recent film Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) was India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards, will join a distinguished panel of global cinema voices led by Italian director and screenwriter Giuseppe Tornatore, best known for the Oscar-winning Cinema Paradiso.

The jury includes a diverse lineup of celebrated film professionals: Argentine filmmaker Iván Fund; Chinese actor and director Huang Bo; Greek producer Thanassis Karathanos; Chinese director and documentary filmmaker Yang Lina; and acclaimed Chinese actress Yong Mei.

Rao expressed her gratitude and excitement about joining the jury, stating, “It’s an honor to be part of a festival that champions international cinema and storytelling. I look forward to experiencing the wide range of voices and perspectives on screen, and to engaging with my fellow jurors from around the world.”

The 27th edition of SIFF will take place from June 13 to June 22, 2025, in Shanghai, China. The festival serves as a significant platform for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence, spotlighting both emerging talents and established auteurs from across the globe.

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios and Kindling Pictures, has received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal and poignant storytelling, combining humor, empathy, and social insight. The film’s success on the international awards circuit further underscores Rao’s unique voice in contemporary Indian cinema.

Also Read: Kiran Rao delighted as Hrithik Roshan calls Laapataa Ladies ‘insanely good’

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Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna’s iconic superhero Shaktimaan is all set to make a comeback; this time in an all-new format that caters to the digital-first generation. The beloved Hindi television character, who became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s, will now be heard in a new audio series by Pocket FM, with Khanna reprising his role as the voice of Shaktimaan.

The series, produced in collaboration with Khanna’s Bheeshma International, features an original storyline set in a reimagined world. The initiative aims to strike a balance between nostalgia for longtime fans and fresh storytelling for new listeners.

Speaking about the project, Mukesh Khanna said in an official statement, “Shaktimaan isn’t just a show, it’s an emotion that lives in the hearts of millions. I’m thrilled to return as the voice of the beloved hero and connect with a whole new generation of listeners through Pocket FM’s vast and extensive reach across India. The platform offers a great way to reintroduce Shaktimaan’s values, strength, and superpowers, but with new tales to today’s youth in a format they love.”

 

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The original Shaktimaan series aired on Doordarshan from September 13, 1997, to March 27, 2005. Known for promoting moral values and social responsibility through the lens of a superhero drama, the show became one of the most influential Indian TV series of its time.

In a recent interview with ANI, Khanna reflected on the character’s return and the evolving needs of young audiences. “I am carrying out my duty, which I started in 1997 and went on till 2005. I think my work should reach the public in 2027 because today’s generation is running blindly. They have to be stopped and told to catch their breath,” he said.

While this new audio series marks a significant revival of the character, it also follows earlier reports of a live-action film on Shaktimaan, announced in collaboration with Sony Pictures. Speculation had mounted that Ranveer Singh would portray the titular character on screen, but Khanna had firmly denied such casting claims.

Also Read: Mukesh Khanna says Naseeruddin Shah kept a beard because “he thought he had a small chin,” Shatrughan Sinha used “fake voice” all his career

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In December 2024, Bollywood Hungama reported that Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust, Amitabh Bachchan bought shares worth Rs. 10 crores in Anand Pandit’s Lotus Developers’ IPO. As for Hrithik Roshan, he bought 70,000 shares for around Rs. 1 crore. Meanwhile, Sara Ali Khan, Ektaa Kapoor, Tiger Shroff and Rajkummar Rao also bought small stakes in the company. Now, it has come to light that Sri Lotus Developers and Realty has received final approval from SEBI for its Rs 792 crore public issue, all via fresh equity—no offer-for-sale component.

Anand Pandit, who owns Sri Lotus Developers and Realty, has a long association with Bollywood as many stars own commercial and residential spaces in the properties developed and managed by Lotus Developers. He then turned producer and has backed several films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015), Sarkar 3 (2017), Satyameva Jayate (2018), Baazaar (2018), Batla House (2019), Total Dhamaal (2019), PM Narendra Modi (2019), The Big Bull (2021), Chehre (2021), Doctor G (2022), Thank God (2022), Kabzaa (2023), Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024) etc.

As per an article in The Economic Times, Sri Lotus Developers and Realty, known for transforming Mumbai’s western suburbs with ultra-premium 2BHKs to sprawling penthouses, is now stepping into the public market limelight. Its IPO proceeds will fuel ambitious real estate projects under its subsidiaries—Richfeel, Dhyan Projects and Tryksha—including high-end developments like Amalfi, The Arcadian, and Varun.

The celebrity sparkle began in December 2024 during a Rs 400 crore pre-IPO placement, where shares were issued at Rs 150 apiece. The Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust grabbed 6.75 lakh shares for Rs 10.1 crore, while Amitabh Bachchan also invested Rs 10 crore. Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, Ektaa Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, and Rajkummar Rao joined the star-studded investor line-up. Veteran investor Ashish Kacholia led the pack with a Rs 50 crore stake, acquiring over 33 lakh shares.

Sri Lotus has made a name with joint and redevelopment ventures, targeting aspirational homeowners in the Rs 3-7 crore bracket, and luxury buyers seeking Rs 7 crore-plus homes. As per The Economic Times story, in FY24, the company’s revenue surged by nearly 177% to Rs 461.57 crore, up from Rs 166.87 crore in FY23. Net profit skyrocketed over sixfold to Rs 119.81 crore. In just the first half of FY25, Sri Lotus has already logged Rs 243.42 crore in revenue with Rs 90.63 crore in profit.

With glam, growth, and glittering numbers, this Shah Rukh Khan-backed IPO isn’t just a real estate play—it’s a red-carpet rollout for investors eyeing Mumbai’s booming luxury segment.

Also Read: Is Shah Rukh Khan starrer King starting tomorrow? Siddharth Anand drops cryptic hint ahead of Suhana Khan’s birthday

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Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, A R Rahman, Silambarasan T R, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami and Ashok Selvan attended the press conference of their much-awaited Pan India film, Thug Life, at a multiplex in Mumbai. Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan spoke about each other and their long friendship. The film is significant as the heavyweights reunite after 37 years. Their last film was Nayakan (1987).

Mani Ratnam revealed, “When he was planning Sadma (1983) in Tamil (Moondram Pirai; 1982) and when he heard the narration, he enacted that scene (for us). That’s the kind of person he was and I was lucky that I was able to interact with him (before I started making films). I knew that there was somebody who was making a big path for all of us to come in. And that’s what he has done!”

When asked about his first impression of Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan replied, “The first impression is that I know him as a friend living in the same area. I didn’t even know that he belonged to a film family. I liked the way he spoke. We became friends. We were a group of friends and we were only talking cinema and no gossip!”

He added, “When we were shooting for Nayakan at Colaba in Mumbai, Ramesh Sippy saab was shooting in Film City. We also had to film some shots in Film City. Hence, we all went to see the shoot of Mr Ramesh Sippy. The qualification that brought us here (into films) is that we are all film buffs. We’ll go to any set to watch anybody work, especially those who we consider talented.”

The ‘Pan-India’ term has achieved a lot of significance, more so after Baahubali. But it was Kamal Haasan who crossed over from the South and made a mark in the Hindi-speaking markets. On this, he said, “That’s not my doing. Most of it was you’re doing and Mr K Balachander (smiles). He picked me up and brought me here. It worked. And they made it work. Utna hi hai!” It was K Balachander who introduced him in Bollywood with Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981). It was a remake of the director’s Tamil movie Maro Charitra (1978), also starring Kamal Haasan.

Thug Life releases in cinemas on June 5 worldwide.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan’s kiss scene with Abhirami from Thug Life to be removed from the film

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Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, A R Rahman, Silambarasan T R, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami and Ashok Selvan attended the press conference of their much-awaited Pan India film, Thug Life, at a multiplex in Mumbai. A few weeks ago, there were reports that this much-awaited film would arrive on a digital platform after completing 8 weeks in cinemas. This was a significant move as most Tamil biggies opt to arrive on OTT in just 4 weeks. The national chains, that is, PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis, have a strict rule of not releasing films that don’t adhere to the eight-week rule. As a result, the trade was excited over this development. With a release in the biggest multiplex chains, the chances of Thug Life scoring, especially in the Hindi version, will be significantly higher.

At the Thug Life Mumbai press conference, Kamal Haasan was asked about it and he confirmed that the reports were indeed true. He said, “It’s not even an experiment. It’s a pragmatic thing to do. I am glad the OTT platforms agreed and we sat together. It was not a negotiation. It’s a plan which maybe others could follow. It’ll make the industry healthy. We are glad that we are the first to be there to avail of that opportunity.”

The news comes at a time when Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, is all set to arrive on Amazon Prime Video within two weeks of its theatrical release. The national chains have made an exception with this film due to the intervention of the court.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan was also asked about the box office expectations for his upcoming film. He commented, “We are not looking at ‘how big’. But it shouldn’t be ‘how small’ (laughs). We have to look at break-even because it’s a business. Mani is from a business school and I am from this business. I grew up in this business. So, you can’t disrespect business and do business with the business.”

Thug Life releases in cinemas on June 5 worldwide.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan’s kiss scene with Abhirami from Thug Life to be removed from the film

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In true Siddharth Anand style—subtle yet seismic—the director set social media ablaze today with a single word tweet: “Tomorrow.” The cryptic post, with no further context or elaboration, has fans and industry insiders buzzing with one question: Is the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan-starrer King finally going on floors? While there has been no official confirmation yet, all signs point to a major announcement—or better yet, the commencement of shooting—on May 20, 2025.

King marks the long-speculated and highly anticipated collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and director Siddharth Anand, the duo that has separately delivered some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters in recent years. But what makes this film even more special is that it is expected to launch Suhana Khan—SRK’s daughter—on the big screen in a full-fledged commercial role.

Tomorrow. ????
— Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) May 20, 2025

Suhana, who made her debut with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies on OTT, will reportedly play a pivotal role in King, sharing screen space with her real-life father. It’s a cinematic moment fans have long dreamed of—and it seems that dream is about to become reality.

Adding even more firepower to the project is the possibility of Deepika Padukone joining the ensemble. Anand, known for extracting peak performances and spectacle from his actors (War, Pathaan, Fighter), is rumored to be putting together one of the most ambitious action-dramas in recent Bollywood memory.

Birthday Reveal in the Works?
With Suhana Khan’s birthday falling on May 22, sources close to the production suggest that we might see a first look poster or teaser revealed on her special day. “What better gift than unveiling the legacy and the next-gen Khan together in a film titled King?” said a source. “The shoot starts tomorrow, and they’re aiming to lock visuals quickly. A Suhana-centric reveal is very much on the cards.”

Hype Is Real
From Twitter trends to fan theories, the buzz around King has been simmering for months, especially after reports emerged that Shah Rukh Khan had locked in Siddharth Anand for a passion project that would also introduce his daughter to the masses in a grand fashion. If the cryptic “Tomorrow” tweet is indeed about King, then the film’s journey is officially beginning—with a bang.

Also Read: Rani Mukerji reunites with Shah Rukh Khan for King: Report

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