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Saturday, May 30, 2026
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Melissa Rauch’s 2016 camera roll is all about the ‘Big Bang Theory’ set

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Actress Melissa Rauch, popularly known as Bernadette Rostenkowski from sitcom “The Big Bang Theory”, took a trip down memory lane, sharing glimpses of her 2016.

The actress’ camera roll from that year was filled with countless versions of her favourite moments, featuring her with Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and Mayim Bialik on the sets of the show.

Her camera roll also featured a few glimpses from the sports comedy drama “The Bronze”, which also stars Gary Cole, Thomas Middleditch, Sebastian Stan, Cecily Strong, Haley Lu Richardson and Dale Raoul.

“So many wonderful #2016 memories…trying to figure out why the majority of my camera roll that year was overflowing with slightly different versions of the last pic,” she wrote as the caption.

The Big Bang Theory originally revolved around five characters living in Pasadena, California: physicists Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, who share an apartment; Penny, a waitress and aspiring actress living across the hall; and their equally geeky friends and colleagues, aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz and astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali.

The series’ success launched a multimedia franchise. A prequel series based on Parsons’ character Sheldon Cooper, Young Sheldon, with Parsons as the narrating adult Sheldon.

As the show progressed, several supporting characters were elevated to main roles, including neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler, microbiologist Bernadette Rostenkowski, and comic book store owner Stuart Bloom.

Meanwhile, “The Bronze” follows Hope, a former gymnastics bronze-medallist, whose inheritance and celebrity status are at stake, who is forced to accept Maggie, a talented young gymnast, as her protege and train her for the Olympics.

Rauch’s other acting credits include playing Tina on the American remake of Kath & Kim and Summer on the fantasy horror drama True Blood. She also provided the voice of DC character Harley Quinn in the 2017 animated film Batman and Harley Quinn.

Rauch also had supporting roles in I Love You, Man, Ice Age: Collision Course and Flock of Dudes and Ode to Joy. In 2019, Rauch played Meryl Streep’s daughter in the feature film The Laundromat directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Rani Mukerji on Mardaani 3: “I’ve seen how lonely courage can be”

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Veteran Bollywood star Rani Mukerji, who has clocked three decades in the journey of acting, opened up about her journey with the “Mardaani” franchise and the inspiration behind her fearless character, Shivani Shivaji Roy.

“I’ve seen how lonely courage can be,” Rani said, reflecting on the challenges and dedication of those in uniform.

“Shivani Shivaji Roy is not a character I switch off when the camera cuts. I carry her with me. Because through her, I’ve seen what it really means to serve. I’ve seen how lonely courage can be,” Rani said.

She added: “I have immense respect for the cops of our country who show up every day – quietly, without complaints, without medals, serving our country and protecting us silently. Mardaani franchise is my salute to them and I feel so happy and proud to see the people of my country pour so much love for the police force.”

With the love pouring in for her work in the third installment of Mardaani, she dedicates this moment to the Indian police force by saying, “To my brothers and sisters in the police force, especially the women, who are judged more, questioned more, and still stand taller than fear, this film exists because of you.”

“This film is my way of celebrating the entire police force, especially the women officers who lead with strength, compassion, and fierce integrity.”

Rani says the response to the trailer is a testament that, as a country, we are always ready to raise our voice against social crimes.

She says, “Your incredible response and love for Mardaani 3 trailer tells me that we, as a country, have a strong conscience. That we still feel anger when something is wrong and pride when someone stands up to protect the helpless. Thank you for holding Mardaani 3 so close to your hearts.”

Rani said that Mardaani is not just a franchise for her.

“Shivani Shivaji Roy lives in my heart. Through her, I’ve witnessed courage that doesn’t shout, strength that doesn’t seek applause, and bravery that comes at a very personal cost and I’m inspired by her.”

“Mardaani has never just been a film for me-it’s a feeling, a responsibility. It is deeply humbling to experience so much love for a film and a franchise that is part of my existence and has defined my career in cinema.”

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, Mardaani 3 delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society, further strengthening the franchise’s legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling. Mardaani 3 is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on 30 January.

Saiyami Kher and Gulshan Devaiah reunite for Swanand Kirkire’s romantic music video

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Actors Saiyami Kher and Gulshan Devaiah have joined hands once again as they feature in a soulful romantic music video titled ‘Aise Na Humko’ composed by celebrated lyricist-composer Swanand Kirkire.

Sharing her excitement, Saiyami said, “I have always been a fan of Swanand’s work and wanted to do something with him. I truly feel he is a treasure and so incredibly gifted such a fantastic writer, actor, and now a composer. It’s incredible how much one man can do.”

The actress is happy to work with Gulshan, with whom she was previously seen in “8 A.M. Metro.”

“I was so happy when Gulshan agreed to come on board because we’ve worked together on 8 A.M. Metro and I share a certain comfort with him. He’s such a sport and wonderful to work with.”

Gulshan describes the collaboration as a creative continuation rather than a conventional reunion.

He shared, “I loved working with Saiyami, loved spending time with her ,and getting to know her over Glitch & 8 am Metro. Some people are just really nice to be around & she is one of them. We have a wonderful camaraderie and onscreen chemistry. I jumped at the opportunity of creating something along with her again. That’s it .. it’s that simple .”

The music video has been shot exclusively in Nashik, with key portions filmed at Saiyami Kher’s farmstay, lending the visuals an organic and deeply personal charm.

“We shot at my farm stay in Nashik, it felt like utopia and made the experience even more special,” Saiyami added. Choosing real locations over stylised sets allowed the emotions and lyrics of the song to unfold naturally.

Talking about the musician, Kirkire won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice. He was first feted with the honour in 2006 for the song “Bande Me Tha Dum…Vande Mataram” from the film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and then in 2009, for the song “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” from the film 3 Idiots.

‘Aise Na Humko’ is out now on all platforms and the video will be premiering today (16 January) on Youtube.

Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan’s ‘Ek Din’ teaser unveils heart-melting romance

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After “Maharaj” and “Loveyapa”, Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan will be seen romancing Southern beauty Sai Pallavi in the forthcoming romantic entertainer “Ek Din”.

Adding to the excitement for the project, the makers have unveiled the gripping teaser of the drama on social media, with the caption, “Some stories don’t need time (red heart emoji) Watch EK DIN only in theatres, 1st May 2026. (sic)”.

The teaser of “Ek Din” opens with a heartwarming dialogue.

“I really love your smile Meera”, Junaid can be heard saying in the clip that flaunts the enchanting chemistry of the fresh on-screen pair.

As Junaid’s character falls for Sai Pallavi’s character, he continues.

“I don’t know if I will be able to win your heart, but dreams are meant to be beyond our reach.”

Sai Pallavi, who is making her much-anticipated Hindi film debut with “Ek Din”, brings her trademark grace, depth, and simplicity to the role, and accompanying her, Junaid seems to be effortlessly endearing, stepping into a new emotional space with confidence and charm.

Moreover, “Ek Din” marks Aamir Khan’s reunion with director-producer Mansoor Khan after a long time. This iconic duo has previously delivered memorable films such as “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak”, “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar”, “Akele Hum Akele Tum”, and “Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na”. Just like all the previous outings, they have joined forces for a simple yet heart-melting love story this time as well.

Backed under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions by Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan, and Aparna Purohit, “Ek Din” is directed by Sunil Pandey.

The movie is scheduled to release in theaters on 1st May 2026.

After this, Sai Pallavi will be a part of another Bollywood drama, “Ramayan Part 1”. Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in lead roles.

Ekta Rana and Rishi Rich unite for uplifting new track ‘Jhoom’

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London-based singer, songwriter and composer Ekta Rana is set to release her latest single, Jhoom, on 23 January 2026, with the track becoming available worldwide across all major streaming platforms.

Known for blending Indian classical traditions with contemporary sounds, Rana has collaborated on the release with legendary British-Indian producer Rishi Rich. The single brings together Rana’s emotive songwriting with Rich’s distinctive, genre-defining production style.

Written, composed and performed by Rana, and produced by Rich, Jhoom takes its name from the Hindi word meaning to sway or move with joy and rhythm. The song centres on the feeling of falling in love and fully surrendering to it, capturing moments when emotion and music intertwine. Light, upbeat and joyful in tone, the track reflects the sensation of a heart beginning to dance on its own, moving to the rhythm of someone special and getting lost in love’s simplest moments.

Speaking about the release, Rana said: “Jhoom is about swaying in love and letting the music carry your heart.”

Rishi Rich, widely regarded as a pioneer of Asian R&B fusion and a key figure in the Asian Underground movement, brings his trademark depth and contemporary polish to the single. Internationally acclaimed for his bhangra, Hindi remixes and genre-blending productions, Rich is also known for his work with the Rishi Rich Project, through which he helped launch the careers of artists including Jay Sean, Juggy D, Veronica Mehta and Mumzy Stranger.

With Jhoom, Rich’s production preserves the emotional core of the song while adding rhythm and modern flair, marking a vibrant collaboration between two artists rooted in cultural tradition yet firmly focused on contemporary expression.

Harry Styles announces release date for his new album ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.’

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Harry Styles has announced his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which is set for release on 6 March.

The singer unveiled the album title, cover artwork and release date on 15 January. The 12-track record will be executive produced by Kid Harpoon, who also recently worked on the latest album by former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.

The announcement follows months of speculation surrounding Styles’ return in 2026. In recent weeks, a series of billboards and advertisements appeared in cities including New York, Madrid and Rome, featuring phrases such as “We belong together” and “See you very soon”, alongside a cryptic website, fuelling anticipation among fans.

Styles last toured extensively in support of his second and third solo albums, spending nearly two years on the road. His pandemic-delayed Love on Tour began in September 2021 and concluded in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on 22 July 2023. His third album, Harry’s House, was released in May 2022 and went on to win the Grammy Award for album of the year the following year.

Further hinting at new music, Styles reactivated his social media accounts in late December, sharing a video of himself performing his instrumental track Forever, Forever on piano during the final date of Love on Tour. The clip ends with the phrase “We belong together” flashing across the screen, a message that has since been echoed in the recent promotional campaign.

Border 2 trailer unleashes patriotic fury with Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback

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Finally! the trailer for one of the most-anticipated films of 2026, ‘Border 2’, has been unveiled.

Directed by Anurag Singh, the second instalment of the iconic film brings back Sunny Deol as the main lead, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty joining him to fight the enemies.

“Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War”, the trailer opens the door to the powerful world of Border 2 and what happens when India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force come together to fight as one.

Loaded with powerful dialogues delivered by veteran Sunny Deol, gripping performances by Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, and the soulful revival of the iconic songs from the first film, the Border 2 trailer strikes an emotional chord, leaving viewers overwhelmed, stirred, and goosebump-laden.

The trailer opened and closed with Sunny’s dialogues, delivered in his signature high-pitched, powerful voice. That thunderous dialogue delivery has always been a defining part of his action-hero persona, and he continues to maintain it even today.

This film too clearly reflects just how much strength and impact his voice still carries.

Sharing the trailer, Sunny on Instagram wrote, “A war remembered. A legacy continued. #Border2Trailer Out Now! (Link in bio) #Border2 Releasing in cinemas worldwide on 23rd January, 2026!”

“Humein kya haraoge. Arey tumhare Pakistan mein itne log nahi jitne humare yahan Eid par bakre kaate jaate hain,” the trailer ended with this dialogue of Sunny.

Border 2 is produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films. The movie will hit the big screens ahead of Republic Day on 23 January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Diljit Dosanjh and Sonam Bajwa also feature in key roles.

Director of ‘Queen of My Dreams’ Fawzia Mirza to Helm South Asian Paranormal Thriller ‘Bhoot’

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Fawzia Mirza, the award-winning filmmaker behind The Queen of My Dreams, has been signed on to helm ‘Bhoot’, an English-language South Asian paranormal thriller from Toronto-based Champ & Pepper and multi-hyphenate creator Dana Abraham.

The film has been written by Abraham, who also co-stars and is known for his work on Orphan Black: Echoes. Bhoot is targeting a production start in autumn 2026, with casting announcements expected to be rolled out over the coming year. The project also marks Champ & Pepper’s first major step into original film production, following its work as a marketing agency on global campaigns for major studio releases.

Bhoot follows Aru Saha, a young South Asian woman dealing with grief, guilt and generational pressure, who arrives in a seemingly idyllic town with her brother Das and their parents. The town, however, hides a supernatural secret rooted in South Asian folklore. The film is described as a psychological horror that combines emotional family drama with genre-driven elements.

Abraham is producing the film through his Red Hill Creative banner, alongside Champ & Pepper’s Jeff Pestell and Glenn Karpel. Ella Wahlstedt of Quarterlife Pictures also serves as a producer, having developed the screenplay with Abraham from its earliest stages.

Speaking about the project, Abraham said the film explores internal hauntings, including inherited guilt and buried grief, and described Mirza as an ideal creative partner. He added that her voice, vision and commitment to authentic South Asian storytelling would help shape a project that is bold, frightening and emotionally resonant, while Champ & Pepper’s extensive experience in global marketing would support a strategic rollout well ahead of production.

Mirza made her feature directorial debut with The Queen of My Dreams, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and screened at SXSW, among numerous other festivals, before receiving a theatrical release. The film has since earned a GLAAD Award nomination for outstanding feature, two Canadian Screen Awards and the Directors Guild of Canada award for best feature, along with several other honours.

Commenting on her involvement, Mirza said she had been actively searching for a genre or thriller project to direct, describing horror as a form as visceral as comedy and as emotionally evocative as romance. She said Abraham’s script delivered strongly on feeling, making the decision to come on board an easy one.

Champ & Pepper president Jeff Pestell said the company was excited to expand its role from content creation and marketing into development and production, calling the move a natural progression. He added that partnering with Abraham and Red Hill Creative on Bhoot, and securing a director of Mirza’s calibre, made the project particularly exciting.

Featuring a fully South Asian principal cast, Bhoot is being positioned for strategic partnerships with studios and streaming platforms across North America and international markets, beginning in 2027.

Emraan Hashmi talks about why OTT viewing is gaining momentum

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Emraan Hashmi has spoken candidly about the changing landscape of the theatrical business, expressing concern over how shrinking release windows and shifting audience habits are impacting cinema attendance.

In an interview with PTI, the actor pointed to the narrowing gap between theatrical releases and their arrival on OTT platforms as a key factor influencing viewer behaviour. With films now debuting online within four to six weeks of their cinema release, Hashmi said many audiences are choosing to bypass theatres altogether.

According to the actor, unless a film delivers a large-scale spectacle, a deeply emotional love story or hit music, viewers are increasingly opting for the convenience of home viewing. He noted that the prevailing mindset among audiences has become, “We will watch this at home in like four to six weeks.”

Hashmi was also asked to respond to recent comments made by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio about the troubling state of the global theatrical business. Agreeing with DiCaprio’s assessment, Hashmi said the situation was indeed “worrisome”.

To illustrate his point, he referred to DiCaprio’s latest Oscar-winning film, One Battle After Another. Despite critical acclaim and awards recognition, the film struggled to attract audiences to cinemas. Hashmi remarked that a decade ago, such a film would likely have performed far better theatrically, adding that it is now often perceived as the kind of project viewers prefer to watch on streaming platforms.

He explained that this shift in mindset did not exist ten years ago, making the current climate particularly challenging for filmmakers. “It has become very difficult,” he said.

Hashmi also noted that the industry is responding cautiously to these changes, with filmmakers and producers carefully weighing what is likely to succeed on the big screen. As a result, he said his own approach to selecting projects has become more stringent, with a greater emphasis on choosing work that feels impactful, whether for theatrical release or OTT. “The rejection process is a little more elaborate,” he added.

In addition to release strategies, Hashmi pointed to rising ticket prices and the expansion of multiplexes as contributing factors behind declining theatre footfalls.

On the professional front, the actor is set to be seen next in the web series Taskaree, which premieres on Netflix.

Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams to make acting debut in ‘Please’

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Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams is set to make her acting debut in ‘Please’ director Halina Reijn‘s latest movie for A24, according to Deadline.

Reijn will write and direct the project, titled “Please,” with Abrams starring. Plot details for the film remain under wraps.

David Hinojosa will produce the film, re-teaming with Reijn for the third time. Reijn will also produce through her Man Up Film banner, with A24 also producing and financing. Zach Nutman will executive produce.

“Please” is Reijn’s third film with A24, following her satirical slasher “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022) and her erotic thriller “Babygirl” (2024), which became one of the studio’s biggest global successes and earned $64 million worldwide. A24 additionally acquired her debut feature, 2019’s “Instinct.”

As for Abrams, it’s been one hit after another since she burst onto the music scene in 2019. Her EPs, “Minor” and “This Is What It Feels Like,” established Abrams as a talent to watch, with a knack for blending elements of indie folk and pop. Her debut album, 2023’s “Good Riddance,” proved to be a major breakthrough, ultimately earning a nomination for best new artist at the Grammys. Abrams’ 2024 sophomore album, “The Secret of Us,” was a smash hit, featuring singles “Close To You” (her first solo debut on the Billboard Hot 100) and “I Love You, I’m Sorry” (which rose to no. 11 on the U.S. Spotify charts). Her next single, “That’s So True,” off the deluxe edition of the album, hit No. 1 on the US Spotify chart with more than 100 million streams; the song also became Abrams’ first top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 6. In 2025, she earned a best pop duo/group performance nod at the Grammys for “Us,” her duet with Taylor Swift.