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Saturday, May 30, 2026
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Shehnaaz Gill brings the party with new track ‘Banje Daru’

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Punjabi sensation Shehnaaz Gill has dropped a vibrant new track, Banje Daru, a playful anthem celebrating freedom, confidence and living in the moment.

Presented by Humble Music and Punjabi star Gippy Grewal, the upbeat song features vocals by Gill herself. The music is composed by Black Virus, while the lyrics are penned by Kaptaan.

The music video showcases Shehnaaz in a glamorous avatar, matching the song’s energetic vibe and carefree mood.

Speaking about the track, Gill said the song is all about enjoying life without needing a special occasion.

I wanted Banje Daru to feel like that kind of mood where you don’t need any special reason, just good music, good energy and a little bit of fun,” she said. “It’s playful and the kind of song that makes you want to enjoy the moment. For me, it’s about feeling free, confident and having a good time without overthinking it.”

She added that working with Gippy Grewal and the team made the experience even more memorable.

The whole vibe during the shoot was easy, fun and full of energy. I had an amazing time working on this song and I hope people feel that same joy when they listen to it.”

Announcing the release on Instagram, Gill wrote: “Banje Daru is finally here… now you don’t just see her, you hear her too.”

On other work, the star is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Ishqnama, which is expected to hit cinemas on 24 July.

Lipstick vs Khiladi! Wamiqa Gabbi beats Akshay Kumar in mid-air arm wrestle

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Bollywood star Wamiqa Gabbi proved she’s got some serious “Khiladi” spirit after beating action legend Akshay Kumar in a playful arm-wrestling match, all to save her lipstick.

The hilarious moment unfolded during a flight as the pair promoted their upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. In a video shared by Wamiqa on Instagram, the two actors are seen locking arms for a friendly arm-wrestling contest mid-air.

At first, it looks like Akshay, known for his action-packed “Khiladi” persona has the upper hand. But the situation takes a dramatic turn when someone places a lipstick on the table between them. Realising it is the only lipstick she brought on the trip, Wamiqa suddenly powers through, turning the tables and defeating the Bollywood action star.

The actress ends the clip clutching the lipstick in triumph, clearly relieved that her prized possession has been saved.

Sharing the video, Wamiqa joked in the caption: “Just some KHILADI energy before entering Bhooth Bangla on 10th April (btw, that was the only lipstick I was carrying it was an important lipstick).”

Akshay was quick to join in the fun, commenting: “Lesson learnt: never come between a girl and her lipstick. Even a Khiladi will lose that fight.”

Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films, Bhooth Bangla is directed by Priyadarshan and marks his reunion with Akshay Kumar after 14 years.

The film also features a strong ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Asrani and Rajpal Yadav.

The much-anticipated horror-comedy is set to hit cinemas on 10 April.

 

RECIPE: Harira Soup with Moroccan Bread

INGREDIENTS

Harira:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 tbsp Supreme Garlic & Ginger paste
1 tsp Supreme Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Supreme Paprika Powder
1 tsp Supreme Chilli Powder
1 tsp Supreme Cinnamon Powder
1 can Supreme Chopped Tomato Tin
1 can Supreme Chickpeas Tin
5 cups water chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup Supreme Red lentils
½ cup coriander, finely chopped
½ cup parsley, finely chopped

Moroccan Bread:
1 ¼ cups warm water
7g sachet dry yeast
2 tsp honey
Salt to taste
4 cups bread flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg white, lightly whisked
Supreme sesame seeds

METHOD

Harira:
Heat oil in a deep pot, add onions, celery, carrots and garlic and ginger paste, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften. Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, paprika powder, and cinnamon powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes then add chopped tomato, chick peas, red lentils, coriander, parsley and stock. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 40-45 minutes, until the lentils are fully cooked and the soup has thickened (for a thinner soup add more water). Check seasoning and serve with Moroccan bread.

M0roccan Bread:
Mix together 1/2 cup warm water, yeast, honey and salt in a jug. Cover and stand for 15 minutes. Add bread flour into a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture, 2 tablespoons oil and remaining 3/4 cup warm water. Stir to form a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes or until smooth. Grease 2 baking trays. Divide dough in half. Roll the dough into a 20cm round bread. Place 1 on each prepared tray. Cover and stand in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. To bake, preheat oven to 200°C. Brush loaves with whisked egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Serve warm.

RECIPE: Chilli Paneer

INGREDIENTS

600g paneer, cut into 2cm cubes
¾ cup plain flour
¾ cup water
Salt to taste
½ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper
½ tsp Supreme Garlic Powder
½ tsp Supreme Onion Powder
Oil for deep frying paneer
1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped the same size as paneer
½ cup red onions, chopped the same size as paneer

Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp chilli sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vinegar
¼ cup oil
1 tsp Supreme Garlic Paste
2 tsp Supreme Chilli Flakes

Garnish:
Sliced spring onions

METHOD

In a bowl add oil, garlic paste, ketchup, soy sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar, sugar and chilli flakes. Mix well and set aside.

In a large bowl, add flour, water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and water. Whisk until well combined. Add paneer and mix gently so that each cube is evenly coated in the batter .Heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add paneer and fry (in batches) until golden all over. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sauce and saute for 2 minutes. Then add red onion and peppers and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the veggies soften slightly and the sauce thickens. Check for seasoning then add fried paneer and coat well in the sauce. Once the paneer has heated through, remove from heat, garnish with sliced spring onions and serve immediately.

RECIPE: Date and Nut Parfait

INGREDIENTS

1kg Greek yoghurt
¼ cup honey & extra to drizzle on top
1 tsp Supreme Cinnamon Powder
Pinch of Supreme Nutmeg
1 cup chopped medjool dates
½ cup almonds
Honey & almond granola
Mint leaves to garnish

METHOD

In a bowl mix together greek yogurt, honey, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder. To assemble: add a layer of granola in your desired glass, some chopped dates and chopped almonds, then a generous layer of yogurt. Repeat the layers. Drizzle the top with more honey and garnish with a sprig of mint leaves. These Parfaits can be made ahead of time.

RECIPE: Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients: 

Seasoning:

1 tbsp Supreme Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Onion Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Smoked Paprika Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Cayenne Pepper Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Cumin Powder

½ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp sugar

400g chicken breast

2 cups grated cheese

¼ cup spring onions, finely chopped

¼ cup coriander, finely chopped

¼ cup oil

Mini tortillas

Sour cream

Salsa

Coriander leaves

Oil to shallow fry

Flour paste:

⅓ cup plain flour

⅓ cup water

Guacamole sauce:

2 avocados

2 limes, juiced

½ cup water

½ tsp black pepper

Pinch of salt

Method: 

Make the guacamole sauce: add the ingredients into a bowl and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Set aside in the fridge.

Cook the chicken: Add all the ingredients for the seasoning into a bowl and mix together. Cut the chicken breast across so you have thinner filets. Then season both sides of the chicken breast with the seasoning mix. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until chicken is fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken. Then add cheese, spring onions and coriander. Mix everything together and set aside.

Make the flour paste: add the ingredients into a bowl and mix until smooth.

Fill the taquitos: place mini tortilla on a clean surface and add 2 tbsp of the filling at the end of the tortilla (leave the edges clear). Spread some flour paste at the top end and  then tightly roll the tortilla up. Keep the taquitos flat whilst transferring or else the filling will fall out.

Fry the taquitos: heat enough oil to shallow fry over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the taquitos in batches and fry until  golden on all sides.

Serve hot with salsa, guacamole sauce, sour cream and coriander.

RECIPE: Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients: 

Seasoning: 

1 tbsp Supreme Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Onion Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Smoked Paprika Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Cayenne Pepper Powder

1 tbsp Supreme Cumin Powder

½ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp sugar

400g chicken breast

2 cups grated cheese

¼ cup spring onions, finely chopped

¼ cup coriander, finely chopped

¼ cup oil

Mini tortillas

Sour cream

Salsa

Coriander leaves

Oil to shallow fry

Flour paste: 

⅓ cup plain flour

⅓ cup water

Guacamole sauce:

2 avocados

2 limes, juiced

½ cup water

½ tsp black pepper

Pinch of salt

Method: 

Make the guacamole sauce: add the ingredients into a bowl and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Set aside in the fridge.

Cook the chicken: Add all the ingredients for the seasoning into a bowl and mix together. Cut the chicken breast across so you have thinner filets. Then season both sides of the chicken breast with the seasoning mix. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until chicken is fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken. Then add cheese, spring onions and coriander. Mix everything together and set aside.

Make the flour paste: add the ingredients into a bowl and mix until smooth.

Fill the taquitos: place mini tortilla on a clean surface and add 2 tbsp of the filling at the end of the tortilla (leave the edges clear). Spread some flour paste at the top end and  then tightly roll the tortilla up. Keep the taquitos flat whilst transferring or else the filling will fall out.

Fry the taquitos: heat enough oil to shallow fry over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the taquitos in batches and fry until  golden on all sides.

Serve hot with salsa, guacamole sauce, sour cream and coriander.

Epic Ramayana production Humare Ram set for landmark UK premiere in London

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Zee Entertainment UK has announced the landmark UK premiere of Humare Ram, the acclaimed mega production by Felicity Theatre. The epic staging will arrive this July at London’s iconic Eventim Apollo, marking the first theatrical production of this scale from India to be performed in the United Kingdom.

For 31 years, Zee UK has served as a cultural bridge for the global South Asian community, connecting generations through stories, heritage and entertainment. The presentation of Humare Ram continues this long-standing commitment by bringing one of India’s most powerful cultural narratives to audiences in the UK. The partnership with Felicity Theatre introduces one of India’s most celebrated theatrical spectacles to British audiences, offering an emotional and artistic experience deeply rooted in heritage.

Celebrated as one of India’s most impactful stage productions, Humare Ram has completed more than 450 performances, toured 30 cities, and captivated over 800,000 audience members worldwide. Following its milestone staging at the Dubai Opera, its London debut marks the next chapter in the production’s global journey.

The play presents untold stories from the Ramayana, brought to life through cinematic staging, immersive design and an evocative original soundtrack featuring musical legends Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher. Directed by Gaurav Bhardwaj and written by Rahull R Bhuchar and Naresh Katyayan, the production stars two of India’s most distinguished actors. Ashutosh Rana delivers a commanding and nuanced portrayal of Ravan, while Rahull R Bhuchar appears as Ram in a performance described as both intimate and timeless.

Parul Goel, Territory Head Europe at Zee Entertainment, described the event as a significant cultural moment.

“For 31 years, Zee UK has been a cultural ambassador for millions, connecting generations through stories that reflect who we are and where we come from. Partnering with Felicity Theatre for Humare Ram is not just an extension of our events portfolio, it is a landmark cultural moment. We are bringing India’s biggest and most celebrated timeless epic, staged at an unprecedented scale, straight from the heartland of India to the heart of London. Presenting Humare Ram at the iconic Eventim Apollo is a proud reaffirmation of our commitment to championing Indian heritage on the world stage and creating transformative cultural experiences for audiences everywhere.”

Award-winning actor Ashutosh Rana, who portrays Ravan in the production, shared his excitement about performing in London.

“London has always held a special place in my heart, and performing here is a privilege I deeply cherish. To bring a character as layered and powerful as Ravan to a stage that has hosted some of the world’s greatest artists is both humbling and exhilarating. As an actor, I have lived many lives on screen and on stage, but Humare Ram is an experience that touches the soul. I am grateful to be part of a production that not only honours our epic tradition but also connects with audiences who carry India in their hearts, no matter where they live.”

Rahull R Bhuchar, producer, writer and actor in the production, as well as Founder and President of Felicity Theatre, described the play as a deeply personal creative journey.

“Humare Ram has been one of the most personal and meaningful creative journeys of my life. As a storyteller, I wanted to explore the deeper emotional layers and lesser-told perspectives of the Ramayana and present them in a way that resonates with modern audiences while still honouring the sanctity of the epic. To now bring this production to London with Zee UK is truly special. It allows us to connect with audiences across borders and share a timeless story that belongs not just to India, but to the world.”

Director Gaurav Bhardwaj added that the production blends traditional storytelling with modern theatrical technology.

“Our vision was to create a spectacle that feels both grand and deeply emotional, where powerful performances, music, visuals and stagecraft come together to transport audiences into the world of the Ramayana. Bringing this production to London is a proud moment for our entire creative team, and we are excited to present this experience on one of the most iconic stages in the world.”

Humare Ram will run at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London, from 9 to 12 July 2026.

Yash Raj Films announces July 2026 release for action thriller Alpha

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Yash Raj Films has officially announced the theatrical release date for its highly anticipated action entertainer Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt. The film is set to hit cinemas on 10 July 2026, promising audiences an adrenaline-fuelled cinematic spectacle.

Marking India’s first female-led action spectacle, ‘Alpha’ brings together superstar Alia Bhatt and rising Hindi film industry talent Sharvari in what is being described as a relentless action thriller. The film also features Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles, adding further star power to the ambitious project.

In the film, Bhatt and Sharvari are expected to go head-to-head with Bobby Deol in an intense and brutal showdown, setting the stage for a gripping battle of strength, strategy and resilience. With a strong ensemble cast and high-octane action at its core, Alpha is already generating considerable excitement among fans of Hindi cinema.

The film is directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films.

With its star-studded cast, powerful storytelling and large-scale action sequences, ‘Alpha’ is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2026.

RECIPE: Macaroni and Cheese Bites

INGREDIENTS

2 cups macaroni pasta, boiled and drained

40g butter

30g flour

2 cups milk

Salt to taste

½ tsp Supreme Garlic Powder

1 tsp Supreme Onion Powder

½ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper

½ tsp Supreme Cayenne Pepper

1 cup grated red Leicester cheese

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Supreme Breadcrumbs

eggs, whisked

METHOD

Line a deep baking tray with greaseproof paper. Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add flour and stir well for 3-4 minutes. Gently pour the milk in small amounts and continue to whisk until the sauce is thick and smooth. Whisk in cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Turn the heat to low, add cheese and macaroni. Stir well until the cheese has melted. Transfer the mac & cheese into the prepared baking tray. Add another sheet of greaseproof paper on top then chill overnight in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and place a tray/ chopping board on top then turn upside down. Remove greaseproof paper and cut the mac & cheese into 1 inch cubes. Coat in egg then breadcrumbs then again in egg and breadcrumbs (double coat). Freeze before frying. To cook; deep fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.