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Kangana Ranaut criticises Oscars for promoting “anti-India” films

Arya Nanda
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Kangana Ranaut criticises Oscars for promoting “anti-India” films

Kangana Ranaut has made waves yet again with her bold commentary on the film industry, this time targeting the Oscars. The actress claimed that films showcasing India in a negative light are often favoured by the prestigious awards body.

“Usually, the agenda they push for India is very different. The films they pick are anti-India. Even now, a film that is garnering praise—I was very excited about it initially—had the director saying that in India, you don’t have the freedom to love due to religious intolerance. I haven’t even seen the film,” Kangana said.

She further elaborated, “For the Oscars, it has to be a film that makes the country look bad. Slumdog Millionaire is one such example. It always has to be a film that portrays the country as a ‘s**thole.’”

Kangana also spoke about her own film, Emergency, which she believes challenges these norms. “Emergency is not that film. The West is ready to see how India stands today. I’ve never cared about these awards—Indian or Western. This film is brilliantly made and is as good as any international project. But I understand how geopolitics works, and as nationalists, we don’t have much hope with these award functions.”

About Emergency

Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, Emergency is a biographical action-drama set during the tumultuous 21-month Emergency period in India from 1975 to 1977. Kangana portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, which delves into the political and social upheaval of the era.

The cast also includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles. Following multiple delays, the film is now slated for release on 17 January.

As always, Kangana’s outspoken remarks have sparked debate, with audiences eager to see whether Emergency can defy both awards politics and box office expectations.

The real reason behind Triptii Dimri’s sudden exit from Aashiqui 3

Arya Nanda
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The real reason behind Triptii Dimri’s sudden exit from Aashiqui 3

Triptii Dimri, who was initially set to reunite with her Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 co-star Kartik Aaryan in Aashiqui 3, is no longer part of the much-anticipated romantic film. The announcement of her casting was made last year, with reports suggesting that the actors had even shot a muhurat scene. However, on Tuesday, news broke that Triptii has exited the project, with conflicting reports about the reasons behind her departure.

According to Mid-Day, the actress voluntarily stepped away due to delays in the film’s production. A source quoted in the report said, “Triptii was excited to headline the romance, but that’s not going to happen now. Aashiqui 3 is undergoing a [title]-related dispute, so it has been postponed indefinitely.”

However, an industry insider has offered a different perspective, claiming it was the makers who decided to replace Triptii after her initial look test. “The fundamental requirement to be the heroine of Aashiqui 3 is innocence, and the team felt that Triptii’s recent roles have made her image too exposed for the character,” the source revealed. “Her solo standing at the box office hasn’t been profitable, and the makers feel she no longer fits the parameters of a legendary, soulful love story like Aashiqui.”

The insider also pointed to the delay in production as a contributing factor, stating that when Triptii was initially cast, she was relatively new to the industry. Since then, she has appeared in two more films, including Animal, which reportedly altered her on-screen image in the eyes of the makers.

Despite these reports, neither Triptii nor the filmmakers have issued an official statement, leaving the exact reason for her departure unclear. Industry sources speculate the truth may lie somewhere in between, with both the actress unwilling to wait and the makers seeking a “fresher” face for the lead role.

Aashiqui 3 has faced multiple delays and changes since its initial announcement. Originally slated to be co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt, the project underwent a title change in March 2024 when Kumar announced it would be renamed Tu Aashiqui Hai. Reports later emerged in November suggesting Kartik Aaryan was keen to retain the Aashiqui branding, leading to further postponements.

The film, directed by Anurag Basu, remains one of the most anticipated romantic dramas, but the ongoing changes have left fans wondering when it will finally go on floors.

Aubrey Plaza speaks on husband Jeff Baena’s tragic passing

Arya Nanda
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Aubrey Plaza speaks on husband Jeff Baena’s tragic passing

Actress Aubrey Plaza has spoken out following the death of her husband, director and screenwriter Jeff Baena, describing it as an “unimaginable tragedy.” Baena, aged 47, was found dead on Friday near the Fern Dell Nature Trail in Hollywood Hills. The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed the cause of death as suicide.

In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Plaza and the Baena/Stern family expressed their grief, saying: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Remembering Jeff Baena

Baena, who was best known for films such as The Little Hours, Life After Beth, and Joshy, married Plaza in 2021. He graduated from New York University with a degree in film and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his directing career. Prior to making his own films, Baena worked in production with renowned filmmakers like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell. Notably, he co-wrote I Heart Huckabees with Russell.

Baena made his directorial debut in 2014 with the release of Life After Beth, a zombie comedy that starred Plaza. The two collaborators went on to work together on multiple projects.

Baena’s death has been met with an outpouring of condolences from the entertainment community. Aubrey Plaza, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus, had been slated to present at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this week, but was understandably absent following her husband’s death.

Brady Corbet, who won the Best Director award for The Brutalist at the Golden Globes, dedicated his acceptance speech to Plaza, saying, “My heart is with Aubrey Plaza, and Jeff’s family.”

Baena’s surviving family includes his mother Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott, stepmother Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, stepsister Bianca Gabay, and stepbrother Jed Fluxman. The family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

Ira Khan on how therapy helped strengthen her bond with parents Aamir Khan and Reena Datta

Arya Nanda
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Ira Khan on how therapy helped strengthen her bond with parents Aamir Khan and Reena Datta

Ira Khan, daughter of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and his first wife Reena Datta, has always been candid about her journey with mental health. In a recent conversation with actor Ahsaas Channa, Ira opened up about how therapy played a crucial role in improving her relationship with her parents and navigating the complexities of parent-child dynamics.

Reflecting on her experience with depression, Ira highlighted the parallels between working on romantic relationships and familial bonds:
“During my depression, I learned things I wish I had known earlier. Like any relationship, you need to build and work on your relationship with your parents too. No one tells you that.”

Ira spoke about how therapy helped her shift her perspective on viewing parents solely as caregivers:
“At some point, you’re supposed to stop seeing your parents as just parents and see them as individuals. That transition often doesn’t happen, leading to misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.”

Getting to know parents as individuals

She recalled a significant moment in therapy:
“My therapist asked, ‘What are your parents like?’ and I realised I didn’t know them as people, only as my parents. How can you build a relationship if you don’t know someone beyond their role as your parent?”

Ira also acknowledged her parents’ efforts, sharing that despite their divorce in 2022, they have been supportive of her mental health journey. Aamir Khan even participated in joint therapy sessions with her, as revealed in a Netflix India video.

Ira highlighted the societal reluctance to discuss emotional well-being within families:
“These conversations are rarely had, which complicates parent-child relationships. Parents will make mistakes and unintentionally baby you, but they are just people too.”

Ira has often credited therapy as a transformative experience, strengthening her bond with her parents and fostering a deeper understanding of their individuality. Her openness continues to shed light on the importance of emotional health and familial communication in Indian households.

Shraddha Kapoor’s Nagin gets a major update as producer Nikhil Dwivedi teases progress

Arya Nanda
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Shraddha Kapoor’s Nagin gets a major update as producer Nikhil Dwivedi teases progress

After years of speculation, Nagin, a highly anticipated trilogy about a shape-shifting snake starring Shraddha Kapoor, appears to be moving forward. Producer Nikhil Dwivedi recently hinted at the film’s development on Instagram, sharing a glimpse of the script with the title Nagin: An Epic Tale of Love and Sacrifice, created and developed by SAFFRON Magicworks. Alongside the image, Dwivedi wrote, “Makar Sankranti and Finally…,” suggesting that the long-delayed project may soon go into production.

Dwivedi previously explained why Shraddha was his first choice for the role:
“The only person I really thought of was Shraddha because she has this unique ability to be both the girl next door and transform into a sensuous woman if needed.” Shraddha herself had expressed excitement about the role, tweeting back in 2020:
“It’s an absolute delight to play a Naagin on screen. I grew up watching and admiring Sridevi ma’am’s Nagina and Nigahen and always wanted to play a similar role rooted in Indian traditional folklore.”

Shraddha Kapoor is currently basking in the success of Stree 2, one of 2024’s highest-grossing Hindi films, with a worldwide box office collection exceeding Rs 800 crore (roughly £78.4 million GBP). The actress’ portrayal in the horror-comedy sequel cemented her position as one of Bollywood’s top stars.

The Nagin trilogy is expected to draw inspiration from Indian folklore while offering a contemporary cinematic experience. With Kapoor’s proven talent and Dwivedi’s vision, the project is poised to be a significant addition to Bollywood’s fantasy genre. Fans eagerly await further updates on its production and release schedule.

Scammer cons woman into believing she’s dating Brad Pitt, duping her out of £697,000 for ‘cancer treatment’

Arya Nanda
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0
Scammer cons woman into believing she’s dating Brad Pitt, duping her out of £697,000 for ‘cancer treatment’

A French woman, identified only as Anne, has fallen victim to a shocking online romance scam that saw her hand over €830,000 (£697,000) after being convinced she was in a relationship with Hollywood star Brad Pitt.

Anne, a 53-year-old interior designer, shared her ordeal with French broadcaster TF1, revealing how the deception began in February 2023. It started with a message on social media from someone posing as the actor’s mother, following her posts about a luxury ski trip to Tignes. Shortly after, a second account claiming to be Brad Pitt himself contacted her, stating his mother had spoken highly of her.

The AI images allegedly used by scammer. image: X

Initially sceptical, Anne admitted she grew comfortable over time as the scammer sent her affectionate messages, poems, and AI-generated photos and videos of the actor. The impersonator skillfully maintained the illusion, keeping their communication limited to text and image exchanges while claiming to be too busy for phone calls — a common tactic among online scammers.

“There are so few men who write this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women; it was always very well done,” Anne explained to BFMTV.

From romance to financial manipulation

The scam escalated when “Brad Pitt” proposed to Anne, promising lavish gifts if she could first cover supposed customs fees totalling €9,000 (£7,566). As the deception continued, Anne disclosed that she was expecting a significant divorce settlement, prompting the scammer to seek financial aid for “urgent kidney cancer treatment.” The impersonator cited a fictional financial bind stemming from an ongoing divorce with actress Angelina Jolie and even sent AI-generated hospital photos to reinforce the claim.

Anne’s doubts grew when she saw reports in the media of the real Brad Pitt with his new girlfriend, jewellery designer Ines de Ramon. Realising the extent of the deception, she reported the scam to authorities, who launched an investigation. It remains unclear if Anne has recovered any of the funds nearly two years after the scam began.

Anne’s story has sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing sympathy. One user on X (formerly Twitter) described romance scams as “the cruellest,” while others criticised the lack of verification steps. Jay Kennedy shared a personal experience: “My stepmom will not stop sending money to the cello player… It’s sad how lonely and lost older people get to where they are so delusional and do this.”

Anne is now hospitalised in a clinic, battling severe depression due to the traumatic experience. The case serves as a grim reminder of the emotional and financial toll romance scams can take, highlighting the dangers of digital deception.

Rasha Thadani responds to comparisons with Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and Suhana Khan: “I can learn from them”

Arya Nanda
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Rasha Thadani responds to comparisons with Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and Suhana Khan: “I can learn from them”

Raveena Tandon’s daughter, Rasha Thadani, is gearing up for her Bollywood debut in Azaad, a historical drama directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Pragya Kapoor. The film also marks the debut of Ajay Devgn’s nephew, Aaman Devgan, and features seasoned actors Ajay Devgn and Diana Penty.

As Rasha promotes her first film, comparisons with industry newcomers Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and Suhana Khan have surfaced. During an interview with Filmygyan, she addressed a fan comment that claimed, “Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha is here to give tough competition to Janhvi, Khushi, and Suhana.”

Rasha humbly responded, “I think they are all more experienced than me. They’ve done more work, completed films, and had their releases. So, I believe there’s something I can actually learn from them. They have that experience, so I don’t see it as competition.”

Rasha’s performance in the song Uyi Amma from Azaad has garnered attention, with some fans likening it to Katrina Kaif’s iconic dance in Chikni Chameli. While her moves have impressed a section of the audience, others have described the performance as ‘average’.

Janhvi Kapoor, who debuted in Dhadak under Karan Johar’s banner, has since built an impressive filmography, starring in projects such as Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Roohi, and Devara Part-I opposite Jr NTR. She is next slated to appear alongside Varun Dhawan in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.

Meanwhile, Khushi Kapoor and Suhana Khan recently made their debut in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies. Though the film received mixed reactions, the young stars are forging ahead with their careers. Khushi will next star opposite Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan in Loveyapa, while Suhana will share the screen with her father, Shah Rukh Khan, in Siddharth Anand’s King.

About Azaad

Set to release in theatres on 17 January, Azaad is a gripping historical drama that promises to deliver powerful performances and captivating storytelling. For Rasha Thadani, it marks the beginning of her journey in Bollywood, as she steps into the limelight with grace and humility.

Letters in blood, stalking & memories of prep: Hrithik Roshan & Ameesha Patel reflect on 25 years of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai

Arya Nanda
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Letters in blood, stalking & memories of prep: Hrithik Roshan & Ameesha Patel reflect on 25 years of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai

In the year 2000, Bollywood ushered in a new millennium with the blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, a love story that captured the pulse of a generation. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the film catapulted Hrithik Roshan to overnight superstardom and introduced Ameesha Patel to millions of fans. As the iconic movie marks its 25th anniversary with a re-release, the stars are reminiscing about the journey, challenges, and enduring legacy of the film.

“It feels nice that people want to see the film on the big screen again,” shares Ameesha Patel. “That’s the beauty of this film—it transcends time. It’s evergreen. We’re lucky to be part of such an iconic project.” Reflecting on her debut, she adds, “It was my most raw performance. The authenticity showed on screen, and people loved it. I had fantastic chemistry with Hrithik.”

The frenzy surrounding the film’s release made both actors instant sensations. Ameesha recalls, “Fans would send letters written in blood, stalk me, and even marry my photographs. It was flattering but also scary.” She revealed how some admirers would show up at her home unannounced, prompting security interventions. “It wasn’t a time when actors had huge entourages or social media. Fans finding my address and sending handwritten letters—some in blood—was another level of madness.”

Despite the glamour onscreen, the filming process wasn’t without its challenges. Ameesha detailed grueling shoots on a remote island in Krabi, Thailand. “We had to travel in dingy boats and navigate dangerous tides. There were no washrooms, makeup rooms, or proper meals. Shooting in 40-degree heat with sand, mud, and salt water left us with rough skin and allergies.”

Hrithik Roshan, too, reflected on his debut with nostalgia. Sharing pages from his old preparation notes on social media, he wrote, “I remember how nervous I was. Still am when starting a movie. Looking at these scribbles from 27 years ago, I realize—nothing has changed. The process remains.” In his heartfelt post, he added, “The first page says ‘one day’ at the bottom. That day never came—or maybe it did, but I was too focused on preparation to notice.”

As Hrithik and Ameesha celebrate this milestone, they acknowledge the film’s pivotal role in shaping their careers. Ameesha reflects, “In these 25 years, I’ve grown as an actor, taking on roles in films like Hamraaz, Race, and Gadar 2. It’s been a beautiful journey filled with love and support from fans worldwide.”

Hrithik’s message sums up the sentiment perfectly: “The only thing I want to celebrate today is resilience. Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai was just the beginning.”

With unforgettable songs, memorable performances, and a timeless love story, the film’s re-release promises to evoke nostalgia and introduce a new generation to the magic that defined a Bollywood era.

One Direction’s This Is Us returns to cinemas in memory of Liam Payne

Arya Nanda
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One Direction’s This Is Us returns to cinemas in memory of Liam Payne

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Liam Payne, cinemas worldwide have announced special screenings of One Direction’s iconic 2013 documentary This Is Us. The film, which captured the rise to fame of bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Niall Horan, grossed $68.5 million (approximately £55.5 million)globally and became a symbol of their meteoric success.

Odeon Cinemas confirmed it would host a special screening on 14 January, with all ticket proceeds going to mental health charities. The cinema stated:”By popular demand, and in tribute to the late Liam Payne, we’re bringing One Direction: This Is Us back to the big screen. We’ll be donating all ticket profits from this screening to the mental health awareness charities MIND, SAMH and AWARE NI.”

Liam Payne tragically passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2024 at the age of 31, sending shockwaves through the music world. His former bandmates released a deeply emotional statement mourning the loss of their “brother.”

To honour his memory, Vue Cinemas was the first UK venue to announce a return screening of This Is Us, set for the weekend of 16 November 2024 The cinema chain said:”By popular demand, and in tribute to the late Liam Payne, One Direction: This Is Us returns to Vue this Saturday.”

Cinemas in Italy and Germany have also joined in the tribute, with screenings set to take place in Liam’s honour. The screenings serve not only as a way to celebrate Liam’s legacy but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.

Jesy Nelson announces pregnancy, hints at expecting twins with Zion Foster

Arya Nanda
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Jesy Nelson announces pregnancy, hints at expecting twins with Zion Foster

Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson shared exciting news on Sunday, 12 Jan, revealing that she is pregnant and seemingly hinting she’s expecting twins with fellow musician Zion Foster.

The couple posted a joint announcement on Instagram, captioned:”She’s eating for 3 now 👶👶.”

Fans were quick to interpret the playful wording as confirmation that Nelson, 33, is expecting twins. The announcement included a Polaroid snap of Nelson in a belly-baring tank top while Foster rests his hand on her stomach. Nelson further fuelled speculation by sharing the photo on her Instagram Stories with additional baby-face emojis.

Relationship timeline

Nelson and Foster, linked romantically since January 2022, have shared an on-and-off relationship. The Instagram post marks their first joint appearance since November 2024, when Nelson shared a car-side photoshoot captioned, “Where we going then?”

The pair previously collaborated on the track Mine in August 2024 and teased more projects together. Nelson once referred to Foster as the “realest man I’ll ever meet.”

Nelson’s life post-Little Mix

After leaving Little Mix in December 2020 following nearly a decade with the chart-topping girl group, Nelson launched a solo music career. Her debut single Boyz featuring Nicki Minaj dropped in 2021, followed by Bad Thing in April 2023.

Meanwhile, her former bandmates have also embraced motherhood. Perrie Edwards, 31, shares son Axel with footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 33, welcomed twins with Andre Gray in 2021. Jade Thirlwall, 32, has hinted at her own solo music debut slated for 2025.

Thirlwall recently shared a touching moment of reuniting with Edwards and supporting Pinnock at one of her solo shows:”I had second-hand nerves… but seeing Leigh up there, knowing how hard she’s worked, was a proud sister moment.”

Fans of Nelson and Little Mix are undoubtedly thrilled to see the singer entering a joyful new chapter while continuing to thrive in her personal and professional life.

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