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Priyanka Chopra’s Hyderabad visit sparks rumours of Indian film comeback with SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu

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Priyanka Chopra’s recent arrival in Hyderabad has set the rumour mill abuzz, with fans speculating about a potential new project in Indian cinema. The actor, known for her global success and upcoming international ventures, was spotted at Hyderabad airport on Thursday evening.

In a video circulating online, Priyanka is seen donning a brown co-ord set and concealing her face with a beige cap, accompanied by tight security and her entourage. Her visit has fueled rumours of an exciting collaboration with celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.

According to reports, Rajamouli, known for his blockbusters Baahubali and RRR, is planning to cast Priyanka in his next project. If confirmed, this film would mark Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema and her Telugu cinema comeback after a 23-year gap since Apuroopam (2002).

Priyanka’s last Indian film was Netflix’s The White Tiger (2021), while her last theatrical release was Shonali Bose’s The Sky Is Pink in 2016. Although she was set to star in Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated road film Jee Le Zaraa alongside Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif, the project has faced significant delays and is yet to begin production.

Despite her limited on-screen presence in Indian films in recent years, Priyanka continues to champion Indian cinema on global platforms. She recently joined as an executive producer for Anuja, an Oscar-shortlisted short film set in New Delhi, produced by Guneet Monga and Mindy Kaling. The film is among the top 15 contenders in the Live Action Short category for the Academy Awards.

Internationally, Priyanka remains busy with an array of projects, including Heads of State, The Bluff, the second season of Amazon’s Citadel, and a holiday film with the Jonas Brothers, currently being shot in Toronto.

While the details of Rajamouli’s project remain under wraps, the prospect of Priyanka collaborating with the acclaimed filmmaker and Mahesh Babu has generated significant excitement among fans. If confirmed, the film could be a landmark in Priyanka’s illustrious career, further bridging her journey between Hollywood and Indian cinema.

Dostana 2: The real plot of Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya’s shelved film revealed

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Back in 2008, Karan Johar delivered a Bollywood classic with Dostana, a hilarious rom-com that broke new ground for its time. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film followed two straight men, played by Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, pretending to be gay to secure an apartment, only to fall for their flatmate, Priyanka Chopra Jonas. When Johar announced a sequel in 2019 featuring Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and newcomer Lakshya, fans were ecstatic.

However, the highly anticipated Dostana 2 was shelved indefinitely after Kartik’s abrupt exit due to a rumoured fallout with Karan Johar. While early reports speculated that Janhvi and Lakshya would play siblings vying for Kartik’s affection, a recent interview has revealed the actual storyline.

In a conversation with News18, actress Juhi Babbar, who was in talks for the project, disclosed, “I had been getting many calls even after Aiyaary didn’t work at the box office, especially for motherly roles. Then I got an offer from Dharma Productions for Dostana 2.” She added, “They gave me the role of Kartik and Janhvi’s mother. Basically, they were playing twins in it.”

This revelation suggests that the plot would have revolved around twins, played by Kartik and Janhvi, falling for the same man, Lakshya. The concept was certainly a refreshing twist, and fans can only imagine the entertainment it might have delivered.

Juhi also shed light on why the film was shelved in 2021, saying, “Kuch toh anban ho gayi (There was some disagreement), and even though the film was almost 60-70 percent complete, it got shelved.”

Despite the setback, Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar appear to have reconciled. They are now collaborating on the upcoming rom-com Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, slated for a 2026 release. Interestingly, Kartik and Karan were recently spotted with Janhvi Kapoor, sparking speculation that she might reunite with Kartik for this new project.

While Dostana 2 may never see the light of day, the prospect of Kartik and Janhvi sharing the screen again certainly keeps fans intrigued.

Saif Ali Khan stabbing: Main suspect reportedly detained after a dramatic 30 hour chase? Here’s what we know

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Mumbai police have detained and are questioning a suspect in connection with the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, although authorities have yet to confirm the arrest.

The 54-year-old actor was stabbed six times during a burglary attempt at his home in an upscale Mumbai neighbourhood early Thursday morning. He sustained injuries to his spine, neck, and hands but is reportedly out of danger after undergoing surgery.

CCTV footage seized from the actor’s home has provided initial leads, with police suspecting the attack may have been an attempted theft. However, it is not yet clear whether the detained individual is the assailant.

According to the BBC-accessed a police statement from Eliyama Philip, a nurse employed at Khan’s residence, provided more details of the incident.

Philip, who cares for Khan’s son, said she first noticed a shadow near the bathroom door while she was in the child’s room with the nanny. She described seeing a man armed with a wooden object and a long blade, who warned them to stay silent before demanding ₹10 million (£94,511).

Local media captured images of police escorting a man wearing a white T-shirt into the station, identifying him as the suspect. However, Senior Investigating Officer Dikshit Gedam denied any significant developments in the case.

“There’s no update from yesterday regarding what we said,” Gedam told Reuters, maintaining that no formal detention had been confirmed.

On Thursday, police reported that they had identified the perpetrator of the alleged robbery attempt and launched a search.

The reported CCTV grab Police have released of the suspect fleeing the apartment, according to the BBC

The incident unfolded when Khan walked into the hospital, dressed in blood-soaked clothing, with his six-year-old son, Taimur, by his side.

Khan sustained multiple injuries, including one to the back of his neck. Dr Nitin Dange of Lilavati Hospital, where Khan was treated, said the actor arrived with a knife fragment embedded near his spine.

“We removed the fragment surgically and managed fluid leakage. If it had penetrated further, it could have caused severe spinal damage,” Dr Dange said. “He is better now. We made him walk, and he is stable enough to be shifted out of the ICU. However, his movements will remain restricted for a week, and he must rest.”

Deputy Commissioner of Mumbai Police, Dixit Gadam, stated that the weapon used in the attack has not yet been recovered. “The accused used the fire escape ladder to enter the premises,” he said. “We are investigating how the house’s door was accessed and the intruder gained entry.”

The attack has sent shockwaves through the Bollywood community and the city of Mumbai. Khan, the son of former cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and celebrated actress Sharmila Tagore, is one of the industry’s most bankable stars, having appeared in numerous films and television series.

In a social media statement, Khan’s wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, appealed to the media to avoid speculation about the case.

“It has been an incredibly challenging day … and we are still trying to process the events,” the 44-year-old actor shared on Instagram.

The couple, who share two young sons, are also parents to Khan’s two children from his previous marriage.

The incident has reignited calls for improved policing and security measures in Mumbai, as residents and industry figures express their concerns over the high-profile attack.

Kartik Aaryan says concerns over rising entourage costs are ‘blown out of proportion’

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Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the rising costs of actors’ entourages, which many claim are placing undue pressure on film producers. Speaking at a SCREEN Live session in Mumbai on Thursday, the actor suggested that the issue has been exaggerated.

“A lot of the times, these things are blown out of proportion,” Aaryan said. “Even if one or two people have such habits, people think everyone is doing the same. We are very mindful about such things, be it our entourage fees or the business of the film. Everyone wants their film to make profits, and the whole team should get paid an appropriate amount. No one should get less money.”

He also addressed recent rumours about entourage fees, asserting that not every actor indulges in extravagant spending. “This is not something that exists with every personality or actor that you see right now. It might be happening with some people, but not everyone,” he explained.

Aaryan, who has had a successful 2023 with hits like Chandu Champion and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, emphasised his own approach. “As for me, I always try that my whole team as well as the producers should be happy in paying their amounts,” he said.

The actor’s recent transformation, featuring long hair and a heavy beard, has sparked speculation about his role in Anurag Basu’s upcoming untitled epic musical love story. Additionally, earlier this month, Aaryan announced his lead role in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions’ next film, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.

With Aaryan shifting his focus to exciting new projects, his comments serve as a reminder that not all actors contribute to the rising costs that have become a hot topic in the industry.

Molly-Mae Hague denies break-up and new documentary are a ‘publicity stunt’

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Molly-Mae Hague has firmly denied that her break-up with Tommy Fury and the accompanying documentary are merely a “publicity stunt,” expressing frustration over the accusations. The 25-year-old former Love Island star was speaking at the launch of her new fly-on-the-wall documentary series, Molly-Mae: Behind It All, set to premiere on Prime Video on 17 January.

The documentary offers an intimate look into Hague’s personal life, including her break-up with Fury, also 25, who has transitioned into a successful boxing career. Hague responded directly to claims that the documentary was part of a long-term brand strategy or designed to generate publicity. She said, “I think that for me, above everything, has been the most frustrating part, because I actually say in the documentary, ‘I wish it was a publicity stunt,’ because it’d be a lot easier.”

She continued, “Going through all of this with the turmoil of a break-up has been incredibly hard, to have those comments, and I do see the comments, I see all of them. People say, ‘oh, this has obviously just been done for long term brand or a publicity stunt,’ that is very painful, because it’s real life.”

Hague highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting, “Tommy and I have a baby together, and it’s very, very real, and it’s a really hard thing that we’ve both gone through the last six months.”

Despite the challenges, Hague explained that the documentary aims to shed light on the reality of their situation, providing a more authentic perspective. “I think this documentary will clear up any impressions of that, you see the real side to it, it’s kind of like you’re a fly on the wall,” she said. “And like I say, I think people are going to be quite, not shocked, but I think they’ll be quite surprised by how honest we’ve been.”

The documentary also touches on the public’s confusion over recent images of Hague and Fury, where they were seen together after rumours of their split. Hague addressed this, saying, “We are navigating a really complicated time in both of our lives, in the public eye, and I think this is a whole new territory for me.”

She added that despite the complexities, she and Fury were focusing on co-parenting and handling their personal challenges. “We’re doing the best we can,” she remarked, “but I really do feel like the documentary is going to answer a lot of questions.”

Hague, who also runs her own fashion brand Maebe, shared that the documentary goes beyond the break-up and explores other aspects of her life, including motherhood, body confidence, and managing her businesses. “It focuses on parts of my life that I haven’t really delved into before,” she said.

The first three episodes of Molly-Mae: Behind It All will be available to stream on Prime Video starting 17 January, with the final three episodes set to release in spring 2025.

Indian Films and talent shine at EE BAFTA Film Awards nominations

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The EE BAFTA Film Awards nominations have been revealed, with Indian films and talent making a significant impact across multiple categories this year. The announcement, made on Wednesday by actors Mia McKenna-Bruce and Will Sharpe, has made history by featuring Indian-origin talent and films in some of the most prestigious categories.

Notably, All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, has been nominated in the Best Film Not in the English Language category. Additionally, Santosh by Sandhya Suri and Sister Midnight by Karan Kandhari were both nominated in the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer category, marking a significant achievement for Indian filmmakers. Furthermore, Indian-origin actor and filmmaker Dev Patel also earned a nomination in the same debut category for his film Monkey Man.

In addition to these nominations, the race for Best Film features films like Conclave, a Vatican-set thriller by Edward Berger, which earned 12 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Ralph Fiennes. Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical-thriller by Jacques Audiard, also garnered 11 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón.

Further notable mentions include The Brutalist by Brady Corbet, which received nine nominations, and Anora, Dune: Part Two, and Wicked, each earning seven nominations. Interestingly, Wicked, despite its critical success, did not make the cut for Best Film, though it received multiple nominations in other categories.

The EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be a pivotal moment in recognising the diverse and groundbreaking talent in the film industry, with a special spotlight on Indian-origin filmmakers who have made their mark this year.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness heads for messy divorce due to lack of prenup and complicated asset division

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Hugh Jackman and his estranged wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, have not yet filed for divorce, despite being separated for over a year. The delay is reportedly due to the lack of a prenup and the complexity of dividing their significant assets, including a fortune estimated at $250 million (approximately £202.5 million).

According to sources close to the couple, one of the primary reasons they have not officially filed for divorce is the absence of a prenup. When they married, both Jackman and Furness believed their union would last forever and did not foresee Jackman’s career reaching the heights it has today. Now, with a substantial fortune amassed over their marriage, the division of their assets is proving to be far from simple.

“The divorce is not going to be cut and dry,” a source revealed. “It may even get messy because the stakes are high. A lot of moving parts need to be worked out, and there is a huge amount of money involved.”

Despite the complications, the source adds that both Jackman and Furness want to “make this as easy as possible” but are finding it difficult due to the complex financial issues and the strained nature of their relationship. While they remain cordial, they are no longer friends and are focused on co-parenting their children.

In September 2023, the couple announced their separation in a joint statement, saying, “We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

The former couple’s decision to separate has been marked by mutual respect, but with the significant financial matters still to be addressed, their divorce remains an ongoing and complicated process.

Sofia Vergara and Lewis Hamilton spark romance rumours after lunch date in New York

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Sofia Vergara and Lewis Hamilton have sparked romance rumours after being spotted together during a lunch date in New York. The Modern Family actress, 52, and Formula One champion, 40, were seen seated together with a group of friends at a restaurant on Tuesday, in photos obtained by TMZ.

Observers noted that Vergara appeared to be so engrossed in conversation with Hamilton that she hardly touched her food. The pair were later photographed smiling and chatting outside the restaurant, before Vergara got into a black SUV and drove off.

Representatives for both Vergara and Hamilton have been contacted for comment.

Hamilton, who had a long on-off relationship with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger from 2007 to 2015, has also been romantically linked to stars such as Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Rita Ora, and Nicki Minaj in recent years.

Vergara, on the other hand, has been single since ending her relationship with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman in late 2024. At the Golden Globes last month, she revealed her goals for the new year were “health, money, and a boyfriend – or a lover, maybe,” in an interview with Access Hollywood.

The actress was previously married to Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello, 48. The couple married in 2015 and announced their divorce in 2023. In a May interview, Vergara explained that the breakup was partly due to Manganiello’s desire to have children, while she did not want to become an “older mom.” Vergara already has a 33-year-old son, Manolo Gonzalez, from her first marriage to Joe Gonzalez.

“I didn’t think because of my career, the way I live my life, the way my marriage was, that it was fair to bring a kid into this world and not be able to give 100 per cent,” Vergara said at the time.

Manganiello later denied Vergara’s claims, stating that while they tried to have children early in their relationship, expanding their family was not the sole reason for their split. In an interview with Men’s Journal, he rejected the notion that he gave Vergara an ultimatum, saying, “That’s never who I was.”

Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar says he will “never talk to” Mahira Khan 

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Pakistani writer, director, and producer Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar has once again made headlines following his recent appearance on Rehan Tariq’s podcast. In a clip circulating on TikTok, the renowned writer opened up about his relationship with actress Mahira Khan, who is currently working with him in his upcoming film.

When asked about his past remarks regarding Mahira Khan’s casting in Sadqay Tumhare, Qamar responded bluntly, “I can’t forgive her for what she said about me. I will never talk to her, I don’t think that it will ever happen.” Despite the personal tension, Qamar clarified that Khan’s casting in his upcoming film was based solely on her suitability for the role. “Yes, she is working in my film because I thought she was the right fit for the role,” he explained.

Qamar, known for his outspoken views on various issues, also shared his thoughts on the media, stating, “One should always portray his/her inner self, don’t pretend to be fake.”

Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar has earned widespread recognition for his work in both television and film. His dramas such as Mere Paas Tum Ho, Pyaray Afzal, Sadqay Tumhare, and Boota From Toba Tek Singh have been well received, as have his films, Punjab Nahi Jaungi and London Nahi Jaunga. Known for his forthrightness, Qamar has often sparked debates on topics ranging from feminism to political unrest and has never shied away from sharing his candid opinions on fellow artists.

Urmila Matondkar reflects on ‘Satya’ as a “once in a lifetime” film ahead of re-release

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Actress Urmila Matondkar has expressed her pride in being part of the iconic film Satya, calling it a “once in a lifetime” movie. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actress shared a reel featuring herself with the lively track “Goli Maar” by singer Mano in the background.

“Once in a lifetime a movie like ‘Satya’ comes along. Humbled and proud to be a part of it… Don’t forget to catch it in its re-release at @pvrcinemas_official from 17th January,” Urmila wrote in the caption.

Released in 1998, Satya is a critically acclaimed crime film directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Starring J. D. Chakravarthy, Manoj Bajpayee, and Urmila, the film explores the world of organised crime in Mumbai. It follows the story of Satya, an immigrant who befriends gangster Bhiku Mhatre and becomes embroiled in the city’s underworld. Satya is the first of Varma’s famed Gangster trilogy.

Urmila’s reflection on Satya comes ahead of the film’s re-release, which begins on 17th January at PVR Cinemas.

Earlier this month, Urmila also shared her admiration for the classic Bollywood song “Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana” from the 1978 film Don, posting glamorous pictures of herself in a black rhinestone-embellished dress. With a sleek hairstyle and minimal makeup, Urmila channelled a timeless Bollywood look, commenting, “Bollywood Legends Timeless Classy Bold n Beautiful.”

In personal news, Urmila made headlines after filing for divorce from her husband Mohsin Akhtar Mir in September, ending their eight-year marriage. The divorce is reportedly not mutual, with sources confirming that the petition was submitted in Bandra, Mumbai, four months ago.

Urmila made her debut as a child in the 1977 film Karm and later rose to fame in movies like Rangeela, Judaai, Jungle, Satya, Kaun?, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Bhoot, and Pinjar. Her last acting role was in the 2014 Marathi film Ajoba, and she made a special appearance in the 2018 film Blackmail.