Tag: Bollywood

  • Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja welcome baby boy into their family

    Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja welcome baby boy into their family

    Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Ahuja have welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on March 29, the couple announced through a joint statement shared on social media.

    The announcement was made through a note signed by Kapoor, Ahuja and their first son, Vayu. “With immense gratitude and hearts full of love, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our baby boy today, 29th of March 2026,” the statement read.

    The note referred to the change in their family dynamic following the birth. It stated that their family had grown and that their “hearts have expanded” with the arrival of the child. The couple also shared that their first son had reacted to the news, adding that “Vayu is overjoyed to be a big brother.”

    The statement further mentioned the family’s response to the newborn’s arrival. “We feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home,” the note said, adding that they were “grateful to begin this new chapter as a family of four.”

    Several members of the Bollywood film industry responded to the announcement in the comments section, including Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and Zoya Akhtar, who extended congratulations.

    Kapoor’s father, actor Anil Kapoor, also shared the announcement on his Instagram account along with a separate message. Addressing the newborn, he wrote, “Welcome to the world, my little one, you are already so deeply loved.”

    He also addressed his grandson Vayu, writing, “Vayu, you’re a big brother now… and I know you’ll be amazing.”

    In his message, Anil Kapoor thanked the couple and referred to his own reaction to the news, writing, “Nana’s heart is full.” He added, “Welcome to the madness… and a lifetime of love.”

    Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja got married in 2018 in a ceremony attended by family and friends. The couple welcomed their first child, Vayu, in 2022. Kapoor announced her second pregnancy in November last year.

  • Atif Aslam says he misses Bollywood

    Atif Aslam says he misses Bollywood

    One of Pakistan’s biggest stars, singer and sometimes-actor Atif Aslam, has said that he misses working in Bollywood.

    Atif, who is currently in Canada for a concert tour, sat down for an exclusive interview with Indian host and journalist Faridoon Shahryar.

    During the interview, he opened up about his musical journey and said, “I miss you guys. It has been what 8 to 10 years since I last worked there. I miss performing there, recording in studios… miss friends there but I am happy that music is flourishing all over the world.”

    He also shared his thoughts on what a singer feels when he gets on stage. “When I get to the stage, I forget everything and I don’t have any clue what’s happening in my life. At first, you sing for fame, then for money and when you’ve reach at certain position, you only do it as an art and then a time comes when you do it for yourself.”

    “If we talk about Pakistan, we don’t have a lot of big names or singers. Our industry isn’t as large as Bollywood…  and that’s just the reality,” he said.

    Reflecting on his own success, the singer added that despite limited resources, God had enabled him to reach Bollywood and that was the greatest blessing for me. “He made me shine in such a vast world. I can never thank Him enough for His blessings.”

    To a question about memories of song Dil Diyan Gallan, Atif said he was in Dubai with Vishal Shekar. “I remember they made me sing on low notes and I am glad they did that because everyone wanted and expected high notes from me. When I sang it in low notes, a beautiful tune popped in. Also, the song had beautiful lines. Yes, I sang for Salman Khan as well and it is always a pleasure to sing for Salman Khan because we have met a few times… what a man, what a guy.”

    Meanwhile, many Indian fans of the singer are saying that they miss him too.

  • Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ pushed back for international release

    Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ pushed back for international release

    Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal will hit Pakistani cinemas on August 29, while international audiences will have to wait until September 12, as distributors have confirmed a delayed worldwide release.

    The romantic drama, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and starring Vaani Kapoor alongside Fawad Khan, will be screened in more than 1,000 cinemas across 75 countries. While the international release date has now been revised for a third time, the Pakistan schedule remains unchanged.

    The film was originally set to be released on May 9, but was postponed to late August. Despite its international release, Abir Gulaal will not be screened in India due to bans on Pakistani artists. This prohibition was imposed by the Central Board of Film Certification after the 2019 Pulwama attack, reinforced following the April 22 Pahalgam attack this year, and continues under pressure from organisations such as the All Indian Cine Workers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees.

    The movie is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The production team includes Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

    Fawad Khan portrays a UK-based chef, while Vaani Kapoor plays the lead female character. The cast also features Lisa Haydon, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi, and Farida Jalal.

    In the lead-up to its debut, the film’s soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, has generated strong interest. Several songs have already been released online and resonated with listeners, keeping the project in the public eye despite multiple delays.

    Abir Gulaal marks Khan’s return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. His previous films in India include Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

  • Hania Aamir breaks silence on Bollywood debut claims

    Hania Aamir breaks silence on Bollywood debut claims

    Will a Bollywood offer change everything? Actress Hania Aamir, who has gained significant popularity across the border in recent months, has finally opened up on rumours of a Bollywood debut.

    Speaking at the Sahara Foundation fundraiser, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her thoughts on working in India. “I will consider working in Bollywood if I ever get offered a good project. That is what I will base my choice on when picking a project in India.”

    Hania’s statement comes amid claims that she has already been invited to work in India. The claims surfaced amid unprecedented love for the actor from across the border, most of it has been in response to the hit drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum that was well-received by Indian audiences.

    Earlier, appearing as a guest on The Dubai Journey, hosted by Rannvijay Singha, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her excitement about bringing this fun character to life, also mentioning her love for other Bollywood roles like Pushpa.

    The host, Rannvijay Singha, asked, “So if you had to play the role of an already existing iconic character from one of the Indian films, which one would it be?”

    Hania Aamir replied, “I would love to play Chhota Pandit from Bhool Bhulaiyaa (the first one) or Pushpa. I would totally kill it in those roles.”

    Hania’s love for Bollywood doesn’t stop there. She also revealed her favourite film, saying, “Om Shanti Om is my favourite film, favourite film. I love Tamasha and Ram Leela.”

    Two months,Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar hosted a meet and greet session with the breakout star in Toronto, where the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress expressed a heartfelt wish to meet the Bollywood King. 


    “Shahrukh Khan, if you are watching this video, please meet me, I haven’t met you yet, and that’s very sad,” the charming actress said smilingly. 


    Hania was then asked about her favorite Shahrukh Khan film and she immediately replied, “Om Shanti Om is my favorite film.” The 2007 smash hit starred Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Arjun Rampal. 

  • Here’s why Vikrant Massey is leaving Bollywood

    Here’s why Vikrant Massey is leaving Bollywood

    Indian actor Vikrant Massey has shocked fans with his decision to retire from acting after 2025, at least temporarily.

    The 12th Fail actor on Monday took to Instagram, sharing a heartfelt post sharing that he wants to focus on his responsibilities as a husband, father and son.

    “The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support But as I move forward, I realise it’s time to recalibrate and go back home. As a husband, father & a son. And also, as an actor,” he wrote.

    Massey also expressed his gratitude and shared plans for the future.

    “So coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time. Until time deems right. Last 2 movies and many a years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between Forever indebted ,” he added.

    Massey’s decision to retire from acting, at least temporarily, has left his fans both shocked and sad. Many people compared him to Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who also retired from acting to focus on personal life.

    Vikrant is currently busy shooting for his upcoming films ‘Yaar Jigri’ and ‘Ankh Ki Gustakhiyan’.

    He last films were 12th Fail and Sector 36. Recently, Vikrant also did a film called ‘Subramani Report’ based on the 2002 Godhra train incident in Gujarat.

    Indian filmmaker, producer and screenwriter Sanjay Gupta defended Massey’s decision to take a break from acting.

    “In these times of competition, insecurity, jealously, rivalry, it takes guts for an actor to take break and focus on his duties as a father, a husband and a son. He should be lauded not criticized,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

    Earlier, last month in November, Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar hosted a meet and greet session with actress Hania Aamir in Toronto, where the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress said Vikrant Massey is her favorite Bollywood actor.

    The host asked, “Who’s your favorite Bollywood actor?”

     Hania Aamir replied, “Vikrant Massey is my favorite actor. I like his films 12th Fail and Sector 36. His new film is coming up in which he is playing a journalist, and I am looking forward to that.”

    In response to Hania’s appreciation, Vikrant shared her video on his Instagram with the caption, “Thank you so much .”

    The drama serial queen in return posted a story of her own, writing simply: “Love.”

  • Here’s why Laila Zuberi turned down Raj Kapoor’s Bollywood offer

    Here’s why Laila Zuberi turned down Raj Kapoor’s Bollywood offer

    What would you do if a Bollywood legend like Raj Kapoor offered you a role in his film?  For veteran actress Laila Zuberi, the answer was simple: stay true to Pakistan. 

    Appearing as a guest on  Tabish Hashmi’s Hasna Mana Hai, Laila revealed a significant offer she once received and declined from Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor.

    One of the audience members asked, “You have done many famous and hit dramas, Mashallah. Have you ever received an opportunity or an offer from another country, and you chose Pakistan over that?”

    To this, Laila replied, “Yes, absolutely, something like that happened once. We were invited to the Sharjah Cup, where we met Raj Kapoor Sahab, and he offered me a role in his film. 

    “We even had some pictures taken, and he asked me for an autograph. He said they show our dramas at his Pune Academy for teaching purposes. It was a very proud moment for me, but I thought that I should work for Pakistan.”

    In the same conversation, the Jafaa actress shared a surprising and slightly unsettling experience with an overly excited fan.

    “Another time, a fan followed me around so much that she said, ‘I want to wash your feet,’ and she was that persistent. One day, she came to me and said her only wish was for me to give her the water I used to wash my feet so she could drink it. I was quite disgusted by the thought and couldn’t bring myself to do it,” Laila shared.

    The host, Tabish Hashmi, asked, “I heard that beggars have often interacted with you in life. Once, when you were playing the role of a gypsy in a drama, a group of nomads approached us. Where was this?”

    Laila Zuberi also spoke about her immersive acting experiences, including playing a nomadic girl in the drama Khak Ja.

    “This wasn’t on set. We were shooting a drama called Khak Ja in Quetta. I was playing the character of a nomadic girl wearing tattered clothes and looking rugged. We were shooting on the streets, and many beggars gathered around us. The producer asked them to move because the shoot was in progress. The beggars replied, ‘You’re making something for her. Why not make something for us too?’” she explained.

    Laila Zuberi starred in dramas such as  Aabroo, Chhaon,  Koshish, Guest House, Durr-e Shehwar,  Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri, and  Pagal Khana, and is currently starring in Jafaa.

  • Decided to prioritise Pakistan after Mumbai attacks: Mikaal Zulfiqar

    Decided to prioritise Pakistan after Mumbai attacks: Mikaal Zulfiqar


    Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar’s journey in the entertainment industry has been full of twists, turns and hard decisions. Despite recognition for his work in Indian films, the actor says he made a life-changing decision to “prioritise Pakistan” after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
     
    Appearing as a guest on AK Buzz ‘Persona’, Mikaal shared some candid insights into his career, explaining how his approach towards work and priorities has evolved over the years.

    “After 2008, I decided Pakistan would be my priority. Even though I had aspirations for Hollywood due to my background, Bollywood opportunities came my way and I took them. But after the Mumbai attacks, I firmly shifted back to working in Pakistan,” he said.
     
    When asked how he got the opportunities in Bollywood, Mikaal said he was lucky. “I started with Bollywood early. I used to go to India for modeling and fashion shows in Delhi. Especially for bridal events. I think it was 2002 when I first went to India… just a year into my modeling career. We did this for two or three years.”
     
     
    “Later, I was part of a film called ‘Godfather’ that was produced by Aslam Bhatti. It featured some Indian and Pakistani actors and was shot in Dubai as well as Bulgaria. I got a role there, thanks to Ahsan Khan, who was initially cast but couldn’t do it. We were friends, so he suggested I talk to the team. That’s how I ended up doing the role,” Mikaal revealed.
     
    The Aap Jaise Marzi actor also praised the relationships he built along the way. “Vinod Khanna recommended me for my next project, ‘Shoot on Sight,’ an Indian-English production. It was a major turning point for me as I worked with legends like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Their craft is recognised not just in Bollywood but across the globe.”
     
    “That film gave me confidence as director Jagmohan Mundhra told me how they had considered actors like Abhishek Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi but eventually decided I was the right fit. That acknowledgment made me feel like I was on the right path,” he added.

    When asked if it was challenging as a Pakistani artist in India at the time amid political tensions, Mikaal said it was “indeed tricky”. 


    “Bollywood is a bigger industry with more opportunities, fame and larger-scale projects. Around that time, I started focusing on India and took fewer projects in Pakistan. Things changed after the 2008 Mumbai attacks that strained Pakistan-India relations. The projects I had lined up in India were put on hold or cancelled,” he said, sharing how it prompted him to decide to focus entirely on Pakistan. 


    Mikaal Zulfiqar has starred in dramas such as, Saiqa, Dil Hai Chota Sa, Kiasay Kahoon, Pani Jaisa Piyar, Shehr –E- Zaat, Talafi, and Mann Pyasa. 
    Dil-e- Nadaan , written by Sadia Akhtar and directed by Saima Waseem, is his latest offering.

  • Adnan Shah Tipu missed a chance to share the screen with THIS Bollywood superstar

    Adnan Shah Tipu missed a chance to share the screen with THIS Bollywood superstar



    Every actor hopes for a big break, but sometimes chances are lost, leaving behind feelings of regret.

    Adnan Shah Tipu recently opened up about a major career regret during his appearance on the Faysal Quarishi podcast.

    The host asked him ‘Tipu you mentioned that you realized that it wasn’t in your destiny to be in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ with Madhuri Dixit.’”

    Adan replied, “I had given around nine or ten auditions for the character of Nawab, which was played by Vijay Raaz, who is an amazing actor. I even received a call from Vishal Bhai, telling me to prepare. Then, Vishal Bhai himself went to Delhi for the audition, and they said, ‘We can’t do it.’ It’s all about fate, when it’s meant to happen, it happens. “

    Instead of Vijaz Raaz, Adan Shah Tipu would have been playing the character of Nawab opposite the legendary Madhrui Dixit.


    He also reflected on his relationships within the industry, saying, “I have a good relationship with Imran Abbas, and he is our colleague, but we don’t meet often, we rarely discuss work. One time, someone was saying that they needed a certain type of role, and he mentioned that only one person in all of Pakistan could play that role: ‘Tipu.’ Everything just fell into place, and if it wasn’t meant to be, it wouldn’t happen.

    Tipu also opened up about his experience meeting with American actor Robert De Niro.


    “I’m heading there, and I see Robert De Niro. You know how big of a fan I am of De Niro. I was wearing a tuxedo, and there he was, standing right in front of me, coming down. When he saw me, our eyes locked, I waved, and he waved back. I was watching him, and even as I climbed up, I was still looking at him. Our eyes were locked in that moment, and it felt like I knew him, like he was my friend or my mentor. That moment at the Cannes Film Festival was an experience I can’t even explain,” the Parizaad actor added.


    Dedh Ishqiya, written by Vishal Bhardwaj, was released in 2014.

  • Fawad Khan returns to Bollywood opposite Vaani Kapoor in ‘Abir Gulaal’

    Fawad Khan returns to Bollywood opposite Vaani Kapoor in ‘Abir Gulaal’


     
    The wait is over for Bollywood cinema fans as heartthrob Fawad Khan is set to make his highly anticipated comeback, starring opposite Vaani Kapoor in a new film tilted ‘Abir Gulaal.’
     
    The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian stories, A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. The producers of the film are Vivek B Agarawal, Avantika Hari and Rakesh Sippy.
     
    The shooting of the film will take place in London in October and November.
     
    According to Variety, director Bagdi has said, “The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”
     
     
    Fawad Khan starred in Bollywood films ‘Khoobsurat’ (2014), ‘Kapoor & Sons’ (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

  • Why Nadeem Baig thinks Humayun Saeed can lead in action films

    Why Nadeem Baig thinks Humayun Saeed can lead in action films

    Director Nadeem Baig is known for openly sharing his thoughts about his favourite actors, and Humayun Saeed is definitely one of them.

    Recently, Baig appeared as a guest on Say It All with Iffat Omar, where he discussed how Humayun Saeed compares to Bollywood’s Khans – Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan – in terms of suitability for action roles.

    The host asked, “I heard that you are going to work on an action film with him, should we expect a transformation like Shah Rukh, Aamir, or Salman?”


    Nadeem Baig responded, “I think the disadvantage Shah Rukh and Aamir is their body types. The advantage for Humayun is his personality and physique. If I didn’t know these three people and they were not stars, and they stood in front of me wanting to be cast in my next film, I would physically cast Humayun because he is tall and broad, which suits action characters, much like actors in Hollywood or South Indian films.”

    “Since he was a romantic hero, the trend for romantic leads has faded, and such films have become less accessible for him. So he had to rediscover himself to survive in the action genre. Salman Khan has been the most successful in this transition because his body, face, and eyes suit action roles. I don’t think Aamir Khan suits action, but he does well in drama and other genres. Shah Rukh tries hard to look good in action roles.

    “However, I tell you, if I have the same facilities and budget, and if you see Humayun doing action, he would outshine all of them. I would like him to work out for a year so he can become someone who is physically fit. But he really loves food,” Nadeem Baig added.

    He also talked about how Arsalan Naseer won the Best Actor award, beating Naumaan Ijaz.

    “For instance, in front of Naumaan Ijaz, Arsalan Naseer, who just entered the industry through YouTube, he gets an award for Best Actor. I’m sorry, this surprises me. Actually, such awards don’t exist in Pakistan. There is one award for fashion, and they have to include the film and TV category so that they have good attendance and good faces sitting in the front row. They give five awards each for film and TV. So it’s about the category. You cannot put Sajal Aly and Saba Hamid in the same category, it will be very unfair.”

    Talking about the credibility of the current awards show, he categorically stated:

    “I think the awards that are being given, they hold no value. I’m not saying this lightly, I mean, when something is so public, if you don’t acknowledge it, it diminishes your worth. The awards you give then lose their significance. It’s as if everyone just shows up today and gets one of these social media awards, including Lux, I don’t know what the format is, but when the public is voting, it can be hacked. You can hire 500 people to vote or do something else. At the end of the day, what happens is that you receive a surprise there that leaves you stunned.”