Actor Kartik Aaryan’s much-awaited film Captain India is back in the spotlight with a major update on its cast. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Malayalam actress Parvathy Thiruvothu is reportedly set to star alongside Kartik Aaryan in the film.

The makers are yet to reveal details about Parvathy’s character. Her reported inclusion, however, has increased anticipation around the project, which was officially announced nearly five years ago.

Film Returns to Production Track

Captain India was first announced in 2021, with filmmaker Hansal Mehta attached to direct the project. However, after Mehta reportedly exited the film, uncertainty surrounded its future and there were no major updates for a long period.

The project resurfaced in 2026 with filmmaker Shimit Amin, known for films such as Chak De! India, taking over the director’s chair.

The film is also significant for Amin as it marks his return to filmmaking after a long gap. His last directorial venture was Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, released in 2009. After nearly 17 years, Captain India could mark his return to the big screen as a director.

Parvathy’s Bollywood Comeback

Parvathy Thiruvothu is widely known for her work in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. She made her Hindi film debut with Kareeb Kareeb Singlle in 2017. However, she has not appeared regularly in Bollywood since then.

If confirmed, Captain India will mark Parvathy’s Bollywood comeback after nearly nine years.

The film could also bring Kartik Aaryan and Parvathy together on screen for the first time. With collaborations between Hindi and South Indian film industries becoming increasingly common, their reported pairing has already generated curiosity among moviegoers.

Further details about the film’s storyline, release date and Parvathy’s role are awaited.

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Bollywood filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap has finally opened up about his relationship with actress Shubhra Shetty, who is reportedly 20 years younger than him. The filmmaker has been in the spotlight over his personal life following his two failed marriages.

In a recent interview with Janice Sequeira, Kashyap spoke candidly about his relationship with Shubhra and the challenges they faced because of their age difference. He revealed that the two initially bonded over their shared love for books and film festivals.

Kashyap said their age gap created several difficulties and made him conscious about the relationship. He admitted that he initially tried to distance himself from Shubhra because of the age difference. However, during the lockdown, he realised that he was in love with her.

According to Kashyap, the relationship has lasted for around 11 years. He said that while shooting for Nishaanchi, he took some time to fully acknowledge and accept the relationship.

Shubhra has also previously spoken about their relationship. She revealed that her parents initially took time to accept their relationship after learning about it. However, they eventually understood the situation and accepted the couple.

Will Anurag Kashyap Marry for the Third Time?

Kashyap was previously married to Aarti Bajaj, but the marriage ended in divorce. He later married actress Kalki Koechlin, though that relationship also ended in divorce.

Rumours of Kashyap and Shubhra getting married have been circulating, but the filmmaker has not officially confirmed any plans for a wedding. For now, the couple continues to attract attention because of their long-standing relationship and significant age difference.

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Bollywood actor Govinda has reacted to recent remarks made by his wife, Sunita Ahuja, about his equation with a young actress, asking her to be careful about what she says publicly.

Govinda and Sunita Ahuja’s marriage has recently been the subject of considerable discussion, first over reports of a possible divorce and later over Sunita’s comments about Govinda’s alleged relationships with younger women.

A video of Govinda at an airport with a young woman has also been circulating on social media. The video gained attention after Sunita reportedly commented on Govinda being seen with a woman she described as being around their daughter’s age.

Recently, paparazzi asked Sunita about Govinda and Rani Mukerji’s upcoming film. While responding, Sunita reportedly said that the film should be made first and questioned why Govinda was travelling with a young woman.

Govinda Defends Young Actress

Govinda has now reacted strongly to the remarks and defended young actress Komal Rani Swarnakar. He said a young woman from a modest background who comes into the film industry should not be publicly humiliated or defamed.

The actor said that people who have fame, wealth, power and status should not use those privileges to look down on those who do not have the same advantages.

Govinda also appeared to address Sunita’s comments about the age difference between actors and actresses.

‘Be Careful About What You Say’

Govinda said that several established actors have worked with actresses much younger than themselves and that such casting can even make older actors appear younger on screen.

He then urged Sunita to speak within limits, saying that she might need him in the future.

His remarks have added another chapter to the ongoing public discussion surrounding the couple’s relationship and their recent statements about each other.

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India is celebrating Independence Day today, and patriotic songs from Hindi cinema can be heard across the country. Among the most remembered are the iconic songs featured in films associated with legendary actor, filmmaker and producer Manoj Kumar, popularly known as ‘Mr Bharat’.

Songs such as “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” from Upkar, “Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada” from Purab Aur Paschim and “Ae Watan, Ae Watan” from Shaheed continue to evoke patriotic sentiment and remain closely associated with Independence Day celebrations.

Why Was Manoj Kumar Called ‘Mr Bharat’?

Manoj Kumar built a distinctive identity in Hindi cinema by placing patriotism, nationalism and social issues at the heart of several of his films. His contribution to Indian cinema earned him the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

His films often reflected the aspirations, struggles and values of post-Independence India, making him one of Bollywood’s most prominent voices of patriotic cinema.

From Harikishan Goswami to Manoj Kumar

Born as Harikishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Punjab, Manoj Kumar moved to Delhi with his family when he was around 10 years old. The family settled in Patel Nagar.

He pursued his college education at Hindu College and later graduated from the University of Delhi.

A Devoted Dilip Kumar Fan

Manoj Kumar was a passionate admirer of legendary actor Dilip Kumar from his childhood and watched many of his films.

Dilip Kumar’s 1949 film Shabnam had a particularly strong influence on him. The character played by Dilip Kumar in the film was named Manoj, and inspired by the character, Harikishan Goswami adopted Manoj Kumar as his screen name when he entered the Hindi film industry.

From an admirer of cinema to one of Bollywood’s most recognised patriotic filmmakers, Manoj Kumar created a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences, especially during national celebrations.

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Fresh from winning the coveted Indian Idol Season 16 title, Odisha’s singing sensation Jyotirmayee Nayak received a rousing welcome on her return to Bhubaneswar. Hundreds of fans, well-wishers and supporters gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport to congratulate the singer, whose victory has brought national recognition to Odisha’s rich musical talent.

After a remarkable nine-month journey filled with intense competition and memorable performances, Jyotirmayee emerged as the winner of one of India’s most popular singing reality shows. Overcoming several talented finalists, she lifted the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹20 lakh, making Odisha proud on the national stage.

Speaking to the media after her arrival, Jyotirmayee dedicated her victory to Lord Jagannath, the people of Odisha, her family, mentors and millions of supporters who stood by her throughout the competition. “This trophy does not belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who believed in me, encouraged me and voted for me. Their love and blessings made this dream come true,” she said.

Her journey on Indian Idol was anything but easy. Before making it to Season 16, Jyotirmayee had reportedly auditioned multiple times without success. Even during the latest audition, she struggled with a throat infection that affected her performance. However, the judges gave her another opportunity, and she seized it with a soulful rendition of “Saiyaan O Saiyaan,” earning a place in the competition. From there, she consistently impressed the judges and audiences with her powerful vocals and versatility, eventually winning the title.

In the grand finale, Jyotirmayee outperformed finalists including Anshika Chonkar, Manraj Veer Singh, Maskame Bosu, Suhel Sufi and Tanishk Shukla, with Tanishk finishing as the first runner-up.

Sharing her message for aspiring singers, Jyotirmayee said success comes through unwavering faith, perseverance and hard work. “I never imagined I would become the winner when I first entered the competition. I simply kept trying. Believe in yourself, trust God and never stop working hard. Success will surely come,” she said.

A well-known playback singer in the Odia music industry, Jyotirmayee made her debut in 2019 and has since recorded nearly 1,000 songs, including film tracks, devotional music and albums. Her songs in films such as Ishq Puni Thare and Dekha Hela Prema Hela, along with several popular devotional numbers, have earned her a strong fan following. With her Indian Idol triumph, Jyotirmayee Nayak has not only achieved a personal milestone but has also scripted a proud chapter for Odisha’s music industry.

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The Odisha government has announced the much-awaited 36th State Film Awards, recognizing excellence in the Odia film industry. This year, the awards have been declared simultaneously for 2023 and 2024, honouring outstanding films, actors, directors, and cinema personalities for their remarkable contributions to Odia cinema.

2023 State Film Awards

The Best Feature Film award was jointly presented to Pushkara and My Sweet Housewife, acknowledging the exceptional storytelling and cinematic excellence of both films.

The Best Director award was jointly conferred on Pinaki Singh and Shishir Kumar Sahu for their outstanding direction.

Harihar Mahapatra won the Best Actor award, while the Best Actress honour was jointly shared by Naina Das Tiwari and Supriya Nayak for their remarkable performances.

Veteran actor Shyamalendu Bhattacharya received the prestigious Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Award for Lifetime Achievement, in recognition of his immense contribution to Odia cinema.

2024 State Film Awards

For 2024, Ashram was declared the Best Feature Film, while Ashok Pati was honoured with the Best Director award.

Popular actor Babushaan Mohanty won the Best Actor award for his outstanding performance, and Debjani was named Best Actress.

The Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 was presented to veteran actress Namrata Das for her lifelong contribution to the Odia film industry.

The announcement of the 36th State Film Awards has been welcomed by the Odia film fraternity, celebrating the achievements of filmmakers and artists who have enriched the state’s cinematic legacy over the past two years.

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Controversial 1998 Case Returns to Spotlight

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has reportedly issued a legal notice to the makers of an upcoming film based on the infamous blackbuck poaching case that has remained one of the most controversial chapters of his career.

The film, titled Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, is said to be inspired by the 1998 blackbuck hunting case involving the actor. The issue has once again drawn attention to a legal battle that has followed Salman Khan for more than two decades.

Film Faces Uncertain Future After Legal Notice

According to reports, Salman Khan’s legal team has asked the filmmakers to halt the release of the movie and remove all promotional material related to the project.

The notice reportedly warns that failure to comply could result in legal action. Following the development, the future release of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy has come under uncertainty.

Case Continues to Impact Salman Khan

The blackbuck poaching case led to legal proceedings against Salman Khan and even resulted in a jail term for the actor. The controversy has continued to affect his public image over the years.

More recently, the case has been linked to threats allegedly issued by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has repeatedly cited the blackbuck hunting incident as a reason for targeting the actor.

Film to Depict Legal Battles and Gang Rivalry

The film is being directed by Bharat S. Shrinath and was recently announced by the production house. The makers had stated that the teaser would be released on June 20.

According to the filmmakers, the movie portrays real-life legal battles and action-packed events connected to the blackbuck case. Reports suggest that the storyline also explores the alleged hostility between Salman Khan and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Makers Yet to Respond Publicly

While the legal notice has reportedly been served, the filmmakers have not yet issued an official public response regarding the matter.

The controversy has already generated significant attention within the entertainment industry, with many closely watching whether the film proceeds as planned or faces legal hurdles before its release.

Legal and Industry Attention Intensifies

As the dispute unfolds, the case has once again brought Salman Khan’s long-running legal controversy into the spotlight. The outcome of the legal challenge could determine the future of the film and potentially influence how real-life controversies involving public figures are portrayed on screen.

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Bollywood Superstar May Be Heading for Third Marriage

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing to tie the knot once again. According to recent media reports, the actor is expected to marry his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, on July 5.

While neither Aamir Khan nor Gauri Spratt has officially confirmed the wedding plans, reports suggest that the couple is ready to take the next step in their relationship after making it public last year. If the reports prove accurate, this would mark Aamir Khan’s third marriage.

Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt’s Relationship

Aamir Khan first introduced Gauri Spratt to the media during celebrations for his 60th birthday in March 2025. At the time, the actor publicly confirmed that they were in a relationship.

He revealed that he and Gauri had known each other for nearly 25 years. Before making their relationship public, the couple had reportedly been dating for around 18 months.

The announcement attracted significant attention from fans and the entertainment industry, with many expressing support for the couple.

First Marriage to Reena Dutta

Long before becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Aamir Khan married Reena Dutta in 1986.

The couple remained together for nearly 16 years before separating in 2002. During their marriage, they welcomed two children — son Junaid Khan and daughter Ira Khan.

Despite their divorce, Aamir and Reena have maintained a cordial relationship and have often been seen supporting their children together.

Marriage to Filmmaker Kiran Rao

Aamir Khan later met filmmaker Kiran Rao during the making of the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan, where she worked as an assistant director.

The couple got married in December 2005 and later welcomed their son, Azad Rao Khan, through surrogacy in 2011.

After nearly 16 years of marriage, Aamir and Kiran announced their separation in 2021. However, they have continued to share a friendly relationship and frequently collaborate on professional and family matters.

No Official Confirmation Yet

Although reports of Aamir Khan’s wedding to Gauri Spratt have generated considerable buzz, neither the actor nor his representatives have officially confirmed the date or the marriage plans.

Fans are now eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the couple regarding what could become one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year.

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