The blockbuster success of ‘Hanuman Ansh’ has sparked excitement about its upcoming sequel, with reports suggesting that cricket star Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma could be seen in the second instalment.

Directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film is currently making a strong impact at the box office. According to reports, the makers are considering bringing the celebrity couple, popularly known as ‘Virushka’, on board for cameo appearances in the upcoming instalments.

‘Virushka’ Could Make a Special Appearance

The film’s director had recently expressed his desire to cast Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma in the movie. Now, producer Namrata Singh has reportedly indicated that the star couple could appear in cameo roles in future parts of the franchise.

Namrata said the makers have been in touch with several prominent celebrities who were already aware of the project. Their possible association with the film has generated considerable interest among fans.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are also known for their faith in Neem Karoli Baba and have visited Kainchi Dham on several occasions. Their spiritual connection has further fuelled speculation about their possible involvement in the film.

A Surprise Box-Office Hit

Released on August 7, ‘Hanuman Ansh’ has emerged as one of the biggest surprise hits of 2026. According to Sacnilk data cited in reports, the film was made on a modest budget of around ₹2 crore and has reportedly collected ₹143.13 crore at the box office, with the reported gross reaching around ₹169.20 crore within 33 days.

With the film’s strong performance and growing buzz around its sequel, the possibility of Virat and Anushka making a special appearance could add another major attraction to the franchise.

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Twenty-five-year-old visually impaired devotional singer Sunil Lodhi has emerged as a talking point on social media after lending his voice to the song “Maine Tere Hi Bharose” from the film Hanuman Ansh.

Hailing from the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, Lodhi’s journey from singing traditional folk songs and bhajans on local trains and in villages to making his mark in Bollywood has inspired many.

Lodhi began singing at around 10–11 years of age. He used to perform Bundeli folk songs and devotional music while playing the tambura. His talent later gained wider recognition through the social media and YouTube platform Bundeli Duniya.

His first major breakthrough came when his Hanuman bhajan “More Sankat Ke Kataiya” went viral on the platform and reportedly received nearly 29 million views. The success attracted the attention of music producers.

According to reports, singer and music producer Pankaj Virkhe discovered Lodhi and invited him to Mumbai to record several tracks. Lodhi said both “More Sankat Ke Kataiya” and “Maine Tere Hi Bharose” are traditional devotional songs.

Meanwhile, Hanuman Ansh has also witnessed a surprising turnaround at the box office. Released on August 7 with an opening of around ₹10 lakh, the film initially recorded a slow run. Its first-week collection stood at ₹1.08 crore, while the second week added only ₹40 lakh.

However, collections surged in the third and fourth weeks. The film crossed the ₹40-crore mark in India after 24 days, turning into an unexpected box-office success and bringing further attention to Lodhi’s devotional track.

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Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is all set to make her much-awaited comeback to the screen after a long break. The actress will reportedly return with an upcoming web series by filmmaker Hansal Mehta, marking her comeback to the entertainment industry after nearly six years.

Bipasha has been away from films for several years, focusing on her personal life and spending time with her daughter, Devi. Her return to acting has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see the actress back on screen.

Bipasha Basu’s Comeback After a Long Break

Bipasha Basu married actor Karan Singh Grover in 2016. After her marriage, she largely stayed away from films. She was last seen in the 2020 web series Dangerous, where her performance received attention from viewers.

Since then, the actress has maintained a low profile on the acting front. She has also been dedicating considerable time to her family and daughter. Now, after a prolonged break, Bipasha is reportedly ready to return to the world of acting through the OTT space.

Bipasha to Star in Hansal Mehta’s Barabanki

According to reports, Bipasha Basu will be seen in filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s upcoming web series Barabanki. The project reportedly features actors including Vishal Jethwa and Sunny Kaushal in key roles.

The series is said to revolve around the world of drug trafficking and is expected to explore the criminal networks and challenges associated with the illegal drug trade.

Reports suggest that Bipasha, along with the other cast members, has already begun shooting for the project. However, details about her character and role in the series have not yet been officially revealed.

Her return to the screen has already created considerable buzz among fans, particularly those who have been waiting to see the actress take on a new role after her long hiatus.

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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.

The post Govinda Reacts to Wife Sunita Ahuja’s Remarks on His Equation With Young Actress appeared first on Odisha Connect.

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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