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Hyderabad, Nov 11 (IANS) Telugu actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda's next Telugu film, which is yet to be titled and which is tentatively being referred to as #Siddhu10, went on the floors on Wednesday with a grand pooja ceremony that was attended by the core team of the film.

Popular producer Allu Aravind, who is also the father of Telugu star Allu Arjun, clapped the board for the first shot of the film, signalling its official launch. The makers disclosed that regular shooting for the film would begin later this month with the filming of a song sequence.

The film, which is to be directed by Mohan B, has triggered great interest as it is has ace director Sukumar as one of its producers. Sukumar in association with well known producers Bunny Vas, Anmol Sharma, and Ashok Bandireddy is producing the film.

The film, which will be a romantic entertainer, features actress Nayan Sarika as the female lead.

Taking to his Instagram page to share images of the pooja ceremony, director Sukumar, who is producing the film, wrote,"With divine blessings and boundless excitement. The journey of #Siddhu10 begins with a grand pooja ceremony.Shoot begins soon to bring a beautiful love story to life."

The film is to have music by three-time National Award winning music director, G V Prakash Kumar.

It may be recalled that director Mohan B, on Tuesday, had taken to his Instagram page to pen an emotional post before the launch of the film.

He had said,"Every storyteller carries a dream within. Today, that dream takes its first step towards the silver screen.A new beginning, a new journey, and a dream turning into reality. Here’s to new beginnings! #SIDDHU10. A BEAUTIFUL COLLABORATION to celebrate the magic of LOVE. @sukumarwritings x @bvworksoffl Production No 2 is StarBoy #Siddhu10. Pooja Ceremony, Tomorrow, 11th Nov at 9:32 AM."

Sources close to the unit said that the film makers would announce the other members of the cast and crew shortly.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Actress Gul Panag has penned a heartfelt birthday note for her mother Annie Panag. She reflected on how becoming a mother herself has helped her understand the challenges and responsibilities her own mother handled while raising two children.

Taking to Instagram, Gul shared that it was only in her forties that she began to understand how demanding motherhood could be. She also recalled how her mother managed the household, raised her and her brother, and fulfilled the responsibilities that came with being an Army officer's wife.

“Happy birthday, Mum. It’s only in my forties that I’ve begun to understand, rather belatedly, just how challenging motherhood really is. And consequently, how extraordinarily easy my mother made it look,” she wrote.

Recalling her childhood, the ‘Manoranjan’ actress said that when her brother Sherbir was around eight years old, her mother was raising two children, managing the home and often working as a teacher to make life more comfortable for the family.

“I often find myself thinking back to when my brother @sherbirpanag was about eight, roughly the age Nihal is now. My mother was raising two children, managing a home, navigating the demands and expectations that came with being an Army officer’s wife, and often working as a teacher, as so many Army wives did, to make life a little more comfortable for us,” she added.

The ‘Dor’ actress also spoke about the invisible labour involved in being a woman, pointing out that several responsibilities are often expected but rarely acknowledged. Reflecting on her own experience of motherhood, Gul said that looking at her son, Nihal, often makes her wonder how her mother managed everything so effortlessly.

“And somehow, from where we stood as children, she seemed to take it all in her stride. Of course, I now realise that what appeared effortless probably wasn’t. There must have been days when she was exhausted. Days when she worried about things we knew nothing about. Days when she had to put her own needs aside because ours came first. And then there’s all the invisible labour of being a woman. The things that need doing, the people who need looking after, the expectations that need meeting. So much of it simply assumed, so little of it acknowledged.”

The post further read, “But that’s the extraordinary thing about childhood. You rarely see the effort. You simply grow up feeling that everything is taken care of. And then, one day, you become a mother yourself. And years later, you find yourself looking at your own child, remembering yourself at that age, and thinking, how on earth did she do it? I suspect I owe my mother a rather substantial apology for all the times I took that extraordinary competence for granted. And an even bigger thank you. The older I get, the more I understand what you did for us. And what you continue to do. And how Nihal is now your favourite, and my brother and I are relegated to second place. And the more I admire you for it.”

The carousel of photos featured Gul Panag's cherished memories with her mother and family.

Gul Panag's biological mother is Gurjit Kaur, while her stepmother, Annie Panag, played an important role in her upbringing and helped prepare her for the pageant world. Her parents parted ways when Gul was around four years old.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, who hosts the gaming reality show ‘Family Full House with Rohit Sharma’, has spoken up on how fate brought him and his wife Ritika Sajdeh together.

The cricketer shared that his first meeting with Ritika was far from a planned introduction. He said that he first met Ritika in 2008 during an ad shoot which led to a 7-year friendship, which eventually led to their marriage in 2015.

When asked, “When did you meet Ritika?”, Rohit Sharma said, “Main pehli baar unko mila tha 2008 mein. Hum ek ad shoot kar rahe the. Ritika ke saath nahi, par woh wahan par thi. Woh kisi player ki manager thi aur main wahan pahuncha tha, lekin mere manager sahab sahi samay par nahi pahunch paaye. Main bahut gussa ho gaya tha aur apne room mein akela baitha tha. Tabhi Ritika ji pehli baar mujhse milne aayi (I first met him in 2008. We were shooting an ad. Not with Ritika, but she was there. She was the manager of some player and I had reached there, but my manager couldn't arrive on time. I had gotten very angry and was sitting alone in my room. That's when Ritika ji came to meet me for the first time)”.

He further mentioned, “Unhone mujhe bola, ‘Agar aapko kuch help chahiye toh main help karne ke liye taiyaar hoon’. Toh yeh humari pehli mulaqat thi, pehli baatcheet thi. Uske baad hum 7 saal tak achhe dost rahe, phir 2015 mein humari shaadi hui. Aur abhi 2-2 bachche hain (She told me, 'If you need any help, I am ready to help’. So this was our first meeting, our first conversation. After that, we were good friends for 7 years, and then we got married in 2015. And now we have 2 kids)”.

‘Family Full House with Rohit Sharma’ is available on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who turned 51 on Wednesday, has reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry.

In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, he recalled how his passion for acting began at home with theatre and the encouragement of his parents. Dibyendu shared that his family was his first audience and that his parents supported his early interest in performing. What began as small performances at home gradually paved the way for his admission to the National School of Drama (NSD), where he received the foundation for his acting career.

“Acting found its way into my life through theatre, which began quite organically at home with my family as my first audience. My parents encouraged me to nurture that curiosity, and what started as small performances eventually led me to the National School of Drama. NSD gave me the foundation, but every character I have played since has taught me something new,” he said.

Reflecting on the appreciation he has received from audiences across films and OTT platforms, Dibyendu said that the journey from performing at home to earning recognition has been deeply humbling. “To have come from those early days at home to receiving so much love and appreciation from audiences across films and OTT is deeply humbling. I see every role as an opportunity to learn, evolve and rediscover myself as an actor,” he added.

The actor has appeared in several films and web series. His film credits include “Monsoon Wedding,” “Black Friday,” “Dev.D,” “Lootera,” “B.A. Pass,” “Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal,” “Mission Raniganj,” “Pari,” “Looop Lapeta” and “Code Name: Tiranga.” His role as Chunni in “Dev.D” brought him wider recognition.

On the digital platform, he has appeared in series such as “Sacred Games,” “Jamtara,” “Criminal Justice,” “Undekhi,” “Maharani,” “Rocket Boys,” “The Railway Men,” “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” and “Poacher.”

He was also part of “Pairon Tale” (The Soul of Sand), directed by Siddharth Srinivasan. The film was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Actor Saif Ali Khan has resumed his fitness routine, giving a glimpse of his workout session through a new video.

The actor shared the clip on Instagram in which he is seen shirtless while exercising. In the video, the ‘Omkara’ actor is seen flaunting his well-toned physique and muscles as he performs a series of exercises and a few yoga asanas. Going shirtless for the workout session, Saif appears focused on bringing both his mind and body back on track.

Alongside the video, Saif spoke about getting back on track, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being as he looks forward to the New Year. "Time to get back to work!.. First the mind.. then the body .. back on track for a happy new year," he wrote.

A few days ago, Saif, who is an avid social media user, shared another interesting video on his Instagram account. The 'Hum Tum' actor posted a clip in which he was seen opening a champagne bottle using a meat cleaver after failing to find a bottle opener. In the video, Saif first placed his glasses on top of his head before swiftly opening the bottle in one smooth motion. He then handed the champagne bottle to one of his helpers.

Sharing the clip, he captioned it, "Nawabi hacks #23, when you can't find an opener, you try the meat cleaver!! Please do not try this at home...(sic)."

Meanwhile, Saif recently made headlines following his appearance with wife Kareena Kapoor Khan on Karan Johar's popular chat show 'Koffee With Karan'. During the episode, Karan asked the couple to call someone famous. However, Saif expressed his desire to call his wine dealer instead. When the ‘Jab We Met’ actress pointed out that the wine dealer was not a celebrity, the actor quipped, "Well, he is a celebrity to me."

During the conversation, Saif also opened up about how the attack at his residence last year had affected his younger son, Jeh. Recalling an emotional moment, the actor revealed that Jeh had handed him his plastic sword and asked him to use it if a similar incident happened again.

"Jeh gave me his plastic sword and said, ‘Next time that thief comes, use this.’ For a couple of months after that, he kind of kept the plastic sword with me... So, the whole thing happened in front of him, the fight and all and he thinks I am a great protector. He thinks I am Iron Man," Saif recalled.

--IANS

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Chennai, Nov 11 (IANS) The makers of director Abhay Sankar's upcoming bilingual horror thriller ‘F6 Building Ivory Street’, featuring actors Kalesh Ramanand and Shraddha Gokul in the lead and actors Kalaranjini and Ramesh Thilak in pivotal roles, have now released the first look poster of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Sources claim the film, which is being presented by Aura Tale Studios, is being crafted as a distinctive horror experience, blending horror and thriller elements with family emotions, comedy and romance.

The film, which will mark Abhay Sankar's debut as a director, is being made simultaneously in Tamil and Malayalam.

Set against a dark and mysterious building, the poster features a mother and son looking up with expressions of fear and shock. The striking visual captures the film’s eerie atmosphere and the mystery surrounding its storyline.

Sources claim the story revolves around a middle-aged aspiring filmmaker who moves from Kerala to Chennai with his mother in search of a new beginning. However, their life takes a terrifying turn when they encounter mysterious and supernatural occurrences inside their new home. The film explores the chilling incidents that unfold within the house and the mystery surrounding them.

Kalesh Ramanand plays the hero in this film while Shraddha Gokul plays the female lead.

Sources said veteran South Indian actress Urvashi’s elder sister, Kalaranjini, plays the hero’s mother, a pivotal role in the film. Well known character artiste Ramesh Thilak too will be seen in a pivotal role, the sources add. The film will also feature Thalaivasal Vijay, Charmila, TSR Srinivasan, Kumki Aswin, Dr Amar Ramachandran and Prathibha Prathap in important roles.

On the technical front, music and background score for the film have been composed by Sreejith Edavana. Cinematography is by Prasanth Pranavam, while editing is by Aiyappan Nair M S. Jackie Johnson is the Project Designer, and Deepu Chandran is in charge of VFX.

The film has been shot across Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram and features a total of four songs. Sources claim that the film's post-production work is currently progressing at a brisk pace and that the team intends to release the film in theatres in January 2027.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Actress Huma Qureshi has opened up about returning with the fifth season of her popular political drama series 'Maharani.’

She shared her excitement about Rani's evolving journey. Calling the upcoming season particularly special, Qureshi teased unexpected twists and developments, adding that she believes the new chapter will surprise audiences in many ways. Speaking about the new season, Huma shared, “I genuinely feel Season 5 is going to surprise audiences in many ways. Every season of Maharani has brought something new for me as an actor, but this one feels particularly special.”

“The story is incredibly exciting, with unexpected turns and developments that had me hooked from the very beginning. Rani’s journey takes another interesting turn this season, and I am really excited for audiences to see how it unfolds. I cannot wait for them to discover what we have created this time,” she added.

On Wednesday, the makers released the promo on social media and captioned it as, “Kuch karz waqt ke saath nahi, hisaab ke saath utarte hain Rani Bharti is back, and this time, it's personal. Maharani Season 5, streaming this February, only on Sony LIV!.” The upcoming season promises to take the narrative forward with fresh challenges, unexpected turns and new developments in Rani's life.

Over the previous seasons, Rani Bharti has established her identity in the political landscape while navigating power struggles, personal ambitions and difficult decisions. As Huma returns for another chapter, her journey is set to take a new direction, bringing fresh challenges that will put her determination and political acumen to the test.

“Maharani Season 5” will premiere in February 2027 on Sony LIV.

In the previous season, 'Maharani 4', which premiered on November 7, 2025, the story was set in 2012 and followed Rani Bharti (Huma Qureshi) as she served her second term as Bihar's Chief Minister.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Filmmaker Subhash Ghai paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary comedian and actor Johnny Walker on his 100th birth anniversary.

He remembered his remarkable contribution to Hindi cinema and recalled his personal association with the late star across different phases of his life. Taking to Instagram, Ghai shared a nostalgic note, reflecting on how Johnny Walker had been his favourite comedy star since childhood and how their association eventually extended beyond admiration to working together professionally.

Recalling his childhood memories, Ghai wrote, “At the age of 10, he was my favourite comedy star. At 25, I had the opportunity to work with him as the lead actor in the film 'Shehar Se Door'."

Sharing how their association continued over the years, the filmmaker added that Johnny Walker later became his neighbour at Cliff Tower in Bandra, Mumbai. He also recalled the actor moving into his home in Versova with his family.

“AT my 40 he was my gentle neighbour at cliff tower Bandra Mumbai At my 50.He bought his home at varsova with lovely family. He ruled the world of Hindi cinema as one of its finest comedians from the 1950s to the 1970s, but above all, he remained a thorough gentleman until the very end. We have every reason to pay our heartfelt tribute to the legendary Johnny Walker, born Badruddin Kazi Saheb, a true and genuine star of Hindi cinema. We will always remember him with love and admiration,” he wrote.

Concluding his tribute, Ghai said that Johnny Walker's legacy deserved to be celebrated and remembered with love and admiration, calling him a genuine star of Hindi cinema.

Johnny Walker, born Badruddin Kazi, remains one of the most celebrated comic actors in the history of Indian cinema. Known for his distinctive comic timing and memorable performances, he carved a special place for himself in Hindi films during the golden era of cinema.

Subhash Ghai and Johnny Walker worked together in two films, “Taqdeer” and “Shehar Se Door.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Music composer Himesh Reshammiya shared a glimpse into his latest romantic composition, inspired by his love for his wife, Sonia Kapoor, and the feeling of love at first sight.

Sharing the story behind the song on Indian Idol, Himesh reveals how his personal experiences and a conversation with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya helped shape the melody. The composition was performed by Rishi Singh and Anshika Chonkar.

Introducing the composition, Himesh described it as a powerful romantic number that captures the feeling of love at first sight. Building anticipation around the song, he said: "Toh yeh humara love at first sight ka bahut hi zabardast romantic gaana hai. Jab tak yeh gaana telecast ke din hoga, yeh phat chuka hoga. Aur jab main bol raha hoon toh yeh phatega, toh wohi reaction mujhe sabke face pe chahiye, blockbuster!"

(So, this is our very powerful romantic song about love at first sight. By the time this song is telecast, it would have already become a massive hit. And when I say it is going to be a hit, it will be a hit, so that is the very reaction I want to see on everyone's faces. Blockbuster!)

Taking everyone behind the inspiration for the song, Himesh revealed that the emotions came from his own relationship with his wife, Sonia Kapoor.

Sharing how their relationship inspired him to create the melody, he said: "Ghar mein daant khata hoon roz-roz. Mujhe daantti hai, pareshan karti hai, lekin dost, itna pyaar karta hoon ki usse kuch keh nahi pata hoon. Toh uske baad thodi si muskurahat lane ke liye maine yeh compose kiya, 'Tum Jeene Ki Wajah Ho', kyunki yeh jo situation hai humari."

(I get scolded at home every single day. She scolds me, troubles me, but my friend, I love her so much that I am unable to say anything to her. So, to bring a little smile to her face after that, I composed this song, 'Tum Jeene Ki Wajah Ho', because this is the situation between us.)

Recalling his conversation with Sooraj Barjatya about the film’s characters and their love story, he shared how the filmmaker’s vision reminded him of the emotions behind the song.

He said: "Sooraj ji ne kaha ki humare jo Prem hain, unhe mohabbat ho jaati hai kuch aisi beautiful cheez... main batana nahi chahta hoon, Sharvari ke character mein kuch aise moments hain jo kisi ko bhi mohabbat ho jaaye. Toh woh pehli nazar mein itna gehra gaana, jo main apni Sonia ke liye feel karta hoon, woh gaana 'Pehli Nazar Mein Pehli Mohabbat' mein woh ek moment deep composition bana tha. Kya hota toh maine Sooraj ji ko sunaya, Sooraj ji loved it and then Kumar ne likha, Vishal ne gaya, and it is something else.."

(Sooraj ji said that our Prem falls in love with something so beautiful. I don't want to reveal it, but there are certain moments in Sharvari's character that would make anyone fall in love. So, that deep song about love at first sight, which I feel for my Sonia, became a deeply composed moment in the song 'Pehli Nazar Mein Pehli Mohabbat'. So, I played it for Sooraj ji, Sooraj ji loved it, and then Kumar wrote it, Vishal sang it, and it is something else.)

Himesh revealed that the melody has been adapted for the film in two different versions, with separate solo male and female renditions.

The song then found a special place on the Indian Idol stage as Rishi Singh and Anshika Chonkar delivered their rendition of the romantic composition. Their performance struck a chord with Ayushmann and Sharvari, who were so impressed that they walked onto the stage to appreciate the contestants.

Sharing his reaction, Ayushmann, who plays Prem in the film, said: "Bahut achhi lagi, that's why we were on stage right now, kyunki hum nahi rok paaye. Jaise HR ne bola, yeh film ki situation aisi hai ki train mein pehli baar Sharvari ko dekhta hoon aur pehli nazar mein pyaar ho jaata hai. It's like that love at first sight. Bahut rare hota hai aajkal filmon mein.”

“It's beautiful, Yeh Prem Mol Liya. Aur jis tarah se in dono ne nibhaya hai, it's very commendable. Kya range hai Rishi, aur aapne jaise kiya hai, is range ko match kiya hai. So I think we are truly blessed to be here."

(I liked it very much. That's why we were on stage right now, because we couldn't stop ourselves. As HR said, the situation in this film is such that I see Sharvari for the first time on a train and fall in love at first sight. It's like that, love at first sight. That is very rare in films these days. It's beautiful, Yeh Prem Mol Liya.)

(And the way both of them have performed it is very commendable. What a range, Rishi, and the way you have performed it, you have matched that range. So I think we are truly blessed to be here)

Sooraj Barjatya also shared the thought behind the song’s lyrics, recalling how a simple expression gradually evolved into a deeper romantic sentiment.

Speaking about the creative process, he said: "Phir inhone jaise itna simple banaya, toh inhone kaha ki 'Tum jeene ki wajah ho.' Phir main bola, Himesh, itna simple? But phir baad mein jo bola, 'Tum nahi, tum jeene ki wajah ho, tum ho jeene ki wajah ho'."

(Then, when he made it so simple, he said, 'Tum jeene ki wajah ho.' Then I said, Himesh, so simple? But later, what he said was, 'Tum nahi, tum jeene ki wajah ho, tum ho jeene ki wajah ho')

Himesh praised lyricist Kumar’s words and highlighted the beauty of the composition by reciting some of its lines.

He said, "Meri dil ki dua ho, tum ho jeene ki wajah. Jo bhi hai tu, nahi hai bewajah. Aur Kumar sahab ne bahut achha hi likha. You know, iska jo ek ek line hai, 'Pehli bhi toh baarish thi, dheemi hawayein, baadal hain, mausam. Tere milne se sach hai ya khwaab, tu rang hai ya raag tu, jo bhi hai tu nahi hai bewajah. Tum ho jeene ki wajah, tum ho jeene ki wajah.'"

Indian Idol Legends Return airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Actor Sunil Lahri, best known for portraying Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar's iconic television series 'Ramayan,' has shared his mixed reaction to the newly released film 'Ramayana.'

While praising its grand visuals and world-class visual effects, the actor said the film falls short when it comes to capturing the devotional essence and divinity associated with the epic. Taking to social media, Sunil shared a video in which he spoke about his experience of watching the film. Describing it as a bittersweet experience, he said that although the film is visually impressive, he felt the makers could have paid greater attention to certain important scenes and dialogues.

In his video, the actor said, "I recently got the opportunity to watch the newly released film 'Ramayana.' It is a grand spectacle made on a massive budget, and its visual effects are truly world-class. The cinematography is exceptionally beautiful and visually appealing. All the actors have performed their respective roles remarkably well and portrayed their characters with great sincerity and dedication. There are several outstanding scenes in the film."

However, he pointed out that some emotional sequences and dialogues could have been handled better. He also highlighted the absence of certain important episodes, including the Ahalya sequence, and said he found the Parashurama sequence rather weak.

“However, in my opinion, certain sequences, particularly the emotional scenes, could have been handled better. I feel that not enough attention has been paid to some of the dialogues and important moments, while a few significant scenes are missing altogether.”

Sunil went on to state, “For instance, I found the Parashurama sequence rather weak. The Ahalya episode is missing entirely. Similarly, I did not like the way Shurpanakha addresses Lord Ram during their conversation. The way Sita Ji addresses Lord Ram also did not feel appropriate to me. There are several other sequences that I felt were weak and lacked the devotional sentiment and divine essence that are integral to the story of the Ramayana.”

Concluding his review, the actor encouraged viewers to watch the film and share their own opinions.

“In my opinion, the film focuses more on grandeur and power than on devotion. It is more Shakti Pradhan (centred on power) than Bhakti Pradhan (centred on devotion). I would encourage all of you to watch the film and share your thoughts and opinions. Today is the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. It is a special festival when, on this particular day of the year, sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long lives, happiness, prosperity and good health.”

Alongside the clip, Sunil Lahri wrote in the caption, “Watched the new Ramayan. It was a bittersweet experience. There was no sense of divinity or devotion. Several important scenes are missing, and the dialogue in many scenes lacks the dignity that should be present in a film like this. Ravana has been glorified quite a lot. Saw new Ramayan, it was a mixed experience, divinity was not visible.”

“Ramayana,” directed by Nitesh Tiwari, features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, and others. The movie was released in theatres on November 5.

--IANS

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