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Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Saif Ali Khan is finally back home after recovering from the horrific stabbing incident. Recently, the actor's sister Saba Pataudi took to the stories section of her Insta handle and penned a note updating the netizens about her brother's health.

Thanking the fans for their concern, Saba Pataudi wrote on social media, “Relaxed after a long week! So moved by the kind concern from so many people who checked in to know how I am, from all across the world, and wishing Bhai a speedy recovery and the family love and strength, with their support.Blessed and grateful..Thank you!"

On the other hand, Saif Ali Khan's son Ibrahim Ali Khan was recently papped after a workout session. Going by a video doing rounds on the internet, the paps asked him, "Dad ki tabiyat kaisi hai?" While he did not say anything, Ibrahim Ali Khan simply nodded his head.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times in the wee hours of 16th January 2025 at his Bandra residence during an attempted robbery. The actor even underwent 2 surgeries at the Lilavati hospital for the wounds on his spinal cord. However, the actor was later discharged.

Mumbai police have arrested the suspect identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30) alias Vijay Das, a Bangladesh national staying illegally in India, for the incident.

According to the reports, Mumbai Police have taken into custody the clothes worn by accused, Shariful Islam, at the time of attack. Additionally, the police also found blood stains on the clothes worn by the accused during the incident.

Saif Ali Khan's blood samples and clothes and the attacker's clothes have all been sent to the Forensic Lab (FSL) so that the blood stains on the attacker's clothes can be matched with the actor's blood.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 24 (IANS) Well known director S A Chandrasekhar, who is also the father of actor Vijay, has said that he does not know the title of the last film of his son but added that if it was ‘Naalaiya Theerpu’ like how he had heard it from some others, he would be very happy.

.S A Chandrasekhar (SAC), during the course of an interview to a vernacular publication, was told that there was reason to believe that his son’s last film had been titled Naalaiya Theerpu. When asked for his views about ‘Naalaiya Theerpu’ being the title of his son’s last film, S A C replied, “I too heard that. But I don’t know if that is the title. If it is, I will be very happy. This was my title and it was his first film as a hero.”

Interestingly, it was S A Chandrasekhar who wrote and directed the film ‘Naalaiya Theerpu’.

There has been a lot of speculation on what Vijay’s last film’s title will be, even as the makers of the film announced that the first look and title of director H Vinoth’s film, featuring Tamil actor Vijay in the lead, will be released on January 26 on the occasion of Republic Day.

KVN productions, the production house producing the film, took to its X timeline to make the announcement.

“Update oda vandhurkom (We have come with an update) 69% completed. #Thalapathy69FirstLookOnJan26,” the production house tweeted.

The film, which will feature Pooja Hegde as the female lead, will also have Bollywood actor Bobby Deol, Malayalam actress Mamitha Baiju, director Gautham Vasudev Menon, actress Priyamani, and actor Prakash Raj in pivotal roles.

Anirudh is scoring the music for this film. #Thalapathy69 is expected to shatter box office records as expectations have sky-rocketed for the film given the fact that this will officially be Vijay’s last film.

Rumours doing the rounds in the industry suggest that the makers of the film, among other things, are considering the possibility of releasing the film in either October this year or for Pongal next year.

Meanwhile, certain sections believe the film could be the Tamil remake of the Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari. This is because Tamil actor VTV Ganesh, during the promotions of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, had said that Vijay, impressed with ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’, had approached director Anil Ravipudi to remake it in Tamil but that Anil had declined the offer. However, there has been no confirmation from the makers of #Thalapathy69 regarding this claim.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 24 (IANS) Actor Vishal, who is thrilled that his recently released film Madha Gaja Raja’s splendid run in theatres is continuing well into its second week, has now disclosed that this film is his career’s best – both box office collections wise and in terms of response as well.

.Taking to X to share his delight, the actor wrote, “ Now, this is something so good to hear and share with you lovelies -- to make a 12-year-old film, #MadhaGajaRaja, a grand blockbuster.

“Almost 75% of the theatres has been retained for the second week, running in 375 screens all across Tamil Nadu. The miracle continues in its second week with God’s blessings and all you lovely audience’s response who have enjoyed the film and are repeatedly coming back to see this laugh-riot commercial entertainer,” the actor said.

“Happy to hear from theatre owners that the family audiences have been coming even during weekdays with their children enjoying the film wholeheartedly. This is a true #winner! Just elated that it is my career best film at the Box Office collections-wise and response-wise,” he said.

Thanking audiences once again for their overwhelming response to the film, the actor wrote, “Thank you all once again for showing your love and thank you #SundharC Sir, the king of commercial entertainers for giving a worthy film for the audience who were longing for a total commercial entertainer, which has made them to come with kids and enjoy it for 2.30 hours. This is a great start in 2025 for the film industry and for all of us. God bless.”

Directed by Sundar C, Madha Gaja Raja has been produced by Gemini Film Circuit and stars Vishal, Anjali and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in the lead. Actors Santhanam and Sonu Sood play pivotal roles in the film, the production of which began in 2012 and got completed in 2013. The film had remained unreleased for over a decade due to financial troubles but now, the film has released and emerged a success.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 24 (IANS) Actress-singer Shruti Haasan, who’s currently in Bangkok shooting for the Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Coolie’, recently surprised everyone with an unplanned performance.

.Sources close to the actress say that after wrapping up work, Shruti and her team decided to explore the city and stumbled upon a live music venue.

The buzzing vibe and seeing the crowd thoroughly enjoying the live band were reasons enough for Shruti to join the band on stage and truly set it on fire.

Her spontaneous performance was met with a roaring response and the energy in the room was palpable making it an evening to remember.

The actress plans on releasing more independent music this year, while balancing her acting projects which include Rajnikanth starrer Coolie, touted to be one of the biggest hits of the year.

It may be recalled that Rajinikanth, while departing for the film’s shoot in Bangkok had disclosed that 70 per cent of the film had already been shot and that the current shooting schedule was to be held from January 13 until January 28.

Meanwhile, Shruti Haasan seems to have begun the new year on a happy note. It may be recalled that Shruti has also lent her voice for Vijay Sethupathi’s upcoming film ‘Train’, which has been directed and scored by Mysskin.

Recently, the team of Train had released a special teaser to mark Vijay Sethupathi’s birthday and Shruti’s power packed voice perfectly complemented the high octane visuals on screen, much to her fans’ delight.

The track came just a week after Shruti’s collaboration with the maestro AR Rahman for the track ‘Its a Break up Da’.

Shruti is not just a singer, a musician and an actress. She is also a gifted songwriter. Shruti has also made waves in the indie music scene with her singles like ‘Edge’, ‘Monster Machine’, and ‘Inimel’.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who has now become a Sadhvi, was recently spotted striking poses with her sanyasi friends.

According to media reports, the actress officially took 'sanyas' on Friday after arriving at Kinnar Akhara during the Maha Kumbh. There, she met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and received his blessings. Mamta reportedly performed the ritual of 'Pind Daan' at the Sangam, and her coronation ceremony took place at the Kinnar Akhara. She was also given a new name, 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.'

A video circulating on social media shows Mamta wearing a Rudraksh garland around her neck and saffron-coloured clothes. In the clip, Mamta, who returned to India after 25 years specifically for the Maha Kumbh, can be seen posing with her sanyasi friends.

The ‘Karan Arjun’ actress has also been declared Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara during a grand traditional ceremony.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with IANS, Mamta explained the reasons behind her absence from both India and the showbiz industry.

“The reason for me leaving India was spirituality. In 1996, I became inclined towards spirituality, and during that time, I met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. After his arrival, my interest in spirituality grew, and my penance began. However, I believe Bollywood gave me both name and fame. After that, I quit Bollywood. From the year 2000 to 2012, I continued my penance. I spent many years in Dubai, where I lived in a two-bedroom flat and remained celibate for 12 years,” she shared.

Kulkarni also expressed her emotions upon returning to Mumbai, the city that launched her Bollywood career. “When I was reaching Mumbai, I became very emotional. I had tears in my eyes because I remembered the place where I started and Bollywood, from which I gained so much name and fame.”

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 24 (IANS) The first look and title of director H Vinoth’s upcoming film, featuring Tamil actor Vijay in the lead, will be released on January 26 on the occasion of Republic Day, its makers announced on Friday.

.KVN productions, the production house producing the film, took to its X timeline to make the announcement.

“Update oda vandhurkom (We have come with an update) 69% completed. #Thalapathy69FirstLookOnJan26,” the production house tweeted.

The news has thrilled fans of actor Vijay, who are hoping that he will reconsider his decision to completely quit cinema after the film.

It may be recalled that Vijay has announced this film, which is being tentatively referred to as #Thalapathy69, as his last film as he will be turning a full-time politician after that.

The film, which will feature Pooja Hegde as the female lead, will also have Bollywood actor Bobby Deol, Malayalam actress Mamitha Baiju, director Gautham Vasudev Menon, actress Priyamani, and actor Prakash Raj in pivotal roles.

Anirudh is scoring the music for this film. #Thalapathy69 is expected to shatter box office records as expectations have sky-rocketed for the film given the fact that this will officially be Vijay’s last film.

Rumours doing the rounds in the industry suggest that the makers of the film, among other things, are considering the possibility of releasing the film in either October this year or for Pongal next year.

Meanwhile, certain sections believe the film could be the Tamil remake of the Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari. This is because Tamil actor VTV Ganesh, during the promotions of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, had said that Vijay, impressed with ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’, had approached director Anil Ravipudi to remake it in Tamil but that Anil had declined the offer. However, there has been no confirmation from the makers of #Thalapathy69 regarding this claim.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Jan 23 (IANS) The Spanish-language musical crime film ‘Emilia Perez’ is a top contender for the recently announced Oscar nominations.

‘Emilia Perez’ follows the story of a drug lord who undergoes gender affirming surgery, reports ‘Variety’.

The film has registered 13 nominations for the upcoming edition of the Academy Awards. It was followed closely behind by ‘The Brutalist’, which is a historical epic that examines the immigrant experience, and ‘Wicked’, the hit screen version of a long-running Broadway sensation, which both nabbed 10 nominations.

The Indian film ‘Anuja’ backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Guneet Monga Kapoor has also been nominated in Best Live Action Short Film category.

As per ‘Variety’, ‘Conclave’, a thriller about the election of a new pope, and ‘A Complete Unknown’, a look at Bob Dylan’s early, freewheelin’ years, each had eight nominations. All five of those films are up for best picture, the ceremony’s top prize, alongside indies like ‘Anora’, ‘Nickel Boys’, and ‘I’m Still Here’ as well as the body horror film, ‘The Substance’, and ‘Dune: Part Two’, one of the rare studio blockbusters to garner Oscar attention.

The Academy Awards nominations were unveiled on Thursday after voting had been extended twice because of the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people and catastrophic property damage.

This week, the Oscars announced that its March telecast will “acknowledge those who fought so bravely against the wildfires”.

Timothee Chalamet, who has proved his box office drawing power with ‘Dune’ and ‘Wonka’, was nominated for best actor for his chameleonic performance as Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’. He will face off against ‘The Brutalist’ star Adrien Brody, who became the youngest best actor winner in history at 29 for 2003’s ‘The Pianist’.

Other best actor nominees include Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan. Stan’s recognition came after ‘The Apprentice’, a Donald Trump biopic in which he plays the real estate mogul, struggled to get distribution, companies were concerned about getting on the bad side of the 47th president. His co-star Jeremy Strong, who plays Trump mentor Roy Cohn, was also nominated for best supporting actor.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 23 (IANS) The makers of director Chandoo Mondeti’s Thandel, featuring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in the lead, on Thursday released ‘Hilesso Hilessa’, the third single from the film much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

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The foot-tapping number, set to tune by Devi Sri Prasad, has lyrics by Shreemani and has been rendered by Naksh Aziz and Shreya Ghoshal. The song, a mellifluous number, but an exceptionally difficult one to render, has been skilfully rendered by both vocalists.

The slow, romantic number has some breathtakingly beautiful visuals to complement it. Aerial shots of the water bodies where the song has been picturised predominantly, add immense value to the romantic number. Actress Sai Pallavi shows off her graceful dancing skills in a couple of shots that come for this song.

Produced by Bunny Vasu under the prestigious Geetha Arts banner, the film has Allu Aravind presenting it. Choreography for the film is by Shekar Master.

The lead pair, Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, charm audiences with their on-screen chemistry in Hilesso Hilessa.. Naga Chaitanya’s poised and powerful presence complements Sai Pallavi’s ethereal grace and captivating expressions.

The movie also boasts a talented crew, with Shamdat handling the cinematography, National Award-winning Naveen Nooli as the editor, and Srinagendra Tangala leading the art department.

Thandel, which has been co-directed by Ram Naresh Nunna, is set to hit screens on February 7 this year. The film’s story is believed to be inspired by a real-life incident in which fishermen from a village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh accidentally drifted into Pakistani waters.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 23 (IANS) Actor Jaaved Jaaferi will be soon seen in the upcoming streaming title ‘Oops! Ab Kya?’ The show promises to serve a hearty dose of love, laughter, and chaos as the quirky comedy follows the rollercoaster life of a young woman whose perfectly planned world spirals into comic madness after an accidental artificial insemination. What makes it even more intriguing? The donor is her current boss.

The show also stars Shweta Basu Prasad, Ashim Gulati, Sonali Kulkarni, Apara Mehta, Abhay Mahajan and Amy Aela.

The series weaves a heartwarming tale of three generations of women navigating tradition, modernity, and love, all in the most unexpected circumstances.

Talking about the project, Shweta Basu Prasad said, "It’s a beautiful story about how life throws curveballs and how we deal with them. Playing this character was such a joy because Roohi’s bold, vulnerable, and hilariously relatable. I think audiences will see a bit of themselves in her and fall in love with the madness of it all. This one’s a treat”.

‘Oops! Ab Kya?’ is set to stream on February 20 on Disney+ Hotstar.

Jaaved Jaaferi is a man of many talents. He played Charlie Anna in the animated film ‘Roadside Romeo’, a collaborative effort of Yash Raj Films and Disney. He has commentated on the Japanese TV show ‘Takeshi's Castle’. He was also the judge for Karaoke World Championships India with Manasi Scott, music director Raju Singh, Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant, founder and organizer of KWC INDIA, Savio Paul D'sa, Leslie Lewis, Remo Fernandes, and Sunita Rao.

Jaffrey has hosted award shows including IIFA. He has also appeared in the Pakistani programme Loose Talk, portraying various characters from India.

The film ‘Meri Jung’, released in 1985, gave him his first opportunity to enact the role of a villain and showcase his dancing prowess on screen.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 23 (IANS) Boney Kapoor recently took to his official Instagram handle and dropped a black and white picture of himself from his younger days, along with a picture of his son Arjun Kapoor.

The photograph shows us the uncanny resemblance between Boney Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. The filmmaker captioned his latest social media post, "Hairy Son with Hairy Father".

Jumping on a chance to comment on the post, one of the Insta users wrote, "Love this. He gets his good looks from you and offocurse lots of hair". Another one penned, "Fabulous". The third comment read, "Nice".

A couple of days back, Boney Kapoor dropped another Instagram post, sharing throwback photographs with his late wife Sridevi from their trip to Alaska. The producer shared an old picture of the couple where he can be seen hugging the late superstar.

In the other two photos posted by Boney Kapoor, he and Sridevi are seen being all lovey-dovey amidst a beautiful backdrop. He captioned the Insta post, "Romancing in Alaska amongst the glaciers & the fall season which arrives early September there," along with three heart emojis.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Arjun Kapoor is presently working on his upcoming romantic entertainer, "Mere Husband Ki Biwi". Made under the direction of Mudassar Aziz, he will be seen sharing screen space with Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh in his next.

Recently, an unfortunate mishap took place on the sets of "Mere Husband Ki Biwi" when a ceiling collapsed on the set in parts. It happened as the team was shooting a song at Imperial Palace, Royal Palms, in Mumbai.

The collapse left Arjun Kapoor, producer Jackie Bhagnani, and director Mudassar Aziz injured. Additionally, a camera attendant reportedly suffered a spine injury, while the director of photography (DOP) fractured his thumb. Choreographer Vijay Ganguly also reportedly sustained injuries to his elbow and head. However, none of the actors or crew members were seriously hurt.

--IANS

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