ShowBiz

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) The makers of “Aakhri Sawaal” starring Sanjay Dutt on Thursday unveiled the teaser of the upcoming film, that dares to ask the questions that have intrigued the nation and its youth for over a century.

Aakhri Sawaal is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Abhijeet Mohan Warang. It also features Amit Sadh and marks the return of actress Sameera Reddy on screen after a long hiatus. The film is slated to release on May 8.

From the ban imposed after Mahatma Gandhi’s demise to the allegations surrounding the Babri Masjid demolition, Aakhri Sawaal raises serious questions that people have long sought answers to.

It also stars Namashi Chakravarthy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Chudhury, Aakhri Sawaal teaser offers a powerful glimpse into the film’s subject, aiming to uncover layers of a hidden story that the nation needs to witness.

Fearless, direct, and conversational, it ignites an intense debate that is expected to create a stir upon the film’s release.

The story follows Vicky, a brilliant yet volatile scholar and an aspiring youth of progressive India, who accuses his mentor, Professor Gopal Nadkarni, of bias after his thesis is rejected. What begins as a private academic dispute escalates into a nationally televised debate.

The film explores the burning questions in the minds of India’s youth, their aspirations, doubts, and search for truth through historical events and facts.

At its core lies a powerful Guru–Shishya confrontation, where Vicky’s relentless questioning reveals a deeper personal motive. In the end, his Aakhri Sawaal uncovers a century-old secret that could either redeem the Professor or destroy them both.

Abhijeet Mohan Warang, who made his directorial debut with the Marathi-language drama Picasso, received a Special Mention at the 67th National Film Awards and has consistently delivered impactful films in both Marathi and Hindi cinema. His notable works include Deja Vu, Prem Pratha Dhumshan, Piccolo, and the short film Virtual Reality.

Produced under the banner of Nikhil Nanda Motion Pictures, which has executed multiple projects for JioHotstar and other platforms, the film is presented by Nikhil Nanda.

Aakhri Sawaal is produced by Nikhil Nanda and Sanjay Dutt, and co-produced by Puneet Nanda, Dr. Deepak Singh, Gaurav Dubey, and Ujjwal Anand. The story, screenplay, and dialogues are written by Utkarsh Naithani. The music is composed by Monty Sharma, with lyrics by Kumar Vishwas.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) On the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, many Bollywood celebrities have taken to their respective social media handles to extend heartfelt wishes.

Suniel Shetty shared a picture of Lord Hanuman, and wrote, “Every difficulty becomes easy when Lord Hanuman is with you. May Bajrangbali grant strength and protection to all of us. Best wishes on Hanuman Jayanti.”

Actress Kangana Ranaut wrote, “Auspicious greetings on the occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav.”

Actor Anupam Kher shared a devotional post featuring Lord Hanuman and wrote in Hindi, which transcribes into: “Aapko aur aapke parivaar ko Hanuman Jayanti ki haardik shubhkamnayein! Jai Bajrang Bali!”

Veteran actor Sunil Lahiri who essayed the role of Lakshman in the hit TV show Ramayan, also posted a video with folded hands, and extended his greetings.

He wrote in Hindi, which transcribes into: “Sabhi ko Hanuman Jayanti ki haardik shubh kamnayein. Sankat Mochan Hanuman ji se unke janmdin par prarthana hai ki jo sankat is samay duniya mein aaya hai use jaldi se jaldi samaapt karein. Jai Shri Ram.”

He further added in English, “Heartiest wishes to everyone on Hanuman Jayanti. On his birthday, we pray to Sankat Mochan Hanuman ji that the crisis that has come into the world should end as soon as possible. Jai Shri Ram.”

Actress Urmila Matondkar shared a serene picture of Lord Hanuman along with a spiritual note that read, “I have nothing to offer, O the eternal servant of Shri Ram, except a heart that wants to become yours.”

Singer Shekhar Ravjiani posted a symbolic image etched on sand and captioned it, “My strength. My everything. Jai Hanuman #HanumanJayanti.”

Television superstar and politician Smriti Irani also extended her wishes.

She wrote in Hindi, which transcribes into, “Sab sukh lahe tumhari sarna, tum rakshak kaahu ko darna. Hanuman Jayanti ki aap sabhi ko haardik shubhkamnayein. Anjani putra, sankat haran Mahabali Hanuman ji hum sabhi ke jeevan mein bal, buddhi aur sadbuddhi pradan karein tatha apni kripa banaye rakhein.”

Actor Shashank Vyas also shared a devotional picture with folded hands and the chant “Om Hanumate Namah,” reflecting spiritual reverence.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit wrote in Hindi, which transcribes into, Sankat mochan naam tiharo, sankat hare Hanuman pyaare. Hanuman Jayanti haardik shubhkamnayein! Bajrang Bali ka aashirvaad bana rahe, har sankat aapse door rahe.”

He added in English, “Wishing you and your family peace, prosperity, and divine protection this Hanuman Jayanti. May Lord Hanuman give you the strength to overcome every challenge.”

Meanwhile, actor Akshay Kumar marked the occasion by releasing a devotional song titled *

‘Bajrang Baan’, adding a musical tribute to the celebrations.

Adding to the buzz, the first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram from his upcoming film

Ramayana was also unveiled on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.

Talking about Hanuman Jayanti, the auspicious day, which celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, is observed with great devotion across India.

Devotees are seen offering prayers, chant hymns, and seek strength, courage, and protection from the deity.

–IANS

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Chennai, April 2 (IANS) Malayalam director Tharun Moorthy on Thursday penned an adorable post of gratitude to the unit of his upcoming film, tentatively being referred to as #L366, featuring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the lead.

Taking to his Instagram page, Tharun Moorthy wrote, "(The) Producer and Director are often called the father and mother of a film. But no child grows on love alone; it takes an entire ecosystem to nurture it into something meaningful and beautiful for the world."

He went on to say, "For us, that ecosystem is everything. We didn’t just make a film. We held it close, cared for it, and loved it like our own. And in that journey, it was our team who became its heartbeat. Every member of the crew poured a piece of themselves into it , their passion, their sleepless nights, their unwavering belief."

"Together, we became more than a crew. We became a living, breathing force -- one vision, one rhythm, one shared soul. That energy didn’t just surround us, it consumed us… made us think cinema, breathe cinema, and live it in every moment. This film carries all of us within it," he explained.

"To our incredible crew -- this isn’t just a thank you, it’s a piece of our heart. These 55 days weren’t just work, they were a journey we’ll carry forever. And somehow, this feels like just the beginning. The days ahead… they hold something even more beautiful," he signed off.

It may be recalled that the director had, in February this year, confirmed that the first schedule of his eagerly awaited film, tentatively being referred to as #L366 and featuring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the lead, had been completed.

The director also used the occasion to point out that he had completed five years in the film industry on February 12.

Malayalam actress Meera Jasmine plays the female lead in this film, which has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal plays a policeman called T S Lovelajan in the film.

The film has triggered huge expectations as the ace director has joined hands with the Malayalam Superstar again for this project, after the phenomenal success of their blockbuster film together titled 'Thudaram'.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Actress Nimrat Kaur marked the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Thursday by revisiting a deeply personal and spiritual experience from her time in Varanasi, where she walked through the lanes steeped in history, devotion, and tradition.

Nimrat took to Instagram, where she shared a gamut of images from her visit, which included the ghats, temples and even akhadas. In a few pictures, the actress is seen posing with wrestlers.

In the caption section, Nimrat shared that her journey began at the revered Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, believed to be the place where Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman. From there, she made her way to Tulsi Ghat, described as one of the most peaceful and spiritually charged places she has ever experienced.

She wrote: “On Hanuman Jayanti today I want to share an invaluable experience in Kashi walking through the history of what we pray to. What began at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, where Sant Tulsidas, as legend goes, had a vision of Hanuman ji, led me to visit his home in Tulsi Ghat. One of the most peaceful, energetically charged places I’ve ever set foot in.”

Calling it an “invaluable experience,” Nimrat recalled how the visit also led her to discover the historic Tulsi Akhara, dating back to the mid-1500s.

“As a bonus discovery, alongside his home, I came upon the incredible Tulsi Akhara founded sometime in the mid 1500s.”

She was struck by the unique blend of devotion and discipline followed by the wrestlers there, who dedicate their lives to Lord Hanuman while maintaining rigorous physical training.

“Wrestlers here with monk-like devotion to their patron deity, Hanuman, follow a life path of spiritual discipline and physical strength. Their daily practise typically starts with Boondi ke laddoo (a personal fav I was lucky to gobble that morning) and then practising in dough like mud from the banks of Ganga, treated with alum, mustard oil and turmeric,” she said.

Reflecting on the spiritual legacy of the place, Nimrat mentioned that Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa on the same sacred soil, adding to its unmatched aura of history and faith.

“Their ustaad, in one of the pictures, a silver haired, eagle-gazed 78 year old man in one of the pictures displayed the fitness and flexibility of a 20 year old athlete, embodying… ‘Naase rog hare sab peera, japat nirantar hanumant bira’”

“Goswami Tulsidas wrote the Ram Charit Manas and composed the Hanuman Chalisa, here, on this divine soil.”

She concluded by saying: “The marriage of history, legend, tradition, sacrifice, devotion and discipline here is simply unmatched. Most blessed to have walked in those silent, sunlit corridors, absorbing some of that ancient light and dust. Happy Hanuman Jayanti all.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) ‘The 50’ contestant Rajat Dalal, has reacted to co-contestant Monalisa calling him out for allegedly speaking behind her husband Vikrant Singh Rajpoot’s back during the game.

Monalisa had earlier expressed her anger in multiple interviews, even stating that Rajat lacked the courage to confront Vikrant directly.

Reacting to her remarks, Rajat told IANS, “Monalisa’s anger is her anger, it is her problem. Monalisa’s anger does not affect me.” (Uska gussa uska gussa hai, uski problem hai. Uska gussa mujhe affect nahi karta.)

Talking about the reality show The 50, it was a reality-based competition show featuring 50 contestants from across backgrounds, testing their mental and physical endurance through various stunts and challenges.

The show saw contestant Shiv Thakare emerge as the winner.

Apart from Rajat and Monalisa, contestants included Nikki Tamboli, Ridhi Dogra, Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary, Divya Agarwal, Archana, Karan Patel, Urvashi Dholakia among others.

On the personal front, Rajat Dalal recently surprised fans with his wedding. He tied the knot a few days ago, in a private ceremony, keeping details about his partner largely under wraps.

The news came as a surprise to many of his followers.

Meanwhile, talking about Monalisa and Vikrant Singh Rajpoot, the couple got married in 2017 on national television during their stint on Bigg Boss.

In a previous conversation with IANS, Monalisa had also spoken about her desire to embrace motherhood.

She shared that they had been trying to conceive for a long time and are now hopeful that they will soon be blessed with a child.

–IANS

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Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Actress Divya Seth Shah penned an emotional note as she remembered her late daughter Mehak on her birthday.

The mourning mother expressed the pain of living without her daughter while cherishing the memories they shared.

She wrote, “Another day without You

Another year without You,

but you Loved me Enough

You gave so many Memories

I know you’re in the light. I know I’ll be with you one day. I know it was your choice,

but for now,

I have to live without your soft hands in mine.

And without Your happy voice singing”

The actress also shared a heartfelt carousel of memories. The first picture featured a beautifully designed red cake adorned with film reel motifs and pictures.

Another visual showed a candid celebration where her daughter Mihika, is seen holding a mic and singing, while Divya stands beside her holding a glass.

Mihika reportedly passed away in 2023 at a young age in her early 20s, leaving behind a grieving family and mother.

Reportedly, the young girl was not well and had developed a high grade fever that worsened her condition.

For the uninitiated, Divya Seth Shah is the daughter of veteran actress Sushma Seth.

She has carved a niche for herself across television and films, and is widely remembered for playing Shahid Kapoor’s mother in the film Jab We Met. She was also seen in Dil Dhadakne Do.

Over the years, she has been part of several notable projects including television shows like Hum Log, Banegi Apni Baat, and Dekh Bhai Dekh, among others.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, April 2 (IANS) Hollywood actress Lili Reinhart recalled a toxic on-set experience with a male director.

The actress, who gained major stardom for playing Betty Cooper in the show “Riverdale” opened up about the moment when asked “one acting note that you took personally” during a video with her co-stars Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp and Lola Tung, reports deadline.com.

“Oh, yeah,” said Reinhart, who was promoting her female-helmed movie Forbidden Fruits, in the Cosmopolitan video.

She added: “When I had a male director come up to me and silently lean over and go, ‘Just suck in your stomach a little bit.’

Reinhart wouldn’t reveal the name of the director, despite her co-stars egging her on. “Tell you later,” she teased.

In Meredith Alloway’s Forbidden Fruits, Reinhart stars as Apple, the leader of a witchy femme cult that operates out of the upscale mall store Free Eden. With Apple, Cherry and Fig looking to complete their coven, they take in Pumpkin, only to discover a snake in their garden.

While stopping by Deadline’s SXSW Studio last month, Reinhart discussed how empowered she felt working on a female-centric set.

“It was ultimate collaboration, which is so nice, because sometimes that’s really not the case, and it’s like, ‘This is what you’re wearing,'” Reinhart said.

“For Apple, it’s a lot of black and tight, but it’s not for the male gaze. It’s for herself. And I think you can see the difference … it’s not to say ‘look at me,’ it’s to say ‘stay the f*ck away from me’ in a way, which I think is great.”

Reinhart starred in the television pilot for Scientastic! She also starred in the films Lilith, Not Waving But Drowning, The Kings of Summer, Gibsonburg, Forever's End, Miss Stevens, and The Good Neighbor.

Reinhart was cast as Betty Cooper in the teen drama television series Riverdale, based on the characters of Archie Comics. Series creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa originally sought out Kiernan Shipka for the role after seeing her work in Mad Men.

She will next be seen in The Love Hypothesis, an American romantic comedy film adapted from the novel of the same name by Ali Hazelwood. It is directed by Claire Scanlon from a script by Sarah Rothschild. The film stars Lili Reinhart, Tom Bateman and Jaboukie Young-White.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 2 (IANS) Popular Malayalam star Kunchacko Boban has now penned an adorable post to his wife on their wedding anniversary in which he has thanked her for being the queen of his dreams, heart and life.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen the post, he wrote, " 'ORU VIVAAHA SAHACHARYATHIL' 21 Years of Marital Mystery …and loving it!!! Thank you for being….The Queen of my dreams, The Queen of my Heart and The Queen of my Life. Happy anniversary of togetherness @priyaakunchacko."

The first line of the actor's post was a pun on the title of his upcoming Malayalam film 'Oru Durooha Saahacharyathil'. The film, which has been written and is being directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, is being produced by Kunchacko Boban himself along with well known producer Listin Stephen. has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs.

The film, apart from Kunchacko Boban, will also feature Sajin Gopu, Dileesh Pothan Sharanya, Chidambaram, Rajesh Madhavan and Sudheesh in pivotal roles. The film has an equally impressive technical team.

It has cinematography by Arjun Sethu and editing by Manoj Kannoth. The film's music has been scored by Dawn Vincent. Art direction is by Indulal Kaveed while costumes for the film have been designed by Melwy J. The stunts in the film have been choreographed by Vicky Nandagopal.

Apart from 'Oru Durooha Saahacharyathil', Kunchacko Boban will also be seen playing a pivotal role in one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, 'Patriot'.

The highly anticipated action thriller, which has been directed by Mahesh Narayanan, will feature both superstars of Malayalam cinema -- Mammootty and Mohanlal in the lead.

The film, which has triggered huge expectations ever since it was announced, also features acclaimed actors Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, and Revathy among others.

A teaser that was released by the makers earlier had revealed that Kunchacko Boban plays a character called Daniel in the film.

It may be recalled that only recently, the makers of the film had released a melodious, romantic number called 'Kaattu Thottappol' from the film that was picturised on Darshana Rajendran and Kunchacko Boban.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Television actor Shakti Anand added a dash of humour to his shoot day as he cheekily slipped through the jail bars of his show’s set, turning the moment into an impromptu “fitness test”.

Shakti took to Instagram, where he shared a video of himself attempting to squeeze through narrow iron jail bars, almost as if staging a dramatic escape. The playful act was done on the sets of his show Mahadev And Sons,

Shakti captioned the clip: “When you're lean enough to escape your own show's jail! BTS fitness test passed,” quickly caught attention for its humour and spontaneity.

Talking about Shakti, the actor received the offer to act in the television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi while he was working as a medical examiner in Delhi. He played a blind boy in telefilm Nayan Jyoti.

He was last seen playing Amber Singh, in the show Channa Mereya. Since July 2025, he reprised his role of Advocate Hemant Virani in the spiritual sequel of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

He is currently seen in the show Mahadev & Sons. It follows Mahadev, a man of principle, who runs a strict household as the head of his family. However, his children rebel, and a generational clash ensues.

The actor is married to actress Sai Deodhar. She is best known for portraying Flight Lieutenant Monica Singh Kochar in Saara Akaash, Ananya Sachdev Samarth in Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, and Kasturi Singh in Udaan.

Sai was most recently seen in the show Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin starring Ayesha Singh, Neil Bhatt, Aishwarya Sharma, Bhavika Sharma, Shakti Arora, Sumit Singh, Hitesh Bharadwaj, Vaibhavi Hankare, Param Singh and Sanam Johar.

In January, the couple celebrated 21 years of togetherness. Shakti had penned a heartfelt note for his actress wife Sai on their 21st marriage anniversary and said that she is still his “favourite co-star”.

“21 years with my forever best friend @saideodharofficial From wedding day to today—still my favorite co-star. Happy Anniversary to us! #ShaktiAnand #SaiDeodhar #21stAnniversary #ForeverLove#Partner,” Shakti wrote as the caption.

Shakti and Sai got married in 2005 and welcomed their daughter in 2011.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 2 (IANS) Hollywood actress Jenna Dewan says that being one of pop icon Janet Jackson's backup dancers did not come with the "hierarchy" often apparent with touring musicians.

The 45-year-old actress recounted the experience on the March 31 episode of the podcast Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, reports people.com.

"Janet taught me a lot of things about just life, but also being in this business, she remembers everyone's name that she's worked with," Dewan, who began touring with Jackson at age 18, recalled.

Dewan added: "She remembers every dancer — where we're from. She knows our life. I mean, she ... brings us into her life and not many artists are like that with dancers, you know, there is a real sometimes feeling of: you're the dancer."

She continued: "You're at a different hotel than we are at, or you're not as good as the singers or the backup singers ... there was like a hierarchy, but she did not have that."

Dewan said that Jackson treated her dancers like "family," adding: "If you are on her team, you were on the tour, you were part of her family. We had spa nights. We were always at the same hotel as her. I mean, it was just like really little things that, as you get older in this business, you start seeing, well, not everyone's that graceful."

Dewan has shared memories from her time touring with Jackson in the past, posting a carousel of throwback photos and videos on Instagram in 2022, showcasing her incredible dancing skills while sharing the stage with the iconic performer.

"TBT to living out one of my biggest dreams," Dewan started the heartfelt caption.

She added: "I had one goal and one goal only when moving to LA… and that was touring with the legend herself."

"I not only had one of the most incredible experiences of my life touring with Janet but she also showed me just how powerful a woman can be while still having unwavering kindness and respect for everyone around her," the Supergirl actress added. "Truly an experience of a lifetime. I love you @janetjackson !"

During a 2017 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Dewan credited Jackson with her career.

Said Dewan: "I kind of owe everything to Janet. She was my dream job, she was my first big dance job and because of her, I met certain people who then led me to others, then led to acting then led to here."

--IANS

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