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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Kay Kay Menon, who is all set to play a laid-back headmaster in the upcoming series ‘Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya’, which will premiere from July 24, says his character is has many flaws, but is also sharp, intuitive, and knows how to turn situations to his advantage.

Kay Kay Menon, who portrays the role of Gyaneshwar Tripathi in the series, shared, "Over the years, I have had the chance to play all kinds of characters—from intelligence officers and politicians to criminals—but I have never played a headmaster before.”

That immediately intrigued Kay Kay when he first read the script.

What drew him in even more was “how relatable Gyaneshwar is. He is not perfect and has many flaws, but he is also sharp, intuitive, and knows how to turn situations to his advantage.”

“At the same time, there's a goodness to him that makes him very human. These different layers made the role so interesting for me. Bringing a character like Gyaneshwar to life would not have been possible without Himank's clarity and direction, along with the incredible support of my co-actors.”

The seven-episode comedy-drama is directed by Himank Gaur, created and executive produced by Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena under the banner of Posham Pa Pictures.

Written by Biswapati Sarkar, Akshay Asthana, Nupur Pai, Tatsat Pandey, and Meghna Srivastava, the series follows a laid-back headmaster and his pursuit to transform one of Tinki Toli's most dysfunctional schools.

It also stars Archana Puran Singh, Abhimanyu Singh, Naveen Kasturia, Prasanna Bisht, Deven Bhojani, Ajitesh Gupta, Annapurna Soni, and Prachee Shah in lead roles

The trailer opens the gates to Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, a school where rules are flexible, personalities are larger than life, and no two days are ever the same. At the heart of the story is Gyaneshwar Tripathi (Kay Kay Menon), a laid-back principal whose quick thinking and unconventional methods keep the school going through every twist and turn. But everything changes when he learns that the headmasters of the ten Delhi schools with the best board results will earn a government-sponsored training programme in Cambridge.

As he navigates an eclectic mix of teachers, spirited students, overenthusiastic parents, and a constant stream of unexpected situations, the trailer promises an entertaining and memorable ride.

Archana Puran Singh, who plays Urmila Devi in Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, revealed what drew her to Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya.

She said it was its beautifully observed writing.

“It is a story filled with humour, heart, and characters that feel incredibly authentic. My character, Urmila Devi, is bold, outspoken, fiercely ambitious, and completely unapologetic about who she is, which made her an absolute joy to portray.”

The actress loved the dynamic between Urmila and Gyaneshwar, and sharing the screen with Kay Kay Menon was truly wonderful.

Himank Gaur, director of Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, shared, "A lot of what you see in Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya comes from the core memories we all carry from our school days—the friendships, mischief, the teachers, and those everyday moments that stay with you long after you've left the classroom.”

So what made the journey special?

Gaur shared: “What made this journey even more special was bringing Biswapati and Sameer's vision to life alongside an incredible cast led by Kay Kay Menon, Archana Puran Singh, a fantastic ensemble, and such a wonderful group of young actors who brought so much energy and authenticity to every scene.”

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 13 (IANS) Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves, who is known for his work in the ‘John Wick’ movies, has spoken up on the spiritual benefits of racing.

The actor, 61, and custom bike builder Gard Hollinger are putting their bikes to the test in the new docuseries ‘Hooligans: The ARCH Racing Project’, reports ‘People’ magazine.

It follows the friends and business partners as their company competes in the Super Hooligan National Championship. The streamer premiered the first of six episodes on July 12.

Keanu Reeves said that partnering with Hollinger was an easy decision, as he said, “Gard built an amazing custom motorcycle, and when I rode it, I was like ‘That needs to be in the world’”.

He went on, “I love riding motorcycles, telling stories and being part of something. All of that happened in a beautiful way”.

As per ‘People’, through the docuseries, Reeves and Hollinger hope to give viewers a deeper appreciation for motorcycle racing and the people behind the helmets.

Hollinger said, “You see an athlete in a suit wearing a helmet, and hopefully this is an opportunity for you to meet the human beings behind it, hear their stories, what they have gone through and how challenging it is to get to that level in the sport”.

Keanu Reeves told ‘People’, “It’s about building a team, ambition, vision, creating something you love, sharing it with the world and overcoming challenges. It’s American tradition”.

The pair are happy to see motorsports receiving more mainstream attention, thanks to films like ‘F1’ starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem. Hollinger said, “I enjoyed the movie. I thought there were some great visuals”.

“What we do is a little more humble. But I could be the team owner. I’ll be Javier Bardem”, the actor added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) The makers of the upcoming film ‘Batwara 1947’ unveiled the new poster of the film on Monday. The poster features Lord Krishna with Urdu inscriptions on the walls behind.

The poster symbolises hope in times of despair, and also sets the tone for the film’s narrative. Sharing the poster, the makers wrote in the caption, “When the world chose sides, HE chose dharma. Watch #Batwara1947 in cinemas this Partition Day, 14th August."

The film is set against the backdrop of one of the most defining chapters in India's history, the film revisits the turbulent 1940s, when the Partition changed the lives of millions forever. Amidst fear, loss, and displacement, it tells the inspiring story of a man who chose courage and humanity over hatred.

The film brings together a stellar ensemble cast featuring Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khhushi Hajare, and Kanikka Kapur. Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, the film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The music is composed by A. R. Rahman, with the lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar.

The film captures hope and resilience that emerged during one of history’s most turbulent chapters. The story has reportedly remained banned in Pakistan, and it adds another layer to the film, making it one of the most intriguing historical releases to look forward to.

The film also reunites the dream team of Aamir Khan, A. R. Rahman, and Javed Akhtar, who have worked on the cult-classic ‘Lagaan’. It also marks the much-awaited reunion of Rajkumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol after nearly three decades.

The film is produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit and is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) As tensions continue to escalate in “Alliance”, contestants Kushal Tandon, Aly Goni and Arsalan Goni attempt to clear the air. What begins as a calm conversation, however, soon takes a dramatic turn, spiralling into a heated confrontation.

Caught between his Alliance and his brother, Arslan tried to keep the conversation from going downhill.

Standing by his point, Aly maintained that he wasn't targeting Kushal but taking a stand for Vanshaj, said: "Subha maine kya bola abhi yaha beth ke... disrespect karna age ko leke maine pura bola ke in logo ko maja kyu aata hai, but aapko yeh baat samjhni padegi ki uss ladke ne age ko leke kuch bola hi nahi hai pure season mein bhai. (This morning, what did I say while sitting here? I clearly said that making disrespectful remarks about someone's age is wrong, and I don't understand why people find it amusing. But you also need to understand that the boy hasn't said a single thing about anyone's age throughout the entire season, brother.)"

As the discussion continued, Kushal acknowledged what had shaped his opinion, said, "Mera pre notion tha ke ussne badtameezi kari hai, mera usse aur kuch nahi tha. (I had a preconceived notion that he had behaved disrespectfully. Other than that, I had no issue with him.)"

A System Alert soon interrupted the calm, asking the Allies to face what the outside world had been saying about them. Each alliance nominated one representative for the task, with Ruhee Dosani stepping up for the Kings, Zaid Darbar for the Hunters, Rivva Kishan for the Warriors and Nikhil Chinapa representing the Legends.

The consequence was immediate; Nikhil Chinnapa found himself on the To Be Deleted list, proving once again that inside the headquarters, fortunes can change within minutes.

Kushal questioned Aly's intentions, believing the newest Ally was quietly encouraging others to stand against him, while Aly insisted he had only been asking everyone to play fearlessly.

The confrontation reached its peak when Kushal openly challenged Aly, stating: "Jo karna hai bahar karte hai kyuki andar toh kuch kar nahi sakte... mein toh bol raha hu task le aao aur karlo bhidne wala one on one kal ke kal. (Whatever has to happen, let's settle it outside because we can't do anything inside. I'm saying, just bring on a task and we'll go head-to-head, one-on-one, as early as tomorrow.)"

Aly remained unfazed, replying, "Jo marzi karna hai bhai. (Do whatever you want brother.)"

Hosted by Kunal Kemmu, Alliance is a game where loyalties shift overnight and equations can change without warning.

Following the latest reshuffle, Daisy Shah, Aly Goni, Ruhee Dosani and Agu Stanley Chiedozie form the Kings. Sohail Khan, Vriddhi Patwa, Armaan Khera and Zaid Darbar make up the Hunters. Kushal Tandon, Rivva Kishan, Arslan Goni and Niti Taylor are the Warriors, while Payal Gaming, Seema Sajdeh, Nikhil Chinapa and Delbar Arya form the Legends, with Mini Mathur continuing as the Ace of the headquarters.

The show airs on Prime Video.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Bihar superstars Pawan Singh, Nirahua, Aamrapali Dubey, Kajal Raghwani and Tej Pratap Yadav have come together for the first time in a reality show “Bhojpuri Bawaal”.

Pawan said in statement: said: "People have heard countless stories about us over the years. Some true, some exaggerated and many completely made up.”

“This show gives audiences an opportunity to know who we really are beyond the headlines. What you've seen in this glimpse is just the beginning."

The elder son of former Chief Ministers of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap Yadav said that the heartland has always had stories that deserve a bigger platform.

“This show captures that spirit honestly while bringing together personalities that audiences have never seen interact like this before."

The makers of the upcoming show on Monday shared a glimpse with the caption on Instagram: “Jab saath aayenge Bhojpuri stars, tab bawaal toh machega hi #BhojpuriBawaal, streaming from 2nd August on JioHotstar and Colors.”

The video opens with the cast gathering around a dinner table to discuss how they should introduce the show to audiences. But within moments, the conversation takes an unexpected turn.

Banter becomes debate, teasing turns into accusations, and the stars begin calling out the rumours, controversies and public perceptions surrounding one another.

Nirahua added: "The best part about Bhojpuri Bawaal is that nobody is pretending to be perfect. We laugh together, argue together, pull each other's leg and speak our minds. That's what makes this journey real. Aur haan... jo maine end mein bola hai, uska jawab audience 2nd August se khud de degi."

Unlike conventional reality formats built around tasks and eliminations, Bhojpuri Bawaal follows the real lives of Bhojpuri entertainment's biggest stars as they navigate fame, ambition, family, friendships, rivalries and the pressures of superstardom.

Aamrapali Dubey said: "People often think they know us because they've followed our work for years. But there's so much that happens beyond the camera. Bhojpuri Bawaal is an opportunity to share that side with audiences."

Kajal Raghwani said that this isn't about creating drama.

“It's about showing the relationships, conversations and personalities that exist when the cameras usually aren't rolling. That's what makes the show so different."

Bhojpuri Bawaal premieres August 2 on JioHotstar and Colors.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Music composer Anu Malik expressed his happiness after being felicitated by veteran actress-politician Hema Malini and recalled their association on films such as Maarg and Ek Chadar Maili Si.

Malik shared a string of images of him receiving an award from Hema on Instagram and called it an “honour.”

“What an honour it is to be felicitated by the one and only, the legendary Hema Malini Ji,” he wrote.

The composer added: “I also had the privilege of working with her in three films...MARG, Aawargi, and Ek Chadar Maili Si. Those memories will always remain close to my heart. Thank you so much, Hema Ji, for your grace, your kindness, and everything you've given to Indian cinema. It truly means the world to me. Forever grateful.”

Maarg was released in 1992 and is directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film has Vinod Khanna, Hema Malini, and Dimple Kapadia in lead roles. The film presents a romantic story between a religious woman, Aarti and Suraj, a reformed criminal seeking redemption.

Talking about Ek Chadar Maili Si, it is a 1986 film, directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, and is an adaptation of Rajinder Singh Bedi's classic Urdu novella by the same name.

The film stars Hema, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rishi Kapoor and Poonam Dhillon in lead roles. It was shot in village Jandiala, Nurmahal railway station, Punjab and near Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

The film follows Rani, a loving wife, who leads a peaceful life with her husband, Trilok. However, Rani's life takes a drastic turn when Trilok gets killed and she is forced to marry her brother-in-law.

Talking about Anu Malik, he is known for some of his songs, including "Woh Ladki Jo"," Hum Toh Deewane" from the film Baadshah, "Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha" from the film Main Hoon Na, Taal Pe Jab" and "Mere Humsafar" from the film Refugee, "Eli Re Eli" from Yaadein and "Baazigar O Baazigar" from the film Baazigar.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 13 (IANS) Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf says his father, Jeffrey Craig LaBeouf, “was kicked off so many sets” and upset his female co-stars by continuously “hitting on” them.

He went on to share that on one set, his father’s behavior caused actress Sigourney Weaver to slap him.

After an audience member at a Tennessee fan convention asked the 40-year-old star about his “experience” working with Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle costars Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu, he recalled how his dad reportedly ruined his relationships with the actresses, reports people.com.

“My dad was fresh out of prison, so we were on this set, and here’s all these pretty girls walking around. Bad news,” Shia told the crowd during a Transformers reunion panel at the 2026 Fanboy Expo.

“My dad was hitting on all three of those women all the time,” he continued, seemingly referring to Diaz, Liu and Drew Barrymore, who play the movie’s titular Angels.

Liu was particularly not fond of Jeffrey, Shia reportedly said during the panel, recalling how the now-57-year-old actress would avoid his father on the set of the 2003 action-comedy film.

“Lucy Liu couldn’t stand my dad,” he said.

“She couldn’t stand him. But he wasn’t going nowhere, he’s my dad. So we were just hanging out all the time, and Lucy Liu would always do these big circles around my trailer.”

He went on to allege that Liu “never wanted to be around ‘cause my dad was always whistling at her.”

The set of Shia’s other 2003 movie, Holes, was similar.

“My dad’s been kicked off of so many sets, dude… He hit on Sigourney Weaver one time. She slapped him on Holes, on the Holes set. So, that’s probably… that’s what I remember from Charlie’s Angels.”

Shia was a teenager when he filmed both Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle and Holes.

Shia’s father Jeffrey, was convicted of attempted rape in 1981 and served a prison sentence until 1983, according to The Sun. He previously said that he had “a conviction for attempted rape” and “was registered as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.”

Jeffrey now reportedly lives in New Orleans, where Shia relocated from California in hopes of finding a fresh start after his split from ex Mia Goth last year, a source told people.com in February.

“He’s very close with his dad and wanted to spend more time with his dad,” the source added at the time.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Actor Siddharth Menon revealed a surprising and inspirational fact about his 'Max, Min and Meowzaki' co-star Mandira Bedi, further lauding her professionalism and strength.

The actor recalled the time when Mandira Bedi returned to work shortly after the death of her husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal.

Speaking exclusively to IANS while promoting the upcoming film 'Max, Min and Meowzaki', Siddharth went on to reveal how Bedi was back to working despite grappling immense personal loss.

Recalling his experience of working with Mandira, Siddharth said, "Mandira Ma'am, I mean, a month after she lost her husband, she was on set. It was so inspirational and emotional for all of us.”

Along with Mandira Bedi, Siddharth also lauded his co-stars Vidhatri Bandi and Nafisa Ali for their resilience in the face of personal challenges.

“The women in this film are really inspiring. It's difficult, right? I don't think they realise what they has done because we never realise what we do. If we are in a position to be so open to inspire, we don't realise how inspiring we are."

“Vidhatri, Mandira and Nafisa ma'am are absolute rock stars."

For the uninitiated Mandira's husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal, passed away on June 30, 2021, after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 50.

The couple had been married since 1999 and are parents to son Veer, while they adopted daughter Tara in 2020.

Following Raj's demise, Mandira was widely appreciated for performing his last rites herself, breaking a long-standing social convention.

Her gesture drew criticism from a section of social media users, while many others hailed her for challenging patriarchal norms and applauded her courage.

Talking about her upcoming movie, 'Max, Min and Meowzaki' it stars Siddharth Menon, Medha Shankr, Vidhatri Bandi, Adil Hussain, Mandira Bedi and Nafisa Ali in pivotal roles. The film is slated to release in theatres on July 24.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Veteran actress Nafisa Ali revealed that she was battling Stage 3 cancer while filming 'Max, Min and Meowzaki', and went on to question herself.

The actress further added that she is now fighting Stage 4 cancer, and revealed she chose to be part of the film because of the message it carries for society and future generations.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Nafisa credited filmmaker Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy, popularly known as Paddy, for believing in her at a time when she doubted herself.

She said, "Actually, it is Paddy's belief in me that I could play this character. Because I was questioning myself. Because at that point of my life, I was battling Stage 3 cancer. Today, I am battling Stage 4 cancer."

The actress said that she wanted to communicate a meaningful message through cinema kept her motivated despite her health battle.

"But the fight for putting out a message in my life has been the most important. Because you never know when just something goes wrong. And why me? Or why somebody in your family? So, that is the message. We have to take care of each other. It is important that we all think about this together. What is the cause of action that we all should take together? Moral responsibility," she added.

Nafisa stressed that life is unpredictable and that is exactly why people should value compassion and collective responsibility.

"Because, today I am here. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? Fight the good fight, but honestly. And when films are made, what is the purpose? To send a message for the future generations. And I did this film with that truth," she said.

Talking about Nafisa Ali and her brave battle with cancer, the actress has fought stage 3 of the disease and had emerged victorious.

A few months ago, Nafisa revealed that her cancer had relapsed, this time on stage 4.

The actress often gives her fans a glimpse of her battle and her perseverance and strength.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) As Michelle Rodriguez turned 48 on July 12, Hollywood star-filmmaker Vin Diesel penned a note for his “Fast & Furious” ride-or-die equal and said that she makes the world brighter.

Vin, who plays Michelle Rodriguez’s character Letty’s husband Dominic Toretto in the “Fast & Furious”, shared a throwback picture with the actress.

“Traveled the world with this amazing soul… and she never forgot, for a second, where she came from…You make the world brighter.Happy birthday Letty…” he wrote as the caption.

Rodriguez has played Letty Ortiz in the Fast & Furious installments since the franchise began in 2001. She has also starred in the Resident Evil franchise, S.W.A.T. , Avatar and the action film Battle: Los Angeles.

The 48-year-old actress played Minerva Mirabal in the biopic Tropico de Sangre in 2010.

She headlined the exploitation films Machete and Machete Kills , and starred in the animated comedy films Turbo and Smurfs: The Lost Village.

Vin and Rodriguez will be seen in the final installment of the “Fast & Furious” franchise titled “Fast Forever,” which is set for a March 17, 2028 premiere.

While filming a FIFA World Cup promo earlier this month in character as Dom, the Hollywood star cryptically shared what’s to come with 11th part of the film.

“I just wanted to take a second to … say thank you. You guys are the best audience in the world, best fans in the world. You’ve been patient to the industry, you’ve been patient to the studio, and you’ve been patient with me. Over the past three and a half years, we’ve been grinding to try to make the most amazing finale.”

“But through it all, one thing I know is, I can feel your support, and that means the world to me,” added the actor, reports deadline.com.

“So, let me get back to this filming, and just know that I hope to make you all proud.”

--IANS

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