Actor Suniel Shetty is known for playing a lot of negative roles during his tenure, and one of these characters is Raghavan from 'Main Hoon Na'. However, Shetty does not consider Ragahvan to be a negative character as he was fighting for his country, and the love of his deceased child. Suniel Shetty justifies Raghavan Speaking during the trailer launch of his next 'Kesari Veer', Shetty stated that Raghavan can never be a villain. "For me, there is nothing more important than my country, and I am not just saying it. In sports or anywhere else when it comes to my nation, then I think I am a different human being altogether. According to the script, Raghav was a negative character but when I heard the script it took me just two minutes to say yes to the film." He revealed what director Farah Khan told him while narrating "Main Hoon Na" to him, "I still remember Farah (Khan) telling me that a lot of people are scared to do this negative role, to which I said how can this be a negative role - Our enemy will always be the same, my child has been killed and I just want to bring back the mortal remains of my kid and they are not willing to do so. So, from which angle is this character negative." Shetty further recalled how his character Dev from 'Dhadkan' also met the same fate. "My character as Dev in 'Dhadkan' was also labeled as negative but when a man loves his girlfriend to that extent, how can he be negative? So, I always look at my characters that way," he said. Suniel Shetty about Kesari Veer The upcoming film Kesari Veer sees him step into the role of Vegdaji Bhil, the 14th century king. The period drama offers a retelling of how Vegdaji joined forces with Veer Hamirji Gohil, the king of Arthila in Saurashtra, to protect the Somnath Temple from the Tughlaq dynasty’s attack. To portray a brave warrior, Shetty had to learn the use of weaponry, especially a heavy double-edged axe. “I had to bulk up and train hard as the weapon itself weighed 15 kilos. I had to fight with a hammer-like axe. I had to get used to that weight and balance myself," he told Mid-day earlier this year. But understanding the character’s emotional make-up was a bigger task. Shetty says he channelled his paternal instinct to become Vegdaji for the screen. He explains, “It’s a powerful role yet an emotional one. Vegda couldn’t give his daughter anything. But when Hamir [his son-in-law] went to war, Vegda promised his daughter that he’d give his life to save her husband. I connected emotionally to this film because I have a daughter too, and I would do anything for Athiya.” (with inputs from IANS)
30 April,2025 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJaideep Ahlawat was possibly one of the biggest surprise elements of the recently released Netflix film Jewel Thief. The first look of the film which was unveiled earlier this year, left fans of the talented actor surprised with his all-new stylish look. Celebrity hair designer Darshan Yewalekar crafted this unique and cool look for the 'Paatal Lok' star. Talking to Mid-day, Yewalekar revealed that he was initially approached only for Saif Ali Khan's look in the film. "After seeing what I did for Saif, they asked, “Why don’t you also work on Kunaal Kapoor and Jaideep Ahlawat?” recalls Yewalekar. Jaideep Ahlawat's uber cool look "The first moodboard we created got the directors really excited," shares Yewalekar adding, "The brief for Jaideep's character was very simple: Let’s transform him. Let’s show him in a never-seen-before avatar. Also, his clothes are magical — and so is he. He just transforms — the way he stands, the way he moves. He’s such a chameleon." "It’s fantastic to work with people who give you space and contribute to your process. We also get to add to theirs. That’s why we decided to go for an uber-cool, chic hairstyle with colored hair," added the celebrity hair designer who has been a part of the film industry for over 20 years now. Evolution of hair styling Darshan began his career by styling for Salman Khan's characters in his films. Over the years, he has seen the industry's attitude and approach towards hair and styling change for the better. "Earlier, when I was styling for Salman Khan and other upcoming actors, I was really intrigued by the idea that I could add more value. So I used to ask about the character, but they would brush it off — "Tu kya karega jaan ke? Tu isko hero bana de." That was the mindset I came from." "Then I stumbled upon Ranveer Singh, and Sanjay sir made me meet him. From there, everything began to take shape. There’s now a proper structure in place — a system where you're designing for films with intention. You understand the script, the character, and what kind of hair or look the role requires. The process has really evolved over the last 15 years," he adds.
30 April,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarFilmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently recalled his relationship with the late actress Parveen Babi. The iconic actress’s life was a rollercoaster ride, as she battled mental health issues during the 1970s and 1980s. Babi was in a relationship with Mahesh Bhatt while he was still married to Kiran Bhatt. The filmmaker has now revealed that Parveen was also married, a fact he discovered while they were in a relationship and living together. Mahesh Bhatt talks about affair with Parveen Babi In an interview with BBC News Hindi, Mahesh said, "I found out about her marriage later, when we were already in a relationship. When her mother would visit from Junagadh, she would occasionally talk about it. By then, I was living with her. It came up in conversation that she had been married once, and then the man moved to Pakistan." Not just that, Mahesh also revealed that when he was in Pakistan for the Kara Film Festival, he was informed that a man had come to meet him — Parveen's husband. However, Bhatt could not meet him. "I was told that someone wanted to meet me, but I couldn’t. I never said I didn’t want to meet him, but somehow it just didn’t work out. I wondered why he wanted to see me. I was never someone who shut my door to anyone," he said. About Mahesh Bhatt and Parveen Babi Parveen Babi and Mahesh Bhatt met in 1977. At the time, she was at the peak of her career and one of the most popular stars in the country. They entered into a relationship even though Mahesh was still married to Kiran Bhatt. Parveen, on the other hand, had just come out of a relationship with actor Kabir Bedi. Mahesh and Parveen dated for three years before calling it quits. However, at the peak of her career, Parveen left the film industry and was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. She lived a largely reclusive life in her later years. Parveen Babi passed away alone in her Mumbai apartment on January 20, 2005. Her death was discovered 24 hours later.
30 April,2025 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirection is a natural progression for many screenwriters. Writer Nikhil Mehrotra, who has penned Dangal (2016), Chhichhore (2019) and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), is now taking his place behind the camera. It has been learnt that he will make his directorial debut with a slice-of-life film led by Mona Singh. A source close to the development reveals, “Nikhil has been toying with the idea of directing for a while. After years of writing emotionally rich stories, he felt that his latest script was personal enough to take the leap.” Nikhil Mehrotra Set to go on floors in May, the film will be primarily shot in suburban Mumbai. Singh, who shone in Made in Heaven 2 (2023) and Kaala Paani (2023), was reportedly Mehrotra’s first choice. The source adds, “She instantly connected with the script and decided to kick this off after she wrapped the second season of Kohrra, and Aryan Khan’s web series.” We reached out to Mehrotra, who didn’t respond till press time.
30 April,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActor Anil Kapoor, who was last seen in the film ‘Savi’, has started dubbing for his upcoming streaming film ‘Subedaar’. On Monday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a glimpse from the dubbing studio, delivering a powerful line with his signature intensity. He said, “Gaur se suno!! Subedaar bol rahe hain”. The actor wrapped up the schedule of ‘Subedaar’ in December last year. He essays the titular role. The story of ‘Subedaar’ revolves around Arjun Maurya (played by Anil Kapoor), who is a former soldier adjusting to life as a civilian. As he faces personal and societal challenges, he must mend his strained relationship with his daughter, Shyama (played by Radhikka Madan), while battling his inner struggles. The film is directed by Suresh Triveni, and is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor and Triveni. The film will premiere on Prime Video. The film is set against a backdrop of honor, sacrifice, and resilience, the film promises a stirring portrayal of a man caught between the call of the nation and the pull of his own heart. Earlier, his acclaimed series, ‘The Night Manager’, earned a nomination for Best Drama Series at the 2024 International Emmy Awards, and he also won an IIFA Award for his role in ‘Animal’. The actor also hosted the third season of the streaming reality show ‘Bigg Boss OTT’ this year. The actor has a slew of releases in the pipeline including ‘War 2’ in which he will be seen sharing the screen with Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and the Telugu superstar NTR Jr. of ‘RRR’ fame. He also has ‘Alpha’ in his alley, which again is a part of the YRF spy-universe like ‘War 2’. In ‘Alpha’, he will be seen sharing the screen with Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt and actress Sharvari of ‘Munjya’ fame. ‘Alpha’ marks the first female-led action film from the spy-universe. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 April,2025 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Celina Jaitly opened up about her childhood experiences growing up in Kashmir, reflecting on the fear that defined her early years. In an emotional post on social media, Celina shared how her memories of the beautiful valley are tinged with the constant fear and insecurity she faced as an army officer's daughter. The 'No Entry' actress recalled the often-unsettling routine of her school days, where armed guards accompanied her and other children, a sight that was both confusing and frightening. She noted that, as a young girl, she couldn’t understand why her family had to live in such circumstances, even though it was a part of the military life her father’s profession entailed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Celina Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial) Celina, who spent her childhood moving from one army post to another, also expressed that her experience was shaped by living in various regions of India, including Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. While she appreciated the breathtaking landscapes, her memories were often overshadowed by the tense, fearful environment of the region during the height of militancy. Her post was accompanied by a photo of her at 8 or 9 years old, taken during her school days at Army Public School, Udhampur. In the image, Celina is seen as a young girl. Sharing her image, the Apna Sapna Money Money actress wrote, “A Soldier’s Daughter in the Land of Shaivism: Dodging Bullets, Not Fears - An excerpt from my childhood in Kashmir. This is me as a little girl in Kashmir, studying at Army Public School, Udhampur. This particular photo was taken at the North Star Camp in Patni Top — I must have been around 8 or 9 years old. As the daughter of a #pahadi Regiment army officer, I had the privilege of growing up across the breathtaking mountains of India from Kashmir to Uttarakhand to Arunachal Pradesh. But my memories of Kashmir are deeply tinged with fear.” “I often asked my late mother, “Ma, why do we have to ride to school with armed guards? Army brats will relate to military three-ton truck or a Shaktiman school bus. I always thought Why must we live in fear like this?” I did not understand why.” “I still vividly remember the protocols drilled into us..how to duck, how to stay silent if firing broke out around us. Having spent my earlier childhood in the peaceful hills of Ranikhet and Shimla, it broke my heart that in #kashmir , I couldn’t freely wander the meadows, pick wildflowers, or play safely with friends. It was even harder to understand how a land once known as Rishi Vaer, the “Valley of Saints,” a cradle of ancient Hindu wisdom, Shaivism, and Kashmiri culture, could fall into such sorrow. Kashmir, once a beacon of spirituality, philosophy, and natural beauty, had been slowly consumed by violence and terror,” she added. Celina’s post further read, “The recent terror attacks in #pahalgam have brought back many of these fleeting memories, a haunting reminder that for decades, terror has overshadowed the peace and grand beauty of our beloved Indian mountains. It is now or never. We must put an end to this cycle of fear that has gripped generations. Only then can we reclaim the true spirit and purpose of these sacred mountains to be places of peace, wonder, and spiritualism once again. Jai Hind !!.” Celina Jaitley’s post comes days after the tragic attack on tourists in the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Militants launched a ruthless assault that claimed 26 lives, with reports suggesting that the attackers separated the victims based on their religion before executing them. The Resistance Front (TRF), a terrorist group, has claimed responsibility for this horrifying act. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 April,2025 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe luxury love pad in Juhu Vicky Kaushal has reportedly renewed his lease for a luxurious apartment in Juhu, where he resides with wife and actor Katrina Kaif. We have learnt that the three-year agreement, starting January 2025, includes a monthly rent of R17.01 lakh, increasing to R17.86 lakh in the final year. The total rental payment over the lease period is projected to be around a whopping R6.2 crore approximately. The apartment apparently spans 2,781.83 sq ft and comes with three car parking spaces. On the work front, Vicky is shooting Love & War, while Katrina has not announced her next project yet. Locking horns (From left) Prashanth Neel and NTR Jr mid-day had earlier reported that NTR Jr and the director of the KGF franchise, Prashanth Neel are collaborating on a film (The pan India roar, April 10). On Tuesday, the makers announced that the film is set to hit cinemas on June 25, 2026. The Telugu star took to social media to share his excitement about the development. From what we have learnt, the film is expected to be an “explosive blend of action and drama”. The makers have kept the details regarding the movie’s plot under wraps. A special video is expected to be unveiled on NTR Jr’s birthday on May 20. A recipe for a potboiler Radhika Apte and Vijay Varma A behind-the-scenes video of Vijay Varma and Radhika Apte filming together has gone viral, sparking speculation about a potential new project. The clip shows the actors intensely involved in a scene, surrounded by cameras and crew on an outdoor set. Although details remain undisclosed, the footage has ignited curiosity, hinting at something intriguing in the pipeline. An official confirmation on this project is expected to be made soon. On the work front, Vijay has upcoming releases like Matka King and Gustaakh Ishq, while Radhika, known for her unconventional cinema choices, is set to make directorial debut with action-fantasy film Koyta. The film is backed by filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane. Ram leela in Mumbai Nitesh Tiwari, Sai Pallavi and Ranbir Kapoor The highly anticipated Bollywood film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash is potentially set to unveil its first look at the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). According to reports, the makers plan to share an official glimpse of the magnum opus during the event that will run from May 1 to May 4 in Mumbai. Ranbir is expected to attend the event, and we have learnt that he will share a glimpse of the film. However, the makers are yet to make a final decision on the film’s first look. IT raid for the third time Ajay Devgn in Raid 2. The makers of Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 have confirmed that a third instalment is in the work. We have learnt that producers Bhushan Kumar and Kumar Mangat are keen on the idea of Raid 3 even before the second instalment releases in cinemas this Friday. Sources close to the project confirm that the idea for the crime thriller’s next chapter has already been conceptualised. Mangat recently assured that the third film will “definitely happen.” Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid 2 also stars Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor, who replaces Ileana D’Cruz as as the protagonist’s wif. The film is set to release on May 1, and the franchise is based on a real-life income tax raid from the 1980s.
30 April,2025 06:58 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamFour successful web series in six years is an impressive track record. Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, better known as Raj-DK, have been among the busiest creators in the Hindi entertainment industry since the OTT boom, churning out The Family Man, Farzi (2023), Guns & Gulaabs (2023) and Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024). Now, mid-day has learnt that even as the second season of Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi’s Farzi will go on floors by 2025-end, the filmmaker duo will simultaneously develop their theatrical slate as they are eager to return to the big screen after a seven-year break. Raj-DK have their plate full in 2025 with their web offerings. A source breaks down their calendar, saying, “They are neck-deep in three series at the moment — preparing for Farzi 2’s shoot, and juggling Rakt Bramhand and the post-production of The Family Man 3. While work on these three shows is progressing briskly, they have also begun shaping up their theatrical slate. After wrapping up the Shahid and Vijay-led crime thriller by mid-2026, Raj-DK intend to take their first theatrical venture in seven years on floors.” Their last big-screen outing was the breakout horror comedy Stree (2018), on which they served as writers and producers. Raj-DK have a busy 2025 with Farzi 2, Rakt Bramhand and The Family Man 3 Their big-screen history has been something of a hit-and-miss. While their filmography includes much-loved and ingenious movies like Go Goa Gone (2013) and Stree, they have also delivered underwhelming outings in Happy Ending (2014) and A Gentleman (2017). For their next, the filmmakers have apparently zeroed in on two scripts. An insider reveals, “They will helm one, while the other will have another director. Raj-DK have regularly roped in different voices — be it Stree that launched Amar Kaushik as a director, or Suparn Varma who took charge of certain episodes in The Family Man 2. Their Telugu production, Cinema Bandi [2021], too kickstarted Praveen Kandregula’s directorial career. If things go as planned, one of the movies will roll in the second half of 2026.” The insider adds that Raj-DK’s focus on theatrical ventures does not imply that they will hit the brakes on their streaming work.
30 April,2025 06:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaIn a story, a hero is only as good as the villain. So, it was crucial that Ajay Devgn’s protagonist in Raid 2 is pitted against someone who can pack a punch on screen. Enter Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Bhai, a quiet but menacing villain. Director Raj Kumar Gupta says that the actor’s casting in the upcoming crime thriller is almost “serendipitous”. “I had worked with Riteish on Pill [2024]. While filming the series, I realised that he would be great in Raid 2. I narrated the script to him, and he loved the character,” shares the director. In the movie, also starring Vaani Kapoor, Devgn reprises his role of income tax officer Amay Patnaik, who knocks on the door of Deshmukh’s Dada Bhai, a powerful politician, for his latest raid. Gupta says that since the trailer dropped online, there has been much chatter around the actor’s turn as the antagonist. “Riteish told me that people are calling him and saying, ‘What a fantastic actor you are! Where were you?’ He told them that he was here all along. I think as an industry, we have a habit of stereotyping people.” Raj Kumar Gupta Citing the example of Deshmukh who is often only considered for comic roles, the director insists that it’s important to give actors a wider canvas and cast them against type. He reasons, “It’s unfair that Riteish often gets boxed in comic roles. He has such incredible range. In this film, he has pulled off menacing moments so effortlessly. There is calmness to his menace that makes it more terrifying.”
30 April,2025 06:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActress and fashionista Sonam Kapoor shared a glimpse of how she spent her “unexpected week off” with her son Vayu and no distractions. Sonam took to her Instagram, where she shared a handful of moments featuring the “beautiful time” she spent with her “baby boy.” The images and videos featured the actress and her son spending time on the swings, in pilates sessions, and at home. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonam A Kapoor (@sonamkapoor) “An unexpected week off with no agenda and what a beautiful time spent with my baby boy. No distractions and just life as it should be. @anandahuja we’ve made such a little peace of heaven for ourselves. Love you so much. #everydayphenomenal,” she wrote as the caption. It was in May 2018, when Sonam and Anand got married after years of dating. They welcomed their son, Vayu, in August 2022. On April 15, Sonam delivered a sleek look in a monotone attire which made her look absolutely boardroom-ready. Her look was styled by her sister, Rhea Kapoor. Sonam looked extremely elegant in a tailored black double-breasted jacket along with side buttons, and flap pockets on either side. The diva added a belt over the blazer, to enhance the appeal. She paired the blazer with a white shirt with cuffs visible from the blazer’s sleeves. These cuffs were further styled with cufflinks. Keeping in tune with the Sakura aesthetics, Sonam's makeup included a sculpted base, along with defined eyebrows, neat eyeliner, pink-toned eyeshadow, pink blush, and lipstick. As for hair, Sonam styled them in a sleek center-parted bun. Sharing the pictures on her IG, the actress wrote, “Namaste Japan! Looking forward to the show tomorrow @dior,” while her sister captioned, “Sakura Season with @sonamkapoor in Kyoto with @dior.” Talking about Sonam's work commitments, post the actress’ maternity leave, she made her acting comeback with the 2023 crime-thriller “Blind." Up next, Sonam will be seen in the “Battle of Bittora.” It is based on Anuja Chauhan's 2010 novel of the same name that shares the love story between two upcoming politicians who despite being in love are contesting elections against each other. The drama will be produced under the banner of Anil Kapoor Film, in collaboration with Communication Network. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 April,2025 06:41 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Sooraj Pancholi returns to the movies after four years with Kesari Veer. At the trailer launch, held in Mumbai on Tuesday, Sooraj got teary-eyed as he took to the stage to speak about the upcoming film. The actor struggled to complete his sentence while thanking the makers for giving him a chance when nobody would. He was comforted by co-star Suniel Shetty. Sooraj Pancholi gets emotional In a viral video shared on Instagram, Sooraj begins by saying, "This is a very special film to all of us. Thank you, Kanu (Chauhan), for giving me the chance. Thank you, Akanksha..." he then takes a pause, eyes filled with tears. Suniel comforts him. Explaining his absence from the big screen, Sooraj, without mentioning the Jiah Khan suicide case, added, "Life. Many things I had to clear from my life. Everyone knows about it. There's nothing more hiding behind it. My mother says good things take time. I was waiting for the right film, and I don't think I could have ever gotten a better film than this to let me say a comeback." The film marks one of his first projects after a CBI Special Court acquitted him in the Jiah Khan case in May 2023. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) About Jiah Khan’s suicide Jiah Khan was found dead in her Mumbai home on June 3, 2013. Based on a letter seized on June 10, which was purportedly written by her, Mumbai Police booked Sooraj Pancholi under section 306 (abetment to suicide) and arrested him. Jiah's mother, Rabia Khan, alleged that her daughter was murdered. In October 2013, Rabia moved to the Bombay High Court seeking a CBI probe in the case while alleging that her daughter had been murdered. On the order of the Bombay High Court, the CBI took over the probe from the Maharashtra Police in July 2014. Rabia claimed that her daughter was in an abusive relationship with Sooraj Pancholi. Sooraj and Jiah started dating in September 2012. Meanwhile, Kesari Veer delves into the inspiring tale of unsung warriors who fought and sacrificed their lives to protect the Somnath Temple from invaders in the 14th century AD. Helmed by director Prince Dhiman, the film is produced by veteran producer Kanu Chauhan.
29 April,2025 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
