Shivaleeka Oberoi Cheers for Abhishek Pathak Ahead of Drishyam: The Conclusion As Drishyam: The Conclusion arrives in theatres, actress Shivaleeka Oberoi has shared a personal message of appreciation for her husband and filmmaker Abhishek Pathak, offering a glimpse into the effort that went into making the third chapter of the franchise. On October 1, a day before the film’s theatrical release, Shivaleeka shared behind-the-scenes photographs from the sets along with a note reflecting on Pathak’s journey through the latest instalment. Her message focused less on the glamour surrounding a major film release and more on the work that happens away from the spotlight including the long hours and sleepless nights that she had witnessed while Pathak worked on the film. “When It Comes to Family, My Husband Doesn’t Play Around” In her social-media post, Shivaleeka wrote about witnessing the making of the film from close quarters. She said she had seen “the dream, the hard work, the sleepless nights and the heart behind it all”, before adding that audiences would finally get to see what she had been fortunate enough to witness. She concluded the message by connecting Pathak’s dedication to one of the central themes associated with the Drishyam franchise family. Her line, “when it comes to family, my husband doesn’t play around,” became the most striking part of the post. The actress also shared photographs from the film’s sets, giving her followers a behind-the-scenes look at the production. A Personal Connection to the Drishyam Journey Shivaleeka's message carries additional significance because her relationship with Abhishek Pathak has developed alongside his work on the franchise. At the trailer launch of Drishyam: The Conclusion, Pathak spoke about how the 12-year journey of the franchise has coincided with major milestones in his personal life. He recalled that he married Shivaleeka during the making of Drishyam 2, while the third instalment coincided with him becoming a father. Pathak also credited his wife with providing peace and support during what he described as an intense filmmaking process. That background gives Shivaleeka's latest message a more personal context. Her post isn't simply a promotional message for the film; it reflects her perspective as someone who has witnessed Pathak's journey through multiple stages of the franchise. Abhishek Pathak’s 12-Year Association With the Franchise Drishyam: The Conclusion represents another major milestone for Pathak, who has been associated with the Hindi franchise across its later chapters. At the film's trailer launch, he described the experience as a 12-year journey, linking the development of the franchise with significant changes in his own life. For the filmmaker, the third instalment therefore represents both a professional challenge and a deeply personal chapter. The responsibility is also significant because the film is positioned as the concluding chapter of the Hindi Drishyam story. What Is Drishyam: The Conclusion About? The film continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn, and his family. The franchise has always centred on Vijay's determination to protect his loved ones after a disappearance puts his family under police scrutiny. The third chapter takes that story forward while introducing new complications to the Salgaonkars' carefully protected past. The cast includes Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj, among others. The film is directed by Abhishek Pathak and produced under Panorama Studios, with Star Studio18 presenting the film. It is scheduled for theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Why Shivaleeka’s Post Stands Out? Movie promotions generally focus on actors, trailers, songs, posters and box-office expectations. Shivaleeka's post offered a different perspective by drawing attention to the filmmaking process itself. Her reference to sleepless nights and the effort behind the film provides a reminder that the final theatrical product represents months of preparation, shooting, editing and coordination involving a large team. Her message also connects directly with the emotional foundation of the Drishyam franchise. Family has always been central to Vijay Salgaonkar's decisions, and Shivaleeka used that same idea while describing her husband's approach to the film. The Celebrity Hour Take Shivaleeka Oberoi's post adds a personal layer to the release of Drishyam: The Conclusion. What makes it interesting is the connection between Pathak's professional journey and his personal milestones. His own comments about marriage and fatherhood during the franchise's evolution, combined with Shivaleeka's account of witnessing the latest film's creation, show how closely the project has intersected with their lives. For audiences, the more immediate question is now what Pathak's final chapter brings to Vijay Salgaonkar's story. But behind that conclusion is a filmmaker who has spent years with the franchise and a family that has experienced that journey alongside him. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using Shivaleeka Oberoi's publicly shared message and behind-the-scenes photographs, along with published interviews and reporting on Abhishek Pathak's comments about his 12-year association with the Drishyam franchise. The film's cast, director, production details and October 2, 2026 theatrical release were cross-checked against published entertainment coverage.

Pooja Hegde’s Fashion Playbook: 5 Looks That Balance Tradition and Contemporary Glamour Pooja Hegde has been moving effortlessly between traditional Indian silhouettes and contemporary fashion, and her recent wardrobe offers a clear example of how contrasting styles can work within one fashion identity. From soft-bronze tissue drapes and multicoloured sarees to statement corsets and vibrant satin ensembles, the actor's recent looks have explored different textures, colours and silhouettes while keeping the styling polished. Recent fashion coverage has highlighted five particularly distinctive looks from her wardrobe. 1. The Soft-Bronze Pastel Drape Pooja's pastel look takes a more traditional route, with a soft-bronze tissue drape featuring a broad golden border and an embellished blouse. The richness of the fabric gives the outfit a festive character without relying on an overly bright colour palette. Traditional jewellery adds another layer to the look, allowing the saree and blouse to remain the primary visual focus. This style works particularly well because the muted base lets the gold detailing stand out without making the overall appearance feel excessively heavy. 2. Red Saree With a Statement Corset Blouse Pooja's red saree introduces a much more dramatic interpretation of traditional dressing. The embellished red drape is paired with a structured corset-style blouse, creating a contrast between the fluidity of the saree and the sharper construction of the bodice. Gold embellishments and jewellery further amplify the look. Her recent appearance in a red corset saree during the India Day Parade celebrations in New York also demonstrated how strongly she has been experimenting with this traditional-meets-contemporary silhouette. NDTV described that ensemble as a blend of a traditional Indian drape and a couture-inspired structured blouse. 3. The Tangerine Statement Moving away from the conventional saree palette, Pooja's tangerine look introduces a brighter and more playful colour story. The satin outfit features an asymmetrical design, with statement earrings and bangles adding definition to the otherwise streamlined silhouette. The combination demonstrates how a strong colour can become the centre of a look when the accessories are carefully selected. The choice also fits into Pooja's wider preference for experimenting with colour. Her recent fashion appearances have included vibrant shades ranging from yellow and red to multicoloured floral prints. 4. Red Corset With Mirror and Shell Detailing Another standout is a detailed red corset outfit featuring mirror and shell work. Unlike the previous red saree, this look puts the structured corset itself at the centre. Drop earrings and stacked bangles complement the embellishment without competing with it. The look reflects an increasingly popular approach to occasion dressing: using traditional Indian embellishment techniques and jewellery with silhouettes that have a distinctly contemporary construction. Pooja has repeatedly experimented with corset-inspired outfits. In January 2026, Vogue India also highlighted a custom Anita Dongre sari gown worn by the actor, featuring an architectural corset decorated with gota patti, pearls and sequins. 5. The Multicoloured Saree Pooja's fifth look takes a softer approach to colour. The multicoloured saree combines muted shades with embellished detailing along the borders, while the actor keeps the accompanying styling comparatively restrained. Heavy earrings and understated bangles complete the look. This kind of styling demonstrates that a multicoloured outfit does not necessarily require equally elaborate accessories. Keeping the jewellery controlled allows the colours and details of the drape to remain prominent. Pooja has also explored colourful Indian dressing through a contemporary lens. In August 2026, Vogue India covered her multicoloured organza saree by Irrau by Samir Mantri, featuring large floral motifs in yellow, green, purple and orange. What Connects These Five Looks? While the five outfits are visually different, there are a few recurring elements in Pooja Hegde's recent fashion choices. Structured Silhouettes Corsets have become a recurring element, particularly when Pooja combines them with sarees. The structured bodice creates a contemporary shape while the drape retains the visual language of Indian occasion wear. Vogue India's coverage of her Anita Dongre ensemble similarly identified the corset as an architectural element of the look. Colour as the Starting Point From soft bronze to red, tangerine and multicoloured pastels, colour plays an important role in the visual identity of these outfits. Rather than following one fixed palette, Pooja's recent looks demonstrate a willingness to move between understated and vibrant shades depending on the silhouette and occasion. Jewellery That Complements the Outfit Jewellery is another consistent feature, but its role changes according to the clothing. Traditional pieces enhance the softer drapes, while earrings and bangles are used more selectively when the outfit itself contains substantial embellishment. Traditional Forms With Contemporary Construction Perhaps the clearest thread across the wardrobe is the combination of familiar Indian silhouettes with modern styling. The saree remains central to several of the looks, but corset blouses, unusual fabrics, asymmetrical construction and contemporary accessories give the outfits a distinctly current character. The Celebrity Hour Take Pooja Hegde's recent fashion choices show that contemporary Indian occasion wear does not have to choose between tradition and modernity. The strongest common element across these looks is contrast soft against structured, traditional against contemporary, muted against bold. Her saree-and-corset combinations are particularly notable because they retain the recognisable shape of a saree while changing the visual language of the blouse. At the same time, her pastel and multicoloured drapes demonstrate that traditional styling can remain striking without relying entirely on dramatic silhouettes. Rather than following one signature formula, these five looks show a wardrobe built around experimentation with colour, texture, construction and proportion. Pooja Hegde’s Fashion Evolution Continues Pooja has maintained a strong fashion presence across both Western and Indian looks over the years. Bollywood Hungama's earlier fashion coverage has featured her in everything from gowns and tailored separates to sarees and traditional ensembles. Her recent appearances suggest that Indian occasion wear remains an important part of that fashion identity, but with increasingly contemporary interpretations. Whether she opts for a soft tissue saree, a dramatic red corset or a colourful drape, the common thread is an emphasis on creating a defined silhouette rather than simply following a trend. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using recent fashion coverage of Pooja Hegde's public appearances, including coverage of the five featured looks, along with independent fashion reporting from Vogue India, NDTV and Mid-Day. Details about the individual outfits have been cross-checked where possible against multiple reports.

Rhiti Tiwari Evicted From Bigg Boss 20 in Unexpected Mid-Week Exit Bigg Boss 20 has introduced an unusual eviction twist, bringing Rhiti Tiwari’s journey to an end during a mid-week development rather than through the show's conventional weekend voting process. The decision followed a captaincy task in which Mahhi Vij, Uditi Singh and Yung DSA were given a special power that could affect another contestant's lifeline. Rhiti, daughter of actor-politician Manoj Tiwari, entered the Salman Khan-hosted season alongside her father when the show premiered on September 6. Her stint subsequently included several confrontations inside the house, making her departure one of the more eventful developments of the current season. How Did Rhiti Tiwari Get Evicted? The latest captaincy task introduced a special “vardaan” for the three captaincy contenders Mahhi Vij, Uditi Singh and Yung DSA. According to the reported format of the twist, the three contenders were given the ability to take away a lifeline from another housemate. Rhiti had already been left with only one remaining lifeline. When the power was used against her, she lost that final lifeline, bringing her Bigg Boss 20 journey to an end. This makes the eviction different from a standard audience-vote elimination. The available reports indicate that the decision was made through the captaincy-task mechanism rather than being determined by the usual public voting result. Mahhi, Uditi and Yung DSA Were Given the Deciding Power The twist placed an unusual amount of control in the hands of the three captaincy contenders. Instead of waiting for a conventional eviction announcement, the trio had to identify a contestant whose journey would be affected by the special power. Reports indicate that they ultimately agreed on Rhiti Tiwari. The development also came during a week in which several contestants were already facing elimination pressure. Rhiti’s Journey Included Several Confrontations Before her exit, Rhiti had become involved in a number of heated exchanges inside the Bigg Boss house. One of the more prominent incidents involved Qazi Touqeer and Uditi Singh during a diss battle connected with a captaincy task. Rhiti's remarks during the task later became a subject of discussion during Weekend Ka Vaar. During the subsequent episode, Salman Khan addressed Rhiti's conduct, questioning the language she had used during the task. His intervention became another notable moment in her stint on the show. The controversy was particularly significant because Rhiti is Manoj Tiwari's daughter, a connection that has been part of the conversation around her participation in the reality show. Rhiti’s Exit Follows Earlier Eliminations Rhiti's departure comes after Rohed Khan and Isha Rikhi, who were previously eliminated from the season. Rohed was the first contestant to leave, followed by Isha. Rhiti's exit therefore becomes another major change to the house dynamics, but unlike those earlier departures, her elimination came through the special mid-week captaincy-task twist. Was Rhiti Eliminated Through Public Voting? No the reported mechanism was different. The available information indicates that Rhiti's exit was triggered by the special power given to the three captaincy contenders. It should therefore not be described as a straightforward result of low public votes. This distinction matters because Bigg Boss normally uses nominations and audience voting as a central part of its elimination process. In this case, the captaincy task itself altered the route to eviction. A Major Change to the House Dynamics Rhiti's departure changes the composition of the house at a point when alliances, rivalries and captaincy ambitions are continuing to develop. Her clashes with other contestants had made her an active participant in several storylines, while the special circumstances of her exit add another layer to the season's evolving game mechanics. The introduction of a power that can directly remove a contestant's lifeline also demonstrates how the show's task structure can affect the game beyond simply determining a captain. What Happens to Rhiti’s Story Outside the House? Rhiti's exit also comes amid separate public controversy involving claims made outside the show about her and her family. Those claims have been denied by Rhiti's team and her mother, with legal action reportedly initiated in response. Because those allegations remain disputed, they should not be presented as established facts. Her departure from Bigg Boss 20 may now allow her to respond to matters outside the house directly, but any future statements would need to be considered separately from the reality show's storyline. The Celebrity Hour Take Rhiti Tiwari's eviction is notable less for a conventional voting result and more for the way the show engineered the exit. The captaincy task effectively turned three contestants into decision-makers over another housemate's lifeline. That creates a different kind of game pressure: contestants are not only competing for captaincy but can potentially influence who remains in the competition. For Rhiti, the timing is significant because her exit follows a period of confrontations and scrutiny inside the house. The next stage of her Bigg Boss journey will now take place outside the show, where her own account of her experience could provide another perspective on the controversies surrounding her stint. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using the supplied story as a starting point and cross-checked against current reporting on Rhiti Tiwari's mid-week eviction, the captaincy-task mechanism and her earlier Bigg Boss 20 controversies. The available evidence supports the special-task mechanism and Rhiti's exit, while disputed allegations concerning her family have been treated as allegations rather than facts.

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s Tu Hai Meri Kiran First Look Is Out Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are set to share the screen again with Tu Hai Meri Kiran, an upcoming romantic thriller written and directed by Karan Rawal. The makers unveiled the film’s first-look poster on October 1, alongside the announcement that it will arrive in cinemas on October 23, 2026. The first look deliberately keeps the film’s story under wraps while establishing a darker emotional dynamic between the two central characters. Its tagline “She found a connection; he found an obsession” immediately suggests that the relationship at the heart of the film may move beyond conventional romance. A First Look Built Around Love and Obsession The poster presents Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal in an intimate setting, but the mood is far removed from a straightforward romantic drama. Sonakshi's character appears focused on her laptop, while Zaheer's character looks intensely towards her. The contrast between her apparent ease and his unsettling gaze creates the mystery surrounding their relationship. The makers have intentionally revealed very little about the plot. The available promotional material positions the film somewhere between romance, mystery and psychological suspense, without giving away the central conflict. That restraint makes the first look more of a mood-setter than a conventional plot reveal. October 23 Release Confirmed The makers have locked October 23, 2026 as the theatrical release date. The announcement was made alongside the first-look poster, officially beginning the film's theatrical promotional campaign. The film is being produced by Vishal Rana under Echelon Productions, with additional production associations involving PAM Studios and AND Productions. Karan Rawal Writes and Directs the Film Tu Hai Meri Kiran is written and directed by Karan Rawal. The project marks Rawal's feature-film directorial debut. Before moving into feature filmmaking, he had worked as an assistant director on projects including Veere Di Wedding, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobaara and The Dirty Picture, according to Filmfare. Rawal's approach to the film appears to centre on keeping the audience uncertain about the nature of the relationship between the two protagonists. Sonakshi and Zaheer Return After Double XL The film reunites Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal after their earlier collaboration in the 2022 film Double XL. They also appeared together in the 2022 music video “Blockbuster.” Their real-life relationship adds an additional layer of curiosity to the casting, particularly because Tu Hai Meri Kiran places them in a relationship that appears considerably darker than their public image as a couple. Sonakshi and Zaheer married in June 2024 after being in a relationship for several years. Their new film therefore becomes their first major feature collaboration since their marriage. The Film’s Story Is Still Being Kept Under Wraps Unlike many upcoming releases, the makers have not revealed a detailed official synopsis. What can currently be established from the first-look material is that the film revolves around a relationship where connection and obsession appear to exist on opposite sides of the same emotional equation. That makes it difficult to categorise the film simply as a love story. The promotional material instead points towards a thriller in which the audience is expected to question the intentions of the characters. More plot details are expected to emerge with the trailer and subsequent promotional material. The Trailer Gets a Theatrical-First Release In a separate development, the film's trailer is set to receive an unusual theatrical-first release. According to a report published on October 1, the trailer was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on September 16 with a U/A 16+ certificate and has a reported duration of 2 minutes and 17 seconds. The trailer is planned to play in cinemas before selected films before being released digitally a few days later. The theatrical-first strategy is intended to give the film an early big-screen introduction ahead of its October 23 release. A Different Screen Pairing for Sonakshi and Zaheer The most interesting aspect of Tu Hai Meri Kiran is the decision to move Sonakshi and Zaheer into a more intense cinematic space after their previous collaboration in Double XL. Their real-life familiarity is well known, but the film appears to deliberately use that familiarity in contrast with a story involving psychological tension. Rather than presenting them simply as a romantic pair, the first look introduces an element of uncertainty around Zaheer's character and his apparent fixation on Sonakshi's character. The Celebrity Hour Take The first look works because it raises questions without revealing the answers. The tagline establishes the central contrast — connection versus obsession while the poster visually places the two characters in the same space but gives them very different emotional energies. For Sonakshi and Zaheer, the film also represents an interesting screen reunion because their real-life relationship is already familiar to audiences. Putting that couple at the centre of a thriller involving potentially unsettling romantic dynamics gives the project a different promotional hook from their previous work together. The next important piece will be the trailer. Since the plot has deliberately been kept under wraps, the trailer will likely determine how clearly the film establishes its thriller premise before the October 23 theatrical release. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using the film's first-look and release-date announcement, additional reporting on the project's production and theatrical campaign, and available information about the trailer's certification. The film's October 23, 2026 release date, Karan Rawal's writing/directing credit, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's casting, and the film's romantic-thriller positioning are supported by multiple reports. The more specific details regarding the theatrical-first trailer rollout are based on reported industry information and have been clearly attributed.

Microdramas are rapidly reshaping India's mobile entertainment landscape, with six short-drama apps appearing among the country's top 12 free entertainment apps. India's entertainment ecosystem is witnessing a significant shift as microdrama and short-form fiction platforms rapidly gain ground on smartphones. A recent ranking of free entertainment apps in India shows just how quickly the format has moved from a niche experiment to a serious part of the digital-content landscape. According to the September 30 ranking, VibeShort: AI Short Dramas occupied the No. 1 position, ahead of Netflix at No. 2 and Amazon Prime Video at No. 3. MX Player was placed fourth, while BookMyShow occupied the fifth position. But the bigger story lies further down the chart. Six of the Top 12 Apps Are Microdrama Platforms The ranking featured six platforms broadly associated with short dramas, short fiction or AI-driven storytelling within the Top 12. Along with VibeShort at No. 1, the list included: StoryReel: Drama Shorts & TV - No. 6 NetShort - No. 7 DramaBox - No. 9 FlickReels - No. 10 MVShort - No. 11 Together, these six platforms occupied 50% of the Top 12 positions in the free entertainment-app ranking. That is a notable development for an entertainment category built around episodes that can often be consumed in just a few minutes or even seconds. VibeShort Ranks Ahead of Netflix and Prime Video The most eye-catching number is VibeShort's No. 1 position. The platform appeared above established streaming services including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the free-app ranking. However, the ranking needs to be interpreted carefully. A position in an app-store ranking primarily reflects download momentum and performance within that particular chart and period. It does not establish that VibeShort has more subscribers, viewers, viewing hours or revenue than Netflix or Prime Video. Nevertheless, the fact that multiple microdrama services are appearing simultaneously near the top suggests that the format is attracting substantial consumer attention. Why Are Microdramas Growing So Quickly? One major advantage of microdramas is their compatibility with smartphone-first viewing habits. Instead of asking audiences to commit to a two-hour film or a 45-minute episode, microdramas can deliver a complete dramatic beat in a very short period. Stories often rely on: Short episodes Rapid storytelling Cliffhangers Romance and family drama High-frequency episode releases Vertical-video presentation Mobile-first consumption This structure allows viewers to watch several episodes during short breaks throughout the day. The Audience Growth Is Also Significant The growth isn't limited to app rankings. According to the Ormax OTT Audience Report 2026, microdramas recorded 50% audience growth compared with 2025, making them the fastest-growing among the major emerging content formats highlighted in the report. K-dramas recorded 48% growth, while anime audiences increased by 32%. At the same time, India's overall online-video audience has expanded substantially. The report estimates that India now has approximately 664.9 million OTT viewers, compared with 601.2 million in 2025 — an increase of around 11%. The Battle Is No Longer Just Between OTT Giants For years, India's streaming conversation was dominated by major platforms competing for subscribers and premium content. Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5 and other established services built their businesses around films, series, originals and long-form entertainment. Microdrama platforms are approaching the same audience from a different direction. Their focus is not necessarily on producing fewer but bigger shows. Instead, the model revolves around large volumes of short, highly accessible stories designed specifically for mobile consumption. This creates a different type of competition — one based heavily on attention, frequency and repeat engagement. From Short-Video Experiment to Entertainment Business The growing presence of microdramas is also reflected in the industry's institutional attention. The format recently received a dedicated discussion at FICCI FRAMES 2026, where the industry examined microdramas as a potential business opportunity involving content creation, distribution and monetisation. That development is significant because it shows that the conversation around short-form fiction is moving beyond whether people will watch it. The larger questions are now about how the business will scale, who will own successful intellectual property, how creators will be compensated and which platforms can build sustainable audiences. Downloads Are Only the First Test The impressive app-store rankings do not necessarily guarantee long-term success. For microdrama platforms, the more difficult challenge could be converting downloads into regular viewers and paying customers. A viewer may download an application because a particular story or advertisement catches their attention. Retaining that user requires a steady supply of engaging stories and a viewing experience that encourages them to return. As more companies enter the market, customer-acquisition costs could also increase. The platforms that survive the next stage may therefore need more than viral clips and large download numbers. They will need strong retention, compelling storytelling, efficient production and sustainable monetisation models. Could Microdramas Change Indian Entertainment Consumption? The current numbers suggest that microdramas have already become a visible part of India's digital entertainment ecosystem. Their biggest advantage may be their ability to fit naturally into the way people increasingly consume content — through smartphones, short sessions and constant scrolling. Long-form OTT isn't disappearing, but microdramas are creating another layer of entertainment between traditional television, short videos and conventional streaming series. The emergence of several microdrama platforms within India's Top 12 free entertainment apps provides a snapshot of that transition. The Celebrity Hour Take The rise of microdramas represents more than another trend in mobile entertainment. What makes the current moment interesting is the scale of competition. Six short-drama platforms appearing among the Top 12 free entertainment apps indicates that audiences are experimenting with a different form of storytelling at the same time that established OTT platforms continue to dominate premium long-form content. The next phase will be about sustainability. If these platforms can turn downloads into regular viewing, build successful original stories and develop reliable revenue streams, microdramas could establish themselves as a distinct and lasting category within India's entertainment industry. For now, the message from India's app charts is clear: short-form fiction is no longer sitting outside the OTT conversation it is increasingly becoming part of it.

Ayushmann Khurrana and Sobhita Dhulipala Join Titan SKINN Ayushmann Khurrana and Sobhita Dhulipala have been announced as the new brand ambassadors of Titan SKINN, with the fragrance label unveiling a new campaign built around the idea of making everyday moments feel special. The campaign, titled “Make Every Moment Special,” aims to position fragrance as part of everyday grooming rather than something reserved only for special occasions. The association brings together two actors known for distinct screen personalities and a brand that has established itself in India's fine-fragrance segment. A Campaign About Everyday Moments The new campaign features Ayushmann Khurrana and Sobhita Dhulipala in separate everyday situations before their stories come together beneath a star-filled night sky. The creative idea revolves around a familiar habit saving favourite clothes, accessories and fragrances for occasions considered important. SKINN's new campaign challenges that approach and encourages people to bring the same sense of effort and enjoyment into ordinary moments. The campaign therefore uses fragrance not simply as a grooming product, but as a small personal ritual that can become part of someone's everyday routine. Ayushmann Khurrana on His Association With SKINN For Ayushmann Khurrana, fragrance is closely connected with personal style. The actor explained that getting ready involves more than choosing clothes, with smaller details helping complete an overall look. He described fragrance as one of those details that can communicate something about a person's personality without requiring words. Khurrana also connected with the campaign's broader message of feeling one's best during everyday moments, making the association a natural extension of the campaign's central theme. Sobhita Dhulipala Highlights the Personal Side of Fragrance Sobhita Dhulipala also shared her thoughts on the partnership, describing fragrance as a personal pleasure and emphasising its subtle influence on how people experience their surroundings. Her association with SKINN marks another major beauty and lifestyle collaboration for the actor, while the campaign gives her an opportunity to explore fragrance through a more personal and experiential lens. SKINN Expands Its Celebrity Connect The appointment of two ambassadors gives SKINN a wider celebrity presence across its communication. Rather than building the campaign around a single personality, the brand is using Khurrana and Dhulipala to represent different expressions of its fragrance proposition. The campaign's creative direction places both actors in relatable situations before connecting their individual stories through the central idea of making ordinary moments feel more memorable. Titan's Fragrance Business Continues to Grow SKINN is part of Titan Company's fragrances and fashion accessories business. Titan says SKINN was launched in 2013 and has since developed a portfolio of fragrances created with international perfumery expertise while being developed with Indian consumers in mind. The brand's portfolio includes fragrances across different moods and occasions, including lines such as Noura, Nox, Amalfi Bleu and Escapade Country Road. Titan has also previously described SKINN as a brand focused on fine fragrances and products created with master perfumers from around the world. Why Ayushmann and Sobhita Make Sense for the Campaign? The campaign's two-lead approach allows SKINN to communicate its positioning through different personalities. Ayushmann's association with contemporary style, entertainment and popular culture gives the campaign a broad male audience, while Sobhita brings a distinct fashion and lifestyle presence to the women's fragrance conversation. More importantly, the campaign does not appear to be built solely around celebrity glamour. Its central message focuses on a simple consumer behaviour: why wait for a special occasion to enjoy something that makes you feel good? That gives the partnership a broader lifestyle context beyond a conventional celebrity endorsement. The Celebrity Hour Take The most notable aspect of SKINN's latest campaign is its decision to make everyday experiences the centre of the fragrance story. Perfume advertising often relies on glamour, romance or formal occasions. SKINN's new campaign instead connects fragrance with daily preparation and personal confidence. Bringing Ayushmann Khurrana and Sobhita Dhulipala together as ambassadors also gives the brand two distinct personalities through which to communicate this idea. For SKINN, the campaign represents an effort to make fragrance feel less like an occasional luxury and more like an everyday expression of personal style. What Comes Next? With Khurrana and Dhulipala now serving as the faces of SKINN, the campaign is expected to extend across the brand's consumer communication. The partnership gives the fragrance label an opportunity to strengthen its connection with audiences through two established Bollywood personalities while continuing to promote its wider message around everyday fragrance rituals. For consumers, the campaign's message is straightforward: special moments do not necessarily need a special occasion. Sources & Verification This article was prepared using the current campaign announcement, the actors' attributed statements and Titan's official information about SKINN and its fragrance business. The central announcement that Ayushmann Khurrana and Sobhita Dhulipala are the new SKINN brand ambassadors is supported by both current campaign material and SKINN's own public communication.

Kabir Khan Responds to Donald Trump’s Proposed 100% Tariff on Foreign Films Filmmaker Kabir Khan has reacted to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 100% tariff on films made outside the United States, questioning how such a policy would work in an increasingly global film industry. Trump announced the proposal in September 2025, saying he would impose a 100% tariff on “any and all movies that are made outside of the United States.” His announcement argued that the American film industry had been adversely affected by overseas production. Khan, speaking to NDTV, questioned the meaning and practical scope of the phrase “made outside of the United States.” He pointed out that Hollywood productions frequently shoot in countries outside the US and also use international visual-effects and production facilities. Kabir Khan Questions How the Policy Would Work Khan's response centred on the practical difficulties of defining where a film is actually “made.” The filmmaker noted that many Hollywood productions shoot portions of their films internationally, while visual-effects work can also be carried out across different countries. His comments therefore raised a question about whether the proposed tariff would apply based on shooting location, post-production work, ownership of the production company or some other criterion. He also questioned what exactly would be subject to the proposed tariff, asking whether it would apply to areas such as ticket prices or film distribution. Khan described Trump's statement as being broad enough that its exact mechanism was difficult to understand from the announcement alone. Trump’s Proposal Targets Overseas Film Production Trump's September announcement followed an earlier warning in May 2025 concerning foreign-made films. In his September statement, Trump argued that the US film industry was being weakened by production moving overseas and said the proposed tariff was intended to address that situation. International reporting subsequently noted that the announcement created uncertainty for film industries that depend on cross-border production and distribution. The proposal is particularly significant because modern filmmaking often involves several countries. A movie may be financed in one country, shot in another, edited somewhere else and use visual-effects companies located across multiple territories. Why the Proposal Raises Questions for Bollywood? For the Indian film industry, the potential impact would be particularly relevant to movies released in the United States. The US is an important overseas market for Indian cinema, particularly because of the large Indian diaspora. A significant additional cost associated with films entering the US market could potentially affect distributors, exhibitors and audiences, although the exact economic consequences would depend on how any eventual policy was structured and implemented. Industry observers have also pointed out that the global nature of film production makes a simple distinction between “American” and “foreign” productions difficult to apply in practice. The Difference Between a Proposal and an Implemented Tariff It is important to distinguish Trump's announcement from an implemented tariff regime. The September 2025 statement described an intended policy, but the precise mechanism for calculating and collecting a 100% tariff on foreign films was not established by the announcement itself. As of the reporting surrounding Khan's comments, questions remained about the definition of a qualifying foreign film and the point in the distribution chain at which such a charge would apply. That distinction is important because a presidential announcement about a proposed measure does not by itself establish all of the administrative rules required to implement it. Global Filmmaking Has Become Increasingly International Kabir Khan's comments also highlight a broader reality of contemporary filmmaking. Large-scale productions increasingly rely on international locations, crews, studios, visual-effects companies and post-production facilities. Indian cinema has similarly expanded its international production footprint, while Hollywood routinely shoots outside the United States. This makes the definition of a film's country of origin more complicated than simply identifying where the cameras were used. For filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors, the practical details of any future policy would therefore matter as much as the headline tariff percentage. The Celebrity Hour Take Kabir Khan's reaction draws attention to the implementation question behind Trump's proposal rather than simply the headline figure. A 100% tariff sounds straightforward, but determining what qualifies as a foreign film becomes considerably more complicated when production, financing, filming and visual-effects work are spread across several countries. For Indian cinema, the issue is also relevant because the US remains an important overseas market. However, the actual commercial impact cannot be determined without knowing the final structure, scope and enforcement mechanism of any tariff. At this stage, Khan's comments are best understood as a response to the breadth of the proposal and the practical questions it raises for an internationally interconnected film business. What Happens Next? The key issue for the global film industry is whether the proposed tariff moves from a presidential announcement to a formally defined and enforceable policy. Until the US administration establishes the specific rules, questions remain over which films would qualify, how the tariff would be calculated, who would pay it and how international co-productions would be treated. For Bollywood and other international film industries distributing content in the US, those details would determine the proposal's actual commercial implications. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using Kabir Khan's publicly reported comments regarding Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films, alongside reporting on Trump's September 2025 announcement. Trump's stated proposal and Khan's response have been kept separate from independent analysis, and the article does not treat the proposed tariff as an already implemented policy. Trump's earlier trade actions were also reviewed through official US government material; those documents concern broader goods-trade tariffs and do not establish the proposed 100% film tariff.

Rajkummar Rao Joins RANNR as Brand Ambassador Rajkummar Rao has added another major brand association to his growing portfolio, joining Indian sports and athleisure footwear label RANNR as its brand ambassador. The partnership comes as RANNR, a brand from the House of Lehar and Lehar Footwears Limited, looks to strengthen its presence across India's rapidly expanding sports, running, walking and lifestyle footwear segments. Under the association, Rajkummar Rao will feature in the brand's upcoming campaigns and consumer communication across digital platforms, e-commerce, retail, print and outdoor advertising. A Partnership Built Around Individuality RANNR has positioned the collaboration around its philosophy of "Power in Every Step." The brand says it is targeting a new generation of Indian consumers looking for a combination of comfort, performance, style and value. Rajkummar's career trajectory, which includes a mix of mainstream and unconventional film choices, is being aligned with the brand's emphasis on individuality and creating one's own path. The partnership therefore goes beyond a traditional celebrity endorsement, with Rao expected to become a recurring face across the brand's consumer-facing communication. Rajkummar Rao Talks About Taking the First Step Speaking about the association, Rajkummar Rao connected the partnership with the idea of continuing to move forward on one's own terms. He described RANNR as a young Indian brand bringing a fresh perspective to footwear, comfort and everyday movement, adding that he was excited to be part of its journey. The statement also fits naturally with the central idea behind the campaign movement as both a physical and personal journey. RANNR Expands Its Footwear Portfolio RANNR operates across several footwear categories, including sports, running, walking, lifestyle, hiking and gym/training footwear. The brand is available through direct-to-consumer, e-commerce and offline channels. The company's broader strategy involves using Lehar Footwears Limited's established manufacturing and distribution infrastructure to expand its footprint in India's sports and athleisure market. The brand's current portfolio includes footwear designed for different forms of everyday movement as well as more activity-focused requirements. Why Rajkummar Rao Fits the Brand's Positioning? Rajkummar Rao has built a career that moves between commercial entertainers, character-driven dramas and more unconventional projects. For RANNR, that versatility provides a way to communicate with consumers across different segments rather than positioning the footwear label solely around professional sports. The association also places the actor at the centre of a campaign focused on everyday movement, personal expression and contemporary lifestyle, areas that increasingly overlap with the Indian athleisure market. RANNR Looks to Strengthen Its Presence Across India The appointment comes at a time when RANNR is expanding its presence across India's sports, athleisure and closed-footwear categories. The company plans to use Rajkummar Rao across multiple consumer touchpoints, giving the partnership visibility beyond conventional advertising. His association is expected to feature across digital campaigns, e-commerce communication, retail initiatives, print and outdoor media. For the brand, the partnership provides a recognisable entertainment personality as it works to build awareness among a wider Indian consumer base. The Celebrity Hour Take The Rajkummar Rao-RANNR partnership reflects a broader shift in celebrity endorsements, where actors are increasingly being associated with lifestyle categories rather than only traditional fashion or luxury campaigns. RANNR's focus on sports, running, walking and everyday footwear gives the collaboration a broad consumer canvas. Meanwhile, Rao's association with the brand's message of finding one's own path allows the campaign to connect the product category with a more personal idea of progress. The next stage will be the rollout of RANNR's campaigns featuring Rao, which should reveal how the brand translates this positioning into its advertising and consumer communication. Sources & Verification The article has been independently structured around the confirmed brand appointment and the details publicly provided by RANNR and Lehar Footwears Limited. Key information about Rao's role, the campaign platforms, the brand's footwear categories and its expansion strategy was cross-checked against available company and industry material.

Love & War Secures a ₹300 Crore Theatrical Rights Deal Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited Love & War has made a major mark in the pre-release film trade. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, the theatrical rights of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal starrer have been sold for ₹300 crore globally, with Pen Marudhar set to handle the release. The deal comes months before the film reaches theatres and places Love & War among the biggest pre-release theatrical transactions reported for an upcoming Hindi film. The film is scheduled to release worldwide on January 21, 2027. Pen Marudhar Wins the Distribution Rights According to Bollywood Hungama, several major industry players were competing for the theatrical distribution rights, including Dharma Productions, Jio Studios, Anil Thadani and Pen Marudhar. The report states that the eventual deal went to Pen Marudhar at a reported ₹300 crore global value. A source quoted by Bollywood Hungama said the bidding was intense and that Bhansali Productions secured what the source described as the best value for the film. The figure is being reported as a theatrical rights deal, rather than as the film's production budget or guaranteed box-office earnings. Why Love & War Has Attracted Such a Big Deal? The commercial interest surrounding Love & War is closely connected to its combination of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The film brings all three actors together for the first time under Bhansali's direction. It also marks another collaboration between Bhansali and Ranbir after Saawariya, while Alia reunites with the filmmaker following Gangubai Kathiawadi. For Vicky Kaushal, the project marks his first film with Bhansali. The film is being positioned as a large-scale romantic drama set against a war backdrop, although the makers have kept substantial portions of the storyline under wraps. The Film Has Already Completed Its Shoot The ₹300 crore theatrical deal comes after another major production milestone. Love & War officially wrapped its principal shoot in early September, with Bhansali Productions marking the occasion alongside the cast and crew. The film subsequently moved into post-production. However, subsequent reports indicated that Bhansali returned to work on additional war sequences with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. These reports have described the additional filming as a refinement of important battle portions rather than a change to the film's announced release date. January 21, 2027 Release Remains Locked The film is currently scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on January 21, 2027, during the Republic Day period. Bhansali Productions officially announced the date earlier this year, following multiple changes to the project's release schedule. The film will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The January release gives Love & War a prominent theatrical window and positions it as one of the major Hindi-language releases of early 2027. The First Looks Have Now Arrived The commercial development follows the recent unveiling of the principal cast's first looks. The makers released individual looks for Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in September. Alia's first look featured a glamorous retro-inspired appearance, while Vicky's material presented a more intense and rugged side of his character. The release of the posters has also provided the first substantial visual indication of the film's period setting and Bhansali's aesthetic approach. Teaser Expected Around Diwali According to the latest Bollywood Hungama report, Bhansali is planning to launch the teaser around Diwali, with the promotion expected to be linked to the theatrical campaign surrounding Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana. This would mark the next major promotional stage for Love & War following the release of the character first looks. The teaser date, however, should be treated as a reported plan until officially announced by the makers. What the ₹300 Crore Deal Actually Means? The reported ₹300 crore figure is significant, but it should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the film will earn ₹300 crore at the box office. A theatrical distribution deal represents the value agreed for distribution rights and the commercial expectations attached to a film. Actual theatrical profitability depends on several factors, including the distributor's revenue share, exhibition costs, marketing expenditure, audience response and box-office performance. Earlier reports had also discussed negotiations around the ₹300 crore mark, but those reports described the figure as a target or negotiation level. The latest Bollywood Hungama report states that the theatrical rights have now been sold at that figure, with Pen Marudhar attached to the deal. The Celebrity Hour Take The most interesting aspect of the development is the timing. Love & War has generated a major theatrical valuation before its teaser has been officially released and before audiences have seen substantial footage from the film. The reported ₹300 crore deal therefore reflects the trade value attached to the combination of Bhansali's filmmaking brand, the three leading actors and the scale of the project. At the same time, the deal should be viewed as a pre-release business development, not as evidence of the film's eventual box-office result. With the theatrical rights now reportedly locked and the film's first looks already unveiled, the next major indicator will be the official teaser and the broader promotional campaign leading into the January 2027 release. Sources & Verification This report uses the September 30, 2026 Bollywood Hungama exclusive as the primary source for the ₹300 crore theatrical-rights deal and Pen Marudhar's involvement. The film's release date, cast and production status were cross-checked against earlier Bollywood Hungama reporting and independent coverage. The ₹300 crore transaction is reported information from Bollywood Hungama and its quoted source; no public corporate filing or official distributor announcement confirming the financial terms was identified in the sources reviewed.

Karan Johar Announces the Final Chapter of Koffee With Karan Karan Johar has announced that the upcoming ninth season of Koffee With Karan will be the final season of his long-running celebrity chat show. The concluding season is scheduled to premiere on October 14, 2026, on JioHotstar. Johar made the announcement through an emotional video, reflecting on the show's journey since he first conceived the idea of hosting a celebrity talk show in 2004. The final season will bring the format back for one last run after more than two decades on screen. From an Idea Shared With Yash Johar to a 22-Year Journey In his announcement, Johar looked back to June 2004, when he told his father, veteran producer Yash Johar, that he wanted to host a talk show featuring two celebrities having an informal conversation. According to Johar's recollection, his father questioned the idea, wondering why anyone would pay to watch his son simply talk to his friends. Yash Johar passed away on June 26, 2004, shortly after that conversation. Johar recalled that he shot the first episode of Koffee With Karan on August 16, 2004. The show subsequently became one of the most recognisable celebrity-chat formats in Indian entertainment. Eight Seasons and 161 Episodes The upcoming Season 9 marks the end of a run that has already stretched across eight seasons and 161 episodes, according to Johar's announcement. The show originally premiered in November 2004 and initially aired on television before moving into the streaming era. Season 7 marked the programme's move to Disney+ Hotstar, while Season 8 premiered on JioHotstar in 2023. Over the years, the show's signature format has revolved around celebrity conversations, rapid-fire questions, games and personal anecdotes. Its guest list has included some of the biggest names from Hindi cinema and the wider Indian entertainment industry. Why Koffee With Karan Became a Pop-Culture Fixture? Unlike a conventional promotional interview, Koffee With Karan developed a format in which celebrities were encouraged to discuss their friendships, relationships, careers and opinions in a more informal setting. The show's rapid-fire round and coffee hamper became particularly recognisable elements of the format. Episodes featuring major stars frequently generated headlines beyond the programme itself, making the talk show part of the wider entertainment-news cycle. Its longevity also meant that several generations of actors appeared on the famous couch during its run. Karan Johar Reflects on the Show's Controversial Moments Johar acknowledged that the show's journey was not without controversy. In his farewell message, he referred to the programme as a source of friendships, memories, entertainment and controversy, while also crediting the audience for continuing to return season after season. That relationship with viewers has been a defining feature of the show's long run. Koffee With Karan has repeatedly adapted its format and platform while retaining its central idea of putting well-known personalities together for candid conversations. The Final Season Arrives on October 14 Season 9 will premiere on October 14, 2026, exclusively on JioHotstar. The announcement currently confirms the premiere date and the season's status as the final instalment. A complete official guest list was not included in the material available for this report, so unconfirmed reports about potential guests have not been presented as confirmed information. The programme's previous season concluded in January 2024 with The Koffee Awards, after which the show remained off air for more than two years. Karan Johar Wants to Focus More on Filmmaking The end of Koffee With Karan also comes at a point when Johar has spoken about wanting to devote more of his time to filmmaking. Earlier in 2026, while discussing his upcoming projects, Johar confirmed that Season 9 of the show would return. He also discussed plans connected to his 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which he said was being developed as a long-form series for a streaming platform. The final season therefore arrives alongside a broader phase of filmmaking activity for Johar. JioStar Celebrates the Show's Legacy JioStar's Alok Jain, Head of Hindi & English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV & Studios), described Koffee With Karan as a programme that brought leading celebrities into viewers' homes and built a substantial following over the years. Jain also acknowledged the show's contribution to popular culture while welcoming its final chapter to JioHotstar. The Celebrity Hour Take The significance of Season 9 is not simply that another television or streaming season is arriving. It represents the planned conclusion of one of India's longest-running celebrity interview formats. What makes the farewell particularly notable is the show's evolution alongside the entertainment industry itself. Koffee With Karan began in the television era, moved into streaming, and continued to remain relevant as celebrity culture increasingly shifted towards digital platforms. Johar's decision to end the format after 22 years also gives Season 9 a different context from previous seasons. Rather than being another return after a hiatus, it has been announced as the final chapter of the existing show. For viewers who have followed the programme since its 2004 debut, the October 14 premiere will therefore function both as a new season and as the beginning of the show's farewell. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using Karan Johar's announcement of the final season and secondary coverage of the announcement. Key details including the Season 9 status, October 14 premiere date, 22-year journey, 161-episode milestone and Johar's recollection of the show's origins were cross-checked against the available reporting. The available search results did not surface a directly accessible JioStar press release for this specific announcement, so JioStar statements quoted in secondary coverage have been attributed accordingly.

Sparsh Shrivastava Brings Bollywood Nostalgia Into Bhugol’s World Sparsh Shrivastava is returning as Bhugol in Dupahiya Season 2, and this time, the character carries a little more Bollywood with him. As Bhugol navigates newfound fame and dreams of becoming a star, Shrivastava has revealed that some of Hindi cinema’s biggest personalities helped shape the character’s mannerisms, performance style and overall personality. The actor specifically cited Govinda, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit as influences, with references to their films and performances deliberately finding their way into Bhugol’s character. Govinda Inspired Bhugol’s Temple Sequence One of the clearest examples comes in a temple sequence featured in the Dupahiya Season 2 trailer. Shrivastava explained that he drew inspiration from Govinda’s performance in Raja Babu, particularly a moment involving the character expressing his affection towards his mother. Rather than simply copying the performance, Shrivastava said he was attempting to capture the emotional quality of that scene for Bhugol. The actor also connected Bhugol to the wider Hindi-film universe, mentioning Deewaar and Salman Khan’s iconic look from Maine Pyar Kiya as additional references incorporated into the character. For Shrivastava, these references reflect the way Bhugol has consumed popular cinema and allowed those influences to become part of his own identity. Salman Khan’s Maine Pyar Kiya Gets a Nod Salman Khan’s influence appears through Bhugol’s costume as well. Shrivastava revealed that Bhugol wears a jacket inspired by Salman Khan’s look from Maine Pyar Kiya. The reference works as part of the character’s larger relationship with Bollywood: Bhugol is not simply someone who watches films but someone who has absorbed the personalities, clothes and performances of the stars he admires. That detail fits the larger premise of the new season, where Bhugol finds himself becoming famous while still carrying the aspirations and imagination of a small-town character. Madhuri Dixit’s Influence Appears Through Dance Madhuri Dixit enters the picture through another important part of Bhugol’s personality his launda naach. Shrivastava said Madhuri's influence was particularly relevant to the dance aspect of the character. The actor wanted to bring together different Bollywood references rather than base Bhugol on one particular star. The result is a character whose cinematic influences are intentionally eclectic. Govinda's comic and emotional performance style, Salman Khan's iconic screen image and Madhuri Dixit's association with dance all become pieces of Bhugol's personality. A Personal Memory From Sparsh’s Dancing Days The launda naach sequence also triggered a personal memory for Shrivastava. The actor recalled participating in a dance reality show in 2010, where legendary choreographer Saroj Khan was a judge. He remembered receiving ₹100 notes from her after good performances. Years later, while filming the dance sequence for Dupahiya Season 2, choreographer Kruti gave him a ₹500 note after the shoot. Shrivastava said the gesture became emotional for him because it reminded him of his early experience as a dancer and of Saroj Khan. The anecdote adds another layer to the Bollywood connection in the series: the references are not limited to Bhugol's fictional personality but also intersect with Shrivastava's own journey as a performer. Bhugol Returns With New Fame in Season 2 According to Prime Video's official synopsis, Dupahiya Season 2 returns to Dhadakpur, where a proposed mobile tower becomes the centre of a new village conflict. Bhugol, meanwhile, has become famous but in an unusual way, as a female influencer. The new season continues the comedy-drama's rural setting while introducing fresh complications for its ensemble of characters. The returning cast includes Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Sparsh Shrivastava, Bhuvan Arora, Shivani Raghuvanshi and Yashpal Sharma, while Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) joins the cast this season. Sonam Nair Directs the New Season Dupahiya Season 2 is directed by Sonam Nair and created and produced by Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani under Bombay Film Cartel LLP. The series is created and written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg. Prime Video has scheduled the second season for October 1, 2026, with the series set to stream worldwide on the platform. Why Bhugol’s Bollywood References Matter? Bhugol's references to iconic Hindi cinema are more than visual Easter eggs. They help explain how a small-town dreamer imagines success and constructs his own idea of stardom. The character has grown up consuming popular Bollywood culture, so his understanding of fame naturally comes through the actors and performances he admires. Shrivastava's comments suggest that the creative team intentionally used those references to make Bhugol's aspirations feel rooted in his background. The inclusion of Govinda, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit also gives the character a recognisable cultural vocabulary without making him a straightforward imitation of any one star. The Celebrity Hour Take What stands out about Shrivastava's explanation is the connection between Bhugol's fictional Bollywood obsession and the actor's own history as a dancer. The 2010 dance-reality-show memory involving Saroj Khan gives the launda naach sequence a personal significance for Shrivastava. At the same time, the references to Raja Babu, Deewaar, Maine Pyar Kiya and Madhuri Dixit's dance legacy make Bhugol feel like someone who has grown up learning about cinema through imitation, admiration and imagination. That makes the Bollywood influence an important part of understanding where Bhugol comes from as Season 2 begins. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using the supplied Bollywood Hungama interview as the primary source for Sparsh Shrivastava's comments, alongside Prime Video's official Dupahiya Season 2 listing and announcement for the show's premise, cast, creators and release date. The actor's comments about Govinda, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit and his Saroj Khan memory have been attributed directly to him rather than presented as independent facts.

All Three Actors Have Now Responded to FDA Notices The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s proceedings over the Vimal Elaichi advertisement featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have moved to the next stage. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has confirmed that responses from all three actors have now been received. He also said that two of the three actors requested hearings and both hearings were completed on Monday. The commissioner did not disclose which two actors sought the hearings. Mundhe said the FDA would now proceed further with the matter. What Tukaram Mundhe Said? Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mundhe said that responses had been received from all three actors and that two had specifically requested hearings. He said the hearings had concluded and that the department was now moving forward with the proceedings. The commissioner did not publicly identify the actors who requested hearings. This is a significant update from the position earlier in September, when the FDA had said that one of the three actors had not responded to the notices and proceedings had begun in that case. Why Did Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff Receive Notices? The Maharashtra FDA issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff on August 11, 2026, concerning their appearance in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. According to the regulator, the campaign could amount to indirect or surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala, which is prohibited in Maharashtra. The FDA argued that the use of the Vimal branding in the elaichi advertisement could create an association with the pan masala product. The actors were asked to explain their role in the advertising campaign and were initially given 15 days to respond. The Issue of Surrogate Advertising At the centre of the dispute is the concept of surrogate advertising. In its earlier explanation of the case, the Indian Express described surrogate advertising as a marketing practice in which a restricted or prohibited product can potentially be promoted indirectly through another product carrying the same or closely associated brand identity. The Maharashtra FDA's position is that the Vimal Elaichi campaign may have created such an association with Vimal Pan Masala. The actors' responses are now part of the regulatory proceedings, but the contents of their individual replies have not been publicly disclosed in the latest update. Earlier Responses Were Not Fully Known The case has seen several updates over the past few weeks. On August 26, the Maharashtra FDA had said it had not yet received responses from the three actors. By September 18, Commissioner Mundhe told NDTV that two of the three actors had responded while one had not, although he did not identify them. At that point, the FDA said it had started adjudication and prosecution proceedings in relation to the actor who had not responded within the stipulated period. The latest statement from September 29 therefore changes the position: the FDA now says replies from all three actors have been received. FDA Says Celebrity Status Does Not Change Regulatory Responsibility The commissioner had previously stressed that the actors' status as Bollywood stars would not determine how the regulator handled the matter. In an interview with NDTV earlier this month, Mundhe said the actors were being considered in their capacity as advertisers in the case. He also argued that advertising regulations can place responsibilities on the person or institution promoting a product, including the need to exercise due diligence regarding what is being endorsed. Those remarks came after the regulator began examining the advertisement under provisions concerning misleading food advertising. What Does the Law Say? The FDA's notices cited provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 relating to misleading advertisements. According to reporting on the original notices, Section 24 restricts misleading food advertisements, while Section 53 provides for penalties in cases involving misleading food advertisements. The Indian Express reported that the notices stated that endorsers could face a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh under the relevant provision. The eventual outcome, however, will depend on the regulatory proceedings and the responses submitted by the parties involved. Delhi High Court Also Considered the Vimal Challenge The regulatory dispute has also involved legal proceedings concerning the notices. The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition filed by PB Agro LLP, described as the master licensee for Vimal Elaichi and pan masala products without tobacco, challenging the Maharashtra FDA notices. The court held that it lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the challenge. That ruling did not amount to a final determination of whether the actors' advertisement violated the underlying advertising regulations; it concerned the jurisdictional challenge brought before the Delhi High Court. What Happens Next? With responses from all three actors now received and two requested hearings completed, the Maharashtra FDA says it will proceed further with the case. The identities of the two actors who requested hearings have not been officially disclosed in the latest statement. Likewise, the detailed contents of the actors' replies have not been made public. The next significant development will therefore be the FDA's subsequent action after considering the responses and hearing proceedings. The Celebrity Hour Take The latest development changes the immediate status of the Vimal Elaichi dispute: the issue is no longer about whether the three actors have responded to the notices. According to the FDA commissioner, all three have now submitted responses, and two have completed hearings. The more substantive question is what the regulator concludes after examining those responses. For readers, it is important to distinguish the FDA's allegations and ongoing proceedings from a final finding of liability. The regulator has alleged that the advertisement amounted to surrogate promotion, while the actors have now had an opportunity to respond through the notice and hearing process. Until the FDA completes its proceedings and announces its next action, the final regulatory outcome remains unresolved. Sources & Verification This report was prepared using the latest statements attributed to Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, including his September 29 update confirming responses from all three actors and hearings for two of them. Earlier reporting from The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV, PTI and Bollywood Hungama was used to establish the timeline of the notices, earlier response status and regulatory context. The latest development is clearly distinguished from earlier reports because the status of the actors' responses changed during the course of the proceedings.