Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Kiara Advani quits Don 3 after announcing pregnancy with Sidharth Malhotra: Report  

Bollywood actress Kiara Advani has reportedly stepped away from Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated film Don 3 following her recent pregnancy announcement. The news left fans wondering about the future of the action-packed franchise starring Ranveer Singh. Here’s everything we know about Kiara’s exit, her decision to prioritize motherhood, and what it means for Don 3.

Kiara Advani’s Exit from Don 3: The Big Reveal

Kiara Advani was confirmed as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh in Don 3 back in February 2024. The announcement had sparked excitement, marking her first collaboration with Singh and director Farhan Akhtar. However, just days after sharing the joyous news of her pregnancy on March 1, 2025, reports emerged that Kiara has opted out of the film. As per a report by Pinkvilla, the decision was mutual between the actress and the Don 3 team, with Kiara choosing to focus on her personal life as she prepares to welcome her first child.

 

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The timing of her exit aligns with her current commitments. Kiara is wrapping up shooting for War 2 alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, as well as Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups with Yash. It is said that she plans to complete these projects before taking a well-deserved break, leaving Don 3—which is yet to begin production—out of her immediate plans.

Why Kiara Stepped Away: Prioritizing Motherhood

Kiara and Sidharth Malhotra, who tied the knot in February 2023, announced their pregnancy with a heartwarming Instagram post featuring tiny baby socks and the caption, “The greatest gift of our lives. Coming soon.” The news was met with an outpouring of love from fans and Bollywood peers alike, including Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt.

 

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What Happens to Don 3 Now?

Don 3, the third installment of the iconic franchise originally led by Amitabh Bachchan and later Shah Rukh Khan, has been in the spotlight since Ranveer Singh was announced as the new Don in August 2023. Farhan Akhtar recently confirmed that shooting would commence in 2025, with Vikrant Massey rumored to play the antagonist. Kiara’s exit, however, throws a curveball into the production timeline. However, neither Farhan Akhtar nor the Don 3 team has issued an official statement on Kiara’s departure or her replacement as of now, leaving room for anticipation to build.

Also Read: “Coming soon”: Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra announce pregnancy with an adorable post



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Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Akshay Kumar bring back Namastey London for re-release this Holi

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has set the stage for a nostalgic celebration, announcing the re-release of his 2007 romantic comedy Namastey London on the big screen. The much-loved film, which originally hit theaters on March 23, 2007, will return to cinemas on March 14, 2025, coinciding with the festive occasion of Holi. The announcement, made via a post on X, has sparked excitement among fans eager to relive the magic of this timeless classic.

In his post, Akshay Kumar expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Thrilled to announce the re-release of #NamasteyLondon on the big screen this Holi, 14th March! Get ready to relive the magic — unforgettable songs, iconic dialogues and timeless romance with Katrina Kaif, all over again. See you at the movies!” Accompanied by a vibrant poster featuring Akshay and his co-star Katrina Kaif, the announcement quickly gained traction online, with fans and industry peers chiming in to celebrate the news.

Thrilled to announce the re-release of #NamasteyLondon on the big screen this Holi, 14th March! Get ready to relive the magic — unforgettable songs, iconic dialogues and timeless romance with Katrina Kaif, all over again. See you at the movies! ???? pic.twitter.com/qS1PasYBnk — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 5, 2025

Directed and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Namastey London remains one of Akshay Kumar’s most cherished films, blending romance, comedy, and cultural commentary. The story follows Jasmeet “Jazz” Malhotra (Katrina Kaif), a British-Indian woman who rejects her Indian roots, and Arjun Ballu Singh (Akshay Kumar), a Punjabi man she is reluctantly married to by her father (Rishi Kapoor). The film’s heartfelt narrative, coupled with its chart-topping soundtrack by Himesh Reshammiya—including hits like 'Main Jahaan Rahoon'—propelled it to box office success, and became the ninth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2007.

The re-release news was echoed by Reliance Entertainment and Akshay’s fan community on X, with Reliance Entertainment adding, “Get ready to relive the magic—unforgettable songs, iconic dialogues, and timeless romance all over again.” The decision to bring Namastey London back to theaters comes at a time when re-releases of Bollywood classics have been striking a chord with audiences.

For Akshay Kumar, the re-release marks a special moment to reconnect with fans through a film that showcased his versatility as a romantic lead, earning him widespread praise and a nomination for Best Actor at the 53rd Filmfare Awards.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Will Hera Pheri RE-RELEASE on its 25th anniversary? Firoz A. Nadiadwallah BREAKS silence: “Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty and I’ll jointly take that decision; whenever it re-releases, it’ll lead to a STORM at the box office”



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Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Richa Chadha announces second edition of Undercurrent Lab 2025 to empower more women in cinema, ahead of Women's Day

Following the groundbreaking success of the inaugural Undercurrent Lab—which trained ten women in cinema lighting—Richa Chadha and her husband, Ali, are set to expand the initiative with a new leg of their highly successful initiative for aspiring women professionals in the movie business.

After the resounding success of its first edition, Undercurrent Lab is all set to return in 2025 with an expanded focus. The initial workshop was a first-of-its-kind, hands-on training program that selected ten talented women through a rigorous interview process to master the art of lighting for cinema. Over the course of a week-long crash course, these women received direct mentorship from experienced gaffers and cinematographers, gaining invaluable on-field experience by working as trainees on active film sets. Notably, two of the participants earned coveted positions on the nearly all-women crew for Richa Chadha and Ali’s debut production, Girls Will Be Girls.

Building on this success, power couple Richa Chadha and Ali are excited to introduce a new department in filmmaking under the Undercurrent Lab banner, aimed at opening further opportunities for women who aspire to carve out a niche in the film industry.

Speaking about the new edition, Richa Chadha shared, “The success of the first edition of Undercurrent Lab has been nothing short of inspiring. We witnessed incredible talent and passion as these women not only learned the technical intricacies of lighting but also embraced the creative spirit of cinema. Their achievements—especially with some joining the nearly all-women crew of Girls Will Be Girls—affirm our commitment to nurturing female talent in every facet of filmmaking."

She further adds, "With Undercurrent Lab 2025, Ali and I are taking a bold step forward. We are introducing a new department that will offer comprehensive training in various aspects of film production, ensuring that more women get the chance to break into this competitive industry. This initiative is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and providing a platform for aspiring women professionals to thrive. I am incredibly excited about this next chapter, and I believe it will be a catalyst for more inclusive and innovative storytelling in cinema.”

The second edition of Undercurrent Lab is poised to further bridge the gap in the film industry by providing specialized training and real-world exposure for women eager to pursue their dreams in filmmaking.

Also Read: Richa Chadha returns to her fitness regime post-motherhood, prepares for her upcoming project



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EXCLUSIVE: Will Hera Pheri RE-RELEASE on its 25th anniversary? Firoz A. Nadiadwallah BREAKS silence: "Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty and I'll jointly take that decision; whenever it re-releases, it'll lead to a STORM at the box office"

One of the greatest films of Indian cinema, Hera Pheri (2000), starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, completes 25 years this month, on March 31. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to its producer Firoz A. Nadiadwallah about how it was made, the challenges faced by the makers and a lot more. The present-day era is that of re-releases and we asked the veteran producer if he’d like to bring Hera Pheri back in cinemas on its 25th anniversary. After all, the film has an envious following and moreover, a generation of moviegoers was too young or not even born when the film was originally released.

Firoz A. Nadiadwallah said, “This is a decision I’ll not take alone. On paper, I am the owner of the film but morally, Akshay ji, Paresh ji and Suniel ji also own the film as much (smiles). So, we’ll jointly take the decision.”

He added, “I am sure whenever we re-release it, it’ll lead to a storm at the box office. The fascinating thing is that it’s been 19 years since Phir Hera Pheri (2006) was released and 25 years since Hera Pheri was released. Yet, we have not made any conscious effort or given any monetary effort to keep it alive. Yeh apne aap hua hai!”

In the world of memes, Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri have achieved cult status. Firoz A. Nadiadwallah gave all the credit to writer Neeraj Vora, “It all happened due to the innocence aided by the witty and humours dialogues of Neeraj ji. What we all learned from him is that what you are saying is definitely important but how you’re saying is more important. Neeraj taught us and the film industry this valuable lesson.”

He further said, “Neeraj ji used to sit on the set wearing half shorts and T-shirt and used to observe the shots very closely. If the actors didn’t perform satisfactorily, he would tell the director, ‘Priyan sir, one minute’. Then he would sternly tell the actors, ‘Tum logon ne kya kiya?’. The actors would retort, ‘Jo dialogue tha, wohi toh bola’. He would reply, ‘Jaise maine bola, waise dialogue bol’. He had full reigns in his hand. Not a single take would be okayed without Neeraj ji’s consent.”

Also Read: 25 Years of Hera Pheri EXCLUSIVE: “‘Jab Bhi Koi Haseena’ was shot in the desert in 45 degrees; Akshay Kumar was wearing a black dress and yet, he didn’t complain…danced the whole night while shooting for ‘Tun Tunak Tun'” – Firoz A. Nadiadwallah



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Ayesha Takia BREAKS SILENCE after Goa police booked Farhan Azmi for brandishing gun: “My husband and son were brutally bullied and scared for their life”

Actress Ayesha Takia has alleged that her husband, Farhan Azmi, and their 11-year-old son were harassed and threatened in Goa. The incident reportedly took place on Monday night near Candolim Beach, where a large crowd allegedly bullied them for being from Maharashtra. The Goa Police later booked Farhan for allegedly brandishing a licensed firearm during the altercation.

Ayesha Takia’s Allegations Ayesha Takia took to Instagram to share her version of events, claiming that her husband and son faced “a night of horror.” She stated that a mob of nearly 150 people surrounded and tormented them. "My husband and son were brutally bullied and scared for their life as local Goan goons mobbed, threatened, and tormented them for hours," she wrote.

According to the actress, Farhan had called the police for help, but the officers later booked him instead. "The police, in turn, have filed a complaint against Farhan when he was the one who dialed 100 for help," she alleged. Claims of Targeted Harassment Ayesha further stated that the harassment was specifically aimed at them for being from Maharashtra. "The hatred for Maharashtra has reached unbelievable heights in Goa… as they repeatedly cursed Farhan and my son for being from Maharashtra and having a big car," she wrote.

The actress also mentioned that her family possesses video evidence and CCTV footage to support their claims. "We have video proof and evidence, including CCTV footage, which will be shared with competent authorities in due course of time," she added.

Goa Police’s Response Goa Police officials reported that they received a call around 11:15 PM on Monday regarding a fight near Candolim Beach. Upon arrival, they found Farhan Azmi allegedly brandishing his licensed firearm at the rival group. Both parties were taken to the police station but declined to file official complaints against each other.

As per protocol, the individuals involved were asked to undergo a medical examination, but Farhan and the others refused. The police confirmed that Farhan presented a valid arms license and permit to carry his gun in Goa. Farhan Azmi Yet to Respond Despite the allegations made by Ayesha Takia, Farhan Azmi has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The police investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Also Read: Ayesha Takia responds to trolls in a ‘demure, cutesy’ way after they dissect her recent look



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Monday, March 3, 2025

Exclusive: Shoojit Sircar confirms project with Shah Rukh Khan; says, "Filming with SRK is always a pleasure"

From Amitabh Bachchan to Abhishek Bachchan, the substantially accomplished Shoojit Sircar has directed some of the biggest names in the motion picture business.

Shoojit can now add Shah Rukh Khan’s name to the impressive list. The director has just shot an ad with Shah Rukh Khan. And Shoojit is very happy.

Says the director, “Filming with SRK is always a pleasure. We had fun. He looked fabulous and absolutely fit. He didn’t leave the set for almost eight hours. We shot it in one stretch. I told him I had the opportunity to release one of his coffee table book in Kolkata. He was very happy, and we spoke about it.”

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan and Shoojit Sircar are teaming up for a film? Here’s what we know!



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Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR kick off War 2 dance sequence shoot in Andheri: Report

Actors Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR are set to commence filming a highly anticipated dance sequence for War 2 at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri, under the direction of Ayan Mukerji, as revealed by Mid-Day. The shoot, featuring the two stars alongside Kiara Advani, will focus on a climactic dance-off, and is expected to wrap up by March 10.

The idea for the dance-off originated with producer Aditya Chopra, who sought to combine the film’s stylised action with a memorable performance by the two accomplished dancers. Hrithik Roshan will reprise his role as R&AW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, confronting Jr NTR’s antagonist in a hideout, where the dance battle transitions into the climax fight. The actors have undergone 15 days of individual rehearsals to ensure a natural on-screen rivalry, with production designer Amrita Mahal Nakai crafting a grand set and Pritam composing a fast-paced track featuring over 500 dancers. Creative Vision and Set Preparation The dance sequence reflects a thoughtful creative process led by Aditya Chopra, Ayan Mukerji, and choreographer Bosco Martis to elevate War 2’s appeal. The report quoted a source saying “In the sequence, Hrithik, who reprises his role of R&AW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, makes his way to the hideout of the antagonist, portrayed by Jr NTR. What follows is an electrifying dance battle that segues into the climactic fight set-piece.”

The shoot’s scale has prompted strict security protocols to maintain secrecy. The source added, “Knowing that the track will arouse curiosity among fans and the media, Adi has beefed up the security at the location. Phones are not allowed on the set, in a bid to ensure that pictures from the shoot don’t get leaked online. Each unit member has been given a badge to avoid a security breach.”

The film is expected to hit theaters on August 14 this year.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ashutosh Rana talks about his ‘Pan-India’ play Humare Ram: “It’s our dream to perform in every state of India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Guwahati to Chowpatty”; CONFIRMS his presence in War 2, Alpha



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