Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Deepika Padukone becomes Meta AI’s first Indian voice, joins global roster including Awkwafina, Judi Dench and more!

Deepika Padukone has created history by becoming the first Indian to lend her voice to Meta AI, the virtual assistant integrated into Meta’s ecosystem, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, joining the list of the global lineup of voices for the AI assistant, including Hollywood celebrities Awkwafina, Judi Dench, etc. The collaboration marks a powerful intersection of technology and culture, positioning Deepika as a bridge between global innovation and Indian identity.

Meta announced that users in India will now be able to interact with Meta AI through Deepika’s voice, available in Indian English. Alongside this, the company introduced full Hindi language support and UPI Lite payments, making the experience more localised and personal. Yet, the biggest talking point remains Deepika’s voice — warm, poised, and unmistakably familiar.

Known for her global influence and grounded presence, Deepika brings authenticity and emotion to a space often dominated by synthetic tones. Her voice adds a human touch to artificial intelligence — turning digital interactions into something relatable and distinctly Indian. For millions of users, hearing Deepika guide them through tasks or respond to questions adds a sense of comfort and connection rarely found in technology.

This partnership also represents India’s growing significance in the global tech landscape. By featuring Deepika, Meta acknowledges India’s cultural power and linguistic diversity. The move goes beyond convenience — it celebrates representation and the inclusion of an Indian identity within a global product.

 

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For Deepika, this step expands her influence beyond cinema into the realm of digital innovation. It’s another milestone in a career defined by versatility, intelligence, and impact. With this collaboration, she becomes not just the voice of Meta AI — but the voice of a new era where technology feels a little more human, and a lot more Indian.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work rule sparks debate: Hansal Mehta, Hema Malini, and Sharmila Tagore weigh in



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Mahabharat fame Pankaj Dheer passes away after battle with cancer

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s epic television series Mahabharat, passed away on October 15, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. His team released a heartfelt statement announcing his demise:

"With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA's former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai."

Pankaj Dheer’s portrayal of Karna, one of the most complex and tragic characters of the Mahabharata, remains etched in the hearts of millions. In a previous interview with Lehren, Dheer reflected on the significance of the role and the immense love it garnered over the decades.

He shared: "The Mahabharata is a beautifully written granth addressing all kinds of human relationships and moral lessons. When we made the show, we didn't have many references for Karna’s character. I had to use my own intellect and creativity to shape how Karna would walk, talk, and carry himself. I chose to play Karna with great restraint to generate sympathy, balancing the dramatic performances around me."

Dheer also expressed his gratitude for the enduring connection fans had with his Karna, recalling that his image as Karna even appeared in school history books and that he is worshipped in temples dedicated to Karna in places like Karnal and Bastar. He said, "People have loved me from the bottom of their hearts. This acceptance makes it hard for others to play the role. I have been offered Karna's role in other adaptations, but I refused. To me, playing Karna was a once-in-a-lifetime fate."

Fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of a titan whose work transcended time.

Bollywood Hungama extends its heartfelt condolences to Pankaj Dheer’s family, friends, and well-wishers during this difficult time.

Also Read: Pankaj Dheer reveals he was the first choice for Arjun’s role in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat; recalls missing it over “stupidity” 



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Ranveer Singh ignites the screen in his fiercest avatar; fans go wild over his ‘Agent’ mode transformation

Ranveer Singh has done it again — setting the internet ablaze with his most intense and electrifying look to date. The superstar, known for constantly reinventing himself, has unveiled a new avatar that’s all grit, command, and raw power. Dressed in full combat gear, his expression steely and unrelenting, Ranveer looks like a man on a mission — focused, fearless, and ready for war.

The newly released stills and short clips have left fans speculating about what exactly this project could be. While official details remain tightly under wraps, industry chatter suggests that this could either be a high-octane film or a big-budget brand commercial that’s part of a larger cinematic-style universe. What’s certain, though, is that this reveal marks the beginning of something massive.

Adding to the intrigue is the star-studded combination at the center of it all. The project brings together Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol, and Sreeleela — an unexpected yet thrilling trio sharing the screen for the first time. Over the past few days, fans have already been treated to character reveals of the other two stars, each adding to the mystery.

Bobby Deol was introduced as Professor White Noise — an enigmatic figure cloaked in charisma and chaos, instantly setting off social media theories about his role. Meanwhile, Sreeleela’s fiery look as Agent Mirchi showcased her in a bold, action-packed avatar that’s far removed from her previous work. Now, with Ranveer’s ‘Agent Mode’ reveal, the puzzle pieces are finally beginning to align — but only just enough to leave everyone wanting more.

 

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There’s a palpable sense of scale and tension in every frame unveiled so far. The sharp visuals, the high-stakes energy, and the cinematic tone have fans convinced that this is no ordinary campaign — it feels like the start of a sprawling action universe, one that could blur the lines between film and fiction.

Social media platforms have exploded with speculation, with fans praising Ranveer’s fierce transformation and wondering when the full project will drop. One thing’s for sure — this reveal is just the beginning. With the fuse now lit, all eyes are on what’s next — and how soon this powerhouse trio will officially blow up the internet.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol, and Sreeleela wrap up shoot for untitled project; BIG announcement coming next week



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Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Akshay Kumar moves Bombay High Court to protect his personality rights amid AI deepfake threat

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has approached the Bombay High Court seeking protection of his personality rights, becoming the latest A-list actor to take legal recourse amid growing concerns over the unauthorised use of celebrity identities through artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. The matter will be heard by the court on Wednesday.

According to reports, the actor has filed a suit to safeguard his name, image, voice, likeness and overall persona from misuse by unknown individuals and digital entities. The move comes shortly after fellow actor Hrithik Roshan filed a similar plea before the Delhi High Court to protect his personal and digital identity from unauthorised commercial use.

The issue of AI-generated deepfakes and digitally manipulated content has become a serious concern in the entertainment industry, with several high-profile figures recently turning to the courts for relief. Earlier this month, Justice Arif Doctor of the Bombay High Court granted interim protection of personality rights to legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle and actor Suniel Shetty, acknowledging the increasing misuse of celebrity images and videos online.

With Akshay Kumar now joining this growing list, the issue has clearly taken centre stage in Bollywood’s ongoing battle against digital impersonation and content manipulation. Known for his strong public image and disciplined persona, Akshay has built one of the most respected brands in Indian cinema — spanning acting, production, and philanthropy. His decision to seek judicial protection underscores the mounting challenges faced by celebrities in maintaining control over their identity in an era where AI can easily replicate voices and faces for profit or parody.

On the work front, Akshay Kumar continues to remain one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, with multiple projects lined up for release. His recent films have spanned genres — from action and comedy to social drama — reaffirming his place as one of the industry’s most versatile performers.

As India awaits a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the commercial use of AI-generated likenesses, such court interventions are expected to set important precedents for safeguarding celebrity rights in the digital age.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar opens up on teaching his children about money; says, “What’s more important than money is peace of mind”



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Hrithik Roshan moves Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights amid rising AI misuse

Hrithik Roshan has moved the Delhi High Court by filing a petition seeking safeguards for his name, image, likeness and other aspects of his persona against unauthorised commercial use and misuse. This comes days after veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu sought legal protection for his personality rights, and the matter is expected to be heard on Wednesday, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

With the increasing use of generative AI and deepfake technologies, several Indian celebrities have been turning to the courts to protect their digital and personal identities. Hrithik joins a growing list of public figures — including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Kumar Sanu, and even the late Ratan Tata — who have sought injunctions to prevent unauthorised exploitation of their name or likeness, often through AI-generated content.

Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, give individuals legal control over how their name, image, voice, and other identifiable traits are used commercially. While India does not yet have a dedicated law governing these rights, courts have upheld them under the right to privacy guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution and through existing principles of common law.

Hrithik Roshan, who was last seen in War 2 which released on August 14, has been in the spotlight not only for his films but also for his new venture as a producer. The actor recently kicked off his debut production Storm in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video under his banner HRX Films. Known for his carefully curated projects and strong public image, Hrithik’s move to secure his personality rights reflects a growing concern among stars about their identity being misused in the age of AI-generated videos, fake endorsements and manipulated content.

As courts continue to issue directions to online platforms for removing infringing material, legal experts believe more celebrities will take similar steps until India establishes a dedicated framework to regulate the commercial use of personal likenesses in the digital era.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan rings in star-studded celebration with Storm cast; watch



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Monday, October 13, 2025

Inside the SHOCKING allegations by Karisma Kapoor’s kids over Sunjay Kapur’s will: Metadata, WhatsApp chats, and more!

The Delhi High Court on Monday heard explosive claims that the will of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, scion of the Sona BLW automotive group, was digitally fabricated to divert his Rs30,000-crore estate entirely to his third wife, Priya Kapur. What began as a private inheritance dispute has erupted into a courtroom thriller, with lawyers for Kapur’s children from his second marriage — Samaira and Kiaan Kapur, whose mother is Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor — alleging a deliberate digital manipulation of files, secret WhatsApp groups, and a forged signature trail. The outcome could redefine not just the balance of one family’s fortune but the boundaries of digital evidence in India’s inheritance law.

“A will born on another man’s computer” Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the two children, told the bench that the contested will “was not the product of the deceased’s hand or mind” but a “manufactured document” created and edited on another man’s computer. According to Jethmalani, metadata shows that the will originated on the device of one Nitin Sharma, a person with no formal connection to Sunjay Kapur. “Who prepared this will?” he asked. “The file was created and altered on Sharma’s system on March 17, 2025 — the very day Sunjay was in Goa with his son Kiaan. It defies logic that he would rewrite his will on holiday while disinheriting his own children.”

The counsel added that the Word file was converted into a PDF on March 24 at 10:06 a.m., hours before a WhatsApp group named Family Office IC was formed to circulate it among a select circle that included Sharma, Priya Kapur, and Dinesh Agarwal, a director of Aureus Investment Pvt Ltd, part of the Sona BLW promoter group.

“Immediately after the document was shared,” Jethmalani said, “Priya Kapur responded, ‘Okay, thank you!’ — with no surprise or hesitation. It reads like an acknowledgment of a task completed, with no endorsement from the deceased.” Digital footprints and missing links Jethmalani argued that the electronic evidence showed multiple, unidentified edits before and after Kapur’s death, pointing to “a secretive and coordinated effort.” The will, he said, surfaced only on the 13th day after the cremation of the deceased. “There is no explanation for where this document was stored or who had possession of it,” he said. “The entire chain of custody is broken.” Contradictions and omissions The will, Jethmalani told the court, contains glaring internal contradictions — listing three bank accounts in one section and six in another, while omitting key properties including Kapur’s New York apartment, a 2010 family trust, and holdings in jewellery, artwork, and precious metals. “These are not clerical errors,” he said. “A Harvard-educated industrialist of Sunjay Kapur’s precision could not have drafted a document this casual.”

Even more striking, he said, are the incorrect addresses of Samaira and Kiaan and the five inconsistent spellings of his youngest son Azarias’ name. “A meticulous and affectionate father would never commit such mistakes,” he said. “A will standing on air” Jethmalani also drew attention to the absence of a schedule of assets, a mandatory annexure detailing the testator’s holdings. The bench itself described the omission as “a serious procedural lapse.”

“Without it,” Jethmalani said, “this will stands on air. It lists no inventory of what the deceased owned, and even the named executor appears unaware of the estate’s scale.” A matter of character and credibility To reinforce his case, Jethmalani portrayed Sunjay Kapur as “a devoted father and a perfectionist in both business and life,” citing his education at the University of Buckingham and Harvard Business School. “He never missed Kiaan’s birthdays,” he said. “The idea that such a man would exclude his children is beyond belief.” Concluding his arguments, Jethmalani declared: “This will should be cast into the dustbin of history. It bears no mark of the deceased’s hand or heart.” Court reaction and adjournment The High Court said the evidence raised “substantial questions” about the will’s origin and internal coherence. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, October 14, for further examination of the digital trail and the physical document’s custody.

Priya Kapur’s counsel maintains that “unimpeachable electronic evidence” supports the will’s authenticity. But for Samaira and Kiaan, the fight has become a broader test of truth — pitting memory against metadata in one of India’s most closely watched inheritance battles.

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor’s children’s lawyer calls Priya Sachdev “Cinderella’s stepmother” amid Rs 30,000-crores Sunjay Kapur estate legal battle 



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Jimmy Shergill’s father passes away; Antim Ardas scheduled for October 14

Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill, acclaimed for his performances in films such as Mohabbatein, Tanu Weds Manu, Special 26, and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, is mourning the loss of his father, Satyajit Singh Shergill, who passed away at the age of 90 on October 11. Satyajit Singh Shergill was a senior artist, reflecting the Shergill family's rich connection with art and creativity.​

Antim Ardas Details and Family Legacy The Bhog and Antim Ardas ceremony for the late Satyajit Singh Shergill will take place on October 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Gurudwara Dhan Pothohar Nagar, Santacruz West, Mumbai. The Shergill family traces its artistic roots to the iconic painter Amrita Sher-Gil, with Satyajit Singh’s family being related to the celebrated artist, thus underlining their deep ties to India's cultural and artistic heritage.

Jimmy Shergill has previously spoken about personal challenges and his relationship with his father, including tensions during his teenage years about his decision to cut his hair. Despite these personal struggles, Jimmy has remained a well-respected figure in both Hindi and Punjabi cinema. His latest work includes the Punjabi film Maa Jaye, released in August 2025, as well as appearances in the web series Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond and the thriller Sikandar Ka Muqaddar.

Also Read: Jimmy Shergill breaks free from the ‘Chocolate Boy’ image: “Yeh he naach-gana karta raha, 3-4 saal mein ghar pe baith jaunga”



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