Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao are going all out with their campaign for the Oscars 2025 for their film Laapataa Ladies, which was released earlier this year and is India’s official submission. Ahead of the campaign, they have decided to change the film's title, likely to enhance its recall value internationally.

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, through Aamir’s production house’s Instagram account, revealed that they have changed the title of Laapataa Ladies to Lost Ladies to boost the film’s global appeal. The announcement came with a new poster, accompanied by the caption, “The wait is over! Presenting the official poster for Lost Ladies—a glimpse into the wild, heartfelt journey of Phool and Jaya! Huge shoutout to @jahansinghbakshi and @apertureanecdotes for bringing our story to life with this stunning design. Get ready to be swept away!”

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A special screening of Lost Ladies (formerly Laapataa Ladies) was hosted by chef Vikas Khanna in New York. On Tuesday, he shared the news on social media, offering a glimpse of the event. He wrote, “Jab dil se Dua atti hai, ‘Jeet lo duniya’. This is exactly what I felt yesterday when we were hosting Oscar Campaigning event of Lost Ladies (Laapataa Ladies) at Bungalow. Kiran you are a true artist to create such an iconic film.”

He continued, “Aamir Sir, you are the KINDEST. The way you engaged & loved & respected Mysha was everything to me. Jyoti your genuineness & everygy to support South Asian Arts is inspiring. Your journey defines an Indian value system of ‘always there for you like a family’. Prabal you are an inspiration to millions. You lift so many of us as you rise. Shine forever.”

Also Read : Aamir Khan calls Sitaare Zameen Par a ‘spiritual successor’ to Taare Zameen Par; says, “It’s a humorous film”

Mumbai Police on Tuesday arrested an aspiring songwriter for allegedly sending threatening messages to Bollywood actor Salman Khan and demanding Rs. 5 crores in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, an official reported.

Police claimed that Sohail Pasha, arrested in Raichur, Karnataka, intended to make a song he wrote and resorted to this scheme for publicity. On November 7, the Mumbai traffic police’s WhatsApp helpline received several messages claiming that the sender was part of the Bishnoi gang, threatening to kill Salman Khan if he didn’t pay Rs. 5 crores. The sender also warned that the writer of the song ‘Main Sikandar Hoon’ would be killed.

The Mumbai Police crime branch traced the mobile number used to send the threatening messages to Raichur. A team was dispatched to Karnataka, where they interrogated Vyankatesh Narayan, the owner of the number. However, Narayan's phone did not have internet access. Police later discovered that his phone had received a WhatsApp installation OTP, leading to further investigation.

Narayan told the police that on November 3, a stranger approached him in a marketplace, asking to borrow his phone to make a call. Investigations revealed that the man had used Narayan's phone number to install WhatsApp on his own phone by obtaining an OTP. The crime branch then traced the suspect to Pasha in Manavi village near Raichur.

Pasha, the writer of the song ‘Main Sikandar Hoon’ mentioned in the threat, admitted to using the scheme to gain fame for his song by including it in a threat directed at Salman Khan. Pasha was brought to Mumbai and handed over to Worli police for further investigation. The traffic police helpline had previously received at least four threatening messages targeting Salman Khan in recent months.

Also Read : Salman Khan resumes Sikandar shoot in Hyderabad; Security beefed up to 4-layers including 70 personnel, NSG Commandos, and private guards on duty amid death threats: Report

Kartik Aaryan, riding high on the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, is reportedly keen on reviving the Aashiqui franchise. The actor, initially set to star in Aashiqui 3 under Anurag Basu's direction, aims to bring the film back under the iconic franchise banner. Originally titled Aashiqui 3, the project underwent a name change to Tu Aashiqui Hai earlier this year due to a dispute between the film's producers, T-Series and Vishesh Films. However, the recent success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has prompted Aaryan to reconsider the strategic value of a franchise.

As per a report in Mid-day, a source revealed, “The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3 has confirmed Kartik’s belief in the power of franchises. He has suggested to Bhushan that he initiate talks with Mukesh Bhatt to acquire the title. Kartik is certain that building the love story under the Aashiqui franchise will give it a push.”

The Aashiqui franchise has a rich history. The original 1990 film launched the careers of Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal. The 2013 sequel, Aashiqui 2, starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, was also a massive commercial and critical success.

However, the road to Aashiqui 3 is not without its challenges. The ongoing dispute between T-Series and Vishesh Films over the franchise rights could complicate matters. Additionally, Anurag Basu's busy schedule, including the reshoots of Metro… In Dino, may delay the project's commencement. Despite these hurdles, Aaryan remains determined to bring the franchise back to life. He is committed to ensuring the film is made with utmost care and attention to detail. The actor is also keen on exploring other franchise opportunities, with a potential sequel to his 2018 hit Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety on the cards. “Anurag is anyway busy with the re-shoot of Metro… In Dino. With this new development, the project will only roll sometime next year. Kartik wants clarity on all aspects before he faces the camera,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan will soon start the shoot for Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 with Mudassar Aziz. ALSO READ: Bhushan Kumar reacts to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 success; says, “It celebrates the journey of Kartik Aaryan from a star to now a superstar”

Mona Singh has long been admired for her exceptional performances on screen. Known for her distinct charm, she consistently brings depth and authenticity to every role, captivating audiences with her flawless portrayals. Her on-screen presence is magnetic, exuding a unique appeal that resonates with her fans. Now, Mona is set to take on a new challenge, preparing for a powerful and intense performance in an upcoming series.

A source close to the actress shared that Mona is leaving no stone unturned in her preparation. “Mona is really preparing for an intense and power-packed performance,” the source revealed. “She’s changed her perfume to something strong and intense, and her music playlist has shifted from soft melodies to loud, bass-heavy tracks! She’s going to create magic!”

With this new approach, Mona is set to create magic on screen, and fans can expect yet another memorable performance from the talented actress.

As she is set to appear in an action-packed avatar. She is giving her heart and soul to deliver her best.

Also Read : Mona Singh on Munjya’s Rs.100 crore success: “Producers and directors should think about making a family entertainer, and not just looking at the hit formula”

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn recently spoke about the trolling and memes surrounding his viral Vimal Elaichi advertisement. Known for the tagline "Bolo Zubaan Kesari," Ajay’s ad has often been the subject of jokes and memes across social media. Devgn, who has endorsed the brand for years, spoke candidly about the humorous attention the ad receives, explaining that the online jokes don’t bother him.

Ajay Devgn Addresses Meme Culture Around His Vimal Elaichi Ad In a conversation with interviewer Ranveer Allahbadia, Ajay Devgn was asked about how he feels when people humorously mimic his iconic tagline from the Vimal Elaichi ad. Ajay responded with a calm attitude, admitting that the memes and online jabs don’t affect him personally. When Allahbadia asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, in this meme culture, if someone is saying, ‘Zubaan Kesari,’ how does your brain process it?” Ajay replied simply, “It’s okay. It doesn’t matter."

Rohit Shetty, who was present during the interview, added his own take on the meme culture surrounding Ajay’s ad campaigns, saying, “I think it is done being offensive. Everyone enjoys memes now. It’s now about ‘Arre, did you see this meme?’”

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Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and the Enduring Popularity of the Vimal Elaichi Ads Ajay Devgn’s association with Vimal Elaichi has placed him firmly in the spotlight of meme culture. Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and, previously, Akshay Kumar, have also been brand ambassadors for Vimal Elaichi. However, Akshay Kumar opted to end his contract with the brand last year following online backlash for endorsing a product connected to the tobacco industry. Shah Rukh Khan joined the campaign shortly after, and more recently, Tiger Shroff has become part of the star-studded endorsement line-up. Ajay Devgn's Box Office Success with Singham Again Apart from the ongoing attention paid to his Vimal Elaichi ads, Ajay Devgn has been celebrating the success of Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. The film, which was released around Diwali, features an ensemble cast, including Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and Shweta Tiwari. Singham Again has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark at the box office in less than two weeks. 

Also Read: Aamir Khan recalls getting attacked by a chimpanzee on Ishq set; Ajay Devgn says: “He was spraying water on it and then ran around, shouting ‘bachao bachao’ like a girl”

Ajay Devgn, known as one of Bollywood's biggest pranksters, recently shared details about some of his notorious practical jokes during a conversation with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. Ajay admitted to pulling off extreme pranks in the past, some of which were so intense they “caused divorces”

In a behind-the-scenes clip from the interview, Ajay was seen pranking a cameraman on a film set. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who joined the conversation, responded to the video with a laugh, stated, “This is a small prank. We once sent a woman and kids to the house of a production team member, claiming she was his first wife. We have gone to that level too.”

Ajay acknowledged the intensity of his pranks and admitted, “These days, pranksters worry about someone getting offended. We didn’t think about that back then. Hamare wajah se ek-do divorce bhi ho chuke hai.”

In a recent interview, actor-costume designer Dolly Ahluwalia recalled working on Omkara with Ajay Devgn and shared one of his pranks that left some people on set unconscious. She revealed, “Ajay Devgn was the biggest prankster on the sets of Omkara. Once a few guys fell unconscious on the set due to their prank. They had brought a ladoo made of bhaang and whoever ate it for the first time, just fell unconscious and they (Ajay and Vivek Oberoi) used to be like, ‘Don’t worry, they will be fine.’ Vishal Bharadwaj used to be a little upset, but he knew them so there was never a serious situation on set. We need such fun moments on set to work, to be honest.”

Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty are currently celebrating the success of Singham Again, with the film nearing Rs 200 crore at the Indian box office. In her review of the movie, SCREEN’s Shubhra Gupta wrote, “It’s all so same-old in Ajay Devgn-Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again that even the new locations don’t help. Neither does all the blatant-referencing-and-copy-pasting of Ramayan.”

Also Read : Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan spark excitement by teasing a sequel to 1997 film Ishq; recall fun moments on the set: “Warmth and love”

Sonu Sood, the renowned actor and philanthropist, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Advisor for Thailand Tourism. Celebrated globally for his humanitarian efforts, particularly during the pandemic, this new role enhances his growing status as a global goodwill ambassador. The official certificate from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports designates Sonu Sood as the “Honorary Tourism Advisor” for Thailand, where he will offer guidance on marketing and public relations strategies to promote Thai tourism in India.

Sonu Sood shared the news on his social media, expressing his gratitude, “Honoured and humbled at being appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Advisor for Tourism, Thailand ????????. My first international trip was to this beautiful country with my family, and in my new role, I am excited to advise and promote the country’s stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage. Thank you for all the love and wishes.”

Honoured and humbled at being appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Advisor for Tourism , Thailand ????????. My first international trip was to this beautiful country with my family and in my new role I am excited to advise and promote the country’s stunning landscapes & rich cultural… pic.twitter.com/0slsWp9efd — sonu sood (@SonuSood) November 10, 2024

Over the years, Sonu Sood has forged a deep connection with his audience through his work as both an actor and a philanthropist. His remarkable efforts during the pandemic, where he provided food, education, and medical care, earned him the title of “Nation’s Hero.” His selfless actions continue to inspire many. With his new role as Thailand's Brand Ambassador, he joins an esteemed group of celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, the Brand Ambassador for Dubai, and Ranveer Singh, who represents Switzerland.

On the work front, Sonu Sood is preparing for his debut as a director with Fateh, a cybercrime thriller that promises to rival Hollywood action films. In addition to Sood, the film stars Naseeruddin Shah and Jacqueline Fernandez in key roles. Fateh is scheduled to release in theaters on January 10, 2025.

Also Read : Sonu Sood supports baby Sehrish Fatima battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Following the success of Kalki 2898 AD, director Nag Ashwin is reportedly working on a major female-led project. The filmmaker is said to be in talks with actress Alia Bhatt for the role. According to a report in Mid-Day, Alia is a perfect fit for the part and is preparing to take on another large-scale pan-India film after SS Rajamouli's RRR.

Although there has been no official confirmation, a report suggests that Nag Ashwin is in talks with Alia Bhatt for a major female-led project. A source close to the production shared that both Ashwin and Alia are excited about the collaboration. While the details of the story remain under wraps, the source mentioned that the role is tailor-made for Alia, known for portraying strong female characters. The script, focused on a powerful female lead, is said to require emotional depth and intensity, tackling themes of resilience and empowerment in a contemporary setting.

The source said, “Ashwin has crafted a script focused on a powerful female lead—a character that demands emotional intensity and depth which is tailor-made for Alia. While the storyline remains a closely guarded secret, the narrative would tackle themes of personal resilience and empowerment in a unique, contemporary setting.”

The untitled project is being produced by the Hyderabad-based production house, Vyjayanthi Films, and is expected to begin production in the second half of 2025.

Alia is currently filming Alpha with Sharvai Wagh, which marks YRF's first female-led film in its expansive spy universe, which includes titles like Pathaan, War, and Ek Tha Tiger. Her collaboration with Nag Ashwin, known for his meticulous attention to detail and creative vision, is a significant step forward in her career.

The film is expected to be another grand production, following Kalki 2898 AD, with Vyjayanthi Films reportedly sparing no expense to ensure top-notch production values.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt hosts Jungle-themed bash as Raha turns 2

In an exciting development for Bollywood comedy lovers, Akshay Kumar is set to bring back the magic of one of his most beloved comedy films, Bhagam Bhag. The 2006 Priyadarshan-directed film, which featured the comic trio of Akshay Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal, became an instant hit. Over the years, Bhagam Bhag has developed a cult status, with its memorable lines, iconic characters, and laugh-out-loud moments still circulating in the meme world. Now, two decades later, it seems that Akshay Kumar is planning to revive the franchise with Bhagam Bhag 2, once again bringing together the iconic trio of Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal for another dose of hilarity.

According to Pinkvilla report, Akshay Kumar is now gearing up to reprise his role for Bhagam Bhag 2—a sequel that aims to capture the same comedic energy and charm as its predecessor. The rights for the film have reportedly been acquired by Sarita Ashwin Varde of Roaring River Productions, who will be producing the sequel in association with Shemaroo Entertainment. The sequel is still in its early stages, with the script currently being developed by a fresh team of writers.

A source close to the development revealed, “Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag, and Garam Masala are three of the most special films for Akshay Kumar, and he has already sorted out the franchise rights for Hera Pheri and Bhagam Bhag. The sequel is currently in the writing stage with a fresh set of writers.”

The source continued, “Three comic legends in the same film will be a treat for cinema-going audiences, and the idea is to crack a script that does justice to the legacy of their work in the past. The scripting work has just started, as the germ of an idea for Bhagam Bhag 2 is already in place.”

Released in 2006, Bhagam Bhag had all the right ingredients for a successful comedy—silly situations, hilarious misunderstandings, and a stellar cast. The film told the story of two theatre artists, played by Akshay Kumar and Govinda, who, along with their fellow cast members (including Paresh Rawal), get embroiled in a hilarious mix-up involving a kidnapped woman, mistaken identities, and a series of ridiculous events. The movie's fast-paced humour, quirky characters, and memorable dialogue delivery made it an instant favourite, and its legacy has only grown in the years since.

According to the same source, Akshay Kumar’s involvement with Bhagam Bhag 2 is crucial. "Akshay will be collaborating with another producer on the film, and the details have been kept under wraps for now," the source added.

If all goes as planned, the film is expected to go on floors by the end of 2025, with a potential release in 2026. The film’s director will be finalized once the scripting process is complete, with the creative team working to ensure that the film remains true to its roots while bringing something new to the table.

While Bhagam Bhag 2 is still in the early stages, Akshay Kumar is keeping busy with a number of other high-profile projects. Currently, he is shooting for Housefull 5, the latest installment in the successful Housefull franchise. Akshay will also star in the upcoming Welcome To The Jungle, a new entry in the Welcome series, as well as the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. Additionally, Akshay is expected to appear in Jolly LLB 3, which is slated for release in April 2025. ALSO READ: Arshad Warsi teases “Insane” fight sequence with Akshay Kumar in Jolly LLB 3, reveals he wasn’t happy with sequel’s script: “I would have done it because…”

Filmmaker Anurag Basu has temporarily put his highly anticipated collaboration with Kartik Aaryan on hold. The decision comes as Basu prioritizes refining his upcoming ensemble drama, Metro... In Dino. This sequel to the 2007 hit Life in a Metro boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sensharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Anupam Kher, and Neena Gupta. Despite wrapping up the film in September, Basu has expressed a desire to revisit certain key scenes to elevate the emotional depth and narrative impact. This decision to re-shoot has inevitably impacted the timeline for Basu's project with Kartik Aaryan.

“Anurag wasn’t completely satisfied with how some scenes shaped up, especially given the emotional complexity that is crucial to each of the intertwined stories of the film. He felt that re-shooting some scenes would help the narrative and better capture the story’s essence,” a source close to the production told Mid-day.

Meanwhile, the Kartik Aaryan romantic musical, which was slated to kick off this month, will now be pushed back by a couple of months. In the interim, Aaryan plans to utilize this time to commence work on Pati Patni Aur Woh 2, directed by Mudassar Aziz. He will start Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 by early December,” added a source.

Bollywood Hungama, in July 2024, reported that Pati Patni Aur Woh 2’s script for the sequel has already been locked, and Kartik is very excited to reprise his role as the small-town simpleton. “Kartik loved the script of PPAW 2 and, as soon as he gave his nod, the makers decided to get this one rolling soon. Knowing the actor’s tight schedule and several films lined up, the makers have secured his dates as soon as possible. Once Kartik wraps up shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, PPAW 2 will go on floors,” revealed the source.

Meanwhile, the Anurag Basu musical also stars Triptii Dimri, marking her second project with Kartik Aaryan after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan returns to comedy, signs Pati Patni Aur Woh 2

The Indian film industry, particularly Bollywood, has been grappling with alarming threats directed at its prominent figures. The latest target is Salman Khan, who has received yet another threat, this time linked to a song that allegedly associates him with Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster currently incarcerated.

As per the NDTV report, the threat was conveyed to Mumbai's traffic control room on Thursday night, November 8, warning the songwriter of dire consequences if he did not cease associating Khan's name with Bishnoi. The message ominously stated, “The songwriter's condition will be such that he will no longer be able to write songs. If Salman Khan has the courage, he should save them.”

This incident is the latest in a string of threats targeting Khan, many of which are believed to be orchestrated by Bishnoi and his associates. The animosity between the two stems from a 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Khan.

In a recent development, a 32-year-old man named Bhikha Ram, also known as Vikram, was arrested in Karnataka's Haveri district in connection with these threats. Ram, a native of Rajasthan, confessed to his admiration for Bishnoi, whom he considers an idol. He reportedly planned to extort a ransom of Rs. 5 crore, intending to use the funds to construct a temple for the Bishnoi community.

The law enforcement agencies, particularly the Mumbai Police, are actively investigating these threats. ALSO READ: Salman Khans security beefed up by Mumbai Police after receiving second death threat in 10 days: Report

In a major update, Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, and The Viral Fever (TVF) have partnered for the first time on their upcoming project VVAN, which aims to redefine the cinematic landscape. Ektaa R. Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms Ltd and Arunabh Kumar of TVF have established themselves in the content arena, delivering diverse stories across entertainment platforms.

The announcement was made by both production houses on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Pooja, leaving everyone excited to witness a never-before-seen cinematic experience.

Balaji Telefilms and TVF have teamed up for their first project featuring Sidharth Malhotra, titled VVAN, directed by Deepak Mishra of Panchayat fame. Mishra and TVF’s Arunabh Kumar reunite to create a rooted story that combines folk mythology with a cinematic thriller, guided by Ektaa R. Kapoor’s vision. This collaboration introduces a new genre, Folk Mythological Thriller, aiming to offer audiences a fresh experience. VVAN is slated for release during Chhath Pooja 2025.

Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, has always been known for delivering bold, courageous, thrilling, and gripping content to the masses. On the other hand, TVF has captured hearts with relatable stories that resonate with audiences as a whole. With both coming together, VVAN promises to be a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience, offering something truly unprecedented.

Also Read : Sidharth Malhotra takes the wheel as brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki DZire