Veteran singer-composer Leslee Lewis is set to make a comeback as a playback singer in Hindi cinema after a gap of 26 years, marking a significant moment in his long musical journey. Known for shaping India’s Indi-pop movement in the 1990s, Lewis is returning with the song Zorr Ka Dhakka, which will mark his re-entry into Bollywood playback singing.

Lewis rose to national fame as part of the iconic duo Colonial Cousins alongside Hariharan. Their fusion of Indian classical and Western pop in the mid-1990s helped redefine the independent music scene in India and earned them international recognition, including the MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award and the Billboard Viewer’s Choice Award.

Speaking about his return, Lewis shared his excitement about reconnecting with Bollywood after decades. “I was relevant then and I’m still relevant now,” he said while discussing his comeback and his continued passion for music. He added that singing for a composition by another musician after so many years feels refreshing and gives him the opportunity to explore a different creative process.

Over the years, Lewis has remained active in music through independent projects, composing advertising jingles and working on various albums and collaborations. His contribution to India’s pop and fusion music landscape extends beyond Bollywood, with several successful independent releases and musical experiments. Reflecting on the evolution of the music industry, Lewis noted that while trends may change, the essence of music remains the same. “What keeps you going is authenticity and passion,” he said, emphasising that originality continues to matter in an industry often driven by formulas. With his upcoming playback track, the veteran musician hopes to reconnect with audiences across generations.

Also Read: Leslee Lewis on returning to playback singing in Hindi films after 26 years with ‘Zorr Ka Dhakka’, “It’s exciting to be back, whole track is so cool”; also says he has been putting “zero efforts” to stay relevant for 30 years

The upcoming YRF Spy Universe film Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has officially locked its theatrical release date. The much-anticipated spy thriller is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 10, 2026, marking a significant addition to the blockbuster franchise created by Yash Raj Films.

Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha is expected to be the first female-led installment in the YRF Spy Universe, which previously delivered major box-office successes with films such as Pathaan and War 2. The film places two women at the centre of a high-octane espionage narrative, expanding the scope of the franchise that has so far largely revolved around male protagonists.

While the makers have kept specific plot details under wraps, the film is described as a gritty, globe-trotting espionage thriller. The narrative reportedly follows Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as elite secret agents undertaking a high-stakes mission. Unlike some of the more stylised entries in the spy franchise, Alpha is said to adopt a rugged and raw aesthetic, focusing on a more grounded and intense depiction of field intelligence operations.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Yash Raj Films (@yrf)

The film also brings together a strong ensemble cast. With Alia, Sharvari leading the narrative, Bobby Deol is set to play the primary antagonist. The actor’s role was previously teased through a brief appearance in the post-credits sequence of War 2. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor will also be seen in the film, portraying Vikrant Kaul, a senior intelligence official within the story’s spy network. Additionally, Hrithik Roshan is expected to make a special appearance, reprising his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, further connecting the film with the broader timeline of the YRF Spy Universe.

Behind the scenes, the screenplay has been written by Shridhar Raghavan, who has been associated with several action-driven projects. The film is being mounted on a large scale, with extensive action set pieces and visual effects work forming a key part of its cinematic experience.

Alpha has seen multiple shifts in its release schedule. The film was initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release before being moved to April 17, 2026. The project has now settled on the July 10, 2026 date, allowing the makers additional time to complete its extensive visual effects work.

Addressing speculation surrounding the delay, a YRF spokesperson said the team wanted to ensure the film was presented at its best possible scale, adding that Alpha is being mounted as a major theatrical spectacle and that the studio aims to present it in its most cinematic form.

Also Read: Aditya Chopra makes way for Salman Khan, moves Alpha from April 17th for Battle of Galwan!

Actor Darsheel Safary has officially joined the cast of an upcoming cross-border international feature film that also stars Mohit Raina and National Award-winning actor Priya Mani. The yet-untitled project is being mounted as a global co-production between Mumbai-based Azure Entertainment and US-based Red Bison Productions.

The film will mark the first on-screen collaboration between Mohit Raina and Priya Mani, bringing together two performers known for their work across both theatrical cinema and streaming platforms. With Darsheel Safary joining the ensemble, the project brings together actors from different cinematic spaces, spanning mainstream films, prestige streaming content, and internationally recognised storytelling formats.

According to the makers, the film is positioned as a premium international project and is expected to be released on a global streaming platform. The story will reportedly explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection across borders while blending cinematic scale with intimate human drama.

Darsheel Safary, who gained worldwide recognition with his debut performance in Taare Zameen Par, is said to play a key role in the narrative. Sources close to the production indicate that his character will act as an emotional bridge between the Indian and international worlds portrayed in the film, forming a central part of the story’s emotional arc.

Speaking about joining the project, Darsheel Safary shared, “This story moved me deeply. It speaks about courage, vulnerability, and choices that define who we become. I’m grateful to be part of a film that transcends geography and speaks to universal emotions.”

The untitled feature is based on a true story and will follow the emotional journey of an immigrant family navigating questions of identity, belonging, and life beyond the traditional idea of the American Dream. The narrative is described by the makers as intimate yet cinematic, focusing on themes that resonate across cultures and geographies.

The project is written and directed by Harsh Mahadeshwar and is currently in advanced pre-production. Principal photography is scheduled to commence later this year, with the film expected to be shot across multiple international locations. The production will be backed by an international team spanning India and the United States, with the makers aiming to combine high production values with a global distribution strategy.

Azure Entertainment, known for producing films such as Badla, Kesari, and Rocky Handsome, is collaborating with Red Bison Productions to bring the story to the screen. With its cross-border narrative and internationally mounted production, the film aims to appeal to audiences both in India and overseas.

Also Read: Mohit Raina and Priya Mani to star in first Indo-Hollywood collaboration by Azure Entertainment and Red Bison

Actor Vivek Oberoi has spoken about the situation in Dubai amid the ongoing tensions linked to the Israel–Iran conflict. After Lara Dutta shared her perspective earlier, Oberoi also took to social media to address his fans and followers, highlighting the efforts of the Government of the United Arab Emirates in supporting residents during the situation.

The actor shared a video on Instagram along with a note thanking the leadership and airline staff who helped maintain calm during the tense period. In the caption, he wrote, “My deepest gratitude to the UAE leadership, the frontline heroes, and the wings of @emirates for their incredible guardianship. It’s good to be back.”

In the video, Oberoi reflected on what the recent days felt like for residents of the country. He said, “For all of us from over 200 nationalities who live here, UAE is simply home. These past few days, as geopolitical tensions grew, the distance between where I was and where my family waited felt heavier than ever. Returning to Dubai, I felt every person on that Emirates plane had a silent story in their eyes.”

Speaking about the flight crew and the emotional atmosphere during the journey, he added, “Hats off to the Emirates crew for maintaining the calm and taking care of everyone with a smile despite their own fears. The moment we touched down, the atmosphere shifted from silent anxiety to a collective surge of relief. Walking through the terminal, I couldn't help but be moved to tears as I saw daughters throwing themselves into the parents' arms and fathers finally lifting their little ones into the air.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Vivek Oberoi (@vivekoberoi)

The actor also spoke about the anxiety he experienced while thinking about his children during the journey. “I had spent the entire journey with my own heart racing, my thoughts fixed entirely on my kids. A heartfelt thank you Emirates for being the bridge that brought us back together in a world that felt like it was shifting, you remained constant. Thank you for the safety you carry in your wings and for providing the quiet peace we all needed to find our way back.”

Expressing gratitude to the country’s leadership, Oberoi further said, “Today, I am more grateful than ever for the resilience of the UAE government in the face of global uncertainty. Your steady leadership and unwavering calm provided the safety we needed to come back. You have built a nation that doesn't just function, it protects.”

He concluded his message by acknowledging the country’s support for Indian residents. “As a proud Indian, on behalf of all the Indians settled in the UAE, thank you for keeping us safe and for standing with us as one of us rather than just meeting from a distance. Thank you.”

Oberoi’s post comes as several public figures continue to share their experiences and messages of reassurance for residents amid the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.

Also Read: Lara Dutta reveals stressful days in Dubai amid Israel–Iran conflict; thanks UAE government for protection

Actor Preity Zinta has reportedly sold an apartment in Mumbai’s upscale Pali Hill neighbourhood in Bandra for Rs 18.50 crores. The transaction details emerged through property registration documents reviewed by real estate data analytics platform CRE Matrix.

The property is located in the Rustomjee Parishram building and measures approximately 1,770 square feet. Records indicate that the transaction was officially registered on March 2, 2026. The apartment was purchased by Priya Nagar and Rajeev Nagar, who are US citizens of Indian origin. As part of the transaction process, the buyers paid a stamp duty amount of Rs 1.11 crore, along with a registration fee of Rs 30,000, according to the documents.

This marks the second property sale by the actor within a span of four months. In November 2025, property registration records had shown that Zinta sold another apartment in the same building for more than Rs. 14 crore. That unit, measuring around 1,474 square feet, was also located on the 11th floor of the building. The apartment involved in the latest transaction was allotted to Zinta in April 2025 after the redevelopment of her earlier residential building. Following the redevelopment process, the actor received the apartment as part of a standard housing arrangement provided to existing residents.

According to CRE Matrix, the allotment of the apartment was formalised under a redevelopment agreement between the housing society and developer Keystone Realtors, which operates under the brand Rustomjee. The redevelopment project resulted in the construction of the current building where the actor had been allotted her residence. "Under a redevelopment agreement between the society and the developer (Keystone Realtors/Rustomjee), the flat was officially allotted to her as Permanent Alternate Accommodation. This arrangement was formalised in an agreement executed on October 23, 2023," CRE Matrix said.

Zinta has owned property in the building for several years and received the redeveloped apartment through the allotment process associated with the project. The actor, who divides her time between India and overseas commitments, has not publicly commented on the latest property transaction so far.

Zinta, known for her work in films such as Kal Ho Naa Ho and Veer-Zaara, continues to remain active across business and entertainment ventures while maintaining a relatively low profile in terms of real estate investments and property dealings. The actress is currently gearing for her big screen comeback alongside Sunny Deol in Lahore 1947 that is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan.

Also Read: Preity Zinta shares relief while celebrating Holi: “So grateful to be back home in Mumbai after a very stressful trip”

Subedaar has released today, March 5, and it has generated excitement due to lead actor Anil Kapoor’s massy performance and an exciting trailer. Viewers who would watch this film on Amazon Prime Video will be in for a surprise. This is because Nana Patekar also features in the film.

In a crucial scene in the film, Nana Patekar appears on screen all of a sudden. His presence adds to the fun and madness; in fact, if Subedaar was a theatrical film, Nana’s entry would have led to a frenzy in cinemas.

Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar first shared screen space in Parinda (1989). Eighteen years later, they reunited in Welcome (2007) and struck gold. Nana played the unforgettable Uday Bhai, while Anil played his subordinate, Majnu Bhai. Together, their banter turned iconic and helped the film attain cult status. They came together once again in Welcome Back (2015), which remains their last on-screen collaboration to date. Ever since, fans have been demanding a full-fledged Uday Bhai-Majnu Bhai reunion, and Subedaar finally brings the duo back. It is sure to be lapped up by viewers.

Besides Anil Kapoor, Subedaar also stars Radhikka Madan, Mona Singh, Aditya Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Faisal Malik and Kushboo Sundar in a cameo. It is directed by Suresh Trivedi of Tumhari Sulu (2017), Jalsa (2022) and Daldal (2026) fame.

Last week, a grand trailer launch was held at a restobar by the beach in Mumbai, where the whole team was present in full force. Anil said, “I shot the most difficult and crucial scene in the film amid thousands of bystanders. They were shouting 'Jhakaas' and 'Aye jee o jee'! However, I switched off the noise. I focused on my scene. If you want something from the bottom of your heart, you'll be able to achieve it.”

Also Read: Anil Kapoor brings back his swagger in ‘Balam Subedaar’ in Prime Video’s Subedaar, watch

In an explosive, soul-bearing interview with Bollywood Hungama, actress and activist Mandana Karimi opened up about the personal and professional toll her advocacy for Iran has taken. The actress, who has been vocal against the Iranian regime amid the escalating Middle East conflict, revealed that her career in India has come to a standstill due to her outspoken political stance.

“Well since January, I've literally have left my work. I'm not working anymore. All my contract got cancelled. I've become too activist I've become too open about politics and I have messaged. I have emailed to platforms. I've said let's talk about it. I have videos I have images from Iran - Why are you not covering it?” Karimi shared, underscoring her frustration at what she describes as silence despite having access to ground-level material.

The actress, known for her appearance on Bigg Boss 9 and films like Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, also criticised sections of the Indian media for what she called skewed reporting. “No one has covered it and if they have covered it they were talking about how strong the regime is. They've kind of sold themselves into the whole propaganda of the government and Iranian government is very known for having these kind of Influencers or certain reporters to go to Iran and cover the situation. So I've been very disheartened from the media in India, and they haven't been covering well. Even now, when you look at India today, you know the way they're covering the news. It's so one-sided. It's not accurate - the answers and questions,” she stated.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by RK (@rohitkhilnani)

Karimi went on to urge Indian news platforms to provide space to opposition voices, specifically naming exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.“I would request Indian media - to whoever is watching this video from media – ‘Indian media, if you have brought the regime murderous Cabinet to India and you've actually given your platform to interview them and ask their opinion about what's happening in Iran; why aren't you bringing Reza Shah Pahlavi? Why aren't you bringing people who are working with Reza Shah Pahlavi? We want to also tell our side of the story’,” she urged.

She concluded with a pointed reminder: “Every story has two sides. It's never one-sided, right? You're a reporter, right? You're supposed to report the news. So why aren't you inviting Reza Pahlavi to your channel and let's talk.”

Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region. As of March 2026, the conflict has intensified following joint US-Israeli strikes targeting senior Iranian officials and military sites, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. With reports of internal unrest and uncertainty within Iran’s leadership, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, adding urgency to calls for broader global coverage of the crisis.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Mandana Karimi plans to return to Iran if regime changes amid conflict; says, “I feel like I don’t have a voice in India”

On Sunday, March 1, Bollywood Hungama announced that the trailer for Dhurandhar: The Revenge would be released digitally on Tuesday, March 3. However, by Monday, it emerged that Jio Studios was no longer planning to drop the highly anticipated promo on the stated date. Bollywood Hungama reached out to reliable sources to understand what triggered the last-minute change behind the scenes.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Reports of Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s trailer release on March 3 weren’t mere rumours. The makers genuinely planned to unveil it that day. But they were later informed that March 3 witnesses a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse), which is considered inauspicious for new beginnings. The inauspicious period is said to be from 9:39 am to 6:46 pm. Trailers are usually launched around noon, and this timing falls within the window. Hence, the team decided to postpone the trailer release.”

In February 2026, Bollywood Hungama had reported that the trailer of Dhurandhar: The Revenge would be launched on March 5 at Mumbai’s iconic Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). That plan was eventually dropped, and a digital launch was scheduled for March 3. Now, however, it appears the makers might unveil the trailer on March 5 or March 6 on digital platforms, without an event. The suspense continues on the exact date.

The Dhurandhar series stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The first part told the story of an Indian spy who infiltrates Pakistan’s criminal syndicate and political system and creates havoc.

Interestingly, Dhurandhar: The Revenge will have a gigantic clash at the box office with Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, it marks the return of Yash of KGF fame and also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and others. The trailer of this mass-appealing flick will be unveiled on March 8 in Bengaluru at a grand event.

Also Read: No Dhurandhar: The Revenge trailer launch on Holi? Here’s what we know

Actor Ahaan Panday has revealed that he underwent a major shoulder surgery following the release of Saiyaara, a procedure he describes as one of the most painful with the longest recovery period. In an interview with Esquire India, the actor shared that the decision to go under the knife stemmed from an old injury. A few years ago, Panday was involved in a snowmobile accident that resulted in a shoulder subluxation. The lingering impact of the injury began affecting his fitness goals, particularly as he prepared for an action film.

“I actually got a whole surgery done after the release of Saiyaara last year,” Panday said. “And it’s one of the most painful surgeries you can do, with the longest recovery time.”

According to him, his doctor had cautioned that post-surgery, his body would “go back to zero”, making it “nearly impossible” to achieve the desired physique for his next project. The warning did not deter him. Instead, Panday now says he feels satisfied being able to speak about the process and “prove everyone wrong.”

He reflected on how gym transformations in the film industry often serve as motivation, but pointed out that his journey was different. “I used to feel motivated by actors who had dramatic gym transformations,” he said, adding that those usually involved moving from an unhealthy body type to a healthier one. “This was different; I went from being injured, to not being able to move, to not being able to lift, to being able to lift.”

For months, Panday remained in a cast during recovery, a phase that he says largely went unnoticed. “I don’t know how nobody realised!” he remarked, amused. However, a few observant fans sensed something was off. Since Panday is not very active on social media, some turned to his mother’s fitness-focused social media pages, questioning why he appeared to be losing weight. “They were like, why is he losing so much weight,” he said, smiling at the memory.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ahaan Panday (@ahaanpandayy)

Having completed his recovery and returned to training, Panday is now focused on his upcoming projects. He will next be seen in a yet-untitled directorial by Ali Abbas Zafar, backed by Yash Raj Films. The actioner marks his second collaboration with the banner after Saiyaara, and the team has already commenced shooting.

Also Read: Ali Abbas Zafar on casting Ahaan Panday for next YRF film; says, “Audiences have connected with Ahaan because he’s simply present”