Earlier this week, it was officially announced that Kangana Ranaut will be stepping into the digital world as a host for the upcoming reality show - Lock Upp: Badass Jail, Atyaachari Khel. In a never-seen-before reality show, 16 controversial celebrities will be put together in a lock-up for months and will be stripped of their amenities. The trailer launch made a lot of noise, producer Ekta Kapoor kept the details of the contestants under wraps. Bollywood Hungama reported earlier in the day that Poonam Pandey is the first confirmed contestant in the upcoming reality show.

Now, several reports are doing the rounds on social media talking about the celebrities who have been approached for the show. Starting with Sushmita Sen's ex-boyfriend Rohman Shawl, he is one of the models who might be part of the show. Apart from that, the young Television and digital star Anushka Sen and popular actress Shweta Tiwari, who were last seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi 11, are two stars approached for the same. If reports are anything to go by, spiritual leader and founder of the Black Lotus App Om Swami is likely to join the show as well. None of the names are yet confirmed.

ALTBalaji and MX Player will livestream this show 24x7 on their respective platforms and will have the audiences interact directly with the contestants. The audiences will be empowered to punish or award their chosen contestants and even play ‘Khabri’ to some of them. Produced by Endemol Shine India, the show premiers on ALTBalaji & MX Player from 27th February 2022.

ALSO READ: SCOOP: No boundaries, zero censorship to be expected from Kangana Ranaut's bold reality show Lock Upp

Bigg Boss 15 participant.m Rakhi Sawant posed for the paparazzi post-Shamita Shetty’s birthday party on Wednesday. The former contestant struck different poses for the paparazzi. At one point, one of the photographers complimented her by saying that she has surpassed Nora Fatehi. Sanwant surely had a lot to say.

“Aapke saamne toh Nora bhi fail hai aaj (You put even Nora to shame today),” he said. Rakhi responded, “But I love Nora.”

Later, as the paparazzi crowded Rakhi to take pictures, she asked them to step back and even threatened to take legitimate action against them if anyone accidentally touched her. “Agar kisine mujhe chhua, Rs. 500 crore ka maan haani ka daawa karungi (If anyone touches me, I will file a Rs. 500 crore defamation case),” she said.

Rakhi Sawant was a part of reality show Bigg Boss 15. Her husband Ritesh Singh also made his debut in the TV world as it was the first time his identity was revealed to the world.

Rakhi Sawant is an Indian dancer, model, and actress who was a contestant on the first season of the Indian reality television series Bigg Boss and as a challenger and finalist in the seasons Bigg Boss 14 and 15, respectively.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 15 Finale: Rakhi Sawant challenges winners of previous seasons; makes Salman Khan dance to ‘Chikni Chameli’

Veteran actor Ramesh Deo who has over the years featured in nearly 300 Bollywood film and around 190 Marathi films passed away earlier today. As per reports, Deo aged 93 suffered from a massive heart attack which led to his demise.

Deo, who made his Bollywood debut in 1962 with the Rajshree Productions venture Aarti, prior to this the veteran actor had feature in Marathi cinema with a cameo in the film Paatlaachi Por that released in 1951. Later, in 1956 Deo was seen in a negative role in the Marathi film Andhala Magto Ek Dola that was directed by Raja Paranjape.

While Ramesh Deo’s demise has certainly come as shock to the Marathi film industry the late actor is survived by his wife and noted actress Seema Deo and sons Ajinkya Deo and Abhinay Deo.

Bollywood Hungama sends out its heart felt condolence to the veteran actor’s family and friends.

With the drop in the number of Covid-19 cases, the government is slowly lifting restrictions in the country. Just yesterday the government removed the night curfew from Mumbai and allowed cinema halls and restaurants to function till 1:30 am in the night. Now, as the situation is slowly getting back to normal and cinema halls are getting operational in a full-fledged mood, various banners have been announcing the updated release date of their films.

After Sanjay Leela Bhansali and SS Rajamouli announced their revised release date of theire respective releases Gangubai Kathiawadi and RRR, T-Series has announced the release date of the Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. As per the announcement the film is all set to hit the theatres on 20th May 2022. While the film was earlier slated to hit theatres on March 25, the makers of the film decided on opting to reschedule the film with the Jr NTR and Ram Charan starrer RRR locked to hit screens on March 25.

As for the film, starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has been directed by Anees Bazmee and written by Farhad Samji and Aakash Kaushik. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Murad Khetani, and Krishan Kumar under the banner of T-Series and Cine 1 Studios, is scheduled to hit the screens on 20th May 2022.

ALSO READ:Ram Charan and Jr NTR’s RRR to clash with Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 on March 25, 2022

American actor-presenter Whoopi Goldberg has been suspended by ABC’s The View after she made controversial comments about Jewish people and the Holocaust. The daytime panel show co-host will be off the program for two weeks after making controversial comments Monday about the Jewish people and the Holocaust in response to a local school board banning the graphic novel Maus.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, ABC News President Kim Godwin announced the decision in a note to staff Tuesday night. She said, “Effective immediately, I am suspending Whoopi Goldberg for two weeks for her wrong and hurtful comments. While Whoopi has apologized, I’ve asked her to take time to reflect and learn about the impact of her comments. The entire ABC News organization stands in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues, friends, family and communities. These decisions are never easy, but necessary. Just last week I noted that the culture at ABC News is one that is driven, kind, inclusive, respectful, and transparent. Whoopi’s comments do not align with those values.”

Whoopi Goldberg apologized on the program earlier on Tuesday, in a segment that also included an interview with Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. The controversy erupted on Monday’s show, when Goldberg said during a segment about Maus, “Let’s be truthful about it because Holocaust isn’t about race. It’s not about race. It’s not about race. It’s about man’s inhumanity to man.”

Co-host Ana Navarro responded to Goldberg, saying, “But it’s about white supremacists going after Jews."

Whoopi Goldberg made similar comments on CBS’ Late Show Monday evening, but also released an apology on her social media feeds, saying, “I’m sorry for the hurt that I have caused.”

The Bigg Boss fever has just ended and post the results were announced, there was a huge outrage on social media regarding the winner. Without wasting any time, TV czarina Ekta Kapoor announced a reality show of her own. Calling it the most fearless reality show ever, the formal announcement is expected later today.

The makers have also locked the host for the show. "Given that they are calling it the most fearless, opinionated show of them all, Ekta has got her good friend Kangana Ranaut on board for the same. Yes, Kangana will be making her hosting debut with this show, and it will be streamed completely on an OTT platform. And where there's Kangana, there's ought to be clash of opinions and fireworks, all at the same time - something that the makers are counting upon."

A source informed Bollywood Hungama, "The format of the show is very similar to Bigg Boss. It's a captive reality show with people locked up inside a particular space for 8-10 weeks. The entire space is bugged with cameras and there will be tasks and dares given to contestants. It's a 24x7 live show, that will stream on Alt Balaji & MX Player."

Also Read: Another complaint filed against Kangana Ranaut for her ‘Bheek’ remark on Independence of India 

After four months, Bigg Boss 15 has come to an end. As the finale has arrived, the speculations around its winner are rising even more. Like every season, finalists are evicted one by one before the name of the winner is announced.

On Saturday's episode, Rashami Desai was evicted from the house as she received the lowest votes among all the Top 6 contestants. Post that, Nishant Bhatt took the briefcase of Rs 10 lakh offered by the ex-winners and walked out of the show. Post that Shamita Shetty was also evicted from the house.

Now after Rashami, Nishant and Shamita, Karan Kundrra has been evicted from the house and is out of the finale race. Karan Kundra had an impactful journey in the show, From his tactics in the game to his relationship with Tejasswi Prakash, he's made a good remark among the audience. With this, Karan Kundrra comes out as the 2nd runner up of the season.

ALSO READ:Bigg Boss 15 Finale: Shamita Shetty out of winners race

Earlier this month, singer Lata Mangeshkar was hospitalised in Mumbai's Breach Candy after she tested positive for COVID-19. The legendary singer has been in the ICU ever since and according to the regular health updates from her team, she seems to be getting better by the day. According to the latest update, the 92-year-old singer has been showing signs of marginal improvement and has been removed from the ventilator.

A health update of Lata Mangeshkar released on January 27 read, "Lata didi continues to be in the ICU at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai under treatment. She has been given a TRIAL of extubation (off the invasive Ventilator) this morning. Presently, she is showing signs of improvement but will remain under observation of the team of doctors headed by Dr Pratit Samdani. We thank each one of you for your prayers and good wishes."

A couple of days back it was being reported that the veteran singer's heath was deteriorating. Responding to the same, the spokesperson had clarified, "It is disturbing to see false news being circulated. Please note that Lata didi is stable. Continues to be in ICU under treatment of able doctors. Please pray for her quick return home."

ALSO READ: 5 Lata Mangeshkar songs that sing about healing

Actor Pratik Gandhi, who rose to fame after his web series Scam 1992, gained immense success. The web series received a lot of accolades from the audiences as well as critics alike. Pratik too received a lot of appreciation for his performance. Now, it is learnt that after the success of Scam 1992, the actor has signed another big-scale web series for the streaming giant Netflix.

As per a report by a web portal, the show has been titled For Your Eyes Only and will see Gandhi playing the role of an intelligence officer. While Sumit Purohit, the writer of Scam 1992-The Harshad Mehta Story will step in to helm the series. While Bombay Fables Motion Pictures is producing this espionage drama series which is set in the 70s and will be shot around three countries. The series is expected to go on floors by June this year.

Apart from that, Pratik Gandhi will also appear in The Great Indian Murder alongside Richa Chadha. The series is based on Vikas Swarup’s bestselling novel ‘Six Suspects’. The web series is helmed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Priti Vinay Sinha.

ALSO READ:“I think now I am more prepared for both the ups and downs” – Pratik Gandhi on career after Scam 1992

Ratan Tata has been in the news since a few days after his company, Tata Group, was handed over the reins of the Air India airline from the government. Bollywood Hungama has now learnt that the life story of this much-loved businessman and that of the Tata family is all set to be documented in an upcoming web series.

Almighty Motion Picture, the production house that backed the very successful erotic show, Mastram (2020), has purchased the rights of the book ‘The Tatas: How A Family Built A Business and A Nation’, written by the noted journalist Girish Kuber. Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu, who heads Almighty Motion Picture, has confirmed to a business daily that they indeed have the rights to the acclaimed book and that they plan to make at least three seasons. She also added that the show will not only throw light on Ratan Tata but also his ancestors.

While the writing and research have begun, the casting will be done only after the script is locked. However, sources claim that the makers are looking at prominent names to play the role of Ratan Tata and others in the Tata family. “The whole country is in awe of the contribution of Tatas in building our nation. It’s one show that everyone will like to see. Hence, it has huge potential and the makers want to sign big but talented names, as it can enhance the hype around the show,” said a source. The filming is expected to begin in 2022-end.

The book ‘The Tatas: How A Family Built A Business and A Nation’ begins with the story of Nusserwanji Tata, who was born in a priestly household in 1822 in Navsari, Gujarat. He headed to Bombay and started a cotton trading business. His son, Jamsetji Tata, grew into a very successful business and one of his many achievements was starting the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. How the others from the Tata family, like Dorabji Tata, JRD Tata, Ratan Tata etc, carried forward the empire and made it such a huge success forms the crux of the book.

In December 2021, Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house run by superstar Shah Rukh Khan, released Bob Biswas on the digital platform, Zee5. Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Chitrangda Singh, this Diya Annapurna Ghosh directed thriller got a fine response. And now, the reputed production house is looking forward to releasing their next film, which is also a thriller, titled Love Hostel. Yesterday, reports emerged that like Bob Biswas, Love Hostel would also skip a theatrical release and premiere directly on Zee5.

We have now learnt about the release date of the film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Love Hostel would be released on Zee5 on February 18, 2022. The trailer will be released in the first week of February. It’ll be a compact but effective promotional campaign that the makers plan to embark upon. In the times of new normal, a 2-3 week time period is enough to generate awareness and excitement for the film. And both Red Chillies and Zee5 are confident that their film will build up a lot of hype thanks to the casting and exciting content.”

Love Hostel is directed by Shanker Raman of Gurgaon (2017) fame and stars Vikrant Massey, Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra. The source continued, “Love Hostel releases a week before Sanya Malhotra’s birthday, which falls on February 25. She’s looking forward to celebrating her big day with gusto as by then, the response to the film and her performance would be out.”

In November 2020, Sanya Malhotra had admitted that she was excited to be working in a film produced by the superstar. She had said, “I’m a huge Shah Rukh (Khan) fan and he is producing it. I still can’t believe I’m in an SRK film! I’m so grateful.” Reportedly, she has bagged another Red Chillies film – Atlee’s next that features Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

Besides Red Chillies Entertainment, Love Hostel is also co-produced by Manish Mundra’s Drishyam Films. This marks the second collaboration of Shah Rukh Khan and Manish Mundra’s banner after the much appreciated Kaamyaab (2020).

Also Read: Vikrant Massey, Sanya Malhotra, and Bobby Deol wrap up the shoot of Love Hostel

The much awaited Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was finally going to arrive in cinemas on February 18, 2022. Sadly, due to the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, all the films scheduled to release in January were indefinitely postponed. Expecting a domino effect, the trade and industry feared that Gangubai Kathiawadi’s release might be deferred by a few weeks or even months. However, today, the makers of the film pleasantly surprised everyone by announcing that the film would release in February itself, but on February 25. Coincidentally, now, the film would arrive on the big screen a day after Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 59th birthday.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali was born on February 24, 1963. Gangubai Kathiawadi is his tenth film and also the second film after Black (2005) to release in his birthday month. Black, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, was not a huge commercial success but received immense critical acclaim, including three National Awards. It now remains to be seen if Gangubai Kathiawadi also turns out to be not just a critical hit but also a huge commercial hit for the acclaimed filmmaker.

In 2015, Sanjay Leela Bhansali had revealed that he doesn’t believe in celebrating birthdays. To quote SLB, “As children, my sister and I had no birthday parties. We would take a packet of sweets to school and distribute it to our classmates. That was it. We never had birthday parties. Nor were we allowed to go to parties. Now, it has become a habit to be on my own on my birthday. And I am very happy that way.”

Nevertheless, last year, Sanjay Leela Bhansali had an intimate gathering on his birthday. The picture of him posing with Alia Bhatt, who looked splendid in a white dress, had gone viral. In 2013, in a rare instance, he cut a cake on his birthday along with the star cast of his TV show, ‘Saraswatichandra’. In 2018, there were reports that the success bash of his blockbuster film, Padmaavat, and his birthday would be celebrated in the ocean in a liner. However, reportedly, the party didn’t happen as Bhansali declined the invitation, citing seasickness.

It now remains to be seen how Sanjay Leela Bhansali shall celebrate his birthday this year. An industry insider said, “It’ll be a busy birthday for sure as it’s held a day before the grand release of his big film. He’ll be making sure the release is happening as per schedule. If a press show of Gangubai Kathiawadi is held on February 24, he’ll also be checking with his team how the media has reacted to his labour of love. Hopefully, once Gangubai Kathiawadi opens well and gets good word of mouth, he can blow the candles on the cake and pop the champagne.”

Gangubai Kathiawadi is adapted from a chapter of S Hussain Zaidi's book, 'Mafia Queens Of Mumbai', and is about a woman who rises to become a powerful underworld figure in Mumbai. Before its worldwide theatrical release on February 25, it’ll have a grand world premiere at the prestigious 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, which will be held between February 10 to February 20, 2022.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi to release on February 25, 2022

Music has always been an integral part of films, with tracks releasing before the film to help promote the feature and build hype, music has been a key advantage. Interestingly though, it isn’t film songs that always rule the charts, in fact, in the recent past singles featuring known Bollywood celebrities have been doing well. In this special report we take a look at the Top 10 Songs of 2021.

Lut Gaye: Featuring Emraan Hashmi and Yukti the T-Series single is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, penned by Manoj Muntashir and sung by Jubin Nautiyal. Directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru this single topped the charts last year.

Raataan Lambiyan: Coming in second was the track ‘Raataan Lambiyaan’ on Sony Music from the film Shershaah. Featuring the lead actors, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, the track fast became a rage. Penned by Tanishk Bagchi, with Jubin Nautiyal and Asees Kaur on vocals, the track fast took on a life of its own post release.

Baarish Ban Jaana: Another single to make it to the top is VYRL Originals’ ‘Baarish Ban Jaana’ sung by Payal Dev & Stebin Ben the track brings together televisions most adored stars - Hina Khan and Shaheer Sheikh. Composed by Payal Dev, and written by Kunaal Vermaa the said music video was shot by Aditya Datt in Kashmir.

Thoda Thoda Pyaar: Yet another single making it to the Top 5 is Zee Music Company’s ‘Thoda Thoda Pyaar’, sung by Stebin Ben with lyrics from Kumaar the single featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Neha Sharma was compose by Nilesh Ahuja.

Dil Galti Kar Baitha Hai: The fourth single to make it into the Top 5 is T-Series’ ‘Dil Galti Kar Baitha Hai’. The track sung by Jubin Nautiyal, with sufi vocals by Danish Sabri, and music by Meet Bros features lyrics by Manoj Muntashir. As for the video, featuring Jubin Nautiyal and Mouni Roy, it is directed by Ashish Panda.

Interestingly, in the Top 5 track of 2021, four have turned out to be singles, with T-Series featuring two songs in the list.

Filhaal 2 Mohabbat: Akshay Kumar, Nupur Sanon and Ammy Virk return for another single directed by Arvindr Khaira. With B Praak on vocals the DM song features lyrics by ace lyricist Jaani.

Is Qadar: Tulsi Kumar and Darshan Raval’s romantic song ‘Is Qadar’ makes it to number 7 on the list. Directed by directed by Sachet-Parampara, with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri, the T-Series track is directed by Arvindr Khaira.

Baarish Ki Jaaye: Apparently based on a true story is DM music’s single ‘Baarish Ki Jaaye’. Featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sunandha Sharma with B Praak on vocals and Jaani on lyrics and composition, the rack take the 8^th spot.

Ranjha: Yet another film track making it the list of Top 10 is ‘Ranjha’ once again from the Sidharth Malhotra – Kiara Advani starrer Shershaah. Sung by B Praak and Jasleen Royal, and composed by Jasleen Royal. The T-Series’ song is penned by Anvita Dutt.

Paani Paani: Taking the 10^th spot on the list is Saregama Music's Badshah dute with Aastha Gill ‘Paani Paani’ featuring Jacqueline Fernandez along with the vocalists in the video, the track fast became a rage.

Like the Top 5, the Top 10 list also includes mostly singles T-Series and DM featuring two tracks each in the bottom 5.

Also Read: Infographic: Rani Mukerji to Sunny Leone to Janhvi Kapoor, here’s who shelled out top bucks in 2021 on real estate 

Alia Bhatt considers her performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi her best to date. A source from Bhansali Production reveals, “Alia is very proud of her performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi. She has pushed herself harder on this one than on any other project to date.

“There are two sequences in the film where she has to pull out all stops, on a par with Shabana Azmi’s breakdown at the end of Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. Alia performed them without the help of glycerine. The tears just flowed nonstop even after the shots were over”, says a source.

Director Bhansali is already comparing Alia’s performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi to Shabana Azmi’s powerhouse performance in Mahesh Bhatt’s Arth. Will Alia get her first National award for best actress in Gangubai Kathiawadi? Those who have seen her do what she had done in the film, seem to think so.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma’s new initiative aims at providing clothing to children in need

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child star James Snyder has been fired from the Broadway show following an independent investigation sparked by a complaint from his co-star. On Sunday, the producers said that they received a complaint about Snyder, who plays Harry Potter in the show, from Diane Davis, who plays Harry’s wife, Ginny, on November 19 about his “conduct.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the producers said, “Immediately upon receiving this complaint, the producers commissioned an independent investigation by a third party, and Mr. Snyder was suspended pending the investigation’s completion. At the conclusion of the investigation, the producers decided Mr. Snyder should not return to the production and terminated his contract. Davis has made the personal decision to take a leave of absence. Out of respect for her privacy, and to maintain the integrity of the investigation. We will make no further comment regarding the matter.”

It is still unclear how long Diane Davis’ leave of absence will be or the exact nature of her complaint. For their part, Cursed Child’s producers added, “We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, which is why we have robust workplace policies and procedures in place for all those involved in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This includes strict prohibitions against harassment in any form, as well as channels through which any employee can report conduct that they believe is inappropriate. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the extremely talented team that brings this production to life feels safe, empowered, and fully supported.”

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions. It first debuted as a two-part show but was reimagined last year as a single-ticket performance.

On the work front, James Snyder has appeared in other Broadway productions including Cry-Baby, If/Then and In Transit. He also has appeared in episodes of The Good Wife, Rizzoli & Isles, Blue Bloods, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Drop Dead Diva, among other TV series.

Also Read: James Gunn shares new The Suicide Squad photo featuring Idris Elba, Peter Capaldi, Daniela Melchior and David Dastmalchian 

Yesterday, the fans of Allu Arjun in the Hindi belts were saddened after it was announced that Manish Shah of Goldmine Telefilms would not release the much-talked-about film, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’s Hindi version, in cinemas. A few hours later, Manish Shah confirmed that the film would now be released directly on satellite. Meanwhile, he’s also looking forward to releasing Ram Charan-starrer Rangasthalam and Vijay-starrer Mersal in Hindi in cinemas, most probably next month.

Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the entrepreneur is now also looking to get into film production and has the remake rights of a hit South film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Manish Shah has been releasing dubbed films on TV and his YouTube channel for years and has emerged successful. He now wants to produce Hindi films. He has bought the remake rights of Ajith’s 2019 film, Visawasam.”

Explaining why the remake of Viswasam is not still made, the source explained, “He had approached Ajay Devgn to reprise the role played by Ajith in the original version. However, he turned it down. Even Akshay Kumar refused the film. Both the actors felt that the film would not suit the Hindi audiences’ sensibilities.” According to this source, the remake rights of Viswasam were sold for Rs. 4 crores.

Another source told Bollywood Hungama, “Balaji Telefilms were also approached to come on-board and co-produce the remake of Viswasam. However, since no big actor had signed the lead part, they declined the request.”

Bollywood Hungama had recently spoken exclusively to Manish Shah. When asked whether he wanted to remake Viswasam with Ajay Devgn, the Goldmine Telefilms head replied, “See, a lot of discussions take place. But it’s not that it’ll always lead to fruition.” So does this mean he indeed holds the remake rights of Viswasam? To which, Manish Shah said, “The producer Sathya Jyothi Films and I have an understanding. We’ll do it together.”

Besides Ajith, Viswasam also starred Nayanthara and Jagapathi Babu. It is the story of a village ruffian whose life takes a turn when he meets his estranged wife after several years. In April 2019, there were reports that superstar Shah Rukh Khan was approached for the remake by Siva, the director of the original. SRK, however, had reportedly turned down the project. It was a time when he had taken a break after the debacle of Zero (2018) and was treading very cautiously.

Also Read: Manish Shah of Goldmines Telefilms predicts that Pushpa 2 – The Rule will be a HISTORIC blockbuster and that there’s a possibility that it can BREAK the record of Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion

The news of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas becoming proud parents has brought joy to all her fans in India. The ones who are worried are the makers of Priyanka’s next proposed project Jee Le Zaraa. It is being whispered that Priyanka has given the producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani the option of signing some other actress in her place.

For the record Priyanka was to join Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt in Jee Le Zaraa for a road-trip /holiday film a la Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaraa. “But now with her motherhood Priyanka wants to devote her time end energy to the baby, at least for now,” a source informs.

The producers of Jee Le Zaraa have the option of replacing Priyanka with another actress, an option that the producers are apparently exploring.

Also Read: Makers of Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt starrer Jee Le Zaraa approach Vicky Kaushal to feature opposite Katrina Kaif

T-Series, Asia’s largest music label, publisher and India’s largest film studio announced its foray into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in association with HEFTY Entertainment a division of Hungama, one of the largest digital media entertainment companies in South Asia, with 90 Million+ monthly active users (MAUs) across music, gaming & video joins hands with T-Series which has the world’s largest subscriber base on YouTube with a total subscriber base of over 395 Million users with an equally large community of 75 Million followers on social media across Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

This industry-first foray for the global digital entertainment industry will witness the two leaders raise the bar of entertainment creation and consumption via Hefty Entertainment - A Web 3.0 initiative by Hungama. This has been done in partnership with Polygon - the leading platform for Ethereum scaling and infrastructure development.

This strategic partnership between the two companies is built on a long standing 20-year association between T-Series and Hungama. Joining forces to create the next big digital revolution, T-Series and Hungama shall leverage their extensive global distribution network and an enviable library spanning two lakh songs and 65,000 music videos and 150+ films across Indian languages.

Hefty Metaverse will be built with the vision of fostering an ecosystem that helps to collaborate, interact and engage with flourishing web 3.0 communities that transitions consumers into the metaverse. This will see Hungama create NFTs, rare collectibles and ‘money can’t buy experiences’ and unlocking special moments from T-Series’ vast catalogue of new and existing content.

Sharing his thoughts about the association, Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director - T-Series commented, “We’re delighted to extend our alliance with Hungama, spanning two decades, and enable our community with access to the Metaverse. Having set the ball rolling, we look forward to expanding and enhancing the value of our content that leads to a further and rapid expansion of the global digital entertainment industry. Offering a future full of potential, interactivity and collaboration for our communities around the globe.”

Speaking about the tie-up, Neeraj Roy, Founder – Hungama, shared, “We are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with T-Series and establish ourselves as first-movers into the Metaverse of entertainment. We look forward to redefining content consumption with this Web 3.0 initiative as we find new ways to collaborate and engage with fans. Our partnership with T-Series has strengthened with time and it is most commendable what Bhushan Kumar and his amazing team have built in the last few decades. We’re very excited to hold hands with them to enter the metaverse and we promise to give billions of fans of Bollywood globally an experience that will see value accrue to them on our platform.”

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Neeraj Kalyan, President T-Series, said “T-Series has demonstrated its leadership position on the back of innovation and adoption of new technology advancements as we have continued to drive distribution across ever evolving digital landscape. T-Series and Hungama’s partnership is built on mutual trust and we will continue to consolidate into more meaningful avenues, akin to our foray in the NFT space.” 

Speaking about the partnership Siddhartha Roy, CEO- Hungama said “Hungama is looking forward to offer immersive experiences in the Web 3.0 metaverse to its large communities nurtured over time, across 40+ Countries, with over 150+ global distribution partnerships.” 

Having carved out a legacy delivering iconic/legendary musical hits over the last 3 decades such as Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Aashiqui 2, Yaariyan, Ready, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Satyamev Jayate, Tanhaji, Haseen Dilruba, Atrangi Re, Ludo, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Kabir Singh, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Pushpa (Hindi), amongst others, T-Series’ slate for 2022 will up the ante with respect to engagement and popularity. Additionally, after a successful last decade, working on a diverse genre of films that have received box office success and critical acclaim, T Series shall once again captivate the world with a wide range of movies in 2022 and beyond. Some of their forthcoming releases include Adipurush, Radhey Shyam,  Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Ek Villain Returns, Jhund, Action Hero, Hit, Anek, Animal, Thank God, Shehzada, Jalsa, Lady Killer, 100%, Bull, to name a few.

The partnership aligns with Hungama's aim to explore and develop innovative ways to entertain and engage audiences across the world. Together with T-Series, the two shall redefine how content is created and owned as they remain a force to be reckon with in the global music, gaming & film industry.

Also Read: Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series brings you the soulful track ‘O Aasmanwale’ starring Jubin Nautiyal and Neha Khan

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar may be enjoying some downtime with his family but continues to stay in the headlines. The actor reportedly purchased a lavish apartment recently in Khar West in Mumbai and paid a hefty amount for the same.

Several reports suggest that the apartment is spread across an area of 1878 sq. ft. It is on the 19th floor of Joy Legend, a building by Joy Builder in Khar West. It comprises four car parking spaces. More importantly, the actor paid a whopping Rs. 7.8 crore for the apartment. It was registered on January 7, 2022. 

In recent reports, it was also revealed that Akshay Kumar sold his Andheri West office for Rs. 9 crore in December 2021. Meanwhile, Akshay and Twinkle Khanna along with their two kids live in the duplex located in Juhu, which is a sea-facing flat.

On the work front, Akshay Kumar has several interesting films in the pipeline including Bachchan Pandey, Prithviraj, Raksha Bandhan, Ram Setu, Mission Cinderella, Gorkha, and OMG 2. He will also star in an Amazon Prime series titled The End.

ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar struggles to feed goats in new video, watch

Bollywood actress Bhagyashree's daughter Avantika Dassani will also be following the footsteps of her mother and brother Abhimanyu Dassani. Following her brother's debut with Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, Avantika will now step into the industry with Rohan Sippy’s psychological thriller. The project also stars Huma Qureshi and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.

According to a report in a daily, Applause Entertainment is backrolling an upcoming series and the project is already on floors in Mumbai. The shoot reportedly began in November of last year. Avantika Dassani is essaying a complex character with a strong influence on the storyline. The project will debut on a leading digital platform later this year.

Rohan Sippy recently was the showrunner of Raveena Tandon and Parambrata Chattopadhyay-starrer mystery thriller Aaranyak which premiered on Netflix.

ALSO READ: Bhagyashree pokes fun at Salman Khan’s snake bite incident; invites him to eat at a dhaba with ‘snakes’ on the menu