Suniel Shetty on Hera Pheri 3: "Hopefully after Welcome To The Jungle success, magic happens"
3:48 PM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 12, 2026)
Actor Suniel Shetty returned to his comic avatar, reuniting with some of his iconic co-stars from the ’90s, including Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, in Welcome To The Jungle. The trio was also expected to be seen together in the highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3, but the film is now in limbo due to filmmaker Priyadarshan having exited the project.
“Hera Pheri is the biggest comedy franchise of my career and the nostalgia attached to it is just so heartwarming. With the memes and the film’s recall value, who wouldn’t want that to happen? Fingers crossed, hopefully after Welcome To The Jungle, something magical should happen,” he tells us.
Speaking about the recent release emerging as a success at the box office, Shetty believes that it marks a new avenue for Bollywood.
“We’ve forgotten what family entertainment means. That’s why the film is a success. I am hoping more such entertainers will come into play,” he says, adding, “The film’s success is as much of Akshay as it is Raveena’s (Tandon), Paresh bhai’s, Johny’s (Lever), mine, or any other actor’s. I piggybacked on Akshay, Paresh ji and Raveena to be a part of this successful franchise, and I am glad I wasn’t insecure with these people around me.”
Rehab ka decision zaroori tha mere liye-Salil Ankola
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S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 11, 2026)
After successfully completing treatment for depression at a mental health care centre near Pune, former Indian cricketer and national selector Salil Ankola is making a fresh start. He opens up about his experience in the rehab journey and the challenges he overcame along the way.
“I am much better and at peace. Rehab ka decision zaroori tha mere liye,” says the 58-year-old.
Sharing his experience at the care centre, Ankola says, “For the first 15 days, I was also not in touch with my family. I was in a complete detox from all worldly clutter.”
He adds, “Not just that; medication also helps. In the long run, everything from going out in open space to workouts actually helps. But what helps the most is to accept and be able to talk about it. I came out of the worst frame of mind, and now I am in the best frame of mind.”
Speaking of the stigma that still persists in society, he says, “That needs to be shed. Aapne liye hum nahin sochenge toh kaun sochega, logon ko toh baat banani hain.”
Looking forward, Ankola is eager to get back to the field. “I have taken up Marathi commentary and am hopeful to resume Hindi too. Cricket has never been a job or task for me. I love being on the ground,” he concludes.
Vedang Raina on Main Vaapas Aaunga's BO miracle: "There is no other example..."
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Actor Vedang Raina opens up about dating rumours, the emotional rollercoaster of Main Vaapas Aaunga, and why a compliment from Imtiaz Ali will always matter more than the rest
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 11, 2026)
His relationship status sparks almost as much curiosity as his film choices. Fresh off the success of Main Vaapas Aaunga, a film that went from a disappointing start to one of the year’s most talked-about success stories, Vedang Raina has plenty on his mind.
For starters, the 25-year-old confirms that he “is currently single”. Notably, he was rumoured to be dating actor Khushi Kapoor. Asked what attracts him to someone, he says with a smile, “Kindness. There are other qualities too, but if you are not kind, everything else falls flat.”
Raina is still processing the extraordinary journey of his latest release. “It’s been quite overwhelming. The first couple of days or three days was a lot to take in. There w ere a lot of things being said about the film, which is now being unanimously loved by critics and audiences. The screenings that we went for... I have never seen reactions like that, and I felt it had to amount to something,” he says.
The film’s poor initial box-office performance left him disheartened: “It was very shattering. And then the turnaround took place. I guess it makes this entire thing even more special. There is no other example where it happened like this. I regained my faith in the fact that good films will find an audience.”
The actor believes the film’s success has offered reassurance to filmmakers across the industry. “If the product is good, people are going to love it regardless of all things around,” he says.
Among the many compliments he received, one mattered more than the rest. “I think the compliment that matters to me the most is always going to be Imtiaz (Ali) sir’s,” he says, admitting he put immense pressure on himself while playing the younger version of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.
If the success of Main Vaapas Aaunga has reaffirmed Raina’s faith in audiences, it has also given him a moment to reflect on the journey so far. Just three films old in the industry, the actor has already worked with filmmakers Zoya Akhtar (The Archies, 2023), Vasan Bala (Jigra, 2024) and now Imtiaz Ali... experiences he believes have shaped both his craft and outlook. He speaks about the lessons he’s carried from each, the choices he makes as an actor and why instinct remains his biggest guide.
What’s one thing you’ve taken away from each director you’ve worked with?
Zoya taught me much more than acting. The kind of person I’m shaping up to be has a lot to do with her. With Vasan sir, I saw a different school of filmmaking and acting. If I hadn’t done those first two films, I don’t think I would have been able to do what I did with Imtiaz sir.
Who’s the most brutal critic at home?
My father (businessman Ayush Raina). The other opinion I really care about is my younger sister’s. She’s trying to become a filmmaker. Whatever she tells me, I believe her.
What’s the biggest misconception that got busted once you became an actor?
I always thought getting your first film would be the biggest achievement ever. Now I realize the journey actually gets more complicated after that, as you suddenly have important decisions to make.
When it comes to choosing films, how much is gut instinct versus advice from people with experience in cinema?
When it comes to doing a film, it’s always about what I feel like doing. Choosing a film is a very emotional decision because you’re going to be part of that journey for such a long time. You have to be emotionally invested and almost obsessed with it. If I knew the decision had been made by someone else, I won’t be able to live with it.
You come across as very calm. But what is it that would anger Vedang Raina, if at all?
This is how I’ve always been, and I hear this all the time but it’s not true at all! It takes a lot to get my temper up, but I do get angry. In fact, I get triggered at the silliest things, such as the Wi-Fi not working or the TV not turning on. Maybe that’s a Gen-Z problem. Apart from that, it’s only my characters that bring out those emotions.
Who is your dream director to work with?
Christopher Nolan followed by Martin Scorsese. There are so many Indian directors I’d love to work with as well, but if I’m dreaming as big as possible, I’d choose those two.
Among Indian actors, whose career would you study as a student?
Everyone’s career trajectory is unique. Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal have all had their individual journeys. But I can’t emulate someone else’s trajectory, I can only admire it.
Earlier, there were certain actor-director collaborations, like Shah Rukh Khan would say, ‘If it’s a Yash Chopra film, I’m not even going to listen to the script’. Is there a director whose film you’d say yes to blindly?
Imtiaz sir. Even with Main Vaapas Aaunga, it wasn’t a narration, just five minutes of him talking about certain ideas he had. I simply said, ‘Sir, I’m doing it’. Today too, if he came to me, I wouldn’t ask for the script. I’d just say yes.
I slipped, fell 13 feet and broke my hand-Salman Yusuff Khan
3:17 PM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 10, 2026)
Choreographer-actor Salman Yusuff Khan, best known for ABCD (2013), recently left fans worried after he shared photos from the hospital following hand surgery. He has now revealed that the injury happened not on a film set or during rehearsals, but while flying a kite with his son, Hamdan.
“It was a very clumsy thing,” Salman tells us, adding, “I was teaching my 10-year-old son how to fly a kite. We were on the terrace. I taught him, sent him back down, and then got excited and tried to fly the kite higher myself. I slipped, fell 13 feet, and broke my hand.”
Despite the setback, the 41-year-old says he’s already focused on recovery: “I broke two bones, but I am in recovery now. The cast should be off in another 15 days, followed by a month of physiotherapy. Injuries have been a part of my life as a dancer, so I’ll be back in action soon.”
He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support after sharing his hospital update. “I’m so overwhelmed by all the blessings, prayers and love I’ve received. It really humbles me and fills me with gratitude to know how genuinely people care,” he says.
Salman shares two children with his wife, Faiza Haramain; a son, Hamdan Yusuff Khan, and a daughter, Zahraa Khan.
256 hours, 131 artisans: All about Aamir Khan’s wedding ring to Gauri Spratt
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Adrija Dey (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 10, 2026)
Actor Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt kept their July 5 wedding intimate, but the bride’s ring came with a royal story. Crafted by jewellery brand QWEEN, the bespoke wedding ring features a rare Madagascar ruby set in a crown-inspired gold design.
Sharing details of the piece, QWEEN co-founder Amit Kumar tells us, “It took more than three months to source the ruby,” adding that the ring required over 256 hours of craftsmanship by 131 pairs of artisans. Describing the gemstone as exceptionally rare, he says, “This is a Madagascar ruby, which is rarer than one in a million. The wedding ring is designed to look, quite literally, like royalty.”
Kumar adds that the intention was to create “something that did not look as if it had been picked off a shelf”, but rather an heirloom piece that could be passed down through generations. The cabochon-cut ruby is housed in a crown-like gold setting, with handcrafted detailing inspired by royal jewellery traditions. “The ruby is held by a scalloped gold gallery that echoes the shape of an actual crown,” he says.
"He’s a little better now": Team shares update on Rajesh Sharma
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S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 10, 2026)
Actor Rajesh Sharma, 55, is recovering in a private hospital in Kolkata after developing an infection linked to a suspected insect bite. The actor had recently returned from Hyderabad, where he was working on a project featuring Prabhas.
Providing an update on his condition, actor Sudipa Chatterjee says, “He’s a little better now. It’s an unknown insect bite and tests are being done. His condition is being monitored and treatment is ongoing. The last two days have been much better.”
According to Chatterjee, Sharma initially experienced fever after returning home and believed it could be a routine mosquito bite. But, after his condition worsened, he was admitted to hospital. His manager also dismissed reports suggesting the infection had spread to his lungs. “Rajesh ji is better. Bahut fake news phail gaya.”
AICWA seeks probe
Following reports of the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) called for an “immediate, impartial and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the case.
AICWA urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to order a high-level inquiry and sought accountability if any lapses in worker safety are found. “We have demanded a thorough probe as the incident raises several critical questions about working conditions on film sets,” AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta said.
Milap Zaveri on his Aditya Roy Kapur film: "It is in the genre of Deewaniyat, Aashiqui 2, but has its own uniqueness"
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Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 10, 2026)
Actor Aditya Roy Kapur will headline filmmaker Milap Zaveri’s next feature, described by its makers as an “intense, violent and deeply emotional musical love story”.
The film, backed by producer Bhushan Kumar, is expected to go on floors later this year, with a theatrical release planned for 2027. Explaining the casting, Zaveri says, “Aditya has always had an amazing ability to portray love with power and emotional depth. Ever since Aashiqui 2 (2013), audiences have connected with him in stories driven by passion and heartbreak.”
He adds, “This character is heroic, intense, aggressive, and many notches above the madness of my film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (2025). I couldn’t think of anyone better than Adi to bring this character to life.”
Kumar adds, “Our association with Aditya goes back many years and I’m happy we’re coming together once again for a story that’s intense, emotional and mounted on a grand scale.”
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Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; July 12, 2026)
After delivering action entertainers such as Satyameva Jayate and Marjaavaan, filmmaker Milap Zaveri is teaming up with Aditya Roy Kapur for his next, a violent musical romantic drama. Speaking to Bombay Times, the director says the film draws from the emotional space of Aashiqui 2 and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, while promising a distinct identity of its own.
"The film is its own beast. It is in the genre of Deewaniyat, Aashiqui 2, but has its own uniqueness. This time I want to cater to masses and classes. Single screens and multiplexes," says Milap.
Explaining why Aditya was his first choice, the filmmaker adds, "Adi was my choice because he has a strong connect with masses and female audiences as proven in Aashiqui 2 and Malang. He is a terrific actor and looker and also has a great physique for action. He resonates superbly with musicals."
Milap, who recently collaborated with Harshvardhan Rane on Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, also dismissed any speculation that the two would not work together again.
"I will surely reunite with Harshvardhan Rane soon. I love him and he is my friend. Touchwood Harsh has his slate full with many exciting projects like Force 3, Silaa and soon we will surely do a film together," he ends.
The yet to be titled movie will go on the floors soon and is slated to release next year.
Aditya Roy Kapur was last seen in Metro... In Dino (2025), Anurag Basu's ensemble romantic drama. Before that, he headlined the action thriller Gumraah (2023).
I was teaching them Hindi while they were teaching me Korean-Anushka Sen
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Vishakha Pandit (MID-DAY; July 9, 2026)
Anushka Sen is set for her Korean debut with the musical Jeju Olle this year, opposite Korean actor Kang Hyung-seok. Having admired his work for years, the actor calls the opportunity a “dream come true”. She says, “Every day I’d wake up wondering if I was still dreaming. I remember telling him on the very first day that I was a huge fan, but I also had to be a thorough professional and I worked really hard.”
In 2023, Sen became the honorary ambassador for Korea Tourism and now, the 23-year-old has become the first Indian artiste to debut in the Korean film industry. She cherishes the responsibility of representing India in Korea. “It’s not only about me doing my best, but also about representing my family, my people,” she says.
Sen credits her mum for letting her love for K-drama flourish. “My mother and I would watch K-dramas together during the pandemic. She was the first person who said, ‘I would love to see you doing something like this one day.’ It feels surreal now because this isn’t just my dream coming true, but something my family believed in from the beginning,” she says.
Jeju Olle will release in English, Hindi and Korean, and Sen enjoyed the opportunity to learn Korean language for it. “Everyone on set was teaching me something every day,” she shares, adding that even she imparted Indian culture to her Korean colleagues.
“We all went to an Indian restaurant together and they absolutely loved naan, dal makhani and rasgullas. I was teaching them Hindi while they were teaching me Korean,” she ends.
Even platforms have gone the route of advertisements as there is a lack of viewership subscriptions-Karan Tacker
3:09 PM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2026)
Karan Tacker’s last show Bhay - The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery emerged as a surprise success last year, and recently, the makers confirmed that the show’s second season is in development. Giving an update on it, the actor tells us, “I have got some material from the second season to read. The final touches are still being worked upon. But before the year ends, we should start filming it.”
The show getting greenlit for a second season comes as a form of validation for the 40-year-old. “There was nobody really gunning for the project. But when things go into season 2, it’s a big testament to the success of the project,” he says, adding that in this troubled time for the industry, such achievements mean a lot.
“I feel that the entertainment industry is going through a big downhill and a shift of its own. Everyone is experimenting with what is meant to work. Even platforms have gone the route of advertisements because there is a lack of viewership subscriptions. So there is a big ecosystem issue that everyone is facing, including the problem of content saturation. Everyone has gone back to the drawing board,” Tacker says.
Lately, Tacker has been quite vocal on social media about the unequal treatment given to artistes in the industry. Ask him the reason behind it and he says, “It comes from my personal experience. As you keep maturing within your own trade and industry, you start seeing the loopholes more clearly. So, I’m just saying things as they are.”
He adds, “Everyone within the system is so afraid to really shake things up. We’re afraid to speak out because we’re all so insecure of our own jobs. If we keep shying away from reality, this hole is just going to keep getting bigger. So even if we’re trying to save our jobs today, there is going to be a tomorrow where I don’t think there’ll be opportunities to really have a job to be insecure of.”
Telugu cinema isn’t telling stories that matter to women, says Maa Inti Bangaaram director B V Nandini Reddy
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Neeshita Nyayapati (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2026)
The representation of women in Telugu cinema has often been a topic of discourse, and last month it was highlighted again with actor Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in Peddi being called out for objectification. Amid this came a female-led action film, Samantha Ruth Prabhu-starrer Maa Inti Bangaaram, which became a box office success, and has collected Rs. 95 crore worldwide since release.
While Maa Inti Bangaaram isn’t the norm but an exception in Telugu cinema these days, director B V Nandini Reddy says change in the industry will come only when it first reaches the audience. She also says her film’s box-office performance is a reminder to Tollywood that women-led films work.
When asked Nandini where the change needs to come from to better represent women in Telugu cinema, her answer is quick. Her solution lies with the audience changing first. “I think it needs to come from the audience. From the films they choose to watch, the films they choose to make successful. That itself sends a message which is loud and clear. It’s the biggest harbinger of change,” she says.
“I keep telling women. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, then when you see something you like, ensure that other people go and watch it. The audience also has to make the effort to go watch the films they like only in theatres. It’s the only way to get better films,” explains Nandini, adding, “When it starts with the audience, then of course the filmmakers will listen. It’s a business at the end of the day, and you have to listen to the customer.”
Nandini says Maa Inti Bangaaram has brought women back to the theatres because it made them feel seen. “It has put out the question that there is a large section of the audience you’re not catering to. You’re not telling stories that matter to them,” explains the filmmaker, adding, “If you add this crowd to an already existing male audience for male-centric films, imagine the numbers now. The industry keeps saying we lost the audience there. But no, they’re there, waiting.”
The filmmaker also brings up Barbie as an example of how a woman-centric film can do wonders at the box office. “Samantha always said Barbie did so well because the women came out to watch it. And that’s the audience we targeted with Maa Inti Bangaaram. Numbers are numbers, but I think we did something right because women across age groups have turned up at the theatres to have fun,” she rounds off.
Maa Inti Bangaaram was released in theatres on June 19 and has since grossed over Rs. 95 crore worldwide, a record for a female-led Telugu film. Peddi, which was released on June 4, has grossed over Rs. 340 crore.
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