Actor Imran Khan’s comeback as leading man, Adhure Hum Adhure Tum, that was touted to release in early 2026 on a leading OTT platform, hasn’t seen light of day yet.

The actor who is returning to acting after a decade, his last lead movie was Katti Batti (2015), says the film is now expected to have a holiday season release around Christmas week.

The film also features actor Bhumi Pednekkar as leading lady. Imran tells us, “We have been told us that they intend to release it in mid-December, on December 18 so we are rushing to finish the post production and deliver it to them on time. Since it’s OTT not theatrical, I don’t think the date makes any difference. I’m just glad that we can finally share this film with everyone.”

Earlier this year the actor had made a cameo in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, backed by Aamir Khan and co-directed by Vir Das and Kavi Shastri.

Actor Imran Khan, his girlfriend Lekha Washington and cousin Zayn Marie were detained by Mumbai Police at Nana Chowk on Saturday during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The three were taken away in a police van, which travelled towards Haji Ali before dropping them at Yellow Gate police station at 6.55 pm. They had been picked up around 5.25 pm.

At the police station, Khan insisted on seeing a warrant. Washington and Marie were seen arguing with police personnel. The trio then began walking away, but the police insisted they stay put.

After leaving the police station, Khan, Washington and Marie walked towards Manish Market, followed by two policemen. They then visited Gulshan-e-Iran restaurant near Crawford Market, where they drank juice and posed for selfies with fans and fellow diners.

Police personnel subsequently approached the trio and offered to drop them home. They declined the offer and attempted to book an Uber but were reportedly not allowed to do so. They eventually left in their own car.

Before being detained, Khan told news agency ANI that he was attending the protest as a citizen and was not associated with any organization.

“I don’t have demands. I am here as a citizen, as someone who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted – why people’s voices are being suppressed. That is why I am here. I am not in a position to make demands of anyone. Nor am I part of any organization. I am just here as a representative,” he said.

Khan later took to Instagram to share a selfie from inside the police van, captioned, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”

Marie also shared a video from inside the police van on social media, captioning it, “Ranjhore Ka Rathod???’ sooo close”. The reference was to Khan’s debut film, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, in which he played Jay Singh Rathore. The film features a memorable jail sequence involving his character.

The action is far from over. After filming major action sequences, Salman Khan is gearing up for the final 50-day schedule of filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally’s Monster. The superstar will shoot close-combat scenes at a studio in Mira Road. “All the action sequences being shot at a studio in Mira Road will involve close hand-to-hand combat, with Salman taking on his opponents at close quarters,” informs a source close to production, adding that the makers hope to keep the action “raw and rustic”.

Produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations, Monster features Khan as a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. The film also stars Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swamy, Rahul Dev, Ronit Roy, and Seema Biswas, among others.

“Salman is juggling Bigg Boss 20 and this shoot, and will wrap the film by the end of November,” the source adds.

Mounted as a pan-Indian entertainer, Monster is slated for an Eid 2027 release, provided everything goes according to plan.

Mid-April 2026: Filming began in Mumbai

Early-August 2026: Six-week Goregaon schedule featuring action set-pieces, crowd scenes, and an Afghan village recreation

Late-September 2026: 10-day Mumbai schedule to train combat scenes with Salman Khan’s body double

Tollywood actor Vijay Deverakonda pushed back against online criticism of his upcoming film 'Ranabaali,' alleging that much of the negativity directed at him is manufactured. The actor also questioned social media posts claiming audiences would prefer Rajinikanth’s 'Jailer 2' over his Telugu film, which releases a day later.

Vijay made the remarks during a press interaction in Hyderabad on Thursday, ahead of the trailer launch of 'Ranabaali'. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the film stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. It is scheduled to release in theaters on October 16, while Nelson Dilipkumar’s 'Jailer 2,' starring Rajinikanth, arrives on October 15.

When asked about the criticism he faces on social media, Vijay questioned whether he should change his personality to satisfy people who disapprove of him.

“Should I stop because someone thinks my dreams and hard work are unnecessary? Should I start acting because someone thinks my honesty comes off as arrogance? Should I step back because someone thinks my self-confidence comes across as pride? If they cannot digest my journey, must I sit at home?” he asked, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Vijay also urged people to concentrate on their own lives instead of criticizing others. He said personal growth and family responsibilities deserved greater attention.

“I won’t change; they’re the ones who need to. I wish people concentrated on bettering themselves for their families. I enjoy success stories a lot,” the actor said.

Vijay argued that much of the criticism directed at him should not be considered genuine hate. He alleged that coordinated activity was responsible for a significant portion of the negative comments appearing online.

“First of all, we can’t even call it hate. Because 90% of it is manufactured. There’s a batch that drops Reels at a time that they’d rather watch Jailer 2 over Ranabaali, despite it being a Telugu film,” he said.

The actor also addressed the people he believes are behind the alleged campaigns. He suggested that those paying individuals to post negative content could eventually stop doing so as artificial intelligence takes over such tasks.

“People can have opinions, but if you see the same opinion everywhere, it’s manufactured. What they must understand is that the attacks they’re paid for today, AI will do tomorrow. No one can stop it. The person paying them will stop,” Vijay said.

Vijay also spoke about how social media could be used more constructively. He questioned why online platforms were being used to bring people down instead of promoting positive initiatives.

“Use social media to promote and better things. What is the point of using it to bring down someone? But that’s the world we live in. What to do?” he added.

The actor’s comments came as discussion around 'Ranabaali' increasingly overlapped with comparisons to 'Jailer 2.' However, Vijay maintained that he would not change himself to appease online critics.

'Jailer 2,' directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and headlined by Rajinikanth, is scheduled to release on October 15. 'Ranabaali,' featuring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, will reach theaters on October 16 under the direction of Rahul Sankrityan.

Ayushmann Khurrana is all geared up for the festivals. This time, it is a lot more special because he has a packed festive season with two very distinct projects. Though he is busy promoting his upcoming films, Navratri, which begins today, is all about family and celebrations at home. From celebrating simple Navratri in Chandigarh to a “much more vibrant Navratri in Mumbai, Ayushmann is all ready for the festival. The 42-year-old actor, who hails from Punjab, says that the way he celebrates these nine days has changed drastically. He shares that the celebrations were simple and traditional back in Chandigarh.

“The meaning of Navratri has changed for me over the years. In Chandigarh, it was fasting with my mother. On the eighth day, she would make kuttu ke atte ki tikki with potato inside, and we’d have it with curd. That was it,” he adds.

However, after college, when he moved to Ahmedabad for a six-month course at MICA, he witnessed the festival in all its glory.

“Until I was 21 or 22, I had no idea what Garba was. I had only seen pictures. I hadn’t been outside Punjab and Chandigarh before, so my first trip out was to Gujarat, in 2006-07. So, a 22-year-old boy from Punjab went to a Garba night. It was so colourful, so vibrant, so youthful. It was such a huge festival,” he says.

His journey brought him to Mumbai in 2008, and he had “another revelation” about Navratri here. “I shifted to Mumbai in 2008-09 and found out that people wear a designated colour for every day of Navratri. In Chandigarh it was simple: you fast, and on the tenth day it’s Dussehra,” says the National Award-winning actor, adding, “My mother shifted to Mumbai after my father passed away three years ago. She is very religious and traditional, and she made friends on her own. For the first time, there were friends who weren’t Punjabis. She learnt about the colour for each day, and last year she started celebrating it. Now she’s excited for this Navratri.”

Ayushmann loves celebrating Navratri and other festivals with his wife and writer Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, kids Virajveer and Varushka, and his mother, Poonam Khurrana, brother and actor Aparshakti Khurrana and family. Talking about the celebrations now, he says, “Now we follow the tradition of a different colour each day. We’ve come a long way from basic Punjabi Navratri in Chandigarh to a very vibrant Mumbai Navratri. That’s a giant leap, a cultural exchange, bringing another culture into our home. Navratri is very new for us, and it’s beautiful. We really enjoy it.”

The Vicky Donor (2012) actor associates festivals with changing weather in Chandigarh. And Navratri, according to him, is when the weather starts getting more pleasant back home.

“In Chandigarh, the weather starts to change around this time. Mumbai’s October is the worst: humid and hot. But in Chandigarh, the mornings and evenings get a little cooler. I associate Navratri and Dussehra with that change in weather.”

Ayushmann is very religious and has been raised with all the traditional values. He recalls fasting with his mother in Chandigarh, but this year, because of work, he says he will not be able to. “I used to fast when I was in Chandigarh with my mom. Now, with the shoot schedule, I have two films lined up back to back, with promotions on for both. It has become difficult.”

So, does he go off his diet chart for festive food? He says, “If I’m home, I’ll have that tikki, which is fried... So yes, one day of treat. I have a good metabolism, so I can afford a cheat meal.”

When he is home, he loves spending time with his kids Virajveer (14) and Varushka (12). Ayushmann says he loves playing Table Tennis and football with them, but also keeps the tradition of exchanging music.

“I also discover music. I run a property on Instagram where I recommend new artists every month. Both my kids are into music, and we exchange music. That’s a tradition from my father. Until his last breath, we exchanged music. It’s been a love language in our family,” he shares.

Ayushmann has known Tahira since he was 17 years old. And festivals were a major celebration for the couple then, too.

“I’ve known her since I was 17. I used to distribute sweets to all our family friends myself. We also celebrated Christmas. I was in a convent school, and she loved Christmas too, and it’s very cold in Chandigarh in December. Festivals go hand in hand with the weather there. So, for us, it was Diwali and Christmas,” he reveals.

However, he says it was extra special after marriage. The duo got married in 2008, and the firsts at home are part of his core memory now.

“With Punjabi families it’s always about the firsts: first Lohri, first Diwali, first Holi. Diwali is the most important festival, and that’s when we all meet: my family, my wife’s family, my brother’s family. Everybody is into music, so we sing and play, and it goes on till midnight,” says the Andhadhun (2018) actor.

On the work front, Ayushmann’s Udta Teer is scheduled to release on October 23 and Sooraj Barjatiya’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya on November 27. Talking about his films, he says, “They are completely different genres. I think Udta Teer is a genre breaker for me, and Yeh Prem Mol Liya is a classic family drama, the kind we haven’t seen in so long. There is more to come next year with Mupapa on February 19.”

Yeh Prem Mol Liya with Sharvari makes him a Rajshri Productions hero. And the character Prem is very closely associated with actor Salman Khan, who played the lead in many of Barjatiya’s family drama. Ask him how does it feel to be the famous Prem, and he says, “That’s too much pressure, and I’m not taking it. Salman Bhai is the OG Prem, the real Prem. I revere him, I grew up watching his films, and he’s a mega star.”

Aishwarya Sakhuja says it took her years to understand that her identity goes beyond her work. Looking back at her career, the actress, who has also worked in films, says both success and failure are temporary. Aishwarya, who has been actively doing TV, has also tried her luck in films.

“I have done four films, none of which were released. Thank God for that because I was terrible in them (smiles). I feel that it was my destiny to learn on a film set and then come on television and learn the workings of this medium,” she says.

The actress is now more confident about her abilities and does not shy away from acknowledging her growth. “Today, I tell my producers and whosoever I meet that I am a brilliant actor. I am not going to be modest because I worked hard to understand how this craft works,” she adds.

Aishwarya also opens up about how her height has affected her career. “My height has been a problem. It has been a problem for 16 years now. I have not found many tall leading men in this industry. It can get a little annoying at times, but I don’t blame anyone for that. I leave it to fate,” she shares.

She recalls that even during her wedding, her height became a consideration. “The only condition that my husband had was that throughout those three days of events I’d have to wear flats. He didn’t want anything else,” she says. Aishwarya admits she has also learnt not to measure herself by her professional identity.

“Our self-worth is all around the designation of the work that we do. That is a cultural problem that we have. It took me a lot of time to understand. But now that I have, I’ve understood that stardom is temporary and failures are also temporary. So why think so much? As long as I’m getting food, there’s a roof over my head, I don’t need anything else. I’m good,” she concludes.

Following the recent horrific incidents against women in Delhi and Bihar, women across the country have been raising their voices against concerns of their safety. Vijay Varma, who recently starred in Lust Stories 3, feels men need to get out of the way of women for them to be able to feel comfortable voicing their opinions and choices.

Vijay Varma says, "Men just need to get out of the way. That's been the problem, for them to think that they have a say in it. They should let women express what they want without judging them, mocking them, or making them feel inferior. I feel like the best service you can do as a man is to let women express themselves and learn from them and hear them out actually more than anything else."

The actor admits that the lack of teaching given to men on how to be more sensitive and less assertive, leads to this gap. “With men, usually nobody's really coaching or telling them what to do. The simple thing is that it starts at home, but there they are ‘my raja beta’ and that is a problem. So, say a girl is online talking about her period pain or whatever, you'll see a lot of boys comment on it. But you don't need to. Just get out of the way. It's not your world. It's not your issue and you don't understand it,” he says, reiterating, “I feel like the best service you can do as a man is to let women express themselves and learn from them and hear them out actually more than anything else.”

Meanwhile, at a recent event, Vijay was called the 'biggest red flag on screen' by the host, content creator Dolly Singh, as she referred to his grey shade roles in projects like Darlings, Dahaad, Pink, among others. The clip of the same incident surfaced on social media, with many pointing out that the actor appeared bothered by it.

Mention the label to him, and he says, "I just want a different colour, man. I'm sick of this red flag green flag." The actor adds that is the reason his character in Lust Stories 3 connected to him. "I like the guy because he just doesn't get any hint. I've played so many characters who get too many hints, so to play this guy who gets no hint was refreshing."

If not her songs, Neha Kakkar’s statements tend to break the internet. Her recent comments come amid a debate over the authenticity of singing reality shows, after Sunidhi Chauhan questioned how genuine the format remains and spoke about performances being edited or manipulated, as well as makers asking judges to promote specific contestants. Neha was also asked about Indian Idol’s dipping ratings and whether the show’s performance had been affected by her absence.

Neha says, “I found it very demeaning when I was asked about Indian Idol’s dipping ratings and whether it was scripted. I just said, ‘It’s not my fault if it’s not working. Main nahi kar rahi hoon toh nahi chal raha hai toh main kya karu? Main jab karti thi tab toh superhit hi tha’. That’s what happened.”

The singer also weighs in on the use of contestants’ personal struggles and sob stories to influence audiences, arguing that such stories can help viewers understand the journeys behind the performers, as long as they do not overshadow talent.

Neha says, “Majority of people come from middle-class backgrounds, toh unke paas apni journey aur struggles ki stories hoti hain. They don’t own businesses or have the money to release singles or make their own videos, so they turn to platforms and people who can promote them aur unka saath de. If we bring their stories to the forefront, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, people should know about the challenges they have faced and see how far they have come. Having said that, kabhi bhi talent se badi story toh nahi hoti hai. Talent is always the most important thing and should remain so.”

In the reality-show space, the Kala Chashma singer, who has judged singing reality shows such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th seasons of Indian Idol, and Superstar Singer - Season 3, is currently seen as a mentor on I-POPSTAR Vol 2. The show focuses on artistes who write and perform their own music, something she believes is particularly important for independent musicians.

She says, “Independent music has always been very important to me because I have built my career through it. When only a handful of music labels were operating, my brother Tony (Kakkar) and I started our own channel and began creating independent music, which did very well. But for other artistes, it was, and still is, difficult to get their music heard by an audience. That’s where I-POPSTAR comes into the picture. Unlike the other singing reality shows I have been part of, where contestants mostly sing covers, this is the only one where they write, compose and sing their own music. If they are good and their songs are great, no one can stop them from going viral.”

By 4 pm on Gandhi Jayanti, Mumbai’s Shivaji Park had become a cross-section of the city, with college students alongside senior citizens, Gen Z protesters alongside activists and families, and cultural veterans joining CJP’s protest seeking the CEC’s resignation. Among them were Bollywood names, including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj, Hansal Mehta, Vishal Dadlani, Shashank Arora and activist Tushar Gandhi.

For some, showing up was simply about lending their support. “I don’t know whether anything has happened to anyone. I have come here only to extend my support,” said Vishal Bhardwaj, stressing that turning up was a personal choice.

“Whether Bollywood should also support this issue is an individual and personal matter. I am a part of Bollywood, but other people may feel that bigger stars should come forward. It is an individual choice. If someone feels that what is happening is wrong, they have come out in support. If they don’t feel that way, they may choose not to.”

This is a question of our democracy. It is a question of our rights. It is a question of our voice. We have been told since childhood to cast our votes, claim our rights, and raise our voices. But when our fundamental right is snatched away or manipulated, what is a person supposed to do? Naturally, they will protest, and this ‘people’s power’ is unstoppable now