A part of me feels the Padma Bhushan could have arrived sooner-Alka Yagnik
4:05 PM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2026)
Receiving the Padma Bhushan has been a deeply emotional and humbling moment for veteran singer Alka Yagnik, who says the honour feels like “an embrace of a lifetime’s devotion.” After decades of lending her voice to some of Indian cinema’s most memorable songs, the singer says being recognised by the country is among the greatest blessings an artiste can receive.
“Receiving the Padma Bhushan is a deeply moving and profoundly humbling moment for me. To be honoured by my country in this way feels like an embrace of a lifetime’s devotion — one of the highest blessings an artiste can receive — and I accept it.”
Reflecting on her long musical journey, Alka says music was never merely a profession for her, but the very essence of her life. “Music has been the very soul of my existence — it is not something I chose, but something that chose me. From my earliest memories, music has been my constant companion, my refuge, and my deepest form of expression,” she shares.
The singer adds that her relationship with music has been driven by constant learning and the emotional connection she feels with every song she sings. “What has kept me devoted is the endless joy of learning, the emotional connection with every song, and the privilege of touching people’s hearts through my voice,” she says.
While expressing gratitude for the Padma Bhushan, Alka candidly admits that a small part of her feels the recognition may have come a little late. “If I speak from the heart, there may be a gentle part of me that wonders whether this recognition could have arrived sooner. After dedicating my entire life to music, offering myself fully to my art with sincerity, discipline, and love, it is only natural to feel that such acknowledgement may have been due some time ago,” she says.
However, she believes time and experience have taught her patience and acceptance. “Life unfolds in its own rhythm, and destiny reveals its gifts when the moment is right. Once an honour of this magnitude arrives, the question of ‘when’ begins to fade into the background. What remains is the beauty of being seen, the warmth of being remembered, and the profound gratitude that accompanies such recognition,” she explains.
In Islam, there’s a saying that if God is very happy with you, He gives you a daughter-Munawar Faruqui
4:03 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2026)
As the biryani plates are laid out at Bayroute, BKC and relatives begin to visit his home, Munawar Faruqui gets ready to celebrate. But this Eid feels different. The comedian and actor is celebrating the festival with a new addition to the family – his daughter, Barirah.
“This Eid feels wholesome. It’s family time. A lot is happening, but in the middle of all that, I just feel thankful. That’s the most important feeling,” says Munawar. The celebrations are special this year for another reason, too. A day before Eid, he marked his anniversary with his wife Mehzabeen, while his son Mikhail’s birthday is tomorrow. Munawar calls it a “triple celebration”.
‘There’s a saying, if God is happy with you, he gives you a son, and if he is very happy with you, he gives you a daughter’
Munawar goes on to share how being a father to a girl has brought a new kind of joy into his life. "I thank the Almighty every day. Especially this year, it feels different. In Islam, there’s a saying that if God is happy with you, He gives you a son, and if He is very happy with you, He gives you a daughter. So, I feel this year has brought a different kind of happiness into my life. Work-wise also things are good, but this Eid is special because we have a new member in the family," he shares.
‘Eid is family. Without family, there is no Eid’
For Munawar, Eid has always been about togetherness. “Now, apart from fatherhood, I have other responsibilities as well, so Eid days are absolutely packed. Relatives visit us in the first half of the day and then we go to their homes later. There’s always a daawat and celebration. Eid is about family. Without family, there is no Eid.”
At the same time, the festival also brings memories of loved ones he has lost over the years. “Since childhood, Eid has always been with my mother and father. At times, I get emotional because the people I used to celebrate it with are not around anymore. It’s not a good feeling, but at the same time, there’s still so much to look forward to,” he says, adding how gratitude has always been central to his celebrations.
“Even if we had very little, we celebrated. Even if we had a lot, we celebrated the same way. We learnt how to enjoy Eid in kam se kam and in zyada se zyada too. That feeling has stayed with me till today.”
‘I genuinely want to do some charity this year’
This Eid, Munawar also wants to embrace the spirit of sacrifice in a more personal way. “Sacrifice means letting go of something you love. There are so many things we don’t even use anymore, but we hold onto them emotionally,” he says with a laugh.
“I think I should finally go easy on my collection, especially of caps and shoes. I genuinely want to do some charity this year.”
I am rediscovering more opportunities as an actress-Archana Puran Singh
3:52 PM
Hasti Doshi (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 27, 2026)
Archana Puran Singh says she is finally getting the time to return to acting projects after years of being tied up with television comedy shows. Known for films like Raja Hindustani, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Bol Bachchan, Archana admitted she had missed acting for quite a few decades.
“Earlier, when roles used to come to me, they’d say, ‘Ma’am, we have to shoot in Mauritius for 20 days, in Scotland for 25 days.’ I never could, because I was doing 104 episodes of The Kapil Sharma Show on TV,” she said.
With The Great Indian Kapil Show now following a seasonal OTT format, the actor says things have changed. “Fortunately for me, the show is now seasonal. So in between seasons, Kapil and I have time to explore other avenues. Now I am able to accept roles as an actor because we have seasons… There is more time for me to say yes.”
Archana also spoke about taking on new projects. “I just did Toaster with Rajkummar Rao. There’s a series with Kay Kay Menon called Aadarsh Baal Vidyalay. There’s another film I’m doing with Vikrant Massey. Now I’m kind of rediscovering more opportunities as an actress.”
I don’t think anyone should ever try playing Mogambo. You must never touch gold-Vardhaan Puri
2:47 PM
Vardhaan Puri revisits the magic of grandfather Amrish Puri’s iconic Mogambo ahead of Mr India turning 39
Vinay MR Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 26, 2026)
As Mr. India completes 39 years, actor Vardhaan Puri is celebrating not just the cult classic, but also the towering legacy of his grandfather, the legendary Amrish Puri, whose portrayal of Mogambo remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic villains.
Speaking to Mirror, Vardhaan revealed that he has watched the film “at least 200 times” since childhood. “I would possibly have watched Mr. India at least 200 times from start to finish. There used to be a time when I would not eat my lunch if Mr. India wasn’t playing on the television in my dining room. I used to get hypnotised during the running time of the film,” he shared.
The actor admitted that every viewing of the film was essentially for his grandfather. “Every time I have watched the film, it has been for my grandfather. He is on a different level of conviction in the film. No wonder the portrayal is still celebrated today, especially among children,” he said, while also praising Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Satish Kaushik, and Annu Kapoor.
"Everybody is equally fantastic in the film, especially Anil Kapoor uncle, my favourite Sri ma’am, Satish ji, Annu Kapoor ji, etc. But the real heroes of the film are Shekhar Kapur sir due to his vision and Salim Saab, Javed Saab for the wonderful writing," he added.
Ask him whether he would ever consider stepping into Mogambo’s shoes on screen, and Vardhaan instantly shuts down the possibility. “I don’t think anyone should ever try playing Mogambo. You must never touch gold. I feel like that character was destined to be played by one man only — Mr. Amrish Puri. When I’m an artist as seasoned as Dadu was in 1986 during the shooting of the film, I would love to do something on those eccentric lines, but I’ll repeat — I do not think anyone should ever try playing Mogambo again. It’ll be impossible to match that level of aura," he said.
Interestingly, as a child, Vardhaan rooted for the villain over the hero. “As a child, I felt that Mogambo was the hero of the film and Arun bhaiya was the villain. I have forever been celebrating the super villains and clapping and screaming every time Dadu came on screen and did his magic,” he concluded.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 936
11:21 AM
CHAND MERA DIL UNDERPERFORMS; INDUSTRY GEARS UP FOR A BUSY JUNE, JULY
Last week’s romantic saga, Chand Mera Dil, was expected to open at Rs. 4-5 crores, but sadly, the spot bookings weren’t as encouraging as expected. The first-day earnings were just Rs. 2.75 crores. The tickets were sold for Rs. 149 and Rs. 199, which, in a way, went against the film as collections turned out to be lower. But the other side of the argument is that the offer helped the film to open at this number.
The second and third-day collections were Rs. 3.50 crores and Rs. 4.15 crores, respectively. The Monday drop wasn’t huge because the makers offered a Buy One Get One (BOGO) Ticket Free offer. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, tickets were again sold at a discounted price. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chand Mera Dil benefited from the Eid holiday the next day. Thursday's collections should also be slightly better for the same reason.
Yet, overall collections will still remain low because the opening was not that great. The first week’s collections are expected to be around Rs. 15-16 crores. A lifetime collection of Rs. 25 crores now seems tough.
There’s minimal competition for the film in the second week. However, earnings will be affected on Friday and Sunday due to the IPL qualifier and final matches respectively. It is due to the IPL factor that big-scale films won’t release in the last week of May. The major film this week is The Great Grand Superhero - Aliens Ka Aagman, starring Jackie Shroff. The trailer is very entertaining, but the buzz is very low. As a result, the advance booking is low, and it remains to be seen if the film can open at the Rs. 1 crore mark.
There’ll be a heavy flow of releases from next week. Every week will see the release of at least one major film trying its luck in cinemas and it’ll continue until July 31.
Last week’s romantic saga, Chand Mera Dil, was expected to open at Rs. 4-5 crores, but sadly, the spot bookings weren’t as encouraging as expected. The first-day earnings were just Rs. 2.75 crores. The tickets were sold for Rs. 149 and Rs. 199, which, in a way, went against the film as collections turned out to be lower. But the other side of the argument is that the offer helped the film to open at this number.
The second and third-day collections were Rs. 3.50 crores and Rs. 4.15 crores, respectively. The Monday drop wasn’t huge because the makers offered a Buy One Get One (BOGO) Ticket Free offer. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, tickets were again sold at a discounted price. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chand Mera Dil benefited from the Eid holiday the next day. Thursday's collections should also be slightly better for the same reason.
Yet, overall collections will still remain low because the opening was not that great. The first week’s collections are expected to be around Rs. 15-16 crores. A lifetime collection of Rs. 25 crores now seems tough.
There’s minimal competition for the film in the second week. However, earnings will be affected on Friday and Sunday due to the IPL qualifier and final matches respectively. It is due to the IPL factor that big-scale films won’t release in the last week of May. The major film this week is The Great Grand Superhero - Aliens Ka Aagman, starring Jackie Shroff. The trailer is very entertaining, but the buzz is very low. As a result, the advance booking is low, and it remains to be seen if the film can open at the Rs. 1 crore mark.
There’ll be a heavy flow of releases from next week. Every week will see the release of at least one major film trying its luck in cinemas and it’ll continue until July 31.
Bhooth Bangla collects 157.88 cr in 40 days
9:40 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
BHOOT BANGLA is continuing to hold well as week six heads for a fall under 50% and collections which will be around 3.50 crore nett. It maybe more depending on the benefit of the Eid holiday. The film is sure to hit the 160 crore nett mark and with another open week it may even beat the figures of HOUSEFULL 5 which looked impossible after the first week as it was 35 crore nett behind.
The holds of the film post the first week have been superb especially in North India. The film has crossed HOUSEFULL 5 in East Punjab, CP Berar, CI, Mysore, West Bengal and Odisha. The bigger circuits of Mumbai and Delhi/UP remain less but if Mumbai goes higher, its likely the all India collections will also be higher.
SOORYAVANSHI will remain the highest Akshay Kumar grosser post pandemic but BHOOT BANGLA has done better than that film every week apart from the first two weeks. It is one of the HIT films of the year alongside BORDER 2 and DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE and in fact is the only success this year which is not a franchise film.
The collections of BHOOT BANGLA till date are as follows.
Week One - 78,84,00,000
Second Week - 37,85,00,000
Week Three - 20,63,00,000
Week Four - 11,71,00,000
Week Five - 6,10,00,000
Week Six - 2,75,00,000 apprx (5 Days)
TOTAL - 1,57,88,00,000 apprx
When I saw Lagaan's first cut, I realized what a masterpiece it was-Javed Akhtar
9:36 AM
Twenty-five years later, Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Javed Akhtar & AR Rahman reflect on the journey of making the Oscar-nominated classic Lagaan
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2026)
Twenty-five years after Lagaan: Once Upon a Time In India changed the landscape of Hindi cinema, its creators came together at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios on Monday evening for a nostalgic conversation about the film.
The panel discussion, moderated by Meiyang Chang, featured actor-producer Aamir Khan, director Ashutosh Gowariker, lyricist Javed Akhtar and composer A R Rahman, who reflected on the enormous risks, doubts and creative ambition behind the film.
Released in 2001, Lagaan, a period sports drama set in a drought-stricken village under British rule, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, introducing Indian mainstream cinema to a global audience.
FROM DOUBT TO A CULT CLASSIC
Opening the evening, Aamir admitted that no one involved with the film imagined its legacy would endure for decades. “We never thought people would remember this film for 25 years. At that time, we didn’t even know whether the film would work or whether audiences would like it. It feels exciting that something we made so many years ago is still relevant.”
Calling the gathering the first official event marking the film’s silver jubilee, Aamir added that the team remains overwhelmed by the affection the film continues to receive.
A STORY BORN OUT OF FAILURE AND FAITH
For Ashutosh, Lagaan emerged during a difficult phase in his career. The filmmaker recalled that after two unsuccessful films, he wanted to create something entirely original and emotionally stirring.
He said the idea began with seven unlikely heroes, men burdened with differences and conflict who eventually unite for a common cause. As the screenplay evolved, so did his dream team. “Only Aamir was in my mind for the role,” Gowariker shared, adding, “Along with that, mere mind mein yeh zaroor tha ki iss film ka music A R Rahman ko karna chahiye aur lyrics Javed Akhtar ka hona chahiye, and the entire HOD list including Bhanu Athaiya ji for costumes.” But convincing Aamir proved difficult.
‘BAHUT BURI KAHANI HAI YAAR’
One of the evening’s most entertaining moments came when Aamir revisited his now-famous rejection of Lagaan. The actor revealed that when Gowariker first narrated the premise - villagers playing cricket against the British to avoid paying tax - he was convinced the story would fail.
“I told Ashu, ‘Bahut buri kahani hai yaar. This story does not make sense to me,’” Aamir recalled. Three months later, Gowariker returned with a completed script and requested a full narration of three-four hours. Aamir admitted he agreed to listen with “zero expectations”, believing he would reject the film once again. Instead, he found himself completely absorbed.
From the moment he started narrating, I was hooked,” Aamir said. “When the narration ended, I was gobsmacked. I had never heard such a brilliant script before.”
Even then, the actor hesitated. Producing the film himself felt like a terrifying prospect, especially after watching his father struggle as a producer in the industry. “Mujhe der saal laga before I said yes to Ashu for Lagaan,” he said.
ON SEEING THE FIRST CUT, I REALIZED IT WAS A MASTERPIECE: JAVED AKHTAR
Javed Akhtar confessed that he too believed the project was commercially risky, perhaps impossibly so for its time. He recalled feeling protective towards Aamir, whom he had known since childhood, having written Yaadon Ki Baaraat, one of the young actor’s earliest screen appearances. "Maine socha agar main nahi samjhunga toh inhe kaun samjhayega?" he said, with the wry warmth of a man recounting his own spectacular misjudgement.
“I felt this film was a perfect list of things that would never make a film work in those days. Uss zamane belief tha ki period films don’t work. Next was cricket ek film-friendly game nahi hai, after all Aamir’s Awwal Number had flopped. Heroes wearing dhoti – that wouldn't work in a 2000 film, box office nahi manega. Even my Gaabar Singh decades ago was seen wearing pants. And throughout the film, characters cricket seekh rahein hain. I was worried for them, ye kya film hai.”
He said Lagaan seemed to contain every element considered “unmarketable” in Hindi cinema then: a period setting, cricket as the central theme, heroes in dhotis, and a narrative built around learning a sport rather than conventional action or romance. “I called then both and bahut samjhaya ki yeh film na banaye. But, bahut khushi ki baat hai ki they did not listen to me and went ahead and made the film. And I decided ki main apna kaam imaandaari se karunga, picture jaisa bhi ho, gaane acche hone chahiye. When I saw the first cut, I realized what a masterpiece it was. I am very proud of this film.”
RAHMAN ON CREATING A TIMELESS SCORE
For A R Rahman, the challenge lay in ensuring the music matched the film’s epic emotional scale. The composer said he approached Lagaan with the intention of making its soundtrack timeless, which led him to collaborate with legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle alongside Javed Akhtar’s lyrics. Rahman also shared a moving memory from the film’s background score sessions, explaining how he experimented with hybrid orchestration techniques because certain instruments were unavailable in India at the time.
Describing one recording session, he recalled seeing Aamir sitting silently in tears after hearing the music. “He asked me, ‘What have you done to my movie?’ - in a good way,” Rahman said with a smile. “That was the first time I saw the birth of a producer who was so emotionally invested in every aspect of the film.”
Humne Ranveer Singh ko ban nahi kiya, humne toh non-cooperation bola hai-Ashok Dubey
9:32 AM
Film body FWICE clarifies it has only issued a Non-Cooperation Directive, not a ban
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 28, 2026)
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)’s decision to issue a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) has sparked reactions across the film industry and on social media. While many questioned whether a film body can “ban” an artiste, FWICE General Secretary Ashok Dubey clarified that the organization has not banned anyone.
Dubey tells us, “Agar ye trend chalta raha to kaafi filmmaker aur producers nuksaan mein jaayenge. Humne Ranveer Singh ko ban nahi kiya, humne toh non-cooperation bola hai. Federation ke members ka decision hai ye. Film body ka internal decision hai that our members will not work with him until the Don 3 matter gets resolved.”
‘Hope issue is resolved soon’
Actor Manoj Bajpayee reacted to the controversy while speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film, when he was asked about safeguarding actors in such situations. As per PTI, while saying he hopes “the matter is resolved soon”, the actor clarified that he “does not have detailed information about it” and that the “industry currently only knows about the matter through social media”.
WHAT SANJAY GUPTA POINTED OUT
One of the first reactions came from filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who questioned the move, arguing that banning an actor ultimately affects film productions and the livelihood of hundreds of crew members. Taking to X, Gupta wrote, “When an A-list hero shoots there are more than 300 workers working on sets. Ban him and you are not stopping him but depriving the workers of their livelihood. What sense does it even make???”
‘WHERE WAS THIS OBJECTION DURING MUMBAI SAGA...’
Reacting to Sanjay Gupta’s remarks, Ashok Dubey, General Secretary, FWICE, said film bodies have consistently supported filmmakers during production-related disputes. “I want to ask Sanjay Gupta ji that when his film Mumbai Saga (2021) was being shot and Jackie Shroff ne aane se mana kar diya, he came to us. IFTDA and FWICE intervened and sorted the matter. Where was this objection then?” he said.
Aneet Padda wraps up Shakti Shalini with a sequence celebrating protagonist’s victory over an evil spirit
9:30 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 28, 2026)
May has been busy for Saiyaara (2025) star Aneet Padda, who was shooting the final schedule of her next, Shakti Shalini. Like all good things, this one came to an end too. On May 27, director Aditya Sarpotdar wrapped the horror comedy at Chitrarth Studio in Powai, where they filmed an elaborate sequence that sees the celebration of the protagonist’s victory over evil.
The latest chapter in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe sees Padda in a double role — as an ordinary woman-turned-protector Shakti, and an evil spirit Shalini. The story revolves around the vengeful ghost who punishes men, as she was betrayed and killed in a brutal manner, and her eventual face-off with Shakti.
About the last day of the shoot, a source shared, “Massive sets depicting a Rajasthani village and the interiors of a house were built. The sequence shows the village people, especially women, celebrating the defeat of evil.”
Things have progressed briskly on Shakti Shalini — also starring Vishal Jethwa and Viineet Kumar Siingh — since the horror comedy rolled in March. In early May, Padda and the team headed to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The source elaborated, “Viineet, who portrays the antagonist, and Aneet shot the climax across Chambal, Datia, Antri, Panihar, Gwalior, and Morena in Madhya Pradesh. They filmed significant portions in Dholpur and Barkhandi in Rajasthan. Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas joined the unit in May.”
Renuka Shahane to direct husband Ashutosh Rana for the first time
9:29 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 28, 2026)
Celebrity couple Ashutosh Rana and Renuka Shahane recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. But beyond the milestone, the duo is now bringing their enduring off-screen chemistry into a new creative collaboration.
Speaking exclusively to us, Renuka, who has carved a space for herself both in front of and behind the camera, reveals that she is set to helm a short film this year starring her actor-husband for the first time.
“There are always jitters when you direct, but this time it’s more special as Rana ji is playing the lead. It’s the first time he is in front of the camera and I am behind it, and it can go either way. Just because you are great partners doesn’t mean it will translate on screen too. But it was better than I had imagined. As a director-actor duo, we make a great team,” shares the actor-director.
Talking further about Ashutosh as a professional, Renuka shares, “He’s a dream actor to work with; he is so open and trusting. He completely surrenders to your vision. He’s like clay, open to being moulded and doesn’t come with preconceived notions as an actor.”
She quips, “Maybe with others he might be a little strict, but with me he was exceptionally kind and forgiving.” Renuka adds that she would also love to collaborate with her husband on screen someday, but with “someone else directing the project”.
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