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.”

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.

Prabhas has gone back in time to the World War II era — on screen, of course. The superstar and director Hanu Raghavapudi are currently shooting one of the most crucial portions of their period drama, Fauzi, in Hyderabad. mid-day has learnt that for the leg, the unit has recreated an elaborate Japanese Army camp of the 1940s at Ramoji Film City.

A source close to the production revealed, “The World War II backdrop is integral to the story. The director wanted every detail of the Japanese Army camp to feel authentic. The team has spent considerable time on the production design to recreate the period as accurately as possible for the screen.”

From what we’ve heard, Prabhas will continue shooting for Fauzi — that is reportedly set against the backdrop of the British Raj in India and sees the actor play a soldier — till July-end. After that, he will turn his attention to Spirit, his cop actioner helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

An insider said, “The major schedules of Spirit have been wrapped. Soon, the team will move to Dehradun and Goa for two stints.”

Manali done, now Mumbai is calling out to Salman Khan and Nayanthara. Sources have told mid-day that the two actors are set to kick off the next schedule of their yet-untitled film, directed by Vamshi Paidipally, on June 10 in the Maximum City.

What’s on the agenda? To film critical action blocks that have been envisioned against the city’s locations. “The team will shoot across multiple outdoor locations in and around Bandra because the sequences require the texture and scale of an urban setting. The sequences, featuring both leads, include chases, vehicle-based action, close-quarter combat, and crowd-heavy moments,” revealed a source.

Producer Dil Raju and the director have also lined up a key set-piece involving Khan. An insider shared, “It’s one of the film’s major action pieces. It begins as a pursuit and gradually escalates into a confrontation.”

After Mumbai, the unit will head to Hyderabad in July for the next leg.

Hansika Motwanni has spent more than half her life in the public gaze, evolving from a child artiste at 8 to a leading lady by the time she was sixteen. But recently, that gaze has turned into a glare. Over the last six months, the actor has navigated a whirlwind of controversies — from a high-profile divorce to a messy legal battle and a subsequent defamation suit. Yet, in the face of the firestorm, Hansika appears largely unfazed, choosing to focus on work and what she calls her “sacred space.” Currently shooting for an untitled Telugu project with Nara Rohith, Hansika speaks to Hyderabad Times about navigating scrutiny, trusting her inner circle, and stepping into a new phase, both personally and professionally.

I don’t really take negativity or trolling to heart. Over the years, I’ve become quite thick-skinned, so these things don’t affect me as much as people might assume. What truly matters to me is that my mom, my family, and I know who I am. That’s the only reality I hold on to. I’ve always believed that my personal life should remain personal, and I’ve maintained that boundary very strongly. I don’t allow just anyone into my space, and I’m quite clear about that. If conversations are happening around me, I usually choose not to engage unless I personally feel it’s something I want to address. Otherwise, I let my work speak for itself and focus on what keeps me at peace.

Honestly, it was a very simple and personal decision. My mother came to me and said she wanted to make a small change by adding an extra ‘n’. For me, the only thing that mattered was that the spelling of “Hansika” stayed the same. I’ve always felt that name is perfect as it is. Beyond that, I didn’t feel the need to question or analyze it too much. I trust my mom completely; I’ve always been very close to her and I know she only wants the best for me. She felt it was a positive change, and I went along with it. For me, it wasn’t about overthinking or attaching too much meaning. It’s just something that felt right for her, and I was happy to go with it. At the end of the day, I was happy before, and I’m still happy now.

My friends, especially my girlfriends, are a very important part of my life. Most of them are people I’ve known since childhood, and that makes a big difference because they’ve seen me long before any of this, before the films, before the attention. That kind of connection keeps you grounded. No matter how much noise there is around you, they remind you of who you really are. Every Sunday, we try to do something fun, sometimes it’s a sport, sometimes it’s just catching up. We also travel together at least a couple of times a year. It’s always the same close-knit group, and that consistency is comforting. In a life where so much is constantly changing, they are my constant.

Growing up in the public eye has been a very unique experience. That kind of exposure teaches you a lot, very early on. I experienced the industry at a time when things were very different, before social media became such a big part of our lives, so a lot of my learning came from observing people, reading, and just being present on set. In many ways, I feel like I grew up faster than most people my age. Every set became a classroom for me, and every person I worked with taught me something. Of course, there are challenges that come with being in the spotlight from such a young age, but for me, the advantages have always outweighed the drawbacks. It’s given me a life full of experiences and learning that I truly value.

I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. The kind of roles I’m being offered now are very different and more layered, which is something I really enjoy. I want to take on characters that challenge me and push me to explore new sides of myself as an actor. Over time, cinema has become much more content-driven, and that shift is something I appreciate because it allows actors to experiment and grow. For me, it’s about choosing roles that feel creatively fulfilling and help me evolve.

Coming back to Telugu cinema now feels like a natural progression. I’m currently shooting for my film with Nara Rohith, and it’s an exciting space for me. It feels like I’m stepping into a new phase while still being connected to where it all started. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the audience here through new stories and exploring this next chapter.

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Three months after mid-day reported that filmmaker Mira Nair conducted a recce in Amritsar for ‘Amri’, we have more news on the biopic about the renowned Hungarian-Indian painter, Amrita Sher-Gil. Sources have told us that Priyanka Chopra will be seen in a special appearance and has shot her portions.

Nair has kept details about the project under wraps, including the principal cast. Little then is known about Chopra’s role in her first outing with Nair. However, industry chatter suggests that it’s not fleeting.

A source revealed, “The film aims to present the painter’s life across Hungary, India, and France. There was a specific part for which Mira had approached Priyanka last year, and she shot for it last week. The actor was in Hyderabad to finish some work on ‘Varanasi’. After that, she flew down to Amritsar and filmed for two days.”

mid-day reached out to Chopra’s team and Nair’s production team. Both didn’t respond till press time.

Is Allu Arjun moving to Mumbai? Is he staying put in Hyderabad? That’s all the industry has been talking about over the past few days. On April 21, we reported that the South star has decided to divide his time between Hyderabad and Mumbai, making the latter his work base for the next few years (Mumbai meri jaan, Arjun? April 21). And that plan’s already put into action. mid-day did a bit of digging around and found out that the superstar has rented a swanky five-bedroom apartment at Juhu Tara Road. 

Want to know the price tag it comes with? From what we’ve heard, Arjun is shelling out a cool R16 lakh per month, as part of his three-year lease.

Apparently, the actor had a clear caveat when looking for an address in Mumbai — it had to be sea-facing. The upscale building, at Juhu Tara Road junction, ticked that box and more. A source revealed, “Allu Arjun wanted a beach-facing property for his wife Sneha and two children, Allu Ayaan and Allu Arha. The kids will live with him during their school vacations. Spread over 6000 square feet, the apartment in the high-rise comes with a plunge pool and four car parking spaces.”

Over the past year, the actor and his wife visited the property multiple times, overseeing the interior design. The source added, “He wants his home to be a space of tranquility — think lots of greenery and the calming sound of the sea. It should be conducive for his prep, as he will shoot major portions of his next few films, including Raaka and a project with Lokesh Kanagaraj, in Mumbai.” 

Director Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut film Boong has made history as the first Indian movie to win a BAFTA Award. Actor Vikram Kochhar, the only Bollywood name in the Manipuri-language film, calls the moment “extremely elating” yet bittersweet.

“It’s a proud moment for all of us, especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the team. I’m happy my choice to back indie cinema paid off. But it’s also sad that we’re celebrating the film only after the West recognised it,” he says.

Released last year, the film struggled for screens in India. “My parents in Hyderabad and friends in Bengaluru couldn’t watch it due to no-shows. It did well at festivals and in the UK, but back home, it’s a brutal reality. We watch global content like K-dramas, yet we failed to support our own,” Vikram adds.

The 42-year-old reveals he signed the film while shooting Dunki (2023) where Lakshmipriya was assisting director Rajkumar Hirani.

He shares, “Raju sir even offered me an ad with actors Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, but I turned it down as I had committed to Boong. I believed in the film, just never imagined it would win a BAFTA.”

If there’s one thing Prabhas is known for beyond his roles, it’s his love for food, a passion that even left director Om Raut stunned during the shoot of Adipurush (2023).

During an interaction for the film Couple Friendly with actors Santosh Shobhan and Manasa Varanasi, Prabhas recalled, “When I was shooting in Mumbai for Adipurush, it was my cheat meal day. I was with Raut, and told him, not Mumbai, I would get him special food from somewhere else (Chennai). He kept waiting, and it was taking hours. I wasn’t letting him eat anything else.”

As the wait stretched on, Raut grew curious about the delay. That’s when Prabhas revealed the surprising truth. “He was shocked. I told him that someone was bringing a hot meal on a flight from Chennai for us. Raut was like, ‘I’ve never seen someone like you in my life’,” the 46-year-old actor added.

Explaining why he goes to such lengths, Prabhas said, “We get the food in Hyderabad, but that authenticity is missing. People joke whenever I have cheat days about which state my meal will be brought in from.”

A case has been filed after actor Nidhhi Agerwal was mobbed and manhandled by crowds during a song launch at a mall in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening.

The event, organized to unveil the track Sahana Sahana from Prabhas-starrer The RajaSaab, was organized without obtaining proper permissions, an official told PTI. The case has been registered against the management of the mall as well as the organizers.

Trouble erupted as the event drew to a close, and Nidhhi was surrounded by people while attempting to enter her car outside the mall. Videos circulating on social media show the visibly shaken actor struggling to move through the crowd as several individuals jostle and push towards her despite the presence of security personnel.

The actor did not react to the incident till the time of going to press.

Enough of embracing dark and intense characters — be it in Darlings (2022), Jaane Jaan (2023), or Dahaad (2023). Now, Vijay Varma is in the mood for love. The actor attempts his first love story with director Vibhu Puri’s Gustaakh Ishq, opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh. To the audience, his switch from brooding characters to a lover boy may seem like an aberration. But to Varma, it feels natural.

“I wasn’t surprised that Vibhu offered me this part. I came from a stage background, the memories [of being part of romantic dramas] are living within me. When the announcement happened, it looked like an anti-casting because Mirzapur, Dahaad, and Darlings came back-to-back and [gave me] the intense tag. That tag won’t be dropped even with this film,” he says.

Gustaakh Ishq isn’t the first romantic script to have been offered to the actor. A lot of nos were said before he lost his heart to the period love story. “Many romantic films came to me all these years, but I didn’t see myself in them. I don’t want to dance a lot in movies. I don’t want to sing and dance because they are not my forte. So, I needed to pick the script that works for me.” 

There was another reason to say yes to the movie — Naseeruddin Shah. Varma starred with the veteran actor in IC 814 (2024), but they didn’t share screen space. To finally face the camera with Shah is a moment of pride in Varma’s 17-year career. “He was my teacher [at Film and Television Institute of India]. I have worked backstage in his theatre productions. Ever since I came to Mumbai, I haven’t missed a single play that he has done. I’ve idolized him. I feel like patting my own back because as a boy in Hyderabad, I wished to meet him. And here I spent two months with him in the winter of Amritsar, enjoying delicacies together,” he marvels.

Starring in a romantic drama? Check. Sharing screen space with your hero? Check. Does Varma have any more wishes? “I have to do a comedy, not because I want to break an image, but because I want to do every kind of film. It’s just a matter of time with the right script,” he smiles.

On November 15, S S Rajamouli finally let the audience into the grand world that he has been quietly building, as he unveiled the title of his next, Varanasi, at an event in Hyderabad. While the three-minute-plus teaser of the Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer has expectedly made headlines, the filmmaker is already focusing on the film’s next leg.

mid-day has learnt that a month-long schedule will kick off at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad next week. Heightened security measures and caution will drive the stint as the unit will film the climax.

Insiders say that Babu’s look being leaked hours before the official reveal left Rajamouli disappointed. It has made him bullish about keeping further details tightly under wraps. An insider from the production unit says, “The film will release in 2027 and all details will have to be guarded until then.”

As a result, the makers are tightening on-ground protocols in the next leg. A source reveals, “Many departments, including costume and hair, won’t be allowed near the core shooting area. Only 100 people of the 400-member team will be allowed. A no-phone policy for the crew is in place. Rajamouli sir wants absolute secrecy.”

Proficient in singing across multiple languages and steeped in South Indian sounds, Armaan Malik has carved a niche for himself in both regional and global music. But the singer says it’s regional music that gives him the most space for freedom and discovery.

“I love singing in South Indian languages... It’s only here that I get to try something offbeat,” Armaan says, reflecting on hits like Butta Bomma, Ninnila, Emo Emo, and his recent chartbuster Vibe Undi. Ahead of his Hyderabad concert on Saturday, the singer spoke about his journey through regional and international music, his bond with the city, and the evolving landscape of Indian pop.

Armaan recently recorded Vibe Undi for Teja Sajja’s fantasy action adventure film Mirai: Super Yodha, a track that challenged him to step out of his usual Bollywood-style romantic repertoire. “At first, I was a little surprised because in Bollywood, I’m usually called for romantic songs. It’s only in South Indian languages that I get to try something a bit offbeat, so this felt different right from the start. This song itself is uptempo, though it has romantic elements at its core. It required a tone quite different from my usual style, so I had to approach it in a completely new way. That challenge excited me! I always want to give my 100% when I get a chance to step out of my usual style. Another special aspect is that I’ve sung it in three languages: Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. It’s been incredible to see how well the song has been received across all three languages,” he shares.

Armaan’s comfort with South Indian languages comes from years of practice and experience. “Telugu is my mother tongue, so it comes naturally. For other languages, I’ve learned over the years. Singing in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam has become second nature. Initially, pronunciation and expression were challenging. You first have to understand the line before emoting it. At this stage of my career, attempting a song in a language other than Hindi or English feels completely natural.”

From collaborations with Ed Sheeran to working in studios in LA and London, Armaan reflects on his global music experience. “Singing in different languages and genres has always excited me. Working styles differ across countries, and I’ve been fortunate to understand both sides. Bringing Indian music to international audiences has been a wonderful experience, and I hope to continue pushing boundaries.”

Armaan describes Hyderabad as a city close to his heart, both personally and professionally. “I have visited Hyderabad so many times because my mother is from here. Some of my favourite spots include Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Taj Falaknuma Palace, which I’ve been visiting since I was a child. It feels like my second home after Mumbai. Food-wise, I love Andhra cuisine! I enjoy all the pickles, achar, and the kaaram podi (spice powders). They’re to die for!”

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"Until recently, there was a lot of confusion about Indian music globally, with Bollywood often seen as the entirety of it. But in the last 5–10 years, non-film music has grown strongly and started competing with Bollywood songs"

It’s been two decades since the story of a deaf and mute boy who dreams of donning the blue jersey for Team India hit the screens. Iqbal (2005), the underdog story by filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor, changed the landscape for both Bollywood sports films and then-debutant Shreyas Talpade.

“It was the turning point of my career. Now that the film has completed 20 years, it feels unreal,” the 49-year-old tells us. He was juggling theatre and television when he had auditioned for the film, but had no idea that it was for the lead. “I thought it was for a small role. Once I was on board, I couldn’t believe it! And my only thought was: this is my one opportunity, and I cannot let it go,” he recalls.

The actor’s journey was not without its sacrifices or challenges. “I got married just a day before shooting began, and the next morning, I flew to Hyderabad for training. There was no honeymoon, only Iqbal,” he says with a laugh. The preparation was rigorous — cricket training, milking buffaloes, practising sign language, and more cricket training.

And while shooting the climax, Shreyas suffered an ankle injury: “I pushed through and gave the shot again because I knew how important it was. Thankfully, the ankle wasn’t fractured, just twisted.”

All these years later, Shreyas insists that he remembers every single day on the sets vividly. “Naseeruddin (Shah, actor) sir and Girish (Karnad, actor) ji were so warm. We’d eat together, play Scrabble, watch films. They never made me feel the pressure I could have felt,” he shares, adding, “Nagesh always said that this is not just a sports film, but a story of a boy with dreams. That’s why it connected with so many people and is still so fresh. It changed my life forever.”

When The Elephant Whisperers made history at the Oscars 2023, it wasn’t just a proud moment for Guneet Monga — it was a milestone for Indian storytelling. Sharing the spotlight with Naatu Naatu’s big win that same night, Guneet remembers being awed by the impact of Telugu cinema on the global stage.

In a chat with Hyderabad Times, the producer, who was in town for the ‘Golden Lens’ symposium hosted by YFLO, opened up about her journey, the growing resonance of local stories, and her admiration for Tollywood. “I’m a big fan and would love to produce a Telugu film someday, if the stars align,” she said. “I’m always thinking about how I can add value to a project, and if there’s a meaningful way to contribute, I’d be more than happy to be involved.”

For Guneet, the success of Indian films on the world stage boils down to authenticity. “RRR is one of the best examples of how a deeply local story can have global resonance. Whether it’s Baahubali or RRR, our culture, language, and music captivate audiences around the world.”

It’s not just the big, grand spectacles that travel well. Films like The Lunchbox, Masaan, and The Elephant Whisperers also struck a chord globally because they’re rooted, real, and unmistakably Indian, she reckons. “These are the stories the world wants. People may not travel here, but they’re deeply curious about India, our culture, our people, and even our dances.”

Guneet finds something enchanting about Hyderabad every time she visits. “My memories of Hyderabad are all about great food and vibrant places. And what really fascinates me is the number of lehenga stores! I always find myself looking at those big wedding wear storefronts, they’re everywhere.” There’s one Hyderabad staple she’s looking to discover more of though. “A really good biryani! I don’t have a go-to spot yet, but I’d love to try one.”

Whether it’s the timeless charm of Bollywood or the quiet brilliance of international indies, Guneet draws inspiration from across the spectrum. “My first memory of cinema was watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. I was completely obsessed with the love story and the romance,” she recalls, adding, “And then I remember watching Boyhood on a flight, it completely blew my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about how someone could film for so many years (the film was shot across 12 years from 2002–2013) and piece it together. That kind of ambitious storytelling inspires me.”

Known for championing strong women-centric narratives, Guneet believes the strength of a woman’s portrayal lies in thoughtful writing, not just lead roles. “One of the films I’m proud to have produced is Soorarai Pottru. Though it was Suriya sir’s film, Aparna Balamurali’s character sparked meaningful conversation,” she says, adding, “In The Elephant Whisperers, Bellie stood out so beautifully, just like Huma Qureshi did in Gangs Of Wasseypur.”

For her, what matters most is depth. “Even submissive characters must have redemption. The portrayal of women is something I deeply care about as a producer.”

Reflecting on her journey post-Oscar, Guneet said the recognition has opened doors and pushed her to dream bigger. “It expanded what’s possible for me as a filmmaker,” she said. But for her, it’s never about chasing a trend. “I fall in love with scripts that move or challenge me,” she added. Among the stories she’s hoping to bring to the screen someday is a full-fledged female-led action film. “I think we’re ready for that, and I’d love to be part of making it happen.”

At the ‘Golden Lens’ symposium hosted by YFLO, Guneet struck a chord with an audience of over 200 with a nearly two-hour-long conversation as candidly she spoke about the highs and heartbreaks of her journey. “Life gave me 10 ‘Nos’ before a single ‘Yes’, but I chose to celebrate every ‘No.’ Because each one took me a step closer,” she said, drawing applause.

She also spoke passionately about the Women in Film – India Chapter, part of the global WIF network. “Less than 10% of Indian film directors are women. That reality deeply concerns me,” she said, adding, “Through this chapter, we want to build a space where women in cinema can connect, be heard, and create lasting change.”

Actor Vijay Deverakonda was recently diagnosed with dengue and admitted to a private hospital in Hyderabad for treatment. According to a member of his team, he had been unwell for a few days and was initially thought to have a regular fever. However, once dengue was confirmed, he was hospitalised to ensure a quicker recovery.

“He was in the hospital for three days and has now been discharged,” confirmed a member of Vijay’s team to Hindustan Times. They added, “He’s slowly recovering and is currently resting at home.”

While doctors have advised him to take it easy, the actor is keen to continue promoting his upcoming film. He had shot a few promotional videos in advance, which will be released soon. Media interactions are expected to begin next week, though his team says he’s being cautious and not overexerting himself.

One of the best things we heard this summer was Ram Gopal Varma’s announcement in April that he was reuniting with Manoj Bajpayee for a horror action comedy titled Police Station Mein Bhoot. Three months since, it’s time for the filmmaker-actor duo to head to the sets. mid-day has learnt that Varma will call action on the film from July 26 in Hyderabad, where they will shoot for a month.

When it comes to the duo, expectations are sky high, especially since they gave us the iconic Satya (1998) that catapulted Bajpayee aka Bhiku Mhatre to overnight fame. Several promising films followed — from the underrated Kaun (1999) to the cop drama, Shool (1999). This time, they are attempting a new genre together as they tell the story of Bajpayee’s cop, who kills a notorious gangster and is possessed by him in turn.

A source reveals, “Manoj will begin shooting Police Station Mein Bhoot at a bungalow in Ameerpet in Hyderabad. The bungalow will be converted into a police station. Ramu has written a wild story that sees how Manoj’s character transforms from an honest cop to a maniacal one after he is possessed by the gangster’s spirit and the police station becomes haunted.”

Police Station Mein Bhoot, which also stars Genelia Deshmukh as Bajpayee’s wife and Rajpal Yadav, will be shot over four schedules.

The source adds, “After the Hyderabad leg, the remaining schedules will be conducted in parts of South India. Ramu wishes to wrap it up by the year-end.”

Salman Khan cycling through the streets of Bandra was once a familiar and cherished sight. The Bollywood superstar has always preferred this eco-friendly and healthy mode of travel for short distances around his home. It wasn’t uncommon to spot him riding from Galaxy Apartments to Mehboob Studios. However, ever since the attack on his house last year, Salman has been under heavy security, which has brought his cycling routines in the city to a halt. When asked if he misses riding around Bandra, Salman admitted, “Of course! I do miss it, but I still manage it at the farm (in Panvel).”

Speaking to us at the unveiling of Season 2 of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), where he serves as the brand ambassador, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor reminisced about learning to ride from his father, Salim Khan – a memory that clearly holds sentimental value. It’s a skill he has proudly passed on to the next generation.

“I taught my nephews Arhaan (Arbaaz Khan’s son) and Nirvaan (Sohail Khan’s son) to bike at our farm. They used to take turns and do wheelies at a young age. Their turns were such that they would grind the footrest on the ground,” shared the actor.

Salman also raised concerns about the growing trend of reckless biking stunts on Mumbai’s streets, particularly those done without safety measures. “I have lost a friend of mine, Timmy, when this Bandra Reclamation was under construction. They used to have these races, and he won the race, but his helmet got stuck and he couldn’t apply the brakes in time. This resulted in a crash, and he passed away.”

He also spoke about one of the best bikers he knows, saying, “You know (Zaheer) Iqbal’s father Iqbal Ratansi, he was one of the most amazing riders I have ever seen,” he said.

Last year, Salman had shared a picture on Instagram, where he was seen posing with a vintage bike alongside his father. He captioned it: ‘Dad’s 1st bike, Triumph Tiger 100, 1956.’ Getting nostalgic, he told us, “He bought this bike when he was 16 years old for Rs. 4800.”

The legendary writer later parted with the bike, but he would often recall it in conversations with Sohail Khan. Salman shared, “Sohail sourced this bike. It was lying in a junkyard in Hyderabad. So, we got this bike from Hyderabad, sourced all the parts (that were missing) and restored it for him.”

Eid has been a special moment for Salman and his fans, who gather in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of him waving from his balcony. However, this year the moment came with a stark change as the actor was seen behind a bulletproof glass barrier.

Reacting to this, he said, “It is not because of any other reason, but we had to do something about the security because sometimes we would find some fan sleeping in the balcony. They used to climb up and sleep on the balcony, so we had to cover that place.”