On July 28, mid-day reported that Salman Khan’s foundation Being Human tied up with his fan clubs in Assam to distribute food among the affected as the state battled its worst flood in six decades (Stars and fans unite for Assam, July 28). Now, the actor and his team have begun the second phase of relief measures.

Khan has joined forces with the non-profit organisation, Global Sikhs, to rehabilitate the displaced. So far, they have built 220 semi-permanent houses in Nepali Khuti, which has been the worst hit village.

While rehabilitation was always part of Khan’s three-pronged plan, he accelerated it last week when he saw reels of Randeep Hooda carrying out on-ground relief operations. Apparently, the superstar got in touch with Hooda through a common friend.

“Randeep told Salman that under Global Sikhs’ relief efforts, 70 of them were working together. He also shared what they needed at the moment. Amarpreet Singh, the founder of Global Sikhs, told Salman that they were planning to build semi-permanent homes, made of bamboo and tin shed, that would be flood-proof and that each would cost between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000. Salman immediately joined hands with the foundation, and together they pledged to set up 500 houses,” said a source.

When mid-day reached out to Singh, he revealed that the rehabilitation process is being executed under the two foundations’ joint project, Aashiana.

He shared, “Salman Khan spoke to us a few days ago and said, ‘Aap log fikar mat karo’. Right now, Sivasagar is the worst affected and its epicentre is Nepali Khuti. In the first phase of building, 220 houses have been completed, and we’re distributing it per family. We can build eight to 10 houses a day.”

After the web series Mirzapur was adapted into a feature film, set for a theatrical release later this year, buzz has been growing around more popular Indian shows making the jump to the big screen. Now, HT City has exclusively learnt that Inspector Avinash, headlined by Randeep Hooda, is next in line for a theatrical adaptation. The development comes close on the heels of the show’s second season releasing earlier this month.

Series writer-director Neerraj Pathak confirms, “Yes, we have decided to make it into a film. Real-life cop Avinash Mishra ki kahani bhi badi hai aur humara hero (Randeep) bhi bahut bada hai!”

He reveals that work on the script has already begun. “Avinash ji has been part of several Special Task Force (STF) and Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) operations. So there are many stories that can be told, like the encounter with (gangster) Sri Prakash Shukla,” he says, adding, “We are working on three scripts in parallel and will zero in on which one can go first within a fortnight.”

The 54-year-old shares that the idea of turning the series into a film has been discussed since its inception, and season two even hints at it. In one episode, Randeep, who is also the show’s narrator, says, “Ispe toh puri film banni chahiye.”

Neerraj adds that while discussions around a film had been ongoing, now feels like the “right time” to take the story to theatres. “A film was in consideration earlier too, but the canvas of the story and its characters, along with a big STF team, family, politicians and criminals, was so vast that we decided to make a season-based series. Now, it’s the right time for a film.”

Besides Randeep, Inspector Avinash also stars Urvashi Rautela, Amit Sial, Abhimanyu Singh, Rajniesh Duggal, Freddy Daruwala and Adhyayan Suman. Neerraj further hinted that new faces and characters could also be introduced in the film adaptation.

These days, Randeep Hooda finds himself smiling between takes. The actor, who welcomed daughter Nyomica in March with athlete-actor wife Lin Laishram, says fatherhood has brought him a joy he hasn’t felt since his teenage years.

“As a person, I feel a bit weaker in the knees. I want to go home more than ever since I got married because it is another reason to go back to. I often find myself sitting in a corner and smiling to myself thinking of my daughter,” Hooda tells mid-day, his eyes lighting up at the mention of the little one.

As he settles into fatherhood, the actor says every day brings a new lesson. “I am still a new dad. It has been two months, but there is more to discover every day. As my parents say, it is the best achievement of my life,” he grins.

While he is still in the early stages of fatherhood, we wonder whether becoming a parent will influence his creative choices. On that front, Hooda is clear that nothing has changed.

“I have never made choices that will embarrass me later in front of my kids or anybody else’s kids. So, that is not going to change,” assures the actor, who will next be seen in Eetha, alongside Shraddha Kapoor.

The Laxman Utekar directorial venture, based on Tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, recently wrapped up filming. Refusing to divulge details about the project, Hooda says he could talk about it, but “I don’t know whether it will be in good taste”. He prefers to wait for the makers’ green signal before discussing the film further. “I don’t want to tom-tom about myself,” he smiles.

Before the pandemic (2020-21), Randeep Hooda began shooting for his first OTT outing with the web series Inspector Avinash. It released in 2023 and garnered critical acclaim for the actor. Now, the actor is set to return as the eponymous cop in the show’s second season, dropping tomorrow. However, the shooting experience for both seasons, he says, was vastly different.

“A lot has changed since then. I did not have a reason or rather an excuse to go home, but now I find excuses to go home as soon as possible,” says Randeep who tied the knot with actor Lin Laishram in 2023 and welcomed daughter Nyomica in March this year.

“Earlier, I used to go for shoots, then bas nikal jaata tha and reach home after months. But now I have a sweet daughter whom I always desire to see. Of course, I am engaged in work, but ek nazar ghar ki taraf bhi rehti hai,” he adds.

Recently, the 49-year-old was also joined on sets by his family, which he calls a blessing. “I’m very happy that Lin is happy and enjoying motherhood. Thankfully, there were no postpartum complications in our case. The first time Lin and Nyomica joined me during a shoot for a film, they got bored quickly, but I really enjoyed myself,” he recalls with a smile.

Three years is a lot of time for things to change. And they have in the OTT world, according to Randeep Hooda, who is returning to the digital space with the second season of Inspector Avinash. The JioHotstar show’s first season premièred in 2023. In the years in between, the medium went from being a potent platform for “experimental content” to now fighting for subscribers, observed the actor.

“There was a ray of hope for experimental content. But let’s keep in mind that OTT is not here for charity. Just like filmmakers want to sell tickets, they want to sell subscriptions. The medium created a lot of stars, but now even they are not enough. Streamers are getting actors, who work in films, to [transition] to OTT, so that they can attract more subscriptions,” said Hooda, candid as always.

In the early digital boom, many artistes felt that the new entertainment avenue would back unconventional stories. A hope that Hooda too harboured. But today, web offerings have begun to feel more formulaic, he noted.

“These days, I can predict what’s going to happen in a show, in the fourth episode itself. When formula and data start governing your creative choices, creativity gets stifled. I feel all streamers now want Gaiety-Galaxy front row kind of films. They aren’t wrong; they are doing so to expand their business. If you want to experiment more, maybe move to YouTube.” 

What happens to storytelling then? “Nobody gives a damn about storytelling,” he retorted. That, as per the actor, is secondary in today’s business. “The first business is to make a story that will make you money and cast it that way.”

Within weeks of completing the Pune schedule of ‘Eetha’, Randeep Hooda has moved on to his next project. Sources have told mid-day that the actor is fronting director Anjit Bhatnagar’s maiden feature film, which revolves around misleading advertisements and their consequences. Bhatnagar has envisioned it as a hard-hitting drama set in Haryana.

By March-end, Hooda will head to a village in Haryana for an extensive schedule of the yet-untitled film. 

A source close to the production revealed, “Randeep plays a Haryanvi Jaat. He completed the first schedule in Mumbai in late January, and is now prepping for the next leg. The makers will explore the socially relevant subject in a realistic manner.”

A Hyderabad-based production house is said to be backing the film.

Actor-couple Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, who tied the knot in November 2023, announced in December 2025 that they are expecting their first child. As she prepares for motherhood, Lin says life has gently shifted pace, with pre-natal yoga, meditation and a lot of family support shaping her days.

With the due date approaching, Lin shares that she’s also seeing a whole new side of her husband: “I’ve known him for 15 years, and I’ve never seen this softer, more nurturing side of him. There’s a tenderness and calm in him now.”

Talking about slowing down and listening to her body, Lin says she feels deeply cared for at home, and is even discovering new cravings. “I’ve developed a sweet tooth! I never enjoyed sweets as much as I do now, and I like to say it comes from Randeep because he has a major sweet tooth himself,” she laughs, adding that it helps that her father-in-law and sister-in-law are doctors who guide her with the best medical advice.

What has surprised her the most, however, is how hands-on Randeep has become. “He’s much more attentive, from doctor’s visits to researching baby essentials, he’s involved in everything,” says the 40-year-old model-actor, adding, “He reads a lot about pregnancy, emotional health and parenting and keeps sharing things he learns to make sure I feel supported and cared for.”

Lin also confirms that both she and Randeep will be taking time off once the baby arrives. “He will wrap his shoot in March, so we can prepare for this new chapter together.”

Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, who married in a traditional Meitei ceremony in Imphal in November 2023, announced earlier this week that they are expecting their first child. Lin, known for her work in films like Mary Kom, Umrika and Rangoon, speaks to us about stepping into motherhood, the shifts it has brought, and the quiet joy filling their home right now.

Talking about how she’s feeling at this stage, Lin tells us, “I’m feeling great! It’s so different from anything I’ve experienced, and I’m in awe of how the body creates life. It’s surreal to go through it all emotionally, mentally and physically the most. I’ve started appreciating mothers so much more.”

On how Randeep is responding to the news, she smiles, “Oh, he’s loving every moment! It took a bit for it to sink in for both of us, but he’s been amazing prepping himself, supporting me, and being there for everything I need. We mothers somehow prepare ourselves because we feel the changes, but for fathers they go through it all as an observant — and Randeep really has been prioritizing ‘US’ in the midst of everything. It’s great to see him in this space.”

Sharing how the pregnancy has been treating her, Lin says, “Touch wood, it’s been smooth with very little morning sickness. I’m learning to slow down and not feel guilty about missing social or work things. I listen to everyone with love, but only take what truly makes sense for me.”

The journey, she adds, has also opened up new layers in their relationship. “To accept things as they are. After a miscarriage earlier this year, it was a tough space for us both. However, we’re just deeply grateful and keeping our fingers crossed — and this is nothing short of a beautiful gift!”

Lin shares that the baby is due in "March 2026", a date they are eagerly "counting". As for names and nursery plans, there’s gentle excitement brewing at home. “We’ve talked about names, but nothing serious yet. The baby’s room is definitely our favourite topic though. Randeep keeps sending me articles and ideas he thinks will help us prepare. We are really enjoying this since it’s our first… there is no space for anything else other than happiness, joy and the anticipation of the biggest delight of our lives," she concludes.

Films rooted in real events often strike a chord, revealing lesser-known chapters of history. One such story is that of Major General Rajpal Punia, YSM — and Randeep Hooda is keen to bring it to the screen.

Operation Khukri, the film, is based on the book of the same name, a first-hand account by Major Rajpal Punia, co-written with his daughter, Damini Punia. Then, he was a young Company Commander of the 14th Mechanized Infantry who led the rescue mission and the ensuing jungle warfare. The multinational operation was launched by the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, involving India, Ghana, Britain, and Nigeria.

“The events unfolded in Kailahun between May and July 2000 and revealed the important contribution of the Indian Army as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL),” says a source. The Major led 233 Indian troops to break the three-month siege laid by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The film will also feature key figures he encountered there — the village chieftain Papa Geima, a native of Kailahun and a RUF sympathizer Sister, and RUF field commander Colonel Martin.

The source adds that Hooda, who is co-producing and acting in the film along with Rahul Mittra, has completed the script and is finalizing the rest of the cast and director. Filming will begin early next year. Mittra, who has known Hooda since Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011) and Main Hoon Charles (2015), says collaborating again was natural. “We both liked the subject… Both of us felt that the story of Operation Khukri had to be told.”

Since acquiring the rights, Hooda has remained deeply involved in the creative process. “Randeep is very meticulous and hardworking… We are aiming to start pre-production by early 2026 though it depends on when the first draft is finalized,” says Mittra, adding that the team will shoot in India and Africa.

November has brought a new person and a new story into Shraddha Kapoor’s life. On November 1, the actor kicked off the shoot of Eetha, a biopic of legendary Tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, near Nashik. But becoming Narayangaonkar — the famed singer and dancer, who had an illustrious career spanning over three decades — is no cakewalk. Word is that before heading to the set of Laxman Utekar’s directorial venture, Kapoor trained in the dance forms of Lavani and Gavlan for three months.

Sources tell us that Kapoor’s Maharashtrian roots made her Utekar’s top choice for the role. “With her mother Shivangi Kolhapure being Maharashtrian, Shraddha is deeply steeped in the culture. Another advantage was her dancing skill since it formed a big part of Vithabai’s life story. Shraddha picked up Lavani and Gavlan, the two folk dance forms that originated in Maharashtra. They are widely used in Tamasha, which traditionally combines storytelling with singing, dancing, and satire,” says a source. 

Through Eetha, spanning the 1950s to 1980s, Utekar wants to introduce the audience to Narayangaonkar’s life story — how the Pandharpur-born artiste joined her family troupe at a young age and was driven to regain her family’s lost glory when her father fell on hard times. Soon, she tasted success with her performances. Even though she achieved fame and was honoured with the President’s Award in 1957 and 1990, she was reportedly in financial distress in the last years of her life.

Earlier this week, the unit began shooting in Aundhewadi, a village 50 kilometres away from Nashik. Sequences depicting Kapoor as Narayangaonkar in her prime are being captured in the first leg.

The source elaborates, “Shraddha is seen wearing a saree in kashta style, in the dance sequence that is currently being shot. Stylist Sheetal Iqbal Sharma did extensive research for the period film, including understanding the kind of sarees Vithabai favoured. After the week-long shoot, the team will film in Solapur, Satara, Nashik, and Kolhapur throughout November and December. Art directors Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty have zeroed in on all real locations. Barring a 10-day break in December-end, the director wants to shoot continuously till March.”

Randeep Hooda and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub will be seen in crucial roles. Atul-Ajay have composed for the musical.

On Friday, the Supreme Court revised its earlier suo motu order that required all stray dogs in NCR to be confined to shelters. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria clarified that stray dogs can now be released back into their original habitats after being sterilised and vaccinated. Celebrating the move, actor and animal rights supporter Randeep Hooda says, “The knee-jerk judgment has been taken back, which is a good thing. Releasing the dogs from the shelter after vaccination and sterilization is the way to go about it.”

Randeep says, “A right balance can be struck by enforcing sterilization - phase-wise and repeated sterilization. All the citizen groups and animal lovers can collectively participate in systematic, repeated sterilization drives, which will reduce the number of strays. This should have been done ages ago, but it has been delayed, and all parties involved are to be blamed for it.”

Randeep acknowledges the seriousness of stray-related incidents, particularly involving aggression and rabies. “Our dogs are our collective and social responsibility, and I understand that they can be a menace as well. Being an animal lover, you cannot ignore that fact. How will I or any animal lover face anyone who’s lost their loved one to rabies or has been grievously hurt by dogs on the streets? You cannot justify that. Safety is important,” he shares.

About how citizens can help, he says. “Taking more responsibility for strays and adopting puppies will help. Usually, we tend to get foreign breeds, but indies make great pets. Lead by example. One should donate to shelters and good organizations that take care of these voiceless angels.”

Another critical gap, he feels, is medical support. “There should be a supply of rabies vaccines. They should be readily available.”

I got my first one, Candy, when I was going to the airport to pick up my parents. I saw this beautiful puppy, who was scared and drenched in the rain. I stopped the car, picked her up and brought her home. We got her vaccinated, and she became a part of my house. I adopted my second pet, Bambi, from a friend. Eventually, your pets become like your children. They bring a lot of joy. Mine is a bit territorial as well.

Following the success of Jaat, Randeep Hooda is set to headline Operation Khukri, a gripping war drama based on one of the Indian Army’s most daring peacekeeping missions abroad.

Inspired by real events from 2000, the film recounts the story of 233 Indian soldiers held hostage in Sierra Leone (West Africa) by rebel forces, and the high-risk rescue mission that followed. Randeep will portray Major General Rajpal Punia (then a young Company Commander), who led his men through 75 days of siege and executed an audacious jungle warfare operation.

The film is adapted from Penguin Random House India’s bestseller Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad. The screen rights have been secured by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films.

Randeep says, “This story is about sacrifice, brotherhood and bravery in the face of impossible odds. Portraying Major General Rajpal Punia is an honour. Our goal is to bring to light a chapter in Indian military history that exemplifies the spirit of soldiers who never surrender.”

Known for his intense screen presence and versatile performances, Randeep Hooda reveals that personally, there’s been a transformation in him after his marriage to actress Lin Laishram in November 2023. The actor believes that his marriage has played a pivotal role in bringing about a change in the way he engages with the world.

Reflecting on how there’s been a mindset shift post marriage, Randeep shared, “I’m no longer the island (isolated person) I used to be. I can still be that island, but now there’s always a bridge back to the mainland through Lin. I’ve become calmer, more open to new experiences and more sociable. Today, I’m more willing to put myself out there and be presentable. There have been great changes in my life, and I’m incredibly grateful to her. She’s a spiritual person, and her calming influence has brought a lot of peace into my life. She’s introduced me to a positive routine with fewer late nights, and it’s definitely been beneficial,” said Randeep, who was recently seen playing the antagonist in Jaat, starring Sunny Deol.

Randeep, who helmed Swatantrya Veer Savarkar last year, plans to take his role as a director ahead. He explained, “I’m excited about directing more films in the future. Right now, I’m writing two projects — one is an international film, and the other is a high-octane action movie.”

Though acting remains his first love, Randeep admits he missed the responsibility and power that comes with being a director when he was on the set of Jaat.

“As an actor, there’s often a lot of downtime, and that was a challenge for me when I shot for a film after Savarkar. I found myself restless in my vanity van with nothing to do. But it’s also a relief that someone else is handling all the problems and challenges that come with filmmaking. After directing, I have a newfound respect for my directors. I’ve always respected them, but stepping into their shoes gave me a deeper understanding of the endless list of issues they have to manage,” said the Highway actor.

Actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda and Viineet Kumar Singh - the star cast of Jaat were in town recently to meet the winners of the HT City Stars In The City contest. In conversation with Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment & Lifestyle Sonal Kalra, they were up to answer every question that came their way. From an overload of action films, to nepotism, they took it all. Randeep also went on to share some BTS stories from his wedding in 2023 to Lin Laishram, and everyone was left surprised.

Oh, and that was not it. How can you have such macho stars in the house, and not have a panja battle! 

Give Randeep Hooda a powerful role, and he will mould himself physically to become the character. From achieving the emaciated look for Sarbjit (2016) to losing over 30 kilos for his last offering Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024), the actor is no stranger to physical transformation. He has gone down the road again for Jaat, where he plays a ruthless gangster Ranatunga pitted against leading man Sunny Deol.

The actor’s look was recently unveiled in a teaser. For the Gopichand Malineni-directed actioner, Hooda had to bulk up, gaining eight kilos and adding muscle mass. Sources tell us that the actor trained for 11 months before he reported to the shoot last September.

A source reveals, “Randeep’s daily regimen consisted of intense weight-lifting, functional fitness drills, and combat-style workouts designed to enhance agility and power. Along with his trainer Durgesh Gudilu, he focused on compound movements like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses, ensuring his frame carried the imposing presence required for the character. Alongside strength training, he incorporated boxing and MMA-inspired drills, to lend aggression to his movements that would reflect in the action sequences.”

With Malineni designing Jaat as a full-blown actioner, he envisioned Hooda’s Ranatunga as a rugged and brute gangster hailing from Haryana, who could hold his own against Deol. With that brief, the actor-director duo, along with the styling team, arrived at his avatar—a bulky physique, grimy appearance, unkempt hair, and aggressive body language.

The source breaks it down further, saying, “From day one, Randeep was committed to making Ranatunga an intimidating villain. The unkempt hair complements his hardened visage. He also worked extensively on his body language. His gait and posture were meticulously crafted to make his character appear terrifying. For 12 weeks, the actor also worked with a dialect coach to perfect the Haryanvi twang.”

The upcoming movie also stars Regina Cassandra and Saiyami Kher.

Last week, A K Saseendran, Kerala’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Protection, and the Kerala Assembly reiterated the need for amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in the wake of increasing animal attacks and loss of human lives in the state. The proposed changes include allowing chief conservators of forests to grant permission to kill threatening wild animals, declare wild boars as ‘vermin’, and control wildlife reproduction.

Naturally, the proposal has sparked backlash, with many wildlife conservationists and animal rights activists arguing that the real issue of forest degradation remains unaddressed. Actor Randeep Hooda, who is an avid wildlife photographer, is appalled at the Kerala government’s suggestion of considering birth control measures for tigers.

Emphasizing that tigers are already classified as an endangered species and their numbers have risen after decades of conservation efforts, Hooda says, “The only population that needs control is humans, not tigers. It’s absurd to think about limiting the birth of a species already struggling for survival. Tigers are not just a symbol of our wildlife heritage; they are essential to maintaining the ecological balance. Any attempt to interfere with their natural reproduction process is a step in the wrong direction.”

The actor, who has often used his celebrity status to highlight the plight of animals, plans to petition the Kerala government against the proposal. He states that wildlife protection and coexistence should be the top priority.

“Instead of focusing on reducing the population of an endangered species, we should work towards creating a safer environment for them. Encroachment, poaching, and habitat destruction are the real threats that need action, not controlling their numbers,” he says.

Randeep Hooda, who had a pivotal role in Sam Hargrave’s Extraction (2020), headlined by Chris Hemsworth, will feature in the filmmaker’s next film, too. The actor has been cast alongside John Cena in Sam’s upcoming action movie Matchbox.

This will be Randeep’s second American film and fourth international collaboration. Besides Extraction, Sam is also behind the stunts and action in films, including Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War, Thor Ragnarok and Suicide Squad among others.

Talking about it, Randeep told BT, “I am excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration; he is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest where they are shooting.”

Back home, Randeep has been shooting for Jaat, which is being directed by Gopichand Malineni, co-starring Sunny Deol and is set to start shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj’s next soon.

When Telugu director Gopichand Malineni had announced his next with Sunny Deol, he had promised that it would be an action extravaganza (Deol rises again as a one-man army, June 24). Seven months and four schedules later, it looks like he has stayed true to his word. In his bid to make Jaat one of Deol’s biggest action films, the director has roped in four stunt directors, each of whom has designed an elaborate action block.

Sources tell us that Anal Arasu, Ram-Lakshman, Naga Venkat Naga, and Peter Hein of Kalki 2898 AD (2024) fame lead the action team. A source says, “The sets have been designed by Avinash Kolla. The first set-piece involved a car chase sequence choreographed by Peter Hein. Another action block involves hand-to-hand combat that takes place inside a police station and ends with Sunny using a huge fan as a weapon. It was choreographed by Naga Venkat. Both the set-pieces were shot in Hyderabad last year. Another fight sequence aboard a ship was designed by Ram-Lakshman, and filmed at the Panambur port in Mangalore last month. Sunny also shot an ambitious action piece set in Agumbe forest in Mangalore last November. It will be one of the major highlights of the film.”

Jaat, also starring Saiyami Kher and Regina Cassandra, is almost complete, save for one week’s shoot. Next week, Deol will kick off the last leg of the film in Mangalore. The source adds, “Only a few days’ work remains on Jaat. The major action blocks are complete.”

If Deol’s protagonist who rises against the corrupt system is being shown as a mighty hero, the antagonists need to be powerful too. Keeping that in mind, Malineni has apparently roped in six actors as villains.

“Sunny will face five villains, played by Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Ajay Ghosh, Dayanand Shetty, Jagpathi Babu and Babloo Prithiveeraj. The director wants to make it bigger than Gadar 2: The Katha Continues [2023] in terms of action,” says the insider. Jaat will be released in Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil.