Saif Ali Khan has a refreshingly grounded take on fame, work and the life that comes with it. From staying present and valuing his work to being open to criticism, he speaks with the perspective of someone who has learnt to focus on what truly matters. He reflects on the privileges of stardom, staying grounded and the value of hearing different perspectives. With Haiwaan now in theatres, the full JBL Live Headphones presents Bombay Times Lounge episode featuring Saif is live. Here are some candid takeaways from our conversation with the actor.

Well, it’s a little tricky in that sense. He’s got these special abilities where he can do certain things, and he doesn’t come across as a handicapped person at all because of that. So, it had to be quite subtle, and it wasn’t very easy to find that balance. Also, I grew up watching a lot of Japanese samurai movies, and a lot of these films have blind swordsmen for some reason, who can hear so well that they can fight. So, I had already bought into that. When that happens, it makes it much easier for you to put it across what you need to with conviction.

They all have traits that I learn from. Sometimes we get a little corrupted in our thoughts, so the simplicity and innocence of children is hugely refreshing. It really makes you think…why am I looking at things like this? They open your eyes. Then the older kids, Ibrahim and Sara, there are things to learn from them, too. Of course, there’s wisdom and experience on our side, and we want to also tell them that, you know, I’ve been there. Also, I think it’s important to spend a little bit of time alone with each child, because they’re all different when they’re alone and you also get to know them in a slightly different way when you do that. Children function differently in groups and alone. So that’s something I try to do.

A famous actor, who is a huge star, once told me, “If you look back and you have a handful of good films that you feel happy about, it’s good.” Because not everything you do will be right and register the way you want it to.

I want to balance my life well. I want to enjoy life. It is a real honour for me to be here in front of you all and to have this conversation with you. Everything’s a privilege now. I just want to do good work and create moments on screen that are remembered. I want to be a little more present, as they say.

There are many places I go to where people don’t care about you being a movie star. Like when I am travelling in many parts of Europe, you get a break from not being recognized. I wish I could get paid a lot to do what I love to do and enjoy certain things the way I would want to. But I understand it is a part of what we do, so we can’t complain about it. And maybe because I’ve seen my parents handle it, be respectful towards it and, at the same time, not take it seriously at home, it has helped. You shouldn’t think you are someone super special all the time, as that can be damaging.

Saif Ali Khan teams up with Priyadarshan for the first time in Haiwaan, and the actor finds an interesting similarity between the director and his late father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. “Priyadarshan reminds me of my dad. Both were cricketers, and both lost one eye but have been great in their professional space,” he says.

Pataudi played for India (1961-1975) and lost sight in one eye after a car crash in 1961. Meanwhile, Priyadarshan played competitive cricket in school and college before suffering an eye injury in the 1980s.

In the Akshay Kumar co-starrer, Saif plays a visually impaired musician and martial arts coach. All praise for Priyadarshan, Saif adds, “He is like Clint Eastwood, senior and calm. He gives you just one take, so you have to make quick decisions as an actor.”'

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan found herself at the centre of pregnancy rumours after being spotted in Mumbai on Friday. As the speculation snowballed, her sister-in-law, fashion designer Saba Pataudi, stepped in to set the record straight. She took to Instagram Stories to share a long note (inset above), blaming the rumours on “a bad angle”. She added, “Some things are left private. No speculation needed.”

Three decades into Bollywood, Saif Ali Khan believes longevity in the industry is a mix of hard work, timing and a fair bit of luck. The actor, recently seen in the cop drama Kartavya, admits his early years were far from smooth, despite perceptions that he was handed opportunities

“I survived because there was a massive patch where nobody wanted to do those movies that I was doing. It wasn’t that I was getting the best films in the world repeatedly despite not being good,” says Khan, adding, “There was a strong downward movement but then there was luck.”

Reflecting on his initial years in the industry, the actor says, “It was a simpler time, people were much more forgiving.”

Khan recalls that after landing a major opportunity with a Yash Chopra film that failed to perform, his career hit a slump before Yeh Dillagi (1994), co-starring Akshay Kumar and Kajol, helped put him back in the spotlight: “People liked me and it was a two-hero film... I got a little bit of reward for working quite hard and putting everything into it. Films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) slowly helped me make my way into things.”

“The industry was definitely a more forgiving place when I came. Today you need to be much more prepared. The whole concept of preparation has changed and the whole world of movies has changed. I’ve said this to them [Sara and Ibrahim] also that you have to prepare. But our field has become extremely extreme. It’s always been competitive, but people are less forgiving now certainly than they were.”

Mumbai: The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh's exit from Don 3, which prompted producers to take the matter public and led to a brief non-cooperation move against the actor, has again brought the spotlight on Bollywood's lack of a structured and equitable exit mechanism in film contracts.

This development, at a time when the industry is grappling with soaring costs and a shortage of stories that can be developed into commercially viable franchises, however, may prompt stakeholders to ensure clearer and prominent exit clauses in future film contracts, lawyers told ET.

Among the various provisions that could help avert such disputes, artists' exit rights and creative control mechanisms rank high on the list, they said.

"Creative control disputes are among the most litigated yet contractually overlooked areas in Indian entertainment law. A well-drafted artist agreement should set a clear deadline tied to the start of principal photography, beyond which an artist can no longer exit the project on grounds of creative disagreement," said Priyanka Sinha, cofounder and partner at law firm A&P Partners.

"Before that deadline, a clean exit option, backed by an advance refund obligation, gives both parties a legally sound way out, limiting exposure to consequential damage claims on either side. The clause reflects a simple principle: creative freedom and commercial certainty can coexist; it just takes precise drafting," she added.

Lawyers also pointed to the importance of including an "exclusivity period" clause in film contracts.

"It is critical to spell out the period for which an artist will be associated with a film. This will help avoid clashes between artists and producers," said a lawyer who did not want to be named.

In 2018, actor Sara Ali Khan began shooting for director Rohit Shetty's film Simmba after her debut film Kedarnath, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, was delayed. Subsequently, Kapoor demanded exclusive dates from Khan for Kedarnath. These dates coincided with her shooting schedule for Simmba. Consequently, Kapoor initiated legal proceedings against the actor.

Legal experts also stressed that film contracts should include provisions for the reimbursement of documented costs.

"Given the significant investments made in development, financing, marketing and production planning based on the cast, agreements should provide for reimbursement of documented costs, along with other pre-agreed remedies, in the event of an unjustified withdrawal by an artist," said Nitika Nagar Mohandas, associate partner designate at Anand & Naik.

Film contracts involve personal services and therefore cannot be specifically enforced, said experts.

"In India, the legal position regarding contracts involving personal services, such as those of actors, directors and other creative professionals, is that they cannot be specifically enforced. A court will not compel an artist to continue performing in a project against his or her will," said Anushree Rauta, head of media and entertainment practice at ANM Global.

"While Indian courts have historically recognized and enforced negative covenants during the subsistence of a contract, such enforcement is not automatic and is subject to important limitations, particularly where the effect would be to force the artist to remain idle or indirectly compel performance," she added.

Dehradun: Non-Hindus, regardless of their background, will be allowed darshan at Badrinath and Kedarnath only if they submit an affidavit "affirming their faith in Sanatan Dharma", Badri Kedar Temple Committee chief Hemant Dwivedi said on Tuesday, even as BKTC announced a ban on entry of non-Hindus at the two shrines and 45 other temples under its jurisdiction in Garhwal.

Asked about Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan, who often visits Kedarnath, he said, "If she says that she has belief in Sanatan and submits an affidavit, we will allow her for darshan." He added that affidavits would be made available at the temples.

"Sanatan Dharma is vast, and its followers are present across the world. If any person, irrespective of background, expresses faith in Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit to that effect, darshan can be allowed at Badrinath and Kedarnath. All those who have faith in Sanatan Dharma are Sanatanis," Dwivedi said.

BKTC is the administrative body for Badrinath, Kedarnath and 45 other important temples in Uttarakhand and is responsible for their management and governance. Dwivedi told TOI that the guidelines were laid down by Adi Shankaracharya and had been followed since then.

"Tourism and religious tourism are the backbone of the state's economy. Unfortunately, some people are unable to distinguish between the two and are considering religious tourism the same as tourism. We need to take steps to ensure that norms and traditions are followed during pilgrimage, and this initiative is a small step in this regard," he added.

BKTC has also announced a ban on photos and videos inside temple premises. "Mobile phones will not be allowed inside the temple premises. Arrangements are being made to keep the mobile phones outside the temple. Photos and videos are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum and within the temple premises," Dwivedi said.

This year's Char Dham yatra is scheduled to commence from April 19 with the opening of the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham. Online registration began on March 6, and till Tuesday, over 6 lakh pilgrims had registered. The highest registration of 2 lakh was for Kedarnath, followed by 1.8 lakh for Badrinath, 1.6 lakh for Gangotri and 1.1 lakh for Yamunotri.

In January, mid-day reported that Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s yet-untitled spy comedy was in limbo ever since the first schedule was concluded in 2024 (Intermission comes before the film, Jan 20). Things appear to have swiftly progressed on the Karan Johar and Guneet Monga production in the last two months. It has been learnt that the leads shot an extensive schedule in Mumbai in February, including a massive song sequence.

Originally, first-time director Aakash Kaushik wanted to film the song, titled ‘Jai Hind’, in real locations in Delhi and Mumbai. However, when that didn’t materialize, the makers decided to shoot it on a set at Madh Island in Mumbai.

A source told mid-day, “‘Jai Hind’ is set against the Independence Day celebration that happens in Delhi. More than 700 dancers and junior artistes were roped in for the song that depicts the Independence Day parade. Karan and Guneet felt that a colourful, patriotic song, mounted on a grand scale, would add to the spy comedy’s appeal. It appears at a critical juncture in the movie. Ayushmann and Sara shot the track in two days.”

We’ve heard that the unit has an end-credit number to be filmed before Kaushik can call it a wrap on the project. The makers are apparently eyeing a mid-2026 release.

Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani aka Orry, has been dominating showbiz chatter lately, following unfiltered social media posts that have openly hinted at tensions with his former close friends, actor Sara Ali Khan and her brother, actor Ibrahim Ali Khan.

In an exclusive interview with us, Orry confirms the feud, saying, “If (Sara and Ibrahim’s mother, actor) Amrita Singh were to apologize, I could maybe see myself letting it go in the future.”

Addressing his decision to unfollow Sara on Instagram, Orry explains, “I unfollowed Sara a while ago, and I haven’t followed Ibrahim in years. Pretending to be friends with Sara means pretending to be okay with the trauma her mother put me through, and I just don’t think I can do that anymore.”

More recently, Orry’s remarks about Sara’s career went viral. However, he remains unapologetic and is not holding back. “I don’t think I said anything wrong about her. I just made a small joke, taking a dig at her career. I highly doubt she even felt bad about it. The whole internet makes fun of Sara’s movies all the time. In fact, her biggest body of work is a series of memes that she’s delivered via movies. People make fun of me being jobless all the time. It’s not that deep,” he ends.

When we reached out to Amrita for comments and clarification, she responded with a folded hands emoji. Meanwhile, attempts to reach out to Sara and Ibrahim were not met with any response till the time of going to press.

Once inseparable on party circuits, Sara and Orry’s friendship has hit a very public speed bump. A source tell us, the tension has been brewing since Sara’s birthday last year. It started with a spat between Orry and Palak Tiwari, Ibrahim’s girlfriend. It intensified when Orry also posted unflattering pictures of Sara in his wish. Now, Orry has been taking direct digs at Sara, Palak and Amrita on social media, leading to everyone unfollowing each other on Instagram.

In a now-deleted Reel posted last week, Orry was asked to name the “worst names” he knew, to which he said ‘Amrita, Sara and Paalak.’ Fans have interpreted these as references to Sara, her mother, actor Amrita Singh, and actor Palak Tiwari, who is dating Sara’s brother, actor Ibrahim Ali Khan. Following this, both Sara and Ibrahim unfollowed Orry on Instagram.

Although Sara has not reacted directly to the fallout, on Monday she posted a birthday wish for a friend. She used Vikram Sarkar’s Haryanvi song Naam Chale, with the lyrics: Khulle se khate/ na padte hisaban mein/ masti mein rehte hum/ rehte na yadan mein/ Ek life mili baby/ jee rey swadan mein/ talented balak na padte vivaadan mein. Roughly translated, the lyrics speak to living freely, avoiding calculations, and steering clear of unnecessary controversies.

Around two years ago, a WhatsApp chat allegedly between Orry and Palak surfaced on Reddit, where Palak is seen texting Orry, “If it’s an apology you want, out of respect for Sara I’m saying it. Sorry.” She was met with a middle-finger emoji in response.

The leaked exchange led fans to speculate that a serious fallout may have occurred between the two during New Year’s Eve that year, possibly triggering the tensions that followed.

On January 26, Orry shared a Reel in which he appeared wearing a micro bikini printed on a T-shirt. Responding to a comment, he joked that the printed graphic on his shirt was “holding together Sara Ali Khan’s hits.”

Tuesday’s rumour mill had its newest target: Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s upcoming untitled action-comedy, with reports claiming the film had hit a production roadblock after beginning shoot in 2024, and that its release plans were now uncertain. However, filmmaker Karan Johar has firmly denied the claims in an exclusive chat with HT City.

As per buzz, the shoot of the film, backed by Dharma Productions and filmmaker Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment, had been stuck for a while, with the release allegedly pushed beyond its initial 2026 plan. There was also speculation around whether the project would head to theatres or take the OTT route.

Reacting to the chatter, Johar dismisses it outright: “This is not true. We have 10 days of shoot left, and we are releasing the film theatrically in 2026.”

Director Aakash Kaushik also maintains that the project is very much on track and nearing completion.

Had things gone as planned, Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan would have been gearing up for the release of their yet-untitled action comedy now. Instead, mid-day has learnt that the film, co-produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor, has been in limbo since its first schedule concluded in late 2024.

A source shared, “It is a quirky, fun story. Everything was on track when the team began shooting the first schedule mid-2024 in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. But after that, the movie, which was to release in the first half of 2026, has been stuck for over a year. The actors and the crew are keen to resume filming, but there’s no clarity on when the project will return to floors.”

So, what exactly is blocking debutant Aakash Kaushik’s directorial venture? Another insider revealed that the makers are apparently indecisive about the release model of the film, which was initially conceived of as a theatrical offering.

“There have been discussions about whether it should take the web route and be released as an OTT original. The talks have been going on for months, while the shoot has been on hold,” said the insider.

In a year when even some of Bollywood’s biggest stars have struggled to draw audiences to cinemas, Sara Ali Khan — who turns 30 today — has quietly scored two box-office wins with Sky Force and Metro...In Dino. Far from basking in the glory alone, the actor is quick to pass the credit to the people behind the camera.

She credits the success of her films to her directors: “Filmmaking is a director’s medium — you have to trust and surrender to their vision. You are there to tell the story that the director wants to tell. You are as good as your director makes you, and I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some extremely fine directors.”

While the film is a ship steered by the director, Sara insists on being in control of her career choices, which she believes impact her box office numbers. “I don’t choose my work according to the box office; what you can’t control, you shouldn’t think about it. You should think about whether you feel proud of what you are doing,” she shares, adding, “I want my films to do well. But my responsibility as an actor is to give my 100% to my work. I need to learn, unlearn, grow, seize opportunities, and then celebrate them... Phir sabki apni kismat hoti hai.”

Amid these box office uncertainties, several leading actors have ventured into the OTT space. Is that something on Sara’s radar, too? “Theatrical films are always going to be special, but as long as I get to be part of telling good stories, I’m open to it irrespective of the medium,” she signs off.

Up until recently, actor Sara Ali Khan was as much a social media darling as she was an on-screen performer. But fans have noticed a shift — the actor has been keeping a low profile online.

Ask her why and the 29-year-old says, “I used to enjoy Instagram maybe a little more than I do now. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy it at all.. But now there are days when I’ll feel like doing something fun and I’ll do it, but I don’t necessarily feel that way as often as maybe I did.”

Sara hints that the relentless scrutiny of everything but acting made her rethink the virtual world. And a powerful reminder came from veteran actor Anupam Kher.

“He was speaking about how actually our existence is just between action and cut,” the actor recalls, adding, “Sometimes, I also forget that. I’d be sitting in traffic thinking, ‘I didn’t make a Reel to trend.’ But that’s not our work. In our jobs today, it’s very easy to confuse what the real work is and what the supplementary work is.”

Currently enjoying the high of Metro...In Dino performing well, Sara credits director Anurag Basu and co-actor Aditya Roy Kapur. “Basu da really knows how to bring out the best in everyone... And I’ve said this before, Adi is a very easy going person. He allows the other person to feel relaxed. He’s not judgy, so that makes it very easy to work with him,” she signs off.

Scroll through some of the leading Bollywood actors’ Instagram accounts, and eagle-eyed fans will notice a change. In a strange turn of events, by Thursday morning, many of the actors experienced a drop in their follower count. Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor reportedly lost thousands of followers between May 7 and 8. Digital experts suggest that a section of the South Asian diaspora has unfollowed certain celebrities after Operation Sindoor.

According to social media analytics, Bhatt and Aaryan saw a dip of nearly one lakh followers from their respective 8.62 crore and 4.50 crore followers. Khan’s followers dropped by approximately 60,000, and Kapoor’s, by 30,000. Meanwhile, Devgn’s 1.2 crore count saw a reduction of roughly 20,000.

A digital media strategist, on condition of anonymity, linked the recent activity to two episodes. “Last week, top Pakistani artistes’ social media accounts were blocked in India. That was seen as a gesture of rising intolerance. After Operation Sindoor, many Bollywood celebrities took a stand, which did not go down well with certain sections of the South Asian diaspora in the US and UK. Unfollowing these stars is their way of expressing protest against  aggressive tactics, and larger political narratives,” said the strategist.

Digital media expert Murtuza Rampurawala said the numbers directly reflect public sentiment. “When a lot of people unfollow at once, it’s a clear sign that public opinion is shifting. Brands pay close attention to this because they want to work with celebrities who reflect what their audience believes in,” he shared.

mid-day reached out to Meta India, which did not respond to our queries regarding the recent drop in follower count. 

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut project Nadaaniyan, co-starring Khushi Kapoor, received negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. Now, Ibrahim’s grandmother, actor Sharmila Tagore, too, has dished out honest feedback about the film, saying it didn’t live up to expectations.

During a recent interaction, Sharmila spoke about her grandchildren Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim entering the film industry: “Sara and Ibrahim are doing a wonderful job. Ibrahim’s film was not good, but he still looks very handsome. He has tried his best. These things shouldn’t really be said in front of everyone, but honestly, the picture isn’t great. Ultimately, the picture has to be good”.

Sharmila went on to praise Sara for her dedication and potential. “She is a good actress. She works very hard and is capable of doing a lot more,” the 80-year-old told Anandabazar Patrika.

In another interview, Ibrahim’s aunt, actor Soha Ali Khan, was asked about what advice she would give him after being trolled. Soha said that one needs to develop a thick skin if they want to be a part of the film industry.

Actor Sara Ali Khan opened up about the knife attack on her father, Saif Ali Khan, reflecting on how the incident reinforced life’s unpredictability. Speaking at NDTV Yuva on Wednesday, she shared that the family is deeply grateful for his recovery.

“It makes you realize what truly matters,” Sara said. “The entire family only felt gratitude because it could have gone so wrong. I am so grateful that everything is fine. It was a reminder of the life we have. We often talk about mental well-being, but being grateful for life itself is so important — and moments like this make you realize that.”

When asked if the incident brought their family closer, Sara clarified that her bond with her father remains unchanged. “It’s not about being closer — he is my father, and we are as close as we can be. It didn’t make me realize he is my father; it made me realize that life can change overnight. Every day deserves mindful celebration. It reminded me to just be grateful.”

While the Pataudi family was not blessed with great dancing skills, they made up for it with hard work. Choreographer Vijay Ganguly—son of National Award-winning director and screenwriter Anil Ganguly—who has been on movie sets with his father since childhood, shares that he has worked with every generation of Saif Ali Khan’s family, including ex-wife Amrita Singh, Sara Ali Khan, and Ibrahim Ali Khan who recently made his debut in Bollywood with his Netflix film, Nadaaniyan.

Although the Ibrahim-starrer was met with harsh criticisms, Vijay says that like his father, Ibrahim didn’t mind working hard and endlessly rehearsing dance numbers. “Ibrahim is not a fantastic dancer but a very hardworking one.”

They met on the set of the wedding track, Tirkit Dhoom. Vijay adds, “Though he comes from a Nawabi family, he is grounded. Every time he didn’t get a step right, my assistants would go out of our way to make sure he did it well.”

Reminiscing about being on the set with Singh during the shoot of Saaheb (1985), Vijay shares that he also played a small role in the Anil Kapoor-starrer. “I was a child artiste in the film. I met her properly during the shoot of Sara’s Zara Hatke Zara Bachke [2023] and she remembered that I had choreographed Sara’s song, Chaka Chak [from Atrangi Re, 2021]. Sara would wake me up in Goa at 4am to rehearse. She is transparent and has no filters. Sometimes we have to tell her to calm down,” he added. Vijay is also designing the dance in Sara’s Metro In Dino.

Vijay shares that he met Saif for the first time during rehearsals for an award ceremony. “Saif has improved over time. He will joke about things [but still] learn his steps.”

His first film with Saif was Chef (2017), followed by Bhoot Police (2021).

Announce a Salman Khan concert, and his fans make a beeline to see him in action. This time, the superstar’s admirers have even more reason to be excited about his upcoming show. Khan will be joined by Madhuri Dixit-Nene as they headline The Bollywood Big One shows that are scheduled to take place in the UK. It will be held at the Wembley Stadium in London on May 4, and at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on May 5. Performances by Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Sunil Grover and Maniesh Paul are also part of the line-up.

The shows promise to be a trip down memory lane as Khan and Dixit—last seen on screen in Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002)—will perform to hit numbers from their ’90s offerings. A source says, “They will groove to their chartbusters from Saajan [1991], Dil Tera Aashiq [1993], Hum Aapke Hai Koun [1994], and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam.”

It turns out their recent recreation of a scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun on Bigg Boss 17 sparked the idea for the stage show. “In January 2024, Madhuri was a guest on the Salman-hosted Bigg Boss 17 finale. There, the two recreated a romantic scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun. They have always had great chemistry on screen, and seeing the love pouring in from the audience for the episode, the organisers decided to rope them in.”

The Bollywood Big One shows were originally scheduled for 2023, but were postponed because of logistical issues in the aftermath of the pandemic. The source adds, “Varun, who is currently shooting for Border 2, plans to complete his portions by April and fly out for the show in May.”

Guneet Monga Kapoor couldn’t have asked for a better end to 2024. Last week, Anuja, a short film on which she serves as the executive producer, made it to the Oscars 2025 shortlist for Best Live Action Short Film. Adam J Graves’ directorial venture explores the harsh reality of child labour in New Delhi. Recalling their association with the project, Achint Jain, Monga’s business partner, starts, “Anuja is not something we greenlit. Adam and Suchitra [Mattai] are first-time filmmakers, and they reached out to us ki ab kahan jayein.”

That is where Monga and Jain stepped in. As executive producers, they raised money and drove the publicity campaign. Monga says, “There was a lot of fundraising, much more than the budget of the film.” But she understands that the bigger journey starts now. How does Monga, who has two Academy wins to her name, plan to ensure the short film earns a place in the nominations?

“Now that it’s shortlisted, we’re working on its future. From 9 pm to 12.30 am, and in the mornings, from 5 am to 9 am, I am making calls, talking to people, pushing Anuja, writing to people, [figuring] the next layer of funding and how we can take it forward, figuring out distribution and which platform to take it to. All our years of experience comes handy on the journey of a short film. We’re really pushing forward to get to the next round. [We’re keeping our] fingers crossed that we get to the nomination.”

The year 2024 was unbelievable for her. We tell her she has a surplus problem between the Oscar shortlist, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, her latest documentary on Honey Singh and the love she garnered earlier in the year for Kill.

“Both Kill and Gyaarah Gyaarah have been so rewarding. They were our big projects this year. With Kill, we just wanted to make an extreme action film. You get these comments along the way: ‘Kaun dekhega? Kaise karenge?’ But we stuck to making it in its purest form. Be it The Lunchbox [2013], Masaan [2015], or The Elephant Whisperers [2022], the idea is just to tell the best story.”

Now, they are looking ahead with confidence and hope. Their next is a film with Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan. Monga says, “We will make a big announcement in January too. India is back with single producers, the producers who have stood the test of time. It’s the time [for] producers to take the call and have faith in their vision. I genuinely feel producers’ work is underestimated here. But now is the time for producers to resurface.”

Earlier this week, it emerged that filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has found his new Prem in Ayushmann Khurrana. The actor has been roped in for the filmmaker’s yet-untitled next. With the male lead in place, the obvious question is: Whom will Khurrana romance in the family drama? Insiders tell us that Sara Ali Khan and Triptii Dimri are the top contenders for the role.

We’ve heard that the two actors are in discussion for the role, which requires someone who can embody Barjatya’s vision of grace.

An industry insider revealed, “Sara has the charm and mainstream appeal that could align with the Rajshri universe, while Triptii’s nuanced performances in films like Bulbbul [2020] and Qala [2022] make her a strong candidate to bring a layered approach to the character. Ayushmann is already doing another film with Sara whereas it will be a new jodi if he teams up with Triptii. That said, Triptii is busy for a good part of next year with Vishal Bhardwaj’s film on Hussain Ustara and two other projects. Sooraj-ji will meet both actors in January, and a look test will determine the decision. Their chemistry with Ayushmann will also be another factor.”

If things go as planned, Barjatya will take the project on floors in the summer of 2025.

Mumbai: The IPO for Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate is sure to be a star-studded affair. From super stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, to other big names like Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Sara Ali Khan, Ektaa Kapoor, Tiger Shroff and Rajkummar Rao, all have recently bought small stakes in the company.

Earlier this month, the company that has made its name in the ultra-luxury residential and upscale commercial real estate segments in the city, made private placements of a little over 2.7 crore shares to 125 people including several Bollywood stars. The list of allottees also include some know names from the financial sector like Ashish Kacholia and Jagdish Master, ROC documents showed.

Only recently, AKP Holdings - that was a private limited company and operates under the brand name Lotus Developers - changed its name to Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate.

Although company officials declined to comment on the IPO since it is in the process of finalizing the offer document, sources said that the Anand Pandit-promoted company is looking to raise about Rs 1,000 crore.

On Dec 4, Sri Lotus Developers made the private placement at Rs 150 per share and mobilised about Rs 407.6 crore. Among the allottees, Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachhan bought about 6.7 lakh shares at Rs 10 crore while Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust bought about 6.75 lakh shares for 10.1 crore. Among other big names Hrithik Roshan bought 70,000 shares for a little over Rs 1 crore. Several of these Bollywood stars own residential and commercial spaces in Lotus Developers' properties, sources said.