Even as reports suggest that Shahid Kapoor will kick off a comedy later this year, the actor is keen to collaborate with long-time friend and producer Jackky Bhagnani for a big-screen outing. Bhagnani revealed to mid-day that the two friends want to unite forces professionally.

“Shahid and I want to do something together. We feel that while we have been friends for 20 years, we can come together strongly as a professional team. But until we find that correct opportunity, we won’t. We are actively looking for something to collaborate on,” said the actor-turned-producer.

In early 2024, this plan had almost come to fruition. Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment and Prime Video had announced their ambitious film, Ashwatthama - The Saga Continues, as part of the streamer’s slate. However, it was soon heard that the project was shelved.  

When we mentioned this to Bhagnani, he shared, “There were multiple reasons why we decided against it. [One being that] Kalki 2898 AD [2024] came after that. When you make a big-scale film, the audience doesn’t judge you on the basis of the amount of money you have spent on it, but on how unique your content is. If it’s not unique, that money goes down the drain.”

Rumours also suggested that Jackky Bhagnani’s banner was producing ‘Suryaputra Mahavir Karna’ with South star Vikram. “We aren’t doing it right now. We have pushed it,” he revealed.

A chandelier glows above the stage, its crystal droplets catching the light and sending it pouring over white feathers and fresh flowers that emerge from its centre. As the bride and groom make an entrance, it lowers slowly over the dance floor and the room gasps as one. Nothing about its framework would suggest that under the glass and blooms sit hidden tiers of deliciously moist chocolate cake, one of Rushina Mehrotra’s edible engineering marvels.

Mehrotra, 47, has spent the past 16 years building cakes for everyone from the Ambanis to Bollywood names such as Shahid Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Farah Khan. Yet the founder of Andheri-based Daffodils Creations still describes her career as a happy accident. “I always wanted to start a business of my own, but I wasn’t sure what line I would work in,” she says.

She was no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. Mehrotra grew up in a family where sweets were part of everyday life. Her father, Hasmukh Bhimjiyani, is the force behind Trupti Sweets, one of Mumbai’s longstanding mithai institutions, and conversations at home often drifted from family matters to discussions about quality, customers and the realities of running a business. “Growing up in that environment naturally influenced me,” she says.

But she was also drawn to sport. Back when she was a student at The Bai BS Bengallee Girl’s High School, in Churchgate, she spent hours at the National Sports Club of India in Worli, where she played snooker with her father.

What began as a father-daughter pastime soon turned competitive. Mehrotra went on to play at the national level during an era when women’s snooker in India was still a rarity. “There were probably fewer than ten women competing across the country at the time,” she says.

She even remembers defeating Anuja Thakur, the reigning national champion, a result that remains one of her proudest sporting achievements.

If her business instincts came from her father, she credits her creative side to her mother, Sudha. “She was a homemaker, but had an artistic bent”, Mehrotra says, of Sudha, who would handcraft Ganpati idols at home each year during the festival season.

An MBA in marketing at MET university in 2002 led to nearly a decade in corporate roles, but after the birth of her first child Aaryaman, now 17, she began to question that path. “I could have continued juggling work and family, but it didn’t feel fulfilling,” she says. Around the same time, she began noticing customized cakes gain traction abroad. They were becoming expressions of personality over just desserts. India, she suspected, would not be far behind.

That’s what led to the launch of Daffodils Creations in 2009, “from a small kitchen inside the Trupti factory in CP Tank,” which, often, just delivered one order a week. Things changed in 2011, when filmmaker Farah Khan tried one of her cakes at a party and commissioned one for Abhishek Bachchan’s birthday: a giant burger built around an inside joke, complete with fries, pizza and soda on the side.

“That order gave me the confidence to quit my job and pursue baking full-time,” Mehrotra says. Khan became a regular client and opened doors to a wider circle, resulting in commissions for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s productions to a life-sized guitar cake made for Ed Sheeran during a visit to Khan’s home.

Her husband, Amit, backed the leap, helping her set up a 250-square-foot studio in Andheri, closer to her marital home. “That gave me the freedom to build the business without financial pressure,” she says, of the studio that has, since, grown into an 1,800-square-foot operation with a team of 15, its own delivery service, and a weekly output of 150 to 200 cakes alongside dessert tables of macarons, cookies, doughnuts and French entremets.

One features a gym enthusiast mid-workout; another balances a construction-themed cake atop a boy performing a headstand. An ocean-inspired creation relies on the tentacles of a giant orange octopus to create the illusion that the entire structure is suspended in mid-air. Her goal isn’t just to make a cake look realistic; she wants it to feel alive.

That ambition often demands as much engineering as artistry. For Prithvi Ambani’s third birthday, son of Shloka and Akash Ambani, Mehrotra transformed a venue into a sugar-dusted Candyland. At its centre stood a jellybean globe surrounded by balancing figures, towering lollipops and gravity-defying sweets. For Kiara Advani, commissioned by Sidharth Malhotra’s team, she created a “Born to Shop” cake complete with miniature Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana storefronts.

Behind every creation lies a lengthy planning process. “Ironically, the planning often takes longer than making the cake itself,” she says. Conversations with clients can stretch across days as details about the occasion, guest list and personality of the celebrant are translated into a design.

For all the attention her creations attract, flavour remains non-negotiable. Belgian chocolate remains the bestseller because, as Mehrotra says, “it’s a crowd-pleaser”. Smaller gatherings leave more room for experimentation. Pistachio raspberry, Biscoff mango and mango ras malai rank among her most popular combinations, the last drawing inspiration from her family’s confectionery roots.

At home, conversely, there is no extravagance. Despite growing up surrounded by some of the city’s most elaborate cakes, her sons Aaryaman and Riaan, 11, are happiest with simple birthday cakes like cheesecakes.

And to her, after all these years, what still matters most are the reactions. The videos and messages that arrive after a celebration remind her why she began. “A cake is so much more than dessert,” she says. Each one is built for a moment that cannot be repeated: a child celebrating their birthday, a family reunited around a table, and a couple stepping into a new chapter. By the end of the night, little remains except crumbs and photographs. Yet those moments have a way of staying put, long after the sugar has melted away. “And that’s what makes it so magical,” she says.

Even as Main Vaapas Aaunga (MVA) records a gradual uptick at the box office, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali says he always expected the film to find its audience over time rather than through a blockbuster opening.

“We are not a star-driven film, so it was supposed to be like this. If people like it, they will tell others to watch it, and that’s how the film will grow,” he says.

Ali is particularly encouraged by the response from younger viewers, who he believes are yearning for deeper connections. “I feel the younger generation needs love the most. They are sensitive, romantic and seeking commitment, but they are often misunderstood and labelled as flaky. Their lives are different from previous generations, but they are searching for something meaningful,” he says.

Set against the backdrop of Partition, the film intertwines a love story with the lived experiences of survivors. “When I heard their stories of what they’ve seen, what they remember now after 78 years, I realized that no love story can happen in a vacuum. It happens in the real world, and the real world of the era of partition was necessary for the setting of this love story,” says Ali.

He was also unfazed about mounting a large-scale film led by relatively new actors Vedang Raina and Sharvari. “I am a man, not from the trade, but from the art of filmmaking. I do understand the power of cinema and performance, and also the power of good casting. If all those things come together, then there is a certain power that is created. I had no doubt that both these actors will be able to headline this story well,” he says, adding, “But I also knew that on the poster, there is also Diljit (Dosanjh). Everybody in the world knows him and they are interested to see what he’s doing. I was sure that there was going to be a poster appeal because he is there.”

Despite the accolades and decades of experience, actor and director Ananth Mahadevan says he is often overlooked for roles that he believes are tailor-made for him. The latest disappointment? The Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Governor.

After playing RBI governor S Venkitaramanan in Hansal Mehta’s Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020), Mahadevan earned widespread praise. Yet, when casting began for A Ramanan — a character reportedly inspired by S Venkitaramanan — nobody approached him.

“When Scam 1992 came out, Manoj was one of the first persons to acknowledge my performance on social media, before Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shahid Kapoor. I would have given the role an edge and looked like the character of the Governor, had I been given the chance,” laments Mahadevan. He adds that filmmakers today often “lack maturity” in their thinking.

While Bajpayee may enjoy greater popularity, Mahadevan argues that both actors are ultimately valued for their craft. “Manoj may be a more popular star than me but he has a different grade of popularity. He is not in the rat race, as he himself admits. If they had got Kamal Haasan to play that part, I would have been fine with it.”

The actor says this isn’t the first time he has been sidelined. He recalls messaging director Neeraj Pandey about the R D Burman biopic with photographs, only to receive no response. “Maybe because they wanted more commercial options,” he says.

“If they had taken a Bengali actor who looked like the music director, that would have been alright. I have nothing against Farhan Akhtar, his father [Javed Akhtar] is a dear friend, but if I was making the film, would I cast Farhan? No.”

- ‘Thiruda Thiruda’ (1993): Mahadevan says director Mani Ratnam had initially considered him for the CBI inspector’s role, which eventually went to SP Balasubrahmanyam.

- ‘Halo’ (1996): He says cinematographer-director Santosh Sivan had approached him for a father’s role, but filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi ultimately played the part.

What was meant to be a high-energy promotional stop for Cocktail 2 in Pune reportedly descended into chaos after an overwhelming crowd forced organisers to cut the event short.

Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna were scheduled to spend nearly 40 minutes at Phoenix Market City in Viman Nagar on Friday (June 12), but the appearance reportedly lasted barely 10 minutes after fans broke through barricades and surged towards the stars.

“It became impossible to control the crowd within minutes. People started pushing from all sides and barricades gave way,” an eyewitness told mid-day.

Another witness added, “The actors could barely spend any time on stage. Security immediately stepped in and to move them out once the crowd surged forward.”

Sources claim Shahid’s clothes were torn in the commotion as security personnel rushed the trio to safety. “There was a lot of screaming and pushing. Fans were trying to get as close as possible to the stars. The security team looked overwhelmed for a few moments,” said another eyewitness.

The frenzy reportedly led to traffic snarls around Viman Nagar and Nagar Road, with crowds continuing to gather even after the actors had left. Insiders say the team has since increased security for upcoming public appearances.

“More security personnel are expected to be present with the actors during future promotional events,” a source said.

Amid the chaos, a video that surfaced online showed Kriti Sanon holding on to Rashmika Mandanna and guiding her through the crowd as security struggled to create a passage. Netizens praised Kriti’s protective gesture, with many likening her to an “elder sister” looking out for her co-star.

At 18, when Pankaj Kapur shared his desire to pursue a career in acting, his father asked him if it was the glamour that he found attractive or if he truly had the ability to act. To find the answer, Kapur decided to join the National School of Drama. When he was leaving home to join NSD, his father, an English professor, told him — ‘Now, don’t look back.’ Kapur didn’t. In a career spanning five decades, the actor has excelled in different genres. During a recent interaction in Nagpur, the actor reflected on his journey in showbiz, recalled his NSD days and more.

The conversation steered towards Kapur’s powerful screen performances and it would have been incomplete without the mention of Abbaji in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool. Interestingly, Kapur was initially hesitant to play the character.

“When Vishal Bhardwaj approached me with the role, I wasn’t sure of doing it. But he was insistent. So, I asked him to leave the script with me and said I would get back within a month. Eventually, I agreed,” said Kapur, adding, “I later got to know that Bhardwaj had offered the role to Naseeruddin Shah first, but he was interested in playing another character and suggested my name instead. Multiple meetings and discussions helped shape Abbaji’s character more effectively. For example, I had suggested to Vishal that Abbaji, who is short in height, be surrounded by tall, well-built bodyguards. The thought was that it will subtly reflect Abbaji’s authority and power,” said Kapur, who featured in the film with Irrfan and Tabu.

As Kapur spoke about his NSD days, there was a palpable happiness in his voice. “All the people who enter the world of acting hold Konstantin Stanislavski’s name in very high regard. In my first year, I went to the NSD library and took out Stanislavski’s An Actor Prepares,” Kapur recalled, adding, “Coincidentally, the then director of the institute, Ebrahim Alkazi, was walking in front of me. To impress him, I held the book up. He looked at me and asked which book I had taken and I, proudly, said, ‘Sir, I took out An Actor Prepares.’ To my surprise, he asked me to keep the book back on the rack.”

Kapur asked him why and Alkazi’s response changed his perspective. “He told me that Stanislavski wrote this book after 40 years of theatre experience and gave the world the concept of method acting. He told me, ‘You have to make your own way first. Once you achieve that, you can read this book’. Believe me, it’s been 50 years since I passed out of NSD and I have still not read the book. I am very grateful to Alkazi sahab for giving me a chance to discover my own world,” Kapur shared. 

Kapur, who played the builder Tarneja in Kundan Shah’s cult comedy Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, says that many have thought of remaking the film, but no one has till date. “I think such films are made only once in a lifetime. Many have contributed significantly to the film, but Kundan Shah’s name comes first in that list. It was commendable for him to think, write, and then execute with so much hard work and little money. It’s a film which will stay with the audiences for a long time to come,” Kapur shared. 

Appreciating his son Shahid Kapoor’s professional moves, Kapur who has directed him in Mausam, said, “It is not easy to direct him because he is a huge star and a fine artiste. I would like to say that he is the best actor in his age group. The kind of characters he is picking need a lot of courage considering the fact that he is a star. He is constantly finding his way, which is a sign of growth for an actor.”

Actor Bhuvan Arora and his wife Vaneja Gupta are all set to welcome their first child, five years after marriage.

Recalling the moment he found out that he is soon going to be a father, he shares, “My wife took me to the Gurudwara… it is a special place for us, and broke the news to me there. I got a little teary-eyed… Every day, I feel a little more grateful. It’s a beautiful phase.”

With the couple expecting the baby in June, the 39-year-old adds that he is “only expecting for a healthy baby... Boy or girl doesn’t matter. But, I am preparing to sing lori to the baby.”

Ahead of the baby’s arrival, the actor plans to cut down his working hours to prioritise family: “Paternity break should become a mandate in India. Both parents are equal and they both need to contribute equally. It’s high time we normalise giving paternity leave to both father and mother.”

Life at home has already shifted for him. “I am not allowed to get angry… I have to keep my temper in check… I have to smile,” he says.

The actor, known for the web series Farzi, also starring actor Shahid Kapoor, calls the timing special. “I got married when I was doing Farzi (Season 1), and now I’m having my first kid while working on Season 2.”

He also reveals that he shared the good news with his co-star. “I had shared the news with Shahid bhai… I’ve learned from him how to balance work and family,” he says adding that there was one more star who gave him tips, “I was working with Arbaaz Khan (in Raazdar), and he also guided me on how to make it easier for the mother, which is the top priority.”

Before wrapping up its shoot in January, the cast and crew of Cocktail 2 shot a vibrant special number in Mumbai, featuring Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon — bringing a splash of colour to an otherwise dark, edgy narrative.

“Cocktail 2 is about love, betrayal, and revenge. The two girls — Rashmika and Kriti — have more layers to them. To lighten the intensity, there are lots of peppy dance tracks,” informs a source close to the production, adding that the setting of the song revolves around an engagement ceremony.

Composed by Pritam, the track is an original, and the team built a “huge house” in Film City for the number.

The trio also shot a final club song before the schedule came to a close. “Pritam has made some great stuff for this outing, including a peppy, fun, club song which features the three leads. We shot this in Film City,” shares the source, adding that the tracks were locked and ready before Mandanna’s February wedding with Vijay Deverakonda.

Actor Shahid Kapoor has played brooding men before, but as O'Romeo releases today, he appears surprisingly at ease. Calm, measured, almost detached from the chaos his character brings to screen. Excerpts...

In spirit, I would say yes to the latter! But from a professional POV, no. I don’t think any artist can give themselves to something unless they connect with it. When the connection is not there, there is always something missing in the product. In O'Romeo, of course it’s the titular part; I play Ustraa. And with Vishal Bhardwaj, it’s always a world that he creates. Ustraa’s attitude is that of Romeo. If, as creative people, you don’t connect, it is wrong for you to do the film. If you won’t be honest, it is unfair for everybody else. I very much connected with this film. I had one preset in my head before I met him, and I was very clear that at this stage in my career, I don’t want to do a film that is too experimental or a film meant for a smaller, intellectual audience and not for a wider audience, who have a simpler mindset and whose approach to filmmaking is that they go to theatres to get entertained. There’s the cinema you love and the cinema that people love. The whole endeavour has been for years to find a Ganga-Jamuna moment between them, to meet a middle ground. This film is an attempt at achieving that; it’s meant for an intelligent audience but also very much like a typical, mass audience.

Javed Ali has been constantly travelling for his concerts in the last couple of weeks. But there’s a sense of calm and focus when he meets us for a chat. The singer slips between anecdotes and musings, occasionally humming a phrase to make a point, as he talks to us about making choices and how to keep things interesting for himself and the listeners.

​The first listen matters more than the banner or the buzz around a film for Javed. “This instinct has kept me anchored,” he says. From the soft romance of Jashn-e-Bahaara, Tum Tak and Saudebaazi, to the playful energy of Tinku Jiya, Nagaada Nagaada, Kajra Re, and the spiritual depth of Arziyaan and Kun Faya Kun, the singer’s discography is varied. “I don’t belong to a particular genre. For me it’s all about versatility,” he adds.

​The conversation inevitably turns to the current playback landscape and the singers defining it. When Arijit Singh’s name comes up, Javed speaks with both admiration and caution about the singer’s decision to step back from playback singing.

“I am sure Arijit must have made this decision after giving it good thought. I don’t think this is something he decided on a whim, especially at the peak of his career.”

The Kun Faya Kun singer adds, “I don’t really think he should have done this. He is a brilliant singer and one of my favourites. I’m sure his fans everywhere must be disappointed.”

​Bringing up the song Aashiqon Ki Colony from the upcoming O'Romeo as an example of how songs travel today, Javed shares, “The song has gone viral. At the same time, I feel that the virality is not just about the audio. One of the big reasons that song has become so popular is Shahid Kapoor’s hook step.” 

The visual, he acknowledges, can push a song into people’s feeds, and from there into their playlists.  “There are benefits to songs trending on Instagram because they reach more people,” he says. But he draws a line at letting it define creativity. “I don’t think artists should take a lot of pressure for that, though. A song has to work beyond a 30-second reel,” he adds.

​Javed says that technology, if wielded appropriately, isn’t a threat, but an advantage. For him, AI in music is a new space to explore. “When AI is used properly, like the way Sonu Nigam did by bringing Rafi sahab’s voice alive for a duet recently, it can be a great tool for music. I will probably do something like that too,” he says.

He has never chased trends, only trusted his own timing. From romance to rage, from comedy to drama, he has built a career on instinct and reinvention. Now in his 40s, he is calmer, more centred, shaped by fatherhood and a sharper understanding of self and cinema.

On the next episode of Rustomjee presents Bombay Times Lounge, Shahid Kapoor speaks with depth and candour – mapping his own journey, his relationship with self-critique, the curveballs life throws at us and what it means to be ahead of the curve. As he reunites with Vishal Bhardwaj for the fourth time in O'Romeo – a partnership that has always created magic – Shahid steps into a gangster’s world on screen, even as off-screen, he seems more at ease with himself than ever before. Here’s a sneak peek into the conversation – with the full episode coming soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel. The promo drops today.

Talking about why he never compared his journey in films with his contemporaries, Shahid says, “Everyone’s journey is different; someone starts right next to the finish line because that’s what destiny gave them, and somebody starts like 200 meters before the start line. You start counting your meters from the place you started. You see your own journey and merit yourself with that. You can’t get so affected by what other people have achieved.”

Speaking about how social media is impacting actors’ skill set, he shares, “We used to learn acting in a film theatre, now people are learning acting by looking at their phones. You know there’s a fundamental difference in the way you view a movie on your phone and on the big screen. Sitting in a theatre, seeing a story being told and having a social experience with so many people around you – there is a huge difference. I think a lot of new-age actors need to go to the theatres; they need to watch purana cinema. They need to go to smaller towns to understand our country. What happens is, globalisation ke saath... duniya ka sab kuch pata hai, lekin rootedness nahin hai, and rooted emotions come from these experiences. Actors really need to think about that… get off social media, go discover the world, experience reality and then get back on it.”

Speaking about his creative bonding with Bhardwaj, the actor shares, "The funniest thing is that, even though Vishal (Bhardwaj) and I are collaborating after seven or eight years, for O'Romeo, it didn’t feel any different than it was before. It felt like a very natural flow of things. Of course, I can sense that he has also evolved, and I am also at a different stage of my career, but we’ve always had an unsaid creative understanding."

Reflecting on how fatherhood had shaped his perspective, on life and career, Shahid says, “Parenthood has changed me completely. I was just dying to be a papa. I wanted it so badly, and I was consumed by it. Now that my daughter’s nine and my son is seven, I’ve started thinking about myself much more. Till about a year back, I was just very absorbed with them. I am turning 45 very soon, and these are very important years in my career. This is a young person’s job, and to stay relevant for the newer generation, you have to really grow, evolve and adapt. Sometimes these roles that life gives you are so much bigger than any of these things. As a parent, you want to be the best version of yourself. I’m pretty obsessed with my kids, and it’s been amazing.”

On charting his own path, Shahid says, "There are three places you can be in your career: You can be ahead of the curve, you can be right at the curve, or you can be behind the curve. The one place I don’t want to be is behind the curve. And if you’re trying to do something that has already been done because it was successful, rest assured, you’re behind the curve. We have to learn to define our own pace. Puri zindagi nikaal doge sochne mein ki yeh trend hai, woh trend hai, toh maza nahin aayega. You can fail, but be original."

The Haider actor says if one wants to hone their craft, they have to be critical of their work. He adds, "I’ve learnt not to let negative chatter affect me in my head. I’ve worked very hard on myself to differentiate between what is critical and what is objective. And what is getting over critical and negative – there is a thin line there. To get better at what you do, you have to be critical, and if you get so affected by self-critique, then you’re not strong enough and you won’t progress."

Watch out for the full episode of the Rustomjee presents Bombay Times Lounge with Shahid Kapoor, coming soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel

Title Sponsor: Rustomjee

Shot at Parishram by Rustomjee, Pali Hill, Bandra, Mumbai

“Happy, positive, fun,” rattled off Kriti Sanon, describing the mood on the Cocktail 2 set. Earlier this week, the actor wrapped up the shoot of Homi Adajania’s directorial venture, which teams her up with Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.

“I wanted a movie like Cocktail 2, especially after Tere Ishk Mein, which was so intense and heavy. I wanted to be in this light, fun, rom-com space. Things fell in place at the right time,” she said, smiling.

For Sanon, Cocktail 2 is a mix of something old and something new. While it reunites her with Shahid Kapoor after Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), it also marks her first collaboration with Adajania.

Reflecting on working with the director, she said, “Homi has this fun energy and coolness that he brings to his characters and movies. He likes to find his characters. He does not want them to be perfect; he wants them to make mistakes and do things that real people do, and still be cool. It has been an absolute mad ride.”

Even as she looks forward to opening 2026 with the rom-com, Sanon is equally grateful for how 2025 shaped up. She had a sole release in Aanand L Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein, which crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in early December.

“When a film’s critical appreciation is combined with box-office numbers, that is the best thing anyone associated with the film can ask for.”

The movie may be widely debated for its depiction of toxic love, but to Sanon, it will remain special as it gave her Mukti.

Expressing her love for the character, she said, “Mukti has been one of my most layered characters to date. A lot is unspoken; a lot is [implied] between the lines and [through] the eyes. That’s where the character can come across as grey. But the fact that she is flawed makes her relatable. While shooting, Aanand sir told me, ‘My story lies in Mukti’s conflict and dilemma’.”

‘Cocktail 2’ reunites Kriti Sanon with Shahid Kapoor after ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’. “It was amazing working with Shahid, since I was a human being this time,” joked Sanon, who played a robot in their first outing.

Actor Shahid Kapoor has now kickstarted the Delhi NCR shoot of his upcoming project Cocktail 2, co-starring Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. We were the first to report that the Homi Adajania directorial will be shot in Delhi and Gurugram from November 11 to November 20.

Now we have exclusively learnt that the shoot is happening in premises of a mall in Gurugram’s Sector 58, contrary to reports that it has been delayed to December. A source tells us, “Yes, it’s true. Cocktail 2 is currently being shot in Gurugram. The premises of the mall have been secured for the shoot.” While Shahid landed in the city earlier this week, Kriti reportedly arrived two days back.

Several chaat and street food stalls have been set up to establish the scene. Also, a video of Shahid from the sets, donning a maroon shirt, has surfaced on social media.

Earlier, a source told us that the crew of the film has secured the sets to battle Delhi’s poor AQI. From air purifiers in vanity vans and rooms to wearing masks on sets, the production is going all out for a safe and productive shoot time. “There will also be water sprinklers on sets and they will be used every day before shoots to ensure a safe environment,” said the source.

The AQI in Delhi NCR remained on the severe category on Saturday, crossing 400 mark in several areas.

Actors Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna are gearing up for the Delhi leg of Cocktail 2, which kicks off this month. We have learnt that the production team has made special arrangements for the outdoor schedule, with the Capital’s AQI crossing 300.

“Special precautions are taken, especially for outdoor shoot. Water sprinklers have been installed and will be used every day in the area for better air quality. Masks will be provided to everyone on sets. There will also be air purifiers in vanity vans and rooms where scenes will be shot,” a source tells us.

Contrary to earlier reports of a month-long shoot, the Delhi schedule will be from November 11 to 20, with scenes planned in Chhatarpur, Gurugram and other locations in South Delhi. The cast recently wrapped up the Europe leg of shoot.

Directed by Homi Adajania, the film is a spiritual sequel to his 2012 hit Cocktail, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty.

Unexpected is how Ishaan Khatter describes Homebound’s selection as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards 2026. When the announcement was made on September 19, the actor was miles away, flying from the US to India.

“I got the news on the flight WiFi. Immediately, messages started popping up on my phone. It was the first time in two years that Neeraj [Ghaywan, director] gave me gaalis because I was not answering my phone,” he laughs, before adding, “When I landed, the first person I called was him and then my mom [Neelima Azim].”

Ghaywan’s directorial venture, also starring Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, tells the story of a deep friendship between two men from marginalized communities against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. As has become the norm almost every year, this year’s selection for the Oscar entry too has sparked debate. Shutting out the noise, Khatter stands strong behind his movie.

“The film talks of unity, empathy, compassion, and that message coming from India is beautiful because we find unity in diversity. That is the idea of India I subscribe to. We aren’t telling stories of the hinterland, which forms 90 per cent of our population. The idea of making this film was to humanize these people whom we often see as statistics or overlook. Also, I’ve seen its universal appeal in the way audiences reacted to it at Cannes Film Festival and TIFF [Toronto International Film Festival].”

It’s noteworthy how the actor went from playing a prince in The Royals earlier this year to a labourer from an Uttar Pradesh village in Homebound. Though Khatter comes from a privileged background, he says he could connect with his character because of his wide exposure.

“As a middle-class Indian, you’re exposed to different cultural and social elements; you are able to expand your worldview as you fraternise with all classes of society. So when I played Mohammed Shoaib Ali, it wasn’t a culture shock. We all saw the migrant crisis during the pandemic and we all did what we could to help, but there is an urban apathy.”

While Homebound has received an outpouring of love from the world over, Khatter reveals that his half-brother Shahid Kapoor hasn’t caught it yet. “Shahid is shooting in Sicily. He is feeling bad that everyone, except him, has seen the film. I told him not to discuss the film with anybody till he watches it. He is very proud [of the Oscar entry].”

A telling sign of the movie’s merit perhaps was when Martin Scorsese came on board as its executive producer. Ishaan Khatter is understandably overwhelmed to have the legend associated with ‘Homebound’.

“I didn’t have the fortune to meet Mr Martin Scorsese, Neeraj [Ghaywan] interacted with him. He is arguably the greatest living filmmaker. That he came on board speaks of his deep passion for cinema. He was an admirer of Neeraj’s ‘Masaan’ [2015] and ‘Geeli Pucchi’ [2021]. He wanted to present ‘Masaan’, so that circle is complete with ‘Homebound’,” says Khatter.

In 2024, director Amit Rai came close to realising his wish of helming a historical drama on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shahid Kapoor was attached to play the Maratha warrior. But a year on, things have changed. Rai, who last helmed OMG 2 (2023), reveals that the biopic is off the table. Reason? He pegs it down evasively to the “cruel system”.

“The system is so cruel. Even if you have proved your mettle with a Rs. 180 crore film [OMG 2], it’s not enough,” he says exasperatedly. While the director doesn’t specify why it fell through, he admits he felt helpless as the biopic — written by him — went from being one of the most ambitious projects to the shredder.

“How is a director supposed to work here, under these systems of casting, production, star, and management? You live with a story for five years, and within minutes, somebody writes a five-pager, pointing out what is wrong and what is right in the film.”

The experience made him realize that turning producer was the only way ahead. So, for his next, Dharma that revolves around a child and a dog, Rai relied on no one but himself and his hunger to tell the social drama. He felt validated when Hungarian cinematographer Máté Herbai and popular Hollywood action and motion-capture specialist Isaac Hamon came on board.

“I did four months of casting, [called] the action director I like the most and said that I have a story, but I don’t have money. [So many] people agreed just on the basis of our story.”

While his OMG 2 actor Pankaj Tripathi is part of the film, Akshay Kumar too had expressed interest in it (Akshay asked me why I did not pitch the film to him, July 16). But Rai says that the two actors are generous, a rarity in Bollywood where landing stars for a movie can be crushing.

“An actor will only do what’s working at the box office. Very few actors were honest to me. Sometimes, they weren’t interested in being part of a film that’s speaking the truth about society, and instead wanted to do a love story. But when I took a love story to them, they said, ‘This is an expensive film, this is a period love story.’ So, the criterion kept changing. [The truth is that] they will say yes to you once you enter their circle.”

Avinash Tiwary finds himself at an intriguing and unique phase in his career. While steadily building a repertoire of critically acclaimed performances across diverse genres, he hopes to make a space for himself within the exclusive club of new-gen actors who successfully blend stardom with craft.

The initial release of Avinash’s debut film Laila Majnu in 2018, was heartbreakingly brief. However, everything changed with its 2024 re-release — a success Avinash believes was entirely driven by the audience.

He shares, “It’s time I start focussing on how grateful I am that it was the audience alone who brought it back to theatres. After Laila Majnu found box office success, many producers began re-releasing and promoting their films. But we didn’t feel the need to do that — the love for this film came entirely from the audience, and we didn’t want to interfere with that organic connection.”

Despite the positive turn with Laila Majnu, the actor remains clear-eyed about the broader realities of the industry. The challenges he faced earlier haven’t vanished. “I don’t think the challenges have changed,” he admits candidly, adding, “The system is still the same... Nothing has really changed.”

He credits his perseverance to personal resilience and a belief in age-old wisdom – ‘Stay in the game, play it and move forward — one step at a time’.

Speaking about the industry’s flaws, he points to the dominance of the “attention economy” in content creation. “If you have attention — whether good or bad — even if 950 out of 1,000 comments are negative, the sheer volume of engagement drives the algorithm to support you, leading to significant revenue,” he explains, adding, “We’re rewarding attention, not quality — and that says everything about the system. It’s led to widespread mediocrity, where real value holds little importance.”

Avinash laments how creators are often blamed without considering the audience’s role in shaping consumption patterns. “We sit and complain about the creators, but we don't want to take any responsibility as consumers. If consumers took responsibility, creators would be accountable too,” he says.

He points to the late Irrfan Khan, widely regarded as one of India’s finest actors, and asks, “How many of his films had ‘housefull’ cinema halls?” He adds, “Is it Irrfan’s fault? It’s the audience. We’ve reached a point where we fail to acknowledge true value.”

He criticizes the “bheed” (crowd) mentality, where popularity breeds more popularity, driven by manufactured FOMO rather than genuine appreciation. “My problem is the celebration of mediocrity,” stresses the actor, adding, “When consumers glorify mediocrity, it feels like you’re disrespecting your own sanity. But this is where we are today.”

Years of navigating the film industry have bolstered Avinash’s confidence. “I feel much more assured about myself, my craft, my skills, and my space in the industry. Top directors and producers have reached out to me, appreciating my work. I can definitely say that when I walk into a room today, there’s a certain level of admiration and respect for my work and me. I am grateful for the opportunities, but I am waiting for that one major film that will reach out to everyone. It’s a matter of time.”

He sees himself aligning with actors who balance stardom with strong character portrayals. He says, “Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Rajkummar Rao have the ability to pull off stardom while bringing depth to the characters they play. I would like to be counted among them.”

With characteristic wit, he adds, “For now, I’m a similar product at a much lower price (smiles).”

On Mother’s Day, Ishaan Khatter and his mother, Neliima Azeem, reflect on their bond, the role of dance in their lives and being each other’s emotional anchors. Excerpts:

Ishaan: My mother has always been the voice and the guiding light, and the constant presence that gently, and sometimes firmly, nudges me in the right direction. Beyond being my mother, she’s my best friend — someone I can laugh with, lean on, and learn from every day. She never tried to impose her way of life on me, yet she instilled in me my deepest values. She’s shown me that character matters above material things by example and also normalized being vulnerable and real with me. My mother has loved me beyond measure, and through it all.

Neliima: Mother’s Day has always been filled with love. My children never forget to make me feel special on this day. Whether we’re near or far, they find ways to express their love – through calls, thoughtful messages, or gifts. When we’re together, it’s even more special. We gather as a family, sometimes at Shahid’s house, sharing warmth, laughter, and delicious meals with Mira and the kids. Two of us — Mira and I – are mothers now, and I hope this year we celebrate the day surrounded by love and togetherness.

Ishaan: To me, every day should be Mother’s Day, but having a day that reminds the world to pause and appreciate their mothers is beautiful. I just try to do something, big or small, that brings a smile to her face. That’s all that matters.

Ishaan: I always say this — mom was the first dancer in our family aur hamara saara naach unki chhotti ungli main hai. Music and rhythm are in my DNA because of her. For us, dance isn’t just performance — it’s another way of speaking to each other, of expressing joy, love, and connection.

Neliima: Dance has always been a medium of self-expression. Sometimes, we spontaneously break into dance together, or simply enjoy watching each other in that element. It’s a bond that has grown deeper over the years. Seeing my sons, Ishaan and Shahid, embrace dance with such grace fills my heart. It’s more than an art form — it’s a thread that ties us all together in joy, pride, and shared spirit.

Ishaan: Yes, always. My mom has this unique ability to bring me back to myself. She holds up the mirror when I need it most and reminds me of who I am and what I stand for. In moments of success, I want to share my joy with her, because she’s been my foundation. In low moments, she’s my grounding force.

Neliima: I hope we never drift apart and that our bond only grows stronger with time. I want us to always make time for each other and remain friends. We are not just a mother-son duo, but we are best friends.

Ishaan: I am a doting son, but we’ve also had phases where we’ve had a tough time communicating with each other, and we’ve always come out stronger because we care to get over it and make the other person feel understood and that makes me happier than having a “perfect” relationship. As for what it feels like, it’s a blessing and I’m grateful.

Neliima: They both have very strong and individual characteristics. Ishaan hates lies and Shahid hates bad behaviour. Shahid is extremely organized and tidy. He is independent about his own work. He is a perfectionist, while Ishaan is breezier. Shahid is a stickler for punctuality and Ishaan is extremely punctual when it comes to work and highly unpunctual when it comes to his personal life (laughs).

Over the past few weeks, rumours have been rife that the shoot of Vishal Bhardwaj’s Arjun Ustara has halted, sparking speculation about the fate of the project. However, a bit of digging has revealed that the chatter is baseless. mid-day has learnt that work on the Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri-starrer is progressing as per schedule, with the shoot underway in Bandra, Mumbai.

“The cast and crew are filming daily. There is absolutely no question of the shoot being stalled,” says a source from the unit.

So, what exactly sparked rumours that the gangster film’s shoot had ground to a halt? The postponement of a special song perhaps, indicate insiders. It turns out a special dance number was to be shot in early April.

“The shoot was deferred as the dancers we wanted weren’t available, and the song’s look and vibe weren’t working out at that point. That shoot has been rescheduled,” adds the source.

Bhardwaj took Arjun Ustara, also starring Randeep Hooda, on floors in January 2025. Since then, the actioner has been constantly in production, barring a two-week gap that preceded the ongoing schedule. 

Another insider notes, “There was a two-week break before the latest schedule began in the last week of April. The song was supposed to be shot during that time, but had to be held up. That may have led to these rumours. But everything else is moving as planned. In June, we have a long schedule in Europe, starting with Georgia.”

The project is expected to be wrapped up by June-end.