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.

After months of speculation, the makers of Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups have finally locked a new release date. Headlined by Yash, also starring Kiara Advani, and directed by Geetu Mohandas, the pan-India action spectacle will now hit theatres worldwide on August 26.

While Toxic arrives on a Wednesday, coinciding with Onam and giving it a two-day head start before the weekend, it will still face competition at the box office. On August 28, three other films — Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha and Sidharth Malhotra’s Vvan — are currently slated to release, setting up one of the busiest weekends on the 2026 release calendar. Interestingly, if the films release as planned, real-life couple Sidharth and Kiara will see their films clash at the box office.

Toxic was originally slated for an earlier release before undergoing several date changes. Industry buzz linked one of the shifts to a crowded release calendar and a clash with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar The Revenge, which eventually secured the March 19 release slot. Toxic was later set for a June 4 release, but Yash confirmed in April that the team needed more time to align its global distribution strategy and international partnerships ahead of its worldwide rollout.

Akkshay Rathie, Director, Ashirwad Theatres Pvt Ltd, believes the situation remains fluid and that producers may still rethink their release strategies. “Two films with the ability to create a significant impact across the length and breadth of India ideally shouldn’t arrive together because every stakeholder wants to optimize revenues. Toxic is undoubtedly the bigger pan-India film in terms of geographical reach. Eetha may have stronger relevance in Maharashtra and certain markets, but Toxic has the potential to perform across urban as well as rural India,” he says.

Rathie adds that the announcement has caught the industry off guard and could trigger further movement on the release calendar. “This announcement has come completely out of the blue. There is still time and everyone will do whatever it takes to protect the best interests of their respective films,” he explains.

Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR, believes that even if the clash is not averted, four films can be accommodated. He shares, “Cinemas have enough and more capacity to accommodate three or more films, especially when the movies are varied in sizes. We’ll see what decision other producers take on their release dates, because they often go back to the drawing board and rethink their dates.”

Sameer Munshi, VP, Miraj Entertainment Ltd, adds, “From an exhibitor’s perspective, this is a good clash to have. A packed release calendar indicates confidence in the theatrical business and gives audiences more choice. If the content works, all films can find an audience, even though Toxic is likely to be the clear opening-weekend leader.”

Deepak Mishra, director of Vvan, confirms that the movie is set to release on August 28, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. On the clash, he says, “We are the same industry. As artistes, we all want to showcase our work well. Eventually, the audience is the king. My best wishes to the Toxic team.”

When asked if there is a possibility that Vvan could be pushed to another date, Mishra says, “That will be a call that the makers will take. I am only focused on my work.”

A climax can make or break even the biggest films, and the makers of ‘Vvan: Force Of The Forest’ are taking no chances. The team behind the upcoming folk thriller is heading back for a 10-day additional shoot to expand and strengthen key portions of the film, especially its climax.

Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, the film recently underwent a review of its final cut, after which the makers decided to revisit a few sequences. “The team simply felt there was scope to make some scenes bigger and more dramatic. When you’re building a world as unique as ‘Vvan’, every detail matters,” says a source close to the production.

Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Arunabh Kumar, the film blends mythology, mystery, and forest lore. According to the insider, the team is pleased with the film’s progress and sees the additional shoot as an opportunity to elevate the viewing experience further.

“The makers are extremely happy with the film. These additions will give audiences an even richer payoff in the final act,” adds the source.

Iconic — the adjective doesn’t just describe the body of work, but the man behind it as well. Filmmaker-host-actor Karan Johar, in a candid chat on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, talks about everything under the sun — his upcoming films and the underworld threat looming large over the film industry to the rumours around a possible comeback of a much-loved film. Excerpts

There is no Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 2 (K3G2), and there is no derivative of Takht being made. I’d never make a K3G2. I’m not saying K3G was the best film ever made, not at all. Every film has its flaws, but what K3G has in abundance is nostalgia. Generations have grown up watching that film — for what they’ve loved, what they haven’t, what they’ve cried about and laughed with. They love the movie, and I’m very grateful to the universe that I got to create a film that still lives on. I would never mess with that nostalgia or the love the film has, because you’re setting yourself up for disaster when you make a film like K3G2. So yes, the absolute truth is there is no K3G2.

Shakun Batra’s 2016 family drama Kapoor & Sons, featuring late veteran Rishi Kapoor alongside Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rajat Kapoor, clocks 10 years today. Sidharth portrayed Arjun, the younger son and underdog of the family. The character, modelled on Shakun’s relationship with his sister, harboured resentment toward his elder brother, Rahul (played by Fawad), for being the golden child.

Recalling how he came on board, Sidharth tells us, “When I first read the script, I remember finishing it with tears in my eyes. It felt so real, like stepping into a warm, chaotic Punjabi family where every character had a heartbeat. Playing Arjun was special because he was layered, vulnerable and carrying so much inside him.”

The 41-year-old says that this has been a deeply rewarding project. “10 years later, people still talk about the film, the scenes and the family dynamics. Like they’ve lived with these characters themselves. That kind of love is rare, and I feel grateful we got to bring that story to life,” he shares.

It looks like 2026 is bringing a reunion of Sidharth Malhotra and his mentor Karan Johar. Two years after their last collaboration ‘Yodha’ (2024), the actor is in advanced discussions to front Dharma Productions’ new project.

Sources have told mid-day that the film — an emotionally charged drama that focuses on complex relationships — will be directed by Sharan Sharma, who previously helmed ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’ (2020) and ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ (2024).

A source said, “The studio is keen to collaborate with Sidharth again and feels that the subject suits his persona. He had liked the idea when it was shared with him last year. He gave a verbal go-ahead at the time, and wanted to read the script before committing formally. Now, it’s in the last stages of conversation.”

If all goes as planned, the film could go on floors by summer 2026 and will be shot in Mumbai.

He put India on the global map with his beautiful creations. But beyond the genius, he’s only human. He carries a heart that misses his near and dear ones, especially the actor who had the biggest influence on him. Designer Manish Malhotra reflects on his bond with late actor Sridevi, which continues through her daughter, actor Janhvi Kapoor. Excerpts from The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra:

Late photographer Rakesh Shrestha liked my sketches and introduced me to actors for styling them. I went to meet Sridevi for the first time at Mehboob Studio in 1991 and I was a big fan even before I met her. She was in a red outfit and was just going to the set. She was quiet. Then she called me to do a sweater, which was a continuity sweater for Khuda Gawaah (1992). I went to meet her, and somehow we connected.

Then, in 1996, we were in Las Vegas and she told me she was leaving films. She said she worked from the age of four and she wanted her life to carry on. I remember getting a little lump in my throat. I was so attached to her. And in the 15 years when she didn’t work and gave birth to Janhvi and Khushi, I was the one person who was always in touch with her. And I still called her ma’am. I continued my respect and friendship because I think she really contributed to my career. Her death was a big loss to the film industry.

I’m very fond of South Indian food and ma’am would get it to my house. That’s something that Janhvi sweetly does now, which is so nice of her. Every month, she makes it a point to come over, spend time, and get food from her house.

I was there at Rani Mukerji’s first shot for Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1997), Kareena Kapoor Khan for Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000; she was the original heroine), Deepika Padukone in Om Shanti Om (2007), Alia Bhatt for Student Of The Year (2012), and Ananya Panday for Student Of The Year 2 (2019). So, I would say I’m the lucky mascot here. I’ve seen them grow and evolve.

In fact, with Kriti Sanon, Bipasha Basu and Lara Dutta, I worked with them before they became actresses, as models. I’ve seen their journeys from being newcomers to being established actors, with some even getting married and becoming mothers! Now we are working with the newer generation.

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s because the entire wedding was done by us. There were discussions about the décor, the surprises entry dance by Kiara, or the Reel that Sidharth did. And I forced them to put it up, saying, ‘Please put up this Reel!’ I am grateful to them for their love and respect. So happy! So I think that is one of my most cherished weddings.

Post Dhurandhar’s success, buzz is at an all-time high around actor Akshaye Khanna’s upcoming slate of films. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait and his iconic dance steps won him massive popularity, fuelling constant speculation about what he will choose next. And the latest one suggests his return to the popular Race franchise.

The fourth instalment in the action-thriller franchise is currently in the works. And it was speculated that Akshaye and Saif Ali Khan, the original leads of Race, would return. However, it’s not true. Producer Ramesh Taurani clarifies, “No, we have not approached Akshaye. There was no scope at all.”

Asked if there is a thought to somehow rework the plot to get him back, he maintains, “There is no thought about getting him. His character gets into an accident in the first movie, his track ended there, and it will remain at that.”

When we mention if that means Sidharth Malhotra and Saif Ali Khan are confirmed to star, he refutes that as well, “No cast has been finalized till now. The work on the script is on.”

Race 2 (2013) had roped in John Abraham as the antagonist, while Race 3 (2018) had removed Saif and brought in Salman Khan in the lead role.

Even as the fourth season of The Great Indian Kapil Show began streaming over the weekend, its third edition has landed comedian Kapil Sharma and the makers in trouble. Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) India, the country’s oldest copyright licensing organization, has moved the Bombay High Court against Sharma, the producers of the comedy reality show, and Netflix India, alleging copyright infringement through the unauthorized use of songs on the popular comedy series.

According to the commercial intellectual property suit filed on December 12, a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession, three episodes aired between June 21 and September 20 are in contention. One featured actors Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, in which the song M Bole To from Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) was used, while another with Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty played the track, Rama Re, from Kaante (2002). The final episode, featuring Akshay Kumar, used the number Subha Hone Na De from the actor’s movie Desi Boyz (2011). 

In the suit, PPL India has claimed these uses amount to “public performance/communication to the public” under the Copyright Act, 1957, requiring a licence from the rights holder. Stating that no such licence was sought or granted, it has accused K9 Films Pvt Ltd and BeingU Studios Pvt Ltd, the production houses behind the show, of copyright infringement. The suit also notes that the show is first recorded in front of a live audience, where the music is audibly performed, and only later streamed on Netflix, compounding the alleged infringement.

Before this, PPL India had issued a cease-and-desist notice to the producers on November 6. “However, only a holding reply has been received, and the defendants have not stopped playing the plaintiff’s sound recordings,” states the plaint.

The organization has now appealed to the High Court to restrain the defendants from using its copyrighted sound recordings without a licence, to order disclosure of revenues earned through the alleged illegal use, and to appoint a court receiver to seize infringing material. The matter is expected to come up at the Bombay High Court’s commercial division.

mid-day reached out to Sharma and PPL India. Both didn’t respond till press time.

In June, mid-day reported that Param Sundari’s release was being pushed from July 25 to avoid a clash with Son of Sardaar 2 (Making way for Ajay, June 21). But it looks like there was another reason why the Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer’s date with the audience was delayed. Sources say that the makers didn’t want it to come on the back of two romantic releases — Metro…In Dino and Saiyaara — this month.

Tushar Jalota’s directorial venture will apparently now release on August 29 or September 5. A source said, “Param Sundari has its own voice. With two romantic dramas releasing in quick succession, the makers didn’t want it to be reduced to just another love story. They felt that Param Sundari would benefit from a breather.”

We’ve heard the delay is being utilized to the fullest. “The team will shoot a promotional track closer to the release as Sidharth is currently busy with his new role as a father,” added an insider.

In an exclusive conversation with Bombay Times, Sidharth Malhotra talks about the kind of energy the festival of colours brings, his childhood memories of Holi and how it’s even more special now with wife, Kiara Advani.

“Holi has always been a grand celebration for me,” Sidharth says, adding, “Growing up in Delhi, my cousins and I would wake up early, load up on water balloons, and make sure we had the coolest water guns in the colony. It was all about colours, laughter, and endless fun. You’d step out knowing you wouldn’t return home looking the same.”

Talking about how important it is to make time for family and celebrations during festivals, Sidharth says, “Festivals like Holi are a reminder to pause and reconnect with family, friends, and even yourself. No matter how packed my schedule gets, I try to be home for Holi. Unlike my childhood days, when Holi was more about playing with colours and water till afternoon, running around with friends and eating all you can, now, the festival is more about the energy, the happiness it brings and just being in the moment.”

This is the third year Sidharth and Kiara are celebrating Holi together, and what makes it more special is that now the couple is all set to welcome their baby. He says, “With Kiara, Holi has been just as fun — colours, music and the whole vibe. We enjoy keeping things simple, yet festive — like playing with colours, spending time with loved ones, and of course, indulging in special Holi treats.”

From bringing the hit duo of Shah Rukh and Kajol together to the big screen after a decade to unpacking subjects of Islamophobia, identity and humanity in a post 9/11 US, My Name Is Khan (2010) had all the makings of a cinematic milestone. As the film marks 15 years, we revisit the message and making of this theatrical drama.

“When I look back at the film, I have an immense sense of pride and relief. Pride because we told this very necessary story from a point of view that had never been told before and will never be told again. In this day and age, with the way things are, where everything is so polarised, this kind of story just could not be told. So, I feel a sense of relief that it was told at the right time and in the right place for many reasons – in terms of production reasons and practical reasons,” says the film’s writer Shibani Bathija.

She adds, "This story and this character touched so many people's lives, and they still hold it close. As a writer, I don’t think I could ask for anything more from my career or my life than to tell a story that has that kind of impact."

"People assume - just because the film’s title is My Name Is Khan - that it has to do with Islamophobia, but it's actually about humanity. If we are all one as human beings, then what should separate us is not the color of our skin, our religion, the language we speak, or the clothes we wear. It is the deeds that we do. That's what we tried to say through My Name Is Khan. If I turn the table and set this story in another country, in another time, with another community being subjected to this, it would still work. It is not tied to religion."

Talking about the film, director Karan Johar wrote in a post, “It’s been 15 years, and yet the emotions this film evokes remain as strong as ever. I still remember the journey of bringing this story to life – the love, the challenges, and the deep sense of purpose that drove us every step of the way. But the true impact of My Name Is Khan sank in much later, through the countless stories, messages, and connections it has fostered over the years. Even today, I see its dialogues being quoted, its music being cherished, and its message of love and resilience standing tall. This film was always more than just cinema – it was a statement, a sentiment, and above all, a reminder that humanity knows no boundaries. As we celebrate 15 years, I feel immense gratitude for everyone who embraced Rizwan’s journey.”

My Name is Khan started with an idea from Karan Johar. The film's writer Shibani Bathija recalls that Karan Johar wanted to take on this idea of being Muslim in a post-9/11 world.

She shares, "We initially had a different track, but once we started researching and listening to people's stories, this thought emerged - of a man trying to go to the US President and saying, 'My name is Khan, and I'm not a terrorist. Then I started working backward. What kind of a person is going to do this That's where Asperger’s came in. Being on the spectrum, one of the traits is that they tend to take things literally. So, when Mandira (Kajol) tells Rizwan (Shah Rukh Khan) in a sarcastic manner, Nobody's going to believe you. Why don't you go and tell the President? He might take it literally. So, it worked backward from there, and the entire canvas - who he was, where he came from, how he went to the US, how he met Mandira - all of it developed from that point."

During research, while listening to the interviews, in one of the tapes, a Muslim man living in the US at the time casually said, 'My name is Khan, and I'm not a terrorist'.

Shibani recalls, "While it came out casually, the line stayed with me and Karan. I thought - there’s something in this line, something in the simplicity of what it’s saying. Just because my name is something, just because I follow a certain religion, doesn't mean I am an anti-national, a terrorist, a criminal, or anything of that sort, right? A name is just a name. It has nothing to do with your actions."

She explains that Rizwan’s understanding of humanity and religion is summed up in two lines when his mother tells him, Iss duniya mein sirf do kism ke insaan hain - achhe insaan jo achha kaam karte hain aur bure jo bura. Bas yehi farq hai insaano mein, aur koi nahi.

She says, "Rizwan sees things with such simplicity, and that’s really the core of it. It doesn’t matter what someone’s religion is, which country they come from, or the colour of their skin. What matters is the deeds they do. Your actions determine whether you are a good person or a bad person."

One of the things that Shibani Bathija and Karan Johar discussed early on was that we didn't want to make him a filmy character.

She says, "There have been films that are derisive of people with any kind of neurodivergence or those who are differently abled. It’s too convenient to say, Oh! This person has this trait, and then push them into a cliched zone. We didn't want that. One of the characteristics of Asperger’s is that they take things literally - there is no filter. The whole concept of subtlety isn’t there. So, when Mandira says, 'Why don't you go and tell all these people? Why don’t you go and tell the president?' He doesn’t take it as sarcasm because he doesn’t understand that nuance. A lot of what Rizwan became was based on traits of Asperger’s syndrome."

A film that dealt with identity, autism, and Islamophobia - the film could have ventured into a much darker space - yet it still remained light-hearted and yet hard-hitting.

Shibani says the credit goes to Karan Johar, adding, "To me, Karan’s superpower is that he brings emotion, drama, and humour into the same moment without ever losing track of any. That tonality of the film, which balances both, wasn’t just in the writing. Of course, I can write it, but the point is that he took what was written and elevated it to the next level. He has the ability to bring all those elements together and make them better. There are moments in the film that he has enhanced on set, taking them to next level. And that balance of light and dark that the audience finds in the film - I would 100% credit him for his handling of such a subject."

Shibani says, "From supporting actors to technical teams to sound design every aspect has contributed to make the film, but Shah Rukh as Rizwan holds that entire thing together. I can put something on paper, Karan can bring his super strength to it, but that sort of empathy that Shah Rukh can bring to a character - a character that cannot emote is his super strength. Rizwan is a character who cannot express his emotion, Shah Rukh is such a deeply empathetic person and actor that he is able to create emotion and empathy for someone who can't emote."

Shibani says, "There were a lot of risks in this film. As a writer, I can write, but it ultimately depends on the producer and director. Karan was incredibly courageous to make this film at that time. Of course, Shah Rukh’s support goes a long way, but eventually, the risk falls more on the producer and director than anyone else. There were several risks with the film. At one point, there was a question - how would the audience react to an Indian throwing out her husband, especially when he has a condition like this?"

She says, "We discussed it, and I thought, you know what? It all comes down to motivation - how deeply driven she is by her grief, by her sheer desperation to take action. She is in so much pain, and that’s what leads her to do this."

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Before debuting as an actor in Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year (2012) Sidharth Malhotra worked as an assistant director on My Name Is Khan. Varun Dhawan, who also worked on the film before his acting debut, wrote in a post, “So many memories. So much passion and hard work. I was so lucky to be an AD on this one before I began my journey. Thank you, Karan Johar”

A spate of actioners later, Sidharth Malhotra is in the mood to explore romance again with his next, tentatively titled Param Sundari. We’ve heard the actor began shooting Tushar Jalota’s directorial venture in Nerul earlier this week. The first schedule will run for the next two weeks, with leading lady Janhvi Kapoor joining the shoot in early January.

Earlier, mid-day had reported that the love story sees Malhotra essay the role of a suave business tycoon hailing from Delhi to Kapoor’s free-spirited artist from Kerala (When north meets south, Oct 27). Sources tell us that in the ongoing leg, the director intends to shoot key scenes depicting the male lead’s emotional journey.

An insider reveals, “The Nerul shoot is crucial for setting up the protagonist’s backstory. Kharghar and Nerul will be the unit’s locations for the next few days, as Tushar cans emotional scenes featuring Sidharth. After Janhvi reports to the set in January, they will film the pair’s romantic sequences. Following the Mumbai stint, the director has lined up extensive schedules in Kerala and Delhi.”

The source adds that the rom-com, which marks the actors’ first collaboration, is part of a larger on-screen universe being developed by producer Dinesh Vijan, outside of his horror comedy universe.

As the air is still filled with the sweet scent of fireworks and the warmth of loved ones, actor Sidharth Malhotra celebrated Diwali with his family in Delhi. In an intimate conversation, Sidharth lets us dive into his festive tradition - from childhood celebrations in Delhi to his modern-day rituals with actress-wife Kiara Advani.

“Being a Delhi boy at heart, Diwali for me means heading back to celebrate with my family at home,” Sidharth shares, adding, “Most years, I try to make it at home, and other times, Kiara and I keep it close-knit, celebrating with pujas, great food, and just enjoying each other’s company. There’s something deeply fulfilling about being surrounded by loved ones and honoring traditions together—it’s what Diwali is all about for me: family, togetherness, and those memories that stay with you forever.”

As he talks about the festival, Sidharth's favorite Diwali memories date back to his childhood. “Diwali has always been a special time for me, going back to my childhood days in Delhi. Growing up, it was my grandmom who would bring everyone together for the Diwali puja, making sure the whole house was ready and that we were all dressed in our best Indian festive clothes for the evening. My favorite part of the puja was always the prasad—especially the besan laddoos, which I still associate with Diwali to this day. That tradition of dressing up and celebrating as a family is something I carry with me even now. My Indian festive wardrobe is special to me as it reminds me of all the amazing celebrations,” Sidharth reminisces.

He adds, "Growing up we’d have amazing Punjabi food, play rounds of cards, and just enjoy being together. Those moments are what make Diwali so special, and that’s why it’s still such an important festival for me today."

A peek at Sidharth's Instagram feed and one can get a glimpse of his Diwali wardrobe, which easily cements him as a fashion role model for many seeking inspiration during the festive season. “To keep my Diwali style always rooted in traditions, I focus on picking unique and personal designs each year. Men's fashion has come a long way, especially in ethnic wear, and Diwali is the perfect time to embrace that. Today, there are so many designers creating exceptional options for men’s festive wear. Each one brings something unique to the table, and they’re doing incredible work with colors, patterns, and textures,” the Shershaah actor divulges.

He also states how 'Diwali is the time to go bold with color and style'. "Indian fashion has such a beautiful range of choices for men, whether it’s a dhoti, kurta, bandhgala, or sherwani. The beauty of Indian wear is that each region offers its twist, so there’s always something new to explore. Today, there’s truly no limit to expressing personal style while celebrating tradition," he adds.

With this being their second Diwali as husband and wife, we query Sidharth: Have he and Kiara established any heartfelt Diwali traditions?

He replies, “Kiara and I have started a simple but meaningful Diwali ritual of doing a small puja together and lighting a diya at home. This Diwali, we celebrated in Delhi with family, but no matter where we are, we make it a point to say a prayer and light a diya to keep the spirit of the festival alive.”

In his 12-year career so far, Sidharth Malhotra has done a handful of rom-coms, including Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) and Baar Baar Dekho (2016). It’s time for the actor to give romance another shot with his next, tentatively titled Param Sundari. Last week, mid-day reported that Malhotra and leading lady Janhvi Kapoor were to originally front a thriller, but had a change of heart and decided to team up for a rom-com instead (Thriller aborted, rom-com on, Oct 18). Now, a bit of digging has revealed that Tushar Jalota’s directorial venture is a classic story of opposites attract, with Malhotra’s character hailing from north India and Kapoor’s from Kerala.

Sources tell us that the leading man essays a suave and rich business tycoon from Delhi. “Janhvi plays a modern artist with strong views and value system. Her character is a south Indian woman from Kerala. The film chronicles how the two fall in love despite having such contrasting personalities,” says a source. 

Pre-production on the love story, which marks the lead pair’s first collaboration, has begun. Jalota, who previously helmed the Abhishek Bachchan-led  Dasvi (2022), is apparently planning to take Param Sundari on floors in December.

“The first schedule will kick off with Sidharth in Delhi. The team will then head for a stint in Kerala, following which the rest will be shot at specially constructed sets at a Mumbai studio. The production design team has been instructed to erect two elaborate sets in Mumbai, one reflecting a sprawling house as seen in Delhi and another reflecting the earthy interiors of traditional Kerala homes. If things go as planned, filming will wrap up by February 2025. Sheetal Sharma, who recently worked on Munjya and Stree 2, is serving as the costume designer on this project. The look tests of both actors were conducted recently.”

With the movie’s title having its roots in Kriti Sanon’s dance number from Mimi (2021), rumours are rife that she will have a cameo in the Dinesh Vijan production. The makers, however, are tight-lipped about it.

There has been much talk about the entertainment industry making room for stories over stars. But the on-ground reality is different, says Sanjay Gupta. The filmmaker learnt it the hard way as he set out to make The Miranda Brothers, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Meezaan Jafri. “To pull off such a film isn’t easy. I started my digital wing because we cannot ignore OTT,” he states.

The casting for the football drama, set to première on Jio Cinema, had to be simple. The director needed two actors well-versed in the sport. “I wanted to make the film immediately. If I were to go to Varun [Dhawan] or Sidharth [Malhotra], I would have to wait for a year. None of the stars at that time were willing to do a direct-to-OTT film. Even now, most of them are not. As I shot this movie in Goa, I learnt that I’m not dependent on a crew of 300. You can be a big-ticket director and yet make a movie that you feel for. Every film doesn’t have to be with mega stars.”

The Miranda Brothers is a departure for Gupta, who, over the past three decades, has made movies about the Bombay underworld—be it the Shootout franchise, or Mumbai Saga (2019). But today, even as the underworld has reared its ugly head again with Baba Siddique’s murder, the director says the current environment can’t be reflected on celluloid.

“These times cannot be chronicled because everything is state-controlled, even crime. You have Lawrence Bishnoi sitting in the Sabarmati jail, putting out videos and messages. What’s going on! This is a show of law and order collapsing. Ektaa [R Kapoor] and I are working on the third edition of the Shootout franchise. One of the decisions we’ve made is not to set it in Mumbai. These are uncertain times. So, we are researching to do [a story] outside Mumbai.”

This restraint is not in crime stories alone. Gupta rues that he has to often hold back as a filmmaker, given the current scenario.

“If you’re an intelligent filmmaker and not too stubborn, you make the changes yourself because the legal department and OTT platforms go through the script and they censor it [preemptively]. They say this may land us in trouble, that may land us in trouble. It’s an atmosphere of fear. You cannot have fearless storytelling anymore. My next show is based on a true story that happened in Mumbai in front of our eyes, it was appalling. But we’re changing the names because you can’t take names anymore. I feel disillusioned on behalf of the new generation of filmmakers. They all have a voice. But how many of them will be able to express what they truly want to? There is no medium. Earlier, it seemed that you can say what you want on OTT. But now it has become the most censored as people heavily come down on them. Today, the filmmaker’s agency is taken away.”

Sidharth Malhotra is looking for love on screen. After headlining a slew of actioners—from Mission Majnu (2023) to Yodha and Indian Police Force—he was keen to return to the romance genre, and seems to have found just the project. It has been learnt that the actor will front a love story produced by Dinesh Vijan.

A source says, “Sidharth has been in talks with Dinesh’s production house for some time. He loved the script and is excited to team up with a banner that is known for bringing modern romances to the screen.” 

The yet-untitled project will be helmed by Tushar Jalota, who previously directed Dasvi (2022).

With this, Malhotra will revisit the genre that he favoured in the initial years of his career. While his debut film Student of the Year (2012) was a campus romance, he starred in several other rom-coms, including Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) and Baar Baar Dekho (2016).

The source adds, “Sidharth believes his fans like seeing him in the genre. At the same time, he was certain that he didn’t want to do a run-of-the-mill love story. That’s where this film fit perfectly with its novel tone.” If things go as planned, the project will roll later this year.

Having accompanied a friend who was serving as an assistant director on Student Of The Year 2 (2019) to the set, Akshay Arora recalls having witnessed the manner in which food was being served to the cast and crew. “I saw that it was not an enjoyable situation,” recalls the chef, who subsequently arrived at the idea of creating vanity kitchens for those on set.

“Having been an athlete, I had a sense of nutrition, so we thought [of serving healthy meals on set].”

While several meal subscription plans have made their way to the market, Arora says his company is distinguished in the fact that the quality of ingredients they serve is superior. “I knew that the food that I would provide would be of the same quality that I would use to put something into my system. We set a benchmark in that aspect, and also spent a lot of time, effort, and money into research and development so that we could create healthy food that was also tasty,” says the chef, who was admitted to an international university for a course on real estate development, but began to also accompany his friend to culinary classes during his time spent there.

“We use different culinary techniques to make food more appetizing, and our passion kept pushing us to do better.”

A bevy of stars, including Sidharth Malhotra, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, Rohit Saraf, Arjun Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, Mahesh Babu, and Ram Charan, among others, have availed of his services. After having bagged his first client in Malhotra, he recalls having been approached by Kaushal’s team as the actor was “transforming [his physique] for several projects at the time”.

Arora often finds himself aboard such projects that require actors to undergo a physical transformation. “We need to subsequently be in touch with their coaches and nutritionists to help them meet the purpose of making [the actors] ready for the film.”

Unlike the standard meals provided to the cast and crew on set, Arora creates custom-made meals for each actor. “Because it is tailor-made, we need to understand everyone’s nutritional requirement. During the filming of Student Of The Year 2, Tiger Shroff was on a really strict diet, and we created dishes around his requirements. We have a nutrition department, where nutritionists understand the actor’s goals, and current lifestyle. We also have a culinary department that caters to an actor’s culinary palette, and focuses on creativity. Each one reacts to food in a different way. Nutrition, for the human body is like astrology—it depends on each person’s individual problem. After we understand what works for people, we then inquire about their preferences. For example, some clients may like street foods like wada pav, and we need to [cater to those needs]. We also have to keep track of their lifestyle, sleeping patterns, hormones, and age. Many of them get only three to four hours of sleep due to their erratic schedules.”

Ask him if catering to celeb clients who are vegetarian is as difficult as it is perpetuated, and he responds in the affirmative. “It gets difficult when the calorie allowance is set, which it usually is. So, if someone can only eat about 1,000 calories, it becomes difficult to add enough proteins because a majority of the vegan proteins have high amounts of carbs and fats [which increase the number of calories consumed]. But if you’ve got enough macros to play with, you can easily get a good amount of protein through a vegan diet.” 

A defining aspect of his job is ensuring his team meets the demands of his clients, who are “high-achievers”. “Every minute of their life is dedicated towards being productive in the space that they’re working in, so our life has to match that. If our client has a 4 am call time, our team has to wake up an hour earlier, and sleep an hour after the client sleeps, to ensure they are [served each meal]. Usually, the team dedicated to the client has to be on the same schedule that the client is on.”