Bollywood News

Shireen Mirza, best known for her role as Simmi Bhalla in the hit Star Plus show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, has announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Hasan Sartaj. The actress shared the happy news through an emotional Instagram post that included a heartwarming video from a maternity photoshoot.In the video, Shireen and Hasan are seen exploring picturesque corn fields, capturing the beauty of the moment before the arrival of their little one. Shireen looked radiant in a black outfit, while Hasan kept it casual in a shirt and denim jeans. The couple was also seen sharing emotional moments, lovingly holding tiny baby tees and clipping them to a thread — symbolizing their preparation to welcome the newest member of their family.Along with the video, Shireen penned a heartfelt note that read, “In the quiet of our duas, Allah heard us… and in His perfect timing, He blessed us with a miracle.. A tiny soul, made of half of him and half of me And now, we’re growing you — with all the love we have in our hearts. Our little miracle is on the way, our prayers overflowing, as we step into this new chapter… as Parents… Ya Allah, protect our little one, and guide us to raise them in Your love and light. We can’t wait to hold you, guide you, and love you beyond words… Our hearts are full. Our hands will soon be, too.”  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mirzashireen (@shireenmirza)The announcement quickly drew love and congratulations from her industry colleagues, friends, and fans. Many of Shireen’s Yeh Hai Mohabbatein co-stars and other celebrities dropped heartfelt messages, wishing the couple all the best for this beautiful new chapter.For those unfamiliar, Shireen and Hasan tied the knot in 2021 in a traditional nikah ceremony held in Shireen’s hometown of Jaipur. Since then, the couple has often shared glimpses of their life together on social media, with fans appreciating their bond and chemistry.As Shireen and Hasan prepare for this exciting journey into parenthood, their fans are eagerly awaiting more adorable updates. Here’s wishing the couple endless love and happiness as they step into this new role as parents!Also Read: Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actress Shireen Mirza opens up about returning to spin off series Yeh Hai Chahatein; calls it ‘homecoming’

In September 2024, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the news that Sidharth Malhotra had bagged an out-and-out commercial entertainer. Some 10 days ago, we informed readers that it’ll be directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) fame. Now, we are back with another interesting update.A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “With the lead actor and director locked, the makers of the film are now looking to sign the female lead. They are in discussion with Sreeleela and Ananya Panday.”The film is backed by Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF). Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who is a partner in MJF, will also be producing the film. The trade source continued, “The makers are in advanced talks with both of them. They hope to reach a conclusion soon after which they’ll take a call. It is expected to happen soon.”An industry insider commented, “Both actresses are stunning and also are fine performers. Ananya has proven her worth time and again; she was recently seen in Kesari Chapter 2 wherein she left a huge mark. Sreeleela, meanwhile, too has been doing great work and she got a Pan-India boost with the super-success of the song ‘Kissik’ in Pushpa 2 – The Rule (2024). She has also bagged a plum role in Kartik Aaryan’s Diwali release, which’ll add to her fan following in the Hindi-speaking markets. Hence, it’ll be interesting to see which actress bags the part.”Meanwhile, Sidharth Malhotra is also gearing up for Vvan. Yesterday, there were reports that he’ll be seen opposite Tamannaah Bhatia in this mythological thriller. It’ll be directed by Deepak Mishra and produced by Ekta Kapoor. Reportedly, the actor is completing the last leg of Dinesh Vijan-produced Param Sundari at present. It also stars Janhvi Kapoor and will be released in cinemas on July 25. Finally, it was announced some time back that Sidharth has also signed Race 4.Also Read: Sreeleela receives a special gesture from Chiranjeevi; read to know more

In a notable collaboration, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has come on board as executive producer for Homebound, the upcoming feature from National Award-winning director Neeraj Ghaywan. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is set to have its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to 25.Homebound marks Ghaywan’s return to the big screen and to Cannes, nearly a decade after his acclaimed debut Masaan premiered at the festival and received two awards. Over the years, Masaan has continued to find resonance with audiences worldwide, heightening expectations for Ghaywan’s latest.Speaking about his involvement, Martin Scorsese said, “I have seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it, so when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema. I am glad the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year.”Producer Karan Johar also shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “Homebound is an extraordinary confluence of talent, vision, and storytelling at its finest. Having Martin Scorsese, a true legend of cinema, lend his wisdom and support to Neeraj’s remarkable vision elevates our film to a rare artistic height. Neeraj Ghaywan continues to be one of the most authentic and insightful voices in Indian cinema today, and we are immensely proud to support him on this journey. With an incredibly gifted cast and the prestigious stage of Cannes, we eagerly look forward to sharing Homebound’s powerful story with audiences around the world.”  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)Reflecting on the experience, Neeraj Ghaywan added, “To have an icon like Mr. Scorsese lend his name to Homebound is an honour beyond words. I’m deeply grateful to our co-producer Melita Toscan, who introduced us to him. Mr. Scorsese mentored us through the screenplay and multiple rounds of editing. He listened with care, understood the cultural context, and offered thoughtful, incisive notes each time. His kindness and commitment are extraordinary, and to have him nurture our film has been both a rare privilege and a profoundly humbling experience.”Homebound has also secured French distribution through Ad Vitam, the company behind acclaimed international titles such as A Fantastic Woman and Son of Saul, which previously won the Grand Prix at Cannes. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers. Continuing Ghaywan’s exploration of contemporary human relationships and social themes, Homebound stands poised to be one of the notable Indian entries on the global stage this year.Also Read: Cannes 2025: Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan makes it to ‘Un Certain Regard’ section

One of the most awaited films of Indian Cinema, Ramayana, will be released next year, on Diwali 2026. The excitement for it has been sky high due to its solid casting and association of Nitesh Tiwari, of Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) fame, as director. Last year, the makers released a teaser poster in November and made it clear that while the first part will be out next year, the second part will be released on Diwali 2027. And if sources are to be believed, a new announcement about the film will be out as early as next week.A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) will be held from May 1-4, 2025 and the organizers are clear that they want it to be one of the biggest talking points of the year. Accordingly, they have invited some of the biggest names from different film industries in India. To add to the excitement, the team of Ramayana is looking to share an update during this star-studded event. It will be a win-win situation for both. The team of the film will get a grand platform to showcase their product and grab a lot of eyeballs. WAVES, too, would benefit with the extensive coverage.”The source, however, added, “The makers are looking at a poster or video of Ramayana. However, things are still being planned and a decision will be taken in a few days, provided things fall in place. Last year, the makers were planning to announce the film on Ram Navami 2024 but the plan was later deferred. Hence, things are still not confirmed yet. However, the WAVES Summit can prove to be a great opportunity.”Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and KGF star Yash as Ravana.Also Read: Sai Pallavi SLAMS report on turning “vegetarian” for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, warns of legal action: “Cooked-up crappy story in the name of news”

The Delhi High Court has directed renowned music composer AR Rahman and production company Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores with the court registry in a copyright infringement case. The ruling, delivered on 25 April, also directed them to pay Rs. 2 lakh costs to Dagar. The case centres on the song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from the 2023 film Ponniyin Selvan 2, which has been accused of copying an earlier composition.The lawsuit was filed by Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in 2023. Dagar alleged that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ infringed on Shiva Stuti, a composition by his father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and uncle, Zahiruddin Dagar, known collectively as the Junior Dagar Brothers. He sought a permanent injunction to prevent the song’s use, along with damages and recognition of moral rights.Justice Prathiba M Singh, presiding over the case, observed that Shiva Stuti did not merely inspire ‘Veera Raja Veera’ but was “identical” to it, despite minor changes. Dagar argued that the song’s taal, beat, and musical structure mirrored Shiva Stuti, even though the lyrics differed. In contrast, AR Rahman contended that Shiva Stuti is a traditional composition in the public domain within the Dhrupad genre of Hindustani classical music. He further claimed that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ was an original work, incorporating Western musical elements with 227 distinct layers.The court’s interim order requires Rahman and Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores while the case is ongoing. Additionally, after initially failing to do so, the defendants were instructed to update the song credits on online platforms to acknowledge the Junior Dagar Brothers.Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Kashmiri girls mistook AR Rahman for an electrician: “These girls came to sing chorus and asked who the music director was”