Mumbai, March 24: On the occasion of his 46th birthday on Monday, actor Emraan Hashmi treated his fans by announcing the sequel of “Awarapan”, which has been locked for April 3, 2026 release.

“Bas mujhe kuch aur der zinda rakh… #Awarapan2 in cinemas, 3rd April 2026. #Awarapan2 @Visheshb7 @Visheshfilms #MukeshBhatt #VisheshFilms,” Emraan captioned the post.

The sequel is a tribute to all the fans who have loved and celebrated Awarapan and unwavering dedication of Shivam, the character Emraan essayed in “Awarapan”.

Reuniting with Vishesh Films, the film is set for a theatrical release directed by Nitin Kakkar, written by Bilal Siddiqui and produced by Vishesh Bhatt. Promising to be an intense action drama, Awarapan 2 picks up where Shivam’s story left off, bringing back the grit, emotions, unforgettable moments and blockbuster music that made Awarapan a cult classic.

The partnership between Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Films has created magic with films such as Jannat, Murder, Raaz, Gangster, Hamari Adhuri Kahani and Awarapan.

Currently in pre-production, the film is gearing up to go on floors soon.

An action crime film, “Awarapan” released in 2007. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film was an uncredited remake of the South Korean film A Bittersweet Life.

It stars Emraan Hashmi, Shriya Saran, Mrinalini Sharma, and Ashutosh Rana. In the film, gangster Shivam Pandit is ordered by his boss Bharat Malik to watch over Reema, Malik’s secret Pakistani mistress.

Emraan was last seen in the action thriller “Tiger 3” starring Salman Khan in 2023. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, it is the fifth instalment in the YRF Spy Universe and a third part to Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai.

“Tiger 3” explores the origins of a mutual connection between Tiger and Zoya and also follows Tiger and Zoya’s attempts to fight off Zoya’s former mentor, Aatish Rehman, a rogue ISI agent, who uses them to stage a coup against the Government of Pakistan in pursuit of a destructive agenda against India.

During a conclave, Jaya Bachchan took a dig at Akshay Kumar starrer Toilet Ek Prem Katha. She mocked the title of the film, and called it a ‘flop’. Now, the co-producer of Toilet Ek Prem Katha, Prerna Arora, has reacted to Bachchan’s statement. She stated that she is a huge fan of the veteran actress and that’s why her statement has hurt her. Arora also told Bachchan to check the box office numbers of the film.

According to Bollywood Hungama, while talking about Jaya’s statement, Arora said, “Let me first state that I am a huge, HUGE fan of Jayaji. For me, she is the ultimate. I can watch Guddi, Uphaar, Abhimaan, and Mili anytime, anywhere, and feel happy about life. It is, therefore, very hurtful to hear her say that our film Toilet Ek Prem Katha was a flop. Ma’am should check the box office figures. Our film earned a very handsome profit. It was one of the five biggest hits of 2017.”

While talking about the title of the film, Arora revealed that even they weren’t sure about it initially as it seemed risky to have the word ‘toilet’ in the title. However, later they agreed to it.

Arora, who has produced multiple Hindi films, said that as a producer she has taken risks. She also pointed out that even Jaya Bachchan took risks in her career. The producer said, “Jaya Ma’am took risks with her role choices all the time. She did Doosri Sita, where she played a woman who murders her abusive husband.”

She concluded by stating that she is very proud of Toilet Ek Prem Katha, and would love to show it to Jaya Bachchan if the veteran actress permits.

During India TV’s She conclave, Jaya Bachchan was asked about movies that promote government’s social issues and campaigns, and when she was given an example of Toilet Ek Prem Katha, the veteran actress said, “Abhi aap naam bhi dekhiye, main aisi picture khud kabhi naa dekhne jao. Toilet Ek Prem Katha, yeh koi naam hai? Yeh koi title hai? (Look at the name of the film, I would never go to watch such movies. Toilet Ek Prem Katha, is this even a title?).”

She then asked the audience whether they will go and watch a movie which has a title like this. When only a few people raised their hands, Bachchan said, “Itne log mein chaar log haath utha rahe hai, very sad. Picture flop hai. (In so many people, only four have raised their hands, very sad. Movie is a flop).”

Mumbai, March 20: Actor Kartik Aaryan says it was a “proud moment” for him after he was feted with the Maharashtrian of the Year 2025 honour in the Actor category for playing Murlikant Petkar in “Chandu Champion”.

Kartik took to Instagram, where he shared a picture standing on the stage with state’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, and Governor, CP Radhakrishnan.

He wrote: Maharashtrian Of The Year Thank you honourable Governor CP Radhakrishnan ji, Chief Minister @devendra_fadnavis ji and Deputy CM @mieknathshinde sir.”

Upon receiving the award, Kartik expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly honored to receive the Maharashtrian of the Year 2025 award. This is a proud moment for me and my family.”

Calling Mumbai his karmabhoomi, he added: “While I hail from Gwalior, Mumbai has been my karmabhoomi—this city has given me my name, fame, home, and everything I have today. Since childhood, my dream was to become an actor and come to Mumbai, and that decision became the turning point of my life.”

“As the Bhagavad Gita says, one should focus on their work without worrying about the results. Awards like the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year are a testament to that belief, and I will continue to dedicate myself to my craft,” he added.

“Chandu Champion” is directed by Kabir Khan. It stars Kartik Aaryan as India’s first Paralympics gold medallist Murlikant Petkar. It told the story of an extraordinary man confronting relentless challenges with unwavering determination. His spirit and resilience propel him through adversity, ultimately forging a path to historic achievement.

On the work front, Kartik’s next is with director Anurag Basu, where he will be seen sharing the screen with Sreeleela.

This yet-to-be-titled drama will be produced by Bhushan Kumar under the T-Series banner. While the name of the film has still not been announced, it is believed that the project could be an addition to the popular “Aashiqui” franchise, “Aashiqui 3”. An official confirmation is still awaited.

The makers recently dropped a teaser clip from the forthcoming drama that showed Kartik singing “Tu Meri Zindagi” on stage.