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Manushi Chhillar on how she prepped for her role in ‘Prithviraj’

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 Bollywood debutante Manushi Chhillar reveals about her preparation for her role in Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Prithviraj’ which is based on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan.

Manushi shares: “The preparation schedule for me was long and intense. Adi sir and my director Dr Chandraprakash ji wanted me to go through the drill before I even gave my first shot and looking back, I’m thankful that I put in the hard work.”

The actress shares that she also worked on her dancing skills for this movie: “I’m a trained classical dancer and this film made me brush up my dancing skills because I have three songs in the film! I had to nail the choreography, especially in ‘Hadd Kar De’. It is a beautiful Holi song and it needed me to be precise and also exhibit the fact that I could dance well. I hope that I have been able to show people that I’m a hard-working actor who is seeking perfection from my first film.”

She adds: “I have miles to go and lots to learn but my eyes are on the prize. I had to also pick up some interesting skill sets like archery and horse-riding! I have to admit that I had a lot of fun learning these. I learned horse riding as a kid because my father used to take me and my siblings for horse riding so I kind of knew the basics of it but I never had to hold the reins or gallop with the horse.”

“I have a horse riding sequence, however I am sitting behind sir. So, it was interesting to do that sequence. I’m a student of art. So, every day was special on the sets of the film because I could learn so much and return the next day, hungry for more,” she concludes.

‘Prithviraj’ has been directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi. The film is set to release on June 3 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Bollywood

Aamir Khan on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar Exit: This is not the end but a step forward

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Mumbai, Dec 18: The producers of “Laapataa Ladies,” Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions, have expressed their reactions following the film’s exit from the Oscars 2025 race.

As India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Laapataa Ladies held high hopes but unfortunately did not make it to the top 15 shortlist. While the producers admitted to being disappointed by the outcome, they remain proud of the film’s journey and the recognition it garnered along the way.

In a statement, Aamir Khan Productions said, “Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”

“To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards. For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey,” the statement further read.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. Unfortunately, India’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), did not make the cut.

Directed by Kiran Rao, the film had been unanimously chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s entry, but its selection stirred debate. Many critics argued that Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” would have been a more competitive choice for the prestigious category.

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‘Pushpa 2’ fever grips Akshay Kumar

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Mumbai, Dec 17: As “Pushpa 2” fever continues to take over, Akshay Kumar has joined in on the excitement by recreating the film’s most iconic dialogue, “Wildfire hu.”

In a video circulating on the internet, Akshay is seen delivering Allu Arjun’s iconic line, “Wildfire hu.” Soon after the video surfaced online, fans couldn’t help but gush over Khiladi Kumar. One netizen commented, “Wow, amazing @akshaykumar sir, wildfire pose of mega superstar @alluarjun from #Pushpa2TheRule, great!” Another said, “I remember he supported Pushpa 1 also.”

Not to forget, in 2021, Akshay had penned a congratulatory note for Allu Arjun after the success of “Pushpa: The Rise.”

The ‘Airlift’ actor had written, “Congratulations @alluarjun on the massive response you have received from all over India for #PushpaTheRise, another big win for our industry… planning to watch it real soon. @GTelefilms.” In response, Allu Arjun replied, “Thank you very much, Akshay ji. Nice of you to send your warm wishes. Congratulations to you too. Glad people are coming back to theatres & the Indian film industry is shining again.”

“Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar, features Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. Released in theatres on December 5, the movie has crossed a remarkable Rs 1000 crore globally within just seven days. The sequel to the 2021 hit has reportedly earned Rs 902 crore at the India box office. It also became the first Hindi film to collect over Rs 100 crore in its second weekend.

Recently, Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with the death of a fan at the premiere of “Pushpa 2.” He was released from jail, with several stars visiting his residence afterward.

In a statement, the actor revealed that his legal team has advised him not to meet anyone or visit his family at this time.

In his note, the actor wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident.”

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Zakir Hussain: Film industry veterans mourn the demise of the legend

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Mumbai, Dec 16: The tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain left for the heavenly abode on December 15, leaving a huge void in India’s music. With his excellence and humility, the Ustad touched many lives, young and old, people in positions of power and the common man. Such is the impact of one of the greatest tabla players that his demise feels like a personal loss to many.

Several members of the film fraternity like Kamal Haasan, Akshay Kumar, A. R. Rahman, Mohanlal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hansal Mehta, and others shared their condolences on his demise.

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar took to his social media and shared an image of Zakir Hussain. He wrote, “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti”.

Veteran Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan took to his X, formerly Twitter and shared an old image in which Zakir Hussain could be seen giving the taal to the actor as the latter plays tabla. He wrote, “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you”.

Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman called Zakir an inspiration and expressed his regret for not collaborating with him in recent years. He wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed.

May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss”. Veteran Malayalam superstar Mohanlal wrote on his X, “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of music. His rhythms united hearts across borders. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers”.

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was recently seen along with Akshay Kumar in ‘Singham Again’, also paid tribute to the legendary musician with a heartfelt image that featured her alongside Zakir Hussain and her father, Randhir Kapoor. She wrote, “Maestro forever”.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who recently directed Kareena in ‘The Buckingham Murders’ also took to his X, and wrote, “The maestro who made so many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts memorable. The man who knew how to engage with an audience through his artistry. The Ustad who made the tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain”.

Playback singer Sonu Nigam expressed his shock at the demise of the late musician, as he took to his Instagram, and wrote, “Zakir bhai… What is this?”.

Actress Nimrat Kaur recalled the last time she saw Ustad Zakir Hussain perform live earlier this year. She took to her Instagram, and shared a picture and a video of the late musician. She wrote in the caption, “On Feb 28th, ’24, when I last watched Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre, I recall my heart beating to the beats of the sheer flawless genius of his talent. His international superstardom and the zenith of his achievements are forever here to inspire and energize us”.

“As a human being, to remain the most humble, gracious, and generous through his incomparable life journey is what remains etched as a life goal in my heart. Your kind eyes and mystical being shall outlive generations…rest in glory Ustad ji. Never shall there be another”, she added.

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