Entertainment
Roberto Benigni steals the show as Venice Film Festival begins
‘Life is Beautiful’ actor Roberto Benigni received the lifetime achievement award at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. The legendary Italian comedian gave a mile-a-minute ‘thank you’ speech to cap an emotional start to the film festival.
Bong Joon-ho was emotional and Jane Campion was touching but the evening belonged to actor-director Benigni.
The 78th Venice International Film Festival got off to an emotional start on Wednesday night with host and Italian actor Serena Rossi dedicating the opening night to Afghan mothers forced to be away from their children in an attempt to save them from the Taliban. “We want to say to them: you are not alone,” said Rossi.
Initially, the scene at the Sala Grande, Venice’s gala theater, seemed oddly sombre, a mood that wasn’t helped by images of a half-empty gallery — Covid-19 social distancing regulations meant the theatre had to operate at half capacity — and a sea of masked faces hiding the identities of the more famous members of the crowd, including Isabelle Huppert, Cynthia Erivo and Sarah Gadon.
With the face coverings, even the flamboyant Spanish director Pedro Almodovar and his muse Penelope Cruz — star of Almodovar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’, Venice’s opening night film — seemed more serious than sprightly, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
But it was clear everyone was very pleased to be back. Almodovar was here last year but few others were able to make the 2020 Venezia, which was held in-between coronavirus lockdowns in Italy. If the opening night crowd seemed quiet at first, it was likely because few really believed they were here in person at the Venice Film Festival.
Bong Joon-ho, whose film ‘Parasite’ won Venice in 2019, catapulting the movie to a historic best picture win at the 2020 Oscars, was visibly moved as he took the stage. Saying how grateful he was to be able to judge “the best new films in front of an audience” he noted that “Corona will be over soon but cinema will be with us forever.”
It was a start. Jane Campion, the first female director to win the Palme d’Or in Cannes, who returns to Venice this year with ‘The Power of the Dog’, her first feature film in 12 years.
Campion said Benigni’s irrepressible joy — which she compared to “an exploding bottle of Prosecco” was particularly needed “at this difficult time for filmmakers and for people all over the world.” Recalling his giddy response to winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for ‘Life is Beautiful’ in 1999, when the Italian actor climbed over the backs of the seats in front of him in a clamour to get to the stage, she called the 68-year-old filmmaker “a comic genius with heart and sincerity.”
The 78th annual Venice International Film Festival began on September 1 and will continue till September 11 at Lido, Venice.
South Korean director Bong Joon-ho has been appointed as the President of the Jury, marking the first time a South Korean director has been picked as the Lido’s top juror. Serena Rossi will be hosting the opening and closing nights.
Bollywood
Bobby Deol To Play Grey Character In Ahaan Panday, Sharvari’s YRF Film: Report

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol, who continues to ride high on the success of projects like Animal and Ba***ds of Bollywood, has been roped in for filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action romance featuring Ahaan Panday and Sharvari in the lead roles. The yet-untitled film, backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, is expected to go on floors in the UK in the first quarter of 2026.
According to a report in Midday, Deol will play a key role with grey shades, a character that is not exactly a villain but one with strong authority and complexity.
“It would be incorrect to call him the antagonist. His character holds an authoritative position in the film, but there’s more than meets the eye. As the story unfolds, Bobby’s character develops grey tones that deeply influence his dynamic with the hero,” a source informed the publication.
The insider further added that Zafar envisions presenting Deol in a larger-than-life role, someone whose presence invokes fear, yet remains deeply layered and unpredictable. “That’s the newness the director wants to explore – a brutal yet nuanced side of the actor that fans haven’t seen before,” the source shared.
After receiving appreciation for his recent performances, Deol has become one of the most sought-after names for powerful, unconventional roles.
The source reportedly added that Ali Abbas Zafar is eager to deliver a “fan service” moment by showcasing the actor in a completely new avatar.
The film marks the fifth collaboration between Aditya Chopra and Zafar after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. With Deol joining the cast, and Ahaan Panday sharing screen space with him for the first time, this action-packed romance promises an exciting mix of intensity, emotion, and high-octane drama.
Bollywood
Katrina-Vicky welcome baby boy: Priyanka Chopra and Kiara Advani send congratulatory wishes

Mumbai, Nov 7: Priyanka Chopra, Kiara Advani, and Parineeti Chopra, among others, sent their warm wishes and heartfelt congratulations to Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal on the arrival of their baby boy.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Priyanka reposted the new parents’ announcement post and wrote, “Congratulations @katrinakaif @vickykaushal,” followed by heart emoji. Kiara Advani also extended her greeting to the couple, writing, “Hearties congratulations mama and papa! #Classof2025.”
Parineeti Chopra also shared her joy on Instagram, sending heartfelt wishes to the new parents. She wrote, “Play dates just got their newest member! Congratsss mamma and papa.”
A host of Bollywood celebrities have extended their heartfelt greetings and congratulatory messages to Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal.
On November 7, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram by posting a greeting card that read, “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November, 2025. Katrina & Vicky.” In the caption, they kept it simple and heartfelt, writing, “Blessed. Om.”
The duo had announced their pregnancy on September 23, 2025, through a joint post on social media. The announcement featured a picture of the couple, with Katrina flaunting her baby bump, along with the caption: “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude.”
The actors shared a Polaroid-style photo in which Vicky was seen gently cradling Katrina’s baby bump. The actress kept her look simple and chic in a white top and jeans.
Vicky and Katrina tied the knot on December 9, 2021, in an intimate wedding ceremony in Rajasthan. The ceremony was a low-key affair with their family members and close friends in attendance.
Bollywood
Varun Dhawan’s first look from ‘Border 2’ is full of valor, bravery

Mumbai, Nov 5: The makers of “Border 2” on Wednesday have unveiled actor Varun Dhawan’s intense first look from the film in a fierce battlefield avatar.
T-Series Films took to Instagram, where the banner shared the poster, which captures an intense and dramatic war sequence. At the center stands Varun, as an Indian soldier, covered in dirt and grit, wearing a military uniform with ammunition strapped across his chest.
For the caption, the banner mentioned: “Border uska farz hai aur Bharat uska pyaar!”
The poster offers a striking glimpse of Varun’s transformation as he steps into the world of the most iconic war film “Border 2,” which is set to release on January 23, 2026.
Varun took to his Instagram and shared the poster. He went on the caption it: “Desh ka sipahi PVC Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya. #Border2 in cinemas 23rd January, 2026.”
Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh and Sonam Bajwa with production by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta & Nidhi Dutta.
A franchise to the 1997 war drama “Border”, the film is reported to be based on India and Pakistan’s 1999 Kargil War.
While ‘Border’ was based on the events of Battle of Longewala, ‘Border 2’ is presumably based on the Kargil War which occurred in 1999. The conflict between the two countries was mostly limited. During early 1999, Pakistani troops infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied Indian territory mostly in the Kargil district.
“Border 2” is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh, the film honours the heroism and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers.
In other news, Varun will also be seen in filmmaker David Dhawan’s “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai”, which also stars Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur. It is all set to hit the screens next year on June 5.
For those who do not know, ‘Hai Jawani Toh Pyaar Hona Hai’ is a hit song from David Dhawan’s film “Biwi No 1”, featuring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen. The name of the forthcoming drama is believed to have been inspired from this popular track.
Touted to be a blend of a lighthearted narrative with romantic elements, “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai” reportedly shares a tale of a guy who was rejected by several women, but ends up getting help from God.
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