Entertainment
Sidharth’s first director recalls his rise from ‘a non-actor to a TV star’
Ratna Sinha is the director who launched late actor Sidharth Shukla in the television series titled ‘Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na’, released in 2008. And since then, there was no looking back for Sidharth.
After his sudden demise, Sinha recalled the upcoming model who had that spark that turned him into a successful actor. Here’s her first-person account, shared exclusively with IANS, of her first meeting with the late actor:
It was around 2007 onwards when I think I saw him in a shopping mall. Sidharth was a ramp model back then when me and my team was looking for a new face for a new show that I was working on.
One of my assistants walked towards him and approached him for acting and he was so skeptical about the idea of acting. He really was a non-actor and when we auditioned, even the channel rejected the audition.
He was actually quite happy with modelling. But we thought there is something in him that will work! We kept on working on his skill and eventually I cast him as the male protagonist for my show ‘Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na’.
As the show received a good response, since then the world of acting opportunities grew for Sidharth. You know I really have seen Sidharth growing from a model, non-actor to a television star that he became. I had a mixed feeling of pride and happiness that this fellow is growing from strength to strength.
It is not easy at all to make it big here in the industry and staying relevant for 13 years! There were many youngsters back then started as a model and stepped into acting but maintaining success is a task that Sidharth was doing successfully. I think ‘Balika Vadhu’ was the breakthrough for him.
When I spoke to him last time, before lockdown, he was saying how keen is he to do more films. He was very keen on expanding his horizon in Bollywood. He did one film (‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’) and he nurtured the hope of acting in more films.
In the morning, when I woke up to the message of his sudden demise, I was numb. Just numb.
In the past one year, we lost so many young talents really. This is hard to process … life is so unpredictable really. I knew how emotionally close Sidharth was to his mother … my heart goes out to her.
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.
Bollywood
Amitabh Bachchan beams with pride as he wishes grandson Agastya Nanda success and love for ‘Ikkis’

Mumbai, Nov 4: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan is beaming with pride as his grandson Agastya Nanda gears up for his upcoming film “Ikkis.”
Taking to Instagram, the megastar, on Tuesday, penned a heartfelt note expressing his love and admiration for Agastya. In his heartfelt post, he wished him immense success and happiness as he embarks on his next cinematic journey. Sharing an action-packed image picture of Agastya, Big B wrote, “Agastya .. so proud of you .. love and wishes for success ..On 25th December, bravery marches into cinemas. Witness the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra hero. #IkkisTrailerOutNow#Ikkis in cinemas worldwide this Christmas.”
A few days ago, Amitabh had taken to his blog to pen an emotional note for his grandson Agastya Nanda, calling him “special” ahead of the release of his much-awaited war drama “Ikkis.” In his post, the ‘Sholay’ actor fondly recalled the time when he had held Agastya in his arms as a little child, expressing deep pride in watching him grow and step into the world of cinema.
“Agastya! I held you in my hands as soon as you were born .. few months later, I held you again in my hands and your soft fingers reached out to play with my beard ..TODAY you play in Theatres all over the World ..(sic).”
The proud grandfather added, “You are SPECIAL .. all my prayers and blessings to you .. may you ever bring glory to your work and the greatest PRIDE for the family (red heart and folded hands emoji) (sic).”
On a related note, “Ikkis” helmed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, tells the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal – India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal took on the enemy head-on during the Battle of Basantar, destroying 10 Pakistani tanks before losing his life. The film will also see Simar Bhatia, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Deepak Dobriyal in significant roles.
“Ikkis” is slated to hit theatres in December 2025.
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