Mumbai, Oct 16: Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has opened up about his much-anticipated role in the upcoming film “Thamma.” He shared that it’s a role his kids are particularly excited about.

In an exclusive quote shared with media, Nawazuddin revealed that his performance is bound to delight his children, giving a glimpse into the personal connection he feels with this project. Talking about his role, the ‘Lunchbox’ actor shared, “Trust me, I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while,” he grins, clearly excited about the film. “My kids are going to be thrilled. I play a very weird character — but that weirdness is fascinating. It’s nothing like what I’ve done before, and I had an absolute blast on set.”

“It’s like being a batsman. You’re ready, but you still don’t expect that kind of delivery. Thank God I got it! I’m just happy filmmakers still see me in such unexpected avatars,” added Nawazuddin.

In the upcoming film, Siddiqui will be seen playing the role of Yakshasan. “Thamma” also stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna and Paresh Rawal in key roles. Directed by Aditya Sarpotda, the romantic comedy horror is set to hit theatres worldwide on 21st October. “Thamma” is penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Falara and produced by Dinesh Vijan alongside Amar Kaushik.

The film serves as the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Speaking about her role, Rashmika, during the trailer launch of the movie, had shared, Hi guys, I am so sorry that I couldn’t be at the trailer launch. I am shooting for ‘Cocktail 2’ in Sicily right now, but I really really hope that you liked the Thamma trailer and the brand new Maddok horror comedy. Tadaka is such an important and strong character, and I had the honor and the privilege of playing her. I absolutely loved playing her part on screen. I can’t wait for all of you to watch Thamma in the theatre this Diwali.”

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, October 15. He was best known for playing the iconic role of Karna in BR Chopra’s 1988 TV series Mahabharat.

Pankaj’s last rites will take place in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on Wednesday. Reportedly, the actor’s cancer had relapsed a few months ago, leaving him critically ill. He had also undergone major surgery related to his condition.

An official statement from CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) was released on Wednesday, confirming the news of Dheer’s demise: “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA’s former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.”

Born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab, Pankaj Dheer came from a family with strong ties to the film industry. He was married to Anita Dheer and had a son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who is married to actress Kratika Sengar.

Pankaj’s father, C.L. Dheer, was also a renowned film director.

Dheer’s career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name in Indian television. He starred in several television shows including Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, and Kanoon, as well as films such as Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.

He also appeared in several Bollywood films, including Sadak, Soldier, and Baadsha.

Pankaj was last seen in the 2024 serial Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, where he played the role of Giriraj Seth. He was also seen in the 2019 web series Poison.

Pankaj Dheer’s family is yet to issue an official statement.

Mumbai, Oct 14: Actor Rajat Bedi, who has made his comeback with ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, has shared that the director of the show Aryan Khan, and his friends are huge fans of ‘Koi Mil Gaya’.

Rajat essays the role of a ‘has been’ star in the recently released streaming show, helmed by Aryan, who is the son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan.

Rajat recently spoke with IANS in the Bandra West area of Mumbai following the success of the show. He also cleared the air around his earlier statement about Rakesh Roshan which was misconstrued.

“Aryan and many other Aryan’s associates, as children, have been fans of ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ and I’m very blessed that Rakesh Roshan at that time gave me this opportunity to be a part of the film. I did feel a little bad after the film. But, if you actually look at my whole journey, it is a lot thanks to ‘Koi Mil Gaya’. Even today, people ask me, ‘You were in the Alien film, right? You broke Rohit’s cycle, right?’. It is one of the most iconic and lovable films by the audience”.

He further mentioned, “So, when Aryan and others saw ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, they grew up and when he was making something with a full Bollywood flavour, he was very sure that for this character, he needed me. He probably knew that I was relevant at that time. Then I disappeared for 20 years. So, Aryan found me. And what could be a bigger blessing than this? Really, when you ask for something from the universe and the universe fulfills it. I was waiting for the comeback that Aryan has given me”.

‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ is available to stream on Netflix.