25 years of the lady superstar
Kareena Kapoor Khan on Monday, June 30, celebrated the 25th anniversary of her debut film Refugee (2000), sharing stills from JP Dutta’s directorial venture that also marked the acting debut of Abhishek Bachchan. While the film did not do well at the box office, its music turned out to be a hit. In her post, she wrote, “25 years and forever to go.” Fans and industry friends, including Nimrat Kaur and Amrita Arora Ladak extended their wishes to Kareena. The film revolves around an unnamed Indian Muslim who helps illegal refugees from India and Pakistan cross the border through the Great Rann of Kutch. The movie, also starring Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty and Anupam Kher, is said to be inspired by the short story, Love Across the Salt Desert, by Keki N Daruwalla. On the work front, Kareena is set to star opposite Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran for the first time in Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming directorial venture Daayra.
Painful moment as single father
Karan Johar (centre) with (left) daughter Roohi, and (right) son Yash
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently revealed an emotional moment from his journey as a single parent. In a recent interview with Barkha Dutt, he recalled being devastated by a harsh remark questioning his choice to raise his children without a mother. The comment — implying he had deprived his twins of maternal care — left him deeply shaken. “It made me doubt everything,” Karan admitted, saying he believed he could fulfil every parental role for his children. The father of Yash and Roohi, born via surrogacy in 2017, shared how the remark led to a breakdown. He tearfully asked his children if they were happy. Their innocent response, “Because you are our dada,” offered him reassurance in that moment.
Say no to botox
Mallika Sherawat and Priyanka Chopra
Mallika Sherawat recently took to Instagram to share a no-makeup selfie video, making an appeal against the use of botox and artificial fillers. “No filter, no makeup, I haven’t even brushed my hair,” she said in the video. “Let’s all say together: No to botox, no to artificial cosmetic fillers, and yes to life, yes to a healthy way of living.” Her post comes just two days after actor Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death at 42, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, possibly linked to self-medication and anti-ageing injections. Though Mallika did not mention Shefali, her timing has drawn attention. “Let’s embrace our natural glow,” she captioned her post. Priyanka Chopra also condoled Shefali’s sudden demise. Taking to social media, she wrote, “So shook. She was too young. Sending condolences to Parag [Tyagi] and the family.”
Yet another special film
(From left) Shubhangi Dutt and Anupam Kher in the trailer of Tanvi The Great
The trailer for Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, was launched in Mumbai on Monday, June 30. The film follows Tanvi Raina, played by Shubhangi Dutt, a young woman with autism who dreams of joining the Indian Army to fulfil her late father’s wish. “This is my tribute to every person who is different but no less,” Kher said. The movie premièred at Cannes’ film market and also screened at the New York Indian Film Festival. It also features Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Iain Glen. Music is by Oscar winner MM Keeravani. Tanvi The Great releases in Indian cinemas on July 18.
Standing with Diljit
Naseeruddin Shah and Diljit Dosanjh
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has voiced strong support for Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing backlash over his collaboration with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. Taking to Facebook, Shah wrote, “I stand firmly with Diljit. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was.” Condemning the attacks on Diljit, he added, “What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan.” Addressing critics who tell artistes to “Go to Pakistan,” Shah quipped, “Go to Kailasa.” Sardaar Ji 3, which released overseas on June 27, has not been cleared for release in India amid mounting controversy.