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SCOOP: John Abraham undergoes his BIGGEST physical transformation yet for Maria IPS; ages from 20s to 60s for Rohit Shetty’s flick

By dev at August 23, 2026 Bollywood News No comments

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.”

The source further said, “John Abraham has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different stages of Rakesh Maria’s life, and his transformation is sure to take them by surprise.”

The shoot of Maria IPS began in July 2025, with the first schedule taking place at Ellora Studios near Mumbai, where a police station set was erected. During the two-week schedule, John Abraham and Rohit Shetty filmed several dramatic police station scenes and high-intensity interrogation sequences.

In February, we reported that portions of Maria IPS were also shot at various Western Railway premises. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway (WR), exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham shot at the WR Headquarters in Churchgate, Lower Parel railway station and Mumbai Central railway station for Maria IPS.”

Also Read: SCOOP: John Abraham reunites with The Diplomat director Shivam Nair for two-hero action thriller

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Rajkumar Santoshi accuses Karan Johar of playing ‘tricks’ over Kesari; says, “They knew that they would make a film quickly and release it, so our business would not work”

By dev at August 23, 2026 Features & Specials No comments

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has spoken about his shelved film based on the Battle of Saragarhi and alleged that Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar’s Kesari affected the prospects of his project. Santoshi claimed that his film, which featured Randeep Hooda in the lead, was already being made when Kesari was announced and eventually released on the same historical subject.

Talking about his vision for the project, Santoshi said he wanted to make an authentic and realistic film. “We wanted to make an honest and real film. We had an audition, real Sardars. The people who had not touched the blood had auditioned them. We had them ready. We had a shoot in the 20 days, in Ganga Nagar, in Rajasthan.”

Santoshi also praised Randeep Hooda for his dedication to the role and his transformation for the film. He said, “Randeep Hooda is a great actor, a great man. He had completely become a Sardar after growing a beard.”

The filmmaker then addressed the making of Kesari, which starred Akshay Kumar and was produced by Karan Johar. Santoshi said he felt the makers should have approached him before making a film on the same subject, especially since his project was already in production.

He said, “In the industry, they have made Kesari. Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar made it. At least, they should have asked us. The industry is one family.”

Santoshi further claimed that the release of Kesari affected his film’s prospects with OTT and satellite platforms. According to him, people from these platforms who had been discussing his project backed out because they preferred to work with a major producer and a major star.

He explained, “When they made Kesari, the OTT and satellite and digital people, whom we were talking to, backed out. Because Akshay Kumar is a very big star and Karan Johar is a very big producer. They knew that they would make a film quickly and release it, so our business would not work.”

Santoshi alleged that this eventually left his project stuck despite having already completed 20 days of shooting. “So, my picture, it got stuck. After 20 days of shooting, the picture was shut down,” he said.

His remarks shed light on the challenges faced by filmmakers when two projects based on the same historical event are developed simultaneously, particularly when one involves a major Bollywood star and a leading production house.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi set to reunite after Batwara 1947, exploring Ghatak sequel

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Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal welcome twin baby girls, Vira and Mahi

By dev at August 23, 2026 Bollywood News No comments

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

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The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

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Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal welcome twin baby girls, Vira and Mahi

By dev at August 23, 2026 Features & Specials No comments

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Like Arijit Singh, Shaan too contemplated quitting playback singing; reveals Sonu Nigam and KK warned him, “Don’t sing all kinds of songs. Keep your standard, bro”

By dev at August 23, 2026 Features & Specials No comments

Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from film playback singing has been one of the biggest developments of 2026. In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Shaan opened up about Arijit’s decision and revealed that he, too, had once contemplated quitting playback singing.

When asked about the decision of Arijit Singh, Shaan said, “It's not like he's hung his boots. He's singing and I think he's doing a lot of playback (singing). Aisi baat nahin hai.”

Why did he quit singing then? Shaan thought for a few seconds and then replied, “Only he can answer that question (laughs). However, he has recorded many songs that are yet to be released. So, in the next two years, you'll get to hear a lot of Arijit Singh.”

He also added, “You never know, he can change his mind. Pathar ki lakeer pe thodi kisi ne likh diya hai.”

Shaan then confessed that even he went through a similar dilemma, “I was about 33-34. It was a time when I had sung all kinds of songs. I had also won 2-3 big awards. Also, I am quite inclined towards social work. Ab aaye hai toh society ke liye kuch karna chahiye. However, because of my work, I didn't have time for it. And I used to feel that you are just rolling from one thing to another.”

Shaan continued, “Arijit at least did selective work. He reached the peak quickly and then he would work only for the top songs. As for me, I used to leave my house in the morning and I used to sing for all kinds of films – A-grade, B-grade and C-grade! My contemporaries like K K and Sonu Nigam used to tell me, 'Don't sing all kinds of songs. Keep your standard, bro'. But my point was that koi pyaar se bulata tha toh main naa kaise karoon? Moreover, my father (Manas Mukherjee) was also from this industry. So, his colleagues and the children of those colleagues used to request me to do playback singing. Turning them down was difficult. So, I would do those songs. I got a lot of blessings from them.”

He then stated, “When I used to return home, my wife would ask, 'Sunao aaj kya gaaya?'. I would say, 'Yaad nahin aa raha hai'. Usko shaque hone lagta tha! So that was the time when I would wonder what I was doing.”

Also Read: Shaan reveals wife Radhika told him to NEVER act again: "Give it to me in writing; you're a very bad actor… dal roti ke vaande ho jaayenge"

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SCOOP: Emraan Hashmi starrer Gunmaster G9 teaser to play in theatres with Yash starrer Toxic

By dev at August 23, 2026 Bollywood News No comments

The teaser of Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, is set to premiere theatrically ahead of the screening of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, offering audiences an early glimpse of the much-awaited action-romance.

While Gunmaaster G9 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026, the makers are kickstarting the film’s promotional campaign well in advance with a dedicated theatrical teaser premiere.

Rather than being attached to the print of Toxic, the teaser will be screened separately ahead of the film, giving Gunmaaster G9 a distinct theatrical showcase. With Toxic expected to draw substantial audiences, the move is poised to give the teaser an expansive reach while creating early curiosity around Emraan Hashmi’s next.

The film also marks a notable creative reunion. Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Deepak Mukut bring together Emraan Hashmi, Himesh Reshammiya and director Aditya Datt once again, following their collaboration on the 2005 musical blockbuster. Mukut is also reuniting with Himesh Reshammiya following the success of Sanam Teri Kasam.

Positioned as an action-romance, Gunmaaster G9 arrives at an interesting juncture in Emraan Hashmi’s career, following the strong response to Awarapan 2. The announcement of its release date had already generated considerable interest among the actor’s fans, and the theatrical unveiling of the teaser is expected to build further momentum around the film.

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh, Aparshakti Khurana and introducing Abhishek Singh, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir and presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

Gunmaaster G9 is a SRE Studio LLP production.

Also Read: Gunmaaster G9 director Aditya Datt reveals Aparshakti Khurana was his first choice to play the villain; says, “He has never played an out-and-out commercial and crazy-ass villain”

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Shaan reveals wife Radhika told him to NEVER act again: "Give it to me in writing; you're a very bad actor… dal roti ke vaande ho jaayenge"

By dev at August 23, 2026 Features & Specials No comments

Shaan began his career with Indipop songs and also appeared in their music videos before making a successful transition to playback singing in films. However, not many are aware that the singer has also acted in a few films and a web series. In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Shaan opened up about his acting career and raised laughs.

Shaan said, “Only I think I am a good actor! The one person whose opinion matters to me the most is my wife (Radhika Mukherjee). And she feels that I am a very terrible actor. And I’ll tell you a story. When she was my fiancée, I had acted in a film called Daman (2001). I had gone for its dubbing. I returned and I thought that she’ll have newfound respect for me. I thought that she’ll think ‘Yeh singer toh hai hi. Ab hero bhi banne waala hai’!”

Shaan continued, “However, she told me that to give it to her in writing that I should never act again in my life! I told her, ‘Don’t be so insecure. It’s not like I’ll have an affair with someone once I turn an actor’. She replied, ‘You’re going too far. You sing and people have accepted you for it. But if you act, then sab khatam. Dal roti ke vaande ho jaayenge. You’re a very bad actor’ (laughs).”

Shaan then stated, “Since then, I decided to quit acting. Uske baad bhi maine yeh galti ki hai ek-aadh baar. But now I feel that I should revive my acting career (smiles).”

Daman also starred Raveena Tandon, Raima Sen, Sanjay Suri and Sayaji Shinde and it was directed by the late Kalpana Lajmi.

Later, Shaan also worked in Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya (2014), co-starring Mika Singh. He was recently seen in a special appearance in the Karisma Kapoor-fronted web series, Brown.

Also Read: Shaan buys Rs 48 crores Palmera home, highlights Mumbai’s luxury housing boom

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Triptii Dimri opens up on confidence, sensuality and her evolving definition of sexy: “Once you’re confident, the rest just follows”

By dev at August 22, 2026 Features & Specials No comments

Triptii Dimri recently spoke about fashion, confidence, glamour and her changing perspective on sensuality in a conversation with Luxurious. The actor shared her preferences while discussing the new Base X-E collection by Victoria’s Secret.

“I’m Trippi Dymri and I’m very excited to unveil the new base X-E collection by Victoria’s Secret,” she said while introducing the collection.

During a rapid-fire segment, Triptii revealed some of her personal style choices. When asked to choose between satin and lace, she picked lace. Faced with corset or an oversized blazer, she refused to choose just one and opted for both. She chose sneakers over heels and a push-up bra over a bralette. When asked to pick between red lipstick and no makeup, the actor went with red lipstick.

Triptii also opened up about the quality she naturally connects with among confidence, glamour and sensuality. For her, confidence stands above the rest.

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“I think I naturally gravitate towards confidence because I think confidence is something that cannot be borrowed. It’s something that comes from within and once you’re confident, the rest just follows,” she said.

The actor also reflected on how her understanding of being sexy has changed over the years. She recalled that while growing up, her idea was largely connected to appearance.

“I think growing up to me, it was all about the looks. I was very awake back then. Now it’s to me sexy as someone who’s self-assured, someone who knows their words, someone that values themselves and someone who has their own opinions,” she said.

Asked how she would style a piece from the collection outside the bedroom, Triptii picked a lace bodysuit. She said she would team it with high-waisted pants, heels and a sharp blazer, adding, “I think that would make it look killer.”

Sharing her pre-event confidence ritual, Triptii said she prefers to centre herself before entering a room full of people. “I like to centre myself before I walk into a room full of people. Because I think I need to feel connected to myself before I can connect to other people,” she said.

When asked what song would feature first on the soundtrack of her confidence, Triptii replied, “I think it would be... Love is the way.”

Also Read : Triptii Dimri fronts Victoria’s Secret ‘Very Sexy’ campaign as the collection launches in India

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Arjun Rampal marries longtime girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades in Goa

By dev at August 21, 2026 Bollywood News No comments

Actor Arjun Rampal has officially married his longtime partner Gabriella Demetriades in Goa. The couple, who have been together since 2018, registered their marriage at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Mapusa, North Goa, in the presence of close friends.

According to PTI, Arjun and Gabriella completed the required marriage formalities at the office. The couple had earlier secured special permission from the Assistant Public Prosecutor of the local court to waive the mandatory 15-day waiting period between the first and second signatures required under Goa’s marriage laws.

Sub-Registrar Suraj Vernekar confirmed that the marriage was registered under Goa’s Uniform Civil Code. Arjun and Gabriella reportedly reached the office at around 4 pm and kept their appearance casual for the occasion.

The couple’s relationship began in 2018, following Arjun’s separation from his former wife, Mehr Jesia. They welcomed their first child, son Arik, in 2019, before making their relationship official through marriage. Four years later, they became parents to their second son, Ariv. In 2025, Arjun announced his engagement to Gabriella, six years after the two started dating.

Before their marriage, Arjun had spoken about his decision to stay unmarried despite sharing two children with Gabriella. During an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube channel, the actor explained his perspective on marriage and the legal bond it creates.

Arjun said, “It’s not me, it’s not her. What is marriage? A piece of paper after all. I think we are already married and there is no doubt in my mind about that. But, sometimes what that piece of paper can also do is change you. Because it’s like you think it’s permanent, it’s a false notion in fact but you are just legally bound.”

He further explained, “It could change your attitude towards each other. I think that’s how we both feel. Whatever has happened between us was very organic. I don’t want to speak much about it because I don’t want to jinx it. I don’t think I need to justify this to anybody. For us, this is beautiful. You should keep experiencing it for as long as you can. In both our minds, we are married to each other. We are both pushing each other in the right direction and at the same time, we are boyfriend-girlfriend.”

Arjun had also clarified that his views did not mean he was against marriage. The couple has now formally registered their relationship, marking a new chapter in their journey together.

Also Read : Arjun Rampal marks silver jubilee of his Bollywood debut; expresses gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and more: “Lots of Pyar Ishq aur mohabbat to all”

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Rajkumar Santoshi questions audience hesitation over Sunny Deol playing a Muslim in Batwara 1947; asks, “If Spiderman’s name was Aslam Sheikh, would they reject him?”

By dev at August 20, 2026 Bollywood News No comments

Rajkumar Santoshi directorial Batwara 1947, starring Sunny Deol in a Muslim character for the first time, has been receiving positive feedback from audiences who have watched the film. However, director Rajkumar Santoshi says he is surprised that the appreciation has not translated into stronger box office numbers. The filmmaker has now urged audiences to come to theatres, watch the film and then form their own opinion.

Speaking to a portal/publication, Santoshi said, “It is important that people come out and watch the film.” He went on to highlight the response from those who have already seen the Partition drama. “The people who have seen the film Batwara are liking it a lot.”

According to Santoshi, the film has also prompted viewers to reach out to the team. “They are appreciating it a lot. They are sending so many fan mails. They are getting so many bookings.” The filmmaker further described the emotional response from audiences emerging from theatres. “People are calling and appreciating it. And when people who have come out of the theatres are asked how it is – their eyes are tearful.”

Santoshi also revealed that some viewers have compared Batwara 1947 with Sunny Deol’s blockbuster Gadar, which remains one of the actor’s biggest commercial successes. He said, “Everyone is saying that ‘it is a bigger film than Gadar. It is a better film than Gadar’. Gadar is one of the biggest hits of Sunny's career.”

Despite the positive word of mouth, Santoshi expressed his surprise over the film’s box office performance. “They are appreciating it so much. But they are not showing the box office numbers. I am surprised about the people who are not coming.”

The director believes that Sunny Deol’s Muslim character could potentially be one of the reasons why some audiences are staying away from the film. “I wonder why are they not coming? Either they have heard that Sunny is doing a Muslim character. Sunny has played a Muslim in the film for the first time. So why are they not watching the film?”

Rajkumar Santoshi Calls Out Hate Against #Batwara1947 🔥🚨

Rajkumar Santoshi slammed those spreading hate and said some people are refusing to watch Batwara 1947 because #SunnyDeol plays a Muslim character.

He questioned: If #SpiderMan were named “Aslam Sheikh” and came from… pic.twitter.com/2SHfueMr01 — Rahul Gupta (@RahulGupta25376) August 21, 2026

Santoshi stressed that viewers should experience the film before making a judgement. “I want people to come and watch the film. After watching it, they are entitled for their opinion. They can criticize me. I will never feel bad. But they should come and watch the film. What is it? Do they think – ‘Sunny is doing a Muslim role. That is why we will not watch the film?’”

The filmmaker then used the example of the globally popular superhero Spider-Man to question whether a character’s name or geographical setting should influence the audience’s perception. “If tomorrow we come to know that Spiderman's name is Aslam Sheikh. And it was going to be in Pakistan. Then will they reject Spiderman?” He added, “It was such a big hit in India. Just because of the name and the region. Will Spiderman lose all his qualities? Will he not exist only in that case? What is this?” Santoshi concluded by praising Sunny Deol’s work in Batwara 1947. “Sunny has done a good role. Batwara is the best performance of his career.”

Batwara 1947 is a period drama co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions. Set in Lahore against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of British India and the division of Punjab, the film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput and Isha Sandhir. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat’s drama ‘Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai’ and released on August 14, 2026, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Batwara 1947 director Rajkumar Santoshi to host special screening for spiritual leaders; says, "This film does not divide people-it unites them"

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Spirit Controversy: Pranay Reddy Vanga claims Deepika Padukone made ‘unreasonable’ demands; says, “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit”

By dev at August 20, 2026 Bollywood News No comments

The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit has resurfaced after Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, made fresh claims about the disagreements that led to the actress’ departure from the Prabhas-starrer. While reports about Deepika’s demand for an eight-hour workday had earlier become a major talking point, Pranay has now alleged that remuneration and profit-sharing were also part of the discussions.

In a recent interview with NTV, Pranay spoke about the circumstances surrounding Deepika’s exit. He said the discussions involved her remuneration, working hours and other aspects of the project. “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too,” he said.

According to Pranay, Sandeep had been in talks with Deepika for around one-and-a-half years and was keen to have her on board. He also suggested that her recent box-office success gave her greater leverage during negotiations. However, he said the final decision to move ahead with another actress was Sandeep’s.

#DeepikaPadukone asked for unreasonable Remuneration hike, her schedule was unprofessional & unfair to the rest of the team, and she wanted 10% of post release profit from #Spirit - #PranayReddyVanga

This led to Sandeep choosing #TriptiDimri 👀 #Prabhas‌ #SandeepReddyVanga pic.twitter.com/GnafTRUWXv — The Climax India (@TheClimaxIndia) August 20, 2026

Pranay further claimed that Deepika had asked for a share in the film’s profits. “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics (budget) should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. This is why we thought of other options. Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything.”

He also alleged that details discussed privately about the film’s story and Deepika’s character later became public. “We discussed the story and character with her. Things discussed internally should not be revealed but she leaked all of them. That is why we are disturbed,” he said.

Following Deepika’s exit, Triptii Dimri was announced as her replacement. The controversy intensified after reports about the film’s plot emerged online, prompting Sandeep to express his anger on X and accuse someone of disclosing details he had shared in confidence.

Also Read : Deepika Padukone to wrap first Raaka schedule before maternity break; set to return in January 2027: Report

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