Lalit Modi DENIES Bigg Boss 20 participation, calls reports “fake news” and issues legal notice

Reports claiming that IPL founder and businessman Lalit Modi will enter the Bigg Boss 20 house have been denied by Modi, who has also issued a legal notice to publications and social media accounts that carried the claim. The clarification came a day after several social media accounts reported his alleged participation in the upcoming season of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show.

Taking to X early on Saturday morning, Modi categorically rejected the reports and said he has neither been approached for the show nor intends to participate in it.

“FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20. I am NOT participating in Bigg Boss 20. And I have NO intention of doing so. Amazing how a completely fabricated story can become ‘news’ without anyone bothering to ask the person concerned,” he wrote.

Modi also shared a legal notice issued by his lawyers, Hirani & Associates, and warned the publications and social media accounts that had carried the reports. “Perhaps next time, verify before you publish,” he added.

According to the legal notice, the reports suggesting that Modi had been signed as a contestant on Bigg Boss 20 are “false, baseless and mischievous.” His lawyers further clarified that Modi had not been approached by the show's producers, broadcasters, channel or any representative associated with the programme.

FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20. I am NOT participating in Bigg Boss 20. And I have NO intention of doing so.

Amazing how a completely fabricated story can become “news” without anyone bothering to ask the person concerned.

My lawyers have issued… pic.twitter.com/DUQZUbqUYn

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) August 14, 2026

“Our Client hereby clarifies that the said reports are false, baseless and mischievous. Our Client has not been approached by the producers, broadcasters, channel or any representative of the said Programme; no person has been authorised to represent our Client or to hold out on his behalf in respect thereof; and our Client has not consented to, and has no intention of, participating in or being associated with the said Programme in any manner whatsoever,” the notice stated.

The legal notice also pointed out that Modi had not confirmed his alleged participation to any publication. It stated that the reports were published without verification or authorisation and objected to the use of Modi's name, image, photograph, likeness, voice and other personality attributes to suggest an association with Bigg Boss 20.

Meanwhile, anticipation around the 20th season of Bigg Boss continues to build. Salman Khan is returning as the host, with the Hindi edition scheduled to premiere on September 6 on JioHotstar and Colors. The show's first trailer has already teased a new format element, with Salman introducing an additional ‘jeevan daan’, or lifeline, for contestants.

Also Read: Is Elnaaz Norouzi entering Bigg Boss 20? Here’s what we know

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Lakshya to star in Raakh director Prosit Roy’s psychological love story, film to begin shoot in December 2026

Actor Lakshya is set to collaborate with Raakh director Prosit Roy on an upcoming film that combines romance with psychological drama.

The actor has been receiving attention for his performances across a range of roles and is now preparing to step into a new space. Following his work in Kill, Chand Mera Dil and The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Lakshya will take on a more layered and unpredictable character in this yet-to-be-titled project, moving away from the roles he has played so far.

Roy, known for his distinctive storytelling and previously credited with Raakh, is bringing a fresh perspective to the romance genre with a narrative that incorporates psychological elements. The collaboration is expected to offer a departure from conventional love stories, with the film’s emotional core intertwined with a darker, more intriguing layer, blending the two genres in a manner not commonly attempted in mainstream romance narratives.

The project is currently in the development stage and is expected to commence filming in December 2026. The makers are also in the process of finalising the female lead, with the casting set to add another dimension to the film once locked.

The film is being directed by Prosit Roy and stars Lakshya in the lead role. Further details regarding the rest of the cast and crew are yet to be announced by the makers. The project is targeting a 2027 release.

Also Read: Prosit Roy to collaborate with Dharma Productions for a psychological romance after Raakh success: Report

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Rani Mukerji becomes second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive La Trobe Honorary Doctorate

Rani Mukerji has added another prestigious milestone to her illustrious career. The actress has been conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters by La Trobe University, making her the second Indian film personality to receive an honorary doctorate from the Australian university after Shah Rukh Khan.

The recognition comes in honour of Mukerji’s nearly three decades in Indian cinema, as well as her contribution to humanitarian work. Known for taking on characters and stories that have addressed social issues, women’s empowerment and important conversations, the actress has consistently used her platform to highlight narratives that resonate beyond entertainment.

Speaking about the honour, Rani Mukerji said, “Receiving this honorary doctorate from La Trobe University is one of the most humbling moments of my life,” Mukerji said. “For someone who has always believed that films can change hearts before they change minds, this recognition means more than I can possibly express.”

Over the course of her career, Mukerji has featured in films spanning several genres while also choosing projects driven by strong themes and characters. Reflecting on the philosophy behind her choices, she shared, “I have always chosen films that have made an impact in my heart first. A story that needs to be told. A story that would inspire and empower.”

The actress also spoke about the larger responsibility that comes with being an artist, particularly when representing Indian cinema and culture on a global platform. “Every artist carries a responsibility beyond performance. We quietly become ambassadors of our culture,” she added.

 

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Mukerji further reflected on the impact her work can have on audiences and how films can shape perceptions about India and its women. She went on to continue, “If my films have helped even one person understand India and its women a little better… then I feel I have fulfilled a responsibility far greater than simply being an actor.”

The honour also places Rani Mukerji in an exclusive league at La Trobe University. Shah Rukh Khan was conferred an honorary doctorate by the university in 2019, and the institution subsequently announced a PhD scholarship in his name.

With the latest recognition, Mukerji’s contribution to Indian cinema is being acknowledged not only for her performances but also for the cultural and social impact of the stories she has chosen throughout her career.

Also Read: Rani Mukerji honoured at IFFM with special citation for acting excellence: “Success is the love that remains… year after year and only grows with time"

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EXCLUSIVE: Scam 1992 writer Sumit Purohit to co-direct Scam 2010 with Hansal Mehta; shooting underway

In 2020, Hansal Mehta made his digital debut with Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, a biographical financial thriller that became a groundbreaking success for SonyLIV and one of the most acclaimed Indian web series of its time. Mehta directed the Pratik Gandhi-led show with his filmmaker son Jai Mehta. Three years later, the franchise returned with Scam 2003: The Telgi Story; however, Hansal served only as showrunner, handing over directorial duties to Tushar Hiranandani. As the third season of the franchise, Scam 2010, takes shape, Hansal is set to return to the director’s chair, this time alongside a new co-director.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Sumit Purohit will co-direct Scam 2010 with Hansal Mehta. Purohit was among the writers of the first season and is intimately familiar with the franchise’s tone and storytelling approach, making him a natural fit for the job. The screenwriter made his directorial debut with the espionage thriller series Saare Jahan Se Accha and has also directed the satirical comedy-drama Baaghi Bechare, starring Pratik Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee and Faisal Malik, which is yet to be released. Scam 2010 will mark a significant step forward for Purohit as he transitions from writer on the first season to co-director of the third instalment.

Scam 2010 delves into the financial scandals surrounding maverick businessman Subrata Roy of Sahara India Pariwar. Marathi actor Siddharth Bodke (Devmanus, Drishyam 2) essays the role of Roy, while Kritika Singh (Rangbaaz), Moon Banerjee and CID fame Aditya Srivastava round out the principal cast. The show went on floors in late May and has since been shot across multiple locations, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun. The series is expected to wrap production by mid-September, with a global premiere on SonyLIV targeted for early 2027.

Produced by Applause Entertainment and Birla Studios, Scam 2010 will chronicle the meteoric rise of Roy’s vast business empire and the prolonged legal battles that followed. Based on Tamal Bandyopadhyay’s 2014 book Sahara: The Untold Story, the new season will explore the contradictions in Roy’s public image while examining the complex intersections of markets, governance and accountability in modern Indian finance.

Also Read: Scam 2010 begins production: Hansal Mehta to direct Siddharth Bodke in new chapter

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Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Prahaar - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam to release on October 16

The much-awaited film Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is set to arrive in cinemas on October 16, 2026. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films, the film is directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in pivotal roles. The announcement has heightened anticipation around the project, which explores the extraordinary journey of one of India’s most prominent public prosecutors.

The release date was announced by the official Instagram page of Maddock Films. Sharing the update on social media, the production house wrote, “Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October #PRAHAAR - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in cinemas 16th October 2026.”

As suggested by its title, Prahaar will delve into the untold story of Ujjwal Nikam and his role in some of the most high-profile criminal trials in Indian history. The film is expected to revisit the legal battles surrounding major cases, including the 1993 Bombay Blasts and the 2008 Mumbai Train Attacks, while offering an insight into the demanding role of a public prosecutor handling cases of immense national significance.

 

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With Rajkummar Rao leading the cast, the film marks another compelling addition to the actor’s repertoire of character-driven stories. Wamiqa Gabbi, meanwhile, joins him in the Avinash Arun Dhaware directorial, adding further interest to the ensemble.

The film aims to explore not only the courtroom battles but also the personal and professional challenges faced by a prosecutor while seeking justice in cases that captured the attention of the entire nation. By focusing on Ujjwal Nikam’s perspective, Prahaar promises to offer audiences a dramatic look at the legal machinery and the people who become central to landmark cases.

With Maddock Films backing the project and Avinash Arun Dhaware at the helm, Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is now gearing up for its theatrical release. The film will hit cinemas across India on October 16, 2026, with the makers positioning it as a story about justice, conviction and the relentless pursuit of truth.

As the announcement aptly puts it, “Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR.”

Also Read: SCOOP: After Eetha, Maddock Films’ Rajkummar Rao-starrer Prahaar also gets postponed

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Shilpa Shetty, Arjun Kapoor to join Kiran Bedi, Jai Madaan and others at World Happpiness Summit 2026 in Bengaluru

Shilpa Shetty, Arjun Kapoor, Kiran Bedi, Sonu Sharma, Hema Sardesai, Jai Madaan and Dr Saamdu Chetri, a pioneer of Bhutan’s Gross National Happpiness philosophy, will come together in Bengaluru on September 24 for India’s first World Happpiness Summit. Hosted by Happpy AiR – Atman in Ravi, the Happpiness Ambassador, the summit will bring together voices from entertainment, public life, entrepreneurship, spirituality, wellness and social leadership to discuss a question that is often overlooked amid the pursuit of success: what does it really take to be happy?

The summit will be held at New Horizon College of Engineering against the backdrop of Bengaluru, a city known for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional ambition. The conversations will look at happiness beyond achievements, financial milestones and social status, with sessions around purpose, relationships, inner peace, mental well-being, fulfilment and the pressures that accompany modern success. Shilpa Shetty and Arjun Kapoor will bring perspectives from entertainment and popular culture, while Kiran Bedi, Sonu Sharma, Hema Sardesai, Jai Madaan and Dr. Saamdu Chetri will contribute perspectives from public service, entrepreneurship, music, wellness, spirituality and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

At the centre of the summit is Happpy AiR - Atman in Ravi’s belief that true ‘Happpiness’ is a harmonious mix of Pleasure, Peace and Purpose — the three Ps. “We spend so much of our lives preparing to become happpy someday, after the next achievement, the next milestone or the next success. But happiness is not a destination we arrive at. It is something we can experience in the present moment,” he said. He added that the three Ps form the basis of his understanding of happiness (that’s the reason why he spells happpiness with three Ps) and that the summit is an effort to take this thought beyond an individual philosophy and create a larger conversation around what it means to live a happy and fulfilled life.

The World Happpiness Summit is part of the larger #Happpy.AiR.Movement, which seeks to create a wider dialogue around happiness, inner peace and purposeful living. The initiative comes at a time when Bengaluru continues to attract entrepreneurs, technology professionals, creators and young talent from across India, and seeks to explore whether a city known for ambition and opportunity can also become a benchmark for happiness and well-being. The World Happpiness Summit 2026 will be held on September 24 at New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru.

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty attends Global Gift Gala Marbella with Eva Longoria and Maria Bravo; explains how “kindness has the power to change lives”

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Malamaal Weekly 2 EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh, Elvish Yadav, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav locked in leads, shoot begins in November

In February, Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that Priyadarshan’s 2006 comedy Malamaal Weekly is getting a sequel. Since then, we have been regularly updating about the film and we recently also unveiled the leading female cast, which includes Parineeti Chopra, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shirodkar. Now, we can reveal the male leads of the project.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Riteish Deshmukh, Elvish Yadav, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav have been locked for Malamaal Weekly 2. Though Riteish is leading the film, sources close to the production have said that he is still reading the script and is yet to sign on the dotted line. The sequel is moving ahead with the original trio of Riteish, Paresh and Rajpal returning for the leads, along with Elvish Yadav joining as a new casting addition to the principal cast. Yadav is a popular YouTube content creator and the winner of Big Boss OTT Season 2 (2023), and this film will mark his second Bollywood outing following his debut with Tiger Shroff and Remo D'Souza's upcoming action drama. All the actors have verbally been confirmed, with the formal paperwork currently underway.

Malamaal Weekly 2 will feature a completely new storyline. However, it will retain the core thematic flavour of the original — a group of ordinary people in a small town, driven by poverty, greed and the prospect of sudden wealth, finding themselves caught in an increasingly chaotic situation. Amit Joshi, who co-directed Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon's robotic rom-com Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, has been brought on board to helm this film. He's currently fine-tuning the script, with plans to take it into production by November 2026.

Released in 2006, Malamaal Weekly was a box office success and was remade in three Southern languages, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with Priyadarshan himself directing the Malayalam adaptation. The comedy revolved around Lilaram, a lottery ticket seller and the only literate villager. After one of his customers dies from the shock of winning a lottery, he hatches a plan to have that money all for himself. However, others from the village have also got their eyes on the money, leading to chaotic greed and comedic rivalry among the villagers. Malamaal Weekly 2 is expected to retain the comic spirit of the original while delivering a full-fledged comedy of errors for audiences.

Also Read: MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra join the cast of Malamaal Weekly 2

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