Kangana Ranaut backs Isha Koppikar after the latter calls herself an ‘andhbhakt’: “I love my country I love my people”

Isha Koppikar recently addressed the label of ‘andhbhakt’ while speaking about her love for India and her belief in contributing towards the country’s progress. The actress made it clear that her devotion is not towards any political party but towards her nation. Her remarks have now received support from actress turned politician Kangana Ranaut, who responded to Isha’s video on social media.

Isha shared the video on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, explaining why she does not shy away from calling herself a ‘bhakt’ or an ‘andhbhakt’ when it comes to her country. Kangana reacted to the post and highlighted instances from her own life where she says she stood up against injustice and violence.

“Wow well explained for me as- in high school protested against a teacher who used to hit children in head with stick during assembly, protested against 26/11 violence. Protested against Nirbhaya brutality. Never blamed parents for any limitation that may have come my way. Instead uplifted whole family to the same standard of life that I earned for myself," Kangana wrote in response to Isha’s video. She further added, “Identifies being a bhakt of almost anyone who I meet, I love my country I love my people. I simply love my life," she added.

In her original video, Isha explained that her use of the term ‘andhbhakt’ is specifically linked to her love for the country rather than allegiance to a political party. She said, “Yes, I am an andhbhakt. If it is bhakti (devotion) to love your country and want to see it progress, then yes, I am proud to be a bhakti andhbhakt. But my blind devotion is not towards any political party; it’s towards my country. Nation first. I can question the government and disagree with its policies. And still love my country wholeheartedly.”

Isha also spoke about the importance of contributing to the nation instead of only questioning what one receives from it. “This country is my home, where I have earned and continue to earn a livelihood and where I continue to get opportunities. So, I am not ashamed to be proud of my country. Wherever you may live, learn to love that place, respect that place, and contribute to it. Be proud of the home you choose. Because patriotism is not just saying, I love my country. It is doing something that improves your country.”

She concluded by reiterating her belief in India and its future, saying, “Instead of asking what the country has given us all the time, why not start thinking about what we can contribute to the country? Because Bharat is changing. It’s time to change our thoughts to help in making a new Bharat. So, call me a bhakt, call me an andhbhakt, call me a nationalist. I am Indian, I love my India, I believe in my India. Not blindly, but proudly, passionately, and unapologetically.”

Kangana’s response comes as a public endorsement of Isha’s views, with the actress turned politician drawing parallels with moments when she says she chose to speak up against injustice and violence.

Also Read: Isha Koppikar REACTS to being called “andhbhakt”: “My devotion is not for any political party, but for my country”

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Kartik Aaryan to undergo knee surgery after injury on Kabir Khan’s film set

Kartik Aaryan has suffered a serious knee injury while shooting an intense action sequence for his upcoming untitled film with filmmaker Kabir Khan. The actor reportedly sustained the injury during the final phase of the shoot, which was scheduled to wrap after two more days of filming.

According to India Today, Kartik had been undergoing rigorous training with action coaches ahead of the demanding sequences. During one of the action scenes, he injured his knee and was subsequently rushed to a hospital in the town for medical attention.

A source close to the production told India Today, “Kartik has now been admitted to Fortis Raheja Hospital and is under medical care. The doctors will perform his knee surgery in a day, after which he will have to rest for a few days. He should then be able to resume his work commitments.”

Following the surgery, Kartik is expected to take a short break to recover. He will reportedly resume work on Anurag Basu’s untitled project once he is fit to return to the sets.

The injury comes at a busy phase in Kartik’s professional career. The actor recently received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion. He has also ventured into film production with Dopamine Studios and is collaborating with Kabir Khan on the upcoming project. The film marks Kartik’s second association with Khan after Chandu Champion.

Apart from the Kabir Khan directorial, Kartik has several projects lined up. He will next be seen in Naagzilla, a fantasy-comedy-adventure film directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The actor is also part of Captain India, which remains among his upcoming projects.

For now, Kartik is expected to prioritise his recovery following the knee injury and surgery before returning to his packed work schedule.

Also Read : Kartik Aaryan launches Dopamine Studios, joins Kabir Khan’s sports drama as producer

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SCOOP: Nikita Dutta, Aakanksha Singh, Paresh Pahuja and Taaha Shah Badusha to lead Dharmatic’s Ruchir Arun directorial Nazdeekiyan

Netflix India's Musafir Cafe, starring Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana, has emerged as one of the year's most successful streaming shows. The eight-episode romantic drama, based on Divya Prakash Dubey's best-selling novel of the same name, has resonated with audiences for its sensitive portrayal of modern relationships and the compromises that often come with adulthood.

While Netflix has already renewed Musafir Cafe for a second season, director Ruchir Arun is not immediately returning to the hills to continue the story of Chander, Sudha and Preeti. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the National Award-winning filmmaker is instead turning his attention to Nazdeekiyan, an Amazon Prime Video series produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital content division of Dharma Productions.

Nazdeekiyan stars Nikita Dutta, Aakanksha Singh, Paresh Pahuja and Taaha Shah Badusha in the lead roles.

Nikita Dutta is best known for her work in television and has also appeared in films including Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. She was recently seen alongside Saif Ali Khan in Jewel Thief. Aakanksha Singh, who has also worked extensively in television, has featured in shows such as Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and films including Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Runway 34. Paresh Pahuja has previously starred in Bandish Bandits and Chand Mera Dil, while Taaha Shah Badusha rose to prominence with his portrayal of Nawab Tajdar Baloch in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi.

Set against a contemporary backdrop and exploring a similar emotional terrain to Karan Johar's 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Nazdeekiyan follows two couples whose lives are thrown into upheaval when their respective spouses are drawn into an all-consuming relationship.

Caught between duty and desire, the characters must confront a difficult question: is true happiness worth the heartbreak it may cause to the people they love?

The series is written by Priyanka Bannerjee, Prateek Payodi, Abhinandan Sridhar and Heem Verma, with dialogues by Preeti Mamgain.

Bollywood Hungama has further learned that Nazdeekiyan is currently in the final stages of scripting, with pre-production expected to begin within the next two months. The series is likely to go on floors towards the end of 2026 and is eyeing a 2027 premiere on Prime Video.

The project marks an interesting next step for Arun, who has built a reputation for sensitive portrayals of contemporary relationships and emotionally layered storytelling through projects such as Little Things, Feels Like Ishq and Unpaused. Following the success of Musafir Cafe, Nazdeekiyan sees the filmmaker once again explore the complexities of love and relationships, this time through a more mature and complicated emotional landscape.

With Dharmatic backing the project and an ensemble led by Nikita Dutta, Aakanksha Singh, Paresh Pahuja and Taaha Shah Badusha, Nazdeekiyan is shaping up as one of Prime Video's relationship dramas to watch out for in 2027.

Also Read: Marathi Zee 5 unveils new content slate with Hey Kay Navin Season 2, Devkhel Season 2 and more

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EXCLUSIVE: Excel Entertainment teaming up with Kanika Dhillon for an intense thriller

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment is rapidly expanding its production pipeline following its definitive deal with Universal Music India (UMI) earlier this year. The banner is assembling a massive slate for the coming years, spanning genres and scales and featuring major stars, including Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol.

In the latest development, Excel Entertainment is teaming up with screenwriter Kanika Dhillon for an intense thriller. Kanika has written the script and will co-produce the project under her Kathha Pictures banner, marking her third production venture following the 2023 Kajol and Kriti Sanon-led mystery thriller Do Patti and the upcoming Taapsee Pannu starrer Gandhari, which is slated to premiere on Netflix later this year.

Details of the project are being kept under wraps, but sources say it will be an engaging thriller exploring themes of morality, ethics and complex societal issues, with two bold and complex characters at the centre of the story. Farhan and Kanika have been actively developing the project over the past few months and are in advanced discussions to finalise the lead cast. Although the director is yet to be locked, the producers are planning to take the film on floors by the end of this year or early 2027.

Kanika is widely known for writing critically acclaimed films centred around complex, bold and flawed female protagonists, including Haseen Dilruba, Manmarziyaan, Guilty and Judgementall Hai Kya. Her writing credits also include Dunki, Kedarnath and Raksha Bandhan. Up next, she has written and is producing Gandhari, a gripping action thriller starring Taapsee Pannu as a fierce mother on a mission. Joram and Bhonsle director Devashish Makhija is directing the Netflix film, which is currently in post-production.

Meanwhile, Excel Entertainment has half a dozen projects in various stages of production. The slate includes Lalkaara, an Aamir Khan starrer sports drama directed by Ashutosh Gowariker; Antony, a high-octane, suspense-driven action thriller starring Sunny Deol and Jyothika; and Mirzapur: The Film, the cinematic adaptation of the popular Prime Video series, which releases in theatres on September 4. Also in the works are Neeraj Pandey's R.D. Burman biopic and Abhishek Chaubey's next Prime Video series.

Also Read: Excel Entertainment turns 25: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani announce Excel Origins to back filmmakers under 30

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Zoya Akhtar confirms Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara sequel is in works

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has confirmed that work on a sequel to the 2011 hit Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is underway. The update comes as the film marks 15 years since its release and follows renewed excitement among fans after Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar reunited for a 2025 advertisement for Yas Island.

The trio’s reunion in the campaign brought back memories of their much-loved characters Arjun, Kabir and Imran. The commercial sparked speculation that the actors could be returning for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara 2, with several fans even assuming that the advertisement was connected to an upcoming sequel.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the Monsoon Film Festival, Zoya addressed the possibility of revisiting the characters and confirmed that discussions are taking place. “We are on it,” she said. However, the filmmaker made it clear that the project is still being developed and that there is no certainty about what shape it will eventually take.

“We don’t know what will happen and what won’t… if we will get to a place where it feels correct, in catching up with these characters today. But it will be nice,” Zoya added.

She also recalled the strong reaction to the 2025 advertisement featuring Hrithik, Abhay and Farhan. “People thought it was a trailer,” she said. According to Zoya, fans initially celebrated the reunion, only to express their disappointment when they realised it was not a film teaser. “First, they were like, ‘YEAH!’ But then I got abused in my DMs saying, ‘This was not funny.'”

Zoya also responded to criticism that her films often focus on the “angst of posh people.” She said the criticism does not bother her and maintained that filmmakers should be able to tell stories about different kinds of people.

“It still comes up, but it does not bother me now,” she said. “These are stories and, as a filmmaker, I get to tell stories of all kinds of people.”

Released in 2011, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara starred Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin and Naseeruddin Shah. Shot across Spain, India and the United Kingdom, the film was reportedly made on a budget of Rs 45 crores and earned around Rs 153 crores worldwide.

Also Read : Zoya Akhtar’s Turtle Walker to release on Animal Planet as part of India: Epic Wild Stories documentary anthology

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Ananya Raj passes away at 27 after battling physical and mental discomfort

Actor Ananya Raj, known for her work in films including 7 Hours to Go, The Final Exit and Ghost, has died at the age of 27. Her family announced the news through her official Instagram account, revealing that the actor passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of July 15.

According to the family statement, Ananya had been dealing with physical and mental discomfort for more than a year. The note also said that she continued to fight through the difficult period with strength. “This is Ananya's family. With great pain, we have to announce that Ananya passed away in the wee hours of 15th July. She passed away peacefully in sleep. For over a year she was going through physical and mental discomfort. And she fought like a warrior to overcome them,” the family wrote.

The statement further described Ananya as a strong-willed person and requested people to respect the family's privacy during the difficult period. “She was a strong spirited girl and lived like a Queen. Bachcha, your absence will be dearly felt. We urge all of you to pray for her soul. And In these trying times, We wish to maintain privacy and quietitude,” the family added.

 

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Ananya Raj's career

Raised in Mumbai, Ananya worked across Hindi and regional cinema. She entered the entertainment industry through films and music videos and gradually became associated with several projects.

Ananya made her Bollywood debut with 7 Hours to Go in 2016. She later appeared in The Final Exit and Ghost. Alongside films, she featured in music videos associated with prominent labels such as T-Series, Zee Music and Times Music.

Her work also extended to regional cinema. She appeared in the Telugu suspense thriller Thaggede Le, directed by Srinivas Raju, alongside Naveen Chandra, Divya Pillai and P. Ravi Shankar. The film also marked one of her notable regional projects.

Ananya was also part of the trilingual action drama Madrasi Gang, directed by Ajay Andrews Nuthakki. She played Sarita, a woman from Mumbai's slums and the girlfriend of a gangster portrayed by Ranga Jinu. The film also featured Ashmit Patel as a police officer and Adhyayan Suman as a gangster.

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EXCLUSIVE: Industry veterans join hands for Malamaal Weekly 2; Subhash Kale, Chandraprakash Jain announce MEGA collaboration

Bollywood Hungama was the first to confirm that work on the much-anticipated sequel to the iconic comedy Malamaal Weekly is in the works, with Amit Joshi of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) fame signed as the director. In recent weeks, we have also made several exclusive reveals regarding the ensemble cast, confirming that Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Parineeti Chopra, Shilpa Shirodkar, Fardeen Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar and Elvish Yadav have come on board for this comic caper. Now, we bring you another massive trade scoop straight from the production desk.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that producer Subhash Kale, Founder of Camera Take Films and Vikrant Studio, has forged a strategic mega-association with veteran film financier and producer S Chandraprakash Jain of Sri Mishri Productions to mount Malamaal Weekly 2 on an unprecedented scale.

A source close to the development informed Bollywood Hungama, "Malamaal Weekly 2 is being mounted on a significantly larger and grander canvas compared to the original. The makers wanted a rock-solid production and financial backbone behind a project of this magnitude. Subhash Kale, who has proven his technical prowess on mega-blockbusters like Padmaavat (2018) and Stree (2018), has joined hands with trade titan S Chandraprakash Jain. Their coming together makes this one of the biggest commercial comedy setups in recent times."

S Chandraprakash Jain is a legendary name in the film trade, having financed over 1,800 feature films across South Indian and Hindi cinema, besides producing blockbusters like Thalapathy Vijay’s Thalaivaa (2013). On the other hand, Subhash Kale’s outfits – Camera Take Films and Vikrant Studio – have served as an integral pillar for high-end post-production, line production, and camera services across blockbuster hits like Padmaavat, Kedarnath (2018), Stree, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), and recent prominent films such as Shaitaan (2024) and Khel Khel Mein (2024).

The source added, "This association is unmatched in every sense. On one side, Subhash Kale brings advanced AI workflows, VFX, and top-tier post and line-production capabilities to the table; on the other hand, S Chandraprakash Jain brings decades of trade experience and a deep distribution network. The team is aiming for a spectacular theatrical release with high-grade production values."

Besides Malamaal Weekly 2, Subhash Kale’s banner is currently managing an impressive slate of high-profile projects, including The Confession (starring Nana Patekar), Bhagam Bhag 2 (starring Akshay Kumar), and the biopic of V Shantaram (starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia).

With a power-packed ensemble cast featuring Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Parineeti Chopra, Shilpa Shirodkar, and Elvish Yadav, combined with this formidable partnership between Camera Take Films and Sri Mishri Productions, Malamaal Weekly 2 has firmly positioned itself as one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year.

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

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