A.R. Rahman becomes the new face of Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea; Oscar-Winning composer launches ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’ campaign

Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman has been announced as the new brand ambassador of Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea, a brand owned by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). The association marks a new chapter in the brand’s long-standing connection with music and coincides with the launch of its latest campaign, ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’, featuring Rahman in a new film.

Known for his contribution to Indian music and his work across international projects, Rahman joins the brand in a partnership centred on creativity, dedication and the pursuit of excellence. Taj Mahal Tea, which has been associated with the idea of fine craftsmanship for over six decades, has built its identity around the phrase ‘Hazaaron Mein Ek’ and its iconic ‘Wah Taj!’ signature. The association with Rahman brings together the worlds of music and tea, with the brand drawing parallels between the composer’s creative process and its own approach to selecting and blending tea leaves.

The new campaign, ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’, explores the role of taking a purposeful break during the creative process. In the campaign film, Rahman is seen experiencing a creative block before turning to a freshly brewed cup of Taj Mahal Tea. The pause inspires him to rediscover his creative flow, eventually leading to an uplifting melody and a joyful ‘Wah Taj!’. Through the film, the brand highlights how moments of stillness can help creators regain clarity and find inspiration.

Commenting on the association, Ishtpreet Singh, VP Beverages, HUL, said, "Over decades, Taj Mahal Tea and music have been inseparable, a bond that began with the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain and the iconic 'Wah Taj!'. As we carry that legacy forward, there could be no better custodian than A.R. Rahman, an artist whose genius is truly one in a thousand. Just as his music comes from finding the perfect note among countless possibilities, every cup of Taj Mahal is crafted from tea leaves carefully selected from thousands, blended to create a taste that stands apart. That is what makes Taj Mahal Tea Hazaaron Mein Ek 'Wah Taj!'."

Speaking about the creative direction behind the campaign, Harshad Rajadhyaksha and Kainaz Karmakar, Group Chief Creative Officers, Ogilvy India, said, "Music and Taj Mahal Chai have been inseparable. It has been a beautiful journey of building a brand with music at its core and we're thrilled to partner with A R Rahman this year. The brand story of finesse and the search for excellence sits really well with everything that A R Rahman stands for. The campaign is led by our team, Fritz Gonsalves and Jayesh Raut. The film is shot by Prakash Varma (Nirvana films), who has been an integral part of the visual language of the brand for over a decade now."

The campaign continues Taj Mahal Tea’s association with music, which previously featured legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. With Rahman now joining the brand, the latest initiative seeks to extend that legacy by celebrating creativity and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

The new ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’ campaign film is now live across Taj Mahal Tea’s digital and marketing platforms.

Also Read: AR Rahman calls Ramayana his biggest film yet, says soundtrack took 3.5 years to develop; speaks on collaborating with Hans Zimmer

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Amitabh Bachchan greets fans at Jalsa behind bulletproof glass amid security threats; Abhishek Bachchan stays close by during Sunday tradition

Amitabh Bachchan’s much-loved Sunday tradition of greeting fans outside his Mumbai residence, Jalsa, took an unusual turn on November 1, as the veteran actor appeared behind a specially installed bulletproof glass enclosure. The 84-year-old megastar, who has routinely stepped out onto an elevated podium to acknowledge the crowds gathered outside his home, continued the weekly ritual amid heightened security arrangements.

Videos from the interaction surfaced on social media, showing Amitabh greeting his fans with folded hands and waves from behind the transparent protective enclosure. While the arrangement marked a departure from his usual appearances, the actor ensured that his admirers still got an opportunity to catch a glimpse of him.

His son, Abhishek Bachchan, was also present during the interaction. Standing alongside security personnel, Abhishek remained attentive to the surroundings as his father acknowledged the gathering. His presence came amid increased security precautions around the Bachchan residence.

 

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The development follows reports of a threatening email sent to Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and marked to senior officials. The communication reportedly warned of potential bomb blasts targeting the Mayor’s office, singer Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming concert venue and Amitabh Bachchan’s residence, Jalsa. The threat reportedly mentioned a possible attack window between October 31 and November 27, prompting security agencies and Mumbai Police to remain alert.

Security concerns involving members of the Hindi film industry have also intensified following a recent firing incident of Tiger Shroff in Juhu. Investigations into the incident reportedly revealed that the accused had conducted reconnaissance outside the homes of several prominent Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan.

Against this backdrop, additional security measures have reportedly been implemented around Jalsa, including barricading and the installation of the protective glass enclosure. Despite the changed arrangements, Amitabh’s Sunday appearance remained uninterrupted, allowing him to maintain his long-standing connection with fans who gather outside his residence every week.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan shares health update after announcing social media break: “Yet more rest needed..adjusting..thinking and wondering..”

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EXCLUSIVE: Amit Sadh calls his Pratap character “Mike Tyson of police force”; admits BO success matters to him more than ever: “I am told even Instagram followers’ matter. Toh yeh toh box office hai yaar!”

The trailer for Pratap has been a pleasant surprise. It features Amit Sadh in and as Pratap and he’s joined by Esha Deol, Seema Biswas, Milind Gunaji, Tigmanshu Dhulia and others, and looks like a promising drama thriller. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the dashing and talented Amit Sadh spoke about his upcoming film and a lot more.

How has the response to the trailer been? The trailer is crucial as it’s always the first step. It is the most important asset, almost like a visiting card for a film. In that regard, it has done pretty well. People have liked the trailer. They can see it’s a content-driven film, so it’s very satisfying.

You play a brash cop in Pratap. Interestingly, you played a somewhat similar police officer in the web series Breathe as well. How did you ensure that the two characters didn't look similar? Interesting question! The first thing director Sachin Saraf told me when we met was, ‘I loved what you have done in Breathe, but this character is different’. I replied, ‘Of course. That’s why I am meeting you’!

What we also need to understand is that Pratap is a story written for cinema. And I am sure you understand the difference between a character written for a film and one written for a web series. There’s a difference. Pratap is different from my character in Breathe. He has different complexities. That was the fun part. If it were the same, I would definitely not have done it. And here’s a guy who is larger-than-life. In fact, he’s the Mike Tyson of the police force! I just finished watching his documentary. So, that name is on top of my mind, but that’s the best parallel I can draw.

How did you arrive at Pratap's look? We have rarely seen you sporting a moustache... I had one in Kai Po Che (2013) and also in Super 30 (2019). And yes, that was the idea. I like building my characters. The audience has loved that aspect of my preparation.

I like getting into the physicality of a character. I wanted him to look strong and tagda, but not chiselled. But that’s all the paintwork of an artist or an actor. At the end of the day, we have to respond to the script. So, that’s what I was doing, and I worked according to what my director wanted from me.

Do you follow the box office and check the collections of your films on a daily basis? For sure. Apni film ke liye toh karna hi padega na? If you work in an office, you won't say, ‘I'll work whether or not I get my salary’! Of course, you'll check whether your salary has been credited on the first day of the month.

A lot of money is riding on the film. This is a double-edged sword for me right now and also a beautiful moment in my career. I am at a crossroads, and here I have a chance to come out and bring an interesting kind of storytelling to the audience. I hope they become curious about me, my personality, my past and my present, so that they decide to watch the film in cinemas. So, yes, it will matter.

Nowadays, I am told that even Instagram followers matter. Toh yeh toh box office hai yaar! People who cast actors based on Instagram followers, that's their destiny. But box office matters. The producers have to make money for things to move forward. Otherwise, I'll go back in the food chain. Ultimately, what we make has to sell. So, it does matter a lot, especially now.

Also Read: Pratap motion poster shows Amit Sadh behind bars as a cop under investigation; trailer to release on October 26

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Shah Rukh Khan unveils ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ song starring Deepika Padukone from KING on his birthday; song blends romance, action and his ‘dehshat’

Shah Rukh Khan marked his birthday with a special surprise for fans by unveiling ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’, the first song from his upcoming action entertainer KING. Bringing together an interesting mix of Bollywood and international musical talent, the track features Arijit Singh’s vocals alongside a rap segment by global pop star Ed Sheeran. The song also reunites Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, whose on-screen pairing has previously found favour with audiences.

Offering a glimpse into the film’s world, the music video opens with Shah Rukh Khan delivering the dialogue, “Main qaatil nahi, aashiq hoon, aur nishana meri mashooka, aur woh aashiq hi kya jo dil cheer na de”. The line introduces the intensity of his character before the video transitions into an upbeat romantic dance number. While Arijit Singh lends his voice to the track, Ed Sheeran brings his distinct rap style to the collaboration, with Madhubanti Bagchi also contributing vocals.

Composed by Sachin-Jigar and penned by Kumaar, ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ features choreography by Piyush-Shazia. The English rap segment has been written by Ed Sheeran. Beyond its musical elements, the video incorporates action sequences, slick transitions and dramatic exchanges that offer an early look at the different shades of KING. It concludes with another dialogue by Shah Rukh Khan: “Iss baar dil mein aag lagi hai, ab duniya jalaye bina manega nahi”.

The song brings romance and action together, with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone sharing several romantic moments against grand visuals. The presentation also hints at the scale and intensity of the film, positioning the track as an introduction to its larger cinematic world rather than just a standalone romantic number.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, KING is produced by Gauri Khan, Mamta Anand and Siddharth Anand under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. Written by Sujoy Ghosh and Siddharth Anand, the action thriller features Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, with Suhana Khan making her theatrical debut in a lead role. The ensemble cast also includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma.

KING is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on December 24, 2026. Meanwhile, ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ is available across streaming platforms, with its music video released on the Zee Music Company and T-Series YouTube channels.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan steps out for a drive to capture KING-themed Sea Link display ahead of his birthday; thanks Google Gemini for the surprise

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Himesh Reshammiya confirms plans to turn director: “It would collect Rs. 100 cr on day of release!”; wishes to become a superstar actor: “Amitabh Bachchan’s 13th film was a hit; I have done 12 films until now...”

Himesh Reshammiya recently had a conversation with Komal Nahta, during which he opened up about his plans to turn director. He also made it clear that he intends to continue acting regularly and is determined to become a superstar actor. Interestingly, he revealed that he already has scripts ready for his directorial debut.

Himesh Reshammiya was asked, “Can we see a film that mentions ‘Directed by Himesh Reshammiya’ in the future?” Himesh replied, “100% you’ll see that. When I used to produce serials, I used to be asked, ‘Will you ever turn music director?’ Today, when I have achieved so much in the field of music and films, I do want to try my hand at direction. However, my vision is very definite for my directorial venture in terms of scale, emotional connect and beautiful songs. I am very clear about these aspects.”

When asked if his directorial debut would be a musical romance, Himesh Reshammiya answered, “I have 2-3 ideas. The scripts are ready and they are blockbusters. The music in my directorial venture would be such that it would fetch Rs. 100 crore on the day of release! I am very sure of that.”

He was also asked if he had any unfulfilled wishes. Himesh Reshammiya confessed, “I want to become a superstar actor. Mujhe banna hi hai aur banoonga bhi. Yeh toh hona hi hai, aaj nahin toh kal. Amitabh Bachchan’s 13th film was a hit. I have done 12 films until now. So, my thirteenth film would be a blockbuster!”

Also Read: “Deepika Padukone is IRREPLACEABLE; I LOVE Sandeep Reddy Vanga; Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar are musically conscious” – Himesh Reshammiya

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SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan PERSONALLY called Aditya Chopra before shifting King’s overseas distribution to Phars Films; YRF head honcho gives his blessings

A few days ago, news emerged that Phars Films had acquired the international distribution rights to Shah Rukh Khan’s much-awaited film, King. Interestingly, Yash Raj Films (YRF) was originally supposed to distribute the film in international markets. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Shah Rukh Khan personally spoke to YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra before going ahead with the deal with Phars Films.

A source from Shah Rukh Khan’s team told Bollywood Hungama, “Shah Rukh Khan shares a very close relationship with Aditya Chopra. He starred in Adi’s directorial debut, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), which, as we all know, was a historic blockbuster and continues to run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. He also worked in several other memorable YRF films and shared a wonderful bond with Aditya Chopra’s late father, the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. Hence, SRK decided to personally call Aditya Chopra and explain the situation.”

The source continued, “Both had a lovely conversation. Aditya Chopra completely understood Shah Rukh Khan’s point of view and readily agreed to part with King’s overseas distribution rights. He wished SRK all the best for King and told him that he was eagerly looking forward to watching the film this Christmas.”

This development comes amid several interesting changes surrounding King. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that Anirudh Ravichander, who has earned a massive following for his electrifying background scores, had amicably parted ways with the film owing to his packed schedule. Before his exit, however, he handed over the theme track of King to Shah Rukh Khan as a mark of respect for the superstar. Meanwhile, composer duo Sachin-Jigar will reimagine the track and use it as the foundation for the film’s background score.

Bollywood Hungama had also informed readers that T-Series has secured the exclusive global commercial music rights to King for a period of 50 years. The agreement, as revealed through details shared by the music company, was facilitated by Red Chillies Entertainment through Zee Music Company.

Besides Shah Rukh Khan, King also stars Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Anil Kapoor and several others. Meanwhile, an exciting promotional asset from the film is expected to be unveiled tomorrow, November 2, coinciding with Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan birthday surprise: Is Siddharth Anand planning a midnight teaser reveal for KING on November 2?

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R Madhavan reunites with horror genre after 13B and Shaitaan; joins hands with Vishal Furia

R Madhavan is set to return to the horror genre with an untitled feature film directed by Vishal Furia. The collaboration brings together the actor, known for his performances in films such as 13B and Shaitaan, and a filmmaker who has worked across several horror projects, including Lapachhapi, Chhorii and Maa.

Madhavan’s association with horror dates back to 13B, which developed a cult following for its unsettling premise. He later appeared in Shaitaan, further adding to his filmography in the genre. Over the years, the actor has also worked across a range of roles and languages, with credits including Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Tanu Weds Manu, 3 Idiots, Vikram Vedha and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. He was also recently seen in Dhurandhar.

Furia, meanwhile, has established a presence in the horror space, beginning with the Marathi film Lapachhapi and subsequently developing the Chhorii franchise. His recent directorial work includes Maa, in which Madhavan made a surprise cameo. The upcoming project marks their first collaboration as actor and director on a feature film.

Speaking about casting Madhavan, Furia said, “Madhavan sir was always my first and only choice. I’m stoked that he has come on board and has already started getting into the world of the film. He is the true OG horror star of the cult classic Indian horror '13B' - one of my favourite films of all times. His conviction, his experience and his understanding of serious horror are very rare, and I couldn’t think of anyone better for this film,” he said.

The filmmaker also spoke about the creative direction he hopes to explore with the actor. “Madhavan sir has years of experience as a writer, director and producer, so it’s really special to have him with us on this film. Together, we want to create something audiences have never seen before in Indian horror - the kind of fear they will feel in their bones! (smiles)”

The film will be produced by Rohit Ranjan under the banner of Frostlit Production Limited. Further details about the project, including its title, supporting cast and release timeline, have not yet been announced.

Also Read: R. Madhavan set to host Game Changers featuring startup founders and global investors; details inside!

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