Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij confirm separation after weeks of rumours: “We choose peace over drama”

After weeks of speculation surrounding their marriage, popular television actors Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij have officially confirmed that they are going their separate ways. The couple, who tied the knot in 2011 and share three children, addressed the ongoing rumours by issuing a detailed and heartfelt note on social media, putting an end to conjecture around their relationship status.

Taking to their Instagram Stories, Jay and Mahhi clarified that while they have decided to part ways as partners, they will continue to remain united as co-parents. Stressing that their decision is rooted in peace, maturity and mutual understanding, the duo urged fans and the media to refrain from attaching negativity or assigning blame to their separation.

“Today, we choose to part ways on a journey called life, yet we continue to have each other's back. Peace, growth, kindness, and humanity have always been our guiding values. For the sake of our children Tara, Khushi, Rajveer, we commit to being the best parents, the best friends, and whatever else it takes to do what is right for them,” read a part of their statement.

They further added, “Though we walk separate paths, there is no villain in this story and no negativity attached to this decision. Before any conclusions are drawn, please know that we choose peace over drama and sanity above all else. We continue to respect one another, support one another, and remain friends, as we always have been. With mutual respect, we ask for your respect, love, and kindness as we move forward.”

Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij have long been regarded as one of television’s most admired couples. Over the years, they have frequently spoken about family and togetherness, often sharing glimpses of their personal life with fans. The couple are parents to Tara, their biological daughter born in 2019, and Khushi and Rajveer, whom they raised and supported from a very young age.

Professionally, Jay remains one of Indian television’s most recognisable and loved reality show hosts, having fronted several high-profile programs. Mahhi, on the other hand, is widely known for her impactful performances in popular shows such as Laagi Tujhse Lagan and Balika Vadhu.

While the confirmation of their separation marks the end of a significant chapter, Jay and Mahhi’s statement makes it clear that their priority remains their children and maintaining a respectful bond moving forward.

Also Read: Photos: Celebs snapped attending Mahi Vij and Jay Bhanushali’s daughter Tara’s birthday party

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/d7oarn4

Will Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi’s Mere Raho be pushed from April 24 to July due to Salman Khan-starrer Battle Of Galwan?

Sai Pallavi will have a promising 2026 as she’ll be seen in the highly awaited Ramayana. The VFX-heavy, star-studded film will release in cinemas on Diwali. However, this won’t be her Hindi debut. She’ll be introduced to the Hindi audience with Mere Raho, co-starring Junaid Khan. The film will finally be out in 2026. However, there’s been confusion and uncertainty in the trade about its release date.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Until recently, the makers had locked April 24 as the release date for Mere Raho. They felt that it would be an ideal time for the flick to hit cinemas. But now, there have been reports coming in that Mere Raho will be pushed to July 2026.”

Mid-Day recently reported about the July release of the film. The article carried a quote by a source who said, “July offers better leg room for a film like Mere Raho. It needs time, repeat value, and controlled screen density. The summer corridor allows the film to breathe without the noise that comes with the festive and holiday rush.”

Our source added, “The producer, Aamir Khan Productions, has been very secretive about the release date. It may be released on April 24, or it may not. But since the news of the July release has come to the fore, many have wondered if the film is being pushed due to Battle Of Galwan. The Salman Khan-starrer has been locked for release on April 17. May 1, meanwhile, will see Raja Shivaji and The Devil Wears Prada 2 arriving on the big screen. As a result, the makers may have thought of moving the film to a less-crowded window.”

Aamir Khan Productions’ Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, written and acted by Vir Das, will hit the theatres on January 16. There is hope that Aamir would attach the first look teaser of Mere Raho with the prints of Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos.

About Mere Raho

Reportedly, Mere Raho is a remake of the Korean film One Day (2011). The love story was shot during the beautiful Snow Festival in the town of Sapporo, Japan and hence it promises to be a visual treat to the moviegoers. Images of Junaid and Sai in the Far East country got leaked during the Japan schedule, which took place in early 2024. The love story went on floors in December 2023 in Mumbai.

Last year, there were reports that Aamir Khan was planning to release the film on Valentine’s Day 2024. However, he decided to postpone the release after the makers of Junaid’s debut theatrical venture, Loveyapa, decided to bring the romcom on February 7. Mere Raho was then scheduled for a release on December 12 and now it’ll finally arrive in 2026.

Also Read:Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi starrer Mere Raho release shifted to Summer 2026 amid crowded December line-up: Report

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/lNfn7Xc

Universal Studios invests in Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment to scale up Indian productions: Report

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production powerhouse Excel Entertainment has entered into a strategic partnership with Hollywood giant Universal Studios, signalling a new phase of global collaboration and scale-up for Indian content. Universal Studios has acquired a minority stake in Excel, while the larger share remains with the Indian banner, according to a report by Mid-Day.

What the Partnership Means

Insiders tell Mid-Day that Universal’s minority acquisition is aimed at scaling up Excel’s production capabilities and bringing “big ideas” to life with broader global reach. “Excel wants to expand the scale of its productions going ahead,” shared a source. “There are big ideas in the pipeline.”

Excel Entertainment’s 2025 slate included a diverse mix of films such as 120 Bahadur, Ground Zero, Superboys of Malegaon, and the digital release Songs of Paradise. While these projects garnered critical acclaim, several did not see major box-office success — prompting strategic reassessment and expansion efforts via partnerships like this one.

This collaboration follows a trend of major studios investing in Indian entertainment. Earlier, Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Dharma Productions demonstrated international interest in India’s film powerhouses.

For Akhtar and Sidhwani — whose banner has backed films like Dil Chahta Hai, Don, and acclaimed web series (Inside Edge, Mirzapur) — the Universal tie-up underscores a forward-looking approach to storytelling that blends Indian narratives with global ambitions. The collaboration may also unlock new opportunities for cross-border co-productions and innovative cinematic ventures that appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

Also Read: Kill director Nikhil Bhat makes Hollywood debut with Universal Studios, plans to cast a leading Hollywood star in the action film

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/Tir8a30

Javed Akhtar to take legal action against makers of a fake video showing him embracing Islam: "I won't let it slide"

Writer-thinker-poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar has repeatedly reiterated he is an atheist. Now, a mischievous, hugely damaging video showing Javed Akhtar wearing a cap and embracing Islam has surfaced on the internet.

And Javed saab is not amused. “Who does all this? Yeh log kaun hai (who are these people)? They must be taught a lesson. Religious belief is a very personal matter. It is a private equation between Man and God. It is especially inviolable when one doesn’t have a relationship with God. I don’t. So who are you to make up an equation between me and the Creator?”

Javed saab has taken a decision to take stern legal action against the perpetrators of this unauthorized video. “We often allow such mischief—and that’s a mild word, it’s much more deleterious—to slide from sight. That’s wrong. It only encourages the troublemakers to get bolder. I won’t let it slide.”

Also Read: Javed Akhtar and Shatrughan Sinha condemn Nitish Kumar for pulling off a woman’s hijab: “He owes an unconditional apology to the lady”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/jznO2Z0

Ranveer Singh's debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat, to re-release on January 16, 2026, amid Dhurandhar wave

PVR INOX, in association with Yash Raj Films, will re-release Band Baaja Baaraat on January 16, 2026—15 years after its original release on December 10, 2010. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film marked the debut of Ranveer Singh and starred Anushka Sharma in a sparkling story of ambition, love, and friendship, set against the vibrant world of Delhi weddings. Produced by Yash Raj Films, Band Baaja Baaraat went on to become a cultural phenomenon, earning both critical acclaim and immense audience love for its youthful, infectious energy, memorable music, and refreshingly new storytelling.

Band Baaja Baaraat reimagined both romance and friendship by situating its protagonists within the frenetic, lived-in world of Delhi weddings. Deeply rooted in local culture and everyday reality, the film had quietly reset the rules of the modern Bollywood love story. It captured an aspirational, entrepreneurial India—young, ambitious, and unapologetically middle-class—with rare warmth and authenticity. Its cultural impact lay in normalising the idea that love could grow out of partnership, equality, and conflict rather than grand destiny alone, while also turning the Indian wedding from a glossy backdrop into a lived-in social ecosystem. Cinematically, it ushered in a new wave of rom-coms grounded in rooted settings, colloquial dialogue, and flawed characters.

Speaking about the re-release, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX, said, “Band Baaja Baaraat is one of those rare films that never loses its charm. It remains fun and immensely relatable, no matter when—or with whom—you watch it. Re-releasing the film is our way of celebrating modern storytelling that continues to resonate across generations. With its timeless music, sharp humour, and deeply lived-in performances, the film captures the spirit of friendship, love, ambition, and life just as it is. We’re excited to bring it back for a new generation to discover its magic on the big screen."

Director of the film, Maneesh Sharma, said, “Band Baaja Baaraat was born from a very simple idea. I had read a magazine piece about young Indian entrepreneurs, and something stayed with me—people with limited resources still stepping out, taking risks, and trying to build something of their own, even on a small scale. That became the seed of the story. It eventually grew into a film about love, friendship, and ambition—authentic, messy, and deeply rooted in the streets we know. Over the years, the film has found a life of its own with audiences across generations, geographies, and different moments in their lives. I am really looking forward to see people loving our film that was made with a lot of heart again on the big screen.”

The re-release of Band Baaja Baaraat is part of PVR INOX’s ongoing initiative to honour exceptional talents and landmark films from India and around the world. By bringing timeless films back to the big screen, PVR INOX not only revives the magic of great cinema but also creates a rare opportunity—for a new generation to discover these cinematic masterpieces and for the generation that grew up with them to relive their nostalgia and charm.

Audiences can experience the joy, music, romance, and celebration of Band Baaja Baaraat once again at PVR INOX cinemas starting January 16, 2026. Booking details and theatre listings will be available soon on the official PVR INOX app and website.

Also Read: 14 Years Of Ranveer Singh: Actor gets nostalgic as he completes 14 years in Bollywood with Band Baaja Baaraat: “When my dreams became a reality”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/v4eOQ8P

SCOOP: Rajkumar Santoshi in talks for Sidharth Malhotra’s next, produced by Mahaveer Jain

Bollywood Hungama was one of the first ones to break the news that Sidharth Malhotra has bagged an out-and-out commercial entertainer, which will be produced by Mahaveer Jain's Mahaveer Jain Films. Now, Bollywood Hungama brings to you another exciting update about this film. We have learned that none other than Rajkumar Santoshi is expected to come on board for this film as a director.

A trade source told us, “Rajkumar Santoshi’s forte is not just hard-hitting flicks like Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993), Ghatak (1996), Khakee (2004) etc., but also entertainers like Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) etc. He knows how to make a wholesome entertainer and this film is right up his alley. The discussions are going on with him at an advanced stage.”

Rajkumar Santoshi is currently providing finishing touches to his dream project, Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal. Aamir Khan serves as the film’s producer and he would also feature in the film in a cameo.

Earlier, it was reported that Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) fame was expected to come on board as a director. The source further said, “The pre-production is going on in full swing on this film. The makers expect to lock the director soon and they hope Raj ji can don the director’s hat for this film. There’s also a requirement for a senior actor for a crucial role and the makers are in talks for the same.”

The film is written by Sanjeev. Mrighdeep Singh Lamba serves as a producer, being a partner in Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF). Earlier, a source told Bollywood Hungama, “The film has loads of comedy and also has a thrill element. Sidharth excitedly came on board as he knows that it’s a film that’ll present him in a never-before-seen avatar and also expand his fan base. As a result, he’s giving his hundred per cent towards prepping for the role.”

Also Read: SCOOP: Rajkumar Santoshi to direct Sunny Deol in Jaat 2; director paid whopping Rs. 15 cr. as fees

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/BmUkNrK

Anees Bazmee to shoot his next comedy with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan from January 15

Birthday girl Vidya Balan gets an unexpected gift from Anees Bazmee. She begins shooting for the filmmaker’s next, which also stars Akshay Kumar, from January 15. The shooting will continue till January 20.

After Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Heyy Babyy in 2007, Thank You in 2011 and Mission Mangal in 2019, Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar are coming together again. Anees Bazmee earlier directed the pair in the comedy Thank You.

On probing the captivating casting, one came to know that Anees would be tapping into Vidya-Akshay’s combined comic capabilities. Everyone knows of Akshay’s impeccable comic timing. But Vidya, who has flaunted a fleeting flair for the funnies in Anees’ Bhool Bhulaiya 3, would be exposing her humour fangs like never before.

Also Read: REVEALED: Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan-Anees Bazmee film to go on floors on January 19 in Mumbai; Dil Raju clarifies on Sankranthiki Vasthunam remake reports

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/jN9wJbz