Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Director Siddharth P. Malhotra says as a filmmaker he tries to tell soul-stirring human stories and that he has always been on the lookout for strong protagonists.

The filmmaker’s latest features Junaid Khan in his debut role alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharvari (in a special appearance), the film was released on June 21.

“As a filmmaker, I have tried to tell soul-stirring human stories with my last two films ‘Maharaj’ and ‘Hichki’. It feels incredible that both these films about human perseverance have become huge global hits coming from India!” Malhotra said.

He added: “I have always been on the lookout for strong protagonists who leave an unforgettable mark on society and sacrifice a lot to better our community.”

Talking about ‘Maharaj’ and Junaid’s character of Karsandas, he said: “Karsandas (played by Junaid) and Naina Mathur (played by Rani) have that in common and I respect both these characters immensely. People who fight against all odds are those who we need in society.”

Siddharth is deeply thankful to the global audience for showing so much love for ‘Maharaj’.

“A film through which we tried to honour a great social reformer of India, Karsandas Mulji. His story needed to be told and it looks like the world is paying him a salute,” he said.

Siddharth added that it is incredible that both his films with YRF, ‘Hichki’, and ‘Maharaj’ have been global hits.

“At a time when projects from across the world are winning hearts, I’m proud that India is also shining on the global content map with films like Maharaj becoming a huge hit,” he added.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Actress Janhvi Kapoor on Wednesday dropped two new posters of ‘Ulajh’, offering a glimpse into the mysterious world of the upcoming film.

Janhvi took to Instagram and shared two posters.

The first image features the entire star cast, including Gulshan Devaiah, Rajesh Tailang, Roshan Mathew, and Meiyang Chang, appearing to be in a serious situation.

The second poster focuses solely on Janhvi, who is seen wearing a brown blazer with a Tricolor pin on it. The actress looks up at the camera while holding a file marked “confidential.”

Janhvi captioned the posters: “Every face tells a story, and every story is a trap! Iss #Ulajh ko Suljhao in cinemas near you from 2nd Aug!”

‘Uljah’ is written by the acclaimed duo Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria.

The film tells the story of a young diplomat from a prominent family of patriots who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous personal conspiracy.

Janhvi will also be seen in ‘Devara: Part 1’, marking her debut in Telugu films. The movie, starring Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan, is set against a forest backdrop.

Additionally, she will star in ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’, where she will reunite with her ‘Bawaal’ co-star Varun Dhawan and filmmaker Shashank Khaitan.

The film marks Varun’s third collaboration with Shashank after seven years and the second collaboration between Shashank and Janhvi after her debut film ‘Dhadak’.

The cast also includes Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, and Akshay Oberoi in key roles.

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ is set to release in theatres on April 18, 2025.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) In 2002, the show ‘Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan’ first aired, and its lead actress Juhi Parmar is now celebrating 22 years of the show, sharing that even today, many people address her by her character’s name when she walks down the street.

Juhi took to Instagram and shared a reel of herself dressed in a yellow saree, with the show’s title track, which ran from 2002 to 2009, playing in the background.

“22 years, and it still feels like yesterday! Kumkum is a name that has become synonymous to Juhi….Till date, when I walk on the streets, many of you address me as Kumkum. The song still gives me goosebumps as it brings back so many memories, memories of 7 years of shooting, of the wonderful scenes, and of the camaraderie all of us shared,” said the actress in the caption.

An “emotional” Juhi, who shared screen space with Hussain Kuwajerwala, added: “I am getting emotional as I write this because I can’t imagine what life would have been like had Kumkum not happened.”

The actress shared that she is “ever so grateful to this show that has given me so so so much love from all of you, it’s truly priceless!”

“And so here begins a week of the celebration of Kumkum, as we complete 22 years on July 15 and we shall share the love for Kumkum, together because without you this journey wouldn’t have been possible! Shukriya & #AlwaysGrateful #kumkum #kumkumekpyarasabandhan,” she added.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) The nomination task will stir up dynamics in the upcoming episode of ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’, where housemates will have to give medals to other contestants for nominations.

A promo for the upcoming episode was shared by the channel on Instagram.

In the clip, the voice of ‘Bigg Boss’ is heard saying, “Nominations ki medal distribution main aap sabhi ka swagat hai (Welcome to the nomination medal distribution).”

Viral vada pav girl Chandrika Dixit Gera is heard giving her reason for nominating Vishal Pandey, who stirred controversy in the house after commenting about Armaan Malik’s second wife, Kritika Malik.

Chandrika said: “Nominations ka kaaran sirf wohi girls ki izzat hai (The reason for the nomination is the respect of girls).”

Shivani Kumari, who nominated Kritika, explained, “Apna decisions khud nahi leti hai inke pati dete hai (She doesn’t make her own decisions; her husband makes them).”

Kritika said: “Iski baat hoti hai nahi hoti poore time isse tain tain karna toh hai..”

The two then get into a verbal spat, telling each other to “shut up.”

Sana Makbul nominated journalist Deepak Chaurasia, saying, “Woh kehte hai humaari vibe match nhi karti….kaisai match karegi agar aap poora din chup hi rahengay toh.”

Vishal Pandey, who nominates Chandrika, asks her not to judge him over one mistake: “Mere khayaal se kisi ke ek galti ya fir statement se uska poora character judge nahi hota mere saath waqt guzaro mere personality ko jaano (I believe one mistake or statement doesn’t define someone’s entire character. Spend time with me and get to know my personality).”

Chandrika replied that she did try to spend time with Vishal, but he chose to stay distant.

Vishal concluded by telling Chandrika she cannot ask for any clarity and to “stay in control.”

JioCinema captioned the video: “Medal distribution ceremony ke saath huye ghar mein nominations! Kaun se contestants bane shikaar (With the medal distribution ceremony, nominations happened in the house! Which contestants became targets).”

The show airs on JioCinema Premium.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Actress Katrina Kaif is currently enjoying a holiday in Munich, Germany, and shared a stunning picture of herself that prompted her actor-husband to shower love in the comment section.

Katrina took to Instagram to post a picture where she is standing on a wooden balcony, dressed in a striped shirt. The sunlight casts a golden glow on her, highlighting her serene expression. The backdrop showcases a beautiful view of the sky and lush greenery.

For the caption, she wrote: “Good morning”.

Her husband Vicky Kaushal’s comment stole the spotlight as he dropped a string of multi-coloured hearts in response.

Katrina and Vicky tied the knot in December 2021 in a traditional Hindu wedding in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.

Regarding her career, Katrina was last seen in the movie ‘Merry Christmas’, a mystery thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan. Vicky, on the other hand, is gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Bad Newz’, co-starring Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk.

The film explores a lighter take on the rare pregnancy phenomenon called ‘Heteropaternal Superfecundation’, where a woman gets pregnant with twins from two different fathers.

‘Bad Newz’ is set to hit the big screen on July 19.

–IANS

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