Category: Entertainment

Entertainment

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa Beam With Joy at Maalik Screening Following Baby Announcement

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Mumbai, July 2025 — Parenthood is in the air for Bollywood’s beloved duo Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa. The couple, who recently revealed they’re expecting their first child, made a glowing public appearance at the special screening of Maalik in Mumbai.

Looking radiant and deeply in sync, the couple posed for the cameras with affection and grace. Fans and media alike couldn’t help but admire their chemistry and shared excitement for this new chapter.

Rajkummar Rao, known for his depth and versatility as an actor, took a moment to express his feelings about stepping into fatherhood. “I think I’ll be a great dad,” he shared warmly with the media, adding that he’s ready to give his child all the love and care in the world.

Patralekhaa, who kept her look elegant and minimal, was seen glowing beside her husband, sharing soft smiles and hand-holding moments that made fans swoon. The actress has maintained a low profile since the announcement but is clearly embracing this phase with joy and serenity.

The event itself — the screening of Maalik — may have drawn stars and cinephiles, but it was the couple’s presence that lit up the evening. Industry colleagues extended congratulations, while fans online celebrated this milestone with love-filled messages.

Rajkummar and Patralekhaa have been together for over a decade, tying the knot in 2021 after a long-standing relationship that has been as private as it has been powerful. With a strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect, their transition into parenthood promises to be just as grounded and beautiful.

As the couple prepares to welcome their first child, fans and well-wishers continue to shower them with blessings, waiting to see them embrace this new role — not just as celebrated actors, but as loving parents.

Entertainment

Screen Academy Launches to Identify and Empower Future Voices of Indian Cinema

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Mumbai, July 8, 2025 – The Indian Express Group has officially launched Screen Academy, a bold and visionary not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting emerging talent in Indian cinema through fellowships, mentorship, and formal education.

Screen Academy will work in partnership with India’s leading film institutes — FTII (Pune), SRFTI (Kolkata), and Whistling Woods International (Mumbai) — to identify exceptional students who demonstrate storytelling potential but lack the financial resources to continue their education. These students will receive fully funded postgraduate fellowships, along with access to industry mentorship from some of the country’s most respected film professionals.

Backed by the Lodha Foundation and conceptualized by Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, the initiative is designed to institutionalize excellence and build an ecosystem that celebrates and nurtures creativity in cinema.

“We will create an ecosystem that not only celebrates excellence but actively nurtures diverse and promising talent with both financial aid and access,” Goenka said.

A Powerful Line-Up of Members
The Academy’s founding members include award-winning producers, directors, and screenwriters:

  • Guneet Monga – Oscar-winning Producer (The Elephant Whisperers)
  • Payal Kapadia – Cannes Grand Prix winner
  • Resul Pookutty – Oscar-winning Sound Designer
  • Anjum Rajabali – Screenwriter & Academic
  • Subhash Ghai – Founder, Whistling Woods
  • Ronnie Screwvala – Founder of RSVP Films

More members will be announced on www.screenacademy.org.

Educational Integration with National Institutions
The Academy’s 2025 fellowships will begin with FTII, SRFTI, and WWI, with future plans to expand to other film schools. Selected students will receive full tuition support and gain hands-on learning through:

  • Masterclasses by leading filmmakers
  • Internships with top production houses
  • Industry mentorship and ongoing professional support

“Some of our students come from very modest backgrounds,” said Samiran Dutta (SRFTI). “The Screen Academy fellowships will give them the chance to tell their stories to the world.”

“Access to quality education transforms lives,” added Meghna Ghai Puri (WWI). “This is about ensuring creativity isn’t blocked by lack of funding.”

Recognition Through the Screen Awards
Screen Academy will also oversee the revival of the iconic Screen Awards, with voting conducted by its members to ensure credibility. These awards will celebrate artistry and innovation across Indian entertainment including film, music, regional cinema, and new media.

A special Resident Critics Panel has been formed for transparent evaluations, featuring:

  • Dr. Priya Jaikumar (USC)
  • Priyanka Sinha Jha (Curator)
  • Shubra Gupta (Indian Express)
  • Nikhil Taneja (We Are Yuvaa)
  • Anjum Rajabali (WWI, FTII)

About Screen
Re-acquired from Disney in 2024, Screen has re-emerged as India’s leading digital-first entertainment brand. With over 40 million monthly users and programming in Hindi, English, Marathi, and Tamil, it continues to serve as a hub for authentic, engaging entertainment journalism.

Entertainment

Over ₹30 Million Approved to Restore Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s Ancestral Homes in Pakistan

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Peshawar, Pakistan — In a landmark cultural preservation initiative, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government in Pakistan has approved a budget of over ₹30 million (PKR 10.65 million) to restore and renovate the ancestral homes of Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, located in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Peshawar.

The two properties — known as the “Dilip Kumar House” and “Kapoor Haveli” — are symbols of shared history between India and Pakistan and have long been seen as cultural landmarks. Both actors, who later rose to become titans of Indian cinema, were born in Peshawar before their families migrated to India during the partition.

Officials from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in KP announced that the project will focus on structural stabilization, preservation of original architecture, and eventual conversion into heritage museums. These spaces will showcase memorabilia, photographs, and personal stories of the two cinema icons, aiming to attract both local and international tourists.

This initiative reflects a growing recognition in Pakistan of the importance of preserving shared Indo-Pak cultural heritage — especially figures like Dilip Kumar (born Yusuf Khan) and Raj Kapoor, whose films remain beloved across the subcontinent.

Previously, the government had declared these homes as national heritage sites under the Antiquity Act, but the project had seen delays due to ownership and funding issues. With this financial greenlight, restoration is expected to begin shortly.

As tensions often overshadow collaboration between India and Pakistan, this heritage revival is a poignant reminder of the people, art, and history that continue to bind the two nations at a cultural level — even decades after partition.

Entertainment

Back-to-Back-to-Back! Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the No. 1 Show for the 3rd Time in a Row

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Gokuldham Society is on fire—and so are the TRPs!

India’s most beloved sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has once again clinched the top position on the national TRP charts, making it the most-watched TV show in the country for the third consecutive week.

Created by Asit Kumarr Modi and aired on SAB TV, TMKOC has become a household name over the years thanks to its blend of clean humour, relatable characters, and heartwarming storylines. From Jethalal’s endless drama to the unity of the Gokuldham Society residents, the show continues to strike a chord with viewers across age groups.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is the show’s longevity. First aired in 2008, TMKOC has not only stood the test of time but continues to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.

This hat-trick on the TRP charts reflects more than just numbers. It speaks to the loyalty of its fanbase, the consistent efforts of its cast and crew, and its unwavering ability to deliver joy to millions of Indian homes.

As the show gears up for new twists, celebrations, and signature Gokuldham-style chaos, it’s clear that Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is far from slowing down.

Congratulations to the team on this incredible feat—and here’s hoping for many more weeks of being No. 1!

Entertainment

Smriti Irani Returns to TV With ₹14 Lakh Per Episode for Kyunki Reboot

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Television’s most iconic bahu, Smriti Irani, is making waves with her return to the small screen in the reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Reports suggest that she’s being paid a massive ₹14 lakh per episode for reprising her role as Tulsi Virani — a significant leap from the ₹1,200–₹1,300 per day she earned back in 2000.

In a recent interview with Curly Tales, Irani opened up about her early struggles and her initial contract with Balaji Telefilms. “As per the contract, I was getting paid around ₹1,200–₹1,300 per day,” she recalled. Before her acting career took off, Irani had worked as a cleaner at a McDonald’s outlet, earning ₹1,800 per month. “Getting ₹1,200 a day back then felt like a huge achievement,” she added.

Now a Union Minister and former Member of Parliament, Irani’s return to television is more than just a casting move — it’s a cultural moment. Fans are eager to see how the reboot pays homage to the original, which became a defining part of Indian television history when it aired on Star Plus in the early 2000s.

The reboot, backed by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, is set to modernize the narrative while retaining the emotional depth that made the original show such a massive hit. With Smriti Irani at the helm, the show’s revival is poised to bring both nostalgia and contemporary relevance to the screen.

As one of the highest-paid actresses on Indian TV today, Smriti Irani’s journey stands as a powerful reminder of how persistence, evolution, and talent can defy every odd — from cleaning tables to commanding prime time.