Randeep Hooda Meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Family

Renowned actor, director, and producer Randeep Hooda met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, accompanied by his mother Asha Hooda and sister Dr. Anjali Hooda. The meeting turned into a heartfelt discussion about the growth of Indian cinema and the power of storytelling, highlighting how cinema shapes our cultural and national identity.

On this occasion, Randeep Hooda shared on his social media, “Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi ji, was a great honor and privilege for me. His vision, knowledge, and thoughts about the future of the country are truly inspiring. His appreciation serves as great encouragement for people like us to continue doing good work in our respective fields and contribute to the progress of the nation.”

He further added, “We discussed the growing global influence of Indian cinema, the power of true stories, and the government’s new OTT platform ‘WAVES,’ which is a visionary step toward bringing Indian voices to the global stage. It was a proud family moment as my mother Asha Hooda and sister Dr. Anjali Hooda were with me. They shared their thoughts with the Prime Minister on the campaign against obesity and the importance of holistic health.”

Following the meeting with the Prime Minister, Randeep’s mother and sister also expressed their gratitude and said that having this opportunity to engage in dialogue with the nation’s leader was deeply inspiring. The Prime Minister’s positive outlook and support for art and social development left the entire family moved.

Priyanka Chopra’s Family Cashes In on Pune Property with ₹2.25 Lakh Monthly Rent

Madhu Chopra and Siddharth Chopra, mother and brother of global icon Priyanka Chopra, have leased out their premium residential property in Pune’s prestigious Koregaon Park locality. As per property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the lease agreement was officially registered in February 2025, securing a monthly rental of ₹2.25 lakh.

Spanning 4,800 sq. ft, the upscale property is situated in one of Pune’s most sought-after neighbourhoods—known for its tree-lined avenues, heritage architecture, and close proximity to key business hubs like Kalyani Nagar and Pune Airport.

The lease agreement includes a 36-month lock-in period, a security deposit of ₹13.5 lakh, and a 5% annual rent escalation. By the fifth year, the rent will reach ₹2.73 lakh per month, amounting to a total rental income of approximately ₹1.49 crore over the five-year term.

The Chopras had originally purchased the property in August 2017 for ₹5.6 crore. Based on the current lease, the property offers an initial rental yield of 4.8%, projected to grow to 5.86% by the end of the tenure.

Koregaon Park remains a hotbed for high-value real estate investments. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the locality witnessed 136 residential sale transactions worth ₹125 crore, with average property prices recorded at ₹17,250 per sq. ft as of December 2024.

While Priyanka Chopra continues to shine on the global stage as an acclaimed actress and producer based in the US, her family’s investment choices in India reflect strategic foresight in the premium property market.

Veteran Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87 in Mumbai

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic roles, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He had been battling health issues, including heart-related complications and liver cirrhosis.

Meaningful cinema honoured at 5th Bollywood International Film Festival

-Deepak Dua

The 5th edition of Bollywood International Film Festival (BIFF), founded by talented actor Yashpal Sharma and his writer wife Pratibha Suman Sharma, was recently successfully concluded at Veda Kunba theatre in Mumbai. Numerous features, short, animation, documentary films, music videos from various countries were screened in this two-day film festival and many of them won awards. On the first day of the festival, actress Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure and actor Deepak Parashar inaugurated the festival.

Many famous artists and filmmakers of the film industry were present on this occasion. Many filmmakers and artists from abroad also participated in this festival.The films screened on the first day included ‘ChalHallaBol’, ‘The Pencil’, ‘Dhadam’, ‘Leer’, ‘Choudhary Saheb’, ‘Bloom’, etc.On the first day, a discussion was also held under ‘Let’s Talk’ with renowned cinematographer Aseem Bajaj and writer Dharmendra Nath Ojha.

The second day of the festival began with the presence of actress Upasana Singh. On this day, many films like ‘Ramnami’, ‘Kaand 2010’, ‘Bhookh’, ‘Water’ were screened, after which a ‘Let’s Talk’ session was organised with filmmaker Avinash Das and theater artist Santosh Jha.After this, the process of giving awards started in which the best films in Indian and foreign categories were awarded.The festival was also supported by the leading OTT app for local languages ‘Stage’, Om Puri Foundation run by late actor Om Puri’s wife Nandita Puri and Pratibha Suman’s Pahal Foundation.The ‘Om Puri Best Actor Award’, instituted this time, was given to actor Manoj Joshi. Actress Seema Bhargav Pahwa was honored for her cinematic achievements.Senior actor Lilliput was also present on this occasion. Amidst colourful programmes, the function was anchored by AlpanaSuhasini and Mona Shah.Festival jury members filmmaker Rajiv Bhatia, actress Vandana Bhatia, film critic Deepak Dua, French actress Marianne Borgo, filmmaker Geetanjali Sinha, Bangladeshi actor Tauquir Ahmed were also honoured.

IIFA Awards 2025: Laapataa Ladies Dominates, Kartik Aaryan Clinches Best Actor

IIFA Awards 2025

The much-anticipated Silver Jubilee edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025 took place in Jaipur on March 8-9, featuring a star-studded night celebrating the best of Bollywood. The prestigious awards ceremony saw outstanding performances and remarkable cinematic achievements being recognized, with Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies emerging as the biggest winner of the night, securing 10 awards. Kartik Aaryan also took home the Best Actor award, while Kill bagged multiple accolades.

Complete List of Winners – IIFA Awards 2025

Best Performance In A Leading Role (Male): Kartik Aaryan (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
Best Performance In A Leading Role (Female): Nitanshi Goel (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Direction: Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Performance In A Negative Role: Raghav Juyal (Kill)
Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Female): Janki Bodiwala (Shaitaan)
Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Male): Ravi Kishan (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Story (Original) In The Popular Category: Biplab Goswami (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Story (Adapted): Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and Anukriti Pandey (Merry Christmas)
Best Directorial Debut: Kunal Kemmu (Madgaon Express)
Best Debut (Male): Lakshya Lalwani (Kill)
Best Debut (Female): Pratibha Ranta (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Music Director: Ram Sampath (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Lyrics: Prashant Pandey (Sajni from Laapataa Ladies)
Best Singer (Male): Jubin Nautiyal (Dua from Article 370)
Best Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal (Ami Je Tomar 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
Best Sound Design: Subash Sahoo, Boloy Kumar Doloi, Rahul Karpe (Kill)
Best Screenplay: Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Dialogue: Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Monal Thaakar (Article 370)
Best Editing: Jabeen Merchant (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Cinematography: Rafey Mahmood (Kill)
Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar (Tauba Tauba from Bad Newz)
Best Special Effects: Red Chillies VFX (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
Outstanding Achievement In Indian Cinema: Rakesh Roshan

A Night to Remember

The grand event was not only about awards but also about electrifying performances. Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Nora Fatehi, and Kartik Aaryan, dazzled the stage with their mesmerizing acts. Kareena’s heartfelt tribute to her grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, was one of the major highlights of the evening.

With Laapataa Ladies sweeping major awards and fresh talent making a mark, IIFA 2025 proved to be a night of celebration, entertainment, and cinematic brilliance. Bollywood’s future looks brighter than ever!

Source: Hindustantimes

Tiger Shroff Shares Baaghi 4 Poster

The franchise that gave me an identity and allowed me to express my eagerness to prove myself as an action hero…is now the franchise that is changing my identity. Hes def not the same this time but i hope you guys accept him the way you did 8 years ago❤️#grattitude #SajidNadiadwala’s #Baaghi4
Directed by @nimmaaharsha

Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi to Premiere on Netflix Earlier Than Expected?

Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi had a disappointing run at the box office, collecting less than ₹150 crore worldwide. Initially planned for a Pongal release, the film was postponed and finally hit theaters this month. Directed by Magizh Thirumeni, Vidaamuyarchi is inspired by the Hollywood film Breakdown and was released in Telugu as Pattudala, but the dubbed version failed to attract audiences.

According to Money Control, the film’s OTT release is now scheduled for February 28 on Netflix, which is earlier than the usual four-week theatrical window for Tamil biggies. This suggests that the makers are opting for a quicker digital release due to the film’s underwhelming box office performance. However, Netflix has yet to make an official announcement.

Produced by Lyca Productions, Vidaamuyarchi features Trisha as the female lead, alongside Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, Aarav, Nikhil Nair, and others in key roles. Music for the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

The Joy of Tourism at Chanderi Eco Retreat

By Deepak Dua

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is bringing Chanderi into the spotlight with the Chanderi Eco Retreat, a unique festival celebrating the town’s rich heritage, exquisite handloom traditions, and vibrant culture. Designed to establish Chanderi as a premier tourist destination, this event showcases the unmatched craftsmanship of Chanderi’s weavers and offers visitors an immersive experience of tradition, adventure, and entertainment.

A Blend of Tradition and Modern Comforts

One of the major highlights of the retreat is the specially curated Eco Retreat Tent City. This luxurious setup provides visitors with a perfect blend of modern amenities and the serene beauty of nature. From cultural workshops to soulful musical programs, the event is brimming with activities that highlight the diverse heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

Discovering Chanderi’s Handloom Legacy

Chanderi sarees, renowned worldwide for their delicate weave and intricate embroidery, take center stage at this retreat. The event not only offers visitors the chance to witness the craftsmanship of the skilled weavers but also provides a platform to purchase authentic Chanderi textiles, bringing global attention to this art form.

A Culinary and Cultural Delight

Food lovers can indulge in the authentic flavors of Bundelkhandi and Baghelkhandi cuisine, offering a taste of Madhya Pradesh’s culinary heritage. Additionally, visitors can explore Pranpur, a textile and craft tourism village located just 4 kilometers from Chanderi, where they can interact with artisans and witness the making of handwoven marvels.

Wellness, Adventure, and Sports

For those seeking relaxation and inner peace, the festival offers rejuvenating wellness and yoga sessions, helping visitors find harmony in mind, body, and soul. Adventure enthusiasts can engage in cricket and volleyball tournaments, indoor sports activities, and a variety of outdoor experiences. There’s also a dedicated Kids Zone to keep young visitors entertained.

A Three-Day Immersive Experience

The Chanderi Mahotsav offers a carefully planned three-day itinerary that introduces guests to the town’s deep-rooted history, cultural richness, and architectural marvels. Whether exploring ancient forts, admiring stunning handloom creations, or soaking in the festive spirit, every moment at the retreat is a journey through the essence of Chanderi.

With its perfect blend of culture, tradition, adventure, and wellness, the Chanderi Eco Retreat promises a memorable experience for every visitor. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of traditional arts, or someone simply looking for a refreshing getaway, Chanderi welcomes you with open arms. Come, be a part of this vibrant celebration and witness the magic of Chanderi unfold before your eyes!

Thandel Movie Review: A Layered Romance with Superficial Drama

Thandel Movie Review: A Layered Romance with Superficial Drama

The much-anticipated film Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, delivers a romance that is both emotionally intense and layered with real-world struggles. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, the film draws inspiration from true events involving the plight of fishermen from Srikakulam who inadvertently drift into Pakistani waters. While the story has all the ingredients for a gripping drama, it gets weighed down by certain narrative inconsistencies and exaggerated dramatic elements.

Strong Performances by Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi

One of the film’s strongest assets is the performances of its lead actors. Naga Chaitanya, portraying Raju, embodies resilience and determination, making the audience empathize with his struggle. Sai Pallavi, as Satya, adds depth and authenticity to her character, bringing a range of emotions to life. Their chemistry is undeniable, making the love story compelling and heartfelt.

A Visually Striking and Musically Engaging Experience

Cinematographer Shamdat Sainudeen beautifully captures the contrast between the serene yet dangerous seascape and the harsh realities of captivity. The visuals are immersive, enhancing the storytelling. Complementing the cinematography is Devi Sri Prasad’s musical score, which elevates the film’s emotional weight, particularly in pivotal scenes.

The Struggle with Superficial Drama

While Thandel succeeds in many aspects, it occasionally falters in its execution. Some dramatic elements feel overly exaggerated, making the narrative appear contrived at times. Certain character arcs could have been more nuanced, allowing for a stronger emotional impact rather than relying on predictable tropes.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, Thandel remains a film worth watching, primarily due to its lead performances and the emotional weight of its premise. The romance is engaging, and the real-life inspiration adds authenticity. However, had the drama been handled with more subtlety, the film could have been an even more powerful experience.

For those who enjoy emotionally charged narratives with strong performances, Thandel is still a film that offers plenty to appreciate.