Urvashi Rautela wishes to use her voice to uplift and empower women

Model-turned-actress Urvashi Rautela recalls completing five years of winning a beauty pageant and promises to uplift the spirit of young girls and empower women by raising her voice on issues that matter.

“I feel eternally blessed and grateful to become the only girl in history to win the prestigious Miss Universe India title twice! & creating a world record First in 2012 and then again in 2015, My life completely changed and I think it was a night of dreams coming true! Personally, I think it takes bravery to be that and to carry that prestigious torch and illuminate the lives of many. I would dedicate my whole self and my love to the arts, and my voice to try and uplift, empower and educate the people, especially women. It has been my greatest honour and duty to hold this torch high enough to have the entire universe gleam in its light,” said Urvashi.

The actress was last seen in the film “Virgin Bhanupriya” and in the music video “Woh chaand kaha se laogi”. While on one hand, she is gearing up for the release of her next music video “Teri load ve”, she has also finished shooting the bilingual thriller “Black Rose”. The film will be released in Telugu and Hindi.

Anil Kapoor: Like to believe that my father lives on in me

Bollywood star Anil Kapoor has penned a note in memory of his father, late producer Surinder Kapoor, on his birth anniversary, saying he continues to live on in his mind and heart.

The actor took to Instagram to share his note along with a black and white picture.

“I like to believe that my father lives on in me. In the lessons he taught us, in the love he showered on us, but most importantly in the values I believe in, that I recognize as his — loyalty, honesty, humility, empathy,” Anil wrote.

He continued: “Even in that day and age, he trusted his children to find their own voice and their own way, never dictating the direction of their lives or careers. We faltered, we fumbled, we picked ourselves up and brushed the dirt off, never giving up the search for our destinies. What he gave us is what I have always tried to give our children – faith in the power of goodness, dedication to honest hard work, and the courage to weather the storms of their lives.”

“Thank you Papa for the memories and the lessons. You live on in our minds and our hearts, today and always,” he concluded.

The actor is currently shooting for “Jug Jugg Jeeyo” in Chandigarh. The film is directed by Raj Mehta and also stars Varun Dhawan, Neetu Kapoor, and Kiara Advani.

Sanya Malhotra: Working with efficient co-actors enhances your work

Actress Sanya Malhotra believes that teaming up with efficient co-actors improves the quality of one’s work.

Since her debut in Aamir Khan’s 2016 blockbuster “Dangal”, Sanya has shared the screen with many reputed actors including Ayushmann Khurrana, Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Amit Sadh.

She particularly exuded a special on-screen bond essaying a mother-daughter relationship with Vidya Balan earlier this year, in “Shakuntala Devi”.

“The best part of the film (‘Shakuntala Devi’) is the unique portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship that sets it apart from other conventional stories. I don’t think I have ever seen such an on-screen portrayal in Bollywood. The most memorable moment for me was working with and learning from Vidya ma’am. The way she keeps the energy alive on the set is commendable. I am blessed to have had this opportunity to share the screen with her. For someone who is just a few films old, it’s always great to be able to learn from fantastic actors such as Vidya ma’am and Jisshu (Sengupta) sir,” said Sanya.

She also enjoyed working with actor Amit Sadh in the film. “It was a sheer joy to work with Amit. One thing that I absolutely love about him is the way he gives his 100 percent to his character. I believe that working with such efficient co-actors just enhances your work too,” she said.

On the most challenging aspect of shooting the film, Sanya recalled: “Since ‘Shakuntala Devi’ is a real-life story based on a real personality, the challenge was to look physically similar to Anupama Banerjee (math genius Shakuntala’s daughter). In the film, I have experimented a lot with my characters – from playing a 15-year-old teenage girl to a married woman. It was definitely a challenge for me.” The film will air on Sony MAX.

Guru Randhawa ‘regrets’ violating Covid-19 prevention norms

Popular singer Guru Randhawa was one of 34 celebrities arrested and subsequently released on bail by Mumbai Police for flouting Covid-19 prevention norms at a club here. His team on Tuesday issued a statement saying that the singer deeply regrets the unintentional incident.

“Guru Randhawa, who had stepped out for dinner with close friends before returning back to Delhi the same morning, deeply regrets the unintentional incident that occurred last night. Unfortunately, he was not aware of local authorities’ decision of night curfew but instantly conformed to all rules laid out by the government officials,” read a statement issued on behalf of the singer by his management team.

“He promises to comply with government guidelines and protocols by taking all precautionary measures in the future. By far, he has been a law-abiding citizen and will continue to do so in the future as well,” the statement added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mumbai Police had tweeted: “Party (Nahin) Chalegi Till Six In The Morning (Party won’t go on till 6 am)! A raid was conducted at a nightclub in Andheri at around 3 am, for flouting COVID prevention norms. Action has been initiated against 34 people, out of which 19 were from Delhi & Punjab, including some celebrities #NewNormal.”

Meanwhile, the Punjabi singer has posted a photo on Twitter.

“Jiske ser uper tu swami so dukh kaisa paave. Visited Bangla Sahib Gurdwara today. My Guru Nanak Dev ji is with me now and forever,” he captioned the image taken at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

Kanika Kapoor super excited for ‘Jugni 2.0’

Singer Kanika Kapoor made fans dance to her fun song Jugni ji eight years ago. Now she is excited to give it a new twist.

Back in 2012, she had teamed up with artistes Shortie and Dr Zeus for Jugni ji. Now, she is gearing up for the release of Jugni 2.0.

“It feels great to be able to bring a track which has stayed close to all music lovers. I am super excited about the song, ‘Jugni 2.0’. This is my first song release for the year and it’s a fun foot-tapping song that will make you all let loose on the dance floor. It’s a new twist to the original ‘Jugni’ track and we all have worked really hard to make it more contemporary, holding onto its essence yet be an enchanting, groovy track for everyone,” said Kanika.

“I’m really looking forward to its release on December 23 and can’t wait for everyone to listen to our new offering,” she added.

The new peppy song with some bhangra tunes also features rapper Mumzy Stranger.

Gal Gadot teases crossover between Wonder Woman and Black Adam

Hollywood actress Gal Gadot says she would be keen on her superhero avatar Wonder Woman teaming up with Black Adam, soon to be portrayed by Dwayne Johnson.

In an interview to MTV News, Gadot teased a crossover between Wonder Woman and Black Adam, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“I think that first of all, let’s give Black Adam the respect of Black Adam. I don’t want to come and steal anybody’s thunder. It’s The Rock, come on, I can’t steal his thunder. But maybe in the future, who knows,” said the 35-year-old.

Gadot will soon be seen with Johnson and Ryan Reynolds in “Red Notice”, and admitted that she enjoyed reuniting with her co-stars after working with them on previous projects.

She played the role of Gisele Yashar in three “Fast & Furious” movies. She has shared that there are no plans for her character to make a return to the franchise.

Asked about returning to the franchise, the actress said: ‘Oh wow, I don’t know. I have no idea. Right now it’s not on my to-do list.”

At the moment, she is excited about the release of Wonder Woman 1984. She said she never thought women could be superheroes when she was growing up.

“When I grew up, there weren’t many strong female characters to look up to. I remember being a kid and a scaredy-cat. I was afraid of the dark, and whenever I thought a thief was going to come, or whatever, my dad, Superman, was going to save the day,” she said.

Madhuri Dixit, Urmila Matondkar laud Govinda’s dancing skills on his birthday

Bollywood actresses like Madhuri Dixit, Urmila Matondkar, and others lauded actor Govinda’s dancing skills on his 57th birthday on Monday.

Madhuri Dixit tweeted: “Your films, dance, dialogues… your presence alone brings a smile on everyone’s face including mine. Sending you my best wishes on your birthday. Happy birthday, @govindaahuja21.”

“II want people to look at me at least once as we dance– I had once told him jokingly..did I manage..of course Not (even I didn’t see me). It’s impossible to take your eyes off him when he is dancing. Immensely graceful dancer n an incredible actor #HappyBirthdayGovinda” shared Urmila Matondkar.

Sayani Gupta posted: “It’s @govindaahuja21 ‘s birthday! Can we take a moment to appreciate the King of Rhythm & Vigour! All-time favorite! He just infused Joy!”

Karisma Kapoor, one of Govinda’s frequent co-stars, also took to her Instagram story to share birthday wishes for the “Hero No. 1” actor. Karisma wrote: “Happy Birthday Chi Chi.”

Govinda is considered one of the best dancers Bollywood has ever witnessed. The actor is also known for his excellent comic timing.

Suhana Khan wants Disney to create an Indian princess

Suhana Khan, daughter of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, believes it is time Disney had an Indian princess. Suhana took to her verified Instagram account story on Monday to express her feeling through a meme.

The star kid shared a meme featuring the popular Disney princess Jasmine. In the meme, Jasmine stands with a sad face and says “@disney make an Indian princess.”

While Disney princesses are known for their beauty and powerful personality, Suhana rightly pointed out that there is no Dianey princess hailing from India yet.

Earlier this year, Suhana had opened up on how she was told ugly because of her skin tone since the age of 12. The 20-year-old had said she has not got her skin lightened, adding that she would never do it.

Urging to end colorism, Suhana had shared in an Instagram post: “I’m sorry if social media, Indian matchmaking or even your own families have convinced you, that if you’re not 5″7 and fair you’re not beautiful. I hope it helps to know that I’m 5″3 and brown and I am extremely happy about it and you should be too.#endcolourism.”

Salman Khan strikes shirtless action mode in teaser of ‘Antim’

Actor Salman Khan has unveiled a new teaser of his upcoming film Antim that has him striking shirtless action mode.

In the brief video, a turbned Salman flaunts beef as he engages in a fist fight with co-star brother-in-law Aayush Sharma.

“Antim begins..#AntimFirstLook -#AayushSharma @manjrekarmahesh @SKFilmsOfficial,” Salman captioned the video posted on Twitter on Monday.

Fans have heaped praise on it, with one saying: “Zaberdast & impressive, powerful impact, it’s your dedication & passion that you give your 100% to keep yourself superb fit & in the best shape, Ur each training session shows your determination, you r the most lovable superstar & millions love to follow whatever you do.”

Another wrote: “Salman Bhaiiii full-on Fire. Can’t wait For #antimthefinaltruth What a body bhaiijaan.”

Antim: The Final Truth is a Salman Khan Films Production directed by Mahesh Manjrekar.

Rana Daggubati joins Pawan Kalyan in Telugu remake of ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’

Actor Rana Daggubati has confirmed that he will join co-star Pawan Kalyan in the Telugu remake of the Malayalam hit, Ayyappanum Koshiyum.

The actor shared an announcement video by the production house to the effect on his Twitter handle, writing: “Another Journey begins!! What joy this is, been able to work with so many stars across industries!! And now joining the coolest back home Our very own Power (star emoji) @PawanKalyan !! Can’t wait thank you.”

He also shared that he looks forward to joining the team on the sets. “Thank you so much…Can’t wait to get on set,” he wrote in another tweet.

“The epic journey begins today! We welcome the Mighty Bhallaladeva @RanaDaggubati to join our Powerstar @PawanKalyan Garu for our Production No 12,” read a tweet on Sithara Entertainments official Twitter handle.

A small video was also released welcoming Rana. The film will be directed by Saagar K Chandra and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. Thaman will compose music and the shooting is expected to begin next month.

Directed by Sachy, the Malayalam original Ayyappanum Koshiyum stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon. The film chronicles the life of a police officer Ayyappan, who always strives to do the right thing. The entry of a retired army man, Koshy, in his village brings a twist in the story and leads to ego-clashes between the two.