In the realm of mainstream Bollywood cinema, director Rohit Shetty has firmly cemented his identity. Known for his blockbuster hits like the Ajay Devgn-starrer Singham and the Golmaal franchise, Shetty recently spoke about his stance on cinema. When questioned if he would ever venture into art-driven films, Shetty was candid in his response. “I’m happy with the kind of space I’m working in. I really enjoy putting together the kind of films that I work on. These demarcations of commercial cinema or art-house cinema are given by the audience and the critics. It’s not our job as filmmakers to make these demarcations. You make the kind of cinema that you identify with. Cinema is more than 100 years old now, and there’s a space for every kind of filmmaker to tell their story,” he asserted.
In other news, television actress Hina Khan has been open about her harrowing journey after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. The actress, adored for her role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, recently took to social media to express her gratitude towards her partner, Rocky Jaiswal. Sharing a selfie, Hina wrote, “You are the best. May Allah bless you always. My strength.” This post was a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jaiswal’s unwavering support during her ongoing health battle. Earlier, Khan had also shared a video documenting her first chemotherapy session, which she attended right after an awards show. Hina’s journey has been a testament to her resilience and spirit, as she continues to inspire many through her candid updates.
Meanwhile, Jaya Bachchan, a seasoned actress and Member of Parliament, was notably unreserved about the 2024 budget presented on July 23. When asked about her opinion, she remarked, “I have no reaction; ye koi budget hai reaction karne wala? It is just drama. Promises that are kept on paper will never be implemented.
.” In contrast, BJP MP and actor Manoj Tiwari praised the budget, labeling it as “balanced” and appreciative of its attempt to address various community needs.
Celebrated singer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya marked his birthday with the announcement of a new film. Titled Jaanam Terii Kasam, the movie is set to hit screens in October 2025. The project, co-produced by Reshammiya, will see him collaborate with directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. Known for his melodic contributions to the industry, Reshammiya shared his excitement online, quoting, “Jis dard mein aaraam hai ISHK usi ka naam hai.”
In a noteworthy tribute to Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, the Grevin Museum in Paris has introduced a series of customized gold coins featuring the actor’s likeness. A paparazzo shared the news on Instagram, marking Khan as the first Bollywood star to receive such an honor. Khan has already been immortalized in wax across various locations globally, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Thailand, India, Singapore, and Australia. Professionally, Shah Rukh Khan’s anticipated project King, co-starring his daughter Suhana, is set to generate buzz soon.
On the topic of Suhana Khan, she continues to make headlines alongside Agastya Nanda. The two, rumored to be dating since their debut in Zoya Akhtar’s film The Archies, were recently seen together in Mumbai. They were accompanied by Agastya’s uncle, actor Abhishek Bachchan, and his sister Navya Naveli Nanda. Suhana and Agastya’s debut, along with Boney Kapoor’s daughter Khushi Kapoor, has set high expectations among fans. Moving forward, Agastya Nanda is set to star in Ikkis, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan. Based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the film is set to release on January 10, 2025.
In cultural news, West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has officially announced the dates for the 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF). Scheduled from December 4 to 11, the festival will once again showcase the finest works from world and Indian cinema. Noted filmmaker Goutam Ghose has been appointed as the KIFF chairman, with Bengali film legend Prosenjit Chatterjee named as vice chairman. Banerjee made the announcement while commemorating the 44th death anniversary of Bengali matinee idol Uttam Kumar, noting his lasting influence on the cultural heritage of West Bengal.
Each of these stories serves as a snapshot of the vibrant and diverse landscape of Indian cinema, reflecting perseverance, passion, and celebration in equal measure.
