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In the 1980s, Hulk Hogan burst into American pop culture at the perfect moment. When Rick Derringer’s electric guitar riff from “Real American” hit the loudspeakers, tens of thousands of Hulkamaniacs would leap to their feet, ready to cheer on their hero as he charged into the ring. Dressed in his signature half-torn T-shirt and with a bandanna clenched between his teeth, Hogan took on the villains of the decade — whether they were Russian, Iranian, or simply represented any threat to the WWF title or the ideals of America itself. With his heavily oiled biceps gleaming under the lights, he would point defiantly at opponents like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper or Jake “The Snake” Roberts — wrestlers whose nicknames hinted at just how dangerous they were — as patriotic music blared and the crowd roared. In the Reagan-era vision of an idealized America, no one embodied the image of the heroic, flag-waving American more than Hulk Hogan. “We had greats like Gorgeous George, Buddy Rogers, and Bruno Sammartino,” said WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter, “but nobody captured the spotlight like Hogan. He wanted to be unforgettable — and he pulled it off.” A Symbol of American Heroism — and Excess Hogan, who died Thursday in Florida at 71, crafted a persona as the quintessential all-American hero. With the physique of a comic book character and the charisma of a movie star, he was like John Wayne and Sylvester Stallone rolled into one — only fans could actually reach out and touch him. He stood for virtue, always playing by the rules, waving the American flag, and delivering clean victories over "evil" opponents. He urged young fans to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.” Outside the ring, Hogan appeared everywhere — from Saturday Night Live to action films — and was one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment. His promotional rants were wild and loud, his physique jaw-dropping, and his larger-than-life stories (true or not) only added to the myth. But behind the character was Terry Gene Bollea, a man whose real-life struggles with fame, scandal, and personal contradictions caught up with him. He admitted to using steroids, was embroiled in a sex-tape controversy, and faced backlash over racist remarks — scandals that marred his legacy and strained his ties with fans and WWE. A Hero With Flaws — In and Out of the Ring Though the wrestling was scripted, the physical toll was real — and so were the emotional consequences. Hogan, once WWE’s crown jewel, was later suspended from the organization amid scandal and criticism. Even die-hard wrestling fans found it hard to ignore his missteps. His final WWE appearance came in January during the company’s first Netflix event, following a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump. But instead of nostalgia and cheers, Hogan faced hostility from the crowd, partly due to his perceived alignment with MAGA politics, past controversies, and a growing disconnect with modern fans. He wasn’t there to reclaim past wrestling glory. Instead, he was promoting his own beer brand — one many saw as aimed at a conservative audience. But this time, no theme music or heroic promo could save him from being nearly booed offstage. “This wasn’t the fun, storyline booing like in his ‘Hollywood’ Hogan era,” said ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “This was the real kind — people didn’t want him there.” Even Hogan admitted the political fallout played a role. “I think the politics had a whole lot to do with it,” he said in an interview earlier this year. A Complicated Legacy in Wrestling History Hogan envisioned himself as pro wrestling’s Babe Ruth. With Vince McMahon’s backing, he helped transform wrestling from a Saturday morning niche into a prime-time juggernaut with massive live shows, pay-per-view events, and global appeal. He became a cornerstone of WWE’s rise to a billion-dollar empire. At his peak, fans bought into the image — not necessarily of Terry Bollea, but of the larger-than-life figure Hulk Hogan had become. He had the fame, the money, the championships — all thanks to a persona crafted for and by the cultural moment of the 1980s. “He didn’t just become a legend,” Sgt. Slaughter said. “He became legendary.”

With Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday (Ananya Panday’s cousin), making a strong impact in cinemas, romance lovers are in for a heartfelt ride. Directed by Mohit Suri — known for portraying heartbreak with depth — and co-starring Aneet Padda, the film explores themes of passionate love, loss, and emotional turmoil. Its soulful music and powerful performances have resonated deeply with audiences. If Saiyaara left you emotional and reflective, here’s a curated list of 10 other romantic dramas on OTT platforms you shouldn’t miss. Fair warning: keep some tissues handy. 1. Aashiqui 2 – Prime Video (2013)Directed by Mohit Suri, this tragic love story between Rahul (Aditya Roy Kapur) and Arohi (Shraddha Kapoor) is heartbreaking yet calming. Their struggle to stay in love amid chaos, accompanied by a stirring soundtrack, will move you. 2. Rockstar – Zee5 (2011)Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Jordan — a musician shaped by pain — and his stormy connection with Heer (Nargis Fakhri) reveals how love can liberate and destroy. 3. Raanjhanaa – Zee5 (2013)This film presents imperfect love through Kundan (Dhanush), who remains devoted to Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) even without reciprocation, eventually realizing love isn’t always about getting chosen. 4. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil – Prime Video (2016)Ranbir Kapoor’s Ayan and Anushka Sharma’s Alizeh navigate the ache of unreturned love. The film also celebrates deep friendship, echoing the belief that love and friendship are deeply entwined. Ahaan Panday's 'Saiyaara' emerges as ablockbuster, crosses Rs 150 crore mark 5. Laila Majnu – Netflix (2018)Qais (Avinash Tiwary) and Laila (Triptii Dimri) are trapped in a doomed love affair that explores longing, madness, and emotion. The soundtrack and performances are hauntingly beautiful. 6. Sadma – YouTube (1983)Starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, this unique tale shows Somu caring for Nehalata, who has mentally regressed. It’s a gentle, selfless romance with a final scene that’s unforgettable. 7. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak – YouTube (1988)Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla play Raj and Rashmi, two lovers fighting societal barriers. This film offers intense emotions, memorable songs, and strong dialogues in a tragic love tale. 8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – Netflix (2004)Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet shine in this poetic story about erasing painful memories of love, only to discover that emotional connection endures beyond memory. 9. Blue Valentine – Prime Video (2010)A raw and realistic depiction of love’s highs and lows, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams play a couple who fall in love deeply but struggle to hold on as life takes its toll. 10. The Notebook – Google Play (2004)Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ novel, this classic stars Ryan Gosling and Rachael McAdams as Noah and Allie, lovers who drift apart and reunite, with a powerful subplot on Alzheimer’s disease. So, which film will you dive into next? Source: NDTV 

Hulk Hogan, the iconic mustachioed showman who helped transform professional wrestling into a pop culture powerhouse, died Thursday at the age of 71, police confirmed. Authorities responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Clearwater home, and Hogan—born Terry Bollea—was pronounced dead at the hospital. “No foul play is suspected,” said Maj. Nate Burnside. One of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history, Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and became a defining face of WWE, battling legends like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock. He held at least six WWE titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. “Hulkamania” swept through the 1980s, turning Hogan into a larger-than-life American hero, complete with his signature red and yellow attire and “24-inch pythons.” Beyond wrestling, he appeared in films, TV shows, and starred in VH1’s reality series Hogan Knows Best. In recent years, Hogan waded into politics, endorsing Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention with his signature flair. He also turned his attention to a new wrestling venture, becoming commissioner of the Real American Freestyle league, billed as the first unscripted pro wrestling platform. Hogan’s wrestling journey began in 1984, launching what would become the WrestleMania era. His victory over Andre the Giant in 1987 and feud with Randy Savage cemented his legacy. In 1996, he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, helping WCW dominate during the Monday Night Wars. A showman in and out of the ring, Hogan’s legacy lives on in fans’ hearts. “Everywhere I go, people treat me like I’m still the champ,” he once said. Source: Agency

The first death anniversary of iconic Bangladeshi rockstar and former Miles frontman Shafin Ahmed is being observed on Thursday, marking a year since the celebrated vocalist and bassist passed away in Virginia, United States, at the age of 63. On July 24 last year, during the July mass movement and internet blackout, Shafin died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment after falling ill before a scheduled concert — the second show of his US tour — in Virginia. His body was brought to Bangladesh on July 30, and he was buried at the Banani Graveyard on the same day. Marking the legendary rockstar's maiden death anniversary, tributes have been pouring in from musicians, fellow artists, record labels, and fans across the country and abroad on social platforms. Miles, where Shafin served as lead vocalist and bassist for decades, remembered their late vocalist-bassist in a social media tribute: “Today marks the first death anniversary of Shafin Ahmed. He left behind his magical voice, unique bass grooves and timeless songs, which will live forever in Bangla music. May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal peace. Please keep him in your prayers.” His elder brother and longtime Miles bandmate Hamin Ahmed said, “One of the most iconic music personalities, a true rockstar of Bangladesh, left us on this day. His voice, style, bass grooves and unforgettable songs live on. Please pray for Shafin Ahmed.” Popular rock band Warfaze drummer and band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu wrote: “A legend, a warrior, an artist — Shafin Bhai elevated Bangladeshi music through his voice and vision. His presence, bass-playing and musical sense continue to live on in the hearts of countless listeners.” Remembering the iconic rock legend, singer Alif Alauddin shared one of her Facebook posts from 2021, featuring a rendition of Shafin Ahmed playing and singing the song ‘Shukhe Thako O Amar Nandini’, originally composed by her late father Alauddin Ali. She wrote: “Shafin Bhai, I never got to bid you farewell, but I’m glad I told you time and again that I was your biggest fan. You are missed every day. Thank you for this beautiful version.” Shafin Ahmed, Hassan Abidur Reja Jewel laid to rest at Banani Graveyard Musician and composer Shouquat Ali Imon recalled, “Exactly one year ago, Shafin Bhai joined my National Award celebration and gifted me flowers. He was smiling and interacting with everyone warmly — just like always. Life is truly unpredictable. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.” Record label Gaanchil Music also paid tribute to the revered artist on a Facebook post: “Today, we remember Shafin Ahmed.... with sorrow and deep respect for the legend he was and the legacy he leaves behind. In solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute, we honour the voice that touched countless hearts.” Born on February 14, 1961, in Kolkata’s West Bengal, India, to the subcontinent’s pioneering music artists Kamal Dasgupta and Feroza Begum, the popular Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer, Shafin Ahmed, has cemented his legacy with the Miles band, which he joined with brother Hamin Ahmed in 1980. The songs of Shafin Ahmed's voice in the tune of Manam Ahmed started setting milestones one after another, including popular tracks like 'Phirye Dao', 'Dhikhi Dhikhi', 'Chand Tara', ‘Jala Jala’, 'Piyashi Mon' and more. Despite his creative disputes with his bandmates at Miles because of which he left and rejoined the band several times, Shafin Ahmed performed and collaborated on every album of the band, starting with ‘Miles’ (1982) and progressing to ‘A Step Farther’ (1986), ‘Protisruti’ (the band’s maiden Bengali album, 1991), ‘Prottasha’ (1993), ‘Prottoy’ (1996), ‘Proyash’ (1997), ‘Probaho’ (2000), ‘Protiddhoni’ (2006), ‘Proticchobi’ (2015), and ‘Proborton’ (2016). Shafin Ahmed simultaneously established himself as one of the country's most popular and iconic singers in the music industry, thanks to his popular songs, including “Aj Jonmodin Tomar,” which is often regarded as the anthem of birthday celebrations in the country. Written and composed by eminent music producer Prince Mahmud, the song was first featured in Prince’s mixed album ‘Daag Theke Jay’ (2004). He also released several solo albums, including ‘Tomakey’ (1987), ‘Pagla Ghonti’ (1998), ‘Chobi Ar Sritigulo’ (1999), ‘Best of Shafin Ahmed’ (2001), ‘Kotodin Dekhina Tomay’ (2006), ‘Virus’ (2006), ‘Harano Shukh’ (2007), ‘My Love Songs’ (2010), and ‘Mone Pore Aj’ (Nazrul Songs, as a tribute to his mother Feroza Begum, 2016). Rock icon Shafin Ahmed’s body arrives home, burial Today In his later years, he became involved in politics, joining the National Democratic Movement (NDM) in 2017 and subsequently the Jatiya Party in 2018, holding key positions in both organisations. He also contested the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) election in 2019 for the Mayor position from the Jatiya Party. As fans and peers remember him today, Shafin Ahmed remains immortal through the music he created and the legacy he left behind.

Saiyaara, marking the debut of Ahaan Panday, has firmly established itself as one of the biggest box office successes of the year. Directed by Mohit Suri and featuring two fresh faces, the musical drama collected Rs 21 crore on Wednesday alone, pushing its total earnings to Rs 153.25 crore. According to Sacnilk, the film saw a slight dip in earnings mid-week but maintained strong momentum, thanks in part to discounted ticket prices offered by several national cinema chains on Tuesday, July 22. The film actually saw greater footfall on Tuesday than on Monday, showcasing its growing popularity. Saiyaara made a stellar start with an impressive Rs 83 crore in its opening weekend, ranking it among the top five highest-grossing opening weekends of 2025. By its fourth day, the film had already crossed the Rs 100 crore milestone — a benchmark even Salman Khan’s much-anticipated Sikandar failed to reach this year. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that lead actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda did not participate in any pre-release promotions, sparking curiosity and buzz around the film’s organic success. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh praised the film’s box office performance, noting, “Tuesday’s collections exceeded Monday’s, which were already higher than Friday’s. Achieving such figures during a non-holiday weekend and working weekdays is commendable. While Tuesday's discounted pricing helped, the film’s momentum speaks for itself.” Salman Khan reportedly set to earn ₹120–150 crore for hosting Bigg Boss 19 About the FilmBacked by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara is a poignant tale exploring themes of love, loss, and heartbreak. The story follows Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician played by Ahaan Panday, and Vaani Batra, portrayed by Aneet Padda, a young writer battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. OutlookWith strong word-of-mouth and consistent box office numbers, Saiyaara shows no signs of slowing down. Having already surpassed the Rs 150 crore mark within five days, the film is now well on track to cross the Rs 200 crore milestone soon. #With inputs from NDTV

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to return as the host of Bigg Boss Season 19, and reports suggest he will be paid between ₹120 to ₹150 crore for his role this season. According to The Indian Express, Salman will earn approximately ₹8–10 crore each weekend over a 15-week hosting stint. The upcoming season is expected to premiere on JioCinema (Jio Hotstar) on August 30, 2025, with episodes airing on Colors TV shortly after the digital release. Unlike previous editions, Bigg Boss 19 will mainly be an OTT-first show, with a comparatively smaller budget. Despite this, Salman's pay remains substantial, especially given that other guest hosts will also take over later in the season. The show will reportedly run for five months, with Salman hosting the first three months, after which celebrities such as Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Farah Khan are being considered to take over hosting duties for the remainder. Salman Khan’s hosting fees for Bigg Boss have varied over the years. In 2023, he was reportedly paid ₹96 crore for hosting Bigg Boss OTT 2, while previous seasons of the TV version earned him ₹200 crore for Season 17 and ₹250 crore for Season 18. Several celebrities are rumored to have been approached for this season, including Gautami Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Alisha Panwar, Khushi Dubey, Mr. Faisu, Gaurav Taneja, Dhanashree Verma, and Sriram Chandra, among others. With Salman Khan’s star power returning to the Bigg Boss stage and a new format in place, expectations are high for the upcoming season’s digital and TV performance. Source NDTV

Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s debut film Saiyaara is set to continue its box office dominance with no major Hindi film releases scheduled for July 25, giving it an uninterrupted two-week theatrical run. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara released on July 18 and has already crossed the ₹100-crore mark within just four days, placing it among the top five highest-grossing films of 2025. The film debuted alongside Anupam Kher’s Tanvi the Great, which opened to lukewarm reviews and posed little competition. With no new Hindi titles hitting theatres this Friday, Saiyaara will continue its solo streak. Notably, Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt’s Son of Sardaar 2, initially slated for July 25, has been pushed to August 1 to avoid direct competition with the Saiyaara juggernaut. The film will now clash with Dharma Productions’ Dhadak 2. Meanwhile, Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Sarzameen is skipping a theatrical release altogether and will premiere directly on JioHotstar on July 25. Similarly, Param Sundari starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, which was earlier expected to release this week, has been delayed. The only potential challenger to Saiyaara at the box office is Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, releasing the same day. With a massive $200 million budget, the film marks the 37th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four series. Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’ starring Bobby Deol to premiere at TIFF 2025 Saiyaara, a romantic drama, has captivated audiences with strong performances and a compelling narrative. Its rapid ascent at the box office places it in elite company alongside Chhaava (₹601 crore), Housefull 5 (₹183 crore), Raid 2 (₹173 crore), and Sitaare Zameen Par (₹163 crore), the spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. In summary: With no Hindi competition until August, Saiyaara is poised to extend its theatrical success and could significantly climb the year’s box office rankings. Source: NDTV 

Bobby Deol’s upcoming film Bandar (Monkey in a Cage), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, is set to have its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025. Inspired by true events, Bandar will be screened at TIFF, which runs from September 4 to 14 in Canada. Deol announced the news on Instagram, unveiling the film’s poster and writing, “The story that should not have been told… but is the official selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025.” The film also features actress Sanya Malhotra in a pivotal role. Fellow actors including Vikrant Massey and Chandan Roy Sanyal congratulated Bobby on the milestone. ‘Superman’ tops box office again with $57.3 million in second weekend Deol was last seen in Daaku Maharaaj and has a lineup of upcoming films including Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, Alpha, and Jana Nayagan. Kashyap, known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Dev.D, last premiered Kennedy at Cannes 2023. Bandar continues his streak of dark, socially charged cinema. Source: NDTV

James Gunn’s “Superman” continued to dominate the North American box office in its second weekend, raking in $57.3 million and retaining its No. 1 position, according to studio estimates released Sunday. The superhero film from Warner Bros. and DC Studios saw a 54% drop from its domestic opening, a standard decline for big summer releases. So far, “Superman” has grossed $406.8 million globally, an encouraging starts for a film seen as pivotal to DC’s cinematic reboot. “Superman” is expected to pave the way for DC Studios’ new 10-year plan under co-heads Gunn and Peter Safra. The studio’s future slate includes “Supergirl” and “Clayface,” scheduled for release in 2026. A major box office test waits next weekend with the launch of Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” by Walt Disney Co. Meanwhile, Universal’s Jurassic World: Rebirth came in second with $23.4 million in its third week. The Scarlett Johansson-starrer has already amassed $648 million worldwide. Release of son of Sardaar 2 pushed to Aug 1; Set for box office clash with Dhadak 2 Brad Pitt’s racing drama F1: The Movie, from Apple Studios and Warner Bros., earned $9.6 million domestically and $29.5 million overseas in its fourth weekend, pushing its global total to $460.8 million. Among new releases, Sony’s I Know What You Did Last Summer debuted with $13 million. Despite its franchise roots, the film received poor reviews (38% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a “C+” CinemaScore. Paramount’s Smurfs, featuring Rihanna as Smurfette, opened with $11 million domestically and $22.6 million internationally, facing negative critical reception. A24’s Eddington, a pandemic-era Western starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, opened with $4.2 million and also received a “C+” CinemaScore. Despite some underperforming debuts, Comscore reports the 2025 summer box office is up 15.9% year-on-year, with $2.6 billion in domestic sales to date.

Debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's romantic drama Saiyaara has taken the box office by storm, collecting ₹83 crore in its opening weekend and securing a spot among the top five biggest opening weekends of 2025. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara earned ₹21 crore on Friday, ₹25 crore on Saturday, and peaked on Sunday with ₹37 crore, according to Sacnilk. The film's strong performance has already outpaced the opening weekend collections of Suri’s previous hits such as Ek Villain (₹16 crore) and Aashiqui 2 (₹6.1 crore). The film recorded high occupancy rates, with 78.53% in afternoon shows, 88.15% in evening screenings, and 79.32% at night. These figures signal strong word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest. New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases Starring Ahaan Panday as a struggling musician and Aneet Padda as a young writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Saiyaara tells a poignant tale of love and heartbreak. It has set a new benchmark for films fronted by newcomers, surpassing the lifetime India net collection of Student of the Year (₹70 crore) and is now close to overtaking Dhadak (₹95.12 crore). With emotional storytelling and a musical backdrop, Saiyaara is now positioned as one of 2025’s most successful Bollywood debuts — both critically and commercially.