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As excitement builds for the premiere of Bigg Boss Season 19 on August 24, speculation continues about the potential contestant list. A new name now being linked to the show is Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Navy officer Vinay Narwal, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. What's Being Reported According to a report by Telly Chakkar, the show's creators are considering Himanshi for the upcoming season. A source told the outlet, “The makers are looking for contestants who can create an emotional connection with the audience, and Himanshi Narwal was discussed as a potential participant. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.” At the same time, several social media accounts have claimed that Himanshi has not been contacted and is not expected to appear on the show. Background Himanshi gained national attention earlier this year following the tragic death of her husband during their honeymoon in Pahalgam. Photos of her grieving beside his body circulated widely on social media, drawing public sympathy and support. It was later revealed by Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav, in one of his vlogs, that Himanshi was his college classmate. “We hadn’t spoken since I graduated in 2018. We used to hang out and take the metro together in Gurgaon. I still had her number but didn’t call—there’s nothing you can really say in a situation like that,” he shared. Contestant Speculations While Himanshi’s participation remains uncertain, several other celebrities are rumored to be in talks for the show, including Shailesh Lodha, Gurucharan Singh, Munmun Dutta, Lataa Saberwal, Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu), Jannat Zubair, Purav Jha, and Apoorva Mukhija. Earlier reports also suggested that this season might exclude YouTubers and influencers from the contestant lineup. Source: NDTV

In Starz’s hit drama Outlander, Caitriona Balfe’s Claire Fraser is fearless, quick-thinking and resilient, while Sam Heughan’s Jamie Fraser is known for his protectiveness and empathy. A newly released prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, explores how both characters came to be that way. The series, which premiered Friday, tells the love stories of Jamie’s parents — Ellen and Brian — and Claire’s parents — Julia and Henry. Although inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander universe, there is no book version for showrunner Matthew B. Roberts to follow, giving him “a lot more room to play.” In Gabaldon’s novels, Jamie’s parents are only briefly referenced, leaving Roberts and the writers to expand on their story. Set in 18th-century Scotland, Ellen and Brian’s romance is complicated by a deep family feud. “They don’t mix. It’s completely forbidden,” said Harriet Slater, who plays Ellen. Jamie Roy, who portrays Brian, describes him as a “tough, stoic, Highland warrior” but also a “gentle, poetic, romantic” man. 'Outlander' star Sam Heughan speaks out against online abuse Claire’s parents, Julia and Henry, are even less developed in the books, having died in a car accident when Claire was a child. In the prequel, their love story begins during World War I, when Henry, a soldier with little will to live, sends a heartfelt letter home. Julia, working in postal censorship, responds, sparking a romance that eventually sends them back in time to the 1700s — where survival requires wit and resourcefulness. Season two of Blood of My Blood is already in production. Hermione Corfield, who plays Julia, said the cast works in a “secret bubble,” making promotion challenging as they juggle memories from different seasons. The final season of the original Outlander series is set to premiere early next year.   Source: Agency

Kumkum Bhagya, the iconic Zee TV daily soap, has been captivating audiences since its debut on April 15, 2014. Produced by Ekta Kapoor under Balaji Telefilms, this Hindi TV serial became one of Indian television’s most enduring and beloved dramas. This daily soap began with the tale of Pragya, played by Sriti Jha, and Abhi, played by Shabir Ahluwalia, before moving through multiple generational leaps, focusing later on characters like Prachi, Ranbir, RK (Rajvansh), Poorvi, and most recently, Prarthana and Shivansh. Kumkum Bhagya is among the longest-running Hindi television serials, surpassing 3,100 episodes. Across the years, it earned various accolades, including Gold Awards, India Telly Awards, and a Boroplus Gold Award. Drawing a vast fan base, it even earned international acclaim, winning a Ghana Movie Award for Best Foreign TV Series.  Read more: Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi Starrer Dhadak 2: Screen Performance, Box Office and OTT Release Update The narrative structure of this daily soap, loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, revolves around themes of love, family values, and emotional resilience across eras. During the COVID‑19 lockdown in early 2020, shootings of this Zee TV serial were briefly suspended, resuming by mid‑July of that year.  As of August 2025, Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya is in its fourth generation post multiple leaps. The latest storyline features Prarthana and Shivansh, with dramatic turns introduced by characters like Sonalika, most recently reintroduced by Megha Prasad, replacing Roopam Sharma. Recent reports indicate that Kumkum Bhagya is scheduled to go off‑air, likely marking the end of its remarkable 11-year run. It’s expected to wrap up in September 2025, with Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan likely to take its place. Read more: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2: Return of Star Plus's Popular Soap Opera Several reputable sources affirm this development: Filmibeat reports that the final episode is expected to air on September 7, 2025. India TV News similarly confirms the possibility of a September 7 end, citing a decline in TRP and production choices. India Today notes that due to slipping ratings, the show is being replaced with a new series titled Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan. Pinkvilla and Bollywood Hungama also report that after 11 years, the show is set to be discontinued. While Zee TV or Balaji Telefilms has not made an official announcement yet, the consistency of these credible media reports strongly suggests that Kumkum Bhagya will likely end in early September this year. Read more: Netflix Original My Oxford Year: Sofia Carson’s Romantic Comedy with an Age-Old Trope

Drawing buzz as a recently released romantic comedy, ‘My Oxford Year’ is gaining momentum among cinephiles. Premiering on August 1, 2025, this Netflix original blends emotion and wit in a contemporary setting. This marks another notable addition to Sofia Carson’s growing filmography, this time with co-star Corey Mylchreest. Let's uncover how its story and cast performance justify the anticipation. The Team Behind the Scenes and On-screen Cast Melissa Osborne and Allison Burnett wrote this romantic drama. It draws inspiration from Julia Whelan’s novel of the same name, itself a reimagining of Burnett’s original screenplay. This Temple Hill Entertainment production excels with Iain Morris as its director. Besides Carson and Mylchreest, the ensemble cast includes Catherine McCormack and Dougray Scott. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases My Oxford Year (2025) Review . Story: Main Theme and Subplot The story unfolds with ease, simple, steady, and sincere, but it rarely strays from the familiar. At its core, it's about Anna, a determined young American chasing her long-held dream of studying at Oxford. Everything in her life seems aligned, until she crosses paths with Jamie. He is charming, intelligent, and, unexpectedly, her poetry professor. Their connection, initially academic, soon blossoms into something deeper, quietly reshaping both of their lives. The narrative opens with the tone of a cozy romantic comedy. It’s light, it’s sweet, and it promises comfort. Yet, as the plot progresses and dips into heavier territory – fear, loss, and heartbreak – the emotions don’t quite land. The pain feels polished, and the heartbreak, too pristine. This is another cinematic world where characters suffer beautifully but not believably. Still, the movie holds onto its charm. There’s an old-fashioned tenderness to Anna and Jamie’s dynamic, an endearing kind of nerdy flirtation. The dialogue is deliberate and measured, never tipping into melodrama. That said, for a story so centred on seizing the moment, few of those moments truly linger. The issue isn’t in the ingredients but in the execution. The central romance feels more like a constructed fantasy than something lived-in. Anna’s dream-come-true tale leans heavily on the classic rich guy, poor girl formula, a trope that feels overused and underexplored here. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series Jamie’s family subplot, though touched upon, lacks depth. A deeper dive could’ve added layers to his personal journey.

Television audiences are once again drawn into a world of familial drama with the arrival of ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ Season 2. Premiered on July 29, 2025, this Hindi soap opera marks the return of a legacy that once shaped prime-time viewing. Let’s explore what makes this sequel a fresh yet nostalgic experience. The Team Behind the Camera and Onscreen Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay return to their iconic roles as Tulsi and Mihir Virani, rekindling the emotional core of the original. Their presence bridges the past with the present, offering a sense of continuity that long-time viewers instantly recognise. Joining them is a fresh cast like Shagun Sharma, Rohit Suchanti, and Aman Gandhi, bringing renewed energy to the story. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases The series is created by Ekta Kapoor, with writing credits shared by Rajesh Joshi, Anantica Sahir, and Dheeraj Sarna. Muzammil Desai and Khwaja Mughal helm the direction. The familiar opening theme, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, voiced by Priya Bhattacharya, returns to set the mood. Ekta and Shobha Kapoor steer the production under the banner of Balaji Telefilms. The show premiered on Star Plus and is also available for streaming on JioHotstar. Shifts in the Virani Household with Echoes of the Past Season two opens on a reverent note. A Ganapati idol graces the screen, setting a spiritually charged tone. Alongside it, sweeping archival footage of temples across India builds a sense of cultural continuity and reverence. The Virani household, now more lavish than ever, quietly signals their rise in wealth and stature. Yet, some things have quietly changed beneath the surface. Beloved matriarch Baa, once played by the late Sudha Shivpuri, is no more. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Savita, Tulsi’s strong-willed mother-in-law, portrayed by Apara Mehta, has also passed. Yet, her presence hasn’t faded. In a touching moment, Savita reappears as a luminous spirit to bless Tulsi on her 38th wedding anniversary. With her red bindi and kohl-lined eyes, she teases Tulsi for spoiling the saas-bahu bond by being too peaceful. The family itself feels smaller now. Karan, Hemant, and Gautam have left Shanti Niketan, each with their own households. New faces, Pari, Angad, and Hrithik, represent the emerging generation. Meanwhile, Mihir, now a business tycoon, begins his days with Bluetooth earbuds and a protein shake made by Tulsi. Gayatri Chachi, formerly Kalesh, returns with old grievances. Played by Kamalika Guha Thakurta, she lashes out at Tulsi and Mihir. She accuses them of casting the rest of the family into exile while they rule the household like modern-day Ram and Sita. Read more: August 2025 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-watch Hindi Film Releases Final Words The sequel to ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ brings back the beloved drama, thanks to creator Ekta Kapoor. The return of lead actress Smriti Irani restores the classic ambiance of drama that long-time fans cherish. The opening theme fuels nostalgia for long-time fans, setting the tone. A mix of returning and new cast members paves the way for fresh storylines. At the same time, they honour the legacy and keep anticipation alive for fans.

The upcoming film AA22 X A6 is already creating a buzz as one of the most eagerly awaited movies in the industry. What’s the Buzz? According to reports, Allu Arjun is expected to portray four distinct characters in the film, directed by Atlee. These roles include a grandfather, a father, and two sons. Rumors also hint that the story may involve the concept of parallel universes. However, none of these details have been officially confirmed by the filmmakers. Project Highlights Anticipation around AA22 X A6 has been steadily building. In June, the production team officially announced that Deepika Padukone had joined the cast. A video shared by Sun Pictures showed director Atlee narrating the script to Deepika and featured scenes of her motion capture shoot. The footage hinted at her playing a regal, warrior-like character, possibly a queen, riding a horse and brandishing a sword. Billed as a groundbreaking venture in Indian cinema, the film is noted for its scale and innovation. An earlier promotional video revealed some of the international talent involved in the project. VFX expert James Madigan, known for Iron Man 2 and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, commented, “I just finished reading the script, and my head is still spinning.” In the same clip, Allu Arjun is seen discussing the script with Mike Elizalde, President of Spectral Motion, who called it “the best of the best of what I would ever want to create.” Academy Award-winner Justin Raleigh, CEO of Fractured FX, shared his enthusiasm: “There’s so much potential here with the creatures and characters.” William Write Anderson of Lola VFX added, “I’m thrilled to be involved — the story is just unbelievable.” Source NDTV      

Amazon Prime Video blends global reach with curated originality, delivering narratives shaped by voice, vision, and cultural pulse. The August 2025 slate unveils an engaging fusion of comedy, action, thriller, and crime. It also highlights sharp documentaries and light-hearted animation, along with a spread of brand-new films and series. Let’s explore the must-see Amazon Prime Originals that shape this month into a diverse showcase of formats. 6 Binge-worthy Movies and Series Premiering on Amazon Prime This August . GZUZ - Licht & Schatten / Documentary / August 01, 2025 This is a documentary about a German rapper named Gzuz during his pivotal and deeply personal chapter. It captures his struggle to step away from a turbulent past marked by violence and indulgence. Instead of glamorising the chaos, the film closely observes his effort to get himself back. And all this striving is to grow as a creative force, a father, and a husband. Directed by Niko Apel and produced by Jochen Kostler, the film leans into quiet moments of reflection as much as public ones. Janek Romero joins as executive producer, rounding out a team that frames the artist's duality without judgement. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025 The Pickup / Action-comedy / August 06, 2025 This high-stakes heist and sharp-edged comedy starts as an armoured truck that runs quickly spins into chaos. Two ill-suited drivers caught in a dangerous trap. Behind the ambush? Criminals with more on their minds than money. Tim Story directs and produces this ensemble piece, with a screenplay by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. Eddie Murphy leads a cast that includes Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay, and Marshawn Lynch. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Story Company, Davis Entertainment, and Eddie Murphy Productions spearhead the production. Butterfly / Spy Thriller / August 13, 2025 Based on a graphic novel by Arash Amel, this spy thriller is created and executive produced by Ken Woodruff and Steph Cha. Woodruff also serves as the showrunner. The executive production team also includes Arash Amel, John Cheng, Stephen Christy, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ross Richie. Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025 Behind the script, the writing team features Dave Kalstein, Sung Rno, Diana Son, and Denise The. At the centre of the narrative is David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence operative whose past refuses to stay buried. One fatal decision catches up with him, setting off a deadly chase led by Rebecca. She is a cold, relentless agent tasked with eliminating him. Daniel Dae Kim headlines the cast, joined by Piper Perabo. The ensemble includes Charles Parnell, Kim Ji-hoon, Reina Hardesty, Kim Tae-hee, Sung Dong-il, Lee Il-hwa, Seoyeon Jang, Louis Landau, and Sean Dulake.

As anticipation builds for the much-awaited return of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”, Smriti Irani has revealed that a sequel to the iconic show was planned more than a decade ago but was shelved due to her political career. Speaking on “We The Women” with Karan Johar and Barkha Dutt in London, Irani disclosed that the show’s comeback was initially scheduled for 2014. “If you look at the “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” journey in totality, the most well-kept secret about it was I had a contract to do it again in 2014, and I walked away from it because I had to serve in the Indian Parliament as a cabinet minister,” Irani shared. She added that production was already underway when she received a life-changing call. “The set was ready, but there was a phone call from the Prime Minister's office that you have to take an oath,” she said. Randhir Kapoor, Babita decide to reunite in later years Irani also revealed she turned down a film role opposite the late Rishi Kapoor during the same period. “I remember Rishi Kapoor telling me to leave now because to serve your country is a greater service than just doing a movie or doing television,” she recalled. Originally premiering in 2000, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”, created by Ektaa Kapoor, became a cultural milestone in Indian television, with Irani’s portrayal of Tulsi Virani at its heart. The show’s long-awaited return is now set for 2025, with Irani reprising her role and Amar Upadhyay returning as Mihir. However, the July 3 premiere has been delayed. “Ektaa wanted some changes in the set… she’s a perfectionist,” Upadhyay said. With inputs from HT

Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday, reportedly from a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai home. Her funeral was held Saturday evening, attended by close family and friends. Investigators have begun piecing together the circumstances surrounding her unexpected death. Police sources say they've collected significant evidence, including witness testimonies and early forensic findings. According to a source quoted by NDTV, Shefali had been undergoing anti-ageing treatments for the past seven to eight years, which involved regular medication and monthly injections prescribed by a doctor. On June 27, the day of a religious ceremony at her residence, she had been fasting but still took her scheduled anti-ageing injection that afternoon. Preliminary findings suggest these medications may have played a role in triggering the cardiac arrest. “Shefali’s health took a turn for the worse between 10 and 11 PM. Her body started trembling, and she collapsed,” the source said. She was immediately rushed to the hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi and other family members, but was declared dead on arrival. As part of the investigation, forensic experts have seized several items from her home, including anti-ageing injection vials, vitamin supplements, and gastric pills. Police have so far recorded statements from eight individuals, including family members, domestic help, and medical personnel from Bellevue Hospital. No signs of foul play or domestic conflict have been uncovered. Authorities are now awaiting the postmortem report and lab test results of the medications to determine the official cause of death. Visuals from outside the hospital showed a visibly emotional Parag Tyagi. The family has yet to release an official statement. Shefali Jariwala rose to fame with the 2002 music video Kaanta Laga and went on to act in the film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. She later became a familiar face on television, appearing in Nach Baliye with her husband and as a contestant on Bigg Boss 13.   Source : NDTV

Korean dramas consistently reshape narrative boundaries with bold vision and emotional depth. July 2025 welcomes a dynamic mix – thriller, mystery, romance, comedy, action, drama, and fantasy. Bold plots and intricate suspense promise to leave viewers puzzled yet intrigued. Let’s count down the 10 most-hyped K-dramas coming this July. 10 Must-See Korean Dramas Hitting Streaming Platforms in July . Bitch x Rich (Season 2) / Mystery Thriller / July 3, 2025 Whynot Media’s psychological school drama returns with deeper conflict. Season 1 introduced a shocking murder and the clash between Kim Hye In and Baek Jena, the reigning queen of Diamond 6. The second season will escalate the internal power struggle. It will also explore the evolving identities of Hye In and Jena as their values begin to shift. Min Ji Young launched the series, with Lim Dae-woong and Park Hyung-won taking the helm for Season 2. The writing changes hands as well, with Kwak Young-im stepping in after Jung Sung Eun. Read more: Best South Indian Movies Releasing in July 2025 Lee Eun-saem, Kim Ye-rim, Lee Jong-hyuk, and Yoo Jung-hoo lead the cast. Law and the City / Legal Drama / July 5, 2025 A bold courtroom slice of life unfolds under the banner of Chorokbaem Media. Written by Lee Seung-hyun, this series boasts Park Seung-woo as its director. The narrative follows five associate lawyers working in Seocho Judicial Town. Ahn Joo-hyung, Jo Chang-won, Kang Hee-ji, Kang Sang-ki, and Bae Moon-jung, together dubbed the ‘Associate Lawyers Avengers’. They navigate personal and legal challenges while sharing brief moments of peace during their lunch breaks. The ensemble includes Moon Ga-young, Lee Jong-suk, Kang You-seok, Im Seong-jae, and Ryu Hye-young. Read more: Kuberaa: Dhanush’s Political Thriller Marches On With Its Elegant Box Office Journey S Line / Fantasy Thriller / Jul 11, 2025 This is a romance mystery laced with fantasy and quiet tension, adapted from the popular webtoon by Little Bee. Under the production of Sidus, the series is helmed by Ahn Joo Young, who serves as both writer and director. A red thread hovering above heads reveals soulmates, but not everyone believes in its meaning. Han Ji Uk, a detective, chases its origin. Gyu Jin, an eccentric teacher, watches from the sidelines. Hyun Heup, a student who’s seen the thread since birth, seeks answers. Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Da Hee, A Rin, and Lee Eun Saem take centre stage, joined by Lee Kwang Hee and Lee Han Ju in key roles. Low Life / Mystery Adventure / July 16, 2025 Penned and directed by Kang Yun-sung, the period drama series traces a lone fisherman’s discovery beneath the sea. Buried for generations, a treasure resurfaces – quietly disrupted when a piece is taken home. What begins as a private gain slowly unravels deeper consequences. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals' Lineup For July 2025 Rich Ting, Yang Se-jong, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Im Soo-jung headline the cast. Supporting roles are filled by Kim Eui-sung, Kim Sung-oh, Jang Gwang, Kim Jong-soo, Woo Hyun, Lee Dong-hwi, Jung Yun-ho, and Lim Hyung-jun. This Whyworks Entertainment production is set to premiere on Disney+. The Nice Guy / Crime Drama / July 18, 2025 Written by Kim Woon-kyung and Kim Hyo-seok, this emotional drama captures the quiet storm within a legacy family. At its core is Seok-cheol, the eldest grandson of a multi-generational crime household, caught between loyalty and survival. His effort to safeguard love, work, and blood ties shapes the narrative. Direction credit goes to Song Hae-sung and Park Hong-soo. Lee Sung-kyung, Lee Dong-wook, Ryu Hye-young, and Oh Na-ra assume the pivotal characters. Read more: Netflix Originals July 2025 Lineup: Top 10 Must-Watch Titles Production comes from SLL, Hive Media Corp., and Higround.