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Eid Films: Dhallywood superstars counting on festive spirit to breathe life into moribund industry
As Eid-Ul-Fitr is knocking at the door and the country gears up for Eid celebrations, cinema halls across Bangladesh are set to welcome moviegoers with a lineup of new releases.
According to the Film Producers and Distributors Association, audiences will have a variety of films from a stellar line-up to choose from this festive season, including the Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan’s 'Borbaad' and his previously made film 'Antoratta', Siam Ahmed starrer 'Jongli', Mosharraf Karim starrer 'Chokkor 302', and Sajal-Nusraat Faria’s 'Jinn-3' from Jazz Multimedia.
Among these, the biggest attraction for both audiences and cinema owners appears to be Shakib Khan’s ‘Borbaad’. Industry insiders believe the film has the potential to dominate the box office, and after surpassing the initial hurdles about receiving the censor certificate due to some of its ‘objected’ scenes from the Certification Board, the film’s producer Producer Shahrin Sumi has recently confirmed to media that the film is all set to be released in more than 100 theatres across the country.
The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Shakib Khan opposite his ‘Priyotoma’ actress, Kolkata’s Idhika Pal; while another popular West Bengal actress, Nusrat Jahan, has been featured in a special item song. West Bengal's popular and versatile actor Jisshu Sengupta is also in the film, alongside Fazlur Rahman Babu, Mamunur Rashid, Intekhab Dinar, Shahiduzzaman Selim, and Misha Sawdagor, to name a few from the stellar cast.
'Jongli' celebrates Siam's birthday with a 60-ft poster
Directed by Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, ‘Borbaad’ marks his debut as a filmmaker, and the film has been the centre of discussion and attraction among Dhallywood fans. Posters, teasers, and songs have already captured public attention, raising anticipation for its release.
Another much-talked-about film this Eid is ‘Daagi’, directed by Shihab Shaheen which marks the big-screen return of popular star Afran Nisho after his 2023 debut film ‘Surongo’. Returning to theatres after the commercial success of his maiden theatrical endeavour, fans are eagerly waiting for ‘Daagi’ - in which Nisho will be seen alongside actress Tama Mirza, his co-actress from ‘Surongo’.
Sunerah Binte Kamal is also starring in the film in a prominent role alongside seasoned actors Gazi Rakayet, Monira Mithu and others, and recently the team of ‘Daagi’ surprised the netizens on the day of the movie’s press meet where Nisho was brought in the venue in a prisoner’s outfit as part of an innovative promotional strategy.
Nisho has also made his debut as a playback singer for the film as he voiced the title track with music director and composer Arafat Mohsin Nidhi, and with all of its offerings, ‘Daagi’ has become a story of redemption, according to its acclaimed director Shihab Shaheen who is also making a comeback as a film director after several years.
Shakib Khan's 'Taandob' announced for Eid-ul-Adha 2025
Among the notable releases is another film ‘Jongli’, directed by M Raahim featuring popular actor Siam Ahmed in the lead role. The film also stars Shabnam Bubly and Prarthana Fardin Dighi as the lead characters, and Siam Ahmed’s transformed new look in ‘Jongli’ has already caught widespread attention while the songs have also been well-received by fans.
Many are expecting the movie to bring fresh excitement, particularly as audiences are eager to see Siam’s comeback in an action-packed role. The film has already become talk-of-the-town with its promotional campaigns, and the team left no stone untouched to reach audiences with its thrilling theatrical offerings.
For those looking for a different genre, Jaaz Multimedia’s horror film ‘Jinn 3’ from its popular spooky ‘Jinn’ series is set to offer a supernatural experience for the audiences. Directed by Kamruzzaman Roman, the film stars popular actor Abdun Noor Sajal and actress Nusraat Faria in lead roles.
With horror films being a relatively rare genre in the Bangladeshi film industry, ‘Jinn 3’ has generated considerable interest. One of its songs, “Konna” by Imran and Kona, has already created a buzz among audiences, and the film is expected to attract viewers looking for something beyond traditional action and romance.
‘Chokkor 302’ is another interesting entry in this Eid’s lineup, directed by actor-filmmaker Sharaf Ahmed Jibon. The film, which received a government grant, stars acclaimed actor Mosharraf Karim as the lead character playing the role of a detective.
The teaser of the film has sparked conversations among film enthusiasts, alongside its tantalizing rendition of the folk song “Kauwa Komola Khaite Jane Naa” by Matal Razzak Dewan. The film’s storyline and Mosharraf Karim’s powerful performance are expected to draw in audiences who appreciate meaningful cinema.
Afran Nisho appears as a prisoner to promote ‘Daagi’
A very delayed release is finally hitting theaters this year which came as a surprise to many, as the Shakib Khan starrer film ‘Antoratta’ has officially joined the Eid release race. Directed by Wajed Ali Sumon, the film has been in the making since 2021.
Even though neither Shakib Khan nor others are promoting the film, the trailer of ‘Antoratta’ has already received praise, adding to the film’s anticipation. West Bengal actress Darshana Banik played the female lead opposite Shakib, and given the Dhallywood Megastar’s screen power and the extended wait for this film’s release, industry insiders believe ‘Antoratta’ might perform well at the box office.
“With such a diverse range of films hitting theaters this Eid, competition at the box office is expected to be intense. It is believed that while ‘Borbaad’ appears to be the frontrunner, films like ‘Daagi’, ‘Jongli’, and ‘Jinn 3’ have the potential to perform strongly while ‘Chokkor 302’ and ‘Antoratta’ will also find their desired audiences,” popular film reviewer, actor and critic Syed Nazmus Sakib told UNB, evaluating this year’s Eid-Ul-Fitr releases.
“However, there is a concern. We have seen recent incidents of attacks and vandalism in theatres, and the government, as well as law and enforcement officials, need to ensure that the screenings do not get hampered by any mishap or chaos because not only the filmmakers but also cinema hall owners are eager to recover from the setbacks. That being said, I, alongside many of our Dhallywood fans, are hopeful that these Eid releases will bring audiences back to theatres in large numbers,” Sakib told UNB.
The coming weeks will reveal which films succeed in winning the hearts of moviegoers and making significant marks in Bangladesh’s film industry.
11 months ago
Kareena Kapoor shares throwback photo with Saif Ali Khan
Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor delighted fans with a nostalgic throwback picture featuring her husband, Saif Ali Khan. In the candid snapshot, the couple can be seen looking away from the camera, with Saif dressed casually and Kareena exuding glamour in a leather jacket. Sharing the picture on Instagram, Kareena captioned it, "Throwback Thursday Part 2" and added a red heart emoji.
Kareena Kapoor and Gillian Anderson on Sex in Cinema
A few days ago, Kareena Kapoor engaged in a conversation with Sex Education star Gillian Anderson about the portrayal of sex on screen and the cultural differences between the East and the West. During their discussion, Gillian Anderson expressed her comfort with intimate scenes, acknowledging the demands of her profession.
'Snow White' opens with a sleepy $43 million at box office
When asked about her personal boundaries, Kareena stated that she is not comfortable performing such scenes. "Personally, I feel like sex scenes are not essential to take a story forward. It’s not something I believe is necessary. I am not comfortable doing them on screen," she said.
Highlighting the differences in mindset, Kareena added, "We don't view sexuality or sex as a natural human experience. Before depicting it on screen, we need to start respecting sex more. In India, we are not as open about these topics as in the West, where female desire is tackled more openly."
Kareena’s Recent Work
On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor turned heads with her dazzling appearances at the IIFA 2025. She also paid tribute to her legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor, by performing to some of his iconic songs on stage.
'Borbaad' gets clearance from Certification Board after revisions
Kareena was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, which was released last year.
Source: With input from NDTV
11 months ago
'Swadhinata Concert' to be held in 4 divisional cities on Apr 11
“Shobar Agey Bangladesh Foundation” will host the 'Swadhinata Concert' on April 11 across four divisional cities, including Dhaka.
The foundation’s president, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, who is also BNP's joint secretary general, announced this at a press conference at Uday Tower, Gulshan on Thursday.
He said, “Independence Day was yesterday… Ramadan is ongoing. The programme by 'Shobar Agey Bangladesh Foundation' will be held on April 11 after Eid, under the name 'Swadhinata Concert' simultaneously at four venues: Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, Khulna Stadium, and Bogura. We are currently considering two venues for Bogura: Altafunnessa Playground and Azizul Haque College Ground, and will decide which one to choose today.”
Star-studded ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ concert draws massive crowd at Manik Mia Avenue
“We have designed the programme to highlight Bangladeshi songs, heritage, and culture. For smooth execution, we seek cooperation from journalists, media, social media activists, the administration, law enforcement, city corporations, and all stakeholders,” Annie added. The concert will run from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Last December, in preparation for Victory Day, the foundation organised the 'Bijoy Concert' at Manik Mia Avenue.
The Dhaka concert will feature James, Feedback, Shironaamhin, Power Surge, Affic, Aftermath, Pritom, Zephyr, Porshi, Ferdous Wahid, Mila, Agun, Haider Hossain, Animesh Roy, Sohan Ali, Abrar Shahriar, Mahtim Shakib, Selim Chowdhury, Aleya Begum, and Mifta Zaman.
In Chattogram, performances will include Miles, Souls, Ark, Lalon, Ashes, Subconscious, Bay of Bengal, Teerondaj, Metrical, Kiran Das, Natai, Emran, Konal, Chishti Baul, Tasnim Anika, Salma, Raihan, Shuvro, Moushumi, Ethun Babu, and Ritu Raj.
Bogura’s lineup will feature Artcell, Avoid Rafa, Different Touch, Mizan, MNB, Vikings, Bagdhara, Hridoy Khan, Baby Nazneen, Khurshid Alam, Konokchapa, Alam Ara Minu, Komia, Yamik, Luipa, KZ Rabbi, Muttaki Hasib, Rajib, and Mahin.
Neha Kakkar faces backlash for arriving late at Melbourne Concert, Breaks down on stage
The Khulna concert will include Warfaze, Arbovirus, Shonar Bangla Circus, Carnival, Bangla Five, Kagul, Kure Ghor, Biborton, Asif Akbar, Balam, Tahsan Khan, Munir Khan, Kona, Nasir, Joy Shahriar, Tuntun Babul, Rukhsar Rahman, Liza, and Palash. Regional songs, poetry recitations, and comedy will also be featured.
Annie reiterated, “There is a cultural aggression against Bangladesh… We are resisting this and ensuring that Indian and Pakistani songs do not dominate our culture.” He emphasized the foundation’s broader mission, stating, “We envision a bright future for Bangladesh, engaging the younger generation in upholding our heritage and history.”
He further noted, “BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been instrumental in the foundation’s creation and its initiatives, including this concert.”
11 months ago
Will Smith reflects on personal growth through music in 'Based on a True Story'
Will Smith could have allowed the fallout from his infamous Oscars incident to overshadow his career, with his reputation in decline and his personal life under scrutiny.
However, rather than withdrawing from the spotlight, he turned inwards, embarking on a journey of self-reflection, AP reports.
Through this process, Smith rediscovered a creative outlet he had long set aside—music. After years of prioritising his dominance in Hollywood, he turned to songwriting as a means of expressing his thoughts.
“I’ve spent the last couple of years diving deep into myself, questioning aspects of my identity with real honesty,” said Smith, an Oscar and Grammy winner. On Friday, he releases his fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, marking his first music project in two decades since Lost and Found.
“This album is the outcome of my introspection,” he explained. “Every track represents a part of myself I wanted to explore or share. It is my most complete musical project to date.”
Smith’s latest work features collaborations with Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, his son Jaden Smith, Jac Ross, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. While gospel influences are woven throughout, he stops short of calling it a gospel album, despite the success of You Can Make It, which recently topped the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart.
Faith played a significant role in shaping the album’s creative direction. Smith plans to release three albums this year, describing them as distinct seasons. The first, Rave in the Wasteland, unfolds across Based on a True Story’s 14 tracks, reflecting his willingness to learn from life’s challenges.
'Snow White' opens with a sleepy $43 million at box office
“I have reached some profound realisations,” he said. “About God, about reality.”
Embracing hardship as creative fuel
Although Smith, 56, remains a global star, regaining public trust has been an uphill battle. The backlash following his 2022 Oscars altercation with Chris Rock and his subsequent 10-year Academy ban added to the challenges.
Criticism came from many in the entertainment industry, including Zoë Kravitz, Wanda Sykes, and Rob Reiner. Jim Carrey was especially outspoken, stating that Smith had been “living beyond his bandwidth.” Smith acknowledged this but said it was necessary to take a step back to better understand himself.
“My small self has limits,” he said. “But when I take a step back, there’s an infinite space where I can grow. I’ve learnt not to restrict myself to a narrow existence but to embrace a broader truth.”
DiCaprio’s film delayed as Warner Bros reshuffles releases
Rock’s comedy special and Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir, Worthy, further reignited public scrutiny. Yet, rather than shy away, Smith used adversity as inspiration.
“There’s a resilience you develop by facing difficulties rather than avoiding them,” he said. He credited his late grandmother, Nelson Mandela, and Tibetan Buddhist Pema Chödrön’s philosophy of “leaning into sharp points” for guiding him.
A new creative era
Surprisingly, Smith is preparing for his first headline tour this summer. The concerts will reflect different phases of his career: one dedicated to his early days with DJ Jazzy Jeff, another to his film and television career, and a third exploring his new creative vision.
The tour begins on 25 June at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco and concludes in early September in Paris, with stops in the UK, France, and Germany.
Additionally, Smith has multiple films in pre-production, including Fast and Loose, Hancock 2, I Am Legend 2, and a remake of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
“This is the most exciting creative phase of my career,” he said. “What I’m about to do in music and cinema is keeping me up at night with anticipation.”
11 months ago
'Snow White' opens with a sleepy $43 million at box office
The Walt Disney Co.’s live-action, controversy-bedeviled “Snow White” opened in theaters with a sleepy $43 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.
With a budget above $250 million, “Snow White” had set out with higher ambitions, particularly since it returns Disney to its very origins. The 1937 original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the company’s first animated feature, and paid for its Burbank studio lot.
But this “Snow White” struggled to find anything like a fairy tale ending. The runup to release was plagued by controversies over the film’s handling of the dwarfs, who are rendered in CGI, and backlashes over comments by its star, Rachel Zegler. The PR headaches prompted Disney to pull back on its premiere.
Also working against the film, directed by Marc Webb: poor reviews. Critics were largely not impressed with Disney’s latest live-action remake, with reviews coming in just 43% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes.
There’s been a wide variance between the box-office performance of other “live-action” Disney remakes, but “Snow White” might mark a new nadir. Jon Favreau’s photorealistic “The Lion King” (2019) didn’t have great reviews, either, but grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide. “Snow White” opened worse than “Dumbo” (a $46 million opening in 2019) and well shy of “Cinderella” territory ($67.9 million in 2015).
Overseas, “Snow White” added $44.3 million for a global launch of $87.3 million. But going into the weekend, “Snow White” had been eyeing a worldwide total closer to $100 million – and a few weeks back, expectations were significantly higher.
The result will surely add to questions over Disney’s long-term strategy of mining its vault for live-action remakes. In the pipeline are upcoming new versions of “Moana" and “Tangled." A live-action “Lilo & Stitch” launches in May.
Efforts to modernize “Snow White," though, quickly ran afoul. In 2022, actor Peter Dinklage criticized the remake plans as “backward.” Disney ultimately opted to drop “and the Seven Dwarfs” from the original's title, and animate the dwarfs. Some right-wing commentators targeted “Snow White” and Zegler's casting as an overly “woke” production. Delays and reshoots also ran up costs.
Disney, though, has recently steered a handful of films from modest starts to enviable final hauls. The Barry Jenkins-directed “Mufasa: The Lion King” opened with $35.4 million domestically, but ultimately surpassed $717 million worldwide. “Snow White” will face little direct competition in the coming weeks. Audiences gave it a “B+” CinemaScore.
Warner Bros.’ “Alto Knights,” a period gangster film starring Robert De Niro in both lead roles, was a total misfire. The Barry Levinson-directed film, which cost about $45 million to make, opened with just $3.2 million from 2,651 theaters. The flop of “Alto Knights” followed another misfire for Warner Bros. with Bong Joon Ho’s big-budget sci-fi “Mickey 17.” In three weeks, it’s tallied $40.2 million domestically against a $118 million budget.
“Magazine Dreams,” starring Jonathan Majors as a disturbed aspiring bodybuilder, opened with $700,000 for Briarcliff Entertainment in 815 locations. The film was dropped by Searchlight Pictures after Majors was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment against Grace Jabbari, his ex-girlfriend. Majors avoided jail time but was given a year of probation.
The disappointment-filled weekend added to a rough 2025 so far for Hollywood. The box office is down 6.9% from last year, according to data firm Comscore, and 38.6% from 2019.
Top 10 movies by domestic box office
With final domestic figures releasing Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore.
1. “Snow White,” $43 million.
2. “Black Bag," $4.4 million
3. “Captain America: Brave New World,” $4.1 million.
4. “Mickey 17," $3.9 million.
5. “Novocaine,” $3.8 million.
6. “The Alto Knights,” $3.2 million.
7. “The Day the Earth Blew Up,” $1.8 million.
8. “The Monkey,” $1.5 million.
9. “Dog Man,” $1.5 million.
10. “The Last Supper,” $1.3 million.
11 months ago
April 2025 K-Drama Lineup: Top 10 Binge-worthy Premieres
Korean dramas have earned global recognition for their unique storytelling, powerful acting performances, and deeply emotional connections with audiences. Like every month, the April 2025 releases are going to showcase an exciting blend of romance, fantasy, comedy, crime, thriller, and musical genres. With unparalleled plotlines and life-centric themes, these K-dramas promise to hook viewers worldwide, including Bangladesh. Let's take a look at 10 must-watch K-dramas that are set to premiere in April 2025.
10 Most Hyped Korean Dramas Debuting this April
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Way Back Love/Fantasy Romance/April 3, 2025
The romantic drama Way Back Love is inspired by the 2018 novel ‘Naega Jookki Iljooil Jeon’ written by Seo Eun-Chae. This drama is also titled ‘A Week Before I Die'.
Choi Ha-Na takes on the director’s seat, and Jang In Jeong and Song Hyun Ju serve as screenwriters.
Gong Myung and Kim Min-Ha assume the protagonist roles.
Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist
The fantasy series follows a young woman who has lost the will to live, only to be confronted by a figure from her past who forces her to reconsider her final days. As they navigate unspoken emotions, a bittersweet journey unfolds in the space between life and death.
Karma / Crime Thriller / April 4, 2025
Scheduled to air on Netflix, the crime series Karma reimagines Choi Hee-Sun’s webcomic ‘Akyeon’ (2019-2020). Alternatively titled ‘Ill-Fated Relationship’, this thriller drama thrives under the screenwriting and direction of Lee Il-Hyeong.
The thriller series follows six individuals whose lives become entangled by fateful choices, past traumas, and desperate ambitions. As they navigate a web of secrets, debts, and unexpected encounters, their destinies collide in an irreversible chain of events.
Park Hae-Soo, Shin Min-A, Lee Hee-Jun, Kim Sung-Kyun, Lee Kwang-Soo, and Gong Seung-Yeon portray the key characters.
Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases
Crushology 101/Romantic Comedy, April 4, 2025
Based on Ni Eun’s webcomic ‘Bunnywa Obbadeul’ (2019–2023), the romantic drama Crushology 101 is also known as ‘Bunny and Her Brothers’.
Kim Ji-Hoon’s directing and Sung So Eun and Lee Seul’s screenwriting elevate the series.
At the heart of this drama is a gifted sculptor whose past heartbreak reshapes her views on love and self-worth. When two strikingly different yet equally captivating men enter her life, she finds herself caught between desire, doubt, and the search for genuine connection.
The main cast includes Roh Jeong-Eui, Lee Chae-Min, and Jo Joon-Young.
Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases
Catch Your Luck / Crime Drama / April 7, 2025
The crime series Catch Your Luck boasts Lee Hae-Woo and Park Man-Young as the directors. Son Ji-Hye is the writer of this series, which also goes by the title ‘Good Luck'.
This story centres on a miserly landlord whose relentless pursuit of wealth comes at the cost of relationships and morality. As fate tests his greed through old friendships and unexpected hardships, he faces a reckoning that forces him to question what truly holds value in life.
Son Chang-Min, Sun Woo Jae Duk, and Park Sang-Myeon embody the lead roles.
New Recruit 3/Black Comedy/April 7, 2025
Adapted from Studio JBBJ’s hit YouTube animation, the dark comedy New Recruit 3 offers a sharp and satirical look at the lives of young soldiers in their 20s. It unravels the culture, hidden dynamics, and absurd realities of South Korea’s military service.
Director Min Jin Gi returns to the directorial role for season 3.
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Their original roles are reprised by Kim Min Ho, Lee Sang Jin, Nam Tae Woo, Jo Jin Se, Kim Hyun Kyu, Lee Chung Goo, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Soo Ji, and Jeon Seung Hoon. Joining them are new faces like Kim Dong Jun, Kim Yo Han, and Oh Dae Hwan.
In Season 3, Park Min-Seok’s journey toward his promotion to corporal takes an unexpected turn as he faces mounting challenges. The reappearance of Kim Hyun-Kyu, a formidable figure from Season 1, sets the stage for new conflicts and chaos.
11 months ago
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty welcome baby girl, Celebrities extend wishes
Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty have been blessed with a baby girl. The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram on Monday evening, prompting an outpouring of congratulatory messages from Bollywood celebrities, including Shanaya Kapoor and Krishna Shroff.
KL Rahul missed Monday’s IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, where he plays for DC, to be present for the birth of his child.
Ahead of the match, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel addressed Rahul’s absence during a press conference, stating, “KL has joined the team, but we’re unsure about his availability for the game.”
A New Chapter for KL Rahul
Rahul and Athiya had announced their pregnancy in November 2024.
The star batter has been a key acquisition for Delhi Capitals, joining the franchise for ₹14 crore after an intense bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rahul, who serves as an opener, captain, and wicketkeeper-batter, brings significant experience to DC.
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He enters IPL 2025 with strong momentum, having played a pivotal role in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory. During the tournament, he was slotted at No. 6 in the batting order to provide depth, with Axar Patel taking the No. 5 spot. In the final against New Zealand, Rahul delivered a crucial 34* off 33 balls in a tense situation, contributing to India's title win. Across five matches, he amassed 140 runs at an impressive average of 140.00 and a strike rate of 97.90, with a top score of 42*.
Rahul’s IPL Legacy
As the 12th-highest run-scorer in IPL history, Rahul has accumulated 4,683 runs in 132 matches at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60. His IPL record includes four centuries and 37 half-centuries, with a highest score of 132*. Having previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he is still in pursuit of his maiden IPL trophy.
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Source: With input from NDTV
11 months ago
Neha Kakkar faces backlash for arriving late at Melbourne Concert, Breaks down on stage
Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar found herself in the middle of controversy after arriving three hours late for a live concert in Melbourne. A video circulating on social media shows the singer breaking down on stage while apologizing to the audience, but her emotional plea received mixed reactions.
In the video, Neha can be heard addressing the crowd, saying, “Guys, you are really sweet! You have been patient. I hate this—I have never made anyone wait in my life. You all have waited so long, and I’m really sorry! This means a lot to me, and I will always remember this evening. You have taken time out for me, and I promise to make you all dance.”
Salman Khan attends Sikandar trailer launch with father Salim Khan
However, the crowd’s response was far from sympathetic. Frustrated fans were heard shouting remarks like “Go back! Rest in your hotel,” and “This is not India, you’re in Australia.” Some even mocked her emotional reaction, calling it “good acting” and comparing it to her stint on Indian Idol.
Mixed Reactions Online
The incident sparked debate on social media, with some users criticizing Neha for being unprofessional, while others defended her, citing possible unforeseen delays.
Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist
Before the Melbourne show, Neha had performed in Sydney and shared snippets of the concert on Instagram.
Known for chartbusters like Badri Ki Dulhaniya, Coca Cola, Garmi, and Gali Gali, Neha Kakkar remains one of Bollywood’s most popular playback singers despite the recent backlash.
Source: With input from NDTV
11 months ago
Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist
The Pakistani drama industry flourishes with its gripping narratives and deep-rooted heritage. In 2025, trending content spans drama, romance, and comedy, stirring audiences with emotional depth. Available on widely accessible YouTube, these dramas are racking up millions of views. Let’s explore the top Pakistani dramas dominating the digital space in 2025.
Top 10 Trending Pakistani Dramas in 2025
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Meem Se Mohabbat
Penned by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Ali Hassan, this drama unfolds deep connections in unexpected moments, blending tenderness with heartbreak. Roshi, a carefree girl, lands an internship where she meets Talha, a grieving single father devoted to his traumatized son, Mohid. Their unexpected bond sparks change.
The series stars Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen in key roles, supported by Khadija Saleem and Mekael Diwan.
Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases
Since its debut on December 5, 2024, Hum TV’s YouTube channel has aired the binge-worthy series every Wednesday and Thursday.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18sv5yjgfkIOpaSBt8sZrTh76
Aas Paas
Starring Ali Ansari and Laiba Khan in lead roles, this drama follows Arshia, a determined young woman striving to reunite her family after her father’s abandonment. She crosses paths with Dr. Saham, a dedicated professional with his own struggles. Together, they embark on a journey where their devotion to family is tested, challenging their own happiness.
Mohammad Iftikhar Iffi’s direction and Samra Bukhari’s writing elevate the romantic series.
Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases
Launched on March 2, 2025, ‘Aas Paas’ finds its audience daily on HarPalGeo TV’s YouTube platform.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fl-kRzohA6tAAXHCk8P4Df
Judwaa
Helmed by Furqan Adam and written by Fizza Jafri and Orooj Binte Arsalan, this series features Aina Asif in a dual role. The supporting cast includes Adnan Raza Mir, Shahood Alvi, Sabreen Hisbani, and Zhalay Surhadi.
‘Judwaa’ tells the story of twin sisters with identical faces but opposing personalities and destinies. One gentle and reserved, the other bold and fearless. Fate leads them through unexpected, dramatic twists.
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From February 6, 2025, onwards, this captivating drama now airs every day on Hum TV’s YouTube.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suuF0meUSymnXvbc6yCtoQd
Mann Mast Malang
Starring Danish Taimoor, Sahar Hashmi, and Ali Raza, this series boasts Ali Faizan as its director and Nooran Makhdoom as its writer.
This drama series follows two families, once united by their children’s engagement, who become sworn enemies after a single incident. As the story unfolds, former fiances Kabeer and Riya begin to grow closer, eventually falling in love. Their relationship faces the challenge of reconciling their feuding families as they fight to make their love successful at any cost.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows
Since February 21, 2025, the marathon-worthy show continues to be airing on HarPalGeo’s YouTube channel every Friday to Sunday.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fTLEzoy2KPER3pvFw4QFxY
Dil Wali Gali Mein
With Sajal Ali and Hamza Sohail taking centre stage, this romantic comedy thrives under the direction of Kashif Nisar and the writing of Zafar Mairaj.
In this love, comedy, and family feud, Deeju and Mujji, college sweethearts, are swept up in a storm of rivalry. They plan a court marriage until fate has other plans.
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Kicking off on March 2, 2025, the irresistible watch has been a daily treat for viewers on the YouTube platform of Hum TV.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suslhoh5aIL_XJRDGIO_Y2D
11 months ago
Aamir Khan on Dangal: "It Is My Best Film, But I Made One Mistake"
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan considers Dangal the finest performance of his career, though he admits making one minor mistake in the 2016 sports drama.
Aamir, who portrayed Mahavir Singh Phogat in the Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, revealed that veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was the first to notice the flaw.
“It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite film, but Dangal is my best-acted one,” Aamir said at the Red Lorry Film Festival, where his 1988 film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was screened. “There’s just one shot where I slipped out of character, and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan caught it immediately.”
The Scene That Stood OutAamir recalled asking Amitabh for feedback after a screening. “He said, ‘Very good, but in one shot, you were out of character.’”
The scene in question occurs during a wrestling sequence. “I stood up and said, ‘Yes,’ but Mahavir Phogat would never say that. He would have said ‘Waah’ or ‘Shabash’—something more in line with his character. ‘Yes’ felt too English, too Mumbai. That mistake slipped through editing,” Aamir admitted.
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Despite this, Dangal remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated films.
A Record-Breaking FilmBased on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, Dangal follows his journey training his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat (played by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra). Geeta went on to win a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
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The film also starred Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, Sakshi Tanwar, and Aparshakti Khurana. Dangal became the highest-grossing Indian film, earning around ₹2,000 crore worldwide.
Source: NDTV
11 months ago