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Rashmika Mandanna: The box office queen who surpassed Deepika, Alia
In just two years, Rashmika Mandanna has established herself as a dominant force in Indian cinema, outperforming Bollywood’s top actresses at the box office.
With three back-to-back blockbusters—Animal, Pushpa 2: The Rule, and Chhaava—the 28-year-old star has amassed a staggering ₹3300 crore worldwide. Her remarkable success in the Hindi market, contributing ₹1850 crore in net collections, has set a new benchmark in the industry.
Over the past 16 months, Rashmika’s three theatrical releases have shattered records. Pushpa 2: The Rule became a pan-India sensation, collecting ₹812 crore in the Hindi market alone.
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Animal, a high-octane action thriller, garnered ₹503 crore, while the historical drama Chhaava has already surpassed ₹532 crore, with numbers still climbing. This extraordinary streak positions her as Bollywood’s most bankable actress in recent times.
Beating Bollywood Veterans
For years, Deepika Padukone dominated the box office, particularly after Priyanka Chopra moved to Hollywood. Alia Bhatt, too, had been leading the new generation of actresses.
However, Rashmika’s phenomenal rise has overshadowed them both. Since 2023, Deepika’s five major releases have amassed over ₹1800 crore in Hindi, while Alia’s films have grossed a mere ₹300 crore. This stark contrast highlights Rashmika’s unprecedented dominance.
A Star Beyond the Male Leads
Critics may argue that Rashmika’s success is largely due to her co-stars, but the same can be said for Deepika, Kareena Kapoor, and other leading actresses.
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Her consistent presence in high-grossing films suggests she has become the preferred choice for mass entertainers alongside superstars. Her versatility across different genres has further solidified her reputation.
What’s Next?
The actress shows no signs of slowing down. She will next be seen in Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which is expected to be another major box office hit.
Additionally, she has signed on for Maddock’s horror-comedy Thama and the pan-India action film Kubera, ensuring her dominance continues well into 2025 and beyond.
With inputs from Indian media
11 months ago
Fall fashion trends: Bold shoulders, oversized Coats, and striking colors
Paris has spoken, setting the tone for fall fashion with power shoulders, oversized outerwear, and a striking color palette that ranges from moody to mesmerizing.
While Milan embraced romance and New York revisited Y2K grunge, Paris took a decisive stance with sharp tailoring, statement-making silhouettes, and dramatic proportions. From luxury runways to fast fashion retailers like Zara, H&M, and Shein, these trends are set to dominate the season.
Forget last season’s oversized outerwear—this fall, coats are even more dramatic. At Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière introduced blanket-like coats with exaggerated hips, echoing historical travel attire. Meanwhile, Balenciaga’s Demna emphasized volume with sculptural wool coats and puffer-gown hybrids. Marine Serre took a sustainable approach, crafting oversized pieces from upcycled materials, proving that excess and ethics can go hand in hand.
Strong, structured shoulders are reclaiming their place in fashion. Givenchy’s Sarah Burton debuted razor-sharp tailoring, while Victoria Beckham played with exaggerated shoulder lines on elegant eveningwear. Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson added surrealist elements, and Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello perfected the power silhouette with precise, armor-like cuts. The message? Whether in a suit or a dress, make an impact.
This season’s color palette is bold and deliberate. Valentino embraced deep red, creating an intense, almost cinematic atmosphere. Akris explored various shades of blue, from cobalt to midnight, while Balenciaga turned black into a statement of depth and restraint. Monochrome looks are in—but forget minimalism, this is about making a statement with color.
Saif Ali Khan resumes work after stabbing incident, looks fit and cheerful
Parisian fashion is shifting away from flashy branding, embracing quiet, refined luxury instead. Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri focused on masterful tailoring, while Rick Owens delivered an unexpectedly restrained collection, highlighting expert construction and innovative materials. The emphasis is on craftsmanship over hype.
Fashion continues its digital evolution. Coperni’s runway doubled as a ’90s-style LAN party, featuring gaming influencers live-streaming the show. Louis Vuitton collaborated with electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk for a travel-inspired capsule, while Balenciaga fused couture with high-performance sportswear through a partnership with Puma. The future of fashion is interactive.
This season, femininity is anything but delicate. Designers stripped it down to its essence, blending bold sensuality with structured power. Rick Owens contrasted strong outerwear with bare skin, Givenchy showcased sheer knit bodysuits alongside sharp tailoring, and Valentino pushed boundaries with corseted silhouettes and plunging necklines. Unlike Hollywood’s ethereal take on the naked dress, Paris presented a more assertive, battle-ready interpretation of sensuality.
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As the final stop on the fashion calendar, Paris dictates the season’s biggest trends. The verdict? Go big, be bold, and invest in statement pieces that matter. Whether it’s a commanding coat, a sculpted shoulder, or impeccable craftsmanship, this season is all about confidence—and in uncertain times, that’s exactly what fashion needs.
11 months ago
Saif Ali Khan resumes work after stabbing incident, looks fit and cheerful
Saif Ali Khan has returned to work after recovering from a stabbing incident that took place in January. The actor was attacked by an intruder during a burglary attempt at his residence, sustaining multiple injuries.
Following surgeries and a period of rest, he is now back on set, looking fit and in good spirits.
New images from the set of his upcoming yet-untitled project show Saif sporting a classic moustache and a sleek hairstyle, hinting at a fresh role. He was dressed casually in a grey T-shirt and matching track pants, complemented by sunglasses and white trainers.
Interestingly, the shoot is taking place at the same location where he filmed his first scene for his debut film Parampara in 1993. However, details of the new project remain undisclosed.
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Meanwhile, Saif is gearing up for Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, a Netflix film directed by Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati. The film, which also features Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta, follows a jewel thief hired to steal the world’s most elusive diamond, The African Red Sun. The heist soon spirals into a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.
Netflix has yet to announce the film’s release date.
On January 16, an intruder broke into Saif’s home and attacked him, leaving him with injuries near his neck and spine. He was rushed to hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries.
Five days later, he was discharged, and security was tightened around his residence. Following the incident, Kareena Kapoor urged paparazzi to respect their privacy, especially regarding their children.
With inputs from Indian media
11 months ago
India’s official Oscar entry, which failed to make the cut, wins big at major Bollywood awards show
The film that was submitted as India’s official Oscar entry but failed to make the final list of nominees has swept the International Indian Film Academy Awards, which recognize outstanding work in the country's film industry.
Director Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed “Laapataa Ladies” — renamed “Lost Ladies” for its Oscar campaign — emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025 IIFA Awards, bagging 10 wins, including best picture and best direction.
The 2023 comedy is about two veiled brides who are accidentally swapped during a train ride, and tackles issues of patriarchy and gender roles, a shift from decades of male-centered mainstream Indian movies.
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“It’s a rare privilege to win an award for a film like ‘Laapataa Ladies.' It’s been a wonderful night. It’s a rare privilege to make a film like this,” Rao said in her acceptance speech.
Rao's film — a rare departure from most Bollywood films, which typically feature song-and-dance routines, violence and melodrama — also won in categories for best story, best screenplay and best actress in a leading role.
The annual ceremony of IIFA began in the western city of Jaipur on Saturday and concluded Sunday.
Indian cinema’s most recognizable names took part in the glitzy event and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actor Shahid Kapoor were among those who performed at the ceremony. The event was hosted by veteran director and producer Karan Johar and actor Kartik Aaryan.
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The awards show also presents an opportunity for Indian celebrities to showcase their fashion, and this year was no exception. Notable figures such as Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor Khan displayed their fashion choices on the green carpet.
11 months ago
Billboard names Doechii 2025 Woman of the Year
The rising rapper Doechii has earned the title of Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year, landing her in the same company as Taylor Swift, SZA, Lady Gaga and as last year's honoree, Karol G.
The news arrives just one month after Doechii won the Grammy for best rap album, only the third woman to win in that category.
When it came time to give her award speech, the tears were immediate. “This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won, Lauryn Hill —” she said, correcting herself. “Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.”
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Now she will be honored as Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 29. Previous honorees include Madonna, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande.
In 2024, The Associated Press named Doechii's breakout mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” one of the best albums of the year — a versatile album that teeters from the romance of her smooth R&B and the acuity of her flows.
"Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, this year becoming the third woman in history to win a Grammy best rap album, and dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style and spirit,” said Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard in a statement. “We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success.”
Other award recipients at the Billboard Women in Music Awards include aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Blackpink's Jennie, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, Muni Long and Tyla.
Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor reunite at IIFA
The awards show will be held at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, hosted by Laverne Cox.
Billboard Women in Music will air live on March 29 at 7 p.m. Pacific on VIZIO WatchFree+.
Tickets are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
11 months ago
Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor reunite at IIFA
Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor once again set the internet alight with their reunion at the IIFA 2025 press conference in Jaipur.
The two stars, who were once one of Bollywood's most talked-about couples, shared a brief but memorable moment that quickly became a trending topic on social media.
Fans of the iconic pair were sent into a frenzy as the reunion evoked nostalgia for their on-screen chemistry in the 2007 hit Jab We Met.
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The duo, who famously portrayed Aditya and Geet in the beloved film, were seen crossing paths on stage, reigniting fond memories of their unforgettable roles. Their reunion sparked widespread chatter, with many fans reminiscing about their iconic moments in Jab We Met.
However, Shahid, known for his calm and composed demeanor, downplayed the entire situation when addressing the media at the IIFA Digital Awards green carpet.
“For us, it’s nothing new. Aaj stage par mile, aur idhar udhar milte rehte hain (We met on stage today, and we keep running into each other here and there), so it’s totally normal for us. If people felt nice, it’s nice,” he said with a smile, clarifying that for him and Kareena, meeting each other at events is just a regular part of working in the film industry.
Despite the frenzy online, Shahid's comments indicate that the reunion, while heartwarming for fans, was simply another professional interaction for the former couple.
For them, running into each other at various events and gatherings is far from a rare occurrence, and any excitement surrounding the moment is seen as an added bonus for fans.
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Their professional history includes more than just Jab We Met. The two actors have appeared in several films together, including Fida, Chup Chup Ke, and Udta Punjab. Their on-screen chemistry was widely praised, with Jab We Met still regarded as one of the most popular films of their careers. However, their personal relationship ended around 2007, not long after the release of their cult classic film.
Both Shahid and Kareena have moved on since their split. Shahid is married to Mira Rajput, with whom he has two children, Misha and Zain. Kareena, meanwhile, is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, with whom she has two sons, Taimur and Jehangir (Jeh).
While their reunion at IIFA may have sparked memories for fans, for Shahid and Kareena, it was simply another moment in the life of two seasoned professionals who have long since moved past their personal history and continue to thrive in their respective careers.
Source: Indian media
11 months ago
Yo Yo Honey Singh returns: From stardom to struggle and back again
Nearly 15 years ago, an Indian rapper from a modest background burst onto the country’s emerging hip-hop scene, reshaping it forever.
With provocative lyrics and pulsating beats, Yo Yo Honey Singh captivated audiences at clubs, weddings, and roadside stalls alike.
However, at the peak of his success, he disappeared. After a seven-year hiatus, the 41-year-old artist has returned with a new album and a music tour, claiming to have undergone a transformation following struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues.
Once one of India’s most influential music figures, Singh played a pivotal role in popularising hip-hop in the country. According to music journalist Bhanuj Kappal, featured in the Netflix documentary Famous, Singh shifted the cultural landscape of the genre. However, he was also a polarising figure, often criticised for his lyrics promoting debauchery, violence, and misogyny. His image took a further hit when his former wife accused him of domestic abuse—an allegation he denied.
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Much has changed since Singh's heyday. Indian hip-hop has evolved, with new artists surpassing him as the genre’s leading voices. Singh, too, appears different. Once describing himself as “the all-knowing master of the universe,” he now embraces spirituality, karma, and astrology.
While he insists his music is now more meaningful, some fans feel it lacks its former impact. “He has a loyal audience, but his style feels outdated,” Kappal remarked. Yet, Singh remains determined to reclaim his place.
Rather than shy away from his struggles, Singh has made them central to his comeback. He openly acknowledges his battles with addiction and mental health, admitting that “drugs destroyed” him. Speaking to digital platform Lallantop, he confessed, “Fame, money, and women consumed me. I lost myself completely.”
Born Hridesh Singh in Punjab and raised in a cramped Delhi neighbourhood, he was shaped by his tough early years. His musical journey began as a college DJ before he transitioned into production. After struggling as a small-time producer, he went solo, releasing The International Villager in 2011. Initially overlooked, the album later became a sensation, propelling him to Bollywood fame.
Singh’s meteoric rise coincided with his personal downfall. He recounted excessive substance use, leading to erratic behaviour and strained relationships. In 2017, he collapsed mid-tour, prompting him to step away from music and seek medical help. After years of therapy, Singh claims he has been sober for seven years, except for the occasional beer.
Fans admire his candidness about his past, with many acknowledging his efforts to change. “Nobody is perfect, but at least he is trying,” said Delhi-based student Nandini Gupta. Others remain sceptical, arguing that his lyrics still objectify women and glorify materialism.
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Regardless of the mixed reactions, Singh’s comeback presents a challenge to his audience—inviting them to accept his past and embrace his renewed artistic journey. “I was away for seven years, but I will drive everyone crazy again in the next seven,” he declared. “I’m back and I want the same love I once had.”
Source: BBC
11 months ago
Andreas Kronthaler honors Westwood with a theatrical, rule-breaking vision at Paris Fashion Week
At Vivienne Westwood’s fall show Saturday, Andreas Kronthaler sent a clear message: rebellion is alive and well. The collection, staged at the Pavillon Cambon, was a riot of irreverence and refinement, merging razor-sharp tailoring with Westwood’s signature sense of mischief.
“There’s nothing more sexy than a suit,” the show notes declared, and Kronthaler took that mantra to heart. Power suiting dominated — oversized blazers draped over silken shirts, trousers slashed into asymmetrical skirts, and trench coats dialed up to near-operatic proportions. A deep navy double-breasted coat, cinched tightly at the waist and paired with a towering felt hat, felt like a playful nod to British aristocracy — if the aristocracy had a punk streak and a wicked sense of humor.
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Texture was another star of the show. Chunky winter coats in rough wools clashed beautifully with shimmering metallic hoods and speckled knitwear, while velvet and tulle gowns exaggerated the body with bold padding at the hips and shoulders. Accessories veered into pure Westwood fantasy — furry heels, deliberately clashing socks, and a gilded birdcage handbag, equal parts opulent and ironic.
The collection also served as a personal tribute. Marking his 30 years in London, Kronthaler wove in subtle references to the city’s eclectic energy, infusing the lineup with a mix of streetwise edge and historic grandeur. As the final model exited, he stepped onto the runway, bouquet in hand, and flung flowers into the crowd, a celebratory gesture that felt as spontaneous and theatrical as the clothes themselves.
Vivienne Westwood’s legacy has always been about challenging expectations. Under Kronthaler, that defiant spirit remains, recharged with a fresh, fearless sense of drama.
11 months ago
Shah Rukh gets grand welcome at IIFA 2025; Madhuri, Kareena shine in Jaipur
The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards is underway in Jaipur, with Bollywood stars arriving for the grand event. On Friday, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit reached the Pink City, followed by more celebrities on Saturday.
Shah Rukh Khan received a superstar’s welcome as he landed in Jaipur. Fans and photographers crowded around his car, eager to catch a glimpse of the actor.
Dressed in a white shirt and blue trousers, paired with sunglasses and a shaggy hairstyle, he waved and blew kisses to the crowd. IIFA shared pictures and videos of his arrival at the hotel, adding to the excitement.
Also on Friday, Madhuri Dixit participated in a panel discussion with Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga. The session, titled The Journey of Women in Cinema, marked the beginning of the IIFA 2025 Weekend.
During the discussion, Dixit addressed the issue of pay disparity in the Hindi film industry, stating that female actors must consistently prove their ability to attract audiences.
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"For women, the challenge is to repeatedly prove that we are equal and can draw audiences, yet we have to demonstrate it every single time. The disparity still exists," said Dixit, who recently appeared in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
On Saturday, Kareena Kapoor was spotted at Mumbai’s Kalina airport, leaving for Jaipur with her elder son, Taimur. She will be performing at IIFA 2025 and is set to pay tribute to her grandfather, legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor.
The 25th edition of IIFA is scheduled for March 8 and 9 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. A special screening of the iconic film Sholay will take place at Raj Mandir Cinema to mark its 50th anniversary.
Additionally, legendary MMA fighter Anthony Pettis will make a guest appearance at the event.
This year’s IIFA Awards will be hosted by actor Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Karan Johar.With inputs from Indian media
11 months ago
Gene Hackman died at home a week after wife Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus
Forensic experts came to a heartrending conclusion Friday about the manner of death for actor Gene Hackman: he died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer's disease on an empty stomach a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease took the life of his wife at their home in Santa Fe.
The partially mummified remains of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered Feb. 26 when maintenance and security workers showed up at the home and alerted police.
Authorities unraveled the mysterious circumstances and revealed that Arakawa likely died Feb. 11 at home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.
Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, apparently was unaware that his wife was dead.
“He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death,” chief medical investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said. “It’s quite possible he was not aware she was deceased.”
Both deaths were ruled to be from natural causes.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Arakawa’s last known outing was a round of errands and shopping Feb. 11. She visited a pharmacy, pet store and grocery before returning to the couple's gated neighborhood that evening.
Arakawa stopped answering emails that day. The couple’s cellphone communications have not yet been analyzed.
Hackman’s pacemaker last showed signs of activity a week later, indicating an abnormal heart rhythm Feb. 18, the day he likely died, Jarrell said.
Hackman was found in the home's entryway, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom. Their bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fe’s especially dry air at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet (2,200 meters).
The revelations about the manner of the couple’s deaths jolted Santa Fe, the state capital city known as a refuge for celebrities, artists and authors.
“All of us that knew him should have been checking on him,” said Stuart Ashman, co-owner of Artes de Cuba gallery, who cherished his encounters with Hackman at a local Pilates exercise studio. “I had no idea. ... It’s just really sad. And that she died a week before him. My God.”
Experts believe Hackman was severely impaired due to Alzheimer’s disease and unable to deal with his wife’s death in the last week of his life — or seek help after she died.
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“Their (the authorities’) explanation, I thought, was quite clear and plausible, said Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist in Virginia. "I believe they really discovered what truly happened in this case.”
Most older Americans with Alzheimer's diesease and related dementias live at home, and many receive care from family or friends.
Hantavirus typically is reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas. This is the first confirmed case of hantavirus in New Mexico this year.
While hantavirus is found throughout the world, most cases in the U.S. have been found in western states. The virus can cause a severe and sometimes deadly lung infection.
Jarrell said it was not known how quickly Arakawa died.
One of the couple’s three dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna, also was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, while two other dogs survived.
Dogs do not get sick from hantavirus, said Erin Phipps, a veterinarian with the New Mexico Health Department. A necropsy will be done on the dog.
The sheriff considers this an open investigation until they receive results of the dog’s necropsy and finish checking into data from personal cellphones retrieved from the home.
Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers” and “Superman” from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
Arakawa, born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist, attended the University of Southern California and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym.
Hackman dedicated much of his time in retirement to painting and writing novels far from Hollywood’s social circuit. He served for several years on the board of trustees at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and he and Arakawa were investors in local businesses.
11 months ago