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The Bhool Bhulaiya franchise has its roots in the highly acclaimed Malayalam thriller “Manichitrathazhu,” which came out in 1993. It was a masterful mix of supernatural elements and deep psychological exploration. The story was first made into a Hindi movie in 2007 with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan.

It was an instant hit in the horror-comedy genre. What started as a complex look at mental health wrapped in a ghost story has grown into a lively series that challenges what people think it will be like.

This long-running practice is continued in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which brings back the series’ signature mix of scary and funny moments. The movie is mostly about Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan), a fake ghostbuster caught up in a complicated supernatural riddle involving a haunted mansion in the made-up kingdom of Raktaghat, West Bengal.

The movie cleverly mixes horror, comedy, romance, and drama, creating a cinematic experience that...

The kindest thing that can be said about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is that it’s unpredictable. There is little in it to prepare you for a climactic twist which is, in equal measure, audacious and ridiculous. While well-intentioned, it’s staged so clumsily that it fails to evoke the required empathy. But I will say — I did not see it coming.

Otherwise, we are back in familiar territory. The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise started with the classic 1993 Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, which was remade in Hindi in 2007. Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity. In each, the real culprit causing the leading lady to turn into Manjulika, the unhinged spirit of a royal dancer, was eventually identified as dissociative identity disorder.

But when director Anees Bazmee took over the reins with the 2022 reboot, the horror became real. Black magic, spirits, jump scares, ominous backgrounds and, of course,...

Mahesh Bhatt, the renowned filmmaker, recently celebrated his 76th birthday on September 20, receiving heartfelt wishes from family and friends. His daughter, actress Alia Bhatt, shared an emotional Instagram post to mark the occasion, expressing gratitude for his constant presence in her life. Alia shared two meaningful pictures: a black-and-white snapshot from her wedding, with her father nearby as she got henna applied, and a relaxed image of the two sitting together with their eyes closed. In her touching caption, she praised her father for always being there and affectionately called him “pops” and “g-pa.”

Mahesh’s wife Soni Razdan, along with his daughters Pooja Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, also sent him warm birthday wishes. Actress Mallika Sherawat, who starred in Murder (produced by Mahesh Bhatt), posted a video in which Mahesh praised her, calling her his “pride.” In her post, Mallika expressed how working with Mahesh Bhatt on Murder was a life-changing experience,...

The lavish saga Heeramandi, from BAFTA-nominated director-composer Sanjay Leela Bhansali(Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas), tells the story of India’s elite tawaifs, or courtesans, living amid the fight for independence from British rule in the 1940s. As the courtesans entertain aristocrats, they scheme to fulfill their secret desires and clash against the powers that be. The epic Indian musical series stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Stream it now.

Check it out at the top of this page.

For years, the all-powerful Mallikajaan has reigned supreme over a house of courtesans in pre-Independence India. They live in a place called Heeramandi, in an opulent mansion that hosts nawabs for intricate — and intimate — performances. After 25 years in the biz, Mallika is bulletproof … until Fareedan, the daughter of her late nemesis, returns to get her revenge.

While Mallika rules her coterie of courtesans within Heeramandi,...

Mallika Sherawat, the renowned Bollywood actress who shot to fame with her sensational debut in the 2004 film “Murder,” recently took to social media to share a heartfelt moment with her mentor and producer of the movie, Mahesh Bhatt.

Sharing a series of photos with Mahesh Bhatt on her Instagram account, Mallika Sherawat poured out her gratitude towards the veteran filmmaker. In her caption, she expressed profound admiration for Bhatt, describing him not only as a mentor but also as a role model whose passion, dedication, and fearlessness continue to inspire her.

“In Mahesh Bhatt, I have found not only a mentor but also a role model whose passion, dedication & fearlessness continue to inspire me. His words of encouragement during moments of doubt have been a source of strength,” Mallika wrote in her post.

The pictures shared by the actress depict a warm reunion between the two, radiating a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Heeramandi by Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Netflix Indian may not have been complicated when it comes to the technical side of the film, and by that, we mean the production design and the direction. The screenplay that described the characters in the show was rather complicated. With the run down on interpersonal relationships, this article will help the readers connect the dots on how each character was related to each other.

Spoilers Ahead

Rehana Aapa

Heeramandi begins with Rehana Aapa of the Khwabgah Palace in Heeramandi, who was the older sister to Mallika. Rehana’s sahab was Nawab Zulfikar, who was showing interest in courting Mallika. Rehana was also a mother to Zulfikar’s daughter, Fareedan. On Rehana’s murder, Waheeda, another courtesan, was a witness. The boy Rehana sold in exchange for jewels grew up to be Nawab Zorawar, raised by Qutbuddin as his own.

Waheeda

Waheeda referred to Mallika as Aapa,...

Heeramandi has to be one of the most extravagant shows coming out of Netflix India. Sanjay Leela Bhansali may have created one of the most opulent series there ever was in the Ott space. The attention to detail in every scene and frame is impeccable. Along with eye-catching production design, the veteran director has created some extremely beautifully flawed characters that will be remembered for years to come. It is exciting to watch a show headlined by women and the stories of their life journeys in the pre-independence era. One of the major characters in the show has to be the one portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha as Rehana and her daughter Fareedan.

Heeramandi begins with Sonakshi Sinha as the mother figure, Rehana Aapa, who was a major decision-maker at the Khwabgah palace in Heeramandi. Rehana Aapa was what Mallika became years later. A tyrannical woman who had no regard for the women working under her.

Heeramandi, aka The Diamond Bazaar, from Netflix India, was created and directed by the exquisite Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The man who is known for grandeur in this series covers the story of courtesans from Heeramandi, the red-light district of Lahore, which is now in Pakistan. Set in the 1920’s, these women were at the pinnacle of their power, and Heeramandi was the only place where the nobles spent lavishly while the women ruled them. This eight-episode-long web series is the fictional retelling of the stories of these women who lived to rule.

Spoilers Ahead

Who killed Rehana Aapa?

Rehana Aapa was Mallika’s madam, who took away her newborn boy and gave him away to a childless couple from a noble family. Mallika was angry, and she vowed to take revenge for this insensitive act. Rehana was threatened by Mallika’s closeness to the former Sahab, Nawab Zulfikar, and wanted...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi takes you to pre-independence Lahore, where tawaifs, or courtesans, each have their own story to tell. They’re adorned in beautiful attire with ghungroos (ankle bells), jhumkas (earrings), and exquisite sarees, presenting themselves to lure nawabs and British officers. But you can tell that this glamour is only for show; what about their own happiness? What happens if they can’t fulfill their purpose as a courtesan? It’s a tale of shame and despair. In the grand Shahi Mahal of Heeramandi, Mallikajaan reigns supreme, and her sister Waheeda lives a life of misery. She’s been nothing but a slave to her sister and has tolerated torture and humiliation all her life, but she still believes in false promises. Sanjeeda Sheikh’s portrayal of Waheeda’s character makes you feel her pain; her life feels like a lie, without any real purpose. She’s constantly searching for meaning.

Heeramandi, the brand-new Netflix original from the legendary Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is like a magnificent feast served with many dishes for people to savor and enjoy. Bhansali is known for his glamorous films that are adorned with sets constructed with elaborate detailing. Heeramandi is the tale of several courtesans living in Shahi Mahal under the guidance and tyranny of Mallikajaan. The trials and tribulations of every woman working and performing under her and the advent of her nemesis in the neighborhood form the tale of the eight-part show.

Spoilers Ahead

Mallikajaan

Mallikajaan, aka Mallika, is the matriarch of Shahi Mahal, located at Heeramandi in Lahore. Portrayed by the impeccable Manisha Koirala, the woman is a madam who has two daughters and several other dancers working for her. All of them consider her to be the boss or refer to her as Aapa, aka “sister.” Mallikajaan was the faux queen of Heeramandi,...

Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat’s unexpected reunion at Anand Pandit’s daughter’s wedding reception in Mumbai has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans. Their interaction, after years of reported animosity, has captured the attention of many in Bollywood circles.

A Reunion After Two Decades:

Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat, who shared the screen in the 2004 erotic thriller ‘Murder’, were rumored to have had a fallout during the film’s shoot. However, their recent encounter at the wedding reception suggests a reconciliation, much to the delight of their fans.

Videos Surface on Social Media:

Footage of their reunion, including moments of posing for pictures and sharing a warm hug, quickly made rounds on social media platforms. Mallika, stunning in a pink dress, and Emraan, dashing in a black suit, exuded charm as they mingled at the event.

Because of these two, many 90s kids in India got beaten by their parents.

Emran Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat Starred In the 2004 Mahesh Bhatt movie Murder. ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

It’s the season of reunions! Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat’s duo are known for their sizzling chemistry and chartbuster movies. However, the two fell out years ago during the shooting of Murder itself. However, they recently had a reunion at an event, which is generating buzz all around.

Hashmi and Sherawat appear to have reconciled. The two actors first met during film producer Anand Pandit’s daughter’s wedding celebration in Mumbai. Fans of the couple, who formerly made one of the best on-screen couples, were overjoyed to see them reunited after 20 years.

A Fan left a remark on an Instagram video saying, “Best, Jodi. Bring the time of the murder movie back,” said another commenter. A fan also commented, “Iconic pair…no one can ever forget.”

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Mallika Sagar hosted the auction of the Indian Premier League’s 17th edition(Photo Credit –Instagram)

The 17th edition of the beloved T20 series, Indian Premier League, is anything but typical. Taking her rightful place among the headlines is the newly appointed auctioneer with over 25 years of experience under her belt, Mallika Sagar, who made history by becoming the first female auctioneer for the Ipl.

Mallika Sagar Career Before Ipl 2024

Mumbai-based entrepreneur and art collector Sagar has had a penchant for the world of Auctioneering ever since she read a book featuring a female auctioneer as the lead. Mallika Sagar has turned a novel plotline into reality and is now at a peak of success.

Sagar is an art history major from Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia. She became the first Indian woman to take up the gavel in Christie’s British auction house.

Trending Ipl 2024 Opening Day: Orry, Badshah, Ravi Kishan,...

Prithviraj Sukumaran Talks About His Strong Connection With Fellow ‘Nepo Kids’ Dulquer Salmaan & Fahadh Faasil(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Prithviraj, son of actor-producer Sukumaran and renowned actress Mallika, observed that their fathers’ friendship introduced him to Dulquer Mammootty’s son and Fahadh, the son of filmmaker Fazil, during their formative years.

Prithviraj Sukumaran, the actor, has illuminated his bond with Dulquer Salmaan and Fahadh Faasil, expressing that despite being acquainted since childhood as “nepo kids,” they started to spend increased time together during the lockdown.

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Prithviraj revealed that he, Dulquar Salman, and Fahadh Faasil had known each other since childhood but hadn’t had the chance to hang out until the pandemic. During lockdown, they realized they were all in Kochi within a short drive and had no filming schedules, which led them to start spending time together.

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (Ians) A day ahead of Valentine’s Day, actors Mallika Singh, Karamm Rajpal, Ankur Verma and Anchal Sahu have opened up on their views about the power of love, and shared their plans for the day.

Mallika, who portrays the role of princess Kaurwaki in ‘Pracchand Ashok’ shared: “From Kaurwaki’s character, I have learned the strength and passion it takes to believe in love’s ability to triumph over any challenge. Her personality reflects the timeless love that has shaped history as we know it.”

The actress feels fortunate to have the chance to essay a historical legend, whose resilience and love set a stellar example when it comes to changing the world for the better.

“I wish we continue to spread love in the universe,” she added.

Karamm plays Rajneesh in ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak’.

Calling himself an old-school romantic, Karamm shared: “I value loyalty, honesty,...

Actors Adnan Khan and Mallika Singh will be seen essaying the roles of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki in the upcoming show ‘Pracchand Ashok’, which is set in the ancient kingdom of Magadh and Kalinga.

Adnan said: “Getting the chance to essay the role of Samrat Ashok is like living out a childhood fantasy. I’m grateful to Colors and Balaji Telefilms who have trusted me to embody a legend, whose life spans from the conquest to compassion. I promise that this show will enliven the historical romance on Indian television screens.”

‘Pracchand Ashok’ recounts the tale of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki, two legends who are as different as day and night. While Kaurwaki dreams of a partner with a heart of gold, cherishing family values above all, Ashok is a relentless conqueror who thinks of family as a chink in one’s armour and unafraid to spill blood for power.

Actress Sonal Panwar, who plays the character of Mallika in the sitcom ’Happu Ki Ultan Paltan’, shared her fashion mantra: she prioritises comfort over style. “I like to dress casually and comfortably, like my character Mallika in ‘Happu Ki Ultan Paltan’. My type of clothing is high-waisted jeans paired with a crop top. That is because I am a sneaker girl, which best describes me,” said the actress known for her role in ‘Piya Albela’.

Decoding her fashion mantra, Sonal said: “The sole fashion rule I live by is to prioritise comfort over style. In my opinion, dressing helps you appear elegant. I, therefore, refrain from wearing bulky clothing and makeup.”

She further said that one should always take care of their comfort first, because fashion becomes worse if you are not comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.

Talking about choosing colours, the ‘Woh Apna Sa’ actress said: “Colours are your mood setter,...

Shastry Viruddh Shastry (streaming on Netflix)

Starring Paresh Rawal, Neena Kulkarni, Shiv Pundit, Mimi Chakraborty

Directed by Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Nandita Roy

Viacom 18 is fast acquiring the reputation of being producers who kill their own films, for reasons that are more fiscal than creative. They did it to the wonderful Dhak Dhak and now to Shastry Viruddh Shastry, a thoughtful if somewhat sluggish remake of a very successful Bengali film Posto.

The story of an unusual custody battle, Shatry Viruddh Shastry sees a 7-year old boy’s grandparents, played by Paresh Rawal and Neena Kulkarni who are no match to Soumitra Chatterjee and Lily Chakraborty in the original, fighting to keep their grandson with them.

Paresh plays a classical musician Manohar who along with his wife Urmila (Neena Kulkarni) looks after their grandchild Momoji (Kabir Pahwa) in Panchgani (the original film was set in Shantiniketan). When the child’s parents...

Custody battles can get ugly, but they are even more heartbreaking when they are being fought between parents and grandparents. Shastry Virudh Shastry is a very probing film that tries to bring some very contemporary issues to the forefront, albeit in a sentimental way. The film is made for family viewership, and it doesn’t remain a cold observer watching the courtroom drama unfold but shows us different aspects of the situation. The basic question remains the same: what is best for the child? To be raised by unavailable parents who are drowning in their jobs or to live with grandparents who pamper him and never leave his side. Where is the balance?

Spoilers Ahead

Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Film?

Manohar Joshi, an aging musical maestro, was taking care of Yaman, aka Momoji, his grandson, in the best way he could. His house was situated in Panchgani, away...

The second season of Mumbai Diaries revolves around the devasting floods of July, 2005 that caused absolute mayhem in Mumbai. The overflowing of the Mithi River brought the entire city to a standstill. Nikkhil Advani’s retelling of this devastating flood places Bombay General Hospital in the middle of a natural calamity and tests its ability to withstand the rising waters. The makers take us through the ordeal the doctors and staff at the hospital face. This article will help you understand what transpired on that fateful day and how one night changed all of them.

Spoilers Ahead

Why Was A Case Filed Against Dr. Kaushik Oberoi?

Mumbai Diaries Season 2 begins with Mrs. Savita Kelkar filing a murder case against Dr. Kaushik for his alleged role in the death of her husband, who was martyred during the attacks on November 26. She believes Kaushik had the resources to save her husband, but...

EntertainmentThe actor, who will be soon seen in the pan-India film Salaar, on Tuesday, took to his social media to share pictures from his celebrations.Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who predominantly works in Tamil and Malayalam films, is celebrating Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival. The actor, who will be soon seen in the pan-India film Salaar, on Tuesday, August 29, took to his social media to share pictures from his celebrations. He shared that though this was a forced break from work, he enjoyed the celebrations and the ‘advantages’ which came with the break. The actor celebrated the festival of Onam in the true spirit of love and togetherness as he shared the pictures featuring his family members and close ones. The pictures showed his family spending time with the family of his actor brother Indrajith, as well as his mother, veteran actor Mallika. Actor Poonima, his sister in law, and journalist-turned-film-producer Supriya,...

Mumbai, May 22 (Ians) Actress Ritu Varma, who essays the role of Mallika in the recently released anthology series ‘Modern Love Chennai, has shared that she connected quite well to her character because she herself is a hopeless romantic in real life.

‘Modern Love Chennai’ is a six-episode series and sees Ritu in the story titled ‘Kaadhal Enbadhu Kannula Heart Irukkura Emoji’. The story follows her lifelong search for love and the perfect partner, shaped by her cinematic influences. However, there’s a twist: she consistently faces failure at every step.

Talking about her part in the series, Ritu Varma shared, “Our episode is a sweet and quirky story of a girl whose idea of romance comes from the movies she’s watched growing up and how those expectations affect her romantic relationships”.

She added, “But if she finds the love of her life or not is what the story is all about.

The third episode of Modern Love Chennai, which loosely translates to Love is a Heart-eyed Emoji, directed by Krishnakumar Ramkumar, is all about the idea of perfect love that existed in the mind of a woman from her school days. Will the quest for her soul mate make her an optimist or a pessimist?

Modern Love Chennai Episode 3 begins with Mallika, a school-going girl in her teens, romanticizing the rains and how the films she has grown up watching have convinced her that the rains were always the reason a boy would notice a beautiful girl, and this would be the girl and the boy’s first step towards coming close to each other. Mallika grew up in the late 1980s and 1990s in Tamil Nadu, India. Her mind is heavily influenced by all the movies from that era that showcased romance as running around the trees. There are beautiful songs,...

As the mythological drama ‘RadhaKrishn’ has concluded after completing 1,145 episodes. Lead actors Sumedh Mudhgalkar and Mallika Singh, who played the lead roles of Lord Krishna and Radha, shared their experience of working for almost five years.

Sumedh said: “It has been a privilege to play the character of Lord Krishna as several popular actors have enacted this character. Initially, it was a mammoth task to crack the assignment, but eventually, I realised that it was my journey and it was a competition against myself.”

“It’s been almost five years, I have been associated with the show. Now the perceptions are changing, everything right from the set to the environment is changing. And suddenly you realise that you won’t be able to see these things again and thus you start appreciating them more. You suddenly feel emotional, I really cannot imagine my life after the show.”

The mythological show...

ReviewActors are spilled across the narrative, but instead of adding to the frolic like in Alphonse’s previous films, in ‘Gold’ it is mostly just chaos.CrisImagine that tin game most of us played as kids – many names written in small chits of paper dropped inside a tin that is then shaken vigourously. After 160-plus minutes of Alphonse Puthren’s Malayalam comedy Gold, the head feels somewhat like that tin. I am still pulling out names from it, and I have managed to recall 30 so far. Star-studded is not the right word for Gold. The film has actors spilled all across the script and just as soon as you catch up with one name, the person is nowhere to be seen. It is of course Alphonse, a filmmaker known for penning long scripts and being generous with the cast. But in his two previous much-adored ventures if it added to the fun and frolic,...

Bengali filmmaker, actor and politician Raj Chakraborty is all set to make his debut on the digital space with ‘Dm Mallika’ for streaming portal hoichoi. Raj Chakraborty, who is famous for making blockbuster commercial entertainers, is finally stepping into the Ott space with his series ‘Dm Mallika’. It is a story about a woman, who is visually impaired, but who’s spirit to succeed surpasses all.

Being a woman in politics is tough, however it is tougher when you’re specially-abled. A story of succeeding in the face of strife.

Talking about making his Ott debut, he said: “From ‘Chirodini Tumi Je Amar’ to ‘Adventures of Jojo’ I have always taken up the ‘Challenge’ to entertain my audiences. After entertaining my audiences on the big screen, it’s time to move into the Ott space with my new series – Dm Mallika.”

“My direction, paired with hoichoi’s magic is what...

New Delhi, Aug 22 (Ians) This is a frank portrayal of the extraordinary life of acclaimed dancer, actor and activist Mallika Sarabhai, very aptly titled ‘In Free Fall: My Experiments With Living’ (Speaking Tiger).

She doesn’t hold back in talking about her “thirty-year obsession with being thin”; her addictions like smoking and how she “hypnotized” her way out of it; her fascination with alternate therapies like Pranik healing, Ayurveda and colour therap;, and the beauty treatments she uses for “future-proofing” her body so that she can continue to dance and perform for years to come.

She speaks with equal candour about her battles with grief and depression – when she lost her beloved father, the space scientist Vikram Sarabhai, in 1971; a painful break-up with a man she loved; and her ups and downs with her children, due, in part, to her own relationships.

The loss of her mother, dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai,...