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CONFIRMED! Saif Ali Khan to play a menacing villain in Prabhas starrer Adipurush, first poster unveiled

Saif Ali Khan left everyone stunned with his terrific villainous performance in Om Raut's directorial Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. Now, he's all set to step into the shoes of India's greatest villain ever in Adipurush - a magnum opus that marks the trio - Saif Ali Khan, Om Raut, and Bhushan Kumar’s second collaboration together after Tanhaji. Bollywood Hungama was first to report that Saif was roped in for the role. He has been signed on to play the prime antagonist in the period saga - who's menacing, lethal, and brutal, all at the same time.

CONFIRMED! Saif Ali Khan to play a menacing villain in Prabhas starrer Adipurush

Talking of actors his age, Saif has cut out a completely different space for himself, thanks to his powerful choices in films. At a time when films high on concept and content are setting new standards, the Nawab has been willing to experiment and how. Plus, his acting prowess as a performer and his towering on-screen presence make him a perfect match for all kinds of roles.

Previously too, Saif has won a lot of accolades while playing the antagonist in several films - whether it's as Langda Tyagi in Omkara or as Udaybhan Rathod in the recently released Tanhaji. In Adipurush, which is an on-screen adaptation of the Indian epic, that revolves around the triumph of good over evil, Saif will be stepping into the role of a larger than life villain.

Prabhas says, "I am super excited to work with Saif Ali Khan and I am eager to share screen space with a great actor."

Saif Ali Khan is excited about the project and shares, "I’m thrilled to be working with Omi dada again! He has a grand vision and the technical knowledge to really pull it off. He has taken me beyond the cutting edge of our cinema in the way he shot Tanhaji and this time he is taking us all further! It’s a phenomenal project and I’m super thrilled to be a part of it! I look forward to clashing swords with the mighty Prabhas and to play a role that is electrifying and demonic!"

Filmmaker Om Raut adds, "To play the strongest villain from our epic we needed a brilliant actor. Who better than Saif Ali Khan, one of the greatest actor of our lifetime, to essay this powerful role. Personally, I enjoy every day at work with him. I am looking forward to this exciting journey with him all over again"

Producer Bhushan Kumar tells us, "Saif blew us all over with his role as Udaybhan in Tanhaji, he takes it a notch higher with his role in Adipurush. He is the perfect choice in this battle between good and evil with Prabhas."

Adipurush will be shot bilingual in Hindi and Telugu. The 3D extravaganza will have a humongous release with the film dubbed in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and several other foreign languages.

The film, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar & Rajesh Nair, is currently in the pre-production stage and is expected to go on floors in 2021 and hit the marquee with a massive release in 2022.

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Saif Ali Khan to play villain in Om Raut’s Prabhas starrer Adipurush

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Sushant Singh Rajput’s sisters were aware of the late actor ‘feeling very low’, reveals their statements 

Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Meetu Singh who lived with the actor till two day before his demise told the Mumbai police that Sushant had shared with the family that he was feeling low. This contradicts the statement of the family given to the Bihar Police where they said that they were not aware of Sushant battling any mental health problems. 

Sushant Singh Rajput’s sisters were aware of his mental health issues and treatment, reveals their statements 

In a statement accessed by NDTV, Meetu Singh said, “In October 2019, he told our whole family that he is feeling low and hence my sisters Neetu Singh and Priyanka Singh from Delhi and Haryana came to meet my brother Sushant Singh Rajput at his flat in Mumbai. All our sisters lived with him for some time and convinced him properly. My brother Sushant Singh was feeling low due to professional ups and downs.”

"My sister Neetu Singh asked her to come with him to Delhi, he said that he will come some days later. In November 2019 my brother Mr. Sushant Singh was feeling low and hence he was taking medical treatment with Dr. Kersi Chawda in Hinduja hospital. In March 2020, due to COVID-19, he was living at home, reading books, doing exercise and meditation as well as yoga," she further said.

"He was calm and when I asked what happened he told me that he cannot go anywhere due to the lockdown and (he is) feeling bored. At that time, he told me that after the lockdown is over we will go around in South India," she added. 

On his request, Meetu Singh stayed with Sushant Singh Rajut a week before his demise. However, she had to go back on June 12 as her daughter was alone in Goregaon. In her statement, Meetu also said that she does not know if Sushant “committed suicide due to business or any other reasons”

The late actor’s other sister Priyanka Singh Tanwar in her statement to the Mumbai police revealed that in 2013 their brother told them that he was "feeling very low". 

"He used to come out of all this, once we all convinced him. In 2013 he consulted a psychiatrist in Andheri. After that he became very composed and his career was progressing well. He had attained huge success in very little time," Priyanka Singh said in her statement.

She also spoke about Sushant taking treatment with Dr Kersi Chawda.  "In November 2019 my brother was feeling low and hence he was taking medical treatment with Dr. Kersi Chawda in Hinduja hospital. In March 2020, due to COVID-19, he was living at home, reading books, doing exercise and meditation as well as yoga. On 4 June in the morning, I called my brother and I asked why did not call for four to five days, he was feeling low. At that time, I told him that after the lockdown is over, I will come to meet him," she said.

Priyanka also attested for Meetu staying at Sushant’s house a week before his demise. “On June 12, my sister went to her house in Goregaon, as she had some work in her house. On June 14 (she) called in the afternoon to tell me my brother has committed suicide... After that, I left for Mumbai from Delhi immediately by flight. I don't know if Sushant has committed suicide due to business or any other reasons," said Priyanka.

ALSO READ: Siddharth Pithani reveals to the CBI that Sushant Singh Rajput fell ill after Disha Salian’s demise

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Chadwick Boseman starrer 42 to re-release in theatres in the US as a tribute 

A few days ago, Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman passed away after his prolonged battle with colon cancer. “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the statement read."Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.”

Chadwick Boseman starrer 42 to re-release in theatres in the US as a tribute 

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy,” the statement continued.

“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the statement read.

As a tribute, his film 42 will be re-released in US theatres. According to Variety, "AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, and other exhibitors will pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the “Black Panther” star who died last week of colon cancer at the age of 43, by screening “42.”

The report further said, "Tickets for “42” at AMC will be discounted at $5 and will be on sale by the end of Tuesday. It’s unclear what other chains will charge."

In the film, Chadwick Boseman played the role of Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.

ALSO READ: Marvel stars mourn the loss of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman

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Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice for soulful track ‘Daata Shakti De’ in ZEE5’s upcoming film Atkan Chatkan

Streaming platform ZEE5 recently released the trailer of their upcoming original film Atkan Chatkan. Adding another note to the celebration, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan took to social media to release the very first track of the film - ‘Daata Shakti De’.

Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice for soulful track ‘Daata Shakti De’ in ZEE5’s upcoming film Atkan Chatkan

The story of ‘Atkan Chatkan’ revolves around a 12-year-old chai delivery boy named Guddu, whose passion is to observe, listen and create new sounds. He finds rhythm in almost everything. Through his daily mundane lifecycle, the story gets its rhythm when he forms a band with other 3 street children that work near his tea stall.

The song starts with Guddu hopelessly walking on the streets and him across the city temple about to start its morning aarti. The soulful song starts with a verse from Hanuman Chalisa sung by Amitabh Bachchan. As the aarti proceeds further, the song gives Guddu a sense of hope. The tanpura and sarod add magic in the background, while Mr. Bachchan’s voice gives a soulful touch to the song. The story later progresses with them taking part in the biggest music competition in the city. The question is, will they be able to fulfill their ultimate dream by performing on the biggest stage? Or, will the street remain as their only chance of hope?

Atkan Chatkan will star Lydian Nadhaswaram who is stated as the world's best child pianist & A. R. Rahman's protege and will be seen in the lead as Guddu. The film will star Amitriyaan as Guddu’s father, Sachin Chaudhary as Chuttan, Yash Rane as Madhav, Tamanna Dipak as Meethi and Aayesha Vindhara as Lata, Guddu’s sister in pivotal roles

‘Daata Shakti De’ is sung by Amitabh Bachchan, composed and arranged by Shivamani, lyrics by Runaa Shivamani and background vocals from Ustad Rajkumar Rizvi, Sonica R, Krishna V, Anna, Devika &; Nakul Abhyankar. Interestingly, other songs in the films are sung by veterans like Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, Runa Sivamani, and Uthara Unnikrishnan. The film is written and directed by Shiv Hare and produced by Lokaa Entertainment PLC.

Atkan Chatkan premieres Saturday, 5 th September on ZEE5.

ALSO READ: Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanada shares her struggle with anxiety

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Sushant Singh Rajput reportedly made his sister Priyanka nominee in investments in May 2020

Sushant Singh Rajput's death case is getting murkier as each day a new revelation comes to the limelight. As CBI, ED, and NCB are conducting investigations, a new update has been informed.

Sushant Singh Rajput reportedly made his sister Priyanka nominee in investments in May 2020

As per India Today, Sushant Singh Rajput reportedly made his sister Priyanka nominee in his investments in May 2020. They acquired a chat exchange between Sushant and a private bank representative in May 2020 where the late actor named his sister a nominee. This was a conversation done a month before his untimely passing.

On August 19, the Supreme Court gave a go-ahead to CBI to probe Sushant’s death. The Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI), on August 6, registered an FIR against six people including Rhea Chakraborty, Rhea's brother Showik Chakraborty, father Indrajit Chakraborty, mother Sandhya Chakraborty, house manager Samuel Miranda, and Shruti Modi. The charges leveled against the six of them are abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy, theft, cheating, intimidation, wrongful restraint, or confinement, among others.

Currently, CBI has questioned Rhea Chakraborty four times already. Narcotics Control Bureau has registered a criminal case against Rhea.

ALSO READ: Narcotics Control Bureau arrests alleged drug peddler in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput’s house manager Samuel Miranda

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Narcotics Control Bureau arrests alleged drug peddler in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput’s house manager Samuel Miranda

It is known that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is conducting the simultaneous investigation in connection to the alleged drug angle that has come to limelight after late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. As per the latest reports, NCB has arrested an alleged drug peddler in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput's death house manager Samuel Miranda.

Narcotics Control Bureau arrests alleged drug peddler in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput’s house manager Samuel Miranda

A senior NCB official on request of anonymity told News 18 that “the drug law enforcement agency has arrested Abdul Basit Parihar from the Bandra area here. The official said that the arrest was made after it started its investigation into the Sushant Singh Rajput case at the request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the drug angle came to the fore.”

The reports had stated that NCB carried out raids in Mumbai on August 27 and 28 and two persons, namely Abbas Lakhani and Karn Arora were arrested. They seized 'bud' (curated marijuana) from their possession. Upon further investigation, NCB uncovered links with Lakhani and Vilatra.

"After due procedure and taking evidence on record, Vilatra was apprehended," the official of NCB told News 18 stating they also recovered Rs 9.55 lakh, foreign currency $ 2,081, 180 British Pound and 15 Dirham.

“During questioning, Vilatra disclosed that he runs an eatery shop in Bandra, which was not giving any pecuniary gains since lockdown. Based on Vilatra interrogation, Parihar was made to join the investigation. It was learnt that linkages of Parihar with the earlier accused persons on preliminary inquiry based on the details submitted by the ED, were found," the official said told the news channel.

NCB source has alleged that Parihar had connections with Sushant’s house manager Samuel Miranda.

On August 26, the NCB booked Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty and others and registered a case under Sections 20, 22, 27, and 29 of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has registered criminal against Rhea Chakraborty in drug conspiracy angle related to Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case.

ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput celebrated Rakshabandhan with Mukesh Chhabra’s sister on Dil Bechara sets, photos go viral

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Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega: Sehrish Ali gets emotional as she bids adieu to the show

Zee TV's popular show, Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega, has captivated the telly audience with its intriguing storyline ever since it was launched. While several twists and turns in Guddan (played by Kanika Mann) and Akshat's (played by Nishant Singh Malkani) life have kept the viewers at the edge of their seats, a new twist will leave all of them stunned. Sehrish Ali, who has been a critical part of the show from the start and has captured the hearts of millions with the eccentric portrayal of her character as Laxmi Agarwal Jindal, will soon make an exit from the show. The makers recently bid a joyful yet emotional farewell to the actress as she bid adieu to the team and the show.

Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega Sehrish Ali gets emotional as she bids adieu to the show

Associated with the character of Laxmi for so long, Sehrish finds it extremely difficult to bid adieu to this, particularly outstanding television drama. Post lockdown, as the track of the show, comes to an end for Laxmi, she bid a heartfelt and emotional goodbye to everyone. Making this moment a little extra special for her, the cast and crew arranged for a special cake cutting ceremony to wish Sehrish all the luck for her future endeavours.

Sharing her experience on working on Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega, Sehrish shared, “Laxmi as a character has been extremely close to my heart and it literally become a part of me. It is quite overwhelming to let go of all the memories I have shared with everyone involved with the show. But as they say all good things must come to an end for a new beginning. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this team. I indeed got a family when I entered the show, and they have only given me strength and encouragement throughout my journey with the show. I take with me all their love and blessings in my heart. I feel so overwhelmed upon receiving so many good wishes and so much of love. I now look forward to what the future beholds for me.”

Also Read: Nishant Malkani gets emotional as he bids adieu to Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega

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Fatima Sana Shaikh to become a director for Vishal Bhardwaj’s music video ‘Palkein Kholo’

When things get tough, the tough get going and no one has proved the saying more appropriately than Fatima Sana Shaikh. Recently, Vishal Bhardwaj asked Fatima to act in the video for his next single 'Palkein Kholo', a poem by celebrated poet Bashir Badr. Thrilled to be part of the video, Fatima didn't just use a static camera to shoot herself but directed herself in a beautifully crafted video.

Fatima Sana Shaikh to become a director for Vishal Bharadwaj’s music video 'Palkein Kholo’

Talking about the song Fatima states, “The song is about appreciating people around us during these unprecedented times. I’ve been pestering Vishal sir to make a film with me and when he made me this offer, I jumped at it."

She reveals that Vishal Bhardwaj gave her complete freedom to shoot the way she wanted to. “Vishal sir asked me for my inputs, then, gave me the freedom to shoot the music video the way I wanted.”

She points out the national award-winning filmmaker, the composer must have expected her to opt for a static camera but wanting to impress him with the photography skills she got creative, shooting on the road and inside a house, with her brother as her one-man crew. The song also has her dog Bijli making a cameo in it.“Even Bijli makes an appearance in the song. She’s lucky to debut in Vishal Bharadwaj music video. Even if she steals the limelight, I would be a proud mother.” Fatima adds.

ALSO READ: Fatima Sana Shaikh recreates iconic images of Audrey Hepburn, see pics

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Ranbir Kapoor’s special bonding with Sanjay Dutt

Ranbir Kapoor has always idolized Sanjay Dutt. This is why he broke his no-biopics rule and agreed to play Sanjay Dutt in Rajkumar Hirani’s bio-pic. Now the bonding has grown even stronger after Dutt’s illness.

Ranbir Kapoor's special bonding with Sanjay Dutt

Says a close friend of Ranbir, “He has been there seen it before, and that too not long ago. Ranbir took his father (Rishi Kapoor) through the whole journey of cancer treatment. He knows what it is like to watch someone very close go through it.”

Apparently, Ranbir Kapoor is more deeply affected by Dutt’s illness than he is willing to admit. “Ranbir hides his feelings far away from prying eyes. He doesn’t allow even those closest to him to see what he feels. But this time Ranbir is very disturbed, and everyone around him can see that,” says a close friend.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt visit Sanjay Dutt after his cancer diagnosis

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Vaani Kapoor heads to Scotland for Akshay Kumar’s Bell-Bottom

Vaani Kapoor is ecstatic that she is starting to shoot Bell-Bottom! Vaani, who has signed two big films in lockdown like Akshay Kumar’s Bell-Bottom and Ayushmann Khurrana’s untitled love story, is thrilled to be boarding a flight after five months to head to Scotland to start shooting the film with Akshay.

Vaani Kapoor heads to Scotland for Akshay Kumar’s Bell-Bottom

Vaani says, “It feels surreal that I’m starting to shoot for a film! Being back on the sets is a moment that I have been dearly waiting for and I can’t wait to finally start shooting. I will be stepping out of Mumbai too after five months and boarding a flight to go to work. It seems I did all this in another lifetime.”

The actress is glad that the industry is looking to restart after taking a very hard hit due to the pandemic. She says, “It’s been a testing year for all of us but I’m glad that things are slowly starting because we have to adapt to this new normal.”

Vaani is looking forward to her shooting experience with Akshay and feels she will learn a lot from the superstar during the shoot. She says, “This is the first time that I’m working with Akshay sir and I know it will be a really special one. I know I will learn a lot from him. His level of dedication and passion towards his craft is just exemplary and he is an inspiration to us all. Hopefully, people will love our pairing.”

ALSO READ: “80s for me is a super colourful, super cool era and it’s amazing that our film is set in that period,”- Bell Bottom actress Vaani Kapoor

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