KRITI’S NEXT STOP
Actress Kriti Sanon has expressed her desire to headline a female superhero film, revealing that action and larger-than-life characters are among the roles she would like to explore in the next phase of her career. Known for experimenting with different genres and characters, Kriti said she would love to step into the superhero space and portray a powerful female character. Speaking about the kind of roles she hopes to take on, the actress also expressed an interest in exploring morally grey characters that would allow her to move further away from conventional roles. “I also want to play, like, a super-woman. I feel like the only superhero that we have in India is Krrish. Yeah, And of course, we have Shaktimaan, right. But they’re all men. I would love to, you know, there should be, like, a female superhero,” Kriti said. She added that taking on such a role would give her the opportunity to explore action, something she is keen to experience on screen. “I have to do action. Yeah, I’d love to do that. That would be really cool. Putting it out there,” she said. Kriti’s wish comes as she continues to seek diverse characters, with a female-led superhero story potentially combining performance, action and a larger-than life screen presence.
The accidental actor : SHRUTI
Actress Shruti Haasan never planned to become an actor. In fact, she always wanted to work behind the camera and pursue writing. Speaking at a Conclave, Shruti revealed that her acting journey began almost by accident when she made her screen debut in her father Kamal Haasan’s Hey Ram (2000). At the time, she was assisting her mother, Sarika, in the film’s costume department. When the production needed someone to play Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s daughter, Shruti was asked to step in. “They didn’t have a daughter and an actor available for free. I was available and that’s how I made my debut. I did not have a choice,” she recalled. Even her Bollywood debut in Luck (2009) was driven by her passion for music rather than acting. She wanted to earn money to buy musical equipment and initially considered the role a one-time opportunity. However, watching herself on screen made her reconsider her career. “That’s when the acting bug bit me,” she said. Growing up as the daughter of two prominent actors, Shruti also faced considerable scrutiny. She admitted that navigating the attention was difficult but has continued striving to establish her own identity. She was last seen in Rajinikanth’s Coolie (2025).
Ranveer achieves another global milestone
Actor Ranveer Singh has become the first Indian brand ambassador for Ray-Ban and Ray-Ban Meta, adding another international association to his growing portfolio. The partnership places him alongside global personalities associated with the brands, including BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton. The collaboration brings together Singh’s passion for fashion and self-expression with Ray-Ban’s eyewear legacy and Ray-Ban Meta’s technology-driven products. It also marks a significant step in the brands’ association with the Indian market. Speaking about the partnership, Singh said, “Ray-Ban has always stood for individuality, and that is something I have connected with for as long as I can remember. Style, for me, has never been about following a fixed formula. It is about instinct, mood and having the freedom to express every version of yourself.” He added that the combination of iconic styles and cutting-edge technology made the association feel natural. Singh also expressed excitement about being part of Ray-Ban’s legacy and Meta’s vision ofmaking AI glasses accessible to everyone. The announcement comes after the success of the Dhurandhar franchise, which has kept the actor in the spotlight. With this partnership, Singh further strengthens his international brand presence, bringing his distinctive approach to style and individuality to Ray-Ban and Ray-Ban Meta’s Indian audience.
Yami sets higher goals
Winning the National Film Award has been a “true validation” and comes as an added responsibility to make better and more diverse choices, says actor Yami Gautam. The actor, who won the award for best actress for her role in Article 370 last month, is playing a mysterious new bride with superpowers in the upcoming horror-comedy Nayyi Navelli. “National Film Award is a really big honour. I think it’s a very true validation for any artist across all languages, all formats that you can receive in our country and I take it with all humility. I’ll be lying if I say, no, nothing’s changed. There’s an added responsibility in me as an artist, as an actor who’ll always try to be even more diverse, work harder and try and win and earn this love and respect that you all bestowed upon me and showered on someone like me who comes from a small town. I still feel there is a long way to go. There is so much for me to learn,” Gautam told reporters here at the trailer launch of the film. Directed by Balaji Mohan, the family entertainer revolves around a picture-perfect bride transforms a chaotic Meerut household into paradise, only for her brother-in-law.
Abhishek keen to do Kajra Re 2.0
Abhishek Bachchan has expressed his interest in returning to one of his most remembered songs, ‘Kajra Re’, nearly two decades after its release. The actor recently recalled the experience of shooting the song from Bunty Aur Babli and said he would “love” to be part of a 2.0 version, although he jokingly noted that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and his father, Amitabh Bachchan, would also need to be convinced. In a conversation with BBC Asian Network, Abhishek was asked whether he would be interested in revisiting ‘Kajra Re’ with a new version. The actor responded positively, saying, “I’m down for that. I’d love it. You have got to convince Aishwarya and my dad, though.” Reflecting on the original song, Abhishek recalled the shoot as one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career. He said the atmosphere on the sets was more like a celebration, with the cast and crew having a great time while filming the track. “I don’t know if I have had more fun shooting a song than shooting ‘Kajra Re’. It was just one big happy party. We enjoyed it so much. I still remember we were filming and it was my birthday, and they celebrated,” he said. Abhishek also shared an interesting detail about how some of the song’s candid moments came together. According to the actor, director Shaad Ali played the track for several hours on the sets, turning the shoot into an impromptu dance session. The footage captured during those moments was later incorporated into the final song.