Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn’s collaboration 'Singham Again' is highly anticipated. Rumors of Salman Khan’s cameo as Inspector Chulbul Pandey have surfaced. Rohit revealed that Salman's film 'Wanted' inspired him to create the 'Singham' series. The movie features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar and releases on November 1.Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn’s collaboration 'Singham Again' is highly anticipated. Rumors of Salman Khan’s cameo as Inspector Chulbul Pandey have surfaced. Rohit revealed that Salman's film 'Wanted' inspired him to create the 'Singham' series. The movie features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar and releases on November 1.The Night Manager, headlined by Aditya Roy Kapur, Anil Kapoor and Sobhita Dhulipala, has been nominated for the Best Drama Series in the 2024 International Emmy Awards. NDTV was the first media who reached out to Anil Kapoor and gave him the good news. Anil Kapoor, who played Shailendra 'Shelly' Rungta in the series, was extremely happy to receive the news. Thanking NDTV he said in a video message, "That's a fantastic news. I just couldn't believe it. Abira (NDTV reporter), when you just messaged me "congratulations", I said congratulations for what? And then you sent me this link. I called Sandeep (director) and the entire team. We were messaging each other. The entire team is thrilled and excited. Thank you NDTV for giving us the news."
The Night Manager will compete with Les Gouttes de Dieu [Drops of God] (France), The Newsreader - Season 2 (Australia) and Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido - Season 2 (Argentina) for the coveted position. The 2024 International Emmy Awards will take place in New York City on November 25.
The Night Manager, a television series created by Sandeep Modi, is a remake of the British television series The Night Manager (2016) based on the John Le Carre's novel of the same name. Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sobhita Dhulipala headlined the series. Tillotama Shome, Ravi Behl, Saswata Chatterjee were seen in pivotal roles in the series. The series released on Disney Plus Hotstar. The series was produced by Banijay Asia and The Ink Factory.
In his review for NDTV, film critic Saibal Chatterjee gave The Night Manager Season 2 three stars and he wrote, "If the first part was a case of style overpowering substance by a distance, Part 2 of The Night Manager moves appreciably closer to achieving some consonance between the two elements. The visual flamboyance is intact, the pacing is even and the tying up of the loose ends is infinitely neater, making this a convincing conclusion marked by steady performances and sustained technical sheen.
Salman Khan made a public appearance in Dubai after his father, Salim Khan, received a threat in Mumbai. A viral video shows Salman at Dubai Mall with heavy security. Earlier, a woman threatened Salim during his morning walk, mentioning gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Police are investigating and working to identify the woman involved.
Lawyers for Sean 'Diddy' Combs have requested that he await his sex trafficking trial at his luxury home near Miami Beach instead of a federal jail in Brooklyn, offering a $50 million bail package. Combs faces charges including sex trafficking and forced labor. Prosecutors argue he is a flight risk and should remain incarcerated until trial.
Janhvi Kapoor captivates fans in a new photoshoot video, showcasing her in an elegant white saree embellished with intricate embroidery and beading. She completes the look with statement earrings. Janhvi is set to make her Telugu debut opposite Jr NTR in 'Devara: Part 1', directed by Koratala Siva, hitting theaters on September 17.
Ananya Panday opened up about attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, stressing her genuine friendship with the couple. She dismissed rumors that celebrities were paid to attend. Ananya praised the Ambani family's hospitality and expressed a desire to avoid being stereotyped as an artist, aiming for continuous evolution in her career.
Shakira performed at LIV Miami to promote her new single, 'Soltera,' but stopped dancing after spotting someone trying to film up her skirt. In the video, she adjusts her skirt and signals off-screen to stop filming before leaving the stage. LIV Nightclub later clarified that she was asking her own team to cease filming.
Stree 2, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, continues to dominate the box office, showing no signs of slowing down even in its fifth week. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the horror-comedy has been raking in impressive numbers despite the release of new films.
Rakul Preet Singh recently shared how the 1998 classic 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' left a lasting impression on her childhood. While many were drawn to Rani Mukerji's glamorous role, Rakul was captivated by Kajol’s tomboyish character, Anjali. Reflecting on her own tomboy years, Rakul revealed how Anjali’s carefree nature and style inspired her during her formative years, shaping both her fashion sense and personal journey.Rajinikanth celebrated Onam Rajni style on the sets of Coolie. Sun Pictures shared a BTS video on Instagram in which the actor can be seen watching a song on smartphone with other crew members. Later, he jumps into impromptu dance with his team mates. Rajinikanth can be seen dressed in a traditional outfit. He wore a green shirt paired with a white mundu and amped up his swag with a pair of black shades. The veteran actor is seen dancing to Manasilaayo song (Vettaiyan) on Coolie sets. The video drew a whole lot of love on Instagram. A fan wrote, "We Got Thalaivar doing reels before GTA 6." Another fan wrote, "Enna energy at 70's." Another comment read, "Best part is Thalaivar calling Loki to dance." Take a look:
In March this year, Lokesh Kanagaraj unveiled the first-look poster of Coolie. The poster features a monochromatic image of Rajinikanth sporting a denim shirt. He is bound by a chain of wristwatches, which stand out in colour amidst the grayscale, with a conspicuous clock in the background. Sharing the poster on X (formerly known as Twitter), Lokesh Kanagaraj announced that the film's title will be unveiled on April 22. He wrote, "#Thalaivar171TitleReveal on April 22."
For the unversed, Anirudh Ravichander will once again collaborate with Rajinikanth for the project. Additionally, action choreographers Anbu-Arivu are on board. The film is being produced by Sun Pictures and is expected to release in 2025.
Speaking of Vettaiyan, the film stars Rajinikanth in the titular role, alongside an ensemble cast which includes Amitabh Bachchan (in his Tamil debut), Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan and Abhirami.
South Korean actor Kim Seon Ho recently recalled his early acting days and the financial challenges he faced. During a conversation on the YouTube channel By PDC, the actor spoke about highlighted his experience as a "role model for 'open-run' actors." Kim explained, "Open-run refers to theatre productions that run indefinitely without a set closing date, such as Rooftop Room Cat and Boeing Boeing. Many actors had already deeply analyzed the characters in these productions, so it was about following those interpretations, making it challenging to find my own take."
He also opened up about the financial realities of being an open-run actor, stating, "The pay is lower. When I was doing the play Sherlock, I only made 18,000 won (Rs 1,086) per show." Despite the financial constraints, Kim Seon Ho fondly recalled the experience, saying, "After paying for car expenses, food, and phone bills, there wasn't much left. But I lived with my parents then and felt good about chasing my dream. Maybe it was a bit naive, but it was more about the joy than the money. It still is, even now."
When asked if his parents disapproved of his career choice, Kim Seon Ho shared, "No, they were actually really supportive. When I told them I wanted to act in high school, they simply said, 'Go for it.' They grew up in a difficult time and didn't have the luxury of chasing dreams. Survival was their main focus."
He added, "Even later on, they never pressured me. They were just thrilled to see me perform." When asked if his parents still attend his shows, Kim Seon Ho smiled and said, "Absolutely. They recently came to see The Pursuit of Happiness, and they were like excited teenagers! So pure and happy."
On the work front, Kim Seon Ho was last seen in The Childe. His upcoming projects include Can This Love Be Translated?, When Life Gives You Tangerines, In the Net and Tyrant. He has also appeared in popular K-dramas such as Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Start-Up, Two Cops, Run On, Welcome to Waikiki 2, Good Manager, You Drive Me Crazy and others.
The 76th Emmy Awards are set for Sunday, just nine months after the last ceremony. FX's 'Shogun' leads with 25 nominations and has already won 14 Creative Arts Emmys. The show will be hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, with 'The Bear' also expected to perform well along with the limited series 'Baby Reindeer'.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s latest film ‘The Buckingham Murders,’ directed by Hansal Mehta, has hit cinemas. She portrays a British-Indian detective navigating both a murder investigation and personal challenges. Audience reactions highlight the film’s gripping storyline and Kareena’s compelling performance, marking it as an engaging thriller worth watching.
Rohit Shetty's 'Singham Again' is on a tight schedule to meet its November release date. After 151 days of filming with stars like Ajay Devgn and Deepika Padukone, the team is pushing hard to complete shooting and enter post-production. The film aims for a Diwali festive release with intense action sequences expected.Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film Love And War, starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, just got a new release date. It is slated to hit the screens on March 20, 2026. Love And War was earlier scheduled to release on Christmas of 2025. Love And War marks Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first project with Vicky Kaushal. He has previously worked with Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi and with Ranbir Kapoor in the actor's debut film Saawariya.
Love And War will be Vicky Kaushal's second project with Ranbir Kapoor after the 2018 Sanjay Dutt biopic Sanju. He shared screen space with Alia Bhatt the same year in Meghna Gulzar's Raazi.
The film was announced in January this year. "An eternal cinema dream has come true," read the caption on the post shared by Vicky Kaushal, who is one of the lead actors.
Ranbir Kapoor married Alia Bhatt in April 2022. The star couple had been dating for over 5 years before getting married. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their first child, a baby daughter on November 6 the same year. Their love story began on the sets of Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's last directorial project was the Netflix web-series Heeramandi , which featured Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Taha Shah Badussha, Adhyayan and Shekhar Suman and Fardeen Khan. Heeramandi showcased the lives of courtesans, set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle. The series is an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom.
Salman Khan visited Malaika Arora's mother's residence to offer condolences after Anil Mehta's death. Accompanied by bodyguards due to recent death threats, the actor was seen surrounded by 6 men in uniform as he walked from his car to the residential building. The Mumbai Police are investigating the incident, initially considered a suicide but has not ruled out the possibly an accidental death.
Halle Berry revealed she took a three-year break from dating following her separation from Olivier Martinez. During this time, she focused on self-reflection and therapy, which helped her redefine her approach to relationships. This journey led her to musician Van Hunt. Berry will star in 'Never Let Go,' releasing on September 20, 2024.
Suhana Khan's recent photos in a red saree drew attention from rumoured boyfriend Agastya Nanda and his family. The post was also liked by her friends and other notable figures. Suhana is set to debut in 'King' with Shah Rukh Khan, while Agastya will star in 'Ikkis'.Rashmika Mandanna, who has been notably inactive on social media recently, has opened up about a minor accident she experienced. On Monday, the actress shared an update on her situation. Sharing a picture of herself on Instagram, Rashmika wrote, "I know it's been a while since I came on here or was even seen in public. The reason I haven't been very active in last month is because I had a little accident, (a minor one) and I was recovering and was staying at home as I was told to by the doctors." She reassured her fans that she is now on the mend and ready to return to work.
In her message, Rashmika spoke about the importance of self-care, stating, "Make it a priority to take care of yourself -always!! Because life is super fragile and short and we don't know if we will have a tomorrow so choose happiness every day."
On the work front, Rashmika Mandanna was last seen in Ranbir Kapoor's film Animal. It is gearing up for her next major role in the sequel to Pushpa: The Rise, starring Allu Arjun. Directed by Sukumar, the film is set to release on December 6, coinciding with Chhava. In Chhava, Rashmika will portray Yeshubai Bhosle, the wife of Sambhaji Maharaj, alongside Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta.
Ananya Panday, who is enjoying the success of her web series 'Call Me Bae,' took cooking lessons from filmmaker Farah Khan. She humorously attempted to chop vegetables and cook Chinese chicken fried rice. Her father, Chunky Panday, was impressed by her skills. The series is praised for its self-aware humor and strong performances but lacks new storytelling elements. Read more.Ananya Panday's latest Instagram post must not be missed. The actress has shared a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from her recent release, Call Me Bae. The first image shows her sitting on a chair. Following that, there are stunning shots of Ananya, dressed as her character Bella Chowdhary aka Bae. We also see a clapperboard through a camera screen, an image of Ananya posing with her co-star MusCakkaan Jaferi, a vada pav with a beachy backdrop, a cute mirror selfie video and a close-up of her pink footwear. The final slide features Ananya with her mother, Bhavana Pandey.
In her elaborate caption, Ananya Panday shared stories behind all the photos. She wrote, “Some #CallMeBAE moments (binge now on Prime Video ) 1. GUTS if you haven't seen the show yet 2. & 3. bae's face before and after you see the show 4. Bae has a scarf hidden in almost every look she wears!! How many can you spot? 5. First shot of the shoot! Right before I tripped and fell over all the LV bags 6. My Muskiiiii Sairu #BehenCode 7. Cute shoes 8. Aloooo squishy which actually I had had in real life and Gurfateh Singh Pirzada (Neel) never had! 9. She's cute! Even when she sleeps 10. Cryyyying 11. Mama came to TRP set.”
Responding to the post, Muskkaan Jaferi wrote, “Oodles of pyaar (love) for my forever bae!!!! #behencode.” Bhavana Pandey drooped red hearts.
Ahead of Call Me Bae's release, Ananya Panday talked about how she played her dream role in the series. She told PTI, "They (makers) sent me eight episodes in a go, and when I read it, I felt, I'm could die to be part of this'. As a character, there's so much to do, so much to chew on. There are so many layers to the character.”
"There's a full journey, and the audience goes through everything with her. That was very exciting. But just not the character, even the story that it is. It is very light, fun and happy but there's something that we are trying to say by the end of the show, there's a big message there," Ananya Panday added.
Call Me Bae was released on Prime Video on September 6. The show also features Naman Arora, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vir Das and others.
Dakota Johnson's directorial debut Loser Baby premieres at the Toronto Film Festival. She expressed how naturally directing came to her and hinted at future projects. The film, written by Thalia Bernstein, explores queer relationships, while Johnson fostered a fun set atmosphere, encouraging improvisation. She humorously admitted to overdoing caffeine during filming.
Salman Khan participated in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at his sister Arpita Khan Sharma's home in Mumbai. He performed the evening aarti with his niece Ayat Sharma. Family members including Salim Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, and Aayush Sharma took part. Celebrities like Varun Sharma and Iulia Vantur also attended the festivities.
Badshah opened up about his marriage to Jasmine Masih, whom he met on Facebook and married in 2012. Cultural differences due to her London upbringing caused their separation in 2020. Despite efforts, they couldn't reconcile these differences. He highlighted the pressures of marriage and advised careful consideration before committing.
Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Sharma celebrate the 5th anniversary of their film 'Chhichhore' by paying tribute to their late co-star Sushant Singh Rajput. Both actors posted heartfelt messages on social media, sharing memories from the film's set. Fans also took to social media to express their love and nostalgia for Rajput.
Salim Khan discussed Bollywood's declining appeal compared to South Indian cinema, praising its action, fresh faces, and superior entertainment. He also highlighted the success of RRR and attributed Bollywood's fading "common man" stories to the decline in reading, once vital for meaningful writing.
Remo D’Souza recently opened up about his heart attack in 2020, calling it a terrifying experience due to a '100 percent blockage.' The choreographer and director, who underwent angiography at Kokilaben Hospital, shared his gratitude toward Salman Khan, who stayed in constant contact with his wife Lizelle D'Souza throughout the entire ordeal.
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, set to release 'Visfot', expressed a desire to re-release his 2002 crime thriller 'Kaante'. With re-releases gaining popularity post-pandemic, Gupta believes that 'Kaante' remains relevant and appealing, especially for younger audiences who may have missed its original release.
Sonakshi Sinha recounted a funny moment from her debut film 'Dabangg', where she requested a BlackBerry phone as payment at age 21. She also highlighted Salman Khan's connection with the audience and dedication to his craft as key factors in his superstar status. Sonakshi now takes an interest in managing her finances.
In a 2011 interview, Amitabh Bachchan stated he would equally divide his property between daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda and son Abhishek Bachchan. He emphasized no differentiation between them. Senior Bachchan revealed that he and his wife Jaya made a decision together many years ago. He emphasized that, despite society's tendency to view daughters as ‘paraya dhan,’ or belonging to their husband’s family, he strongly believes that his daughter, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, holds the same rights as his son, Abhishek Bachchan.
Ananya Panday's eagerly awaited series Call Me Bae premiered on September 4 with a star-studded blue carpet event. The show, debuting on Prime Video on September 6, was attended by Bollywood’s elite. Ananya praised the show’s writing team for their detailed research and discussed how her role as Bae allowed her to portray a more positive and transparent character.
The first official clip from 'Joker: Folie à Deux' has been released, showcasing Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn alongside Joaquin Phoenix's Joker. The film, directed by Todd Philips, is set to be a jukebox musical and will release in India on October 2, ahead of its worldwide release on October 4.
Sushmita Sen uses the number 47 frequently, from Instagram usernames to her car. She began noticing it everywhere over a decade ago and discovered its spiritual meaning in Kabbalah, symbolizing "I am." This inspired her to live in the present and serve a purpose beyond herself.
Flip through these Stunning photos celebrating the soon-to-be parents, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh ahead of their baby's arrival, due this September.
Janhvi Kapoor has been making headlines after her father Boney Kapoor confirmed her relationship with her childhood sweetheart Shikhar Pahariya. The couple has been frequently spotted together and on Sunday night, Janhvi was seen enjoying a casual yet joyful evening with Shikhar and her sister Khushi Kapoor.
Kangana Ranaut recently shared that she almost lost her role in the Mahesh Bhatt produced film Gangster. She revealed that Mahesh Bhatt initially doubted her ability to play the role because he thought she was too young. She recounted how she managed to secure her role in the film even after nearly losing it to Chitrangda Singh.
Yo Yo Honey Singh has recently shared how his rise to fame and battle with addiction led him to distance himself from his family. Although he has agreed not to publicly discuss his divorce from ex-wife Shalini Talwar, the rapper has briefly acknowledged how he neglected her due to various influences.
Recently, Veena Nagda revealed the details of Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar's "surprise" wedding and shared amusing stories from the mehendi ritual.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui discusses why professional training is required in the field and how his daughter Shora is pursuing acting training in London. He shared that every workshop and training institute can teach you things that you might not have known about. The actor talked about the importance of training for actors and said that there is expertise in everything.
After a lengthy shoot for Hansal Mehta's upcoming series Gandhi, Pratik Gandhi is now wrapping up the final stages of his new series, which is being hailed as one of the most ambitious projects. The series, set in the 1970s, is a fictional espionage story inspired by real-life events, with Pratik playing an Indian agent, according to our sources.
Dr. Mark Chavez is set to appear in federal court following a plea deal to admit guilt to distributing ketamine linked to Matthew Perry's death. He confesses to obtaining the drug illicitly and will assist prosecutors. The primary suspects, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and dealer Jasveen Sangha, have pleaded not guilty and await trial.
Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh have given fans a glimpse into the Kashmir schedule of their upcoming film 'Alpha.' The actresses shared images from the scenic sets, generating excitement. Directed by Shiv Rawail, 'Alpha' is part of the YRF Spy Universe, which includes hits like 'Pathaan,' 'Tiger,' and 'War.' Fans are eager for more updates.
The Punjabi-Haryanvi romantic comedy 'Kudi Haryane Val Di,' starring Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa, will be available for streaming on Chaupal from September 5, 2024. The film has already captivated theater audiences since June 14, 2024, with its humor, romance, and cultural nuances. The intriguing plot and strong performances have been particularly praised.
Rhea Chakraborty posted adorable pictures with BFF Shibani Dandekar and brother Showik Chakraborty wishing them on their birthday.
Senior Marathi cinema actress Suhasini Deshpande, known for her impactful performances, has passed away at her Pune home. Her last film was the 2011 Bollywood hit Singham. Starting at the age of 12, she starred in over 100 films. Her final rites will be conducted tomorrow at the Vaikunth crematorium. The art world is mourning her loss.
Babil Khan, son of late actor Irrfan Khan, shared a heartfelt Instagram post with childhood photos of him and his father, simply captioned 'Grief.' The images captured poignant moments that resonated with fans, evoking support and sympathy. Irrfan Khan, known for roles in 'Life of Pi' and 'The Lunchbox,' passed away in April 2020. Babil debuted in 2022 with 'Qala.'
Aamir Khan, in a podcast conversation with Rhea Chakraborty, discussed his son Junaid Khan's debut in ‘Maharaj’ and expressed initial doubts about Junaid's acting career. Despite concerns regarding comparisons and pressure, Junaid trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and successfully showcased his talent in the film, facing multiple rejections first.
Veteran actress Honey Irani, Javed Akhtar's ex-wife, celebrated her birthday today with a family gathering. Star kids like Suhana Khan, Ananya Panday, Agastya Nanda, and Shanaya Kapoor attended, dressed stylishly. Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar recently reflected on how his parents' divorce influenced his own separation from Adhuna Bhabani, especially regarding their children's well-being.
Farhan Akhtar’s life, shaped by his parents' divorce, influenced his approach to his own marriage and eventual separation from Adhuna Bhabani. Despite handling the divorce with care, he remains concerned about its impact on his children. Professionally, Farhan is set to direct Don 3 with Ranveer Singh in 2025.
Justin Bieber flew to Mumbai for a day to perform at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding event, reportedly earning $10 million. Sources suggest financial pressure due to his wife Hailey's lavish spending motivated him. The couple recently announced the birth of their child, Jack Blues Bieber on Saturday morning in a special social media post.
Rajkummar Rao's film 'Stree 2' achieved significant success globally. In an interview, Rao expressed his preference for surprising his audience with diverse performances, rather than building a consistent brand image like Shah Rukh Khan. He emphasized acting as an art form rather than a business, focusing on creativity instead of being confined to specific labels.
Kareena Kapoor Khan returned from a sunny vacation with Saif Ali Khan and their kids to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. Now, she's enjoying Mumbai's monsoon, cheering for her kids in the rain. She also reconnected with industry friends, sharing moments from their reunion. Kareena's next film, Singham Again, releases on Diwali 2024.
Emraan Hashmi delighted fans by sharing romantic vacation photos with his wife, Parveen, after wrapping up his film 'G2.' The actor, known for his roles in 'Shanghai' and 'Mumbai Saga,' enjoyed quality time with his family. Fans praised the couple's beautiful moments amidst stunning backdrops of sun, sand, and sea.
Released on August 15, 'Stree 2' featuring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao is performing strongly at the box office with earnings of Rs 275.35 crore in its first week
Ananya Panday reflects on her growth as an actress, highlighting the impact of working on Gehraiyaan and learning from Deepika Padukone and Shakun Batra. She describes her meticulous preparation for roles, including knowing her co-stars' lines and delving deeply into her characters' worlds, which enhances her improvisation on set.Producer-director Karan Johar on Tuesday said it's been 23 years since Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham released and if two of its characters, Rohan Raichand and Pooja Sharma, had a baby girl, she would be Bae from the upcoming series Call Me Bae.
Karan Johar, who serves as an executive producer on the Prime Video show, said the character of Bae -- played by Ananya Panday in her series debut -- is a "glorious Gen Z 2.0 derivative" of Kareena Kapoor Khan's iconic fashionista Poo aka Pooja from his 2001 feature film.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham ends with Poo and Rohan, essayed by Hrithik Roshan, tying the knot.
"If Rohan and Pooja now would have had to have had a baby girl, she would be Bae. I'm just talking because she really is a glorious Gen Z 2.0 derivative of Poo. It's like where Poo ends, Bae takes off.
"That's the best way that I can describe her because even when you saw the character of Poo, it started with all the fun and games and then, she contributes to the emotional gravitas of the ongoings in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," Johar told reporters here at the trailer launch of the series.
"Call Me Bae" will see Panday essay the role of Bae, a billionaire fashionista, who is disowned by her ultra-rich family. How she fends for herself by becoming a journalist, overcomes stereotypes, and discovers who she really is forms the core of the story.
Johar said the series, directed by Collin D'Cunha and created by Ishita Moitra, is fun and cool but it also has a "universal appeal and message".
"Full credit to Ishita Moitra, who is the creator of the show along with her glorious team, both Rohit Nair and Samina Motlekar who have given all the fun, the needed and required gravitas (to the series).
"There are a lot of meaningful things that happen in the show through this character. But I will not say that it is a textbook-on-journalism kind of show. The show's communication and politics is strong, everyone in India and abroad will be able to relate to it," he added.
"Call Me Bae" hails from Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital arm of Johar's Dharma Productions. Besides Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra also serve as executive producers on the show.
Johar, who launched Panday in his 2017 production "Student of the Year 2", said it is the actor's best work so far.
"Everyone watching stories that are from rags to riches, this is from riches to rags. And in a tone of humour, in a tone of irony, and also towards the end, a tone of empowerment depicted so beautifully by Ananya Panday.
"I would go as far as saying that you have seen her in a lot of work and she has been growing from strength to strength. But this is by far her best work and will define her in the world of entertainment," he added.
Also starring Vir Das, Mini Mathur, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, and Vihaan Samat, "Call Me Bae" will arrive on Prime Video on September 6. PTI COR RDS RB
