Celebrity chef and filmmaker Vikas Khanna is set to bring an emotionally layered story to the screen with Imaginary Rain, a film adapted from his 2023 book of the same name. Featuring powerhouse performer Shabana Azmi alongside Prateik Smita Patil, the film explores themes of memory, identity, and healing.

A recently shared behind-the-scenes moment from the film has drawn attention for its emotional resonance. In the clip, Shabana Azmi and Prateik are seen seated on a staircase sharing a warm embrace. The actress mentions that the moment felt special after 25 years, adding a touching layer of nostalgia.

The interaction also carried a deeper connection, as both reflected on the memory of Prateik’s mother, legendary actress Smita Patil. The moment symbolised not just collaboration but also remembrance and continuity across generations.

Imaginary Rain follows the journey of a celebrated chef based in Manhattan who reconnects with her Indian roots after facing personal loss. Portrayed by Shabana Azmi, the character navigates grief and rediscovery through food, family, and cultural identity. Prateik also plays an important role in the narrative.

The film, written and directed by Vikas Khanna, delves into emotional themes such as sorrow, resilience, and the search for meaning. Food becomes a central metaphor — representing both memory and renewal.

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Earlier, Khanna described the project as one of his most meaningful works. He expressed pride in directing Shabana Azmi, calling it a major highlight of his creative journey. The film also features music by A. R. Rahman, adding another dimension to its storytelling.

Khanna previously made his directorial debut with The Last Color, starring Neena Gupta. Alongside his filmmaking pursuits, he has also returned to television as a judge on MasterChef India 2026, alongside chefs Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapoor.

With Imaginary Rain, Vikas Khanna continues to expand his storytelling beyond the kitchen, presenting a narrative that blends personal experience with universal themes of connection and rediscovery.

The makers of Shatak: Sangh Ke 100 Varsh have unveiled the film’s much-anticipated trailer, offering audiences a compelling glimpse into its historical narrative. Adding gravitas to the preview is the voice of Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, whose narration sets the tone for a story rooted in resilience, service, and enduring values.

The film draws inspiration from the words and vision of M. S. Golwalkar, often referred to as Guruji, highlighting themes of sacrifice and commitment over a century-long journey. Through documented references and symbolic imagery, including the Bhagwa, the narrative aims to present perspectives on historical moments and contributions associated with the organisation’s legacy.

Speaking about his involvement, Ajay Devgn expressed that being associated with the film was a meaningful experience. He acknowledged the significance of a century as more than just a passage of time, describing it as a reflection of sustained dedication and collective effort.

According to him, the story explored in Shatak goes beyond the journey of an institution and instead highlights an idea shaped by perseverance and purpose. He noted that lending his voice to a narrative that focuses on resilience and shared values offered him an opportunity to contribute to a project that reflects long-standing efforts in areas such as service, unity, and cultural identity.

The film is positioned as an attempt to revisit lesser-discussed chapters of history through a cinematic lens. By drawing upon archival insights and symbolic storytelling, it seeks to present a layered account of events and ideas that have evolved over time.

Produced by Vir Kapur and made in association with Panorama Studios, the film is directed by Ashish Mall and co-produced by Ashish Tiwari. The creative team aims to combine research-based perspectives with engaging storytelling to offer audiences a reflective viewing experience.

With its focus on history, values, and legacy, Shatak: Sangh Ke 100 Varsh is set for a nationwide theatrical release on 20 February 2026. The trailer’s unveiling has already sparked interest, positioning the film as a narrative-driven exploration of a century marked by continuity and conviction

Ananya Panday is embracing her evolution — both as an actor and as a person. From making her debut at just 18 in Student of the Year 2 to delivering nuanced performances in films like Gehraiyaan, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, and Kesari Chapter 2, the actress believes her journey has unfolded right before the public’s eyes.

In a recent conversation with Variety India, Ananya reflected on how growing up in the spotlight shaped her choices and perspective. When asked whether her recent shift toward more layered roles was intentional, she admitted that it was.

“Yes, it definitely was conscious,” she shared. “I was 18 when I started out… still a teenager when I began working, got my first film and started giving interviews. I feel like I’ve grown up in front of people; they’ve seen my journey.”

She explained that while her growth has been natural — much like any young woman transitioning from 18 to 27 — it has also required greater self-awareness because it played out publicly. “I’ve always been an open book, and I still am,” she said. “But now I know where to say what, which I didn’t earlier. I wouldn’t say I’m filtered, but I’m a little more conscious.”

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Ananya also spoke about how certain films changed the way the industry perceives her. She believes Gehraiyaan was a turning point. “When someone sees you do something unexpected, they say, ‘Oh, she can do this? We never thought she could.’ That’s what happened with Gehraiyaan,” she explained.

The performance caught the attention of filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, who later cast her in CTRL. “He told me he hadn’t seen that mature side of me before,” she revealed, adding that opportunities often follow when people begin to view you differently. She described it as a domino effect — one role leading to another.

Ananya also expressed gratitude for being part of Kesari Chapter 2, noting that audiences were pleasantly surprised by the film and her role in it. She hopes that the makers envisioning her in such diverse parts will continue to open new doors.

Now, with experience and confidence on her side, Ananya Panday is stepping into a phase where she feels more aware, more prepared, and ready to be seen in a new light.

Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, hit theatres on January 23, 2026, and struck an emotional chord with audiences across the country. Directed by Anurag Singh, the epic war drama managed to carve its own identity despite inevitable comparisons to its iconic predecessor. With strong performances and patriotic fervor, the film enjoyed a successful run at the box office.

To celebrate the film’s success, the team hosted a special media meet-and-greet in Mumbai on February 12. During the interaction, Varun Dhawan, who portrayed Param Vir Chakra recipient Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, opened up about the challenges he faced before the film’s release — and the unexpected support he received from Salman Khan.

Ahead of Border 2’s release, Varun found himself at the center of social media trolling. A brief moment in the trailer, where he was seen smiling, sparked criticism online. Many questioned whether he was suited to play a serious war hero, casting doubts on his casting. However, Varun chose to remain silent and let his performance speak for itself.

Speaking to the media, the Badlapur actor revealed that during the height of the trolling, he received a late-night call from Salman Khan. “When all this was happening, I got a call from Salman bhai at night. He was just laughing and said, ‘Good things are about to come.’ That’s all he told me,” Varun shared. He added that Salman’s belief in him meant a great deal during that difficult phase.

After Border 2 proved its mettle at the box office, Salman called again — this time with words that deeply moved Varun. Recalling the moment, he said, “It was 2 am and after hearing what he said, I literally stood up on my bed. He told me, ‘I am proud of you, beta.’ That was a defining moment for me because he doesn’t praise people easily.”

Varun admitted that Salman’s appreciation gave him immense confidence. “He didn’t need to do that, but his praise meant a lot,” he said, adding that he always believed in the film and left the rest to faith.

Apart from the lead stars, Border 2 also featured Anya Singh, Medha Rana, and Sonam Bajwa, whose performances were equally appreciated by audiences. With its emotional depth and patriotic spirit, the film has now cemented its place as a memorable chapter in modern war cinema.