Actor and entrepreneur Akshay Kumar has appointed Exceed Group of Companies as a strategic partner to oversee and consolidate his brand and business operations. The move is aimed at strengthening the management structure around Kumar’s professional interests and aligning them with long-term business objectives. Akshay Kumar has, over the years, built a structured business ecosystem supported by a core leadership team led by Vedant Baali, along with associate Zenobia Kohla, who continue to handle strategy, growth, and day-to-day operations. The inclusion of Exceed Group into this framework is intended to streamline brand strategy, partnerships, and commercial planning across his ventures.

In a statement, Akshay Kumar said the decision was driven by the importance of building strong teams to support sustainable growth. He noted that the association aligns with his broader approach to long-term value creation across his brand and business interests. Akshay Kumar said, “I have always believed that strong teams and the right people are key to building a sustainable enterprise. Getting the Exceed Group on board aligns with this thought and long-term value creation across my brand and business interests.”

Widely regarded as a consistent and reliable presence in Indian cinema and brand endorsements, Kumar continues to maintain a strong cross-market presence, with appeal across regions and audience segments. His long-standing visibility and consumer trust have positioned him as a preferred collaborator for both domestic and international brands.

Afsar Zaidi, Founder of Exceed Group of Companies, said the partnership would focus on creating a more streamlined and future-oriented structure to support strategic growth, while preserving the core equity of Kumar’s brand. Afsar Zaidi, Founder, Exceed Group of Companies, added, “Akshay Kumar represents consistency, credibility and scale, values that strongly align with Exceed’s approach to brand and business building. Our focus will be on creating a streamlined, future ready ecosystem that supports strategic growth while maintaining the integrity of his brand.”

The development reflects Kumar’s measured approach to brand management and business planning. With Exceed Group now part of his extended team, the emphasis is expected to remain on aligned strategy, controlled expansion, and sustained value creation over the long term.

Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have dominated Bollywood for over three decades, shaping generations of cinema lovers and delivering countless blockbusters. However, actor Imran Khan believes the industry’s most iconic trio may need to reassess the kind of roles they choose going forward. In a candid conversation with SHOWSHA, Imran suggested that the three Khans should consider transitioning into more age-appropriate characters instead of continuing as traditional leading men.

Imran, who has recently made his long-awaited return to the entertainment industry with Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, spoke openly about how changing audience sensibilities demand more relatable storytelling. The project, produced under his banner, also features a cameo by his maternal uncle, Aamir Khan. Reflecting on longevity in cinema, Imran said that leading-man roles often come with a natural expiry date.

“As a leading man, actors also start to age out,” Imran explained. “There are certain years where you can work as a leading man, and then there comes an age where you are not able to play those roles.” He added that after enjoying nearly 30 years of stardom and entering their 60s, actors like Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir might benefit from evolving the characters they portray.

According to Imran, the audience today looks for stories that reflect their own lives and experiences. “There is a whole new younger generation that begins to attach itself to people closer to them in age and experience,” he said. “When we watch films or shows, first and foremost, we are trying to see ourselves in those stories and characters.”

He further pointed out that relatability plays a huge role in modern storytelling. “The younger generation might not want to watch the story of a 70-year-old man,” Imran remarked, suggesting that casting choices and narratives need to align more closely with audience expectations.

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Despite his observations, Imran acknowledged the massive fan bases the three Khans continue to command. In recent years, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have all seen a mix of box-office hits and misses, yet their stardom remains largely intact. Their films continue to generate intense curiosity and discussion, proving their enduring influence on Hindi cinema.

Imran’s comments have sparked debate online, with many agreeing that reinvention is key to longevity, while others feel the Khans still have the star power to headline big films. Whether or not the trio chooses to transition into different kinds of roles, one thing is certain—the conversation around age, relatability and evolving stardom in Bollywood is louder than ever.

Actor Adarsh Gourav has undertaken extensive field research to prepare for his role as a local rapper in the upcoming film Tu Yaa Main. To develop the character, Adarsh Gourav immersed himself in Mumbai’s underground hip-hop scene, spending time with independent artists across multiple neighbourhoods to better understand the cultural and social realities that shape the music.

As part of this process, the actor travelled through areas including Govandi, Nalasopara, Kurla, Dharavi and Andheri, where he interacted with several artists associated with the city’s independent rap movement. These included Vijay Dada, Gravity, Shakespeare, Neazy, Akku, 7 Bantai, Ace, Kinga, Ninja, Yeda Anna, and Loca, among others.

According to Gourav, the preparation extended beyond observation and included informal jam sessions and conversations around personal histories, creative processes, and the socio-economic challenges faced by artists working outside the mainstream music industry. He said this engagement helped him understand how environment and lived experience influence artistic voice, rhythm and identity.

To align physically with the character, Gourav also made changes to his appearance, including getting a facial piercing, as part of his effort to present the role as organically as possible. He noted that the intent was to move beyond scripted interpretation and build a character shaped by real-world influences.

The actor added that the experience deepened his understanding of Mumbai’s underground rap community, particularly the role music plays as a means of expression and survival. He said this perspective informed the emotional and cultural layers of his character, Maruti, beyond what was outlined in the screenplay.

Tu Yaa Main is expected to feature this research-driven approach as a central element of Gourav’s performance, with the actor continuing his practice of grounding fictional roles in real-life contexts.

Ratpack Stories has entered into a production partnership with Mad Man Films to jointly develop and produce two feature films. The projects will be directed by Nikhil Bhat (Kill) and Saket Chaudhry (Hindi Medium), respectively. Mad Man Films was founded by producer Madhu Mantena, while Ratpack Stories is led by Kshitij Mehta. The partnership is being facilitated within the Collective Artists Network ecosystem, of which Ratpack Stories is a part.

According to the companies, both films are currently in the development stage and are expected to span different genres. The collaboration is positioned around director-led projects with an emphasis on theatrical storytelling, though specific plot details have not yet been disclosed.

Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, said the partnership aligns with the company’s broader objective of enabling long-term creative collaborations between producers and filmmakers.

Madhu Mantena, who launched Mad Man Films after exiting Phantom Films last year, said the collaboration with Ratpack Stories had evolved organically over recent months. He described Kshitij Mehta as a key creative collaborator and said the formalisation of the partnership followed ongoing discussions around multiple projects.

Kshitij Mehta said the decision to formalise the partnership came after a period of creative collaboration, adding that the intent was to support distinctive stories with strong audience connect through filmmakers such as Nikhil Bhat and Saket Chaudhry.

Further details related to the two films, including casting and production timelines, are expected to be announced at a later stage.

Actress Tara Sutaria has found herself in the spotlight once again, this time amid ongoing rumours about her alleged breakup with Veer Pahariya. While neither Tara nor Veer has publicly addressed the speculation, the actress has opened up about her approach to life, success and mental peace, offering a glimpse into how she handles personal turbulence away from public scrutiny.

In a recent interview with Elle India, Tara spoke candidly about what success truly means to her. “I’ve always believed success is internal,” she shared. “Peace of mind, a handful of people who love you, knowing yourself—that’s always been the goal.” The actress added that over the years, she has learned the importance of protecting her emotional well-being. “I’ve learned how to protect my peace,” Tara said, emphasising how self-awareness has become central to her life.

Growing up in the public eye hasn’t always been easy. Tara admitted that it took time for her to understand how to manage anxiety and external pressure. “Only we know how to calm our nervous systems,” she explained, highlighting self-reflection as her personal anchor. Rather than reacting to every opinion or headline, she now chooses to look inward for balance.

Tara also addressed the way actors are often misunderstood by the public. She said she no longer feels the need to constantly clarify or defend herself. “As long as I know the truth, and the people closest to me do, that’s enough,” she stated. The comment comes amid heightened curiosity surrounding her personal life, particularly after reports of her alleged split with Veer Pahariya surfaced last year.

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Speculation intensified after singer AP Dhillon hugged and kissed Tara on stage during his Mumbai concert, sparking online chatter. Though Tara had previously shut down negativity surrounding her relationship with Veer, the timing of the incident led many to question whether it contributed to the alleged breakup. However, both Tara and Veer have remained silent on the matter, choosing not to fuel the rumours.

In a December 2025 interview with Hindustan Times, Tara reiterated her desire to keep her personal life private. “I navigate the scrutiny and attention that comes with fame with grace and perspective,” she said. “I focus on the love, not the noise. I step back, disconnect, and return to my core—my family and close friends keep me grounded.”

On the professional front, Tara Sutaria will next be seen in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026, where it will clash with Dhurandhar 2.

Rumours about Shah Rukh Khan reuniting with filmmaker Farah Khan for a sequel to the 2004 blockbuster Main Hoon Na have been doing the rounds for months, sending fans of the cult classic into a frenzy. Several reports recently claimed that Main Hoon Na 2 would be Shah Rukh Khan’s next big project after his upcoming film King. However, Farah Khan has now finally addressed the speculation—and firmly shut it down.

According to earlier reports, the much-hyped sequel was said to feature Shah Rukh Khan in a double role, portraying two starkly different characters. It was also rumoured that the core concept for the sequel had come directly from SRK himself, with writer Aakash Kaushik reportedly working on the screenplay. Adding fuel to the excitement were claims that Main Hoon Na 2 would rely heavily on nostalgia, bringing back key characters from the original film while introducing new faces to appeal to a younger audience. Given the film’s iconic songs, humour and emotional beats, fans were quick to believe the buzz.

Putting an end to all speculation, Farah Khan recently reacted to the rumours and urged fans not to trust unverified reports. “Don’t believe in all these rumours,” she stated, clearly dismissing the idea that Main Hoon Na 2 is currently in development. With this brief but firm response, Farah made it clear that there are no plans—at least for now—to revisit the beloved film.

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Interestingly, Farah also revisited a lesser-known chapter from the making of Main Hoon Na. Despite becoming a massive box-office success, the film nearly fell apart just two weeks before shooting began. Actress Ayesha Takia, who had initially been cast as Sanjana, exited the project unexpectedly after signing another film, Socha Na Tha.

With Shah Rukh Khan, Zayed Khan and Sushmita Sen already locked, locations finalised and costumes prepared, the sudden setback left Farah panicked—especially since it was her directorial debut. The crisis was resolved when Gauri Khan suggested Amrita Rao after seeing her in a coffee commercial. Though initially unsure, Farah was convinced after watching Amrita perform an emotional scene opposite SRK, and the casting decision was made instantly.

The rest, as they say, is history. Main Hoon Na went on to become a blockbuster, and Amrita Rao’s portrayal of Sanjana remains unforgettable. For now, however, fans hoping for Main Hoon Na 2 will have to wait, as the sequel remains nothing more than a rumour.

Even months after its release, Dhurandhar continues to create waves on OTT platforms, with the wedding dance number Shararat emerging as a fan favorite. Featuring Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza, the song has amassed massive popularity online, becoming a chartbuster with over 200 million views on YouTube. Recently, Ayesha gave fans an intimate glimpse behind the scenes, revealing the challenges she faced while shooting the song.

In a candid interaction with Pinkvilla, Ayesha admitted that she was on her period during the grueling two-day shoot of Shararat. She said, “It was so hectic. I was on my period during the shoot, and you know you’re not looking your best because you’re bloated and you’re not at your best. Kaash, I was at my best. It was so much work for two days… we were running short on time. We were so tired, our bones were aching after dancing so much. I was feeling so overwhelmed, and it was also because I was on my period, so maybe my emotions were hitting me too much. So, I just couldn’t control and I just cried. It was Khushi ke aansu (tears of joy).”

Her revelation drew an outpouring of admiration from fans on social media. One user wrote, “Omg, how did you dance and do the difficult steps during your period! Hats off to her!” Another commented, “Periods, no way! You owned the show! Period!” Others echoed similar sentiments, praising her dedication and professionalism despite the physical and emotional challenges.

The energetic track is set during a lavish wedding celebration in Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh. Ayesha and Krystle play wedding dancers performing at a posh Karachi wedding, bringing joy, glamour, and rhythmic energy to the scene. The song, composed by Sashwat Sachdev and sung by Madhubanti Bagchi and Jasmine Sandlas, has been choreographed by renowned dance director Vijay Ganguly. Its catchy beats, vibrant visuals, and flawless execution have contributed to its viral success.

Sharing her gratitude for the overwhelming fan response, Ayesha had previously posted a heartfelt note when Shararat crossed 100 million views. She wrote, “I promise my audience I am here to rule, and nothing can stop me, and this doesn’t come out of arrogance, but purely out of the hard work I put into things I love. I have so much trust in my craft and in the Almighty that I know one day I’ll have everything I have prayed for. Blessed to have a family that’s just there to support me no matter what! My spine. My strength. Special thanks to @sarvesh_shashi for being there through thick and thin. @shahabaz__khan__ thank you for existing. I am NOTHING without you. Words can never describe what you mean to me. May 2026 bring amazing things and hard learnt lessons in our lives. Cause what is AYESHA KHAN without a little bit of drama?”

Dhurandhar, a spy thriller, stars Ranveer Singh in the lead alongside Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt. Released in December 2025, the film became India’s highest-grossing movie of the year, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Its OTT release has further amplified its popularity, especially with younger audiences discovering songs like Shararat.

The film’s sequel is already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, promising to continue the spy thriller saga with more action, drama, and high-energy performances. Meanwhile, Shararat remains a symbol of dedication, resilience, and sheer talent, with Ayesha Khan’s candid revelation reminding fans of the effort behind the glamorous on-screen performances. Her ability to deliver a flawless, energetic dance despite physical discomfort has only strengthened her reputation as one of the most hardworking and committed performers in the industry today.