Kartik Aaryan starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released in November 2024, emerged as one of the year’s biggest entertainers, performing strongly at the box office while also delivering a blockbuster soundtrack. Among its most celebrated tracks were Ami Je Tomar 3.0, sung by Shreya Ghoshal, and Mere Dholna 3.0, voiced by legendary singer Sonu Nigam. However, what fans didn’t know until now is the intense behind-the-scenes battle that music composer Amaal Mallik fought to get Sonu Nigam on board.

In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Amaal Mallik opened up about the resistance he faced while finalizing Sonu Nigam as the voice of Mere Dholna 3.0. Despite Nigam’s iconic legacy, some decision-makers doubted whether he was the “right choice” for the song. Reflecting on this, Amaal said that even singers of Sonu Nigam’s stature are subjected to scrutiny and tests.

“They didn’t want someone as amazing as Sonu Nigam to sing Mere Dholna 3.0. They weren’t sure if we should go with someone like him. And today, he’s everywhere. One song changes everything,” Amaal said, adding that it was heartbreaking to see a legend questioned in such a way.

While producer Bhushan Kumar, the director, and the A&R team were convinced, Amaal revealed that objections came from the marketing team and even from the actor’s camp. Names like Arijit Singh and Vishal Mishra were suggested instead. Amaal admitted that while those singers were also considered, he wanted a “bolder, more classical voice” for the song — something only Sonu Nigam could deliver.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amaal Mallik (@amaal_mallik)

Calling Sonu Nigam the epitome of Indian classical music, Amaal recalled how effortlessly the singer recorded the track. “He completed the song in 45 minutes. He came straight from a US show, reached the studio at 10 pm, and finished by 10:45. The sargam at the end is extremely difficult — most people would think it takes hours,” he shared.

The most shocking revelation came when Amaal disclosed that he was almost removed from the project for standing his ground. “They were ready to replace me from the film because I wasn’t listening to them,” he said. Today, with Mere Dholna 3.0 becoming a massive hit, Amaal’s faith in Sonu Nigam stands fully vindicated.

Sydney Sweeney has finally opened up about her dating life following her breakup from longtime partner Jonathan Davino. The actress and producer, who dated Davino for nearly seven and a half years, spoke candidly in a recent interview with Cosmopolitan about why she has always chosen to keep her romantic life private—and why navigating love after the split hasn’t been easy.

Sweeney and Davino were first linked in 2018 and later got engaged in 2022. However, the relationship quietly came to an end in early 2025. Since then, the Euphoria star has been romantically linked to several people, though she has not confirmed any new relationship. Addressing the speculation, Sweeney explained that her decision to remain silent about her personal life stems from the public nature of her career.

“I always thought it was important to have some things for myself,” she shared. Despite being a public figure, Sweeney emphasized that she is still in her 20s and learning what love means to her. “I understand that I’m a public person, but I’m still figuring out love—and it’s hard to do that with millions of people having opinions on what that should look like.”

The actress admitted that dating post-breakup has been challenging. “I wake up and find out I’m dating a different guy anytime I stand in a room where there’s a single man,” she said, addressing the constant rumors surrounding her love life. While she struggles with being alone, Sweeney revealed she is trying to move forward at her own pace.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)

“I’ve never dated before. I’ve never even used a dating app,” she admitted, adding that stepping back into the dating world has felt overwhelming. After spending time alone—along with a few emotional moments—she is slowly trying to open herself up again, though doing so in the public eye remains complicated.

On the professional front, Sweeney is entering 2026 on a high note. She is set to make a cameo appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and will reprise her role as Cassie Howard in the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria.

As she continues to balance fame, career success, and personal growth, Sweeney remains focused on navigating love authentically—on her own terms.

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt will continue to remain in judicial custody after the Rajasthan High Court on Saturday rejected their bail pleas in a ₹30 crore cheating and criminal breach of trust case. The ruling marks a significant setback for the couple as investigators continue to probe the alleged financial irregularities.

While dismissing the bail applications, the High Court observed that granting relief at this stage would not be appropriate, given the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the investigation. Justice Vinod Kumar Bharwani took into account the prosecution’s submission that custodial interrogation of the accused was still required and that their release could potentially hamper the probe.

The Special Public Prosecutor strongly opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the investigation is at a crucial stage and that the accused, including the Bhatts, need to be available for further questioning. The prosecution also raised concerns that releasing the accused could lead to the influencing of witnesses or tampering with evidence.

Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt were arrested by the Rajasthan Police on December 7 from Mumbai and subsequently brought to Udaipur. Since their arrest, the couple has remained in judicial custody. The case originates from a complaint filed by Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre and a resident of Udaipur.

In his complaint, Murdia accused Vikram Bhatt, his wife, and other associates of cheating and criminal breach of trust. He alleged that an amount of ₹30 crore was misappropriated under the guise of film production. According to the complaint, the funds were transferred to Bhatt and his associates for producing films for the complainant but were allegedly diverted for personal use.

The complainant further alleged that the money was routed through fabricated bills prepared under multiple names. These bills were allegedly used to justify transfers, while the funds were ultimately deposited into the personal accounts of the accused rather than being utilised for legitimate film production expenses.

Along with Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt, two other individuals were also arrested in connection with the case on December 7. They include Udaipur-based Dinesh Kataria and Bhatt’s manager, Mehboob Ansari. All four accused are currently in custody as the investigation progresses.

Bhatt’s legal team has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the case is being misrepresented. His lawyer, Kamlesh Dave, has earlier described the police action as unwarranted and premature. Speaking to ANI, Dave claimed that all financial transactions were carried out with the full knowledge and consent of both parties.

“Every payment was made in the knowledge of both parties. There were no fake or bogus bills. The agreement was to make two films initially and another two under a rolling finance arrangement,” the lawyer stated. The defence has also alleged that the police initiated action without proper examination of documentary evidence, claiming that the case proceeded “based only on the FIR and not documents.”

Earlier, the Rajasthan High Court had also refused to quash the FIR filed against Bhatt, rejecting the argument that the dispute was purely civil in nature. The court observed that the allegations went beyond a contractual disagreement and involved serious claims of financial misappropriation, which justified a criminal investigation.

With bail denied once again, Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt remain behind bars as authorities continue to examine financial records, transactions, and statements related to the alleged misuse of funds. The case is expected to see further legal developments as the investigation moves forward.

Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar appears to be in an experimental phase as he steadily expands his creative footprint beyond romance and family dramas. After stepping into the creature-drama genre with Kartik Aaryan-led Nagzilla and lining up a thriller in the same space with director Sandeep Modi, Johar is now reportedly gearing up for a full-fledged horror thriller under his banner, Dharma Productions.

According to recent reports, the production house is currently in the process of finalising the cast for the upcoming horror film. While official announcements are yet to be made, a source close to Bollywood Hungama has confirmed that actor Aditya Roy Kapur has already been locked in to headline the project.

“Karan Johar has finalised a horror thriller for Dharma Productions and has roped in Aditya Roy Kapur to play the lead,” the source revealed. “Adi read the script and came on board almost immediately. It’s a unique subject, and everyone at Dharma is extremely confident about the theatrical prospects of this genre.”

The film is expected to go on floors in May 2026, giving the team ample time for pre-production and creative development. While Aditya Roy Kapur’s involvement has been confirmed, discussions are reportedly underway with a leading actress to play the female lead opposite him. “Talks are at an advanced stage with a female actor, but nothing has been officially locked yet,” the source added.

Interestingly, the makers have chosen to keep the director’s name under wraps for now, adding an element of intrigue to the project. However, preparation work has already begun at Dharma Productions, indicating that the studio is taking a focused and strategic approach to its entry into the horror-thriller space.

Karan Johar’s recent project choices suggest a deliberate effort to diversify the studio’s portfolio and tap into genres that have been gaining momentum at the box office. With audiences increasingly embracing thrillers, horror, and high-concept storytelling, Dharma’s latest move could mark a significant shift in its creative trajectory.

On the professional front, Aditya Roy Kapur has an exciting slate of projects ahead. The actor recently grabbed headlines for his upcoming Netflix fantasy series Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom. The show had sparked rumours of being shelved, leading to concern among fans. However, filmmaker Krishna DK put the speculation to rest in June 2025.

In a statement to The Times of India, Krishna DK clarified, “We’ve completed the main portions and have begun rehearsals for the action sequences that are to be shot outdoors.” The clarification renewed excitement around the series, which is expected to showcase Aditya in a visually rich and performance-driven role.

Aditya was last seen in Metro… In Dino, an ensemble drama directed by Anurag Basu. The film featured an impressive cast including Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Neena Gupta. His performance was widely appreciated for its emotional depth and subtlety, further cementing his reputation as a dependable performer.

With a Dharma-backed horror thriller on the horizon and multiple high-profile projects in the pipeline, Aditya Roy Kapur appears poised for a compelling new phase in his career. Meanwhile, Karan Johar’s genre experimentation signals an exciting evolution for one of Bollywood’s most influential production houses.

Salman Khan, one of Bollywood’s most adored superstars, is once again making waves on social media—this time for a heartwarming moment that quickly went viral. A video of the actor warmly acknowledging a female fan during a public appearance has captured the internet’s attention, earning him widespread praise from fans.

The clip, shared by Instant Bollywood, shows Salman Khan arriving casually dressed at an event when he suddenly notices a female fan loudly calling out his name. In a spontaneous and kind gesture, Salman calls her closer and shakes her hand, leaving the fan visibly thrilled. The brief yet touching interaction instantly resonated online, with netizens applauding the actor for his humility and genuine connection with his admirers.

As Salman trended for his latest viral moment, memories of his past relationships also resurfaced—particularly his much-discussed romance with Katrina Kaif. Adding a fresh layer to that nostalgia, AD Singh, founder of Olive Bar and Kitchen, recently shared a charming anecdote about the former couple in a conversation with Outlook Traveller.

Recalling an incident from the early days of Olive, AD Singh said that Salman and Katrina’s romance often unfolded at the restaurant. One evening, Katrina had arrived with her own group and occupied the main outdoor table, while Salman was at the bar with his brothers. “We realised they were obviously fighting,” Singh recalled.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood)

What followed, however, was straight out of a movie. As the night progressed, Salman placed a rose in his mouth and danced past Katrina’s table with a playful smile—once on his way to the restroom and again while returning. “It was actually adorable,” Singh said, adding that no one could resist the gesture. Katrina eventually started smiling and laughing, and the disagreement seemingly melted away. “It was a very charming, memorable moment with Salman and Katrina,” he shared.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif reportedly grew close during the filming of Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? in 2005. At the time, Katrina was still establishing herself in the Hindi film industry, while Salman was already a massive star. Their frequent public appearances, multiple film collaborations, and candid off-screen moments made them one of the most talked-about couples of the era.

On the professional front, Salman is widely credited with supporting Katrina during the early phase of her career, guiding her through the industry and helping her land significant roles. Their collaborations went on to become commercially successful, further strengthening their on-screen chemistry and fan following.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is currently focused on his upcoming film Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced under the banner of Salman Khan Films. The movie, based on real-life events, features Salman in the role of an Indian Army officer and stars Chitrangada Singh in a pivotal role. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17.

Recently, the makers unveiled Maatrubhoomi, the first song from the film’s album. The music video showcases Salman and Chitrangada as a married couple with two young children, transitioning from warm domestic moments to powerful visuals of the Galwan battlefield. Their on-screen pairing has been praised for its natural chemistry and emotional depth.

According to a source quoted by Bollywood Hungama, the team is currently completing the film’s patchwork. “Salman Khan, director Apoorva Lakhia, and the team are finishing patchwork while also adding a few new scenes, including action sequences. It’s a 15-day schedule,” the source revealed.

With viral fan moments, nostalgic stories, and a highly anticipated patriotic film on the way, Salman Khan continues to remain firmly in the spotlight.

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has reportedly decided to keep a low profile for the next couple of days following the shocking firing incident that occurred outside his Juhu residence in Mumbai. According to a report by India Today, the director has cancelled all scheduled engagements and has requested close friends and industry colleagues not to visit his home for at least 48 hours as investigations continue.

Sources close to the development revealed that Shetty is fully cooperating with the Mumbai Police and is actively assisting in the probe. “Rohit is currently recording his statement and is completely involved in the investigation. Despite additional security being provided at his residence, he has asked his industry friends not to visit him for now. He is staying in touch with concerned friends and colleagues only through calls and messages,” the source was quoted as saying.

The decision is believed to be aimed at avoiding unnecessary movement and preventing any escalation of the situation, especially in light of the heightened security arrangements around his residential building. Police presence has been significantly increased in the area as a precautionary measure.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday when unidentified assailants allegedly fired four rounds outside the filmmaker’s residential tower in Juhu. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. However, the firing caused alarm among residents and prompted immediate action from law enforcement agencies.

Soon after the incident, Mumbai Police cordoned off the area, and forensic teams were deployed to examine the crime scene and collect crucial evidence. Shell casings and other materials were reportedly recovered as part of the investigation, which is now being handled by the Mumbai Crime Branch.

In a major breakthrough, five suspects were reportedly detained in Pune in connection with the firing incident and were later handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further questioning. Earlier, the Crime Branch had constituted 12 special teams to trace and apprehend those involved in the attack. Authorities are currently working to establish the motive behind the firing, which remains unclear at this stage.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the film industry, prompting strong reactions from industry bodies. The Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) issued a statement condemning the firing and expressing serious concern over the safety of filmmakers and industry professionals.

“The entire film fraternity is deeply shocked and concerned about the safety and well-being of one of the most respected and iconic filmmakers of the Indian entertainment industry. Such incidents create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, which is unacceptable,” the statement read.

The association further appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to personally intervene in the matter and ensure swift justice. “We are confident that the efficient Mumbai Police will take strict and prompt action, identify and book the culprits at the earliest, and ensure complete protection to Mr Rohit Shetty and his family,” the statement added.

Rohit Shetty is among Bollywood’s most successful and influential commercial filmmakers, best known for blockbuster franchises such as Golmaal, Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi. His films have consistently drawn massive audiences, making him a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry.

As the investigation continues, authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the filmmaker’s safety. Meanwhile, the industry remains on edge, awaiting clarity on the motive behind the attack and further developments in the case.