Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit recently sparked a major debate in Bollywood — not just about casting, but about exhausting work schedules in the film industry. What began as a routine production update quickly turned into a larger conversation about long shooting hours, work-life balance, and whether an eight-hour workday should become the norm for actors and crew.

While several industry voices have supported regulated working hours, others argue that extended shifts are sometimes necessary to meet production demands. Now, veteran actor Suniel Shetty has stepped into the discussion with a firm stance on prioritising health, discipline, and personal boundaries.

In an interview with Mid-Day, Shetty revealed that he has always been strict about limiting his work hours. “Even being a part of the industry, I have only made sure that I work during my work hours. If it’s a 9 to 6, I would expect it to be 9 to 6,” he said. However, he added that he is willing to stretch his schedule in exceptional situations. “If my producer is in trouble, I’ll do a 9 to 9 the next morning. But that understanding is important; otherwise, you can’t get the best output from me.”

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The actor was clear that routinely long shifts are unrealistic and counterproductive. “You’re talking about 12-hour or 18-hour work. It’s not possible,” he stated, emphasising that creative and physical performance inevitably suffers without proper rest.

Shetty, known for his action-heavy roles, admitted that missing breaks directly affects his temperament. “If I don’t get my break or my lunch, I become the most irritable person. I need that break because that’s what recharges me. If you want the best output, give me my breaks,” he explained.

At 65, Shetty credits his discipline and fitness for his longevity in the industry. He shared that overexertion is not a badge of dedication but a path to burnout. “You can’t achieve anything by constantly pushing your limits. Fitness is my life. If you take away the gym from me, you take away my life. People who expect me to work need to understand that too.”

Deepika Padukone previously addressed the controversy in an interview with CNBC, pointing out a long-standing double standard. She stated that male superstars have worked eight-hour days for years without scrutiny. “By virtue of being a woman, if that comes across as being pushy, then so be it. It’s no secret that many male actors work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday, and don’t shoot on weekends,” she said.

As Bollywood continues debating work culture reforms, voices like Shetty and Padukone are pushing for a healthier, more sustainable future behind the scenes.

Vicky Kaushal’s historical epic Chhaava ruled the box office through most of 2025, becoming one of the year’s biggest blockbusters before Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar finally overtook it in December. But while the film enjoyed record-breaking commercial success, it also sparked intense controversy — particularly over its portrayal of the conflict between Maratha warrior-king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Now, music maestro A. R. Rahman has broken his silence on the debate, openly acknowledging that the film was indeed divisive.

Following its theatrical release, Chhaava triggered unrest in parts of Maharashtra, with reports of riots in Nagpur. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later stated that the violence stemmed from public anger over Aurangzeb’s depiction in the film. As the debate around artistic freedom versus historical sensitivity grew louder, Rahman’s candid remarks have now added a new layer to the discussion.

In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman spoke about creating art in an increasingly polarised environment. Addressing the responsibility of artists during such times, he said, “That’s the reason God is giving more power to people like us — so we can replace the bad with good through word, action, and art.” His statement reflected a belief that artists hold a moral responsibility to heal rather than divide.

When asked whether today’s divisive climate has made him more cautious about choosing projects, Rahman admitted that intention plays a key role in his decisions. “Some films are made with bad intention. I try to avoid those movies,” he said, making it clear that purpose matters more than popularity.

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Rahman also addressed his earlier statement about being proud of Chhaava’s soundtrack despite the controversy surrounding the film. Confronting the contradiction, he stated honestly, “It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but the core of it is to show bravery.” He revealed that he had even questioned the director about why he was chosen for the project. “I asked him, ‘Why do you need me for this film?’ And he said, ‘We need only you,’” Rahman recalled.

Despite acknowledging the polarising elements, Rahman expressed faith in the audience’s intelligence. “It is an enjoyable film, but people are smarter than that. They have an internal conscience that knows the truth and recognises manipulation,” he said.

The composer also shared how honoured he felt to work on a film centered on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, calling the character “the blood of every Maratha.” He described the film’s emotional climax as deeply moving and said he was proud to have scored a story that carries “the pulse and soul of every Maratha.”

However, Rahman didn’t shy away from calling out cinematic clichés either. Addressing scenes where characters shout religious phrases during violent moments, he dismissed such portrayals as lazy stereotypes, bluntly calling them “cringe.”

Ending on a hopeful note, Rahman said he has immense faith in humanity, believing people possess conscience, compassion, and the ability to see beyond misinformation.

In an industry often associated with glamour, red carpets and box-office figures, producer Chitra Vakil Sharma believes cinema’s true power lies far beyond surface appeal. Extending her support to director-writer Anmol Mahajan’s book The Vault of Filmology, Sharma says the book challenges conventional perceptions of filmmaking, presenting it not as an isolated creative act but as a natural extension of lived experience and accumulated knowledge.

“Cinema is not just about visuals or fame,” Chitra explains. “It is a disciplined process where knowledge, observation, ethics and human experience come together to create meaning.” Drawing from her own years in the film industry, she stresses that no film exists in a vacuum. Every story, she believes, is influenced by the world around it — shaped by history, psychology, politics, science, management and even the smallest moments of everyday life.

“What we study in classrooms often feels theoretical at the time,” she says. “But its true relevance reveals itself much later, often on a film set. That’s where theory finally turns into reality.”

This belief is precisely why The Vault of Filmology resonates so strongly with her. Rather than functioning as a conventional filmmaking handbook, Chitra describes the book as a reflection of life itself. In a time when professional paths are increasingly fluid and uncertain, she feels the book asks a deeply relevant question: what if filmmaking isn’t a break from one’s existing profession, but a continuation of it?

According to Sharma, the book speaks directly to professionals who feel creatively restricted yet hesitate to abandon years of education and work experience. Instead of urging readers to discard their past, Filmology reframes cinema as a space that absorbs and builds upon prior knowledge. “It reassures people who are standing at a crossroads,” she says. “It tells them that nothing they’ve learned is ever wasted.”

One of the aspects Chitra values most is the book’s grounded honesty. She notes that it does not romanticise stardom or promise instant success. “It doesn’t sell dreams,” she says candidly. “It talks about process, structure, discipline and responsibility. That kind of honesty is rare, and it’s refreshing.”

As portrayed in the book, filmmaking emerges as an organised and accountable practice where creativity is guided by clarity rather than chaos. For individuals considering a career shift, Sharma believes The Vault of Filmology offers a realistic and practical framework rather than illusion-driven motivation. She attributes this grounded perspective to Anmol Mahajan’s own professional journey.

With a background in advertising and years of experience directing and producing ad films, Mahajan understands the importance of precision, deadlines and immediate yet authentic audience engagement. “He knows how the real world works,” Sharma points out. “That sharpness is evident throughout the book.”

She adds that Mahajan’s writing reflects a careful balance between creative instinct and structured thinking — an approach rooted in real-world decision-making rather than abstract theory. “He understands that cinema is influenced by people, society, markets and time,” she says. “That confidence comes from working across both creative and strategic spaces.”

In an era where young professionals are often encouraged to follow passion without a clear roadmap, Chitra believes The Vault of Filmology offers something far more valuable. “It offers clarity,” she says. “It presents filmmaking as a language where multiple disciplines can interact.”

She emphasises that the book’s relevance extends well beyond aspiring filmmakers. Teachers, engineers, managers, students and lifelong learners can all find meaning in its ideas. “Cinema isn’t separate from life,” Chitra concludes. “It is life examined, organised and returned to us through collective effort.”

For anyone navigating curiosity, transition or professional uncertainty, Sharma feels the book makes no promises of shortcuts. “It doesn’t offer escape,” she says. “It offers understanding. And in today’s unpredictable world, that understanding may be the most powerful tool of all.”

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Part 2 has quickly emerged as one of the most anticipated films of the year, riding high on the phenomenal success of its first chapter. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has not only dominated conversations but has also gone on to become the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far. Even a month after its release, the spy action thriller continues its strong run in theatres, proving its massive box-office pull.

Amid the growing excitement around the sequel, a new report has further fuelled fan anticipation. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the teaser of Dhurandhar Part 2 is set to be unveiled on the big screen alongside Border 2, which releases in theatres on January 23. The report, which was widely shared on Reddit, revealed that director Aditya Dhar has re-edited the end-credit sequence of Dhurandhar to create a teaser that will now play with Border 2 screenings starting January 23.

For those unaware, a teaser for the second installment was already shown at the end of Dhurandhar Part 1. Short clips from that teaser soon went viral on social media, giving fans a glimpse of the action-packed sequel and hinting at a darker, more intense narrative. The decision to showcase the teaser again — this time attached to a major theatrical release — is being seen as a strategic move to amplify hype and draw audiences back to cinemas.

Fans were quick to react online, expressing excitement and approval. One user commented, “Smart move! Big screen is the only way to feel this madness.” Another wrote, “Wow, double dhamaka!” Several fans pointed out that the teaser’s attachment to Border 2 gives audiences an additional reason to watch the war drama in theatres. “One more reason to catch Border 2 in theatres. Eagerly waiting for Sunny Deol’s film as well as the teaser,” read a comment. Another fan appreciated the quick turnaround between installments, saying, “I am so happy they are releasing the second part so soon. Usually we wait for years and forget the story.”

Helmed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a gritty spy action thriller inspired by real-life geopolitical events that have shaped India’s modern history. The film draws from incidents such as the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Hamza — a covert operative navigating a dangerous world of espionage — has been widely praised for its intensity and emotional depth.

The sequel, Dhurandhar Part 2, will explore Hamza’s backstory in greater detail. The narrative will trace his rise in Lyari and delve into the final stages of his covert anti-terror mission, promising higher stakes, deeper character exploration and large-scale action. The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan and Rakesh Bedi, among others. Dhurandhar Part 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, where it will clash with Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for GrownUps, setting the stage for a major box-office showdown.

Meanwhile, Border 2 is itself one of the most awaited releases of the year. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film is a sequel to J. P. Dutta’s iconic 1997 war drama Border. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war, the film is inspired by real-life events and promises large-scale action, emotion and patriotism. The star-studded cast includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, along with Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh and Medha Rana.

With Border 2 arriving on January 23 and the Dhurandhar Part 2 teaser reportedly attached to it, moviegoers can expect a cinematic treat — one that blends nostalgia, patriotism and high-octane espionage, all on the big screen.

Kareena Kapoor Khan continues to command attention, whether she is making a rare late-night appearance in the city or revisiting cherished moments from her past. The actor was recently spotted stepping out late in Mumbai with her sister Karisma Kapoor, and a video from the outing has quickly gone viral on social media, once again reaffirming her effortless star power.

Shared by Instant Bollywood, the video shows Kareena exiting a venue with her signature poise and grace. Dressed in a simple yet elegant traditional outfit, the actor opted for minimal makeup, letting her natural glow take centre stage. She completed her look with statement earrings that added just the right touch of glamour. Kareena was briefly seen engaging in conversation before getting into her car, while Karisma walked alongside her. The understated yet classy appearance struck a chord with fans, who flooded social media with praise, calling her “timeless,” “graceful,” and “queen energy as always.”

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The sighting comes close on the heels of Kareena joining the viral social media trend, “2026 is the new 2016,” where celebrities and users alike are revisiting moments from a decade ago. Embracing the nostalgia, Kareena shared a series of unseen throwback pictures from 2016, fondly calling it the “year of the bump.” The post offered a glimpse into a special phase of her life — her pregnancy with her first child, Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi — and was met with immense love from fans.

One of the standout images from the carousel was a mirror selfie taken in 2016. The photo shows Kareena posing confidently in a cutout printed monokini, with her baby bump subtly visible. Radiant and self-assured, the actor redefined maternity style, a reminder of how she broke stereotypes around pregnancy and fashion at the time. Fans praised the image for its boldness and authenticity, calling it iconic even years later.

Another heartfelt picture from the post captured an intimate family moment after Taimur’s birth. Saif Ali Khan is seen cradling baby Taimur, while Kareena sits beside them, looking content and serene. The image offered a tender glimpse into their early days as parents. Adding to the nostalgia was a glamorous photograph of Kareena and Saif together, with the actor proudly flaunting her baby bump. The chemistry between the couple shone through, making the photo one of the most admired from the set.

The throwback series also included a memorable milestone from Kareena’s career — her Vogue magazine cover during pregnancy. Sharing the image, she wrote, “Yup, three and a half months in with my Tim,” a line that resonated deeply with fans who applauded her for normalising pregnancy in mainstream fashion and media.

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan tied the knot in 2012 in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai. The couple welcomed their first son, Taimur Ali Khan, in December 2016, followed by their second son, Jeh Ali Khan, in 2021. Over the years, Kareena has often spoken about embracing motherhood on her own terms while continuing to balance her personal and professional life.

Meanwhile, Kareena’s sister Karisma Kapoor has been in the news for different reasons. The actor is currently drawing attention due to developments related to her ex-husband Sunjay Kapur’s will dispute. The Supreme Court recently issued notice to Karisma Kapoor on an application filed by Priya Kapur, seeking certified copies of records connected to Karisma and Sunjay Kapur’s 2016 divorce proceedings.

During an in-chamber hearing, a single-judge bench led by Justice A.S. Chandurkar directed Karisma Kapoor to submit her response within two weeks. Priya Kapur has requested access to key documents related to the divorce, including pleadings, court orders and, notably, the settlement recorded between Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur in 2016.

As Kareena continues to trend for both her present-day elegance and her candid reflections on the past, the Kapoor sisters remain firmly in the spotlight — each for reasons that keep audiences watching closely.