Sanjay Leela Bhansali is “absolutely fine,” says official statement after heart attack rumours

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is "absolutely fine," his team confirmed, ending rumors about his health that started earlier in the day.

The news came after some people claimed that the director was taken to the hospital in Mumbai after having a heart attack on his 63rd birthday.

 These stories spread quickly on social media, but his production company, Bhansali Productions, cleared up the confusion.

The statement said, "Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing absolutely fine.

 He went for a routine medical check-up and there's no reason to worry. We really appreciate the love, support, and care from everyone. Thank you for your continued support and kind wishes."

The clarification followed unverified reports that said the filmmaker was taken to the hospital due to some discomfort.

 His team denied the reports, saying the visit was just part of a regular health check.

On the work front, Bhansali is currently filming "Love & War," a historical drama that features Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

Leslee Lewis on returning to playback singing in Hindi films after 26 years with ‘Zor Ka Dhakka’, “It’s exciting to be back, whole track is so cool”; also says he has been putting “zero efforts” to stay relevant for 30 years

For Leslee Lewis, it's all about being himself. He’s returning to singing after a super long break of 26 years!

Leslee explained, "I composed and sang the song 'Dekho 2000 Zamana Aa Gaya' with Hariharan for Mela in 2000.

 It's probably the only song from that millennium. Now, 26 years later, I'm singing for my old friend and amazing person Raju Singh for the movie Zor. That's the title track called 'Zor Ka Dhakka'. There are other voices too, as the song also has dialogues and scenes from the film, but I am the main singer."

Leslee's father, the late legendary choreographer P.L. Raj, once told him that he would never succeed unless he made music connected to films.

 And here he is, coming back after over 25 years! How does he feel about that?

He smiled at his father's words from the late 1990s and said, "It's exciting to be back in Hindi films!

 I really like Raju Singh's music because he's a great composer. I also really like him as a person because he's a fantastic human being. We used to play guitar together for many composers about 30 to 35 years ago. I'm just lucky that he remembered me for this title track. The way he placed different voices in the song is excellent. The opening of the track (humming the first words) is really cool. I'm especially happy that I'm singing in Hindi cinema after such a long time!"

Has he not sung in regional films too? "

I sang one of the biggest hits in Tamil called 'Kannum Kannum Nokia' under Harrys Jairaj in 2005," he replied. "I've also composed for the Tamil films Modhi Vilayadu and Chikku Bukku."

But outside film songs, Leslee has been doing a lot in the music world for over three decades.

 His latest song was released last month on his channel, "Leslee Lewis Official," which has over 40,000 followers. He's done rock, pop, remixes, club, fusion—almost everything in independent music with success.

Leslee's achievements have been amazing.

 He introduced Band of Boys in their breakout album. He introduced singer KK in the album Pal. His landmark album was Colonial Cousins, a classic and genuine fusion album with Hariharan. Alisha Chinoy's pop debut, Bombay Girls, Suneeta Rao's Paree, and above all, Jaanam Samjha Karo with Asha Bhosle include his other work. Another big achievement was starting Coke Studio in India.

"As a singer, though, I have only sung in Colonial Cousins," he says.

 "In the rest, I have been a composer only."

Leslee is excited about releasing a new song every two or three months.

 "You have to move forward, right? It's like you have to write new articles, not just revisit old ones! You have to be relevant today, right? But on my channel now, I am a singer, composer, and lyricist as well!" he said. And Leslee also continues to do live concerts all over the world.

I asked about the secret to staying relevant for over 30 years.

 "Zero effort!" he laughed. "I am just being me, Leslee Lewis! And that's why 30 years on, you're still singing KK's 'Yaaron Dosti'. In 1991, the album Paree was released, but even in 2025, every dandiya celebration is playing the track 'Paree Hoon Main'! So it's not about me trying to be relevant! I'm lucky that every generation finds me relevant! And I think that is the secret everyone needs to follow! If you want to be a good and genuine artist, you have to remain yourself." He added, "People are always trying to please somebody by not being themselves, and that's when they lose out!"

He however emphasizes the importance of using modern instruments and computer technology, as old music sounds a bit retro.

 He said, "But that also sounds good, which is why they are re-creating old songs with new sound. What are they doing? They are keeping the melodies because they're great, but they musically redecorate the songs with new sound. So the content remains the same, but the packaging changes. If you change the melody, then the song is lost!"

Speaking of melodies, Leslee did a solo Hindi film as a composer, Apna Aasmaan.

 Why didn't he do more work in that area?

"I am open to doing movies, but I have to do them my way!"

 he replied. "I have to be me. I can't follow instructions like copy this, use this style and so on. I am absolutely willing to work with new directors, new music producers—there is so much to explore. I am very open to collaborate with new artistes. I am open to change my music if someone doesn't like it, but in my way! I want to work with the youngsters, but they must decide that they want to work with me!"

As a musician whose dad was into choreography, what is the best tip or advice he has ever received from him? "

I don't think there is any specific tip. But I have learned his work ethic from him. I have absorbed his professionalism. Do what you have to do from your heart and to the best of your ability. Or don't do it!"

He recalled a special memory of his famous father: "When I did Colonial Cousins, he grew his hair long for the first time and tied a ponytail, signaling his acceptance that I had made it without doing films!

"

Priyamani boards Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 as shoot begins in Mumbai, reunites with Maidaan co-star Ajay Devgn: Repor

Actress Priyamani has been reported to have joined the cast of Golmaal 5, the newest part of Rohit Shetty's popular comedy series. This marks her coming back together with Ajay Devgn, whom she worked with in the movie Maidaan.

  

According to Variety India, the first round of filming is expected to last about a month.

 The filming started on Monday, February 23, in Mumbai, and Ajay Devgn is expected to join the team on February 25. While details about Priyamani's character are not yet shared, there are reports that she has already started shooting her scenes.

The Golmaal series is one of the most successful comedy series in Hindi cinema, known for its group storytelling and returning characters.

 The fifth film will bring back the main cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu, and Shreyas Talpade. Experienced actors like Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari, and Ashwini Kalsekar will also return in their familiar roles.

There are also rumors that Akshay Kumar might be joining the cast, but this has not been officially confirmed by the film's makers.

The film's production is moving forward shortly after a worrying event at Rohit Shetty's home in Juhu, where five bullets were reportedly fired.

 The Mumbai Crime Branch investigation found that the vehicle used in the shooting was from Pune. Officials earlier said that the accused, including Subham Lonkar, were trying to cause fear in the city. Investigators also mentioned that Rs 40,000 was given to one of the arrested people, who was in touch with Lonkar through a single messaging app.

CBFC asks for 15 cuts and modifications in The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond; reduces kiss and rape visuals by 50%

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is set to come out on Friday, February 27, and it has made a lot of noise on social media because of its shocking and controversial content. Typically, such movies have very graphic material and are meant only for adults. So it was a surprise to the film trade and industry that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) gave the movie a U/A 16+ certificate.

However, the CBFC asked for 16 cuts or changes in the film.

 The scenes showing kissing were reduced by half, which means the lip-lock scene was shortened by 7 seconds. Similarly, the rape scenes were also cut by 50%, which is 20 seconds. Two scenes - one where a woman is slapped and the other where a woman’s head is hit - were each reduced by 2 seconds.

The visuals of the accused's house being destroyed by a bulldozer were also asked to be modified.

 Three dialogues, found in different parts of the movie, were changed, and a single word was asked to be muted. But the cut list does not have details about these changes.

The makers were told to add a disclaimer that the film is based on real events.

 They were also asked to make the disclaimer text longer by 2 minutes and 3 seconds, along with adding a voiceover. They were instructed to submit the script as per dialogue and proper documents proving the events in the film are real. Lastly, they were asked to provide a consent letter for a minor actor in the film.

After these changes, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond was given the censor certificate on February 16.

 The movie's length, according to the certificate, is 131.24 minutes, which is 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 24 seconds.

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is produced by Vipul Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.

 Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha play the main roles. The film opens in theaters on February 27.

Akshay Kumar unveils Bhooth Bangla motion poster; Film to release in April 2026

Actor Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan have released a new motion poster for their upcoming horror-comedy movie Bhooth Bangla. This marks the start of the film's promotional activities before its release in theaters.

This project brings back Akshay and Priyadarshan after more than ten years since their last collaboration.

 They have worked together on several popular comedy movies, like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, De Dana Dan, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. These films were big hits and important parts of Hindi comedy, so fans are excited about this new project.

Bhooth Bangla is made by Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films.

 The movie stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Mithila Palkar. Veteran actor Asrani will also appear in his last on-screen role. The story is written by Akash A. Kaushik, with help from Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair, and Priyadarshan. Filming has finished, and the movie is now in the final stages of production. Music and other promotional materials will be released step by step.

The movie is set to come out in theaters on April 10, 2026, after some changes to the original release date.

 The team is planning to boost advertising in the next few weeks. It is reported that producer Ektaa R Kapoor will host the launch of the film's first song as part of the promotional efforts.

Chhaava writer Rishi Virmani DEFENDS the film’s impact months after AR Rahman called it divisive: “Hard to change a mindset…”

More than a month after composer A. R. Rahman called Chhaava "divisive," writer Rishi Virmani has replied to the criticism. He said that the epic historical drama has actually created a strong connection with its audience.

In a Zoom interview, Virmani said it's not easy to believe that a film can change people's social or political views in just a few hours.

 "It's hard to believe that an entire mindset can be changed in just a couple of hours of screen time," he said. He also mentioned that he hasn't seen such a strong audience connection with a film in a long time.

Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.

 The film is adapted from the Marathi novel with the same name by Shivaji Sawant. The screenplay and story were written by Utekar and Virmani along with Kaustubh Savarkar, Unman Bankar, and Omkar Mahajan. Virmani also wrote the dialogues for the film.

When talking about the bigger discussion, Virmani said that audiences are able to make their own decisions, which sometimes go against what the industry expects.

 He also pointed out that box office numbers and public responses often don't match what filmmakers or critics predict.

He also said that Sambhaji's story needed to be shown on screen a long time ago.

 "I hope and pray that Chhaava and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj make it to everyone's hearts, both nationally and internationally," he added.

Rahman, who made the music for the film, previously told BBC Asian Network that while the film was fun and focused on bravery, it also "exploited divisiveness."

 He questioned if audiences are easily affected by movies, saying that viewers have an "internal conscience" that helps them tell the difference between truth and manipulation.

Vishal Bhardwaj DEFENDS violence in cinema, says ‘we are born out of Mahabharata’

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has spoken about the increasing use of explicit violence in modern movies. He said he doesn't have a problem with it as long as it's shown in a stylish and meaningful way that reflects real-life situations.

In an interview with ANI, he talked about how graphic violence in films is becoming more common.

 He said, "I feel that violence has become too explicit, which is okay for me personally." He compared this to the violence in the Mahabharata, saying it's part of our cultural DNA.

In recent years, many popular films like *Animal*, *Marco*, and *Dhurandhar* have included a lot of intense violence, leading to discussions about what audiences can handle and how responsible filmmakers should be.

 Bhardwaj believes the key is how violence is presented. He mentioned the idea of "poetic violence," pointing to filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai and Quentin Tarantino, who show violence in a visually striking way.

He said, "Poetic violence is a thing.

 Tarantino shows it in his own unique way, and that is also poetic violence." He added that even in violent stories, the visuals and style are very important. When talking about his new film *O' Romeo*, he explained that the characters are gangsters, so violence is a natural part of their world.

He said, "If you're not using the current language of filmmaking, you start to feel outdated.

 But you also need to have good aesthetics." 

Bhardwaj also mentioned that movies often reflect the real world. "

Since there's a lot of violence in our society today, it's not wrong to show it on screen," he said, adding that *O' Romeo* is an adult film.

The movie *O' Romeo*, which came out during Valentine's Week, stars Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles.