Post

*Kyunki Is Baar KBC par jawab yaad rakhne se kaam nahi chalega … ‘Sochna Padega' – Kaun Crorepati Season 18 releases on 10th August 2026* Links: 1. https://youtu.be/yV8l1YphIA0?si=bkIZKlGSkhkQgi7X 2. ⁠https://youtu.be/Fl2A_KBnpvM?si=cs4Y_N4q0GUw9Nlo 3. ⁠https://youtu.be/CG7UUm50JSQ?si=UyYBhvZDduzEsh2a ~ In an age where information is democratised, Kaun Banega Crorepati reminds us that in today’s times true intelligence lies in how we think and apply knowledge ~ Press Release: Mumbai, 17th July 2026: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Amitabh Bachchan unveiled the theme of the new season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) – ‘Sochna Padega’. ‘Sochna Padega’ brings to spotlight - application of knowledge creates advantage. Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 18 will premiere on Monday, August 10 at 9:00 PM exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, followed by a weekday telecast from Monday to Friday. Built around the premise that reflects a simple yet powerful insight - in an age where knowledge has become universally accessible, competitive advantage belongs to those who can interpret, connect and apply it. Anchored by Amitabh Bachchan, ‘Sochna Padega’ comes alive through the brand films - that reinforces the importance of applied knowledge in today's world. Set across relatable everyday situations, the films highlight that while information is now instantly accessible and technology has transformed the way we learn and what truly matters is the ability to think critically, analyse information and adapt to changing times meaningfully. Kyunki Is Baar KBC par jawab yaad rakhne se kaam nahi chalega … ‘Sochna Padega'. Promo 1 - Big B says, “Aaj-kal jawaab jo haina woh har jagah milne lag gaya hain, aapke jeb main bhi. Nahi samjhe? Arey bhaisahab aapke phone pe. Isliye iss baar KBC mai humne kuch badalne ka prayatna kiya hai, jawab yaad rakhne se kaam nahi chalega, uss jawab ke liye aapko sochna padega. Ji haan, Sochna Padega’” Promo 2 - Amitabh Bachchan in his signature baritone, he says, “Bhughol, Itihaas, aur Vigyaan inn sabka gyaan iss baar KBC mai kaafi nahi hoga. Kyunki, ab khel jo hai woh badal gaya hain. Kewal uttar yaad rakhne se kaam nahi chalne wala… ‘Sochna Padega,’... Ji haan” Promo 3 – Amitabh Bachchan says, “Dekhiye aaj AI ne duniya ko badal diya hain, aur yeh badlav joh haina rukne wala nahi hain. Joh kal tak namumkin lagta tha, woh aaj pal bhar main mumkin hojata hain. Aur, yeh iss badalti hui duniya main hum sabko bhi badalna padega.. islye, KBC mai bhi humne kuch badalne ka prayatna kiya hai, ab uttar dene se pehle aapko… Haan… ‘Sochna Padega’” Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 starts from 10th August 2026, every Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Post

Malayalam Zee 5 to Premiere Balan: The Boy on 31st July, Bringing an Emotionally Gripping Tale of Love, Loss, and the Search for Truth ~Directed by Chidambaram, the filmmaker behind the blockbuster Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, with story and screenplay by Jithu Madhavan, the director of the blockbuster Aavesham, the deeply moving drama is set to premieres exclusively on Malayalam Zee 5 on 31st July 2026~ National, 17th July: Malayalam Zee 5 is all set to bring the acclaimed Malayalam drama Balan: The Boy to audiences, premiering exclusively on 31st July 2026. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chidambaram, the filmmaker behind the blockbuster Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, with story and screenplay by Jithu Madhavan, the director of the blockbuster Aavesham, the poignant coming-of-age story explores the unbreakable bond between a mother and son, the scars of a troubled past, and a young boy's relentless search for truth and belonging. The film stars Adhisheshan K. R., Muhammad Zinaan, Farzana Palathingal, Jean Paul Lal, Dolly June, Girish A. D., and Beena Antony, with Tovino Thomas in an extended cameo. Following its acclaimed theatrical run, Balan: The Boy is set to premiere exclusively on Malayalam Zee 5 on 31st July 2026, also releasing in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Set against the evocative landscapes of Kerala, Balan: The Boy follows the journey of a teenage boy whose childhood is forever altered after his mother mysteriously disappears. Haunted by unanswered questions and painful memories, he embarks on an emotional quest to uncover the truth about her disappearance while seeking closure from a past that refuses to let go. As hidden secrets begin to unravel, the film becomes a deeply human story of resilience, identity, forgiveness, and the enduring power of hope. Blending emotional drama with elements of mystery and suspense, Balan: The Boy offers a moving exploration of fractured relationships, childhood trauma, and the lengths one goes to in search of family and belonging. With powerful performances, breathtaking visuals, and an emotionally resonant narrative, the film promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences. Zee 5 Business Head – Tamil & Malayalam, Lloyd Xavier said, "At Zee 5, we are committed to bringing audiences stories that leave a lasting emotional impact. Balan: The Boy is a beautifully crafted film that explores love, resilience, and the search for identity with remarkable sensitivity. We are delighted to bring this acclaimed Malayalam film to viewers across India and beyond, making its powerful storytelling accessible to a wider audience." Director Chidambaram shared, "At its heart, Balan: The Boy is about the emotional journey of a child searching not just for his mother, but for answers that define who he is. It's a story about love, loss, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit. We wanted to tell this story with honesty and empathy, and I hope audiences connect deeply with Balan's journey." Following widespread critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and emotionally layered performances, Balan: The Boy now arrives on Malayalam Zee 5, bringing one of the year's most talked-about Malayalam films to audiences across the country. Balan: The Boy premieres exclusively on Malayalam Zee 5 on 31st July 2026.

Post

*Hema Malini Shares Why She Was Initially Disappointed by the 'Dream Girl' Title* *XX July 2026, Mumbai:* The upcoming episode of Indian Idol promises to be a memorable one as veteran actress Hema Malini revisits one of the most iconic songs of her career, 'Kisi Shayar Ki Ghazal' from Dream Girl. Moved by contestant Tanishk's soulful performance, the legendary actress shared fascinating memories from the making of the evergreen classic and revealed the untold story behind how the title 'Dream Girl' became synonymous with her forever. Recalling the making of the timeless song, Hema Malini said, _"Mujhe yaad hai jab shooting hui thi, 5–6 din tak uski shooting hui thi kyunki alag-alag costume mein mujhe aana tha. Yeh film meri mummy ne produce ki thi aur Pramod Chakravorty ji ne direct ki thi. And this picture has nothing to do with Dream Girl naam, woh alag story hai. But then they wanted to name the movie, kya naam rakhe movie ka? And then they decided Dream Girl. The story is little bit based on me more than the main other characters, so it was suitable for that. Camera angles ke liye Murthy ji the. He was very famous. He was working with Guru Dutt ji. Set par sabki sirf ek hi koshish thi ki yeh gaana sabse behtareen bane. Mujhe bilkul andaza nahi tha ki yeh gaana itna famous ho jayega ki aaj bhi bachche iss par perform karte hain aur aap sab log ise enjoy karte hain. I am really thankful to all those people who worked so hard at that time ye gaane ko picturize karne mein."_ Curious about the iconic title, host Aditya Narayan asked Hema Malini how the film eventually came to be called Dream Girl. In response, the actress shared a heartwarming anecdote from the release of her debut film, revealing that the title had become associated with her long before the film of the same name was made. Sharing the untold story, Hema Malini revealed, _"Sab log sochte hain ki mera naam Dream Girl issi film ki wajah se pada, which is absolutely not right. Jab meri pehli film Sapno Ka Saudagar release hone wali thi, toh mere producer ji ne bola, 'Main aapko poora Mumbai darshan karata hoon aur picture bhi release hone wali hai. Iska publicity dikhata hoon aapko.' Aur main bahut khush ho gayi thi. Mummy aur main, mera bhai, sab log gaadi mein the. Har jagah poora Mumbai dekh rahe the. Toh gaana laga hua tha, Dream Girl Coming, aisa likha hua tha. Toh main pareshan ho gayi thi kyunki usmein mera naam hi nahi tha. Main bahut udaas ho gayi thi. Tab unhone mujhse kaha, 'Hamesha aapke saath yehi naam rehne wala hai. Nobody can take it away. You'll be introduced into the film industry as Dream Girl.' Wahi se mujhe yeh naam mila. Dheere dheere jitni filmein main karti gayi, yeh naam aur bhi popular hota gaya. Baad mein meri mummy aur film ke makers ne milkar meri film ka naam bhi Dream Girl rakh diya."_ Adding to the conversation, Shreya Ghoshal remarked that it was this very identity that eventually inspired the title of the film. Smiling, Hema Malini agreed and shared that as her popularity continued to soar with every film, the name Dream Girl became even stronger, making it the perfect title for the film. Filled with nostalgia, untold stories and cherished memories, Hema Malini's conversation offers viewers a rare glimpse into the origin of one of Indian cinema's most iconic titles, celebrating the legacy of the actress who has remained Bollywood's eternal Dream Girl across generations. *Don't miss this special episode of Indian Idol, airing every Saturday and Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV.*

Post

*'Rekha Was a Mischievous Little Girl During Dance Classes' Hema Malini Recalls Their Beautiful Friendship on Indian Idol* *Mumbai, XX July 2026:* The upcoming episode of *Indian Idol* will take viewers on a nostalgic journey as veteran actress *Hema Malini* fondly reminisces about her friendship with legendary actress *Rekha*, revealing that their bond began years before they shared the screen. During the conversation, host *Aditya Narayan* said, _"Jahan tak mujhe pata hai, Rekha ji aur aapne lagbhag aath filmein saath mein ki hain. Main jaana chahunga ki Rekha ji ke saath kaam karne ka aapka experience kaisa raha?"_ Hema Malini recalled, _"Maine Rekha ko tab dekha tha jab woh bahut chhoti thi. Main Bharatanatyam seekh rahi thi Chennai mein, lekin uss waqt maine Kuchipudi bhi seekhna shuru kiya tha. Main Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam ji ke paas training ke liye jaati thi. Tab meri film 'Sapno Ka Saudagar' release ho chuki thi, lekin filmon ke saath-saath main stage performances bhi karti thi. Dance hamesha meri zindagi ka ek bahut bada hissa raha hai aur aaj bhi hai."_ She continued, _"Jab main dance classes mein jaati thi, Rekha bhi wahaan aati thi. Woh tab ek chhoti si ladki thi. Guru ji hamesha kehte the ki yeh dance rehearsal se bhaag jaati hai, isse pakadna bahut mushkil hai. Woh bahut hi mischievous thi."_ Recalling one of Rekha's early stage performances, Hema Malini shared, _"Humne Guru ji ka ek dance ballet kiya tha jo Krishna, Rukmini aur Satyabhama ki kahaani par aadharit tha. Usmein Narad Muni ka kirdaar Rekha ne Kuchipudi style mein nibhaya tha. Narad Muni ke costume mein woh bahut hi pyaari lag rahi thi aur unhone kamaal ki performance di thi. Mujhe uss waqt bilkul andaaza nahi tha ki kuch saalon baad woh Bombay aayengi aur Hindi filmon ki itni badi actress banengi."_ She further added, _"Baad mein jab humne Gora Aur Kala ki shooting saath mein ki, tab humne in purani yaadon ko phir se taaza kiya. Humne bahut saari baatein share ki aur aaj hum bahut achhe dost hain bilkul behnon ki tarah."_ Speaking about another special connection between their families, Hema Malini revealed, _"Rekha ji ki mummy Pushpavalli ji aur meri maa Jaya Chakraborty ji, dono ka birthday 3rd January ko hota tha. Hum dono parivaar milkar unka birthday celebrate karte the aur ek doosre ke saath bahut pyaari yaadein baantte the."_ This heartwarming episode of Indian Idol, where Hema Malini takes viewers down memory lane with rare stories, cherished memories, and touching anecdotes about one of Bollywood's most iconic friendships. *Don’t miss this special episode of Indian Idol, airing every Saturday and Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV.*

Post

*Explosive: Producer Ashwin Varde hits back at Paresh Rawal calling him ‘unprofessional’, says Rawal tried to steal OMG 2 from Akshay Kumar* “The accusations made by Paresh Rawal in a recent podcast pertaining to OMG-2 are shocking, untrue and unsubstantiated. These allegations leave me with no option but to publicly set the record straight. I would like to share my version of the journey of OMG-2, as it really happened. It was senior actor Pavan Malhotra who first recommended writer-director Amit Rai’s name to me. I had worked with Malhotra in ‘Mubarakan’, a film that I produced. I met Amit for a completely different film. Post that, Amit and I became friends and we’d often meet at his office in Bandra, Mumbai. On one of those days, in a casual conversation, Amit briefly narrated a subject to me, which stayed with me. That was the subject that eventually became OMG-2. “When I first heard it, my immediate reaction was that this subject resembled the format of OMG totally. Then, Amit told me that he had written it in the OMG format because Paresh Rawal had asked him to stay as close to OMG as possible in terms of the narrative. Paresh had worked with him in his earlier film, ‘Road To Sangam’ and they both shared a good camaraderie. “But I had a concern – OMG cannot be made without Akshay Kumar or his approval, since I was aware that the IP rights of the film belonged to him. “Amit had asked the same question to Paresh and Paresh had told him that the IP belonged to him (Paresh) and there was nothing to worry about. Though Amit still had reservations, Paresh informed him that even if OMG Part 100 had to be made, only you will write and direct it, suggesting that HE was the film’s rightful owner. That’s why Amit went ahead and finished his script, which is entirely his own. The only difference was that the character of God (which was later played by Akshay Kumar) was that of a fakir. “That’s when it began clear to me what Paresh was trying to do. He was trying to make a version of OMG under a different name, which is unethical and unprofessional. It was trying to steal someone else’s creation and property, and use it under a guise. For me, that is nothing short of a theft. “Paresh says in his podcast that he approached several actors with this script and they all turned it down. He forgets to mention why they all turned it down. They did so because they all told him – this is OMG and that is Akshay Kumar’s film. Why should we tread into something that belongs to him? Or go and get his approval, they all said. “I realized then that the script needed to be protected and that’s when my company (Wakaoo Films) acquired the script. “The script was and is still registered under the name of Amit Rai who is the SOLE writer of the film. It is completely unfair and unwarranted on Paresh’s part to have expected any kind of credit for the film’s script – since this is something he never mentioned to me in our many meetings. Perhaps because it is simply not true. “After we acquired the film, on Amit’s behest, I met Paresh, but that was purely to cast him in the film. We met him once at the Willingdon Club in Mahalaxmi and once at the Mangii Ferra restaurant in Juhu where we discussed his role and character. “I met Paresh for the third time at the Soho House in Juhu where I told him that I would have to take this script first to Akshay Kumar since this is too much like OMG and it would be unethical on my part not to do so. I was shocked to see his reaction. His was emphatic that this film cannot be OMG – he kept repeating that without giving any plausible reason. It became obvious after a point that he wanted to keep Akshay Kumar out from the project for reasons best known to him. “Being a producer myself, I would never do anything that’s detrimental to another producer. It’s like me making a script on the same lines as ‘Sholay’ and not taking permission from Sippy Films. By just changing Thakur Baldev Singh’s character to a woman would not change anything. “I tried explaining not just the ethical implications of it but also the legal ramifications – but Paresh was stubborn. His continuous rant was – it cannot become OMG. “But since the script belonged to us now, we decided to do the right thing. And that’s how OMG-2 happened. “Despite all that had happened, Paresh was still the first actor we approached . Akshay Kumar also spoke to him and tried to convince him to do the part. But he refused to budge from his stance. We waited for almost two months, after which we moved on. “Throughout this journey, I reiterate that Paresh’s involvement with the film was purely in the capacity of an actor and nothing else. In fact, there was an actor agreement also that was exchanged between us at that time. “I must also state that Paresh Rawal was given due credit as the PRODUCER in OMG-2, even though he had made zero contribution to it. He chose to give the credits to his wife, Swaroop Paresh Rawal and his business partner, Hemal Thakkar. “Not just that, Paresh Rawal was also paid a stipulated amount of money for OMG-2, which he conveniently forgets to mention in his recent interview. “I would like to state again that nobody tried to cheat Paresh Rawal of anything. The only thing we are guilty of is stopping him from doing the same. ”

Post

*Akriti Kakar Reveals How a Durga Puja Performance Opened the Doors to Bengali Cinema on Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar*

*17th July 2026, Mumbai:* Singer *Akriti Kakar* opened up about her unexpected journey into Bengali cinema. Revealing how a chance performance at a Durga Puja pandal changed the course of her career, on the upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa — Ghar ki Superstar* hosted by *Rajeev Khandelwal* . When Rajeev pointed out Akriti Kakar’s strong connection with Bengal despite being a Kakar, he said, _"Mere hisaab se Kakar jo hote hain, Punjabi hote hain. Bengal se kya rishta hai aapka?"_ To this, Akriti replied, _"Main aapko sach bataun, mujhe nahi pata yeh rishta kaise bana. Main kisi Durga pandal mein gaa rahi thi. Wahan pe mujhe Jeet Ganguly da ki wife ne dekha mujhe gaate hue. Unhone bola, 'Eto bhalo, mishti, so sweet-sounding girl.' Toh bola isko shayad Bengali cinema mein gaana chahiye. Toh yeh Chandrani bhabhi ki badaulat hai ki unhone ghar jaake apne husband Jeet da ko bataya aur mera safar almost 15 saal pehle shuru hua Bengali cinema mein."_ Rajeev then asked, _"Aapne Bengali seekhi wahan pe?"_ Akriti responded, _"Haan, thoda-thoda bol paati hoon main wahan pe, just to save my life."_ Appreciating the love she has received over the years, Rajeev remarked, _"Music ki waise bhi koi zubaan nahi hoti. Itna naam aapka popular ho gaya wahan pe, khaas kar Bengal mein toh.”_ Expressing her gratitude, Akriti said, _"Alag hi tarah ka mujhe pyaar mila hai, and I hope and pray ki milta rahe."_ The conversation celebrated not only Akriti's remarkable musical journey but also the unexpected opportunities and meaningful relationships that shaped her successful career in Bengali cinema. *Watch Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.*

Post

*Akriti Kakar Reveals How a Durga Puja Performance Opened the Doors to Bengali Cinema on Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar* *17th July 2026, Mumbai:* Singer *Akriti Kakar* opened up about her unexpected journey into Bengali cinema. Revealing how a chance performance at a Durga Puja pandal changed the course of her career, on the upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa — Ghar ki Superstar* hosted by *Rajeev Khandelwal* . When Rajeev pointed out Akriti Kakar’s strong connection with Bengal despite being a Kakar, he said, _"Mere hisaab se Kakar jo hote hain, Punjabi hote hain. Bengal se kya rishta hai aapka?"_ To this, Akriti replied, _"Main aapko sach bataun, mujhe nahi pata yeh rishta kaise bana. Main kisi Durga pandal mein gaa rahi thi. Wahan pe mujhe Jeet Ganguly da ki wife ne dekha mujhe gaate hue. Unhone bola, 'Eto bhalo, mishti, so sweet-sounding girl.' Toh bola isko shayad Bengali cinema mein gaana chahiye. Toh yeh Chandrani bhabhi ki badaulat hai ki unhone ghar jaake apne husband Jeet da ko bataya aur mera safar almost 15 saal pehle shuru hua Bengali cinema mein."_ Rajeev then asked, _"Aapne Bengali seekhi wahan pe?"_ Akriti responded, _"Haan, thoda-thoda bol paati hoon main wahan pe, just to save my life."_ Appreciating the love she has received over the years, Rajeev remarked, _"Music ki waise bhi koi zubaan nahi hoti. Itna naam aapka popular ho gaya wahan pe, khaas kar Bengal mein toh.”_ Expressing her gratitude, Akriti said, _"Alag hi tarah ka mujhe pyaar mila hai, and I hope and pray ki milta rahe."_ The conversation celebrated not only Akriti's remarkable musical journey but also the unexpected opportunities and meaningful relationships that shaped her successful career in Bengali cinema. *Watch Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.*