Crossing over to the billions
Taylor Swift and Rihanna
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has officially entered the billionaire club, with the Hurun India Rich List 2025 estimating his net worth at $1.4 billion (approximately R11,000 crore). The 59-year-old joins global icons such as Rihanna, Tiger Woods, and Taylor Swift in the rare billionaires’ circle. “Khan’s billionaire status is driven mainly by his stakes in Red Chillies Entertainment and Knight Rider Sports,” said Anas Rahman Junaid, founder of Hurun India. SRK’s wealth also stems from films, brand endorsements, and global real estate investments. Calling the milestone symbolic of India’s changing economy, Junaid noted, “Sports, entertainment, and IP-driven businesses are now serious engines of wealth creation.” Other Bollywood names on the list include Juhi Chawla, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Karan Johar.
City lights to village triumph
(L-R) Anita Hassanandani and Rannvijay Singha
Television actor Anita Hassanandani has been crowned the winner of Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, Zee TV’s reality show that saw celebrities adapt to rural life for two months. The finale, held amid festive celebrations in the village, marked the end of the show’s first season. Reflecting on her win, Anita said, “This journey has been raw, emotional, humbling, and truly unforgettable. I wanted to win this for [son] Aaravv and [husband] Rohit; they have been my biggest motivation throughout.” Host Rannvijay Singha remarked, “Anita stood out with her determination and grace. Watching her lift the trophy was the perfect ending.” The season featured stars including Krishna Shroff, Aishwarya Khare, and Erika Packard, and highlighted resilience, friendship, and the simplicity of rural life.
The star of the masses
Rajinikanth (L) with an ally. PICS/ GETTY IMAGES, INSTAGRAM
Megastar Rajinikanth has taken a break from his film commitments to embark on a spiritual journey in the Himalayas with close friends. Photos from his trip, now circulating on social media, show the actor embracing simplicity — eating a modest meal on a leaf plate by the roadside and interacting with locals at an ashram in white attire. Fans have lauded his humility and grounded nature, praising the veteran star for staying true to his down-to-earth demeanour despite decades of superstardom.
Love is in the air
(L-R) Vijay Deverakonda with Rashmika Mandanna
Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, long rumoured to be dating, are now officially engaged. The buzz is that the couple is set to tie the knot in February 2026. News of their engagement spread rapidly on social media over the weekend, with fans celebrating the union of the much-loved duo. Rashmika and Vijay, who starred together in Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019), have often been spotted together at public events and on holidays, fuelling romance rumours over the years. In earlier interviews, Rashmika has spoken about valuing “mutual respect, kindness and genuine care” in a relationship. So far, neither actor has issued an official statement confirming their engagement.
Where did ‘Baahubali’ vanish?
Prabhas in ‘Baahubali: The Epic’
As filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali saga preps to re-release in cinemas as Baahubali: The Epic, fans have noticed both instalments have vanished from Netflix, sparking speculation online. The upcoming film combines Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), and releases on October 31. Screenshots circulating on social media show Netflix displaying, “Oh no! This title currently isn’t available to watch in your country.” While some users believe the streaming rights may have expired, others call it a “marketing strategy” to build buzz ahead of the theatrical release. The film stars Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, and Rana Daggubati among others.
Career switch for the babies
Karan Johar (centre) with daughter Roohi (L) and son Yash (R)
Filmmaker Karan Johar shared an amusing career wish for his twins, Roohi and Yash, during his appearance on Komal Nahta’s Game Changers: The Producers Series. “I would want Roohi and Yash to become make-up and hair artistes because they are earning more money than other people,” he joked, adding, “Ek hair kare aur dusra make-up, it will be very beneficial for both of them.” The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) director also commented on rising entourage costs, saying, “If you are getting a big fee and backend, then do these on your own, show some grace. Why do you need six to eight people to travel with you?” Karan urged actors to take financial responsibility for personal staff and upkeep.
