Block on Pakistani artistes eases
Following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, India launched “Operation Sindoor” — a military response targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Alongside this, access to several Pakistani actors’ social media accounts was restricted in India. The move, supported by the government and industry bodies, also led to the cancellation of some film and brand partnerships. Almost three months later, a few accounts have been restored. Indian users can once again view profiles of actors like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza Mir and Danish Taimoor. However, accounts of prominent names such as Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Fawad Khan remain blocked for now. Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh continues to receive criticism by a huge section in India for casting Hania in Sardaar Ji 3. It led to the film being banned here, even as it received a huge opening in cinemas globally.
We are family, forever and always
(L) Sohail Khan with ex-wife Seema Sajdeh, and sons Nirvan and Yohan in London
Sohail Khan and his former wife Seema Sajdeh recently reunited for a family vacation in London with their sons, 24-year-old Nirvan and 14-year-old Yohan. Despite their divorce in 2022 after 24 years of marriage, the two appeared to maintain a cordial relationship, coming together to spend quality time as a family. The London trip reflects their evolving modern family dynamic. Seema had previously opened up about co-parenting and her decision to shift to Worli for a fresh start with Yohan post-separation, though he eventually spent more time in Bandra with his father and brother. On Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, she also introduced her current partner Vikram — interestingly, he is the same man she was once engaged to before eloping with Sohail.
An emotional farewell
Ranbir Kapoor hugs Ravi Dubey on the sets of Ramayana; (right) Nitesh Tiwari
The shoot for Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited epic Ramayana: Part 1 has officially concluded. In a video now going viral, Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram, is seen hugging Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, and addressing the entire unit during the wrap ceremony. Surrounded by his co-stars and crew, he expressed his appreciation for the journey and said that playing Lord Ram was the “most meaningful role of his life. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the most significant role of my career,” he said.
Aurangzeb gets an Animal twist
Bobby Deol as Aurangzeb in Hari Hara Veera Mallu
Bobby Deol’s menacing silence in Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal (2023) has inspired director Jyothi Krisna to reimagine his role as Aurangzeb in the upcoming historical epic Hari Hara Veera Mallu, releasing on July 24. “Bobby Deol’s performance in Animal was spellbinding. The way he conveyed so much through sheer expression — without dialogue — was remarkable. It opened up new creative possibilities for Aurangzeb’s character in our film,” the director said. Although Bobby had already shot several scenes, the filmmaker returned to the script, restructuring the character’s personality, backstory, and emotional arc to better reflect Bobby’s evolved artistry. “When I narrated the revised version, Bobby was thrilled,” the director added.
