Entertainment

2021 Heralds a new order!

How did the celebrities bring in the New Year? With Covid casting its shadow over the year 2020, will 2021 be suffused with a beacon of hope? Anita Raheja-Heena Agarwal caught up with some familiar faces…

Sourabh Raj Jain (Television actor)

“My new year resolution is to have a better control over my mind.”

We celebrated the New Year at home. We danced, ate pizza along with some ordered-in Indian food but the dish that stole the show was the kheer made by my mother. I’ve never been in a better mood; I guess the dawn of 2021 fills the environment with lot of positivity, energy and hope. My resolution for this year is to have a better control over mind. I am also expecting a lot of work and looking forward to it.

Dhvani Bhanushali (Singer)

“My expectations of 2021 are safety and opportunities for everyone.”

I celebrated my New Year’s night with family in Goa. We saw some fireworks and had a sumptuous dinner. 2021 is surely feeling different to everyone including me! I’m happy and motivated to work on new songs this year and my New Year resolution is to be happy and inspired. My expectations from 2021 are simple, I pray for safety and good opportunities for everyone.

Daler Mehndi (Playback singer)

I brought in the New Year bonding with and listening to stories of valour, courage, grit and resilience from men who despite staying in a bone-tearing ice region (the Himveers) are driven by the love for their country. Their fearlessness is wonderful, their oneness attractive. It was overwhelming and humbling to learn that my music served them in their tough times. The adulation and respect showered on me by the jawans and their seniors is a gift to cherish a lifetime. They conferred The Guard of Honour to me to express their love. This is the best New Year gift for me.

“I want to reach out, heal and serve people through my music.”

My mood currently is of gratitude and extreme enthusiasm. 2021 is hopeful wishful and very importantly 2020 taught us the value of people and things, 2021 is the platform to execute the lessons learnt. My New Year resolution is to emphasise on collaborations whether it is instruments or programmers (those I have never worked with) and to reach out and serve people through my music. I want to heal and impart joy to people with autism and mental health issues. I expect 2021 will see a more empathetic world.

Mohit Mallik (Actor)

“After a very long time we were celebrating the New Year at home because my wife Aditi is expecting”

Our celebration was small but we had fun with close friends at home. Great food, laughter, music and dance, after a long time we were celebrating the New Year at home because my wife Aditi is expecting. Last year Aditi and I were in France. We always like to spend the New Years Eve at a place with scenic beauty. January first was a beautiful day. We woke up early and prayed. As is my annual routine, I spent some lone time with myself and then spent some time with Aditi. We have shifted to a new house recently so Aditi and I are enjoying my house.

2021 feels different. Finally, it all depends on your perception; every day can be different not just the morning after December 31. We know that the clock is ticking and we really have to become better versions of ourselves. To those who call it a bad year, I would say bad is not the correct word. Yes, it was a tough year, a roller coaster ride but it made us much stronger.

Archana Puran Singh (Television host & Actor)

“Parmeet and I danced on our favourite number since our dating days – Dancing Queen by ABBA.”

Usually, I don’t celebrate New Year but this year for 2020, I celebrated it with a big bang. We were joined in by my mom, dad, kids, friends and we together danced the night away. I have posted the videos, for the first time I went live on my Instagram page and shared my happiness with my followers. Parmeet and I danced on our favourite number since our dating days – Dancing Queen by Abba. Our sons played the number and we dedicated half the night dancing to that song.

Technically New Year’s Eve is just another day but the mood has changed because you feel a positive vibe. We are progressing towards 2021 and keen to leave behind a lot and remember what we learnt in this phase. I am feeling very upbeat and in a much better frame of mind. It feels like we have overcome the challenges of 2020 and have emerged victorious. One is thankful that we are alive unlike many who did not survive 2020. I never make New Year resolutions and this year has been no different but the lessons I’ve learnt in 2020 shall not be forgotten in 2021.

For this year I pray that the vaccine works. Once the virus is effectively countered the fear and the dread that enveloped 2020 will gradually disappear and life will limp back to normalcy. Hopefully, everything is going to be normal and I can meet those who I haven’t met in a year -my sister my brother, my nieces.

Sudhanshu Pandey (Actor)

“Since I don’t have any vices. I don’t have to really make any resolutions.”

I celebrated my night family, which is my best way of celebrating any occasion. We had a family dinner, relished great food and lots of mithai. I have been positive and strong throughout 2020 and I am just the same even now. I’m hoping that 2021 brings a lot more happiness to this world.

I don’t have any New Year resolution apart from working harder. Since I don’t have any vices. I don’t have to really make any resolutions. My expectations from 2021 are not about me, they are universal. I want this world to be a better place to live in; I want people to more aware. I hope we never neglect mother nature to a degree that she punishes us the way she did in 2020.We must ensure that this planet remains healthy and green for our kids.

Madalsa Sharma Chakraborty (Actor)

“I am stepping into 2021 with a leap of faith.”

I was shooting on the 31^st night and as soon as pack up was announced I headed to my parents’ house. I celebrated my new year with my family. It was a beautiful evening together and that’s what matters to me the most.

I felt great on January 1, because it was the beginning of a new year especially after 2020, which was like a roller coaster ride. There was so much learning and new experiences for which we were not prepared. 2021 is going to bring a lot of happiness and joy. I am looking forward to 2021 – I am stepping into it with a leap of faith.

I don’t make New Year resolutions because once you make a resolution you are psychologically compelled to follow it. I would rather do things in the natural course and I plan to keep doing the things that I have been doing all along – good deeds and helping the needy. My expectation from 2021 is firstly a vaccine so that everybody can live without a care and travel to their heart’s content. We should be able to go to our workplace without a trace of anxiety. Wishing this to be a year in which we realise our dreams and find peace.

January 5, 2021

#2021resolutions, #StreamingNow, Celebrities

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy