Entertainment

Anil Kapoor Takes Charge of Bigg Boss OTT 3

Anil Kapoor is all set to take the reins as the host of Big Boss OTT 3, streaming exclusively on Jio Cinema starting June 21st at 9 PM. This season promises a unique twist with round-the-clock coverage, bringing viewers an unprecedented peek into the contestants’ lives. When asked how the bedroom scenes will be handled under constant scrutiny, Anil Kapoor quips with a laugh, “With cameras capturing every moment, all I can say is, ‘Wait and Watch’—you never know what surprises await, both inside and outside the bedroom!” Join Lipika Varma as she dives into an exclusive conversation with the ever-charismatic Anil Kapoor.

Get Ready for Jhakaas Entertainment! – Anil kapoor

Excerpts-

Anil Kapoor’s name is synonymous with the word Jhakas; what difference will Anil bring while hosting the Big Boss OTT 3rd season, with the tagline, “Ab Sab Badlega”?

Maine kaha na -Bahut ho gaya, Jhakas, karte hain kuch Khaas. You should understand that Jhakas’ word is already attached to me. But other than that, we will have something more. You need to wait and watch for that Khaas thing.

How was your experience hosting for the OTT platform this time?

I was excited about hosting this time. Availing this opportunity to host on the Jio Cinema OTT platform for BB3 was something new for me. I always like to adventure with fresh and new stuff.

I am looking forward to it. Also, I had a different feeling like, Yar aisa kabhi kiya nahi hai, toh maza ayega isse karne mein. You try to give your best when you go with this thought process.

Doing something new has always enticed me, and if you look back at my career graph, you will notice that it has given me innumerable chances to try it out. This being new and fresh stuff, I enjoyed doing it and was keen on learning more about it. I also did ‘Night Manager’ for OTT. I got to do something out of the box and also learned a lot while doing it. I got a good exposure through it.

You also ventured into doing English films. How did this happen?

I also tried performing in English films/shows apart from doing Hindi films and having garnered oodles of love from my Hindi audiences. I have done ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ ‘Who Wants to Be Millionaire’ [Kaun Banega Corerpati] in English. This was the first opportunity for me to be doing an English show. I called director Siddhartha [Basu] to learn everything about it. We made a look-alike mock chair on which Amitji [Amitabh Bachchan] sits; I tried to learn from the team. You always want the blessings and encouragement from one and all. The team also needs to be good. With this season of BB, we want to give our fans something great, so they find it exciting and hold on to the show.

You have been successful in your job, but whenever you start anything, you always have a fear within you. How would you explain this fear?

This fear in me keeps me going; without this, you would never be able to give your best. One should never feel overconfident. You need to use your anxiousness and your fear so that you will try to do your best. I have done everything with my inner fear; I never started my journey on any project thinking, Yeh toh kuch nahi hai, mere bayen haath ka khel hai; it’s only because I took a step forward with that fear that I have been able to reach here today.

What is your take on the hosts of variety shows?

There are many fantastic, relatable reality shows down South and North. These shows have entertained people nationally and internationally. Amitji [Amitabh Bachchan] has hosted KBC, and Salman [Khan] has hosted BB’s every season. Kapil Sharma’s comedy show and Koffee with Karan, all these shows have garnered huge eyeballs and received accolades. These shows have made a pivotal landmark. People will always cherish them as they have left an incredible mark on the minds of the audiences. Everyone admires them as they hold a special place in everyone’s hearts.

How do you always give freshness/newness and a one-up performance?

You have to keep on learning and improving your craft. One should learn more from failures than successes. You learn more from the hardships, conflicts, and humiliations you face during your journey. All these things I have seen in the 45 years of my journey have made me richer in experience. Having these in your memories, you try not to repeat the mistakes that you have made. We also watch the mistakes people around us may have committed and learn from that as well. Having made up from where I started my life, meeting people from all walks of life- talented people, Philanthropists, great performers, businessmen, and politicians; I think about them and learn from what they speak. Bus yehi kehna chahunga maza aata hai- I am blessed that after going through so much, I am getting work.

What is the mantra of your success?

I feel it’s a combination of a lot of hard work. About myself, I can just say I have tried to give my best—mehant bahut ki aur abhi bhi kar raha hoon. There has been no day where I haven’t compromised as a person or human. With whatever strength and capacity I possess, I have done it all wholeheartedly. I have retained my consistency only because I have always worked with good teams, Iske elava kuch nahi hota hai.

What do you think about yourself as the following?

A Husband- As a husband, I can still be better.

A Dad– I could have been much better at giving more time to my family. I did my best, but owing to my busy work schedule, I feel I could have done better.

A Grandfather- I wish I could spend more time with the little one [Sonam’s daughter]. They are in London, and we live here in India. But thanks to technology, we try to interact with the little one daily. We love to talk to her and feel happy. Sometimes, Sunita [wife] and I watch videos of her and enjoy those moments.

On response you receive from Sunita [Wife] – I always get half preference because she is the host and the big boss of the house. Even today, if there are some guests, I am asked to settle down in some corner of the house and leave my room for the guests. [Laughs]

July 1, 2024

Anil Kapoor, bigg boss 3, bigg boss ott 3, Bollywood

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