Actors getting replaced at the drop of a hat is not a new phenomenon in showbiz. There is a long list of actors who had to quit projects at the last minute for one reason or the other. And the latest Bollywood actor who had to face a similar situation is carefree Kalki Koechlin.
Kalki was set to play the female lead in the forthcoming trilingual film Haathi Mere Saathi. The movie is presently being shot in Kerala and Kalki was set to start filming for it soon. However, the latest buzz has it that she has been replaced by Shriya Pilgaonkar.
Shriya, the daughter of veteran actors Sachin Pilgaonkar and Supriya Pilgaonkar, entered Bollywood with Shah Rukh Khan’s film Fan in 2016. She was most recently seen in the Amazon Prime original, Mirzapur.
Haathi Mere Saathi stars Rana Daggubati as the male lead. Pulkit Samrat, Zoya Hussain and Vishnu Vishal also play important roles. It is being helmed by Prabhu Solomon and produced by Inder Singh Bariya, Omshankar Bhagat, Ajay Rai and Sushil Tirwadkar under the banner of Trinity Pictures. It is a tribute to a movie of the same name which starred late superstar Rajesh Khanna in 1971.
The movie is expected to hit theatres towards the end of the year.
Heidi Klum and daughter Leni walked the Venice Film Festival red carpet in matching corset-style gowns.
The supermodel opted for a blush pink silk design, while Leni wore an inky black version.
Both gowns were created by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, for which they are ambassadors.
The mother-daughter duo previously fronted a controversial campaign for the same brand.
Heidi Klum's Venice Film Festival appearances always generate headlines, but this year she doubled the impact by walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni. The pair stunned in co-ordinated gowns from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi, bringing high fashion and red carpet glamour together in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Their matching corset silhouettes highlighted the duo’s modelling credentials and added a striking family twist to the opening night of the prestigious event.
Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum
What did Heidi Klum wear at the Venice Film Festival?
For the opening night on 27 August, Heidi Klum chose a blush pink silk gown featuring corseted boning, a plunging neckline and a sheer bodice. The dress also showcased a dramatic thigh-high slit and hip cut-out, adding a lingerie-inspired edge. She paired the look with diamond chokers and styled her hair in rocker-style waves with new bangs, completing a striking combination of Old Hollywood glamour and modern sensuality.
Arriving at the festival by boat, Heidi shared behind-the-scenes photographs on social media showing her preparation at her Venetian hotel. Her posts included affectionate moments with Leni, with the caption that she was “having the best time with my baby” at the festival.
At just 21, Leni Klum is following closely in her mother’s modelling footsteps. On the red carpet she mirrored Heidi’s gown in a bold black version, also by Intimissimi. The design featured the same sheer corsetry and plunging neckline but offered a slightly younger twist, with symmetrical hip cut-outs and strappy sandals.
Leni accessorised her look with an emerald and diamond necklace, contrasting the darker gown with a pop of colour. She wore her hair in soft waves, echoing her mother’s style while adding her own youthful touch. Together, the pair created a co-ordinated but distinctive appearance that quickly became one of the highlights of the Venice Film Festival’s first night.
Leni Klum mirrors her mother’s red carpet style in a striking black corset gown at VeniceInstagram/heidiklum
Why is the Heidi and Leni Klum appearance significant?
This Venice outing is not the first time the duo have collaborated with Intimissimi. In 2022, Heidi and Leni starred together in a lingerie campaign for the Italian brand, which received mixed reactions. Their latest red carpet moment is seen as an extension of that partnership, bringing the lingerie-inspired designs into a high-profile international film setting.
For Heidi, the event underlined her ongoing relevance in fashion, while for Leni it marked another high-profile step in her rising career. Their joint appearance shows the generational handover in the modelling world, with Leni carving her own identity while still closely linked to her mother’s legacy.
Which other stars were spotted at the Venice Film Festival?
The 82nd Venice Film Festival, which runs from 27 August to 6 September, attracted global stars to Italy’s most glamorous red carpet. Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Julia Roberts were also photographed arriving for premieres, with Roberts making headlines for her quirky cardigan covered in portraits of Italian director Luca Guadagnino.
The festival opened with the premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, a drama exploring political and personal dilemmas in Italy. With its combination of star power, fashion statements and cinematic showcases, Venice once again affirmed its position as one of the world’s most influential cultural events.
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Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara
Ahaan Panday opens up on being ‘wronged’ before his Bollywood debut
Actor admits he spent years in ‘blind optimism’ waiting for launch
Saiyaara has become the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history
The Mohit Suri directorial collected £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide
Bollywood newcomer Ahaan Panday has revealed that he felt “wronged” by people in the industry before finally making his long-awaited debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The 27-year-old actor, who comes from the well-known Panday family, said he lived in “blind optimism” for four to five years as projects kept falling through. Despite setbacks, Ahaan maintained that he never became bitter and channelled his struggles into his performance.
Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Why was Ahaan Panday’s debut delayed for so long?
Ahaan was initially expected to be launched much earlier under Yash Raj Films, but several projects were shelved before they could take off. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, he admitted:
“Have I felt wronged by people? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be right for me to get personal about that, but as an actor, that’s where you take inspiration from. I just kept putting myself into different things. The first four-five years, I was entirely delusional, and people around me could sense it.”
The actor revealed he worked as an assistant director on The Railway Men while waiting for his break, using the experience to keep his morale intact.
Ahaan Panday revealed he worked as an assistant director before landing his debut role Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Did personal struggles affect Ahaan Panday’s journey?
Alongside professional delays, Ahaan also dealt with a personal tragedy; the passing of his grandmother, whom he called his “backbone.” He said she was the only person who called him a hero every day at home and losing her left him shattered.
He recalled: “My confidence started to break after that. The only way I could deal with it was to keep working. To even be on a film set was a privilege. I was never bitter because millions dream of this opportunity.”
This resilience, he said, helped him stay focused until the right opportunity arrived.
How did Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri shape his launch?
Eventually, YRF head Aditya Chopra reached out to Ahaan’s parents, assuring them he would be launched under the banner. That led to Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and co-starring fellow newcomer Aneet Padda.
For Ahaan, joining YRF was also deeply personal. His grandmother, who nicknamed him “Raj,” had dreamed of him becoming a Yash Raj hero. “It was instinctive for me to say yes. I grew up on this cinema. My Hindu name is Yash, my sister’s name is Chandni, we were filmy YRF lovers. Somewhere, I did this for her,” he explained.
Released earlier this year, Saiyaara has become a record-breaking success. The romantic drama is now the highest-grossing film headlined by newcomers and the biggest love story in Indian cinema history.
The film has grossed an estimated £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far. Its success has firmly established Ahaan as one of Bollywood’s most promising new actors.
Though the actor has not announced his next project yet, industry watchers believe Ahaan’s grand debut has positioned him strongly for future big-ticket films. With Saiyaara breaking records and his candid reflections on the struggles behind the glamour, Ahaan has become a name audiences are eager to follow.
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Fans call Lokah Chapter 1 better than Kalki 2898 AD and Brahmastra
Lokah Chapter 1 has beaten big titles like Hrithik Roshan’s War 2 and Rajinikanth’s Coolie.
The Malayalam superhero film opened strongly and showed 40% growth on day two.
Fans have hailed it as better than big-budget spectacles like Kalki 2898 AD and Brahmastra.
Produced by Dulquer Salmaan, it marks the start of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe.
The Malayalam film Lokah Chapter 1 has taken the box office by storm, with its opening weekend figures outpacing Bollywood and Tamil heavyweights. The superhero drama, directed by Dominic Arun, combines mythology, fantasy and science fiction, and has quickly found both commercial success and critical praise. Early numbers suggest that Lokah Chapter 1 box office earnings have already eclipsed Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2 and Rajinikanth’s Coolie, while sparking comparisons with Kalki 2898 AD and Brahmastra.
Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra in Lokah Chapter 1, Mollywood’s first female superheroInstagram/lokahofficial
How much did Lokah Chapter 1 earn at the box office?
According to early trade reports, Lokah Chapter 1 opened with collections of £250,000 (₹2.7 crore) on Thursday. By Friday, the film saw a 40% jump, collecting £345,000 (₹3.75 crore). This put it ahead of both War 2, which managed just £60,000 (₹65 lakh]) on the same day, and Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which brought in £160,000 (₹1.75 crore).
Even Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam could not keep pace, standing at £250,000 (₹2.7 crore). The only film to surpass Lokah that weekend was Param Sundari, a Bollywood release that grossed over £645,000 (₹7 crore) with a wider distribution.
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Why are fans praising Lokah Chapter 1 ?
Audiences have praised the film’s unique use of folklore in a modern setting, with many pointing out that its execution was stronger than recent mega-productions. Social media reactions have called it “Avengers meets The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with a Bangalore energy.”
Kalyani Priyadarshan, who plays the central role of Chandra, has particularly impressed viewers with her action sequences and commanding screen presence. One fan wrote online: “Everything that could’ve gone wrong in a low-budget superhero film went right here. This is how you build a cinematic universe.”
What makes Lokah Chapter 1 significant for Malayalam cinema?
Lokah Chapter 1 marks the first female-led superhero film in Mollywood. Kalyani’s Chandra, a mysterious figure in gothic style who moves to Bangalore, is at the heart of the narrative. Her dynamic with two directionless bachelors, Sunny and Venu, forms a key storyline, with her supernatural presence driving the suspense.
The film also launches the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe, produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films. This ambitious project could be a shift in Malayalam cinema towards bigger, franchise-style filmmaking, while still retaining its cultural roots.
Will Lokah Chapter 1 cross ₹15 crore in its first weekend?
Industry experts suggest that word-of-mouth could push the film’s opening weekend collection beyond £1.4 million (₹15 crore). By Saturday, worldwide collections were reported at around £1.1 million (₹12 crore), bringing the total tally close to £1.65 million (₹18 crore).
Significantly, the UK and Ireland have turned into one of Lokah Chapter 1’s strongest overseas markets. Following brisk advance sales, exhibitors expanded screen counts from around 100 to nearly 150 within the first two days. Trade figures show the film grossed about £40,728 (₹43 lakh) on day one in the UK, a striking start for a Malayalam release. The response underlines the film’s dominance over other South Asian titles in release and signals wider international pull for Kalyani Priyadarshan’s breakout hit.
The film stars Kalyani Priyadarshan alongside Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Sarath Sabha and Nithya Shri. Directed by Dominic Arun, it was released on 28 August.
Lokah Chapter 1 box office collections surpassed Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan’s War 2Instagram/lokahofficial
Kalyani admitted in an interview that she initially questioned whether she was right for the part. “I thought, ‘Why have they come to me for this?’ But I could not resist the opportunity to play such a layered character,” she said.
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Alison Balsom prepares for her final bow at the Last Night Of The Proms 2025
Trumpeter Alison Balsom confirms retirement after 40 years of performing
Her final concert will be the Last Night of the Proms 2025 on 13 September
She will play the Hummel Trumpet Concerto in E flat major for her farewell
The 46-year-old OBE winner cites family and intensity of touring as reasons
Classical trumpeter Alison Balsom retirement news has been confirmed, with the British musician set to step away from performing after one last appearance at the Last Night of the Proms. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s This Cultural Life, she revealed her “last night on stage” will be marked by playing the Hummel Trumpet Concerto, a work she has championed throughout her career. Married to filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes, Balsom said the decision was shaped by her family life and the unsustainable demands of constant touring.
Alison Balsom prepares for her final bow at the Last Night Of The Proms 2025 Getty Images
Why is Alison Balsom retiring after the Proms?
Balsom explained that the trumpet is an instrument that cannot be played “halfway.” Even a short break affects performance standards, making it difficult to sustain at the highest level. She compared recent years to “playing the Wimbledon final and then no tennis,” saying the cycle of intense preparation followed by long gaps is unsustainable.
She emphasised that she wanted to retire honestly, at a point where she still felt in full control of her playing. Touring, she added, had become mentally and emotionally consuming, making it harder to balance with raising a family.
Alison Balsom ends a 40-year career with the Hummel Concerto in E flat majorGetty Images
What will Alison Balsom play at her final concert?
Her farewell performance at the Last Night of the Proms 2025 on 13 September will feature the Hummel Trumpet Concerto in E flat major. The work carries personal significance, as it was the piece that first inspired her when she saw it performed on television as a child.
Balsom previously played at the Proms in 2009 while pregnant, describing that experience as both exhausting and meaningful. Returning to the same stage for her retirement, she said, “I know what I want to say about this piece, but I don’t think I’m going to have anything more to say after this.”
Over four decades, Balsom has established herself as one of the world’s leading trumpet soloists. She has performed with major orchestras, released acclaimed recordings, and won three Classic Brit Awards. In 2016, she was made an OBE for services to music.
Beyond her concert career, she has also been a visible advocate for classical music education, appearing on television and radio to promote the instrument she describes as “the best thing ever.”
Alison Balsom with her OBE which she received from the Prince of WalesGetty Images
What is next for Alison Balsom?
While she is stepping away from performing, Balsom has not ruled out continuing to champion the trumpet in other ways. She said her future would focus more on family life and new opportunities offstage. For now, she sees her retirement as the natural conclusion of a personal journey she has followed “honestly and with authenticity.”
Her final appearance forms part of a Proms season that has also featured performances by Grammy-winner Samara Joy, pianist Yunchan Lim and a Traitors-themed concert. The Last Night of the Proms will be broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC One on 13 September.
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Vishal and Sai Dhanshika at their Chennai engagement ceremony
Actors Vishal and Sai Dhanshika got engaged on his 47th birthday in Chennai
Wedding postponed until the Nadigar Sangam building is completed
Couple first confirmed their relationship in May 2025 at a press meet
Celebrities and fans flooded social media with congratulatory wishes
Tamil cinema stars Vishal and Sai Dhanshika made their relationship official in May, and on Friday, 29 August 2025, the pair celebrated their engagement. The event took place on Vishal’s 47th birthday in Chennai, with close friends and family in attendance. The engagement was widely shared on social media after Vishal confirmed the news on his X handle.
The Vishal and Sai Dhanshika engagement has now become one of the most talked-about events in Tamil film circles, especially as the couple postponed their wedding until the Nadigar Sangam building’s completion, a cause close to Vishal as General Secretary of the organisation.
Vishal and Sai Dhanshika at their Chennai engagement ceremony Instagram/actorvishalofficial/saidhanshika
When did Vishal and Sai Dhanshika get engaged?
The Vishal and Sai Dhanshika engagement was held on 29 August 2025, a date that was initially meant for their wedding. The couple chose the special occasion of Vishal’s birthday to mark their new chapter. Traditional Tamil attire marked the ceremony: Dhanshika wore a saree while Vishal opted for a white shirt and vesti, with both donning flower garlands. The event remained a private family gathering, but official photos shared online quickly spread among fans.
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Why was Vishal and Sai Dhanshika’s wedding postponed?
Originally scheduled for the same day, the wedding was postponed after Vishal decided to wait for the completion of the Nadigar Sangam building project. As General Secretary, he stated that marrying after the inauguration felt more meaningful. Speaking at a press meet earlier, Vishal explained, “This cause is important to me, and I want to step into married life once the building is completed.” His decision has drawn respect from industry peers and fans alike, who have admired his commitment to both personal and professional responsibilities.
What did Vishal and Dhanshika say about each other?
Back in May 2025, when the couple made their relationship public, both spoke openly about their bond. Dhanshika revealed she has known Vishal for 15 years and admired his respect and support, particularly during her personal struggles. Vishal expressed gratitude for finding his life partner later in life, saying, “They say God saves the best for the last, and I believe he saved Dhanshika for me.” His heartfelt note after their engagement echoed the same positivity, as he thanked fans worldwide for their blessings and “good vibes.”
On the professional front, Dhanshika awaits the release of Yogi Da, while Vishal is filming Magudam, his 35th project directed by Ravi Arasu, co-starring Dushara Vijayan, Yogi Babu and Anjali. Beyond films, Vishal continues to serve his role in Nadigar Sangam and has kept fans updated on the progress of its building. While the Vishal and Sai Dhanshika wedding is on hold, both actors emphasise they are “feeling positive and blessed” as they step into their engagement phase.