Shoojit Sircar and Amitabh Bachchan have worked together in movies like Piku, PINK (Sircar produced it), and Gulabo Sitabo. But, before Piku, in early 2000, the filmmaker and the actor had collaborated for a movie titled Shoebite which has not yet released.
The movie has been stuck because of the dispute between the producers. However, now according to a report in Bollywood Hungama, Shoebite might get a direct-to-digital release.
A source told the entertainment portal, “After Gulabo Sitabo was sold to the OTT platform for Rs. 35 crores, the disputing producers saw wisdom in retrieving Shoebite from oblivion and putting it on the digital domain.”
Well, in the past Big B has tweeted about the film a couple of times, and has requested the producers to solve the dispute and release the film. In 2018, the megastar had tweeted, “YES .. utv & Disney .. put aside the internal debate, issues, or personal view points and give this labour of love from Shoojit Sircar a chance for others to appreciate this novel story and film .. ????? PLEASE.”
— (@)
Shoebite also stars Sarika, Dia Mirza, and Jimmy Sheirgill.
Talking about other films of Big B, the megastar will be seen in movies like Chehre, Brahmastra, Jhund, Mayday, and Nag Ashwin’s next. While Chehre and Jhund are ready for a release, the shooting of Mayday and Brahmastra is going on. Reportedly, Big B will also be seen in Sooraj Barjatya’s next, but the movie is not yet officially announced.
Meanwhile, he is currently busy with the shooting of Kaun Banega Crorepati season 12.
Pedro Pascal is cast as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, making him the oldest actor to play the role.
Some Marvel fans criticised his age, claiming he’s too old to portray the superhero.
Pascal responded at a London fan event, saying the negativity "comes with the territory."
The Marvel reboot releases in cinemas on 25 July 2025 and features Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Julia Garner.
Pedro Pascal is brushing off the online criticism surrounding his casting as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, saying he’s focused on meeting fan expectations, even if some think he’s too old for the role. The 50-year-old The Last of Us star, who will soon join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the stretchy genius Mister Fantastic, addressed the backlash at a fan event in London. Many social media users had argued that Pascal was miscast due to his age, but the actor says he’s learned to take the criticism in stride.
Pedro Pascal addresses fan backlash over playing Reed Richards at 50Getty Images
Pedro Pascal responds to ‘too old’ remarks
During a media interaction, Pascal admitted the negativity around his casting had affected him more than usual. “Sometimes the outside will find you no matter how much you try to protect yourself from it,” he said. “It just comes with the territory.” He added that his heightened nerves were likely tied to the legacy and love fans have for the character. “These stories only exist because of how much people care about them, and I felt that responsibility more than usual.”
Despite the noise online, Pascal emphasised that he’s putting everything he has into the role. “The only way to meet expectations is to give it all my focus, all my heart, my body, and my soul. That’s what I’ve done.”
— (@)
Marvel’s new take on the First Family
Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), Fantastic Four: First Steps will reintroduce Marvel’s First Family in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired universe. The film is separate from previous versions and aims to establish a new corner of the MCU. Pascal’s co-stars include Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Julia Garner will portray the Silver Surfer, while Ralph Ineson plays Galactus. Robert Downey Jr. is expected to return as Doctor Doom in later instalments.
Pascal follows in the footsteps of Ioan Gruffudd, Miles Teller, and John Krasinski, who all played Reed Richards in earlier Fantastic Four adaptations. At 50, Pascal is the oldest to take on the role. Gruffudd was 31, Teller 28, and Krasinski 42 during their respective stints.
Some fans have pointed out that in the original Marvel comics, Reed Richards was in his mid-30s when he gained his powers, while Sue and Johnny Storm were in their 20s and teens. However, the upcoming film doesn’t strictly follow those age references, and the entire main cast is older than their comic counterparts.
Still, Marvel seems to be aiming for emotional depth and performance over precise comic book accuracy, a trend that’s become more common in recent adaptations.
A role unlike any other
Despite his success in The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us, Pascal said that playing Mister Fantastic feels uniquely demanding and exciting. “This is the best time of my life,” he told fans at the event. “I’m having an amazing time, and I hope that comes through in the film.”
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Kangana says she isn’t equal to a labourer, mother or Mukesh Ambani
Kangana Ranaut says the concept of equality has created a “generation of morons”.
Claims she’s not equal to Ambani, her mother, or even a labourer.
Her current views contradict her 2018 stance on gender equality in cinema.
Actor-MP to appear in a psychological thriller with R. Madhavan.
Kangana Ranaut has courted controversy again, this time with her take on equality. In a recent interview, the actor-turned-politician called the modern idea of equality “a delusion”, claiming it has produced a generation that overestimates itself. The Queen star, now an elected MP from Mandi, also argued that no one is equal to anyone, citing herself, Mukesh Ambani, her mother, and even daily-wage workers as examples of how everyone plays unique roles in society.
Kangana Ranaut speaks on equality and her role as a ParliamentarianGetty Images
‘A child isn’t equal to a woman, and I’m not equal to Ambani,’ says Kangana
In a candid chat with Times Now, Kangana said, “Since the world has started believing that we are all equal, we’ve only produced a generation of morons.” She illustrated her argument by comparing herself to others: “I am not equal to Ambani ji, and he is not equal to me; I have four National Awards. I am not equal to my mother. When I sit next to a labourer, I feel they have far more tolerance than me.”
Ranaut believes this blind chase for equality has blurred the lines between respect and entitlement. “People don’t admire their seniors anymore. They think they’re born perfect,” she said, blaming the notion for younger generations avoiding promotions because they don’t want more responsibilities.
Kangana Ranaut calls equality a flawed idea, claims it’s ruining work ethic in today’s youthGetty Images
Contradicts her earlier views on feminism and gender parity
Kangana’s statements sharply contrast with her previous public opinions. Back in 2018, during a Cannes panel moderated by Prasoon Joshi, she had argued for equal status in the film industry. “An actor and actress do the same job. Why shouldn’t they get equal recognition?” she had said.
She had also described feminism as “compensation” for a flawed society, stating, “Feminism is medicine for a sick society,” and pushed for equal pay and opportunities in male-dominated Bollywood. At the time, she championed the cause loudly, even claiming she rejected films with major male stars like the Khans and Kapoors to stand her ground.
Kangana Ranaut says belief in equality has created a ‘generation of morons’ in viral Times Now interviewGetty Images
Recent backlash for Mandi disaster response
Kangana is also under fire for her comments about the limits of her powers as a Member of Parliament. When asked why she hadn’t provided financial relief to flood-affected areas in Mandi, she told ANI, “I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any cabinet post. Our role as MPs is limited to raising concerns.”
Her remarks didn’t sit well with many constituents, but she later clarified that her intent was to “tell people the reality” of how bureaucratic systems work. “I will make sure the Centre helps. I have my limitations, but my party and I will fulfil our promises,” she said.
Kangana Ranaut blames equality for entitlement culture, says no two people are equalGetty Images
On the professional front, Kangana will reunite with Tanu Weds Manu co-star R. Madhavan for a psychological thriller. She is also slated to appear in Sita: The Incarnation, directed by Alaukik Desai, and Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, a socio-political drama helmed by Manoj Tapadia.
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Sinner, who has already won the US Open and Australian Open, will now face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sinner will face Carlos Alcaraz in a rematch of the French Open final
Djokovic admits physical struggles and injury played a role in defeat
Despite loss, Djokovic says he plans to return to Wimbledon next year
JANNIK SINNER defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-final on Friday to reach his first final at the All England Club. The world number one won 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 and will face Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final.
The 23-year-old Italian will be playing his fourth consecutive Grand Slam final and will look to avenge his loss to Alcaraz in last month’s French Open final, where he missed three championship points. Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have won the past six Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, was aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and an eighth Wimbledon crown, which would have equalled Roger Federer’s men’s record. But the 38-year-old Serbian appeared physically restricted and struggled to match Sinner’s pace.
"It's a tournament I always watched when I was young on the television and I would have never imagined that I can play here, you know in the finals, so it was amazing," Sinner said after the win.
Jannik Sinner delivering in the big moments on Centre Court 👏
"From my side, I served very well today, I felt great on court, I was moving really well today. We saw in the third set that he was a bit injured. He's been in a very difficult situation but I tried to stay calm, to play the best tennis I can."
Sinner wore a white protective sleeve on his elbow, having injured it in a fall during his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov. Djokovic had also come into the match with concerns over his fitness following a fall during his quarter-final win over Flavio Cobolli.
The top-seeded Sinner broke Djokovic early in the first set and maintained pressure with consistent groundstrokes. Djokovic dropped the first set after Sinner converted his third set point.
In the second set, Sinner quickly broke to take a 2-0 lead and extended it to 5-2. Although Djokovic saved a set point, Sinner closed out the set with only 69 minutes played. Djokovic received treatment on his left leg between sets.
Djokovic managed to break Sinner early in the third set but was broken back immediately. Sinner went on to seal the win with his fourth match point.
Sinner, who has already won the US Open and Australian Open, will now face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz beat Sinner in the French Open final last month and also won their last meeting in the Italian Open final.
"It's some good company" 😅
Since 1995, five men have made it through to the final of every Grand Slam - Jannik Sinner becomes the fifth today after booking his spot in the #Wimbledon final 💥 pic.twitter.com/yIRDqhJffg — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2025
"It is a huge honour for me to share the court once again with Carlos," said Sinner. "We try to push ourselves to the limit, he is for sure one of the players I look up to. I love watching him, I think you all guys agree on that, what kind of talent he is but hopefully it's going to be a good match like the last one."
Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 8-4, winning the last five matches. However, Sinner defeated him in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2022, which remains Alcaraz’s last loss at the tournament.
Speaking after his defeat, Djokovic said the physical toll of age was affecting him more than ever.
"It wasn't really a pleasant feeling on the court," Djokovic said. "I don't want to talk, in details, about my injury and just whine about not managing to play my best. I want to congratulate Jannik for another great performance. That's it. He's in the finals. He was too strong."
Djokovic had withdrawn from the Australian Open semi-final earlier this year after one set due to a muscle tear and denied that injuries were down to bad luck.
"It's just age, the wear and tear of the body," he said. "As much as I'm taking care of it, the reality hits me right now, last year and a half, like never before, to be honest.
"It's tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I'm fresh, when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis. I've proven that this year.
"But I guess playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically. The longer the tournament goes the worse the condition gets. I reach the final stages, I reached the semis of every Slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz.
"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with the tank half empty. It's just not possible to win a match like that."
Despite the defeat, Djokovic said he plans to return to Wimbledon next year.
"I think, regardless of the fact that I haven't won a Grand Slam this year, or last year, I still feel like I continue to play my best tennis at Grand Slams," he said. "Those are the tournaments that I care about at this stage of my career the most."
He added that he did not know what more he could do in terms of preparation.
"The amount of hours that I spend on a daily basis to take care of myself, I'd like to challenge everyone who is out there on the tour to see if anybody takes care of themselves more than me," he said.
"And I, unfortunately, don't get rewarded for that right now, with injuries at the later stages of Slams. But I was rewarded for many, many years.
"I'm just trying to make, I guess, the maximum out of what I have left. Again, I just got off the court, so of course, I'm upset and disappointed, mostly not for the loss, because obviously even if I was fit, I wasn't a favourite to win against Sinner, I know that, but I think I had good chances if I was fit."
Asked to predict the outcome of Sunday’s final, Djokovic said: "I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favourite because of the two titles he's won here and the way he's playing and the confidence he has right now.
"But it's just a slight advantage because Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it's going to be, again, a very close match-up like they had in Paris (where Alcaraz won in five sets)."
(With inputs from agencies)
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Bella Thorne says Charlie Puth launched a hate train after she refused to sleep with him
Bella Thorne accuses Charlie Puth of sparking a ‘hate train’ after she turned him down.
She claims he publicly misled fans about their brief romance in 2016.
Puth had previously implied she cheated on her ex Tyler Posey with him.
Thorne is now engaged to Mark Emms; Puth married Brooke Sansone in 2024.
Actor Bella Thorne has reignited a years-old controversy with singer Charlie Puth, accusing him of turning public opinion against her in 2016 after she refused to sleep with him. The former Disney star made the claims in an Instagram comment responding to singer Jade Thirlwall’s recent remarks about never wanting to work with Puth.
Actress Bella Thorne and Charlie Puth attend the Y100's Jingle Ball 2016Getty Images
Bella Thorne calls out Charlie Puth over 2016 romance
The drama resurfaced after a fan account posted a quote from Jade Thirlwall, formerly of Little Mix, saying she would “never collaborate” with Charlie Puth. Bella Thorne commented on the post, “Yeah, I mean... he lied to the entire world about me and started a hate train. All because I wouldn’t... do the deed with him.”
Thorne and Puth were briefly linked in late 2016 following her breakup with Teen Wolf actor Tyler Posey. The pair were spotted together at Miami’s Jingle Ball that December and were photographed kissing. Puth even serenaded her on stage, but things quickly turned messy.
Bella Thorne's commentInstagram Screengrab
Puth accused Thorne of being dishonest about her breakup
Soon after their public outings, Puth posted a series of now-deleted tweets implying that Thorne had not been truthful about ending her previous relationship before seeing him. Though he didn’t name her directly, he issued an apology to Posey, stating, “She told me she was not with him anymore. This is all news to me.” In another tweet, he added, “No one should have their heart messed with like this, and I’m not going to be in the middle of it.”
These posts sparked widespread online criticism of Thorne, who at the time quickly denied the accusations. She clarified on X that she had already broken up with Posey “like over two weeks” before and was not in a relationship with Puth either. She claimed he had seen an outdated article and jumped to conclusions instead of contacting her directly.
Charlie Puth performs onstage at an interactive global eConcert liveGetty Images
Thorne later shared her side of the story on radio
Speaking on The Jenny McCarthy Show in 2017, Thorne described her split with Posey as one of the hardest breakups she’d gone through. She said Charlie had reached out via social media, and they went out a couple of times. She described him as “super talented” and said she was impressed by his talent.
Recalling the Jingle Ball appearance, Thorne explained that she accepted his invite as friends, but the fallout came after Puth saw an old article about her and Posey. “He didn’t even look at the date,” she said. “Instead of texting me and asking about it, he posted it on Twitter.”
Bella Thorne and Mark Emms attend a red carpet for the movie "Priscilla"Getty Images
Both have moved on, but tensions linger
Since the short-lived scandal, both stars have gone their separate ways. Thorne got engaged to film producer Mark Emms in 2023, sharing their relationship with fans on Instagram. Puth, meanwhile, married his longtime friend Brooke Sansone in September 2024.
Charlie Puth and Brooke Sansone attend the 10th Breakthrough Prize CeremonyGetty Images
Though neither publicly addressed the incident again until now, Thorne’s recent comment suggests that the events of 2016 left a deeper mark than previously thought. The renewed attention on Puth’s past behaviour also sheds new light on Jade Thirlwall’s remarks, with fans now speculating that more industry figures may have experienced similar run-ins.
This July, the iconic Shaw Theatre in London will host an afternoon of inspiration, culture and connection as Bollywood star and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala takes the stage for a very special event. ‘An Audience with Manisha Koirala’, taking place on Sunday 13 July from 12.30 to 4.00pm, promises to be an unforgettable afternoon celebrating not only a glittering film career but also an extraordinary story of survival and strength.
Organised by Ovacome, the UK’s ovarian cancer support charity, this one-of-a-kind event offers fans and supporters the rare chance to see Manisha in person and hear her story in her own words. Interviewed by Dr Amir Khan, NHS GP and TV personality, and Fatima Patel, Managing Editor of Asian Standard, Manisha will reflect on her journey through the highs of stardom, her battle with ovarian cancer, and the resilience that carried her forward. She will also treat the audience to an exclusive reading from her acclaimed book Healed.
The afternoon will begin with a dazzling Bollywood dance performance by Binal's Dance Academy, setting the tone for a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture. The programme will also feature a fundraising auction in aid of Ovacome, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for ovarian cancer support services.
Doors open at 12:30pm, with the main programme beginning at 1:30pm. For those opting for a VIP experience, the event includes priority seating in the front three rows, access to a private VIP lounge with refreshments, and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Manisha from 3:30 to 4:00pm.
Standard tickets are available at £35, while a limited number of VIP tickets offer enhanced access and premium benefits. All ticket proceeds go towards supporting Ovacome’s life-changing work. Accessible seating and free carer tickets are also available – simply contact the team during booking or reach out via fundraising@ovacome.org.uk or 0207 299 6654.
For businesses and individuals looking to support the cause further, a Bronze Sponsorship Package is available for £500, which includes two VIP tickets, prominent listing in the event programme, and an opportunity to showcase your business or family support in front of a diverse and engaged audience.
The event is proudly supported by Asian Standard (Official Media Partner), Media Hive (PR Partner), and Asian Star Radio (Official Radio Media Partner).
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Manisha Koirala, a supporter of cancer awareness, or simply looking for a meaningful cultural event to attend this summer, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
To book your tickets, visit the registration page or call 0207 299 6654 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.
Venue: Shaw Theatre, 100–110 Euston Road, NW1 2AJ, London
Let’s come together to celebrate resilience, raise awareness, and be inspired by one woman’s remarkable journey.