Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif expected to reunite in Raajneeti 2, sequel to also be based on Mahabharat

Filmmaker Prakash Jha is bringing back Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in a sequel to his 2010 hit Raajneeti.

“And like the first Raajneeti, the second part will also be based on the Mahabharat,” said Prakash Jha whose new series Sankalp on the arrogance and corruption in the educational system of Bihar is resonating on the OTT platform.

Jha said, “The script for Raajneeti 2 is finally ready. And the time is ripe for the sequel to Raajneeti. There is so much more story to tell than what we have seen so far.”

Raajneeti 2 is expected to have the same stellar cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif (who has been on a long maternity leave and this would be her comeback), Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee and Naseeruddin Shah.

Raajneeti had created history on many counts. Katrina, earlier known for her glamour alone, had played a character resembling Sonia Gandhi and she was fully committed to getting it right.

Prakash Jha just can't stop preening over the fact that his Raajneeti featured the maximum number of National Award winners in its cast. “It was Ranbir I was most hopeful about. I hoped, in fact, I was pretty certain he would win the National Award for his performance.” Ranbir played an US-educated scion of a political dynasty who had to reluctantly return home to shoulder his family's duties.

Said Jha, “This film took Ranbir to another level. In fact, everyone was outstanding in the film. And why not? I had a line-up of National Award winners in the cast, from Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar to Manoj Bajpai and Ajay Devgan.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Prakash Jha’s producer-daughter Dishaa Jhaa CONFIRMS, “Aashram 4 is in the making and we are also developing Raajneeti 2; hope to release Janadesh in cinemas”

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From Bollywood to Harvard: Sanjana Sanghi to headline Arts & Advocacy panel at the Women in Power Conference

Indian Film actor and global youth advocate Sanjana Sanghi has been invited to Harvard University on April 18, 2026, to participate in the prestigious Women in Power Conference (WIPC) at the Harvard Kennedy School. In a historic line-up for the 2026 edition, titled ‘Power Beyond the Podium: Turning Vision into Change.’

Sanjana Sanghi will headline a specialized Arts and Advocacy panel and lead an individual ‘Lunch and Learn’ session, exploring how cultural expression and storytelling can shape advocacy and policy. The actress joins a powerful lineage that includes Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Smriti Irani, and Karisma Kapoor.

Reflecting on her excitement ahead of reaching Harvard Kennedy School campus, Sanjana stated: “As a young girl growing up in India, being told ‘you can’t’ was a more frequently murmured phrase than anything else. Turning that ‘you can’t’ into an ‘I will’ is a strength and conviction I only got courtesy of the powerful women in my life who granted me that permission. I see so many such women on WIPC’s speaker line-up; therefore, to be entrusted by Harvard with the honor of being in such incredible company at WIPC makes me jump with joy! As a highly studious girl through school and college, Harvard University, in my mind, has always been the pinnacle of greatness, one I’ve always revered.”

While Sanjana formed a permanent place in the audience’s heart with her memorable debut in Dil Bechara, Sanghi’s academic and social-impact credentials are equally formidable. As a UNDP India Youth Champion and an Education Advocate with Save the Children India, the WIPC leadership highlighted that her journey bridging film, youth leadership, and global development reflects the exact kind of ‘Power Beyond the Podium’ the conference seeks to celebrate.

Most notably, Sanghi recently made history as the first and only Indian celebrity to partner with the Rockefeller Foundation. Alongside Foundation President Dr. Rajiv Shah, she has championed over 100,000+ female-led enterprises in rural India. Her work focuses on how clean energy can act as a direct engine for women's financial independence - a testament to her ability to turn ‘Vision into Change’.

At Harvard, Sanghi, who has been declared as a leading voice for youth-led development by the World Bank, is expected to propose that culture and creativity are the true foundations for education equity, youth empowerment, and digital inclusion. By sharing the stage with global icons, Sanghi continues to solidify her role as the ‘Modern Academic-Actor’, proving that intellectual rigor and global stardom are powerful catalysts for change.

Also Read: “I remember feeling hypnotised by Imtiaz Ali sir”: Sanjana Sanghi reminisces Rockstar days

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Anshuman Jha unveils teaser poster of Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business; announces Diwali 2026 release

First Ray Films has unveiled the teaser poster of the much-anticipated action thriller Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, marking a special moment for the franchise and its creator. The announcement coincides with the birthday of actor-director Anshuman Jha, making the reveal both a celebration of the film and a personal milestone for the artist.

The film centres around the endangered Celebes crested macaque, a rare primate native to Indonesia, also known as the North Sulawasi ‘Yaki Monkey’.

Along with the teaser poster drop, the makers have officially announced the film’s worldwide theatrical release for Diwali 2026, positioning the sequel as one of the festival season’s big action spectacles. The film will be having a high profile film festival run between June-November prior to its Worldwide release.

Directed by Anshuman Jha, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business continues the story of Kolkata based Arjun Bakshi — the animal-loving vigilante who, once again, will go the distance to protect voiceless creatures from cruelty and exploitation - this time in the forests of West Java, Indonesia. Expanding the universe beyond India, the sequel ventures into Southeast Asia, tackling the global issue of wildlife trafficking.

Blending intense hand-to-hand combat with a strong environmental message, the film builds on the spirit of the first installment, which introduced audiences to a unique action hero driven not by revenge, but by compassion for animals.

Alongside Anshuman, the film also stars Sarah Jane Dias, Adil Hussain, Vikram Kochhar and also features international martial arts star Sunny Pang, last seen with Tom Hardy in Havoc, alongside a diverse global cast including Dan-Chupong of Ong-Bak, reinforcing the franchise’s ambition to create an action story that transcends borders while spotlighting urgent ecological issues.

Speaking about the announcement, Jha shared, “This film is deeply personal to me. Lord Hanuman has inspired me since I was a kid - he represents strength, loyalty, courage and service to me. This film is not just a sequel to Lakadbaggha 1. It is a small cinematic prayer to Lord Hanuman, the art of never giving up and a humble tribute to the extraordinary animals who share this planet with us. And the project reflects his belief that humanity’s relationship with nature must be rooted in respect and responsibility. I truly believe and live by the mantra that being ordinary is a superpower.”

Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 worldwide theatrical release.

Also Read: Anshuman Jha talks about the importance of right casting and why he turned down Vikrant Massey’s role in Half Girlfriend

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Neetu Kapoor denies news about Kapoor family copyrighting Rishi Kapoor's name

A recent news report claims that the Kapoor family obtained the necessary permission to copyright the actor’s name posthumously. The decision, according to the report, ensures that any individual or organisation seeking to use Rishi Kapoor’s name in commercial, professional, or public contexts must first obtain approval from the family.

However, when this writer contacted the late actor Rishi Kapoor’s wife Neetu Kapoor, she admitted she had no knowledge of any such move by the family. Mrs Kapoor replied, “Hi Subhash, I am not aware of this.” When I asked if this was false news, she replied. “I think so. I am not sure.”

Close family friend and singer Nitin Mukesh said, “I don’t think this can be true. I mean Chintu, who was like my brother, didn’t have a stylized personality, unlike Raj uncle (Rishi Kapoor’s father Raj Kapoor) who was known for his mannerisms that were universally copied. Chintu was….how do I put it…inimitable.”

Of late, there have been some actors known for their patented acting style like Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Shatrughan Sinha, who have gone to court to have their personalities copyrighted. But Rishi Kapoor seems a case of barking up the wrong tree.

Also Read: Farah Khan recalls underworld threat during Kuch Kuch Hota Hai premiere: “Karan Johar was very stressed”

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Haryana Women’s Commission seeks Badshah’s arrest

The Haryana State Commission for Women has directed the Haryana police to seize Badshah’s passport, so he cannot leave the country and that he be arrested immediately.

These harsh steps have been evoked after Badshah’s song ‘Tateeree’ provoked strong reactions. On March 6, Badshah skipped the hearing at the Women’s Commission.

Calling for his immediate arrest, the Commission has accused Badshah of denigrating the women and girls of Haryana. It would be hard for rappers-singers like Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh to get away with problematic lyrics in the future.

Also Read: Sona Mohapatra slams Badshah over ‘Tateeree’ controversy: “This isn’t creativity. It’s the laziest trope in pop culture”

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Sharvari leads her generation's biggest film line-up; 2 massive theatrical releases set to arrive in just 28 days

Sharvari is fast emerging as one of the most exciting talents of her generation, and her growing filmography is proof that the industry’s biggest filmmakers and banners are betting big on her. The young actress has built an enviable line-up that includes Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga, Aditya Chopra’s Alpha, Sooraj Barjatya’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya, and YRF and Ali Abbas Zafar’s untitled next, in which she is paired opposite Ahaan Panday.

What makes her upcoming slate even more remarkable is that Sharvari has two major theatrical releases within a span of just 28 days. While Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to arrive on June 12, Alpha will hit cinemas on July 10, giving her a huge opportunity to consolidate her place among the most promising young stars in the industry.

Sharvari has already sparked a strong conversation with the teaser of Main Vaapas Aaunga, where her innocence and screen presence have stood out instantly. In fact, many on the internet are already calling her the “best-kept surprise” of the film.

In a project that already carries Imtiaz Ali’s trademark emotional depth and layered storytelling, Sharvari’s presence has emerged as one of its most intriguing aspects. She brings a certain freshness and emotional honesty that appears to blend seamlessly with Imtiaz’s cinematic universe.

What further adds to the excitement is the consistency Sharvari has shown so far in her career. With every project, she has displayed confidence, vulnerability and a screen presence that feels organic. There is a natural ease to her performances that has helped her leave an impression on both audiences and critics alike.

With Main Vaapas Aaunga, Sharvari seems poised to take that momentum several notches higher, especially under the direction of a filmmaker known for extracting deeply felt performances from his actors. If the teaser response is any indication, this film could well mark a significant turning point in her cinematic journey.

Also Read: Sharvari says she manifested to be a part of Imtiaz Ali film as Main Vaapas Aaunga teaser releases; pens heartfelt note!

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Anil Kapoor reveals he turned down cameo in Dhurandhar: The Revenge: “It’s my loss, but…”

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor recently revealed that he was approached for a cameo in Dhurandhar: The Revenge but had to decline the offer due to prior professional commitments.

The film is the sequel to Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, which released on December 5, 2025 and went on to emerge as a major box office success. The scale of the first installment and its ensemble cast have contributed significantly to the anticipation surrounding the sequel.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Kapoor shared that Dhar had approached him for a small role in the upcoming film. However, the actor said he had already committed his dates to another filmmaker.

“Yes, Aditya came to me for Dhurandhar 2. He wanted me to do a small cameo in the film. But the reason I am what I am today is because of my professionalism and my commitment. That’s very important—only talent cannot make you what you are,” Kapoor said.

Explaining why he declined the role, the 69-year-old actor added, “At that time, I had already committed those dates to another filmmaker. I told Aditya, ‘I would have loved to do this cameo, but I’m already committed.’ He is releasing the film now, and it’s a fantastic film. It’s my loss, but it’s okay. So yes, he did offer me the role, and hopefully we will work together in the future.”

Following his revelation, social media users began speculating whether Kapoor had been approached to play the mysterious character ‘Bade Sahab’, whose identity is expected to be revealed in the sequel. There have also been rumours about Emraan Hashmi being linked to the role, though the makers have not confirmed any details.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026.

Also Read: Harish Salve praises Anil Kapoor’s Subedaar, calls it “a reality that deserves to be exposed”

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