Karan Johar becomes brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat: A transformational journey for brides-to-be

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for crafting some of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories, is now lending his voice to a new kind of narrative—one that unfolds far from the glitter of wedding décor and dreamy romantic moments. Johar has been announced as the brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, a first-of-its-kind initiative that focuses not on the big day itself, but on the emotional and mental preparation that comes before and beyond it.

“I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes,” said Karan Johar and added, “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride. In a world of beautifully curated celebrations, we sometimes forget the inner transformation that marriage brings. The Bridal Retreat places that journey at the centre.”

Organised by E-Factor Experiences, The Bridal Retreat is a five-day experiential programme curated specifically for brides-to-be. It includes sessions on identity, wellness, body movement, communication, and cultural reflection, all conducted by seasoned experts from the fields of mental health, fashion, and relationship coaching. The idea is to guide women through introspection and self-awareness—helping them make mindful transitions into married life.

Samit Garg, co-founder and managing director of E-Factor Experiences, elaborates on the intent behind the programme. “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self. With Karan Johar joining us, we’re adding another layer of meaning and purpose to this platform,” he shard.

In 2025, limited-edition retreats will be held across seven Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa. Each edition will offer an intimate, supportive environment for brides-to-be to pause, reflect, and align with their personal vision of partnership and change.

With Karan Johar bringing emotional depth and cinematic insight to the initiative, The Bridal Retreat promises to redefine the bridal experience—shifting the focus from picture-perfect ceremonies to personal transformation and conscious beginnings.

Also Read: Photos: Karan Johar announced as Brand Ambassador for ‘The Bridal Retreat’ by E-Factor Experiences

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Akshaye Khanna starrer Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti gets big-screen release on July 4

Akshaye Khanna’s 2021 action-packed OTT film State of Siege: Temple Attack is all set to make its theatrical debut under a brand-new title — Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti. Nearly five years after its digital premiere, the high-octane drama will hit cinema halls on July 4, 2025, offering audiences a gripping, large-screen retelling of one of India’s most harrowing terror incidents.

Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film is a dramatic recreation of the 2002 terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat. It captures the horror of the assault and the bravery of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who led the operation to neutralise the attackers. The story, inspired by real events, blends tension, patriotism, and action in equal measure.

To mark the announcement, the makers released a new poster on Instagram, which features haunting temple pillars casting the silhouette of a lone armed commando — a striking visual that evokes both reverence and courage. The caption reads, “An act of terror met with unmatched bravery, The story of courage, sacrifice, and survival comes alive in #AkshardhamOperationVajraShakti”.

 

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Akshaye Khanna headlines the cast as Major Hanut Singh, a fierce and strategic NSG officer. The ensemble includes Gautam Rode as Major Samar, Vivek Dahiya as Captain Rohit Bagga, Akshay Oberoi as Captain Bibek, and Abhilash Chaudhary portraying the main antagonist, terrorist Iqbal. Supporting roles are essayed by Parvin Dabas, Samir Soni, Abhimanyu Singh, Mir Sarwar, Manjari Fadnis, Chandan Roy, and Shivam Bhaargava.

The film is presented by Zee Studios and produced by Abhimanyu Singh in collaboration with Contiloe Pictures. Key credits include Tejal Shetye as the director of photography, Mukesh Thakur in charge of editing, and a screenplay penned by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo.

Serving as a standalone sequel to State of Siege: 26/11, this new chapter continues to spotlight the valor of India’s elite forces, bringing their untold stories to life on the silver screen.

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna joins Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe; to play a key character in Mahakali

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Basil Joseph shuts down casting rumours: “Shaktimaan is ONLY Ranveer Singh!”

The overzealous PR machinery around certain stars often spins stories that serve their clients' agendas — even if they’re far from the truth. The latest “news” being floated for Allu Arjun fans is that he’s likely to replace Ranveer Singh in the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Shaktimaan, the iconic Doordarshan superhero series that aired from 1997 and ran for eight years.

Originally portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, Shaktimaan remains one of India’s most beloved homegrown superheroes. The film adaptation — currently in development — is being written and directed by actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph, who has always had Ranveer Singh in mind for the titular role.

While speculative reports of casting changes surface periodically, with the most recent rumour linking Allu Arjun to the role, a source close to the project has dismissed the chatter outright.

“No one else is doing Shaktimaan. It is Ranveer Singh and no one else. Whoever is spreading rumours of his replacement clearly has their own agenda,” the source stated.

To get clarity, I reached out directly to Basil Joseph, who firmly confirmed, “Shaktimaan will be made only with Ranveer Singh.”

Also Read: BREAKING: Basil Joseph’s Shaktimaan with Ranveer Singh is not a 3-part project

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Aamir Khan HITS back at trolls slamming him for remaking a Spanish film into Sitaare Zameen Par: “Sab BAKWAAS baatein hai; since 70s, remakes have worked more than the original. Main yeh daava kar ke keh sakta hoon…I believe in remakes and I’ll do it throughout my life”

During an interaction with select group of journalists on June 4, Aamir Khan talked about Sitaare Zameen Par and opened up like never before on the remake factor. His latest release was remade from the 2018 Spanish film, Campeones aka Champions.

Aamir Khan began by saying, “Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) wasn’t my only solo remake before Sitaare Zameen Par. 10-15 of my films have been remade and most of them are super-hits, like Ghajini (2008). Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) was a remake of Romeo And Juliet. For me, it’s a new canvas. Also, so many remakes have worked in India. We are in 2025 now. If you start counting from the 1970s, toh aapko remakes zyada milegi original material se. Main yeh daava kar ke keh sakta hoon. Hence, its only the trolls (who are spreading negativity over the remake factor). Some of our biggest hits are remakes. And if cut and paste is so easy, toh fir aap kar lo. But its not cut and paste. You have to infuse life into it.”

He added, “If remaking is such a sin, then let’s forget Shakespeare. Why are we still adapting his works? Hence, yeh sab bakwaas baatein hai. I believe in remakes, and I’ll do it throughout my life. Whenever I come across a promising material, I’ll remake it. Why shouldn’t I? If you don’t want to watch it, please don’t it. That’s your choice. It’s my choice to work on the remake.”

He further told the journalists, “I saw such a beautiful film in Spanish. How many of you will watch the Spanish original? I don’t think you guys must have watched any Spanish film in your life. Ek aadh dekhi hogi. If I decide that I shouldn’t remake, then should I drop making a film on such a beautiful topic which will sensitize our audience? If, for instance, some filmmaker in Iceland makes a film, does this mean that no on in the world can remake it? Kya mazaak kar rahe ho yaar! The impact that the Spanish original had in the home market, I want that to happen in India as well.”

Aamir Khan then asked a journalist, “Have you tried Spanish film? Did you enjoy?” She replied, “I like Indian food.” Aamir immediately replied, “See, you like desi food! Like I don’t like aubergine but I prefer baingan ka bharta. I also like desi food. I love dal chawal; I eat it with my hands. The same applies for remakes. I am adapting a good story in the Indian context and I am presenting you as per the taste you prefer.”

Aamir got teary-eyed as he exulted, “When you were 7 or 8 years old, you must have attended birthday party in your society or extended family. You must have been excited to have cake and play with balloons. Now imagine that you are 7 years old and you have Down Syndrome or Autism. You are not being called for birthday parties. You ask your mother, ‘Why wasn’t I invited for the bash?’. What will your mother answer? Will she have the heart to say, ‘They don’t want you there’.”

Aamir Khan apologized for getting emotional. He continued, “So, should we change this situation or not? Hence, I made this film. Yet, some would say ‘Aamir is again remaking’. Arre, what Aamir Khan is making is very important, bhai. Aap dekho toh sahi.”

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan visits sets of Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, shares iconic moments with cast

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Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani to be honored as ‘Fit India Couple’ on World Yoga Day

On the occasion of World Yoga Day, which falls on June 21, India is set to witness a remarkable fitness movement through the Fit India Cult Yogathon, where 1 million Surya Namaskars will be performed simultaneously across the country. In Delhi, over 1500 participants will come together to take part in this unified celebration of health and well-being.

Adding to the significance of the event, actress Rakul Preet Singh and actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani will join participants on stage to perform Surya Namaskars, promoting the message of fitness as a way of life. Their consistent advocacy for wellness and balanced living has inspired many, making them ideal ambassadors for the campaign.

As a recognition of their contribution, the couple will be conferred with the title of ‘Fit India Couple’ at the venue. The honour celebrates their shared dedication to health and their ability to motivate others by leading through example.

A source associated with the event shared, “Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani embody the essence of fitness as a shared journey. This honour is a celebration of the lifestyle they represent—consistent, inspiring, and authentic. Their presence on World Yoga Day will further the movement’s impact across generations.”

As a recognition of their contribution, the couple will be conferred with the title of ‘Fit India Couple’ at the venue. The honour celebrates their shared dedication to health and their ability to motivate others by leading through example. Last year, actor Ayushmann Khurrana was conferred with the title of ‘Fit India Icon’ for the same initiative. The couple is also expected to promote the initiative through social media, encouraging their followers to embrace yoga and join the nationwide celebration of wellness.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh redefines ethnic glam in 10 traditional looks

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R. Madhavan and wife Sarita rent out BKC apartment worth Rs 17.5 crores; flat to fetch estimated Rs 1.6 crores rental income over 2 years

Indian actor R. Madhavan and wife Sarita have given on rent a co-owned residential apartment located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex for a starting monthly rent of Rs. 6.50 lakh, according to property registration documents reviewed by real estate platform squareyards.com on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The leave and license agreement was officially registered in June 2025.

Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is a planned commercial hub in Mumbai, developed to ease congestion in traditional business districts. It hosts a concentration of financial institutions, multinational companies, and consulates, making it one of the city’s most sought-after office markets. While primarily commercial, the surrounding areas have seen high-end residential development driven by proximity and infrastructure. Strong connectivity and consistent demand continue to keep property values elevated across segments.

According to property registration documents accessed by Square Yards, R. Madhavan and his wife Sarita have rented out a residential unit located in Signia Pearl, Bandra Kurla Complex. The rental agreement includes a security deposit of Rs. 39 lakh and was registered with a stamp duty of Rs. 47,000 and registration charges of Rs. 1,000.

As per Square Yards’ analysis, the lease tenure spans 24 months (two years), starting from the first week of June 2025, with a lock-in period of 16 months. The monthly rent starts at Rs. 6.50 lakh in the first year and escalates by 5% to approximately Rs. 6.83 lakh in the second year. Over the full term, the cumulative rental value is estimated at approximately Rs. 1.60 crore.

Madhavan and his wife acquired this property—measuring 388.55 sq. m. (~4,182 sq. ft.)—for a total value of Rs. 17.50 crore in July 2024. Based on the agreed rental terms and acquisition cost, the gross rental yield stands at approximately 4.5% for the first year, rising to around 4.7% in the second year of the lease.

R. Madhavan is an Indian actor and filmmaker known for his work predominantly in Tamil and Hindi cinema, with appearances in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and English films as well. He established himself with successful Tamil films like Minnale (2001), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Anbe Sivam (2003), and Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004), while also making a mark in Hindi cinema with notable roles in Rang De Basanti (2006), Guru (2007), and the blockbuster 3 Idiots (2009). As of 2025, Madhavan remains actively involved in multiple film projects, following his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.

Also Read: Happy Birthday R Madhavan: Celebrating a remarkable 25-year journey in cinema

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Ground Zero OTT release: Emraan Hashmi-starrer begins streaming on Prime Video

Prime Video, on June 20, announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Ground Zero. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment. Boasting a powerhouse cast featuring Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, and Mukesh Tiwari in lead roles, this riveting patriotic action-drama promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Ground Zero is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Inspired by real events, Ground Zero unfolds against the tense backdrop of Kashmir. The fictional film explores the remarkable two-year investigation led by BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey and his team to uncover the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack. The film stands as a powerful tribute to the valor, resilience, and strategic brilliance of India’s security forces. It delves into the intricate realities of counter-terrorism operations, capturing the high-stakes intensity of the mission while honoring the unwavering patriotism and sacrifice that led to one of the country’s most significant counter-insurgency victories.

 

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Also Read: Prime Video unveils the powerful trailer of In Transit, an unscripted docuseries produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti

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