Bollywood Mourns: Zakir Hussain’s Passing Leaves Celebs and Fans Heartbroken!

On Monday, December 16, 2024, the world lost renowned tabla master Ustad Zakir Hussain. The renowned artist, 73, was undergoing treatment for serious heart-related illnesses when he passed away in San Francisco. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Hansal Mehta, Zoya Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, and others, shared their sadness on social media after the news was made public.

As soon as news of Zakir Hussain's death spread, Akshay Kumar shared a photo of the master on social media. He wrote, "very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country's musical heritage. Om Shanti."

Kareena Kapoor Khan also paid tribute to the well-known musician by sharing a heartfelt picture of herself with Zakir Hussain, Randhir Kapoor, and her father.

Director Hansal Mehta wrote his final farewell to the tabla master on X (formerly Twitter), “The maestro who made so many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts memorable. The man who knew how to engage with an audience through his artistry. The Ustad who made the tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain.”

Ananya Panday shared a picture of Zakir Hussain and a heart emoji on Instagram. Meanwhile, "REST IN PEACE, Ustad Zakir Hussain 1951-2024," was written by Rakul Preet Kaur. Ustad Zakir Hussain's Ji, may you rest in peace. You will always be missed and remembered.

Sunny Deol expressed sorrow at Zakir Hussain's departure and stated, "A monumental loss to India and the world of music with the passing away of Padma Vibhushan #Zakir Hussain, one of the greatest musicians ever. His contribution to music transcended borders. His legacy will forever resonate through the beats of his tabla. Rest in peace, maestro".

Manoj Bajpayee penned, "The rhythm of a maestro can never be muted. RIP Zakir Hussain Sahab AA. Shocked and heartbroken by his passing, his legacy will live on in every beat."

Additionally, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar shared a black-and-white image of Zakir Hussain with the statement on Instagram to show her sorrow, “Ustaad (red heart emoji) #therewillneverbeanotheryou #thankyouforthemusic #zakirhussain #maestro #nationaltreasure #RIP @zakirhq9.”

Actress Nimrat Kaur reflected on her last live performance of Ustad Zakir Hussain at the Prithvi Theatre earlier this year. She disclosed, “On Feb 28th, ’24, when I last watched Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre, I recall my heart beating to the beats of the sheer flawless genius of his talent. His international superstardom and the zenith of his achievements are forever here to inspire and energize us.”

She also revealed, “As a human being, to remain the most humble, gracious, and generous through his incomparable life journey is what remains etched as a life goal in my heart. Your kind eyes and mystical being shall outlive generations…rest in glory Ustad ji. Never shall there be another.”

The 73-year-old artist has been suffering with blood pressure issues. As a result, his family sent him to a reputable hospital for treatment of serious illnesses. Despite the efforts of the medical staff and the prayers of his millions of fans, the musician tragically passed away.

Cynthia Erivo: A Versatile Talent!

Cynthia Erivo is a British-Nigerian actress and singer, renowned for her powerful performances and soulful voice. She has made significant contributions to theater, film, and television, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards.  

Early Life and Career

Born in Stockwell, London, Erivo began her career in musical theater. She made her West End debut in 2011, playing Celie in the musical "The Color Purple." Her performance earned her a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.   

A Versatile Performer

Erivo's talent extends beyond musical theater. She has starred in several critically acclaimed films, including "Harriet," where she portrayed the iconic abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Her performance in the film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.   

She has also made a mark on television, with roles in series like "Genius: Aretha Franklin" and "The Outsider."   

A Powerful Voice

Erivo's powerful vocals have captivated audiences worldwide. She has released several albums, including "Ch. 1 Verses 1" and "I'm Telling You: The Songs of Cynthia Erivo." Her music blends soul, R&B, and gospel influences, showcasing her versatility as an artist.   

A Force to Be Reckoned With

Cynthia Erivo continues to inspire and amaze audiences with her exceptional talent and dedication. She is a true force to be reckoned with, and her star is only going to rise higher.

Cynthia Erivo's Sacrifices for Wicked!

Cynthia Erivo has openly discussed the physical and emotional toll that filming Wicked took on her. In a media chat, the performer revealed the amount of effort she put into the role. Long hours, challenging acrobatics, and little sleep were all part of her demanding schedule.

Erivo discussed her commitment to pushing herself physically and mentally, saying, “I consciously run towards things that will use me physically, as well as mentally, because I believe that the body and the mind are truly intrinsically linked.”

One of the most surprising things Cynthia Erivo revealed was her sleep schedule. During filming, she slept for an average of just three hours each night. She worked out for two hours before her 5 a.m. call time and then spent two more hours in the cosmetics chair.

The tough schedule was necessary due to the physical demands of her employment. “Sometimes the body is the thing that tells the mind what to do, and sometimes the mind is the thing that will tell the body what to do,” she disclosed. She continued by saying that she wants both items to be used because she is a very physical person.

Cynthia devoted a lot of time to strengthening herself for the soaring scenes in Wicked. The performer insisted on taking the job even though she admitted she was not very good at flying.

Erivo worked extensively with her stunt coordinator, Jo McLaren, to prepare for these shots. "If they are doing a loop to loop, which is that big loop," she said, "she has to get herself over and around without her legs just falling behind her." Despite the difficulties, she was eager to do her own stunts. "Are you certain you want to do all of this?" Jo questioned me. And I replied, "Yes."

Sajid Nadiadwala's Special Gift for Salman Khan Fans!

For the past six months, Salman Khan has been continuously filming Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film is presently nearing completion and is expected to be finished by January 2025. Over the past few weeks, there has been constant chatter about the action-packed thriller, which also has Rashmika Mandanna in a major role, and Salman Khan fans have been keen to discover more. We now know that producer Sajid Nadiadwala intends to surprise all of Salman Khan's fans with a special teaser on his 59th birthday.

On December 27, 2024, Sajid Nadiadwala and AR Murugadoss are expected to make Sikandar's official debut, according to those with knowledge of the procedure. “A special teaser has been cut and is presently being edited for a launch on Salman Khan’s birthday. The audience can expect scale, and action, along with the promise of entertainment with this specially curated Sikandar teaser for SK’s birthday,” revealed a source who was aware of the change.

The source added that Santosh Narayanan, best known for his parts in Vada Chennai, Jigarthanda Double XL, and Kalki 2898 AD, is also in charge of the film's background and that the editing of the Sikandar teaser cut is presently in progress. “Sikandar is among the most awaited film of 2025, and the makers are setting the tone right to welcome the new year with a teaser of Sikandar. This would officially kick-start the marketing campaign of the film, leading to an Eid 2025 release in the month of March. Sajid Nadiadwala has devised big plans to present Sikandar to the cinema-going audience, and the flow of assets in 2025 will include songs, and a theatrical trailer,” the source further disclosed.

Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala reunite in Sikandar, the follow-up to their 2014 breakthrough movie Kick, which also marked Nadiadwala's directorial debut. According to the source, "Salman Khan's first look poster will also be released amid fan excitement on the superstar's 59th birthday." Since the goal is to approach Sikandar as an event cinematic presentation of 2025, everything is still in the early stages of development.

Shraddha Kapoor's Hard Work Pays Off!

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor is taking pleasure in Stree 2's success. Known for her exceptional acting skills and kind nature, she recently opened out about her challenging journey before Aashiqui 2. She revealed that her father, Shakti Kapoor, did little to help her acquire parts and remarked about how hard it was to convince people to cast her.

In a media conversation, Shraddha Kapoor opened up about her career failures before her 2013 breakthrough with Aashiqui 2.

Despite being the daughter of seasoned actor Shakti Kapoor, who respected freedom, she did not take shortcuts in her journey. Because of this approach, she had to handle rejections and setbacks on her own, which made the path to success challenging and very intimate.

The Stree 2 actress revealed, "Until Aashiqui happened, it was very difficult to convince people to cast me."

She praised Rajkummar Rao for his unmatched brilliance and referred to her co-star Varun Dhawan from ABCD 2 as a dear friend. She costarred with Ranbir Kapoor in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar last year, and she commented about how wonderful it was to work with him.

Shraddha turned to Aditya Roy Kapur, her co-star from Aashiqui 2, and said he was really skilled. In a playful allusion to Sidharth Malhotra's portrayal of Ek Villain, she referred to him as such. The nickname "school buddy" was given to Tiger Shroff due of their same study habits.

Additionally, Shraddha Kapoor commended Shahid Kapoor for his adaptability, recalling their parts in Haider and Batti Gul Meter Chalu. Finally, it was said that Arjun Kapoor, her co-star in Half Girlfriend, was incredibly articulate.

Bobby Deol Opens Up About His Darkest Days!

Bobby Deol's Bollywood career has been filled with highs and lows. In the 1990s, he rose to prominence as a performer, but in the 2000s, his career took a dramatic turn for the worse. However, he made a remarkable comeback with Animal and Class of '83, both of which are accessible on Netflix. Remembering 'putting his family through tribulations and shared that they were going through a lot of misery,' the actor recently opened up about his difficulties.

During a media appearance, Bobby Deol broke down in tears as he talked about how his family and himself were affected by his career losses.

The tearful Gupt singer described the struggles his family endured while they watched him struggle in his career and claimed it was painful for them to see him suffer without being able to help. He acknowledged the hardships he unintentionally caused his family, stating that their close bond made things considerably more challenging because they were also going through his pain.

Bobby's older brother, actor Sunny Deol, comforted him throughout the emotional event. Bobby underlined the value of resilience, stating, "That’s the whole thing. Don’t give up in life."

Bobby Deol debuted as an actor in Rajkumar Santoshi's Barsaat in 1995. His parts in popular films such as Humraaz (2002), Badal (2000), Bichhoo (2000), Ajnabee (2001), Gupt (1997), and Soldier (1998) quickly brought him fame.

Prior to his great performances in the Class of '83 and Aashram, his career stalled. He experienced a string of box office failures in the 2000s, despite his early success. Race 3 (2018) was a commercially successful effort at a revival that drew criticism.

Bobby has a long list of potential projects in the works. He will appear in the Telugu films Daaku Maharaaj and Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1. In addition, he will feature in the highly anticipated Housefull 5: Alpha and the Tamil blockbuster Thalapathy 69.

Varun Dhawan's Unexpected Confession About His Marriage!

In June 2024, Varun Dhawan and his spouse, Natasha Dalal, welcomed a baby daughter named Lara into the world. Since that time, the actor has been juggling his obligations as a new parent and his career. Dhawan talked candidly about his daughter in a recent interview, acknowledging that he feels bad every day for not being able to spend enough time with his wife and child. He also called Natasha his superhero, expressing his admiration for her.

Varun Dhawan discussed the significant changes in his life with the birth of his daughter Lara on June 3, 2024, in a media conference.

The actor talked about how becoming a father had affected him right away and triggered a strong protective instinct. He also called his wife, Natasha Dalal, his "superhero" for her fortitude and tenacity, expressing his deep affection for her.

He said that seeing his wife and daughter together had the biggest effect on him since it reminded him of times when he had treated his own mother badly.

Recognizing the sacrifices women undertake to bring a child into the world—sacrifices he feels males will never truly understand—the Baby John actor expressed regret for those incidents.

Varun acknowledged, nevertheless, that he found it difficult to meet the demands of his hectic schedule. He hasn't had much time at home because he was busy promoting Citadel: Honey Bunny and Baby John, filming Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, and directing his father's movie.

Varun acknowledged experiencing intense remorse every day when asked if he felt bad about missing out on his daughter's first few months of life. Even much he wished he could be there, he stated, it was not possible to take long breaks from work.

Though he admitted it would not be enough, he intends to take a few days off in December to spend time with Lara and Natasha because Border 2 filming will start shortly after.

Sarah Michelle Gellar: A Timeless Star!

Sarah Michelle Gellar is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Buffy Summers in the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Her portrayal of the strong, independent, and witty vampire slayer has cemented her status as a cultural icon.  

Early Life and Career

Born on April 14, 1977, in New York City, Gellar began her acting career at a young age. She made her television debut in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for her roles in shows like "All My Children" and "Swans Crossing."   

Rise to Fame: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Gellar's breakthrough role came in 1997 with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The show, which ran for seven seasons, became a cult classic, and Gellar's portrayal of Buffy Summers made her a household name. The series explored themes of adolescence, friendship, love, and the supernatural, resonating with audiences of all ages.   

Post-Buffy Career

After "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" ended, Gellar continued to work in television and film. She starred in several successful projects, including "Cruel Intentions," "The Grudge," and "The Ringer."  

A Modern-Day Icon

Sarah Michelle Gellar remains a beloved figure in popular culture. Her timeless beauty, talent, and charisma have made her a role model for many. She continues to inspire fans with her work and her positive influence.

Sarah Michelle Gellar's Oops Moment!

Recently, there was a stir when Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the set of the impending sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer. Despite the fact that her iconic character Helen Shivers would not be returning, Gellar's amusing post during her visit to the production created some unexpected controversy.

Gellar revealed the incident in a media discussion. She claimed that while she was seeing her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., who is in the upcoming film, she couldn't resist taking a photo of a director's chair and sharing it online.

“You would think that being in my position, I know what rules are on sets when they say closed sets, you know,” Gellar confessed. “I posted the picture, and then I found out they hadn’t announced they started filming yet. Yeah … that was an ‘Oops! My bad!’”

When she amusingly tagged the photo with the caption, "Scooby Doo 3 coming soon," the firm rushed to establish a social media presence for the film. Gellar laughed and brushed the incident aside, calling it a "cool picture" and recalling the good times she had returning to the franchise where she and Prinze had first met.

Even after her character died in the original 1997 slasher, Gellar has continued to be associated with the series, providing continuity direction to director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. “I have kind of an unofficial job title,” Gellar told People. “I’m always the one telling her, ‘That would happen,’ or ‘That wouldn’t happen with those characters.’”

Abir Gulaal Wraps Up Shoot!

The romantic comedy Abir Gulaal, starring Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan, started filming on September 29, 2024, at several sites in and around London. The latest reports suggest that the two have wrapped up their filming in the British metropolis. The film, which is being produced by Aarjay Pictures, Indian Stories, and A Richer Lens, is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, who also produced Chalti Rahe Zindagi.

The 40-day filming schedule for Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's upcoming film in London is finally finished, according to a daily. Reports state that a small group of people would initially see the film. It also mentions that the film's producers intend to promote it internationally, starting with screenings at various film festivals.

After it has screened at significant international film festivals, the business behind this cross-cultural project will determine whether to release it in theaters. Sometime in the second half of 2025, the movie is expected to be released in Indian theaters.

They also believed that due of their engaging performances and undeniable appeal, audiences will be captivated by the on-screen romance between Fawad and Vaani Kapoor.

According to filmmaker Aarti S. Bagdi's plot synopsis, the movie follows the journey of two people who, by chance, help one other recover, with love emerging as an unexpected climax. Fawad was adored and admired for his roles in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kapoor & Sons, and other movies.

In Abir Gulaal, Fawad Khan portrays a chef who works in the UK. The film also features Lisa Hayden in addition to Vaani. Abir Gulaal is being directed by Arti Bagdi and produced by Vivek B. Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

Rajkummar Rao's Stree 3 Update!

The horror-comedy Stree 2, directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, created a stir in international markets after its August 15, 2024, release. Fans have finally received an important update on Stree 3 from Rajkummar Rao, and it's not what they were anticipating. The news of a sequel has been eagerly anticipated by fans. "Anytime soon," he confirmed, it won't be happening.

In a recent media discussion, Rajkummar Rao gave an update on Stree 3, suggesting that although it is currently under development, its release is not imminent. He said, "Stree 3 will definitely happen, but not anytime soon."

He continued by saying that rather than rushing into a sequel in an effort to capitalize on the success of the film, the crew is committed to completing it properly. Citing the six-year gap between Stree and Stree 2, he emphasized the need of investing the time necessary to produce a high-quality project.

The Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video star promised that, despite the fact that Stree 3 would take some time, it wouldn't take six years like its predecessor. He underlined that the team, which consists of director Amar Kaushik, producer Dinesh Vijan, and writers, wants to tell a great story.

The goals are to avoid rushing into the project and ensure that the franchise maintains its quality and standards. He emphasized that the team intends to push boundaries and improve the third installment.

According to Rajkummar, he holds a particular place in his heart for Vicky, his favorite character. He finds a lot of resonance in Vicky's simple, funny manner as he notes that, like his character, he has a pure heart and enjoys hanging out with pals. He jokes humorously that he doesn't see himself falling in love with a ghost anytime soon, despite having Vicky's spirit.

Shabana Azmi’s Bold Take: Talent Over Looks in Bollywood!

Actress Shabana Azmi has captivated audiences for decades with her varied roles in indie, mainstream, and international motion pictures. She also addressed the misconception that having the "right face" always makes someone a successful actor, pointing out that directors usually base their casting choices only on looks.

"Undeveloped ability is like an uncut diamond that shines with the right instruction," Shabana Azmi said in a media conference. She passionately argues for the importance of training and how it may transform an actor's career. However, she acknowledged that some performers are exceptional and achieve success without formal training due to their consistent practice and dedication.

However, the actress emphasized that training alone is not enough to fill the gap, therefore a bad actor cannot succeed in the industry. She also addressed a common misconception among filmmakers by stating, "I feel that many filmmakers have this misconception that if they hire the right face, they can get work done from them. How can you get the work done? You can if and when you have to use only their faces; but when there are dialogues too, it cannot happen."

Regarding her role in Patang (1993), Shabana talked about the early production phases, when she mostly worked with emerging actors. She was so relieved to see the seasoned Om Puri join the ensemble a week later, thinking, "Oh my god, here is a professional actor." She said working with him was enjoyable. Shabana added that her favorite co-star of all time is still Naseeruddin Shah.