Indian Celebrities

Indian playback sensation Arijit Singh has risen to become the most followed artist on Spotify, surpassing global icons Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran with 151 million followers. This milestone underscores his unparalleled connection with listeners worldwide, reflecting a growing appetite for Indian music on international streaming platforms. While Swift and Sheeran continue to command massive monthly listeners, Arijit’s follower base signals deep, sustained engagement.

South Indian star Nayanthara and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, have come under intense social media scrutiny following their collaboration with choreographer Jani Master—who is embroiled in sexual assault allegations under the POCSO Act. The controversy intensified when Shivan reposted an Instagram Story confirming Jani Master’s involvement in their upcoming film, Love Insurance Kompany. Jani Master later shared on social media candid set photos and a video with Shivan, celebrating their working partnership.

The much-anticipated trailer for Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, featuring Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey, premiered on July 2, 2025, setting a tone of romance and vintage glamour. Kapoor, making her Bollywood debut, captivated audiences with a radiant yellow Manish Malhotra saree ensemble evoking the nostalgic charm of 1990s Bollywood romance. Directed by Santosh Singh and penned by Mansi Bagla, the film narrates a heartfelt story of a blind musician and a theatre artist navigating love and life's trials.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan and actress Sreeleela have concluded filming their forthcoming romantic music film under the direction of Anurag Basu. Produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, the yet-to-be-titled project initially intended to carry the title Aashiqui 3 but faced legal hurdles due to franchise rights. The film features Kartik portraying a passionate rockstar, with music rights from the original Aashiqui integrated into the soundtrack. Recent off-screen sightings of the lead pair together have fueled speculation about their relationship.

Singer-turned-actor Diljit Dosanjh has firmly quashed rumors of his replacement in the upcoming war drama Border 2, despite earlier controversy linked to his film Sardaar Ji 3. Amid industry backlash triggered by the presence of Pakistani actors in his recent projects, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) initially barred him from shooting. However, following intervention by producer Bhushan Kumar, FWICE reversed its decision, permitting Dosanjh to continue with Border 2.

India’s film industry is undergoing a transformation in scale, ambition, and global competitiveness. Leading this evolution is director Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part cinematic adaptation of Ramayana, which is set to become the most expensive Indian film ever produced. With a reported budget of $100 million (approximately Rs. 835 crore), Ramayana Part 1 eclipses previous record-holders such as Kalki 2898 AD, RRR, and Adipurush.

The announcement of Deepika Padukone receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026 has sparked national pride and global celebration. However, contrary to popular belief, she is not the first Indian to receive this coveted honour. That distinction belongs to Sabu Dastagir, a pioneering Mysore-born actor who rose to fame in Hollywood during the 1930s and left an indelible mark on cinema history.

In a historic milestone for Indian representation on the global stage, actor and producer Deepika Padukone has been selected as the first Indian woman to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her induction into the prestigious Class of 2026 places her alongside internationally acclaimed figures like Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, and Rami Malek. The accolade, awarded by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, recognizes outstanding contributions to entertainment.

A controversy has erupted over the denial of certification to the Malayalam film JSK – Janaki vs. State of Kerala by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), allegedly due to the film's use of the name ‘Janaki’, a reference to goddess Sita. The film, starring Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi, has sparked political backlash, with Congress leader K.C. Venugopal accusing the government of stifling artistic freedom.

Shefali Jariwala, the celebrated reality star and actress known for the iconic 2002 remix hit Kaanta Laga, passed away on June 27 at the age of 42, reportedly due to cardiac arrest. While the post-mortem report is awaited, preliminary investigations suggest complications from low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and severe gastric issues. A heartfelt prayer meet held on July 2 in Mumbai gathered family, friends, and industry peers who mourned her loss.