Entertainment

Jaideep Ahlawat says he’s been asked about Paatal Lok 2 every day for the past four years

Ahlawat described the writing process for the new season as initially confusing due to its intricate subplots. “What intrigued me was that when I first read it, I struggled to comprehend it. I felt that I needed to physically be in Nagaland to truly understand the characters and their context,” he explained.

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2025

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Jaideep Ahlawat’s career can be divided into two distinct phases: before “Paatal Lok” and after. Since the web series premiered on May 15, 2020, Ahlawat has faced daily inquiries about its anticipated second season.

Before “Paatal Lok,” he had already established himself as a reliable actor with notable performances in films like “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Khatta Meetha,” “Vishwaroopam,” and “Raazi.” However, “Paatal Lok” catapulted him to fame overnight when it debuted on Prime Video during the pandemic. The show garnered widespread acclaim, including recognition from industry stalwarts like Manoj Bajpayee and Aamir Khan, who praised his portrayal of Hathiram Chaudhary, a fatigued Delhi Police officer tasked with a high-stakes investigation in the first season.

Ahlawat remarked, “Everything changed after May 15, 2020. I genuinely haven’t had a single day in the last four years without someone asking me about ‘Paatal Lok 2.’ Whether in person, on social media, or through messages, the inquiries never stopped.” He further explained that when he posts anything online, he receives numerous comments asking, “When is season two of ‘Paatal Lok’ coming?” He humorously noted that while he wasn’t exhausted by the questions, he often had to reply, “It will be out soon.”

In the first season of “Paatal Lok,” directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and Prosit Roy, Ahlawat’s character was pivotal in investigating the assassination attempt on a popular TV journalist, portrayed by Neeraj Kabi. Reflecting on his career progression, Ahlawat shared that after the show’s success, he received an uplifting call from Bajpayee, who expressed that watching Ahlawat inspired him like attending a rejuvenating workshop.

“I was deeply moved and could only respond with a heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ Such acknowledgement can come only from someone who understands cinema well,” expressed Ahlawat, who had previously worked with Bajpayee in “Gangs of Wasseypur.”

In a separate interaction, Aamir Khan reached out to Ahlawat via video call, eager to learn about his preparation for the role. Ahlawat recalled being surprised by Khan’s interest, saying, “When someone like Aamir sir, renowned for his method acting, seeks your insight, what can you say, except share your experience?”

The success of “Paatal Lok” opened many doors for Ahlawat, leading to roles in the ZEE5 series “The Broken News” and films such as “An Action Hero,” “Three of Us,” “Jaane Jaan,” and “Maharaj,” which marked the acting debut of Khan’s son, Junaid. Ahlawat noted that he hasn’t taken a “single holiday” over the past four years due to a flurry of projects. “Touchwood, it’s encouraging. A wealth of compelling stories has come my way, and I’ve collaborated with numerous talented individuals. Some films have been released, while more are on the cusp this year, especially with ‘Paatal Lok 2’ kicking off this promising start.”

Scheduled to premiere on January 17 on Prime Video, the second season of “Paatal Lok” has Ahlawat returning as Hathiram, who will uncover a new mystery set in Nagaland. As part of his preparation, Ahlawat rewatched the first season to reconnect with his character’s history, particularly his relationship with rookie cop Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), who will now assume a more senior role.

Another challenge he faced involved gaining approximately 20 kg to authentically portray the middle-aged, weary cop, transitioning from the lean physique he had for his previous film “Maharaj.” He elaborated, “When you gain weight, your body responds in various ways. You stop exercising, your joints begin to ache, and you feel the weight. Sleeping positions change and your breathing can become heavier, yet mentally, you find satisfaction—it’s quite an interesting phase.”

Ahlawat will also soon share screen time with Bajpayee in the third season of the Prime Video series “The Family Man.” He noted the experience of working with Bajpayee as an enriching opportunity. “Collaborating with great actors elevates your performance naturally. We have limited scenes together, but they are intricately written. I hope future seasons build upon this quality. He is undoubtedly one of our finest actors.”

Looking ahead, Ahlawat has several exciting projects lined up, including a neo-noir thriller titled “Jewel Thief” alongside Saif Ali Khan, Sriram Raghavan’s war drama “Ikkis,” “Hisab” reuniting him with his “Three of Us” co-star Shefali Shah, and Aanand L Rai’s production “Hawai Fire.” The actor expressed a desire for better work-life balance, stating, “I got caught up in the midst of shooting for four projects across different locations, which was quite hectic. I hope to avoid that situation in the future.”

Entertainment

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

1 week ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.