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The Diary of Manipur: Monalisa, viral girl from Maha Kumbh, gets a role in Sanoj Mishra’s directorial

Mishra stresses the importance of authenticity, stating, “Our focus is to nurture her innate talent, allowing her natural grace and innocence to shine through. We want her performance to be a genuine reflection of her spirit.”

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From garland seller to Bollywood starlet: Indore’s Monalisa Bhosle’s remarkable rise. Monalisa, the captivating young woman who unexpectedly became an internet sensation selling garlands at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, is trading flower petals for film sets. Her journey, a captivating blend of serendipity and determination, is set to become a cinematic reality. Director Sanoj Mishra, celebrated for his socially conscious films such as The Diary of West Bengal, has cast Bhosle in his highly anticipated upcoming movie, The Diary of Manipur.

Spotted amidst the vibrant chaos of the Kumbh Mela, Monalisa’s innocent beauty and captivating charm quickly captured the hearts of millions online. Her story, a testament to the power of social media, reached director Mishra, who was deeply moved by her resilience and spirit. He saw in her not just a pretty face, but a compelling narrative waiting to be told. Following a phone call to her father, a contract was swiftly signed in Maheshwar, officially marking Bhosle’s entry into the world of Bollywood.

Mishra’s choice is far from arbitrary. Bhosle’s role in The Diary of Manipur will draw upon the very essence of her own life. As Mishra eloquently explains, “Monalisa hails from a humble, nomadic family, making a living by selling garlands. This resonates deeply with her character in the film: the daughter of a retired Manipur army soldier, harbouring a similar unwavering ambition—to join the army herself. The film will delve into the struggles she faces, the obstacles she overcomes, and ultimately, her journey towards fulfilling her dreams.”

To prepare Bhosle for her big-screen debut, Mishra and his team will provide comprehensive acting training, meticulously designed to preserve her natural charm and unassuming demeanour. Mishra stresses the importance of authenticity, stating, “Our focus is to nurture her innate talent, allowing her natural grace and innocence to shine through. We want her performance to be a genuine reflection of her spirit.”

With a substantial budget of ₹20 crore, The Diary of Manipur is poised to be a significant cinematic undertaking, slated to begin filming in February. Mishra’s decision to cast Bhosle carries a profound message, challenging conventional industry norms and preconceived audience expectations.

He firmly asserts, “Success in this industry is not solely defined by physical attributes; acting prowess is paramount. Monalisa possesses the desire, and we will cultivate her skills. If Sunny Leone could redefine perceptions, then surely a girl from a nomadic community can prove that decency and simplicity can also illuminate Bollywood.”

Mishra’s casting choice also serves as a direct response to the pervasive nepotism within the industry. He champions the inclusion of fresh talent, stating emphatically, “My films aren’t about star power; the story itself is the star. Stories like Monalisa’s deserve a platform, and audiences are increasingly receptive to authentic narratives.” Bhosle’s story, therefore, is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of hope and a challenge to the established order of Bollywood.

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The Family Man 3 first glimpse: Jaideep Ahlawat, Nimrat Kaur join action thriller series

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Streaming platform Prime Video unveiled the first look of the much-anticipated third season of The Family Man on Friday, introducing actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur as formidable new adversaries to Manoj Bajpayee’s iconic spy, Srikant Tiwari.

The action-packed thriller, created and directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, will see Bajpayee reprise his role as Tiwari, a middle-class man navigating the high-stakes world of espionage. The new season, penned by Suman Kumar in collaboration with Raj & DK, will also feature returning cast members Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Ashlesha Thakur, and Vedant Sinha.

In a joint statement, Raj & DK expressed their excitement about elevating the series. “Each season, we strive to raise the bar with a more gripping story, grander scale, and sharper performances. We’re thankful for our fans’ patience. Season 3 will push Srikant and his team to their limits, immersing them in a world of intense danger and personal turmoil that tests their bonds. While juggling a new family dynamic, Srikant will face off against powerful new antagonists, brought to life by the incredibly talented Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur. Our collaboration with Prime Video has been instrumental in shaping this season,” they said.

The upcoming season will follow Srikant as he tackles a looming threat to national security while grappling with the challenges of family life, striving to repair his strained relationship with his wife, Suchitra, played by Priyamani. Details about the roles of Ahlawat, known for Paatal Lok, and Kaur, celebrated for The Lunchbox and Airlift, remain undisclosed, adding to the anticipation.

The Family Man debuted to widespread acclaim in 2019, with its second season, featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, earning similar praise in 2021. As excitement builds for the third installment, the addition of Ahlawat and Kaur promises to intensify the stakes for Srikant Tiwari’s latest mission.

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Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par crosses Rs 90-crore mark

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Aamir Khan’s latest cinematic offering, Sitaare Zameen Par, has amassed a nett collection of ₹90 crore domestically within its debut week. Directed by R S Prasanna, the film hit cinemas on 20 June 2025, serving as a spiritual successor to the widely acclaimed 2007 release Taare Zameen Par, and has struck a chord with audiences.

According to Sacnilk, the film opened strongly with ₹10.7 crore nett at the domestic box office, setting the stage for a solid run. Touted as a heartfelt exploration of neurodivergence, Sitaare Zameen Par features Aamir as a basketball coach guiding ten differently-abled individuals towards triumph.

The cast includes Genelia D’Souza alongside fresh talents Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar, with the screenplay penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma. The project is a collaborative production by Aamir Khan, Aparna Purohit, and Ravi Bhagchandka under Aamir Khan Productions.

Critics have noted its connection to the 2018 Spanish drama Campeones (remade in English in 2023 with Woody Harrelson), echoing Taare Zameen Par’s mission to raise awareness about neurodiversity. However, some reviews suggest a didactic approach, with one stating, “Every scene is crafted to deliver a lesson, often tipping the balance from entertaining to preachy, which can frustrate viewers despite Aamir’s knack for edifying cinema.”

The film’s narrative, centred on mentorship and inclusion, has resonated emotionally, contributing to its box office success. Its opening figures and positive word of mouth hint at a potential surge over the weekend.

Earlier today, Aamir participated in a virtual fan meet to celebrate the milestone, sharing anecdotes from the set and praising the young cast’s dedication. “Their energy inspired every frame,” he remarked, boosting fan excitement online. The session, joined by enthusiastic supporters, highlighted the film’s impact, with many lauding its uplifting message.

As Sitaare Zameen Par progresses into its second week, its ₹90 crore haul underscores Aamir Khan’s enduring appeal. Whether it maintains this momentum amidst mixed critical reception remains to be seen, but its strong start has certainly reignited interest in his storytelling legacy.

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Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon and Onir collaborate to direct second part of My Melbourne

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Acclaimed Indian filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, and Onir are teaming up for the second edition of My Melbourne, an Indo-Australian anthology film project that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens cinematic ties between India and Australia, according to a press release.

Produced by Mind Blowing Films and presented by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the anthology builds on the success of its inaugural edition, released in March 2025. The first film featured short stories by directors Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Onir, exploring themes of identity, gender, race, sexuality, and disability.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, CEO of Mind Blowing Films and the project’s creative producer, described the response to the first My Melbourne as “immensely gratifying.” She said, “The film showed that authentic, heartfelt stories can resonate across borders. We’re privileged to have some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers contribute their vision to this second chapter. This initiative continues to champion inclusivity and collaboration, offering a platform for emerging talents from underrepresented communities.”

Rajkumar Hirani, renowned for blockbusters like Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, Sanju, and Dunki, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “My Melbourne is a unique canvas for crafting stories that are personal yet universal, bridging cultures through cinema,” he said.

Anjali Menon, known for her nuanced storytelling, highlighted the project’s alignment with her creative vision. “The themes of My Melbourne resonate deeply with my approach to storytelling—narratives that foster empathy and connect people across divides. I’m excited to be part of this cross-continental collaboration,” she said.

Shoojit Sircar, whose diverse filmography includes Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku, October, and Sardar Udham, emphasized the universal appeal of the anthology. “Stories transcend borders. My Melbourne is a powerful reminder that locally rooted narratives can carry global impact,” he said.

Onir, returning for the second edition, described the project as “an evolving journey.” He added, “Working with fresh themes and voices while continuing this meaningful initiative is profoundly fulfilling.”

The second instalment of My Melbourne promises to further the anthology’s mission of weaving diverse narratives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and spotlighting new voices in cinema.

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