Entertainment

Entertainment “Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras,” says the Kiss singer. “How come the New York Philharmonic doesn’t get in?” Gene Simmons Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Longtime Rock & Roll Hall of Fame critic Gene Simmons — who was inducted as a member of Kiss back in 2014 — has once again blasted the organization for honoring hip-hop acts. “It’s not my music,” he told the LegendsNLeaders podcast. “I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language. And as I said in print many times, hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras.… How come the New York Philharmonic doesn’t get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Because it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” “Ice Cube and I had a back and forth,” he continues. “He’s a bright guy, and I respect what he’s done.…He shot back that it’s the ‘spirit’ of rock and roll.… So Ice Cube and Grandmaster Flash and all these guys are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I just want to know when Led Zeppelin’s going to be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame? Music has labels because it describes an approach. By and large, rap, hip-hop is a spoken-word art. Then you put beats in back of it and somebody comes up with a musical phrase, but it’s verbal. There are some melodies, but by and large, it’s a verbal thing.” This is far from the first time such an argument has been put forth. And when N.W.A were inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2015, Ice Cube told Rolling Stone why the notion is so wrongheaded to him. “Rap is a piece of rock & roll, but there’s also a piece of soul, a piece of R&B, a piece of blues — all of that music that comes before it,” he said. “I think rap captures the spirit of rock & roll just like rappers and guys who do rock & roll capture the same spirit, but they might go in different directions with it. But it’s the same spirit.” Simmons also believes that rock & roll is dead. “There will not be another Beatles,” he told Rolling Stone in 2017. “You can play the game, 1958 until 1988 is thirty years, Elvis, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Jackson, U2, AC/DC, maybe Kiss, and from 1988 until today, give me the new Beatles.” We attempted to tell him that groups like Pearl Jam and Radiohead found tremendous success after 1988. “If Thom Yorke walked down the street in Pasadena, what would happen?” he asked, before balking at our notion that people would notice. “I think you’re delusional. I’ve been with Dave Grohl when he was walking down the street, and nobody knew, and he’s a big star. No, that’s not what a star is. Prince was a star. You could see him coming from a mile ahead. There are successful artists. Pearl Jam, by any standard, is very successful.… How about this: More people would know Mötley Crüe walking down the street than Radiohead.” Kiss have largely been on hiatus since they played the final show of their farewell tour in December 2023. But they played a couple of non-makeup gigs at the Kiss Kruise Land Locked in Vegas fan event in November 2025. The three surviving founding members made a rare public appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors the following month. In typical Simmons fashion, he shattered the goodwill just weeks later by saying that Kiss drummer Peter Criss didn’t actually write “Beth,” his signature song. “Peter had nothing to do with that song,” he told YouTube’s Professor of Rock. “He sang it.… The mythology of ‘Beth’ is exactly that: mythology. The real story is Peter was lucky enough to be in the same place at the same time as a guy who wrote a song called ‘Beth.’” Criss fired right back. “Gene wouldn’t know how the song was originally written because Gene wasn’t there from the conception of the song in the late ‘60s and he wasn’t there for the completion of the song with Bob Ezrin,” the drummer told Billboard. “Gene’s statements are ridiculous and very uncalled for; he talks about things that he doesn’t know about.” From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Entertainment It is confirmed. Finally, a biopic on Bharat Ratna, the Tamil Carnatic singing legend M. S. Subbulakshmi is happening. To be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the long-awaited biopic will star the very natural Sai Pallavi in the titular role. Sai Pallavi to play M S Subbulakshmi in her biopic While the official announcement is yet to made, it is reliably learnt that Sai Pallavi has started taking lessons in Carnatic vocals in preparation for what would no doubt be the greatest challenge of her career. “While Gowtam is completing his research on the subject, Sai is watching all the footage she can lay her hands on to get to know the great singer,” a source informed this writer. The project goes on the floors later this year. Also Read: Is Sai Pallavi replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD sequel? BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, February 12, took up Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav’s bail application in connection with a long-pending cheque bounce case and directed the complainant to file a response. The development comes days after the actor surrendered at Tihar Jail following the dismissal of his last-minute plea for relief. Rajpal Yadav bail plea: Delhi High Court seeks complainant’s reply, makes strong remarks on actor’s conduct During the hearing, counsel appearing for Rajpal Yadav informed the court that a formal bail application had been moved on the actor’s behalf and requested that the opposing party be asked to submit its reply. The lawyer also told the bench that he had been unable to establish contact with Yadav and sought additional time until Monday, assuring the court that he would “work out something.” He further requested a brief adjournment in the matter. Taking note of the submissions, the bench presided over by Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed the complainant to file a response to the bail plea. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday when the application will be considered after the reply is placed on record. However, the hearing was not without sharp observations from the court. The bench reportedly remarked on Yadav’s conduct, noting that the actor had landed in jail after failing to honour commitments made earlier in the case. Rajpal Yadav is currently serving a six-month prison sentence after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking relief in the cheque bounce matter. He surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5. The case dates back to 2010 when Yadav had borrowed Rs 5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd for his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed to perform at the box office, leading to financial complications and prolonged legal proceedings. Before surrendering, Yadav had spoken to Bollywood Hungama about his situation, expressing his helplessness. Rajpal said, “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain (sir, what to do? I don’t have the money to pay back). Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta (can’t see another way out).” When asked why he did not seek help from influential industry friends, he added, “Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain (sir, we are all on our own over here). There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.” Following his remarks, several members of the film industry have reportedly extended support to the actor, including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Sonu Sood, all of whom have previously worked with Yadav. The matter will now be heard again on Monday, once the complainant submits a response to the bail application, determining the next course of action in the case. Also Read: Radha Yadav opens up on Rajpal Yadav’s case, says the industry has been supportive BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan faces controversy after his first wife, Ranjana Jha, lodged a formal complaint accusing him and others of serious wrongdoing dating back decades. The complaint was filed on Tuesday, 10th February, at the Women’s Police Station in Supaul, Bihar, alleging that a was carried out without her knowledge or consent. Udit Narayan’s first wife Ranjana files complaint over alleged medical procedure without consent In her written application, Ranjana identified herself as the 61-year-old daughter of Chandrakant Jha, and said she married Udit Narayan on December 7, 1984, under traditional Hindu rites. She claimed that he left for Mumbai in 1985 to pursue his music career and later learned through media reports that he had married another woman, Deepa Narayan. She alleges that he misled her whenever she confronted him about it. The complaint also includes serious allegations related to a hospital visit in 1996. Ranjana claimed that she was taken to a hospital in Delhi by Udit, along with his brothers Sanjay Kumar Jha and Lalit Narayan Jha, where her uterus was allegedly removed “under the pretext of medical treatment” without her knowledge or consent. She further alleged that Deepa Narayan was present at the hospital during the time. Along with this, Ranjana also accused the singer of neglect and mistreatment over the years, claiming she was denied entry into his Mumbai home in 2006 and was insulted by family members during a visit to relatives in Nepal. She added that she had earlier approached the Family Court and the Women’s Commission but felt that her complaints were not properly addressed. Speaking to reporters, Ranjana said, “You all know that Udit Narayan ji repeatedly makes promises but does not fulfil them. I deserve justice.” The police officer in charge confirmed that the complaint is under investigation and that an FIR will be registered as facts emerge. Udit Narayan has not publicly responded to the allegations. Also Read: Udit Narayan in legal trouble as first wife Ranjana Jha files case over property, rights BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment Toxic continues its unprecedented pre-release march across global and domestic markets, tightening its grip on the Indian theatrical landscape with yet another decisive power move. In a major development that significantly reaffirms the film’s pan-India ambitions, AA Films, one of India’s most influential and battle-tested distribution banners has acquired the theatrical distribution rights for Yash’s Toxic across North India and Nepal, further fortifying the film’s national footprint beyond the southern markets. BREAKING: Anil Thadani’s AA Films comes onboard as distribution partner for Yash’s Toxic in North India & Nepal This strategic alliance marks a reunion of sorts, as AA Films joins forces with Yash after successfully distributing KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2 two films that didn’t just break box-office records but redefined the very grammar of pan-India cinema. With Toxic, the partnership now scales even greater heights, powered by trust, legacy, and a shared vision of event cinema. The partnership between Rocking Star Yash and Anil Thadani is rooted in a shared history of success. Their collaboration dates back to the original KGF, where they worked in close synergy to pioneer the film’s pan-India strategy. This landmark association redefined regional cinema’s reach and served as a pivotal turning point for the Indian film industry. The acquisition comes on the back of a staggering series of pre-release milestones. Toxic earlier made history by becoming the first non-Telugu film to secure a landmark distribution deal with Sri Venkateswara Creations in the AP–TG market, followed by a massive overseas acquisition by Phars Film for its Indian-language versions ranking among the highest overseas deals ever secured for an Indian film. With AA Films now steering the film across the Hindi belt, North India, and Nepal, Toxic is assembling a distribution architecture as ambitious and expansive as its cinematic universe. At the helm of this alliance is Anil Thadani, Founder of AA Films one of the most experienced, influential, and respected distributors in Indian cinema today. A long-time associate and trusted industry force, Thadani brings with him decades of unmatched expertise, having navigated the business from grassroots single screens to elite multiplex circuits, with a deep, instinctive understanding of audience psychology across geographies. Widely regarded as a pioneer who bridged industries long before “pan-India” became a buzzword, Anil Thadani has been instrumental in taking some of Indian cinema’s most culturally defining blockbusters to a national audience. His formidable track record includes landmark titles such as Baahubali, KGF, Pushpa, Kantara, and Kalki — films that shattered language barriers and rewrote box-office history — alongside several massively successful Hindi tentpoles. Confirming the acquisition, Anil Thadani, Founder of AA Films, said, “Toxic is a cinematic world built with rare ambition, conviction, and a goal to bridge Indian and international sensibilities. From the moment we engaged with the material, it was clear that this is a film designed for the big screen, with a scale of visuals, depth of storytelling, and technical finesse that Indian audiences across markets are hungry for today. Yash has consistently elevated the idea of a pan-India star, and with Toxic, he pushes that envelope even further by stepping into a space that feels both rooted and globally resonant. The team behind the film its technicians, creative collaborators, and artists are operating at a world-class level, and the vision is uncompromising. At AA Films, we believe in backing films that have the potential to deliver landmark theatrical experiences, and Toxic has all the inner workings of one. We are proud to bring this film to audiences across North India and Nepal.” Venkat K. Narayana, Producer, KVN Productions, said, “At KVN Productions, we approach cinema with the same seriousness, structure, and long-term vision that one would bring to any institution-building exercise. Toxic is a massive pan-Indian cinematic proposition that demands scale, discipline, and an exceptional distribution backbone. In Anil Thadani and AA Films, we have partnered with someone who understands this responsibility at a fundamental level. Anil Thadani is one of the key architects of the pan-India movement. Long before the industry began speaking the language of nationwide cinema, he was already bridging regions, markets, and audiences through landmark films. His ability to balance ground-level market intelligence with elite national showcasing makes him uniquely positioned to take a film like Toxic to audiences across North India and Nepal. Toxic represents the future of Indian cinema: content-led, technically uncompromising, culturally rooted, yet globally resonant. With AA Films sharing this journey with us, we believe the film will reinstate what Indian stories can achieve when backed by the right vision and infrastructure.” Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, underscoring the film’s global ambition. The film boasts a formidable technical lineup, with National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi behind the lens; music composed by Ravi Basrur; editing by Ujwal Kulkarni; and production design by TP Abid. The action sequences are mounted on a grand scale, choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), alongside National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee. Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 19 March 2026, strategically coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa firmly cementing its status as a high-stakes, cross-cultural cinematic event. Also Read: SCOOP: Anil Thadani attempts to club Toxic showcasing with Border 2; Exhibitors refuse deals due to Dhurandhar 2 More Pages: Toxic Box Office Collection Tags : AA Films, Anil Thadani, Bollywood News, Breaking, Distribution, Geetu Mohandas, Nepal, News, North India, Toxic, Yash BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment Updated on :  12 Feb 2026, 6:09 pm The teaser for Abhishek Nama’s mythological action drama Nagabandham, starring Virat Karrna in the lead, isscheduled to be unveiled on February 15 at 11:11 am, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, revealed the makers. It has been officially confirmed that Mahesh Babu will unveil the teaser. His association is expected to further amplify the excitement surrounding the project. After releasing striking posters of the lead cast, the team recently introduced Rishabh Sawhney, who plays the feared Afghan ruler Abdali. Set in the year 1750, Nagabandham delves into ancient mysteries linked to the Nagabandham tradition. The film also stars Nabha Natesh and Iswarya Menon as the female leads, alongside a supporting cast that includes Jagapathi Babu, Murali Sharma, Jayaprakash, and BS Avinash in key roles. Shot with high technical finesse, the film’s cinematography is handled by Soundar Rajan S, editing by RC Pranav, and production design by Ashok Kumar. Nagabandham promises a visually rich cinematic experience rooted in mythology and adventure. Bankrolled by Kishore Annapureddy and Nishitha Nagireddy, the film is currently in its final stages of production and is gearing up for a grand theatrical release. Read More

Entertainment From L to R: Vamsi Nandipati, Sivaji and Sai Krishna Updated on :  12 Feb 2026, 5:58 pm Actor Sivaji and Laya reunited after a long gap for the crime comedy Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani, which was earlier scheduled for a direct OTT release on ETV Win on February 12. However, the makers have now revised their strategy and decided to bring the film to theatres, citing growing demand. Sivaji, who plays the lead role, has also produced the film. Earlier, Sivaji and ETV Win CEO Sai Krishna had jointly announced that the film would premiere directly on OTT, with the intention of offering quality original content on the platform. Despite repeated queries about a theatrical release, the team initially stood by the OTT plan. However, the makers have now decided to release the film in theatres first, with a new release date locked for March 6. Directed by Sudhir Sreeram, the film features nearly 30 artistes, including Ali, Kamalakar, Dhanraj, Roshan, and several others. According to a source, the change in decision was influenced by director Anil Ravipudi. “Sivaji, who shares a close bond with Anil Ravipudi, screened the film for him. Anil liked it immediately and suggested a theatrical release. He even spoke to the ETV team and convinced them that the film has strong theatrical potential,” said the source. Meanwhile, the makers also released a video featuring Sivaji, Sai Krishna, and distributor Vamsi Nandipati, in which they addressed the change in plans. They revealed that they had received an overwhelming response and numerous messages from audiences requesting a theatrical release, which prompted the decision to bring the film to cinemas on March 6. The source further added that Anil Ravipudi also spoke to a few distributors regarding the film’s business. Distributors Vamsi Nandipati and Bunny Vasu, known for acquiring rights to content-driven films, have reportedly picked up the film’s distribution rights. Read More

Entertainment Updated on :  12 Feb 2026, 5:57 pm Director Arjun Sarja initially planned to rope in Vishwak Sen as the lead actor for Seetha Payanam. The project was officially announced, but due to certain differences, Vishwak Sen exited the film. After a brief delay, Arjun moved ahead with Niranjan as the lead actor. The film also marks the debut of his daughter, Aishwarya Arjun, who plays the female lead. It is now hitting the screens on February 14. The actor-turned-director interacted with the media through a video call and addressed several questions. When asked why he chose to launch his daughter in Telugu cinema, even though both Kannada and Tamil were options, Arjun said, “The Telugu audience has always showered me with immense love, and the industry has given me so much. That is why I wanted to introduce my daughter Aishwarya here first.” Clarifying the situation regarding Vishwak Sen, Arjun said the story was initially written with him in mind. “Yes, we had considered Vishwak Sen for the role. But sometimes things don’t go as planned. However, we did not change even a single scene in the script. Niranjan stepped in for the role. There are no issues with Vishwak Sen; everything is settled. Life is a circle — there are no grudges. If things align, we might work together again,” he said. Speaking about launching his daughter, Arjun addressed the common trend of star sons entering the industry. “Not just sons — daughters are heirs too. There should be no discrimination. We must support their interests. My daughter loves acting, so I introduced her to films,” he said. Talking about Seetha Payanam, Arjun revealed that the idea had been with him for nearly 13 years. “It stayed with me all these years. I even shared the core idea with my daughter back then. Eventually, I developed it fully. I wanted to introduce her with a meaningful story,” he added. Arjun also plays a cameo in the film, along with his nephew Dhruva Sarja. When asked about the kind of roles he still wants to explore as an actor, he said, “I want to do all kinds of roles. Abhimanyudu brought me great appreciation. Playing a villain or even a comedian is wonderful. I want to prove myself in every aspect. My next film will be a complete action movie.” Now that he has returned to direction with Seetha Payanam, Arjun was asked whether he is more comfortable acting or directing. “I have five to six scripts ready. At this point, I prefer directing over acting. My next project will be a mass action film — no love story, no songs, just pure action. I will also play a role that suits my age,” he said. One of Arjun Sarja’s biggest Telugu hits was Hanuman Junction, in which he starred alongside Jagapathi Babu. When asked about a sequel, he said, “I am keen on making Hanuman Junction 2. I spoke to Jagapathi Babu about it, and he feels the same. But we need the right story. If someone comes up with a strong script, I am ready to produce and direct it myself.” With many films being re-released these days, Arjun was also asked which of his films he would like to see back on the big screen. “Gentleman,” he replied. “That film is still relevant even today and fits current times. I would love to re-release it.” Read More

Entertainment Updated on :  12 Feb 2026, 5:47 pm Nani’s The Paradise, which was originally scheduled for release on March 26, has now been postponed to August 21, the makers officially announced the new date on Thursday. This period action drama is directed by Dasara fame Srikanth Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner. While the team is progressing rapidly with the shoot in Hyderabad, the makers have locked in a highly strategic release date. The new release date places the film in the midst of a three-week festive window. The first week benefits from the mid-week holidays of Onam and Milad-un-Nabi, followed by Raksha Bandhan in the second weekend and Janmashtami in the third. Meanwhile, the team is currently shooting one of the film’s major highlights — Nani’s introduction song. The sequence is being filmed on a massive set with hundreds of dancers. Music director Anirudh Ravichander has composed a mass number. Choreographer Sudhan Master is working on the number. The Paradise boasts a stellar cast that includes Mohan Babu, Raghav Juyal, and Sampoornesh Babu. With production nearing completion and buzz steadily building, the newly unveiled release-date poster — featuring Nani’s fierce look with striking jedalu — has further heightened expectations. Read More

Entertainment Bayakegalu Berooridaga Movie Review: Adjustment is often praised as the foundation of marital peace, but it rarely gets examined for the emotional cost it quietly demands. Bayakegalu Berooridaga builds its story around this delicate idea, showing how compromise, when stretched too long, weakens individuality and emotional presence. The film views marriage not as a dramatic conflict but as a lived domestic space where affection gradually fades into routine and duty. Director: Jyothi Lakshmi N Cast: Aakarsh Adithya, Sharanya Pattanashetty, Ajay Satyanarayan Manasa Joshi, Shailaja Joshi, and Karthik Sundaram Bayakegalu Berooridaga introduces Radha (Sharanya Pattanashetty) through her daily routine at home. Her day starts before sunrise, where she cooks, cares for others, and manages the household with careful discipline. Her life resembles a pressure cooker on a steady flame, functional and contained, slowly gathering unspoken tension. The film captures how domestic work, while central to family stability, often goes unrecognized and turns care into silent endurance. A simple digital reminder of Radha’s earlier professional life becomes the first emotional disruption in the story. The contrast between her past dreams and present circumstances is handled with sensitivity. The film shows how personal identity fades when family roles take over. The writing captures this change without loud emotional drama, relying more on behavior and quiet moments. Satya (Aakarsh Adithya), Radha’s husband, exist in contrast. His emotional distance stems from social conditioning that views financial security as emotional responsibility. Bayakegalu Berooridaga avoids reducing him to a careless spouse. Instead, he comes across as a man caught up in work pressure and social expectations. Conversations between Radha and Satya gradually become routine exchanges about responsibilities, illustrating how marriages can appear stable while losing emotional closeness. The emotional turning point occurs around their wedding anniversary, which falls on February 29. This rare date symbolizes their relationship, where meaningful emotional moments also become scarce. The forgotten anniversary is shown with restraint, allowing silence to carry the emotional weight rather than dramatic confrontation. Bayakegalu Berooridaga understands how emotional neglect often builds through small, everyday moments. Even Radha’s mother (Shailaja Joshi) during her occasional visits, senses the growing strain in her daughter’s marriage. One of the film’s most effective scenes features a conversation with a cab driver who continues to celebrate his anniversary even after losing his wife. This moment offers a powerful emotional contrast and reminds Satya about the importance of memory and emotional presence. The scene subtly nudges him towards self-realization. Radha’s growing connection with digital companionship reflects modern loneliness. Her interaction with a writer slowly rekindles her interest in reading and her earlier emotional and intellectual pursuits. The contrast between books and mobile screens gently comments on changing emotional habits and shrinking personal spaces. These elements evoke the emotional calmness seen in films like The Lunchbox, while the marital introspection hints at the quiet emotional tension of Mouna Ragam. However, the film loses some balance when suspicion enters Satya’s thoughts. This tonal shift adds drama but disturbs the slow emotional pace established earlier. Some narrative developments follow familiar patterns, slightly reducing the psychological depth the film aims to maintain. Read More