Veteran actor Ashutosh Rana has expressed great pride in lending his voice to the historical epic ‘Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan.’ Rana will voice the character of Chand Bardai, a loyal friend of Prithviraj Chauhan, guiding audiences through this grand saga and forging a deep emotional connection with the characters and their time.

Reflecting on his participation in the show, Ashutosh Rana said, “I feel immense pride and joy in narrating this magnificent historical saga. As a child, I grew up enchanted by tales of Prithviraj Chauhan’s unparalleled bravery, wisdom, and resilience.”

He continued, “These stories greatly influenced me, and being able to help bring this legendary figure to life is truly special. As an actor, I firmly believe in the power of voice. Through this narration, I aim to add depth, dignity, and intensity to the story, channeling emotions rooted in strength, passion, and respect that resonate with the spirit of the show.”

“Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan” is a historical drama that portrays the remarkable evolution of Prithviraj Chauhan, chronicling his journey from a naive young prince to a revered warrior king. The series explores his formative years, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and crucial events that shaped his lasting legacy.

The cast includes Anuja Sathe, Ronit Roy, Rumi Khan, and Padmini Kolhapure, who is making her much-anticipated return to television after 11 years in the significant role of Rajmata. Expressing her excitement about her comeback, Padmini Kolhapure said, “Being part of Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan is incredibly special not only because of the powerful role I’m playing but also as it marks my return to television after almost 11 years. My journey began with Sony Entertainment Television, and now I’m thrilled to return to the same channel with a role that is both challenging and fulfilling.”

The show is set to premiere on June 4 on Sony Entertainment Television.

Robert De Niro not only lit up the Cannes Film Festival this week with his star presence, but he also brought a heartfelt touch and a tribute to his late father. The legendary actor introduced a poignant first look at a deeply personal documentary he is developing, focusing on his father, painter Robert De Niro Sr., while reflecting on his own experiences of fatherhood and aging.

The sneak preview, unveiled during a discussion on stage at Cannes with French artist JR, who is co-directing the film, was emotionally charged and visually striking.

The teaser showcased monumental portraits of De Niro Sr. throughout various New York locations—on rooftops, sailing in the harbor, and appearing at iconic city landmarks. The project serves as a tribute, a time capsule, and an introspective memoir.

“We haven’t established a finish line for this,” shared Robert De Niro, now 81, during the presentation. “We’re allowing it to unfold naturally—there’s no deadline.”

The teaser also featured appearances by De Niro’s frequent collaborators and close friends, Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, adding a layer of emotional resonance to this already heartfelt project. However, viewers should not anticipate a conventional biographical film; it delves into De Niro’s internal landscape—his musings on legacy, mortality, and fatherhood—just as much as it explores his father’s life and artistic contributions.

In a reflective moment from the teaser, De Niro muses, “In the end, it’s time that makes something special.” When questioned about his fears regarding death, he responded calmly, “I don’t have a choice. So, you might as well not be afraid of it.”

The documentary arrives at a significant juncture in De Niro’s career, coinciding with him receiving the ‘Palme d’Or’ for Lifetime Achievement at Cannes 2025. Who better to present this honor than his longtime collaborator and close friend, Leonardo DiCaprio? This celebratory moment resonated deeply with the audience.

De Niro’s illustrious career speaks volumes. He holds two Academy Awards—one for his iconic role as young Vito Corleone in ‘The Godfather Part II’ and another for his intense performance as boxer Jake LaMotta in ‘Raging Bull’. He has also been nominated for standout roles in films such as ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘The Deer Hunter’, ‘Cape Fear’, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, and most recently, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’.

Even for an Oscar-winning actress, Cannes can present last-minute surprises—especially concerning red carpet etiquette. Hollywood icon Halle Berry, serving on the jury for this year’s Cannes Film Festival, shared that she had to change her outfit just hours before stepping onto the prestigious red carpet.

Why the sudden switch? A newly introduced dress code is making waves and sparking conversations.

Halle revealed her unexpected wardrobe change during a press conference, stating, “I had a stunning dress by an Indian designer that I couldn’t wear because it had too large of a train,” referring to her initial choice for the opening night gala.

“I’m not about to break the rules. The no-nudity policy seems reasonable,” she quipped with a smile.

This wardrobe alteration is a direct result of updated red carpet guidelines established by Cannes organizers prior to the festival’s 78th edition. The new rules specifically target outfits revealing “nudity,” citing a need for “decency.” Essentially, gone are the days of barely-there gowns and extravagant trains sweeping across the Croisette.

While this isn’t a complete fashion overhaul, it comes close. An official statement released on May 12 highlights that the changes aim to align the festival’s traditions with French legal standards. Expect a strict adherence to evening wear—think tuxedos for men and elegant gowns for women—particularly during gala screenings at the iconic Grand Théâtre Lumière.

Also Read: Cannes red carpet increases restrictions on revealing ensembles

The guidelines clarify, “The intention is not to regulate fashion directly, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet.” In other words, while glam is welcome, it’s best to leave the risqué items at home.

Organizers are also cracking down on overly elaborate dresses that might complicate logistics, stating they “reserve the right to deny entry to guests whose attire could hinder movement or seating arrangements.”

Simply put, avoid showing up in gowns with excessive trains or thigh-high slits that could create chaos in the aisles. This is about practicality as much as it is about appearance. Cannes’ welcoming teams have been instructed to deny access to those who don’t comply. “For all other screenings, appropriate attire is sufficient,” the statement notes, indicating a more relaxed approach for non-gala events.

Berry, who has always dazzled on the red carpet, is among this year’s notable jury members. She joins a distinguished panel featuring ‘Succession’ star Jeremy Strong, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia (‘All We Imagine as Light’), South Korean director Hong Sangsoo, Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher, author Leïla Slimani, Congolese documentarian Dieudo Hamadi, and Mexican filmmaker Carlos Reygadas. French cinema legend Juliette Binoche serves as the jury president.