Entertainment

Sooraj Pancholi Reveals How a Temple Visit Inspired His Role in ‘Kesari Veer’

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

Sooraj Pancholi, who recently returned to the silver screen with the historical drama ‘Kesari Veer,’ has shared how fate played a role in his journey with the film. He feels that his connection to ‘Kesari Veer’ began during a visit to the sacred Somnath temple, a trip he believes significantly altered the trajectory of his life almost immediately.

In a heartfelt discussion, Sooraj reflected on how he had no prior knowledge of the film or the warrior he would eventually portray. “I wasn’t familiar with Hamirji Gohil or even aware that the Somnath temple is the first Jyotirlinga,” he admitted. It was his mother who encouraged him to visit the temple, and on that family trip, he had no idea it would lead to a major opportunity.

The moment that left a lasting impression on him was when he encountered a striking statue of a warrior on horseback near the temple. After inquiring about it, he learned that it commemorated Hamirji Gohil, the courageous warrior who defended the Somnath temple. That story resonated with Sooraj, though he couldn’t foresee that it would soon intertwine with his own life.

“When I returned to Mumbai, something extraordinary happened. Within just a week, every challenge I was facing began to resolve,” Sooraj revealed. It was during this period that filmmaker Kanu Chauhan presented him with the script for ‘Kesari Veer.’ For Sooraj, this felt like more than mere chance. “Somnath is a powerful temple. I truly believe it transformed my life,” he expressed.

Interestingly, this is not Sooraj’s first experience portraying a devotee of Lord Shiva; he previously played a Shiv Bhakt in ‘Satellite Shankar.’ “I feel this was meant to be for me,” he mused.

Discussing the film’s production, Sooraj noted that the entire shoot was completed in just 70 days. Despite the tight timeline, he was able to infuse depth and authenticity into the character of Hamirji Gohil, an unsung hero whose bravery deserves recognition on screen. This film also marked Sooraj’s first collaboration with distinguished actors Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, alongside Akanksha Sharma.

Entertainment

Model Arrested After Customs Find Drugs in Luggage

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Customs officials arrested former Mrs Kerala beauty pageant contestant Harsha Sunny (28) at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

She was allegedly carrying hydroponic cannabis worth around ₹11.82 crore from Bangkok. Officials stopped her on suspicion and searched her luggage.

During the search, they found 12 packets containing the banned substance. Harsha Sunny was arrested under the NDPS Act and produced before a court.

The court sent her to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway. Harsha Sunny had participated in the Mrs Kerala beauty pageant in 2025.

Entertainment

Akshay Kumar Responds to ‘Flop Actor’ Remark in Welcome to The Jungle

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has responded to being called a “flop actor” in the upcoming film Welcome to The Jungle. He said the dialogue should be understood as part of the movie and not taken personally.

Speaking at the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Akshay explained that such dialogues are written to suit the story and the character. He said audiences should view them in the context of the film.

“We are not told to use such dialogues as taunts. When you watch a movie, you should understand it according to the character and the story. Thank you for feeling bad about it, but please do not take it so seriously,” Akshay said.

The trailer of Welcome To The Jungle runs for more than four minutes and features a mix of comedy, action, and adventure. Unlike the earlier films in the franchise, the story is set in a jungle.

Akshay plays a struggling actor who is trying to revive his career after a series of unsuccessful films. His fortunes appear to improve when he gets a new film opposite a successful actress, played by Jacqueline Fernandez.

However, the film shoot turns into a real-life adventure when the crew reaches a village near the border. The villagers mistakenly believe the actors are soldiers and ask them to protect the village from a dangerous gang led by Jackie Shroff.

The misunderstanding leads to several humorous situations, with Akshay’s character repeatedly reminding everyone that he is only an actor and not a real-life hero.

The film is directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala, Rakesh Dang, and Vedant Vikaas Baali. Welcome To The Jungle is scheduled to release in theatres on June 26.

Entertainment

Isha Rikhi Confirms Marriage To Rapper Badshah

Published

23 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Punjabi actress and model Isha Rikhi has finally confirmed that she is married to rapper and singer Badshah.

The confirmation came during an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session. Responding to a fan’s question, Isha said that she is married and jokingly asked her husband, Badshah, to answer the many questions people have about their relationship.

Another fan asked why she had never shared a photo with Badshah. In response, Isha posted a rare romantic picture of the couple, delighting their fans.

Rumours about their marriage began in March after photos and videos from a private wedding ceremony were shared on social media. The event was attended by close family members and friends.

While Badshah has not yet made an official statement, Isha’s comments have confirmed that the couple is married.