Television

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of actor Mukul Dev, who passed away at the age of 54 in New Delhi after a brief illness. Known for his impactful roles in films such as Son of Sardaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and Jai Ho, Mukul was widely respected for his on-screen presence and off-screen humility. His passing comes months after the loss of his mother, which reportedly led to a period of emotional and physical decline.

India’s flagship reality show Bigg Boss is poised to push the envelope with its upcoming 19th season. Anchored once again by Bollywood icon Salman Khan, the latest installment is slated to break all previous records for duration, running for an unprecedented five and a half months. Set to premiere on July 30, 2025, and continue until January 2026, the show’s extended format signals a strategic pivot aimed at sustained audience engagement.

The third season of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix returns with a compelling blend of its signature humor and a novel format that actively involves superfans from around the world. Alongside beloved cast members like Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, and Archana Puran Singh, the show is breaking new ground by inviting fans to showcase their unique talents on the grand stage.

In a potential reshaping of Indian television’s legacy programming, Salman Khan is reportedly in advanced negotiations to succeed Amitabh Bachchan as the host of the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Bachchan, who has been the face of the show since its inception in 2000 (with one brief break), is expected to step back due to personal commitments. Industry sources suggest Salman Khan—already a dominant force on Indian TV through shows like Bigg Boss—is being strongly considered as his successor, with financial discussions underway.

Television actress Dipika Kakar is confronting a significant health crisis following the discovery of a sizable liver tumor. Initially misidentified as a routine infection, persistent abdominal pain led to further investigation and a CT scan, which revealed a tumor in the left lobe of her liver. Scheduled for surgical intervention, Kakar’s treatment was delayed due to a sudden high fever, prompting emergency hospitalization. Her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, shared the developments publicly, revealing that her condition has improved and surgery is tentatively planned for May 26.

Renowned television actress Dipika Kakar, a familiar face in Indian households, recently shared a deeply personal health update that sent shockwaves through her fanbase. Diagnosed with a liver tumor roughly the size of a tennis ball, Kakar’s journey—marked by vulnerability, resilience, and unwavering optimism—offers a rare glimpse into the private struggles faced by public personalities. Initially misattributed to digestive discomfort, her condition was uncovered during filming for Celebrity MasterChef India, prompting an unexpected exit from the show.

Television powerhouse Ektaa Kapoor has officially confirmed that the seventh season of her flagship supernatural series, Naagin, is now in active production, with casting finalized. In a light-hearted behind-the-scenes video posted on social media, Kapoor shared insights into the creative process with her team, fueling speculation and anticipation among fans. Unconfirmed reports suggest actors Vivian Dsena and Isha Malviya may be taking the lead roles, potentially marking a high-profile return for both.

Popular Indian television actress Dipika Kakar, known for her roles in daily soaps and reality TV, has been diagnosed with a liver tumor, her husband Shoaib Ibrahim revealed in a recent video blog. The tumor, reportedly the size of a tennis ball, was discovered following a series of medical consultations and diagnostic tests prompted by persistent abdominal pain. While early assessments suggest the mass may be benign, additional tests are pending to determine the final diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has reported a significant surge in its consolidated net profit for the January-March quarter of FY 2024-25, reaching Rs 188.4 crore, up from Rs 13.4 crore in the same period last year. The growth was largely driven by effective cost management and an increase in subscription revenue, despite a decline in advertising revenue. ZEEL’s total income for the quarter saw a modest rise of 1.6% year-on-year, with a notable improvement in its "other sales & services" segment.

Fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have long awaited the return of the beloved character Dayaben, portrayed by Disha Vakani. After taking an indefinite maternity leave in 2018, Vakani's character has remained absent, though the show's creator, Asit Kumarr Modi, has often hinted at the search for a new Dayaben. Recently, a viral video claiming to introduce a new Dayaben has stirred excitement among viewers, but it has since been debunked as a fake AI-generated clip.