Meta launched its safety campaign ‘Scams se Bacho’ and has partnered with Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana to educate people on how to stay safe from online scams and promote safer digital practices. Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Meta’s campaign emphasizes the company’s commitment to safeguard people online, supporting the Government’s goal to combat the rising cases of scams and cyber frauds in the country.

The educational campaign showcases some of the most common scams people face in their daily lives, encouraging people to stay alert and exercise caution before they take any action. The short clip further highlights the host of safety features on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp that empower users to take control of their online safety.

In the film, Ayushmann Khurrana stars as a vigilant wedding guest who encounters people at the brink of falling prey to scams and saves the day with his quick thinking and comedic flair. Highlighting Meta’s safety features like Two-factor authentication, Block and Report, WhatsApp’s group privacy settings, the campaign is an important reminder of how Meta’s in-built product features and safety tools equip people with the necessary safeguards to help protect them from online scams, frauds and account compromising threats.

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Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Ayushmann Khurrana said, “In today’s digital landscape, with the rampant increase of online scams and frauds that sometimes can seem very convincing – it’s crucial that we stay vigilant and educate ourselves about how to stay safe. I’m thrilled to be a part of Meta’s safety initiative that aims to drive awareness around how people can safeguard themselves from potential cyber scams. It’s an important reminder to think twice before you act and use Meta’s safety tools at your disposal, empowering you to take control of your online safety.”

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana dedicates a poem about courage and spirit to Paralympic winners Avani Lekhara and Navdeep Singh; watch

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Raj Kundra has filed a formal police complaint following defamatory claims made against him in a news article and a YouTube channel, which linked him to an illegal immigration case involving Riya Barade. The Juhu Police Station has registered a case against the authors of these reports under Section 356(3) of the Bharruya Nyay Sanhita, 2023. The complaint, filed based on court orders, aims to address what Kundra describes as deliberate attempts to tarnish his reputation.

Kundra expressed his frustration, stating, “I have been compelled by the media to take this step. On multiple occasions, they have tarnished my image by publishing false and defamatory statements. Despite sending takedown notices and allowing them to retract, no action was taken. My matter is subjudice, I have been fighting in court for my discharge. It’s been three years in which three judges have changed. Whilst it’s frustrating I have full faith in the law. I don’t deserve to be pronounced guilty in a trial by the media.” He emphasized that his decision to escalate the matter legally was driven by the failure of the media outlets to respond to his takedown notices.

The court has granted permission to the Juhu Police to investigate the case and file an FIR against those responsible. This signals the start of a thorough investigation into the matter, which Kundra hopes will restore his reputation and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Kundra’s ongoing legal battle is a reflection of the relentless growing tension between public figures and media outlets regarding the spread of unverified and potentially damaging information. Kundra remains confident in the judiciary’s ability to ensure justice is served, while also hoping this action serves as a precedent for responsible reporting.

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra get interim stay from Bombay High Court on ED’s eviction orders to vacate house in Juhu and farmhouse in Pune

In a significant move to bolster cyber security awareness and combat the rising tide of cybercrimes in the country, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed popular actress Rashmika Mandanna as the ‘National Ambassador for Promoting Cyber Safety’. Rashmika will spearhead nationwide cyber awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on various cybercrime threats, including online fraud, deepfake videos, cyber bullying, and AI-generated malicious content.

Commenting on her new role, Rashmika Mandanna stated, “Cybercrime is a dangerous and pervasive threat that affects individuals, businesses, and communities worldwide. As someone who has experienced this, I am dedicated to raising awareness about these issues and promoting the message of cyber safety to drive positive change. It is crucial that we come together to combat these threats and protect our digital spaces.”

As a victim of cybercrime herself, Rashmika Mandanna has experienced the disturbing impact after a deepfake video of the actress circulated online, leading her to publicly address the issue and raise awareness. The actress reached out to her social media fam earlier on October 15 to share this news and posted about it on her official handle on Instagram saying, “We live in a digital age, and cybercrime is at an all-time high. As someone who’s experienced its impact, I believe it’s time for stricter measures to protect our online world.” She urged her fans to join her in the new campaign and added, “Let’s unite to build a safer cyberspace for ourselves and future generations. I want to bring awareness and protect as many of you as possible from cybercrimes so as I take on the role of brand ambassador for I4C.”

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Rashmika’s appointment comes at a time when cybercrime rates are escalating, with new forms of digital threats emerging rapidly. The Ministry of Home Affairs is confident that her influence and commitment to the cause will significantly contribute to the national campaign against cybercrime, ultimately helping to create a safer and more secure digital environment for all citizens.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna reunite and it is not for a film; turn brand ambassadors for Birla Opus Paints

This definitely should be marked as a delightful nostalgia retreat! The iconic 1989 serial Fauji, which introduced India to the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, is set to return with a fresh new version. Filmmaker Sandeep Singh, in collaboration with India’s prestigious national broadcaster Doordarshan, will bring Fauji 2 to the audience in an updated, modern format.

Filmmaker Sandeep Singh stated, “We are bringing back one of the greatest shows ever seen on television but in a new and exciting version. The 1989 Fauji gave us Shahrukh Khan, an actor who captivated the entire nation not just with his unconventional looks but with his extraordinary energy and talent. Shah Rukh Khan became the Baadshah of Bollywood. With Fauji 2, I hope to recreate history and connect with every Indian, especially the youth.”

In Fauji 2, Sandeep Singh shall be introducing Vikki Jain to mainstream television. Vicky Jain, previously known for his appearances in reality shows, will portray Colonel Sanjay Singh, while Gauhar Khan will take on the role of Lieutenant Colonel Simarjeet Kaur and a cadet trainer specialising in weaponry.

Legend Studios and Sandeep Singh are all set to recreate history with this iconic adaptation by introducing 12 new actors to the world of cinema. The actors have been tactfully selected for their sheer talent from all over the country. The serial focuses on the trials, struggles, and camaraderie of army personnel and introduces new actors in pivotal roles.

SANDEEP SINGH LAUNCHES ‘FAUJI 2’ – THE NEW AVATAR OF SRK’S ICONIC SERIAL… The iconic 1989 serial #Fauji – starring #ShahRukhKhan – returns with a fresh new version.#SandeepSingh – in collaboration with #India’s national broadcaster #Doordarshan – brings #Fauji2 in an updated,… pic.twitter.com/yZpjCarIxP
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 15, 2024

Filmmaker Sandeep Singh says, “We left no stone unturned in casting the right talent from across India.” Sandeep Singh further elaborated, “We spent six months brainstorming to develop a story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Unlike the usual television narratives, Fauji 2 has a unique storytelling style, which will be one of its highlights. The show is rich in emotion and will offer a close look at the lives of army personnel, their bonds despite cultural and religious differences, and their dedication to safeguarding the country. Fauji 2 is a tale of courage and inspiration.”

Navneet Kumar Sehgal Chairman of Doordarshan, added, “‘Fauji,’ one of our most prestigious shows, continues to rule hearts and it just had to come back for today’s audience. We are thrilled to bring ‘Fauji 2’ and can’t wait for our audience to experience the valour of our army officers, once again.”

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, of Doordarshan, stated, “Fauji was one of the most acceptable and successful serials of its time. When we came across the concept of Fauji 2, it took us no time to begin working on this iconic project. The show shall be on-air very soon and we are ecstatic to bring the magic of ‘Fauji’ once again to the Indian audience.”

Adding to the appeal, Padma Shri and National Award-winning singer Sonu Nigam has lent his voice to the title track of Fauji 2. The show will feature 11 songs, with music composed by Filmfare Award-winning music director Shreyas Puranik. Music directors Shashi Suman and Jazim Sharma have also contributed, with lyrics by Prashant Ingole, Mahimma Bhardwaj, and Abhendra Kumar Upadhyay.

Produced by Sandeep Singh and co-produced by Vicky Jain and Zafar Mehdi, with Sameer Hallim as the Creative Head, Fauji 2 is written by Amarnath Jha, Vishal Chaturvedi, Anil Choudhary, and Chaitanya Tulsyan. The series marks the debut of film director Abhinav Pareek, who previously directed Sab Moh Maaya Hai and A Wedding Story. Fauji 2 also features Nishant Chandrashekhar as a director.

The show will air on Doordarshan and will be broadcasted in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Bengali.

Also Read: Orry tops the list of celebrity names used by online scammers, is ahead of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt

Entrepreneur-actress Mouni Roy has left a huge impact during London Fashion Week 2025! She recorded a $1 million media impact value (MIV), as per a post by Launchmetrics. Roy became one of the top voices of the event, amplifying the event’s reach and bringing brands to the forefront. MIV enables brands to assign a financial value to each post, interaction, and article, helping them assess their impact and evaluate the effectiveness of their brand and marketing collaborations, as well as competitor activities. By tracking mentions and partnerships across various channels—including print, media, social media, and individual influencers worldwide—MIV provides a comprehensive view of brand performance.

Mouni, who was the only Indian celebrity at the much-celebrated event, led the list, which also included personalities such as Hu Bing, Diamonte Harper, Declan Rice, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock. With $1 million MIV, Mouni rose as one of the biggest influencers. The feat has truly solidified why Mouni is considered a global icon, who is charting success in every path she’s choosing. At the event, Mouni not only represented India on the global platform but also solidified herself as a true blue fashionista with her impeccable fashion sense.

On the work front, Mouni expanded her maiden restaurant chain Badmaash in Bangalore, after its success in Mumbai. She recently won the Fusion Cuisine Restaurant of The Year award, further cementing her stance as an entrepreneur. As an actress, she was last seen in the web series Showtime, and is now looking forward to the release of The वरGIN Tree.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Did you know Mouni Roy faced health issues and rehearsed only for 1 day before shooting Vedaa track ‘Mummy Ji’? Actress calls experience “exhilarating”

The much-anticipated spy thriller Alpha is back on track as Alia Bhatt and Sharvari head to Kashmir to complete their shoot, which was delayed due to extreme weather conditions. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film’s third schedule was previously interrupted by heavy rains in September, cutting short their 10-day shooting stint to just three days.

Alpha Cast Returns to Kashmir After Weather Woes
In September, Alia Bhatt and Sharvari began filming in the picturesque locales of Pahalgam for Alpha, but their plans were quickly halted. A report by Mid-Day quoted a source saying, “The director had cancelled the schedule due to the terrible weather. After that, Shiv and producer Aditya Chopra considered different possible cities where they could film the portions. However, they soon realised that the valley’s picturesque locations were perfect for the sequences in question and slotted the Kashmir leg again for mid-October.”
New Filming Schedule and Locations For Alpha
According to the report, Sharvari flew to Kashmir yesterday, with Bhatt expected to join the crew soon. Over the next few days, the duo will shoot an action sequence and a song amidst the stunning landscapes of Kashmir. The insider added, “The action set-piece involves an elaborate chase. Besides Pahalgam, they will shoot in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Srinagar.” These locations provide the perfect backdrop for the film’s thrilling action scenes, with Kashmir’s dramatic terrain playing a key role in the story.

Alpha is set to be a significant addition to Bollywood’s spy universe, featuring not only Alia Bhatt and Sharvari but also veteran actors Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol. The film further integrates with the larger spyverse, which includes Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan, expanding the genre in Bollywood.

Also Read: Sharvari gives a peek into her “Fit pookie era” amid Alpha shoot, flaunts washboard abs

Wands up!

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In 2012, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mandated that films depicting smoking scenes need to play anti-smoking ads before the beginning of the film and after the intermission point. The first ad that came into play involved a man named Mukesh Harane who died at a young age due to cancer caused by tobacco consumption. The ads changed at regular intervals and in 2018, the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) instructed that an ad, featuring Akshay Kumar and Ajay Singh Pal, be shown in films with smoking scenes. This ad proved to be an exception as unlike other previous ads, this ad wasn’t taken down after a certain point in time. Sadly, after six years, the much popular ad has been replaced.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that last month, a decision was taken to discontinue Akshay Kumar’s anti-smoking ad by CBFC. It was replaced by a new ad, showing how quitting tobacco can lead to positive changes in your body within 20 minutes. The recently released films like Jigra and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video had scenes of smoking and they were released without the Akshay Kumar ad.

The ad featuring Akshay Kumar was first shown during the release of his 2018 Independence Day film, Gold. It shows Akshay Kumar telling a man named Nandu to stop smoking and use the money saved to buy a sanitary pad for his wife. The ad also helped promote his earlier 2018 film Pad Man. Interestingly, this ad was only mandatory for Hindi films by CBFC.

Nandu in this ad was played by an actor named Ajay Singh Pal. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2020, he revealed that people used to recognize him on the streets thanks to the ad. He said, “Out of 100, 20-25 people on average realize that I am Nandu. Most people however feel that Nandu must be a big star staying in Mumbai and that he can’t be seen in Bhopal! A few remark that I look like that guy from the anti-smoking ad! Haan, bacche bade sharp hote hai; bacche pehchaan lete hai mujhe!”

An official at a multiplex told Bollywood Hungama on the condition of anonymity, “It was my favourite anti-smoking ad as it gave out an important message without any disturbing visuals. It also used to be amusing to see moviegoers repeating the dialogues from the ad. After all, they were watching the ad for 6 years. The moviegoers had memorized all its lines! I am sure I am and many other moviegoers will surely miss the ad.”

Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna named as Top celebrity couple: TAM AdEx Report 2024

Dharma Productions, one of India’s leading film production houses, has caught the attention of Reliance Industries Limited, which is reportedly in talks to take a stake in the company. This possible acquisition comes at a time when Dharma Productions has experienced significant financial fluctuations over the past few years.

In FY 2021-22, the company faced a sharp decline in net profits, down by 59% to Rs. 11 crores. This drop was largely driven by high operational expenses, which reached Rs. 1,028 crores. Despite this, the company managed to generate Rs. 19 crores from distribution, Rs. 167 crores from the sale of digital rights, Rs. 34 crores from satellite rights, and Rs. 21 crores from music rights, making up a total revenue of Rs. 278 crores.

Fast forward to FY 2022-23, Dharma Productions saw a substantial recovery. Its revenues soared to Rs. 1,044 crores, driven by Rs. 656 crores from distribution rights, Rs. 140 crores from digital rights, Rs. 83 crores from satellite rights, and Rs. 75 crores from music rights. This strong performance led to a notable after-tax profit of Rs. 27.1 crores. Borrowings during this period amounted to Rs. 82 crores, slightly down from Rs. 92 crores in FY22.

However, in FY 2023-24, the company’s net profit dipped again to Rs. 10.70 crores, signaling ongoing volatility in its financial performance. With the company stabilizing revenue streams through the sale of digital, satellite, and music rights, a potential partnership with Reliance Industries Limited could be a strategic move to further capitalize on growth opportunities.

Reliance Industries Limited’s interest in acquiring a stake in Dharma Productions highlights the increasing value placed on content-driven businesses. Such an acquisition could pave the way for expanded distribution networks and diversified revenue streams, ultimately strengthening Dharma’s financial standing in the competitive entertainment industry.

Also Read: Mukesh Ambani eyes Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions: Will Reliance secure a stake in Bollywood’s top Studio?