Netflix has released Inspector Zende, a new film on the Indian policeman who twice caught French serial killer Charles Sobhraj. Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee plays Inspector Madhukar Zende, while Jim Sarbh portrays Sobhraj, renamed Carl Bhojraj in the movie. The story focuses on Sobhraj’s 1986 escape from Delhi’s Tihar jail and his arrest in Mumbai after a tense chase. Zende, who also nabbed him in 1971, appears in a cameo. Known as “The Serpent” and “Bikini Killer,” Sobhraj was linked to more than 20 murders across Asia. The film has revived interest in Zende’s career as a supercop. (PC: BBC)

The Delhi High Court rejected IRS officer Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit against Netflix’s series “Ba***ds of Bollywood,” ruling the plaint “not maintainable” in its current form. Wankhede alleged the show, directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, portrayed him falsely and maliciously. The court, led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, found insufficient cause to establish jurisdiction in Delhi but allowed Wankhede to amend the suit. The series allegedly misrepresents anti-drug agencies and includes scenes Wankhede claims violate national honor laws. He seeks ₹2 crore in damages, to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The matter will be listed post-amendment; no new hearing date is set. (PC: Fimlybeat)

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actor at the 2025 International Emmy Awards. His role in Imtiaz Ali’s biopic Amar Singh Chamkila also earned a nomination for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. The film, released on Netflix on April 12 last year, tells the story of Punjabi singer Chamkila and his wife Amarjot, who were assassinated at a young age. Parineeti Chopra played Amarjot. Diljit thanked director Imtiaz Ali and Netflix India for the recognition. The nominations also include David Mitchell, Oriol Pla, and Diego Vasquez. (PC: X)

IRS officer and former NCB Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and Aryan Khan, claiming that the Netflix series The Ba*ds of Bollywood contains “false, malicious, and defamatory content” that tarnishes his reputation. He alleges the show negatively portrays anti‑drug agencies and misrepresents his role amid pending legal proceedings. The suit demands ₹2 crore in damages (to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital), seeks to restrain further show distribution, and labeling of the series as defamatory.

Ex-narcotics officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and others over the series “Ba***ds of Bollywood.” Wankhede claims the show portrayed him falsely and maliciously, harming his reputation. He seeks a permanent injunction, declaration, and Rs 2 crore in damages, which he plans to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The series allegedly shows a distorted view of anti-drug agencies and includes a controversial scene with a national slogan. Wankhede says the content violates the IT Act, BNS, and Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. (PC: India Today)

The Luv Kush Ramleela Committee in Delhi has removed actress Poonam Pandey from the role of Mandodari following protests by the VHP and BJP, citing concerns over “public sentiments.” A steering-committee meeting led to the decision, and she was formally informed in writing. Originally, Pandey had been cast opposite Arya Babbar (as Ravana) in the UNESCO-recognized Ramleela at Red Fort. Critics, including BJP’s Praveen Shankar Kapoor and VHP’s Surendra Gupta, had urged her replacement on grounds of her past public image. (PC: The Hindu)

Actor Vikrant Massey has won the National Award for Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards for his role in 12th Fail. The film, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, tells the inspiring story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcomes hardships to become an IPS officer. Massey’s natural performance, filled with honesty and emotion, has been praised by critics and fans. The award marks a milestone in his career, highlighting his rise from television to leading cinema roles. Industry colleagues and fans congratulated him warmly. Massey will next play spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the biopic White. (PC: X)

Shah Rukh Khan made history at the 71st National Film Awards 2025, receiving his first-ever Best Actor honor for his performance in Jawan. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during a grand ceremony. SRK shared the honor with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail. The crowd erupted as Khan's name was announced, witnessing the King of Bollywood gracefully accept his Rajat Kamal medal. In Jawan, he portrayed dual roles of army officer Vikram Rathore and his son Azaad. Despite his legendary career, this marks his debut National Award in the Best Actor category. Each winner receives Rs 1 lakh cash prize.

Celebrated Assamese singer and musician Zubeen Garg tragically died at age 52 in Singapore following a scuba diving accident. The beloved artist was scheduled to perform at the ongoing Northeast Festival when the unfortunate incident occurred. His final farewell was marked by a touching scene as his four dogs Iko, Diya, Rambo, and Maya bid goodbye, demonstrating the profound bond they shared with their owner. The presence of his canine companions at the farewell reflected Zubeen's deep love for animals and the close-knit family relationship he maintained with them. The music industry and fans across Northeast India mourn the loss of this iconic performer whose sudden death has left an irreplaceable void in regional music.

Bollywood actors Katrina Kaif (42) and Vicky Kaushal (37) announced their first pregnancy on September 23. The couple shared a picture on Instagram, showing Katrina cradling her baby bump. They wrote, “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude.” Fans and celebrities flooded the post with wishes. Varun Dhawan said, “My heart is full.” Fans commented, “Chota Kat ya Vicky aa raha hai” and “Be happy Katu, u deserve it.” Katrina and Vicky married in 2021 at Six Senses Resort, Rajasthan, and have never acted together in a movie. (PC: Instagram)