Ananya Panday shines in 'Call Me Bae' with Impressive comic timing and versatility

Ananya Panday’s latest project, ‘Call Me Bae’, marks a pivotal moment in her acting career. While she’s already carved a niche with rom-coms and youth-centric roles, this series highlights a refreshing shift in her craft. Ananya skillfully balances comedy with emotional depth, showing her choice of taking on more diverse roles and expanding her range as an actor.What truly sets ‘Call Me Bae’ apart is Ananya’s exceptional comic timing. Comedy, known for being notoriously tricky to master, seems second nature to her. From delivering sharp, witty lines to using subtle facial expressions, Ananya brings a natural flair to the comedic moments, allowing the humour to flow effortlessly.
In *Call Me Bae*, Ananya plays a young woman on a journey of self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations and embracing independence. The narrative takes her character through the trials of moving to a new city, navigating friendships, and confronting the highs and lows of life. As she challenges conventions and carves her own path, Ananya’s portrayal reflects both the lightheartedness and the seriousness of this journey.
Audiences can see the growth in Ananya’s acting prowess, exemplified by her versatile choices. This progression is reflected in her recent projects, whether it’s the emotional complexity of *Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan* or her voice-acting debut in *Inside Out 2*. Ananya has taken impactful strides in establishing herself as an actor ready to take on roles that push her boundaries. Call Me Bae also stars Vir Das, Varun Sood, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Vihaan Samat among others, the series released on Prime Video on the 6th of September.

Actor Harsh Chhaya talks about Papaji from *Undekhi* 

Actor Harsh Chhaya is known for his versatility, having done shows like *Hasratein*, *Tara*, and *Swabhimaan*. He has also acted in films like *Company*, *Dum*, *Saaya*, *Janasheen*, *Ramji Londonwaley*, *Corporate*, *Laaga Chunari Mein Daag*, and *Mithya*, among many others. However, in recent times, one character that has really surprised the audience is Papaji from *Undekhi*. Critics and fans were both pleasantly surprised to see Harsh in that role.
Talking about his experience, Harsh says, “*Undekhi* was the culmination of many experiences over time. After stepping away from daily soaps, my next step was to seek out roles in films with substantial character parts. It was enjoyable to start with cameos and brief scenes, but eventually, I found myself typecast in those roles. I returned to the screen with OTT platforms in 2019. When I was reading the script of *Undekhi*, two characters truly stood out to me—Rinku and the DSP. Papaji, although interesting, seemed more of a plot trigger. I channeled all my angst into my portrayal of Papaji and did the best I could with the material at hand.”
Harsh is candid about the feedback he has received after *Undekhi*. He says, “People do ask me about the positive outcome of *Undekhi*, but no, it has not translated into anything substantial yet. However, I am hopeful that over time, it will. Meanwhile, I’m grateful that everyone involved in the making of *Undekhi* appreciated my effort enough to give my character a very decent space in Season 3.” He also adds, “I feel there is a resistance. Even if some producers and directors have come to me with responsible parts and good screen time after *Undekhi*, somewhere along the line, there seem to be favorites in the business, and most do not move out of their set groups. But that’s usual. One can only hope there will be a change in the near future.”
Harsh was thrilled when he received praise from a great writer like Salim Khan for his role as Papaji. Sharing that experience, he says, “After the first season, I received a call from actor Arbaaz Khan, who appreciated my work. He mentioned that his father, Salim Khan, was so impressed that he wanted to congratulate me personally. The legend himself came on the line and spoke to me. He told me that one couldn’t deliver the kind of performance I did unless they knew such a person. I told him he was right—I’m from Delhi and have encountered similar people. Salim Khan then shared how the character of Soorma Bhopali was based on someone he had met in Bhopal. It was a warm, fulfilling conversation with Salim Khan.”
With his vast experience, Harsh also understands the changing dynamics of storytelling and audience engagement in this new era. He adds, “As the audience becomes more accustomed to international content, we’ll need to be increasingly competitive here, which might be a good thing. However, with shorter attention spans, it’s challenging to keep viewers engaged. An OTT series typically has a twist every five minutes. If this trend continues, it might impact certain storytelling styles.”

Somy Ali offers a reward for anyone who can help find actor Raj Kiran

Actress Somy Ali, took to Instagram, to talk about her promise to late actor Rishi Kapoor that she will not stop looking for actor Raj Kiran. She has left no stone unturned to look for him in the last two decades, and is now offering a reward to anyone who can help her.
“There is also a financial reward if I get some legitimate findings. No frauds or scams. I made a promise to the late Mr. Rishi Kapoor that I will make sure that I will never stop looking for the actor, Raj Kiran. I have spent 20 years trying to find him which included flying to various States paid by my own money and at times borrowing it from my mom. So Chintu ji can rest in peace and I would have fulfilled my promise. Chintuji and another actress tried to locate him as well, but couldn’t do so. If any of you know of his whereabouts kindly message me. It’s only to see if he’s okay and if he needs any kind of help. As a victim advocate and running my organization for 17 years, my gut never fails me and I just want to know if he is doing okay. That’s literally all we ever wanted and now I have to fulfill my promise,” she wrote.
She added, “Raj Kiran Mahtani (born 5 February 1949) is a former Indian actor who is recognised for his work in Bollywood. Born in a Sindhi family in Bombay, he made his debut in B. R. Ishara’s Kaagaz Ki Nao (1975) and appeared in more than 100 films until the mid-90s. Later he disappeared from the industry and was thought to be living as a recluse in the United States but conflicting reports from 2011 indicated his whereabouts were unknown.” The actress shared a video of Raj Kiran with the music of the film Karz in the background.

Dancing Through Traditions: YRKKH's Himachali Festivity Steals Hearts!

One thing we love about Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH) is its ability to pull us right into its world, especially during festive occasions and family functions. The recent episodes have been nothing short of breathtaking, as the cast embraced the vibrant culture of Himachal Pradesh with a lively Himachali dance sequence that left us all mesmerized. For fans of Abira, this scene was particularly heartwarming, as she hailing from Himachal, was decked out in gorgeous traditional attire, celebrating her roots in true style.
One of the many reasons YRKKH continues to captivate audiences after so many years is the attention to detail when it comes to costumes and cultural representation. Rajan Shahi, along with the team at Directors Kut Production, has always excelled in giving us picture-perfect family moments. Each festival and family function on the show is an event in itself—where the cast’s attire is as much a part of the story as the dialogues.
In the recent Himachali dance sequence, every character wore exquisite traditional Himachali attire, full of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. From the classic and elegant pashmina shawls and the iconic Himachali caps, the styling was on point. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about representing the essence of Himachali culture. Abhira's traditional jewelry and Armaan's regal look in his attire gave us all the feels, making us feel like we were a part of the celebration!
If you’ve been following YRKKH, you know that no one does family functions quite like this show! Be it a wedding, a Karva Chauth, or a simple family gathering, the makers ensure that the audience feels like they’ve been invited to the celebration. With lively choreography, rhythmic beats, and a set that felt like a visual treat. What makes these sequences truly special is the emotional connection they create. It’s like being a part of the family, experiencing the warmth of traditions and the joy of celebration alongside the characters.
A lot of credit goes to Rajan Shahi and his team for their exceptional work in showcasing different Indian cultures with such beauty and grace. Over the years, YRKKH has never missed a beat when it comes to representing regional festivals and traditions with authenticity. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional elements into the show’s modern family dynamics is nothing short of genius.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has always been about family, love, and tradition. What keeps the show fresh is its ability to evolve while staying rooted in its cultural representation. With each function or festival, the show reminds us of the beauty of Indian traditions and the importance of family. And with Rajan Shahi at the helm, we know that YRKKH will always be at the top of its game when it comes to delivering unforgettable, visually stunning celebrations.