Shefali Shah shares how playing Ria in Monsoon Wedding changed her life
Veteran actress Shefali Shah marked 24 years of Monsoon Wedding by reflecting on how portraying Ria transformed her life. In an emotional Instagram post, she recalled the 
family-like atmosphere on set and the film’s success, including its Golden Lion win. Shah shared how the role became a voice for women who had experienced similar trauma, helping her understand the character’s strength and impact over time. She recounted a touching encounter with a woman who found the courage to speak out after seeing Ria’s story, which helped Shah realize her work could create meaningful change. Monsoon Wedding, directed by Mira Nair, released in 2001. (IANS)
Hudgens and Tucker welcome second baby
Actor-singer Vanessa Hudgens and her husband and professional baseball player Cole Tucker, announced the birth of their second child on Sunday. Hudgens shared a post on her Instagram handle, which featured her in the labour room. “Well.. I did it. Had another baby!!! What a wild ride labor is. Big shout-out to all the moms. It’s truly incredible what our bodies can do,” read the caption. The actor married Tucker in 2023 in Mexico. The couple welcomed their first child in July 2024. The actor, best known for her role of Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical franchise, announced her second pregnancy in July with a post on social media. It comprised a series of pictures that featured her posing alongside Tucker, flaunting her baby bump. “Round two”, she wrote in the caption. Hudgens’ last work is Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which released in June 2024. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film featured the actor in the role of Kelly. It also starred Will Smith and Jacob Scipio. (PTI)
Siddhant Chaturvedi prefers complex, grey-shaded roles
Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi, speaking at IFP Season 15, discussed his artistic approach, love for “grey” unpredictable characters, and the importance of heartland stories in Indian cinema. He acknowledged competition from content creators but noted that good films and strong content always endure. Siddhant highlighted the lack of access for writers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, stressing that the industry remains limited to Mumbai’s hubs. He also pointed out how actors’ tendency to slip into English creates a disconnect with audiences seeking culturally rooted stories. Praising Gen Z for their clarity and taste, he urged cinema to return to its authenticity. Siddhant is currently preparing for Do Deewane Seher Mein, a film he says personally healed him during its making. (IANS)
Jenna Ortega confident as youngest juror at Marrakech Film Festival 2025
Jenna Ortega, the 23-year-old star of Wednesday, has become the youngest jury member in the history of the Marrakech Film Festival. Joining a panel led by Parasite director Bong Joon Ho, Ortega said she isn’t intimidated, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and emphasizing her commitment to honest discussions about film. She noted her deep respect for the acclaimed filmmakers on the jury and her desire to stay present throughout the experience. The diverse jury also includes Julia Ducournau, Celine Song, Payman Maadi, Anya Taylor-Joy, Karim Ainouz, and Hakim Belabbe. Together, they will judge 14 debut and sophomore films, including My Father’s Shadow, Laundry, Aisha Can’t Fly Away, and Promised Sky. (ANI)
