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Farah Khan says Akshay Kumar flew to Tees Maar Khan set daily by helicopter: Paise kha gaya
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After making her directorial debut with Main Hoon Na and following it up with the blockbuster Om Shanti Om, Farah Khan teamed up with Akshay Kumar for her third feature film, Tees Maar Khan. While the 2010 comedy emerged as a moderate box-office success, it was panned by critics upon release—a backlash that Farah has admitted affected her deeply. Over the years, however, the film has found a loyal fan base and evolved into a cult favourite. Now, adding another fascinating chapter to the film’s legacy, Farah has revealed that Akshay Kumar used to commute to the set by helicopter every single day—and still managed to be the most punctual person on set. Farah, Akshay, Priyadarshan and Rajpal Yadav recently sat down for a conversation to promote Bhoot Bangla. During the chat, the actor-director duo recalled their Tees Maar Khan days, particularly the shoot in Malshej Ghat.Farah shared, “We were shooting for Tees Maar Khan in Malshej. The call time was 8 am every day. Everyone stayed there because it was about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Mumbai. But Akshay would go home every evening after pack-up and return by 7:45 the next morning.” The revelation left Rajpal Yadav visibly stunned. Turning towards him, both Farah and Akshay asked, “Bolo kaise?” (Tell us how?) Rajpal was left clueless. Akshay then casually revealed, “I travelled by helicopter.” His answer sent everyone into laughter. Farah added, “For the first time in my life, I saw an actor treat a helicopter like a taxi. But to his credit, he was always on time.” Akshay quickly defended himself, saying, “But how was it anybody’s problem? I was the producer myself.” Farah shot back, “And so was I.” Akshay nodded in agreement before Farah jokingly accused him, “Mere saare paise kha gaya (Spent all my money on him).” A shocked Akshay responded, “Main paise kha gaya? You made the most money on that film!” Farah then burst into laughter and quipped, “Call Ronnie and ask him about our money.” While Tees Maar Khan earned around Rs 84 crore at the domestic box office, it failed to match the critical acclaim of Farah’s earlier directorial ventures. The criticism, she later revealed, took a serious toll on her mental health.Story continues below this ad Speaking on The Ranveer Show, Farah reflected on that difficult phase of her career. “It puts you on the backfoot for a very long time. You move on, bounce back, and continue working, but somewhere in your mind, you’re always on the backfoot. It’s not that you start doubting yourself, but people try to push you towards self-doubt,” she said. She explained that success and failure can be equally deceptive in the film industry. “Even when your film becomes a hit, people may make you feel like you can do anything. Then everyone blindly follows whatever you say because they think you know everything. You have to question that too. Career-wise, it wasn’t a good phase for me.” Farah also admitted that the relentless criticism triggered anxiety and moments of helplessness. “Thankfully, there was only Twitter back then. But there are always well-meaning friends who come and tell you who’s saying what. That makes you angry, then sad, and eventually leads to panic attacks because, for the first time, you’re feeling helpless,” she recalled.Story continues below this ad Today, however, Tees Maar Khan enjoys a second life online, with many fans celebrating its quirky humour, memorable dialogues and chartbuster song.
The sudden and tragic death of actor Sanchita Ugale has sent shockwaves across the television and film industry. Following reports of her alleged suicide at the age of 26, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. In an official statement, the film body expressed its grief, saying, “At just 26, Sanchita Ugale has gone too far, too soon. Her untimely departure has left her family shattered and the entire Indian film industry mourning the loss of a young talent whose memories will live on forever.”The statement further noted that the news of her alleged suicide had stunned the entertainment fraternity. “At a stage when her career was steadily progressing and she was creating a strong identity for herself in the industry, this heartbreaking development has raised serious questions that deserve a fair, transparent, and comprehensive investigation,” it read.AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a high-level inquiry into the case and ensure justice for the actor’s family. The association stressed that every possible angle must be examined before any conclusions are drawn. “AICWA believes that every possible angle must be thoroughly investigated before any conclusion is reached. In recent years, the Indian entertainment industry has witnessed several deaths and alleged suicide cases. In many instances, questions raised by family members, colleagues, and the public have remained unanswered. Therefore, it is essential that investigators examine all available evidence, circumstances, and possible angles in this case with complete transparency.” ‘Establish committee to examine deaths in the industry’ The body also called for the formation of a dedicated committee to address the growing number of deaths and mental health-related crises within the entertainment industry. “AICWA also calls upon the Government of Maharashtra and the concerned authorities to establish a dedicated committee to examine the increasing number of deaths and mental health-related crises being reported within the entertainment industry. The safety, well-being, and support systems available to artists and workers must be reviewed urgently.” Concluding its statement, AICWA said, “Every life is precious. The truth behind this tragic incident must come out, and the family of Sanchita Ugale deserves nothing less than a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation. AICWA urges the authorities to leave no stone unturned and ensure that all aspects of this case are examined with complete transparency.” How did Sanchita Ugale die? According to PTI, the Kumkum Bhagya actor was found dead at her residence in the Nalasopara area around 7 pm on Sunday while she was alone at home. A police official told the news agency that officers inspected the scene immediately after being alerted. “We did not find anything suspicious at the spot, and no suicide note was recovered,” the official said. Police further stated that Sanchita’s father does not suspect foul play or hold anyone responsible for her death. Her body has been sent to a government hospital for a postmortem examination. Police have registered a case of accidental death and launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to her death.Story continues below this ad ‘Sanchita was suffering from depression’ Speaking to Moneycontrol, Sanchita’s close friend and colleague Megha Sharma recalled that the actor had been facing personal and health-related challenges. “I am in deep shock and out of words. She had some health issues and was suffering from depression since January. She had some personal reasons and was undergoing treatment,” she said. Sharma added that despite her struggles, Sanchita often appeared cheerful and det
Pawan Kalyan’s production banner, Pawan Kalyan Creative Works, has broken its silence on OG2, posting on X that the sequel to the 2025 crime action drama They Call Him OG is very much being planned, with discussions between the actor and director Sujeeth set to take place once the filmmaker returns from his current trip abroad. “As promised, he will. The timing, he will let us know. Once Sujeeth returns from abroad, we will discuss,” the banner posted, tagging the director’s official handle. As promised, he will. The timing, he will let us know. Once @Sujeethsign returns from abroad, we will discuss.#OG2 — Pawan Kalyan Creative Works (@PKCWoffl) June 11, 2026 They Call Him OG They Call Him OG, written and directed by Sujeeth, released on September 25, 2025. The film stars Pawan Kalyan in the role of Ojas Gambheera, a retired gangster who returns to Bombay in 1993 after a decade to confront a powerful crime lord. It was produced by DVV Entertainment and earned an estimated Rs 296 crore at the box office, according to Sacnilk. The film satisfied hardcore Pawan Kalyan fans with its stylish action treatment and his intense gangster character, though it struggled to break even theatrically. It later gained wider reach after arriving on Netflix, and strengthened the case for a sequel. Sujeeth had originally been expected to work with Nani on Bloody Romeo, but scheduling shifts following delays on Nani’s ongoing film The Paradise led him to prioritise the OG2 script instead. However, what makes the latest post on Pawan Kalyan Creative Works particularly significant is how quickly the tone has changed. In March 2026, just days after Ustaad Bhagat Singh completed its theatrical run, Pawan Kalyan Creative Works issued a statement clarifying that the actor had not taken up any new film commitments. “Speculations about ongoing projects are not accurate. At present, there are no immediate plans to commence new films,” the statement read. On OG2 specifically, the banner added that any update would be shared by Pawan Kalyan himself personally at the right time. Also Read: Pawan Kalyan Creative Works shuts down film rumours: no new commitments, OG2 update to come directly from actor That statement was widely read as a signal that Pawan Kalyan was stepping back from cinema, at least temporarily, to focus on his political responsibilities as Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The latest post from the same account now suggests the conversation around OG2 has moved forward, even if a formal announcement is still some distance away.Story continues below this ad OG2, if and when it moves forward, would represent a return to the one combination that delivered a commercially viable result for Pawan Kalyan in recent memory.
Actor Salim Kumar passes away at 56. (Express Photo By Anil Sharma)Salim Kumar death news: National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away following a cardiac arrest in Kochi on Saturday. He was 56. Salim Kumar breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi, where he was rushed after experiencing health issues. He was placed on ventilator support before passing away.“He was initiated on ventilator support, antibiotics, dialysis and other life-saving measures. During the hospital stay, he suffered a cardiac arrest and despite maximum possible resuscitative measures, could not be revived,” said the medical bulletin issued by the hospital on Saturday night. After making a name for himself through theatre and mimicry, Salim Kumar made his silver screen debut with the 1997 film Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam. He went on to become one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved actors, known for delivering memorable performances in both comic and character roles. Some of his popular films include Satyameva Jayathe, Thenkasipattanam, One Man Show, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, Mazhathullikkilukkam, Kunjikkoonan, Kalyanaraman, C.I.D. Moosa, Thilakkam, Kilichundan Mampazham, Pattalam, Chathikkatha Chandu, Mayavi, Perumazhakkalam, Achanurangatha Veedu, and Adaminte Makan Abu, among many others. For his performance in the 2010 film Adaminte Makan Abu, Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also a four-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award. Apart from acting, Salim Kumar ventured into filmmaking and directed movies such as Karutha Joothan and Daivame Kaithozham K. Kumar Akanam. Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two sons Chandu Salim Kumar and Aaromal Salim Kumar.
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