PM Narendra Modi celebrated the feat on X: “A big congratulations to all involved in ‘Bung’. What a proud moment, particularly for Manipur, reflecting our nation’s incredible creativity.”

CM Mamata Banerjee shared her excitement: “Overjoyed by ‘Bung’s historic BAFTA 2026 win as Best Children and Family Film – the first for any Indian production amid tough odds. Kudos to cast and crew for making India proud.”

Helmed by director Laxmipriya Devi under Excel Entertainment by Farhan Akhtar, ‘Bung’ was the year’s first Indian BAFTA nominee to triumph. Laxmipriya, teary-eyed on stage with Farhan, profusely thanked the academy and praised Indian film’s resilience.

At its core, ‘Bung’ follows a young boy on Manipur’s frontier enduring lifelong strife from violence and discrimination. The story delicately weaves the region’s unrest, focusing on his quest to mend family bonds and reclaim his absent father, laced with humor and heartfelt drama.

The film’s journey included a stellar debut at TIFF 2024 Discovery, acclaim at Warsaw IFF 2024, IFFI Goa 55th edition, and Melbourne’s Indian Film Festival 2025. Critics lauded its poignant portrayal everywhere.

‘Bung’s BAFTA success elevates Northeast Indian stories to world stage, inspiring filmmakers and proving that authentic voices can conquer global awards.

The project dissects the lives of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, spotlighting their revolutionary impact on music. Ravi Shankar’s inclusion highlights his mentorship of Harrison, introducing sitar and Indian ragas to rock ‘n’ roll, forever altering global soundscapes.

In an interview, Farhan couldn’t hide his excitement: ‘Joining this project is surreal. The Beatles are legends, and Sam Mendes’ vision elevates it further. Depicting Ravi Shankar—a pioneer who globalized Indian classical music—is intimidating yet exhilarating.’

He elaborated on the nuances: ‘Shankar’s influence on Harrison was transformative, blending Eastern mysticism with Western pop. Capturing that on screen requires deep research into his technique, philosophy, and charisma. It’s a role that demands authenticity.’

Adding a personal touch, Farhan recounted: ‘Growing up, I heard stories of how Beatles mania reached remote Indian villages. In places like those near Lucknow, kids idolized them despite language barriers—proof of music’s borderless power.’

As the films unfold the band’s rise from Liverpool garages to world domination, Shankar’s arc promises emotional depth. Farhan, with his track record in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and ‘Rock On!!’, brings musical credibility. His involvement signals Bollywood’s growing clout in Western narratives.

Behind the scenes, Farhan is training rigorously on the sitar and studying Shankar’s archives. With co-stars yet to be fully announced, this Beatles epic could redefine music biopics. For Farhan, it’s not merely acting—it’s harmonizing cultures on the silver screen.

The narrative centers on a young boy on Manipur’s tense border, born into a world of ethnic strife and familial discord. As he battles to mend his broken home and bring back his estranged father, the film masterfully weaves in the state’s deep-seated social and political challenges. It’s a story of resilience that transcends borders.

Laxmipriya Devi, visibly moved on stage with Farhan Akhtar by her side, poured her heart out. She described the journey as reaching ‘the last few steps of a mountain peak we never dreamed of climbing.’ Honoring her roots, she called the film a tribute to ‘neglected and underrepresented’ Manipur, urging peace for her troubled homeland.

This isn’t ‘Bung’s first rodeo on the festival circuit. The film debuted at TIFF 2024’s Discovery sidebar, followed by accolades at Warsaw IFF, IFFI’s 55th edition, and Melbourne’s Indian Film Festival in 2025. As the first Indian entry to snag a BAFTA this year, it spotlights the rising tide of regional Indian films making global waves.

The victory is more than an award—it’s a beacon for underrepresented voices. In an industry often dominated by Bollywood gloss, ‘Bung’ proves that authentic, grounded tales from India’s northeast can compete with the best, inspiring a new era of diverse filmmaking.

Throwing open the archives on Instagram, Zoya posted rare BTS shots and clips starring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and more. Her poignant note reflected on the era’s charm: blue skies, actor camaraderie on sets, deep conversations, and no morning phone scrolls. With Farhan as her leading man, co-writer Reema, and young Akira and Carlos adding innocence, it was indeed a dreamlike phase.

The film weaves a compelling narrative of Bollywood’s underbelly, centering on Vikram Sampat’s (Farhan) meteoric rise fueled by fortune, straining his bonds with wife Konkona Sen Sharma’s character. Special appearances by industry heavyweights like Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Kapoor enriched the satire on fame’s double-edged sword.

Though it didn’t set cash registers ringing, ‘Luck by Chance’ clinched Zoya a Filmfare for Best Director. Her groundwork in Farhan’s ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (casting) and ‘Lakshya’ (assistant director) paved the way for this bold entry. Today, as Zoya cherishes these moments, the film stands as a poignant reminder of Bollywood’s authentic struggles and triumphs before algorithms took over.

Picture this: two cakes aglow with candles, two smiling faces—Farah and Farhan—ready to make a wish. Zoya’s post captures every delightful detail, from the synchronized cake-cutting to the infectious happiness radiating from the room. It’s the kind of video that makes you smile involuntarily, offering a peek behind the curtain of celebrity life.

Farhan Akhtar, celebrated for his roles in hits like ‘Rock On!!’ and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, rarely shares personal milestones, making this post all the more special. Farah, his equally talented sister, complements the scene with her poised elegance. Together, they embody the essence of family unity in an industry often defined by individualism.

Zoya, the director behind acclaimed films such as ‘Gully Boy’, used the platform to spread cheer, captioning the video with affectionate notes that hint at inside family jokes. The event appears to have been an intimate gathering, focusing on quality time rather than extravagance—a refreshing change in the era of over-the-top celebrity parties.

Social media erupted with reactions, from nostalgic comments about past Akhtar collaborations to wishes for many more such shared birthdays. This moment underscores the Akhtar clan’s creative dynasty, where Javed Akhtar’s legacy lives on through his children’s achievements.

As Farah and Farhan step into new chapters, their joint celebration stands as a highlight reel of joy. In a fast-paced world, such videos remind us of the power of family bonds, proving that the best parties are those shared with the ones who matter most.

Picture this: After a grueling day on set, Farhan retreats to his studio. Guitar strings hum under his fingers, birthing tunes that echo his innermost thoughts. This isn’t mere hobby; it’s a deliberate choice for mental well-being.

Reflecting on his journey, Farhan recalls early days when music was his first outlet. From playback singing in ‘Rock On!!’ to independent releases, it’s woven into his DNA. Today, it serves as a counterbalance to life’s highs and lows.

Experts echo his sentiment. Psychologists note how creative pursuits like music lower cortisol levels, fostering clarity. For Farhan, it’s proven: compositions flow better post-sessions, infusing films with authentic emotion.

As he navigates fatherhood and new relationships, this ritual remains constant. Friends close to him say it’s transformed his outlook, making him more resilient. Farhan’s story underscores a broader lesson for celebrities and professionals alike. In chasing dreams, don’t forget the passions that recharge you.

Actor Farhan Akhtar, a key figure in the film, proudly shared the news on social media. He expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, for inaugurating the stamp, highlighting it as a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by martyred soldiers. The Indian Postal Service issued this commemorative stamp, marking the memory of the fierce Rezang La battle.

The unveiling ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially release the stamp. Also in attendance were senior postal service officials and the film’s producers, including Ritesh Sidhwani and Amit Chandrra. This special stamp celebrates the extraordinary courage and spirit of the soldiers who lost their lives defending the nation. The event precedes the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La.

The Rezang La War Memorial, located in Chushul, Ladakh, stands as a poignant tribute to the 13th Battalion’s valor during the 1962 India-China war. The ‘My Stamp’ initiative ensures that the legacy of these heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice, continues to inspire future generations.

‘120 Bahadur’ aims to bring this inspiring story of courage to the forefront, focusing on Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, portrayed by Farhan Akhtar. The film, directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and slated for release on November 21, 2025, promises to be a powerful portrayal of a defining moment in India’s military past.

The film’s narrative centers on the Battle of Rezang La, a fierce engagement where a mere 120 soldiers from Charlie Company valiantly defended their position against an overwhelming force of 3000 enemy troops. Farhan Akhtar embodies Major Shaitan Singh Bhati with remarkable poise and intensity, commanding attention in every scene. His performance promises to bring to life the legendary spirit of this decorated soldier.

The trailer commences with the impactful narration of Amitabh Bachchan, whose deep voice sets a solemn and epic tone for the story of heroism and sacrifice. The grand unveiling of the ‘120 Bahadur’ trailer was accompanied by a heartfelt note from ‘Rocking Star’ Yash, who expressed his admiration for the film and its subject. This cinematic venture aims to honor the brave and recount a true story that has significantly shaped the nation’s past.

An ensemble cast complements Akhtar’s lead role, featuring Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, Ankit Siwach, Devendra Ahirwar, Ashutosh Shukla, Brijesh Karanwal, Atul Singh, and veteran actors Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan. Their collective efforts are expected to lend authenticity and depth to this compelling war narrative. ‘120 Bahadur’ is set to premiere in cinemas on November 21, 2025, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The launch was graced by the presence of actor Farhan Akhtar, acclaimed singer Sukhwinder Singh, and Narpat Singh, the son of the legendary Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC. Also in attendance were the actors embodying the valiant soldiers of Charlie Company, alongside the two surviving heroes of the historic Battle of Rezang La: Subedar Honorary Captain Ram Chander Yadav Ji and Havildar Nihal Singh Ji, SM. Families of the martyrs were also present to honor their sacrifices.

‘Dada Kishan Ki Jai’ is a powerful musical tribute composed and produced by the dynamic duo Salim-Sulaiman, with lyrics penned by the renowned Javed Akhtar. Sukhwinder Singh’s rendition imbues the song with deep emotion and patriotic fervor.

The film ‘120 Bahadur’ is inspired by the epic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-China war. Farhan Akhtar takes on the lead role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who courageously led the 13 Kumaon Regiment against overwhelming odds. The film is slated for release on November 21.