Met Gala 2026: From Karan Johar’s Debut to Deepika Padukone’s Return - Rumored Indian Celebs on the Guest List The 2026 Met Gala, themed "Costume Art," has ignited widespread speculation about its guest list, with Indian celebrities expected to make a significant presence. The event’s dress code, which demands "Fashion Is Art," offers a broad canvas for creative expression, allowing attendees to either embrace avant-garde designs or draw inspiration from classical aesthetics. While Anna Wintour maintains strict control over the official guest list, industry insiders and media outlets have already begun circulating rumors about the Indian contingent, suggesting a record number of Bollywood stars and fashion icons will walk the red carpet. Among the most anticipated names is Karan Johar, who is rumored to make his official Met Gala debut after previously attending from the sidelines in 2025. Known for his flamboyant style, Johar is expected to arrive in a custom creation by designer Manish Malhotra, aligning with the theme’s emphasis on artistic interpretation. Deepika Padukone, another long-time fan of the event, is heavily speculated to return, potentially joining her former co-star Ranveer Singh. Her sartorial choices are anticipated to blend structural silhouettes with timeless luxury, reflecting her signature elegance. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the first Indian actress to grace the Met Gala in 2019, is also expected to make a comeback, with her ensemble likely to feature high-drama couture. Alia Bhatt, following her acclaimed performances in recent years, is another name on the radar, with her outfit expected to highlight indigenous Indian textiles and heritage craftsmanship. The guest list also includes prominent business figures and designers.#priyanka_chopra_jonas #deepika_padukone #karan_johar #met_gala_2026 #alial_bhatt
Aneet Padda’s sister Reet calls Dhurandhar 'propaganda film', slams Priyanka Chopra's silence on war at the Oscars Reet Padda, the sister of actor Aneet Padda, has publicly criticized the film Dhurandhar 2 as a "propaganda film," questioning its narrative and calling attention to the lack of political engagement from prominent public figures like Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Her comments, shared online, have sparked a broader debate about the role of cinema in addressing global issues and the responsibility of celebrities to speak out on matters of war and peace. The controversy emerged after Reet took to social media to express her dissatisfaction with the film’s portrayal of geopolitical tensions. She argued that the movie’s depiction of conflict was overly simplistic and failed to reflect the complexities of real-world situations. Her critique extended to Priyanka Chopra, who was absent from the 2026 Oscars ceremony where the film was nominated. Reet questioned why the actress, known for her advocacy on social issues, chose not to address the topic of war during the event. Reet’s remarks have resonated with many online users, who have joined the discussion about the intersection of art, politics, and public accountability. Some have praised her for holding celebrities to a higher standard, while others have defended the right of artists to focus on entertainment rather than political commentary. The debate highlights the growing expectation for public figures to engage with pressing global issues, even as they navigate the boundaries of their professional roles. The film Dhurandhar 2, which explores themes of international conflict, has been a subject of controversy since its release.#dhurandhar_2 #2026_oscars #priyanka_chopra_jonas #reet_padda #aneet_padda
S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi: A Global Spectacle in the Making A Rotten Tomatoes intern’s journey across the globe to cover the production of S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film, Varanasi, offered a front-row seat to the director’s ambitious vision. The trip, spanning over 8,700 miles and 20 hours of travel, culminated in Hyderabad, India, where the “Globetrotter Announcement Event” drew thousands of fans and global viewers. The event, held at Ramoji Film City, was designed like a living city, featuring a massive 100-by-132-foot LED screen and drone cameras capturing the crowd’s enthusiastic chants of “Jai Babu!” for Mahesh Babu, the film’s star. The atmosphere mirrored a cultural phenomenon, with cast members like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran offering glimpses into the film’s epic scale. The official title, Varanasi, was revealed during the event, signaling Rajamouli’s next major project. The film’s plot remains shrouded in mystery, but details suggest a sweeping narrative spanning thousands of years, from 7200 BCE to 2071. It weaves together global catastrophes, asteroid threats, and a race to save humanity, traveling across continents like Antarctica, Africa, and India. The story blends time travel, mythology, and action, with scenes like a protagonist riding a bull and wielding a trident hinting at its bold, unpredictable nature. Rajamouli’s ambition to push Indian cinema further is evident, following the success of RRR, which reshaped global perceptions of Indian films. Varanasi aims to elevate the medium even more, with Rajamouli emphasizing the goal of taking Indian cinema to an international stage. The film’s production team includes Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, whose work on RRR highlighted the role of music in Indian storytelling.#prithviraj_sukumaran #priyanka_chopra_jonas #ss_rajamouli #varanasi #ramoji_film_city
Interview | ‘It’s Not Every Day You Get to be a Pirate’: Priyanka Chopra Jonas Priyanka Chopra Jonas reflects on her role as a pirate in her new film The Bluff, discussing the challenges of embodying the character and how her personal experiences as a mother influenced her portrayal. The actress, now 43, embraced the role with the same dedication she brings to every project, immersing herself in physical training and research to capture the essence of a female pirate. Filming in the Caribbean offered a dynamic backdrop, blending the thrill of action with the unpredictability of the sea—a fitting setting for a career marked by bold transitions. From Bollywood stardom to Hollywood projects, motherhood, and her life with Nick Jonas, Chopra’s journey mirrors the restless spirit of her character. The Bluff follows a female pirate who abandons her life of crime to live a quiet existence with her family. When her past resurfaces to threaten her loved ones, she must confront the dangers of her former world. The film’s plot combines elements of drama, violence, and survival, creating a tense narrative that explores themes of resilience and sacrifice. Chopra described the story as a compelling mix of action and emotional depth, emphasizing the stakes involved in protecting her family. To prepare for the role, Chopra delved into the history of female pirates, discovering figures like Grace O’Malley, an Irish woman known as the “Pirate Queen” in the 1500s. She was fascinated by accounts of women who fought battles while pregnant, which inspired her to explore the untold stories of female seafarers. This research helped her connect with the character’s determination and strength, even as she acknowledged the challenges of portraying a figure from a different time and culture.#priyanka_chopra_jonas #the_bluff #russos #grace_omalley #nick_jonas
AGBO Sets New Film From 'The Bluff' Writers Frank E. Flowers & Joe Ballarini After successfully launching Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ action film The Bluff, which topped Amazon Prime’s global most-watched list for a second consecutive week, producer AGBO has acquired a new project to be written by the film’s creators, Frank E. Flowers and Joe Ballarini. The deal, valued in the seven-figure range, will be split between the writers. The untitled project, which AGBO declined to disclose details about, is described as an original film intended for a large-scale production. While Flowers directed The Bluff, the new film’s director has not been announced. The original film starred Chopra Jonas as a former pirate captain who abandoned her seafaring life for a peaceful existence until her captain is kidnapped by a former adversary. Flowers, who previously directed Bob Marley: One Love, is represented by UTA, Brillstein, and Goodman Genow. Ballarini, known for A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, is represented by Verve and McKuin Frankel. The announcement comes amid broader industry shifts, including the consolidation of streaming services and changes in media ownership. However, the focus remains on AGBO’s expansion through high-profile collaborations with established writers and actors.#agbo #frank_e_flowers #joe_ballarini #priyanka_chopra_jonas #uta
AGBO Sets New Film With ‘The Bluff’ Writers Frank E. Flowers & Joe Ballarini AGBO, the production company behind the action film The Bluff, has secured a new project to be written by the film’s creators, Frank E. Flowers and Joe Ballarini. The deal, valued in the seven-figure range, marks a significant expansion for the writers, who previously collaborated on The Bluff, which recently topped Amazon Prime’s global most-watched list for a second consecutive week. Details about the new project remain confidential, though it is described as an original story with a large-scale production. Flowers, who directed The Bluff, is not confirmed to helm the new film. The upcoming project, which does not yet have a title, is expected to follow the same high-concept approach as The Bluff. The latter stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas as a former pirate captain who abandons her adventurous past for a quiet life until her sea captain is kidnapped by a former enemy. The film’s success has positioned AGBO as a key player in the action genre, with the writers now set to develop another ambitious narrative. Flowers, known for his work on Bob Marley: One Love, and Ballarini, who contributed to A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, have established themselves as versatile screenwriters. Their collaboration on The Bluff demonstrated their ability to blend swashbuckle and suspense, a formula that appears to be central to their new endeavor. The project’s scale and originality suggest it could compete with major studio releases, though specifics about its plot or cast remain undisclosed. AGBO’s acquisition of the new script underscores its commitment to expanding its portfolio of action-driven films.#amazon_prime #agbo #frank_e_flowers #joe_ballarini #priyanka_chopra_jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas opened up about the emotional journey of their daughter Malti’s premature birth and the challenges they faced in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The couple, who welcomed Malti via surrogacy in January 2022, shared details about the unexpected early delivery and the intense period that followed. Malti, born in April 2022, spent over 100 days in the NICU before being discharged. Priyanka recounted the moment they first saw their newborn in the hospital, describing the overwhelming emotions of the experience. “We went with her to the NICU. One of us was allowed at a time, and she cried the first time. It was like a cat (makes a sound like a kitten). That’s all we got,” she said, reflecting on the traumatic experience. The couple’s parents were present during the difficult time, but the stress of Malti’s uncertain health added to their anxiety. The couple also revealed that news of Malti’s birth leaked to the media before they were ready to share the news. Priyanka explained, “We were kind of forced into announcing her birth. We wanted to hold onto our own narrative of it; we weren’t ready because we didn’t know what would happen with her or how she would be.” The leak came after they received a text warning that the media would publish the details within three hours if they didn’t. Nick Jonas shared equally heart-wrenching details about Malti’s arrival, describing her fragile condition at birth. “She came into the world under very intense circumstances… We got to the hospital and [she came out at] 1 pound 11 ounces, and purple basically,” he said. Malti required six blood transfusions and constant medical monitoring during her NICU stay. The couple worked 12-hour shifts at the hospital for 3.#priyanka_chopra_jonas #nick_jonas #surrogacy #malti #neonatal_intensive_care_unit
Priyanka Chopra Jonas Says Daughter Malti Marie Is a "Performer" Priyanka Chopra Jonas has shared insights about her 4-year-old daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, highlighting her daughter’s natural talent for performing. The actress, who is married to singer Nick Jonas, revealed that Malti has a strong inclination toward acting and singing, often entertaining those around her with her energetic personality. In an interview for Marie Claire’s March 2026 Craftsmanship Issue, Chopra Jonas described Malti as a “born performer,” noting how she confidently expresses herself in public. “She’s in the middle of a room just telling her jokes and singing at the top of her voice,” Chopra Jonas said. She emphasized how Malti embodies traits from both her parents and grandparents, calling her the “greatest gift of my life.” The mother also shared how her priorities have shifted since becoming a parent, with Malti at the center of her focus. Malti’s early life was marked by a challenging start, as she spent 110 days in the NICU after being born prematurely. Chopra Jonas described her daughter as a “miracle baby,” explaining how the experience changed her perspective on motherhood. “Everything just stopped when she was born,” she said. The mother expressed ongoing anxiety about being separated from her daughter, whether during school hours or when she’s traveling for work. Chopra Jonas, whose career often requires international travel, has become more selective about her professional commitments since becoming a parent. She admitted that her approach to work has evolved, prioritizing quality over quantity. “I used to want to juggle all the balls and do all the things, but now I listen to my gut a lot more,” she explained.#priyanka_chopra_jonas #nick_jonas #malti_marie_chopra_jonas #marie_claire #nicu
