In this episode of Hot Chai Pod, Jazz unpacks the rising anxiety in Bollywood post-Dhurandhar, focusing on the ripple effect it's having across major stars and upcoming releases. From the continued delays and behind-the-scenes tensions of Love & War — involving Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Vicky Kaushal — to the uncertain fate of Alia’s spy thriller Alpha, now rumored to skip theaters entirely, the episode explores how shifting dynamics are reshaping power plays in the industry.

We also have a no-spoiler review of Tu Meri Main Tera, discussing the onslaught of negative PR against Kartik Aaryan.

Meanwhile, Agastya Nanda’s theatrical debut Ikkis earns a lukewarm reception despite sentimental buzz around Dharmendra’s final role. The episode wraps with Teacup Time, where the audience votet on the year’s best films and performances — offering an unfiltered pulse check on what the teacups are really feeling.

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In this episode of Hot Chai Pod, we break down the massive impact of Dhurandhar, the blockbuster film that's shaking the foundations of Bollywood - not just for its over ₹500 crore box office performance, but for the controversy, politics, and power plays it’s exposing across the industry and globally.We cover:* Dhurandhar’s unexpected dominance, even while banned in Gulf nations* Claims of propaganda and Islamophobia - are the accusations valid or overblown? * Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna and the entire cast performance* The role of industry PR factions and the movie mafia trying to shape the narrative* YRF' Sypverse in trouble: Alia Bhatt’s spy debut Alpha delayed release* Ranbir vs. Ranveer: Rivalry reignited as comparisons between Animal and Dhurandhar emerge

Twinkle Khanna and Kajol host Janhvi Kapoor and Karan Johar on their show Two Much, sparking controversy with their takes on cheaters and raising eyebrows about famous husbands Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn. Then we rewind the scandal clock to the 90s, where these relationships began. We follow the complex romantic timeline through Ajay Devgan, Raveena Tandon, Akshay Kumar, Karishma Kapoor until their current marriages — exploring how power and PR have protected male stars and silenced women for decades. What is happening beneath the surface for Twinkle and Kajol to speak so candidly about infidelity? Also in this episode:Madhuri Dixit’s tour backlash — fans feel misled, call it a money grab, and compare her treatment to male stars like Hrithik. But is her husband’s financial status relevant, or is this just about fame and fan expectations?

We dive into the backlash surrounding Alia Bhatt’s Filmfare Award win for her box office flop film Jigra and unpack the industry dynamics behind her award streak. Was it truly earned, or another PR-backed push from her powerful allies - including husband Ranbir Kapoor?Then, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh finally share first photos of baby Dua just in time for Diwali - and the internet collectively lost it. We explore what the reveal says about shifting celebrity PR strategies in a post-AI world.Finally, we break down the best and worst Bollywood Diwali fashion moments from the industry's biggest stars. From Ananya Panday and Kareena Kapoor, to Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhatt - who sparkled, and who flopped, according to the teacups?

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We kick off with the explosive Baiju Bawra casting news, where Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly replaced Ranveer Singh in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next epic. From Saawariya to Ram Leela, we explore their pasts with SLB and what this switch means for both stars.

Then we unpack the ongoing rivalry between Ranbir and Ranveer, tracking the highs and lows of their careers — from blockbuster battles and dating history to fan debates about who's really the better actor.

Next, we head to Paris Fashion Week, where Aishwarya Rai Bachchan went viral walking the L'Oréal runway in a Manish Malhotra ensemble, joined by daughter Aaradhya. But fans couldn’t help but notice Alia Bhatt’s absence, sparking new speculation.

Finally, we wrap with a fashion roundup from the Bulgari event in Mumbai, spotlighting looks from Priyanka Chopra, Triptii Dimri, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and get into what audiences really thought.

We begin with Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s pregnancy reveal, which is sending fans and the media into overdrive. Then, we dive into a no-holds-barred review of The Ba***ds of Bollywood - Aryan Khan's web series that is trending on Netflix.Next, we cover Janhvi Kapoor’s promo spree, what’s working, what’s not, and how her film choices are shaping her career. Plus, we unpack the buzz around Deepika Padukone’s unexpected departure from *Kalki and how the industry is reacting behind the scenes.For teacup time, we analyze Alia Bhatt's Milan Fashion Week appearance for Gucci, and more fashion polls from the audience.

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We start with a no-spoiler review and analysis of Saiyaara, the film that’s now a Bollywood box office super hit. From its emotional storyline to that Saiyaara soundtrack title track trending all over Youtube and Spotify, this movie is making waves — but is the hype real?

Plus, in our Teacup Time: We touch on the ongoing gossip around Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s vacation photos, and ask - why is Ayan Mukerji always in the shot? PR move or just BFF energy?

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Deepika Padukone is back in the headlines, and we're unpacking fan reactions from last week's episode — teacup style. Plus, model - actor Muzammil Ibrahim drops bombshell claims about his past with Deepika, losing Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and calls out Pooja Bhatt in a bold new interview. We also discuss Housefull 5 - is it a box office hit or flop? Manushi Chhillar reacts to casting couch rumors — and we explore how outsiders in Bollywood are often discredited. Finally, it’s Teacup Time: we reveal the results of our latest Alia Bhatt poll, plus listener questions you won’t want to miss!

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