Salman Khan faces notice over personality rights, Nayla Al Khaja defends AR Rahman, Sara Arjun on 20-year age gap with Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar: Top 5 news of the day |
On January 21, 2026, Bollywood celebrities made waves with controversial legal battles and public defenses. Salman Khan faces a Delhi High Court notice over a Chinese AI personality rights dispute, Nayla Al Khaja defends AR Rahman amid ‘Chhaava’ backlash, and Sara Arjun addresses the 20-year age gap with Ranveer Singh in ‘Dhurandhar’. Check out the top news stories of the day.
Salman Khan HC notice
A China-based AI voice platform has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to lift an interim injunction protecting Salman Khan’s personality rights, prompting the court to issue a notice to the actor, according to Bar and Bench. During the hearing, the platform’s lawyers argued that the December 11 order disrupts their business of creating AI voice models.The court has directed Salman Khan to file a response within four weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for February 27. Earlier, on December 11, 2025, the High Court had upheld Salman Khan’s personality rights, restraining websites, apps, and sellers from using his name, image, or voice without permission, or from trading merchandise associated with him.
Ahan Shetty on actor rivalries
Ahan Shetty is gearing up for his big-screen return with the much-anticipated war drama Border 2. While promoting the film, he spoke about the changing dynamics of competition in Hindi cinema, highlighting how social media often fuels unnecessary rivalries among actors despite there being no real competition.In an interview with Bombay Times, Ahan addressed frequent comparisons with Ahaan Panday, who recently made a strong debut with Saiyaara. “Today, people react to two- or three-second clips — that’s our generation’s reality,” Ahan said. “We’re pitted against each other, like Ahaan Panday and me. I know him well and know the hard work and preparation he put into his film. There’s no rivalry; we each have our own paths. There’s mutual love and respect — we’re one industry. Social media creates divides and hides the support we actually share.”
Vishal Bhardwaj responds to allegations
At a recent trailer launch, Vishal Bhardwaj addressed allegations related to his upcoming film. He clarified that he did not seek personal permission from Hussain Ustara’s family, as the project is based on a published book. Bhardwaj explained that the film draws from Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi.“Of course, the characters come from the book, but with some fictional elements too. I’m sure Hussain sahab secured all the permissions. So, I didn’t think I needed to either. My film is based on a story from that book,” he said.
Sara Arjun addresses age gap controversy
Sara Arjun has responded to the controversy surrounding her casting opposite Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar, stating that she firmly believes her role was well-deserved. Social media reactions focused on the lead pair’s 20-year age gap, sparking widespread debate.Breaking her silence in an interview with NDTV, Sara said she respects differing opinions and remains unaffected by the online chatter. “All the noise is on social media, right? And I’m not very active there. I didn’t engage with it much. I believe everyone has their own opinion, and I truly believe in ‘live and let live’. It doesn’t influence how I think. I knew the story, and I knew it was justified, and that’s all,” she shared.
Nayla Al Khaja defends AR Rahman
Music composer AR Rahman recently found himself at the centre of a social media storm following comments he made in an interview. The backlash intensified after he described Chhaava as a “divisive” film and spoke about a “communal” shift in Bollywood’s power dynamics, which he said resulted in him receiving less work over the past eight years. While Rahman later reiterated his love for India, UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja has now come out strongly in his defence.Touted as the UAE’s first female filmmaker, Nayla shared a detailed note on Instagram, offering personal insight into her experience of working with the Oscar-winning composer. “On Working with A. R. Rahman, a Perspective from the Outside. I worked with A. R. Rahman on BAAB and have known him and his family for several years. What I share comes from lived moments, not opinion, not distance,” she wrote.Recalling an incident at Dubai Airport, Nayla added, “We were exhausted. There was a swarm of people waiting, and yet every few minutes he stopped. Again and again, a gentle smile, a photograph, a quiet kindness. I watched, mind boggled, as he made every single person feel seen.”She also praised Rahman’s openness during composition sessions, saying, “He always listened from an open space, without judgement or prejudice, only generosity and trust in the creative process, and gave me space to imagine.”Highlighting Rahman’s bond with his children, Nayla reflected, “When you see that kind of love, you understand the man. Perhaps this is what happens when you are a legend — you become easy to project onto, and harder to protect.”Calling Rahman a cultural bridge beyond borders, she concluded, “He gave voices to so many, opened doors, and carried culture with dignity. As an Arab, I came to know Indian music through him, emotion without translation. This man is a national treasure. Treasures deserve respect, not noise. Let us choose grace over outrage, respect over distortion. Love above hate.”
