Bollywood
South Actor Fish Venkat Passes Away at 53 After Brutal Financial Struggle
Popular Telugu comedian and character actor Venkat Raj, popularly known as Fish Venkat, has passed away at the age of 53. He breathed his last in a private Hyderabad hospital on Friday after a prolonged battle with kidney and liver failure. His deteriorating health and financial distress marked a tragic end to a career that brought joy to many.
Prolonged Health Crisis & Hospitalization
Venkat had been battling serious kidney complications for nearly four years, undergoing regular dialysis treatments and multiple ICU stays. In his final months, both kidneys failed completely, leading doctors to place him on a ventilator and recommend an urgent kidney transplant—an operation he could not undergo in time.

Money Woes Amid Illness
Despite his popularity, the actor’s financial situation was precarious. His family revealed they needed around ₹50 lakh for the transplant, but were unable to secure sufficient funds. He did receive ₨ 2 lakh from actor Vishwak Sen, and there were rumors of support from Prabhas—but Venkat’s daughter later confirmed those calls were fake promises.
A Memorable Career & Legacy
Starting from humble roots in fish-selling, Venkat was discovered in 2000 and quickly became known for his vivid Telangana accent and comic flair. Over 25 years, he delivered memorable performances in popular Telugu films like Kushi, Aadi, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh, and DJ Tillu, along with supporting and negative roles that showcased his versatility. His final screen appearance was in the Aha thriller Coffee with a Killer.

Industry and Community Response
The Telugu film fraternity is in mourning. Many peers praised Venkat for bringing heartfelt laughter and energy to each role. His sudden loss after years of health struggles has triggered conversations about financial insecurity of veteran actors and the lack of safety nets in regional entertainment industries, sparking calls for systemic support.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Venkat Raj (Fish Venkat) |
| Age | 53 |
| Cause of death | Kidney & liver failure |
| Treatment | Dialysis, Ventilator, Recommended transplant |
| Financial need | ₹50 lakh for transplant |
| Support received | Vishwak Sen: ₹2 lakh; Fake call misled family |
| Film credits | Kushi, Gabbar Singh, DJ Tillu, Coffee with a Killer |
| Industry impact | Mourning; highlighting veteran actor support gaps |

Final Thoughts
Fish Venkat’s story is both uplifting and sobering. His on-screen persona left audiences in splits, yet his off-screen struggles highlight a critical reality: veteran actors often face dire financial instability when their spotlight dims. His avoidable death, amidst rumors and last-minute aid, underscores the urgent need for healthcare and social security support for all artists, not just A-listers.
Telugu cinema has lost a genuine talent—one whose laughter masked deep struggles. May his legacy inspire industry-wide compassion and action.

Bollywood
Dhurandhar: Akshaye Khanna’s song ‘FA9LA’ by Flipperachi goes global, tops Spotify Viral 50 chart
Akshaye Khanna is enjoying a massive wave of appreciation, not just for his powerful performance in Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, but also for his striking on-screen introduction powered by the song ‘FA9LA’. The high-energy track, sung by Bahraini rapper Flipperachi, has taken the internet by storm and has now achieved a remarkable global milestone.
Within days of its official release, FA9LA has surged to the No. 1 position on Spotify’s Viral 50 Global chart, making it one of the fastest-rising Indian-film tracks internationally this year.
From theatre buzz to global streaming sensation
Ever since Dhurandhar hit theatres on December 5, audiences were captivated by Akshaye Khanna’s intense entry sequence. Social media users repeatedly discussed the background track that accompanied his introduction, with many demanding its full release. Responding to the overwhelming interest, the makers released the complete version of FA9LA on December 8.
In less than four days, the song transitioned from a cinematic highlight to a worldwide streaming phenomenon, gaining traction across continents.
‘FA9LA’ tops Spotify Viral 50 Global
Bahraini artist Flipperachi, who lends his distinctive rap vocals to the track, took to Instagram on Friday (December 12) to announce the achievement. Sharing a screenshot of Spotify’s Viral 50 Global chart, the rapper revealed that FA9LA had claimed the top spot.
Spotify’s Viral 50 Global chart tracks songs that witness rapid organic growth based on:
- Sudden spikes in streams
- Playlist additions
- Social media shares
- Global listener engagement
The song’s multilingual appeal, Middle Eastern rap influence, and cinematic intensity have helped it resonate with international audiences far beyond India.
Akshaye Khanna’s creative touch adds authenticity
One of the most talked-about aspects of FA9LA is Akshaye Khanna’s screen presence. Dressed in a sharp black suit and sunglasses, the actor exudes quiet menace and swagger. Interestingly, the choreography for the song wasn’t entirely pre-designed.
In an interview, the film’s choreographer revealed that while the sequence was initially planned as a simple entry shot, Akshaye Khanna personally improvised the movement and body language, giving the scene its now-iconic understated style. This creative input has been widely praised for enhancing the character’s mystique.
About Akshaye Khanna’s role in Dhurandhar
In Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna essays the role of Rehman Dakait, a character that plays a pivotal part in the narrative. His performance has been described by critics and fans alike as restrained yet commanding, adding significant weight to the film’s storyline.
The film also stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, making it one of the most star-studded spy thrillers of the year.
A rare crossover success
The success of FA9LA marks a rare moment where an Indian film track—rooted in regional rap influences—has topped global viral charts. Industry insiders believe the song’s rise highlights the growing appetite for cross-cultural collaborations and unconventional soundscapes in mainstream cinema.
With Dhurandhar continuing its strong theatrical run and FA9LA dominating global music platforms, Akshaye Khanna’s return to the spotlight appears stronger than ever.
Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Unveil DDLJ Statue in London, Celebrate 30 Years of the Iconic Classic
Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol marked a historic moment as they unveiled a bronze statue of their beloved Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) characters — Raj and Simran — in London. The unveiling comes as the legendary film celebrates 30 years since its release in 1995, reaffirming its timeless charm and global cultural impact.
The intricately crafted statue, installed at London’s famous Leicester Square, recreates one of DDLJ’s most memorable scenes and now joins the Scenes in the Square trail that honours iconic characters in film history.
⭐ A Grand Celebration at Leicester Square
At the unveiling event, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a classic black suit, while Kajol stunned in a beautiful blue saree — a subtle nod to the film’s romantic aesthetic. The duo, whose on-screen chemistry remains unmatched even today, stood together smiling beside the sculpture that commemorates their unforgettable journey as Raj and Simran.
The film, directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Raj Films, continues to stand as one of the greatest love stories in Indian cinema.
⭐ Shah Rukh Khan Shares His Reaction
SRK shared photos from the ceremony on social media, delighting fans worldwide. His caption read:
“Bade Bade Deshon Mein, Aisi Chhoti Chhoti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hain, Senorita! Thrilled to unveil the bronze statue of Raj & Simran at London’s Leicester Square today, celebrating 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)!”
He added:
“DDLJ is the first Indian film to be honoured with a statue in the Scenes in the Square trail. A big thank you to everyone in the UK for making this possible. Come meet Raj & Simran if and when you are in London… we would love to see you make more memories with DDLJ…”
This marks a historic first for Indian cinema — no Indian film has ever before been honoured with such a recognition in London’s entertainment district.
⭐ DDLJ: A Timeless Legacy
Since its release in 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has remained a cultural phenomenon. Not only did it redefine romance for an entire generation, but it also became one of the longest-running films in Indian history.
Budget & Box Office Performance
According to industry tracker Sacnilk:
- Budget: ₹4 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹102.50 crore
- India Net Collection: ₹53.32 crore
DDLJ’s success went far beyond commercial numbers — it launched the SRK–Kajol duo to unmatched stardom and reshaped Bollywood’s narrative of love, family, and youth.
⭐ Why This Statue Matters
The installation of the Raj–Simran statue is more than just a tribute — it’s a symbol of:
- The global influence of Indian cinema
- The beloved legacy of DDLJ
- The cross-cultural appreciation of Bollywood storytelling
- The enduring charm of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s iconic pairing
For millions of fans worldwide, DDLJ is not just a film — it’s an emotion, a memory, and now a permanent fixture in London’s cinematic history.
Bollywood
Box Office (November 30): Tere Ishk Mein crosses ₹50 crore; Gustaakh Ishq, De De Pyaar De 2 remain average performers
The last weekend of November brought mixed fortunes for Hindi cinema. While Tere Ishk Mein registered a strong run and comfortably crossed the ₹50 crore mark within its opening weekend, other releases such as Gustaakh Ishq, De De Pyaar De 2, and 120 Bahadur continued to show moderate to below-average performance at the domestic box office.
⭐ Tere Ishk Mein crosses ₹50 crore in three days
Aanand L Rai’s romantic drama starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon has emerged as the top choice for moviegoers. The film collected ₹18 crore on Sunday, supported by strong weekend footfall.
- Total (3 days): ₹51.75 crore
- Strong growth seen across metros and Tier-1 cities
- Positive word of mouth driving family audiences
The chemistry between the lead pair and the film’s emotional storyline have contributed significantly to its impressive opening weekend.
⭐ Gustaakh Ishq sees below-average Sunday
Vibhu Puri’s drama featuring Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah struggled to pick up momentum.
- Sunday: ₹0.21 crore
- Total (3 days): ₹1.16 crore
Despite a strong star cast and decent critical reception, the film failed to attract large crowds, facing heavy competition from other releases.
⭐ De De Pyaar De 2 shows slight weekend bump on Day 17
Ajay Devgn’s romantic family entertainer continues its slow but steady march. The film saw a marginal rise on its third Sunday.
- Day 17 (Sunday): ₹1.40 crore
- Day 16 (Saturday): ₹1.35 crore
- Total India collection: ₹71.10 crore
Though performing better than other mid-range releases, the film’s pace has slowed significantly, with business mostly sustained by urban centres.
⭐ 120 Bahadur remains modest on Day 10
Farhan Akhtar’s war drama—based on the heroes of the 1962 Rezang La battle—failed to gain traction even on its second Sunday.
- Day 10 (Sunday): ₹0.79 crore
- Total collection: ₹16.94 crore
While performances and storytelling earned praise, the film’s genre appeal seems limited. 120 Bahadur is now relying on weekday stability and tax-free boosts in some states to improve its lifetime total.
📌 Overall Box Office Snapshot (Weekend Ending Nov 30)
- Clear Winner: Tere Ishk Mein
- Moderate Performer: De De Pyaar De 2
- Underperformers: Gustaakh Ishq, 120 Bahadur
Bollywood’s final month of 2025 opens with a strong showing by Dhanush, while other films continue to battle for audience attention in a crowded release calendar.
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