Bollywood
WWE Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71: Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor Lead Emotional Tributes from India
Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71 — The Wrestling World and Bollywood in Mourning
the world bid farewell to Hulk Hogan, arguably the most iconic figure in professional wrestling history. Born Terry Eugene Bollea, Hogan died at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. News of his passing was confirmed by his family and WWE, and has since triggered an outpouring of tributes from around the globe — including from Bollywood stars such as Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor, who grew up watching the Hulkster dominate both the ring and pop culture.

A Sudden Loss — What Happened?
According to reports, Hogan experienced a massive cardiac arrest and was rushed to a local hospital. Despite attempts to revive him, the former wrestling superstar was declared dead upon arrival. It was revealed that Hogan had recently undergone back and neck surgery, and had been facing health issues over the past few years.
The WWE released a heartfelt statement: WWE is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hulk Hogan. One of the most recognized figures in sports-entertainment history, he defined an era.
Varun Dhawan’s Emotional Tribute
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan, a known wrestling enthusiast, expressed his grief through an Instagram Story. Sharing the official WWE announcement, he added:
You inspired an entire generation, Hulkster. RIP.
The tribute resonated with thousands of fans across India, a country with a massive WWE following. Varun has previously mentioned in interviews that he grew up watching WWF tapes and idolized stars like Hogan, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
His emotional message was one of the first Indian celebrity tributes to go viral, reflecting the cross-cultural impact Hogan had beyond wrestling and the Western world.
Arjun Kapoor and More Bollywood Stars Remember Hogan
Actor Arjun Kapoor, another lifelong wrestling fan, also took to social media to share his sentiments. He posted: A part of my childhood just went with you, Hulkster… Thank you for the memories. You slammed giants and made us believe in superheroes.
Kapoor even shared a childhood photo wearing a Hulk Hogan t-shirt, symbolizing how Hogan’s brand extended into the lives of fans from all parts of the world.
Other celebrities including Siddhant Chaturvedi, Shaan, and even retired cricketer Suresh Raina shared posts recalling their favorite Hogan matches and moments.
Hulk Hogan — The Legend Behind “Hulkamania”
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a pop culture revolution. Emerging as the face of WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s, Hogan brought wrestling into the mainstream with charisma, intensity, and unmatched showmanship.
His contributions include:
- Multiple-time WWE Champion
- Headliner of the first WrestleMania
- Starred in films such as Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny
- Known for his catchphrases like: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!”
He later rejuvenated his career in WCW as a heel (villain) through the New World Order (nWo), proving his versatility and mass appeal.
His career spanned four decades, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice — once individually and again as a member of the nWo.

Global Tributes Pour In — From Wrestling to Hollywood
The wrestling community and Hollywood were quick to honor Hogan’s legacy.
- Ric Flair, his longtime friend and rival, wrote: “You were one of a kind. We traveled the world and made magic. Miss you, brother.”
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said: “You made me believe. Thank you for kicking down the doors for all of us.”
- Sylvester Stallone, who cast Hogan in Rocky III, posted a vintage photo and captioned: “Rest easy, my brother in the ring and on screen. A giant of a man.”
- Even Donald Trump, former US President, tweeted his condolences, calling Hogan: “A loyal friend and patriot who loved his country and fans.”
The Indian Connection — Why Hogan Was Loved in India
In the 90s and early 2000s, WWE (then WWF) programming was a cultural phenomenon in India. With limited English entertainment on TV, shows like WWE RAW and SmackDown dominated Indian households. Hogan, with his loud persona, colored bandanas, and signature leg drop, became an instant favorite among Indian youth.
He even visited India once in the late 90s for promotional events. Fans still recall his larger-than-life presence and his ability to connect with crowds even across language barriers.
His influence led to a generation of Indian boys wearing yellow t-shirts, practicing the “Hulk flex,” and dreaming of becoming professional wrestlers.

Personal Life and Last Moments
Hogan was married to Sky Daily, his second wife, whom he married in 2023. He had two children — Brooke and Nick Hogan — from his first marriage to Linda Claridge.
In the last few years, Hogan lived a relatively quiet life, focusing on wellness, spiritual growth, and fan interactions. He was frequently spotted at Tampa-area charity events and fan expos.
According to sources, Hogan’s daughter Brooke was reportedly trying to reach him before his passing and later shared a tearful message: You weren’t just my father — you were a superhero in my eyes.
The Future of “Hulkamania” and Final Farewell
WWE has announced a week-long tribute to Hogan, including special editions of RAW, SmackDown, and archived content on WWE Network. A special “Legends Never Die” segment is expected during SummerSlam.
Fans around the world, including in India, are organizing local tribute screenings and fan gatherings.

Summary
Hulk Hogan’s death at 71 marks the end of an era — not just for wrestling but for global entertainment. From Hollywood to India, from political leaders to Bollywood stars like Varun Dhawan, the world united in grief and celebration of a life that truly “ran wild.”
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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