Puja Sharma makes power-packed comeback
After a seven-year hiatus, actress
Puja Sharma
is back — and she's returning with fire in her eyes. Known for her memorable roles in Naagin, Jyoti, Dil Se Dil Tak, Mere Angne Mein, and Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, Puja now steps into uncharted territory with Jhanak, playing Kanka — a fierce, grey-shaded tribal woman from a Naxalite backdrop.
'I've played positive leads before, but Kanka is raw, volatile, and emotionally layered,' she shares. 'What made it even more special is how personal it felt. I grew up in Jharkhand, surrounded by tribal women who worked in our home — strong, grounded women whose spirit I've always admired. I didn't need to 'prepare' for Kanka — I just had to feel her.'
In Jhanak, which recently took a leap, Kanka is introduced as a powerful force within a tribal community deeply distrustful of outsiders.
Her soft spot for the head of the tribe — someone she's known since childhood — adds a surprising emotional core to an otherwise fiery character. 'Kanka doesn't play nice — and I love that about her,' Puja says. 'It's the kind of role I was waiting for — not sugar-coated, not safe.'
The sabbatical, she says, was crucial. 'It made me sharper, more grounded. But yes, I missed the chaos of sets, the adrenaline of performance. I needed something bold to come back for — and Jhanak gave me just that.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Having started her journey with Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna in 2008, Puja calls this a 'full-circle moment.' Off-screen too, she's been a recognizable face, having starred in popular ad campaigns too.
But now, the ad-glam has made way for grit — and Puja Sharma is all set to reintroduce herself with the kind of intensity that's hard to ignore.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Telegram is the new Palika for pirated films
F1 A user on X tagged the makers of Brad Pitt's latest F1 , claiming he saw four to five viewers recording the entire film inside a hall with no staff intervention. The post set off discussions between the production house and the cinema chain, pushing for stricter anti-piracy enforcement. It's a rare instance where in-theatre piracy was called out publicly. But in 2025, piracy isn't just surviving – it's thriving. And it's not just F1 . Sikander reportedly lost ₹91 crore to piracy. "As per normal practice, we alert the cinemas from where the piracy originated and urge them to review their security protocols and enforce a stricter and more vigilant standard for monitoring their cinemas to prevent such situations. Cinemas don't intend to facilitate piracy—in a way, they are victims too—but they are in a better position to create a deterrent to this illegal practice by following some basic security hygiene measures. We prefer to partner with them rather than penalize them, unless it's a recurring issue at the same cinema. Then we have to look at alternative options to protect our films," shares a studio source from F1 . Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha raised the issue publicly, asking, 'How do movies become available on Telegram the very next day? Cybersecurity has progressed so far. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo by Taboola by Taboola We can block any video we want. So why can't films be blocked?' Telegram channels, along with piracy websites, now offer easy access to the latest theatrical releases, OTT shows, and films. While production houses routinely seek John Doe orders and streaming platforms ramp up anti-piracy efforts, legal experts say the problem persists because 'the law still needs to catch up with the technology. ' 'Piracy will not go away because there will always be some new form of technology' Ameet Naik, a senior lawyer who has been an entertainment lawyer for over two decades, says, 'We've obtained a John Doe order for around 100 films – getting one is the safest way to stop the piracy of a film. Websites are sent notices and copyright strikes. Producers have to get the agencies to monitor piracy through this order. It becomes more like a deterrent. I don't think piracy will go away because there will always be some new form of technology. Law is also catching up with technology.' Even when a channel or website is banned, another comes up within hours 'For me, it's not just free, it's ad-free unlike most websites,' a Telegram user said. Another added, 'It's convenient. I just type the movie name and get every quality – Blu-ray, 480p, 720p, even file size options.' Anti-piracy experts say the spike in court orders reflects the scale of the issue. During the pandemic, Telegram channels began functioning like underground OTT platforms – offering new releases, curated playlists, and watchlists. Even when banned, they often resurface within hours, run by the same admins and followed by the same users. Still, they can be tracked. At the time of its crackdown on piracy, a legal team member of Jawan had told us, 'In this case, some details were found through a simple Google search and through the anti-piracy agents hired by the production house.' A channel for every kind of new release Telegram has quietly become India's underground multiplex. Where piracy once meant tech know-how or shady DVD stalls in places like Palika Bazaar, now it's just a tap away. From Hindi blockbusters and Tamil thrillers to Malayalam arthouse gems and one weekend indie releases – there's a channel for every kind of film. Some even go the extra mile, posting reviews, box office updates, and full Blu-ray rips within hours of release. How producers tackle piracy of content Lawyer Chandrima Mitra shares, 'Producers use watermarking – they appoint anti-piracy agencies who assist with takedowns of infringing content on the internet, etc, and approach courts for John Doe injunctions When approached, state police cyber cells also assist in content takedowns' 'OTT platforms have dedicated teams taking down such channels' Streaming services often provide HD or 4K content, which pirates can easily capture using screen recording or ripping tools. 'They can take a movie on one of our streaming services in less than four seconds and upload it three seconds later,' Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association, told The New York Times Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon are part of ACE (Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment), an antipiracy coalition in the US. Most streaming platforms did not comment on their anti-piracy measures in India How Telegram piracy works Pirates use Telegram bots like high-speed content factories that automatically upload, tag, and distribute pirated films, series, and sports streams. This allows the pirates to handle immense volumes of content No login or identity verification is required. Users get pirated content in seconds-just by typing a command Most platforms remove infringing content and move on. Bots detect take downs and re-upload the content to new channels or servers within minutes (Source: Block X, digital content protection company)
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
With a whopping Rs 835 crore budget, THIS is India's most expensive film - it's not ‘Adipurush', ‘Kalki' or ‘Brahmastra'
Think you know which film holds the crown for being India's most expensive ever? Think again. There was once a time when making a film with a budget of Rs 50 crore was seen as a huge deal in India. Those days are long gone. Today, the idea of a big-budget film has reached a whole new level. Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari 's upcoming 'Ramayana' is now setting the biggest benchmark ever. Made on a whopping budget of about Rs 835 crore (around $100 million), this mythological drama has become the most expensive Indian film in history. Breaking all records Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' is about to rewrite Indian film history by becoming the costliest project ever. This grand film will be released in two parts. According to a Bollywood Hungama report from 2024, the first part has already finished filming and is now moving into post-production. The numbers are quite clear. With a budget of roughly Rs 835 crore, 'Ramayana' leaves behind other massive films like 'Kalki 2898 AD' which was made for Rs 600 crore, and 'RRR' and 'Adipurush' which both had budgets of Rs 550 crore. Even the VFX-heavy 'Brahmastra Part One', which cost Rs 375 crore and was Bollywood's most expensive film so far, looks small next to this epic. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola A star-studded epic Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, who gave us 'Dangal', this version of 'Ramayana' will bring sage Valmiki's ancient Sanskrit tale to life on a scale never seen before. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast is also packed with big names like Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal, Ravi Dubey , Kunal Kapoor, Arun Govil, Sheeba Chadha, and Indira Krishnan. Fans are already excited, as the first look of the film is set to be revealed today on July 3.. The film's grand release is planned for Diwali 2026, promising a festive treat like no other. A visual spectacle in the making The film's breathtaking visual effects are being handled by a British-Indian VFX company that has won eight Oscars for Best Visual Effects. A long road ahead Now that filming for Part 1 is done, the film has entered what is expected to be a long and demanding post-production phase. With so much advanced VFX work, it is going to take time to get every detail right. The schedule for filming Part 2 has not been shared yet. It is likely that the team will wait to see how audiences respond to the first part before moving ahead in full swing. All about Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' 'Ramayana' is a two-part film based on Valmiki's famous epic of the same name. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The cast also includes Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal, Ravi Dubey, Kunal Kapoor, Arun Govil, Sheeba Chadha, and Indira Krishnan, and others.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Actor Park Seo Joon sues restaurant; claims unauthorised use of photo
Popular actor Par Seo Jun, who is known for roles in projects like 'Itaewon Class', 'Concrete Utopia', and 'Fight for My Way', has recently sued a restaurant for using his image for promotions without getting legal permission. The restaurant, which was previously the location for shooting the actor's series 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim', has been unlawfully using his photos for promotional purposes. Park Seo Jun sues the restaurant where a famous K-drama was shot Seo Jun's drama 'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim' was shot at the same soy sauce marinated crab restaurant that the actor has recently sued. As per Sports Chosun, the star sued the restaurant for continuous use of his photos after being requested not to. The legal team stated that, 'The lawsuit began by continuing malicious acts that did not respond to requests to remove the portal site search advertisements and banners afterwards. The estimated damage amount is 6 billion won, considering the advertising model fee, but the actual lawsuit amount is 60 million won, considering the defendant's business scale and various circumstances." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo The Actors company also added to the statements, saying that they will also be taking strict and legal action against those who spread criticism and hate towards the ' Dream High ' star. Soon after the news of his lawsuit began spreading online, many netizens criticised the actor for targeting small businesses and suing the restaurant. They extended on the statement, saying that the lawsuit was valid as per court orders. Park Seo Jun's side also explained that another complaint is being filed against the restaurant under malicious ridicule and slander. Why exactly is the lawsuit happening? Previously, the actor was shot while eating a crab from the restaurant in one of his popular K-drama episodes. Ever since then, the restaurant has been using the specific clip as well as photos of the popular actor in order to promote their food to the public without getting legal permission. Even after continuously being requested to stop the use of his face for promotional matters, the restaurant did not respond and continued on with its actions, resulting in the lawsuit.
