Namik Paul joins the cast of Kumkum Bhagya; says, 'I'm playing an anti-hero for the first time'
Kumkum Bhagya
continues to delve into the evolving love story of Prarthana (Pranali Rathod) and Raunak (Akshay Dev Bindra), ushering in a new era filled with emotional turmoil, layered characters, and gripping narratives.
Following the much-celebrated return of beloved characters from Kundali Bhagya, Preeta (Shraddha Arya) and Karan (Shakti Anand), the show now introduces another powerful addition to its ensemble—popular television actor
Namik Paul
, who joins the cast as
Shivansh Randhava
. He is a man whose intensity and inner conflict are set to shake up the world of Kumkum Bhagya like never before.
Shivansh is a sharp, disciplined businessman who lives by perfection and the values instilled in him by his Bua Maa.
Calm and emotionally guarded, he rarely lets anything shake his focus, until a clash with Smita Zaveri (Gurdip Punjj) turns his world upside down. Her sudden presence in his life leaves him deeply unsettled, triggering a burning desire for revenge. Once principled and composed, he is driven by anger, ushering in a gripping new chapter in the show.
Essaying this intense and emotionally charged role is popular actor Namik Paul, who is stepping in as the
anti-hero
.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money
Expertinspector
Click Here
Undo
Namik Paul said, 'I'm thrilled to be joining a legacy show like Kumkum Bhagya, which has been a fan favorite for years. What makes this experience even more special is that it marks the first time I'm playing an anti-hero. As an actor, it's both exciting and challenging to tap into a character who isn't outright evil but is emotionally damaged and driven by pain.'
He further said, 'Shivansh is a good man at heart, but circumstances, pushed him down a darker path. Portraying that shift in his personality, while keeping him real and relatable, will be creatively fulfilling. There's a lot of suspense around why he turns the way he does, and I'd love for the audience to uncover that as the story unfolds. The team has been amazing, and I'm really looking forward to viewers seeing this new, darker shade of me on screen.
'
It will be interesting for viewers to see how his quest for revenge sends shockwaves through the lives of Prarthana and Raunak, drawing them into a storm of emotional upheaval and unexpected twists.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
All difficulty options explained in Lies of P Overture DLC
Image via NEOWIZ Lies of P: Overture is a fresh challenge, and now, for the first time, it's your choice how brutal that challenge should be. With the new Overture DLC, developer Neowiz finally adds long-requested difficulty settings, letting players tailor their experience based on how much pain (or mercy) they want from this twisted, Pinocchio-inspired soulslike. Whether you're a hardcore dodger or someone just here for the eerie narrative, this guide breaks down all the difficulty modes and how to switch between them. Every Difficulty Mode in Lies of P: Overture With the DLC update, Lies of P now offers three difficulty settings, impacting both the base game and the new Overture content. Each one changes how enemies behave, how much damage you deal and receive, and how demanding the combat feels. Lies of P - Select Difficulty (Explanation) Butterfly's Guidance, Awakened Puppet, Legendary Stalker 1. Butterfly's Guidance (Very Easy) Ideal for players more interested in the story than the struggle. Combat is toned down heavily here. It is like "cinematic mode" for soulslike skeptics. You'll breeze through battles with minimal effort, perfect for first-timers or those just soaking up the atmosphere. For you if: You want to watch the story unfold, not wrestle with every enemy encounter. 2. Awakened Puppet (Easy) This mode hits a nice middle ground. Combat still matters, but enemies are more forgiving, and parry windows are a bit more generous. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo You'll die less, rage less, and still get that classic Lies of P feel, just without the blood pressure spike. For you if: You want to fight, but not fight for your life every 30 seconds. 3. Legendary Stalker (Standard) This is the original difficulty from the base game—no hand-holding, no mercy. Perfect blocks, brutal bosses, and high tension define this setting. It's where the game was meant to be played, and the mode most soulslike veterans will likely stick to. For you if: You live for the grind and the glory. Lies of P | How To Change Difficulty How to Change Difficulty in Lies of P? You can choose your difficulty when you start a new game, but the real win here is flexibility. Jump into the Gameplay settings at any time to switch modes. No restarts. No loss of progress. Just instant adjustment based on your mood or frustration level. Boss Rush Difficulty – A Different Beast The Boss Rush mode, introduced in the Overture DLC, has its own twist: it uses levels 1–5 instead of the named difficulties. Levels 1–3 match up with Butterfly's Guidance through Legendary Stalker. Levels 4–5 are locked at first but offer extreme, unforgiving challenges for the brave (or reckless). Beat Level 3 to unlock the rest. What's the Best Difficulty for You? If you're new to Lies of P , don't let pride ruin your playthrough. Start with Awakened Puppet or Butterfly's Guidance to learn the ropes, then move up when you're ready. The core experience remains intact - creepy world, tight combat, and haunting boss battles, but just at your pace.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Real places, real stories: The truth behind Bollywood's most iconic shooting locations
Have you ever watched a Bollywood movie and wondered, 'Where was this breathtaking scene filmed?' Chances are, you've seen more of India (and the world) through cinema than you realize. From dreamy valleys to haunted forts, Bollywood has used the magic of real locations to heighten its storytelling. But here's the twist: not everything you see on screen is what it seems. Some filmmakers cheat the locations using smart set design or CGI. Others insist on shooting at actual spots—some beautiful, some terrifying, and some outright legendary. Let's take you behind the scenes of some of Bollywood's most iconic filming locations—complete with stories from the stars and directors who brought them to life. The Icelandic Wreck That Became Bollywood's Star Remember the Gerua song from Dilwale where Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol dance amidst waterfalls and a broken plane? That half-wrecked aircraft wasn't a prop. SRK revealed in a Times of India interview that the plane 'was already there' on a real Icelandic crash site. 'Legend has it that the pilot crash-landed it there and saved everyone.'Yes, that surreal backdrop? 100% real. Shah Rukh Khan recalls filming Gerua in extreme cold: 'Our clothes were flying away, and I was slipping on the ice.' Kajol admitted they had no idea they'd find a wrecked plane in the middle of nowhere—it just became part of the story! Real locations aren't just for the audience—they deeply impact actors' performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A chilling fort, a snowy cliff, or even a bustling Indian market can bring out raw emotion. Goa: More Than Just Beaches & Booze Bollywood has an enduring love affair with Goa. Whether it's friendship, crime, or heartbreak—this coastal haven plays every role with flair. Dum Maaro Dum didn't fake the chaos of Arpora's Saturday Night Market—they shot scenes live, amidst real tourists and vendors! Rohit Shetty's Dilwale used actual Goan workshops and cafes, giving scenes an authentic desi vibe. Dear Zindagi? Alia Bhatt cycled through real alleys in South Goa. Drishyam was shot at some scenic locations in Goa Ajay Devgn saw a different side of Goa during 'Drishyam' Shooting at Heritage Sites = Instant Grandeur Bollywood's obsession with heritage locations is no secret. Think forts, palaces, ghats—they don't just look majestic, they add authenticity. Filmmakers told Times of India that 'shooting at heritage sites adds a certain richness' and visual poetry to the frame. From Jodhaa Akbar's regal sets in Rajasthan to Ram-Leela's palace sequences, grandeur comes alive when it's real. Haunted & Spooky: Films That Got Too Real Yes, even horror films crave real fear. Enter: Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan—officially deemed 'haunted' and off-limits after sunset. According to Times of India, Bhangarh has hosted several Bollywood horror shoots. And trust us—no need for sound effects here. The silence and shadows are chilling enough. Films like Karan Arjun, Kapat, Trip To Bhangarh, etc were shot at the location and had their eerie experiences to share. Other popular haunted spots used in horror films include the deserted Kuldhara village and the eerie alleys of Shimla. Global Glamour: From Prague to Portugal Bollywood's camera also loves Europe. As per a blog on Hayot Films, here are some mind-blowing international shoots: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil – Vienna's museums and old-world charm Raabta – Budapest's Liberty Bridge Rockstar – Prague's romantic streets War – A car chase in Arctic Finland! These weren't recreated in studios. They were the real deal, with local crews and freezing temperatures to match. Closer Home: India's Scenic Stunners Kashmir: The valley has returned to Bollywood, with movies like Haider, Raazi, and Fitoor shot against its majestic backdrop. Gujarat: From Lagaan to Ram-Leela, its arid terrain and vibrant culture are cinematic gold. Kerala: Those lush backwaters and houseboats aren't CGI—films like Guru and Life of Pi used real locations in Alleppey and Munnar. Next time, if you're swept away by a romantic Bollywood song, or feel chills down your spine in a haunted scene—remember, you might just be watching a real place with a real story.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NFL great Aaron Donald returns to Los Angeles Rams as mentor, shaping future stars via AD99 Foundation
Aaron Donald (via Getty Images) Aaron Donald may have left the NFL field, but the ex-Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman is back in the news—this time, not for tackles, but mentorship. The three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year is back in the Los Angeles Rams' complex, not in pads, but with a leadership playbook, as he works on developing young athletes through his AD99 Foundation. Aaron Donald's influence goes beyond NFL with leadership and youth training camps The retired Los Angeles Rams player Aaron Donald, perhaps the best defensive great in NFL history, is rewriting the book on what post-career life can mean for a superior athlete. Aaron Donald officially retired from professional football in March of 2024, but he remains active in the sport. Instead of considering broadcasting or entrepreneurship, Aaron Donald has dedicated himself to mentoring the next wave of football players through focused mentorship and on-field coaching. What's at the core of all that is the AD99 Solutions Foundation, which was co-founded by Donald with his wife, Erica Donald. What the foundation does is give resources, opportunities, and support to underprivileged youth. Its next football training camp, set on July 19, will be open to high school linemen and middle school flag football players. What it wants to do is bring elite-level coaching together with personal growth, with inputs from Donald himself and other seasoned professionals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo This program represents a larger goal: to make sure young athletes build not only their on-field skills but also the mental toughness and discipline it takes to succeed over the long term. Donald's mentoring approach transcends drills and tackles—it's about confidence, leadership, and character-building. Also read: Aaron Rodgers picked the worst day to break NFL news as Donald Trump and Elon Musk go viral As Aaron Donald presses on with this new path, off the field, his impact can potentially equal that of his record-shattering years on it. By mentoring and motivating the next generation of athletes, he is making sure that the standards he stood for—work ethic, discipline, excellence—last. His journey is an exemplar to retired athletes seeking to remain relevant, active, and inspirational, far beyond the final whistle.
