Two luxury Rolls-Royce cars previously owned by Bollywood legends Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan have been fined a total of Rs 38 lakh for failing to pay road tax in Karnataka. The vehicles, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Rolls-Royce Ghost, caught the attention of tax authorities in Bengaluru due to their unresolved ownership status.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom, once owned by Amitabh Bachchan, has been fined Rs 18.53 lakh, while Aamir Khan’s Rolls-Royce Ghost faces a penalty of Rs 19.73 lakh. According to reports from NDTV, these fines stem from a failure to transfer ownership to the current owner, a local businessman and politician named Yusuf Sharif.

Ownership Issues and Tax Violations

Yusuf Sharif, known colloquially as ‘KGF Babu’ due to his ties to the Kolar Gold Fields, purchased the cars from the actors several years ago but did not complete the necessary paperwork to transfer the registrations to his name. While the cars were flagged for tax violations back in 2021, they evaded penalties at that time because they had not yet been in the city for a full year. With both vehicles now exceeding this threshold under local transport regulations, hefty fines have been imposed.

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials have confirmed that the ownership of both vehicles remains unchanged on official records, creating a complicated situation for Sharif. This has raised questions about the responsibilities of vehicle owners regarding tax compliance, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.

Yusuf Sharif’s Profile

Yusuf Sharif is not just a businessman; he has political aspirations as well. His declared assets reportedly exceed Rs 1,744 crore. He contested the 2021 Karnataka Legislative Council elections representing the Bangalore Urban local authorities’ constituency. Before venturing into real estate, he operated in the scrap business, marking a significant shift in his career path.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, highlighting the intersection of celebrity culture and tax compliance. As the luxury car sector continues to grow in India, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to local laws, regardless of one’s status.

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Salman Khan recently revealed the reason behind enclosing his iconic balcony at Galaxy Apartments with bulletproof glass. This change, which disappointed many fans who traditionally gathered there to catch a glimpse of the star, was not solely due to safety concerns from ongoing threats. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Khan explained that the enclosure was primarily to prevent fans from climbing up and sleeping on the balcony in hopes of meeting him. “I would find them sleeping there,” he stated.

The decision to enhance the balcony’s security came earlier this year, specifically in January 2024, against a backdrop of serious threats against Khan’s life. The actor had been targeted by the gang of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, which heightened concerns for his safety. In April 2024, an alarming incident occurred when gunshots were fired outside Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai, an event later linked to the Bishnoi gang. Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence’s brother, even took to Facebook to claim responsibility for the shooting.

Following these threats, a message was sent to the Mumbai Traffic Police, demanding Rs. 5 crores for Khan’s “forgiveness,” warning that failure to comply would result in dire consequences. The message ominously referenced the fate of Baba Siddique, who was shot dead in Mumbai on October 12, 2024.

In response to these threats, Salman Khan significantly upgraded his security measures. He acquired a bulletproof Nissan Patrol SUV valued at approximately Rs. 2 crores, imported from Dubai to enhance his protection. Additionally, security protocols around the sets of Bigg Boss 18 in Mumbai’s Film City were strengthened, with Khan’s team reportedly receiving an extra eight to ten armed officers. The Mumbai Police have also established a special command centre at his residence to ensure his safety.

Khan’s decision to enclose the balcony reflects a balancing act between maintaining his connection with fans and addressing the very real security threats he faces. As fans continue to support him, the actor remains vigilant about his safety while navigating the challenges of fame in today’s environment.

As Salman Khan prepares for upcoming projects, including the film **Battle of Galwan**, scheduled to begin filming in August, his focus will undoubtedly remain on both his craft and personal security in the face of ongoing challenges in the industry.

Ajay Devgn has postponed the release of his film Son Of Sardaar 2 from July 25 to August 1 in response to the unexpected success of the recently released film, Saiyaara. The decision reflects a strategic move by the producers, recognizing the strong box office performance of Saiyaara, which recorded impressive opening numbers and continued to gain momentum in its second day of release.

Trade experts have praised this decision as a smart business call. The owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, Vishek Chauhan, emphasized the importance of this timing, stating, “Ajay is smart; he’s one of the few actors who has distributed films in Mumbai territory. Hence, he understands business better than most of us.” Chauhan noted that the growth of a non-star cast film like Saiyaara indicated that the second weekend would potentially outperform the first, leading to a crowded cinema landscape if Son Of Sardaar 2 had retained its original release date.

The trade analyst also pointed out the challenges that Son Of Sardaar 2 would have faced at single-screen cinemas, which typically cater to a different audience than multiplexes. “Had the film stuck to its original date, their target audience would have been compromised,” Chauhan added. He defended the decision against criticisms on social media, asserting, “It is Ajay’s money which is at stake. The day they put their money and clash with a film like Saiyaara, then they will understand.”

Taran Adarsh, another veteran in the industry, echoed Chauhan’s sentiments, calling the postponement a wise decision. He noted the competitive landscape, mentioning that both Dhadak 2 and Son Of Sardaar 2 are franchise films releasing on the same day. Adarsh remarked, “Now, we have Dhadak 2 also releasing on the same day. Both are franchises. So, let’s see what happens.”

The trade landscape remains dynamic, with the upcoming War 2 set to release on August 14, potentially sandwiching Son Of Sardaar 2 between two high-profile films. Although the postponement means that Son Of Sardaar 2 now has a shorter window to perform, Adarsh suggested that a two-week period is still ample time for a film to make a significant impact at the box office.

Atul Mohan, a trade analyst, acknowledged the complexities of this decision. While he recognized that postponing a major film might not create the best public perception, he reiterated that the business rationale was sound. “It makes sense. Now, it’ll get sandwiched between Saiyaara and War 2. They will have only two weeks to perform,” Mohan stated, reflecting on the competitive nature of the industry.

The wave of success from Saiyaara has created a ripple effect that the makers of Son Of Sardaar 2 could not ignore. By adjusting its release date, the film aims to secure a more favorable position in the box office landscape, allowing it to reach its target audience more effectively.

In an industry where timing can significantly influence a film’s commercial fate, Ajay Devgn’s decision to delay Son Of Sardaar 2 highlights the strategic thinking necessary to navigate the post-pandemic film market. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how this adjustment affects the film’s performance amid a crowded summer film schedule.

The film *Saiyaara*, directed by Mohit Suri, has emerged as a surprising box office success, grossing an impressive INR 84 crore during its opening weekend. This figure places it as the second-highest opening for a Hindi film in 2025, trailing only behind *Chhaava*, which earned INR 121.43 crore. Starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has defied expectations, particularly given Suri’s recent track record and its status as an unofficial remake of the 2004 Korean film *A Moment to Remember*.

Despite being released on approximately 8,000 screens, fewer than typical blockbusters, *Saiyaara* maintained strong audience engagement, with a notable 71% occupancy on its first Sunday. The film is projected to earn around INR 20 crore on the following Monday, likely pushing its total past the significant INR 100 crore mark shortly thereafter. Some industry experts even speculate it could reach up to INR 300 crore, challenging the current record for modern-day Hindi romantic dramas set by *Kabir Singh*, which grossed INR 278.24 crore.

Five Lessons from Saiyaara’s Unexpected Success

The unexpected triumph of *Saiyaara* highlights several key strategies that could benefit Bollywood, particularly in the romantic drama genre.

First, the film taps into a strong market trend. Recent successes like *Kabir Singh* show that younger audiences are drawn to emotionally charged narratives where the male lead often embodies a brooding, complex character, while the female lead serves as a transformative presence. Suri’s previous hits, such as *Aashiqui 2* and *Ek Villain*, have similarly resonated with this demographic, and the trailer for *Saiyaara* effectively captured this sentiment.

Second, the film’s music played a pivotal role. Audiences today are increasingly turned off by remixes and rehashed tracks; they crave original, soulful compositions that enhance the storytelling experience. *Saiyaara* successfully delivered songs that became integral to the narrative and sparked viral social media engagement, filling a gap that many recent films have overlooked.

Third, the decision to cast newcomers was a strategic move that kept the film’s budget within the range of INR 45–60 crore. This approach allowed the film to achieve profitability almost immediately, a rare feat in today’s cinematic landscape.

While some commentators suggested that *Saiyaara* lacked a robust public relations strategy, this perspective overlooks the film’s more subtle marketing techniques. Yash Raj Films (YRF) opted for a controlled promotional campaign, with Mohit Suri being the primary spokesperson. By minimizing exposure for the lead actors, the film created an air of intrigue, generating fear of missing out (FOMO) among younger viewers.

Finally, the film benefitted from positive word-of-mouth. Reports of enthusiastic audience reactions—videos of packed theaters, emotional breakdowns, and even fainting fans—quickly gained traction on social media. While some of these moments may have been amplified for promotional purposes, they undeniably contributed to sustaining interest and encouraging viewers to see the film soon after its release.

Ultimately, *Saiyaara* demonstrates that a strong emotional core, effective marketing, quality music, and measured expectations can coalesce into a successful box office outcome. YRF and Mohit Suri did not reinvent the formula for romantic dramas but instead adeptly navigated the current landscape to create a film that resonates with audiences. This serves as a reminder that even traditional love stories can capture hearts and fill theaters when executed thoughtfully.