Rapper Badshah and Punjabi actor Isha Rikhi have announced their divorce, just five months after their marriage. The couple confirmed the separation through identical statements shared on their respective Instagram Stories on Monday night, August 31.In the statement, Badshah said he and Isha had “mutually decided to part ways” and move forward on separate paths. He added that the decision was made with mutual respect and requested people to respect their privacy during this period.The couple also made it clear that they do not intend to make further public comments about their relationship. Their statement requested people to avoid “further speculation or assumptions” about the reasons behind their separation.

Badshah-Isha Rikhi marriage lasted around five months

Badshah and Isha Rikhi reportedly got married in an intimate ceremony in March 2026. The wedding was kept largely private, although pictures from the ceremony later surfaced on social media. Reports said the two had been in a relationship for around four years before getting married.The relationship had attracted attention because both Badshah and Isha had generally kept their personal lives away from the spotlight. Speculation about trouble in their marriage began circulating on social media in July.However, neither Badshah nor Isha had publicly confirmed the reasons behind those rumours before Monday's announcement.

What Badshah and Isha said about their separation

Their joint statement focused on the decision to move forward separately rather than explaining what led to it.Badshah said the decision was taken with mutual respect and asked the public to give them privacy. The couple also specifically requested that no further assumptions be made about their relationship.As of now, neither has publicly disclosed the reason for the divorce. Therefore, speculation surrounding the cause of their separation should not be treated as confirmed information.

Badshah's second marriage

The separation marks the end of Badshah's second marriage. He was previously married to Jasmine Masih. The couple separated and finalised their divorce in 2020 and have a daughter together.For now, Badshah and Isha Rikhi have indicated that their August 31 statement will be their only public comment on the matter.

The controversy began after Sonam Bajwa reacted to reports of police action against protesters during the CJP agitation in Delhi. Sharing her thoughts on social media, the actress said the visuals from the protest had left her heartbroken and appealed for compassion toward students. Her post quickly drew mixed reactions online, with some users supporting her stand while others questioned her decision to comment on a politically sensitive issue.

As the debate intensified, Babbu Maan addressed the issue during a public interaction, urging people not to drag artists into political battles. According to the singer, entertainers are citizens first and have the right to express concern over humanitarian matters without being labelled politically.

Maan said every individual is entitled to an opinion and that disagreement should not result in personal attacks. He added that the entertainment industry should not become a battleground where actors and musicians are expected to align themselves with one political ideology or another.

The singer also appealed to people to maintain respect while engaging in public discourse, stressing that social media should not be used to intimidate or silence individuals merely because they hold a different view.

Sonam Bajwa has not issued any further clarification since her original post. The actress had reacted after reports emerged of clashes during the CJP protest march in Delhi, where police used force to stop demonstrators attempting to move towards Parliament. The protests, centred on education-related demands, triggered widespread political debate and also drew reactions from several personalities from the film industry.

The incident once again highlighted the increasing scrutiny faced by celebrities whenever they comment on public affairs. In recent years, actors, musicians and sportspersons have frequently found themselves at the centre of online campaigns after expressing opinions on social or political developments.

Within the Punjabi entertainment industry, Babbu Maan has often maintained that artists should focus on humanity rather than political divisions. His latest remarks are being viewed in that context, with supporters praising him for defending freedom of expression while encouraging civil discussion.

The episode has also sparked wider conversations about whether public figures should remain silent on contentious issues or use their platforms to speak on matters they consider important. While opinions remain divided, Babbu Maan's intervention has shifted part of the discussion towards the role of artists in public life.

Neither Sonam Bajwa nor Babbu Maan has indicated that they intend to engage further in the controversy. However, their comments continue to generate discussion across social media, where users remain sharply divided over the intersection of celebrity voices and political debate.

The rumours began circulating shortly after the trailer's release, with several social media posts alleging that the makers had intentionally used a fake promotional narrative involving a Pakistani content creator to attract attention. The claims quickly spread across multiple platforms, prompting confusion among fans.

However, people associated with the film have dismissed the reports, maintaining that the circulating narrative is baseless and has no connection with the movie's official promotional strategy. No evidence has emerged to support the viral claims, and the production team has not announced any collaboration involving the influencer being discussed online.

Directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira, Ishqnama is inspired by the real-life story of Nimma and Naseema and is adapted from the book Hind Pak Bordernama. Set between 1981 and 1988 along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, the film follows the journey of a young Sikh poet from Indian Punjab and a Muslim woman from Pakistani Punjab whose relationship unfolds against the lingering scars of Partition.

The recently released trailer focuses on the emotional challenges faced by the lead characters as political tensions, family pressures and geographical borders test their relationship. Shehnaaz Gill plays Naseema, while Jayy Randhawa portrays Nimma. Actor Saurabh Sachdeva also features in a pivotal role.

Speaking during the trailer launch, director Arvvindr S. Khaira described the project as a story that could not be confined to a music video despite his long association with the Punjabi music industry. He said the film attempts to present an extraordinary true story through an emotional cinematic narrative. Shehnaaz Gill also called the role of Naseema one of the most meaningful performances of her career.

The online controversy has, meanwhile, highlighted how quickly unverified claims can gain traction on social media during high-profile film promotions. Neither the filmmakers nor the officially released promotional material references the viral story that has been widely shared online.

Despite the speculation, audience interest in Ishqnama has remained focused on its period setting, emotional storytelling and the pairing of Shehnaaz Gill with Jayy Randhawa. The trailer has received strong engagement across digital platforms, with many viewers appreciating its portrayal of love set against a historically sensitive backdrop.

The film also marks another significant project in Shehnaaz Gill's career as she continues expanding her work beyond television and mainstream Hindi cinema into large-scale Punjabi productions. Industry observers believe the film could strengthen her presence in regional cinema if it connects with audiences upon release.

Ishqnama is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026, across India and several overseas markets. The makers have continued promoting the film through official channels while steering clear of the viral claims circulating on social media. Further reactions are expected as the release date approaches.

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has expressed disappointment after his much-awaited film Punjab 95, released on the OTT platform ZEE5 under the title Satluj, was removed just two days after its digital premiere. While the streaming platform said the decision was taken due to "current circumstances," Diljit said the incident reflected a worrying decline in humanity rather than a personal setback.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session, the actor said he was not upset about the film being taken down because it had already reached audiences online.

"I am not sad that the film has been removed from the internet because it has already reached people. Once something is online, it cannot be erased. What saddens me is that humanity seems to have died," Diljit said, adding that compassion and understanding appear to be fading.

The actor also revealed that he had anticipated possible hurdles before the release. According to him, the team believed that if the film remained available for even a few days, it would achieve its purpose by reaching viewers.

During the interaction, Diljit hinted that another upcoming project had also faced restrictions. He told fans that after this development, he would focus on his scheduled Europe concert tour, with the first performance planned in Berlin.

Following the removal of the film, ZEE5 issued an official statement acknowledging the audience's positive response and thanking viewers for supporting the project.

The platform said it continues to have confidence in the film and its creators, describing Satluj as an important piece of storytelling. However, it stated that the film would remain unavailable until further notice because of the prevailing circumstances.

ZEE5 also said it is exploring all available legal options to restore the film on the platform at the earliest while reaffirming its commitment to meaningful and authentic content.

The controversy has also drawn political reactions.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the decision, describing the removal of the film as an attack on truth, collective memory and freedom of expression. He argued that Punjab's history should be discussed openly rather than suppressed.

The film is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented thousands of alleged illegal cremations during Punjab's militancy period. Khalra's investigations attracted international attention before he was abducted in 1995. His family alleged that he was tortured and killed in police custody, following which the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case.

The project has witnessed a long and controversial journey before reaching audiences.

Originally announced in 2022 under the title Ghallughara, the film was later renamed Punjab 95 after objections were reportedly raised during the certification process. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recommended extensive modifications, including numerous cuts and changes related to historical references, although the complete list of suggested changes was never officially published.

Unable to secure theatrical clearance in India, the film premiered internationally in February 2025 and later received recognition at international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, where Diljit Dosanjh's performance earned praise.

Its digital release on ZEE5 was seen as the first opportunity for Indian audiences to watch the film legally. The unexpected removal shortly after release has now reignited debates around censorship, artistic freedom and the challenges faced by films dealing with politically and historically sensitive subjects.

Neither the streaming platform nor the filmmakers have confirmed when the film will return online, leaving its future release schedule uncertain.

The strong run of Bhooth Bangla at the box office has triggered reactions across the industry, with actor Sonam Bajwa publicly congratulating Akshay Kumar for the film’s early success. Speaking during a promotional event in New Delhi, Bajwa acknowledged the film’s performance and credited Kumar’s mass appeal for its strong opening numbers.

Box Office Surge

Trade estimates indicate that Bhooth Bangla is nearing the ₹100 crore mark worldwide within its first week. The film reportedly crossed significant milestones within six days of release, with steady footfall in both urban and mass circuits.

Early figures from Day 7 suggest continued momentum, reinforcing its status as one of the latest trending releases in India. Industry trackers describe the performance as consistent, particularly in northern markets.

Sonam Bajwa Reacts

Addressing media queries, Sonam Bajwa said she was “extremely happy” for Akshay Kumar and the team. She highlighted Kumar’s reputation as a dependable box office performer, stating that his films often attract strong audience turnout.

Bajwa’s remarks came during promotions for her upcoming Punjabi film Pitt Siyapa, where she appeared alongside co-actor Paramvir Singh Cheema. According to sources present at the event, the actor maintained a balanced tone, focusing on industry camaraderie rather than competition.

Industry Background

The collaboration between Sonam Bajwa and Akshay Kumar dates back to Housefull 5, where the duo shared screen space. The film had received attention for its ensemble cast and comedic narrative, contributing to Bajwa’s growing presence in Hindi cinema.

Akshay Kumar, often referred to as a consistent performer in commercial cinema, has delivered multiple box office successes across genres. His latest release continues that trend amid a competitive theatrical landscape.

Promotional Push Continues

Bajwa is currently focused on promoting Pitt Siyapa, scheduled for theatrical release on May 1. The film marks another significant project in her Punjabi cinema portfolio.

During interactions, Paramvir Singh Cheema expressed enthusiasm about working with Bajwa, noting her popularity and professional approach on set. Promotional activities are expected to intensify in the coming days across major cities.

Audience Response Trend

Box office analysts suggest that Bhooth Bangla has benefited from positive word-of-mouth and holiday-season footfall. The film’s genre appeal and Akshay Kumar’s established fan base have contributed to its steady collections.

As per reports, multiplex occupancy rates have remained stable, while single-screen theatres have shown growth in select regions. This trend reflects broader patterns in India News Update cycles, where content-driven films gain traction quickly.

What Lies Ahead

With the weekend approaching, trade experts expect Bhooth Bangla to either cross or come close to the ₹100 crore milestone globally. The film’s second-week performance will be crucial in determining its long-term box office standing.