From Ranbir Kapoor-Mahira Khan's leaked photos to Mira Rajput's 'puppy' comment: TOP NEWSMAKERS OF 2017

This year has been full of ups and downs for B-Town; Films of superstars have tanked and small indie films have emerged as sleeper hits. It has been a surprising year as audience has rejected films that would have been super hits.

Stars’ personal life has also been in the forefront. Due to the growing papparazi culture, media has been covering the personal life of stars like never before.

Major controversies too erupted this year and some stars have made startling revelations about their personal life. The nation has seen a side of their favorite stars like never before.

Here are the TOP NEWSMAKERS of 2017

There had been growing rumors about Ranbir Kapoor dating Pakistani actress Mahira Khan after the two were seen arguing in a video in Dubai. They had attended the  Global Teacher Prize event in March and in September, Ranbir’s photos from the streets of New York City with Mahira Khan were LEAKED. Ranbir and Mahira were seen smoking in the photos, and Mahira Khan faced immense backlash for her outfit.

About the photos, Ranbir made a statement, “I've gotten to know Mahira in a personal capacity over the last few months. She is somebody who I admire and respect, for her achievements and even more for the person she is. It is very unfair the way she is being judged and spoken about. What is also sad is the inequality in judgment just because she is a woman. I request you to stop the negativity and move on with your beautiful god gifted lives. Peace and love,PS: Both smoking and hate are injurious to health.”

Mahira too, opened up recently and had said, “It is my personal life and it is very normal for a boy and girl to hang out. Nowadays, (the) media is not only present at events but everywhere. So, I have learnt from it.”

While promoting her film, Simran Kangana gave two explosive interviews and revealed details of her relationship with Hrithik Roshan. She gave a timeline to the media about her alleged affair with Hrithik. She also slammed Aditya Pancholi for being physically abusive towards her when she was young.

She said, “He never thought Sussanne would leave him. So, when she left him, I think he got disturbed. We used to talk then and one day, he told me, ‘I think I can see us together in the future. My divorce will finalise in October-November and after that, I will somehow make our relationship public’”

Hrithik too came on a leading channel and clarified. He said that Kangana had imagined them to be in a relationship as she was communicating with an imposter. He said, “I was a single man, and the kind of things she was sending...I could have had a moment where I texted her saying ‘Hey, Come over!’ and ‘what do you want, let’s have an evening’. But if I had done that, I could not have fought this now.”

Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput became proud parents of Misha last year. At an event this year, Mira Rajput stunned everyone with her comments on motherfood and feminism. She said, “I wouldn’t want to spend one hour with Misha and then rush off to work. Why did I have her? Misha is not a puppy. I want to be there for her.”

Netizens, specially working women erupted with anger. She faced a lot of flak on social media. Hubby Shahid had come to rescue by saying, “I think Mira is speaking for a section of women who really aren't being represented. There are times when those women feel that they should not be celebrated. By that I mean women who might not be doing a job, who might choose to be at home, have a baby, take care of the baby and consider that important enough to do at a certain stage in your life.”

Priyanka Chopra made shocking remarks about her ex-boyfriend on a talk show. “Things get exchanged. But this one I really loved because it kind of became mine. It stopped being him like after it stayed back in my house once and I just kind of wore it.He asked for it and I said no. I was like ‘no’. That’s what happens in a relationship. Sorry! And I don’t even think about it.” Netizens were quick to spot the same jacket on Shah Rukh Khan and this was the HOT topic of discussion on every forum.

In another interview, Priyanka opened up about the identity of the man whose jacket it was. Still refusing to take any names, the Dostana actor said, "I call him MF." However, Priyanka received an apology from the same publication claiming she was misquoted.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s son is not only the apple of their eye but also of the nation. The nation went into a tizzy when the FIRST photo of the munchkin came out. Saif had put a photo of his son as his whatsapp DP and the photo went VIRAL in minutes. Ever since, the cute little one has been a favorite of the nation and is a celebrity himself.

Saif had then said, “Yes, she was like, ‘Nazar lag jayegi and all of that’. But agar nazar lagni hoti toh Kareena would be in the hospital by now (smiles). I don’t believe in all of that. I didn’t mean to share it. It was my WhatsApp display picture. But it is fine. I don’t plan to hide him. We will have a tough time figuring out how to bring him up. I think Taimur is already a bit of a popular chap. So, I think we will have to teach him to be grounded, as people will watch whatever he does.”

A leading international newspaper published a story detailing decades of sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Hollywood A-listers, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie opened up about being harassed by Weinstein. Ashley Judd came forward to narrate her horrific incident with the producer. This sparked a huge controversy and many British actresses came forward claiming the Weinstein had raped them. The Producers Guild of America banned Weinstein for life. After this expose, there have been accusations against Kevin Spacey and skeletons in the closet are out

Miss India Manushi Chhilar won the Miss World crown for India after 17 years. Priyanka Chopra had brought home the crown in 2000. The aspiring doctor from Haryana won the hearts of the judges by giving a heartfelt answer on which profession should deserve the highest salary. “I think a mother deserves the highest respect and when you talk about salary it’s not always about cash but I feel it’s the love and respect that you give to someone. My mother has always been the biggest inspiration in my life, she had said.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding rumors have been the top news this month. It is being reported that the couple have flown to Italy to tie the knot in a private ceremony. The couple has not commented on the incessant rumors, however sources close to the couple have confirmed that they will indeed tie the knot in the coming week in a villa in Italian countryside. Anushka Sharma’s family priest also accompanied her family and was clicked at the airport, fueling the speculations of their wedding.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much awaited film, Padmavati’s poster launch created a frenzy among fans. They were waiting with bated breath for the film’s release on 1^st December, which has now been deferred. Protests against the film intensified and many Rajput groups resorted to vandalism claiming that Bhansali had distorted history by filming a dream sequence between Queen Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji. Deepika Padukone, the film’s lead actress has been threatened with physical harm and has been subsequently provided with police protection.

Deepika had said, “I will never feel scared. Fear is not an emotion I have ever identified with.  As a woman, an artiste and a citizen of this country I feel angry, I feel let down and I also find it amusing.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement this year. They are all set to have a royal wedding next summer.

An official statement by Prince Charles was made announcing the engagement. It read as, "His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. The wedding will take place in Spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents. The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace."

Two Indian films, Bahubali and Dangal created a record after grossing approximately 2000 crores. The SS Rajamouli directorial smashed all records, the first part of the film had done well, but the second part saw unprecedented success. Audiences loved Prabhas in the role of a royal- King Amarendra and Mahendra. The film surpassed all records and became a blockbuster. About a third installment, SS Rajamouli had said, “The story we began with has concluded. But who knows, if my father [KV Vijayendra Prasad] comes up with a great story, and I feel like I have to make a film out of it at any cost, only then Baahubali 3 will be made. It is a distant possibility, but I don’t see it happening in the near future. The first thing I need to do is take the success of Baahubalicompletely out of my system. Obviously it will take some time to do that, and start thinking like a director of a first film.”

Aamir Khan’s Dangal too managed to smash all records and touched the 2000 crore mark. Dangal has become the highest-grossing Indian film--thanks largely to its success in China. It is the fifth non-English-language film to cross the $300 million mark in worldwide box-office receipts, and it made it to the list of the top 20 highest grossers in China.

Kangana Ranaut surprised everyone when on Karan Johar’s talk-show she made comments like, “In my biopic, if ever it’s made, you’ll play that stereotypical Bollywood biggie, who is like you know…very snooty and completely intolerant towards outsiders, flag bearer of nepotism, the movie mafia.”

Karan on another platform retorted, “I am done with Kangana playing the victim card at every given point of time with a sad story to tell about being terrorised by the bad people in the industry; if it’s so bad, leave it. Because what is Nepotism? Am I working with my nephews, nieces, daughters, and sons?”

And the NEPOTISM debate started thereafter. Karan has been asked to comment about it even today.

Beyonce and Jay Z were blessed with twins on June 13 this year, Sir and Rumi Carter. The power couple became parents again this year.

Serena Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian were blessed with a babygirl this year. The couple also got married recently in a private ceremony.

Esha Deol and husband Bharat Takhtani became parents to Radhya Takhtani. Lisa Haydon gave birth to son, Zack Lalvani earlier this year and has been sharing photos of her munchkin on her social media account.

Sunny Leone and husband Daniel Weber adopted a two year old girl from Latur, Nisha. Sunny had said, “Nisha is the best gift I could ask for. She is so beautiful and amazing! From being in a foster home to coming home with us, she has been adjusting to her new life, it's so amazing. It is just that God brings people in your life, when it is the right time.”

Soha Ali Khan and husband Kunal Kemmu were blessed with daughter Inaaya. Kunal shared a photo of his daughter on Children’s Day this year.

These little ones are definitely newsmakers!

Ace comedian Kapil Sharma has had a rough year, after news of him assaulting colleague Sunil Grover came out. Kapil made many stars wait for shoots and even cancelled on stars like Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. Kapil admitted to being depressed and that he had taken to the bottle. Sunil then quit The Kapil Sharma Show and eventually the show was taken off air. Kapil had commented, “I am just going to rest for some days. It is just a drop of a few episodes because I cannot ignore my health at this stage when my movie is also going to release and the coming schedule is going to be more hectic. I will come back with full force. I am thankful to the channel that they allowed me and did not put any pressure.”

Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter, Sara Ali Khan’s foray in Bollywood was announced this year. The stunning girl has started shooting for her debut film, Kedarnath with Sushant Singh Rajput. She has become media’s favorite and is being clicked wherever she gets spotted.

Another star kid on the block is Sridevi’s daughter, Janhvi Kapoor. Karan Johar announced her debut film, Dhadak with Ishaan Khatter.