Bollywood Roundup: Kartik Aaryan, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, and more…

Kartik Aaryan Jets to London for ‘Captain India’ Shoot

Mumbai — Kartik Aaryan is London-bound as he gears up to begin filming his upcoming movie “Captain India.”

The Bollywood star shared a photo dump on Instagram Friday documenting his journey from Mumbai to London, including airport snaps, his luggage, music playlist and a look at the film’s shooting script on his tablet.

He captioned the post, “VABB to EGLL,” referring to the airport codes for Mumbai and London Heathrow.

“Captain India” is reportedly inspired by India’s real-life evacuation of citizens from a war-torn country. The film is directed by “Chak De! India” filmmaker Shimit Amin and produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, Baweja Studios and Dopamine Studios, with S.B. Films handling production.

Aaryan recently won Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance in Kabir Khan’s sports drama “Chandu Champion.” He was also invited to President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day “At Home Reception” at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Akshay Kumar Recalls Stealing Grapes From Amitabh Bachchan as a Kid

Mumbai — Akshay Kumar has revealed a funny childhood memory involving Amitabh Bachchan, recalling how he once stole grapes while asking the Bollywood legend for an autograph.

Appearing on “Kaun Banega Crorepati” with Saif Ali Khan and director Priyadarshan, Akshay said he first met Bachchan as a child on the sets of “Bemisal.”

Akshay said he had gone with his parents because his father was a huge Bachchan fan. While the actor signed an autograph for him, young Akshay grabbed a small bunch of grapes sitting nearby.

“You saw me,” Akshay recalled. “Then, while I was leaving, you called me back. There was an even bigger bunch of grapes there, and you said, ‘Take this one too.’”

Saif also shared his memories of working with Bachchan in “Eklavya: The Royal Guard,” saying he was initially nervous but deeply impressed by the veteran star’s command over dialogue and work ethic.

“I have always been inspired by him and have always learned something from him,” Saif said.

“Kaun Banega Crorepati” airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

Saif Ali Khan Recalls Nerves Working With Amitabh Bachchan: ‘Thank God I Had Prepared’

Mumbai — Saif Ali Khan has recalled being nervous the first time he worked with Amitabh Bachchan, saying he made sure he was fully prepared before sharing the screen with the Bollywood legend.

Saif opened up about the experience on “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” where he appeared alongside Akshay Kumar to promote their upcoming film “Haiwaan.”

The actor said he was working on Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 2007 film “Eklavya: The Royal Guard” when Bachchan unexpectedly asked him to deliver an entire dialogue as a cue.

“I had long dialogues, so I was learning them,” Saif recalled. “Then he asked me to say the entire dialogue, and I thought, ‘Thank God I had prepared.’”

“Eklavya: The Royal Guard” starred Bachchan, Saif, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Sharmila Tagore, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff and others.

Saif is now preparing for the September 11 release of “Haiwaan,” his first film with director Priyadarshan. The movie also reunites him with Akshay Kumar after 18 years, with Saif playing a visually challenged character.

Soha Ali Khan Opens Up About Parenting Her 8-Year-Old Daughter

Mumbai — Soha Ali Khan has opened up about the challenges of raising her 8-year-old daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, particularly when it comes to deciding how and when to discuss sensitive topics.

Speaking on the latest episode of her “All About Her” podcast, Soha said she recently found herself wondering whether to keep certain books and cue cards out of Inaaya’s reach now that her daughter can read.

“My daughter’s eight and she can read now,” Soha said, recalling how Inaaya had started going through some of her podcast material. “I thought maybe I should take away the ones that are related to this podcast because she might ask questions.”

The episode featured author and researcher Dr. Seema Anand and sexual wellness advocate Leeza Mangaldas, with the conversation focusing on sexuality, relationships and the right age to introduce children to such discussions.

Soha, who is married to actor Kunal Kemmu, welcomed Inaaya in September 2017. The couple largely keeps their family life private while occasionally sharing glimpses of their parenting journey.

“All About Her” is available on YouTube.

Sushmita Sen’s Emotional Birthday Note to Daughter Renee: ‘Thank You for Making Me a Mother’

Mumbai — Sushmita Sen celebrated daughter Renee Sen’s birthday with an emotional message, thanking her “first love” for making her a mother.

The actress shared a series of photos and throwback memories on social media featuring Renee, younger daughter Alisah Sen and moments from their family vacations.

“Thank you for making me a Mother… proudly YOUR Mother,” Sushmita wrote. “You truly are a miracle…the affectionate, loving & beautiful kind!”

She also encouraged Renee to follow her dreams, remain kind and continue “singing, dancing & most importantly, preparing, for what your destiny holds.”

Sushmita adopted Renee in 2000 when she was 24 and later welcomed Alisah into her family in 2010. The former Miss Universe has frequently spoken about motherhood and her close bond with both daughters.

Renee, who was born in 1999, has also followed her mother into the entertainment industry.

Priyanka Chopra Pays Tribute to Gloria Steinem: ‘Thank You for Lighting the Way’

Mumbai — Priyanka Chopra Jonas paid tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem following her death at age 92.

The actress shared a black-and-white video of Steinem on Instagram, writing, “Thank you for lighting the way. Rest in Glory, Gloria Steinem.”

Steinem, a pioneering journalist and one of the most prominent leaders of the second-wave feminist movement in the United States, died peacefully at her New York City home surrounded by loved ones, according to her foundation.

Priyanka, meanwhile, recently announced a new film with Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe. The thriller follows a grieving U.N. translator who joins a black-ops mission in the Congo to recover a mysterious downed aircraft.

She will also appear in S.S. Rajamouli’s “Varanasi,” alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. (Source: IANS)