Rakul’s film with Ajay Devgn is 50 per cent complete
Mumbai– Actress Rakul Preet, who last featured in Neeraj Pandey’s “Aiyaary”, says 50 per cent of the shoot of her forthcoming urban romantic comedy film with Ajay Devgn, is complete.
During an interaction with the media on the sidelines of the Femina Miss India grand finale here on Tuesday, Rakul said: “Right now in the Hindi film industry, I am working on a film with Ajay Devgn sir. It is an urban rom-com and it is being produced by Luv Ranjan sir.
“We are 50 per cent through the film, so the audience will be able to see the film really soon and then I have bunch of south Indian films. I am working on three Tamil films and one Telugu film.”
The Ajay-starrer also features Tabu in a pivotal role and it will focus on modern-day urban relationships in a quirky way. The film, slated to release around Dussehra in October, is being shot extensively in Himachal Pradesh and London.
It is being directed by editor-turned-director Akiv Ali and co-produced by T-Series and Luv Films.
Alia’s ‘Raazi’ mints over Rs 200 cr worldwide
Mumbai– Alia Bhatt-starrer “Raazi” has minted over Rs 200 crore worldwide, announced filmmaker Karan Johar, who has co-produced the film.
Karan shared the news on his Twitter account on Wednesday. “A proud film! Rs 207 crore gross worldwide,” Karan tweeted.
The Meghna Gulzar directorial, which minted Rs 32.94 crore in India on its opening weekend, was distributed internationally by Zee Studios International, releasing in 450 screens across 42 countries, read a statement to IANS.
Based on Harinder Sikka’s book “Calling Sehmat”, the story of “Raazi” revolves around a young Kashmiri girl who gets married to a Pakistani Army officer and becomes a spy to give inside information about the neighbouring country to protect her own.
Co-produced by Junglee Pictures, the film also stars Vicky Kaushal, Rajit Kapur, Soni Razdan and Jaideep Ahlawat in pivotal roles.
The film was released in India on May 11.
B-Town celebrities wish Irrfan Khan speedy recovery
Mumbai– Celebrities like Paresh Rawal, Ayushmann Khurrana and Swara Bhasker among many others have wished a speedy recovery to Internationally acclaimed Indian actor Irrfan Khan, who is currently in treatment for a “rare disease”.
Irrfan in March announced he has been diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour and that he was going out of the country for treatment.
Here’s what the celebrities have tweeted:
Paresh Rawal: Khan Saab, you will sail through all the way. Prayers and more prayers.
Ayushmann Khurrana: Sir! You are beyond cinema. Prayers are always with you. Legend.
Rajkummar Rao: You are an inspiration to all of us sir. We love you.
Swara Bhasker: Irrfan Khan sir you are an artist beyond compare and artists live forever! Sending so many prayers and wishes your way… Waiting for you to be back and weave your magic upon us all- ur enthralled audiences. Love and strength!
Riteish Deshmukh: Good wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery Irrfan.
Patralekha: Irrfan sir you will be fine. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Sending you prayers and love.
Rahul Dholakia: Get well soon bhai. praying.
Chitrangada, Aditi share same love in Mumbai
Mumbai– There is one thing that is similar about Bollywood actresses Chitrangada Singh and Aditi Rao Hydari — their love for Bandra in Mumbai.
The two actresses have spoken about their favourite Mumbai locales in Bombay Times’ #FlirtWithYourCity campaign, said a statement.
Chitrangada said: “If I have to call an area the Paris or New York of Bombay (Mumbai), I would say it is Bandra. The area is filled with a bunch of restaurants, which serve delicious variants across cuisines like Italian, Indian, Japanese, among others. It is also home to some really quaint cafes.”
Aditi said: “I love going to Carter road (in Bandra). It is my all-time favourite.”
When asked them about other fun places to visit in the city, Aditi said: “It has to be Prithvi Cafe. I always love to try to catch a play there and have the famous Irish coffee there. You can always find creative people there talking about the industry and discussing ideas.”
On the other hand, Chitrangada fancies Chor Bazaar.
“It is generally crowded, so I would recommend anyone who is visiting to go along with some company. You need to be very lucky to find some unique masterpieces.”
Varun Dhawan salutes security guard on TV show
New Delhi– Actor Varun Dhawan saluted a security guard on a television show as a mark of respect for the man’s bravery, dedication to duty and family.
In the next episode of Star Plus’ show “Sabse Smart Kaun?”, Varun and Alia Bhatt were seen opposite each other supporting a security guard’s family and a school principal’s family respectively, read a statement.
When the show proceeds, the guard says he isn’t respected because of the profession he is in.
Inspired by his story and work, Varun dresses up in the guard’s uniform and salutes him for his bravery, ability to support his family and for educating his children.
Varun said to the guard: “Our country is still progressing but we’re definitely leading when it comes to using common sense. You’ve inspired me and it is because of you that we are safe today and are doing well. You (your effort of) educating your son is a live example. Today I salute you.”
A.R. Rahman appointed Sikkim government’s brand ambassador
Gangtok– Famed Indian composer and singer-songwriter A.R. Rahman has been appointed the brand ambassador of the Sikkim government, a senior minister said on Wednesday.
“We have appointed Rahman as the state government’s brand ambassador for a year,” Sikkim Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Commerce and Industries Ugen T Gyatso, told IANS over phone.
As the government’s brand ambassador, Rahman would keep coming to the Himalayan state from time to time and promote it, said the Minister.
The 51-year-old music producer, who has in his kitty two Academy and two Grammy Awards, is now in Sikkim. “He will leave on Thursday,” the Minister said.
In an official notification, Chief Secretary A.K. Srivastava said Rahman will promote and project the state’s achievements nationally and globally.
Earlier this year, Rahman had been made Sikkim’s brand ambassador of tourism and business.
Rahman is a widely awarded music personality and has worked in an array of international projects.
In 2010, Rahman was conferred the country’s third highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan.
Priyanka Chopra writing memoir on her ‘private’ journey
New Delhi– Actress Priyanka Chopra is writing a memoir, titled “Unfinished”, which will be published simultaneously in India, the US and Britain next year. In the memoir, Priyanka said, she is ready to write about her feelings during the course of what has been a fascinating journey.
“The flavour of the book will be honest, funny, spirited, bold, and rebellious, just like me,” said Priyanka, whose foray into the entertainment industry began at the age of 17 when she won Miss India and went on to win Miss World the following year.
“I have always been a private person, I’ve never spoken about my feelings during my journey but I am ready to do so now. I was raised to be fearless when it came to opinions, and I would like to tell my story in the hopes of inspiring people — especially women — to change the conversation, to shatter glass ceilings.
“Women are always told we can’t have everything. I want everything, and I believe anyone else can have it too. I’m proof of it,” she added.
The surprise announcement was made late on Monday by leading publisher Penguin Random House India, which recently announced the publication of A.R Rahman’s authorized biography.
UK and Commonwealth (including India) rights were acquired at auction from Siobhan O’Neill and Fiona Baird, on behalf of Mel Berger, of William Morris Endeavor.
Meru Gokhale, Editor-in-Chief, Penguin Random House India, said: “I met Priyanka Chopra for the first time when she delivered the Penguin Annual Lecture in New Delhi in 2017, and was amazed at the way people in the audience, and especially young women, responded to her words, her provocation and her rallying cry.
“At Penguin Random House India, we are committed to publishing strong female role models, and are immensely proud of having Priyanka Chopra on that list.”
“Unfinished”, the publisher said, is a collection of personal essays, stories, and observations by the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Richa heads to London for premiere of ‘Love Sonia’
Mumbai– Actress Richa Chadha has jetted off to London for the world premiere of her film “Love Sonia” at the London Indian Film Festival.
The film is headlining the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival which will begin on the Thursday and concludes on June 29. The actress will be going along with her director Tabrez Noorani and co-actor Manoj Bajpayee.
“I am very excited for audiences in London to see ‘Love Sonia’. Tabrez has made a film that is not just informative but will leave you wanting to do some thing to help the millions of girls stuck in this trade,” Richa said in a statement.
“Love Sonia” talks about sex trafficking. Richa, who plays a brothel owner in the film researched to understand what happens when a girl is trafficked and even spoke to sex trafficking survivors.
Talking about her role in the film, she said: “My role is gripping and that’s all I want to say to audiences because it is something you need to see, nothing I say will do justice to it. It will be screening twice in London and I am hoping it gets the response we are aiming for.”
“Love Sonia” is produced by David Womark, the producer of Oscar Winning film “Life of Pi”. (IANS)
