Have you heard? A fun spy thriller next

Buzz in B-Town is that Ayushmann Khurrana has bagged a spy comedy with Karan Johar. The makers are in talks with Sara Ali Khan to play the leading lady

Buzz in B-Town is that Ayushmann Khurrana has bagged his first film with Karan Johar. Co-produced by Guneet Monga, the yet-untitled project is said to be a spy comedy helmed by Aakash Kaushik. The makers felt that the actor is the right fit for the script that is a perfect mix of edge-of-the seat moments and humour. “It is a film with scale, thrills, action and plenty of comedy,” says a source. He further shares that breaking the predictable norms of the spy genre, it will be a quintessential Ayushmann film with a message. The makers are in talks with Sara Ali Khan to play the leading lady. They are also expected to make an official announcement and reveal the title in the coming days, even though filming is slated to begin only after a few months.   

Chalo Delhi

Aamir Khan is leaving no stone unturned in the making of his next, Sitaare Zameen Par. Director RS Prasanna’s adaption of the Spanish sports drama, Campeones (2018) is centred on the Paralympic Games with the actor-producer playing a basketball coach. Come May, Aamir and the team will head to Delhi for a month-long shoot, undeterred by the rising mercury in the capital. They will film at landmark locations like Red Fort, Lodhi Gardens, Tyagraj Stadium and parts of Old Delhi. The actor-producer is planning to bring the inspiring story to screens during Christmas 2024.

Question time

Tamannaah Bhatia has reportedly been summoned before the Maharashtra Cyber for questioning in connection with the illegal streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament last year on an app that resulted in a huge financial loss to the official rights holder. The Babli Bouncer (2022) actor has been asked to report before the Maharashtra Cyber on April 29. She is not the only one to be questioned in this case. Sanjay Dutt was also summoned on April 23, but he couldn’t appear as he was out of the country. Consequently, the Leo actor has sought another date from the authorities. It is being said that Tammy and Sanju allegedly promoted and endorsed Fairplay app, a subsidiary of the controversial Mahadev betting app. 

Meera’s heavy duty act

While shooting a wedding sequence can be fun, it proved to be a difficult affair for Meera Deosthale. While filming the extensive portions of her character Nandini’s wedding with Naren (played by Zaan Khan) for the television show, Kuch Reet Jagat Ki Aisi Hai, the actor had to wear a traditional Gujarati panetar lehenga adorned with detailed embroidery. If that wasn’t enough, she also had to add another layer of gad cholo with intricate gold work and jewellery. While sporting Gujarati attire was a special feeling, Meera says, “I wore this [creation] for 20 to 25 days. The panetar lehenga was heavy; along with the gad cholo and jewellery, it all collectively weighed 35 kilos.” Conceding that it was almost impossible to walk around in it, the actor adds, “Sometimes I couldn’t even move, but despite the challenges, it was an interesting experience.” At the end of it all, it appears that she is done with heavy outfits for life. “Now, I feel that when I get married, I will wear a simple dress,” she signs off.

Overwhelmed and emotional

The première of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar turned out to be an emotional affair for Richa Chadha. The actor, who plays Lajjo in the web series, was showered with praise and affection by none other than Rekha for her performance. Seeing Richa overwhelmed, Rekha too had tears in her eyes. Calling it a milestone moment in her career, Richa said, “Receiving praises and love from someone as revered as Rekha ji is a moment I will cherish forever. I couldn’t have asked for bigger validation, my heart is full.” Sharing that her solo mujra in the show is inspired by Rekha’s song, Yeh kya jagah hai doston, from Umrao Jaan, she added, “She has been my inspiration, my hero and she’s the definition of what an icon is. Her kind words and affection towards my performance left me speechless and deeply touched. I will never forget this night and her blessings.”

Global glory

Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan (2023) has earned a nomination at the Taurus World Stunt Awards, which are referred to as the Oscars for the action genre. The high-octane stunts of Atlee’s directorial venture have been recognised in the Best Stunts category. The other nominees are Hollywood blockbusters like John Wick: Chapter 4, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Extraction 2, and Ballerina.

An extra special song

Over 20 years after Ishq Vishk (2003), producer Ramesh Taurani is gearing up for the sequel, Ishq Vishk Rebound. Helmed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari and featuring Rohit Suresh Saraf, Pashmina Roshan, Naila Grrewal and Jibraan Khan, the campus romcom is slated to arrive on June 24.

But first, rapper-singer Badshah and director Farah Khan will team up for a special number for the film. “It is an iconic song, recreated with a contemporary twist. Prep has begun and the team will shoot it with the principal cast next week,” said a source. The soundtrack, composed by Rochak Kohli, will be one of the highlights of the film.

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