It looks like Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma might reunite eight years after their blockbuster, PK (2014). On his birthday earlier this week, Aamir confirmed that he is in talks with director RS Prasanna for an adaptation of the Spanish film, Campeones (2018). Now, we hear that the filmmaker has sounded off Anushka about the subject, and she has liked the preliminary narration. If she signs on the dotted line, she will play the companion to Aamir’s character of a temperamental basketball coach who, as part of his community service sentence, builds a team comprising the intellectually-disabled for the Special Olympics. Insiders also reveal that Prasanna may set his adaptation in Punjab. From the story to the casting, this one sounds like a recipe for success.
Take three?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali appears to have rediscovered his friendship with Ajay Devgn while collaborating on Gangubai Kathiawadi. Buzz is that the filmmaker is keen to cast the actor — with whom he first worked on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) — in his next, Baiju Bawra. After working with Ajay recently, Bhansali felt that he would be the perfect Tansen to Ranveer Singh’s protagonist. Interestingly, this role has shades of grey, and we all know how Ajay can bring alive complex characters. The only problem — his busy date diary. But then, who won’t move dates for SLB?
When Ranbir was considered for dad’s swansong
Not many know that the makers of Sharmaji Namkeen considered several options before approaching Paresh Rawal to complete the late Rishi Kapoor’s portions. In a recent video shared by Farhan Akhtar, who is one of the producers of the film, Ranbir Kapoor revealed that the team first contemplated using VFX for the purpose. There was also talk about Ranbir using prosthetics to step into his father’s role. The producers knocked on Rawal’s door when both options didn’t work out. Ranbir added that it is perhaps the first time in Bollywood that one role has been played by two actors.
Another ambitious film
Even as he gears up for the release of RRR, SS Rajamouli has already begun working on his next two projects. First up is an African jungle adventure with Mahesh Babu. While an adventure drama would be enough to keep any director busy, that’s not true of the auteur. Rajamouli and writer-father KV Vijayendra Prasad have finalised the idea of the second offering, too. What’s more, they have met Allu Arjun to discuss the concept and their vision. Do we see another pan-India film in the making?
Shooting in snowy Serbia
Pavail Gulati has traded the heat wave of Mumbai for the cold climes of Serbia. The Thappad actor is currently shooting for Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s web series Faadu in the European country. The extensive shoot has seen the cast and crew explore various modes of transport, from flights to trains and boats. Talking about his first collaboration with the director, Pavail says, “Though it has been a tough shoot with temperatures dropping to minus two-three degrees, it has been a wonderful experience working with Ashwiny. More than a director, she is a friend and mentor. To borrow from our show’s title, it has been faadu working with her.” The show also stars Saiyami Kher.
Salman’s cameos are priceless
Salman Khan has begun shooting for his cameo appearance in Chiranjeevi’s Godfather. It turns out the producers had offered Salman his remuneration for the special appearance, arguing that his presence would improve their film’s prospects in the Hindi-speaking territories. But what is Bhai if not generous? Anyone in Bollywood will tell you how he is always happy to support his friends’ movies. The actor shot down the idea of charging for the appearance, and told the makers that he is doing the role purely out of his love and respect for the south superstar.
Riya, Rohit in historical drama
Another day, another show, another time leap. This time, it’s Kashibai Bajirao Ballal. After tracing the childhood of Kashibai and Bajirao, the makers have decided to take the story ahead by seven years and present the grown-up avatars of the protagonists. Riya Sharma and Rohit Chandel have stepped in to portray the Maratha warrior and his wife. Proud to play one of the legendary women from the Maratha empire, Riya says, “I am soaking myself in the character’s inherent warmth, benevolence and righteousness that Kashibai stood for.” Rohit is working on his look and body language. “I hope to do complete justice to the character of Bajirao, and the show,” he adds.
