It may appear as if all is quiet after Salman Khan took over the production of Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali from his decades-old friend Sajid Nadiadwala. However, sources tell us that work is on at a brisk pace to have the cameras rolling by early June. Interestingly, brother-in-law Aayush Sharma and protégé Zaheer Iqbal (Notebook) are very much a part of this Farhad Samji directorial venture that also features Pooja Hegde and Venkatesh. Talk is that another Salman protégé, Sooraj Pancholi, might also be brought on board for a pivotal part. Apparently, a 90-day shooting schedule has been chalked out. Filming will kick-start with a major spell in ND Studios in Karjat, near the Radhe actor’s farmhouse and he will be stationed there till the shoot is complete. Later, the team will also have two schedules overseas, the locations for which will be finalised in the next few weeks. Our source says, “Salman is planning the schedule in such a way that they don’t lose any days and meet the December 30 release date.”
Another Dulhania in the works?
Over five years since Badrinath Ki Dulhania, talk is that director Shashank Khaitan is planning a third outing with Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. The trio first teamed up for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and after its success, reunited three years later for a sequel. The filmmaker and his leading man tried to collaborate again, but in vain. While their big action extravaganza Rannbhoomi was aborted before take-off, Mr Lele fell through, reportedly over creative differences. Now, it looks like the two friends will team up again. Apparently, Shashank has sounded his Dulhania jodi about the concept and they have liked it too. However, it remains to be seen when things get finalised.
Working to exceed expectations
The huge success of Pushpa: The Rise has already raised the bar for the sequel of the Allu Arjun starrer. Everyone on the team is working hard to surpass the expectations from Pushpa: The Rule. Dialogue writer Shrikant Vissa is reportedly sparing no effort in delivering powerful lines. Conceding that they didn’t expect the dialogues to become such a rage, he said that the sequel will have more catchy lines. “There is unbelievable pressure. We have to work towards exceeding the expectations,” he has been quoted as saying. Vissa shared that they try to improvise the dialogue even during the dubbing. He also revealed that the sequel will have more action sequences between Arjun and Fahadh Faasil.
The stage is set for Ranveer
Ranveer Singh, who is gearing up for the release of his next, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, has interesting plans to launch the film’s first song, Firecracker, at a suburban college. The actor will unveil the peppy number with an impromptu performance at the auditorium packed
with young collegians, reveals our source. “Ranveer is an electrifying live performer and one can only imagine that he will bring the house down with this launch,” says our informer. Reportedly, all preparations are ready for the actor to set the stage ablaze with his energetic performance. Our source also adds that it is the producers’ idea to take Ranveer directly to his fan base, the college students who have always appreciated his histrionics.
Mom is the boss
Ram Charan, who is currently promoting the Chiranjeevi-fronted Acharya, which also features him in a pivotal role, was posed with a tricky question. He was asked who is he more afraid of — his father, or wife Upasana. The RRR actor smiled and replied, “My dad will be more cautious in front of my mother. So, following him, I will be more cautious in front of my wife Upasana. By the way, my mom is boss to me, my dad, and Pawan Kalyan garu.” Though amused, his megastar-father Chiranjeevi couldn’t disagree either.
Balika Vadhu’s horror move
Avika Gor, who became a household name with her TV show Balika Vadhu, is all set for her big screen debut. Interestingly, she had chosen the horror genre for her foray into the movies, and has signed on 1920: Horrors of The Heart, to be directed by Vikram Bhatt’s daughter Krishna. Vikram broke the news on social media. Sharing a photograph with the actor, director and Mahesh Bhatt, he wrote, “1920 started a new chapter in my life and now another story set in 1920 will kick start in Hindi films the career of the immensely talented Avika Gor and the gritty girl director Krishna Bhatt. 1920 — Horrors of the Heart is written by my mentor and guru Mahesh Bhatt. This time, I play the producer — cheering from the wings for the amazing talent.”
Don’t wish, just do it
Instead of chilling over the weekend, Palak Tiwari opted to devote time to a cause. On the occasion of Earth Day, the Bijlee bijlee actor participated in the Versova beach clean-up with environmentalist Afroz Shah. “I’ve heard about the poor condition of our beaches and for the first time I saw how bad it really is. I thought instead of wishing people Happy Earth Day, I would rather contribute and do something and give back to our Earth,” said Palak. She added, “I felt so good after the clean-up exercise that I want to get into the habit of doing this often.”
