Word on the street is that Tara Sutaria has replaced Kiara Advani in producer Murad Khetani’s next, Apurva. Considering Kiara was the leading lady in the Murad-backed Kabir Singh (2019), she was the producer’s first choice for the woman-centric thriller. However, it is being said that Kiara and her team felt that with several big projects in her kitty, the relatively small-budget film didn’t fit into the scheme of things. So, she respectfully opted out, even though she liked the script. Her exit has turned out to be a major gain for Tara, whose roles have largely been restricted to the heroes’ romantic interest. She would do well to give a rest to the actioners and shoulder a film.
Another remake
What can be a better birthday gift than a powerful film for Aamir Khan, who turned 57 yesterday? We hear Laal Singh Chaddha isn’t the only remake on his mind. The superstar is said to be in talks with director RS Prasanna for the remake of the Spanish movie, Campeones. It tells the story of a basketball coach who builds a team comprising the intellectually-disabled. So, has Mr Perfectionist given his nod to the remake? At the meet-and-greet held yesterday, Aamir said, “The planning is going on. I can talk about it only when things are finalised.”
Party time for KJo, Apoorva
When Karan Johar throws a bash, it’s bound to become the talk of the town. To bring in Dharma Productions’ CEO Apoorva Mehta’s birthday on March 18, the filmmaker is set to host a party to remember. KJo has sent out exquisite invites, which include a bottle of bubbly and a jar of chocolates, to the who’s who of Bollywood. He has personally supervised every detail of the bash — from the décor to the lavish spread, and the music. Looks like it’s time for the stars to bring out their blingy outfits and baubles.
A mid-summer wedding
Wedding bells are ringing for singer Kanika Kapoor. She is prepping for her big, fat summer shaadi with UK-based businessman, Gautam. The couple, who have been dating for a year, are contemplating walking down the aisle this May. Kanika, who shuttles between UK and India, intends to host the festivities in London.
Far from a role call
Zareen Khan was compared to Katrina Kaif when she made her debut opposite Salman Khan in Veer (2010). However, her career didn’t exactly resemble Kat’s dream run. Now, she has attributed the lack of opportunities to her inability to network. She reportedly said that filmmakers prefer working with their friends, and since she doesn’t have the right friends in the industry, she is staring at a dearth of offers.
Food for thought
Arjun Kapoor is pleased as punch. The food delivery start-up, which he had invested in over two years ago, has onboarded over 10,000 women, thus helping them run their families. “I’m proud that I have managed to create a platform that has enabled so many women to be self-reliant during the pandemic,” beams the actor. In 2019, he backed the platform with the idea of turning talented home-chefs into entrepreneurs. “Enhancing scope [is crucial] so that women can participate in creating equality. This is key to overturn several societal stereotypes,” he adds.
Ek baar jo maine commitment kar di…
It’s not every day that a TV actor turns down a film offer from a big banner. That’s exactly what Bigg Boss 15 winner Tejasswi Prakash has done. She has bowed out of a T-Series production that would have marked her Bollywood debut. Reason? She had already committed the dates to Naagin 6. For Tejasswi, a big screen splash can wait.
Accolades in abundance
It is indeed a moment of celebration for filmmaker Aditya Kripalani as his film, Not Today — originally shot in February 2020 — won the top honour at the recently concluded Bangalore International Film Festival. The film received the FIPRESCI International Critics Award and Best Asian Film at the gala. The Tikli And Laxmi Bomb director believes that movies like Not Today, which address mental health and suicide, are the need of the hour.
