May 2024

Anupam Kher, renowned for his versatile performances in Hindi cinema, recently engaged in a conversation with Pinkvilla, where he delved into the enduring legacy of Shah Rukh Khan’s stardom. Reflecting on Khan’s declaration, “I am the last of the stars,” Kher affirmed the sentiment, praising Khan’s longevity and impact in the industry. He remarked, “Shah Rukh ka style acha hai. He is right also. There were actors first…Dilip sahab (Dilip Kumar) 40-45 saal star rahe the.”

Kher’s acknowledgment of Shah Rukh Khan’s statement extends to recognizing the evolving landscape of Bollywood, where stardom faces new challenges amidst an abundance of choices for audiences. While Khan’s assertion resonates, Kher also acknowledges the enduring presence of stalwarts like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn in maintaining their stardom amidst changing times. He emphasized, “So the fact that he made that statement and the fact that you remember it and you asked me about that….in today’s time, it’s tough for actors because choices are too many.”

In addition to discussing Khan’s statement, Kher shed light on his collaborative experience with Shah Rukh Khan, particularly ecalling an improvised dialogue from their iconic film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” Sharing insights into the creative process behind the memorable scene, Kher reminisced, “Shah Rukh & I improvised it on the spot. I felt at that moment that we should do something.” This behind-the-scenes glimpse offers fans a deeper understanding of the camaraderie and creativity shared between Kher and Khan, contributing to the enduring charm of their on-screen chemistry.

As fans continue to celebrate the cinematic contributions of Shah Rukh Khan and his contemporaries, Anupam Kher’s reflections offer a poignant tribute to the evolution of Bollywood stardom and the enduring impact of iconic collaborations in shaping the industry’s narrative.

Also Read: Anupam Kher shares photo with ‘one of his favourite persons’ Jr NTR as he meets him in Mumbai

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest directorial venture, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Manisha Koirala has been drawing attention for her portrayal of Mallikajaan, a courtesan, despite the series receiving mixed reviews.

However, it was one scene involving Koirala and co-star Shekhar Suman that caught viewers off guard, as it was not initially scripted. Reflecting on the unconventional moment, Koirala revealed to Bollywood Bubble, “I was in Nepal doing gardening when I got a call from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office. Sanjay said on the call, ‘Manisha there is a good role for you, just read the script.’ I was so happy. I had stopped dreaming about working with him.”

The scene, which Suman shared on Instagram, dives deep into the complexities of his character, Nawab Zulfikar, as he interacts with Mallikajaan. Suman described it as “unique and unthinkable,” shedding light on the underlying emotions of nobility, servility, and manipulation. Expanding on the scene’s intricacies, Koirala remarked, “See, every little thing Sanjay does, he tries to bring in a new element that we hadn’t thought of, and he does it. So even about this scene, when rehearsals were going on, it must have been new.”

Heeramandi, set in the 1920-40s, delves into the clash between courtesans of Heera Mandi in Lahore and British officials. Alongside Koirala and Suman, the series boasts a star-studded cast, including Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Fardeen Khan, each portraying crucial characters in this sprawling epic. As Koirala’s performance continues to receive praise amidst the series’ mixed reviews, her candid reflections on the unexpected scene offer a glimpse into the creative process behind Bhansali’s vision for Heeramandi.

Also Read: Rekha’s heartfelt words of praise leave Manisha Koirala teary-eyed: “My prayers have come true”

Singer-songwriter Ananya Birla has decided to step away from the music industry to concentrate on her business ventures. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Birla called it the “hardest decision” but acknowledged the growing difficulty of balancing her musical career with her burgeoning business pursuits.

Announcing her decision, Birla expressed gratitude for the love and support she received throughout her musical journey. She also highlighted the challenges faced by Indian artists creating English music, hoping for a future where domestic talent receives wider recognition. In a statement on Instagram, she wrote, “Unforgettable memories, thank you for all the love.”

The post read, “Guys, this has been the hardest decision. I’ve reached a stage where balancing both the businesses I run and am building + music is becoming near impossible and it’s taking a toll on me in ways that I can’t express. Thank you for all the love for the music I’ve released over the years. I hope one day we can appreciate English music made by our own people as there is so much talent in our own country. Thank you again. It’s time I focus all my energies to the business world.”

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Ananya Birla’s musical journey began in 2016 with the release of her debut single. Over the next few years, she carved a path for herself, releasing over 30 songs and even dropping a full album in 2019. Her recent foray into Bollywood playback singing included a track in the film Do Aur Do Pyaar starring Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi.
ALSO READ: Ananya Birla collaborates with American rapper Offset on Cuffed song; inks new record deal with BMG

Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, the highly anticipated web series Stardom, began the shoot in Goa in April 2024. According to a reliable source, as reported by Bollywood Hungama, filming kicked off this Friday, April 19th, in Goa. Adding to the star power, the source hinted that Bobby Deol was also expected to join the shoot for the final few days of filming. Now, there’s another update that Khan has begun his last leg of shoot.

As per a report in Mid-day, sources suggest the young director recently took over the expansive Royal Palms in Goregaon for a five-day filming schedule. The team is aiming to wrap up filming by the end of May if all goes according to plan.

The source shed light on the project’s fast-paced progress, “Aryan was shooting all through April, the locations changing from a studio in Andheri East to Madh Island, and now Royal Palms. The shoot will go on at the Goregaon venue till the end of the week before moving to another location. Simultaneously, Aryan has been overseeing the editing process. Though there is no rush on the show’s delivery, the team is keen to release it by the year-end.”

For his directorial venture, Aryan has chosen a familiar subject – the dazzling world of Hindi cinema. The series, which began filming in June 2023, will consist of six episodes. While the lead actor remains under wraps, it is said that Lakshya Lalwani is one of the protagonists. The project boasts a string of exciting cameos, including Shah Rukh Khan himself alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.

Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Stardom is a six-episode web series that delves into the world of Bollywood.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Aryan Khan to commence Goa schedule of Stardom from April 19; deets inside

Get ready to be on the edge of your seat as the highly anticipated psychological thriller film, Kartam Bhugtam, unveils its trailer today! Directed by the acclaimed Soham P Shah, known for his work on films like Kaal and Luck, Kartam Bhugtam promises a gripping narrative that translates to “what goes around, comes around” – a narrative that perfectly encapsulates the film’s intriguing plot.

Sharing his excitement, director Soham P. Shah expressed, “It’s been a gratifying experience to have worked with solid actors like Shreyas, Vijay Raaz, Madhoo and Aksha. Working with such actors makes a director’s craft shine better. It’s the time of real storytelling, as the audience wants original ideas. A special thanks goes to Gandhar Films & Studio Pvt. Ltd. for their unwavering support and belief in this project. Their backing allowed us to create a film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.”

“We are incredibly excited to be embarking on this journey with Kartam Bhugtam! This marks our very first project as a production house, and having the immensely talented Soham P Shah at the helm, along with such a stellar cast, is an absolute dream come true. We are confident that this film will not only captivate audiences but will also set a high bar for our future endeavors,” said Gandhar Films & Studio Pvt. Ltd.

Lead actor Shreyas Talpade also expressed his gratitude and said, “Soham’s vision for the film is exceptional, and his direction truly elevates the entire project. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Gandhar Films & Studio Pvt. Ltd. on this project and their dedication to the film has been inspiring. I can’t wait for audiences to witness this unique story come to life on the big screen.”

The film boasts a stellar cast, featuring Shreyas Talpade, Vijay Raaz, Madhoo, and Aksha Pardasany. Kartam Bhugtam is all set to hit cinemas nationwide on May 17, 2024, and will be released in five languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam – ensuring a pan-India theatrical release.

Produced by Gandhar Films & Studio Pvt. Ltd., Kartam Bhugtam is poised to be a cinematic treat for fans of psychological thrillers. With its captivating trailer launch today, the wait for the film’s release just got even more exciting!

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Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Soham Shah reveals it was risky to cast Shreyas Talpade, known for comedy, in his thriller, Kartam Bhugtam; also says, “I am often told Kaal and Luck were ahead of time. But it’s important to make films as per the current time”

Amazon Prime Video is today one of the biggest OTT platforms in India. Several people played a part in making the streaming giant a force to reckon with in India and one of them was Aparna Purohit. And now, it is being said that she has resigned from her post of Head of India and SEA Originals. And if all goes well, she’s expected to be hired in an enviable position at Aamir Khan’s production house, Aamir Khan Productions.

Aparna Purohit joined Amazon Prime Video India in January 2016 as Head of Creative Development. In April 2019, she was promoted to Head of India Originals and in 2022, she was assigned the plum post of Head of India and SEA Originals. She was also a regular at launch events of Amazon Prime Video’s original films and web shows.

An industry insider commented, “She is in advanced talks with Aamir Khan and in a few days, it’ll be known if she has accepted the job offer and pay package. Aamir has often said that he has grand plans for Aamir Khan Productions. Signing Aparna could be the step in that direction. Together, they can churn out some solid content.”

It is, however, not known when Aparna Purohit will end her tenure at Amazon Prime Video and whether she will grace the Panchayat 3 and Mirzapur 3’s launches. The insider commented, “Her sensible talks and million-dollar watt smile added to the charm in the Prime Video events. She’ll surely be missed.” While the much-awaited show Panchayat 3 will be released on May 28, Mirzapur 3 is expected to premiere in July.

Meanwhile, Aamir Khan Productions’ recently released film, Laapataa Ladies, got universal acclaim and trended well in cinemas. Ever since it dropped on Netflix, it has become a huge talking point on social media.

Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan calls Laapataa Ladies a “gem”: “Take a bow”

Jolly LLB 3 just got a major casting boost with the addition of Huma Qureshi. A recent report by Pinkvilla has confirmed that Qureshi has joined the cast alongside Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. As per the report, Huma, who played Pushpa Mishra in the 2017 film Jolly LLB 2, is likely to reprise her character. Filming for the third installment has already begun in Rajasthan, with Kumar and Warsi portraying their respective Jolly characters.

“Huma Qureshi will be joining the cast of Jolly LLB 3. She is traveling to Ajmer today to begin filming for the project,” the report quoted a source. The news comes shortly after a fun video posted by Kumar and Warsi on Instagram, announcing the film’s commencement. The lighthearted video featured both actors introducing themselves as their characters, Jagdishwar Mishra (Kumar) and Jagdish Tyagi (Warsi), with veteran actor Saurabh Shukla also making an appearance. 

The caption hinted at the film’s comedic tone: “Who’s the original and who’s the duplicate? We don’t know yet. But this sure is going to be a jolly good ride!” 

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Staying true to the franchise’s roots, Jolly LLB 3 will be a situational comedy set within the Indian legal system. The story revolves around a conflict between the two Jollys, with Saurabh Shukla playing the judge. This time, reportedly, the case will be bigger and a lot more complicated than the previous installments. Filming will primarily take place in Mumbai and real locations across Rajasthan. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, Jolly LLB 3 is slated for a theatrical release in 2025.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar seeks blessings at Pushkar’s Brahma Temple amid Jolly LLB 3 shoot, see pics

Actress Akansha Ranjan Kapoor has officially put an end to the swirling rumours by confirming her relationship with director Sharan Sharma. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, she boldly stated, “Yes, I am in a relationship with Sharan.” While acknowledging her romance with Sharma, Kapoor also maintained a stance of privacy regarding her personal life, stating, “While I have not hidden the fact that I am dating him, I don’t like to discuss my personal life too much.”

Reflecting on her journey in the film industry, Kapoor emphasized the importance of carving her own path to success, independent of familial connections. She highlighted the significance of self-reliance, expressing, “I have been friends with actors, but I never expected them to help me out in any way.” Kapoor’s determination to establish herself based on her own merits underscores her commitment to personal growth and professional integrity.

As Kapoor continues to make strides in her acting career, she is known for her performances in projects like Guilty and the recent Netflix release Monica… O My Darling. Meanwhile, Sharan Sharma, known for his directorial debut Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, is gearing up for his upcoming project Mr & Mrs Mahi, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor. With their respective ventures, Kapoor and Sharma are poised to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry, both personally and professionally.

Also Read: From floral co-ord sets to Bohemian maxi dresses; here are Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s Top 5 summer looks

Ever since Animal released, Triptii Dimri has become the talk of the town. Among superstar actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandana, Anil Kapoor, who received immense love, was also Triptii who too garnered attention for her role as Zoya in the film. The actress, who has in the past delivered power-packed performances in Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, and Qala, has been on a signing spree since the success of her 2023 release. Along with a series of films which are in the pipeline, the actress has now also been onboarded as the face of a mega real estate project in Goa, which interestingly, also has Amitabh Bachchan as a brand ambassador.

The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) has onboarded Triptii Dimri – as the face of its latest project in the heart of Goa which comprises of an expansive 130+ acre, 5-star luxury plotted development nestled in Bicholim. This exclusive and premium project is aimed at redefining opulence, and boasts of a host of amenities designed to offer an unmatched experience. Highlighting this project’s commitment to embodying class, Triptii Dimri shot extensively in Goa as a part of her brand photoshoot.

In the past, the actress had credited her success to Animal as well as her hard work, as the reason for her signing spree. “I have had sleepless nights post Animal, due to the excitement of the release and am really happy with its success. I think there will be a shift in my career now. I’m getting a lot of love from people; it’s quite overwhelming and when you are appreciated for something that you’ve done, it motivates you to do better,” mentioned Triptii in an interview with Pinkvilla.  She had further revealed to Hindustan Times, “When I started off as an actor, very few projects would be happening. People would wait for even six months to get acting jobs, and I had to work hard. Today, however, there are so many opportunities to do work. There’s enough work for actors, especially because of OTT, so it’s a good feeling.”

One Goa’s centrepiece is a magnificent 5-star hotel, seamlessly integrated with a sprawling 40,000 sq. ft. clubhouse. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque man-made sea and beach, One GOA is a mere 40-minute drive from the newly inaugurated MOPA airport.

On the other hand, speaking of Triptii Dimri, the actress has interesting projects as a part of her lineup which includes Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Kartik Aryan, Bad Newz alongside Vicky Kaushal as well as Vicky Vidya Ka Who Wala Video alongside Rajkummar Rao. Apart from these, the actress will also be a part of the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal’s sequel – Animal Park.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri perform on Govinda’s track ‘Main Se Meena Se Na Saaki Se’ two days after wrapping Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video; recreate 80s’ magic, watch

1. Erasable Logo on Apple’s Homepage Hints at New Apple Pencil Coming Tomorrow  MacRumors
2. “Apple Pencil Pro” spotted in code on Apple’s Japanese site  The Verge
3. Apple Pencil Pro is coming according to Apple’s Japan website – GSMArena.com news  GSMArena.com
4. Apple homepage adds interactive ‘eraser’ teaser ahead of tomorrow’s iPad event  9to5Mac
5. Apple Pencil 3: From Haptic feedback to squeeze gestures, everything we know  The Indian Express