Double trouble
Actor Ahaan Panday is set to reunite with filmmaker Mohit Suri for a new romantic drama backed by Yash Raj Films, following the success of ‘Saiyaara’ (2025). Reports suggest Mohit had initially developed a different rom-com idea, which did not materialise. The buzz is that the script is now being reworked to suit the actor, with filming expected to begin later this year. An official announcement is expected soon.
The taste of success
‘Saiyaara’ — starred Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda; earned R577 crore worldwide; the highest-grossing romantic film in Indian cinema is now streaming on OTT.
‘Voice of an angel’
(L-R) Asha Bhosle and Damon Albarn
Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, 92, passed away on April 12, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy. Her funeral, held with state honours at Shivaji Park, saw several celebrities pay their respects. Among global tributes, Damon Albarn of the band, Gorillaz, remembered her fondly, saying, “Asha Bhosle was someone I had admired from afar for many years, her voice was my gateway to the marvellous world of Bollywood. I met her twice in Mumbai and was entranced by her grace and poise at the age of 91. Asha, you had the voice of an angel, we love you.”
Asha Bhosle in the art work of Gorillaz’s song ‘The Shawdowy Light’
Asha Bhosle x Gorillaz
Gorillaz collaborated with Asha Bhosle on their latest album ‘The Mountain’ (‘Parvat’), blending her timeless vocals with the band’s experimental alt-rock sound, marking one of her final and most unexpected global musical ventures.
Hit the big four
Kartik Aaryan. Pic/Instagram
Actor Kartik Aaryan is reportedly set to reunite with filmmaker Luv Ranjan for a new romantic comedy after months of discussions. We have learnt that the duo has finalised a concept rooted in the Punchnama space, with Kartik approving the script and tentatively scheduling dates from October. The filmmaker, who was earlier considering an action project, is said to have shifted to a lighter, humour-driven narrative that aligns with Kartik’s on-screen image. The project is expected to go on floors late next year.
Colour me kesari
Varun Dhawan. Pic/Yogen Shah
Actor Varun Dhawan, last seen in Border 2, is reportedly in talks for Operation Sindoor backed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Bhushan Kumar. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Varun has been offered Operation Sindoor and has shown interest in the lead, but he will take a call after the full narration.” The actor, however, is said to be choosing carefully as he finalises his next project.
Think before you sign a film
Nag Ashwin. Pic/X; (right) Mrunal Thakur. Pic/Yogen Shah
Actor Mrunal Thakur, currently basking in praise for Dacoit, received a special compliment from filmmaker Nag Ashwin at the film’s success meet. Praising her performance, he said, “Mrunal, I think you are amazing. I am generally very protective of the stuff that you pick. Whenever you do something that’s not great, I am like, ‘Why is she doing that? She deserves to do much better stuff.’ And whenever there’s a character that has that depth, or sorrow or pain, I think you are like that era of Madhubala and Smita Patil. So please don’t do random stuff and do good stuff.”
Their film together
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ was directed by Nag Ashwin, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan. The film crossed R1,000 crore worldwide.
Natural chemistry
(L-R) Sai Tamhankar and Vijay Varma
Actor Sai Tamhankar, who will soon be seen in Matka King, an upcoming web show, shared a playful behind-the-scenes video with co-star Vijay Varma. The clip captures candid moments of the duo’s off-screen banter. “We found comfort very early on, which allowed us to be more spontaneous,” Sai said, praising Vijay’s generosity as a co-actor.