Have you heard? New face for Kartik’s Aashiqui

Kartik Aaryan and Akanksha Sharma

It appears that the makers of Aashiqui 3 have found their leading lady. It is known that Kartik Aaryan is playing the lead in the third instalment of the musical romance. Since a fresh jodi is the key aspect of this franchise, the makers were contemplating heroines - from Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone to Shraddha Kapoor - to cast opposite Kartik. Apparently, they eventually decided to cast someone who hasn't worked in Hindi films, to bring freshness to the franchise. Reportedly, they have zeroed in on Akanksha Sharma, who has primarily worked in the Kanada cinema for quite a while. And not to forget, they were impressed by her performance and screen presence in the song Disco 82 alongside Tiger Shroff. Source claim she has had quite a few meetings with the makers and going by the discussions, it looks like she will soon be signed on opposite Kartik for her big Bollywood debut.

Letting bygones be bygones

Sunny Deol is currently savouring the success of Gadar 2: The Katha Continues. Recently, the actor was asked about his equation with Shah Rukh Khan, after their 1993 hit collaboration, Darr, left him a bitter taste in the mouth. Given that SRK had recently told a netizen that he had seen Gadar 2 and loved it, Sunny said, "Before that, he had called me and wished me well. He told me, ‘I'm so happy, you genuinely deserve it', and I said ‘Thank you.' Then I spoke to his wife [Gauri Khan] and his son [Aryan]. And he [SRK] said, tonight, we are watching the film. So, I think he tweeted after watching it." Asked about their falling-out after SRK stole the limelight for his portrayal as the antagonist, Sunny added, "Whatever they were, I would say time heals everything and we move ahead. That's the way life should be." He also revealed that they have spoken numerous times over the years.

Manasi's lucky charm

Manasi Joshi Roy reveals she wore her mother-in-law's saree and jewellery to audition for the role of Ambika in the television serial Kyunki… Saas Maa, Bahu Beti Hoti Hai. The actor says, "My saasu ma has always been my friend and confidante. I know I can dip into her wardrobe since our fashion sense is similar, and I find her collection very elegant." Crediting her saasu ma's saree and jewellery for helping her bag the part, Manasi adds, "The look turned out to be so good that it boosted my confidence. It definitely worked like a good luck charm for me, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Advance planning

With the principal cast of War 2 on board, the makers are looking to bring it to cinemas in the Republic Day window of 2025. Hrithik Roshan, who made the most of the national holiday with Agneepath (2012), is hoping for an encore with Fighter releasing on January 25, 2024. Producer Aditya Chopra scored a mammoth blockbuster with Pathaan releasing in the same window this year. According to a source, "Adi and Ayan Mukerji are keen on this date and planning backwards, have chalked out their entire schedule accordingly." The action thriller film, also starring Junior NTR as the antagonist, goes on floors this October.

Being Shivani again

Rani Mukerji, who wowed audiences with her realistic performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway earlier this year, has now revealed that Mardaani 3 is on the cards. The actor, who has been associated with the franchise since 2014 as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, shared yesterday, "Mardaani 3 is in the ideation stage." Once the concrete story idea is locked, the third instalment of the tough-as-nails policewoman will get into the scripting stage. She said, "I'm excited to see how Mardaani 3 shapes up! I am keeping my fingers because I would love to play the part of Shivani again." The actor reveals that she was quite nervous when she started the second instalment as she had never done a sequel before. "I was like ‘how will it happen?' as I leave my characters behind each time a film gets over and I don't know if I will be able to reprise that part again. With Mardaani 2, I was surprised that I enjoyed reprising the part. Now [that] I have tasted blood, I want to reprise it again in Mardaani 3," she said.

Jawan trailer arrives with a bang

The prevue of Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan and its songs introduced audiences to the various flavours of the action thriller. On Thursday, the trailer sent the internet into a tizzy with its glimpse of action, adventure and thrills in the Atlee-directed film. It also gives a dekko of the expansive world of the movie, the advance booking for which opens today. Yesterday also marked leading lady Nayanthara's social media debut, sending her followers into a delightful frenzy. Presented by Red Chillies Entertainment, produced by Gauri Khan and co-produced by Gaurav Verma, Jawan releases worldwide on September 7 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.