Have you heard? A new pandemic story for Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan

Even as the country is throwing caution to the wind, Vidya Balan is gearing up to examine a hitherto unexplored aspect of the novel Coronavirus outbreak. The Jalsa actor has reportedly signed director Laxman Utekar's next, set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tentatively titled Waiting Room, the project will see Vidya venturing into a new genre that she hasn't explored before. The narrative promises a thrilling experience with a realistic plotline and a good dose of emotions. Prior to this, Vidya will shoot Anu Menon's crime drama, set in London, with Neetu Kapoor. The Shakuntala Devi director's murder mystery was initially scheduled to start last March, but was deferred due to the second wave. To be shot extensively in the streets of London, the yet-untitled project is said to start by the month-end.

Pushed and driven away

Yo Yo Honey Singh has reportedly filed an FIR against five unknown persons for manhandling him during a performance in a South Delhi club on March 27. He stated in his complaint that the five men disrupted the show and pushed the artistes on the stage. One of them threatened him while another shot a video claiming, ‘Honey Singh ko bhaga diya'.

Rashmika's fan moment

Rashmika Mandanna couldn't have got a better birthday gift. A day after turning 26, she started her new film with Thalapathy Vijay. She was completely star-struck when she met him during the puja to mark the movie's launch. Sharing some pictures, she wrote, "Now, this feels like something else. Been watching sir for years and now to do everything that I've been wanting to do.. act with him, dance with him, take his nazar, talk to him.. everything... finally! (sic)"

Hello Lucknow

Janhvi Kapoor took off for Lucknow yesterday, while Varun Dhawan is scheduled to join her there soon. The duo is all set to start filming Nitesh Tiwari's next, Bawaal, in the Uttar Pradesh capital. Varun and Janhvi will be shooting for the film, based on the trophy wife syndrome, over the next one month. Reportedly, Varun plays a small-town guy who marries a gorgeous girl, essayed by Janhvi, in the hope of improving his social status. But unexpected twists turn his life upside town. After completing this schedule, the two actors will head to Europe to shoot the outdoor sequences and songs.

Mommy knows best

Ravi Kishan's mother played a key role in his journey into the movies. During the new episode of Swarna Swar Bharat, he reminisced about his struggle before achieving success. Ravi revealed that while his priest father didn't approve of his interest in acting, his mother always supported him in his pursuit of his passion. "One day, my mother handed me Rs 500, with which I fled to Mumbai. She's smart and clever and has been my support system all my life," says the actor-turned-politician, adding, "Even when I'm travelling during elections, I call my mother to understand the on-ground situation. Whatever fame I have got till date, all the credit goes to her."

Another action thriller

Even as his first production venture, IB 71, is in the works, Vidyut Jammwal has finalised his next movie. Not surprisingly, his second production will be an action thriller too. The actor, who plays an Indian intelligence officer deployed in the run-up to the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war in the Sankalp Reddy directorial venture, has roped in his Commando 3 director Aditya Datt. Since the story is primarily set abroad, the film will be shot in various locations in London and Poland. Aditya has already finished the recce in UK, and is planning to start shooting the film this June.

Friends worried about Saira

Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha and Mumtaz are worried about their friend Saira Banu. She has reportedly gone into a shell after the demise of Dilip Kumar last July. Dharam and Shatru tried to reach out to their friend and co-actor of many films, but she remained inaccessible. Mumtaz went to Saira's residence, but couldn't meet her. Dharam hopes she is in good health. Shatru has said that he wants her to know that he and wife Punam are there for Saira if she needs them.

Akki, Priyan to reunite

Almost 12 years since their last collaboration, Khatta Meetha, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are set to team up again. Starting with Hera Pheri (2000), which gave a new dimension to the actor's career, the duo delivered several hits together. The veteran director revealed that his seventh movie with AK is being written and they will take it on floors next year. They were supposed to begin work earlier, but their plans went awry due to the pandemic.

On a shooting spree

It appears as if Sanya Malhotra has a jam-packed date diary. So much so that she has no time off between shoots. Can't blame her if she's collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan. On Wednesday evening, she returned from Gwalior where she was shooting for Kathal. The following morning, Sanya had to report to the set of south director Atlee's next with Shah Rukh Khan in Film City. They will also be joined by south star Nayanthara, who also plays a key role in the yet-untitled movie.