Have you heard? Good news indeed!

Pics/Instagram

Good news indeed!

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh yesterday announced on social media that they are in the family way. The couple broke the news with a picture that comprised cute motifs of baby clothes, baby shoes and balloons, and read, ‘September, 2024'. Soon enough, congratulatory messages poured in for the parents-to-be. While Priyanka Chopra Jonas wrote, "Mubarak," Kareena Kapoor Khan welcomed them to the "best phase of your life." Arjun Kapoor, who shares a brotherly bond with Ranveer, commented, "Baba getting his own baby with Boo Boo!" Rumours of Deepika's pregnancy first appeared after last month's BAFTAs, where she presented the award for Best Film Not in the English Language to Jonathan Glazer for The Zone of Interest. She and Ranveer began dating during the making of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela (2013) and tied the knot on November 14, 2018.

Batting for Indian content

Bhumi Pednekar is thrilled that her film, Bhakshak, is amongst the top five non-English films globally on OTT for weeks now. Upbeat with her success, she says, "Content films have been the toast of the industry recently and that gives me a lot of joy and hope. 12th Fail is one of the best films I have seen in my life. I owe my career, my identity to forward-thinking cinema and filmmakers." Bhumi adds, "I hope more Indian films and series wow people globally and India writes the next chapter of global entertainment landscape."

Real to reel

Sheeba and Akashdeep have been seen playing small but significant roles in films like Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The real-life husband-wife will next be seen in Sonu Sood's Fateh and Alia Bhatt's Jigra, which they wrapped up recently. Now, we hear that Akashdeep and Sheeba will also been be seen together in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. A source says that the two have been signed on for crucial roles in the third edition of director Anees Bazmee's horror comedy. The film, which also stars Triptii Dimri, Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Vidya Balan, is slated to go on floors this month.

Twice as Jolly

Come May, Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi are said to begin filming director Subhash Kapoor's Jolly LLB 3. The situational comedy set against the backdrop of Indian judicial system sees their characters, both called Jolly, face off in the court of judge Sundarlal Tripathi, essayed by Saurabh Shukla. While Arshad reprises his character Jagdish Tyagi from Jolly LLB (2013), Akki returns as Jagdishwar Mishra from Jolly LLB 2. This time around, the two legal eagles are said to lock horns in a Rajasthan court. But first, the actors will commence the six-week schedule of Ahmed Khan's Welcome to the Jungle, to wrap it up by April-end.

Advance showing

Producer Boney Kapoor recently hosted a special screening of his Ajay Devgn-starrer, Maidaan, for the trade circuit. Director Amit R Sharma's sports drama features the actor as Syed Abdul Rahim, coach and manager of the national team during 1950 - 63, India's golden years in the game. Those who caught the dekko have been raving about the movie, Ajay's performance and music maestro AR Rahman's compositions.

Exploring new genres

Sonakshi Sinha, who will soon be seen in Ali Abbas Zafar's Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, has signed a new project. The yet-untitled film is a romantic thriller with first-time director Karan Rawal at the helm. What makes the project interesting for the actor is that it offers her an opportunity to attempt something different with unexpected twists in the tale. Sona, who admits to being always on the lookout for exciting roles, shared, "This is another unexplored genre for me. So, I can't wait to dive into this thrilling role."

Masti times again

Two decades and three films after kick-starting the Masti franchise with producer-partner Ashok Thakeria, director Indra Kumar has passed the baton to Milap Zaveri. Sharing the news with a picture featuring the duo, Milap humbly expressed his gratitude to the veteran director for entrusting him to take the franchise forward. Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani reunite for the fourth edition of the comedy franchise. Excited to begin the new journey with the actors who are also his friends, Milap wrote, "All three have been the rockstars of this franchise and have entertained audiences since 20 years." He concluded the post, promising audiences "a laugh riot like the original Masti" that won their hearts.