Have you heard? Hrithik and Deepika are ready to soar; Juhi's conduct 'shocks' court

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone

On Thursday, Viacom18 announced that the Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone-starrer Fighter will be India's ‘first aerial action franchise'. Described as a ‘high-octane cinematic spectacle', Siddharth Anand's directorial venture ‘salutes the valour, sacrifice and patriotism' of our armed forces. "Being a Top Gun [1986] fan, I have been looking for a script for years that explores aerial action and has a story rooted in India. Siddharth understands this genre and brings a unique flair to his films. I am excited to collaborate with him in building this franchise," says Ajit Andhare of Viacom18. Anand, who considers Fighter a dream project, adds, "We aim to put Indian films on the map for action-loving global theatrical audiences, who crave for spectacle and the big screen experience." Fighter will be shot at locations across the world.

Juhi's conduct 'shocks' court

The Delhi high court has granted Juhi Chawla time till July 14 to pay the fine of Rs 20 lakh for her lawsuit challenging 5G wireless technology. Stating that the case ‘abused the due process of law', the court expressed ‘shock' at her conduct for not willing to gracefully deposit the cost. The court earlier observed that the case was filed for publicity.

Birthday bast

On Thursday, Neetu Kapoor turned 63. The Kapoors and the Bhatts got together to ring in her birthday. Alia Bhatt, who is shooting in a bio-bubble for Darlings, stepped out for beau Ranbir's mom's big day. Randhir, Babita, Kareena, Karisma and daughter Samaira were present. Alia was with mother Soni Razdan and sister Shaheen. Neetu's Delhi-based daughter Riddhima is in town with hubby Bharat Sahni and daughter Samara. Kunal Kapoor, Armaan and Anissa Jain were also part of the celebration.

Web series on Bhopal tragedy

Emmy-award winning Delhi Crime creator Richie Mehta is now making a web series on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. He has come on board as showrunner, writer, and director for the project backed by Ronnie Screwvala and Ramesh Krishnamoorthy. It is based on Dominique Lapierre and Javier Moro's 1997 book, Five Past Midnight in Bhopal. Mehta aims to bring the incident to screen in an "impartial manner" for the audience, who may have forgotten it, which killed over 15,000 people and affected lakhs.

Naseer back home

Naseeruddin Shah's son Vivaan took to social media to inform fans that his father is back home. The veteran actor was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. Vivaan posted a picture of mother Ratna Pathak Shah with his dad to let well-wishers know about his recovery. Shah was undergoing treatment for pneumonia at the Hinduja Healthcare Hospital, Khar. He was admitted on June 29 after a small patch was detected in his lungs. The veteran actor turns 71 on July 20.

Going clean

Varun Dhawan is bidding goodbye to his "long hair and bearded look" for Amar Kaushik's Bhediya. The actor, who has wrapped up the thriller, says, "But something tells me this is not the end, but a new beginning." Dhawan moves on to his next soon.

West calling

Looks like Alia Bhatt is keen on exploring opportunities in Hollywood. She is said to have reportedly signed a contract with William Morris Agency, a leading name in talent management, which represents some of the best-known entertainers in films, television and music. Bhatt is said to be planning to ‘go big by spreading her wings internationally'.

Veg biryani or pulao?

Sonu Sood tucked into the "world's best veg biryani" in Hyderabad, courtesy his host, Telangana minister KT Rama Rao. As soon as the actor shared his dining experience, a section of netizens could not digest it. "Veg biryani shouldn't exist," wrote a social media user. Inspired by Batman's iconic dialogue, another user added, "You either die a hero, or live long enough to endorse veg biryani." Sood is a vegetarian so he was also schooled by some, who told him, "There is no such thing as a veg biryani, it's pulao!"