Have you heard? Legal hurdles for Alia Bhatt's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' continue

Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali

It looks like Sanjay Leela Bhansali is emerging as controversy's favourite child, after Salman Khan. The filmmaker's Friday release Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt in the titular role, continues to see legal hurdles. Even though the Bombay High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition by a Kamathipura resident and a PIL by MLA Amin Patel seeking removal of the word ‘Kamathipura' from the film, the Supreme Court has asked the makers if the title can be changed. The apex court made the suggestion keeping in mind the number of cases pending in courts seeking a halt in the film's release this Friday. SLB's lawyer reportedly said that he will check with the filmmaker before the hearing continues today. If he agrees to the suggestion, it will mark the third time that he has changed his film's title. Previously, the filmmaker had renamed Ram-Leela as Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-leela and Padmavati as Padmaavat.

A special song with Madhuri

Varun Dhawan piqued everyone's interest as he shared some pictures with Madhuri Dixit-Nene online yesterday. "Dhak Dhak karne laga. Something special is coming," was all he wrote. The two have previously collaborated on Kalank (2019). On digging a little, we found out that he has shot a special song with her for her upcoming web series, The Fame Game. And you thought special promotional songs were created only for films!

Such brotherly bonding

The recent announcement of Bade Miyah Chote Miyah, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, has generated tremendous buzz in the industry, particulary in the trade circles. However, the film is extra special for the young action hero because it marks his second collaboration with his "brother" and his "most favourite person in the industry", producer Jackky Bhagnani. The actor says that Bhagnani initiated talks of a second collaboration after Ganapath, when both of them coincidentally found themselves in the UK at the same time. Tiger says, "Iwas shooting for a movie in London and Jackky, who was also there for one of his productions, invited me over. While discussing event films, he brought up the idea of a two-hero film - the kind we have all loved up during our growing-up years. He said ‘Why don't we make the biggest action entertainer ever?' How could I not have jumped at the thought of it! Things manifested from there."

Polar opposites

Vijayendra Kumeria, who plays Armaan Oberoi, a successful yet deceitful television producer in the show Mose Chal Kiye Jaaye, says his misogynistic character is at odds with his real life persona. He says, "I firmly believe that women have the same right as men to choose their careers and no woman should be bound by any kind of a relationship. Nothing is too difficult for a determined woman."

Another honour for Sajid

Sajid Nadiadwala was recently felicitated with the certificate of recognition for his work as Ambassador for Indo-Abu Dhabi entertainment and promoting bilateral relations. Moreover, he was also presented with a gold visa for his valuable contribution and continuous efforts in collaborating with Abu Dhabi. Previously, he has also been conferred France's prestigious Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) award for his contribution towards influence of arts. Pleased with the new recognition, Sajid says, "It is an honour to receive this prestigious recognition. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible. Our experience in Abu Dhabi has been and continues to be wonderful."

Fardeen wraps up his comeback with Riteish

Fardeen Khan is one step closer to having a date with the audience after over 11 years. He recently wrapped up the shoot of Visfot, also starring Riteish Deshmukh. This film also marks his reunion with Riteish after 14 years since Heyy Babyy. This time around, producer Sanjay Gupta has turned to the Venezuelan 2012 Oscar entry, Rock, Paper and Scissors, for inspiration. He had acquired the rights of the drama two years ago. Also featuring Priya Bapat and Krystle D'Souza, the film is helmed by Kookie Gulati and was shot in real locations.

‘In love with' Deepika

While there may be a mixed response to Gehraiyaan, Priyadarshan has loved the movie. He says, "It's not my kind of a film, but I want to definitely make this kind of movie in the future. I loved the director's subtle treatment of emotions and relationships. And what a performance Deepika [Padukone] has given in the movie - I am in love with her!" The veteran filmmaker added, "I could relate to it so [strongly] that I had tears in my eyes. I can't direct so well at his level as a filmmaker."

Batting for the common man

Chitrangda Singh, who was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai, was shocked by an airline's ill-treatment meted out to her co-passenger. She shared a video on social media, naming and slamming the cabin crew. Tagging the airline, she wrote: "Please teach them some manners. Most high-handed and arrogant attitude I have ever seen! Very disappointed with all of them (sic)."