Have you heard? Teaming up again

Rakul Preet Singh and Arjun Kapoor

The Bhoot Police actor previously collaborated with Rakul on Sardar Ka Grandson (2021) and is currently filming The Lady Killer with Bhumi in Manali. We hear that the two talented beauties are in talks for director Mudassar Aziz's next, Meri Patni Ka Remake, starring Arjun. In keeping with the title, the comic caper demands two leading ladies opposite the protagonist, and after considering several names, the makers approached Rakul and Bhumi. The humour of the movie is said to be akin to Govinda's entertainers of the '90s. Pre-production for the film is underway and cameras are set to roll by early July. Incidentally, Bhumi has also worked with Mudassar earlier on Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019). Sources say things will be finalised soon, with the two heroines signing the dotted line by the end of this month.

Releases pushed ahead

Thanks to the tough competition from south and Hollywood films, B-Town is rethinking its release strategy. Sidharth Malhotra's Mission Majnu and Vicky Kaushal's Govinda Naam Mera, slated to release on June 10, have been deferred. Reason being the upcoming Western import, Jurassic World, which opens in cinemas on that day. A new date for Sid's spy thriller, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, which had already been moved from May 13 to June 10, will be finalised soon. Vicky's romcom with Kiara Advani and Bhumi Pednekar is being rescheduled to release later this year. Interestingly, Sidharth's Yodha, planned for November 11, is being pushed to next year due to extensive VFX. Consequently, Marvel's superhero film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will have a solo release on November 11.

Reducing her carbon footprint

Bhumi Pednekar, who is an active climate change advocate, has banished plastic from her daily life. Having opted for for reusable utensils and sustainable fashion choices, she says, "We all have to consciously make climate-positive and environment-positive choices at every step of the way from here on. We are in a crisis, and we have reached a tipping point." Bhumi adds, "I live a good life, but I make sure to try to reduce my carbon footprint as much as possible."

Three is a box office crowd

The makers of Rani Mukerji's Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway have bowed out of a three-way clash with Kangana Ranaut's Dhaakad and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which stars Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani and Tabu. The Ashima Chibber directorial venture, based on a real incident that shook human rights on an international level, has Rani playing a mother fighting a legal battle against a country. The makers, who had earlier planned to release the Rani-starrer on May 20, are looking at a less crowded window at the box office. So, now, Kangana's spy thriller and Kartik's horror comedy will have a face-off at the marquee later this month. Let's see who comes out on top.

Tough times for Jackie

Jacqueline Fernandez is apparently out of Pawan Kalyan's period drama Hari Hara Veera Mallu. The Bachchhan Paandey actor had signed the Telugu film for a fat fee. But now, it is being said that she has been quietly replaced by Nargis Fakhri. Sources say after Jackie's tryst with the ED, filmmakers are wary of signing her on for their projects.

Festival celebrations galore

Even though Salman Khan has no Eid release this year, the family's celebrations will be grand. We hear the actor, who usually throws a big bash at the family's home in Galaxy Apartments, has let younger sister Arpita Khan Sharma and husband Aayush Sharma play hosts this time around. The couple has made special arrangements for a big party at their new home in Flying Carpet building in Khar. Expect this bash to
be as star-studded as all Khan-daan events over the years.

In gratitude

Dharmendra and Hema Malini completed 42 years as husband-wife yesterday. Sharing a picture with him, the Dream Girl tweeted, "Our wedding anniversary today. I thank God for all these years of happiness, our darling children and grandchildren, our well wishers everywhere! I feel truly blessed." Hema also shared an update about his health in the wake of his hospitalisation. "He is okay now and thankfully back home," she wrote, thanking everyone for the anxious calls and enquiries about his health.