Have you heard? Solid support

Hrithik Roshan

When Hrithik Roshan's acting coach, Vinod Rawat, knocked on his door, asking him to present his directorial debut, the celebrated actor wasn't initially convinced. "I couldn't quite imagine or visualise the film. I remember thinking this is a great germ of an idea, but it seemed absurd to me that he would give up everything and put all his finances into executing it," recalled Roshan, adding that when Rawat presented the final cut to him several months later, he was "absolutely awestruck". "Pushtaini had a heart, and it had won mine," recalls Roshan, who hopped on board as presenter, and shared the first glimpse yesterday. "Vinod was not only exceptional as an actor, playing Bhuppi with all his heart, but also displayed an incredible command over the craft as a director. I was bowled over by how he wore all the hats and delivered a film full of moments that stayed with me long after the screen faded to black." Rawat is known for co-directing the Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya, with filmmaker Ram Madhvani.

This never gets old

Given that the players of the recently concluded Indo-Pak cricket match kept viewers on the edge of their seats till the last ball, India's victory was expected to invite reactions from both masses and celebrities. Many stars from the Bollywood industry reacted to India's win, with megastar Amitabh Bachchan making his joy evident on social media. Sharing a picture of Jasprit Bumrah on X, he wrote: "I was watching the match, and switched off the TV midway, assuming that we were losing. Now, when I saw the internet, [I learned that] we won!" Preity Zinta also celebrated India's win and wrote: "What a comeback, and what a fight back. Full marks to the Indian cricket team for defending 119 runs. A special mention to the bowling unit, especially Jasprit Bumrah."

Call on the band baaja?

This could be the result of one of two scenarios - either there is indeed enough fire to cause the smoke, or select cinephiles, craving gossip to fuel their week, have decided to spark a baseless buzz. Rumour mills are rife that Sonakshi Sinha is set to marry actor Zaheer Iqbal on June 23 in Mumbai. It is suggested that the duo, who has stayed mum about their relationship for several years, has sent invitations to industry friends. The pair has worked together in Double XL. Unlike their contemporaries, the couple is expected to get married in the city, and has apparently planned their reception at a popular eatery.

Better together

Entertainment company Rose Audio Visuals has announced a partnership with filmmaker Nandini Reddy and Kanakavalli Talkies. The company has also launched a showcase of 100 original fiction and non-fiction shows. Founder Goldie Behl says, "Partnering with Nandini Reddy is a heartfelt decision. Our shared passion for storytelling and creative vision [will help us entertain] the Telugu audience."

On to the next

Salman Khan, who was last seen in the spy-universe film Tiger 3, is set to start shooting for his upcoming movie, Sikandar, on June 18. AR Murugadoss's directorial venture will commence with an aerial action sequence in Mumbai, featuring Khan at 33,000 feet above sea level aboard an aircraft. The makers shared an update on social media yesterday. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and eyes an Eid 2025 release.

Agastya's next out soon

It's been a long wait for those fans of Agastya Nanda who have been eager to see him on screen after The Archies (2023). Amitabh Bachchan's grandson recently shared a BTS picture from what is touted to be the set of his next, Ikkis, also starring Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat. It is touted to be a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant, Arun Khetarpal, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.

Punjab CM on Kangy slapgate

In one of the most prominent reactions to the incident involving assault on actor and MP Kangana Ranaut, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the CISF constable's action reflects the simmering anger caused by her "venomous statement" made in the past. "It is an unfortunate incident, but Kangana should also have exercised restraint before labelling all Punjabis as terrorists," he told the media. Stating that Ranaut should have remembered the significant contributions made by the Punjabis in India's freedom struggle, defence sector, and in making the country self-reliant in food production, Mann said the "immature statements do not behove a public figure of Kangana's stature".