Have you heard? Hunting for new Prem

Shahid Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan

Earlier this year, Salman Khan opted out of Sooraj Barjatya's next, tentatively titled Prem Ki Shaadi, due to creative differences. Subsequently, talk was that Shahid Kapoor, who played Prem in the filmmaker's Vivah (2006), was being approached to lead the new family entertainer. While there has been no development on that front, rumours are now rife that Sooraj has initiated discussions with Kartik Aaryan for his new romcom set against the backdrop of nuclear families. The filmmaker feels that the actor has all the qualities he is looking for in his on-screen Prem. The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 actor has liked the Sooraj's concept and treatment, and would like to hear the final narration to seal the deal. Kartik is currently gearing up for the release of Chandu Champion on June 14 and has Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 lined up for Diwali. He is slated to begin Anurag Basu's musical love story in August, followed by Vishal Bhardwaj's next and Sandeep Modi's film backed by Karan Johar. An update on Sooraj's film is expected when he meets the actor after a couple of months.

License for FCRA

Founded over 10 years ago in the name of his father, Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's NGO has always striven for women's empowerment. The latest news is that Meer Foundation has been granted the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Registration Act) license by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for five years. This development enables the foundation to receive foreign grants for its various initiatives for empowering women. Besides providing medical aid, legal advice and counselling services, the NGO provides vocational training to women.

A spiritual sequel in the works

Ever since JugJugg Jeeyo released two years ago, producer Karan Johar has spoken about the possibility of its sequel. Now, there is apparently some development on the second edition of Raj Mehta's directorial venture, which starred Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor.

However, it is being said that the new movie will be more of a spiritual sequel and will have a completely different title. Raj is said to be scripting the second instalment of the family drama with his writing team. So, the earliest one can expect the film to go on floors is next year. While there is no word on the cast, we hear Varun could reunite with the director for this new project.

Clap toh banta hai!

Five years after the success of De De Pyaar De (DDPD, 2019), the makers kicked off the second edition De De Pyaar De 2, starring Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh, earlier this week. Interestingly, the mahurat clap was given by Anil Kapoor, who was initially approached to play Rakul's father in the romcom helmed by debutant Anshul Sharma. However, the dates clashed with his next, Subedaar and YRF's yet-untitled spy thriller starring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari and Bobby Deol. Even though AK opted out, he made up for it by conveying his best wishes with the mahurat shot.

Release delayed by a week

Annu Kapoor and Parth Samthaan's film, Hamare Baarah, continues to court controversy. On Wednesday, the Bombay High Court stayed its June 7 release, and directed the makers to reschedule it to June 17. The petitioner Azhar Tamboli, through his advocates, has sought a stay on Kamal Chandra's directorial venture, stating that it not only hurts the sentiments of the Muslim community, but also incorrectly depicts the teachings of Quran. Moreover, the plea challenged the certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and sought its revocation. Earlier in May, the CBFC directed the makers to change the title from Hum Do Hamare Baarah to Hamare Baarah. A couple of weeks ago, Kapoor also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after he allegedly received death threats. The HC will now hear the matter on June 10.

Encore for Nora

About six years ago, Nora Fatehi scorched the screen with her scintillating moves in the song, Dilbar, in the John Abraham and Manoj Bajpayee-starrer, Satyamev Jayate (2018). Now, we hear that the actor-dancer is set for an encore. This time around, Raftaar and Sukh-E are teaming up for a recreated version of the original song, picturised on Sushmita Sen in the film, Sirf Tum (1999). An informer shares that Nora has begun prepping for Dilbar 2.0, which will be shot in the coming days.