The big fat Vic-Kat wedding: The sister squad
Katrina Kaif
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Another day, another set of VicKat pictures. After sharing snapshots from the haldi and mehendi ceremonies, Katrina Kaif provided yet another glimpse of her wedding festivities. She shared photographs with sisters Stephanie, Christine, Natacha, Melissa, Sonia and Isabelle who walked her to the mandap. “Growing up, we sisters always protected each other. They are my pillars of strength and we keep each other grounded. May it always stay that way,” she wrote. Kat has seven siblings, including six sisters and a brother, Sebastien Laurent Michel.
On board for a new journey
The Dangal (2016) girls Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra team up for Sam Bahadur based on the life of late Army chief Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The announcement on Monday coincided with director Meghna Gulzar’s birthday. The biopic was announced in 2019 with Vicky Kaushal as Manekshaw. Malhotra will play his wife, Silloo, and Shaikh steps into the shoes of late prime minister Indira Gandhi in the film backed by Ronnie Screwvala. “Their roles require a great deal of sensitivity, dignity and composure, and I’m looking forward to the ladies bringing these characters to life,” said Gulzar. Manekshaw was the chief of the Army staff during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the first Indian Army officer to gain the rank of field marshal.
Kareena, Amrita test COVID-19 positive
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Amrita Arora Ladak have tested positive for COVID-19. Bebo confirmed her diagnosis on Instagram and wrote, “I immediately isolated myself while following medical protocols. I request anyone who has come in contact with me to please get tested,” she posted. The actor added that her family and staff, who are double vaccinated, are “currently not showing any symptoms.” The besties had been up and about for the past few days. They were spotted at Rhea Kapoor’s pre-Christmas bash and at buddy Karan Johar’s home on Wednesday night to celebrate 20 years of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Bringing back the crown
Lara Dutta Bhupathi and Sushmita Sen celebrated Harnaaz Sandhu’s win at Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel. Her victory came 21 years after Dutta Bhupathi won the pageant in 2000. Sen, who bagged the crown in 1994, referred to her as “Har Hindustani ki naaz.” Sen added, “So proud of you. Thank you for representing India so beautifully. May you enjoy every moment of learning and sharing this incredible global platform.” Dutta posted, “Welcome to the club. We’ve waited 21 years for this. You make us so proud. A billion dreams come true.” Sandhu, a model from Chandigarh, came out tops at the pageant that featured 80 contestants.
Small screen outing
Parineeti Chopra makes her television debut with Hunarbaaz — Desh Ki Shaan. She will be seen as a judge on the talent hunt alongside Mithun Chakraborty and Karan Johar. On Monday, she began shooting for the reality show at Film City, Goregaon. Chopra shared the news on social media and wrote, “I have always been aware of my love for television. I’m most comfortable on stage with a live audience and obsessed with meeting people and hearing their stories, so TV always felt like a natural fit. Now the challenge was to find the right show. I am joining the jury with the original veterans of this world — Karan and Mithunda.”
Save energy, save lives
To mark Energy Conservation Day (December 14), Bhumi Pednekar launched her maiden radio show to raise awareness about the need for sustainability. The actor-environmentalist points out that energy conservation can help tackle climate change. “With my show, I want to gain people’s attention on this critical issue and hopefully look at providing them with alternate solutions that are simple, environmentally- friendly and sustainable. It is the only way forward for us if we want to save the planet,” says Pednekar. She considers the youth “our best hope” to fight the global crisis. Last year, she had marked the day by launching Climate Warrior to mobilise citizens to protect the environment.