Shashi Kapoor’s grandson Zahan will be making his Bollywood debut with Hansal Mehta's untitled action thriller. The film also stars Paresh Rawal’s son Aditya.
Kunal Kapoor and son Zahan
Another Kapoor enters Bollywood
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The Kapoor legacy continues. Shashi Kapoor’s grandson, Zahan, makes his Bollywood debut in Hansal Mehta’s untitled action thriller. Son of Kunal Kapoor, Zahan has been hand-picked and groomed by Mehta and producer Anubhav Sinha. The film, based on a true incident, also features Paresh Rawal’s son Aditya. He featured in Ranjan Chandel’s romantic action film, Bumfaad, which dropped digitally last year. Zahan and Aditya underwent gruelling training sessions for months as preparation for their characters and looks (right). Mehta and Sinha were keen on making the film, backed by Bhushan Kumar, with fresh faces. “Hansal and I wanted to cast new actors as we want the audience to feel they are watching characters rather than any star in the film with preconceived notions,” said Sinha. The unit has been shooting since June 28.
Laugh aloud with Farah
Farah Khan returns to the small screen as guide-cum-judge with the Zee Comedy Factory, which goes on air later this month. The choreographer-director says, “On the show, I am called the Laughing Buddha. The participants have to entertain me. In these stressful times, I have got the best job, and that is to chuckle and make the audience roar as well.” The show features several comedians, including Ali Asgar, Sugandha Mishra, Sanket Bhosale, Ballraaj and Siddharth Sagar, as well as Aditya Narayan and choreographer Punit Pathak. The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness and that’s what Khan aims to spread.
New look
Ajay Devgn has been sporting facial fuzz as part of his look for an upcoming project. There is his digital debut, Rudra, Indra Kumar’s Thank God and his directorial venture, May Day, lined up. It is said that it’s for Thank God. Devgn gave a glimpse of his salt-and-pepper bearded look at personal trainer Gautam Sam’s birthday celebration. Though the star dislikes parties and refuses to cut his birthday cake, he cheered and clapped for Sam. Devgn is always in ship-shape thanks to the trainer.
A mark of appreciation
In recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema and being a women’s rights advocate, a military firing range in Kashmir has been named after Vidya Balan. It is located in Gulmarg. In February, the actor, along with husband Siddharth Roy Kapur and Arbaaz Khan, was the chief guest at the Gulmarg Winter Festival organised by the Army.
Old memories
To mark mother Kiran Bhatt’s birthday on Monday, Pooja Bhatt shared a throwback photograph. “My gorgeous mother Lorraine Bright who went on to become Kiran Bhatt,” wrote Pooja, and added that her mom has preserved a lot of her childhood stuff, including a birthday card she had made for her. What we can’t help but notice is Bhagwan Rajneesh’s portrait in the background. Looks like it was when father Mahesh Bhatt was his follower.
Said and the unsaid
Imran Khan’s estranged wife Avantika Malik shared a cryptic post about not running away from one’s problems. "But if these years have taught me anything it is this: You can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in." A section of netizens wondered if she was alluding to Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s divorce announcement.
Kolkata calling
On Monday, Kajal Aggarwal-starrer Uma went on the floors in Kolkata. The slice-of-life film, helmed by Tathagata Singha, also stars Tinnu Anand, Harsh Chhaya and Meghana Malik. Uma will be shot in a start-to-finish schedule keeping the COVID-19 protocols in consideration. Best remembered for the Ajay Devgn-starrer Singham (2011), Aggarwal is seen more in South films. Now, she is keen to strike a balance with Bollywood. Her last outing was Sanjay Gupta’s Mumbai Saga, which released in theatres just before the second wave.
Fresh trouble
Though Satyanarayan Ki Katha director Sameer Vidwans and producer Sajid Nadiadwala have decided to change the title of their Kartik Aaryan-starrer to avoid hurting religious sentiments, they continue to face the heat. On Monday, Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra directed the state police to ‘take necessary action against the makers’ for its title as well as demanded an apology.
Lara injured
Lara Dutta Bhupathi is back at work with a broken toe. She shared a picture from the set and wrote, “So thrilled to be doing what I love best,” and added, “It’s Mandwa in Mumbai.” Even though the actor announced that she has resumed shooting, she did not divulge details about the shoot or the injury.