Kunal Kemmu is an Insta poet!

Actor Kunal Kemmu revealed his poetic side on social media on Friday, penning random thoughts about the pandemic and the recent spate of cyclones in rhyme.

“Troubled are the times like rough weather at sea
But happiness will begin with you and me
The times may be tough and smiles may be few
We may need to change a few things both old and new
We are capable of making things better inside and out
We will see through this too, without a doubt
Sometimes it may feel dark and look like it won’t change ever
The best and worst thing about time is this, nothing lasts forever,” he wrote.

Kunal posted his poem with two pictures on Instagram, sporting a bright blue T-shirt as he looked into the camera intensely.

Raashii Khanna: Shooting abroad as India battled Covid was upsetting

Actress Rashi Khanna, who recently returned from Milan, Italy, after shooting for the Telugu film “Thank You”, reveals that shooting in a foreign location, while people back home in India struggled with Covid, upset her.

The actress says shooting in Italy was safe because people in the country very responsibly observed protocol.

“We were in the middle of the pandemic and I was at first scared to go there (Italy). Once there, I realized people in Italy were very responsible for wearing masks even though the second wave had passed. Very few people were shooting with us in the crew and all precautions had been taken,” she tells IANS.

“While I was there, the second wave in India intensified and I was constantly reading about what was happening in India. It was upsetting. It felt bad that our country was suffering and we were away. Now we are back and we can’t do much. It’s a helpless situation. We shot for what we had gone for, but it was upsetting humanly. We were constantly thinking about what was happening back home,” Raashii adds.

Rashid made her acting debut with Shoojit Sircar’s 2013 Hindi film “Madras Cafe”, and eventually forayed Telugu filmdom with hits such as “Touch Chesi Chudu”, “Tholi Prema”, “Venky Mama” and “World Famous Lover”.

Talking about how Covid brought obstacles for the production team of “Thank You”, the actress says: “Honestly, there is always pressure to finish on time but I had a very good team that had taken everything under consideration and they didn’t put any pressure. We were all stressed about finishing the shoot as there were restrictions because we were from India. There were certain locations that were canceled because we were Indians and there was this whole thing about the pandemic growing in India that went against us.”

She adds: “There were challenges that the production team faced but other than that we were really protected. There were days when we were shooting for 18 hours a day because we didn’t have a choice. It wasn’t like pre-pre-pandemic that you could shoot at luxury and anywhere you wanted to. It was more difficult this time.”

“Thank You” will be her second release with Naga Chaitanya after “Venky Mama”, and Raashii says her role in the film will be relatable.

“People like me mostly in romantic films and that is what I have figured out. In ‘Thank you there is a nice part written for me. I think the audience will enjoy it because it is real. Usually, sometimes we play over-the-top characters and I am known for my comedy in the south. This is something I am really looking forward to,” she signs off.

Shweta Tripathi: My biggest relief is my parents are vaccinated

Actress Shweta Tripathi is relieved that her parents are vaccinated, as it gives her assurance to meet them after months of being away.

Shweta, who recovered from Covid a couple of months back, was shooting in Benaras for “Escaype Live” and in Manali for “Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein”. She lives in Mumbai now owing to her career but she originally hails from the Capital, and her parents still live here. Shweta says she is looking forward to meeting them in the next few weeks.

“My biggest relief at present lies in the fact that both my parents have been vaccinated. I truly appreciate the efforts made by Delhi and Mumbai authorities in ensuring a seamless vaccination experience for senior citizens residing there,” said Shweta, who won accolades for her performances in films such as “Masaan”, “Haramkhor” and “Gone Kesh”, besides the web series “Mirzapur”.

“Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein” also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin while “Escaype Live” features South star Siddharth.

Ileana D’Cruz: You just want people to like watching you

Actress Ileana D’Cruz has had a great run down South and has also been doing her share of Bollywood films. She says everything comes down to people and, as an artist, one just wants the audience to like watching you.

Popularity, she explains, is the one thing that balances the fact that the film industry can actually be a very cruel place to survive.

“It (the film industry) is brutal, of course, but it comes down to people. If they (people) like you that is all you need. You just want people to like watching you,” she told IANS.

Ileana feels the moment an actor is not appreciated they lose the mark.

“It basically goes the same for me. I wouldn’t want to watch a film with an actor I don’t like watching. The minute you are not liked anymore you sort of losing the mark. The industry is brutal in a sense, but it has got so many perks as well,” she says.

Acting is a profession that comes with its pros and cons, the actress notes, in this context.

“You cannot have all the good things only, there is always a little bit of con. I think that makes it interesting. It makes you work harder. It makes you strive to keep doing better,” she sums up.

Ileana will next be seen in “Unfair N Lovely”, a comic take on India’s obsession with fair skin. The film is set against the backdrop of Haryana and casts her opposite Randeep Hooda.

Akshara Haasan reveals the activity she has taken to during lockdown

Actress Akshara Haasan says if there is one activity she has particularly taken to during lockdown, it is making jams.

“There ain’t much to do. I love making jams and I have taken to it hugely. I am working on some art as well and I hope I will bring that to the audience someday. We all love jams and I can share some of that for now,” Akshara, daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika, said.

She thanked healthcare workers who are working amid the devastating second wave of Covid-19.

“My heart goes out to all the victims. A huge salute to all the health workers and the frontline workers. They have been tireless and they are fighting for all of us. Let’s follow all the protocols till we reach ashore and get vaccinated whenever we get the chance. This too shall pass,” she added.

Shilpa Shetty’s son imagines her as Hela from ‘Thor: Ragnarok’

Shilpa Shetty took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video made by her son Viaan, in which he visioned the actress as Cate Blanchetts character Hela, goddess of death, in “Thor: Ragnarok”.

Viaan morphed his mother’s face over Blanchett’s in various scenes of the superhero film. In the clip, Viaan pitted Shilpa against the deadly virus Covid-19, represented by Chris Hemsworth’s character Thor.

Shilpa wrote: “Viaan put a smile on my face with this video he made, describing how Mumma handled COVID-19 All NEGATIVE… Still being positive hoping for a better Covid-free future for all.”

“Thor: Ragnarok” is directed by Taika Waititi and released in 2017. The film was about superhero Thor, who without his hammer Mjolnir, had to save his home Asgard from Hela.

Shilpa has two films lined up. She will be seen in “Hungama 2”, the sequel to the 2003 hit “Hungama”, and also “Nikamma”, which stars Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia.

Salman Khan’s legal team clarifies actor sued KRK not due to ‘Radhe’ review

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s legal team issued a statement on Thursday divulging the actual reason why the actor has filed a suit against actor-turned-film critic Kamaal R Khan, who calls himself KRK.

The suit was filed because Kamaal R. Khan “has been publishing and endorsing defamatory allegations, including that Mr. Salman Khan is corrupt, that he and his brand ‘Being Human’ are involved in fraud, manipulation and money laundering transactions, that he and Salman Khan Films are dacoits,” DSK Legal, the legal team representing Salman, said.

The statement reads: “Mr. Kamaal R Khan, the Defendant, has put out a series of tweets and videos alleging that Mr. Salman Khan has sued him for defamation because the Defendant reviewed the film, Radhe. This is incorrect. The suit has been filed as the Defendant has been publishing and endorsing defamatory allegations, including that Mr. Salman Khan is corrupt, that he and his brand ‘Being Human’ are involved in fraud, manipulation and money laundering transactions, that he and Salman Khan Films are dacoits. The Defendant has been spreading malicious falsehoods and defaming Mr. Salman Khan consistently over several months, clearly with a view to draw attention to himself.”

“Mr. Kamaal R. Khan’s lawyer made a statement in Court today that Mr. Kamaal R. Khan ‘will not put any remarks of defamatory nature against plaintiff on social media till next date’. The Hon’ble Court has been pleased to pass an order taking into account this statement made by Mr. Kamaal R. Khan’s lawyer,” the statement adds.

The statement comes a day after KRK tweeted alleging that Salman Khan has filed a defamation case against him because the actor is getting affected by KRK’s review of his latest film “Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai”.

“I said so many times that I never review film of any producer, actor if he asks me to not review. Salman Khan filed defamation case on me for review of #Radhe means he is getting too much affected by my review. Hence, I won’t review his films anymore. My last video releasing today,” KRK had tweeted on Wednesday.

Masaba Gupta: When I was born, my mum had Rs 2000 in her bank account

Fashion designer Masaba Gupta has revealed the anxiety her mother, veteran actress Neena Gupta, had to go through before giving birth.

Masaba took to Instagram to share an excerpt from Neena’s autobiography “Sach Kahun Toh”, where the actress talks about having very little money in her account that would be inadequate to afford a C-section delivery. She also talks of how she finally got the money required for her delivery.

Sharing photographs from Neena’s book, Masaba wrote in an Instagram post: “An excerpt from ‘Sach Kahun Toh’ by @neena_gupta: When I was born, my mum had Rs 2000/- in her bank account. A timely tax reimbursement would bump that number up to Rs 12,000/- and of course I was a C-section baby. As I read mom’s biography I learn so many things & the hardships she has had to endure. I work very hard every single day of my life & never ever let anyone not give me what I deserve only to make sure I can pay her back for bringing me into this world…..with interest! #sachkahuntoh #neenagupta.”

The excerpt from the autobiography shared by Masaba reads: “As my due date approached, I started to worry because I had very little money in my account. I could afford a natural birth because it would cost only Rs 2000. But I knew if I had to have a C-section, I would be in trouble because the surgery cost almost Rs 10,000.”

“Luckily, a tax reimbursement of rupees 9000 came through a few days before my delivery and I finally ended up with Rs 12,000 in my bank account,” it further says.

“Good thing this money came through because my doctor informed me that I would need a C-section. My father who had come down at the time to help me through the birth was livid. He said this was a ploy to just charged us more money,” it further informs.

Priyanka misses hubby Nick, posts pic with a kiss

Actress Priyanka Chopra gets mushy in a new post, featuring husband Nick Jonas and a kiss. She reveals she is missing hubby.

Priyanka posted a picture of Nick on Instagram. On getting a closer look, a kiss-shaped lipstick mark can be seen on the American pop singer’s image.

“My lipstick on his fade…miss u already,” Priyanka wrote as the caption.

The couple are in different places owing to work. However, no details were shared by the actress.

Priyanka and Nick were recently seen together at the Billboard Music Awards in Los Angeles. While Nick served as host of the show, the actress was seen presenting an award.

Priyanka is currently busy with “Citadel”. Helmed by “Avengers” makers Joe and Anthony Russo, “Citadel” is a spy thriller series co-starring Richard Madden, and is billed as a global event for OTT.

Arjun Kapoor: ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’ has scope for a dark sequel

Actor Arjun Kapoor feels the climax of Dibakar Bannerjee’s “Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar” sets up the prospect of a sequel that can be dark and gritty.

“If you see the climax of the film that Dibakar has so masterfully designed, you will realize that there is a scope for a sequel that can be dark, gritty, raw, and thrilling,” Arjun said.

He added: “Now, it is up to the director and his genius mind to tell us whether or not he sees this happening. I can assure you that whenever he gives the green signal, Pari (Parineeti Chopra) and I will be on to shoot.”

Arjun is thankful to Dibakar for being convinced he could deliver as the corrupt Haryanvi cop, Pinky Dahiya, in the film.

“It (the film) really took me to places that I didn’t imagine going,” he said, adding: “I’m overwhelmed because I know how much Dibakar told me to believe in myself and submit to his process.”