Bhumi Pednekar comes on board for Ajay Bahl’s ‘The Lady Killer’

Bhumi Pednekar has joined the cast of the suspense drama ‘The Lady Killer’. The actress will be leading the film along with Arjun Kapoor.

For her, the film’s narrative was gripping from the word go and that’s what appealed to the actor in her.

The film, directed by Ajay Bahl (‘B.A. Pass’, 2012) and produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and Shaailesh R. Singh, narrates the story of a small town playboy, who falls in love with a self-destructive beauty.

Thrilled to embark on the journey, Bhumi says, “I’m always excited when something new and challenging comes my way and ‘The Lady Killer’ gripped me from the very start. As an artiste, this role pushes me out of my comfort zone and gives me a lot to bite into. I can’t wait to start work on the film with Arjun, my director Ajay Bahl and my stellar producers Bhushan sir and Shaailesh sir.”

Talking about the film, director Ajay Bahl says, “There is a rollercoaster of emotions in ‘The Lady Killer’ and for that we needed actors who could ride it every step of the way. I’m so happy to have Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar essay these roles because not only do they suit it to the T but also bring in their signature styles and flair.”

Producer Shaailesh R. Singh adds, “Bhumi Pednekar is a talent to reckon with and brings just the right vibe and flavour to ‘The Lady Killer’. We are extremely happy to have her play the lead alongside Arjun Kapoor. This one is definitely going to be a crazy, enriching ride.”

The Ajay Bahl directorial is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in association with Karma Media & Entertainment.

Trisha recovers from Covid-19, to fly back from London

Actress Trisha, who had tested positive for Covid-19 in London, announced on Wednesday that she had completely recovered. She also said she expects to fly back to India soon.

Taking to social media to make the announcement, Trisha said, “Never been happier to read the word ‘negative’ on a report. Thank you all for your love and prayers. Now, I’m ready for you 2022.”

The actress, who had gone to London to celebrate the New Year, is believed to have picked up the infection there. Trisha said that despite taking all the necessary precautions and safety measures, she tested positive shortly before New Year. She also asked people to get themselves vaccinated as soon as they can.

Samantha thanks Allu Arjun for success of her item number in ‘Pushpa’

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who allured the audience with her sensuous dance moves in ‘Pushpa’, is currently being lauded for her screen presence in the item song.

‘Oo Antava’ being her first special song, Samantha said that she was reluctant to do it, but Allu Arjun’s motivation made her grab this opportunity.

Starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, Sukumar’s directorial ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ is one of the most hyped movies in India right now. Samantha, who struck the right chords with her item number, thanks Allu Arjun for assuring her to take up the song.

“There were many inhibitions. I was not ready as I feared how the song would turn out to be. But, Allu Arjun, sat down and convinced me. Without his encouragement, I would not have accepted to do ‘Oo Antava'”, Samantha said.

“Now that this song has become viral all over the country, I have to thank Allu Arjun”, the ‘Ye Mayachesave’ actress said.

Allu Arjun and Samantha shared their screen presence in Trivikram Srinivas’ super hit movie ‘S/O Satyamurthy’ earlier.

Samantha is currently working on two multilingual projects, while she has been offered a couple of Bollywood ventures, which are to be announced soon.

Amrita Tanganiya delighted to make her Bollywood debut

‘Kumkum Bhagya’ actress Amrita Tanganiya is delighted about her Bollywood debut. She will be seen as a nomad in upcoming thriller ‘Dreamy Singh’ which also features Kashmira Shah and Ashmit Patel and is directed by Sameer Bhatnagar.

Revealing about her role she says: “I will be seen portraying the character of Mrudula, who is a ‘banjaran’ (nomad). It is something very creative and interesting role I’m enjoying acting for. My audience will get to see me in a completely new role. We are currently shooting in Haridwar for the same.”

The actress who was last seen playing a Naagin in the show, ‘Phir Laut Aayi Naagin’ dreams to make her name in Bollywood and wishes to work with superstars.

She adds: “After acting in television and web shows, finally I’m enjoying working for a Bollywood movie. I’m delighted to feature on the big screen and looking forward to exploring it more with time. I hope to work with popular actors like Ayushmann Khurrana, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, among others. Hope my hard work and dedication will make my dreams come true.”

Keerthy Suresh also tests positive for Covid-19

Actress Keerthy Suresh, one of the top actresses in the Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam film industries, on Tuesday announced that she had tested positive for Covid-19.

Taking to social media, Keerthy said, “Hi everyone, I have tested positive for Covid 19, experiencing mild symptoms, despite taking all necessary precautions and safety measures, which is a scary reminder of the rate at which the virus is spreading.

“Please follow all the Covid safety norms and stay safe. I am currently in isolation and under safe care. Those who came in close contact with me, kindly do get tested.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please take your vaccines at the earliest to avoid severe symptoms and for the better health of you and your loved ones.

“Hoping for a speedy recovery and will be back in action soon.”

There has been a sudden spurt in the number of celebrities from the Tamil and Telugu film industries testing positive for Covid ever since the new year began and Keerthy is the latest south Indian actor to announce that she has tested positive for Covid.

Actor Sathyaraj recovers from Covid, discharged from hospital

Tamil actor Sathyaraj, who was undergoing treatment for Covid at a private hospital in the city, has been discharged.

Says a source close to the actor, who is known across the country for his role as Kattappa in the blockbuster ‘Baahubali’, “Sathyaraj sir responded well to the treatment. He has now recovered from Covid and was discharged from the hospital on Monday night. He has returned home.”

The source says that although the actor has completely recovered, he has been advised to quarantine himself in his home for a week.

There has been a sudden spurt in the number of celebrities from the Tamil and Telugu film industries testing positive for Covid ever since the new year began.

Actor Sathyaraj and director Priyadarshan were among the first this year to announce that they had tested positive for Covid.

Be responsible for the sake of others as well, says Khushbu Sundar

Actress-politician Khushbu Sundar, who has tested positive for Covid, has asked people to be responsible, not only for their own sake but also for the sake of others as well.

The actress took to social media on Tuesday to urge people to isolate themselves, should they exhibit any signs of Covid-19, no matter how mild the symptoms were.

The actress said, “Being responsible is being intelligent. Omicron is spreading like wildfire. My symptoms are extremely mild but that may not be the case with others. Be responsible not only for own but others too. Get tested, get isolated if any signs, however mild. But please do not panic. Take care.”

The actress, who had announced on Monday that she had tested positive for Covid, said that she was feeling better on Tuesday.

“Waking up feeling better than yesterday…I am sure tomorrow will be better than today. Always look forward to better your today. Have a wonderful day friends,” she said.

Technical issue denies ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ a BAFTA nod

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ may be shattering one box-office record after another and generating a healthy Oscar buzz, but theres one award that the Tom Holland-starrer definitely wont be picking up this awards season: a BAFTA, reports ‘Variety’.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that the movie won’t be considered for any awards after failing to meet “eligibility criteria”.

A spokesperson for BAFTA said: “‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ did not meet the eligibility criteria for the EE British Academy Film Awards 2022 and therefore did not qualify for entry.

“As outlined in our rulebook, all films must be made available to voting members on BAFTA View prior to Round One voting closing to ensure fairness and parity for all titles and the film was not made available by the distributor.”

Round One closed on January 3. On BAFTA View, there is a ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ page for members’ consideration, with a description of the film; however, ‘Variety’ understands that the film itself was never made available to view. When members click on the page, they can access only a trailer for the movie.

Authenticity appeals to audiences even if the plot is region-specific: Allu Arjun

The story of ‘Pushpa’ is centred around the Rayalaseema region in southern Andhra Pradesh, yet it was this past year’s biggest pan-India hit. Are Indian audiences finally warming up to the idea that content matters more than regional specificities?

At least Allu Arjun, the star of ‘Pushpa’, believes this is happening. “The success of ‘Pushpa’ across northern India only validates my belief,” he said. “Even if the plot is region-centric, its authenticity and the conviction with which the movie is made will appeal to audiences.”

The success of ‘Pushpa’ has also opened up Allu Arjun to the idea of appearing in more multi-language movies.

In a recent media interview, on being asked if he’s prepared to act in a Bollywood movie, Allu Arjun said: “In addition to Hindi, I am open to acting in movies of other languages. I would like to entertain a wider audience.”

He added on a philosophical note: “Performance is nothing but the actor’s mindset; the broader it is, the wider the reach.”

Is he prepping for the second part of ‘Pushpa’? For the moment, Allu Arjun is only prepared to say that he is “basking in the glory” of the film’s success.

NCW seeks prompt action against actor Siddharth for lewd tweet against Saina Nehwal

Condemning a “lewd and inappropriate remark” by actor Siddharth against badminton player Saina Nehwal on Twitter, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday sought “prompt and strict action” against the actor for using indecent language for women on social media.

In a statement issued by the NCW, which was shared by its chairperson Rekha Sharma on Twitter, the commission said that it had come across a post of actor Siddhart using lewd comments on Twitter on the post of Saina Nehwal.

The NCW termed Sidharth’s tweet as being “misogynist and outrageous to the modesty of a woman amounting to disrespect and insult to dignity of women on social media platform. (sic)”

Stating that it had taken suo moto cognisance of the issue, the commission said that its chairperson Rekha Sharma had written to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra to investigate the matter and register an FIR under the relevant provisions of law.

Rekha Sharma has also written to Twitter India’s Resident Grievance Officer, asking the social media platform to immediately block Siddharth’s account and take appropriate action against him for posting offensive remarks on Nehwal’s post, thereby “outraging her modesty and insulting her right to live with dignity.”