Kajol set to make OTT debut with untitled series

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After making her digital debut in 2021 with the trilingual streaming film ‘Tirbhanga’, Bollywood actress Kajol is set to make her foray into long-format content with her upcoming web series.

Sharing her excitement, Kajol said in a statement: “Exploring new formats is always a challenge, but it’s a great thing as I love to take challenges head-on. Being an avid fan of digital series, the concept has always been intriguing; and after following cool shows such as Aarya and Rudra, I knew there was no other platform than Disney+ Hotstar to start my series journey.”

The yet-to-be-titled series, a drama, will see the actress in an all-new avatar. Kajol’s husband Ajay Devgn has earlier explored the digital medium in the capacity of both the producer (‘The Great Indian Murder’) and an actor (‘Rudra’). Both the series premiered on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar. Taking a cue, the actress will be soon making her series debut on Disney+ Hotstar.

Gaurav Banerjee, Head – Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star shared that “We are elated to have a celebrated actor like Kajol join us and charm viewers with her ethereal screen magic. With the beloved star, we are setting out on an all-new journey to bring a unique story of love, emotions, and family.”

Tara Sutaria to star in thriller titled ‘Apurva’

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Actress Tara Sutaria will be seen starring in the upcoming thriller titled ‘Apurva’, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat.

Tara Sutaria, who plays Apurva says: “I couldn’t have asked for a better script and as a young woman, it makes me proud to be able to play ‘Apurva’.”

“This is a story of a girl whose grit and inner strength are remarkable, and I’m thrilled to begin my journey in portraying a young woman whose intelligence, wit, and courage are the reasons she survives against all odds.”

The film will showcase the gripping story of a girl who survives a dangerous night using her wits and strength in this high-stakes game of life and death.

Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat says: “I appreciate the faith put in me by Murad Bhai for loving the script from the get-go and for being given the opportunity to direct such a unique story. It is a script that will totally enthrall viewers.”

‘Apurva’ is an edge-of-the-seat thriller and will see Tara Sutaria in an avatar never seen before, based on a story that will keep audiences hooked right to the very end.

“Apurva is a story that excited all of us at the studio from the word go and we knew we had an incredible thriller waiting to be told. We are proud to present a compelling narrative that is going to keep the viewers engaged till the very end,” said Bikram Duggal, Head of Studios, Disney Star.

Murad Khetani, Cine1 Studios adds: “When I heard ‘Apurva’, I instantly knew that this story needs to reach the audience. Tara, I believe is extremely talented and it will be exciting to present her in this thriller ably helmed by Nikhil Bhat.”

Produced by Star Studios and Murad Khetani, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, and starring Tara Sutaria, ‘Apurva’ will go on floors soon.

‘Shamshera’ director: Fortunate to have worked with Chintu uncle, Ranbir; they are different yet similar

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Filmmaker Karan Malhotra, who has worked with late veteran star Rishi Kapoor in ‘Agneepath’ and his actor son in the upcoming film ‘Shamshera’, feels fortunate to work with the father-son duo and revealed that they are different yet very similar.

Karan says: “I am fortunate to have worked with both Chintu’s uncle and Ranbir, they are so different yet so similar. While with Chintu’s uncle we would argue, fight and have multiple discussions on the character arc of Rauf Lala.”

“He always gave me immense respect and never treated me like a first-time director. The challenges we threw at each other only made the character bigger. I miss the madness on set with him every single day.”

He shared: “Ranbir and Chintu’s uncle is very different but their work ethics are similar. They both surrender to the vision of the director. Rishi Kapoor had always been vocal about his wish to see Ranbir do a hardcore commercial film.”

“So with that thought, working with Ranbir on Shamshera has been extremely delightful. He has given the character his all and I now can’t wait for audiences to witness the magic that he has created on-screen.”

The story of ‘Shamshera’ is set in the fictitious city of Kaza, where a warrior tribe is imprisoned, enslaved, and tortured by a ruthless authoritarian general Shuddh Singh.

This is the story of a man who became a slave, a slave who became a leader, and then a legend for his tribe. He relentlessly fights for his tribe’s freedom and dignity. His name is Shamshera.

The high-octane, adrenaline-pumping entertainer is set in the 1800s in the heartland of India. It has the big promise of a never seen Ranbir Kapoor, who plays ‘Shamshera’ in the film! Sanjay Dutt plays Ranbir’s arch-enemy in this huge casting coup and his showdown with Ranbir will be something to watch out for as they will ferociously go after each other with no mercy.

Directed by Karan Malhotra, this action extravaganza has been produced by Aditya Chopra and is set to release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on July 22.

 

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck wed in Vegas

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Hollywood stars Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have finally tied the knot in Las Vegas.

According to a marriage license on the online records for Clark County, Nevada, the couple’s official marriage was filed on Saturday, reports Variety.

The record is in both of their legal names: Benjamin Geza Affleck and Jennifer Lynn Lopez. Significantly, the record also indicates that Jennifer Lopez took Affleck as her legal last name.

Lopez confirmed her and Affleck’s nuptials through a new edition of her newsletter “On the JLo” later Sunday afternoon.

“We did it!” Lopez wrote, alongside a black-and-white photograph of her holding a bouquet and Affleck kissing her cheek.

“Last night we flew to Vegas, stood in line for a license with four other couples, all making the same journey to the wedding capital of the world,” Lopez shared.

The singer went on to say that they “Barely made it to the Little White Wedding chapel by midnight,” and concluded her newsletter with sweet enthusiasm writing, “Stick around long enough and maybe you’ll find the best moment of your life in a drive through in Las Vegas at twelve-thirty in the morning in the tunnel of love drive through, with your kids and the one you’ll spend forever with.

Love is a great thing, maybe the best of things “and worth waiting for”. She signed the letter as “Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck.”

The news of Lopez and Affleck’s engagement first broke in April. In an edition of ‘On the JLo’, the singer and actress shared a teary-eyed video for her fans while sporting a green diamond engagement ring.

She wrote: “Saturday night while at my favorite place on earth (in a bubble bath), my beautiful love got on one knee and proposed.”

Lopez, 52, and Affleck, 49, were among the most prominent celebrity couples in the early 2000s. They made two films together. The first was 2003’s “Gigli” which didn’t exactly light the box office on fire.

By the time the Kevin Smith-directed Jersey Girl’ hit theaters in 2004, the couple had already announced that they’d broken up. The couple was engaged for a lengthy stretch of time, though they never officially tied the knot.

However, Lopez and Affleck reunited roughly one year ago and have been seemingly inseparable ever since.

During their time apart, Lopez married singer-songwriter, Marc Anthony, in 2004 before divorcing him in 2014. Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner in 2005. The two divorced in 2018.

In their professional lives, Affleck won an Oscar for producing best picture ‘Argo’ and Lopez grew her fortune touring, acting in movies, and recording music.

A year ago, they found themselves back together, dating in the public eye, but without the same scrutiny from the celebrity press, which has evolved and becomes less critical since the turn of the century.

Woody Harrelson in talks to join cast of yacht rock musical ‘Sailing’

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Three-time Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson, who received a positive response for his work as Cletus Kasady in ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’, is currently in negotiations to join Lionsgate’s ensemble 1970s jukebox musical ‘Sailing’ from ‘Rock of Ages’ creator Chris D’Arienzo, reports’Deadline.

The project is billed as a bunch of musicians in the late 1970s as they discover the smooth sounds and smoother lifestyle that is yacht rock, the soft rock music genre that took over FM radio during that era.

D’Arienzo, according to Deadline, sold the pitch with Jeremy Plager, who will develop and produce with MegaMix (Jonathan Levine and Gillian Bohrer) and Harrelson.

Speaking of yachts, Harrelson recently starred as the hysterical, Marxist captain of one in the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winning comedy ‘Triangle of Sadness’.

In a statement accessed by Deadline, Erin Westerman, Lionsgate’s President of Production, said: “Everything about the yacht rock vibe, ethos, and lifestyle will be brought on board this fun and hilarious nostalgic comedy.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Jeremy, Jonathan, Gillian, Chris, and Woody, and we’re confident that it will not only have a phenomenal soundtrack, but it will also put you in a summertime mood.”

Levine and Bohrer’s Megamix has a first-look film and television deal with Lionsgate; and they’re behind the studio’s sequel to Dirty Dancing, with Jennifer Grey reprising her role as Baby Houseman. They also have Mick Fleetwood’s musical drama, ’13 Songs’, in development at Fox.

All for ‘The Gray Man’: Dhanush thanks Anand Mahindra, posts pic with cast Bollywood hasn’t seen Taapsee’s dance moves, says her college mate

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Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu meets her college mate, Angad Singh Ranyal on the sets of ‘India’s Laughter Champion’. She is coming as a celebrity guest along with Mithali Raj to promote her film, ‘Shaabash Mithun.

Delhi-based comedian Angad Singh Ranyal gave a hilarious performance on the stage. In his act, he showed his struggles with increasing weight ever since he got married. He talked about how he has tried buying a fitness watch, joined a gym, and tried dieting but all in vain.

His performance stunned the judges, Archana Puran Singh and Shekhar Suman, and Taapsee too.

Taapsee commented: “I know we were not in the same class, but I would have befriended you in college had I known you’re so hilarious. I’ve never seen you talk this much”

Sharing a friendly banter, Angad said: “I also have never seen you act in college. I think it’s our college’s specialty that people discover their talent after leaving it.”

On asking which college they belong to, Taapsee refused to say: “I won’t name it as I still get invited as a chief guest there sometimes.”

To which Angad replied: “I don’t even get called for that.”

Both talked about their early days in college and Taapsee being an amazing dancer.

Angad added: “Bollywood has missed how great of a dancer she is. She used to perform artsy acts back then, which we didn’t understand but she would end up getting the first prize every time.”

‘India’s Laughter Champion’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

SRK hugs Kartik Aaryan, pats his cheeks; ‘true rockstar’, say fans

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Fans of Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kartik Aaryan went berserk as the two recently hugged and interacted with each other at an event.

In a video posted by paparazzo account Viral Bhayani, the two actors can be seen dressed in all white, standing next to a bike. They leaned forward to hug each other after which SRK affectionately patted Kartik’s cheeks the former smiled.

Ever since the fan armies of both the actors have erupted on the Internet praising the two. One wrote, “The mentor, the inspiration to many stars. The way he greets Kartik is simply adorable.” Another fan called them ‘self-made stars and legends.’ One commented, “Awww look at the way he touches Kartik’s cheek is filled with so much warmth and humbleness. He is a true rockstar.”

Earlier, a few media reports had suggested that Kartik had moved out of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan-owned Red Chillies Productions film titled ‘Freddy’, which was supposed to be directed by Ajay Bahl.

Following such reports, the fans of both the actors were divided. But, the recent occasion brought the two groups together with many of them addressing the stars as the ‘King and Prince of Bollywood’.

Tara Sutaria records her first ever Hindi song in ‘Ek Villain Returns’

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Actress Tara Sutaria is all set to make her singing debut alongside Ankit Tiwari in the song ‘Shaamat’ from the movie ‘Ek Villain Returns’.

Tara says: “This is such a wonderful moment in my life and an incomparable feeling because ‘Shaamat’ was the first Hindi song I’ve ever recorded and also the first track to release of mine in this film. It has a lot of emotions and memories attached to it.”

The lyrics for the song have been written by Prince Dubey. The ‘Student of the Year 2’ actress shares further about her character in the film and what she liked about her debut track.

“My character in the film is what really excited me to be a part of it but the music was definitely a driving force. I’m also so happy to collaborate with Ankit Tiwari and very eager to see the response of the audience,” shares Tara.

Ankit Tiwari said: “The song ‘Shaamat’ is very close to my heart and I am glad that people will now get to hear it. Working with Tara on this was great and she put all her efforts into perfecting her art for the vision of this song. Can’t wait to see how the audience reacts to it.”

“Ek Villain Returns” features John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Disha Patani, and Tara Sutaria. The movie directed by Mohit Suri, and jointly produced by T-Series and Balaji Telefilms, is all set to release on July 29.

Car import case: Tamil superstar Vijay gets relief from Madras HC

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The Madras High Court on Friday gave a major relief to Tamil superstar Vijay in a case related to his import of a luxury BMW car from the US, ruling that he would be liable to pay the penalty for delayed payment of entry tax only from January 29, 2019, to December 2021 and not from 2005.

A bench of Justice R. Suresh Kumar said that Vijay was liable to pay an entry tax as a division bench of the court had, on January 29, 2019, held that the state government was entitled to levy entry tax.

The bench, however, said that the Commercial Taxes Department should not have demanded a huge amount of Rs 30.23 lakh towards penalty, by levying it in 2005 and that the fine may be levied from January 29, 2019.

Vijay had approached the court in January 2022 and challenged a notice issued by the Commercial Taxes Department, on September 17, 2021, asking him to pay Rs 7.98 lakh as entry tax along with a penalty of Rs 30.23 lakh.

The advocate for the superstar said that he has already paid a tax liability of Rs 7.98 lakh in December 2021 and that he was challenging the penalty alone. He said that he had then imported the BMW as there were no dealers for the luxury car in Chennai those days.

The actor had also pleaded to the court to cancel the demand notice and the recovery notice.

Samantha’s absence from social media worries her fans

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Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s recent social media engagement has been nearly non-existent. The bubbly actress, who typically keeps her fans engaged with her pictures, has been dormant on various social media platforms.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu was even active on social media during her lowest point when she announced her split from Naga Chaitanya. Samantha’s social media activity has decreased, and supporters are concerned about her mental health.

While some admirers feel Samantha Ruth Prabhu appears to be on a social media detox, others believe she is simply not in the mood to communicate with any of her social media followers for personal reasons.

Samantha’s social media followers remarked, “It’s strange that Samantha hasn’t been uploading her usual content on Instagram. She usually includes at least one good quote or philosophical statement. There are no images, quotes, or even brand posts. Hey! What’s the matter, Sam? “.

“Samantha is probably keeping a low-key presence for a few days so she can come back with an interesting announcement about her next major thing,” a fan said. “I sincerely hope she is okay. Sam, at least, publishes her training videos or hilarious dog posts “, another fan stated.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s next film will be ‘Shakuntalam,’ directed by Guna Sekhar of ‘Rudramadevi.’ In the mythological drama, she will play the majestic queen Shakuntala Devi.

The ‘Majili’ actress will also play the title character in ‘Yashoda,’ a women-centric sci-fi thriller.