Saif Ali Khan and Priyadarshan are reuniting for an eagerly awaited cinematic venture. This project, still untitled, is a Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam film Oppam (2016). Initially slated for pre-production in May 2023, the collaboration encountered an unexpected delay. Mid-day reported in May that filming was set to commence in August. However, Saif Ali Khan had other plans—he took off on an international getaway with his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their children.
This holiday has shifted the production timeline significantly. The film’s lead, Saif, had to postpone his prep to September, much to Priyadarshan’s chagrin. The delay causes a cascade of scheduling conflicts. Priyadarshan now faces a dilemma: should he finalize Saif’s film by November, then shift focus to an Akshay Kumar project set for December, or revise the entire Oppam remake schedule until post-Akshay’s production. Both options come with their own set of challenges and potential impacts on the production timelines and overall project completion.
In other developments, the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant turned heads with its grandeur and exclusive guest list. Missing from the celebrations were some notable celebrity faces, including Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. The power couple is currently in London, where they are enjoying some family time after Virat joined them following Team India’s T20 World Cup celebration. They even visited an ISKCON temple and attended a kirtan by Krishna Das, a spiritual mentor whose teachings go back to the 1960s and have influenced many, including the couple. Anushka shared snippets from the kirtan, highlighting their spiritual retreat on her social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Radhika Merchant also caught the media’s eye with her wedding trousseau, which was as extravagant as the wedding itself. Stylist Rhea Kapoor conceptualized her stunning Shubh Vivah outfit, a seamless blend of art and fashion. Designers Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla rendered the outfit to life, collaborating with artist Jayasri Burman to create a hand-painted lehenga on an Italian canvas. The craftsmanship was further enriched with meticulous hand embroidery of real gold Zardozi.
. The designers lauded their artistic union, celebrating it as a blend of two vital cultural forces—art and fashion. Jayasri Burman, delighted with the freedom she was given, hopes the piece evokes joy for Radhika, dreaming it might one day adorn the couple’s home walls.
The entertainment industry also faced a somber moment with the passing of Shannen Doherty at 53. Renowned for her roles in iconic TV series like Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed, Doherty battled breast cancer for years. Publicist Leslie Sloane announced her tragic demise, noting she was surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie, when she passed. Shannen’s illustrious career began as a child actor and eventually catapulted her to fame with her role as Brenda Walsh. Her battle with cancer began in February 2015, and she had brief relief during remission in 2017, only for it to return in 2019. Throughout her illness, Doherty remained active in the industry, even hosting a podcast “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” where she shared the impact of her illness on her life and career.
On another exciting note, filmmaker Siddharth Anand, despite shelving his previous venture Rambo, seems unperturbed as he embarks on his next project. Collaborating with producer Mahaveer Jain, Siddharth is set to bring to life a film based on an inspiring real event from the life of the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The narrative revolves around Sri Sri’s successful intervention in Colombia’s violent 52-year civil war, achieving peace without any bloodshed. Jain’s announcement via social media emphasized the importance of telling this story, highlighting the philosophy of ‘One World, One Family’ and celebrating Gurudev’s commitment to non-violence. The project aims to attract an internationally diverse cast and crew, setting their scenes amidst the vibrant cultures of Latin America.
Lastly, Rohit Shetty is back in town after wrapping up the shoot for Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 in Romania. Amidst finalizing details for his next film Singham Again, which is lined up for a Diwali release, Shetty has announced another intriguing venture—Hungal Driving School. Sponsored by an international chocolate brand, this project stirred curiosity as Shetty teased the initiative on social media, playfully instructing followers to “bring learner’s license.” The venture remains shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear that Shetty continues to diversify his creative portfolio.
In summary, the confluence of film delays, opulent weddings, and solemn farewells, juxtaposed with new creative ventures, highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
