In a major development that has set the grapevine abuzz, Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn is reportedly gearing up to collaborate with director Jagan Shakti for an upcoming film. Insider reports indicate that the duo has had multiple meetings over the past few months, during which the actor was particularly taken with one of Shakti’s concepts. Though details about the film’s subject remain under wraps, it is said that Ajay was so impressed that he has decided to take on the role of producer as well.
Renowned for his intuitive selections and blockbuster performances, Ajay Devgn’s decision to align with Jagan Shakti is viewed as a significant endorsement. Shakti, who garnered widespread acclaim with his directorial debut “Mission Mangal” in 2019, has been working on developing the screenplay and other intricate details for this project. If all goes according to plan, filming is slated to commence early next year.
Ajay Devgn, who is soon set to travel to London for the shooting of “De De Pyaar De 2” alongside Rakul Preet Singh, also has “Son of Sardaar 2” in his pipeline. The collaboration with Devgn represents a pivotal moment for Jagan Shakti. Post his initial success with “Mission Mangal,” Shakti faced setbacks with his subsequent projects, including an unreleased remake of the Malayalam hit “Ayyappanum Koshiyum” and a suspended action movie with Tiger Shroff after an incomplete 30-day shoot.
In another realm of Bollywood stardom, Deepika Padukone has garnered the top rank as the most-viewed Indian star on IMDb over the past decade. Debuting with the hit movie “Om Shanti Om” opposite Shah Rukh Khan in 2007, Deepika Padukone has headlined several blockbusters since, such as “Cocktail” (2012), “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013), “Goliyon Ki Raasleela: RamLeela” (2013), “Piku,” “Bajirao Mastani” (2015), “Padmaavat” (2017), and the recent “Pathaan” (2023). Her Hollywood debut was marked by “XXX: Return of Xander Cage” (2017) opposite Vin Diesel. Deepika expressed her gratitude, stating, “Deeply grateful to be included in a list that captures the sentiment of a global audience. This recognition is truly humbling and inspires me to continue connecting with and reciprocating the love I receive from audiences, both on and off screen, with authenticity and purpose.” Her upcoming projects include Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD,” co-starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, as well as Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again.”
Simultaneously, actor Vikrant Massey continues to garner appreciation for his work. Having recently impressed both critics and viewers with his role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail” (2023), Massey is now gearing up for the release of “Blackout.” Debutant writer-director Devang Bhavsar has heaped praise on Vikrant, describing him as a “director’s delight.” Devang recounted, “Vikrant is a trained actor. I got to learn a lot from him, given it is my first film. He [became] the character Lenny the moment he stepped outside his van. He is someone who does a lot of homework before coming on the set,” adding that the audience will witness Vikrant in an uncharacteristically distinct role in “Blackout.”
In real estate news, Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Kapoor have made a substantial purchase, acquiring an expansive apartment in a luxury high-rise in Worli, Mumbai. The property, spanning 5,395 sq ft, was finalized at an impressive R58.
.66 crore, with an additional stamp duty of R1.75 crore. This marks the couple’s second acquisition in the building, following their previous purchase of an 8,281 sq ft apartment for R55.60 crore about six years ago.
From the cinematic landscapes of Kashmir, director Rohit Shetty has excitedly shared his experiences shooting a segment of “Singham Again” with Ajay Devgn and Jackie Shroff. In a social media post, Shetty reminisced about the drastic transformation in Kashmir over the years, attributing newfound peace and vibrancy to the revocation of Article 370. He expressed, “We always had a paradise in our motherland called Kashmir. But once there was terrorism, unrest, curfews, no social life. And then Article 370 got abolished. Five years later, we landed there to film Singham Again. And now the new Kashmir… Happiness, young energy, tourism, peace, love… Naye Bharat ka naya Kashmir.”
In another development, veteran actor Sathyaraj, renowned for his role as Kattappa in SS Rajamouli’s “Baahubali” franchise, is set to play the antagonist in Salman Khan’s next movie, “Sikandar.” Although official confirmations are awaited, reports suggest this high-octane action film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by AR Murugadoss, promises a blend of emotion and social message.
Lastly, popular entertainer Bhuvan Bam has trademarked his beloved character, Titu Mama, from the widely followed BB Ki Vines sketches. The character, which elevated its fame through “Titu Talks” in 2018, remains a unique aspect of Bam’s creative portfolio. Bhuvan stated, “The overwhelming response reinforced its popularity and potential. To protect and preserve this intellectual identity, we decided to officially register Titu Mama with Intellectual Property India.”
With burgeoning collaborations, significant real estate moves, and notable personal achievements, Bollywood remains a dynamic and evolving industry, teeming with excitement and endless possibilities.
