Last October, Bollywood was abuzz with news that Sidharth Malhotra was set to collaborate with producer Dinesh Vijan for a high-octane thriller. The project, which was also to feature Janhvi Kapoor, unfortunately, never made it to production. Despite this setback, the dynamic duo of Sid and Dinesh has once again embraced the creative journey, pivoting this time towards a genre close to everyone’s hearts – romantic comedy. This pivot sees them bringing director Tushar Jalota on board, notable for his work on films like “Mimi,” “Bhediya,” and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.”
In an exciting turn of events, Kriti Sanon, a frequent collaborator with Vijan and a fan favorite, is being considered for the female lead. Sidharth Malhotra, best known for his roles in “Shershaah,” “Mission Majnu,” “Yodha,” and his stint in the web series “Indian Police Force,” is eager to step into the light-hearted realm of romcoms. The concept they are working on is particularly designed to resonate with family audiences, promising a blend of humor, love, and relatable experiences.
Both Kriti and Sid are enthusiastic about the project. However, everything hinges on their reaction to the final narration and the director’s approval of the screenplay. While fans eagerly await official confirmation, Kriti remains busy with Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Housefull 5,” and Sid gears up for an action film with director Balwinder Singh Janjua.
Amidst this exciting development, tinsel town lights up with tales of enduring friendships. Over four years have passed since Salman Khan withdrew from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Inshallah” at the last minute, but their bond remains intact. During a candid conversation about his web series debut, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” Bhansali revealed that amongst all the stars he has worked with, Salman is the one he maintains a close friendship with. He shared warm anecdotes of their connection, expressing admiration for Salman’s consistent support despite their professional disagreements.
In other news, Malaika Arora is making waves in the real estate sector. Known for her prime residence in Bandra, Malaika has now rented out her Pali Hill property to designer Kashish Hans. Reports suggest that the lease is secured with a substantial deposit of Rs 4.5 lakh, and the monthly rent is Rs 1.5 lakh for the first eleven months, with an increment thereafter. This isn’t her first foray into property leasing; two years ago, she leased out another flat in Casablanca Apartments, Bandra, indicating her savvy in investments beyond the silver screen.
Meanwhile, Tiger Shroff, once celebrated as the next action hero, finds himself at a crossroads after a series of box office disappointments post-pandemic. His ambitious project “Rambo” has been shelved, allegedly due to it being deemed not commercially viable. There are also whispers in the industry that Tiger has been advised to reduce his remuneration drastically. While he remains onboard for Rohit Shetty’s multi-starrer “Singham Again,” producers are cautious about investing in him, viewing him as a risky bet.
On a different note, Priyadarshan is gearing up for a thrilling new venture with Saif Ali Khan. Saif is set to play a visually-challenged protagonist in the Hindi adaptation of Priyan’s successful 2016 Malayalam film “Oppam,” which starred Mohanlal. The project, which also ropes in Bobby Deol as the antagonist, had been discussed years ago but faced delays. With renewed momentum, it seems that the collaboration between Saif and Priyan is finally coming to fruition.
Television actor Gurpreet Singh offers a slice of everyday life as he continues to use Mumbai local trains to commute to his shooting locations. Playing Rafique Baig in the TV show “Vanshaj,” Gurpreet finds inspiration and a sense of connection through his interactions with fellow commuters. He believes these experiences enrich his understanding of the city’s vibrant pulse, which he then channels into his performances.
Rounding off the updates, “Housefull 5” is set to reunite its iconic cast under producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s ambitious vision. With Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh returning alongside new addition Arjun Rampal, the ensemble promises to bring high energy and laughter. The production team is gearing up to elevate the film’s content and grandeur, with director Tarun Mansukhani set to commence preparations for the film’s August shoot in the UK.
As Sidharth and Kriti await the green light for their romantic comedy, Bollywood keeps its doors open to innovation, friendship, and unyielding ambition, ensuring that fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.
