Have you heard? Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone gearing up for action this June

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone's first film together, Fighter, was announced last year, and was slated to release this September. However, like most projects in Bollywood, the schedule of Siddharth Anand's film too went haywire in the aftermath of COVID-19. Now, we hear that the film, said to be India's first aerial action thriller, is set to kick off this June. In keeping with its genre, both Duggu and Deepika will be seen performing several action sequences in the movie. Of course, the action set-pieces require tremendous prep from the stars. Our source says they will begin training soon for the movie, which will be shot in several countries across the globe.

Whose show is it anyway?

Even before Ekta Kapoor's new show, Lock Upp, hosted by Kangana Ranaut, goes on air, it has been gripped by controversy. A certain Sanober Baig yesterday claimed to own the game show concept Jail, having registered it as early as March 2018. An insider at Ekta's production house maintained, "Nothing has been communicated to ALTBalaji nor have they received any court order yet."

Karanvir to get locked up?

Karanvir Bohra is the latest celebrity said to have been finalised for Lock Upp. The actor has previously collaborated with Ekta Kapoor on some of her shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Babu Thi, Kkusum, Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Kumkum Bhagya. Bohra is apparently the fifth inmate for the upcoming show, after wrestler Babita Phogat, Poonam Pandey, comedian Munawar Faruqui and actor Nisha Rawal. We hear Bohra's name as a contestant on this anticipated show will be announced today.

Bonding like Nagraj

Nagraj Manjule, who makes his Hindi debut with Jhund, starring Amitabh Bachchan, has a unique way of working. Savita Hiremath, who is producing the film, says the director believes in creating a deep bond with his team before beginning work on the film.

"Months before they started shooting, Nagraj and his team used to cook and eat together." She adds that Nagraj also bonded with the children in a similar manner. "Each one of the 25 children from slums were all trained to act [by Nagraj and his team]. Some of the kids have also featured in his previous movies," says Savita.

Prepping to bowl you over

Anushka Sharma, who is gearing up for her next, Chakda Xpress, gave a glimpse of her prep on social media yesterday. The actor plays celebrated Indian women's cricket icon Jhulan Goswami in the biopic, which she is also producing. Anushka, who is learning to bowl like the country's most decorated woman cricketer, captioned the images: "Grip by grip", hinting at the significance of the grip for a bowler. Jhulan holds the world record for the highest number of wickets taken by a woman in an international career.

Boosting contestants' confidence

Parineeti Chopra, who has made her television debut with Hunarbaaz - Desh Ki Shaan, is taking her role as a judge rather seriously. Besides mentoring emerging prodigies on stage, she also makes sure to track their progress and show her support for them. The actor recently surprised them by visiting them backstage and spent some time chatting with them. "I wanted to see how my contestants are doing and watch them practice," she said, adding that she cares about what is going on in their lives. Parineeti said she also tries "to understand the difficulties they face and try to help them" in her own small way.

Soaking in the Goa sun

Sanya Malhotra, who turned a year older yesterday, chose to celebrate her special day in Goa. The actor had taken off to the beach state with her girl gang to unwind and let her hair down on her 30th birthday. Having started the year on a busy note with the release of Love Hostel, this break was much needed for Sanya before she begins filming her next, HIT: The First Case, with Rajkummar Rao.

Avitesh begins a new innings

Late composer Aadesh Shrivastava's son Avitesh began work on his acting debut, Sirf Ek Friday, under the direction of Llyod Bapista. Shooting for the film commenced with a dance sequence. "What better than celebrating my 25th birthday on the set!" exclaimed Avitesh, adding, "It feels surreal and my heart is filled with gratitude for the opportunity that life has given me. I am excited about putting my best foot forward for this one. It's been quite a journey, but then, this is just the beginning and I'm all geared up for the road ahead."