Red Carpets to Riviera Chaos
Last year, a rumour sent the internet into a full-blown frenzy — Deepika Padukone was reportedly headed to the sun-soaked chaos of ‘The White Lotus’ season three. Within weeks, the buzz fizzled out. But plot twist! The speculation is back, louder than ever, as season four gears up. Word is that Deepika has signed on for the next chapter of the wickedly sharp black comedy, this time set against the chic backdrop of France. Joining her, reportedly, are Alexander Ludwig, Steve Coogan, and Helena Bonham Carter, all said to be locked in for the new season.
The ‘White Lotus’ is a sharp satirical drama set at a luxury resort, tracing the tangled lives of wealthy guests and hotel staff while peeling back layers of privilege and power. The ensemble cast across seasons has featured Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, Meghann Fahy, and F Murray Abraham, among others.
Master of all
Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh
When Farhan Akhtar rebooted the iconic Don franchise years ago, he stayed firmly behind the camera. Now, in a twist following RanveerSingh’s exit, the filmmaker-actor is reportedly considering stepping into the polished shoes of the King. After Shah Rukh Khan made the role his own in the 2006 movie, the buzz around Farhan taking over the project as both the leading man and the filmmaker has everyone excited. Is Bollywood ready for a director who doesn’t just call the shots but fires them too? Time will tell.
Get your facts right
Anoushka Shankar with Pandit Ravi Shankar; (right) Rishab Sharma
Sitarist and music producer Rishabh Sharma, who hails from the famed Rikhi Ram lineage of instrument makers, has long described himself as “the last and youngest disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar”. The claim has now been addressed by the maestro’s daughter, Anoushka Shankar.
Speaking to Humans of Bombay, she said, “Rishab is really talented. I think there is some misunderstanding about his guruship.” Clarifying further, she noted that he “had a couple of lessons with my father, very informally,” adding that the narrative of him being the late legend’s final disciple “isn’t true”, though he “deserves all the success.”
The fighting tigress
Hina Khan with a cancer survivor
Actor Hina Khan spoke candidly about her ongoing cancer recovery at a cancer awareness event in Mumbai recently, saying, “I am still trying to recover.” Opening up about her health journey, she reflected on the physical and emotional challenges she continues to face, adding that the process has been gradual and demanding, but she remains “hopeful and resilient”.
Shaadi ka laddoo
Mrunal Thakur
After dismissing rumours linking her to Dhanush, Mrunal Thakur has said that she definitely plans to get married, but only on her terms. She told PTI, “Yes, wedding is on the cards and whenever the right day, the right time, and the right person walks into my life, I will be the first one to announce it.” Addressing earlier speculation, she added, “I’ve been quoted, but I never said anything. It’s scary.”
