Mannat under a veil
Mannat undergoes renovation
Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic Bandra residence, Mannat, is undergoing a makeover, with the family temporarily moving out for a two-year-long renovation. Our photographer caught glimpses of SRK’s magnificent mansion covered in scaffolding net, as if the house is under a veil. The renovation is in progress, with construction workers setting things up on the top floor. While the house seems empty, something big is brewing as the construction plan is to add a few floors to the heritage bungalow’s annexe. Meanwhile, SRK, along with wife Gauri Khan, and children Aryan, Suhana and Abram, have settled into a new temporary address – two duplex apartments in Puja Casa building at Pali Hill neighbourhood, with a rent of R24.15 lakh per month (Moving out of Mannat, February 27). On the work front, SRK is set to star in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, along with his daughter.
Itne paise mein itna hi milega
NTR Jr
NTR Jr’s body double, Eshwar Harris, has apparently turned down the opportunity to work on Ayan Mukerji’s War 2 due to shockingly low remuneration. Eshwar recently revealed that he was asked to be the Telugu star’s double for a few scenes in the upcoming actioner, but the remuneration was so low, it wouldn’t even cover his flight charges. He also criticised the Hindi film industry, stating that he earns better in the Telugu film industry and that Bollywood’s high budgets should translate to better pay.
Kitne button kholne hai?
Ishaan Khatter
The trailer of upcoming rom-com series The Royals is being talked about for many things, and one of them is its leading star Ishaan Khatter’s suave look as a polo-playing ‘prince’. At the trailer launch event in Mumbai, he was asked by a mediaperson how he felt being in his ‘snackable’ era and getting objectified by his fans. The actor, half blushing, half embarrassed, replied, “It’s flattering. If it means more work, then I am happy with it. Kitne button kholne hain batado. But I had fun with this show specifically because this is the kind of presentation I have never been afforded before. It’s a fact that presentation creates an aura and this kind of role I never got to do on OTT nor on the big screen.” Talking about the show, which is all about glossy romance in the world of fading aristocracy, he said, “There’s fluff and fun, but also real depth.” The actor will share the screen with Bhumi Pednekar, who plays an ambitious entrepreneur in the show. The show also features Sakshi Tanwar, Chunky Panday, and Dino Morea. It will drop on OTT on May 9.
Ever-expanding cop universe
Rohit Shetty; (right) Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, and Deepika Padukone
Rohit Shetty’s cop universe is expanding with sequels to Simmba (2018) and Sooryavanshi (2021). Rohit recently confirmed, “Simmba ka bhi part 2 hoga, Sooryavanshi bhi aage badhegi.” He shared that the universe wasn’t initially planned, but took shape during Simmba’s scripting, leading to Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi. The filmmaker also revealed that he envisioned an ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, and Deepika Padukone, only in 2019, and now has extended roles for all of them in his future films.
Saif safely returns on set
Saif Ali Khan. Pics/Yogen Shah, Instagram
Saif Ali Khan has begun filming his upcoming yet-untitled historical political drama, directed by Rahul Dholakia. The actor was spotted leaving for shoot from Versova jetty on Wednesday. Saif is set to portray the role of Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner in the film, which apparently chronicles India’s first general election. Pratik Gandhi is also part of the ensemble cast. Initially set to begin filming on January 20, production was deferred after the attack, with Saif’s health being the priority (Health above all else, January 18). Now, the cast and crew are nearly halfway through the Mumbai schedule. Meanwhile, Saif’s Jewel Thief is set to drop on OTT on April 25.
