SCOOPS: Abhishek & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walk out of 'Gulab Jamun', Nora Fatehi joins Varun Dhawan's dance film & more

On Tuesday morning, Hrithik Roshan broke the news on his social media handles that his father, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan is suffering from throat cancer. The Kaabil actor wrote, “Asked my dad for a picture this morning. Knew he wouldn’t miss gym on surgery day. He is probably the strongest man I know. Got diagnosed with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat a few weeks ago, but he is in full spirits today as he proceeds to battle it. As a family we are fortunate and blessed to have a leader like him. Love you Dad. (sic)” 

Hrithik’s ex wife Sussanne Khan, who continues to share a warm equation with the family and often joins them in celebrating special occasions, posted, “He is stronger than any super hero all will go smoothly” (sic) along with emojis of hands folded in a prayer. 

Here’s wishing Roshan Sr a speedy recovery.

Rani Laxmibai was a fearless warrior who fought till her last breath for her beloved Jhansi. Zee Studios and Kamal Jain’s magnum opus Manikarnika — The Queen Of Jhansi will showcase her life on the big screen when it opens in cinemas on January 25. Its first song Vijayi Bhava releases today. The track, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, encapsulates Rani Laxmibai’s heroism.

Shankar Mahadevan, who has rendered it, says, “In any musician’s career, a film like Manikarnika becomes a landmark. It is challenging and musically enriching. We’ve been lucky enough to be offered projects like these that are milestones in our careers. Even after 50 years, we can look back and say that we were proud to create music for this kind of a historical epic. The songs have musical depth, melody and patriotic flavour. It’s indeed a proud moment for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.”

Kangana Ranaut, who plays the title role, exclaims, “Vijayi Bhava was recorded first. It’s a song about war preparation that has been shot on a massive scale. I’ve never done something of this nature before. It has a high tempo that will be celebrated.” Shariq Patel, CEO Zee Studios, states, “Vijayi Bhava celebrates the undying spirit of Rani Laxmibai. Shankar’s voice and Prasoon’s words will stay with the audiences for a long time.” Producer Kamal Jain sums up, “It celebrates the fighting spirit within us. It will make you stand up for your country and take pride in it.”

Husband-wife duo, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was supposed to reunite on screen for Gulab Jamun eight years after Raavan. However, it’s being said that they’re no longer part of the project. Apparently, the two actors wanted some changes in the script, following which they reportedly decided to opt out. The film was to go on floors later this month and in an earlier interview, Ash had said that it was a beautiful script and they fit the narrative perfectly.

Along with several Gen-Y stars, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has launched a number of new directors, too. The latest one to be added to the list is Bhanu Pratap Singh. The filmmaker has been working on a horror comedy for quite some time now and has locked Vicky Kaushal for the same. 

A source says, “The film is funny yet scary. It’s an interesting mix and when Vicky was approached for it, he instantly took an interest. Bhanu developed the characters and the actor has already started shooting for the movie.”

As for its leading lady, the informer reveals, “The makers have got Bhumi Pednekar on board. It’s a small but impactful role. When they were scouting for a face from the younger generation, they thought of Bhumi as she fit the character.” 

The actress, too, has begun filming her portions. “She has a few days of work on the movie, before she begins her next — Womaniya,” adds the source.

Incidentally, this will be the first of the two projects where the actors will share screen space. Post this, both the performers, who acted in different shorts in Lust Stories, will be seen in Karan Johar’s magnum opus, Takht, which goes on floors this August.

— Nayandeep Rakshit

For the longest time, speculations have been rife that Paresh Rawal would essay the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the latter’s biopic. However, now Vivek Anand Oberoi will be seen as NaMo in Omung Kumar’s upcoming film.

Ask Paresh if he still plans to go ahead with his movie based on the PM’s life and he replies, “Yes, I will be doing my version. I have heard some series is being made as well. In fact, it’s a healthy sign. His character is such that you will find a lot of masala.” Prod him if we will see him as Modi on screen and he says, “Yes, I will play him.”

— Deepali Singh

Even as Shraddha Kapoor has stepped into Katrina Kaif’s shoes for Remo D’souza’s dance flick starring Varun Dhawan, another hottie has been signed up for it too. Nora Fatehi, who wowed cinegoers with her sexy moves in racy numbers like Dilbar (Satyameva Jayate) and Kamariya (Stree) last year, has been roped in for the untitled 4D film.

Not surprising then, that her scintillating moves have also impressed B-Town filmmakers enough to cast her. Thrilled about her newest assignment, Nora enthuses, “I’m very excited to be a part of this project. Remo sir is extremely talented and I look forward to learning a lot from him. I’m equally thrilled to work with Varun and Shraddha, the trio has done an amazing job in their last venture (ABCD 2) and I can’t wait to join the squad. This is going to be an epic experience.”