SCOOPS: Rajkumar Hirani spotted with Atul Agnihotri post #MeToo allegations, B-Town bids adieu to Rajkumar Barjatya

Atul Agnihotri shared a picture with Rajkumar Hirani aboard a charter flight to Delhi. This is the first time that the Sanju filmmaker has been spotted after the allegation of sexual misconduct were made against him during the making of the movie. Hirani had denied the charges in a statement issued by his lawyer. He hasn’t been seen at events or at private dos in B-Town since then. Atul, who was his co-passenger on the flight to the capital, later shared a photo with brothers-in-law Sohail and Arbaaz Khan, director Abhishek Kapoor and a buddy.

Ajay Devgn along with director Indra Kumar and the Total Dhamaal team was in Delhi recently for the film’s promotion. The cast returned to Mumbai on Wednesday. Ajay and Indra, who were flying back together, had Manisha Koirala as their co-passenger. It was a pleasant surprise for the trio. While Manisha and Ajay have shared screen space in films like Dhanwaan (1993), Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999), Kachche Dhaage (1999), Lajja (2001), Company (2002) and Mehbooba (2008), the actress had starred in Kumar’s Mann (1999). Obviously, there was a lot of catching up to do. No wonder, they spent a lot of their flight time talking to each other.

Aamir Khan, who was recently in New York, spent time with Rishi and Neetu Kapoor. The couple has been stationed in the Big Apple for the veteran actor’s medical treatment. Aamir does not only have immense love and respect for the senior actor, but is also extremely friendly with the latter’s son Ranbir Kapoor. The Dangal actor had shared screen space with Rishi in Fanaa (2006). But this meeting was obviously more about personal bonds than work ties. Sharing a picture from the time they spent together, Neetu wrote, “It’s not how many hours one spends with a person it’s how much u give in that time !!! Aamir gave so much n more Love Respect Warmth Laughter !! He is a true superstar (sic)” Many of their friends and well-wishers from B-Town including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anupam Kher among others have dropped in from time-to-time to meet them. Rishi and Neetu play the gracious hosts and receive their guests with a lot of affection.

With a stellar cast that includes Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra and Johnny Lever, Total Dhamaal is definitely among the most-awaited comic capers. Watch the adventure comedy, Total Dhamaal at a theatre near you to experience the laughter bonanza!

Total Dhamaal, presented by Fox Star Studios, produced by Fox Star Studios, Ajay Devgn Films, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Sri Adhikari Brothers, Anand Pandit and co-produced by Sangeeta Ahir and Kumar Mangat Pathak, opens in cinemas today.

Veteran film producer, Rajkumar Barjatya, father of filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, passed away on Thursday morning at Reliance Harkishandas Hospital. He had been admitted on Tuesday following complaints of chest-pain and back-ache. Apparently, his condition deteriorated as he was put on ventilator on Wednesday. However, despite the best efforts of the doctors, he breathed his last yesterday morning. He was 78. 

Son of Tarachand Barjatya, who founded the Rajshri Productions banner, Raj Babu, as he was affectionately called by the industry, had begun his innings in the movies as associate producer with Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Chitchor (1976), Saaraansh (1984) and Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). Later, he produced movies like Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003), Vivah (2006) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015).

His demise came as a big shock to the industry. More so because he was said to be in good health and it was only recently during the family banner’s release of Hum Chaar when a number of media persons had also met him. The funeral was held yesterday at 4.30 pm at the Worli Crematorium.