Have you heard? I spy a new spy

Shah Rukh Khan

There's no such thing as too many spies. At least, that's what filmmaker Aditya Chopra seems to believe. Bollywood is already abuzz with talk of Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan 2, which is expected to roll early next year and will set the stage for Tiger vs Pathaan (Sequel before face-off, Feb 23). Now, there is another twist to the tale - it turns out there will be a new spy alongside Shah Rukh in the upcoming sequel. Apparently, the makers are scouting for a 20-something hero who can join the YRF Spy Universe. While SRK will headline the big-budget actioner, this new spy will play his protégé as they take on baddies together. Something tells us that the extended cameo will be a coveted role. Only time will tell who lands the spot and rubs shoulders with King Khan.

Adding weight

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has joined the team of the Oscar-nominated documentary, To Kill a Tiger, as an executive producer. It tells the story of the father of a 13-year-old rape survivor in Jharkhand, and his long fight for justice. "When I first watched this film in 2022, I was immediately captivated by its poignant narrative, depicting a father's valiant struggle within the judicial system to secure justice for his daughter. This project serves as a testament to the boundless love and unyielding determination of a devoted father for his cherished daughter. I was born in Jharkhand, and as the daughter of a father that was my forever champion, I was moved to pieces," Priyanka shared on social media. Nisha Pahuja's directorial venture premièred at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022. Over the past six months, executive producers Mindy Kaling and Dev Patel have been actively promoting the docu.

No escaping it

Offering arguably the most sensible take on the growth of technology, Aamir Khan said dismissing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is futile. "We will continue to see new kinds of technology [around us]. AI is taking the world by storm. As and when we move forward, we will know what will happen. I'm always behind in terms of technology. My life revolves around stories. With technology, there's no turning back, be it any profession or industry. You cannot curb new technology. There is no need to stop it either, you have to learn to evolve with it," the actor-producer said.

Wrap up soon

Ram Charan, who is shooting the last leg of Game Changer, has also begun preparing for his next. Insiders claim that the actor is currently filming extensive action scenes for S Shankar's thriller, and is planning to wrap up the project by March 2. Soon after, he will begin work on RC 16 with director Buchi Babu Sana.

Just busy, says Rashmika

Rashmika Mandanna, who was recently seen in Animal (2023), has opened up on why she did not take "ownership" of her part in the film following its release. Responding to fans who suggested she had been away since the movie was criticised for its chauvinistic narrative, she shared, "We have delivered a massive film, and people loved it. I wanted to take some time out to enjoy it, but I was back on set the next day, and hence I was unable to do a lot of interviews or events. Your love keeps me going. Thank you. I was surrounded by the most supportive [team], and the best fans, so I didn't have anything to worry about."

Feeling blessed

It has been a divine start to the union of Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, who tied the knot in Goa on February 21 in the presence of family and close friends. The newly-weds received prasad from Ayodhya and expressed their deepest gratitude. Sharing a picture of it on her social media handle, Rakul wrote, "Blessed beyond measure to receive prasad from Ayodhya after our wedding!" Echoing her sentiments, producer-husband Jackky wrote, "Feeling truly blessed."

Woman power

Kareena Kapoor Khan has credited Kangana Ranaut, Vidya Balan and Deepika Padukone for having made significant contributions to the improvement of women's roles in cinema and remuneration in the Hindi film business. Speaking at a summit, Kareena said, "A lot of strong women have done films that have been loved by the audiences, the critics, and at the box office. So, whether it's leading actresses like Kangana, Vidya, Deepika, or myself, we've always tried to stand for roles that [go beyond being merely present] in the film. [This] has changed a lot of dynamics on many levels, like demanding a certain role, a certain fee, or position." She will next be seen in Crew.

Language no bar

Dheeraj Dhoopar recently joined the cast of Rabb Se Hai Dua after the television show underwent a 22-year leap. The actor, who plays Subhaan, continues to perfect his Urdu since it is critical to his role. "To grasp the minute details of the Urdu language, I've done workshops," he shares. Interestingly, Dheeraj's make-up artiste has a strong command over the language. The actor adds, "I am learning a lot from him since he is always around me on set. I have also integrated Urdu into my conversations with my wife."