Have you heard? Exploring southern collabs

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Ajay Devgn, who played a pivotal part in SS Rajamouli's blockbuster, RRR (2022), is looking to forge new associations with south filmmakers. The actor is reportedly in talks with KE Gnanavel Raja, producer of Chiyaan Vikram's Thangalaan and Suriya's Kanguva, for a possible collaboration. It is being said that the Singham Again actor has been offered a mass entertainer, an action extravaganza and a thriller to pick from. Currently gearing up for the release of his horror flick, Shaitaan, Ajay will mull over the scripts offered to him, before taking the final call in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, his next, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha with director Neeraj Pandey and co-starring Tabu, Jimmy Sheirgill and Saiee Manjrekar has been deferred. Initially slated to arrive on April 29, the musical romcom has been deferred to June. Reason: the actor also has Maidaan ready for release. So, the actor and his producers decided to space out his films.

Nora is going global

Nora Fatehi has inked a deal with Warner Music Group (WMG), her first with a major global record company. The idea behind this association is to promote the singer-dancer-actor's music career internationally, with some exciting projects. Thrilled with the developments, Nora said, "I've enjoyed great success in my career so far, but this deal is a significant step forward in my musical journey, a new chapter in my international career! My ambition is to be a global music star and performer, connecting with fans all over the world." Eager to use her diverse cultural background to create music and dance that brings everyone together, she added, "I'm excited to work with WMG to leverage their experience and expertise to help me fulfil this goal."

Celebrating for a cause

Ayushmann Khurrana, who is the national ambassador for UNICEF, batted for children's cause at the fifth edition of Radio4Child awards yesterday. Echoing the themes that impact children's rights, he said, "I'm deeply invested in the child rights that the awards champion today; rights that help children survive, thrive and develop in a safe environment, enabling them to be and to do their best in their lives." Glad to celebrate the professionals who reach millions with important messages that help children realise their aspirations, Ayushmann, who started his professional journey as a radio jockey, added, "As storytellers, educators, and changemakers they remind us that radio is more than entertainment, it is a powerful medium for good."

Let's talk about learning cricket

Saif Ali Khan, who acquired the Tigers of Kolkata Team for the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) along with actor-wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, recently reflected on his cricketing roots. Recalling his late father and cricket legend Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's teachings, he said, "When we used to field, my father used to say that learning to catch with a tennis ball is the proper way, because otherwise, the ball will bounce out of your hand. So, everybody starts with tennis ball cricket." Expressing his affinity for the City of Joy, Saif added, "My mother and half of my family are from Kolkata."

Richa, Ali's six pack of movies

Buoyed with their maiden production, Girls Will Be Girls, bagging two awards at the Sundance Film Festival, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha shared their line-up under their banner, Pushing Buttons Studios. The duo have Akash Bhatia's crime thriller Papita, Ashutosh Pathak's adult animation Doggie Stylez, Amitosh Nagpal's musical comedy Pinky Promise, Rahul Singh Datta's documentary RiAlity, and Kamal Swaroop's fantasy drama Miss Palmoliv All Night Cabaret. Richa said, "We are driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to bring fresh, diverse narratives to the forefront." On his part, Ali added, "Ours is not just a production house; it is also a platform for artists to collaborate, experiment, and create memorable experiences for audiences."