Have you heard? To new associations 

Pics/Instagram, PTI

Talk in the trade is that Ajay Devgn is set to team up with director Jagan Shakti for a film. They have met several times over the past few months and the actor is said to be impressed by one of the ideas shared by the director. While the subject is not known at this point in time, we hear Ajay was so excited by it that he has decided to produce it as well. Jagan is said to be developing the screenplay and working on other details. If things pan out as per plans, filming could begin early next year. Ajay will soon head to London for the shoot of De De Pyaar De 2 with Rakul Preet Singh. He also has Son of Sardaar 2 lined up. The collaboration with Ajay could give a big boost to Jagan. The director hasn't had a release since his superhit debut, Mission Mangal (2019). First, his remake of the Malayalam hit, Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020) didn't take off, and then, his actioner with Tiger Shroff was reportedly shelved after they shot for about 30 days.

Ace of the last decade

About 17 years ago, Deepika Padukone made her Bollywood debut with Om Shanti Om (2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Now, she has bagged the top spot as the most-viewed Indian star in the last 10 years on IMDb. Besides headlining several blockbusters, like Cocktail (2012), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Goliyon Ki Raasleela: RamLeela (2013), Piku, Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2017) and Pathaan (2023), she made her Hollywood debut with XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017), alongside Vin Diesel. "Deeply grateful to be included in a list that captures the sentiment of a global audience. This recognition is truly humbling and inspires me to continue connecting with and reciprocating the love I receive from audiences, both on and off screen, with authenticity and purpose," Deepika said. The actor will next be seen in Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD with Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, and Rohit Shetty's Singham Again.

Vikrant is a director's delight

Vikrant Massey, who wowed critics and audiences alike with his acting chops in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail (2023), is gearing up for the release of Blackout. Not surprisingly, the actor has impressed debutant writer-director Devang Bhavsar. All praise for his actor, the director said, "Vikrant is a trained actor. I got to learn a lot from him, given it is my first film. He [became] the character Lenny the moment he stepped outside his van. He is someone who does a lot of homework before coming on the set." Calling him a director's delight, Devang added, "In Blackout, the audience will see Vikrant as a completely different character. He has not played anything like this. He didn't shy away, he has gone all out to give his best."

Realty gains

Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Kapoor recently purchased an expansive apartment in a luxury highrise in Worli, Mumbai. The transaction for the property with a carpet area of 5,395 sq ft was reportedly finalised for a price of R58.66 crore. The couple paid a stamp duty of R1.75 crore and registered the deal on May 24. Apparently, Sasha and Mira bought this property from another developer, who had previously purchased it at half the price. Interestingly, this is Shahid's second acquisition in the highrise. About six years ago, the Farzi actor had bought another apartment, measuring 8,281 sq ft, for R55.60 crore.

All praise for Kashmir

Rohit Shetty is back after shooting a portion of Singham Again with Ajay Devgn and Jackie Shroff in Kashmir. The filmmaker shared a video about the change in the state over the years, captioning it, "We always had a paradise in our motherland called Kashmir. But once there was terrorism, unrest, curfews, no social life. And then Article 370 got abolished. Five years later, we landed there to film Singham Again. And now the new Kashmir... Happiness, young energy, tourism, peace, love... Naye Bharat ka naya Kashmir." Alongside, Rohit wrote, "We had the most amazing and emotional schedule. Thank you for the tremendous love, Kashmir." Previously, Yami Gautam Dhar shot extensively in the Valley for Article 370.

Sikandar's new nemesis

Remember Sathyaraj, best known to Hindi audiences for his portrayal of the character Kattappa in SS Rajamouli's Baahubali franchise? Reports suggest that he will play the antagonist opposite Salman Khan in his next, Sikandar. While there is no official word from producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director AR Murugadoss had reportedly shared that the film is a high-octane action fare with a good dose of emotions and a social message too.

Trademarking Titu Mama

Bhuvan Bam, known for playing multiple roles in his comedy sketches under the title, BB Ki Vines, has trademarked the character of Titu Mama. The actor, who took the character to a new level with Titu Talks in 2018, said, "The overwhelming response reinforced its popularity and potential. To protect and preserve this intellectual identity, we decided to officially register Titu Mama with Intellectual Property India. This step ensures that Titu Mama remains a unique and cherished part of our creative universe."