Have you heard? Farhan Akhtar kicking off the festivities on an auspicious note

Farhan Akhtar with girlfriend Shibani Dandekar, Ritesh Sidhwani and wife Dolly

Kicking off the festivities on an auspicious note

On Wednesday, Farhan Akhtar extended Diwali greetings by sharing a photograph of the puja at their production house's office. The actor-filmmaker's girlfriend Shibani Dandekar, business partner and producer Ritesh Sidhwani and his wife Dolly were present. Fans wished Akhtar had announced a new film on the auspicious occasion. They are hoping that he teams up with Shah Rukh Khan for another outing of the Don franchise.

Festive love

Yami Gautam and director husband Aditya Dhar are celebrating their first Diwali together in their new home. The couple, who tied the knot in June, sent out festive wishes on Wednesday. "Every year, Diwali brings new memories and new beginnings. Happy Chhoti Diwali to you and your family. Wish you a year full of happiness, health and success," posted Gautam. Captivated by wifey dear's smile, Dhar added, "It lights up the world."

Old buddies, new beginnings

Filmmakers Sudhir Mishra and Anubhav Sinha are collaborating for a relationship drama, which will go on floors by mid-2022. "It is a novel idea, and if told right, it will get cinephiles from across the globe discussing it," says Mishra, who will direct the film. The Indo-American project features stars from across the globe and will unfold at multiple locations. "As a producer, I am always looking for fresh ideas that push the envelope. Sudhirbhai brings to each piece of cinema his unique voice," adds Sinha. The pre-production begins post Diwali.

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Working Diwali

It will be a working Diwali for Manoj Bajpayee who is shooting for Abhishek Chaubey's film in Kochi. The actor will not be taking a break to be with family and friends as he is in no mood to soak in the festivities. On October 3, the actor lost father RK Bajpayee. "Diwali will not be the same for him this year. He is keen to give the celebrations a skip. He'd rather be busy with work," says a source close to Bajpayee. The actor had to leave the shoot mid-way in September to attend to his ailing father in New Delhi.

A year of love and laughter

Amrita Rao and RJ Anmol marked the first birthday of son Veer with a get-together at home. Anmol posted, "Veer had a close-knit animal-theme birthday. We couldn't invite anyone but immediate family members because Veer's mom is not vaccinated as per our paediatrician's guidelines. We seek your blessings." The current guidelines of the Indian government state that COVID-19 vaccination is suitable for all lactating women. Guess Rao will take her first shot soon.

The joys of childhood

Kangana Ranaut took a jibe at people who insist on banning firecrackers during Diwali. Taking to her Instagram Story, she shared a video of spiritual guru Sadhguru, in which he recalls his childhood memories of the festival of lights. As kids, they looked forward to bursting crackers. Ranaut added a bit of advice. "All Diwali environment activists should stop using cars and walk to their office for three days to control the effects of bursting crackers," she posted.

Say no to crackers

Rhea Kapoor is keen people refrain from bursting crackers during Diwali. The producer calls it an outdated tradition. Anil Kapoor's daughter posted, "Bursting crackers is not only dated but grossly ignorant, inconsiderate and irresponsible. Stop doing it... it is so 19-never." Last month, she refused to take part in the Karva Chauth celebrations. She stated that she and director husband Karan Boolani do not comply with the "spirit it comes from." She opined that a couple is good if they take care of themselves and each other.

40 and fabulous

On Tuesday, Esha Deol turned 40. Businessman husband Bharat Takhtani hosted a bash to mark the milestone year, which was attended by family and industry colleagues, including Fardeen Khan and Tusshar Kapoor. "Thanks to all my peeps for making it special," she posted. Cousin Abhay Deol made it special for the birthday girl. More than brothers, Sunny and Bobby, Esha is known to be close to Abhay bhaiyya. Guess she loves that he can laugh at himself.

A double celebration

On Wednesday, Vicky Kaushal turned party-planner. Mother Veena clocked 60 years and it was also his parents' 35th wedding anniversary. He shared a picture with action choreographer father Sham Kaushal and mom to mark the occasion and wrote, "Quite a special day for the Kaushal household. Blessed with the best." A section of netizens was quick to note ‘bahu-to-be' Katrina Kaif's absence in the family portrait. Did she click the picture?

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