Have you heard? Omicron scare to push movie releases?

Alia Bhatt, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Jr NTR, SS Rajamoul, Prabhas and Pooja Hegde

Several big-budget films up for release face the fear of postponement amid the rising concerns over the Omicron variant of the virus. The Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn-starrer RRR releases on January 7. SS Rajamouli's multilingual period drama is the first big release of 2022. The producers are worried about the increasing Omicron cases and the night curfew in certain parts of the country. Strict COVID-19 protocols will also affect the occupancy and footfalls in cinema halls. Prabhas and Pooja Hegde's bilingual Radhe Shyam hits screens on January 14. Those backing Radha Krishna Kumar's directorial venture are also concerned about the romantic drama's release. They are hoping that there is no replay of the situation in March when the second wave of the pandemic forced theatres to down shutters.

A day marked by announcements

On Monday, to mark his 56th birthday, Salman Khan announced that there is a possibility that he and Shah Rukh Khan will collaborate on a film. The duo feature in extended cameos in their upcoming projects, Tiger 3 and Pathan, respectively. During a media interaction outside his Panvel farmhouse, where he rang in his big day, the superstar said that Tiger 3 should release by December 2022, and Pathan will hit screens earlier. He added that after Tiger 3, he begins work on the long-in-the-planning sequel to No Entry (2005), followed by Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. He also informed that the sequel of Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) is titled Pavanputra Bhaijaan.

Not without Iulia

Salman Khan cut his birthday cake at the stroke of midnight along with niece Ayat, who turned two. Apart from family and industry colleagues who made their way to Panvel, including Bobby Deol, Sajid and Wardha Nadiadwala, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Sallu's rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur was also present. Deanne Panday shared a click with the Romanian actor-singer.

Love and light

Though several industry colleagues extended birthday greetings to Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif's birthday message for her Tiger 3 co-star attracted attention. The superstar's close pal and former rumoured girlfriend wrote on Instagram Story, "Happiest birthday to you. May all the love, light and brilliance you have be with you forever." She also added a heart emoji.

The joy of giving and sharing

Maniesh Paul spread festive cheer among underprivileged children by donating 500 pairs of footwear. The actor-anchor tied up with the NGO Khushiyaan Foundation for the endeavour. One of his team members dressed up as Santa Claus and presented the gifts while partying with the kids. Last year, Paul had helped 40 migrant workers return to their hometown and provided them with footwear. He had also showcased his philanthropic side by helping those hit hard by the pandemic with ration kits. Paul, who wrapped up the shoot of Jug Jugg Jeeyo alongside Anil Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, believes that giving is caring.

Troubled notes

On Monday, ‘Arrest Sunny Leone' started trending on Twitter after a section of netizens demanded an apology from her for featuring in the Madhuban music video. The song, rendered by Kanika Kapoor, is facing flak for hurting religious sentiments. After Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra's warning, the music label released a statement that "they will be changing the lyrics and the name of the song in the next three days."

The besties are back

After recovering from COVID-19, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Amrita Arora Ladak are up and about making sartorial statements. The besties soaked in the festive spirit at Karisma Kapoor's home on Sunday night. Bebo caught up with Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor at the bash. After being in quarantine for almost two weeks, there was a lot to gossip about. She shared a picture with Amrita on her Instagram Story and wrote, "We are back." Bebo is determined to make up for the lost time.

Not piping-hot

While there is no word on the new season of Koffee With Karan, host Karan Johar has been conducting Koffee Shots With Karan on Disney+Hotstar. His latest episode featuring Atrangi Re actors Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan was part of Aanand L Rai's film's promotions as it dropped on the OTT platform. In July this year, the filmmaker posted a hint about a new season of a piping hot (read controversial) Koffee With Karan. While it's taking a while to brew, Koffee Shots With Karan is proving to be lukewarm in comparison as it is a mere tool to promote digital films and shows.