Heeramandi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali announces the release of First Look on February 1

Ever since Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced his web show debut with Heeramandi, fans are eager to catch a glimpse of the magnum opus. The filmmaker, known for his lavish sets and larger-than-life cinema, will be showcasing another historical drama set against the backdrop of the pre-Independence era. The first glimpse of the upcoming show after unveiling the poster last year will now be released on February 1.

On Wednesday, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production house shared the news of the first look announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a post saying, “Get ready for the first look at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first series, the majestic world of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, arrives tomorrow!”. The announcement video also featured the tidbits of the musil one can expect from the show. Earlier, the poster unveiled the looks of the lead characters essayed by an ensemble cast, which includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, and Sanjay’s niece Sharmin Segal, as courtesans.

Get ready for the first look at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first series, the majestic world of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, arrives tomorrow!#Heeramandi #HeeramandiOnNetflix #SanjayLeelaBhansali @prerna982 @mkoirala #SonakshiSinha @aditiraohydari @sharminsegal @RichaChadha… pic.twitter.com/xZcqCSvs0f — BhansaliProductions (@bhansali_produc) January 31, 2024

The show is not only expected to be made on an extensive budget but it is also expected to feature a host of celebrities as it is said to be a social drama set in the 1940s and revolves around the courtesan culture. In an earlier interview with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, SLB had called the show as a tribute to films based on courtesans like Pakeezah, Mughal-e-Azam.

He also appreciated several filmmakers who managed to effortlessly work on such magnum opuses like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, and Guru Dutt. “They told beautiful women stories. They understood that she is the creator of man, therefore she needs to be given a place in literature, cinema and art. They always told stories of women, they were not necessarily telling stories of men. So if there is a Bajirao, there is also Mastani for me. If there was no Padmavati, who would hold the fort, fight and go into fire, I wouldn’t have made that film,” he had said.

Heeramandi will be premiering on Netflix.

Also Read: Adhyayan Suman joins the cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi; actor says, “For me Mr Bhansali is no less than god”

Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR starrer War 2 to commence shoot from February in Mumbai; report

While Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan together won hearts as sleek spies in the YRF action entertainer War, fans are excited to see the franchise return with the superstar headlining the cast. However, some interesting names have been added to the star cast like RRR fame Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, who will be essaying key roles in War 2. Now, the latest update on that front is that the film is going on floors in Mumbai next month, as per ETimes report.

Not too long ago, Hrithik Roshan was seen travelling across the country to promote his latest release Fighter. And now we hear that he is expected to commence shooting on War 2. In fact, we hear that the preps have started on full swing and that Roshan, who decided to immerse himself into getting fit to play an Indian Air Force officer in his latest release, has kicked off work on this actioner. We hear that the shooting for the film will kick off from Mumbai and that the filmmaker has already jotted down foreign locales where the film will continue to be shot.

A source was quoted in these reports confirmed these details adding, "Ayan Mukerji has already captured overseas location plates approximately two months ago. Currently, a set is under construction in the city in preparation for Hrithik's first shooting schedule".

A lot of expectations are riding high on this film which will mark Hrithik Roshan’s return on the big screen as a spy and audiences can expect some new twists and turns. Being a part of the ambitious YRF spy universe which is being created by Aditya Chopra, there were references to War 2 in the last release Tiger 3, which is also a part of this spyverse along with Pathaan. With Jr NTR as the antagonist and Kiara Advani expected to play the female lead, War 2 is expected to be releasing by the end of this year.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan promises War 2 will be fun: “My challenge is to show Kabir in a different light”

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal soars at No. 4 on Netflix with 6.2 million viewership

Netflix India recently elevated the long weekend with the global digital release of the much-anticipated blockbuster film Animal on January 26, 2024. Boasting a cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, the movie is now accessible in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, on Netflix. Released in theatres on December 2023, the film, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, garnered polarizing reactions but collected more than Rs. 800 crore at the global box office.

Now, five days after the release of the film on the platform, the film has garnered 6.2 million viewers with 20 million watch time hours. Animal is soaring at No. 4 on Netflix’s Non-English Film list, in its first week of the release.

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor was felicitated with the Best Actor Award at Filmfare 2024 in Gujarat for his performance in Animal.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this action drama explores the intricacies of modern-day relationships, focusing on the dynamics between a father and son. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, and Pranay Reddy Vanga. ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor signs Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War on his own terms and conditions - fixed working hours and 270 days for shoot

Veteran actor Ashok Saraf conferred with Mahashtra Bhushan 2023 by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Renowned actor Ashok Saraf, celebrated for his prolific contributions to Marathi cinema and Hindi films, has been honoured with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023. Acknowledging his stellar career, the announcement was made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The award stands as a testament to Saraf's enduring legacy and his role in shaping the cinematic narrative, transcending boundaries.

“Chief Minister announced giving 2023 Varshacha Maharashtra Bhushan Award to senior Marathi film and theatre actor Ashok Saraf for his immense contribution in the field of art. Ashok Saraf is not only humorous but has shown various shades from serious nature to villainous tendencies through his acting and has congratulated such Chief Ministers as Ghadaville and Rasikanwar Adhirajya Gajwale," wrote the Maharashtra CM on FaceBook, now called Meta.

Ashok Saraf gained fame for his performances in Marathi plays and later transitioned to films. Some of his notable Marathi films include Chal Re Laxya Mumbaila, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, and Thartharat. In Hindi cinema, he appeared in films like Shaukeen, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rang Birangi.

Shabana Azmi -Sunny Deol to share screen space for the first time

There seems no end to what the incomparable Shabana Azmi can do on screen. After sharing screen space with Dharmendra in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani for the first time—an unconventional pairing that ignited the screen—Shabana will now be seen with Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947, although they are not cast as romantic leads.

Shabana plays the pivotal part of a Hindu matriarch in Lahore who refuses to let go off her ancestral haveli after it is allotted to a Muslim migrant family from India.

Lahore 1947 also stars Preity Zinta as Sunny Deol’s Significant Other. The two were last seen together in the disastrous Bhaiaji Superhit in 2018. Whether Zinta is relocating to Mumbai to resume her career is not known.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi remembers her Khandhar co-star Sreela Majumdar; says, “Her performances had great emotional depth”

Amy Jackson engaged to Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick, see proposal photos from Switzerland

After years of courtship, British actress Amy Jackson and Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick have sealed their love with a picturesque engagement in Switzerland. The couple surprised fans with stunning proposal photos featuring the breathtaking snowy mountains as a backdrop.

Sharing the pictures along with the ring emoji on her Instagram, Amy Jackson wrote, “Hell yes.” On his Instagram stories, Ed Westwick wrote, “I hit the jackpot.”

The comments section was filled with congratulatory messages. Kiara Advani dropped heart emojis on Amy’s post whereas Kriti Sanon wrote, “Omg! Congratulations love.” Lisa Haydon left a comment which read, “Awww love congrats and glacier 3000.” Athiya Shetty also commented, “Congratulations.”

 

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Back in August 2023, Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick took the next step in their relationship and purchased a dream house in the countryside. Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick were dating privately for a while before making it official in February of 2022.

In their interview with Lifestyle Asia, Amy said, “He’s my partner in everything we do. He’s the voice of reason and calmness in chaotic times, he’s direct yet sensitive, an introverted extrovert, able to make me cry with laughter even through some of the toughest times. We share a passion for creating and growing as individuals and as a unit – I’ve never had someone who supports and encourages me to wholeheartedly explore my true self. He makes me feel like I can do anything. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’s the kindest, most caring human being to my little boy, Andreas – I love their relationship.”

Previously, Amy Jackson was engaged to George Panayiotou in January 2019 and gave birth to their son Andreas. In 2021, it was confirmed that the pair had parted ways after over two years of dating.

On the other hand, Ed Westwick was in a relationship with South African model and influencer Tamara Francesconi but called it quits after two years of dating. ALSO READ: Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick take next step in their relationship; buy their dream home in countryside

Tamannaah Bhatia to headline Dharmatic Entertainment produced start-up dramedy for Prime Video: Report

Tamannaah Bhatia is set to collaborate with Dharma Productions’ digital wing, Dharmatic Entertainment, for an upcoming start-up dramedy, set for Prime Video India. While the title of the project is kept under wraps, Archit Kumar of Dr. Arora fame will be directing this light-hearted series.

As per a report in Peeping Moon, this dramedy will feature two women and the casting for the second lead is underway. The report states, “Currently in pre-production, filming is slated for mid-March or early April, creating anticipation for a nuanced exploration of the highs and lows of the startup journey.”

This marks the second project Dharmatic Entertainment following Showtime, starring Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah. It is set for a summer 2024 release.

For Tamanaah Bhatia, this marks her fourth digital project, following Prime Video’s Jee Karda, Netflix’s Plan A Plan B and Disney+Hotstar’s Aakhiri Sach.

On the work front, Tamannaah Bhatia will next star in John Abraham starrer Vedaa, Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Bole Chudiyan, and Tamil movie Arnamanai 4. ALSO READ: Tamannaah Bhatia embarks on a spiritual sojourn, visits Kamakhya temple with loved ones; see pics