Latest Bollywood News Today Transcript at 11:30 AM on 3 August 2023
In our top story. Karan Johar returned to feature film direction after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film’s encouraging box office performance completes his comeback. Within days of its release, the Alia Bhatt-Ranveer Singh-starrer has easily crossed the Rs 50 crore mark. It showed no signs of slowing down at the ticket counters. As per a Bollywood Hungama report, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’s total nett domestic collection stands at Rs 60.17 crores approximately. Written by Ishita Moitra, Sumit Roy and Shashank Khaitan, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is the story of a young couple who live with each other’s families to see if they are compatible with them or not.
Meanwhile, actor Ranveer Singh says all the love coming his way for playing the role of Rocky Randhawa in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani is beyond his imagination. The actor’s portrayal of Rocky, an energetic Punjabi lad, who falls for Alia Bhatt’s firebrand Bengali journalist Rani Chatterjee, has been hailed by critics as one of his finest performances. Ranveer told PTI – “People are laughing, crying and cheering for Rocky in the halls. I’ve witnessed it and it is so heartening to see that. The kind of unanimous, emotional reaction that is pouring in has filled me with immense joy. It’s a special one. My heart is glowing with gratitude.”
On Wednesday, 2nd August, SRK’s tweet caught fans’ attention, which was in response to renowned businessman and chairman of Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra. Anand, who is active on Twitter, tweeted Shah Rukh’s song Zinda Banda from the upcoming film Jawan and said – “At 57, Shah Rukh’s ageing process defies gravitational forces!” SRK reacted to the compliment and wrote, “Life is so short and fast sir, just trying to keep up with it. Try and entertain as many as it takes. A dream for a few moments of joy.” Jawan is slated to release on September 7th.
Moving on. The Internet was taken by storm when Zoya and Farhan Akhtar announced in 2021, their upcoming project, Jee Le Zaraa, featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. Now, Zoya herself has recently provided an update about the highly anticipated movie, adding to the thrill and anticipation. Denying the reports of the project being cancelled, she clarified to India Today and shared – “We are just waiting for the dates of the actors.” Said to be a road trip movie, Jee Le Zaraa is co-written by Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, with Farhan taking on the role of director as well.
To celebrate the 20th release anniversary of “Koi Mil Gaya”, starring Hrithik Roshan, the makers of the sci-fi hit on Wednesday said the film is set to be re-released in select theatres across the country on August 4, Friday. “Koi Mil Gaya”, directed by Rakesh Roshan, originally hit the screens on August 8, 2003, and narrated the story of a developmentally disabled man called Rohit, who befriends Jadoo, an extraterrestrial being. Also starring Preity Zinta, Rekha, Prem Chopra and Johnny Lever, the movie will be re-released on PVR INOX screens across 30 cities in India. Rakesh Roshan told PTI – “The idea is to relive the nostalgia. And, we hope the re-release introduces the new generation to Jaadoo.”
Meanwhile, Ananya Panday is all set to return to the big screen in writer-director Raaj Shaandilyaa’s Dream Girl 2, a sequel to his 2019 blockbuster Dream Girl. In the movie, Ananya will be seen sharing the screen with Ayushmann Khurrana, who also portrayed the lead role in the first instalment. At a recent trailer launch event in Mumbai, Ananya was asked about the significant age difference between herself and Ayushmann. She told reporters – “I don’t think this is today’s issue. The age difference has always existed. As long as two actors are suitable for their respective roles, it’s perfectly acceptable.” Dream Girl 2 also stars Paresh Rawal, Abhishek Banerjee, Manjot Singh and Vijay Raaz. The film releases on August 25th.
Former actor Imran Khan, known for his rare public appearances, surprised everyone with a recent declaration. He hinted at a possible comeback in a comment on veteran actor Zeenat Aman’s Instagram post. Imran, who made his debut with the hit rom-com Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na in 2008, was last seen on the big screen in Katti Batti in 2015. The box office flop led to his prolonged hiatus from acting. When Zeenat shared her new advertisement for a fintech brand, a fan wrote in the comments – “Zeenat ji ne bhi comeback karlia, patha mera Imran Khan kab karega.” Imran noticed her comment and responded,” Let’s leave this to the internet. 1 million likes, and I’ll make it happen.”
Lastly, in some distressing news: Art director and producer, Nitin Chandrakant Desai has died by suicide at the age of 57 and was found at his studio in Karjat, Maharashtra. Police said further investigation is on. Per a PTI report, Desai had defaulted on a Rs 252-crore loan to its financial creditor, and a bankruptcy court admitted an insolvency petition against his company, ND’s Art World Pvt Ltd, last week. Film and TV personalities expressed shock at his demise, and paid tributes. Recognised for his work in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1994 film, 1942: A Love Story, Nitin also designed the set of Slumdog Millionaire 2008.
Click to listen to yesterday’s bulletin