According to reports, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga was put off by Deepika's demands, which included eight-hour shifts, a significant salary, and a share of profits
Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Not in high Spirit here!
Deepika Padukone is reportedly no longer attached to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s action film Spirit, opposite Prabhas. According to reports, Vanga was put off by her demands, which included eight-hour shifts, a significant salary, and a share of profits. mid-day had reported that Deepika was set to join the film, for which she had reportedly quoted a fee of R20 crore (The winning spirit, May 3). However, it seems those plans have fallen through.
All for a rugged look
(From left) Buchi Babu Sana, Ram Charan, and Divyenndu(From left) Buchi Babu Sana, Ram Charan, and Divyenndu
Ram Charan’s upcoming Telugu film, Peddi, has begun a lengthy and crucial schedule in Hyderabad. The movie, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, features a sprawling village set designed by Avinash Kolla. A source working on the film shared, “The production team has gone to great lengths to ensure an immersive cinematic experience.” With 30 per cent of the shoot already completed, the schedule will cover a significant chunk of the film, for which Ram will be sporting a rugged look. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Divyenndu, and Jagapathi Babu, with music scored by AR Rahman and cinematography by R Rathnavelu. The movie is set to release on March 27, 2026, coinciding with the Ram’s 41st birthday.
All is well
Shilpa Shirodkar
Actor and former Bigg Boss 18 contestant Shilpa Shirodkar has announced her recovery from COVID-19. She updated fans about her health on social media. She wrote, “Finally recovered, feeling fine. Thank you each one of you for your love.” Shilpa had tested positive for the virus on May 19 (Not Again, May 20). Jewel Thief actor Nikita Dutta, on May 22, also took to social media to share that she has tested positive for the virus.
Ek chutki sindoor at Cannes
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned heads at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. She walked the Cannes red carpet in a stunning ivory saree designed by Manish Malhotra. However, it was the vivid sindoor in her hair parting that sparked intense discussion. Was it a nod to India’s Operation Sindoor, or a response to rumours of a rift with husband Abhishek Bachchan, or simply a deliberate styling choice? The questions swirled online as soon as her photos and videos went viral. She completed her look with custom ruby jewellery. Interestingly, Aishwarya wasn’t the only celebrity to don sindoor in Cannes; Aditi Rao Hydari, who married actor Siddharth last year, also sported it. The actors represented both Indian cinema and a global beauty brand as their ambassadors.
The only true representation
(From left) Payal Kapadia and Neeraj Ghaywan, Pics/Yogen Shah, AFP
One brought his film to the Cannes Film Festival after a decade, the other is serving as a jury member. Directors Neeraj Ghaywan and Payal Kapadia had a memorable meet-up at the 78th edition of the eminent gala. Neeraj’s second Hindi feature film Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, received a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes when it was screened in the Un Certain Regard segment on Wednesday. The same day, he clicked a picture with last year’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Payal, whom he called “India’s biggest star” at the European festival. “Hanging out with the biggest Indian star,” he captioned his photo with Payal, on Instagram.
