Money minded? Who me?
Superstar Akshay Kumar, who is also a film producer and one of India’s highest tax-paying celebrities, recently addressed accusations of being “money-minded” during his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat. The actor, currently promoting Jolly LLB 3, said, “Agar paisa kamaya hai toh loot ke nahi kamaya. Maine kaam karke kamaya hai. For the last eight years, I have been the highest taxpayer. It cannot be that I am money-minded.” He added, “Paisa kamata hu, tax deta hu, aur un paiso se kaafi seva karta hu. Ye mera dharam hai. Jab tak aap mehnat kar rahe hain, tab tak koi problem nahi hai.” Akshay also revealed that he once invested his own money to complete a film after the producer faced financial difficulties.
Hollywood calling?
Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone
Actor Deepika Padukone is set to return to Hollywood after exiting Kalki 2, amid reports of fee and work condition disagreements. Her potential comeback could be in the next XXX film alongside Vin Diesel, following her Hollywood debut in XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017). The Hollywood star shared a still from the film and wrote, “A global audience who has literally been the blessing of this artist’s life. Groot’s return in the Arbor King, that infamous New York Detective, Kaulder’s Oath, Xander’s next adventure in Mumbai (sic).” Vin had earlier shared a poster with Deepika, getting fans excited for the new collab.
Entering the King’s castle
Karanvir Malhotra
After the blockbuster success of Pathaan (2023), Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Siddharth Anand are reuniting for King, an action thriller that also marks the big-screen debut of Suhana Khan. The film is currently being shot in Poland, with Karanvir Malhotra joining the ensemble cast. According to reports, Karanvir has already begun filming and will be part of the project throughout, with his role carrying a significant arc. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, featuring high-octane stunts at European locations to give audiences fresh visuals.Also featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Rani Mukerji, King is slated for release in 2027.
When it comes to food
Rishab Shetty
Kannada star Rishab Shetty has dismissed viral claims of a supposed “no non-veg, no alcohol” guideline for Kantara: Chapter 1. Speaking at a recent event, the actor-director clarified, “When it comes to food, it is each person’s choice. I have never said such things.” He stressed that neither he nor his team had issued any such instructions. Rishab, who has begun work on the highly anticipated prequel to his blockbuster, Kantara (2022), urged fans not to believe unverified posters circulating online. “People should not misinterpret or spread rumours,” he added, reiterating that the film remains his priority.
Making Gen Z love stories
Mohit Suri
Filmmaker Mohit Suri is set to reunite with Yash Raj Films after the record-breaking success of Saiyaara. The romantic drama not only turned into a box-office phenomenon but also launched Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as the most talked-about Gen Z debutants in recent times. Three months since its release, its music and performances continue to dominate pop culture conversations. Now the buzz is that the director had multiple lucrative offers from across the industry but he has chosen to extend his partnership with YRF. The yet-untitled film, to be presented by Aditya Chopra, is said to be another musical love story. Its screenplay development is underway. Casting will begin in early 2026, with filming expected to start mid-year.
