1. Akshay Kumar to join Kareena Kapoor Khan on the sets of 'Good News', next week
)
Akshay Kumar is on a roll. Like every year, he is busy wrapping up work on one film after another. While the superstar is currently shooting for R Balki’s production venture Mission Mangal, we hear that he plans to join the crew of his next film, Good News, shortly. Says a source, “Akshay has given his dates from the last week of January. The entire crew, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kiara Advani and Diljit Dosanjh will also be shooting in Mumbai for the second schedule of the film. He will join them on the sets around January 27.” The romcom, which revolves around two couples and their issues with pregnancy, already wrapped up the first shooting leg in Punjab. “Akki and Bebo weren’t required for that schedule. The four of them will shoot their combination scenes now, whereas there will also be a third schedule featuring only the two main leads.” Akshay and Kareena reunite on screen for a full-fledged film after Kambakkht Ishq (2009) while the Veere Di Wedding actress had also shot for a cameo in Khiladi Kumar’s Gabbar Is Back (2015).
2. Deepika Padukone has the highest brand value among B-Town stars, here's how
)
According to a recent survey, Deepika Padukone has secured the top position, becoming the only Hindi film actress to have a brand worth of $102.5 million, leaving behind even her male counterparts. The report states that India’s top 20 celebrities have a cumulative brand value of $877 million and DP’s is the highest among Bollywood stars.
Last year, Deepika only had one release — Padmaavat. However, her endorsements continued to keep her in the lead position. She also reclaimed the title of the Sexiest Asian Woman on the planet in a survey conducted by a renowned UK-based newspaper.
The numero uno actress says, “The past year has been extremely special for me, professionally as well as personally. While it is an honour just being a part of a list such as this, to see my name feature on the top is certainly overwhelming! It is rewarding to know that people acknowledge and value your efforts and hard work.”
Currently, Deepika is gearing up for her next film, Chhapaak, based on the true story of an acid attack survivor, which will be directed by Meghna Gulzar. The superstar will not only play the lead role in it but also co-produce the project.
3. Hema Malini may contest in 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Mathura again
)
Hema Malini, who is the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Mathura, is likely to contest in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The 70-year-old actress is a staunch BJP loyalist and has had a good inning. She says, “I may contest from Mathura. However, I wouldn’t like to say anything more on the subject. I will wait for the party high command to make the announcement.”
Hema adds, “My daughters — Esha and Ahana — are settled. I have two lovely grandchildren. I have my dance and I love my constituency. I can think of so much that I can continue doing in Mathura.” Ask her if she would like a ministerial berth and she replies, “No, I’m not ambitious to want to be a minister. I would rather continue doing my social work and be of use to the people by improving infrastructure and looking at other aspects of the place that I represent.”
— Meena Iyer
