Scoops: Rishi Kapoor to miss the annual X’mas celebrations at Shashi’s, Kanika Kapoor breaks off with Aditya Kilachand

Akshay Kumar has Sundays reserved for his family. In fact, each week his author-producer wife Twinkle Khanna aka Mrs FunnyBones tells him in advance which film they should pencil in. She also has a list of restaurants she would like to dine at. However, Akki, who flew yesterday morning to Thailand, for his annual vacay with his children — Aarav and Nitara — and his biwi, had to work on Sunday (December 23). 

The Bollywood superstar had to complete his work on Mission Mangal because a set had been built at Mumbai’s Filmcity. And with his holiday plans spanning nearly eight to 10 days, there was no escaping for him, other than to work on his weekly off. 

The bright side of this is — Akshay loved driving to work on a Sunday morning because the roads were fairly empty. He loved the fact that he reached his set from his residence in Juhu in record time and he also enjoyed a similar perk on the return. The Pad Man actor came home a happy man, packed his bags and flew out even happier. Guess, some producer somewhere may succeed in getting Akki to work on a Sunday sometimes.

(Pics: Yogen Shah)

The Kapoor khandaan, Randhir Kapoor, Babita and their daughters Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan are likely to join their cousin Kunal Kapoor and his family for the Kapoors’ annual Christmas lunch held at the late Shashi Kapoor’s residence in Juhu this afternoon.

Of course, the paps are keen to capture that tiny tot Taimur and Saif Ali Khan, too. But Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, who are away in the Big Apple tending to Chintu’s health, will sorely miss this annual family meeting. Also, since Krishna Raj Kapoor is no more, (she passed away on October 1 this year), the eldest member of the family who everyone is likely to take blessings from is Neela Devi, Shammi Kapoor’s wife.  Ranbir Kapoor, who is shooting, may try to drop by to say hello to his family and elders. However, this will depend entirely on whether RK Junior is able to secure permission from his Shamshera director, Karan Malhotra. 

Neha Kakkar and Himansh Kohli split

Neha Kakkar, arguably the most popular female singer in B-Town at this juncture tasted heartbreak recently. The Indian Idol Season 10 co-judge and crooner of some of the biggest playback hits in recent times, such as Aankh Marey remix (Simmba) and Morni Banke (Badhaai Ho), was reportedly dating young, good-looking actor Himansh Kohli. The two even featured in her popular single, Oh Humsafar. For a while now, the duo was blissed out and even shot for some professional engagements together. However, recently, Neha broke down on national television because she is currently nursing a heartbreak. A source said, “Neha and Himansh really liked each other. It seemed like they were just about to take their relationship to the next level. Then all of a sudden came the news of their break-up.” Really sad because for a while, the singer and the actor seemed truly happy. Guess what is not to be is not to be.

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Kanika Kapoor breaks off with Aditya Kilachand? 

Another singer, Kanika Kapoor (best known for Baby Doll in Ragini MMS 2 and Tukur Tukur in Dilwale among others), seemed extraordinarily happy with her businessman-boyfriend Aditya Kilachand. But now, she has apparently distanced herself from him. A source said, “Kanika and Aditya were serious about each other.

They spent quality time together for nearly two years, even partying with a common group of Aditya’s South Mumbai friends. Of late, the equation between this couple changed. Insiders say they have decided to take time off their relationship. However, they still care about each other and continue to move in the same circle of friends.” Let’s hope things fall into place for Kanika and Aditya. 

Amrita Rao, who has always had a small Christmas tree at her home throughout her childhood, has now got a 6 feet one at her Kalina residence, where she shifted post her wedding with radio jockey Anmol in May 2016. The Vivaah actress will be celebrating the festival with her husband and her family as her aunt and cousins are coming down from Orlando. 

“The Christmas lunch will be a combination of Catholic favourites and some Sindhi dishes as my aunt is married to a Sindhi,” says Amrita, adding, “Thanks to my mom, I did my festival shopping in Bandra. This time around, most of the work is done as I got this huge tree last year. I just had to put it up and decorate it.” 

While she’s eager to see what Anmol gifts her, the actress is gifting him a special Santa Claus, all the way from Europe. “This will complete the Christmas for us,” says the actress who follows her years' old tradition of visiting Mount Mary Church in Bandra on Christmas Eve. “We go there at around 7 pm, when it’s quieter and the priest is preparing for the sermons. Later, we also walk around the quaint bylanes and seeing the old-style cottages all decked up, some with life-size Santas in the compound, it transports you into a different world altogether,” she sums up.

Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra made their debuts in Bollywood with Dangal (2016). But while Fatima had a dud year with Thugs Of Hindostan, the latter was appreciated in Pataakha and Badhai Ho is considered one of the best films of 2018. The two girls are friends and often hang out together, and so, there is naturally no place for insecurity. “I’m really happy for Sanya and proud of her. She is extremely talented and is getting to showcase her acting skills,” says Fatima.

The two girls have also put up a number of dancing videos and Fatima is all praise for her friend there as well. “She is an amazing dancer. She can just stand and dance, she is that effortless. I have to rehearse a lot. Inshallah, I will get a chance to dance on screen soon,” she adds.

Rohit Shetty and Ranveer Singh, who are gearing up for the release of their next film Simmba, spent a memorable day with the Indian Navy. Rohit, who has helmed the cop drama starring Ranveer, was keen on the actor experiencing the life of the officers. They were welcomed aboard a military sea vessel where they spent their day with the men in uniform.

The officers had planned a great day for the duo right from the time they arrived. They were ferried to the ship on a speedboat, after which, they climbed a rope ladder — just like a real officer would —  to get on board. They met all the officers and even played a game of volleyball. The duo also learnt a bit about the functioning of the Indian Navy. The naval officers had a surprise planned for the actor and the director, which included a few entertainment activities such as singing, dancing and a play, which was inspired by their previous movies.

Reliance Entertainment presents, Rohit Shetty Picturez and Dharma Productions, Simmba, which is slated to release worldwide on December 28.

Jacqueline Fernandez celebrated Christmas with around 65 kids from St Catherine’s Home. She played Santa and gifted them toys as well as chocolates. The Race 3 actress also sang carols and shook a leg with the excited bunch. One of the children told her that he is a huge Varun Dhawan fan, so she immediately called her Judwaa 2 co-star and got him to talk to his admirer. The little ones had many questions for her about her work. Jackie spoke to them at length about her experiences in the movies. Before leaving, she clicked a lot of pictures and selfies with the kiddie gang, which left them grinning from ear to ear.