Scoops: Taapsee Pannu joins Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan in R Balki's next, Ayushmann Khurrana in 'Chhoti Si Baat' remake

After Hrs reported that Akshay Kumar is teaming up again with R Balki after their acclaimed and successful outing, Pad Man, earlier this year. Reportedly titled Mahila Mandal, their next revolves around India’s 2014 Mars Orbiter Mission, also called Mangalyaan. While Akshay plays a pivotal role in the movie, Vidya Balan is said to lead the team of women cosmonauts. “Taapsee Pannu and Sonakshi Sinha have been approached for the film. The team is looking out for heroines who are very good actors as well. Both of them fit the bill and the modalities are being worked out. Given that Akshay is close to both Sona and Taapsee, things are mostly going to fall in place.” Now, that’s quite a nice ensemble!

Ayushmann Khurrana has been making interesting film choices. His last two outings — AndhaDhun and Badhaai Ho have worked very well at the box office, too. In his next, being produced by Ekta Kapoor, the actor plays a call centre employee who talks to men in a woman’s voice. Now, we hear, he’s also in talks for the remake of another Bollywood classic. Says a source, “Ayushmann has been offered Amol Palekar’s role in the remake of Chhoti Si Baat (1976). It’s in the space that people like Ayushmann in, so the makers thought he would be apt for the role.” Juno Chopra, who produced the Ittefaq remake, is backing this project.

Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt have one thing in common. Before you jump to conclusions, we are talking about the trio working out at the same gym. Recently, on Koffee With Karan, Alia had even talked about how she and Dippy shared a gym. In fact, till recently, the Raazi actress and Katrina had the same trainer, Yasmin Karachiwala, too. However, we hear that Alia is no longer training with Yasmin. Says a source, “It is not clear why Alia changed her trainer. Last month, she was conspicuously missing from Yasmin’s 25-year celebrations too.”

Karan Johar’s talk show, which kickstarted last week, has been coming up with interesting combinations. After actors like Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal and Rajkummar Rao made it to Koffee With Karan this season, speculations were rife that Kartik Aaryan too will be seen chatting with the filmmaker host. However, our source reveals, “Kartik was never approached for KWK. In fact, he is not even on their wishlist, as of now,” said an informer. So whether the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety actor will make it next time, is something that we can’t say anything about for now.

Speculation was rife about Sushmita Sen dating model Rohman Shawl, with whom she was spotted a couple of times. And now, the actress has all but confirmed it. On her Instagram handle, Sush has addressed him as the “love of life”. She has shared a picture with Rohman and her team clicked in front of Agra’s Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, and captioned it, “#clickclick #friends #team & the #love of life!!!️ I love you guys (sic).” Good to know that B-Town guys are no longer shying away from coming out in the open about their relationships.

After battling cancer for several years, Arjun Rampal’s mother, Gwen, succumbed to the ailment. The actor has been an exemplary son and has been by his mother’s side through her medical treatment. The mortal rites and rituals were carried out yesterday afternoon in Worli. We offer our deepest condolences to Arjun.