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After a vocal trans-gender avatar in Dream Girl, it is time for Ayushmann Khurrana to push the envelope even further with his next project Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan where he plays a gay character who not only comes out of the closet but also wants to marry his partner.
The partner in this unabashed gay comedy will be played by internet sensation Jitendra Kumar whose skits on The Viral Fever have the nation in their grip. Sources say the gay angle would not be dealt with in any apologetic or hesitant manner. “Unlike Onir’s brave My Brother Nikhil where no intimacy was shown between the gay partner Sanjay Suri and Purab Kohli, in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan there will be many intimate moments between Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar. This would be the first gay love story of Indian cinema where the central relationship would not accentuate the gender of the lovers,” says a source close to the project.
Ayushmann is no stranger to unconventional roles and films, especially those that address sexual taboos. In his debut film Vicky Donor he played a sperm donor. In Shubh Mangal Saavdhan Ayushmann’s character suffered from erectile disorder. In Badhaai Ho, he dealt with his mother’s pregnancy and in Dream Girl he was a cross-dressing actor impersonating a woman phone-sex worker.
When asked what it would be like doing a kissing scene with his male co-star in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Ayushmann had opined it would be no different to kissing a female co-star.
Also Read: Nushrat Bharucha opens up about Dream Girl’s success and having a friend in Ayushmann Khurrana
Is Salman Khan all set to turn into a full-fledged director soon? Considering how deep his involvement with the making of the films that he stars in, it seems likely he would take credit for direction soon. For Dabangg 3 Salman has been actively collaborating with the film’s official director Prabhu Dheva over every shot and the editing.
Says a source in the know, “This has been the trend from Dabangg to Dabangg 2 to Dabangg 3. Salman’s contribution has been increasing. In Dabangg 3 he could be billed as co-director, if he wants, so high is his contribution.”
While the same level of involvement was seen by Sanjay Leela Bhansali as interference which eventuated in his collaboration with Salman Khan over the project Inshallah being called off, Prabhu Dheva takes Salman’s ‘suggestions’ (read: inputs) as valuable.
Reasons Prabhu Dheva, “Salman Khan is a vastly experienced actor. He has been around for 25 years and has worked with some of the best directors of the country. He understands cinema. His suggestions can only be considered helpful and advantageous to the film.”
As far as overseeing the editing of Dabangg 3 is concerned a source says, “This is Salman’s home production. He has every right to decide the final shape of the film. Even when he does outside films (non-home productions) directors take his advice on the final editing.”
Also Read: Salman Khan shares a dreamy picture from the sets of Dabangg 3 with Saiee Manjrekar!
Ever since Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali parted ways, there has been many speculative articles as to why the creative separation occurred. One of the theories for the misadventure doing the rounds is that there was a kiss in the script that Salman refused to do.
However, a source close to Sanjay Leela Bhansali laughs off the kiss theory. “First there was no kiss to begin with. And even if there was, Salman would have known about it from the start.”
It is a commonly known fact in the Indian entertainment industry that Salman doesn’t kiss or indulge in any overt intimacy with his leading ladies. “Every filmmaker knows that Salman doesn’t kiss on screen. Having said that, if Sanjay Bhansali could get Amitabh Bachchan to kiss Rani Mukerji in Black as it was the dire need of the script, then why would Salman not agree to a kiss if the need arises? However, there was no kiss at all in Inshallah. This is just a wild stab in the dark,” says the source.
Salman Khan’s no-intimacy clause with his heroines remains even if the lady with the puckered lips is Katrina Kaif. It so happened that Tiger Zinda Hai, the sequel to Salman’s 2012 Republic Day blockbuster, had a sequence of intense intimacy between Salman and Katrina. “Everyone felt this just once Salman would break his no-kissing code because the sequence is vital to the plot and also because ….well, it’s Katrina. But no. Salman refused outright. Director Ali Abbas Zafar tried his darndest to convince Salman. However, nothing worked. The scene has been dropped,” says a source in the know.
Salman has, over the years, repudiated onscreen intimacy to the point of being considered a prude. He not only refuses to indulge in any physical proximity with his leading ladies he also won’t play grey or negative characters. He turned down Abbas-Mustan’s Baazigar for the character’s bent towards moral deviancy.
It went on to be milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s career. But ask Salman Khan if he cares.
Also Read: Salman Khan says Inshallah will happen but not with him
Ever since Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali parted ways, there has been many speculative articles as to why the creative separation occurred. One of the theories for the misadventure doing the rounds is that there was a kiss in the script that Salman refused to do.
However, a source close to Sanjay Leela Bhansali laughs off the kiss theory. “First there was no kiss to begin with. And even if there was, Salman would have known about it from the start.”
It is a commonly known fact in the Indian entertainment industry that Salman doesn’t kiss or indulge in any overt intimacy with his leading ladies. “Every filmmaker knows that Salman doesn’t kiss on screen. Having said that, if Sanjay Bhansali could get Amitabh Bachchan to kiss Rani Mukerji in Black as it was the dire need of the script, then why would Salman not agree to a kiss if the need arises? However, there was no kiss at all in Inshallah. This is just a wild stab in the dark,” says the source.
Salman Khan’s no-intimacy clause with his heroines remains even if the lady with the puckered lips is Katrina Kaif. It so happened that Tiger Zinda Hai, the sequel to Salman’s 2012 Republic Day blockbuster, had a sequence of intense intimacy between Salman and Katrina. “Everyone felt this just once Salman would break his no-kissing code because the sequence is vital to the plot and also because ….well, it’s Katrina. But no. Salman refused outright. Director Ali Abbas Zafar tried his darndest to convince Salman. However, nothing worked. The scene has been dropped,” says a source in the know.
Salman has, over the years, repudiated onscreen intimacy to the point of being considered a prude. He not only refuses to indulge in any physical proximity with his leading ladies he also won’t play grey or negative characters. He turned down Abbas-Mustan’s Baazigar for the character’s bent towards moral deviancy.
It went on to be milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s career. But ask Salman Khan if he cares.
Also Read: Salman Khan says Inshallah will happen but not with him
There has been a spate of rumours regarding who will finally play Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his biopic. The three actors whose names keep coming up are Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher. It is understood that all the three actors are most willing and eager to play the coveted role and apparently PM Modiji is quite happy with all three choices.
A source close to the ruling government told me, “Anupamji and Pareshji are not only dear to Modiji they are also very good actors. However Akshay Kumar will bring certain saleability to the project. It is important to cast an actor who would draw in the audience.” This source also informs that the PM’s office is “understandably wary” of a bio-pic about PM Modi after what was done to his life’s story in the bio-pic directed by Omung Kumar.
“The next time, PM Modi may want to know what goes into the film about his life. He is not interested in a sycophantic over-sweetened biopic. The PM doesn’t take kindly to jee-huzoori,” says the source.
Unfortunately there was a rather appalling bio-pic on the Indian Prime Minister earlier this year directed by Omung Kumar after which the PM’s office has decided to be careful with the crew and content involved with anything to do with putting the PM’s life on celluloid.
Also Read: Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar clash on EID 2020 but will APPEAR TOGETHER in theatres this DIWALI
There has been a spate of rumours regarding who will finally play Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his biopic. The three actors whose names keep coming up are Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher. It is understood that all the three actors are most willing and eager to play the coveted role and apparently PM Modiji is quite happy with all three choices.
A source close to the ruling government told me, “Anupamji and Pareshji are not only dear to Modiji they are also very good actors. However Akshay Kumar will bring certain saleability to the project. It is important to cast an actor who would draw in the audience.” This source also informs that the PM’s office is “understandably wary” of a bio-pic about PM Modi after what was done to his life’s story in the bio-pic directed by Omung Kumar.
“The next time, PM Modi may want to know what goes into the film about his life. He is not interested in a sycophantic over-sweetened biopic. The PM doesn’t take kindly to jee-huzoori,” says the source.
Unfortunately there was a rather appalling bio-pic on the Indian Prime Minister earlier this year directed by Omung Kumar after which the PM’s office has decided to be careful with the crew and content involved with anything to do with putting the PM’s life on celluloid.
Also Read: Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar clash on EID 2020 but will APPEAR TOGETHER in theatres this DIWALI
There is plenty reason to celebrate Ranbir Kapoor’s 38th birthday with fanfare. And sure enough Ranbir’s better-half Alia Bhatt has big plans for 28 September when Ranbir turns a year older. Sources say Alia has reason for a double celebration. “It’s not just Ranbir’s birthday but also a second birth for his dad Rishi Kapoor.”
Rishi Kapoor, who had been undergoing medical treatment in the US for a serious ailment, returned to India on September 11. Since then there have been talks of a celebration. “Ranbir and Alia decided to combine the two birthdays, Ranbir’s and the new birth of his Dad into one celebration,” says the source.
While the details of the big bash are still being worked out we can tell you the guest list would comprise the who’s who of the film industry. But what we want to know is if Alia’s current favourite and Ranbir’s once-favourite Sanjay Leela Bhansali would grace the occasion.
Of late Alia has been seen visiting the Bhansali residence quite often although their collaborative project Inshallah is on hold for now.
Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt cuddle at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s birthday bash
There are very few stars in Andhra Pradesh who command the enduring and heartfelt respect of Chiranjeevi. God to many, saviour to some, Chiranjeevi has ruled the hearts of millions for decades.
One of his admirers is none other than the mega-star Amitabh Bachchan. The two have known each other for years, and they truly admire one another. The mutual respect is undeniable. So when Chiranjeevi personally requested Mr Bachchan to play a key role in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, the Big B said yes without a moment’s hesitation. And refused to accept any money for his time and contribution.
During an earlier conversation with this writer, Mr Bachchan had said, “There are two iconic superstars in the South whom I could never say no to for anything. Rajinikanthji and Chiranjeeviji. They just have to ask. And I am there for them.”
Incidentally Bachchan Saab has done only a guest appearance in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. So it is rather unfortunate that his name and presence are being highlighted for the Hindi version of the multi-lingual film.
This is not the first time that Amitabh Bachchan has worked for a friend without accepting money. Years ago I had requested the actor to put in a cameo appearance in a Kannada film Amrit Dhare. He not only gave the film’s makers the time that they needed to complete the film, but also refused to accept any money for his appearance in the film.
In the Sanjay Dutt bio-pic Sanju, Manisha Koirala had played Sanjay Dutt’s mother. But Sanjay Dutt was played by Ranbir Kapoor. So Manisha says it didn’t feel “weird” playing his wife in Prassthanam, the Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster which opens this week.
And Manisha clarifies, “In Sanju I didn’t play Sanjay Dutt’s mother. I played the great Nargis Dutt who just happened to be Sanjay Dutt’s mother. That was my big high, and the reason I agreed to do the role.”
She describes Dutt as one of her favourite co-stars. “We’ve done quite a few films together in the past like Yalgaar, Khauff and Mehbooba. We share a fantastic rapport.”
And even if we look at Manisha’s role in Sanju as that of Sanjay Dutt’s mother, Manisha is no stranger to pushing the relational envelope. In the year 1996 she played Nana Patekar’s daughter in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Khamoshi - The Musical, and then his wife in Agni Sakshi during the same year. “That’s okay,” Manisha laughs. “It’s only acting.”
Also Read: Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has no idea what Prassthanam is!
Zaira (Secret Superstar) Wasim’s not-so-secret decision to quit cinema couldn’t have been more ill-timed. Just when her starrer The Sky Is Pink is gathering global glory Zaira has walked away from her promising career. She was sorely missed at the Toronto International Film Festival where the film premiered on 13 September.
Sources say the director Shonali Bose made every effort to get Zaira to Toronto for the big moment in her career. “But Zaira has made up her mind. She has turned her back on Bollywood and cinema completely. There will be no exceptions. The director Shonali Bose who is very close to Zaira did her best to persuade Zaira. But she was barely reachable in Kashmir where she lives,” says a source.
There were repeated inquiries about Zaira’s absence at the TIFF. Even if Zaira stays away from what is rightfully her moment of glory, no one can snatch the moment away from her.
Also Read: “My heart is heavy as the sky is dark over India’s democracy,” writes filmmaker Shonali Bose
After a vocal trans-gender avatar in Dream Girl, it is time for Ayushmann Khurrana to push the envelope even further with his next project Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan where he plays a gay character who not only comes out of the closet but also wants to marry his partner.
The partner in this unabashed gay comedy will be played by internet sensation Jitendra Kumar whose skits on The Viral Fever have the nation in their grip. Sources say the gay angle would not be dealt with in any apologetic or hesitant manner. “Unlike Onir’s brave My Brother Nikhil where no intimacy was shown between the gay partner Sanjay Suri and Purab Kohli, in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan there will be many intimate moments between Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar. This would be the first gay love story of Indian cinema where the central relationship would not accentuate the gender of the lovers,” says a source close to the project.
Ayushmann is no stranger to unconventional roles and films, especially those that address sexual taboos. In his debut film Vicky Donor he played a sperm donor. In Shubh Mangal Saavdhan Ayushmann’s character suffered from erectile disorder. In Badhaai Ho, he dealt with his mother’s pregnancy and in Dream Girl he was a cross-dressing actor impersonating a woman phone-sex worker.
When asked what it would be like doing a kissing scene with his male co-star in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Ayushmann had opined it would be no different to kissing a female co-star.
Also Read: Nushrat Bharucha opens up about Dream Girl’s success and having a friend in Ayushmann Khurrana
Is Salman Khan all set to turn into a full-fledged director soon? Considering how deep his involvement with the making of the films that he stars in, it seems likely he would take credit for direction soon. For Dabangg 3 Salman has been actively collaborating with the film’s official director Prabhu Dheva over every shot and the editing.
Says a source in the know, “This has been the trend from Dabangg to Dabangg 2 to Dabangg 3. Salman’s contribution has been increasing. In Dabangg 3 he could be billed as co-director, if he wants, so high is his contribution.”
While the same level of involvement was seen by Sanjay Leela Bhansali as interference which eventuated in his collaboration with Salman Khan over the project Inshallah being called off, Prabhu Dheva takes Salman’s ‘suggestions’ (read: inputs) as valuable.
Reasons Prabhu Dheva, “Salman Khan is a vastly experienced actor. He has been around for 25 years and has worked with some of the best directors of the country. He understands cinema. His suggestions can only be considered helpful and advantageous to the film.”
As far as overseeing the editing of Dabangg 3 is concerned a source says, “This is Salman’s home production. He has every right to decide the final shape of the film. Even when he does outside films (non-home productions) directors take his advice on the final editing.”
Also Read: Salman Khan shares a dreamy picture from the sets of Dabangg 3 with Saiee Manjrekar!
Ever since Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali parted ways, there has been many speculative articles as to why the creative separation occurred. One of the theories for the misadventure doing the rounds is that there was a kiss in the script that Salman refused to do.
However, a source close to Sanjay Leela Bhansali laughs off the kiss theory. “First there was no kiss to begin with. And even if there was, Salman would have known about it from the start.”
It is a commonly known fact in the Indian entertainment industry that Salman doesn’t kiss or indulge in any overt intimacy with his leading ladies. “Every filmmaker knows that Salman doesn’t kiss on screen. Having said that, if Sanjay Bhansali could get Amitabh Bachchan to kiss Rani Mukerji in Black as it was the dire need of the script, then why would Salman not agree to a kiss if the need arises? However, there was no kiss at all in Inshallah. This is just a wild stab in the dark,” says the source.
Salman Khan’s no-intimacy clause with his heroines remains even if the lady with the puckered lips is Katrina Kaif. It so happened that Tiger Zinda Hai, the sequel to Salman’s 2012 Republic Day blockbuster, had a sequence of intense intimacy between Salman and Katrina. “Everyone felt this just once Salman would break his no-kissing code because the sequence is vital to the plot and also because ….well, it’s Katrina. But no. Salman refused outright. Director Ali Abbas Zafar tried his darndest to convince Salman. However, nothing worked. The scene has been dropped,” says a source in the know.
Salman has, over the years, repudiated onscreen intimacy to the point of being considered a prude. He not only refuses to indulge in any physical proximity with his leading ladies he also won’t play grey or negative characters. He turned down Abbas-Mustan’s Baazigar for the character’s bent towards moral deviancy.
It went on to be milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s career. But ask Salman Khan if he cares.
Also Read: Salman Khan says Inshallah will happen but not with him
Ever since Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali parted ways, there has been many speculative articles as to why the creative separation occurred. One of the theories for the misadventure doing the rounds is that there was a kiss in the script that Salman refused to do.
However, a source close to Sanjay Leela Bhansali laughs off the kiss theory. “First there was no kiss to begin with. And even if there was, Salman would have known about it from the start.”
It is a commonly known fact in the Indian entertainment industry that Salman doesn’t kiss or indulge in any overt intimacy with his leading ladies. “Every filmmaker knows that Salman doesn’t kiss on screen. Having said that, if Sanjay Bhansali could get Amitabh Bachchan to kiss Rani Mukerji in Black as it was the dire need of the script, then why would Salman not agree to a kiss if the need arises? However, there was no kiss at all in Inshallah. This is just a wild stab in the dark,” says the source.
Salman Khan’s no-intimacy clause with his heroines remains even if the lady with the puckered lips is Katrina Kaif. It so happened that Tiger Zinda Hai, the sequel to Salman’s 2012 Republic Day blockbuster, had a sequence of intense intimacy between Salman and Katrina. “Everyone felt this just once Salman would break his no-kissing code because the sequence is vital to the plot and also because ….well, it’s Katrina. But no. Salman refused outright. Director Ali Abbas Zafar tried his darndest to convince Salman. However, nothing worked. The scene has been dropped,” says a source in the know.
Salman has, over the years, repudiated onscreen intimacy to the point of being considered a prude. He not only refuses to indulge in any physical proximity with his leading ladies he also won’t play grey or negative characters. He turned down Abbas-Mustan’s Baazigar for the character’s bent towards moral deviancy.
It went on to be milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s career. But ask Salman Khan if he cares.
Also Read: Salman Khan says Inshallah will happen but not with him
There has been a spate of rumours regarding who will finally play Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his biopic. The three actors whose names keep coming up are Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher. It is understood that all the three actors are most willing and eager to play the coveted role and apparently PM Modiji is quite happy with all three choices.
A source close to the ruling government told me, “Anupamji and Pareshji are not only dear to Modiji they are also very good actors. However Akshay Kumar will bring certain saleability to the project. It is important to cast an actor who would draw in the audience.” This source also informs that the PM’s office is “understandably wary” of a bio-pic about PM Modi after what was done to his life’s story in the bio-pic directed by Omung Kumar.
“The next time, PM Modi may want to know what goes into the film about his life. He is not interested in a sycophantic over-sweetened biopic. The PM doesn’t take kindly to jee-huzoori,” says the source.
Unfortunately there was a rather appalling bio-pic on the Indian Prime Minister earlier this year directed by Omung Kumar after which the PM’s office has decided to be careful with the crew and content involved with anything to do with putting the PM’s life on celluloid.
Also Read: Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar clash on EID 2020 but will APPEAR TOGETHER in theatres this DIWALI
There has been a spate of rumours regarding who will finally play Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his biopic. The three actors whose names keep coming up are Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher. It is understood that all the three actors are most willing and eager to play the coveted role and apparently PM Modiji is quite happy with all three choices.
A source close to the ruling government told me, “Anupamji and Pareshji are not only dear to Modiji they are also very good actors. However Akshay Kumar will bring certain saleability to the project. It is important to cast an actor who would draw in the audience.” This source also informs that the PM’s office is “understandably wary” of a bio-pic about PM Modi after what was done to his life’s story in the bio-pic directed by Omung Kumar.
“The next time, PM Modi may want to know what goes into the film about his life. He is not interested in a sycophantic over-sweetened biopic. The PM doesn’t take kindly to jee-huzoori,” says the source.
Unfortunately there was a rather appalling bio-pic on the Indian Prime Minister earlier this year directed by Omung Kumar after which the PM’s office has decided to be careful with the crew and content involved with anything to do with putting the PM’s life on celluloid.
Also Read: Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar clash on EID 2020 but will APPEAR TOGETHER in theatres this DIWALI
There is plenty reason to celebrate Ranbir Kapoor’s 38th birthday with fanfare. And sure enough Ranbir’s better-half Alia Bhatt has big plans for 28 September when Ranbir turns a year older. Sources say Alia has reason for a double celebration. “It’s not just Ranbir’s birthday but also a second birth for his dad Rishi Kapoor.”
Rishi Kapoor, who had been undergoing medical treatment in the US for a serious ailment, returned to India on September 11. Since then there have been talks of a celebration. “Ranbir and Alia decided to combine the two birthdays, Ranbir’s and the new birth of his Dad into one celebration,” says the source.
While the details of the big bash are still being worked out we can tell you the guest list would comprise the who’s who of the film industry. But what we want to know is if Alia’s current favourite and Ranbir’s once-favourite Sanjay Leela Bhansali would grace the occasion.
Of late Alia has been seen visiting the Bhansali residence quite often although their collaborative project Inshallah is on hold for now.
Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt cuddle at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s birthday bash
There are very few stars in Andhra Pradesh who command the enduring and heartfelt respect of Chiranjeevi. God to many, saviour to some, Chiranjeevi has ruled the hearts of millions for decades.
One of his admirers is none other than the mega-star Amitabh Bachchan. The two have known each other for years, and they truly admire one another. The mutual respect is undeniable. So when Chiranjeevi personally requested Mr Bachchan to play a key role in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, the Big B said yes without a moment’s hesitation. And refused to accept any money for his time and contribution.
During an earlier conversation with this writer, Mr Bachchan had said, “There are two iconic superstars in the South whom I could never say no to for anything. Rajinikanthji and Chiranjeeviji. They just have to ask. And I am there for them.”
Incidentally Bachchan Saab has done only a guest appearance in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. So it is rather unfortunate that his name and presence are being highlighted for the Hindi version of the multi-lingual film.
This is not the first time that Amitabh Bachchan has worked for a friend without accepting money. Years ago I had requested the actor to put in a cameo appearance in a Kannada film Amrit Dhare. He not only gave the film’s makers the time that they needed to complete the film, but also refused to accept any money for his appearance in the film.
In the Sanjay Dutt bio-pic Sanju, Manisha Koirala had played Sanjay Dutt’s mother. But Sanjay Dutt was played by Ranbir Kapoor. So Manisha says it didn’t feel “weird” playing his wife in Prassthanam, the Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster which opens this week.
And Manisha clarifies, “In Sanju I didn’t play Sanjay Dutt’s mother. I played the great Nargis Dutt who just happened to be Sanjay Dutt’s mother. That was my big high, and the reason I agreed to do the role.”
She describes Dutt as one of her favourite co-stars. “We’ve done quite a few films together in the past like Yalgaar, Khauff and Mehbooba. We share a fantastic rapport.”
And even if we look at Manisha’s role in Sanju as that of Sanjay Dutt’s mother, Manisha is no stranger to pushing the relational envelope. In the year 1996 she played Nana Patekar’s daughter in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Khamoshi - The Musical, and then his wife in Agni Sakshi during the same year. “That’s okay,” Manisha laughs. “It’s only acting.”
Also Read: Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has no idea what Prassthanam is!
Zaira (Secret Superstar) Wasim’s not-so-secret decision to quit cinema couldn’t have been more ill-timed. Just when her starrer The Sky Is Pink is gathering global glory Zaira has walked away from her promising career. She was sorely missed at the Toronto International Film Festival where the film premiered on 13 September.
Sources say the director Shonali Bose made every effort to get Zaira to Toronto for the big moment in her career. “But Zaira has made up her mind. She has turned her back on Bollywood and cinema completely. There will be no exceptions. The director Shonali Bose who is very close to Zaira did her best to persuade Zaira. But she was barely reachable in Kashmir where she lives,” says a source.
There were repeated inquiries about Zaira’s absence at the TIFF. Even if Zaira stays away from what is rightfully her moment of glory, no one can snatch the moment away from her.