Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 2, 2019)

Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra, who have reunited for Jabariya Jodi five years after first pairing up for Hasee Toh Phasee, didn’t let the monsoon rain on their parade as they turned up for an event in the city in a jeep, mirroring the milieu in which their new film is set.

Accompanying them was the ubiquitous gamcha from Bihar, perched on Sid’s shoulder, and an ‘abducted’ groom. Also joining them were co-stars Jaaved Jaaferi, Chandan Roy Sanyal, and director Prashant Singh. Countering the argument that the film glorifies the practice of groom-kidnapping, Prashant explained that it takes place because of the dowry system which is still ingrained in our society.

Last month, Sidharth’s Shershaah co-star Kiara Advani, with whom he is frequently linked, shared an image of them together after a schedule wrap, saying, “My rumoured boyfriend but legit friend, it has been a pleasure working with you.” Sid replied to it, saying, “Rumours can be deceiving, but the smiles on our faces says it was a killer schedule.” When asked about his current relationship status with Kiara, the actor brushed it aside with “she is just a costar,” while Jaaved hinted it was time to move on to the next question, quipping, “Let’s Kiara on.”