Harshada Rege (DNA; February 27, 2019)

Speculations have been rife about Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora’s ‘friendship’ for years now. Of course, suddenly the ‘friendship’ seemed to take a more serious turn and their closeness was first noticed when the two caught the eyes of the shutterbugs at designer Kunal Rawal’s show at the Lakmé Fashion Week last year. On Malaika’s birthday last year, October 2, 2018, the Namaste England actor flew to Italy to ring it in. Buzz about an impending wedding did the rounds. However, a source close to them had stepped in to add, “they are exploring their relationship”.

Neither of them has spoken about their equation. But photographs speak louder than words and this couple has been continuously clicked together on several occasions, thus putting an end to speculation about their proximity and giving a clear lead on where their relationship is now headed. The two recently took off together for Akash Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations in Switzerland along with a bunch of their buddies from B-Town. That apart, three instances on Koffee With Karan (KWK) have proved that Malla and Arjun are now a “couple” as far as the industry goes.

I know that Arjun is dating Malaika: Priyanka
Last Sunday, Malaika’s close friend Kareena Kapoor Khan was on the Koffee With Karan couch with Priyanka Chopra Jonas. During the course of their conversation, Karan asked PC whether she knew who was dating whom in B-Town. “Do you know who Varun Dhawan is dating?” he questioned. PC couldn’t name Varun’s girlfriend. “But I know that Arjun is dating Malaika,” she said.

Bebo dodges the big question
KJo then trained his sights on Bebo and asked her about being aware of the Arjun-Malaika romance. She said, “I mean yes, of course...” He immediately quipped, “And apparently, rumour has it that you might be a bridesmaid. Is that true?” Bebo diplomatically dodged the question!

Arjun all the way
Karan, who was judging a reality show along with Malaika, had asked her how she found her cup of coffee the night before. This was the day after the KWK episode featuring Arjun Kapoor was aired. Malla answered, “It was hot, it was honest and I loved every bit of it.” While she didn’t name Arjun back then, looks like that’s going to change in the upcoming episode of KWK. The last episode will see Malla, Kirron Kher, Vir Das and Mallika Dua judging the performances of all those who graced the couch this season. While rating the best performance, she said, “For me, it’s Arjun this way or that way. (sic)”

Owning up to their true feelings
Looks like Arjun and Malaika have decided to wear their romance on their sleeves.  This is a refreshing change in an industry where most prefer to play games and try to keep their relationship out of the eye of the media for as long as they can.

After Beyonce performed at Isha Ambani's pre-wedding function, sources say Ambanis to rope in American pop rock band Maroon 5 for Akash Ambani - Shloka Mehta's sangeet next month
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; February 22, 2019)

Isha Ambani's wedding to Anand Piramal last December captured the imagination of the country, as wide-eyed fans took in the revelry that lasted for over a week. Now, the Ambanis are gearing up to host another big, fat Indian wedding - that of son Akash with fiancee Shloka Mehta on March 9.

If Isha's pre-wedding celebrations saw pop sensation Beyonce (right) belt her chartbusters at the Udaipur function, it is now heard that Maroon 5 are expected to perform at Akash and Shloka's sangeet ceremony. The American pop rock band - consisting of vocalist Adam Levine, keyboardists Jesse Carmichael and PJ Morton, bassist Mickey Madden, guitarist James Valentine, drummer Matt Flynn, and Sam Farrar - is much sought-after, with three Grammy Awards to their credit, among other gongs.

A source reveals, "Since Shloka and Akash are both fans of Maroon 5, the family thought it fitting to have them perform for the couple at the sangeet that will be held on March 8. While Akash's favourite track is Sugar in which the band is seen gatecrashing weddings, Shloka loves Move Like Jagger. Naturally, these two chartbusters have found a place in the set that the band is putting together for their gig. They are expected to perform for almost 40 minutes with other hits like She Will Be Loved, Makes Me Wonder and One More Night on the playlist. The team of sound designers that frequently works with Maroon 5 is coming down from Canada to check on the arrangements."

Roping in one of the most popular bands doesn't come easy. The source adds, "Maroon 5 is known to charge anywhere between $1mn and $1.5mn for private shows. It will be an expensive affair."

MUMBAI MIRROR (June 29, 2018)

Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta, who are reportedly set to tie the knot in December this year, got engaged in a traditional ceremony on Thursday at the former’s Altamount Road residence. The do kicked off at 5 pm and the couple exchanged rings at 6.

Vidhu Vinod and Anupama Chopra, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, and Brahmastra duo Ayan Mukerji and Ranbir Kapoor were among the early birds. Their leading lady Alia Bhatt, who arrived later, opted for a pink Manish Malhotra sari, while her mentor, filmmaker Karan Johar wore a red outfit by the designer. Sachin and Anjali Tendulkar were also in attendance. Musician Shankar Mahadevan arrived with son Siddharth.

Shloka, and Akash’s sister Isha Ambani, who got enagaged to beau Anand Piramal in March this year and is likely to get married in December as well, chose lehengas from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s bespoke bridal line.

Priyanka Chopra, who was accompanied to Akash and Shloka’s mehendi ceremony the previous day by mother Madhu Chopra and rumoured beau Nick Jonas, was among the last guests to arrive. The 36-year-old actress who posed for pictures with the 25-year-old American singer-actor before entering the venue, opted for an Abu-Sandeep sari for the do.

According to a source close to the family, the ring ceremony was followed by a sit-down dinner that lasted over three hours. A multi-tier cake was also cut to mark the occasion. Mukesh and Nita Ambani are scheduled to host over 100 guests on Saturday to celebrate Akash and Shloka’s engagement

DNA (November 23, 2017)

They are 11 years apart; but, they are thick as thieves. Sources tell us that Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor and industrialist Akash Ambani get along famously. The two met because of their common interest in football and films.

Their friendship is something both of them revel in. Our source adds, “Ranbir was meant to be the only one at Akash and his twin Isha’s birthday party in London last month. Of course, RK was later accompanied by filmmaker Karan Johar as well. The long and short of it is that whether they are in Mumbai, London or any other part of the world, RK Junior and the Ambani scion are constantly in touch.”

One also hears that Ranbir’s two pets — the English Mastiff Guido and French Mastiff Leo — were given to him by Akash. One knows that RK is crazy about his two dogs and can’t thank his friend enough for giving him this gift of love.