After an eight-year hiatus, Ishkq in Paris director Prem Soni returns with Laila Manju, India's first mainstream film on drag culture
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 16, 2020)

With Bollywood finally expanding its horizons to tell stories about the marginalised sections, it is only fitting that director Prem Soni is set to explore the subject of drag queens with his next, Laila Manju. Featuring Shashank Vyas of Balika Vadhu fame, Abhimanyu Tomar and Nehal Chudasama, the film revolves around two Southall boys who participate in a beauty contest.

Soni, who is returning to the industry after an eight-year hiatus, says, "Since I am coming back after a long time, it was important that my film offer a novel idea. It is India's first mainstream drag [feature] film. Unfortunately, there is not much awareness about the subject in India. The drag culture has been embraced in the West, where they have stand-up comedians, singers and performers."

If RuPaul — with his appearances and the wildly popular reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race — brought global attention to the community, the culture is slowly gaining momentum in India with Keshav Suri's Kitty Su hosting local and international drag performers, in its bid to encourage inclusivity.

The director says the film, which also features Iulia Vantur in a key role, will shine a spotlight on the LGBTQIA+ community.

"The idea is to tell the audience that we cannot discriminate basis one's skin colour or sexual preference or style of dressing. For long, homosexuality was not considered 'normal' when in fact, we [who carry this prejudice] are the ones who need to shed our layers of conflict."

The past eight years have been hard on Soni — the director says he battled depression after his films Main Aurr Mrs Khanna (2009) and Ishkq in Paris (2013) did not receive a favourable response at the box office. "Post 2013, I was in severe depression and went through a suicidal phase. These eight years were tough for me. So many people came up to me and said, 'Your career is over. You can't rebuild it now.' I went through so many rejections. People stopped talking to me. They did not even have the compassion to understand that if a film does not work, it does not mean that the person is not talented. Even after 14 years in the industry, I have not been accepted here — it could be because my films didn't work, or because I am an outsider. The only person who supports outsiders is Salman Khan and I am thankful to him for supporting me."

Sources say Iulia Vantur in talks to host web show about Bollywood stars, Salman Khan to open series
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 16, 2020)

If Salman Khan is busy making music videos during the lockdown, his rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur has been quietly working on her own gig. According to industry sources, the Romanian actor-model, who has had little luck with her singing and acting endeavours, is now curating a web show. She has been approached by the production house, Banijay Asia, to host a chat show that focuses on what goes into the making of a Bollywood superstar.

A source reveals, "Each episode will be dedicated to a celebrity, with their frequent collaborators and trusted staff members decoding the person behind the star and revealing interesting anecdotes about them. The final list of personalities for the first season is currently being worked upon by the production house. The team is keen to open the show with Salman. The project will go on floors later this year, after the shoots resume, and will be shot across film studios, star homes and the management agencies who handle the talent."

The production house remained unavailable for comment.

Salman Khan seems to have a mini-lockdown with almost 22 people, including Jacqueline Fernandez and Iulia Vantur, holed up in his farmhouse; coterie spends days horse-riding and swimming
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 17, 2020)

Every December, the gates of Salman Khan's Panvel farmhouse are thrown open as the rich and the famous throng the venue to celebrate the superstar's birthday. We may be months away from December, but a section of Bollywood is cocooned at Arpita Farms. Over the past few weeks, Khan has been playing host to 20-odd people, including Jacqueline Fernandez, Iulia Vantur, director Abhiraj Minawala and wife, and Waluscha De Sousa, who have inadvertently found themselves stuck on the outskirts of Mumbai during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The actor had travelled to Panvel in mid-March with director Minawala to discuss their next, the Mulshi Pattern remake. "Salman's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma joined them along with wife Arpita and their kids. At the same time, Atul Agnihotri, wife Alvira and her friend Waluscha had gone to the farmhouse to spend a fun weekend. They were in for a surprise when the state government issued a stay-at-home order, followed by the nationwide lockdown," says a source. Apparently, Fernandez had headed to Panvel at the same time to discuss her single, Genda Phool. "Now, there are about 22 people holed up in the estate, including Sohail's son Nirvaan, his three friends and the staff. Fortunately, the bungalow is massive with nine bedrooms and two pools. So, social distancing is not a problem."

There is never a dull moment in the house, adds the source. "People spend their days swimming, playing pool and practising organic farming. When Salman is not working on his next, Iulia and he goes horse-riding. He also creates awareness videos about the prevailing situation, which are shot by Saajan Singh. Salman's afternoons are dedicated to mother Salma."

With debut vehicle on back-burner, Salman Khan's rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur begins another project, with the same director
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; January 15, 2020)

Iulia Vântur's Bollywood launch, Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala, which was rechristened Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, did not take off. Prem Raj Soni's directorial venture was announced in 2018. Two years later, the Romanian actor-anchor finds herself back in his fold for another project, Laila Manju.

The comedy, starring television actor Shashank Vyas, beauty pageant winner Nehal Chudasama, and Abhimanyu Tomar, who featured in the song, Yaad piya ki aane lagi, is being shot in London since a month.

Says a source, "She is the latest addition to the cast. Iulia began shooting on Monday. The makers are keen to keep things under wraps and have told the cast to not post pictures from the set, or reveal details about the film at this juncture."

Both Vântur and Soni have a common connect — their proximity to Salman Khan. The source adds, "It is because of this [connect] that she landed a role in Radha Kyun Gori... but the project faced production issues."

Soni earlier directed the Khan-starrer Main Aurr Mrs Khanna (2009) and later helmed Preity Zinta's 2013 film, Ishkq In Paris, in which Khan had a cameo.

When mid-day reached out to Soni, he responded with a pithy: "I am busy with the shoot." Vântur did not respond to our texts.

Last year, Vântur shot for Ali Jacko's thriller, Jack Stall Dead, in London. Jacko, a former world lightweight kick-boxing champion, who is based in the UK, is also Khan's buddy.

"Vyas and Tomar play the title roles. It is a laugh riot about two youngsters trying to win over a girl [Chudasama]. Jimmy [Sheirgill] and Farida Jalal are also part of the cast."

It is also said that Khan is keeping himself up-to-date about the project. The film is being shot in a start-to-finish schedule. The unit is slated to return next month.

Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; April 14, 2019)

Sonakshi Sinha is spunky and witty, which is more than evident in the way she tackles trolls that lash out at her. The actress is also articulate and minces no words as she talks about matters close to her heart — her father Shatrughan Sinha’s decision to quit the BJP, her career choices and her idea of love. Excerpts from a candid chat with Sonakshi, ahead of the release of her upcoming period drama, Kalank...

Along with Kalank’s promotions and the shooting of of your other films, are you also going to campaign for your father Shatrughan Sinha?
No, no... I am not going to be campaigning for my father. My best wishes are always with him, but as you can see, I am fully caught up with my work. And that is something that they would also not expect from me. They know how busy I am with my professional commitments and these are two separate things.

You have been quite vocal about your father’s decision to quit the BJP and join the Congress. As a family, was there a discussion at home just before he made the switch?
It actually came as a surprise to us because until the last minute, I think even he didn’t know which party he was going to join. He is so loved and appreciated, and he has so many friends in different parties, that they were all more than happy to have him join them.

Till the last moment, we didn’t know what he was planning to do. When he finally made the choice of joining the Congress, he told us. We are happy because he is happy. That was his decision to make and completely his call. I’m glad that he finally made that decision because there is no point staying somewhere, where you are not happy and where you are not appreciated. I’m glad he made the shift and I hope that he does some great work with them.

Would you be interested in politics, maybe some time in the future?
Not at all. Just because my father has done it, doesn’t mean that I have the aptitude for it. In fact, through him I have seen that good people are rarely appreciated in the field of politics. As much as I would like to make a difference, I think I can do it in other ways in my own field, rather than politics. Also, that’s something that I don’t completely understand. I am aware of things, but it’s not something that I would be able to do as well as him.

While you are vocal about your dad’s political move and other issues in general, you’ve always been tight-lipped about your personal life. Recently, you were being linked to Zaheer Iqbal, who made his debut with Notebook. What would you say about that?
There is really nothing to talk about. When there’s something concrete in my life, I don’t think it will be hidden. I have many friends, most of them are boys because I’m quite a tomboy at heart myself. So, I guess these things will keep happening. Also, there is so much happening in my work life and that is how I want people to know me.

So are you single right now?
Yes, I am single right now.

What are your thoughts on love and relationships?
I love being in love. But, I am at a point in life where I want to find love that will stay. I am in no hurry. My work is going great, I am super busy and there is very little time for anything else. So yes, I’ll wait for it; this time I won’t go after love, I’ll let love come to me.

What’s the kind of person you are drawn to (romantically)?
I want to be with somebody with whom there is no pretense, just complete honesty. Somebody who will love me for who I am and not what I am. I am a complete romantic at heart. I want all the sweet, small and simple things that come with love.

Talking about Kalank, were you initially apprehensive about the length of your role, given that the film has multiple actors?
Not at all, because when I heard the script I knew that there are six characters in the film, and all the characters have an important role to play in the narrative. Each one takes the story forward in some way or the other. When Abhishek Varman (the director) narrated the role of Satya Chaudhry to me, I didn’t think twice. It is such a good role in itself — complete, strong and important. I didn’t feel that it would be lesser than any other role in the film. I’m really glad that we are finally getting to do an ensemble film like this. This usually happens in the West. For example, an Ocean’s Eleven has a huge cast and each one has a part to play. Nobody questions them saying, ‘Oh, your part was smaller or your part was bigger’...it’s all part of one film.

How was it shooting with such a great mix of actors, where everyone brings something to the table?
It was great. I have known Varun and Alia since a long time and we got along really well during the shoot. I also knew Adi (Aditya Roy Kapur) before we did this film. Sanju sir has seen me grow up. My dad is so fond of him. He always remembers how my dad helped him, when he was going through a difficult time. He is very fond of me and it was amazing working with him. Madhuri ma’m is an actor everyone has looked up to at some point in their lives, and continue to do so. Look at how beautiful, graceful and amazingly talented she is. She is a role model to all of us. It was great to share screen space with her.

A couple of years ago, you were suddenly doing films like Akira and Noor, which had roles that centred around you. Was there a strategy in place? Also, around that time there were rumours of you planning to tie the knot. Do you want to set the record straight?
(Laughs!) There is nothing to set straight! I’m very happy doing my job. I’m a person who doesn’t strategise, I go with the flow. I was getting really good roles and I am instinctive. When it comes to choosing my roles, if I like it, I do it and if I don’t like something, I don’t do it. The questions usually on my mind are — Am I happy with the character? Will I be able to pull it off and be happy doing it? It’s these things that I consider while taking up a role.

You’ve often been trolled for your weight or for an outfit you’ve worn at a particular event. But you seem to have come a long way in terms of dealing with the trolls. In the initial years, you would get defensive, but now one sees a different Sonakshi, who deals with the trolls with humour. How did this transition come about?
When you are new, you don’t understand these things. Your first instinct is to be defensive about it and wonder why people are saying these things about you. After a point, it stopped mattering to me. It wasn’t like I was not getting work or not doing well. Even now, I am the kind who likes to see humour in everything, who doesn’t take things too seriously. I don’t even take myself so seriously. These things are too trivial to put your energies into. When I feel I need to give it back, I give it back. These people, who troll, are insignificiant. Who are these people? They have no face, they are only doing it because they are not in front of you. Why should we give them importance? They are probably doing it for a reaction, so don’t give it to them.

So have you got this sense of humour from your father?
Yes, I guess (smiles!).

You have started shooting for Dabangg 3, a film that is really close to your heart. Do you believe that was the best debut you could have had?
Absolutely! My life changed after Dabangg. There was no looking back after I did the film. It’s been nine years and now we are working on the third instalment. It feels like life has come a full circle. The work that I have done in the last nine years is only because of Dabangg. It will always be very special for me.

There are rumours that you may be replacing Iulia Vantur in the film Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala, which is supposed to be her debut film. Is this true?
It’s completely untrue. I haven’t read the script, I haven’t even met anyone. I am very happy for Iulia that she is a part of that film. In fact, she called me the other day to tell me that there was a story doing the rounds that I was doing the film. I was surprised about where these stories come from.

Three months after film was stalled following producer Prernaa Arora’s arrest, it is being resuscitated with new makers, new title and new look for leading lady
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 6, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (October 7) that Iulia Vantur is making her Hindi debut with Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala alongside Jimmy Sheirgill. However, the film which was to go on the floors in November last year, hit rough weather in December with the arrest of its producer, Prernaa Arora, in a cheating case. While buzz was that it was shelved, Mirror has learnt that three months on, it is being resuscitated with a new title, new producers and a new look for Iulia.

According to a source, Kashish Khan and Om Prakash Bhatt have come on board to produce the film with director Prem Soni. “It is now called Moh Moh Ke Dhaage. Shooting starts in Europe in the first week of May with Iulia and Jimmy where the childhood and younger portions of Iulia’s character will be shot. After that, the team will move to Mathura where the film is based and will chronicle Iulia’s connection with Lord Krishna. The team plans to wrap up in one schedule.”

Soni confirmed the news, saying, “I am producing the film with my production partners. Now, the project has nothing to do with Studio Five Elements (Prernaa’s production house) or Prernaa. The rights are with me and everything is going as planned. Europe will be a small schedule, a major portion will be shot in Mathura. We will be revealing Iulia’s new look soon.” As Mirror had earlier reported, Iulia plays a Krishna bhakt in the film.

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 30, 2019)

Iulia’s Vantur’s Bollywood debut vehicle Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala had hit a roadblock after producer Prernaa Arora was arrested by the Economics Offences Wing (EOW) in December, for allegedly cheating Vashu Bhagnani of Rs 32 crore. Now, the movie is back on track.

Director Prem R Soni says that the social drama, which was to go on floors last December, will roll in March. “We will start shooting in Mathura and Delhi. Post that, we will move to Europe and complete the film by May. It will be made in co-production with another studio that I am in conversation with. However, Arjun Rampal is no longer part of the movie. He has been replaced by Jimmy Sheirgill.”

He maintains an optimistic attitude about the unfortunate turn of events. “If we had shot the movie with Studio 5 Elements [Arora’s studio], we would have been in a problem now. I am thankful that didn’t happen.”

He also refutes rumours that the movie rights rest with Arora. “From the title to the script — all the rights lie with me.”

Ask if Vantur is disappointed by the delay and he says, “Iulia is a positive person. She knows we have a great story that needs to be told.”

Speculations around her relationship with Salman Khan gather momentum after Iulia Vantur gifts actor Romanian crucifix and gold chain for his 53rd birthday, stays "inseparable" from him during his Panvel bash
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 28, 2018)

With two big fat Indian weddings peppering the festive season with love, the singles of B-town are evidently feeling the pangs of loneliness. It appears, Salman Khan's rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur is ready to hop onto the wedding brigade, and has been dropping subtle cues to industry folk about their relationship.

A source tells mid-day, "Iulia sent Christmas gifts, [plum cakes, flowers and other goodies] to several friends, including Manish Malhotra, Seema Khan and Prem Soni, among others, and signed the card to read, 'From Iulia and Salman.'"

At the actor's 53rd birthday bash in Panvel on Wednesday, Vantur even pampered Khan with a Romanian style orthodox crucifix pendant and a gold chain — a gift that the Dabangg actor sported for the rest of the evening.

"The finely textured gold of the pendant is a distinctive element of this Romanian style orthodox crucifix. The cross and three-dimensional body of Christ [embedded in it] are made from brushed and polished gold," says the source, adding that Khan too had gifted the Romanian model a gold-plated Being Human bracelet last year.

Meanwhile, spirits were high at Khan's do, with the actor extending his Christmas jig at this bash as well. "He danced to his hit songs with Sushmita Sen, and a few children present at the do. The party ended at 6 am. Salman cut his birthday cake with nephew Ahil Sharma. Iulia was standing beside him throughout the evening, singing wishes to him on his special day. While, in the past, she has chosen to stay behind him at public outings, Iulia and Salman were inseparable at this party. She was the hostess for the evening," says a guest at the party.

Khan's contemporaries, including Anil Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Kriti Sanon, Katrina Kaif, Sajid Nadiadwala and Mahesh Manjrekar, among others, were also present.

Iulia Vantur says she sought Khan's opinion before giving her nod to her Bollywood debut, given his ability to pick good scripts
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 20, 2018)

As though her association with Salman Khan wasn't reason enough, Iulia Vantur's Bollywood debut is certain to attract eyeballs for another reason too — it sees her play a rape survivor at a time when debate around sexual abuse has taken the nation by storm.

Well aware of the sensitivity that attaches itself to the subject, Vantur tells mid-day of her film Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala, "My character endures a traumatising experience. Though she has been raped, she doesn't let it impact her life. She seeks justice, doesn't give up, and prevents the painful experience from changing her life. It's about a sexual assault survivor finding the strength to move on."

Having launched the film's poster earlier this week in the company of Khan, her rumoured love interest, Vantur admits she did seek his opinion before giving her nod to the film. "Salman has a good sense [of selecting the right] script. He has it in his genes. I trust his knowledge and experience. He has been in the industry for 30 years, and I feel grateful to have him guide me. In fact, he was the one who encouraged me to do the movie."

Prem Soni's directorial venture is inspired by a true story, we hear. Even though the Romanian model has made her singing debut in India, she says she's uncertain about her vocals being used in this offering. "We are still working on the music. It would be ideal if I sang [in this film] as my voice would match that of my character. Probably it will happen. But, we'll have to see," she says, adding that the film's pressing subject served as motivation for her to greenlight the project.

"I wanted to be part of a good movie that has a strong social message. And, of course, my director is a positive and kind person. He convinced me to do the movie." Having always been inclined towards the arts, Vantur reveals that as a child, she took on the roles of presenter and singer, among other creative titles. Even though an acting course did occupy her time when studying law, she says she never thought about pursuing the craft actively. "Acting, singing and presenting are artistic ways of expressing oneself. In Romania, I've acted in a musical play too, even though I was playing myself in it. This film will give me an opportunity to explore myself further."

Back home, Vantur admits that news of her Bollywood shenanigans raises many eyebrows. "My family is always surprised when I tell them what I'm doing. When I say I am singing, they say, 'What? Really!' Now that I told them about my acting debut, they had the same reaction. But, my family trusts me and wants me to be happy. Everything that I have done in my life has been guided by my heart, so they trust that I would only do something respectable," she says, adding that it was her father who was keen on her pursuing law.

While she had initially hoped to take tutorials in learning Hindi, the singer-actor says she's stripped of time, given the film's schedule. "We have less than a month to start shooting, so I don't know if I will have the time to learn as much as I would have liked. But, I am sure Prem will help me."

Film, in which she plays a Krishna bhakt, will be shot in Agra, Mathura and Delhi; Jimmy Sheirgill co-stars
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 6, 2018)

Romanian actress and Salman Khan’s good friend Iulia Vantur plays the lead in Prem Soni’s Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala opposite Jimmy Sheirgill. The film rolls in November. As Mirror had earlier reported (August 21), she will play a Krishna bhakt.

“Despite being born in the West, I have long been fascinated by India and its culture. I am delighted to be part of a film that speaks about Krishna consciousness and deals with a strong social issue. I’m also humbled to play a person who experiences the hospitality this country is famous for,” Iulia asserts.

Jimmy who plays an endearing, innocent man, reiterates that the film will awaken minds to the love and warmth India offers.

Prem informs that he has wanted to work with Jimmy for a long time and has finally landed the opportunity. “For Iulia’s character, I was looking for someone who doesn’t have an onscreen image, someone who looked spiritually elevated. It’s a completely deglamorised role and she has been prepping for it since the last month-and-a-half,” he says, adding that the film will be shot in Mathura, Agra and Delhi. “We are looking to wrap up by January.”

The Romanian model-singer is set to make her acting debut with a Prem Soni directorial which is expected to roll by the year-end
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 22, 2018)

Romanian model, TV actress and singer Iulia Vantur, popularly known as Salman Khan’s good friend, is all set to make her acting debut. The film rolls towards the end of the year and will be directed by Prem Soni who had helmed the Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Sohail Khan-starrer Main Aur Mrs Khanna in 2009, followed by Preity Zinta’s home production Ishkq In Paris four years later. Still untitled, it is reportedly based on a true incident and will have Iulia playing a Polish girl who comes to India and her life takes a drastic turn. It will be shot in Poland, Mathura and Delhi.

“She falls in love with the country and becomes a Krishna bhakt. The team had been looking for a foreigner who can speak Hindi but not too well for months. Iulia was approached recently,” informs a source close to the development, adding that besides playing the lead, Iulia who recently lent her voice to Salman and Jacqueline Fernandez’s action-thriller Race 3, will also be singing for it. “It will be shot in a start-to-finish schedule and expected to release by the summer of 2019. Jimmy Sheirgill has been signed on for a pivotal role too.”

Prem, when contacted, admitted that while he has made star-studded films in the past, they were not very successful. “So, I had to make my comeback with the right film. Yes, we have been in talks with Iulia and the production house will make an announcement soon. My producer, Prernaa Arora, has always backed content-driven films,” he asserted.

Iulia had earlier featured in a cameo as part of a song in the Pulkit Samrat, Bilal Amrohi and Sarah Jane Dias laugh riot, O Teri, in 2014.

The duo is singing a romantic number for the actor’s upcoming release
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 12, 2018)

After lending her voice to two songs in Salman’s upcoming action thriller Race 3, “Selfish” and “Party Chale On”, Iulia Vantur is all set to team up with the actor again. Mirror has learnt that the duo will give playback for a romantic track featuring Bobby Deol and Kriti Kharbanda in their upcoming action comedy Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se, the third instalment in the franchise which also features papa Dharmendra and big brother Sunny.

A source associated with the project reveals that the idea came about recently when the film’s makers were looking for a song for a romantic sequence between Bobby and Kriti. “Over a dinner meet, Salman admitted he had a song ready which he’d shortlisted for one of his upcoming films but was happy to give it to Bobby. Iulia recorded her portions in a Mumbai studio last week and Salman will record his once he completes the promotions of Race 3. The video will be shot next month at a Mumbai studio.” YPD 3 is complete and the makers are eyeing an Independence Day release.

Mirror had earlier reported (March 8) that Salman had shot for a special appearance which sees him grooving with Rekha, Dabbang co-star Sonakshi Sinha and her dad Shatrughan, besides the Deols. The actresses have lent their voices to this recreated mash-up of the golden oldies “O Mere Sona Re” from Teesri Manzil and “Rafta Rafta” from Kahani Kismat Ki, choreographed by Race 3 director Remo D’souza.

Salman is also planning to produce a film for Bobby and is personally looking at scripts and for a director. “It will bring Bobby back as a Greek God,” he promises, pointing out that back in the day, Bobby was fondly called ‘Jattallion’ by friends. “It was a great way of describing a charming, good-looking star. The film will be well-timed, has the right budget and mass appeal with action and dance being taken to the next level.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 11, 2018)

Politician Baba Siddiqui, whose annual iftaar party has become a significant event in Bollywood’s social calendar, upped the ante this year by flying down chefs from Hyderabad, Delhi and Lucknow for a daawat for 300 guests on Sunday.

Celebrations kicked off around 7:30 pm at a sea-facing Bandra five-star with Salim Khan among the early birds with son Arbaaz. The duo avoided questions pertaining to the actor’s involvement in the betting scandal.

The guests, also including Suniel Shetty, Chunky Panday, Remo D’souza, Zayed Khan with father Sanjay, Richa Chadha, Mouni Roy and Madhur Bhandarkar with wife Renu, were treated to haleem, shahi tukda, bhatti ki murg tikki, baigan mirch ka saalan and pistachio phirnis. Sanjay Nirupam and Ashok Chavan represented the political brigade.

The do made up for the lack of Salman and Shah Rukh Khan’s almost ritualistic Eid jhappi this year — the latter is shooting Zero at NASA —with a few firsts.

Composer Himesh Reshammiya and Sonia Kapur, who tied the knot last month, made their debut public appearance. Salman arrived a while later and after greeting the hosts, joined his family. Iulia Vantur was next to turn up, but the Romanian singer-model was seen chatting with Shilpa Shetty and Maniesh Paul. Salman stayed on for half an hour. Anil Kapoor, like most stars at the do, maintained a safe distance from the buffet.

Freddy Daruwala and Saqib Saleem, who arrived with producer Ramesh Taurani and Bobby Deol, appeared to be enjoying their cheat day. Saqib’s actress-sister Huma Qureshi joined in later after wrapping up a shoot.