Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; February 20, 2018)

Karan Johar may be miles away in Germany, but he created ripples in Bollywood yesterday as he announced his next with Varun Dhawan, Rannbhoomi. Dhawan is said to play a warrior in the Shashank Khaitan-directed project. Interestingly, sources in the know reveal that Rannbhoomi is a re-imagined version of Shhuddhi, Johar's pet project that unfortunately never took off.

For the uninitiated, the filmmaker had announced Shuddhi with Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in 2013. After Roshan bowed out of the project, Salman Khan had stepped in for a while before exiting the magnum opus. The project was in limbo until Johar found his new leads in Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in 2015. However, the film did not make headway in the years to follow.

A source reveals, "Karan was always attached to Shhuddhi and felt it would bowl the audience over if it were to be made. While Karan Malhotra was supposed to helm it in 2013, Karan now entrusted the job to Shashank. The director has reworked the script to suit a younger actor like Varun. The budget too has been resized."

As Johar felt ready to revisit the film, one of the first things he told his team was that the drama be rechristened. "Since he could not roll Shhuddhi in the past four years, Karan felt that it was a bad omen. So he was sure that this project would not share the same title," adds the insider.

Arjun Kapoor is keen to play dark roles, however, not the stereotypical ones
Upala KBR (DNA; January 23, 2017)

It’s been a while since Aurangzeb and Arjun Kapoor is itching to play another negative role. He was approached for Karan Malhotra’s period drama Shhuddhi, but wanted to play the grey character, which was offered to Varun Dhawan, so Arjun opted out.

Now he has been offered Anushka Sharma’s next production Kaneda, but Arjun wants to play the negative role, which has been offered to Diljit Dosanjh.

No chocolate-boy roles
Says a source, “The film is a love triangle. Arjun was offered the part of a normal boy-next-door, something the actor isn’t keen on taking up. He conveyed that to director Navdeep Singh. After the wholesome Ki & Ka and Anees Bazmee’s upcoming comic entertainer Mubarakan, feels he is ready for negative roles.” Blame it on Ranveer Singh’s all-dark Allaudin Khillji character in Padmavati or call ot a whim, but Arjun wants to go grey. He has been clear from the start that he is not attracted to stereotypical chocolate-boy roles, but those with a twist or grey shades and he feels Kaneda’s villain’s role would have been perfect fit for him.”

Arjun goes Haryanvi
The second film (after Mubarakan) that Arjun has signed up for, is YRF’s next, a dark thriller helmed by Dibakar Banerjee. The actor plays a loud-mouthed, fire-spewing, coarse-tongued Haryanvi cop and it marks Arjun’s return to the YRF banner after three years (his last film was Gunday in 2013).

DNA (September 23, 2016)


Says a source, “It’s all very hush-hush till now and everything is in the planning and conceptualizing stages. The five have been regularly meeting at each other’s home to discuss the project. It will be one production house (of the five) under one banner — and will cover everything from pre and post production work, direction and launching of projects to marketing, publicity, promotion and distribution. The plan is to also produce quality television content.”

According to the source, “These five heads of business are some of the finest creative and business minds in the film industry and each brings his own unique expertise in his field to the table — Karan for direction, Aamir for his marketing skills and star power, Siddharth and Ronnie are good with the business side, while Anil is unmatched in distribution. They even plan to have their own theatrical chains across the country.”

The source adds that all the talks are being conducted with the utmost secrecy because Ronnie is under contract to UTV not to do anything with entertainment for the next five years. “They plan to make the announcement around December 2016- January 2017. An IPO will also happen with the announcements of Shhuddhi and Shiddat where they are expected to raise money to fund their ventures. Till they are ready, there will be a spate of denials coming from everybody.”

Subhash K Jha (DNA; April 18, 2016)


Says the source, “Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt were signed for Shhuddhi. But that film is not being made now. Karan will be producing another subject with the same director Karan Malhotra and the same cast of Varun and Alia.”

This brings to an end a two-year battle to put together an epic costume drama. Hrithik Roshan had been signed to be directed by Karan Malhotra, as the star-director team was seen to be a winner after Agneepath.

Kareena Kapoor Khan was on board as the leading lady. But Hrithik had reservations about working with Kareena. So she was dropped. Then Hrithik, too, opted out. Next, Karan offered the film to Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. But they chose to do Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani. Thereafter it was announced that Salman Khan would do the film.

Finally, Karan Johar roped in his Student Of The Year protégés Varun and Alia. But now, Shhuddhi has been postponed once again as it is seen to be financially impractical.

MUMBAI MIRROR (March 8, 2016)

Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; January 28, 2016)

Karan Johar’s long-in-the-making ambitious project, Shhuddhi has hit many a hurdle after it was announced in early 2013. Casting issues led to periodic speculations about the film being shelved, but when Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan came on board a few months ago, things were looking up.

However, bad luck seems to have caught up with KJo again with reliable sources suggesting that Shhuddhi has finally been dropped since there was no progress in the project.

Says a source close to Karan’s production house, “No work has been done on the film. It has gone through many casting changes and every time a new actor came on board, the script had to be reworked to suit their personality. Apart from that, KJo wasn’t too confident about handing the directorial baton to Karan Malhotra since the latter’s last film (Brothers) didn’t do well.”

As per reports, the budget was also one of the reasons for the makers rethinking taking the film on floors. During a media interaction last August, the filmmaker got upset when he was asked about the film. “Oh my god, oh my god, I am folding my hands and bowing down to you all, stop asking me questions about Shuddhi. I don’t know what kind of bad omen the movie is going through, I am not able to make it,” he had said. There was buzz that dates given to the production house by Alia and Varun will be adjusted for the sequel of KJo’s 2014 hit Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania starring the duo.

The filmmaker remained unavailable for comment, while the source adds: “Varun, who had stopped signing films to focus on Shuddhi, is now scouring for challenging scripts, indicating that the film has been shelved. He is now busy with other projects — his brother Rohit Dhawan’s Dishoom to be followed by a gangster flick. Alia, too, will shortly begin shooting with Shah Rukh Khan for Gauri Shinde’s next.”

DNA (November 18, 2015)

Varun Dhawan confirms that he got Shhuddhi on Salman Khan’s reccomendation…
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 4, 2015)

After Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan left Karan Johar’s Shhuddhi, the filmmaker finally found his leading stars in his ‘students’ Varun Dhawan an Alia Bhatt.

Varun confirms that it was Khan who asked Karan to get him on board. “Yes, Bhai did recommend my name to Karan. That’s what I heard,” he smiles. But the actor clarifies that it’s not a case of replacement. “I have not replaced him in the film. Bhai had certain date issues because of which he and Karan collectively decided that I should be a part of Shhuddhi. No one can replace Salman Khan. Now that I am doing this film, I have to make him proud first.”

There were rumours that Shuddhi’s plot is adapted from Amish Tripathi’s Immortals of Meluha. “All I can say is it’s not based on Lord Shiva and it’s not an adaptation. It’s a totally different story,” he insists.

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; June 26, 2015)

Ever since it was announced that Salman Khan's Sultan will release in Eid 2016 and will clash with Shah Rukh Khan's Raaes, the online space is abuzz with several theories on this great Khan face-off. While date clashes are common in Bollywood, the mother of them all is expected to happen next Eid.

We all know that there are dates which the superstars covet. Superstars are more attracted to Republic Day, Eid, Diwali, Independence Day and Christmas weekends than even to their leading ladies.

A Bollywood trade observer says, “The nature of the film business is so fickle that even the biggest star doubts his own ability to get that massive initial. Frankly, it is no longer about the quality of the film alone. The release date plays such a crucial role in getting those magical box office numbers that actors have started booking their Eid and Diwali dates way in advance.“

Initially, Christmas was booked for Aamir, Ramzan Eid for Salman and Diwali for Shah Rukh Khan. But after that, it was a free-for-all. Other big players like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn jumped into the fray. Suddenly, everyone was poaching on everyone else's big dates.

Besides the Salman-SRK clash, some other big box office confrontations are around the corner. It should start this October 2, when Akshay Kumar's Singh Is Bliing clashes with Farhan Akhtar's Wazir. Followed up by a big one on December 18 - when SRK's Dilwale is meant to clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani. Ajay Devgn has advanced his Shivaay to Diwali 2016 when it is likely to clash with Karan Johar's Shhuddhi.

It has always been observed that there is room for two big releases on every big festival holiday weekend. However, one knows that this is not always considered “safe“. So let's see who bows out and who stays. Quite obviously, the one who stays is supreme. 

Subhash K Jha (DNA; June 18, 2015)


Hence, news that Dutt is opting out of Karan Johar’s Shhuddhi. A friend of the Dutt family reveals, “Sanju opting out of Shuddhi is the actor’s family’s way of letting the world know he won’t do negative roles. His image-building machinery won’t allow him to.”

As Sanjay prepares for life post-release, positive roles are being whipped for the actor by directors Rajkumar Hirani, Umesh Shukla and Sanjay Gupta who have scripts ready for Dutt. However, a family friend who has known Sanjay closely warns against excessive enthusiasm regarding the actor’s comeback. “He would first need to get back into psychological and physical shape. After his five-years jail term, he can’t just jump in front of the camera. I guess he won’t be back to acting before the end of 2016.”

Adds the friend, “Who will sign him first will depend on how quickly he re-conditions himself to civilian life. From what Sanju told me, I could gather he isn’t too keen on facing the camera immediately after his return. He wants to spend time with his wife, children and sisters. His career is going to take a backseat for some time.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan on her ex taking the arranged marriage route, her husband’s uncertainty about working with her in films and also why there can never be a tiff between her and her ‘lover’ Karan Johar
Sarita A Tanwar (DNA; June 17, 2015)


Today, there’s a lot of brouhaha over films like Piku and Tanu Weds Manu Returns, but you did films like Chameli, Heroine and Jab We Met many years ago. Is it because of the social media explosion that the impact is more now?
Yes, of course. But I feel the kind of impact that Jab We Met and Chameli had was far more. People are talking about it till today. For me, they will always be my iconic films. I mean it’s not like you can forget good films. People still talk about Kagaz Ke Phool or Amar Prem, which were made way back in the day; there was no social media then. Honestly, I have nothing against the social media explosion and the fact that everybody is on Twitter and Instagram. I feel that it helps you connect with your fans. But I don’t know how much it pulls people to the theatre. Because various films are marketed on social media platforms and while certain films do well, certain films don’t. So that can’t be the benchmark.

Sure, if the film is good, it will run.
Exactly. Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Piku — I haven’t seen them — but I believe the story and the performances are unbelievable. So, obviously, it’s the content that’s is responsible for the final box office numbers.

What do would you consider your major achievement in your career?
I feel there are two major achievements. One is that I worked with Anil Kapoor and now I am working with Arjun Kapoor. Fifteen years here and I am still running, I’m still at the same position in this industry, whether it’s working with Salman Khan who was once working with Karisma and is now my hero. I feel that’s a huge achievement. I have done two rounds with the Khans and the fact that they are still working with me, says something. I have worked in two Talaashs in my career. (Grins) Second would be the fact that I have been pitted against every actress in every generation, I think that’s a big achievement.

Now you have been compared to Alia Bhatt!
Yes, Can you believe it? Next is going to be my niece Samaira. Lolo keeps telling me that you will be one actress who will be pitted against Samaira. That would be the greatest compliment that I can ask for.

She wants to act? Do you see the signs already?
A little bit, but she is more of a bookworm now. I think this generation, the young kids. They like Bollywood movies and watch them but are not as crazy as we used to be. If you ask her, ‘Do you want to go and watch a film, she will like be ‘What film? When? Why?’ She’s quite happy on her iPad playing, or on her Kindle reading. But Sara and Ibrahim love Bollywood.

I believe you have taken up reading.
Yes. And by the way, I am on my ninth book. Can you believe it... a girl who never used to read?

I’m in shock! Ninth book!
Right now, I am reading The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. I couldn’t sleep and was reading till 2 am. And Saif had passed out at 10.30 pm! I couldn’t put the book down. I am obsessed with finishing this now.

Who recommends books to you?
This book was given to me by one of Saif’s friends from London. He is a publisher, and he knows that I love crime thrillers. I have read six books by Michael Connelly. It’s nice because I think Saif looks at me and says, ‘I am going to give you a book shelf and a new house which is only going to have your books.’ He says, ‘I just feel really proud when I look at you reading and this is one change that I have brought in you.”

Any plans to work with Saif again?
I would love to work with Saif, but I am not sure he would want to. If I was approached for a film with him, I would do it. But it hasn’t happened for a while now. I am open to it, but I don’t know if he is. I don’t know somehow he says working with your wife, I guess he feels some tension. He says it’s not as comfortable as working with somebody you doesn’t know.

Would you work with Shahid Kapoor?
I am working with everybody and I work for anybody who pays me and who has got a good script as long as I have the dates.

Films that you turned down went on become big hits. Any regrets?
Not at all. I think we are actors and we select scripts according to what suits us at that time.

Why did you walk out of Shhuddhi?
When Hrithik R didn’t do the film, I don’t think it just made sense. Because that film I think was all about Hrithik and Kareena coming back.

After Salman walked out of the film, #BringBackHrithikKareena was trending for two days...
Yes, I know. I am not on Twitter and Instagram but I get my information from sources. So many people now.

Karan Johar didn’t have a problem with you walking out of the film?
Karan and I can never have a problem. He is part of my family, he is like a brother to me. I would talk to him about so many other things apart from what film he is doing etc. I don’t think I have ever asked Karan ever in the 15-17 years that we have been friends, ‘What film are you making, Karan?’ Or ‘I want to be a part of it.’

But why? You should be able to ask that of a friend.
I have never asked any producer what film they are making. I have never told them that I want to be a part of any film.

Why not? Most actresses do it.
I have faith in my talent. I have never done that. I most definitely don’t feel the need to do it now. Especially with someone like Karan. It’s like, never. If he has something for me, he will call. He knows my work, he knows my talent. We have done some great films, some not so great movies, but that’s a journey of an actor and a producer. Karan and I are friends so we can never have problems. (giggles) He is my lover.

Any regrets about not doing Dil Dhadakne Do?
Just one. That I missed an opportunity to work with Zoya Akhtar, but it’s not her last film and definitely not mine. Not because of anything else, but because I think she is a wonderful girl and she’s just a brilliant director and I think her energy is just right.

And Ram Leela?
It just never worked out with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, sadly. But I think it worked out better for him. I have no regrets at all.

All actresses are attempting different kinds of cinema, your thoughts?
I am very proud to be a commercial actress. I don’t know why it’s being made to be a crime to be a part of film with the Khans because everybody under the sun wants to work with Salman. I have always said that I want to strike a balance between being part of fun, entertaining, commercial films because that’s also who I am. I come from a Bollywood family and have grown up on song and dance. But yes, I want to do great roles, which I think I am ready for now. I think I’m balancing commercial movies and some great roles. I am very excited about working with Balki.

Amongst — Alia, Parineeti and Shraddha, who has that spark to get to the top?
Definitely, Alia Bhatt.

Tired of being compared to her?
(Smiles) No! I just hope she is not tired. It’s a compliment that I have been pitted against all these young girls, but I think that’s fine. I like Alia. I also haven’t seen the work of other actresses.

You watch films of your contemporaries?
I watch some movies. I love watching movies on the flight and all. But I never go to see trials and previews because I am not fake. I cannot fake praise for a film. Also, I don’t like going and socialising. I prefer to see a film in a theatre. These days, for trial shows, you have to do hair and make-up because you have to pose for photos and then give bytes. What’s with this everybody going to each other’s trials... I am really happy sitting at home and reading a book. I am not being a snob. I don’t go to see my own films at the trials, I’ll watch it on the flight or I’ll watch it on DVDs.

Deepika Padukone thinks it’s wrong for people to slot you and her in the same category because you started much earlier. Your comment.
I think she is absolutely right. I don’t know why everyone is compared to me. But now I am like, ‘Accha, theek hai’. I have become immune to it now. Fifteen years and now, I think I should be immune to it by now, at least.

Has marriage made you less ambitious about your career?
No, I think I was always like this. I want to have it all, that’s why I decided to get married. I can’t be somebody who says ‘Okay, work is my only thing, all I need is just to work.’ I can’t be like that. Everyone says personal life can wait. I want to tell the young girls,‘Trust me, there is no later.’ It’s now that you have to work and experience other things in life. Your life cannot be only your work. I am shooting for 25 brands, I am doing three films, but I still have time to read, travel, to unwind, and chat with Saif. So, no, my priorities haven’t changed. I am obsessed about my work but I am also obsessed about having a full life. So it’s a nice balance. I am doing work at my own pace and I want to work and I want to be married, I want to read my books, I want to travel. I am very greedy but I am not greedy as much only for good roles, I am greedy for a good life.

You guys travel a lot. Every time I connect with you, you are either going on a vacation or returning from one.
(Screams) No, no don’t say that! Even my mom is saying, “Naam kharab ho gaya, hai, din bhar holiday ke liye ja rahi hai. That’s not true. We club work and pleasure. If I am shooting a brand or a film in London, I extend and stay back and Saif joins me and vice versa. We are trying to always balance it out. You know both of us are working, so to take out time for each other is important. Which is why no time for added distractions like Instagram and Twitter.

Doesn’t the number game bother you? Or you are beyond that now?
I don’t think it ever bothered me earlier and most definitely, it can’t bother me now. I am a very secure person and in a very secure space.

Saif is going through a phase where he hasn’t had a hit in the last two years. Any advice you’d give him?
No. I am nobody to give anybody advice. Anybody who gives me advice, I never take it. So my advice is that don’t take advice from anyone. Do what you want to do. I think an actor’s mistakes are their own. My mistakes are my own and I would not like to take advice from anyone. Likewise for him. I mean a couple of mistakes here and there, please you can’t crucify an actor for that. Some films will be great and some films will not be so great.

And finally, any thoughts on Shahid’s marriage?
I wish him all the best. It’s a great decision. I met him at YRF a few months ago and he told me he was getting married and I congratulated him.

Your views on arranged marriage?
I think he can make it work. He has changed and matured and he knows what is best for him.

DNA (June 12, 2015)


Shhuddhi
Karan Johar’s film was planned with Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan as the lead. But at some point, he walked out. Aamir Khan was supposedly approached, Salman Khan was signed, but ultimately, the buck has stopped at Varun Dhawan.

Paani
Shekhar Kapur’s Paani was first planned with Roshan Jr. A futuristic film on water scarcity would have looked amazing on Hrithik’s filmography but the actor wasn’t in the mood to time travel for water. Sushant Singh Rajput swiftly replaced him, but now the buzz is that the film has been shelved..

Kabir Khan’s next
The film is yet to be titled but it has already exchanged hands. Kabir Khan was very keen to work with the Greek God in his next film but before we could hear an announcement, he apparently got replaced by Salman Khan since Krrish ke paas waqt nahi hai. His Mohenjo Daro has blocked all his dates and so he cannot spare any.

Karan Johar says that the actor was not offered the role
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 12, 2015)

On July 16, 2014, Karan Johar tweeted that Salman Khan was on board and Shuddhi would release in Diwali 2016. He replaced Hrithik Roshan who had stepped out of the film citing health issues. "Salman loved (director) Karan Malhotra's narration. He's all instinct and heart, and reacts instantly. Once Karan wraps up Warrior in mid-2014, he'll start work on Shhuddhi," KJo told Mirror a day later.

In February 2015, buzz was, Sanjay Dutt had been approached to play the baddie in Shhuddhi. Reportedly, his Agneepath director had given him a story narration when he was out on furlough. It was reported that Shuddhi could be the first film he'd shoot for after coming out of jail.

Since May 2013, Sanjay has been serving a 42-month sentence in Yerwada Central Jail for illegal possession of weapons during the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

Mirror has now learnt that Sanjay has dropped out of the film. "He doesn't want to do a negative role immediately after coming out. He will start with OMG-Oh My God! director Umesh Shukla's film in which he plays a hero," informed a source close to the actor.

Umesh had confirmed to Mirror (June 2) that they'd had an initial meeting with Sanjay and he liked this nice, sensible subject with a human angle. Umesh will show the first draft of the screenplay to Sanjay once he is out.

Meanwhile, Salman is also out of Shhuddhi which now has a new lead pair in Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt.

When Mirror quizzed KJo on the subject he said shortly, "The role of the antagonist in Shuddhi is by far one of the best written antagonist roles. We have never offered the role to Sanjay. We have yet to cast anyone."

Karan Malhotra clarifies that the Shuddhi script is not being altered
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 3, 2015)


There are also reports of the film’s script being changed because of its alleged similarity to Ek Paheli Leela or Maghadheera remake. “Shhuddhi is about a warrior prince and is a period drama, set across two centuries. It has the reincarnation angle to it, much like the Sunny Leone-starrer that hit screens this April. Also, Shahid will also be seen essaying an almost identical role in the Magadheera remake,” explains a source who added that Karan will go on floors only after a little alteration in the film’s plot.

When asked, director Karan Malhotra rubbished all such talk. “People have been talking about Shhuddhi for eternity. I am busy with my next film Brothers release hence I can start working on Shhuddhi only after my film is released. Plus, it’s not new for me. There have been so many stories about the film ever since its announcement.” The director who seemed distressed with our call did not talk much about the film as he felt ‘It’s too early to do so’. But he did confirm one thing — the film will have no script change. “It’s an original script written by me and my wife. That’s all I will say,” he signed off! Shuddhi is expected to go on floors in August-September this year.

DNA (May 25, 2015)

It shook the industry when Salman Khan announced on Twitter last week that he is no longer acting in Shhuddhi. Karan Johar followed that tweet with the announcement that Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt were the film’s lead pair. There is silence from both sides as to why Salman Khan, who was super excited about working on the project, opted out.

This decision was taken months ago, but was made public only now. Although Salman had made up his mind a while ago, he maintained silence till KJo had his cast in place. That was the understanding between them. A certain section of the industry is abuzz with news that the actor was offended that Karan was part of the AIB’s live show — AIB Knockout, where jokes were made about his younger sister Arpita and he decided to walk out of the film.

Another rumour doing the rounds is that Shuddhi required bulk dates from the actor, to the tune of 180 days, which the actor was not willing to commit to, so he and Karan parted ways amicably. “When Hrithik and Kareena were doing the film, they had given 200 days each for the project. Salman felt he could finish three films in those many days and so he reconsidered being part of the film,” an insider adds.

Whatever the real reason, Salman had decided very early on that he wouldn’t be a part of the film. But after multiple cast changes and delays, he was kind enough to wait until Karan found his new actors.

Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who were caught up in a bitter fight over the casting of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh for their respective films, have kissed and made up
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 21, 2015)

Last August, two of Bollywood's A-list filmmakers were embroiled in a bitter war of words. Karan Johar was spitting venom because Sanjay Leela Bhansali who pulled off a casting coup by roping in the lead pair of his last film, Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela, for his next film, Bajirao Mastani. The fight reportedly was because KJo had planned to cast Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in his ambitious film, Shhuddhi, after the original leads, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor, dropped out, a fact that he denied.

In an interview to Mirror (July 17, 2014) Karan had said that he shares a "formal, civil and amicable equation with Sanjay Bhansali, nothing beyond that". And added, "So there's no reason for me to speak to him about Shuddhi. He didn't discuss the Bajirao Mastani announcement with me." In another interview, KJo also said that SLB has gone into a space of 'negativity and darkness'

To this Bhansali had retorted (Mirror, September 3, 2014), "I've never understood why someone, who you think is a friend, would publicly talk ill about you."

On being quizzed about poaching Karan's stars, he argued, "I had my cast in place, so I didn't need Karan's permission. I've never had an ambition to become the most powerful man in the industry."

The bitterness stayed for the subsequent months and the two never interacted. However, the age-old adage of there being no permanent friends or foes in the industry continues to ring true. At a recent bash the two found themselves next to each other and hugged, kissed and sorted out their past differences.

Said a source who witnessed the midnight encounter, "They looked at each other....And just smiled. It was as if they had never fought. They spoke for a good 30 minutes about everything, from current films to their past differences. By the time they were ready to go home, all was well."

When we reached out to Bhansali, he said, "It's nice when you meet old friends. and start over as if you'd never fought. The bitterness is behind us now, for good."

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; March 9, 2015)

If sources are to be believed, Salman Khan will move to the sets of Yash Raj’s Sultan after wrapping up Bajrangi Bhaijaan, the unit of which will shortly leave for a schedule in the Kashmir Valley.

Earlier, there were rumours that the star would take up Karan Johar’s long-in-the-planning Shhuddhi first. A source says, “Shuddhi has already been delayed due to a few changes in the cast. Now, it has been postponed further as Salman will shoot for Sultan after completing Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan.” The source adds that Salman’s leading lady in Sultan, Deepika Padukone, will shortly take up promotions of Piku as well as finish work on Bajrangi Bhaijaan. After that, both the actors will start shooting for their maiden outing together.

Sultan director Ali Abbas Zafar says, “We will have some clarity about his dates in a month or so once he is done with Bajrangi Bhaijaan.”

KJo, on the other hand, had apparently planned to start shooting for Shhuddhi by July-August and is still scouting for a younger heroine opposite Salman. “Though the girl has not been finalised, he wanted to shoot a few portions with the actor. But it looks like he will have to wait further,” an insider says.

DNA (March 4, 2015)
Ali Abbas Zafar’s Sultan, which stars Salman Khan, was slated to go on floors this year. It will be pushed further as Khan has two films pending this year, Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Initially, Katrina Kaif’s name was doing the rounds as the film’s female lead. She is an Aditya Chopra favourite, after all! But a source in the know tells us Deepika Padukone is actually the frontrunner for the part.

Our source adds, “Salman and Deepika were to co-star in Shuddhi, but she could not do that film. She has already done three films with Shah Rukh Khan and was keen to do a film with Salman. Though there is no official casting announcement yet, Sultan’s almost in her bag!
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Jacqueline Fernandez seems to have become the blue-eyed girl in Bollywood. The Sri Lankan beauty has been making heads turn wherever she goes, including that of filmmakers. According to our sources, Jackie who has been spotted hanging out with Karan Johar seems to have struck a friendly chord with him. So much so, that the filmmaker has reportedly approached the actress to play the role opposite Salman Khan in his magnum opus Shuddhi. After much back and forth, it was announced that Salman would be playing the lead in this mega budget film but a leading lady is yet to be zeroed in and Jackie seems like the most obvious candidate. However, our source also reveals that it was apparently on Salman’s recommendation that Kjo approached Jacqueline for the part. Another Kick in the making?

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 16, 2015)

Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; February 1, 2015)