Have you heard? Deepika Padukone teams up with Shah Rukh Khan for King; Suniel Shetty calls Hera Pheri a patriotic film; Javed Akhtar says this isn’t the time to host Pakistani artists
Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan; (right) Deepika Padukone
King brings in his queen
Matching dimples are set to dazzle on screen once again as Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan team up for Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film, King.
mid-day had earlier reported that Deepika would join the project after her maternity break, playing the role of Suhana Khan’s mother (The queen of hearts, April 8). Despite some uncertainty, we have now learnt that the film’s team is now gearing up for production, with Deepika confirmed to play a key role and not just a cameo. The film’s timeline adjustments have allowed her to complete her maternity break before she gets back on the set, as shooting is scheduled to begin later this year. King also stars Abhishek Bachchan and is set to release in the last quarter of 2026. SRK and Deepika have previously worked together in films like Om Shanti Om (2007), Happy New Year (2014), Pathaan, and Jawan (2023), all box-office successes.
‘Hera Pheri is a patriotic film’
Suniel Shetty
Suniel Shetty has sparked surprise by calling Hera Pheri (2000) a patriotic film. At a recent event in Mumbai, he said, “Arey woh deshbhakti ki film hai… jo desh ko khush rakhe.” He also shared that he believes the film brings people joy and mental peace, adding, “It is the best. hum logon ko hasate hai, khilate hai… gareebi mein haste bhi hai, aur hasate bhi hai.” Suniel also reflected on his career, acknowledging the commercial struggles of his recent films, saying, “Tickets of my films don’t sell, and that’s important to acknowledge. There’s a lot of love from people but some may want to watch me [on screen] for free, maybe that’s what it is.” Kesari Veer, also starring Vivek Oberoi, is scheduled to release on May 16.
The temple of Samantha
(From left) Tenali Sandeep and his wife Deepti with (centre) a bust of Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s fans, Tenali Sandeep and his wife Deepti, have built a temple dedicated to the actor in the Bapatla region of Andhra Pradesh. A video doing the rounds on social media shows the couple celebrating Samantha’s 38th birthday (April 28), by decorating a bust of the actor, at the centre of the temple dedicated to her. Sandeep has been celebrating Samantha’s birthday from the last three years by cutting a cake with the children in his village and serving them a celebratory lunch. Talking to the press about the reason behind dedicating the temple to the actor, he said, “I am a huge admirer of Samantha garu. Her philanthropy inspires me, and I want to follow in her footsteps.” This isn’t unusual in South India, where fans often idolise celebrities. Other stars like Rajinikanth, NTR Jr, and Nayanthara have also been honoured with temples by their fans.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Where is the warmth?
Javed Akhtar
“Should we allow Pakistani artistes to work here?” That, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar said, is the question to be asked in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. There is hardly “any warmth today” in India-Pakistan cultural ties, the veteran screenwriter-poet noted while saying that this is not the time to even think about whether Pakistani artistes should be allowed to work in India. “This could be thought about in better times, and hopefully, after some years, some sense will prevail. And there’ll be a better attitude towards India from the establishment of Pakistan. And then this can be considered. But at the moment, this question should not be asked. Not possible,” Akhtar told PTI in an interview.
Mane character energy
Mahesh Babu
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has been generating buzz with his latest public appearance for his upcoming film SSMB 29 with Priyanka Chopra. The actor’s photos have surfaced online where he is seen sporting curly long hair, for the very first time. Fans have gone into a frenzy seeing his new look as he is famous for flaunting a clean shaven look in almost. While the makers have kept details about the film under wraps, there buzz is that the SS Rajamouli’s directorial venture is a globe-trotting adventure similar to the Indiana Jones franchise. Filming has already begun, with schedules in Hyderabad and Odisha. An official announcement on the film’s title, cast, and crew is awaited.
No judgments please
(From left) Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa
After Rajkummar Rao’s revelation about getting chin fillers, his wife and actor Patralekhaa shared her views on cosmetic enhancements. When a fan asked for her take on “plastic surgeries, botox and fillers” on social media, she responded saying, “Do what makes you feel confident... No judgments!!” Raj, while promoting Srikanth (2024), had opened up about how the procedure boosted his confidence and positively impacted his career. He had said that he believes it’s acceptable for actors to undergo such treatments. On the work front, Raj is set to appear in Bhool Chuk Maaf and Maalik. Whereas Patralekhaa’s Phule with Pratik Gandhi is in cinemas. Her next project is Gulkanda Tales and Suryast.
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