Ananya Panday addresses 14-year age gap with Dream Girl 2 co-star Ayushmann Khurrana: ‘People should not fixate on age’

Ananya Panday will be next seen in Dream Girl 2, which pairs her with actor Ayushmann Khurrana. At the trailer launch of the film yesterday, when Ananya was asked about the 14 year age gap between her and Ayushmann, she said that it should not matter as age gaps have always existed in cinema. 

About Dream Girl 2

In the Dream Girl 2 trailer, Ayushmann is seen taking his Pooja avatar to another level. This time, he's not only voicing Pooja but has also dressed up as her. Once again, he's seen poking and fooling a lot of men. Ananya is seen romancing the male avatar of Ayushmann in the trailer.

Ananya on age gap with Ayushmann

Now, as per a report by ETimes, at the trailer launch when the 24 year-old was asked the 14 year age difference between herself and the 38-year-old Ayushmann, she said, “I don’t think this is today’s issue. The age difference has always existed. People should not fixate on age while watching the film. If they are preoccupied with this factor, then it becomes a problem. As long as two actors are suitable for their respective roles, it’s perfectly acceptable."

More about Dream Girl 2

Dream Girl 2 was earlier supposed to release in July. However, it's now arriving in theatres on August 25 now. The makers revealed that the delay was due to the extensive VFX work required for the film. Ektaa Kapoor who is co-producing the film, said, “We want Ayushmann Khurrana's character to look perfect as Pooja in Dream Girl 2, and that's why we are taking extra time to perfect the VFX work for the face. We want to ensure that our viewers get the best possible experience when they watch the movie. The VFX work for Dream Girl 2 is an integral part of the movie, and we want to ensure that we deliver a high-quality product to our audiences.”

Dream Girl 2 is the spiritual sequel to the 2019 film Dream Girl which had Ayushmann as a call centre employee who talks to callers in a female voice, pretending to be Pooja. It starred, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Annu Kapoor, Manjot Singh, Vijay Raaz and Abhishek Banerjee. The film was a blockbuster with gross worldwide box office collection of ₹200 crore.

From dreamy Mermaidcore to glamorous Barbiecore: Tips and tricks to master these viral fashion trends like a pro

 

Trends bring a sense of unity and diversity to the design process. They transcend boundaries, bridging cultures, and bringing together various forms of creative expression. Two such influences — Barbiecore and Mermaidcore — have revolutionized the Indian wear market, infusing it with a youthful and vivacious charm. By blending contemporary fashion with the timeless elegance of ethnic wear, women are embracing them to express their individuality and celebrate femininity. On one hand, as the Barbiecore trend's vibrant hues have redefined traditional pink sarees, lehengas, and salwar suits a modern twist with eye-catching shades ranging from bubblegum pink to electric fuchsia, the Mermaidcore trend with its flowing silhouettes and captivating use of sequins, has resulted in a fusion of fantasy and elegance. 

Tips to rock Barbiecore and Mermaidcore trends

Raghav Mittal, MD and Creative Director, House of Surya shares with HT Lifestyle some tips and tricks to rock these popular fashion trends with perfection.

1. Embracing Barbiecore: Style advice

• To unleash your inner Barbie, set the fashion scene ablaze by experimenting with different fabrics and textures, like pairing a flowy pink lehenga with a sporty champagne-coloured crop top or a traditional pink saree with a contemporary blouse.
• Barbiecore is adaptable for many different events, including weddings and celebratory gatherings. Choose elaborately embroidered pink lehengas with exquisite mirror work for formal occasions or a more relaxed pink salwar suit or an Anarkali with comical patterns or flowery prints for a day of celebrations.
• Pro Tip: Be assertive, feisty, and bright! A crucial component of Barbiecore is layering. If you want to add depth and interest to your pink ensemble, think about adding a chic blazer, a shrug or an embellished cloak.

2. Birth of dreamy Indian aesthetics: Mermaidcore

• The way we view special event clothing has been transformed by Mermaidcore. Delicately- designed sequin gowns in mesmerizing hues of seafoam green, ocean blue, and coral pink have become popular choices for weddings, receptions, and other celebrations. These gowns add an ethereal touch to traditional events, making the wearer feel like a mythical creature gliding through a fairytale.
• The trend has impacted all Indian attires ranging from sarees to lehengas and even palazzo sets! With their form-fitting tops and flared sequined skirts, mermaid-style lehengas offer a new-age yet classic appeal. The intricate detailing of sequins and subtle tailoring create a captivating bridal ensemble.
• Sequin embellishments adorn the saree borders and ‘pallus’, capturing the essence of shimmering ocean waves. These sarees are perfect for evening soirées and glamorous events.
• Anarkalis and palazzo sets have welcomed the mermaid-core trend with innovation. Sequined bodices with flared bottoms emulate the elegance of mermaid tails, offering a unique and charming twist to traditional ethnic wear.

"The market for women's clothing in India has been significantly and enduringly impacted by such trends. Women may now express themselves in a creative and energetic way thanks to their dynamic use of colours and style. Modern Indian fashion is known for its combination of traditional and new-age features, and trends are essential to this delicate dance of cultural interchange," concludes Raghav Mittal.

Nitin Desai’s death: Hema Malini, Sanjay Dutt, Parineeti Chopra & more express grief on national-award winning art director’s demise

It is indeed a sad day for Indian cinema as renowned art director and production designer, Nitin Chandrakant Desai died allegedly by suicide today morning. The national-award winning artist was best known for his works in megastar Aamir Khan starrer Lagaan, Sanjay Dutt starrer Munnabhai MBBS and Oscar award winning movie Slumdog Millionaire.

The news development was confirmed by news agency ANI. In a tweet today, ANI attached a quote from Maharashtra Police which read, “We have found the body of art director Nitin Desai hanging in his studio in Karjat. Police were informed about this by a worker on the set. When the police team reached the studio, we saw his body hanging. We are investigating the case further for ascertaining all the aspects in this case.”

Soon after this development, a flood of tweets in memory of Nitin Desai started pouring on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Veteran actress Hema Malini, who is popularly known as ‘The Dream Girl of Bollywood’, extended her condolences to the near and dear ones of Desai. “Shocking news this morning - Art Director Nitin Desai is no more. Such a warm human being, associated with many of my projects and ballets, his passing is a terrible loss to the film industry. May he find peace wherever he is,” she wrote on Twitter.

Actor Sanjay Dutt, who worked closely with Desai in Munnabhai series, too felt saddened to know about the development and wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Nitin Desai. A brilliant art director and a good friend, his contribution to Indian cinema has been monumental. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh also penned a note in memory of Desai and said, “Deeply shocked to know that #NitinDesai, a legendary Production Designer who has contributed immensely to the growth of Indian cinema in no more. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. I had known him for years... soft spoken, humble, ambitious & a visionary… you will be missed my friend. Om Shanti.”

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who worked closely with the actor on the set of the 2015 movie, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, expressed his tributes to Desai and said, “Cannot accept the heartbreaking news. Our beloved Nitin Desai has left for his heavenly abode. He was simply a genius. A visionary artist with grace and style who understood not just his craft but people. He was a positive soul who spread only love to all. My God give his family strength. Om Shanti.”

National award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut, who worked with Desai in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010) shared a post on her Instagram Stories and wrote, “Such a terrible news!!! Beyond shocked…pained beyond words…Om Shanti.”

Popular actress Parineeti Chopra also condoled the death of Nitin Desai. “Heartbreaking to hear about Nitin sir. #NitinDesai. His groundbreaking work, wisdom, and artistry will be remembered forever. Rest in peace sir,” she wrote on Twitter.

According to a report published in Mint newspaper, Nitin Desai passed away at the age of 57. However, the exact age of his demise is not yet known.

Dream Girl 2 new poster: Ayushmann Khurrana unleashes glitz and glamour as Pooja ahead of the trailer release

 

The time has come for action! The newest poster for Dream Girl 2 is sheer magic, and now fans are ready for the Bollywood extravaganza. With the poster, the makers are promising that the trailer will blow people's minds.

As Pooja, Ayushmann Khurrana lets loose his inner glitz and dazzle and, as ever alluring, strikes a regal posture atop a gleaming car, raising the temperature with her celestial aura. Ayushmann alias Pooja has sprinkled stardust everywhere, and it will surely leave people speechless.

Bollywood's finest comedy actors are all included on this poster. Paresh Rawal, Annu Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, Manoj Joshi, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, and Manjot, all comedic greats in their own right, have joined forces to produce a cacophony of laughter that will echo down the corridors of time.

Ektaa R. Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, who together have become known for their outstanding contributions to the entertainment business, put their hearts and souls into creating Dream Girl 2. The film has all the makings of a truly remarkable cinematic experience thanks to its attention to plot and production values.

Raaj Shaandilyaa, who directed the first Dream Girl, is back at the helm for the sequel, and his skill as a filmmaker should surely help the actors and crew create another film that will wow viewers all over the country. On August 25, 2023, Dream Girl 2 will be released in theatres, promising audiences an experience like never before.

Prepare yourself for a symphony of laughter, a kaleidoscope of colours, and an emotional roller coaster. With the arrival of Dream Girl 2, the makers are hoping all the wildest fantasies of the audience will come true.

Dream Girl 2 features Ananya Panday as the female lead, and she is the new addition to the franchise. The film also marks her first outing with Ayushmann on the big screen.

When Taapsee Pannu shared that she was called ‘unlucky’ as her Telugu films didn't work

Actor Taapsee Pannu once revealed how she was considered an unlucky charm at a point in her career because her films weren't doing well at the box office. Taapsee, who has established herself as one of Hindi cinema's most bankable female actors, celebrates her birthday on Tuesday, August 1. 

Taapsee's journey in films

Taapsee Pannu made her debut with Tamil movie Aadukalam, which was directed by Vetrimaaran and starred Dhanush in the lead. The film got critical acclaim and went on to win several National Awards. She then went on star in many Telugu films, before garnering attention in Akshay Kumar-starrer Baby in 2015. She gained further acclaim for her lead performances in Pink, Thappad and Manmarziyaan.

On being called unlucky

In an old interview with Scroll a few years ago, Taapsee had opened up about the phase in her career when she was considered an unlucky factor for films. She said, "Everyone started calling me an unlucky girl and an unlucky charm because a couple of my films in Telugu did not work. Honestly, I would not say that I thought a lot about these films before signing these films, because I had no clue at the time."

On learning from mistakes

She further elaborated how she learnt from her mistakes. "I was signing films based on the credible names, which clearly did not work in my favour. Since I do not come a from a film background, I learned from my mistakes. What was a setback, according to me, was that I was blamed for a film not working, where all I had to do was three songs or five scenes. But I often used to think, why me? It was not so much that it bogged me down, but it made me take the control in my hands in terms of choosing what I wanted to do, rather than listening to everybody else," said the actor.

Taapsee took a much-needed break after delivering six releases last year, including Looop Lapeta, Mishan Impossible, Shabaash Mithu, Dobaaraa, Tadka and Blurr. She will be next seen with Shah Rukh Khan for Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki that is expected to release in December. She also has Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba and Jana Gana Mana in the pipeline.

Deepika Padukone in bikini and sarong serves a jaw-dropping look, Ranveer Singh says 'A warning would've been nice'

Deepika Padukone set the internet on fire today after she posted a throwback picture from one of her photoshoots on social media. Deepika's post shows her dressed in a monochrome printed bikini set and sarong. Ranveer Singh and Deepika's followers were stunned by the sizzling picture. Scroll through to see the photo and what Ranveer commented on it.

Deepika Padukone's jaw-dropping look in a bikini

Today, Deepika Padukone drove away our Monday Blues with her jaw-dropping photoshoot in a beach-ready look. She shared the photo with the caption, "Once upon a time…Not so long ago." It shows Deepika in a black-and-white abstract-printed bikini top featuring noodle straps, a plunging neckline, an infinity-style short hem showing off her toned abs, and a fitted bust.

Deepika wore the bra top with matching bikini bottoms and a sarong. The sarong features a tie detail on the side, a low-rise waistline, and a risque thigh-high slit. A pulled-back sleek top bun, bold kohl-lined eyes, smoky eyes, nude lips, mascara on the lashes, and glowing skin rounded it off.

Ranveer Singh reacts to Deepika Padukone's picture

Deepika Padukone's photoshoot broke the internet. However, Ranveer Singh's reaction takes the cake. "A warning would've been nice," he wrote under the post. Meanwhile, Manish Malhotra, Shibani Akhtar, Bhumi Pednekar, and Falguni Shane Peacock dropped fire emojis. A fan commented, "Damn that body." Another wrote, "I am dying." A user wrote, "No one was ready for this today." Another remarked, "OH MY GOD! This is hot."

On the work front

Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone has several projects lined up in the future. She will be seen next in Kalki 2898 AD with Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Disha Patani, and more stars. The sci-fi film is being produced by Vyjayanthi Movies. She also has Fighter with Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor.

Preity Zinta channels her inner Barbie in photoshoot after watching Margot Robbie film

Actor Preity Zinta has shared a video from her recent photoshoot in which she channelled her inner Barbie. Taking to Instagram on Monday night, Preity posted the clip in which she gave different poses and expressions for the camera. 

Preity turns Barbie in new clip

The video started with Preity sitting on a bed in a pink theme room. It had everything coloured in pink from walls, bed sheets, table lamps, rugs, phone, and curtains. She held a pink phone while smiling and posing for the camera. In the clip, she also jumped and fell on the bed. Preity wore a pink dress with frills and silver heels. Preity added the song Barbie Girl by Aqua as the background track.

Preity pens note

Sharing the clip, Preity said, "Channeling my inner Barbie (sparkling heart emoji) Did this fun shoot some time ago & couldn’t resist posting it after seeing #Barbie this weekend. LOVED the movie & the fact that the theatre was mostly Pink (sparkling heart emoji). So much fun watching a movie after so long. #Barbiethemovie #Movieweekend #Ting." Reacting to the post, Iulia Vantur said, "@realpz u are the perfect Barbie: cute, playful, beautiful, amazing smile and those dimples."

Fans react to Preity as Barbie

A fan wrote, "Now we need an Indian Barbie starring you, and @hrithikroshan could be Ken." A person commented, "You look like Katy Perry." A comment read, "Let's go for a Bollywood version of Barbie." An Instagram user said, "The real Barbie in real life." Another comment read, "You just took the Barbie craze to another level." Another fan wrote, "You are a real Barbie doll... Your charm is forever Stay the way you are."

About Barbie

Barbie has been helmed by Greta Gerwig and released in theatres on July 21. The film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the lead roles, as Barbie and Ken, respectively. They leave the world of Barbieland on a quest for self-discovery in the real world.

The cast also includes Issa Rae, Dua Lipa, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, Helen Mirren, John Cena and Will Ferrell. The box office collection of Barbie in India currently stands at ₹35.43 crore.