Moin Akhtar Fan

In the recently held Asian Civilisations Dialogue in Beijing, Bollywood A-lister Aamir Khan met with a few members of the Pakistani delegation, including filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi and Senator Mushahid Hussain. The latter shared a picture with the Dangal hero on Twitter, saying that Aamir K is a big star in China and a ‘huge fan’ of the late Pakistani actor Moin Akhtar. This, obviously, was picked up by mainstream media, and we have to say that it’s nice of the Indian superstar to have said that.

But anyone who has seen video tapes of Moin sahib sharing the stage in the 1990s with the likes of Dilip Kumar and Kader Khan at gigs held to raise funds for charitable causes or to bring India and Pakistan closer, would know that Aamir K’s statement shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Moin sahib’s extraordinary talent had endeared him everywhere in the world where Urdu is spoken or understood. Miss you, Moin sahib!

Ananya and Kartik

What’s going on here? We thought Sara Ali Khan had the hots for Kartik Aryan, but it seems newbie Ananya Panday (Student of the Year 2) is also fawning upon the Pyar Ka Punchnama actor. She says she likes spending time with him. How did it all start?

Well, the two of them are currently working together in a film Pati Patni Aur Woh. Insiders say that they’re an item, and right now they don’t want the media to get wind of it. Hmmm … Ananya P, guess what, the more time you spend with him, the more time the media will focus on you. So good strategy, girl.

Reema’s Gesture

Well done Reema for becoming a goodwill ambassador for the Depilex Smileagain Foundation, to show solidarity with the acid and kerosene oil attack victims.

The actress and film star will try and spread awareness about the plight of the girls who fall victim to this heinous crime, lend a helping hand to their reconstructive surgery and push for ‘stronger legislation’ against the perpetrators. Her involvement in the noble cause, we are sure, will help society move towards a better, misogyny-free environment.

From Vampire to Bat

Actor Robert Pattinson (Twilight) is in talks with Warner Bros to play the Batman in Matt Reeves’ upcoming superhero movie. Those who are in the know say that, by the time this news item sees the light of day, he’d have sealed the deal because he’s the top most contender.

While the casting has drawn its share of critics (when has any casting of Batman not?), we request the producers only to make sure that Robert P’s co-star from Twilight Edward Cullen doesn’t get cast as The Joker. Because, that would be just batty.

Mr India 2

It was as far back as 1987 that Mr India — directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Anil Kapoor and Sri Devi — hit the cinema screens and became a gigantic hit.

Last week, Shekhar and Anil K sent out tweets saying they’re excited to work with each other again after more than 30 years. They left it to their fans, though, to decide whether the project is a sequel to Mr India or a new one. Well, considering how old both have grown, if it’s a sequel, they might have to rename it Uncle India.

GoT what?

In case you have the fear of missing out (FOMO) about GoT (Game of Thrones) because you haven’t watched it at all, worry not, you are in great company. Hollywood heartthrob Julia Roberts hasn’t seen the TV series either.

This she confessed in an interview with Patricia Arquette for Variety Studio’s Actor on Actors series. And the reason she gave: “There’s lots of sex and there’s zombies and stuff … then it’s for sure not for me.” Julia R, are you sure you’re in the right field of work?

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 26th, 2019