Deepika to perform solo in Bajirao Mastani

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus in progress, Bajirao Mastani will now have Deepika Padukone perform a solo Kathak number in the film, choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj. The maestro reveals, "I will choreograph Deepika in a solo act which is a more contemporary adaptation of one of my own performances set on an Avadhi Brijwasi thumri, Balma re chunaria maiko lal.There's a lot of lal rang in the song with Deepika dressed in fiery red, her head demurely covered by a ghoonghat but her eyes flashing fire".

Interestingly, while the Kathak maestro was earlier slated to recreate a jugalbandi a la Dola Re from Devdas, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali now has other plans. Having second thoughts about the jugalbandi between Priyanka and Deepika, the director has now asked Birju Maharaj to choreograph Deepika alone in a contemporary Kathak performance.

The song is slated to be filmed at the end of the month and the maestro ends by saying, "We'll be shooting for 12 nights at a stretch. And till then I've given Deepika lots of homework that'll keep her busy.”

Alia helps Parineeti

Parineeti Chopra has been keeping away from the media on the advice of her managers, as her last two releases failed to get the box-office ringing. We also hear that the actress hasn’t really been in her best spirits of late. It seems the actress has found a counselor and friend in Alia Bhatt during this low phase. Heartening to see two contemporaries close in an industry full of fickle friendships, no?

Sonakshi turned down Sunderkand

Sonakshi turned down Sunderkand

Sonakshi Sinha was recently offered Priya Mishra’s Sunderkand. Though the actress liked the script, when she came to know that Priyanka Chopra is also interested in the film, she told the makers she doesn’t want to do it, as she’s heard PC is keen on it. The film, which was earlier supposed to star Irrfan and Taapsee Pannu, is currently without a lead. 

Destiny’s child

"I’m not religious or spiritual. But I believe in Karma. I believe when you work for something, it’s then that you are closest to God. My work has stood by me like a rock. In my worst times, I’ve been able to dive into it and it’s given me back. I am destiny’s favourite child. I don’t fight for things I desire. I’ll never say, ‘Oh! I want to be part of that film’. When I have to fight for what I want, I know the time is not right. Why else would there be a struggle? Because a while later, when the same thing happens effortlessly, I ask myself, ‘Why did it happen so easy?’ It’s because earlier the time wasn’t conducive. I work hard, I leave no stone unturned. I am professional; I do my homework… so that I don’t fail at my job."

Travel tales

"Traveling has taught me more than any school in the world could. It set me free and filled a void that nothing else would have. The experiences you go through and the people you meet along the way influence you and help you evolve. Travel rejuvenates the mind, body and soul!"