There’s yet another South remake in the works. Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi are teaming up for Selfiee. The film, announced on Wednesday, is the Hindi version of the Malayalam comedy, Driving Licence (2019), starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramoodu. It deals with a superstar keen on getting a driving licence urgently with help from a motor vehicle inspector fan. The project, backed by Karan Johar, will be helmed by Raj Mehta, who earlier directed Kumar in the comic caper, Good Newwz (2019). “Presenting Selfiee... a journey that will drive you towards loads of entertainment, laughter and emotions. Shooting begins soon,” posted Kumar. Sukumaran is also on board as co-producer of the remake.

All is well

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On Wednesday, rumours flew thick and fast that differences had cropped up between Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor. There were reports of the two going their separate ways and Arora being ‘heartbroken’ and not ‘stepping out of the house’. As news about their split went viral, Kapoor cleared the air in an Instagram post. “Ain’t no place for shady rumours. Stay safe. Stay blessed. Wish well for people. Love you all,” wrote the actor. After Kapoor tested positive for COVID-19 on New Year’s Eve, the actor has been in quarantine. Last week, Arora was also unwell and skipped the finale of India’s Best Dancer 2. As the couple was not spotted together after their Maldives vacation in December, people thought things had gone wrong between them.

In for the kill

Bhumi Pednekar has been cast opposite Arjun Kapoor in The Lady Killer. The film, announced last October, chronicles the story of a playboy who falls in love with a self-destructive woman. “It’s one of the most complex characters that has come my way. As an actor, this role pushes me out of my comfort zone and gives me a lot to bite into,” said Pednekar. The film will be helmed by Ajay Bahl, who earlier directed Section 375 (2019) and BA Pass (2012). Bahl added that the team zeroed in on Kapoor and Pednekar as the film is a “rollercoaster of emotions” and they needed actors who could “ride it every step of the way.”

Siddharth apologises

South actor Siddharth apologised to Saina Nehwal after he was accused of ‘making a sexual and misogynistic remark’ to the badminton champ on Twitter. He posted he was sorry for his “rude joke” and that he “cannot justify” his tone and words but insisted his comment had no “malicious intent”. On January 6, the Rang De Basanti (2006) actor retweeted a post by Nehwal in which she voiced her concern about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach during his Punjab visit. In the controversial tweet, which now stands deleted, he wrote, “Subtle cock champion of the world… thank God we have protectors of India (sic).”

Special gift

Ananya Panday received an artwork created by Gauri Khan as a gift. It consists of a colourful silhouette with the titles of the actor’s favourite Hollywood films inscribed on it. “Thank you, Gauri aunty,” Panday wrote while sharing a glimpse of it on Instagram.

The magic of movies

Bigg Boss 14 contestant and Dil Se Dil Tak actor Jasmin Bhasin makes her big screen debut with the Punjabi film, Honeymoon, co-starring Gippy Grewal. She began shooting for Amar Preet Chhabra’s comedy in Mohali on Tuesday. “A new journey begins,” said Bhasin. The film is backed by Bhushan Kumar, Vicky Bahri and actor-turned-producer Harman Baweja.

Digital debut

Kahiin To Hoga and Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 actor Aamna Sharif makes her digital debut with the third season of the psychological crime drama, Damaged. She plays a cop. “My character Rashmi is strong and independent with shades of grey,” she says. Ek Bhram... Sarvagun Sampanna actor Shrenu Parikh is also part of the cast of Ekant Babani’s directorial venture. She plays a journalist.