Have you heard? Ajay Devgn to produce Siddhant Chaturvedi`s next

Ajay backs younger talent

Superstar Ajay Devgn is reportedly set to produce an ambitious period action-creature film for an OTT giant, with Siddhant Chaturvedi in the lead. The buzz is that Ajay was initially approached to play the parallel lead but he apparently declined, preferring to focus on theatrical releases. However, we have learnt that the script and its innovative premise impressed him enough to join as producer under his banner, Devgn Films. Mohit Raina is said to have stepped in for the parallel lead. Set against the backdrop of real-life events in India, in the year 1945, the film marks Neha Sharma’s directorial debut. Presently in pre-production phase, the film is expected to go on floors in October.

Jokes in Hindi in New York City

Zakir Khan at Madison Square Garden, New York

Comedian Zakir Khan recently created history by becoming the first Indian to perform a Hindi-language stand-up show at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. The 6000-seat venue was packed, and Zakir called it a “big day” as he shared the emotional moment on Instagram. “I am still processing [this]. Thode din baad theek se bataunga kaisa laga,” he wrote, adding that the milestone was special not just for him but also for Indian comedy and desi culture. Among those cheering him on were celebrity chef Vikas Khanna and actor Kal Penn. Zakir noted that fans had travelled hours, even flown in, to watch the show. Ahead of the event, his poster lit up Times Square. 

Worth the wait

Prakash Jha and Ishwak Singh

Actor Ishwak Singh has confirmed his collaboration with filmmaker Prakash Jha on the upcoming film Janaadesh. Sharing a picture from the film’s mahurat ceremony on social media, Ishwak expressed his excitement, saying, “Working with Prakash sir has always been on my wish list. Now I am finally getting to experience his fantastic vision of storytelling. He is a master storyteller.” The actor, who recently featured in Paatal Lok 2 and Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan, described the project as a significant step in his career. Janaadesh, now officially in production, brings together an ensemble including Tushar Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Pragati Srivastava, and Shekhar Suman. Known for socially charged narratives, Jha’s last directorial venture was the Bobby Deol starrer, Ek Badnaam... Aashram.