Masand: Gossip of the Week | July 20th

Angry Young Man 2

Imran Khan, next to be seen on screen clashing with Akshay Kumar in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara, will play the lead in director Vikramaditya Motwane's follow-up to Lootera. Tentatively titled Bhabesh, the film is reportedly an 'Angry Young Man' story, in which in an Ordinary Joe gets fed up of the system and decides to take things in his own hands.

Motwane's film is expected to go on the floors in September, after the release of Once Upon A Time…2, which the actor will promote relentlessly until its release on 15 August. He will also by then be likely done shooting the bulk of Punit Malhotra's Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, for which he is currently on set with Kareena Kapoor.

Industrywallahs are saying that Once Upon A Time is an important film for Imran, who has been struggling to shed his chocolate-boy image and take on more mature parts. The dismal failure of Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola earlier this year, in which the actor offered a nicely layered performance, has been a harsh blow for the star. But Once Upon A Time, if it works, could be exactly the kind of 'massy' commercial hit he badly needs.

You have to hand it to Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif for not ducking cameras when they were spotted partying in Ibiza last week. The actors, who have repeatedly denied they are dating, flew to Europe's party capital to attend a David Guetta concert along with Ranbir's friend, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani director Ayan Mukerji, and the 29-year-old filmmaker's closest friend Aarti Shetty. As it turns out, they weren't the only Indians there and ended up being spotted by a bunch of tourists who snuck photographs of the actor couple. Other fans asked to take pictures with the stars, and both obliged.

They were spotted together again in Dubai on their way back to India, and again a clutch of photographs have surfaced. When they arrived in Mumbai, however, Ranbir and Katrina stepped out of the airport separately, fully aware that the paparazzi had been tipped off about their arrival.

Unlike many stars who run for cover on spotting Indian tourists with cameras while enjoying overseas romantic holidays, Ranbir and Katrina made no effort to hide their closeness. The same appears true of Ranbir's former girlfriend Deepika Padukone and her beau Ranveer Singh, who continue to attend parties together and go out for movies, unperturbed by the cameras that are invariably pointed in their direction. Neither will confirm that one is seeing the other, but they don't turn away and make a dash for it when they're spotted together either.

Other actresses particularly, and plenty of others as well, have been sniggering about this female star's botched-up cosmetic surgery. It's evident in every photo session she does, and looks like it's going to be hard to hide on the big screen too.

The star herself is reportedly devastated by all the unwanted attention, particularly because she was never fully convinced she should go ahead with the 'enhancement procedure'. The story goes that she was advised by trusted friends that fuller lips and a more defined smile couldn't possibly hurt.

Despite all the constant chatter about her 'new look', the actress has been diligently focused on her film and advertising assignments, making it a point not to talk on the subject, although it's the only thing journos want to probe her on. Those in the know say all may not be lost; while the surgery isn't reversible, the damage could be considerably rectified when the actress shows up next to have collagen pumped into her lips.

Currently wrapping up a coveted film project with one of India's most respected contemporary male stars, she moves on to another mega film with a leading heartthrob actor. Meanwhile, the promising young leading lady has apparently sworn off taking advice from others.