Reports of a biopic on legendary Carnatic singer Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, popularly known as MS Subbulakshmi, have been doing the rounds for quite some time. Rumours suggest that director Gowtam Tinnanuri, best known for Jersey, is likely to helm the biographical drama. Earlier, actresses such as Sai Pallavi and Rukmini Vasanth were reportedly being considered for the lead role. However, the buzz surrounding the project had gradually subsided.

Rashmika Mandanna in contention?

Fresh reports suggest that Rashmika Mandanna has now emerged as a strong contender to play the iconic singer. According to industry buzz, the actress recently underwent a look test for the role. While the makers have yet to make any official announcement regarding the casting, sources close to the development claim that Rashmika participated in a costume-based look test at her residence, dressed in attire associated with MS Subbulakshmi. A noted stylist was reportedly part of the session.

“Rashmika’s expressions and certain facial features make her a strong contender for the role. She is said to be excited about the opportunity, although a few aspects of the casting process are yet to be finalized,” a source revealed.

If the project materialises, it will mark the first biopic of Rashmika’s career. The film aims to celebrate the extraordinary life and achievements of MS Subbulakshmi, who was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna and the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. Portraying such an iconic figure would undoubtedly be a challenging task for any actor.

Rashmika’s choice of films

Rashmika Mandanna has steadily built a filmography that balances mainstream commercial entertainers with content-driven, female-centric projects. Following The Girlfriend, she has reportedly begun work on the action thriller Mysaa. The actress continues to diversify her choices, ensuring she connects with a wide spectrum of audiences through varied and challenging roles.

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Ram Charan’s latest released Peddi is doing well at the box office in the Telugu speaking states. Thrilled with the film’s performance, Ram Charan made a special visit to Hyderabad’s Imax multiplex on Sunday. The actor who watched the film alongside fans and moviegoers was accompanied by director Buchi Babu Sana. Pictures and videos of Charan’s visit to the theatre, and his interaction with fans have gone viral on social media.

Ram Charan stayed away from making public appearances after the film’s release. Perhaps he wanted to see the response for Peddi and the audience’s genuine pulse before venturing out. Being a Sunday, it was a full house, and the actor experienced the excitement firsthand when he visited the theatre. Peddi has wrapped up the opening weekend grossing Rs 230 worldwide collections. The film becomes one of the biggest performers currently in cinemas, with the Telugu version remains to be the major revenue contributor. However, the litmus test for Peddi begins on Monday.

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt recently opened up about one of the most difficult phases of his life and career, recalling a time when he was struggling financially despite working with some of the biggest names in the industry. Looking back at the mid-1990s, Bhatt revealed that while he was directing stars like Aamir Khan and dating former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, he was completely broke.

During an interaction with Siddharth Kannan, the filmmaker said, “I was a struggling director. Mere paas zeher khane ke paise nahi the (I did not even have the money to consume poison). I was directing Aamir Khan and dating Miss Universe so to say, but I had no money. I was broke. I remember I didn’t even have the money to buy a CD. I’ve lived life like a fakira.”

Vikram Bhatt and Sushmita Sen were reportedly in a relationship during the filming of Dastak, which marked the actress’s Bollywood debut after winning the Miss Universe crown in 1994. Their relationship had made headlines at the time, especially because both were navigating crucial phases in their respective careers.

Over the years, Bhatt has often spoken about the highs and lows of his personal and professional journey, including his struggles with mental health, relationships and career setbacks.

On the work front, Vikram Bhatt is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming horror film Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past. The film stars Mimoh Chakraborty, Chetna Pande and others in key roles, and is slated to release in theatres on June 12.

Meanwhile, Sushmita Sen was last seen in the OTT shows Taali and Aarya.

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