Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar are all set to be a part of a parliamentary session ahead of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in Australia. Both of them are the first celebrities who are invited to represent India at the Parliament of Australia on August 13. Rani and Karan will discuss how Indian cinema has bridged the cultural and geographical divides. The actress-filmmaker duo shared their excitement by saying that they are thrilled to be a part of this discussion ahead of the event.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Rani Mukerji expressed that she is proud to represent the Indian film industry at the Australian Parliament. Mukerji shared that it is her “honor” that she will discuss the growing cultural ties between Australia and India through cinema.

The 46-year-old actress added that Indian cinema is at the forefront of shaping pop culture worldwide as many actors and films are receiving global recognition these days.

Mukerji, who is best known for movies like Mardaani and Bunty Aur Babli, further shared that Indian cinema offers a range of emotions to the audience. The actress added that she is humbled to represent India’s diversity and culture through cinema.

Meanwhile, calling it a “historic event”, Karan Johar shared his excitement to address the Australian Parliament while saying that he is thrilled to be a part of it. KJo elaborated on his feeling that he feels incredible to witness how far Indian movies travel and how they leave a cultural impact of Indian cinema on the world.

The filmmaker added that he feels grateful for receiving the invitation to represent the rich legacy and storytelling of Indian cinema. He also thanked the Australian parliament and its members for the invitation.

Reportedly, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will honor late filmmaker Yash Chopra as it will feature the release of his stamp. The film festival will begin on August 15 this year.

On the work front, Rani Mukerji was last seen in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway in 2023. Karan Johar recently produced Bad Newz, starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk last month.

Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut Blink Twice is all set to hit theatres on August 23, 2024. Starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie in lead roles, the psychological thriller follows Frida (Ackie), a cocktail waitress and tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum).

The duo meet during a fundraising gala and Frida gets invited to Slater’s private island for a dream vacation with him and his friends. Sunny days and wild nights take over the group of vacationers before strange things start to happen.

Frida soon finds herself in the middle of unsettling discoveries and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and make it out alive. Ahead of the release of the film, Pinkvilla exclusively spoke to Zoe Kravitz about her first ever journey as a director and learnt what went behind the creation of Blink Twice.

John Abraham, who is gearing up for his upcoming film, Vedaa, has been a part of the Hindi film industry for over two decades. In 2003, John made his debut with Jism, and he later ventured into action and comedy films. He gained recognition after playing an antagonist role in Yash Raj Films’ Dhoom. John recently revealed that he used to earn Rs 6,500 as his first salary after he pursued an MBA, and he would spend Rs 6 on lunch in 1999.

During the latest podcast of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, John Abraham recalled his struggling period before he entered Bollywood. After completing his MBA, John shared that he joined a company where he received a remuneration of Rs 6,500. He then got promoted as a media planner in an advertising agency.

Talking about it further, the Vedaa actor added that he later participated in the Gladrags Manhunt Contest in 1999 where he was judged by Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, Karan Johar, and Karan Kapoor.

John, whose take-home salary was Rs 11,500, remembered winning the competition and receiving Rs 40,000 in cash prize. The actor recalled how he was surprised to win the “huge amount”.

The 51-year-old actor was then asked about his expenditure and how he managed to survive with limited money. He shared, “My expenses were very less. My lunch would have 2 chapatis and dal fry, this was in 1999, and my food used to cost 6 rupees 25 paisa.”

The Vedaa star recalled he would eat breakfast at home and then skip dinner as he used to work late in the office. Apart from food, his expenses include petrol for his bike. John remembered the times when he didn’t own a mobile phone and would travel using a train pass.

The actor revealed that he would invest his money in equity-based mutual funds at the beginning of his career.

Directed by Nikhhil Advani, Vedaa is scheduled to be released on August 15, coinciding with Independence Day. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Sharvari Wagh, and Abhishek Banerjee in crucial roles. The upcoming action-drama movie is said to be inspired by true events.

John’s notable works include Paap, Housefull 2, Taxi No. 9211, Salaam-e-Ishq, and many more.