TO BALDLY GO WHERE…

It’s a rare sight to see lead actors in Hindi cinema shave-off their head or wildly experiment with their hair. Joining the ranks of Bruce Willis and Jason Statham, National Award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana will be seen in a bald avatar in his new film Bala. Directed by Amar Kaushik, Bala narrates the plight of a young man who suffers from premature balding.

Talking about the film, Ayushmann boldly said, "In an era of great content, Bala will stand out and will hopefully entertain everyone in this country. It's one of my best films and I'm supremely proud that it is part of my filmography. Expressing his love for the script he said, "I was bowled over as soon as I read the script. It's funny, satirical and emotional at the same time. It has its heart at the right place."

According to Ayushmann, Bala will convey a meaningful message to the audience.

"This film has everything for good cinema lovers and I can guarantee that they will find it a total paisa vasool entertainer that's also socially relevant and extremely thoughtful at the same time. It will deliver a very thoughtprovoking message while delivering quality entertainment to audiences.’

The film, which also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam, is scheduled to release on 7 Nov.

For starters, we have celebrity chef Vikas Khanna's debut directorial feature The Last Color. Featuring Neena Gupta, it deals with the taboo surrounding widows in certain parts of India. A 9-year old tightrope walker befriends one such widow and promises to bring colour to her life. The film, adapted from Khanna's own book The Last Color, film recently won Best Feature Film at the Indian International Film Festival of Boston (IFFB).

Then there’s Saand Ki Aankh, starring Bhumi Pednekar and Tapsee Pannu, who play the world's oldest women sharpshooters, sister Prakashi and Chandro Tomar. Based in Haryana, it will once again get us to query how the most backward state in India for women’s empowerment, continues to produce the nation’s most feted sportswomen.

PRABHUDHEVA: NEW COP IMAGE FOR SALMAN

The swag-saga of Chulbul Pandey continues in Prabhudheva’s Dabangg 3, while Prabhudeva has already plunged into directing the superstar in another project for his production house.

What's more, Salman plays a cop in both the films.

"It has to be a completely different character. Otherwise, the audience will say we are repeating. We are working on it. The target is Eid and we will make it on time. I work fast," said Prabhudheva, currently on a two-day break in Chennai to meet his sons.

Prabhu has been a favourite with Salman ever since they worked together as director and actor in the 2009 Eid blockbuster Wanted. He says Dabangg 3 is going to please Salmaniacs.

"It is a typical Salman Khan film. Doing a Dabangg film was a challenge to me. I was new to the Dabangg universe. Everyone else (in the unit) had worked in the first and second parts of the series. Of course, I had seen both the earlier films. So, I made an effort to get into the groove. Luckily for me I didn't fall flat," he said.

Because of the double commitment, Prabhu doesn't get to spend much time with his children. "I hardly get time to be with them. I enjoy working and I need to work to ensure their future. But I also need time to be with them," said Prabhu.

AR RAHMAN: MUSICIANS IN CONTROL

Always drunk, and dead at the end. That’s your typical musician stereotype in movies. And AR Rahman is having none of it.

"If you look at our iconic movies, they are all losers, like A Star Is Born, or they commit suicide,” said the Oscar and Grammy winner. “Inside Llewyn Davis, he gets thrown out by his sister. Why this stigma?”

Incorrect portrayal, ARR says.

“Why can't we make something about a success story? Not just success story, but also the internal war which a creative person faces.”

Erm, you talking about yourself, ARR?

You are, after all, the epitome of balance and harmony, none of that ‘turmoil’ stuff for you…

Rahman has recently wrapped up work on upcoming film ’83. He admitted to have gone through an extensive auditioning process with casting director Mukesh Chhabra before choosing debutant Ehan Bhat and Edilsy Vargas as the lead singers.

The composer is returning to the Hollywood scene with the Netflix series Pashmina. In India, he is working on Bigil and Dil Bechara, the Indian remake of The Fault In Our Stars.

No doubt we’ll see some happier feels in his new works too.

TAMIL CINEMA WELCOMES IRFAN, HARBHAJAN

From dressing room to vanity vans, former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh are all set to make their big screen debut in Tamil cinema.

While Irfan will be seen essaying a prominent role in a film starring Tamil superstar Vikram, Harbhajan will make his debut in a Santhanam film titled Dikkiloona.

The Vikram film, which will introduce Irfan Pathan to the big screen, is tentatively titled Vikram 58. It is directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu, who is known for films like Imaikka Nodigal and Demonte Colony.

"Welcome on board @Irfan Pathan. Can't wait to unleash your new avatar to the audience! Time for some solid action!!" tweeted the film's director Gnanamuthu, along with a picture of himself with Irfan.

The producers of the film tweeted confirmation that Irfan was on board. "Proud and honoured to introduce @ IrfanPathan in #ChiyaanVikram58 in a