Latest news with #DreamGirl2
Pink Villa
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
5 Celeb PHOTO Spottings: Ananya Panday, Kareena Kapoor ace airport fashion and Suniel Shetty attends Kesari Veer screening
The Bollywood paparazzi is an expert in spotting B-town celebs, out and about in the city. Be it at the airport, a special film screening, or just a stroll in the city, eagle-eyed shutterbugs manage to snap everyone with their lens. Yet again, stars like Ananya Panday, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Suniel Shetty, Tiger, and Jackie Shroff were clicked in Mumbai. Take a look at some big sightings of the day! 1. Ananya Panday poses with little fans Bollywood diva Ananya Panday recently took a flight from Mumbai airport. As she jetted off to an undisclosed location early morning, the actress looked tired and definitely sleep deprived. But despite that, she graciously posed with her little fan in the public place. For ease of travel, the Dream Girl 2 actress wore a long-sleeved shirt with a pair of blue denim pants and sneakers. 2. Kareena Kapoor Khan makes a style statement at the airport The queen of showbiz, Kareena Kapoor Khan, was also snapped heading to an unknown place. But this time, she wasn't accompanied by her favorite travel partner, her husband, Saif Ali Khan. Having said that, she did hit the spotlight and grabbed eyeballs with her effortless look. The Crew actress stepped out of her swanky luxury car, donning a two-piece semi-formal ensemble. Keeping up with the co-ords fashion genre, Bebo stunned in a shirt and pants style ensemble. 4. Suniel Shetty attends Kesari Veer screening Suniel Shetty will be next seen in the upcoming historical action film, Kesari Veer. Ahead of the movie's release, a special screening was hosted in Mumbai. At the event, the headliner of the entertainer arrived looking his fashionable best. The Hera Pheri star rocked a breezy blue shirt, which he paired with blue baggy denim pants. With a pair of sneakers and dark eyewear, he gave youngsters a run for their money. 4. Tiger Shroff rocks an all-black ensemble at a movie screening At the star-studded movie screening of director Prince Dhiman's Kesari Veer, Tiger Shroff also arrived to show his support to the team. The young actor looked his fashionable best as he rocked an all-black ensemble. 5. Jackie Shroff poses for the media at a special screening Tiger didn't arrive alone at the movie screening. He was joined by his father, veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, who came with his statement gift, a sapling to wish the team best of luck for their upcoming movie.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ananya Panday slams Bollywood's beauty standards: Called 'too skinny' and ‘matchstick' at 19, accused of surgery at 25
Ananya Panday has often found herself in the spotlight—sometimes for her roles in films, and sometimes for being the poster child of Gen Z glamour in Bollywood . But behind the flawless photos and red-carpet appearances lies a reality she's now choosing to speak up about: the constant, exhausting scrutiny women face over their bodies. In a candid conversation with Lilly Singh , Ananya peeled back the glossy layers of showbiz to talk about something many celebrities avoid—unrealistic beauty standards and the double-edged sword of public perception. Reflecting on her journey since stepping into the industry at just 18, Ananya said the criticism started almost immediately, and ironically, it came from both ends of the spectrum. When she began her career, she was labelled 'too skinny' by many. Trolls casually dismissed her figure, likening her to a "matchstick" or a "flat screen TV"—mocking her for not fitting the curvy ideal. Terms like 'chicken legs' were thrown around with little regard for how deeply words can cut. Now, as her body has naturally evolved, Ananya finds herself facing a whole new wave of judgment—this time from people claiming she must've undergone cosmetic surgery. She pointed out the hypocrisy: as a woman in the public eye, you're either 'too little' or 'too much,' and rarely ever 'just right' in the eyes of others. What hits hardest is the double standard. According to Ananya, men rarely face this kind of body scrutiny. Women, especially in Bollywood, are often held to impossible standards that don't just exist on-screen but follow them into real life. She admitted that the industry, including herself, has played a part in projecting these unattainable images. 'You wake up in the morning and your hair is done'—that's the illusion films often sell, and it's far from reality. To strike a balance, Ananya said she tries to stay as real as possible off camera. Her effort to keep things authentic is her way of pushing back against the same ideals she once unknowingly helped promote. Ananya Panday's work Ananya Pandey stepped into Bollywood with her debut film Student of the Year 2. She has starred in popular films like Dream Girl 2, Gehraiyaan, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and CTRL. She was recently seen opposite Akshay Kumar in Kesari Chapter 2. She is currently gearing up for Chand Mera Dil with Lakshya. Karan Johar's Dharma Productions movie will be directed by Vivek Soni.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Nushrratt Bharuccha to Ileana D'Cruz: Why Bollywood Heroines Get Replaced in the Sequels
In Bollywood, sequels have become a mainstay, offering audiences a chance to revisit beloved narratives and characters. However, a recurring trend has emerged: the replacement of actresses in these sequels. While male leads often reprise their roles, female counterparts are frequently recast. Bollywood's penchant for retaining its male heroes in sequels—while readily recasting their female counterparts—stems from a complex interplay of narrative design, franchise positioning, star dynamics and practical constraints. Sequels pitched as thematic 'franchises' rather than direct continuations often bring in fresh heroines to signal a new chapter, as seen when Nushrratt Bharuccha was replaced by Ananya Panday in Dream Girl 2 to suit an 'organic' storyline shift. Lead actresses also bow out due to legacy concerns: Vidya Balan declined Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 for fear of tarnishing her original performance, prompting Tabu's entry. Scheduling conflicts, injuries and strategic marketing likewise drive recasting—Kajal Aggarwal stepped away from Singham Returns amidst South commitments and was replaced by Kareena Kapoor Khan. While some directors simply envision new dynamics, as in Ishqiya to Dedh Ishqiya, where Madhuri Dixit succeeded Vidya Balan because "Vidya's character had no further scope." Collectively, these shifts reveal Bollywood's male-centric framing, creative reinvention strategies, and the high stakes of maintaining box-office and brand appeal. Adding to the conversation, actress Shreya Gupto offered a candid perspective on the commercial nature of casting decisions. She said, "I think female leads are more often replaced in sequels based on who is currently trending in the market. There's a lot of business thought put into it. Having said that, I can never imagine Shraddha Kapoor being replaced in three films—I don't think that is going to happen because she probably fills the theatre. So I guess it has a lot to do with business and who is currently trending in the market. However, it is really sad that more often we have seen women getting replaced." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Learn More Undo Notable Instances of Actress Replacements in Bollywood Sequels : Dream Girl - Dream Girl 2 Replaced : Nushrratt Bharuccha Replacement : Ananya Panday Reason : Director Raaj Shaandilyaa and actor Ayushmann Khurrana described the sequel as an 'organic' progression with a distinct storyline, necessitating a new female lead. Ananya was chosen for her vibrant personality and ability to master the Mathura accent. Nushrratt expressed her disappointment, stating, "Of course it feels unfair," but acknowledged the makers' decision. Raid - Raid 2 Replaced : Ileana D'Cruz Replacement : Vaani Kapoor Reason : At the trailer launch, Ajay Devgn shrugged off concerns saying, 'It's the character you follow, and then new people keep coming in'. Vaani echoed that stance, clarifying 'No jealousy with the previous one…You just try to play your part in the most authentic manner." Satyameva Jayate - Satyameva Jayate 2 Replaced : Aisha Sharma Replacement : Divya Khosla Kumar Reason : The sequel featured a new storyline with John Abraham in a triple role, and Divya Khosla Kumar was cast as the female lead. Specific reasons for Aisha Sharma's replacement were not publicly disclosed. Baaghi Series Baaghi (2016): Shraddha Kapoor Baaghi 2 (2018): Disha Patani Baaghi 3 (2020): Shraddha Kapoor Reason : The Baaghi series follows different storylines in each installment. Disha Patani was initially considered for the first film but was replaced by Shraddha Kapoor. She was later cast in Baaghi 2. The casting changes align with the anthology nature of the series. Son of Sardaar (2012) - Son of Sardaar 2 (Upcoming) Replaced : Sonakshi Sinha Replacement : Reportedly Mrunal Thakur Reason : Details regarding the casting change have not been officially confirmed. Yamla Pagla Deewana Series Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011): Kulraj Randhawa Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013): Neha Sharma Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018): Kriti Kharbanda Reason : Each installment featured a different storyline, leading to new female leads in each film. Golmaal Series Golmaal (2006): Rimi Sen Golmaal Returns (2008): Kareena Kapoor Golmaal 3 (2010): Kareena Kapoor Golmaal Again (2017): Parineeti Chopra Reason : The series introduced new female characters in each installment, aligning with the evolving storylines. Singh Is King (2008) → Singh Is Bliing (2015) Replaced : Katrina Kaif Replacement : Amy Jackson Reason : Singh Is Bliing was not a direct sequel but a standalone film with a different storyline, leading to a new female lead. Jannat (2008) → Jannat 2 (2012) Replaced : Sonal Chauhan Replacement : Esha Gupta Reason : Jannat 2 featured a new narrative, and Esha Gupta was cast as the female lead. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) → Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) Replaced : Gracy Singh Replacement : Vidya Balan Reason : The sequel presented a different storyline with new characters, leading to a change in the female lead. Singham Series Singham (2011): Kajal Aggarwal Singham Returns (2014): Kareena Kapoor Singham Again (2024): Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone Reason : Kajal Aggarwal was replaced due to her commitments in South Indian cinema. Kareena Kapoor returned in the subsequent sequels, with Deepika Padukone joining in the latest installment. Commando Series Commando (2013): Pooja Chopra Commando 2 (2017): Adah Sharma Commando 3 (2019): Adah Sharma Reason : The sequels introduced new storylines, with Adah Sharma taking over as the female lead from the second installment onward. Replaced : Tabu Replacement : Rimi Sen Reason : The sequel introduced new characters and storylines, resulting in a change in the female lead. This lack of clear explanation can be frustrating for fans—but is it necessary? Gupto shared her thoughts on whether audiences are owed transparency. "As far as the audience is concerned, I don't think the makers are liable to explain their decisions. Even when they do speak, I think they've been offering convincing answers so far. But audiences are extremely sharp these days; we have common sense to figure out why somebody would be replaced, and we don't believe news blindly," she added. Franchise Sequels Invite Fresh Faces When a follow-up is positioned as a thematic or spiritual franchise rather than a narrative continuation, filmmakers feel freer to recast female leads. In Dream Girl 2, director Raaj Shaandilyaa and star Ayushmann Khurrana described the film as a new story within the brand, resulting in Ananya Panday replacing Nushrratt Bharuccha to inject fresh energy and a Mathura dialect twist. Nushrratt later admitted the change 'hurts' and called the 'franchise' justification insufficient, noting even male co-stars would find it unfair. Anthology-Style Series The Baaghi and Housefull franchises exemplify anthology approaches. Baaghi 2 introduced Disha Patani in place of Shraddha Kapoor to match its distinct plotline, only for Shraddha to return in Baaghi 3 alongside Tiger Shroff's evolving character arc . Similarly, each Housefull film features a new ensemble heroine—Deepika Padukone to Kriti Sanon to Pooja Hegde—underscoring narrative resets over continuity . Heroes as Brand Anchors Blockbuster stars like Ajay Devgn in Raid and Saif Ali Khan in Race serve as the franchise anchors, while heroines rotate around them. In Raid 2, Devgn returns as Amay Patnaik but Ileana D'Cruz makes way for Vaani Kapoor without public explanation—reinforcing that the male role defines the sequel's brand . Likewise, Race 2 retained Khan but replaced both Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif, citing new story demands and scheduling conflicts, before embracing fresh pairings with Deepika Padukone and Jacqueline Fernandez Perceived Interchangeability Actresses themselves have called out this pattern. Nushrratt Bharuccha highlighted how 'only the girl changes' in sequels, while the male cast remains intact—a dynamic she described as 'not cool'. This interchangeability often fuels debates on gender bias in star billing and franchise valuation. Star Power for Box-Office Pull Producers often refresh franchises by tapping current marketable faces. Casting Ananya Panday (a star kid) in Dream Girl 2 and Mrunal Thakur in Son of Sardaar 2 (replacing Sonakshi Sinha) reflects an industry trend favoring bankable newcomers or established film-family names to maximize hype . For rising stars like Gupto, the franchise game is a dream—but not without its dilemmas. "I would love to be part of a successful franchise—look at the Stree, Drishyam, Dhoom or Golmaal series. These films create worlds that endure, and as an actor, I would absolutely love to be part of such a franchise. However, I would be very upset if I were replaced in the next sequel. To begin with, though, I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity," Shreya concluded. As Bollywood continues to expand its franchise playbook—across theatrical releases and OTT series—the recurring practice of replacing actresses in sequels offers a revealing window into creative priorities, commercial calculations and the often unequal valuation of star power. Understanding these forces not only enriches our appreciation of the films themselves but also prompts reflection on how gender, narrative form and business strategy intersect in India's film capital. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nushrratt Bharuccha REACTS to being replaced by Ananya Panday in Dream Girl 2 with Ayushmann Khurrana: 'Even the male actors will think it's unfair'
Nushrratt Bharuccha , who charmed audiences opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2019 hit Dream Girl, was notably absent from its 2023 follow-up, Dream Girl 2 , where Ananya Panday stepped into the lead role. While director Raaj Shaandilyaa recently clarified that the film was part of a franchise and not a direct sequel, Nushrratt has now responded, expressing that the label doesn't lessen the disappointment. Nushrratt's Disappointment with the Decision The actress shared that, for her, it wasn't about technicalities—being left out of the second film still felt unfair. Drawing a parallel, she said she would have felt just as hurt if Luv Ranjan had chosen not to cast her in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 , a project closely associated with her early career. Nushrratt's candid response sheds light on how emotional investment in a film can run deeper than contracts and casting decisions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Moving On But Acknowledging the Hurt In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Nushrratt reflected on her past experience, acknowledging that while it felt unfair at the time, she has since moved on. She shared her ongoing friendship with Raaj Shaandilyaa, mentioning that they remain close and have even worked together after Dream Girl 2 was released. Despite feeling hurt by the situation back then, she emphasized that she has closed that chapter in her life. Nushrratt mentioned that Raaj has approached her with multiple offers for future projects, and they plan to collaborate again. While she doesn't think the circumstances were fair, she has come to terms with it and looks forward to working together in the future. Addressing Gender Bias in the Industry The actress spoke about the gender bias in the industry, calling it unfair that female actors are often replaced in sequels, while male actors usually remain unchanged. She pointed out that even her male co-stars agree with her, acknowledging that they too see the situation as unfair. She explained that the male actors don't feel that the way things are happening is justified, as they are all part of the same industry. However, she added that the needs of each film may vary, and ultimately, the decisions are in the hands of the filmmakers. According to her, there's no point in challenging these choices as they are based on the makers' vision. Raaj Shaandilyaa Explains the Decision to Replace Nushrratt Director Raaj Shaandilyaa recently addressed the replacement of Nushrratt by Ananya Panday in Dream Girl 2. In an interview with Times of India, he clarified that Dream Girl 2 was never intended to be a direct sequel, but rather part of an expanding franchise. He mentioned that if it had been a true sequel, he would have cast Nushrratt again. However, since the film was more of a franchise continuation, they chose to introduce a new female lead. Raaj further explained that the story arc between Ayushmann and Nushrratt's characters had naturally concluded in the first film, making room for new dynamics in the sequel.
News18
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Nushrratt Bharuccha Says Being Replaced In Dream Girl 2 Was ‘Unfair': ‘Even Male Actors…'
Last Updated: Nushrratt Bharuccha, who was replaced by Ananya Panday in Dream Girl 2, reacted to Raaj Shaandilyaa's remark that the film was a franchise installment, not a direct sequel. Nushrratt Bharuccha, who starred opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2019 film 'Dream Girl', was not cast in the second instalment. She was replaced by Ananya Panday in the 2023 film Dream Girl 2. Last month, after Nushrratt shared that the decision to not cast her in the sequel was 'not cool', director Raaj Shaandilyaa responded by clarifying that the film was a franchise installment, not a direct sequel. Now, the actress has reacted to the director's remark, saying that she didn't think it was fair to be left out of Dream Girl 2, regardless of whether it was labelled a sequel or a franchise. She explained that similarly, if Luv Ranjan wouldn't have cast her in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, she would have felt equally hurt and questioned the decision. While speaking with Siddharth Kannan, Nushrratt Bharuccha said that while it felt unfair at the time, she has moved on. She talked about her friendship with Raaj Shaandilyaa, and said that they are still very close friends. She admitted that she was hurt back when Dream Girl 2 had released, however, that chapter is over for her now. 'I did another film with him. He has come to me with three more offers. We will still work together on something or the other. For me that chapter is over. But if you ask me now, did it or did it not hurt? Yes, it did. Did I feel like it was fair? I don't think it was fair. I don't think anybody can think it is fair. Sequel tha, franchise tha, jo bhi tha. Jis bhi context mein aap film ko daal do." Nushrratt also addressed the gender bias, calling it 'unfair' that the female actors are often replaced in sequels while male actors are typically retained. She added that even her male co-stars think it is unfair. 'I would at least like to say this about the actors I have worked with, even the male actors will think it's unfair. It's not like the heroes are the ones thinking 'Sahi ho raha hai'. They are all actors. We are from the same industry. But for whatever reason, the need of that film is different," she said. She then added that it finally boils down to the decision and choice of the 'makers', and there's no point challenging it. What Did Raaj Shaandilyaa Say About Replacing Nushrratt Bharuccha In Dream Girl 2? Last month, director Raaj Shaandilyaa responded to Nushrratt being replaced by Ananya in Dream Girl 2. In an interview with Times of India, he explained that Dream Girl 2 was never designed as a direct sequel but as part of a growing franchise. 'If it were a proper sequel, I would've cast Nushrratt," he said. 'But since this was more of a franchise film, we decided to bring in a new female lead." Raaj added that the original story arc between Ayushmann and Nushrratt's characters had already reached a natural conclusion. First Published: May 04, 2025, 18:13 IST
