Have you heard? Barbie-inspired?

Kiara Advani

Kiara Advani made a bold appearance in a Barbie-inspired outfit from designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock on the first day of India Couture Week (ICW). The designers unveiled their collection, Renaissance Reverie, featuring bridal wear for men and women, which, according to the collection note, was inspired by their love for art and the treasures they encounter during their travels. Advani, who is no stranger to the ICW ramp, looked resplendent as she walked the stage in a bold pink ensemble outfit with bead and sequin work, dubbed by many as an outfit perfect for ‘desi Barbie'. "As a show-stopper, it was the perfect outfit," Advani said.

It's a boy, and a girl!

Telly actors Pankhuri and Gautam Rode welcomed a baby boy and a baby girl on Tuesday. The duo took to social media to share the news. "As we embrace this new chapter as a family of four, we are filled with heartfelt gratitude for the love and blessings showered upon us," they shared while making the announcement. Rode, 45, married Pankhuri, 32 in 2018. The duo worked together in the 2015 show, Suryaputra Karn, and they reportedly fell in love while working on this show.

Save as: Human.xls

Human beings are nothing but "data" for multinational tech companies, says debutant director Sudeep Kanwal, who explores the concept of surveillance and loss of privacy to technology in his first film, Privacy. Advancement in technology has its pros and cons and the director said he highlights the ill-effects of it in his film, which is headlined by Rajshri Deshpande of Trial by Fire fame. The neo-noir thriller follows the story of a distressed Mumbai surveillance centre operator (Deshpande), who ignores protocol and begins to investigate incidents happening on her watch. "The movie shows how much information you can get from the camera or what one can view. We've gone beyond the term of data privacy. Now, technology can predict or shape your behaviour, or it can force you to search for certain things."

Back again

Sandeep Singh makes his directorial debut with Safed, starring Abhay Verma and Meera Chopra, which is a love story between a widow and a transgender. "My aim, through this film, is to give voice to the people who come from diverse backgrounds of society, and are struggling for space. The society has always looked down upon them. But at the end of the day aren't we all humans? I hope to make a significant impact on their rights to live a life just like you and me?" says the director of his film.

Shaadi abhi baki hai

Prime Video announced that the second season of Made in Heaven will premiere on August 10. Created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, the show revolves around Sobhita Dhulipala's Tara Khanna and actor Arjun Mathur's Karan Mehra, two friends who are also wedding planners, as they juggle professional commitments while dealing with conflicts in their personal lives. This edition is expected to delve deeper into the lives of its characters. "As seen in the first season, the new season will also feature a host of cameos, whilst taking forward the nuanced narrative on various social prejudices. It will reveal the dichotomy of tradition, modern aspirations and belief systems set against the canvas of lavish Indian weddings," the announcement read. It also features Jim Sarbh, Kalki Koechlin, and Shashank Arora.

IFFM's closing film

The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) announced that Kennedy, directed by Anurag Kashyap, will be the closing film at the festival. It will screen on August 20, 2023 in Melbourne. Kennedy - which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival - stars Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat. Kashyap is expected to be present during the screening, along with the lead cast. A day before the closing night, Kashyap and the lead cast will be in conversation with a live audience. Kennedy follows the tale of a long-thought-to-be-dead insomniac ex-cop, who finds himself entangled in a corrupt system while seeking redemption. Kashyap says, "I am delighted that Kennedy is the closing film at IFF, Melbourne. It's the first Indian film festival we are playing in the world, and I am excited to know the response of the audience. I will be there to attend the same, and gauge the response, and am sure that they'll like the film, like the global audience who's seen the film till now".

Old friend, old love

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan recently met his friend and make-up artist Mike Westmore in Los Angeles. The actor went to the American city for the launch of his recent feature, Kalki 2898 AD, and met up with the Academy Award-winning make-up artiste. They reminisced about their remarkable 40-year friendship, and professional journey. The duo teamed up for projects like Indian, Avvai Shanmughi, and Dasavatharam. "I have admired Mike's work from the inside out. Forty years have flown [at] the speed of an arrow." Westmore is well known for his contributions to films such as Mask, Star Trek: Next Generation, and Raging Bull. He was also given the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for his work on the 2008 Tamil-language film, Dasavathaaram, in which he also collaborated with Haasan.