Holly to Bolly: Varun Dhawan observes silence for Dhaka, Istanbul victims, Salman Khan’s father leaps to his defence and more

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Varun Dhawan observes silence for Dhaka, Istanbul victims

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan took a few minutes during a promotional event in Mumbai for his upcoming film, Dishoom, to honour the victims of the recent terror attacks in Dhaka and Istanbul. "There's been something in my mind and on my heart," said the 29-year-old. "Everyone's a little heavy because there have been attacks all over the world the last couple of days, whether it's been Istanbul, whether recently now Dhaka, so it doesn't feel right if we don't pay respect to the people who lost their lives, all those families. So we can maintain silence, maybe for a few seconds, just for them, just say a small prayer. Pray to any god you believe in, just for those lives that have been lost." Dishoom, which also stars John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandes, was extensively shot in Abu Dhabi. It is due to be released on July 27. – Sonali Kokra

Salman Khan’s father leaps to his defence again

The controversy around Salman Khan's recent comment, in which he compared his arduous filming schedule with the condition of a raped woman, continues to grow. After facing a backlash on social media, the 50-year-old star's father, film writer Salim Khan, apologised on his son's behalf. On Sunday, Salim again addressed the incident in a series of tweets, slamming the media for blowing up the issue to "saturation point". He also said he had hoped "the problem would be over", and that there was no point in "getting an apology from a person under the guillotine", possibly a reference to the National Commission of Women's demand for a public apology from Salman, who has remained silent on the subject. – Sonali Kokra

Pepe Serna joins Matt Damon in Downsizing

Veteran actor Pepe Serna has joined actors Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz and Hong Chau in Alexander Payne's satire Downsizing. The film, currently being shot in Toronto, is about an Omaha man who joins the throngs of people undergoing a new process that reduces humans to a fraction of their size. Then they move to one of the many communities of small people that are sprouting up around the world. "It's the smallest part I've ever had, four inches to be exact," variety.com quoted Serna as saying. Payne is co-writing the script with Jim Taylor, with whom he won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sideways and collaborated on the scripts for Citizen Ruth, Election, Jurassic Park III and About Schmidt. Serna is also one of the new members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which was announced on Wednesday. Credits from his nearly 50-year career include Scarface, American Me, Car Wash and The Black Dahlia. – IANS

Spice Girls reunion plans called off

A plan to bring back the all-girl British pop group Spice Girls seems to be in trouble following reports that a final bid to tempt singer Mel C (Sporty Spice) to get on board has failed, according to sources close to the former bandmates. The hit group – which included Mel B, Mel C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham – were originally hoping to reunite this year to mark two decades since the release of their debut album Spice. Initial reports claimed the reunion would see all five members involved, before it emerged that Beckham had declined to take part. Halliwell, Mel B and Bunton were reportedly prepared to wait until next year for the other two to join in, but Mel C has told friends she is no longer interested. And after months of wrangling, the group has pulled the plug on the project. – IANS

Simon Cowell planning legal action against Gary Barlow

Music mogul Simon Cowell is reportedly considering taking legal action against singer-songwriter Gary Barlow if his new television talent show is similar to The X Factor. Barlow previously starred on the British version of the programme, but as the Take That singer prepares to launch his own show, Cowell is keeping a keen interest in the singer's new endeavour, reports mirror.co.uk. "Simon's team is keeping a close eye on Gary's show. They want to make sure that it's completely different to his own projects – otherwise there could be trouble. As the trailblazer in the TV talent-show sector, it's no surprise Cowell wants to protect his brand," a source said. Cowell and Barlow have become rivals as the music mogul suggested the singer-­songwriter was to blame for falling ratings of The X Factor. – IANS