Esha Gupta, a lovely diva, has made a name for herself in the film industry. After starting off as a model, she goes on to become one of the few actresses to collaborate with a number of well-known directors and performers. Esha Gupta made her Bollywood debut in 2012 with the movie Jannat 2, in which she co-starred with Emraan Hashmi as the film’s female protagonist.

Despite being a newcomer, she garnered attention for her striking looks and confident screen presence. After making her debut, Esha went on to appear in a number of Hindi films, demonstrating her acting range. However, for an outsider like Esha Gupta, the road to fame wasn’t as straightforward and clean as we thought.

The actress, known for her work in Aashram, recently opened up about her harrowing experience on the casting couch. Her revelations shed light on the more sinister sides of the movie industry.

Esha Gupta talks about her casting couch experiences

Speaking with Spotboye, Esha Gupta described a depressing incident in which a director asked for sexual favors during film shooting. Gupta was fired from the production after politely denying the unacceptable request, with the co-producer supporting the filmmaker’s position. Her career was apparently affected by this refusal because other directors were reportedly reluctant to hire her because they questioned her fitness for parts if she refused to act inappropriately. She said,

“The film was half completed. When I refused, the co-producer told the maker that he did not want to see me in the film. What am I doing on set? After this, some makers even refused to cast me in films. I had heard that these people used to say about me that if I won’t do anything then what is the point of taking me in the film?”

Esha Gupta dove deeper into the nefarious workings of the industry as she revealed her other casting couch experience. She disclosed an attempted casting couch situation during an outdoor shot. However, she added that, upon recognizing the ploy, she tactfully navigated the situation. She did this by ensuring that she wasn’t alone, bringing her makeup artist along with her. She said,

“There were two people who laid the trap of casting couches. I had understood, but I still did the film because it was a small move from their side. He thought that I would fall into his trap during the outdoor shoot. I was also smart, I said that I would not go to sleep alone. I called my makeup artist to sleep in my room.”

Expressing her vehement displeasure, Gupta underscored the systemic exploitation in the film industry. She pointed out the relative immunity of star kids from such experiences, citing the protective shield their influential parents provide. Frustrated with the mindset that perceives compromises as prerequisites for opportunities, she stated,

“They think that if we need work, then we can get anything done.”

On a professional front, Esha Gupta most recently appeared on screen in One Day: Justice Delivered. Her next ventures, such as Desi Magic, which stars Zayed Khan, Randhir Kapoor, and Ravi Kishan, are eagerly anticipated. She is also set to appear in the upcoming Deepak Tijori film Tipsy and the Hera Pheri 3 movie starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty.

The Fukrey franchise is back with its third installment and fans cannot keep calm. For all the right reasons? Indeed for all the right reasons. Fukrey 3 has created as much roar as that of Fukrey (2013) and Fukrey Returns (2017). This directorial work of Mrighdeep Singh Lamba was released on 28th September with a bang. While this multi-starrer comedic film has tickled its audience in the best possible manner do you know how much the Fukrey 3 cast charged for their iconic roles?

Fukrey 3 brings the gang back for another uproarious adventure. Bholi Punjaban (Richa Chadha) enters politics, prompting the Fukra boys – Hunny (Pulkit), Choocha (Varun), Laali (Manjot), and Pandit Ji (Pankaj Tripathi) – to counter her rise and prevent the city from turning into a criminal hub.

From Pulkit Samrat to Richa Chadha the film features an ensemble cast. Here’s a list of the Fukrey 3 cast and how much fees they charged for their contribution to the film.

1. Pulkit Samrat – ₹ 2 Crore

Being the lead actor of Fukrey (2013) and Fukrey Returns (2017) it goes without saying that Pulkit Samrat is a part of the latest Fukrey movie. He plays the iconic character of Hunny who is much loved by the audience. Reliable sources suggest that for portraying the character of Hunny and for his contribution to the film Pulkit Samrat has charged Rs 2 Crores!

2. Varun Sharma – ₹ 2 Crore

We know Varun Sharma not as Varun but as Choocha and that speaks volumes. His portrayal of Choocha in both the previous movies has never failed to create a burst of laughter. Furthermore, to say that his character is the most popular one from the Fukrey franchise would be a sheer understatement. As per reports, Varun Sharma has received Rs 2 Crores for his iconic role in the film!

3. Pankaj Tripathi – ₹ 3 Crore

Veteran actor Pankaj Tripathi is someone who never ceases to amaze us. No wonder he is often helmed as the most talented and versatile actor out there. Now, it may or may not come as a shock to you but he is indeed the highest-paid actor in the film. For yet again portraying the superb character of Pandit Ji that we all loved, Pankaj Tripathi has taken home a whopping check of Rs 3 Crores!

4. Manjot Singh – ₹ 60 Lakhs

Another fun character that hails from the Fukrey franchise is none other than the one portrayed by Manjot Singh. This 31-year-old actor portrays the character of Lali Halwai. For his contribution to the film Fukrey 3 as Lali, Manjot has received a pay cheque of Rs 60 Lakhs!

5. Richa Chadha – ₹ 1 Crore

Well-renowned actress Richa Chadha is also a part of the latest Fukrey film. She is seen as none other than our fearless Bholi Punjaban. As per the reports, Richa has charged Rs 1 Crore for her contribution to the film.

Ali Fazal aka Zaffer is not a part of Fukrey 3

What is interesting and at the same time sad to note is that Ali Fazal is not a part of the third installment of Fukrey. He is highly popular for his role as Zaffer in the first two films. Talking about his absence in the latest installment his wife who is none other than Richa Chadha shared as we quote,

“The dates of the film shifted a bit because of Covid so he had taken on another project. But he is having a lot of FOMO.”

She further added,

“The first few days on the sets it felt incomplete without him, not just for me but everyone missed him.”

The film introduces a bizarre twist as Choocha gains a peculiar power, turning urine into gunpowder. Sounds crazy? Wait till you watch the movie for yourself! The chemistry among the characters remains the highlight. Do watch the movie and share your reviews via the comments below.

ODI World Cup 2023 is on its way and cricket fanatics cannot keep calm. For all the right reasons? Indeed for all the right reasons. The WC 2023 is going to mark its commencement on 5th October. Furthermore, India will have its first fixture on 8th October where the men in blue will face the Australians. Many renowned cricketers like Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson are sadly not part of the Indian squad. Now, Axar Patel has also been excluded from the squad.

Axar Patel has been replaced by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 2023 World Cup Squad

The 29-year-old all-rounder Axar Patel has been in a decent format for quite some time. However, on Thursday, September 28, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a significant announcement regarding their squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. To say that it concerned Axar Patel’s participation in the 2023 WC would be a sheer understatement.

Well, amid the preparation for the highly anticipated tournament, the host nation that is none other than India has chosen to exclude Axar Patel from the squad. Not just that, his replacement has also been announced in the 15-member squad. His replacement is none other than a 37-year-old experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

What is interesting to note is that during the Asia Cup, Axar Patel sustained a left quadriceps strain and has not recovered yet. This incident took place on 15th September during India and Bangladesh’s iconic fixture. This is the reason why he has been replaced for the much-awaited ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

After this big change in the World Cup Squad, Axar Patel took to Instagram and shared two cryptic posts

Following this big change in the WC squad that led to Patel’s exclusion in the WC Squad, he shared two cryptic posts. The all-rounder took to Instagram and posted two stories, the first one was an image depicting a human skeleton using scissors to cut a heart. Here have a look at it,

The second story that he posted had a cryptic message that was not exactly decipherable. Nonetheless, it gave off a vibe that related to nothing but this big change in the squad. He added a broken heart emoji as he wrote,

“Should have taken science instead of Commerce and hired a better PR” 

Here have a look at it,

What is worth noting is that minutes after posting two cryptic stories Axar Patel deleted them.

Here is the 15-member World Cup Squad for the men in blue

The wait is finally over because now we have a final list of the 15-member World Cup squad list. The BCCI has released the list and the players are as the follow,

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (vc), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and R Ashwin.

India will have a faceoff with Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Tamil Nadu. The Australian squad includes Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, and Mitchell Starc.