All the news-worthy happenings this week, broken for you by PeepingMoon.com…

Shraddha’s the one!

The petite actress, last seen in the non-starter Haseena Parkar, has beat out the competition in the form of Vaani Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Ileana D’Cruz, to be signed on for Batti Gul Meter Chalu. Her character will be that of a philosopher and guide who helps Shahid in his fight against injustice in this social drama.

Ajay as Thackeray?

The smouldering Ajay Devgn had allegedly been approached to play Balasaheb Thackeray in a biopic made by Thackeray’s daughter in law, Smita Thackeray. Smita’s son Rahul had made Ajay the offer, and while he liked the script the only hitch is that he is juggling too many films at the moment.

Recommended Read: Headline-hitters: The Week that Was….!

The drug list that has them petrified!

Certain celebrities are on pins, as drug lord Bakul Chanderia has squealed 13 big names on his list of celeb drug buyers. The Anti-Narcotics Cell of the Mumbai Police has elicited sensitive information about the involvement of certain cops as well. Among Bakul’s list of clients are the brother-in-law of an actor and director who recently went through a messy divorce and was accused of usurping all his ex-wife’s property.

Taimur’s birthday was all kinds of lovely

We brought you all the inside fun from the Little Prince’s birthday festivities at the Pataudi palace. The kiddie party on the green lawns, balloons floating happily in the background and kiddie-amusement paraphernalia adding cheer, was followed by bonfire nights amidst the Christmas lights. The lovely Kapoor sisters, Karisma and Kareena added festive cheer in turtleneck tops in shades of green.

Bill Gates’s pat on the back for Akshay

Akshay Kumar has reason to cheer as his Toilet: Ek Prem Katha made headlines. When Bill Gates shared 9 inspirational stories from 2017 which inspire hope and enthusiasm for the coming year – the film came in at #3! “Toilet: A Love Story, a Bollywood romance about a newlywed couple, educated audiences about India’s sanitation challenge,” Gates shared with his 42.3 million followers.

Jhanvi’s wait got longer?

Simmba, the Rohit Shetty film produced by Karan Johar starring the irrepressible Ranveer Singh, has been whipping up loads of interest. While Jhanvi Kapoor has emerged as the front-runner for the female lead, PeepingMoon.com has confirmed khabbar that the Dhadak lass has not been signed on yet. Sources from both, Rohit Shetty Films and Dharma Productions, have said so. The female lead will be locked in next year.

Nawaz roars acceptance!

When Nawazuddin was approached for the biopic on Balasaheb Thackeray, the narration wasn’t even necessary – the actor, a huge admirer of the Shiv Sena supremo, jumped at the offer. He did not even discuss money with Sanjay Raut’s production team, before giving his resounding okay. The teaser and look of the film was unveiled by Amitabh Bachchan.

Virushka’s Guest of Honour: Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister was naturally the cynosure of all eyes as he arrived at the grand wedding reception of Anushka and Virat at Delhi’s Taj Palace Hotel. The previous day the newlyweds had visited him to invite him personally. Proving that he is a man of his word, Modi attended the reception to congratulate the couple, and posed for photographs with their families.

All is tickety-boo between Salman and Akshay

Putting gossip of strained relations to rest, Salman Khan personally invited Akshay Kumar to a special screening of his film, Tiger Zinda Hai at the Yash Raj Films’ preview theatre. Akshay was delighted to accept Salman’s invitation. He may have missed the film otherwise because of his impending South Africa holiday with wife Twinkle, and children Aarav and Nitara.