Today’s blind item is from Rajeev Masand. It could have just been a news item because everyone knew about this project. For months, this was being reported. It seemed that Mamu was really excited to play guru to Aloo. Come to think of it, isn’t it what Mamu has been doing since he started shooting for his big hit biopic?

Jokes aside, since this was going to be an online series, Mamu had to quote his fee upfront as opposed to taking a part of the profit. Now we are wondering how much he quoted, what do you think? We cannot go by an actor’s fee for a film because this is a TV series so the price would be different. Personally, though, it is a little creepy that he was very interested in doing this role alongside this young actress. Mamu also acted with this actress’ sister when she was a young girl in one of our most favourite films when we were kids. If it was a slightly older actress, it would have been alright but don’t know why this is really creepy so glad he is not doing it.

So, Mr. Masand posted two blind items and the first one is about Mamu and Aloo. The second one is a bit confusing because not that many details were given aside from the mention that she is among India’s best actress. To us, when that is mentioned, there is only one lady that comes to mind. But unfortunately, there has not been news of any kind regarding this. If you think it’s anyone else and there’s proof, drop a comment.

Check out the blind item from Rajeev Masand.

Bollywood Blind Item

Mammon, the Real Guru

A top male star who’d verbally committed to starring in a mini-series about the relationship between a spiritual guru and his devotee may not end up starring in the show after all. According to sources, the actor was fascinated by the true story of the guru and the impact he seemed to have on this married woman who went on to become his biggest ally. He agreed in principle when a young filmmaker approached him to take the role, but insisted he could only make a firm commitment after the script was ready. It helped that the director had managed to rope in the most sought-after young actress for the other role. The actor was keen to work with her.

But the project reportedly came close to falling apart when the actor quoted a fee so high that it scared off the international streaming giant that will bankroll the show. One learns that the actor is unwilling to budge on his price. The streaming company has asked the writer- director to go ahead and complete the script anyway because it is still interested in the project. Which means there’s a good chance they will try to rope in a different actor to take the lead.

The same streaming company lost another credible artist recently because the producers of a hit series on its platform were unwilling to shell out the big bucks she asked for to star in the second season of the show. The actress, regarded as one of India’s best, was approached for a key role, but the offer was recalled once they discovered she wouldn’t come for a dime. The actress has told friends privately that she liked the part and would’ve taken the job, but expected to be paid a fee that was commensurate with her position. She realised the producers were hoping she’d do it for a pittance since most actors would give an arm or a leg to be on the show. But no, that wasn’t going to work for her.

OSOP Guesses

First Blind Item

Top Male Star: Aamir Khan

Young Actress: Alia Bhatt

Mini-Series: Osho

Second Blind Item:

Streaming Company: Netflix

Actress: Vidya Balan (charges 6-7 crore per film)

Show: Sacred Games or Lust Stories