Gorgeous New Comer in Sandalwood

All Work and No Play for Deepa Sannidhi

Deepa Sannidhi’s debut film with Darshan is yet to hit screens, but she’s shooting for her second with Yogaraj Bhat on her birthday ~ Prathibha Joy

Working on their birthdays seems to have become a fashionable thing for Sandalwood actors, especially if they are on the sets of a major project with a great star cast and director. Take for instance, Priya Mani who was cheering for the stars battling it out on the cricketing field, or Ragini Dwivedi, who was away in Mysore shooting for her next movie. Newbie Deepa Sannidhi too, will be busy at work on her birthday today. And she’s not complaining. She is, after all, working with two powerhouses of the industry — filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat and Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar — for their film Paramathma. “Getting to work with YB’s team is the biggest treat I could have asked for. I love the energy on the set,” says the birthday gal. Paramathma, says Deepa, is shaping up nicely.

“There’s not much that I am allowed to divulge. It is a love story. It’s also a story that will appeal to youngsters today. It’s a very Gen Now story. Shooting for the film should be completed in a month or two,” she says. But what’s happening to her debut vehicle — Sarathi — opposite Challenging Star Darshan? “The film’s been ready for a while. I don’t know why its release is delayed. Last I heard is that it might release in June or July,” says Deepa. And while she still awaits the release of Sarathi, Deepa is glad she worked on that film before reporting on YB’s set.

“During the making of Sarathi, director Dinakar and my costar Darshan encouraged me to give it my best. They never made me feel like a newcomer, which helped. Also, Dinakar pointed out my drawbacks and told me how best to iron out these issues. Now, when I report on the sets of Paramathma, I’m more confident,” she adds. And while this is the only film keeping her busy these days, Deepa says that there are several other projects awaiting her approval. “I guess having worked with Darshan and the fact that I’m now in a YB film has helped.

Other filmmakers have, after all, not yet seen me on screen,” she says. The offers, she adds, are not just from Sandalwood. “There are offers from Tamil and Telugu too, but I haven’t signed on anything yet. I will, though, soon.” So does she have any plans at all for her birthday. “I normally don’t make plans. This is the first time that I’m not at home on a birthday. What’s exciting is that I’m working. I’ll probably catch up with friends later in the day. I hope to be happy and smiling all day,” she says.

The Power of Two - MS Dhoni and Sakshi

MSD vrooms in with Mrs D

They are the new celeb couple on TV. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and wife Sakshi recently shot their first TVC together for a bike ad ~ Sarah Salvadore

Mahendra Singh Dhoni flew into Hyderabad along with wife Sakshi earlier this week. Though the visit was kept hush-hush, sources confirm that the couple was there to shoot for a twowheeler commercial. The skipper and his pretty wife were whisked away from the airport and put up at a city hotel. After checking in and resting for a bit, the duo travelled to an undisclosed location to shoot the ad film.

According to sources, the ad film was directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, who are on a high, post the success of Shor: In the City. The commercial marks Sakshi’s acting debut and is the couple’s first endorsement together. “It’s a two wheeler commercial and Sakshi has been roped in for it as well. She is an extremely stylish girl and has a great face. Sakshi was excited to shoot for the commercial as she got to wear designer outfits,” a source reveals.

For the Indian skipper, who was rested for the ongoing series in West Indies, post the hectic World Cup 2011 campaign and the recently concluded IPL season 4, this trip provided a welcome break, adds the source. “The long cricketing season has been very tiring for Mahi. This was a nice break for him. He also had some other commitments to honour during his visit,” says the source.

Confirming the Ranchi lad’s presence in Hyderabad, his manager Yuddhajit Dutta said, “Yes, MSD and Sakshi were in Hyderabad for a private visit.”

[MSD and Saskhi]

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Parvati Melton

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Modern Juliet