Are Alia and Kat friends now?

Indian women recreate Deepika Padukone’s memorable performance of the song in London

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone have much to be proud of. Their collaborative effort was heard resonating through Trafalgar Square in London this Diwali. The magnificently choreographed Ghoomar number from Bhansali’s Padmaavat was performed by hundreds of Asian women at the historic location.

A source close to Bhansali saw this as a triumphant moment for the entire team. “All the suffering and pain that we went through now seems worth it. While Padmaavat was being made, we were targeted on so many occasions. Even the song Ghoomar that has been embraced across the world was condemned by some. We were asked to cover up Deepika’s midriff. It is very encouraging to see the same song that caused offence to some being embraced universally. We are blessed.”

Speaking about the song on a previous occasion, Sanjay Leela Bhansali had said, “What better illustration of our prime minster Narendra Modiji’s Make in India policy? I feel our culture is so rich and varied. We have so much to give the West. Why not take our culture and art forms to the West, rather than continuously borrow their lifestyle and culture? Of course, Deepika danced like a dream, but it wouldn’t have been possible without our choreographer Kruti Mahesh and the ghoomar s p e c i a l i s t

J y o t i Tomar.”

— SKJ Has the ‘ Ranbir’ factor made things awkward between the two leading actresses. According to reports in a section of the media, the two beautiful ladies shared less than warm vibes at a recent Diwali party hosted by Shah Rukh Khan.

However, a very prominent guest at the do dismisses these reports as “attempts to add spice to a non- incident.”

“Katrina and Alia are very comfortable with one another… but only at the gym. They visit the same gym. And Katrina has been advising Alia on matters pertaining to fitness only. That’s where their friendship started. That’s where it remains,” says the guest from SRK’s bash, who knows both the actresses well.

“They don’t discuss their love life with one another, or whom they dated in the past or are seeing in the present. Ranbir is not discussed by Alia and Katrina at all. These are all spiced- up stories being circulated to titillate readers. Stars do not sit around discussing their love lives and it makes little difference if two actresses who have been dating the same actor meet socially.” says the friend.

In the past, Akshay Kumar had dated Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty. The two actresses, however, continue to run into one another at various social get- togethers without any awkwardness. In fact, Raveena stated, “The awkwardness is all in the people’s mind. They try to make you feel conscious of past baggage, which we all have left behind long ago. Come on, we are all mature individuals.”

— SKJ