Sayani Gupta's infectious smile caught Nitya Mehra's eye (Movie Snippets)

Sayani Gupta's "infectious smile" left a lasting impression on "Baar Baar Dekho" (BBD) director Nitya Mehra, who was also impressed with the actress' performance in "Margarita, with a Straw".

"I had watched the trailer of 'Magarita, with a Straw' and was instantly hooked. Sayani has an infectious smile and an attractiveness that's very unique. When she came in for BBD, she nailed her audition and on first glance I knew she's my Chitra. I absolutely loved having her on BBD with us," Mehra said in a statement.

BBD stars Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra in the lead roles, but Sayani's role is the key to the plot as well.

Talking more about her experience of working with Sayani and her abilities as a performer, Mehra said: "I think she's very instinctive and digs deep to get to the root of the character. That's a dream for any director. I think she's able to bring nuances to the scene that may not be rehearsed and with that the scene always gets lifted."

Mehra, who is making her directorial debut with the project, would like to see Sayani showcase her "untapped range" in Bollywood.

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Ali to screen 'Happy Bhaag Jaayegi' in London

Actor Ali Fazal, who is in London to work on a Hollywood project with actress Judi Dench, plans to organise a screening of his latest Bollywood film "Happy Bhaag Jaayegi" in the city.

Invited to the screening are going to his close family and friends in London and it is set to take place at a theatre in Central London this weekend. Joining the screening would also be key cast and crew members of "Victoria and Abdul".

Talking about it, Ali said in a statement: "I am going to be around, facilitating the screening, and calling in my friends here from London and around. It's ('Happy...' is) already doing well all over ... And I still haven't seen it. Maybe I'll get a glimpse here."

Meanwhile, he is caught up with the work on the Hollywood film, which is based on Shrabani Basu's book "Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confidant". It is based on a true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's long rule.

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Parineeti rejuvenated after Dream Team tour

Actress Parineeti Chopra says she feels rejuvenated after making a trip to the US, where after performing as part of the Dream Team tour, she met some of her friends as well as cousin Priyanka Chopra.

"I was touring for Dream Team and after that, I stayed back for five to six days to meet my friends and sister Priyanka. I had a lot of fun. I am feeling rejuvenated now," Parineeti said here.

Appreciating Priyanka's success story, Parineeti said: "Priyanka is doing so well there. I visited her place to see how she works and where she lives. It's amazing."

According to media reports, the "Kill Dil" actress is being considered for a role in "Judwaa 2", which stars Varun Dhawan in a double role. However, when asked, Parineeti declined to talk about it.

Next, Parineeti will be seen in Yash Raj Films' romantic drama "Meri Pyaari Bindu" opposite Ayushmann Khurrana.

--IANS

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