Plus: SRK writes column for Indian paper; Sanjay Dutt seeks parole extension; Farhan Akhtar announces next films.

Shah Rukh Khan. AFP
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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan revealed she was approached to star in a cameo in the forthcoming film Happy New Year, headlined by her husband Abhishek Bachchan along with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. But Aishwarya, who was last seen on the big screen in the 2010 film Guzaarish, declined the offer because the cameo would not feature her husband. “Yes, I was approached for the film but I wasn’t working opposite Abhishek in it and it really wouldn’t work out that way, so things didn’t fall into place,” the 39-year-old actress told reporters, then promised: “But soon, I will be back soon.” When asked about the rumour that she and Abhishek have signed on the debut film of the advertising director Prahlad Kakkar, Aishwarya replied: “Prahlad Kakkar was the one who launched me. He is family and I had promised I would do his first film. He had a concept of a story about a couple and Abhishek and I seem to fit it. But nothing concrete as of now. Let it take shape.” – IANS

SRK writes column for Indian paper

The Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has written his first column for the Indian broadsheet DNA. The actor has signed on to write a monthly essay for the publication. “A common perception about actors is that they are incompetent at everything other than acting (and some are supposedly incompetent at that, too). We aren’t exactly meant to have other interests (well, except of the controversial kind) but as it happens, I do. I like to write,” wrote the 47-year-old Chennai Express star. The 2,300-word piece also featured musings about Twitter, twerking, astrology and acupuncture. — The National staff

Sanjay Dutt seeks parole extension

The actor Sanjay Dutt – who is currently on a 14-day parole from Yerwada Central Jail in Maharashtra, India – has sought a 14-day extension to his temporary release, citing health reasons. Authorities told reporters that a decision on the application will be announced today. The 53-year-old actor surrendered in May after the Supreme Court’s confirmation of his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai blasts for illegal possession of weapons. He is serving the remaining 42 months of his five-year sentence. He was granted a furlough on October 1. — IANS

Farhan Akhtar announces next film

The actor-director Farhan Akhtar says he has been approached by the director Bejoy Nambiar to work together on a forthcoming film. “I really liked the script he gave me. He was planning to cast Amitabh Bachchan in a key part. I hope to be part of it,” said Akhtar, who recently starred in the biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The 39-year-old actor also confirmed that he will star in his sister Zoya Akhtar’s next directorial venture, which will be headlined by Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh. Akhtar will play Chopra’s love interest. — IANS