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Ashok Leyland posts record Q1 volumes, revenue up 10%

On a standalone basis, the Chennai-based auto major reported its highest-ever net profit of 609 crore in Q1 FY27 as against 594 crore in the same quarter previous year

The Hindu Businessline 14 Aug 2026 6:32 pm

Space-saving wardrobe ideas for compact Indian homes

From a pull-out prayer bench in Chennai to integrated workspaces in Mumbai, wardrobes are taking on new roles

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 6:12 pm

Space-saving wardrobe ideas for compact Indian homes

From a pull-out prayer bench in Chennai to integrated workspaces in Mumbai, wardrobes are taking on new roles

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 6:12 pm

Prithviraj-starrer

Chennai The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has now cleared director Vysakhs eagerly awaited revenge thriller Khalifa, featuring actor The post Prithviraj-starrer Khalifa cleared for release with U/A certificate appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Bilkulonline 14 Aug 2026 5:36 pm

Learn portrait and studio photography at this two-day workshop in Madurai

Kanavu Fellowship offered by the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation presents a two-day portrait and studio photography workshop for women in Sholavandan

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 5:12 pm

Andhra And Karnataka Are Building Greenfield Airports While Joseph Vijay TVK Govt Bans New Airport For Chennai

While Tamil Nadus Industries Minister Keerthana was busy in the Assembly denying that Andhra Pradesh is building an airport at Kuppam, the paperwork for that airport was already sitting in a government gazette. Chittoor District Gazette No. 77/2026, dated 13 March 2026, is unambiguous. Issued under Section 19(1) of the Right to Fair Compensation Act [] The post Andhra And Karnataka Are Building Greenfield Airports While Joseph Vijay TVK Govt Bans New Airport For Chennai appeared first on The Commune .

The Commune Mag 14 Aug 2026 4:59 pm

Why Suriya's 'Vishwanath and Sons' faced last-minute screening chaos

Suriya's latest film, Vishwanath and Sons, faced last-minute delays in Chennai theaters on its opening day on Friday (August 14).

NewsBytes 14 Aug 2026 4:30 pm

Riteish Deshmukh remembers father Vilasrao Deshmukh on his 14th death anniversary: My exile still hasnt ended

Riteish Deshmukh remembered his late father, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, on the 14th anniversary of his death on Friday. The actor shared an emotional tribute on social media, recalling the loss of his father with a throwback photograph. Taking to Instagram, Riteish posted an old picture of Vilasrao Deshmukh and wrote a heartfelt message in Marathi. He said, Tumhala jaoon 14 varsh jhaali. Maajhi vanvaas kaahi sampla naahi (It has been 14 years since you left, but my exile still hasnt ended). The actors message reflected the lasting impact of his fathers death and the grief he continues to carry years later. Riteishs wife, actor Genelia Deshmukh, also reacted to the post by leaving broken heart emojis in the comments. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riteish Deshmukh (@riteishd) Vilasrao Deshmukh, a prominent Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister, died on August 14, 2012, following multiple organ failure. He had been diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2011. In August 2012, he was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after his health deteriorated and was subsequently diagnosed with liver and kidney failure. He was later flown to Chennai for a liver transplant. However, Vilasrao Deshmukh passed away the following day, on August 14, 2012, in the presence of his family. Riteish, who has often spoken about his bond with his father, continues to remain active in films. He was recently seen in Dhamaal 4, an adventure comedy directed by Indra Kumar. The film is the fourth instalment of the Dhamaal franchise and follows Dhamaal, Double Dhamaal and Total Dhamaal. The film features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Esha Gupta. Also Read : Malamaal Weekly 2 EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh, Elvish Yadav, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav locked in leads, shoot begins in November

Bollywood Hungama 14 Aug 2026 3:41 pm

Workshop on kidney diseases and transplantation held in Chennai

The one-day workshop brought together specialists to discuss kidney disease, renal pathology and transplantation

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 3:39 pm

India in U.S. crosshairs again White House report cites countries enabling Chinas tariff evasions

The report has identified more than 40 countries associated with elevated illegal transshipment risk; the U.S. has named the Pune-Gujarat-Chennai belt as one of the areas enabling China

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 3:27 pm

Tamil Star Vikram Lands in Trouble Over Lar Gibbon

The clip was reportedly filmed at the actors relatives residence in Injambakkam, south Chennai. The gibbon is believed to be around two to three years old.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Aug 2026 3:21 pm

CRPF bags highest 86 gallantry, service medals among paramilitary forces

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bagged the maximum gallantry and service medals -- 86 in total -- among the central paramilitary forces on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. The country's largest paramilitary force received 24 gallantry medals (GM), five President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 57 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), according to a Ministry of Home Affairs notification on Friday. The gallantry medals were earned from two counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and one operation against insurgents in Manipur, both taking place in 2024, officials said. The force is expected to get a few gallantry medals that are issued by the Ministry of Defence too, they said. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) M Dhinakaran is among the PSM awardees. The officer, who earlier served in the Special Protection Group (SPG), currently heads the CRPF Recruit Training Centre in Avadi, Chennai. Dhinakaran has served in the paramilitary force for over t

Business Standard 14 Aug 2026 2:56 pm

Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Over 1,000 ICF Vacancies, Check Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply

Indian Railways has opened a major apprenticeship opportunity for candidates looking to gain practical, trade-based experience. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, has invited online applications for more than 1,000 apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961.The recruitment drive is...

Kalam Times 14 Aug 2026 2:51 pm

'Vishwanath And Sons' review: An unlikely Suriya-Mamitha Baiju romance gives this family drama its spark

Highlights Suriya and Mamitha Baiju bring an easy charm to an unconventional romance The film avoids turning its age gap and surrogacy into predictable sources of conflict The first half balances comedy, romance and family drama effectively The second half becomes more emotional, stretched and predictable There is something refreshing about a family film that does not turn every difference between its central characters into a problem. Vishwanath And Sons finds much of its charm in the unusual pairing of Suriya and Mamitha Baiju, allowing their relationship to develop without making the age gap or surrogacy the obvious source of conflict. Directed by Venky Atluri, the Tamil-Telugu drama follows Sanjay Vishwanath (Suriya), a wealthy businessman in his 40s who has deliberately stayed away from marriage. He lives with his mother Nirmala Devi (Radhika Sarathkumar), who repeatedly tries to find him a suitable partner. Sanjay is also an Olympic medal-winning pistol shooter, giving him a life beyond his business success. Everything changes when Nirmala undergoes heart surgery and becomes concerned about the family's future and who will carry its legacy forward. An unconventional romance that keeps things light Sanjay is introduced to a doctor living in San Francisco through his cousin, and the two begin speaking regularly. A year later, however, Sanjay returns to Chennai with a baby boy, Abhay, whom he introduces as his son. Abhay's illness brings 22-year-old Madanakameswari, known as Maddy Jay (Mamitha Baiju), into Sanjay's life. Her arrival raises questions about Sanjay's past, his resistance to marriage and his connection to Anjali (Raveena Tandon). This is where the film is at its most entertaining. Sanjay and Maddy's interactions have an easy comic rhythm, with Mamitha bringing spontaneity and warmth to the relationship. Their age difference could easily have become the film's central conflict, but Atluri largely avoids that route. The same applies to the surrogacy element. Rather than building the entire story around social judgement, the film uses it as part of the characters' circumstances and concentrates on their relationships instead. The family portions work equally well. Radhika Sarathkumar's Nirmala is endearing without being reduced to the stereotypical overbearing mother, while Abhay's presence adds another layer of humour to the proceedings. This combination gives the first half a breezy quality that keeps the story engaging. When the family drama overwhelms the romance The film loses some of that balance in its second half. The comedy becomes less prominent and the narrative turns increasingly emotional, with the drama stretched beyond what the story requires. The screenplay also becomes more predictable, making the second half feel considerably heavier than the first. The central relationship, which initially gives the film its freshness, takes a back seat as the family drama becomes more dominant. There is also a subplot involving the casual acceptance of a man having multiple wives. Unlike the film's treatment of the age gap and surrogacy, this element feels unnecessary and raises questions that the story does not need to introduce. Atluri does attempt to give the film a wider message, touching on the importance of farmers, respecting parents and the idea that money should not become the purpose of life. These themes fit the film's focus on family, although some are delivered rather directly. Suriya is particularly effective as Sanjay. His performance is restrained and effortless, allowing him to balance the character's identities as a successful businessman, father and son. His comic timing also works well, especially during the lighter portions. Mamitha Baiju is a strong match for him. Maddy is vulnerable without being passive, confident without becoming overbearing, and funny without turning into comic relief. Radhika Sarathkumar also brings her own warmth and presence to Nirmala. Vishwanath And Sons works best when it trusts its unusual romance and lets its characters simply interact. The first half shows how enjoyable that approach can be. But once the family drama takes centre stage, the film becomes more conventional and loses some of the spark that made its central relationship interesting in the first place. It is uneven, but the Suriya-Mamitha Baiju pairing gives the film enough warmth to make its better moments worth watching.

easterneye 14 Aug 2026 2:49 pm

MBBS for Chennai man at 51. Govt earlier attempted age bar

MBBS for Chennai man at Govt earlier attempted age bar

India Today 14 Aug 2026 1:59 pm

Why US called Pune, Gujarat and Chennai 'ugly sister cities' in China trade report

Why US called Pune Gujarat and Chennai ugly sister cities in China trade report

India Today 14 Aug 2026 12:42 pm

DMK moving from covert to direct alliance with BJP, alleges Minister Nirmalkumar

The Minister was responding to a question during a press conference at the Secretariat in Chennai on DMK parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi on Thursday

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 12:42 pm

Royal Madras Yacht Club: Sailing through Chennais 115-year-old maritime history

Founded as the Madras Sailing Club in 1911, the Royal Madras Yacht Club has sailed through more than a century of Chennais history. Today, its members take to the Bay of Bengal for leisure, competition, moonlight sails and offshore expeditions.

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 12:33 pm

Greater Chennai Corporation puts property tax revision on hold following taxpayer complaints

Those who have already paid the revised demand, the excess amount will be adjusted as advance tax against subsequent half-yearly dues, the GCC said

The Hindu Businessline 14 Aug 2026 11:15 am

When Cops Came Knocking On Ashwin's Door

Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube show was dramatically interrupted when police officers arrived at his Chennai residence.

Rediff 14 Aug 2026 10:55 am

Will Dhoni Replace Fleming As CSK Coach?

M S Dhoni's appearance in Chennai has ignited fervent discussions among fans regarding the future of Chennai Super Kings.

Rediff 14 Aug 2026 10:27 am

Where Chennai falls in love: The old-world romance of St Thomas Mount

St Thomas Mount is home to military heritage, an Anglo-Indian legacy and resident ghosts. But an air of romance lingers in its tree-lined avenues dotted with colonial bungalows

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 9:58 am

Madras Day: Where Chennai falls in love

As Chennai turns 387, The Hindu Weekend brings you a list of four lovers haunts through distinct romantic memories. Here is a collection of stories about date spots where lovebirds build their own little world of romance

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 9:32 am

Where Chennai falls in love: A beach-by-beach guide to dating, heartbreak, and soan papdi

A 2012 SMS-era confession at Besant Nagar beach kicks off this love letter to Chennais coastline from Pazhaverkadus quiet shores to Thiruvanmiyurs moonlit stretches, heres where the citys lovers go to fall in, and out of, love (soan papdi, shawarma, and sundal included)

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 9:32 am

Chennai is our home, where we can live with dignity and freedom, says Jaya

Jaya, General Manager of Sahodaran

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 9:32 am

Stanley hospital viral video: Chennai hospital worker leaves boiled eggs besides patients at bed

A viral video showing boiled eggs being left beside patients at Chennais Government Stanley Hospital has sparked questions over patient care, even as the Tamil Nadu government defended the worker and cited an alleged extortion attempt.

The Economic Times 14 Aug 2026 9:28 am

Gudiyattam woman head constable stabbed to death by husband

The Times of India 14 Aug 2026 2:30 am

Vijay urges Modi to freeze LS strength

The Times of India 14 Aug 2026 1:57 am

70 MoUs from DMK govt, says Rajaa

The Times of India 14 Aug 2026 1:50 am

Facing backlash, GCC suspends property tax hike

The Times of India 14 Aug 2026 1:48 am

Four held with country bombs, narcotics

The Times of India 14 Aug 2026 1:21 am

MTCs e-buses achieve milestone of three crore kilometre, save one crore litres of diesel

MTC says the operation of e-buses in Chennai prevented nearly 25,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions since launch in June 2025

The Hindu 14 Aug 2026 12:31 am

Chennai Love Story | Song - Chirunavvulo

Watch the Telugu song 'Chirunavvulo' from the movie 'Chennai Love Story' starring Kiran Abbavaraam and Sri Gouri Priya. 'Chirunavvulo' is sung by P V N S Rohit, with music composed by Mani Sharma. The lyrics of 'Chirunavvulo' are penned by Anantha Sriram. Directed by Ravi Namburii and produced by Sai Rajesh and SKN under the Amrutha Mass JV banner, 'Chennai Love Story' is a romantic entertainer. To know more about the song 'Chirunavvulo' from 'Chennai Love Story', watch the video.

The Times of India 14 Aug 2026 12:26 am

Work on channel to prevent flooding at Ambattur expedited

The 130-crore project will divert water from Ambattur laketo Cooum; WRD looks to complete the work before the onset of Northeast monsoon

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 11:39 pm

Class of 1947: Young, defiant, unstoppable

The Times of India 13 Aug 2026 11:33 pm

35 years of liberalisation: From Detroit of Asia to Chennai for the World

Three decades after liberalisation transformed its auto industry, Chennai has built a deep manufacturing and talent ecosystem and is emerging as a global hub for vehicles, components and EVs

Business Standard 13 Aug 2026 11:11 pm

Greater Chennai Corporation puts property tax revision on hold

The tax will be reversed to the amount set before the revision. The civic body also plans to reduce basic street rate for property tax in some residential areas of the city

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 10:55 pm

Event to promote tourism to Malaysia held in Chennai

The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business engagements and networking

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 10:36 pm

Airport police arrest man for cheating job-seeker

The Times of India 13 Aug 2026 9:52 pm

Police arrest three, seize 1,605kg tobacco products

The Times of India 13 Aug 2026 9:39 pm

Man arrested with 4kg ganja at railway station

The Times of India 13 Aug 2026 9:35 pm

L&T Bags Rs 10,000-Crore Order To Build India's Largest AI Factory In Chennai

L&T has not revealed the exact value of the order. However, under its order classification, a 'mega order' ranges between Rs 10,000 and 15,000 crore.

NDTV 13 Aug 2026 9:01 pm

Man held for stalking and threatening woman

The Times of India 13 Aug 2026 8:18 pm

Explosion at Firecracker Factory in Tamil Nadu Claims Two Lives

Chennai, August 13: A powerful explosion occurred at a licensed firecracker factory near Sivakasi in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, resulting in a devastating fire. Two workers lost their lives in the incident, according to officials. The accident took place at the firecracker manufacturing unit located in Namaskarithanpatti while employees were engaged ... Read more Explosion at Firecracker Factory in Tamil Nadu Claims Two Lives

Morningstar 13 Aug 2026 8:05 pm

The upcoming 6G will use frequencies that this Chennai-based company is building

REIO Systems has developed a software-defined radio platform covering 7 to 24 GHz, aimed at 6G research groups, defence electronics firms and drone manufacturers.

Your Story 13 Aug 2026 7:41 pm

Man dies by suicide over loan app debt

The Times of India 13 Aug 2026 7:34 pm

Tambaram police seize 1,958 kg of banned gutkaproducts in two separate cases

The arrested were identified as K. Ramanathan, 37, G.Nandhakumar, 38, Shubham, 19, and J. Jayaprasanth, 32

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 7:00 pm

Man from A.P. held for job scam at Chennai airport

He had been cheating people by making false promises of securing jobs at the airport

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 6:49 pm

Veranda Learning Q1 FY27 profit surges 5.7X to Rs 34 Cr

The Chennai-based education company achieved both top-line and bottom-line growth, driven by momentum in the commerce and government test-prep segments and disciplined cost management.

Your Story 13 Aug 2026 6:44 pm

After Scrapping Chennai

Joseph Vijay wants Tamil Nadu to believe in a $1.5 trillion dream. On Wednesday, his government paraded 97 MoUs worth 67,542 crore through the ITC Grand Chola, promising 106,998 jobs and crowning three months in office with a headline investment tally of over 1.02 lakh crore. The theme was Where Vision Becomes Victory. Somebody should [] The post After Scrapping Chennais New Airport, Joseph Vijays TVK Govt Seeks Investment appeared first on The Commune .

The Commune Mag 13 Aug 2026 6:24 pm

L&T secures mega order towards larger plan of building Indias largest NVIDIA B300 AI factory

Marking its foray into AI Factory business, L&T will deploy NVIDIA infrastructure at its Chennai data centre campus

The Hindu Businessline 13 Aug 2026 6:23 pm

JCS Jewel Creations Unveils Premium Silver Lounge in Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 13: JCS Jewel Creations has inaugurated its Exclusive Silver Lounge at T. Nagar, Chennai, introducing a premium destination for luxury silver jewellery, handcrafted divine idols, bespoke silver furniture, home dcor, and exclusive gifting collections. The grand inauguration was attended by several eminent personalities, including veteran actor Vijay Kumar, internationally renowned []

bhaskarlive 13 Aug 2026 5:34 pm

'His name is doing the rounds': Ashwin hints at CSK coach

Following Stephen Fleming's departure, Chennai Super Kings are seeking a new head coach. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested Eoin Morgan as a strong candidate, citing his leadership experience. Ashwin also believes MS Dhoni should continue to provide leadership during this transition period.

Rediff 13 Aug 2026 3:59 pm

Chennai: 3 Youth Arrested For Bike Racing On 100-Feet Road

City police analysed the CCTV footage on the spot and arrested three persons

Deccan Chronicle 13 Aug 2026 3:59 pm

Seven-judge Bench to hear if legislative privilege overrides free speech

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant passed the order in a case travelling back to April 2003; The Hindu had published an editorial criticising then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 3:51 pm

Traffic Diversions Announced for Independence Day Celebrations in Chennai

Chennai, August 13: The Greater Chennai Traffic Police have announced traffic restrictions and diversions for the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George on August 15. Major roads including Kamarajar Salai and Rajaji Salai will be affected. Traffic will be halted for regular vehicles on Kamarajar Salai between the Labour Statue and the War Memorial. ... Read more Traffic Diversions Announced for Independence Day Celebrations in Chennai

Morningstar 13 Aug 2026 3:39 pm

Companies turn to staffing firms as flexible hiring gains ground

Searches for staffing agencies and manpower consultancies have seen significant growth across India. Bengaluru and Chennai recorded the highest increases in demand for flexible hiring solutions. Businesses are adapting to changing market conditions and project timelines with agile recruitment strategies. Professionals are also embracing contract and temporary roles for quicker employment access.

The Economic Times 13 Aug 2026 3:39 pm

Kondungaiyur private college allows students to attend classes, extends fee payment deadline

The Hindu, on August 12, reported that students were not allowed to attend classes over non-payment of fees

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 3:25 pm

L&T secures AI data centre order worth up to 15,000 crore

The centre, hosted at the firms Vyoma.AI unit in Chennai, will have a capacity of 10,000 NVIDIA B300 chips.

The Hindu Businessline 13 Aug 2026 2:53 pm

L&T to set up India's largest Nvidia B300 AI factory for Together AI

L&T's Vyoma.AI will set up a 10,000-GPU Nvidia B300 AI factory at its Chennai data centre campus for US-based AI firm Together AI

Business Standard 13 Aug 2026 2:38 pm

Shriram Properties Q1FY27 results: Net profit down 46% to 11 crore

Realty firm Shriram Properties has reported a 46 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 11.04 crore for the quarter ended June 30, mainly on higher expenses. The company's net profit stood at Rs 20.59 crore in the year-ago period. Total income, however, rose marginally to Rs 271.04 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal from Rs 261.54 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year, according to a regulatory filing on Wednesday. The company's operational expenses and tax outgo increased during the April-June quarter while it also posted a loss in joint venture projects. On operational performance, Shriram Properties posted a 10 per cent increase in sales bookings to Rs 484 crore during the first quarter of this fiscal. We have commenced FY27 on a strong note, with robust operational performance and encouraging customer response to our new launches across Chennai and Kolkata, Murali M, Chairman and Managing Director of Shriram Properties, said. With a healt

Business Standard 13 Aug 2026 1:30 pm

How Madhu Balaji is taking Crazy Mohans comedy to intimate Chennai spaces

Can Crazy Mohans lines find new life when the audience is sitting just a few feet away? Chamber of Humour intends to find out

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 1:17 pm

Gold rate today (August 13, 2026): Check 24k, 22k, 20k and 18k gold jewellery prices from IBJA, Joyalukkas, Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers and Malabar Gold & Diamonds in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, other cities

Gold rates today:Here is a look at the latest 22k gold jewellery prices at Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Kalyan Jewellers across major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram.

The Economic Times 13 Aug 2026 12:21 pm

L&T bags mega 10,000-15,000 crore order to build Indias largest NVIDIA B300 AI factory

Larsen & Toubro will build India's largest AI infrastructure for Together AI. This mega order involves deploying ten thousand NVIDIA B300 GPUs in Chennai. The project marks L&T's significant entry into the AI Factory business sector. This facility will support large-scale AI training and inference workloads. The AI Factory is planned as a gigawatt-scale infrastructure site.

The Economic Times 13 Aug 2026 11:43 am

Jim Thompson, the Thai luxury textile brand, launches in Chennai

The iconic Thai silk brand, founded by the American entrepreneur who revived Thailands silk industry before his mysterious disappearance, enters South India with luxury home furnishings at Decorgeous Lifestyle

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026 11:25 am

Bluehill.vc marks final close of maiden deeptech fund at 400 crore; eyes 15-16 bets

The Chennai-based VC firm exercised its full 50-crore greenshoe option and plans to write $1-2 million cheques for early-stage startups as investor interest in deeptech surges.

Livemint 13 Aug 2026 10:49 am

Nitish Sharma on being rejected as Lakshman in Ramayana; says, It was clear there would be big stars

For newcomer Nitish Sharma, his journey to Nitesh Tiwaris much-awaited Ramayana took an unexpected turn. After facing several rejections and being replaced in a major film, Sharma auditioned for the role of Lakshman. Although he did not eventually get the part, his performance impressed the filmmaker, who offered him the role of Shatrughn in the epic. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day, Nitish opened up about his journey, working with Ranbir Kapoor and the criticism surrounding the films casting. Recalling the difficult phase that eventually led him to Ramayana, Nitish said that he had gone through hundreds of auditions before finally landing a major role in a big film in 2023. However, he was later replaced by a senior actor. The setback left him disappointed, but he found comfort in reading the Ramcharitmanas. I was trying to find peace by reading the sacred book. When I was reading the Bharat Milap scene, I received a call from Mukesh Chhabra's office saying that Nitesh Tiwari was making a pilot film of Ramayana and they wanted to test me for Lakshman. So I did, he recalled. During the audition, Nitish was asked to perform scenes as Lakshman before Nitesh Tiwari asked him to play Ram. His performance impressed the director, who assured him that he would be part of the main film. Nitish was eventually cast as Shatrughn, while Lakshman is being played by Ravie Dubey. Explaining why he was not selected as Lakshman, Nitish said, For the actual film, it was clear that in every character there would be big stars. And in such a big-scale movie, there are many things involved. But I have zero complaints about it. Nitish also spoke about his experience of working with Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram. He praised the actors humility and professionalism, particularly the way he continued giving cues to co-stars even after finishing his own scenes. Whenever we were shooting together, the way he gave all the cues to me, even when his scene was over, was amazing. He always gives his cues by himself to every actor, no matter if it is 10 times, 12 times or 15 times. He treats everyone with humility, he said. Addressing criticism of Ranbirs casting, Nitish said, It is actually very sad that people judge someone by just one look. Ranbir is the greatest actor we have in this industry right now. After watching the movie, I am telling you, they will praise Ranbir as Ram. No one could have done it better than RK. He also defended Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, amid criticism of her appearance and casting. Sai, she looks divine in real life. She is the best casting for Sita. There are many trolls about her as well. But that is how a 99 per cent Indian beauty looks like, he said. Nitish remains confident that Ramayana will connect strongly with audiences. I am very sure that Ramayana will create magic once again, just like it did in 1987 with Ramanand Sagar, he concluded. Also Read : BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE footage of Ramayana to be screened at Big Cine Expo 2026, Chennai; Rakesh Roshan to receive Special Achievement Award

Bollywood Hungama 13 Aug 2026 9:41 am

TNSTC to Operate 1,900 Special Buses for I-Day Weekend Rush

The special services have been planned as August 15 falls on Saturday and is observed as Independence Day, with passengers expected to travel to their native places from Chennai and other parts of the state

Deccan Chronicle 13 Aug 2026 9:34 am

Chennai Ferrous Industries reports standalone net loss of Rs 0.50 crore in the June 2026 quarter

Sales decline 98.64% to Rs 0.94 crore

Business Standard 13 Aug 2026 9:11 am

Chennai Property Tax Reassessment Aims to Address Discrepancies

Chennai, August 13: Amidst public complaints regarding property tax increases, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has clarified that there is no new tax hike. Instead, the tax has been reassessed for homes and shops where discrepancies were found between actual construction area and recorded area. The GCC conducted a thorough review using GIS mapping, satellite ... Read more Chennai Property Tax Reassessment Aims to Address Discrepancies

Morningstar 13 Aug 2026 8:50 am