Vidyut Jammwal Makes Hollywood Debut as Dhalsim in
Action star Vidyut Jammwal is set to make his highly anticipated Hollywood debut in Paramount Pictures live-action adaptation of the iconic video game franchise, Street Fighter. To mark the milestone, Paramount Pictures India hosted a grand promotional event in Mumbai, where a special featurette was unveiled highlighting Jammwal in his role as the legendary character [] The post Vidyut Jammwal Makes Hollywood Debut as Dhalsim in Street Fighter appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Indias AI data centre boom sparks protests over water, power and environmental concerns
Indias push to become a global AI hub is facing growing opposition as tech giants Amazon, Google and Microsoft invest billions in data centres across the country. Residents near these facilities are raising concerns over water consumption, electricity demand, noise and the loss of green spaces. From Mumbai to Andhra Pradesh, communities and environmentalists are questioning the impact of these projects. As Indias AI infrastructure expands, can technological growth come without putting additional pressure on local resources and communities?
ISL 2026: 'We want to improve in all areas,' says Mumbai City FC coach Marquez ahead of new season
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Mumbai City FC head coach Manolo Marquez has said his priority is to improve every aspect of the team ahead of the new Indian Super League (ISL) season, stressing that a fresh campaign with new players requires a game-by-game approach despite the clubs successful history. Asked whether Mumbai City's reputation and expectations brought additional pressure, Marquez said the focus was on building the team and preparing for each fixture rather than dwelling on past achievements. We want to improve all the areas because its a new season, new players, everything, Marquez replied to an IANS query during a media interaction. The Spanish coach acknowledged that Mumbai City were among the established teams in Indian football but maintained that reputation alone would not guarantee results. You can be a historical team. Not Mumbai; a lot of teams in India. But finally, you need to play game by game, he said. Marquez added that the immediate objective was to ensure his players were in the best possible condition for their opening fixture against Churchill Brothers, with the team aiming to secure three points before turning its attention to the next challenge. If we get the three points, fantastic. If not, lets go again for the second game because this is the competition that I like, he said. Mumbai City finished third in the 2025-26 ISL season, collecting 25 points from 13 matches, with seven wins, four draws and two defeats. They conceded just nine goals, underlining their defensive strength, but will now look to build on that performance under Marquez, who was appointed head coach in July. The former Hyderabad FC and FC Goa coach guided Hyderabad to their maiden ISL title in the 2021-22 season and also led Goa to domestic success during his tenure. Marquez also welcomed the return of the home-and-away format and playoffs in the upcoming ISL campaign, saying the revised structure could make the competition more competitive and give more clubs a realistic target to pursue. He admitted that the absence of Diamond Harbour FC was disappointing, as a 14-team competition would have offered a larger schedule, but said playing 24 matches would still provide teams with a substantial opportunity to prove themselves. In the beginning of the season, everyone is excited. Everyone is with good hopes. But still, there are some big differences between... But this is in all the championships, not only in India. But it's true that to play again home and away games is good, but a pity that Diamond Harbour couldn't play and it would be better 14 than 13 teams, but at least to play 24 games will be a good chance, he said. The coach expects the battle to finish among the top six to be particularly close, with several teams capable of challenging for playoff places. It is very, very difficult this year to predict who will be in the top six. One competition where you play home and away is the most fair tournament. Long tournament, when the best team is the champion, he said.
Bevon Jacobs to miss Auckland commitments for BBL stint with Brisbane Heat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Bevon Jacobs would be missing his commitments with Auckland as he gears up to feature in the Big Bash League for a short stint with Brisbane Heat. Jacobs will join his compatriot Tim Robinson in the Heat squad for the BBL season after he was named as a short-term replacement for England's Tom Curran, who will not start due to family commitments. He will be available for the Heat's opener against Sydney Sixers on December 15, while he will also be available for the next two matches on December 17 and 21. Curran is set to return before time for the Boxing Day fixture against Sixers in Sydney. The BBL is overlapping with the Plunket Shield, which is New Zealand's premier domestic red-ball event. His stint with Heat will see Jacobs, 24, miss Auckland's game against Central Districts, which begins on December 15. Meanwhile, Jacobs has had experience of playing in Australia. He recently toured Australia for the Top End T20 Series with New Zealand A and made a 30-ball 58 to help his team win a match against Hobart Hurricanes Academy. The right-handed batter had a trip Down Under in 2024 for the T20 Max competition, where he hit a 40-ball hundred, following which he was also signed by Mumbai Indians in the 2025 IPL auction for Rs 30 lakh. Bevon has been on our recruiting lists since he showed his power and skill in the T20 Max a few seasons ago, and its been exciting to see him earn his first international caps since then, Queensland Crickets General Manager - High Performance, Bennett King, said. He has been successful at the top of the order and as a finisher in his career so far, and were looking forward to seeing him in action for the Heat, King added.
TV actor Ronit Roy leases Andheri West office for 1.39 cr over five years
Ronit Bose Roy rents out 950 sq ft Mumbai office at 2.1 lakh a month
India's industrial, logistics absorption rises 14 pc to 24.3 million sq ft in Q3: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) India's industrial and logistics sector absorption rose 14.1 per cent year-on-year to 24.3 million sq ft in Q3 2026, a report showed on Friday. While Tier-I cities continued to dominate, accounting for 19.9 million sq ft or 82 per cent of total absorption and Tier-II and III cities contributed 4.4 million sq ft or 18 per cent, according to a report by according to a report by Savills India. Cumulative absorption in the first nine months of 2026 reached 59.1 million sq ft, up 6.9 per cent year-on-year, it added. On supply front, fresh completions totalling 26.2 million sq ft were added in Q3 this yead, an increase of 21.3 per cent year-on-year. Tier-I cities contributed bulk of supply at 19.2 million sq ft or 73 per cent share, while Tier-II and III markets added 6.9 million sq ft or 27 per cent. In addition, Grade-A absorption rose to 66 per cent during the period from 52 per cent year-on-year, while Grade-A supply rose to 58 per cent from 50 per cent a year ago, driven by emphasis on quality infrastructure, compliance and ESG considerations, Savills said. Sector-wise, manufacturing led absorption at 31 per cent in Q3 against 27 per cent a year ago, followed by 3PL at 26 per cent against 34 per cent and retail at 12 per cent against 5 per cent. However, e-commerce share was stable at 10 per cent. City-wise, Delhi-NCR remained leading market accounting for 20 per cent of total absorption, followed by Bengaluru 16 per cent, Mumbai 14 per cent and Pune 13 per cent. Tier-II and III cities together accounted for 18 per cent of absorption. In terms of supply, Pune emerged as highest contributor at 18 per cent in Q3 2026, followed by Delhi-NCR and Mumbai each at 15 per cent, while Tier-II and III cities together accounted for 27 per cent.
Mumbai Police ban firecrackers, laser lights on public roads till December 4 following HC order
The order, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, follows a Bombay High Court direction on curbing noise and environmental pollution during festivals
Jason Derulo to Make His Debut at Sunburn Festival as Fourth Headliner
American singer Jason Derulo will perform at the Sunburn Festival in Mumbai this December, marking his first appearance at the event. Jason Derulo to Make His Debut at Sunburn Festival as Fourth Headliner
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on October 9
Fadnavis criticises Congress on SIR; releases parliamentary footage of Kapil Sibal defending process
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday delivered a scathing rebuttal to the Congress party as high-octane protests led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process brought central Delhi to a standstill. Taking to social media, CM Fadnavis released archival parliamentary footage of former Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal speaking in official support of the SIR framework during the Congress-led UPA tenure. The clipwhich has rapidly gone viraldirectly counters the Oppositions current claims that the voter roll revision is a conspiracy or an unconstitutional procedure. The Opposition parties have alleged that over 13 crore names have allegedly been left out in the draft poll rolls and has been protesting against it. In his direct hit at the Congress leadership, CM Fadnavis highlighted the stark contrast between the party's historic stance and its current street demonstrations. Congress is busy shouting against SIR from every possible stage, only to have its own former Law Minister Kapil Sibal's words come back to expose the drama. The Parliament record doesnt change with political convenience. Perhaps Congress should first check their own history before manufacturing new conspiracy theories. Sometimes, the best rebuttal comes from your own partys past! CM Fadnavis captioned the video as 'Congress' double standards', urging citizens to listen to official parliamentary proceedings from the UPA era and judge who is telling the truth. The video shared by the Chief Minister shows then-Law Minister Kapil Sibal explaining the three precise categories under which the SIR process removes or updates names on the voter list. Deletion of duplicate entries take place when a voter shifts from one constituency to another, followed by seamless re-registration at the new address. Also during updating old electoral rolls during boundary reorganisations. There will be routine deletion of names of deceased individuals upon verification, said the former law minister in the video. In the footage, Sibal emphasised that no legitimate voter could be barred by registration officers, noting that millions of citizens routinely applied for inclusion under established statutory provisions. The video comes at a sensitive moment as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lead sustained street demonstrations demanding the halting of the SIR process and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over what they claim is the disenfranchisement of 13 crore people during the recent SIR process. The protests near Jantar Mantar and Election Commission headquarters have seen tense scuffles with law enforcement, leading to police complaints and political trade-offs. BJP leaders have rallied around CM Fadnavis's statement, asserting that the Opposition is attempting to manufacture a non-existent controversy over a standard voter roll hygiene drive that their own government previously endorsed and defended on the floor of Parliament. The CM's comments come a day after the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Maharashtra, in a major push to ensure maximum voter participation and clean electoral rolls, has launched targeted registration drives and door-to-door verification campaigns across the state. Operating under the guidelines of the ECI, election authorities have committed to ensuring that no eligible citizen is left off the electoral roll and no ineligible entries remain. The extensive outreach forms a crucial leg of the ongoing SIR process. Special voter registration camps have been conducted across all colleges and universities in Maharashtra from October 5 to October 9. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are deployed at campus sites to assist eligible students with completing application forms and to resolve queries regarding the SIR workflow, said the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Maharashtra release. BLOs are conducting home visits to identify eligible citizens missing from the Draft Electoral Roll and collect Form 6 following verification. For residents unavailable during home visits, special voter registration camps will be held at all designated polling stations on October 10 and October 11, 2026. Citizens whose names appear on the list of absent or migrated voters (compiled during house-to-house enumeration) can apply for re-enrolment or correction. The official list of absent/shifted voters has been published online at ceoelection.maharashtra.gov.in for public verification.
Unrelated Video of Youth Dancing Falsely Shared To Be From CJP Protest in Mumbai
We found out that the video is from a cultural event at IIT Delhi.
Chaar Yaar: Purav Jha, Chunky Panday series to premiere on October 23
Purav Jha, Naman Jain, Chunky Panday and Sikandar Kher-starrer Chaar Yaar follows four friends whose desperate attempt to change their lives pulls them into crime. Set in early-2000s Mumbai, the series will premiere on Prime Video on October 23
Watch: Aneet Padda joins Ahaan Panday's family at sister Alanna's baby shower
Aneet Padda attended Alanna Pandays baby shower in Mumbai, joining Ananya Panday for a fun baby-themed game as Ahaan Panday watched from the background. Her presence at the family gathering has drawn attention amid ongoing speculation about her rumoured relationship with Ahaan
Armaan Malik talks about importance of patience and gratitude
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Playback singer Armaan Malik, who has crooned the song Sabar, has spoken up on the significance of patience and gratitude in a persons life. The song is a part of Bhoomi 2026, and explores the idea that happiness does not always lie in reaching the destination, but in learning to appreciate the journey along the way. The music of the song is composed by SalimSulaiman, and lyrics furnished by Shraddha Pandit. Sabar is rooted in the values of patience, gratitude and appreciation. For Armaan, the song also holds a personal connection. Talking about the song, Armaan said in a statement, What drew me to Sabar was its musicality and the thought at its heart. Singing it for Salim-Sulaimans Bhoomi project really challenged me, and I genuinely feel it is one of my best songs vocally. It is music I can be proud of years from now. Ive had dreams that Ive carried for years, especially with my own original music, so I connect with that reminder to keep believing and trust the journey. Armaan believes patience and gratitude can help put that comparison into perspective. He further mentioned, It is very easy to feel that someone else is racing ahead, especially when you can see everyones achievements all the time. Ive spoken about how important it is to realise that your journey is different from everyone elses. Patience helps you make peace with that, while gratitude reminds you to appreciate what you already have. You can still have big dreams without feeling that where you are today is not enough. I hope Sabar gives people a moment to pause and feel a little more at peace with where they are. If someone is going through a phase where things arent happening as planned, I hope it helps them trust their journey and recognise the good that is still there. And as a singer, Id love for its musicality to inspire someone to practise, learn and find joy in singing, he added.
The German Bakery re-opened this May, but unlike Leopold Caf in Mumbai, it refuses to acknowledge its horrific past.
Anushka Sharma's 44.1-crore Mumbai property deal: 3 apartments on the same floor
Actor Anushka Sharma and her family have purchased three apartments worth a combined 44.1 crore at Godrej Skyshore in Mumbai's Versova. The transactions include individual purchases by Anushka and her parents, as well as a joint apartment purchase by Anushka and cricketer Virat Kohli.
Interior designer Sussanne Khan has joined hands with AGM Vijaylaxmi Group for WIZ, an upcoming commercial real estate project in Andheri East, Mumbai. The collaboration will see Khan shape the design identity of the development, drawing inspiration from Art Deco while interpreting its defining elements through a contemporary lens. Conceived as an experience-led commercial destination, WIZ aims to bring together architecture, interiors, lighting, artwork and material detailing within a cohesive design language. Rather than recreating traditional Art Deco aesthetics, Khans vision incorporates geometry, symmetry, strong proportions and understated glamour to establish a distinctive identity for the project. Known for her approach to design that combines storytelling, craftsmanship and quiet luxury, Khan is working alongside the wider design team on elements ranging from the architectural vision and material palette to furniture, lighting, artwork and finer details. The idea is to ensure that the functional aspects of the commercial development also contribute to its overall visual character. Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Sussanne Khan said, The idea for WIZ was to create a commercial design environment with its own visual rhythm and an emotional character. Our design draws on the confidence and elegance of Art Deco but expresses these qualities through a contemporary lens. Every surface, detail and transition has been considered as part of a larger narrative, so that the experience feels cohesive, inspiring and memorable without compromising its purpose as a place of business. Vikash Kawar, Director, AGM Vijaylaxmi Group, said the collaboration reflects the group's intention to combine functionality with a distinct design identity. He said, Our ambition lies in creating developments that combine functionality with a strong and enduring identity. WIZ reflects this thought process. Sussanne Khan has the ability to bring architecture, art, materials and storytelling together in a cohesive and sophisticated manner. Her involvement has helped to shape an environment that is sophisticated, contemporary and emotionally engaging. Through WIZ, we will offer businesses and investors a future-ready destination that is visually distinctive, thoughtfully designed and relevant for years to come. Gagan Mehta, Director, AGM Vijaylaxmi Group, highlighted the changing expectations of businesses from commercial real estate. He said, Businesses today want to operate efficiently, engage with clients meaningfully and position themselves in a differentiated manner. Commercial real estate must increasingly respond to their evolving requirements. Our approach to WIZ is therefore centred on creating an environment that supports our clients' ambition. We aim to strike a balance that makes the project relevant to both emerging enterprises and established organisations seeking a distinctive and aspirational address. The collaboration also marks a step in AGM Vijaylaxmi Group's broader real estate strategy, which spans commercial, residential, redevelopment and mixed-use projects. With Khan contributing to its design direction, WIZ aims to combine contemporary commercial functionality with a more considered architectural and interior experience. Also Read: Sussanne Khan pens emotional birthday note for brother Zayed Khan, shares nostalgic video; watch
Rohit Shetty, one of Bollywoods most bankable directors with hits such as Golmaal, Singham, Chennai Express to his name, enjoys a lavish life offscreen. The director lives in a massive 10-storey building named Shetty Tower in Juhu. A car enthusiast, the director has a massive luxury car collection that can make any four-wheeler lover go green with envy!
Navi Mumbai Police Invoke MCOCA Against Gang Supplying Drugs
Police also detain a female peddler to prevent her continued involvement in selling contraband
No fast or long running this week
As the Mumbai Marathon is just 8 days away, here's what you can do to complete your training.
CyberTech Asia to Make India debut in Mumbai in 2027: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis discussed the state's MahaCyber initiative, emerging technologies and cybersecurity practices with CyberTech Global founder and CyberMania author Amir Rapaport
Banking Recruitment Scam Busted: CBI Arrests Four In Pan-India Operation
The CBI Special Task Branch Mumbai executed coordinated, multi-state raids following an FIR registered on a complaint filed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
In 2025, a Hyderabad-based man approached the Consumer Court after claiming that he was made to watch 22 minutes of advertisements at a PVR INOX theatre when he went to see the Dhanush-Nagarjuna starrer Kubera. Last month, in September 2026, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Hyderabad, held PVR INOX liable for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices and ordered the multiplex chain to pay Rs. 20,000 as compensation to the complainant and Rs. 5,000 towards litigation costs. This was the second such case in which the multiplex chain was asked to compensate an aggrieved moviegoer over advertisements. Last year, a Bengaluru patron, upset over being made to watch nearly 25 minutes of commercials and trailers during a screening of Sam Bahadur, approached the Consumer Court. PVR INOX was subsequently ordered to pay Rs. 1 lakh in compensation and legal costs. Advertisements in cinemas, before a film begins or during the interval, have been a common practice for decades, and moviegoers have largely accepted them. Certain brands have even relied heavily on the big screen for promotions. For instance, viewers in Mumbai would fondly remember the Gangar Opticians advertisement that was regularly shown in cinemas in the early 2000s. Its memorable presentation ensured that the brand enjoyed strong recall value among moviegoers. In recent times, the Lyra Leggings commercial featuring Janhvi Kapoor, along with its catchy theme song, has become firmly etched in the minds of moviegoers, thanks to its repeated screenings in theatres. Interestingly, the ad is rarely, if ever, seen on television, and audiences have largely come across it in cinemas. Those frequenting PVR INOX cinemas would also be familiar with an audiovisual presentation in which prominent brand owners and company officials explain how cinema advertising can have a significant impact on footfalls and sales. However, while patrons may not mind watching advertisements, having become accustomed to them over the years, the problem arises when the commercials go on and on, testing their patience. Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited, about the healthy box office performance in September and the first week of October. Towards the end of our interaction, we asked him about the recent ruling concerning cinema advertisements and whether a middle ground could be reached, allowing advertisements to continue but within reasonable limits. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, We are always looking at that. We havent received that many complaints. We have also reduced our ad time from 15-18 minutes to 10 minutes, which we thought was a sweet spot and which we thought wasnt compromising on the viewing experience. But of course, you cant please everyone and this happened. But we are obviously keeping a close eye on it. He continued, We havent come out with anything which is a carte blanche policy. But we are keeping a keen eye on it to see how we can reduce it. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that the moviegoing experience does not get compromised by anything. As of now, we have reached a sweet spot as far as ad time is concerned. Hopefully, thatll be palatable and acceptable to everyone. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: PVR INOXs Sanjeev Kumar Bijli celebrates Drishyam The Conclusions box office success: Our weekend admissions stood at 30 lakhs, among the HIGHEST ever; predicts BLOCKBUSTER run for Ramayana: It has all the ingredients
Amitabh Bachchan paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar following his sudden demise, remembering him as an exceptional performer, a dear friend and a committed social worker. Reflecting on Patekars legacy, Bachchan highlighted the qualities that set him apart, including his fearlessness, simplicity and courage to speak his mind. In his tribute, Bachchan said, Deviyo aur sajjano, Nana Patekar ji ka achanak aaj subah swargwas ho gaya. Ek adwitiya kalakar, mitra, shubhchintak, aur ek utkrisht samaj sevak aaj hamare beech nahi rahe. Ye na keval Bharatiya film udyog ke liye, balki ek vyaktigat taur par, jinka bhi unke saath sampark hua, usne hum sabko stabdh kar diya hai. Unki bebaki, unki sadgi, aur sach ko sach kehne ka unka saahas, ye sari baatein unko sabse alag banati thi ((Ladies and gentlemen, Nana Patekar ji passed away suddenly this morning. An unparalleled artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an exceptional social worker is no longer among us. This is not only a monumental loss for the Indian film industry, but also a deeply personal loss for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His sudden departure has left us all stunned. His fearlessness, his simplicity, and his courage to call the truth exactly as it was these qualities made him truly different from everyone else). He went on to continue, Kuch log hamare jeevan se chale jaate hain, lekin unki aawaz, unke paropkar, unki sikhai hui seekh hamare bhitar reh jaati hai. Nana unhi logon mein se ek the. Aapko, Nana, vyaktigat roop se mera naman. Aur aapki us kala ko pranam, jise aapne puri imandari se jeeya aur hum sabko samarpit kiya (Some people leave our lives, but their voice, their acts of compassion, and the lessons they have taught us remain within us. Nana was one of those rare people. Nana, I offer you my personal respects. And I salute the art that you lived with complete honesty and devoted wholeheartedly to all of us). Recalling Patekars appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16, Bachchan also spoke about the actors commitment to humanitarian work. He remembered the special episode as a memorable evening, particularly because Patekar dedicated his prize money to a cause close to his heart. Bachchan said, Iss manch par hamare vishesh karyakram mein ek atithi ke roop mein unka aagman hua tha. Wo yaadgar shaam sada hamare saath rahegi. Unki baaton ne na keval hume prabhavit kiya, balki jis nek kaaj ke liye unhone jeeti hui dhanrashi ko samarpit kiya, wo unki samaj seva ka udaharan tha. Maharashtra ke un gaon mein jo varsha ke abhav se peedit the, unhone wahan ke kisanon ke saath sampark kiya aur vyakatigat roop se unki seva ki (He had come to this stage as a guest for our special episode. That memorable evening will always remain with us. His words not only touched and inspired us, but the noble cause to which he dedicated the prize money he had won was a powerful example of his commitment to social service. In the villages of Maharashtra that were suffering because of a lack of rainfall, he reached out to the farmers and personally extended his support and service to them). View this post on Instagram A post shared by sonytvofficial (@sonytvofficial) The megastar concluded his message by extending his condolences on behalf of the shows team, saying, KBC parivaar ki aur se hardik shradhanjali (On behalf of the entire KBC family, our heartfelt tribute). Beyond his celebrated film career, Patekar was widely associated with social initiatives supporting drought-affected farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. His work through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with Makarand Anaspure, became an important part of his public legacy. About Nana Patekars demise Nana Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. According to reports, he suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was declared dead at approximately 5:20 AM IST after efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Also Read: Salman Khan postpones Mumbai event after the death of Khamoshi co-star Nana Patekar: Report
Nishant Singh had limited screen time in Drishyam 2 and Drishyam The Conclusion, but he made a mark with his performance and well-etched character. He plays Shiv, while Neha Joshi essays the role of his wife, Jenny. The two pretend to be friendly neighbours of Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn). Unknown to Vijay and his family, they are actually undercover cops tasked with finding that one clue which could prove that the Salgaonkars killed Meera Deshmukhs (Tabu) son, Sam. The two characters appear in Drishyam The Conclusion as well, and their recordings play an important role in the proceedings. Moreover, when advocate Indrajit Shetty (Prakash Raj) refers to them as Changu Mangu, audiences erupt with laughter, making their characters even more memorable. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nishant Singh spoke about his role in the franchise, the secrecy surrounding the climax and a lot more. How has the response been to your role in Drishyam The Conclusion? It has been great. The response has been quite surprising. We didnt expect the film to be loved so much. We knew that since its a popular franchise, people would obviously flock to cinemas. However, the audience turning up in such huge numbers was unexpected (smiles). The whole team is happy and the audience is loving the film as well. Its a win-win situation. Our parts are limited, but they have strong recall value. While watching this film, audiences were able to recall what happened in Drishyam 2. In fact, I am getting more calls and messages for this film than I did for Drishyam 2 (smiles). Indrajit Shetty addresses you and Jenny as Changu Mangu. How did that come about? (Laughs) Its thanks to Aamil Keeyan Khan, who wrote the dialogues. He told me that Abhishek Pathak sir calls him and another writer of the film Changu Mangu! Thats how Aamil got the idea and incorporated it into the film. It fit perfectly. Moreover, the way Prakash Raj sir delivered the dialogue made it even more entertaining. In one of your interviews, you revealed that 90% of the unit didnt know the films ending Yes. Vijay Salgaonkar jo Meera Deshmukh aur Goa ki public ke saath kar rahe the, wohi Abhishek sir hamare saath kar rahe the (laughs)! Since the unit members didnt know the entire story, there were a lot of speculations and rumours ki shayad aisa hoga ya waisa hoga. Only the core team knew the climax. The rest of us were kept in the dark. During Drishyam 2, we were given the full script. But with the third part, the makers decided to maintain secrecy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nishant Singh (@thenishantsingh) Were you given the script minus the climax, or were you provided with just your scenes? I was given only my scenes. Interestingly, our scenes are in the pre-climax. When Rajveer Singh Tomar (Jaideep Ahlawat) and Indrajit Shetty are talking, Shiv and Jenny are also present in the room. Hence, we got an idea of what happens in the climax. But we played along and even joined in the rumours and speculations about what the ending could possibly be (laughs)! In Drishyam 2, you had a crucial scene where you get drunk and insult Vijay Salgaonkar. Your performance was quite impressive, especially the way you got the Marathi pronunciation right I come from Sitamarhi, Bihar. So, I am not a Maharashtrian, while my character is one who can speak Marathi fluently. Thankfully, I pursued a two-year master's course at the Academy of Theatre Arts, University of Mumbai. Almost everyone around me, including those with whom I shared a room in the hostel, was Marathi-speaking. Thanks to them, I learned to speak chaste Marathi, and that helped me immensely in this role. How was your experience of working with Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran? All of them are down-to-earth and calm. They dont talk much. Jitni zaroorat hai, utni hi baat karte hain. They work very patiently. During the drunk scene in Drishyam 2, I was quite hesitant about charging at Ajay sir. We did a rehearsal, after which I blurted out, Sir, meri fatt rahi hai! He held my hand and told me, Tu aa na mere upar. Koi dikkat nahin hai. That made me comfortable, and I was able to nail the scene. How was it working with Prakash Raj? Hes very funny. He loves cracking jokes and is quite cool as well. Its sad that there wont be a fourth part and that the series ends here You never know! It all depends on the audience. If the audience demands a fourth part, even the makers might decide to go for it. Also Read: Ajay Devgn returns with Drishyam The Conclusion, set to release on October 2, 2026, poster out
Mumbai-Based Firms, 5 Indian Nationals Face US Sanctions Over Iran Oil Trade
The action against the Indian entities and individuals is part of the US crackdown against Iran under Operation Economic Outcast
From Indian Idol Fame To Financial Struggles: Why Amit Sana Stepped Away From Bollywood
The Indian Idol 1 runner-up says his experiences in Mumbai left him disillusioned, while a lack of regular work led to years of financial struggles.
Amit Sana Recalls Financial Struggles After Indian Idol
The Indian Idol 1 runner-up says his experiences in Mumbai left him disillusioned, while a lack of regular work led to years of financial struggles.
66 lakh tax penalty over sons 1.1 crore flat: How senior citizen won ITAT relief
A senior citizen in Navi Mumbai faced a 2.20 crore tax addition after the Income Tax Department treated two documents for the same flat as separate purchases. The ITAT granted relief, highlighting why joint ownership alone does not establish who funded a property and why payment records matter.
Indraxi Kanjilal says Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi challenges conventional idea of a heroine
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Indraxi Kanjilal has opened up about her role in Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi,' calling the character special for challenging conventional ideas of what a heroine is expected to look like. She said the character moves beyond stereotypical expectations and offers a different perspective on the image of a leading lady on screen. Talking about playing Sohni, Indraxi said, Sohni is a very special character because she challenges the usual idea of what a heroine is expected to look like. She is simple, wears thick glasses and is often judged by people around her, but she never allows that to affect her positivity or self-belief. What I love most about Sohni is that her intelligence, kindness, and self-respect are her real strengths. I am happy to be part of a show with such a meaningful thought, and I hope audiences embrace Sohni and her journey. Sumit Bharadwaj, who plays Kabeer, added, Kabeer and Sohni come from two completely different worlds. Kabeer has grown up surrounded by fashion, glamour, and privilege, while Sohni's world is simple and grounded. Their first interaction itself comes from a misunderstanding, which makes their journey even more interesting. As their worlds come together, Kabeer begins to see things differently, and audiences will discover many layers to their relationship. I am excited for viewers to experience this unusual and heartwarming journey. Akshat Singhal, Director Enterr10 TV Network said, With Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi, we wanted to tell a story that goes beyond conventional definitions of beauty. Sohni may not fit the stereotypical image of a television heroine, but her intelligence, kindness, courage and self-belief make her truly special. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Punjab, the show introduces an unconventional heroine whose greatest strengths lie not in her appearance but in her intelligence, kindness, courage, and character. Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi premiered on 5th October on Dangal TV.
Mumbai: Aman Gandhis remark about fellow Bigg Boss 20 contestant Qazi has prompted a clarification from his team, which says his words are being given a religious angle. Defending the actor, Team Aman maintained that the comment concerned Qazis gameplay and had nothing to do with his religion or community. Aman Gandhis statement In a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Sheeba Chadha calls microdrama Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe a love at first sight story
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Sheeba Chadha has expressed her happiness over being part of the microdrama Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, describing the story as love at first sight. Sheeba took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images from the shoot of Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe and went on to heap praise on her co-stars Kusha Kapila and Priyanshu Chatterjee, calling her collaboration with them a joy. She wrote in the caption: #likhejokhattujhe The story was love at first sight for me. what joy it has been to collaborate with @kushakapila whom I have adored forever and @priyanshuchatterjee who is adorable. @tulseaoriginals @namrata_wadhwani @raashinahata thank you so much for taking me along on this really precious one. Thank you so so much to all of you for all the love esp for the green sari. The project explores themes of human connection, healing and self-discovery. A Tulsea Original, the series has been created & written by Namrata Wadhwani and directed by Raashi Priya Nahata. It is produced by Tulsea & Versis Entertainment, executive produced by Moonwalk Motion Pictures. The 14-episode Tulsea Original series revolves around an unusual pen-pal relationship between two women dealing with emotional struggles. The story begins when one woman sends a letter to an old friend, but it accidentally reaches the tenant currently living in that house. Talking about Sheeba, she has acted as a character actor in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Parzania, Delhi 6, Luck by Chance and Talaash. She appeared in the 2012 film Talaash: The Answer Lies Within as Nirmala, a sex worker. The year 2015 saw her triumph with a quirky turn as Nain Tara Tiwary in Sharat Katariya's Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Her early appearance on television was on Love Marriage thereafter, she made a comeback in television in 2007 playing a business tycoon in Kasturi. This was followed by series like Na Aana Is Des Laado, Kitani Mohabbat Hai, Kahani Saat Pheron Ki, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge and Lakhon Mein Ek. In June 2012, she joined the cast of popular television series, Hitler Didi.
Mamta Kulkarni recalls fond memories of Nana Patekar: He treated me like a child
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Mamta Kulkarni recalled her fond memories of veteran actor Nana Patekar. She remembered their collaborations in Tiranga and Krantiveer and the warmth he showed her when they lived in the same building in Mumbais Lokhandwala. In an interaction with IANS, Mamta spoke about Patekars caring nature and recalled how he would often ask her to dry her wet hair before leaving for early-morning film shoots, concerned that she might fall ill. It is very sad that Nana Patekar is no more. You all know that I have worked with him in two films. Both of them are made by the same maker, Mr. Mehul Kumar. I worked with him in the film, Tiranga, which became a super hit. Then I worked with him in the film, Krantiveer, which became a blockbuster. Nana Patekar and I used to live in the same building in Lokhandwala, she said. Recalling their encounters during the early hours of the morning, Mamta said she would often see Patekar playing badminton as she left for work. She would greet him, and he would notice her wet hair and advise her to dry it before heading to the set. I used to leave for shooting at 5.30 or 6 in the morning. Nana Patekar used to play badminton when I left. Whenever I saw him, I used to lower my glasses. I used to greet him. I used to tell him that my hair is wet. He used to tell me to go home and dry my hair. I used to tell him that I am going on a set. He used to tell me to go home or else I would fall sick. He treated me like a child, she recalled. The Karan Arjun actress also spoke about Patekars simplicity and his friendly demeanor, saying that despite his stature as an actor, he never displayed airs of stardom. Nana Patekar is a brilliant actor. He is always in his character. I worked with him in both the films, Tiranga and Krantiveer. He won awards for both the films. Nana Patekar is a down-to-earth person. We used to live in the same building, she said. Mamta further recalled visiting the actor at his home, where he would ask her what she wanted to eat. When she asked for tea, he would direct her to the kitchen to prepare it herself, reflecting his unpretentious nature. He was a very simple man. He used to sit on the terrace. There was no star-like personality, Mamta added. Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75.
Siddharth Roy Kapur recalls being astounded by Nana Patekar in Parinda, calls him a rare performer
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur recalled how veteran actor Nana Patekars performance in Parinda left him astounded. He described him as a rare performer who could effortlessly transition from intense roles to comedy. Speaking to IANS, Roy said, I would just like to say that he was an incredible performer. There are very few actors who can range from Parinda to Welcome. From that kind of intense performance to that kind of comedy. And Nana Patekar was one of those rare actors. Recalling his experience of watching Parinda in a Mumbais cinema, the producer said Patekars performance had left a lasting impression on him. I still remember watching Parinda in Hero Cinema and being astounded by his performance. It's one of those performances that really stand out to you as being something that breaks new ground, he said. Siddharth also extended his heartfelt condolences to the actors family, adding that Indian cinema would deeply miss the veteran performer. So, I would just like to say that my deep condolences to the family and Indian cinema will miss him, he added. Several members of the Indian film fraternity, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Hema Malini, have expressed their condolences following the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar. Other celebrities, including Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher, Rohit Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, and Pankaj Tripathi, also remembered his contribution to Indian cinema and his enduring impact on generations of performers. In an exclusive statement to IANS, Pankaj Tripathi recalled how Nana Patekars guidance went beyond the world of cinema. He shared that Patekar would often offer advice and help him make important decisions in life. Nana jis passing is an incredibly painful loss for our entire fraternity; it's a deeply personal loss for me. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Kaala, and that experience will always remain very special to me. He was not just a co-actor but someone who would guide me on the craft, life choices, and the smallest nuances of acting, he said. Padma Shri awardee Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. According to reports, the veteran actor was found unconscious at his residence in Goa after complaining of severe chest discomfort.
Krushna Abhishek, Kashmera Shah, Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain open up about family bonding
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Power couples Krushna Abhishek, Kashmera Shah, and Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain opened up the importance of family bonding as they appeared on Family Full House with Rohit Sharma. The celebrities also spoke about Rohit Sharmas hosting and his playful new avatar on the show. Sharing his thoughts on the family dynamics and friendly competition that make the show an engaging family entertainer, Krushna Abhishek said, Family dynamics become even more entertaining when everyone comes together and theres a little competition involved. Thats what makes Family Full House with Rohit Sharma so much fun. You get to see all those little family equations come alive, who is competitive, who gets irritated first and who is secretly trying to win! Rohit was terrific in the middle of all that chaos. He was relaxed, had great comic timing and knew when to let the families take over. Audiences are going to enjoy discovering this side of him. For Kashmera Shah, sharing the experience with her family made the show particularly memorable. She said, Being a part of Family Full House with Rohit Sharma was such a fun and memorable experience, especially because I got to share it with my family. We laughed, teased each other, competed and simply enjoyed being together. The games bring out the competitive side, but its the reactions, laughter and little family moments that make the show so entertaining. Rohit was wonderful as a host and made everyone feel comfortable. We had such a great time, and I think audiences will really enjoy watching families come together and have fun. Arti Singh spoke about the candid family interactions that emerge when people let their guard down, adding to the show's appeal as a family entertainer. She said, Im always drawn to shows where people dont have to put up a perfect version of themselves, and Family Full House with Rohit Sharma has that quality. Once youre with people you know and competing, the real reactions come out. Rohit Sharma made the whole experience very comfortable. His hosting felt natural, and his reactions to the families were a lot of fun. I had never imagined seeing him in this avatar, and he really surprised me. Its the kind of show Id want to watch at home with my family. Ankita Lokhande, who participated alongside Vicky Jain, her mother and sister-in-law, reflected on how the games brought out different sides of each family member. She said, Having Vicky, my mother and my sister-in-law with me meant four very different personalities together, and the games made that dynamic even more interesting. You quickly discover who takes competition seriously and who is there to create chaos! That was the most enjoyable part of Family Full House with Rohit Sharma. It felt like we were simply being ourselves. Rohit was also a lovely surprise. He brings a very easy and playful quality to his hosting, and Im looking forward to watching this episode with my family. Vicky Jain also shared how participating with his family made the experience special. He said, Some of the best memories are made when you get to have fun with the people closest to you, and Family Full House with Rohit Sharma gave me exactly that. Getting to share the experience with my wife Ankita, my bhabhi and my mother-in-law made it even more special. We had a great time, and the games brought in a lot of fun and excitement. Rohit was fantastic as a host and handled everything effortlessly. Im really excited to see how our family comes across on the show, and Im sure the audience will enjoy watching us have as much fun as we did.
Rupee rises 23 paise to 96.65 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai, Oct 9 (PTI) The rupee appreciated 23 paise to 96.65 against US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by a slight softening in the US dollar and suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank of India. Forex traders said the rupee opened on a positive note this morning with the dollar index down to 102 levels and Brent also down to USD 103.39 per barrel after US President Donald Trump said that the attack on Iran will happen only after the midterm elections. However, broader geopolitical pressures on the domestic currency persist and relentless foreign fund outflows is pressurising
Survey number explained: What land buyers in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai & other cities must know
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Jessica Chastain has teased audiences with a chilling take on her upcoming film Other Mommy, describing it as a delight behind the scenes but a matter for your therapist on screen. Chastain took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images from the sets of the film and wrote: Behind the scenes, a delight. On screen, a matter for your therapist. OTHER MOMMY. In theatres tomorrow! Other Mommy is a 2026 American supernatural psychological horror film directed by Rob Savage and written by Nathan Elston. The film is based on the 2024 novel Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman. It stars Jessica Chastain as a mother who must do everything to protect her daughter from a supernatural entity that resembles her. Jay Duplass, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, and Karen Allen comprise the supporting cast. Filming for Other Mommy took place in Dublin, Ireland from May to July of 2025. It is scheduled to be released in the United States by Universal Pictures on October 9, 2026. The film follows Bela, an eight-year-old girl living in a home with marital problems, as she confronts a sinister entity that comes out of her closet. The presence, whom she calls Other Mommy, becomes increasingly threatening to her and her family. Chastain is known for starring in projects with feminist themes. She developed an interest in acting at an early age and made her professional stage debut in 1998 as Shakespeare's Juliet. After studying acting at the Juilliard School, she worked on television and stage. After making her film debut at age 31 in the drama Jolene in 2008, she had her breakthrough in 2011 with six film releases, including the dramas Take Shelter and The Tree of Life. She received Academy Award nominations for playing an aspiring socialite in the period drama The Help and a CIA analyst in the thriller Zero Dark Thirty. The actress achieved major success with the science fiction films Interstellar, The Martian and the horror film It Chapter Two.
Stock markets rebound in early trade led by TCS, other IT firms
Mumbai, Oct 9 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Friday after two days of sharp decline, led by a rally in TCS and other IT stocks. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 292 points to 71,876.10 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty was up 84.60 points to 22,310.40. From the 30 Sensex firms, Tata Consultancy Services surged over 4 per cent after reporting a 15 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 13,884 crore and pointing to continued growth momentum going forward. Infosys, ITC, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Adani Ports and HDFC Bank were
Imposing emergency: Aaditya Thackeray slams curbs on October 10 Delhi protest
Aaditya Thackeray responded to remarks by Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrishti Pandey regarding the proposed protest organised by the CJP
He wants to keep wickets for India or Mumbai: Siddhesh Lad on Yashasvi Jaiswal
Mumbai Ranji Trophy captain Siddhesh Lad revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal is working on his wicketkeeping skills, with the long-term aim of potentially keeping wickets for Mumbai or the Indian national team. However, Lad clarified that he has no confirmed information about Jaiswal
West Bengal bypolls: BJP leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar
BJP was leading in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in early counting trends on Friday. Hasirani Rath was ahead in Nandigram, while Sakharav Sarkar led in Rejinagar as postal ballots were counted following polling on October 6
Siddhesh Lad says Yashasvi Jaiswal aims to keep wickets for Mumbai or India
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Indian equity markets open higher; Nifty IT surges 3 pc
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Domestic equity benchmarks opened higher on Friday amid strong buying in information technology (IT) sector shares following an announcement by the US government on the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM). Sensex started at 71,776.67, up 183.43 points or 0.26 per cent. Meanwhile, Nifty began trading session at 22,314.95, up 83.15 points or 0.37 per cent. Sector-wise, Nifty IT led gains, surging more than 3 per cent to 28,604.75 and hitting an intraday high in morning trade. While Nifty MidSmall IT & Telecom also rose more than 2 per cent to 9,825.85. Moreover, Nifty FMCG, Nifty Media, Nifty Healthcare, Nifty Realty, Nifty Private Bank surged up to 1 per cent in early deals. Market experts said elevated crude price and high US bond yields continue to impact the market and have turned near-term structure to a strong sell on rally structure, adding that sustained FII selling has emboldened bears to go short even on fundamentally strong bluechips. Given the elevated crude prices and high US bond yields, FIIs are likely to continue selling in near term, irrespective of favourable valuations, particularly of large-caps, they said. Stock market history shows crises are great opportunities to buy and the ongoing corrective phase has opened up opportunities for patient long-term investors to accumulate high-quality stocks. On technicals, analysts said, The 22,050 region which we had pencilled in at start of week but hoped not to see, is within touching distance, bringing 19,000 and 16,700 back in radar. But, being at lower Bollinger band, a swing higher is hoped for early in day. However, upside expectations will stay limited as long as held within 22,290-350 band, but a direct rise above same could call for 22,440-600. Downside marker for day may be placed near 22,140. Additionally, global cues remain mixed as weakness in US technology stocks and elevated crude oil prices amid Middle East tensions continue to weigh on sentiment, while some easing in US bond yields offers limited relief. In addition, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained aggressive net sellers on Thursday and offloaded equities worth Rs 12,943 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided support with net purchases of Rs 10,703 crore. FIIs have sold equities worth Rs 36,210 crore through exchanges in October so far.
Neha Dhupia talks about Sanjay Kapoors support during her Julie days
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Neha Dhupia recalled her early days in the industry and talked about her experience while shooting for the 2004 film Julie with Isha Koppikar. The actress shared that having her mother around on the sets was an important part of those early years, but she was always kept away from the actual work environment. Sanjay and his wife Maheep Kapoor joined Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi on their show Double Date. Talking about how Sanjay would make her mother feel comfortable on the sets, Neha shared: My mom used to be on sets but wo Kabhi kamre se bahar aati nahi thi. Aisa nahi hai unko invite nahi kiya jata tha, and she doesn't need any invitation but it was always about keeping me away, and just cocooned in the atmosphere in which I have to work. Sanjay (Kapoor) was very nice He was doing the balancing act between the director,producer and going to attend my mom and making her feel comfortable. (My mom used to be on the sets, but she would never come out of the room. Its not that she wasnt invited, and she doesnt need any invitation, but it was always about keeping me away and just cocooned in the atmosphere in which I had to work.) (Sanjay was very nice. He was doing the balancing act between the director, producer, and attending to my mom, making her feel comfortable.) Neha and Sanjay had previously worked together in Qayamat: City Under Threat. Talking about Julie, the erotic film produced by N. R. Pachisia and directed by Deepak Shivdasani. The film stars Neha Dhupia, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Yash Tonk, Sanjay Kapoor and Achint Kaur. The film follows Mihir, an influential businessman, who falls in love with Julie, a prostitute. When he proposes marriage, she hesitates to accept his proposal because of her profession and grim past.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit has recalled the emotionally challenging times she faced during her early days in Bollywood. She further revealed how her late mother back then taught her to stay strong, ignore criticism and focus on her work with sincerity. During an appearance on the quiz reality show, Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, the actress opened up to Amitabh Bachchan about her mothers invaluable advice and how it helped her navigate the ups and downs of her career. During their conversation, Amitabh Bachchan gently inquired about Madhuri's strong bond with her mother, asking Madhuri ji, kya aap maanti hain jinko aap aai kehti hain unse aapne bahut kuch sikha hai, ya kuch aisa jo aapne unse prapt kiya ho? (Madhuri ji, do you believe that you have learned a lot from the person you call Aai, or is there something that you have received from her?) Reflecting on her upbringing and her early days in the film industry, a nostalgic Madhuri shared how her mother was her pillar of strength, and also compared her resilient spirit to Amitabh Bachchans own mother, Late Teji Bachchan. Recalling the emotional struggles she faced when she was young and trying to establish herself in Bollywood, the actress revealed how her mother taught her not to let criticism affect her and instead focus on her work. Sharing her mother's wisdom on set, Madhuri revealed by saying, I would say jitni bhi kala hain ya art hai ya dance ho, sab kuch mujhe unse hi aaya hain. Toh maa joh thi, she was very strong, jitni aapki maata ji strong thi waisi hi woh bhi thi. Jab main iss field mein aayi, main bahut hi young thi, toh koi kuch bol deta tha toh main ghar jaati thi aur mujhe bahut hi bura lagta tha. Toh maa humesha kehti thi ki itna weak nahi hona aur kisi ki nahi sunna, tumhe yeh karna hain toh karke dikhao. Woh kehti thi bas kaam karo aur sincerity se kaam karo, aur jo logon ko sab negative lag raha hain, ek success ke baad sab positive ho jaata hain. (I would say that whatever art, creativity, or dance I have, everything has come from her. My mother was very strong; she was as strong as your mother was. When I entered this field, I was very young, so if someone said something to me, I would go home and feel very hurt. My mother would always tell me not to be so weak and not to listen to what others said. She would say, If you want to do this, then prove it by doing it. She would tell me to simply work and work with sincerity, and that everything that people were seeing as negative would become positive after one success)
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner took a trip down memory lane with his Avengers friends, including Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans, among others, sharing in both the good and bad times. Looking back on the friendships forged along the way, Renner took to Instagram to express gratitude to fans for being part of the journey, which has now led to what he described as the biggest movie of all time. We have always had something to celebrate throughout the years. The good and the bad. A Throwback today to celebrate all of the fans that forged these friendships, a shared life, and now the biggest movie of all time. Thank you all for sharing this with us !! We love you, Renner wrote as the caption alongside two pictures featuring the cast of Avengers. Avengers: Infinity War released in 2018. In the film, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy attempt to stop Thanos from collecting the six powerful Infinity Stones as part of his quest to kill half of all life in the universe. A year later came Avengers: Endgame. In the film, the surviving members of the Avengers and their allies attempt to reverse Thanos's actions in Infinity War, which erased half of all life in the universe. The Avengers: Endgame Encore released in theaters on September 25 featuring new footage and an exclusive look at Avengers: Doomsday. Talking about Avengers: Doomsday, the film, which is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, features an ensemble cast led by Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In the film, the Avengers, Wakandans, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men converge from different universes to face Doom. Renner began his career by appearing in independent films such as Dahmer and Neo Ned, then supporting roles in bigger films, such as S.W.A.T. and 28 Weeks Later.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, October 9 (IANS) Actor Sandhya Mridul has come out in support of Tanushree Dutta following the latters controversial remarks about late actor Nana Patekar after his demise. Without taking any names, and backing the survivors perspective, Sandhya shared posts on her social media account emphasising that a persons death does not erase the harm they may have caused and that the experiences of survivors should not be forgotten amid public tributes. In one of her social media posts, Sandhya wrote, A person's death does not automatically erase the harm they may have caused. Abuse does not become untrue because the abuser is gone, and the experiences of survivors do not become less real in the face of public tributes. She further wrote, It is possible to mourn someone, and it is also important to remember that there may be people carrying pain connected to them. When only praise is allowed and survivors are forgotten, it can feel like their truth disappears all over again. In another post, she wrote, A survivor lives with it for as long as they live. I will always stand with the survivor. #metoo. She also used the hashtag #MeToo, expressing her support for survivors and their experiences. Sandhyas posts come amid discussions surrounding Tanushrees remarks about Nana following his demise on Thursday. In a video shared on social media, Tanushree referred to the late actor as Evil Dead, with her comments drawing criticism from some quarters. The controversy between Tanushree and Nana Patekar dates back to 2008, when the actress accused the veteran actor of sexually harassing her on the sets of the film Horn 'OK' Pleassss, during the #MeToo movement.
South Indian D2C food brands turn to Mumbai tastings as online customer acquisition costs rise
From experimental coffee processing to regionally inspired chocolates and artisanal cheese, producers are using in-person experiences to explain premium pricing
Gold and silver prices today, 9 October: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
There's a new Bengaluru-led dining space in Mumbai; here's all you need to know
With their first outlet in Mumbai, a chain introduces the Darshini-style of dining, a key facet of Bengalurus QSR ecosystem, to Juhu
Mumbai heatwave alert widens across Maharashtra as IMD warns of hot conditions
Mumbai and nearby districts are currently under a yellow alert for potential heat-wave conditions. The India Meteorological Department forecasts dry weather following the retreat of the southwest monsoon. Economic analysts are monitoring agricultural impacts due to rising temperatures and potential food inflation risks. Weather patterns in the region will influence future policy decisions regarding economic conditions. Normal weather conditions are anticipated to return by October 12, 2026.
IMD issues yellow alert as Mumbai faces heatwave post monsoon
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Garba the traditional way: 500 college students revive the spirit of the festival
Playing against Mumbai at Wankhede is a challenge, but Im ready for it
Samant, who guided Mumbai to their Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph in 2018-19 as head coach, joined the Manan Vohra-led Chandigarh team in Mumbai last evening.
JD Vance says US wants elite talent, not H-1B worker replacements
The Vice-President also defended the administration's decision to impose an additional fee on H-1B applications
IMD issues heatwave alert for Mumbai temperature likely to touch 37 degrees
Mumbai is likely to experience intense heat on Friday, October 9, with the IMD issuing a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of the city and surrounding areas. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 37C, after the island city recorded 37.6C in the past 24 hours
AICWA condemns Tanushree Duttas evil dead remark against late Nana Patekar after his demise
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly condemned actress Tanushree Duttas Evil Dead remark about late actor Nana Patekar following his demise on Thursday. In a statement, the association described her comments as insensitive, objectionable and shameful, urging her to exercise restraint while speaking about the deceased. In its statement, AICWA said, AICWA strongly condemns Tanushree Dutta's Evil Dead remark on the passing of legend Nana Patekar. The entire film industry and the whole country are in mourning at the passing of Nana Patekar, the Padma Shri awardee, the man who served the nation during the Kargil War, and the artist whose Naam Foundation stood by farmers' families in distress. We pay him our humble tributes and stand with his family in their hour of grief. It further read, At such a time, Tanushree Dutta's statement on social media, in which she used the words Evil Dead, is deeply objectionable, insensitive and shameful. AICWA strongly condemns it. To use such words for a person after his death goes against basic humanity. Until today, no one in our film industry has made such a statement after someone's passing. You are the first, and we pray you will be the last. People in this industry know what to say on such an occasion and when to stay silent. You should have kept a check on your tongue. It further read, You said that today is your work day, that you are going to Lucknow for a big event, and that your whole day is planned. Do your work; nobody asked you. Whether your event is in Lucknow or London, whether you focus or not, nobody is interested. On a day when the country is mourning the loss of a stalwart, speaking about your own event and your own plans reflects a very small mindset. We pray for the peace of Nana Patekar's soul. Er. Suresh Shyamlal GuptaPresident AICWA. For the uninitiated, in an exclusive interview with IANS, Tanushree Dutta spoke about Nana following his demise and made strong remarks against the veteran actor, calling him a Shaitaan. In a video shared on social media on Thursday, she referred to him as Evil Dead, drawing criticism from AICWA over the timing and nature of her comments. The controversy between the two dates back to 2018, when Tanushree Dutta accused Nana of sexually harassing her on the sets of the film Horn 'OK' Pleassss in 2008. The actor denied the allegations, and the controversy brought the #MeToo movement in India into the spotlight.
US Congress to honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for bravery
The Congressman also drew attention to the families whose loved ones survived the incident
Ranji Trophy | Mumbai ready to embrace pressure: Skipper Siddhesh Lad
Skipper Siddhesh Lad and his teenaged deputy Ayush Mhatre ooze confidence as record 42-time Ranji champs begin quest for another title
EAM S Jaishankar arrives in Ethiopia to advance strategic partnership
In an earlier statement, the MEA said EAM Jaishankar would hold bilateral meeting with his counterpart to review close ties of friendship and cooperation
Gold was priced at Rs 1,49,910 per 10 grams and silver at Rs 2,21,470 per kg early Friday.
Five injured as gas leak triggers fire in hostel on IIT Bombay campus
Mumbai, Oct 09: Five persons, including two children, suffered injuries after a gas leak from a cylinder pipe triggered a fire at a hostel on the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay campus in Powai here, officials said. They said the incident was reported at around 10.25 pm on Thursday from hostel number 6. The injured were taken to BMC-run Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, an official said. Four of them were later shifted to civic body-run Kasturba Hospital at Chinchpokli. One remains admitted to Rajawadi Hospital. The five have been identified as Ansh Ahirwar (12), Tahjib Aalam (9), Ishwar Singh (37), Shivkumar Singh (34) and Anilkumar Yadav (23), the official said. Police personnel and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation staffers were mobilised following the incident, he added.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar recovering well after surgery, MEA says
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Digital Desk | None Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Tanushree Dutta, who once accused legendary actor Nana Patekar of sexually harassingher has reacted on his demise. In an exclusive interview with IANS, she referred to him as a 'Shaitaan'. Following his demise on Thursday, Tanushree uploaded the video calling it evil dead.' When asked what made her react like this during an exclusive conversation with IANS, Tanushree said only she knows what she has been through during the 5 years after the 'MeToo'. Sharing the details of the court case and what all she had to face, Tanushree told IANS that a lot of pressure was put on her to withdraw the case. However, she stood her ground and kept on fighting. Tanushree added that they even tried to change her mind with money, and when that did not work, they started using other methods. The brakes of my car were cut. I had an accident, food poisoning. The thing that I have gone through, for me, the evil dead is only, she added. Urging all to see things from her perspective, she revealed that the day the evidence from the main witness in the case was about to be submitted in court, the judge closed the case. It took us 5 years to convince a prime witness. She used to get threats. Our prime witness, who was my hairdresser, had given an affidavit in court, saying that whatever madam is saying, I have seen it with my own eyes, she revealed. Shedding light on the reality of the judicial system of the country, Tanushree added, We live in India. Here, it is not necessary that the one who wins is right. Here, no one won. The judge closed the case. But that does not mean that I was not right and he was not wrong. He was a very egoistic man, and God has taken his life because he was not stopping. He was harassing me constantly, she concluded. Refreshing your memory,Tanushree has accused Nana Patekar of allegedly misbehaving with her during the shooting of the movie 'Horn Ok Pleassss' and had even filed a police complaint. Nana Patekar however denied the allegations, calling them false. --IANS pm/
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Mumbai: Five persons, including two children, were injured after a gas leak from a cylinder pipe triggered a flare-up at a hostel on the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay campus in Powai in Mumbai on Thursday, October 8, officials said. They said the incident was reported at around 10.25 pm from hostel number 6. An Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actor Makarand Anaspure, who shared a close bond with veteran actor Nana Patekar and worked alongside him for years on their social initiative NAAM Foundation, paid an emotional farewell to the late actor in Pune on Thursday. Makarand Anaspure said that he had known Nana Patekar for 11 years and that doing more to help Maharashtra deal with the drought situation would be the best tribute to the actor. The news is heartbreaking. Whatever is happening is heartbreaking, and its going to take time for us to come to terms with the loss. But meanwhile, helping, helping, but doing a lot more, doing a lot more to help Maharashtra deal with the drought situation, would be the best way to pay tribute to Nana, said Makarand while talking to IANS. For the uninitiated, Makarand Anaspure was among the early members of Nana Patekar's close circle to reach Pune as the actor's mortal remains were brought to his farmhouse in Donje for his final journey. The Maharashtra government accorded Nana Patekar a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and theatre. His mortal remains were brought from Goa, where he passed to Pune, where the final rites were held at his farmhouse in Donje. The emotional farewell saw Makarand Anaspure visibly overcome with grief. He was seen breaking down in tears at the funeral as he stood alongside Nana Patekar's family members and loved ones. In heartbreaking visuals from the ceremony, the actor was seen hugging a relative of the late actor while struggling to hold back his emotions. He was also seen consoling another distraught member of Nana's family, who embraced Makarand and cried while mourning the loss. For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar's death came as a shock to the film fraternity and Maharashtra. The veteran actor died at the age of 75 at his residence in Goa on October 8, 2026, after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. According to the doctors at Manipal Hospital, Goa, the actor was found unconscious after experiencing sudden discomfort and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him with CPR for around 45 minutes. He was declared dead at around 5:20 am.
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LG Sinha meets Mumbai media delegation in Sgr
Highlights infra upgrades, impact of rail connectivity on J&Ks economy Srinagar, Oct 08: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday interacted with a delegation of media representatives from Mumbai at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the rapid pace of infrastructure modernization across the Union Territory over the past few years. He []
Diversity, by itself, does not produce unity. A society may contain many languages, religions, customs and communities without granting them equal dignity or a meaningful place in common public life. Diversity becomes pluralism only when difference is accepted as legitimate, when communities encounter one another without seeking to erase one another, and when citizens recognise that their distinct identities can coexist within a shared national framework. That transformation requires more than cultural tolerance. It requires fraternitythe civic willingness to regard those who are different as fellow members of the same political community. And fraternity requires constitutionalism: the discipline that places every citizen, community and government under the authority of equal rights, lawful institutions and accountable public power. Indias diversity is visible everywherein its languages, religions, philosophies, customs, cuisines, dress, literature, music and regional traditions. But beneath this extraordinary variety lies a long, though uneven, history of accommodating difference. The Indian achievement is not that conflict or exclusion disappeared. It is that the subcontinent repeatedly generated cultural practices, intellectual traditions and political arrangements through which difference could be negotiated rather than permanently converted into separation. That is the foundation on which Indian pluralism must be understood. Diversity is a fact. Pluralism is a philosophy. Fraternity is its civic ethic. Constitutionalism is the rule that makes it durable. A diverse society may simply contain many communities. A plural society develops the ethical and institutional capacity to allow those communities to coexist with dignity, engage with one another and contribute to a common public life. Indias achievement has often been to turn diversity into a civilisational resource, although this achievement has never been complete or free from conflict. For thousands of years, the subcontinent has been a site of intellectual disagreement. Its philosophical traditions did not develop around a single universally authorised doctrine. Vedic and Upanishadic texts explored questions about existence, the self and ultimate reality. Buddhism and Jainism challenged established assumptions and developed influential alternative traditions. The schools commonly classified as Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya and Mimamsa, among others, developed distinct arguments and often debated one another. The Buddhist emperor Ashoka gave one expression to this principle in his edicts. In the 12th Rock Edict, generally dated to the third century BCE, he urged people not to disparage other sects and argued that honouring ones own tradition should not involve denigrating others. His message was not that all beliefs were identical. It was an appeal for restraint, learning and mutual respect in a religiously diverse society. The edict should be understood as evidence of an imperial ethical and political ideal, not as proof that all communities throughout the subcontinent practised equal tolerance. Yet disagreement itself became part of the intellectual culture. This is a significant feature of many Indian traditions. Truth was not always presented as something that could be exhausted by one formulation. The search for truth could proceed through dialogue, debate, experience and contemplation. The dialogues preserved in some Upanishads, Buddhist and Jain traditions of disputation, and the later debates associated with figures such as Adi Shankaracharya reflect the importance accorded to argument. They do not, however, prove that Indian society was uniformly tolerant or free from hierarchy and exclusion. Intellectual openness and social inequality often coexisted. That intellectual pluralism also found expression in Indias literary and cultural traditions. The Ramayana and Mahabharata travelled across the subcontinent, acquiring regional languages, interpretations and artistic forms. Kambans Tamil Ramavataram, Tulsidass Awadhi Ramcharitmanas and Krittibasis Bengali Ramayana are among the best-known examples of retelling. The many versions found across South and Southeast Asia demonstrate how a shared narrative could be adopted without being reproduced identically. Sanskrit interacted with Tamil, Prakrit, Pali and later with Indias many regional languages. Local traditions absorbed wider civilisational themes while retaining their distinctive character. The result was not cultural uniformity. It was a form of cultural federation. Indias diversity is therefore not merely the consequence of geography. It is also the product of centuries of migration, exchange, adaptation and political change. Kashmir provides a particularly important example. The Valley became a major centre of Sanskrit learning, philosophy, aesthetics and spiritual inquiry. Kashmir Shaivism is associated with thinkers such as Vasugupta, Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta. Abhinavaguptas writings on aesthetics, including his interpretation of rasa, influenced later Indian thinking about drama and artistic experience. Lal Deds verses have been read across religious boundaries, while the teachings associated with Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, or Nund Rishi, became an important part of Kashmirs spiritual heritage. The term Kashmiriyat is often used to describe an ideal of shared Kashmiri belonging across religious communities. Its meaning and historical application are debated, and the regions history includes periods of coexistence as well as conflict, displacement and political violence. Nevertheless, the ideal reflects an aspiration toward a common civic and cultural identity. It should not be presented as an uncontested description of all periods of Kashmiri history. The larger lesson is important. Civilisations can become richer when communities do not merely coexist but encounter one another. Indian pluralism has also been shaped by communities that arrived from outside the subcontinent. Jewish communities established settlements in places including Kerala and Maharashtra, preserving their religious traditions while participating in local society. The Bene Israel community in the Konkan region and the Cochin Jews in Kerala are examples of communities that made India their home over many centuries. Parsis, members of the Zoroastrian faith, migrated to western India from Iran over successive periods, particularly after the Arab conquest of Persia, although the precise chronology and scale of these migrations are matters of historical study. A well-known Parsi tradition recounts that a local ruler symbolised the limits of his kingdom with a vessel filled with milk, and that the Parsi leader responded by adding sugar to it, suggesting that the newcomers would blend into society while enriching it. The story is best treated as cultural memory rather than independently verified history. It nevertheless captures an important element of Parsi self-understanding. Parsis later made major contributions to Indias industrial, philanthropic and public life. The Tata family helped build important enterprises and supported scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Parsi figures such as Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Asian elected to the British House of Commons, played a significant role in public life and the freedom movement. Their history shows how a small community can preserve its identity while contributing substantially to a wider national project. Christianity also has a long history in India. The Saint Thomas Christian tradition in Kerala traces its origins to the early centuries of the Common Era, although the precise historical details of its earliest beginnings remain debated. Christian communities and institutions have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, printing and social reform. Institutions such as St. Xaviers College in Mumbai and Christian Medical College in Vellore are prominent examples, alongside numerous schools, hospitals and charitable organisations serving people of many faiths. Indias Muslim communities have likewise shaped the countrys shared identity in countless ways. Urdu poetry, Hindustani music, qawwali, architecture, cuisine, crafts and scholarship are not external additions to Indian culture; they are part of its living inheritance. Bhakti and Sufi traditions sometimes created spaces of spiritual exchange, although the relationship between them varied across regions and periods. Figures such as Kabir, Guru Nanak, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Amir Khusrau are remembered across community boundaries, even though their historical contexts and religious affiliations should not be collapsed into a single syncretic narrative. The cultural histories of Bengal, Punjab, the Deccan and Kashmir show how interaction produced new forms of language, music and devotion. The Indian experience demonstrates that national identity need not require cultural erasure. One can preserve ones language and still be Indian. One can practise ones faith and still be fully committed to the Republic. One can celebrate ones regional heritage while embracing a larger national identity. This layered belonging is not a weakness. It is one of Indias greatest strengths. The Constitution gave this aspiration a modern democratic and legal framework. It did not simply codify an uninterrupted ancient tradition; it also responded to colonial rule, social inequality, Partition and the demands of a modern republic. The Preamble commits the Republic to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Fundamental Rights protect equality and several forms of individual and collective freedom. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. Article 15 prohibits discrimination by the State on specified grounds, including religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth, subject to constitutionally permitted affirmative-action provisions. Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment, again subject to specified exceptions and reservations. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice an offence. Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health and the other provisions of Part III. Articles 29 and 30 protect certain cultural and educational rights, including the rights of sections of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture to conserve it, and the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice, subject to constitutional interpretation and regulation in the public interest. These provisions are not abstract declarations. They have shaped public life, although their implementation has been uneven and contested. In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, decided in 1973, the Supreme Court held that Parliaments power to amend the Constitution does not extend to destroying its basic structure. The judgment did not provide a single exhaustive list of basic-structure features, but later decisions have treated principles such as constitutional supremacy, judicial review, democracy and secularism as part of that doctrine. In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, decided in 1994, the Supreme Court treated secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution and held that the exercise of Article 356 is subject to judicial review. The judgment also addressed the constitutional limits on the use of state power in circumstances involving partisan or communal politics. Its precise holdings should not be reduced to a general judicial prohibition on all political appeals based on religion, but it remains a major authority on secularism, federalism and constitutional accountability. In cases concerning minority educational institutions, including T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka and subsequent decisions, the Court has examined the scope of minority rights, the meaning of minority, and the extent to which educational autonomy may be regulated to maintain academic standards and prevent maladministration. The law in this area is detailed and continues to evolve. The constitutional framework has also enabled affirmative action for historically disadvantaged communities. Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were provided from the beginning of the constitutional order, while reservations for Other Backward Classes in central educational institutions and public employment followed later constitutional, legislative and judicial developments. These measures seek to advance substantive equality, although their design, scope and effects remain subjects of public debate. The Constitutions Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide different forms of protection and autonomy for Scheduled Areas and tribal communities. The Sixth Schedule establishes autonomous district and regional councils in specified areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. These arrangements do not amount to unrestricted self-government, but they recognise that national unity can accommodate differentiated forms of local governance and cultural protection. These constitutional guarantees should not be misunderstood as instruments of fragmentation. They are among the means through which a diverse nation can preserve unity without demanding uniformity. But constitutionalism is the rule that gives pluralism its durable form. It means that no community, majority or minority, stands above the Constitution; that public power must be exercised within legal limits; that rights cannot depend solely on the goodwill of those who govern; and that institutions must protect citizens against arbitrary authority. Constitutionalism converts the moral aspiration of coexistence into an enforceable discipline of government. Without it, pluralism may remain a cultural ideal, vulnerable to the changing preferences of rulers and majorities. With it, diversity can become a foundation for equal citizenship, accountable power and democratic unity. The constitutional idea of India is therefore neither majoritarianism nor competitive communalism. It is equal citizenship under a constitutional order. This distinction is increasingly important. A democracy cannot survive merely by counting numbers. It must also protect the dignity and rights of those who are numerically smaller. The majority has the right to govern through constitutional procedures; it does not have the right to diminish the equal citizenship of others or to disregard constitutional limits. Indias public life offers many reminders of this principle. Citizens from minority communities have served as Presidents, Vice-Presidents, judges, ministers, diplomats, scientists, artists and military leaders. Dr. Zakir Husain and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as Presidents of India. Justice M. Hidayatullah served as Chief Justice of India and later as Vice-President. Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain and Muslim citizens have held high constitutional and public offices and contributed to institutions across the country. These examples do not prove that discrimination has disappeared, nor do they by themselves establish equal social or economic outcomes. They do demonstrate that the constitutional imagination of India is larger than any single religious or cultural identity. That is why fraternity is such a profound constitutional value. Equality tells us that every citizen possesses equal civic worth. Liberty protects individual freedom. Fraternity asks citizens to recognise one another as members of a common national community. The Preamble links fraternity with the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. Fraternity does not demand sameness. It demands solidarity despite difference. The freedom movement offered several examples of this solidarity, though it was never free of internal conflict or exclusion. Mahatma Gandhis campaigns drew participation from Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and people of many regional and linguistic backgrounds. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad argued that Indian nationalism could not be reduced to religious identity. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan linked non-violent resistance with an Islamic ethical tradition. The Indian National Army brought together soldiers from different regions and communities under a common political objective, although its composition, political significance and historical legacy require careful study. The national movement contained competing visions, but one of its most influential strands was unmistakably plural. This is where Indias civilisational inheritance can speak powerfully to its constitutional future. Indias diversity, however, should not be romanticised. Pluralism is not automatic. Differences can become sources of mistrust, prejudice and conflict. Caste discrimination, communal tensions, linguistic antagonisms and regional rivalries have all tested Indias social fabric. The Partition of 1947 was accompanied by mass killings, abductions and the displacement of millions, although estimates of the death toll vary widely. The anti-Sikh violence of 1984, the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002, the violence against Christians in Kandhamal in 2008 and recurring violence in different parts of the country show that constitutional ideals require constant defence. The causes, legal findings and historical interpretations of these episodes differ, and each requires careful sourcing rather than rhetorical equivalence. The answer is not to deny these realities. It is to strengthen the institutions and civic culture capable of addressing them. Indias linguistic reorganisation after independence offers an instructive example. Many leaders feared that creating states on linguistic lines would encourage separatism. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956, together with subsequent legislation, reorganised much of the countrys internal boundaries and helped accommodate linguistic aspirations within the Union. Andhra State had already been created in 1953, and later changes created or reshaped states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala. The process was neither simple nor uniformly peaceful, but it demonstrated that recognition of linguistic identity could, under appropriate constitutional conditions, strengthen rather than weaken the Union. The same principle can be seen in the constitutional accommodation of tribal and regional identities. The Sixth Schedule provides autonomous district and regional councils in specified parts of the Northeast, with powers that include aspects of local administration and, subject to constitutional limits, customary law and cultural affairs. The Eighth Schedule currently lists 22 languages. Its inclusion does not confer exclusive official status at the Union level, nor does it exhaust Indias linguistic diversity. Article 350A directs states and local authorities to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage for children belonging to linguistic minority groups, while Article 350B provides for a Special Officer for linguistic minorities. Pluralism requires equal protection of law. It requires political restraint. It requires an independent judiciary, responsible public discourse, effective democratic institutions and an education system that teaches citizens to understand Indias diversity rather than fear it. It also requires political leaders to recognise that social divisions can be easy to exploit but difficult to repair. A nation of Indias scale cannot afford a politics permanently organised around the manufacture of the other. Indias civilisational genius is not that it has always expanded the boundaries of belonging. Rather, its history contains both expansion and exclusion. Its enduring promise lies in the capacity of its people and institutions to widen belonging and correct injustice. This is why Indias national identity should not be understood as a narrow cultural template. It is better understood as a constitutional and civilisational framework capable of accommodating multiple traditions, provided that all citizens remain equal before the law. The idea of Bharat has evolved through successive political and cultural formations. It has shown continuity, but that continuity should not be treated as unbroken or uniform. There is another dimension to this inheritance that deserves attention. Indian society has repeatedly absorbed external influences without becoming culturally indistinguishable from them. Persian, Central Asian, European and other influences entered Indian life in different periods. They changed Indian society, but Indian communities also adapted and transformed what they received. The Mughal period, for example, produced new forms of architecture, painting, administration, literature and cuisine through interaction among Persianate, Central Asian and Indian traditions. The Taj Mahal, the miniature-painting traditions associated with Mughal and Rajput courts, the development of Urdu and the evolution of Hindustani music all reflect complex cultural exchange rather than one-way influence. In the Deccan, Persian, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada and local Islamic traditions interacted in distinctive ways. Under colonial rule, universities, print culture, railways and legal institutions were introduced or expanded within an imperial framework and were subsequently appropriated, contested and reshaped by Indian actors. This is not cultural weakness. It can be a form of cultural confidence. A confident civilisation does not necessarily fear exchange. A contemporary example is Indias scientific and technological life. The Indian Space Research Organisation has conducted significant missions, including Chandrayaan and the Mars Orbiter Mission, and India is among the relatively small number of countries to have demonstrated substantial space-launch and planetary-mission capabilities. It is not possible to attribute these achievements to any single cultural group; they reflect the work of institutions drawing talent from across the country. Indias digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface, has also enabled large-scale participation in common national systems. These systems have expanded access in important ways, but they have also raised legitimate questions concerning privacy, exclusion, cybersecurity, regulation and accountability. Their existence therefore demonstrates institutional scale and integration, not an unqualified success. Indias cultural pluralism is also visible in its public celebrations. Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Gurpurab, Buddha Purnima, Mahavir Jayanti, Onam, Bihu, Pongal, Navratri and many other festivals are observed in different parts of the country, often with participation beyond the communities most closely associated with them. This does not mean that every festival is experienced identically or that social tensions disappear. It does show that Indian public culture has repeatedly created shared spaces around distinct traditions. The India of the 21st century needs precisely this confidence. As Bharat becomes an important economic power, a significant technological actor and an increasingly influential voice in world affairs, its greatest asset will not be its ability to project power alone. Its deeper strength will be its capacity to hold together an extraordinarily diverse population within a democratic constitutional framework. The world is becoming more interconnected, but it is also becoming more anxious about identity. Societies across continents are struggling with migration, religious difference, ethnicity, language and nationalism. India has something valuable to contribute to this global conversation. Its message should not be that differences do not matter. They do. The message should be that differences need not become divisions. The challenge before Bharat is therefore to modernise without homogenising, to strengthen national identity without narrowing it, and to pursue development without sacrificing social trust. This requires a renewed emphasis on fraternity. Economic prosperity cannot by itself create national cohesion. Infrastructure can connect cities; technology can connect people; markets can connect economies. But only mutual respect, equal citizenship and the credible rule of law can create a durable sense of belonging. The young generation must therefore inherit not only Indias achievements but also its civilisational confidence. They must learn that being Indian does not require them to surrender their linguistic, regional, religious or cultural identities. It requires them to place those identities within a larger constitutional and national framework, while respecting the equal rights of others. Indias unity should consequently be understood not as the disappearance of differences but as their coexistence within a shared constitutional order. That is perhaps one of the most distinctive ideas India can offer the modern world. The genius of Bharat is that unity can be spacious enough to accommodate plurality. Its civilisational strength lies not in having produced one way of being Indian, but in having made room for manywhile continuing to struggle over the boundaries of that belonging. The task of our generation is to preserve and deepen this inheritance while adapting it to the demands of a modern constitutional democracy. We should neither romanticise the past nor apologise for our diversity. We should build upon it. A Bharat that guarantees equal citizenship, protects freedom of conscience, encourages dialogue and celebrates its many cultural traditions will be strongernot weakerfor its diversity. For ultimately, diversity becomes pluralism only when difference is treated as legitimate, fraternity turns strangers into fellow citizens, and constitutionalism ensures that this fellowship is protected by rights, institutions and the rule of law. That is the genius Bharat must preserve and deepen: not diversity alone, but the continuing work of converting diversity into pluralism, pluralism into fraternity, and fraternity into constitutional national unity. That is not merely Indias inheritance. It can be Indias gift to the world. Author is a public intellectual and a noted Senior Advocate of Supreme Court of India.
LG interacts with delegation of media representatives from Mumbai
Srinagar, Oct 8:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with a delegation of media representatives from Mumbai at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the rapid pace of infrastructure modernization across the Union Territory over the past few years. He said that the realisation of the dream of Kashmir to Kanyakumari rail connectivity marked a historic milestone in Jammu Kashmirs development journey. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the expansion of railway infrastructure is driving a major boost in the tourism, horticulture, industrial and other economy sectors of the Union Territory. Today, Jammu Kashmir is moving forward with unprecedented confidence towards peace and prosperity, he said. He also noted that strengthening connectivity, especially in the border region, is vital not only for driving local economic prosperity but also for safeguarding national security. The visiting media delegation, accompanied by Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek and senior railway officials, is on a four-day visit to Jammu Kashmir to study the regions rail network and infrastructure.
