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Sonal Chauhan talks about her age-gap romance with Ravi Kishan in Mirzapur: The Movie: We did not try to show anywhere that there is no age gap

Sonal Chauhan, who is currently seen as Mumtaz Bibi in Mirzapur: The Movie, has spoken about her journey in the film industry, including her career phase after her debut film Jannat. The actor also discussed how she landed the role in the Mirzapur franchise, working with Ravi Kishan and the age gap between their characters. Sonal revealed that her association with Mirzapur happened unexpectedly. She had initially met director Gurmeet Singh for a different project. During their conversation, he mentioned that the casting for Mirzapur had already been completed, but later told her about a character that was still available. When I met my director, Gurmeet Singh, I did not meet him for Mirzapur. It was for something else. In that conversation, he told me that Mirzapur's casting has been done and they are going on tour soon. Ten minutes into that meeting, he said, Well, actually, you know what, there is this one character which is still remaining. So, I honestly feel that it is just destiny, and Mumtaz BB was meant to happen to me, she recalled. Sonal said she knew she was entering a largely male-dominated world when she signed the project but did not expect the response to Mumtaz. When I signed Mirzapur, I knew that I was entering a male-dominated world. I honestly did not expect that Mumtaz would be received so beautifully, she said. The actor also praised Ravi Kishan, who plays Babban in the film. He is a Member of Parliament. He is a superstar. But when he is on set, all he brings is honesty. And that is what the audience connects with, she said. Addressing the age gap between their characters, Sonal said the makers did not attempt to hide it. We did not try to show anywhere that there is no age gap. It was absolutely clear that there is an age gap. She added that stories associated with gangsters, where older men are involved with younger women, were taken into account while developing Mumtaz and Babban's relationship. Sonal also reflected on the challenges she faced after Jannat. Although the film and her character Zoya remain an important part of her career, she admitted that she was too young and inexperienced to navigate the industry at the time. After I did Jannat, I was immature. I was very young at that time. I did not have anyone to guide me in the film industry. I didn't know how to work here. So, I didn't get a lot of offers or the kind of work that I wanted to do at that time, she recalled. She later explored opportunities in the South Indian film industry. While she feels her journey did not unfold exactly as she had imagined, Sonal said she has no regrets about the decisions she made. Reflecting on the difficult phases, she added, There have been challenging times. There have been frustrations. There have been times where I didn't know what was going to happen. Also Read : Box Office Estimate Day 3: Mirzapur clocks Rs. 93 crore opening weekend; jumps to Rs. 37 crores on Sunday

Bollywood Hungama 21 Sep 2026 7:41 pm

Viccky Jains first VJ Frames production starring Tiger Shroff and directed by Remo DSouza wraps shoot

Tiger Shroff, Remo DSouza and Viccky Jains upcoming action film has completed its principal photography. The project, which marks Viccky Jains maiden production under VJ Frames, has concluded its shooting schedule after an extensive stint. The film features Tiger Shroff in the lead, alongside Elvish Yadav, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Abhishek Banerjee, Pashmina Roshan and Mukesh Gupta. Directed by Remo DSouza, the project brings together an ensemble cast for what is being described as an action-driven film. Presented by VJ Frames and produced under Insomnia Films, the film is produced by Viccky Jain, Ankita Lokhande, Vishal Gurnani and Juhi Parekh Mehta. Lizelle DSouza serves as the co-producer. The team marked the completion of the shoot on set, with Tiger Shroff, Remo DSouza and Viccky Jain coming together for the wrap. The completion of principal photography now takes the project into its post-production phase. Talking about the film and his first production under VJ Frames, Viccky Jain said, Bringing this film together has been a very special experience for me, especially because it marks my first production under VJ Frames. From the energy on set to the scale and ambition of the film, every schedule has pushed us to create something that feels fresh and exciting. It has been an incredible team effort, and seeing the film come together with Remo, Dsouza, Tiger Shroff, Abhishek Banerjee, Elvish Yadav, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Pashmina Roshan has made this journey all the more rewarding. We have now wrapped the shoot, and Im really looking forward to sharing what we have created with the audience. The makers are yet to announce the official title of the film. Promotional material and further details about the project are expected to be revealed in the coming days. Also Read : Tiger Shroff, Abhishek Banerjee, and Elvish Yadav team up for Remo DSouzas action franchise as Viccky Jain launches VJ Frames

Bollywood Hungama 21 Sep 2026 7:41 pm

Ex-India Fast Bowler Zaheer Khan Appointed Chennai Super Kings Head Coach For IPL 2027

CSK Managing Director KS Viswanathan: Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday appointed former India left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 season. Zaheer replaces Stephen Fleming, who stepped down earlier this year after the side failed to reach playoffs for a third straight time. It also brought an end to Flemings 18-year association with the franchise and since then, he has taken over as the head coach of the England mens Test team. It's an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk make it even more special. I can't wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history, Zaheer said in a statement by the franchise on Monday. During a distinguished 14-year international career, Zaheer represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is, picking up 610 wickets across formats. In the IPL, the veteran left-arm bowler turned out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals, claiming 102 wickets in 100 matches at an average of 27.27. We are pleased to confirm Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach for Chennai Super Kings. Zaheer's distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our setup. We are confident that his guidance will help strengthen the core of this franchise, said CSK owner Rupa Gurunath. Zaheer, a key architect of Indias 2011 ODI World Cup-winning campaign, brings a wealth of tactical acumen and coaching experience to CSK. He previously served as Director of Cricket Operations and Head of Global Development at Mumbai Indians, before taking up a mentoring role with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. He also conducted a fast-bowling camp for various pacers in India A, U19 and targeted pool at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru earlier this year. The decision to appoint Zaheer comes after extensive conversations happened with various candidates once Fleming left the CSK fold. Zaheer, a key architect of Indias 2011 ODI World Cup-winning campaign, brings a wealth of tactical acumen and coaching experience to CSK. He previously served as Director of Cricket Operations and Head of Global Development at Mumbai Indians, before taking up a mentoring role with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories As a player, Zaheer was one of the key reasons for India's success in the 2000s. He's one of the finest cricketing brains and we look forward to having him in our family, said CSK Managing Director KS Viswanathan. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 21 Sep 2026 6:50 pm

Chennai Super Kings name Zaheer Khan head coach after 18-year Fleming era

Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming after his 18-year association with the franchise. Fleming joined CSK as a player in 2008 and became head coach in 2009, overseeing five IPL titles, two Champions League T20 titles, 12 playoff appearances and 10 IPL finals. His tenure ended after CSK missed the playoffs for a third successive season. Zaheer brings experience from coaching and cricket-management roles with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, as well as a distinguished playing career that included Indias 2011 World Cup triumph.

The Economic Times 21 Sep 2026 6:45 pm

Business success story: Once just a pizza delivery boy, today he drives a BMW, has multiple franchises and an Australian citizenship

A man who moved to Australia 11 years ago to study could not find a job in his field and started working at a pizza shop. His journey later took him into franchise ownership, and by 2026, he reportedly had three pizza franchises, a house, a BMW, two children and Australian citizenship. His story, shared by led to a wider debate about hard work, career choices, immigration and dignity of labour.

The Economic Times 21 Sep 2026 5:49 pm

Nishikant Dubey threatens defamation suit against ex-Finance Secretary Subhash Garg

Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 21 (IANS) BJP MP from Jharkhand's Godda, Nishikant Dubey, has said he will file a criminal defamation case against former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg for of making false statements about him during a recent podcast. The controversy escalated after Garg, in the podcast, referred to an alleged meeting with Dubey during his tenure in the Finance Ministry and claimed that the MP had approached him regarding certain matters. Rejecting the allegations, Dubey said he had never visited the office of any Central government secretary after becoming an MP in 2009 and had never written any recommendation letter seeking the transfer or posting of an official. Speaking on Monday, Dubey said Garg had claimed in the podcast that the two had met in his office and that the MP had sought intervention in a transfer-related matter. The truth is that since being elected to Parliament in 2009, I have never gone to any secretary for such work. If Garg has any evidence of my visiting his office or making any recommendation, he should place it in the public domain, Dubey said. The latest exchange comes amid an ongoing war of words between the two over India's first-quarter GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent. Garg had recently questioned the GDP figures and the changes made in the methodology used for past GDP calculations. Dubey, in response, had sharply criticised the former bureaucrat. In the podcast, Garg reportedly said that during his tenure as Finance Secretary, Dubey had approached him with certain files or matters, which he perceived as lobbying or advocacy on behalf of corporate interests. Dubey dismissed the claim, reiterating that protocol places an MP above a Central government secretary and asserting that he had never visited any ministry to meet a Secretary. He also maintained that he had never recommended the transfer or posting of any official. Garg served as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, from July 2017 to July 2019 and briefly held the position of Finance Secretary between March and June 2019. He was later transferred to the Ministry of Power before he opted for voluntary retirement. Dubey said his differences with Garg were not new. He recalled that in 2018 he had written to the Prime Minister raising questions about Garg's economic policies and functioning while he was serving as Secretary, Economic Affairs.

bhaskarlive 21 Sep 2026 5:38 pm

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Is A Dangerous Combination Of Skill And Smarts: Washington Sundar

Indian Premier League: Indias off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar said teenaged batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshis razor-sharp cricketing acumen paired with raw talent makes him a lethal force capable of winning matches single-handedly for the country. He's just extremely skillful and obviously, he's got a great head as well. He understands his own game and also understands how to win battles against different oppositions and different conditions as well. He's extremely smart and being really smart along with his skill sets, along with the kind of skill sets that he's got, is obviously going to be a dangerous combo. He's already shown us what he's capable of and obviously, we can all expect him to win a lot of games for our country and we're just going to experience him, Sundar told reporters ahead of one-off T20I against Japan, to be played on Tuesday. He also invited sports enthusiasts in Japan to make a trip to India during the next IPL season and experience how cricket is nothing short of a religion in the country. You guys should just come to India and especially during a big series or even during an IPL and understand how big is cricket in India. Cricket is like a religion in India. Everybody celebrates through the game and obviously, it's a massive blessing for all of us to be playing cricket in India and being from India and also to be playing at the highest level for the country is a massive blessing, he observed. Reflecting on his personal journey and the cultural weight the sport carries in the country, Sundar highlighted how deep-rooted the games love is across generations. Cricket itself is a very beautiful sport and obviously, India has been playing cricket for a very, very long time and the amount of people who play cricket in India is also massive. All of us have just grown with the game and the sport. For me personally, it's always been cricket right from the childhood and yes, that would be the case with most of the people in India as well. It's just a massive blessing for all of us to be playing cricket in India. Crediting the Indian Premier League (IPL) for setting the gold standard in global T20 franchise cricket, Chennai-based Sundar pointed out how the league has grown exponentially while maintaining top-notch quality since its inception in 2008. Just the way it's been conducted over many years. Obviously, a lot of quality players from India and many good and quality players around the world also enjoy being a part of the IPL. I'd say just the way it's been conducted right from the first season and till now - the quality of cricket has always been top class. For all of us to just be in the IPL and taste the whole flavour of being part of such a big tournament is a great blessing. Every single time, we really look forward to getting into the IPL season and play really well for all of our franchises. But yes, it's only grown from strength to strength over many years. So, you can only expect a lot more from the IPL. Yes, as I said, if you all could come over and have a great experience of watching a few games, I think you guys will know a lot more about the class of the league, he added. Sundar noted that while representing the national team remains the ultimate dream for every young kid in India, the IPL has provided a transformative pathway for aspiring cricketers to reach their ultimate goal of playing international cricket. I mean, we always look forward to playing for India - that's always been our goal from childhood. Obviously, IPL created a beautiful platform for us to look forward to playing a franchise league as well, especially in the T20 format. It's the best league in this format. So, all of us, especially when we were kids, I mean, even the kids right now really look forward to being a part of the IPL and play some quality cricket in the IPL as well. So, yes, that's how it's been, he said. I mean, we always look forward to playing for India - that's always been our goal from childhood. Obviously, IPL created a beautiful platform for us to look forward to playing a franchise league as well, especially in the T20 format. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Yes, I'm not too sure when it happens. When it's a time in the year it happens. But yes, we'll make sure we have a track of this league. If some of the players who are playing for Japan and in Japan Premier League go on to play for the IPL, it will only be great for all of us. Yes, I'll make sure I tell my teammates as well to keep a track on all the players over here, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 21 Sep 2026 4:14 pm

Abhishek Bachchan celebrates ETPL finals: Edinburgh Castle Rockers beat Belfast Wolves to become inaugural champions

The Edinburgh Castle Rockers have been crowned the inaugural champions of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) after defeating Belfast Wolves by seven wickets in the final at Malahide. The Castle Rockers chased down Belfasts target of 151 with eight balls to spare, with Andries Gous playing the decisive innings with an unbeaten 90. Edinburgh captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision paid off early when Trent Boult dismissed Paul Stirling for eight, caught by Jack Jarvis. Belfast were then tasked with rebuilding their innings, with Tim Tector taking charge of the recovery. Tector scored 84 off 62 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes, to provide the foundation for Belfasts total. Devon Conway contributed 29 off 24 balls, with the pair putting together a partnership before JJ Smuts dismissed Conway, caught by Gareth Delany. Mark Watt then removed Glenn Maxwell for three, while Boult returned to dismiss Lorcan Tucker for six as Belfast slipped to 105 for four. Tector continued his innings, with Harry Manenti adding an unbeaten 16 from 14 balls. Tom Curran dismissed Tector with the final delivery of the innings, leaving Belfast at 150 for five. Boult finished with two wickets from his four overs, while Watt and Smuts also contributed with important breakthroughs. In response, Edinburgh started positively with Ross Adair scoring 23 from 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Mark Adair then had him caught behind by Tucker. Smuts added 15 before Matthew Humphreys dismissed him at the end of the 10th over, leaving Edinburgh at 79 for two. Gous then took control of the chase. He remained unbeaten on 90 from 61 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes. Brandon McMullen contributed 17 from 12 deliveries before Gavin Hoey dismissed him. With the target within reach, Santner joined Gous at the crease and remained unbeaten as Edinburgh reached 151 for three in 18.4 overs. Reflecting on his match-winning contribution, Gous said, It's always nice winning finals. Nice to be able to contribute to a winning cause. He explained that although he had been playing well throughout the tournament without converting his starts into a big score, he had set himself the task of being the guy staying on till the back end. The approach paid off in the biggest match of the season. Be the guy at the end. Take your time. Make sure that you focus, he said, describing the small mental adjustments that helped him deliver when it mattered most. Edinburgh head coach Trevor Bayliss also praised the squads performance throughout the tournament. Fantastic tournament, he said, highlighting how a different group of players had gelled really well and how their performances reflected that unity. Bayliss also acknowledged the contribution of local players and noted that the team had to make adjustments following difficult results during the campaign. Co-owner Kyle Mills spoke about the team culture and the role of local players in the competition. Biggest thing for me is culture and character and having calmness in the group, he said, adding that Santner had set the standard as leader while players such as McMullen and Jack Jarvis had stepped up. Mills said he hoped the local players would begin to see themselves among the worlds leading franchise cricketers: They're not Associates. They belong in tournaments like this. The Edinburgh players also reflected on the title-winning campaign. Boult called it a Great afternoon, while Curran described the squad as a pretty special group from day one. He credited the local players and said the internationals had just put the cherry on top just when we needed to. Curran also highlighted the contributions of Gous, McMullen and Ross Adair. Gareth Delany described the experience as a good experience standing here as winners after joining a group that had welcomed him. Smuts called the tournament an unbelievable tournament and spoke about how quickly the squad bonded. Ross Adair also reflected on the unusual subplot of facing his brother Mark during the final, describing it as nice to have this over him after his brother had often got the better of him. With their seven-wicket victory over Belfast Wolves, Edinburgh Castle Rockers have become the first team to lift the European T20 Premier League trophy, bringing the inaugural edition of the competition to a close. Also Read: European T20 premier league gets recognition from World Cricketers Association, Abhishek Bachchan reacts

Bollywood Hungama 21 Sep 2026 3:41 pm

'Method to Disenfranchise Indians': Congress Brands SIR a 'Frankenstein Monster'

Most notices were issued for voter details not matching with the information in the last Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in 2002.

Deccan Chronicle 21 Sep 2026 3:31 pm

Novo Nordisk aims to launch more than five blockbuster drugs by 2030: CEO

The company is racing to reassure markets that it can navigate patent expirations for semaglutide - the active ingredient in its anti-obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy franchises, in the early 2030s

Business Standard 21 Sep 2026 3:30 pm

Karan Yadav named ISL CEO as league moves towards club-based model

The Indian Super League (ISL) appointed Karan Yadav as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as it operates under a new club-led model. Yadav has most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports, where he led a 300-plus crore P&L across sports franchises, talent management and brand consulting. As CEO, Yadav will lead the League Office and the strategic, commercial and organisational direction of the ISL, working closely with the League's clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). His mandate will include shaping the League's overall strategy and commercial direction, strengthening relationships with clubs, broadcasters, sponsors and other stakeholders, while building a high-performing League Office that supports the long-term growth and sustainability of the competition. The model also creates greater opportunity for alignment between the League Office and clubs across commercial strategy, partnerships, broadcast, fan engagement and the development of the ...

Business Standard 21 Sep 2026 2:43 pm

Congress calls SIR a

New Delhi: The Election Commissions SIR exercise is a Method Of Disenfranchising Indians and has turned into a Frankenstein monster, the Congress said on Monday, September 21, amid outrage over 33.13 lakh notices being issued in the national capital over discrepancies in details in enumeration forms. Most notices were issued for voter details not matching 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 .

The Siasat Daily 21 Sep 2026 2:08 pm

Rohit Shetty supports Salman Khan after his Bigg Boss 20 call-out on trolls: Only unconditional prem for him

Rohit Shetty has extended his support to Salman Khan after the actor addressed social media trolling, body-shaming and paparazzi culture during the latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 20. Salman spoke about the way celebrities are subjected to comments about their appearance and personal lives, while also questioning the growing lack of etiquette on social media. Salmans comments received support from several members of the film industry, including Varun Dhawan and Neha Dhupia. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has now also reacted to Salmans remarks and shared a message of support for the actor. On Sunday, Rohit took to Instagram and posted a video of Salman removing his shirt to show his physique while responding to trolls who had body-shamed him and called him budha. Sharing the video, Rohit wrote, Only unconditional prem for him. Dear trollers, it's done bro. Rohit was not the only filmmaker to back Salman. Kunal Kohli also praised the actor for addressing issues surrounding social media behaviour and paparazzi culture. Sharing a video from the episode, Kohli wrote, Respect...you made the most important points on social media etiquette, behaviour, trolls & paps and the people who follow n encourage such behaviour. Aur jab bhai bolta hai toh uske baad koi nahin bol sakta (When bhai speaks, no one else can speak). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Shetty (@itsrohitshetty) During the episode, Salman spoke about the trolling that celebrities face over their appearance. He revealed that he too has been called budha on social media, while his reported bald look has also become a topic of discussion online. The actor also addressed the trolling directed at Katrina Kaif over her post-pregnancy weight gain. Defending her, Salman said, Everyone puts on weight after getting pregnant. When she returns to films, she will get back in shape. She wants to spend time with her family. Salman further criticised people who make money by putting others down and referred to them as parasites. He also spoke about actors choosing not to comment on political matters and questioned certain aspects of paparazzi culture. He criticised photographers for taking inappropriate pictures of female actors and said women should slap photographers if they feel uncomfortable. The Bigg Boss 20 host also spoke about the criticism actors face when their films do not perform well, stressing that a flop should not determine an actors future as they continue to work hard to entertain audiences. Meanwhile, Rohit Shetty is preparing for the next instalment of the Golmaal franchise. Golmaal 5 stars Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi and Shreyas Talpade, with Akshay Kumar in a key role. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 8, 2027. Also Read : Endemol Shine dominates Ormax Top 10 list: Bigg Boss Hindi leads the chart along with Khatron Ke Khiladi, Bigg Boss Telugu, and Bigg Boss Tamil

Bollywood Hungama 21 Sep 2026 1:41 pm

Abhishek Bachchan receives signed no. 19 jersey from Rahul Dravid as a gift amid ETPLs European debut

In a special cricketing moment that bridges Bollywood and the sport, former India captain Rahul Dravid has gifted actor Abhishek Bachchan his iconic No. 19 jersey, personally signed with a handwritten note. The message on the jersey reads: Dear Abhishek, thank you for your support to the game. Best always, Rahul Dravid. The exchange has quickly become a talking point, given Dravids stature in Indian cricket and Abhisheks growing involvement in sports ventures. The gesture comes as the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) approaches its climax in Dublin. The tournament, now in its decisive phase, features six franchises representing Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, bringing together international cricketing names and emerging European talent. The Qualifier is scheduled for September 19, with the Final on September 20, marking the culmination of the leagues first season. Abhishek Bachchan is co-founder of ETPL, having launched the league alongside Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul and Dhiraj Malhotra. He is currently in Dublin as the tournament heads into its concluding matches, overseeing operations and stakeholder engagements during the leagues landmark first season. His presence on the ground has been focused on ensuring smooth execution as the league seeks to establish itself on the European cricket calendar. The ETPL has already drawn attention for its structural approach. The World Cricketers Association recently stated that ETPL sets the benchmark, acknowledging the leagues efforts to establish professional standards from the outset. This recognition adds credibility to the tournaments ambitions of becoming a sustainable pathway for European players while attracting global attention. Dravids giftbearing the number he wore throughout his celebrated careeradds emotional weight to ETPLs debut edition. For Abhishek, who has consistently backed sports initiatives, the jersey serves as both a personal memento and a symbol of wider collaboration between entertainment and cricket. It also reflects a growing trend of Indian film personalities investing in sports infrastructure and leagues, seeing them as long-term growth areas. As ETPL wraps up its first season, the Dravid Abhishek moment highlights how the sports ecosystem is expanding beyond traditional boundaries, with new leagues, stakeholders and cross-industry partnerships shaping its future. Also Read: European T20 premier league gets recognition from World Cricketers Association, Abhishek Bachchan reacts

Bollywood Hungama 21 Sep 2026 1:41 pm

SLK Aims For Financial Stability And Youth Development With DFB Collaboration

Super League Kerala is implementing a new financial model to ensure franchise sustainability and has partnered with the German Football Association (DFB) for a five-year technical roadmap. This includes establishing a residential Centre of Excellence to nurture young football talent while integrating formal education.

Rediff 21 Sep 2026 1:23 pm

Unni Mukundan to direct his 50th film; teams up with National Award winning producers for a high-octane Malayalam project

Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 21 (IANS) Well known Malayalam actor and producer Unni Mukundan, who has delivered several memorable performances in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, is to direct his upcoming 50th film. What's more, the film is to be produced by Unni Mukundan's production banner Unni Mukundan Films (UMF) in association with Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathaks Panorama Studios. Sources say that Unni Mukundan will be the writer-director of the project. For the unaware, Panorama Studios is one of India's leading content-driven film studios, known for having delivered critically acclaimed and commercially successful cinema. Its celebrated slate includes Omkara, Special 26, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Raid, Shaitaan, and the blockbuster Drishyam franchise. Abhishek Pathak has also directed the highly acclaimed 'Drishyam 2' and is currently directing and producing the much-awaited 'Drishyam: The Conclusion', which releases in theatres on October 2. Speaking about the collaboration, Panorama Studios Chairman Kumar Mangat Pathak said, We are delighted to collaborate with Unni Mukundan and his production house on this exciting Malayalam project. Unni has established himself as a strong pan-Indian talent, and the fact that he is taking on the roles of writer and director for his 50th film makes this collaboration even more special. We see immense potential in the story and in the creative energy that Unni brings to it, and we are excited about the journey ahead. Panorama Studios Managing Director Abhishek Pathak added, Ive been following Unnis work for some time, and what has always stood out to me is the conviction he brings to the characters and the films he chooses. From Meppadiyan to Marco, he has shown a willingness to take risks and push himself in different directions. When we spoke about this project, there was a very natural creative connection. To now collaborate with him on his 50th film, where he is also stepping in as writer-director, feels genuinely exciting. Theres a warmth and honesty to the way this collaboration has come together, and Im really looking forward to seeing where we take it. Unni Mukundan, for his part, said, My 50th film is a very special milestone for me, and being able to step into the role of writer-director makes it even more meaningful. Ive always wanted to tell stories in my own voice, and this felt like the right project and the right time to take that step. Working with Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and the Panorama Studios team brings together a wonderful combination of experience and creative energy. Im excited about what we are building together and hope the film connects with audiences across languages and regions.

bhaskarlive 21 Sep 2026 1:19 pm

'Method of disenfranchising Indians': Kharge slams SIR, calls it a 'Frankenstein monster'

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has lambasted the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, labeling it a misguided 'Frankenstein Monster' that adversely affects its constituents. Notable politicians, including Lal Krishna Advani and S Jaishankar, have reportedly received notices amid this rigorous revision process. The Election Commission is under fire both politically and legally regarding its verification practices, with the final electoral roll set for release on November 4.

The Times of India 21 Sep 2026 1:12 pm

'Method Of Disenfranchising Indians': Congress slams SIR

The Congress party has criticized the Election Commission's voter list revision exercise. They allege this process is a method of disenfranchising Indian citizens. Large numbers of notices have been issued for discrepancies in voter details. The opposition claims this disproportionately affects disadvantaged sections of society. The Election Commission states the revision will cleanse the voter list of ineligible entries.

The Economic Times 21 Sep 2026 1:10 pm

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Crowned Cpl 2026 Champions After Eight-Wicket Final Victory

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons were crowned Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions for the first time after defeating the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at the Kensington Oval. An unbeaten 89-run partnership between Amir Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz completed the Falcons historic triumph after another sensational spell from Sufyan Moqim, who claimed 4 for 14 to set up the chase. Maaz Sadaqats second century of the season ultimately counted for little as the Kingsmen fell short despite posting 170 for 9. Sent in to bat, the Kingsmen immediately signalled their intent in the Power Play, with Sadaqat launching Jayden Seales into the stands from the first ball. Seales, however, struck back at the end of the over when Kirk McKenzie was sharply caught by Rahkeem Cornwall in the slips. Keacy Carty joined Sadaqat at the crease, with the pair having already played starring roles in the play-offs. They looked to make the most of the Power Play and appeared to be building another formidable partnership, but Carty soon punched one straight to Shadab Khan at cover, with the Falcons all-rounder taking a sharp catch. Cornwall came close to adding another wicket when Saim Ayub was initially given out lbw, but a faint glove edge overturned the decision on review to give the Kingsmen opener a reprieve. The Kingsmen ended the Power Play on 59 for 2, just one run short of the landmark ten runs an over. Sadaqat continued his sensational play-off form, racing to his half-century from just 27 balls. But the Falcons had displayed impressive bowling depth throughout the tournament, and they unleashed their in-form spinner Moqim to turn the game on its head. The left-arm spinner struck immediately, removing Ayub and Rovman Powell in his first over. Shadab then joined the party by dismissing Romaine Morris, before Moqim claimed his third wicket by removing Hassan Khan. The Kingsmen suddenly found themselves in deep trouble, losing four wickets for just three runs in the space of 12 deliveries. Moqim and Shadab were ripping through the middle order, just as they had done against the Guyana Amazon Warriors earlier in the play-offs. But the Kingsmen refused to surrender, and with Sadaqat still at the crease, their innings remained alive. The right-hander once again took centre stage, powering towards a second century of the season with a sensational display of 360-degree hitting. He reached the first century in a CPL final from just 49 balls, adding another 14 runs before falling on the penultimate delivery of the innings. His magnificent knock propelled the Kingsmen to 170 for 9 from their 20 overs. The Falcons reply got off to a flying start, with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 20 runs from the first over before being bowled by the final delivery. Cornwalls explosive start allowed Evin Lewis and Amir Jangoo to balance aggression with caution during the Power Play. Lewis survived a second chance when Andre Russell overstepped, and he responded by shifting through the gears. The final over of the Power Play produced 17 runs as the Falcons raced to 76 for 1 after six overs. The Kingsmen soon found a breakthrough when Lewis chopped on to his stumps off Vitel Lawes, but the wicket only seemed to inspire Jangoo. Joined by Hasan Nawaz, Jangoo built a composed and increasingly dominant partnership that kept the Falcons comfortably ahead of the required rate, which sat just above a run a ball. Jangoo brought up his half-century with the partnership already past 50, leaving the Falcons firmly in control heading into the final five overs. With the target within touching distance, Nawaz put the finishing touch on a commanding team performance, launching the winning runs over the boundary for six and sending his teammates sprinting onto the field in celebration. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Falcons reached 173 for 2 with 20 balls to spare, completing a memorable eight-wicket victory and securing the first CPL title in the history of the Antigua & Barbuda franchise.

CNMSports 21 Sep 2026 11:52 am

Indian man went to Australia 11 years ago to study, worked as a pizza delivery worker; now owns 3 restaurants, a house, a BMW and Australian citizenship

An Indian man pursued his studies in Australia and took a job at a local pizza shop to support himself. Within three years, his hard work paid off as he launched his own pizza franchise. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he expanded to own three franchises, tied the knot, bought a house, and a BMW, ultimately leading to him and his family acquiring Australian citizenship.

The Economic Times 21 Sep 2026 11:17 am

Elderly woman from Bihar found dumped in bushes

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 11:48 pm

DPS Bokaro launches seed bombing drive to boost green cover

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 11:42 pm

'Resident Evil' tops box office with franchise best debut of $60 million

Zach Creggers Resident Evil is giving the North American box office a boost.

ABC News 20 Sep 2026 11:40 pm

Odisha T20 LeagueCM Trophy Gets Off To Vibrant Start At Barabati Stadium

The Odisha T20 League: The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy got off to a vibrant start at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Kataka on Sunday, with Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi gracing the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Fans were treated to an evening of cricket, entertainment and inspiring words from former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Debashish Mohanty, the brand ambassadors of the league. The two former India players, along with the franchise owners of all six teams, were felicitated by the Chief Minister during the opening ceremony. Raina, who has been closely associated with the tournament as its brand ambassador, congratulated the organisers for putting together the event and encouraged the young cricketers participating in the league to make the most of the opportunity. First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone for the effort they have put in to bring together such a wonderful event. For all the players, my message is simple, play hard, play fair and, most importantly, enjoy the process. This is a great opportunity for all of you to showcase your talent, learn from the experience and take your game forward, Raina said. Mohanty also praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of providing young players with a platform to compete and gain valuable exposure. The Odisha T20 League is a wonderful opportunity for young cricketers to showcase their talent and compete in a professional environment. A tournament like this can give players the confidence and experience they need to take the next step in their careers. I am happy to be associated with the league and wish all the teams and players the very best for the season, Mohanty said. Speaking on the occasion, OCA secretary Sanjay Behera said the presence of the two cricketers would inspire the young players taking part in the tournament. It is a matter of great pride for us to have Suresh Raina and Debashish Mohanty associated with the Odisha T20 League. Both have represented India at the highest level and have made a significant contribution to Indian cricket. Their experience and presence will inspire our young players and give them an opportunity to learn from people who have played the game at the highest level, Behera said. The opening ceremony also featured a special entertainment segment, with Bollywood actress Mouni Roy taking centre stage and captivating the audience with her dance performances. Her appearance added to the excitement among the spectators who had gathered at Barabati Stadium for the start of the tournament. It is a matter of great pride for us to have Suresh Raina and Debashish Mohanty associated with the Odisha T20 League. Both have represented India at the highest level and have made a significant contribution to Indian cricket. Their experience and presence will inspire our young players and give them an opportunity to learn from people who have played the game at the highest level, Behera said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Later, Kataka Panthers won the toss and opted to field against Sambalpur Warriors as the six-team tournament got underway. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 20 Sep 2026 11:14 pm

No fresh documents for SIR hearings, CEO tells officials

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 11:08 pm

Ranchi artisans race to ready Durga Puja pandals

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 10:05 pm

RU focuses on improving its vocational courses

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 9:57 pm

Nine persons arrested for cattle smuggling, van set ablaze

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 9:50 pm

Farmer dies after bee attack in Barwadeeh, Latehar district

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 9:13 pm

Home guard recruitment process begins in Ramgarh

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 9:10 pm

#FromTheGram - Vande Bharat through the green heart of Jharkhand. Union Minister Ashwini Vai

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a reel capturing the Vande Bharat trains scenic journey along the BarkakanaRanchi railway line. The video showcases the train passing through Jharkhands lush green landscapes.

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 8:25 pm

BCB confirms new six-team franchise competition

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to launch a new six-team, franchise-based domestic competition spanning three formats.

The Daily Star 20 Sep 2026 8:13 pm

Gurfateh Pirzada calls Kiran Rao an absolute dream to work with after Lust Stories 3 release: Im so glad she took this shot on and with me

Gurfateh Pirzada has shared a glimpse into his experience of working with filmmaker Kiran Rao on Lust Stories 3. Following the release of the Netflix anthology, the actor took to social media to share behind-the-scenes pictures and express his gratitude to Rao for giving him the opportunity to be part of her segment. Sharing BTS moments from the project, Gurfateh wrote, Theres so much to say about this film50 hour shiftszero sleepand juggling different personalities.the way it all happened and the way we pulled it off was pretty unreal tbh. So much love to all the people involved and the the most to our very own @raodyness. An absolute dream to work with and Im so glad she took this shot on and with me! #LUSTSTORIES3 is live on @netflix_in. I hope you all are liking what weve done and I hope you enjoy Karan, Arjun and Lisa equally. Gurfateh plays the leading man in Kiran Raos segment in Lust Stories 3, which also features Sana Thampi as the leading lady. The anthology, the third installment in the Lust Stories franchise, premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2026. The release comes shortly after Gurfatehs appearance in The Revolutionaries, Nikkhil Advanis period drama in which he portrayed revolutionary Bagha Jatin. The two projects offer the actor distinctly different roles, with Lust Stories 3 marking another addition to his recent work. For Gurfateh, the back-to-back releases also come after a period during which several projects he had been associated with did not reach audiences. With The Revolutionaries and Lust Stories 3 now available, the actor has been able to present two different performances to viewers within a short span. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gurfateh Singh Pirzada (@gurfatehpirzada) Beyond his current releases, Gurfateh has several projects lined up. His upcoming work includes a romantic comedy with Imran Khan and Bhumi Pednekar, Call Me Bae Season 2, and Dynasty. With Lust Stories 3 now streaming on Netflix, Gurfatehs collaboration with Kiran Rao has added another project to his growing body of work, while his social media post offered a personal account of the experience behind the anthology segment. Also Read: Sana Thampi on Lust Stories 3 debut: I didnt know it was Kiran Raos film till auditions

Bollywood Hungama 20 Sep 2026 7:40 pm

TSPC faces leadership vacuum after Brajesh Ganjhus killing

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 5:40 pm

England Reclaim No. 1 T20 Ranking After 3-0 Series Whitewash of Sri Lanka

England returned to the summit of the T20 world rankings with another thumping of Sri Lanka to complete a 3-0 series whitewash in Manchester on Saturday. The hosts made quick work of an eight-wicket win at Old Trafford, following equally emphatic 119-run and six-wicket successes earlier this week in Southampton and Cardiff respectively. England's latest victory was all but assured after Sri Lanka were dismissed for just 124, with two wickets apiece for Sonny Baker, Jofra Archer and Will Jacks. The home side then cruised to their meagre target in under 10 overs, with Jos Buttler 62 not out after sharing a partnership of 85 with captain Harry Brook as Stephen Fleming, the new England Test coach, looked on. England now boast a record of 23 wins from their last 26 T20 internationals. That put them back ahead of world champions India at the top of the T20 standings, with the pair having traded the number one position three times in the past two months. Being back at world number one in T20s is an amazing achievement and one everyone should be really proud of, said Brook. Everyone stepped up, especially lads who haven't played as much. Fast bowler Baker, appearing in just his third T20 for England, returned miserly figures of 2-17 in 3.5 overs. For Sonny Baker to bowl three overs in the powerplay in two games is an amazing achievement, not going for many runs and taking wickets, said Brook. There have been concerns over Brook's workload given he is a mainstay in all three international formats. But the 27-year-old, who plundered 170 runs in the series, said: I want to play as much cricket as I can for England. That is my main priority and why I don't play franchise cricket. We want to be a side when the conditions aren't in our favour where we are still able to manufacture a win. Sri Lanka will hope for an improved performance when they face England in the first of three one-day internationals at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday. A very disappointing series for us with both batting and bowling, said visiting skipper Charith Asalanka. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It was an important eye-opener for us of where we stand in T20 cricket compared to the best teams in the world.

CNMSports 20 Sep 2026 10:16 am

Alex DeBrincat Refuses to Panic Despite the Detroit Red Wings Chaos

While the Detroit Red Wings might be struggling through a rough off season that saw them coming to terms with Dylan Larkin losing his captaincy, Alex DeBrincat remains confident for the franchise's future.

NDTV 20 Sep 2026 6:35 am

Dhanbad court acquits two in 2017 murder case

The Times of India 19 Sep 2026 11:25 pm

CSR funds must come to the aid of needy: HC judge

The Times of India 19 Sep 2026 11:14 pm

Resident Evil OTT release details: When and where to watch Zach Creggers reboot of the fan favourite horror franchise after theatrical run

Zach Creggers Resident Evil reboot has arrived in theatres, giving fans a fresh take on the popular horror video game franchise. With the film now on the big screen, attention has already turned to its OTT and digital release. Heres what to know about when Resident Evil could become available to rent or buy online and when viewers may be able to stream the reboot on Netflix.

The Economic Times 19 Sep 2026 10:43 pm

Russia Launches First-Ever T10 Cricket League

The Russian T10 League has been launched, marking a significant step towards reviving and developing cricket in Russia with the long-term goal of establishing the country as a credible cricketing nation. The inaugural season will feature four franchises competing in seven matches at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on September 19 and 20, 2026.

Rediff 19 Sep 2026 10:25 pm

Leander Paes Backs IGPL's Global Vision, Hails Yuvraj Singh's Role

Led by Leander Paes' vision of grassroots development, wellness and elite performance, his venture, Flying Man Ventures, has come on board as the franchise owner of the Kolkata leg of the IGPL.

NDTV 19 Sep 2026 10:18 pm

PMLA court asks Hemant to appear in land case

The Times of India 19 Sep 2026 10:09 pm

Golmaal 5 Officially Announced: Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar Starrer Locks Jan 2027 Release Date

The much-awaited laughter riot Golmaal 5 has officially locked its theatrical release date. Director Rohit Shetty took to social media to announce that the fifth instalment of Indias favourite comedy franchise will hit the big screens on January 8, 2027. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Shetty (@itsrohitshetty) Ajay [] The post Golmaal 5 Officially Announced: Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar Starrer Locks Jan 2027 Release Date appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Pragativadi 19 Sep 2026 6:36 pm

Latehar police bust Gulguliya gang, recover stolen gold

The Times of India 19 Sep 2026 6:16 pm

14 Arrested For Cyber Fraud in Deoghar, Jamtara

The Times of India 19 Sep 2026 5:18 pm

MSc student of BIT Mesra found hanging in hostel room

The Times of India 19 Sep 2026 5:15 pm

Cricket Russia Launches Russian T10 League To Revive Sport

The Russian T10 League: In a bid to revive cricket in Russia, the Russian Cricket Federation (Cricket Russia) has launched the Russian T10 League with four teams set to compete in the two-day event on September 19 and 20. The tournament will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium, with Moscow Foxes, Kremlin Stars, Kazan Falcons and St. Petersburg Lions competing in seven matches. Sambhav Jain, director, Russian Cricket Federation (Cricket Russia), reflected on the launch of the tournament. The tournament is designed to be more than a sporting competition. It is part of a wider vision to promote cricket across Russia, attract new players and audiences, and create more opportunities for the development of the sport, Jain said. With 60 players participating across four teams, the event provides a platform for cricketers to compete, gain experience and showcase their talent, he added. The Russian T10 League is Russia's first structured domestic cricket calendar through a T10-format tournament. It is open to local Russian players, expat communities, and the South Asian diaspora competing together from Day 1. It is designed to showcase talent at the highest local level, with an aim also on making cricket immediately engaging for new audiences. Identification and development of homegrown Russian talent for the national pipeline is a core objective of the tournament. The T10 League is also the first step in the Russia Cricket Development Initiative, which envisions a future where cricket is a mainstream sport in Russia. The aim remains on a thriving domestic league, world-class infrastructure in every major city, and a Russian national team competing on the international stage. The launch arrives at a genuinely useful moment for cricket in, coming just two years before the sport returns to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. A federation-backed, city-based franchise competition gives Russia a clearer development pathway at a time when several associate nations are racing to professionalise their domestic structures, Jain added. Final Fixtures: 19th September 2026: Match 1: Kremlin Stars vs Kazan Falcons Match 2: Moscow Foxes vs Saint Petersburg Lions Match 3: Kremlin Stars vs Moscow Foxes 20th September 2026: Match 1: Kazan Falcons vs Saint Petersburg Lions Match 2: Kremlin Stars vs Saint Petersburg Lions Match 1: Kazan Falcons vs Saint Petersburg Lions Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Final: 1st Place vs 2nd Place Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 19 Sep 2026 5:14 pm

Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumars Golmaal 5 to hit theatres in January 2027

Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumars Golmaal 5, directed by Rohit Shetty, is reportedly set to release in January 2027. The comedy brings back franchise favourites, including Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu and Tusshar Kapoor

Mid Day 19 Sep 2026 1:04 pm

Golmaal 5 gets release date; Rohit Shetty, Ajay Devgn and team promise new year madness

The Golmaal franchise is returning to the big screen with its fifth instalment. Golmaal 5 is set to release in cinemas on January 8, 2027, bringing back the comedy series for another round of madness,...

India TV 19 Sep 2026 12:16 pm

Adani Group renews IOA partnership, extends support for Team India

Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 19 (IANS) The Adani Group has renewed its association with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as Principal Sponsor, extending its support for Team India as the countrys athletes compete at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The partnership will cover the ongoing Asian Games, being held from September 19 to October 4, and continue beyond the continental event. The association was also in place during the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, where India finished fourth in the medal standings with 39 medals, 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. The renewed partnership comes at a significant juncture for Indian sport, with Ahmedabad scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and India continuing its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. IOA President and Olympian PT Usha welcomed the continuation of the association, pointing to the role of institutional support as Indian athletes prepare for major international competitions. Indias performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow reflects the talent and growing strength of our athletes. We are grateful to the Adani Group for continuing its association with the Indian Olympic Association. As we look ahead to the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, such support will be important in helping our athletes prepare and compete at their best. We look forward to continuing this association as Indian sport moves forward, she said. The Adani Group said its sports-related initiatives span grassroots programmes, athlete support, community participation and professional sport. Its Garv Hai initiative has supported Indian athletes, while its grassroots academies focus on developing talent across multiple sports. The group has also backed fitness and mass-participation initiatives through the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, whose 10th edition is scheduled for November 29, besides its involvement in professional sporting leagues through franchise ownership. The renewal therefore extends the Groups existing involvement with Indian sport as the country enters another major phase of its international sporting calendar.

bhaskarlive 19 Sep 2026 11:46 am

Hetmyer Hundred In Vain As Kingsmen Rally To Reach CPL 2026 Final

Jamaica Kingsmen overcame the Guyana Amazon Warriors to reach the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final in a thrilling match at the Kensington Oval. This victory for the Jamaican franchise gives them a chance to claim the CPL in the year they returned to the competition when they face the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday. The Guyana Amazon Warriors set a very challenging target of 207 thanks to Shimron Hetmyers second hundred of the season with Shai Hope and Quentin Sampson giving him excellent support throughout the innings. At the halfway stage it seemed that runs on the board in a knockout game would be enough to see the Amazon Warriors through to their fourth consecutive CPL final, but a blistering start from Maaz Sadaqat and a classy half century from Keacy Carty set up the Kingsmen victory which was sealed by Hassan Khan hitting four runs to reach the victory target. In the opening overs the Warriors batters struggled to get going once again as they reached 37/2 at the end of the Power Play. This was a similar position to where the Guyanese franchise had found themselves against the Falcons before they collapsed to 76 all out a day earlier. Here things were very different with Hetmyer batting brilliant in an innings that had more sixes than fours and insane level of power hitting. He reached his hundred from the last ball of the innings when he slashed Andre Russell over third for four having faced just 45 balls. In reply the Kingsmen were once again thankful for the Power Play efforts of Sadaqat who made 41 from just 17 balls. The fact that the score was 42/1 when Khary Pierre took a steepling catch to remove him shows just how dominate he was in the opening exchanges. The quick rate at which Sadaqat scored allowed Carty and Kirk McKenzie time to get themselves set and get the rate needed under control. It looked as if Jamaica were cruising to the victory but there was a twist to come as lost the wickets of Carty, Saim Ayub, Russell to give them a few jitters in the closing moments. With Rovman Powell there at the end they managed to stay calm and he has once again led a Jamaican team to the CPL just as he did in 2022. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sundays final is a mouthwatering clash that sees two in form teams replay the very first game of this years CPL to decide who takes the 2026 honours.

CNMSports 19 Sep 2026 11:06 am

Former Jharkhand Minister Vimla Pradhan Passes Away in Ranchi

Vimla Pradhan, a former minister and BJP leader in Jharkhand, has passed away in Ranchi, leaving a significant void in the political landscape. Former Jharkhand Minister Vimla Pradhan Passes Away in Ranchi

Daily Kiran 19 Sep 2026 2:28 am

Odisha T20 League: Our aim is to establish Keonjhar Miners as a strong sporting identity, says Manish Khemmka

Digital Desk | Cuttack, Sep 19 (IANS) The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is all set to kick off on Sunday at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Six teams, Keonjhar Miners, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Kataka Panthers, Puri Titans, Rourkela Superstars and Sambalpur Warriors will battle it out for the ultimate glory. The Keonjhar Miners franchise sees its entry into the Odisha T20 League as an opportunity to build more than just a cricket team, with a focus on creating a strong regional identity and providing a platform for young talent from Keonjhar and across Odisha. Speaking about the vision behind the franchise, owner Manish Khemmka said, For us, the Keonjhar Miners is about much more than cricket. Keonjhar has a very strong connection with OCL and with our broader journey in Odisha, and we felt that a sporting franchise was a natural way to deepen that relationship with the region. Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together, create aspirations and give young people a platform to express themselves. Our vision is to build the Keonjhar Miners into a team that the people of Keonjhar and Odisha can genuinely identify with and feel proud of, he further said. Over time, we would like the Miners to represent three things talent, opportunity and a strong regional identity. We are looking at this as a long-term association, not simply as participation in one tournament, he further added. The franchise also believes the Odisha T20 League can play an important role in widening the pathway for young cricketers from districts outside the traditional cricketing centres. I think it is extremely important. One of the biggest strengths of a state-level league is that it creates a structured platform where young cricketers can compete in a professional environment and demonstrate their ability. Odisha has considerable cricketing talent beyond the traditional centres, and leagues like this can help widen the pathway for players from different districts. The OCA has also articulated the objective of creating opportunities for Odishas players and providing a pathway for them to progress to the next level. For us, the opportunity is particularly meaningful because the Keonjhar identity gives us a natural platform to connect with young talent from the region. We want aspiring cricketers to believe that they dont necessarily have to come from one of the traditional cricketing centres to get noticed. If they have the talent, dedication and discipline, there should be a pathway for them, he said. Looking beyond the tournament, the franchise is also keen to develop grassroots programmes and strengthen its engagement with the local community. Our ambition is to build something that lasts beyond the ten days of the tournament. The first step is to establish the Keonjhar Miners as a strong sporting identity and build a genuine connection with our supporters. Over the longer term, we would like to explore grassroots cricket programmes, talent identification camps, coaching initiatives and engagement with schools and local communities in Keonjhar and across Odisha. The objective would be to identify promising young players early and give them access to better coaching, competition and exposure, Khemmka noted. At the same time, we want the fans to feel that this is their team. That means taking the Miners beyond the cricket ground, engaging with communities, involving young people and creating experiences around the team. Ultimately, if a young boy or girl in Keonjhar starts dreaming of playing professional cricket because they saw the Keonjhar Miners, and if the community starts seeing the team as a source of pride for the region, then we would feel that we have achieved something much bigger than winning matches. That is the legacy we would like to build, he concluded.

bhaskarlive 19 Sep 2026 12:02 am

CBI arrests 2 CCL clerks for taking bribe

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:40 pm

State sets 50L quintal paddy procurement target

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:21 pm

HC rejects Hemants plea to stay PMLA proceedings

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:19 pm

HC stays anti-encroachment drive in HEC

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:17 pm

Court awards life term to 11 in triple murder case

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:16 pm

Jharkhand police to seek remand of Maoist Asim Mandal

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:15 pm

Chip designed by IIT-ISM team earns national recognition

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:14 pm

RMC to install 5,300 LED street lights across city

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 11:14 pm