New York, April 21 (IANS) While the second round of talks between Iran and the United States hung in the balance, President Donald Trump said Monday that he was offering Tehran a better deal than the agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which he ripped up in 2018 as favouring Iran.​

“The deal that we are making with Iran will be far better than the JCPOA, commonly referred to as ‘The Iran Nuclear Deal’, penned by [former President] Barack Hussein Obama and Sleepy Joe Biden [his predecessor as president], one of the worst deals ever made having to do with the security of our country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.​

That was an attempt to salvage the talks now in jeopardy as Trump seeks a way out of the conflict.​

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed between Iran and the five permanent members of the Security Council, along with Germany and the European Union, in 2015 to curtail Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting some sanctions.​

Trump denounced it during his 2016 campaign, and after his election, he said the United States would withdraw from it, which it did in 2018.​

While Trump has said that Vice President JD Vance, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Special Representative Steve Witkoff would be heading to Islamabad for the second round of negotiations, Iran has not confirmed its participation.​

Tasnim news agency quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei saying at his weekly briefing on Monday, “So far, we have not made any decisions regarding the next round of negotiations.”​

He cited the United States capture of an Iranian ship over the weekend as a reason for holding up Tehran’s participation, calling it “an act of aggression”.​

Iran and the United States are in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, with the United States imposing a blockade of Iranian ports, and Iran reneging on its commitment to keep it open during the ceasefire reached nearly two weeks ago.​

Trump had earlier said that Iran had agreed to United States conditions, the chief among them being completely ending nuclear programmes and stopping missile programmes.​

Iran has denied that it had agreed to any deal with Trump.​

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 21 (IANS) Captain Hardik Pandya heaped praise on top batter Tilak Varma after his brilliant century helped the Mumbai Indians (MI) crush the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 99 runs in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Pandya said that Tilak’s knock was exactly what the team needed at the right moment. He highlighted that such performances were expected of a player of his talent and believed it was the right time for him to step up.

“The talent Tilak has, he does not need much advice. It was about time he came and delivered. It was much needed for the group, for Tilak and the Mumbai Indians,” Pandya said after the match.

Mumbai Indians put up a commanding total of 199/5, built around Tilak’s sensational unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls, a knock that also saw him equal the franchise record for the fastest century. Naman Dhir supported well with a crucial 45-run innings, helping MI recover after early setbacks.

Pandya also expressed satisfaction after the Mumbai Indians broke the four-match loss streak in IPL 2026.

“Very important. It is always challenging to go away and win. Also, Ahmedabad has not been a happy ground for the Mumbai Indians, so very satisfying,” he said.

Defending the total, MI’s bowlers dominated from the start. Jasprit Bumrah struck on the very first ball, while Pandya himself removed Jos Buttler early in the chase. The pressure never eased on the Gujarat Titans as wickets fell regularly.

Addressing questions around Bumrah’s usage with the new ball, Pandya made it clear that it was a tactical choice. “Quite fascinating, I have seen many people asking why Jassi hasn't bowled with the new ball, but he hasn't bowled with the new ball maybe 7 or 8 times, so it is not a Hardik Pandya problem, it is Jassi being special,” he explained.

Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit delivered collectively, with Ashwani Kumar starring with figures of 4/24, while Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar picked up two wickets each to dismantle the GT batting lineup. “It was about bowling in the right areas and bowling with the right intent. Really amazing by the youngsters, so fielding had to click,” Pandya concluded, lauding the team's overall effort.

Meanwhile, after the dominant win, the Mumbai Indians have moved up to seventh in the points table with four points from six matches. They will next face arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 23.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 20 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a 31-year-old man from Surendranagar district within hours of a social media post on X that allegedly hurt the sentiments of the Brahmin community and posed a risk to public peace, officials said on Monday.

The accused, identified as Hasmukh alias Nikhil Chavda, is a resident of Housing Board Society near the Police Line in Thangadh of Surendranagar district.

According to police, the action followed the detection of a post on April 19 by a user named Nikhil Chavda that contained objectionable remarks targeting the Brahmin community.

The Crime Branch’s technical department, which monitors social media for content capable of creating enmity between groups, spreading hatred or hurting communal sentiments, initiated an inquiry.

Using technical analysis and human intelligence, the team traced and apprehended the accused within a few hours, officials said.

A case has been registered at the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) Police Station under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Police said a mobile phone valued at Rs 10,000 has been seized as evidence.

The arrest followed multiple reactions on social media both before and after the police action.

A post addressing Gujarat Police had earlier read: “Hello @GujaratPolice. His name is Nikhil Chavda, he lives in Gujarat, he is insulting our Bhagwan Parshuram and trying to do riots in peaceful Gujarat, arrest him before it’s too late.”

Following the arrest, a user posted, “Nikhil Chavda, who mocked Bhagwan Parshuram yesterday, has now been arrested. Reports say strict action is being taken by Ahmedabad Police. This should serve as a reminder... freedom of expression doesn’t mean disrespecting faith and beliefs.”

Another user claimed, “Nikhil Chavda was arrested in Gujarat for sharing blasphemous memes on Bhagwan Parshuram. He was doing this for last 3–4 years and we highlighted it almost on every occasion.”

Another post read, “Thank you @HarshSanghavi for your strong support and swift action in taking down such anti-social elements.”

Police records indicate that the accused has prior cases registered against him.

These include an offence at Thangadh Police Station in 2022 under Sections 354, 452, 504 and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code; another case at the same police station under Sections 66(1)(B) and 85 of the Prohibition Act; and a case at Vadaj Police Station under Sections 66(1)(B) and 85(1) of the Prohibition Act along with Sections 110 and 117 of the Gujarat Police Act.

Officials said monitoring of social media platforms will continue, adding that legal action will be taken against individuals posting content that could incite hatred, create division or disturb law and order.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, April 20 (IANS) If voted back to power, Bharat Rashtra Samithi will scrap Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), said party president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.​

Addressing a public meeting at Jagtial, he said scrapping HYDRAA will be the first file to be signed if BRS returns to power​

At the public meeting, K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) formally inducted former minister T. Jeevan Reddy into the BRS and announced his appointment as party general secretary.​

The public meeting was organised to welcome Jeevan Reddy into BRS. Reddy recently quit the ruling Congress party.​

KCR lashed out at the Congress government for creating HYDRAA, which he called demolishing the houses of the poor.​

Opposing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s Musi rejuvenation project, the former CM said, would not be opposed, but asked whether 10,000 houses should be demolished for it. He alleged that attempts are being made to grab lands in the name of Musi.​

The BRS chief alleged that the Congress government agreed to fix meters on agricultural motors to secure additional borrowings under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM). He claimed that when he was the Chief Minister, he was pressurised to agree to fic meters for agriculture motors, but he did not surrender.​

Stating that no one is happy under the Congress rule, KCR said the BRS should return to power. He gave a call to renew the task of rebuilding Telangana.​

Praising Jeevan Reddy, KCR said he was a model for many in politics. The BRS chief said, despite working on different political platforms, they had been good friends for the last 40-45 years.​

KCR said Jeevan Reddy joined BRS for the good future of Telangana. He cited surveys that Jeevan Reddy joining the BRS would also have an impact on other constituencies.​

The former CM came down heavily on Revanth Reddy for repeatedly wishing for his death.​

Listing out the progress achieved under the BRS rule, he alleged that the Congress government has not launched even a single new scheme.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday stressed the urgent need for a transition towards real-time enforcement mechanisms to effectively combat the rapidly evolving threat of cybercrime in the country.

Delivering the 22nd D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture at Bharat Mandapam, the CJI said that traditional enforcement approaches are proving increasingly inadequate in the face of cyber offences that are “transnational, fast-paced and anonymous” in nature.

The lecture, organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), focused on the theme “Challenges of Cyber Crime: Role for Police and Judiciary”, bringing together stakeholders from law enforcement and the legal fraternity.

Highlighting systemic gaps in the current framework, the CJI pointed to the mismatch between the real-time execution of cybercrimes and the often delayed and fragmented institutional response by authorities.

He called for real-time coordination among key stakeholders, including banks, telecom service providers, digital platforms, and investigative agencies, to enable swift detection, response, and mitigation of cyber threats.

Calling for a broader paradigm shift in approach, CJI Kant underscored the importance of adopting technology-driven solutions such as automated detection systems, early warning mechanisms, and integrated command structures.

He stressed the need to build capacity in digital forensics, cyber intelligence, and specialised training within investigative and enforcement agencies to deal with complex cyber threats.

“Effectively addressing cybercrime requires a coordinated, anticipatory and collaborative approach,” he said, adding that judicial adaptability and robust technological safeguards must complement enforcement efforts.

The CJI identified capacity building, inter-agency collaboration, and technology-led governance as key pillars in strengthening the institutional response to cybercrime in India.

On the occasion, the CJI also launched ‘ABHAY’, an AI-powered chatbot aimed at helping citizens verify the authenticity of notices purportedly issued by the CBI, particularly in light of the rising instances of so-called “digital arrest” scams involving impersonation.

The CBI organises the annual lecture series in honour of its founder Director, Dharamnath Prasad Kohli, whose leadership laid the institutional foundation of the agency in its early years.

Established by a Union government resolution dated April 1, 1963, the CBI was mandated to investigate cases of bribery and corruption, violations of central fiscal laws, and other serious crimes, and has since evolved over the decades into India’s premier investigative body.

Kohli, who led the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) before becoming the first Director of the CBI, is widely credited with strengthening investigative processes, institutional credibility, and organisational integrity.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, April 20 (IANS) The preparations for the famous annual Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra formally commenced on Monday with the sacred chariot construction rituals ‘Ratha Katha Anukula Puja’ held in Puri on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.​

Speaking to media persons, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said that the first phase of this year’s Rath Yatra began today with the commencement of chariot construction.

He informed that all the traditional rituals linked to chariot construction, or ‘Ratha Katha Anukula Puja’, were held smoothly on Monday.​

After the ceremonial puja, the Vishwakarma Maharana servitors began the traditional process of chariot construction by tying a sacred cloth to the logs, followed by the symbolic cutting of wood with a golden axe, an age-old ritual.​

The Chandan Yatra or Sandalwood Yatra of the holy triad commenced in the sacred town on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Monday. The 21-day-long summer festival of the deities of the famous Jagannath Temple is celebrated with much religious zeal and passion at Puri. ​

Each day during the festival, the representative idols of the deities, Madanmohan, Rama, Krishna, Bhudevi, Shreedevi, and five Shivas (known as Panch Pandavas) are ceremoniously brought out in a grand procession and taken to Narendra Tank located near the Jagannath Temple, where they are placed on richly adorned boats.​

These boats are then gently rowed across the water amid a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music and dance performances. In addition to Puri, this festival is also widely celebrated in other religious places across the state, reflecting its cultural significance across Odisha.​

SJTA Chief Administrator Padhee also expressed hope that the Chandan Yatra and the Ratha Yatra festival would be held smoothly this year, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the holy siblings.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) The upcoming docu-series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ has attracted the ire of the Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Ludhiana Lok Sabha constituency.

On Monday, Amrinder took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note, as he expressed his displeasure and disappointment in equal proportions after the trailer of the docu-series was unveiled.

He wrote, “I lost my friend Sidhu Moosewala to Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. His death was a loss for each and every Punjabi, for millions of his fans around the world. And today ZEE5 wants to give that same gangster a docuseries called ‘Lawrence of Punjab’? Not just Sidhu. Hundreds of Punjabis have lost their lives to this network of crime”.

He further mentioned, “Countless families are still grieving. Still bleeding. This TV Series is not content. This is a slap on every one of us. Bhagat Singh is Punjab’s identity. Our soldiers are Punjab’s identity. Our farmers are Punjab’s identity. NOT a gangster. NEVER a gangster! I am filing a PIL. This series must be banned. Enough is enough. #BanLawrenceOfPunjab #ZEE5 #LawrenceOfPunjab”.

Lawrence Bishnoi is India’s most dreaded gangster currently. He operates his network from the Sabarmati Central Jail. He has been involved in many high-profile assassinations including the 2022 murder of Punjabi sensation Sidhu Moose Wala. Moose Wala was shot in broad daylight by the members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Goldy Brar was the key conspirator, and also claimed responsibility for the attack.

He was gunned down while driving his SUV in Mansa district of Punjab. Punjab has always suffered with many issues of which drug abuse by the youth and the killing of its pop icons are the top problem areas.

Lawrence Bishnoi has also constantly issued threats to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan owing to his involvement in the black buck poaching case. Salman Khan has received state protection with his security getting beefed up.

--IANS

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Beijing, April 20 (IANS) Fang Bo, a former member of the Chinese men's table tennis team that won World Cup and World Championships titles, announced on Monday that he would represent Kazakhstan in future competitions, excluding the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup.

"I announce my return and will represent Kazakhstan," Fang wrote on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. "I have established cooperation with Nomad Table Tennis Academy, and I plan to compete in World Table Tennis events from June."

"I still hold Chinese nationality. I will not compete in the three majors," he added.

Fang, 34, helped China win the 2015 Team World Cup and the 2016 World Team Championships. He reached the final of the 2015 World Championships in Suzhou before losing to teammate Ma Long, reports Xinhua.

Fang announced his retirement from the Chinese team in 2021. "My love for table tennis remains the reason why I come back. I want to challenge my limits once again," he concluded.

A 33-year-old player with a right-handed, shakehand grip, Fang Bo reached the men's singles final at the World Championships by defeating the second-seeded Xu Xin and the defending champion Zhang Jike.

In 2017, he partnered with Petrissa Solja of Germany to win a bronze medal in the mixed doubles section at the World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany. Fang also won a silver medal in the doubles and a bronze medal in mixed doubles in the 2017 Asian Championship in Wuxi. He won six medals, including three gold in the ITTF World Tour in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

In 2009, Fang Bo joined the Chinese national table tennis team. In December 2009, he won all four team and individual titles at the 2009 World Junior Championships, becoming the first youth player to accomplish this feat in China.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) It has been 19 years since Bollywood's beloved couple, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, entered matrimony in a lavish ceremony.

Aishwarya decided to mark 19 years of marital bliss with Abhishek by dropping perfect family pics on social media.

The photographs posted by Aishwarya showed her posing for some happy clicks with hubby Abhishek and their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

While in the first snap, the three of them are posing next to a lovely bouquet, the second had them simply flaunting their beautiful smiles.

Coming to Aishwarya and Abhishek's love saga, the two have shared screenspace in many films including "Kuch Naa Kaho", "Dhoom 2", "Sarkar Raj", "Umrao Jaan", "Guru", and "Raavan".

The duo reportedly first met back in 1999 for the photo shoot of their first project together, "Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke".

Their friendship slowly and steadily transformed into love. After being in a relationship for some time, Aishwarya and Abhishek finally tied the knot on April 20, 2007.

On 16 November 2011, the couple stepped into the next chapter of their lives as they welcomed their first child, a baby girl.

Meanwhile, Aishwarya and Abhishek recently made headlines as they made a rare appearance together at Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun Tendulkar's wedding on March 5.

While Aishwarya looked as beautiful as ever in a blue and silver anarkali suit, Abhishek opted for a black sherwani. The couple was seen smiling and posing for the cameras before entering the venue.

Abhishek and Aishwarya attended the event with Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. The entire Bachchan family made a public appearance together after a very long time.

On the work front, Abhishek will be seen playing a crucial role alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Siddharth Anand's "King".

His lineup further includes Riteish Deshmukh's "Raja Shivaji".

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali decided to relive a fond memory from the shoot of his eagerly-awaited next "Main Vapas Aaunga".

He took to his official Insta account and posted a glimpse of enjoying a beautiful sunset in Patiala with his team.

The snap showed Imtiaz sitting on the grass with Vedang Raina and Sharvari accompanying him. They also had some other members from the team with them.

It seems like they are all in the middle of a fun discussion.

"memories of the shoot - golden sunsets in Patiala with @sharvari @vedangraina (sic)," read the caption.

Earlier, during an exclusive interaction with IANS, Imtiaz revealed that memories were the key element to creating a specific palette and visual texture of "Main Vapas Aaunga".

The 'Rockstar' maker told IANS, “We followed the memory, the images in the memory of Ishar. So, Ishar Singh Grewal is the character who is 95 years old. And now retrospectively, he is thinking about those beautiful times of his past, when he was in college. So there is a certain hue or tone that memory achieves”.

“It might even be different from how the light and the texture was at the time when it happened. But when it is remembered 78 years later, it acquires a rose tint. And that is how I think we got the images of this film, and very consciously we've got them. We have gone after what a happy memory feels like. So we have chased that image in this film. And we have brought it about by a certain type of lensing, by a certain type of light and costume design, and the use of many camera techniques also," he went on to add.

Produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films. "Main Vapas Aaunga" will get a theatrical release on June 12.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Actress Wamiqa Gabbi decided to torture her 'Bhooth Bangla' co-star Akshay Kumar with her PJs.

Wamiqa took to her official Instagram handle and published a video capturing Akshay's reaction to her sad jokes.

She asked, "Sir, if someone's aunt (Massi) lives far away, what will you call her in English?"

"Pharmacy," replied Wamiqa.

Next, the 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' actress asked, "Two people were playing badminton, and the police caught them. Why?"

When Akshay was unable to guess the answer, Wamiqa shared, "Because they were using a racket."

Testing Akshay's patience further, she added, "Name a place where singing is not allowed".

Giving the answer, Wamiqa added, "Nagaland".

Uploading the clip on social media, Wamiqa mentioned in the caption, "Premiqa ke PJ pe hasi hui faraar, Akshay sir bole, “Bas karo yaar! BHOOTH BANGLA in cinemas now! Book your tickets now !!

(Please aise aur joke ho toh bhejo, I am reading all comments) (sic)."

Reacting to the post, one of the users wrote, "Those cute pj's can bring anyone in laughter".

Another one shared, "Akshay Sir be like: kaha fas gaya aaj..."

"@akshaykumar sirrrrr ko diya Wamiqa ji ne trauma," read the third comment.

Talking about "Bhooth Bangla", the project which marked the reunion of Akshay and Priyadarshan, after almost 14 years reached the cinema halls on April 17.

Produced by Akshay Kumar, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor under the banners of Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films. "Bhooth Bangla" stars Akshay, Wamiqa, Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, Rajpal Yadav, and Tabu in key roles, along with others.

Coming to the technical crew, Divakar Mani is on board the team as cinematographer, M. S. Aiyappan Nair as editor, and Pritam as the music composer.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Over the years, actor Ayushmann Khurrana has managed to create a niche for himself, especially when it comes to family entertainers laced with comedy.

His blockbuster hits such as "Vicky Donor", "Badhaai Ho", "Bala", "Dream Girl", and "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" have made him one of the most bankable stars in comedy.

Looking back on his journey and the audience’s response to his films, Ayushmann said that he likes his movies to be clean, ensuring that the whole family is able to watch the movie together.

He shared, “I’ve been incredibly fortunate that audiences have embraced my family comedies over the years. I have worked very hard to build this credibility with the content that I have tried to pick to entertainment people. I like my films to be clean, keeping in mind that an entire family, from anywhere in India, can sit down together to watch it in theatres! Maybe that’s why they always show up for my family entertainers. For me, that’s a huge responsibility."

Ayushmann intends to take his legacy forward with his forthcoming release, "Pati Patni Aur Woh Do", co-starring Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Shedding further light on his next, he added, "With Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, we are taking a familiar, loved space and giving it a fresh, contemporary twist - the confusion, the humour and the situation comedy will hopefully make people laugh their hearts out on 15th May when the film releases in theatres.”

"Pati Patni Aur Woh Do" shares the tale of a husband who finds himself entangled between not one or two, but three women, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic situations.

Directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and Krishan Kumar under the banners of T-Series and B R Studios, "Pati Patni Aur Woh Do" will reach the cinema halls on May 15.

--IANS

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