New Delhi, Seop7 (IANS) European football will pay tribute to the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal last month, with UEFA arranging a moment of silence before every Champions League fixture as a gesture of solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.

The tribute will be accompanied by a banner carrying the message “You are not alone Nepal,”, which will be displayed ahead of the matches across the continent.

"A moment of silence will be held, and a banner will be displayed as a sign of solidarity and support ahead of all UEFA Champions League matches this week. The banner will carry the message "You are not alone Nepal," UEFA said in a statement.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the gesture reflected the football community’s support for Nepal as the country continues to deal with the aftermath of the floods that struck on August 26.

“The entire European football family will stand together before this week's matches to express our deepest condolences and our support to the people of Nepal. We wish them strength and resilience as they continue to recover from this tragedy and its aftermath,” Aleksander said.

The disaster has claimed 1,355 lives, with rescue and recovery operations continuing in several affected areas. According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 4,996 people, including at least 589 foreign nationals, remain missing, while 13,396 people have been rescued.

UEFA’s tribute will be observed as the Champions League returns to the spotlight this week, with 14 matches scheduled across Europe from Tuesday.

Among the headline fixtures, Barcelona will host Feyenoord at Camp Nou on September 9, while Liverpool will welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield the following day. Paris Saint-Germain will face Slovan Bratislava, Manchester United will take on Sabah FK and Arsenal will meet Napoli in other notable games.

--IANS

vi/bc

Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) The 108 free ambulance service drivers have given the Karnataka government a 15-day deadline and threatened to collectively resign if their demands are not met. Health and Family Welfare Minister, U.T. Khader, on Monday warned that strict action would be taken if any protest affected patients and asked the drivers to speak to the firm engaged by the government to manage them, in order to address their demands.

It can be noted that the 108 ambulance service (known as Arogya Kavacha) is completely free in Karnataka for medical, trauma, and accident emergencies. Karnataka has a total fleet of around 711 to 715 ambulances under the free 108 Arogya Kavacha network.

The ambulance drivers have demanded several measures, including an annual review of their salaries and hikes, deployment of ambulances in three shifts and scrapping of the zonal-wise salary system. They have sought a uniform salary structure for all drivers.

The drivers have also demanded that the compensation paid to the families of ambulance drivers who die in accidents be increased to Rs 50 lakh. They have sought salary based on seniority and in accordance with Labour Department guidelines.

They have further demanded that salaries be credited within seven days of every month, rest rooms be constructed for ambulance drivers and changes be made to the existing shift system.

The drivers have warned that if the government fails to address their demands within 15 days, they will collectively resign.

Responding to the issue, Khader said the operation and management of the 108 ambulance service was the responsibility of the private company engaged by the government and that the company was responsible for providing vehicles, salaries, training, cleanliness, uniforms and other facilities.

“We will not manage it. The company will provide the vehicles, salary, training, cleanliness, uniform and everything else. If the drivers have any issues, they have to sit with the company and discuss them. They can also bring the matter to our notice,” Khader said.

He said the government would intervene if the company failed to pay the salary that had been promised to the drivers in writing at the time of their appointment.

“If they have been promised a particular salary in writing at the time of appointment and are not being paid that amount, they can inform us,” he said.

Khader maintained that the government had no direct involvement in the company's employment-related matters and said the company would be held accountable for any lapses in providing the contracted services.

He also said the government would not be concerned if the drivers staged a dharna or protest, but warned that any disruption affecting patients would not be tolerated.

“We are not bothered if the drivers sit for a dharna or protest. The company is accountable to us. But if the people and patients are affected, strict action will be initiated,” Khader warned.

--IANS

mka/rad

Guwahati, Sep 7 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday described literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu as an expression of India's cultural unity and called for greater academic and linguistic interaction between the two states.

Addressing a programme at Gauhati University, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that language carries the memory, wisdom and identity of a civilisation, and appreciated the translation of Assamese and Tamil literary works into each other.

He encouraged universities and scholars to deepen academic and literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu, saying India's linguistic diversity derives strength from its underlying cultural unity.

The Vice-President also released "Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs", edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta, and the fifth revised and enlarged edition of "Chandrakanta Abhidhan".

Vice-President Radhakrishnan highlighted Gauhati University's contribution to preserving India's linguistic heritage and its research in areas such as endangered languages, multilingualism, women's studies, environmental sustainability and Indian knowledge systems.

He also urged students and young people to use education, research and innovation to address challenges facing their communities and contribute to the development of the country.

Calling upon youth to work towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat @2047', the Vice-President said that technology should serve humanity and innovation should become an instrument of inclusive development.

He quoted Swami Vivekananda's famous exhortation to the youth to "Awake, arise and stop not till your goal is reached".

Vice-President Radhakrishnan also urged students to stay away from drugs, maintain discipline, manage their time wisely and avoid excessive use of social media.

He led students and other participants in taking the "No to Drugs" pledge during the programme.

The Vice-President praised Assam's progress in education, infrastructure, connectivity, investment and employment under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

He noted that more than 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments had been made in the state since 2021 and also highlighted the commencement of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati.

The programme was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta, faculty members and students.

--IANS

tdr/khz

Vadodara, Sep 7 (IANS) More than 42,000 people have been placed on a waiting list for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public programme in Vadodara after all available seats were booked within an hour of free registration opening on BookMyShow, highlighting strong public interest ahead of the event scheduled for Tuesday.

The registration drive, being conducted by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), marks the first time a private digital platform has been used to manage public participation in a Prime Minister's programme. Registration was subsequently closed after available seats were exhausted, while the waiting list continued to grow.

The event will operate on a fully digital entry and venue-management system. Registered participants will receive an M-Ticket through their BookMyShow accounts, featuring a secure live QR code for entry verification. The entire process, from registration and verification to venue access and seat allocation, is being managed digitally to facilitate faster verification and smoother crowd movement.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat and Maharashtra on September 8. In Vadodara, he will lay foundation stones, inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth over Rs 35,000 crore and address a public gathering.

A key highlight of the programme will be the dedication of three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), spanning 326 route km and built at a cost exceeding Rs 20,700 crore. With these sections becoming operational, the WDFC network will be fully commissioned along its entire length, improving freight connectivity, reducing logistics costs and easing pressure on Mumbai's rail network.

PM Modi will also flag off freight train services from New Sanand (North), New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT in Mumbai, besides inaugurating a new train service between Vadodara and Tanda Road. The programme will further include railway, highway and state government projects worth thousands of crores.

After the Vadodara event, the Prime Minister will travel to Mumbai to inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest 2026.

--IANS

mys/skp

Mumbai, Sep 7 (IANS) Singer and composer Adnan Sami has opened up how his life changed after he became an Indian citizen.

The singer made the revelations during a conversation with trade analyst Komal Nahta on "Game Changers: The Music Series." Speaking about the difference he experienced after receiving Indian citizenship, Adnan said, “It was never difficult for me to get work in India when I was a Pakistani citizen. A lot of things changed after I got Indian citizenship. Main India ka ho gaya aur India mera ho gaya.”

For the unversed, Adnan Sami officially became a naturalized Indian citizen on January 1, 2016. He had first arrived in India in March 2001 on a visitor’s visa and went on to build a successful career in the country’s music industry. His journey towards Indian citizenship began after his Pakistani passport expired in 2015 and was not renewed. He subsequently applied for legal status in India on humanitarian grounds.

The Ministry of Home Affairs granted Adnan Sami Indian citizenship under Section 6(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The provision enables the government to confer citizenship through naturalization, including in cases involving individuals who have made notable contributions to areas such as art and culture.

In an interview, Adnan Sami had revealed that his decision to move to India was influenced by the lack of opportunities and support he experienced within the Pakistani music industry. The ‘Lift Karadey’ actor recalled receiving encouragement from legendary singer Asha Bhosle, which played an important role in his decision to pursue opportunities in India.

Sami also credited India for embracing his music and giving him a platform to showcase his talent.

Adnan Sami embarked on his musical journey in the early 1990s and gradually established himself as a prominent name in the Indian music industry with his popular albums and Hindi songs.

He shot to fame with the album “Kabhi To Nazar Milao,” which went on to become a huge success. Known for his versatility, Sami has explored a wide range of genres, including Indian classical, pop, and film music. In recognition of his contribution to the arts, he was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2020.

--IANS

ps/

Mumbai, Sep 7 (IANS) Prime Video unveiled the teaser of its forthcoming MX Original drama 'Waiting Hai' on Monday.

Made under the direction of National Award-winning filmmaker Sameer Vidwans (Known for Satyaprem Ki Katha), the quirky ‘scam dramedy’ sheds light on a nationwide ticketing scam.

Headlined by Divyenndu and Bhuvan Arora, 'Waiting Hai' will also see Kumud Mishra, Vijay Maurya, Harshita Gaur, Srushti Tare, and Sunita Rajwar in crucial roles, along with others.

Sharing the teaser on social media, the makers wrote, "Lekar aa rahe hain hum ek shuddh desi scam...#WaitingHai, coming soon. Watch for free, on Prime Video (sic)."

What starts as a familiar struggle of getting a confirmed railway ticket, soon turns it into a mystery where the wait may be hiding more than meets the eye.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Ajay Rai, 'Waiting Hai' shares the tale of Sugam Mishra, a newly posted Railway Police officer, who finds himself stuck in the Waiting List. However, he suddenly notices that certain agents are getting their tickets confirmed with surprising ease while the other passengers are still forced to wait. Sugam could not help but wonder who could be behind this.

In an attempt to get to the bottom of this mystery, Sugam embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the people behind this.

However, he is confronted by a hacker who always seems to be one step ahead of him, resulting in a cat-and-mouse chase between a determined investigator and a hacker who always seems to have another trick up his sleeve.

Presented by Jio Studios in collaboration with Jar Pictures Production, 'Waiting Hai' is expected to soon stream for free, exclusively on Prime Video and on the MX Player Android app.

The makers are yet to announce the official release date for the social thriller crime drama.

--IANS

pm/

Dubai, Sep 7 (IANS) Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during her side’s Women’s Asia Cup Group A clash against India, which they lost by seven wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

In a statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday that Fatima was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘using language, actions or gestures which disparage, or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.’

The incident occurred on the last ball of the second over of India’s chase of 56, when Fatima gestured towards the pavilion after dismissing opener Shafali Verma through a caught-and-bowled dismissal.

This marks Fatima’s second offence within a 24-month window, bringing her total tally of demerit points to two. Her previous demerit point was handed down during the opening T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.

"Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing," further said the ICC.

The charges against the Pakistan skipper were levelled by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, alongside third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Despite the off-field sanction, Fatima will remain available to lead Pakistan in their clash against Hong Kong China to be played on Tuesday. A victory for Pakistan would take them into the semi-finals, with seven-time winners India and defending champions Sri Lanka already sealing their spots there.

--IANS

nr/

Mumbai, Sep 7 (IANS) Indian benchmark equity indices ended lower on Monday, weighed down by sharp declines in IT, metal, PSU bank and media stocks amid escalating geopolitical tensions, volatility in oil prices and growing concerns over monetary tightening.

The Sensex fell 382.62 points, or 0.5 per cent, to close at 76,132.81, while the Nifty declined 118.55 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 23,779.15.

Commenting on Nifty technical outlook, experts said that on the upside, the 23,800 zone, which had previously acted as an important support during earlier declines, is now likely to serve as the immediate resistance level.

"However, the 24,000 mark remains the key psychological hurdle. Unless the index decisively reclaims and sustains above this level, selling pressure at higher levels is likely to persist, keeping the overall technical structure weak," a market expert noted.

"On the downside, 23,750–23,700 zone remains the immediate support, based on today’s intraday low. A decisive closing below this level could intensify selling pressure and expose the index to the 23,600 region," an analyst mentioned.

Selling pressure was particularly visible in several heavyweight stocks, with Infosys, SBI Life Insurance Company and HDFC Life Insurance Company emerging as the top losers on the Nifty index.

The broader market also remained subdued, although the decline was relatively contained. The Nifty MidCap index fell 0.46 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index managed to edge up 0.02 per cent.

Among sectoral indices, IT and metal stocks came under significant pressure, while PSU banks, realty and media shares also underperformed the broader market. The weakness in these sectors reflected a cautious investor mood amid concerns over the impact of geopolitical developments, fluctuations in crude oil prices and the possibility of tighter monetary conditions.

On the other hand, pharma and healthcare stocks bucked the broader trend and outperformed, providing some support to the market.

Experts said that the market remained sensitive to global developments as investors assessed the potential economic and inflationary impact of geopolitical tensions and higher oil price volatility.

--IANS

pk

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

sj/rad

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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

Mumbai, Sep 7 (IANS) Television actress Mahhi Vij entered the 'Bigg Boss 20' house as one of the contestants on Sunday. Cheering her for her new journey, Mahhi's former husband, Jay Bhanushali, shared a post on social media.

On Monday, Jay uploaded a promo of Mahhi's entry in the BB house on the Stories section of his official Instagram handle, along with an adorable caption that read, “The Don is in the house. All the best. Kill it Tara ki mumma. (sic)”

For the unaware, Mahhi and Jay got married in a private ceremony back in 2011. The former couple became foster parents to two children, Khushi and Rajveer in 2017. They also welcomed their biological daughter, Tara, in 2019.

However, in January 2026, Mahhi and Jay announced their separation through a social media post that read, “Today, we choose to part ways on a journey called life, yet we continue to have each other's back. For the sake of our children Tara, Khushi, and Rajveer, we commit to being the best parents, the best friends, and whatever else it takes to do what is right for them. There is no villain in this story and no negativity attached to this decision.”

Despite going their separate ways, Mahhi and Jay continue to maintain a good equation and are often seen supporting each other.

Meanwhile, during her exclusive conversation with IANS, Mahhi clarified that she did not leave her show 'Seher Hone Ko Hai’ for Bigg Boss. She pointed out that she had decided to quit the drama in January.

“I had quit the show long back, and this show came to me just 20 days back. So, it's not related at all. That exit wasn't sudden. I wanted to quit the show in January, but it was taking time, and I'm sure the creatives were not ready to leave me,” Mahhi told IANS.

--IANS

pm/

Mumbai, September 7 (IANS) Actress Rubina Dilaik has reacted to the controversy surrounding Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement.

The actress stated that brands should not use public sentiment around festivals merely to generate buzz.

Discussing the controversy on The4POV, a podcast featuring Rubina and her husband Abhinav Shukla along with actress Hina Khan and her husband Rocky Jaiswal, the actors put forth their individual perspectives on the debate surrounding the advertisement.

Rocky said that while clothing should not have become such a major issue, there are certain boundaries when it comes to religious spaces and sentiments.

“Clothing shouldn't have created such a big issue. Freedom of expression is not absolute. My body, my rule does not enter in a religious space,” Rocky said.

Rubina further questioned the approach of brands that choose to build campaigns around festivals and then take creative liberties that could potentially hurt public sentiment.

“You can’t play on public sentiment and want to create a buzz,” she said, reiterating the point during the discussion.

She added that actors always have the option of opting out of a campaign if they feel uncomfortable with its creative direction.

“Actors always, always have an option of opting out,” Hina said.

The discussion comes after a jewellery advertisement featuring Kriti for Raksha Bandhan sparked a debate online over her outfit and the manner in which the festival was portrayed.

In the campaign, Kriti was seen wearing a bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt while celebrating Raksha Bandhan, including tying a rakhi to her pet. The advertisement subsequently faced backlash and was withdrawn by jewellery brand.

The controversy escalated after actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised the advertisement. In her initial reaction, Kangana questioned the choice of outfit and called the campaign “intentionally creepy”. She also questioned the portrayal of Raksha Bandhan and its cultural context.

Kriti, meanwhile, hit back at the criticism through her social media post. Without naming Kangana, she questioned the tendency to judge a woman’s connection with culture through her clothes.

“The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions,” Kriti wrote. She added, “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

–IANS

rd/

Mumbai, September 7 (IANS) Veteran actress and dancer Kalpana Iyer has shared a spirited note about ageing.

The actress said she does not want to believe that turning 70 means she is old, and asserted that she still has the energy and desire to work.

Iyer shared pictures of herself on from her 20 year-old and 70 year-old state on her social media account along with a candid message about her life at her ripe age.

In the text accompanying the pictures, she said she does not consider herself young but also refuses to allow her age to define what she can or cannot do.

“Why have I posted these 2 pics with these words...Reality Check. I don’t fool myself into thinking that I am Young but then I don’t even want to Believe 70 is Old Either...I have So much to do and I can walk without help , I climb Steps without worry, I dance without fear and I Can still do things I did as a Young Girl if any I believe I do it without any doubt or hesitation because my Heart feels Young and My Body still listens to me. I love People, I love Life and All I want is for Anyone Who is Willing to Give me a Chance is Contact Me and let’s make it Happen,” she wrote.

The actress had earlier also spoken about demanding respect and basic decency on the professional front.

In a post shared earlier, Kalpana Iyer had asked people who approach her for work to at least inform her if a project does not materialise. Her message was essentially that professional opportunities may not always work out, but basic communication and courtesy should remain.

“If you contact me for work and it doesn't work out it's OK but Atleast have the decency to inform me,” she wrote.

Kalpana had also said that she understands that the industry has changed and that not every opportunity will necessarily come her way.

She wants people to communicate with her rather than simply disappearing after approaching her for work. She stressed that she doesn't want to be treated like a diva and she is willing to understand and, make changes and even offer alternatives if a project does not work in its original form.

In the same note, she clarified that she was not targeting any particular individual and described her appeal as that of a 70-year-old simply asking people to “be fair and decent”.

Known for popular dance numbers including ‘Rambha Ho’, ‘Hari Om Hari’ and ‘Jab Chhaye Tera Jadoo’, Kalpana Iyer has also acted in films including Satte Pe Satta, Disco Dancer, Anjaam, Raja Hindustani and Hum Saath Saath Hain. She moved to Dubai in 1999 after stepping away from the Hindi film industry.

–IANS

rd/

Mumbai, September 7 (IANS) Bollywood star Jackie Shroff took a trip down memory lane as his 1984 film Andar Baahar, which also starred Anil Kapoor, completed 42 years on Monday.

Marking the anniversary, Jackie shared a montage of stills from the film on his social media account. The throwback features many memorable moments from the action drama, including his intense scenes as Inspector Ravi Khanna, sequences with Anil Kapoor and also glimpses of the film’s gripping narrative.

Jackie captioned the post with “#Celebrating42YearsOfAndarBaahar”.

Released on September 7, 1984, Andar Baahar marked the first screen collaboration between Jackie and Anil Kapoor.

Their pairing then went on to become one of the memorable actor duos of the 1980s and 1990s. The film was directed by Raj N. Sippy and produced by Romu N. Sippy under the Uttam Chitra banner.

The action thriller also starred Moon Moon Sen, Kim, Danny Denzongpa, Gulshan Grover, Parikshit Sahni, Beena Banerjee, Huma Khan, Viju Khote, Sulochana Latkar and Murad in pivotal roles. Jackie played Inspector Ravi Khanna, while Anil portrayed Raja and Danny played the antagonist Shamsher Singh ‘Shera’.

For the uninitiated, the film was reportedly a remake of the 1982 Hollywood action thriller 48 Hrs.

The story revolved around Inspector Ravi, who takes the help of Raja, a criminal and former associate of Shera, to track down the dangerous gangster after he escapes from prison.

The music of Andar Baahar was composed by the legendary R. D. Burman, with lyrics by Gulshan Bawra.

The soundtrack included songs such as ‘Andar Baahar Baahar Andar’, ‘Humko To Yaari Se Matlab Hai’, ‘Mausam Bada Suhana Hai’, ‘Meri Aankhon Mein Zara Jhanko To’ and ‘Kaise Kehte Hain’.

The songs featured playback voices including Suresh Wadkar, Shailendra Singh and Asha Bhosle. The film also had faced competition from B.R. Chopra’s Aaj Ki Awaaz which released around the same time.

–IANS

rd/

’