Lucknow, Oct 7 (IANS) After years of being on the fringes of Uttar Pradesh cricket, Zeeshan Ansari is set to make his return to the Ranji Trophy squad after a gap of six years, marking another significant chapter in the leg-spinner’s remarkable resurgence.

The 26-year-old, who last played a Ranji Trophy match for Uttar Pradesh in 2020, has been named in the state squad for the upcoming season after forcing his way back into the reckoning with a standout domestic campaign.

IANS has learned that the selectors have shown faith in him and the squad will be officially announced soon.

The squad, led by Karan Sharma, includes Rinku Singh, Aradhya Yadav, Aryan Juyal (WK), Madhav Kaushik, Adarsh Singh, Sidharth Yadav, Prashantveer, Kartik Yadav, Ansari, Vansh Choudhary, Yash Dayal, Kunal Tyagi, Priyam Garg, Abhinandan Singh and Kartik Tyagi. Abhishek Goswami and Chikara have been named as stand-by players.

It makes Ansari’s return even more remarkable considering the way his career seemed to drift following his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Railways on October 6, 2017. Ansari was considered a promising young leg-spinner, as he was part of India’s squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup along with Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. State-level opportunities were few, his progress stagnated, and he had to look elsewhere.

Beyond regular play in local tournaments in Lucknow, Ansari also played league cricket in Kolkata and was often seen around the Uttar Pradesh dressing room as a net bowler. Until the beginning of 2025, his proximity to the state team rarely translated into opportunities on the field.

Ansari's big breakthrough came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he proved to be one of the most effective bowlers for Uttar Pradesh. A leg-break and googly bowler, he took 21 wickets in eight matches at a stunning 16.52 apiece, always the man to break partnerships and come through in pressure situations.

He was a constant threat with his ability to change pace and flight and bowl the googly at opportune moments, especially on surfaces that were becoming more batsman-friendly.

Interestingly, despite making his state debut in the 2017-18 season, the last Vijay Hazare Trophy was Ansari’s first domestic 50-over competition. His white-ball emergence therefore came relatively late in a career that had begun nearly a decade earlier.

The 21-wicket campaign not only revived his Uttar Pradesh career but also pushed him into the national selectors’ vision. He was subsequently fast-tracked into the India A squad for the two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A later this month.

That call-up highlighted the unusual trajectory of Ansari’s career. While he has attracted significant attention through white-ball cricket in the last three years, his red-ball credentials remain relatively limited.

Ansari has played only five first-class matches, including Ranji Trophy appearances for Uttar Pradesh, and has taken 17 wickets. His best figures are 3/33, which came against Tripura.

His return also comes at a time when the pool of specialist wrist-spinners available for red-ball cricket has become relatively thin.

A look at the leading wicket-takers from the last Ranji Trophy season underlines the selectors’ dilemma. Mayank Mishra, Siddharth Desai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kumar Kartikeya, Arjun Sharma, Vishal Jayswal and Saurabh Kumar - all slow left-arm orthodox bowlers - featured among the top 10 wicket-takers, with J&K seamer Auqib Nabi leading the charts with 60 wickets.

There was only one leg-break bowler among the top 10: Karnataka veteran Shreyas Gopal, who finished third with 48 wickets.

The scarcity of wrist-spinners becomes even more evident when the next group of leading wicket-takers are considered. Between 11 and 20, there were two off-spinners - 33-year-old Saransh Jain, who is with India A, and domestic stalwart Jalaj Saxena - alongside pace bowlers Mohammed Nidheesh of Kerala and Sunil Kumar of J&K.

The remaining names in that bracket were left-arm orthodox spinners Sagar Udeshi, Shams Mulani, Amit Shukla, Nachiket Bhute, Parth Rekhade and Anukul Roy.

In all, 13 of the 20 bowlers in that broader group were left-arm spinners, while the only leg-break bowler in the top 10 was no longer in contention for India.

That shortage has created an opening for a bowler like Ansari, whose ability to turn the ball both ways and operate as an attacking wrist-spinner offers a different dimension.

For Ansari, however, the journey back to the Ranji setup is about much more than filling a statistical gap.

His career appeared to be losing momentum after his early promise with India’s Under-19 team, but his persistence through local cricket, league cricket, net-bowling opportunities and limited state chances eventually brought him back into the spotlight.

The 21 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy became the catalyst. Now, after six years away from the Ranji fold, Ansari has another opportunity to establish himself in the red-ball format that once provided his first platform in senior cricket.

His inclusion in the Uttar Pradesh squad, followed by the India A call-up, represents a rapid rise for a player who only recently found himself outside the state’s immediate plans.

From an India Under-19 prospect in 2016 to a net bowler struggling for a state opportunity, and now an India A-bound leg-spinner preparing for a Ranji return, Ansari’s career has taken an unexpected turn.

The next challenge will be to translate his white-ball resurgence into sustained success with the red ball -beginning with Uttar Pradesh, where his first-class journey started on October 6, 2017.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Oct 7 (IANS) Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has spoken about using her own accent in a film. The actress recently appeared on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ along with Sylvester Stallone and Andrew Garfield.

The actress was a press tour for her new title ‘Kill Jackie’, the 8-part action-thriller series.

When the show host asked her, “Is this the first time you've ever acted using your own accent this time in my life?”, she said, “Actually, I've done Dylan Thomas. I did a film with Anthony Hopkins, he directed me in that”.

“And then I just did another film with Anthony Hopkins called ‘A Visit to Grandpa’, which is an adaptation of a certain movie. I've shot all over the world, Malaysia, Australia everywhere but this was special”, she added.

Earlier, the actress had shared that the British comedy show ‘The Darling Buds of May’, changed her life for the good, and turned her into a "celebrity overnight". However, she has said that fame diminished her reputation as an actress. She recently graced ‘The Graham Norton Show’, and said, "That one hour of television changed my life. I became a celebrity overnight and people sort of forgot I was an actor”.

After having more television success in Britain, Catherine made transition from television to Hollywood, and appeared in the 1996 superhero movie ‘The Phantom’, in which she starred opposite Billy Zane.

The actress shared that she had to start afresh in Los Angeles as she was unknown in America, whereas in the UK she had become a bona fide celebrity.

She said, "When I went to LA literally nobody knew me, which was a huge ego jolt at first but then extremely humbling, and ultimately very good for me to start afresh”.

The actress is set to star in new Amazon Prime Video series ‘Kill Jackie’, in which she essays the role of wealthy art dealer Jackie Price, who discovers she's the target of a lethal squad of hitmen known as The Seven Demons.

"It is a gift of a part. The show is crazy and high-octane and she is really crazy”, she added.

--IANS

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Agartala, Oct 7 (IANS) Ahead of the five-day Durga Puja festival, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has announced a three per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners and retired employees, taking the total DA/DR to 44 per cent.

The revised DA and DR would be effective from October 1, the Chief Minister told the media on Tuesday.

He said that the decision will entail an additional expenditure of around Rs 300 crore annually, while the state government will spend around Rs 125 crore during the remaining months of the current financial year (2025-26).

The Chief Minister also announced an enhancement of the House Rent Allowance (HRA) for government employees.

"Under the revised provision, government employees will receive 10 per cent HRA of their basic pay, subject to a maximum of Rs 10,000 per month, with effect from October 1," CM Saha said.

He added that the latest decisions were part of the state government's continued efforts to improve the welfare of government employees and pensioners despite Tripura's limited financial resources.

The Chief Minister said the state government recognised the crucial role played by employees in running the administration, implementing government decisions and schemes, and delivering various services to the people.

"When our (BJP) government came to power in 2018, we had promised the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, and we fulfilled that commitment. The fitment factor was increased, resulting in a 14.22 per cent increase in basic pay," CM Saha said.

He added that the state government had taken several steps since 2018 to enhance DA and DR for employees and pensioners.

"With the latest three per cent increase, the DA/DR would now stand at 44 per cent."

Chief Minister Saha said the state government was also concerned about the gap in DA between state and Central government employees.

While Central government employees are currently receiving around 60 per cent DA, the state government's rate would now be 44 per cent, leaving a gap of around 16 percentage points.

"We are concerned about this gap and are working gradually to reduce it," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to the 8th Pay Commission, CM Saha said the Central government had already initiated the process, while the state government was also examining the matter.

He also highlighted the government's 2018 recruitment policy, under which 33 per cent reservation was provided for women in direct government recruitment.

The Chief Minister said the state government remained committed to the welfare of employees and pensioners and had been taking various measures within the state's financial constraints to improve their benefits.

Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and senior officials of the Finance Department were also present at the press conference at the Civil Secretariat.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Oct 7 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Congress on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Election Commission’s office here against the detention of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during an opposition demonstration in New Delhi.

State Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Umang Singhar led the protest, which was joined by MLAs, party office-bearers and a large number of workers.

Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and several other senior Congress leaders later joined the sit-in at the Election Commission’s office. Congress workers raised slogans against the Election Commission and burnt an effigy of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the demonstration. Patwari said the protest was aimed at defending democratic rights, the impartiality of constitutional institutions and the right of people to vote. "In a democracy, the voice of a public representative cannot be suppressed. Asking questions and demanding answers is a democratic right," Patwari said in a post on X.

State LoP Umnag Singhar said the Congress had organised the demonstration against the detention of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by the Delhi Police.

The Bhopal protest followed a demonstration by opposition MPs in New Delhi over the Congress' allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls.

Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders had marched towards the Election Commission but were stopped by police near Akashvani Bhawan. The opposition leaders subsequently staged a sit-in at the spot. After several hours, Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other opposition leaders as the protest was cleared. Later, they were released.

The Congress has been demanding action over its allegations concerning the electoral rolls and has sought greater transparency from the Election Commission.

The confrontation has emerged as a major political issue between the Congress and the BJP, with the opposition party stepping up protests against the Election Commission and the BJP accusing it of making unsubstantiated allegations against an independent constitutional body.

--IANS

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Itanagar, Oct 7 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that the Smart Cities Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, was aimed at taking urban development across the country to a new level by creating modern, sustainable and citizen-centric cities.

The Chief Minister on Tuesday dedicated to the people several major infrastructure projects completed under the Pasighat Smart City Mission, describing the transformation of the state's oldest town as an important example of the development taking place across Arunachal Pradesh.

He said Pasighat was accorded Smart City status in June 2017 following sustained efforts by the state government.

The Chief Minister noted that Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the Northeast to have two Smart Cities, Pasighat and Itanagar, and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Union government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for supporting the state's proposal.

Of the 43 projects taken up under the Pasighat Smart City Mission, 42 have been completed, he said, adding that the remaining Sewage Treatment Plant is also expected to be completed soon.

The Chief Minister said the infrastructure being created through the Smart City Mission must now translate into better opportunities and a better quality of life for citizens.

He particularly urged citizens to take ownership of public infrastructure and ensure its proper maintenance.

"Government infrastructure is created for the public. It is public property, and maintaining it is also the responsibility of the public," CM Khandu said, calling for greater community participation alongside the administration and elected representatives.

He cited the upkeep of public infrastructure in Tawang as an example of strong public ownership and expressed confidence that the people of the Adi community would demonstrate a similar sense of responsibility towards the newly created assets.

Linking Pasighat's transformation with the larger development vision for the state and the country, the Chief Minister said that Arunachal Pradesh must contribute meaningfully to the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

"Viksit Bharat will happen only when Arunachal Pradesh is developed. Without Arunachal Pradesh, India cannot become Viksit Bharat," CM Khandu said, urging elected representatives, administrators and citizens to contribute towards building a Viksit Arunachal by 2047.

He added that the state has already initiated its planning process for the vision and would further firm it up in consultation with stakeholders.

The Chief Minister stressed that the next phase of development must focus particularly on the aspirations of the youth.

Government policies and platforms, he said, should create avenues for educated youth as well as those in rural areas to find sustainable livelihoods.

He called for innovative approaches at the level of MLAs, Councillors and panchayat representatives so that local opportunities could be converted into viable economic activities.

Pointing to Siang's tourism potential, CM Khandu said the newly created riverfront and improved road and communication infrastructure could be leveraged to attract tourists and generate local employment.

He suggested that even innovative concepts such as mobile restaurants could be explored to create new attractions and livelihood opportunities.

He said the Smart City Mission itself provided an example of such convergence.

Of the total cost of the projects, around Rs 490 crore was allotted by the Union government, while Rs 51.77 crore was provided by the state government and Rs 3.94 crore mobilised through convergence funding.

"Convergence should not be one plus one equals two; it should be one plus one equals eleven," CM Khandu said, urging officials to study various schemes and strategically combine them to create more infrastructure and employment opportunities.

He also highlighted agriculture, horticulture and other sectors as avenues for engaging youth, stressing that Arunachal Pradesh's fertile land and diverse resources offer significant scope for entrepreneurship.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Oct 7 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Tuesday that the ‘unlawful’ detention and arrest of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, and other MPs from the Congress and INDIA bloc partners from both Houses, is a reflection and proof of the hubris of a failing government.

Clearly, the BJP-led government is afraid of Rahul Gandhi’s leadership to fight to save India and its Constitution, and to commit to saving the voting rights of every Indian, he said in a statement.

“There are precedents in our country’s history. The British Government also arrested Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Pundit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose and other leaders at different times of our freedom struggle on similarly flimsy grounds,” Reddy said.

“But as millions of citizens, especially youth, have become a part of this struggle to save our voting rights, our democracy and our country’s future, such actions shall not deter the opposition, but rather inadvertently, actually strengthen us,” he said.

He called BJP the British Janata Party. “The British Janata Party (BJP) can rest assured; we are not going away from our determination and resolve to stake everything for the sake of the country. India shall fight till its last ounce of ability, and till democratic forces led by Rahul Gandhi triumph,” he added.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the forcible arrest of leaders who are peacefully agitating to protect democracy is ‘undemocratic’.

He remarked that arrests, imprisonment, and lathi-charges are nothing new for the Gandhi family and Congress leaders.

The CM asserted that the Congress party would not halt its fight against the Election Commission's irregularities merely because of arrests and imprisonment.

He declared that the Congress would not rest until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns over the irregularities.

--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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Chennai, Oct 6 (IANS) The makers of director Aravinth S B's eagerly awaited upcoming film 'Maakaali', featuring well known Tamil film actor and director Ameer in the lead, on Tuesday announced that the unit had now wrapped up the first schedule of shooting.

Ayngaran International, one of the production houses associated with the production of the film, took to its social media timelines to share the update.

It wrote, "THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF #MAAKAALI HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY WRAPPED! The much-awaited Maakaali has completed its first schedule, marking a powerful beginning to a promising cinematic journey. With the first chapter now complete, the film gears up for the next phase of its production. The story is about to unfold. Written & Directed by @aravinthsb93. A @justin_tunes Musical."

It may be recalled that the unit of the film had begun shooting in Vellore in the beginning of September this year.

The film has triggered huge expectations as director Aravinth had formally served as an associate director to ace director Mari Selvaraj.

It was in fact, Mari Selvaraj, who announced the title of this film through his social media timelines. The ace director had said, "Extremely elated to present my own @aravinthsb93 as the Writer and Director of #Maakaali. As time passes by, wounds shatter and a rebel rises. A @justin_tunes Musical."

Interestingly, Mari Selvaraj is also one of the producers of the film. Sources in the unit had told IANS that shooting for the film had begun with a traditional pooja.

Sources had said the makers were looking to make ‘Maakaali’ into a hard-hitting, impactful film that addresses an important social issue in a deep and intense fashion. The film is being jointly produced by K. Karunamoorthy under the banner of Ayngaran International, and Divya Mari Selvaraj and Mari Selvaraj under the banner of Navvi Studios.

Sources had also pointed out that the film had a powerful storyline that was rooted in the pain and limitations of human life. Also, it would be made with a deep sense of social concern, they had added.

‘Maakaali’ will be emotionally compelling and thought-provoking. The recently unveiled first-look poster of the film featured Ameer walking alone on a gigantic skeleton of an animal, while the second poster featured the title ‘Maakaali’ amidst scattered animal skeletons.

The posters effectively reflected the dark and profound backdrop of the film, a source in the know had then said.

The striking visuals, which have several layers of meaning hidden in it including emptiness, destruction, the pain of nature, and a hidden reality of society, have created additional curiosity and anticipation about the film.

Apart from Ameer, the film will also feature actors Swasika, Anishma Anilkumar, Hariharan, Ashwin Ram, and Lenin Bharathi in prominent roles.

On the technical front, cinematography for the film is by Selvarathinam Pradheepan while editing is to be handled by well known editor, Selva RK.

Justin Prabhakaran, who is one of the fastest rising music directors in the south, is to score music for this film, which will have Ramu Thangaraj serving as its Art Director.

Stunts in the film are to be choreographed by Dileep Subbarayan while Varshini Shankar has been roped in as the Costume Designer.

Suren G and Azhagiya Koothan are handling the Sound Design while Venkat Arumugam is to serve as the film's Executive Producer.

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 6 (IANS) Actor Sibiraj, who is also the son of well-known Tamil actor Sathyaraj, on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday announced that he had also turned producer and that his next film would be produced by his own production house 'Underdog Films'.

Taking to his social media timelines to announce the launch of his production house, actor Sibi said, "Dear Friends, Thrilled to announce my next film and the first project from my production house, Underdog Films! The film will be directed by my dear friend and an incredibly talented filmmaker @eashvar_karthic bro, the man behind #Penguin and #Zebra."

He went on to add, "Really excited to embark on this journey together to bring a special story to the big screen.Need all you’re love and support dear friends. More Details soon! #Sibiraj22 @under.dogfilms #EashvarKarthic #Revathisibiraj."

For the unaware, the actor has always been known to choose projects that have allowed him to explore different genres and characters. With his wide array of films across theatrical and OTT platforms, the actor has continued to strike the right chords with audiences.

Taking his journey a step further, Sibiraj has now ventured into film production with the launch of his new production house, "Underdog Films".

Sources say that Underdog Films' maiden venture, tentatively titled ‘Production No.1’, is already under production, with filmmaker Eashvar Karthic, who directed the hit film 'Zebra', at the helm.

Sibiraj is producing the film and also playing the lead role, marking an exciting new chapter in his career as both an actor and producer.

The coming together of Sibiraj and Eashvar Karthic has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs. Sources close to the unit of the film say that details about the film’s genre, storyline, cast and the crew have been strictly kept under wraps for now. The makers are expected to make official announcements regardig the remaining cast and crew in the near future.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who hosts the streaming reality show ‘Rise & Fall’, has credited the former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly for instilling fearlessness in the Indian cricket team.

Virender Sehwag spoke with IANS during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the city, and shared that Sourav Ganguly’s line of thought was simple, play the game the opponent plays, nothing more, nothing less. He shared that dada told the team to reflect their opponents conduct on field.

He told IANS, “I would say the entire credit should go to Dada for making a fearless team. When he took over the reins as the captain, he clearly told us that we will play the game that opponent plays”.

“If the Australians sledge us, we will also sledge back. If someone shows us love and respect on the field, we will reciprocate that. So, I would say dada is one of the chief architects of the Indian cricket team”, he added.

Earlier, Virender Sehwag spoke about the philosophy of team India under the leadership of its arguably the best skipper, Sourav Ganguly. He said that during Dada’s era, team India focused on winning as many matches as they could on the International soil.

Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag took over the hosting duties from Ashneer Grover for the 2nd season of ‘Rise & Fall’. The reality series features 15 contestants competing over 42 days in a game built around power, strategy, alliances and shifting fortunes. The contestants are divided between the Rulers, who control the game from the Tower, and Workers, who live in the Basement and fight for opportunities to move up. Season 2 introduces an additional layer of audience participation, with viewers getting the power to influence who becomes a Ruler or Worker.

Produced by Banijay Asia, the show is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, who is receiving a lot of good response to his quiz show ‘Yess Chef’, has shared what connects him with comedian and actor Zakir Khan.

The celebrity chef and actor spoke with IANS in the Andheri West area of Mumbai during the promotions of his new streaming show ‘Yess Chef’, and said that he and Zakir, who appeared in the premiere episode of ‘Yess Chef’ are the hungry children of small towns.

He told IANS, “See, we both come from different places. But the connection between the two of us is like the hungry children of small towns. Zakir is from Indore, I am from Lucknow. And the hunger and persistence of the children of a small town connects us. And I have a lot of love for his parents. His family loves me a lot”.

He further mentioned, “Last night, I got a call from Zakir's father before going to bed at 11:15 pm. He told me that he liked me a lot. He wished me well. He said that I have made such a good show. So, that relationship is like a family relationship. Where there is an unconditional support and love. And I consider myself fortunate to have friends like him”.

Earlier, Ranveer had shared advice to ensure food safety in homes, and said that the best way to get quality products on kitchen platforms or dining tables is to shop from local markets.

He earlier told IANS, “I believe that first of all, do your own shopping from local markets. That is very important if we talk about freshness. All of us have stopped going to the vegetable market. The 10-minute apps have changed the culture of shopping from vegetable markets. When you see fresh vegetables on the whole cart, you understand the value of fresh food. Even if you get a small packet of cabbage, you don't enjoy it”.

“I think we should continue. Last minute apps are fine in an emergency, but it is very important to go to the market and buy fresh vegetables. Secondly, if we talk about freshness, I feel that if we make as much food as we want, then there will be less things in the refrigerator. And if there are less things in the refrigerator, then there will be less tension in the mind that we have to use leftover food. So, the refrigerator is equivalent to the tension in the mind”, he added.

--IANS

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