Lausanne, Aug 22 (IANS) Neeraj Chopra produced his best throw of the 2026 season but once again came up short against Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage, finishing second at the Lausanne Diamond League on Saturday.

Chopra briefly took the lead in the rankings with a remarkable throw of 88.05 metres on his second attempt, but Pathirage regained the lead and went on to win the competition by throwing 88.14 metres on his third attempt.

Anderson Peters of Grenada came third, throwing a best distance of 86.69 metres.

Chopra started his campaign with a throw of 83.54 metres, which at first put him in second place behind Pathirage; the Indian then gave his best performance of the evening on his second attempt, throwing the javelin 88.05 metres and thus taking the lead.

But Pathirage at once raised the standard by throwing 88.14 metres on his third attempt, while Chopra was only able to throw 83.72 metres with his next throw before committing a fault on his fourth.

The athlete who had won two Olympic medals skipped his fifth try, and Pathirage also missed his shot, which left the Indian with only one more chance to catch up with his competitor.

However, Chopra was unable to achieve the necessary distance in his last throw, managing only a throw of just over 82 metres while Pathirage secured victory.

This was the third instance during the 2026 season that Pathirage had finished above Chopra; the Sri Lankan had previously defeated the Indian with a throw of 88.68 metres before winning the gold medal ahead of Chopra, who took silver at the Commonwealth Games.

Although he didn't win the match, Chopra's throw of 88.05 metres was a considerable advantage since it was his longest throw of the season.

The Lausanne meeting was likewise significant for Chopra's attempt to qualify for the Diamond League Final at the end of the season; automatically qualified are only the top six athletes in the men's javelin ranking, with extra spots being available via national or global wildcards.

--IANS

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Lausanne, Aug 22 (IANS) Neeraj Chopra produced his best throw of the 2026 season but once again came up short against Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage, finishing second at the Lausanne Diamond League on Saturday.

Chopra briefly took the lead in the rankings with a remarkable throw of 88.05 metres on his second attempt, but Pathirage regained the lead and went on to win the competition by throwing 88.14 metres on his third attempt.

Anderson Peters of Grenada came third, throwing a best distance of 86.69 metres.

Chopra started his campaign with a throw of 83.54 metres, which at first put him in second place behind Pathirage; the Indian then gave his best performance of the evening on his second attempt, throwing the javelin 88.05 metres and thus taking the lead.

But Pathirage at once raised the standard by throwing 88.14 metres on his third attempt, while Chopra was only able to throw 83.72 metres with his next throw before committing a fault on his fourth.

The athlete who had won two Olympic medals skipped his fifth try, and Pathirage also missed his shot, which left the Indian with only one more chance to catch up with his competitor.

However, Chopra was unable to achieve the necessary distance in his last throw, managing only a throw of just over 82 metres while Pathirage secured victory.

This was the third instance during the 2026 season that Pathirage had finished above Chopra; the Sri Lankan had previously defeated the Indian with a throw of 88.68 metres before winning the gold medal ahead of Chopra, who took silver at the Commonwealth Games.

Although he didn't win the match, Chopra's throw of 88.05 metres was a considerable advantage since it was his longest throw of the season.

The Lausanne meeting was likewise significant for Chopra's attempt to qualify for the Diamond League Final at the end of the season; automatically qualified are only the top six athletes in the men's javelin ranking, with extra spots being available via national or global wildcards.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 22 (IANS) Hollywood actress Michelle Pfeiffer has categorically denied rumours of her hanging up her acting boots.

The actress, 68, recently appeared on the chat show ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, and told the show host that she has no intention of doing so when asked if there was any truth to those rumours.

She said, “No, I mean, it’s the most ridiculous thing. They’re always saying that I’m retiring. Where does it say that I’m retiring? No, no. All I said was that I really love working with an ensemble cast”.

The actress previously suggested she may stop starring in movies on August 3. She gave some context to her earlier comments.

When the show host asked if she knew she would “get in trouble” when she said that, she said, “I knew the minute it came out of my mouth. I said something about ‘I never want to star in another movie,’ and they took that out of context. Of course I want to star in another movie, but I’ve done three ensemble pieces (recently). I did Oh. What. Fun. and The Madison and then Margo”.

The actress most recently appeared in a movie with last year’s Prime Video holiday comedy ‘Oh. What. Fun’. Prior to that, she reprised her Marvel Cinematic Universe role as Janet Van Dyne in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ in 2023.

The actress’ career spans more than four decades. She rose to prominence in the 1980s with acclaimed performances in films such as ‘Scarface’, and ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. She earned three Academy Award nominations, including for ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’, ‘Love Field’ and ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. She became a pop-culture icon as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in ‘Batman Returns’, a role widely regarded as one of her most memorable performances.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in ‘Ek Deewane ki Deewaniyat’, has shared that an actor’s life changes with every film.

The actor attended the launch of a jewellery brand in the city on Friday, where he spoke with the media. During the event, the actor was asked how the re-release of his superhit film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ changed his life.

Responding to the same, the actor told the media, “I think my life has changed since I did my first film in South India in 2010. And change is constant. I think with every film an actor's life changes. We are seeing that every film of our superstars has changed their graph. Every film and their brand, every launch that they do, it stacks up. So, change is very important”.

He also shared that he is into men’s jewellery, and likes to have a perfect balance, as he said, “I always like the idea of wearing some metal on me, but I never got the perfect balance. And it used to be either too ceremonial or it used to be too subtle. This is, I think, finally we have found a great balance”.

He further mentioned, “And I think everyone uses jewellery. Everyone has a different context. I remember my father used to wear a very simple ring, very simple. But it was always attached to his body and I always saw him wearing it. So, everyone has a different definition. But very few people are able to find this thing. You just don't have to wait for weddings. It's not like you can only go to weddings”.

Flaunting his collection, he said, “If you notice, I can wear this to my normal meetings, to the gym. If I am going camping in the jungles, I can wear it there as well”.

“If I am going to a function and there is an occasion, I can wear it there as well. So, I like how they have this concoction. Like how every actor can do action also and romance also. It has gold, titanium and diamond as well. I think it's a great mix”, he added.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 22 (IANS) Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s political organisation is contributing $100,000 to Democratic candidates and causes as he prepares to sit out a November election for the first time in nearly a decade.

Krishnamoorthi said Equal Opportunity Now would direct the money to candidates and political groups in Illinois and elsewhere across the United States.

The organisation operates under the registered name Reviving American Jobs Again PAC, also known as RAJA PAC.

“For the first time in nearly a decade, I won't be on the ballot this November,” Krishnamoorthi said in a fundraising message.

“I'll be honest — that's a strange thing to sit with. For years, asking for your vote has been how I showed up in this fight,” he added.

The message did not explain why Krishnamoorthi would not be on the November ballot or identify all the candidates and organisations receiving the money.

It described the $100,000 allocation as an effort to support a new generation of Democratic candidates and help the party compete in congressional and other races.

“Not being on the ballot doesn't change that belief,” Krishnamoorthi said. “If anything, it's freed me up to do something I care about just as much: help elect the next generation of Democrats who will fight for working families.”

The Illinois Democrat said early financial support could significantly assist candidates attempting to establish competitive campaigns.

“We're doing it because I know firsthand what it takes to run a campaign, and I know how much difference an early, real investment can make for a candidate who's ready to fight but needs the resources to do it,” he said.

The PAC’s message focused on wages, employment, democratic institutions and economic opportunities for working families.

Krishnamoorthi said he intended to remain politically active even without his name appearing on the ballot.

“My name may not be on the ballot. But I'm still all in,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi was born in New Delhi and raised in the United States. He has represented an Illinois congressional district in the US House of Representatives since January 2017.

He has held senior assignments involving intelligence, national security, economic policy and strategic competition with China.

Krishnamoorthi is among a growing group of Indian-American lawmakers who have developed fundraising networks capable of supporting candidates beyond their own districts.

Indian-American political donors have also become increasingly active in congressional, gubernatorial and presidential campaigns.

The November midterms will determine control of the House and Senate and include closely contested races across several states.

--IANS

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United Nations, Aug 22 (IANS) Former Guyana Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett emerged as the top contender for Secretary-generalship in a straw poll held on Friday by the Security Council to gauge the support for the eight candidates, according to unofficial tabulations.

This time Rodrigues-Birkett, who was ranked second in the first informal poll held last month, edged out UNCTAD head Rebecca Grynspan, who led that poll.

None of the candidates received the nine "encourage" votes, as the positive ballots are classified in the straw poll, which is required for election.

Rodrigues-Birkett received eight positive votes, three negative, and four neutral in the 15-member Council, according to tabulations published by 1 for 8 Billion (1f8B), a group campaigning for fair and open election, and Pass Blue, a media site covering the UN.

But she still has an uphill task ahead of her: She will have to get nine votes, and none of the votes against her should be from a veto-wielding permanent UNSC member.

She dropped one positive or "encourage" vote from the poll last month, and the negative or "discourage" votes increased by one.

Grynspan's tally went down from ten "encourage" in the July poll to seven this time, while "discourage" went up from one to four.

It is not possible to know where the candidates stand with the permanent members in the early straw polls.

In the later stages, permanent members' votes will be colour-coded, while still remaining anonymous.

Officially, the straw polls are confidential, and Denmark's Permanent Representative Christina Lassen, who is this month's Council president, refused to give out the results.

But the results leaked out, anyway.

The candidate who is selected by the Council is recommended by it to the General Assembly, which by tradition rubber stamps the choice.

The dramatic change in the fortunes of Grynspan, a former Vice-President of Costa Rica, signals that the contest is still in a flux and leaves open the possibility that other candidates could join the fray to lead the 193-member world organisation.

Vasily Nebenzia, the Permanent Representative of Russia, which has veto, left that possibility open, adding to the speculations.

"I am speculating now," he said on Thursday, "if there is a deadlock on any of the candidates we are seeing today, if nobody flies, then I think that we may see other candidates."

Ivonne A-Baki, a former Ecuadorian Ambassador to the US and France, entered the race after last month's poll, but she didn't get any positive votes and piled up eight negatives.

International Atomic Energy Agency Head Rafael Grossi, an Argentinian, received seven positive and six negative votes, keeping his third position.

The other also-rans are Michelle Bachelet, a former Chilean President and UN Human Rights High Commissioner; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former President of the General Assembly and Ecuador's Foreign Minister; Olara Otunnu, a former UN Under-Secretary-General and Uganda's Foreign Minister, and former Senegal President Macky Sall.

--IANS

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Amstelveen, Aug 22 (IANS) Indian women’s team’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 suffered a setback as defending champions Netherlands secured a 2-0 victory in their opening second-stage match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Friday.

The result leaves India on one point in Pool E, carried forward from their draw against China in the first stage of the tournament, while the Netherlands moved to six points after adding three to the three they had carried forward. China, who drew with Australia earlier in the day, are on two points, while Australia are level with India on one.

For the winners, Yibbi Jansen (2’) and Frederique Matla (38’) were the goal-scorers.

The Netherlands needed only 81 seconds to break the deadlock. Applying a full press from the outset, the Dutch quickly won a penalty corner, and Jansen made no mistake, firing past goalkeeper Bichu Devi to her left.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Bichu producing an excellent left-foot save from another penalty corner in the fifth minute before denying Freeke Moes moments later. India gradually found their footing and made their first circle entry in the ninth minute, while Salima Tete had India's first shot three minutes later, although her effort lobbed over the post.

The Netherlands nearly doubled their advantage in the 13th minute when the shot on another penalty corner struck the post, leaving India relieved to remain only one goal behind at the end of the opening quarter.

Savita took over in goal at the start of the second quarter and was immediately called upon to keep India in the contest.

India earned their first penalty corner in the 19th minute, but Deepika’s flick was blocked when it struck the rusher's foot; the subsequent retake was stopped by a Dutch stick.

Navneet Kaur came close in the 22nd minute when she got on the end of a pass inside the circle, but her effort flew just over the crossbar. At the other end, Savita made a series of important interventions, denying Felice Albers and then standing tall during a goalmouth scramble to ensure the Netherlands did not extend their lead before half-time.

The third quarter saw the Dutch intensify the pressure. A penalty corner in the 33rd minute was superbly blocked by a rushing Salima, while India almost fashioned an equaliser on the counter, but Sunelita's push from inside the circle lacked power to trouble the Dutch goalkeeper.

The Netherlands finally found their second goal in the 38th minute. After earning another penalty corner, Frederique Matla's effort found its way past the Indian defence and the player stationed on the post to make it 2-0.

India entered the final quarter needing an early goal, but the Netherlands continued to dictate the tempo. Freeke Moes struck the post in the 54th minute, while Savita remained alert to deny another Dutch attack two minutes later.

India pressed forward in the closing stages and Navneet came closest in the 59th minute, only for goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal to make a brave save, taking a blow to her helmet in the process. The Netherlands earned one final penalty corner in the dying seconds, but Ishika made the save on the post.

The defending champions saw out the final moments comfortably to seal a 2-0 win and confirm their place in the semi-finals, while India will now need a win over Australia in their last Pool E match and also want Netherlands to beat China in order to enter the semi-finals.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 22 (IANS) Jana Sena MP Lingamaneni Ramesh said on Friday that his son Sanjosh is cooperating with the police in the investigation into the August 16 road accident in Hyderabad, which led to the death of a young woman.

The Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh said he will extend full cooperation to the police and asked people not to speculate or prejudge the circumstances, stating that the investigation must establish the complete facts.

Ramesh clarified that nothing is being concealed in the matter. “It is deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking that the road accident which occurred in Hyderabad on August 16, 2026, led to the loss of a young woman. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family. No words can lessen their grief. We will extend every possible support to the bereaved family,” he said.

The MP stated that immediately after the accident, his son Sanjush, who was driving the vehicle, shifted the young woman to hospital without delay.

“He subsequently reported the accident to the police authorities and provided all necessary details. A case was duly registered, and three separate medical tests were conducted on my son, which returned negative. The investigation is presently underway, and my son is fully cooperating with the authorities,” he added.

Ramesh stressed that nothing is being concealed and that they have not attempted to avoid the legal process in any way. “We have the utmost respect for the law, and my son has complied with every procedure required by the authorities,” he said.

He assured that, as someone in a responsible position, he would fully cooperate with the Police Department and the ongoing investigation.

“We have full faith that the truth will emerge through a fair and impartial legal process. At this sensitive and painful time, I humbly request everyone to respect the grief of the bereaved family and refrain from spreading false or unverified information and allow the law to take its course,” he added.

--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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Los Angeles, Aug 21 (IANS) Hollywood actress Anna Faris has quite a few plans about giving up. After revealing that she nearly decided to quit acting, the actress has now shared that has quit drinking alcohol.

Furnishing the reason behind the same, the actress said that she found "there's a correlation between drinking and depression".

The ‘Scary Movie’ actress has shared that she feels a lot better since quitting the alcohol and she now appreciates when she's recognised by fans when she's out and about. The actress recently appeared on Chelsea Handler's ‘Dear Chelsea’ podcast, and she said, "It was only in the last, like, year, I think, that I really started to notice and appreciate if and when people recognize me, they would usually smile”.

The host then asked her, "Do you think that has to do with not drinking? I know you stopped drinking”.

Anna said, "Yeah, I do. One of the many gifts. It turns out there’s a correlation between drinking and depression, for me, for sure. I had to take a step back and not self-sabotage”.

Anna went on to reveal she started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to deal with symptoms of perimenopause.

She further mentioned, "It turns out there's a correlation between drinking and depression for me for sure at least. I had to take a step back and not self-sabotage. I finally got on hormones, the hormone patch. (It has made a) huge difference".

Anna admitted she was struggling with mental health issues while filming her TV series Mom before she walked away from the show in 2020 and she even considered retiring from acting altogether.

She went on, "I was, in hindsight, I think pretty depressed, like, perimenopausal depression without recognizing it. I was just having a distant relationship with this city and my career and wondering if I had enough money to retire”.

It comes after the 49-year-old actress, who has son Jack, 14, with ex-husband Chris Pratt, revealed she's suffered mom guilt for years.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 21 (IANS) Actress-singer Jessica Simpson will be next seen in the new tell-all documentary. The film will chronicle her life and career.

The 46-year-old singer has previously starred in ‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’, the hit reality TV series, alongside her then-husband Nick Lachey.

A post on Tudum reads, "It’s been over 20 years since Jessica Simpson invited cameras into her life with the reality show ‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’. In the years since, she’s sold more than 20 million records worldwide, launched one of the most successful celebrity licensing brands in history, and written a bestselling memoir, Open Book. After a 15-year hiatus from original music, Jessica returned to recording and performing with her two 2025 Nashville Canyon EPs. Now, she’s invited the cameras back in to tell all in a new documentary”.

The upcoming project is being directed by BAFTA nominee Joe Pearlman and it will stream on Netflix in 2027.

Meanwhile, Jessica claimed in 2025 to be in control of her voice after giving up alcohol. The singer credited her decision to quit alcohol with her reconnecting with music. The singer has been sober for nearly a decade.

Jessica Simpson rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut album ‘Sweet Kisses’. Her powerful vocals and pop hits, including ‘I Wanna Love You Forever’ and ‘Irresistible’, established her as a prominent figure in early-2000s popular culture. ‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’ documented her marriage to singer Nick Lachey.

After their divorce in 2006, the singer shifted much of her focus toward acting and business, particularly through the highly successful Jessica Simpson Collection fashion brand. She later married former NFL player Eric Johnson in 2014, and the couple have three children. The singer has also been open about her personal struggles, sobriety and journey toward self-confidence.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS) Actor Yashvardan Ahuja, Govinda’s son is set to make his acting debut with the upcoming film ‘Hero Ki Horrorine’. The film also marks the return of director Sajid Khan to the silver screen.

The film also stars Nitanshi Goel, Sunita Ahuja, Jamie Lever, Chunky Pandey, Brijendra Kala and Simrat Kaur Randhawa.

The film brings a comic spin to the supernatural, as it blends horror, romance and humour. For Yashvrdhn Ahuja, the film also marks his debut as a leading actor in Hindi cinema alongside Nitanshi Goel who joins him as the leading lady in this feature. He joins an ensemble that brings together established performers and young talent, adding to the film's mix of comedy and horror.

The film is bankrolled by Ektaa R. Kapoor along with Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R. Kapoor and Amar Butala, with Sajid Khan. Amar Butala who has previously produced several box office hits including Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kesari and the critically acclaimed ‘Mission Majnu’ joins hands with Ekta R Kapoor for this forthcoming entertainer. The film is a Jai Ho Media Ventures production, presented by Balaji Telefilms Ltd and directed by Sajid Khan.

Hero Ki Horrorine releases in cinemas on January 7, 2027.

The film marks Sajid’s return to the big screen after 12 years. The director was accused of sexual harassment by several women including Mandana Karimi, Saloni Chopra, Rachel White, Simran Suri, Marina Kuwar, Aahana Kumra, Dimple Paula, Sherlyn Chopra, and journalist Karishma Upadhyay.

In the wake of the MeToo movement in India, since October 2018, Sajid had been accused of sexual harassment. The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association imposed a ban on Khan from directing films in light of the allegations. It was subsequently revoked a year later on December 10, 2019.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 21 (IANS) Actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj on Friday penned an adorable post on the occasion of his wedding anniversary, in which he fondly remembered his late dad, the legendary Tamil director and actor K Bhagyaraj, and thanked him for teaching him about love, patience and what it meant to build a life with someone.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen the post, Shanthanu wrote, "This one feels different. Our first anniversary without Appa here to bless us in person — and there’s a quiet ache in that. But I know he’s watching over us, smiling the way he always did."

He went on to say, "Wherever you are Appa… thank you for everything you taught me about love, patience & what it means to build a life with someone. I hope we’re making you proud and will make you proud."

He concluded the post, saying, "We are holding ourselves through the hardest year of our lives. Here’s to more years, more memories, and carrying his blessings with us always. - Shanthnu & Kiki "

It may be recalled that the actor, had in June this year, put out a post on X in which he had said that if only he could, he would have transferred 10 years of his life to his father's life.

Taking to his X timeline, a heart-broken Shanthanu, who was unable to come to terms with the demise of his father whom he loved dearly, posted a clip of a speech he had delivered earlier and wrote, "Only if I could (weeping symbol). Appa (dad) (heart broken symbol)."

The video clip that Shanthanu posted was of him delivering a speech in the presence of his father and mother. In the clip, the actor was seen saying, "If I can, I wish to give 10 years of my life to my dad. That is because that will mean that for another additional 10 years, you will make more movies, tell more stories to the people. As a fan and as a learner, I wish to learn from those films."

Shanthanu's heartbroken statement and his love for his dad won hearts online with several people trying to console the inconsolable actor.

--IANS

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