Kochi, Aug 23 (IANS) In Kerala, the humble white dhoti known locally as the 'mundu' is usually worn, not arranged in a flower carpet.

This Onam, however, nearly 3,000 of them have been made to bloom.

At Kochi's Forum Mall, Ramraj Cotton has created a spectacular 30-foot-diameter 'Mundukalam', transforming the traditional Kerala garment into an enormous pookkalam, the floral carpet that is synonymous with Onam celebrations.

The unusual creation has earned a place in the Asia Book of Records as Asia's largest pookkalam made using mundus.

Mundus in a variety of colours have been meticulously arranged into an elaborate design, creating a striking visual spectacle that has drawn crowds of visitors to the mall.

The installation brings together two powerful symbols of Malayali culture, the traditional garment worn by generations of Keralites and the colourful floral carpets laid outside homes during Onam.

The idea also gives a contemporary twist to one of Kerala's oldest festive traditions.

Every year, as Onam approaches, homes across Kerala begin preparing pookkalams with flowers gathered from gardens, markets and surrounding countryside.

The floral designs grow larger and more elaborate as the festival progresses, symbolising prosperity, togetherness and the joyous welcome extended to Mahabali, the legendary king whose annual return is celebrated during Onam.

The Mundukalam takes that familiar tradition and replaces petals with fabric, turning thousands of pieces of clothing into a giant canvas of colour and pattern.

For Ramraj Cotton, the initiative is also a celebration of the dhoti itself, a garment that, despite the changing fashions of modern India, remains deeply woven into Kerala's cultural identity.

Known as the mundu in Kerala, the simple, elegant garment continues to be an essential part of festive and ceremonial wear.

This Onam, however, the mundu has acquired a new role.

Three thousand dhotis have come together not to be worn, but to bloom creating a pookkalam unlike any Kerala has seen before.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 23 (IANS) Even though the government in Kerala has changed and a Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has taken charge as the state Home Minister, key decisions in the Home Department are still being taken by the police force and CPI-M criminals, alleged State Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary Anoop Antony.

He said on Saturday that the latest evidence that Home Department continues to remain under the control of the CPI-M was the Onam celebration held at the Museum Police Station.

Providing accused persons in a case involving an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials an opportunity to participate in an Onam celebration inside a police station amounts to a challenge to the people of Kerala, he added.

The accused, including CPI-M leader I.P. Binu, participated in the Onam celebrations at the Museum Police Station.

"The fact that the doors of a police station are being opened to people accused in criminal cases is extremely serious," Antony said.

He alleged that the Station House Officer (SHO) himself had purchased Onam gifts, including traditional festive clothing, for those facing criminal cases.

Such a celebration was held with the knowledge of members of the Police Officers' Union and others, he claimed.

"If the Home Minister has a backbone, he should have the courage to remove from service the officers who opened the doors of the police station to criminals," Antony said.

He demanded that police stations should not be allowed to become venues for celebrations by CPI-M leaders and criminal gangs.

A comprehensive inquiry should be conducted into the incident and strict action taken against the officers responsible, the BJP leader added.

"If there is no change in the functioning of the Home Department even after the change in government, the responsibility rests with the Home Minister," Antony said.

He also urged the Home Minister to ensure the rule of law without bowing before CPI-M sympathising elements within the police force or criminal groups.

--IANS

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Thrissur, Aug 23 (IANS) The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI-M, has for the first time in its history chosen a woman to lead its Kerala unit, with Chintha Jerome taking over as State President at a time when both the organisation and its parent party face the challenge of rebuilding their political stock.

Jerome, a Kollam native who rose through the Students' Federation of India (SFI), was elected at the DYFI's 16th State Conference that concluded in Thrissur.

DYFI's All-India President A.A. Rahim announced the new leadership, with Kalliasseri MLA and former SFI State Secretary M. Vijin becoming State Secretary and R. Rahul taking over as Treasurer.

Jerome's elevation comes with a considerable political baggage of her own.

A prominent student and youth leader, she has been at the centre of controversies over the years, including questions surrounding her doctoral thesis and public statements.

Yet her rise through the CPI-M's organisational hierarchy has remained largely uninterrupted.

She is currently a member of both the DYFI Central Committee and the CPI-M State Committee and holds a doctorate in English Literature from the University of Kerala.

The new leadership also marks a missed opportunity for former Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, who had been tipped for a prominent office in the new team.

Instead, she has been inducted into the 25-member State Secretariat.

Rajendran's political trajectory itself offers a cautionary backdrop to the new leadership.

When she became Thiruvananthapuram Mayor in 2020 at a young age, the CPI-M projected her as a symbol of a new generation of leadership.

But controversies surrounding her tenure, including the highly publicised confrontation involving her and her husband, then CPI-M legislator K. Sachin Dev, with a KSRTC bus driver, dented that carefully cultivated image.

The Bharatiya Janata Party subsequently made a historic breakthrough in the 2025 local body polls, wresting control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the CPI-M after more than four decades.

And at the Assembly polls, Sachin Dev lost the polls, but he has now been appointed as one of the four new vice-presidents of the newly constituted DYFI office bearers.

For much of the past decade, DYFI operated with a friendly political environment as the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government remained in power.

Its highly visible street protests often overshadowed its social and community initiatives, while several of its leaders moved on to important positions in the CPI-M.

Now, following the Left's severe setback in the recently concluded Assembly elections, the organisation faces a different political landscape.

For Jerome and her new team, the challenge is no longer simply to mobilise the youth, it is to rebuild the credibility and political relevance of a movement whose parent party is itself searching for a way back.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 23 (IANS) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials raided the house of an official of the state Food and Supplies Department in West Bengal's Jhargram district to probe allegations of corruption against him.

An Inspector and a Sub-Inspector of the ACB searched the house of the official, a resident of Nripenpalli in Jhargram, on Saturday. The incident created a huge stir in the area.

An investigation is underway based on allegations of corruption against a total of seven officials of the Food and Supplies Department.

Based on that investigation, the accused were asked to appear before the Anti-Corruption Bureau office.

Among them was Thakurdas Baske, who is currently working as an Inspector in the Food and Supplies Department in Bankura district.

It is learned that although six of the seven officials appeared at the Anti-Corruption Bureau office, Thakurdas did not appear.

Sources claimed that a search was conducted at his house in Jhargram following him being not present before the ACB office.

However, Thakurdas was not at home during the search and is currently absconding.

Sources say that his wife is being questioned.

It is not yet clear whether any important documents or other materials were recovered during the search.

No official details have been given on the basis of what kind of corruption allegations the investigation is being conducted.

A senior police officer said, "On Saturday morning, the officers of the Anti-Corruption Bureau started a search operation in different parts of Jhargram city. Then they reached Thakurdas Baske's house in Nripenpalli and searched there. The investigators are probing his role into the allegations of corruption against him and whether anyone else is involved in this corruption case."

After the change of government in the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari gave a strong message on the issue of corruption.

He also made it clear that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government will follow a zero tolerance policy when it comes to dealing with criminal and unethical activities, including extortion.

The police have arrested several Trinamool Congress leaders for being involved in various crimes, including extortion, molestation, issuing threats and intimidation.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 23 (IANS) The deadline for announcement of the new industrial policy for West Bengal has been extended by one month till the mid-September this year, state Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, a journalist-turned-politician, said.

According to Dasgupta on Saturday, although during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, Bengal Global Business Summits were organised every year, not a single such summit resulted in achieving any significant investment.

"After the change of government, the new state government's goal is to make West Bengal an industry-friendly state. Therefore, it was decided that the new trade policy would be decided within a month. However, it is no longer possible in August. The trade policy will be prepared by September," the state Finance Minister said, while addressing a meeting of the West Bengal Business Council at the Bangla Global Convention Centre here on Saturday afternoon.

According to him, finalising the new trade policy for the state is not an easy task.

"First there is a need to fix the new land policy. The second requirement is setting a policy for reviewing the industrial proposal coming to the state."

"The state government discussed different aspects of the industrial proposals like prospects of employment generation and scopes for ancillary industries, among others. That is why we need one more month to finalise our new trade policy. Initially, we planned to announce the new industrial policy by August 15. But it is a very complicated situation. We are trying to announce that policy between September 15 and September 17," Dasgupta said.

According to the state Finance Minister, in the new industrial policy, non-unachievable or unconceivable announcements or promises would be made.

"In the past there had been several events where a project had to be stopped in mid-day. We will be careful that this would not happen in future," Dasgupta added.

The state Finance Minister also said that the huge debt burden of more than Rs 8,00,000 crore inherited by the new Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government because of financial misadventure of the previous Trinamool Congress government, is a major concern for him and he is treating this area as a priority.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 23 (IANS) The governments of Assam and Meghalaya have reiterated their commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safe and unhindered movement of people and vehicles between the two neighbouring states following the recent violence in Shillong.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Saturday that the meeting between representatives of the two state governments focused on the immediate restoration of normalcy following the "unfortunate incidents" in Shillong and ensuring the safety of citizens and smooth movement of vehicles.

Sangma thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his cooperation and support and appreciated the Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, senior officials and other stakeholders from both states for their constructive engagement.

"Our priority is to restore peace and normalcy at the earliest and ensure the safety of our citizens," Meghalaya CM Sangma said in a post on social media platform X.

He also made it clear that those responsible for violence and disruption would be identified and dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister stressed that both states remained committed to close coordination and to protecting the strong bonds shared by the people of Assam and Meghalaya.

The latest development comes days after tension escalated following incidents in Shillong on August 19, when vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a black-flag protest by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU).

The incidents triggered concerns over the safety of tourists and movement between Assam and Meghalaya, while subsequent protests at Jorabat on the Assam side further heightened tensions between the neighbouring states.

Following the incidents, both state governments stepped up efforts to contain the situation and ensure the safety of people travelling between the two states.

The high-level meeting in Guwahati on Saturday also discussed measures to strengthen security, address damage and injuries arising from the violence, and facilitate the restoration of normal traffic and movement.

Responding to Sangma's X post, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the Meghalaya Chief Minister for his cooperation and for giving clear assurances regarding the safety of people from Assam.

"Assam and Meghalaya share an enduring bond. With continued coordination and firm action, I am confident that normalcy will be restored at the earliest," CM Sarma said.

The two governments have underlined that firm action against those responsible for violence, alongside continued coordination between the administrations, will be crucial to preventing further escalation and restoring confidence among people travelling between the two states.

The latest assurances also signal an effort by both sides to ensure that the recent incidents do not affect the longstanding social, economic and people-to-people ties between Assam and Meghalaya.

--IANS

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Shillong, Aug 23 (IANS) Security was intensified across Shillong as the Army and Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducted a flag march in the Meghalaya capital following violence during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally on August 19, officials said.

The security buildup came on Saturday amid heightened tensions after vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a KSU black-flag protest.

Several vehicles were vandalised, with their windows and windshields smashed, while some tourists were reportedly injured.

Public property was also damaged during the violence.

The Centre has approved the deployment of five companies of central armed forces in Meghalaya to assist the state police in maintaining law and order amid the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a high-level meeting with senior officials of both states in Guwahati on Saturday to assess the situation and discuss steps to prevent further escalation.

The meeting came against the backdrop of tensions following the Shillong violence and protests at Jorabat, the key entry point between Assam and Meghalaya.

Bora termed the Shillong incident "unwarranted and unfortunate" and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had acted promptly after the violence.

He said Assam CM Sarma spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who subsequently asked Dhar to engage with Assam and explore measures to restore peace and ensure smooth movement between the neighbouring states.

Bora appealed to the people in both states to maintain peace and harmony, stressing the longstanding ties between Assam and Meghalaya.

The Shillong incident triggered protests by motor vehicle workers' unions in Assam.

Demonstrations at Jorabat began the following day, with protesters stopping Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam and, in some cases, forcing them to turn back.

The protests continued for a third day on Friday, with demonstrators seeking compensation for vehicles damaged in Shillong and an apology from the authorities.

Heavy deployment of police and reserve personnel was made at Jorabat to prevent any fresh violence.

Three senior KSU office-bearers -- president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar -- were arrested late Wednesday in connection with the violence.

The situation has also prompted sharper reactions in Assam.

The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) called for an economic blockade and warned of action against Meghalaya residents in Assam if attacks on Assamese people in Shillong continued.

With additional security forces deployed in Shillong and police maintaining a strong presence at Jorabat, authorities in both states are now working to contain tensions, prevent retaliatory incidents and ensure uninterrupted movement of people and vehicles.

--IANS

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Chhatarpur, Aug 22 (IANS) Three minor sisters, including a nine‑month‑old infant, died under suspicious circumstances in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, prompting authorities to exhume their bodies for post‑mortem examination, police said on Saturday.

The incident was reported from Pipora Khurd village under the Isanagar police station area. The deceased have been identified as seven‑year‑old Poonam, three‑year‑old Manisha and nine‑month‑old Chahat, daughters of Balmukund Kushwaha.

According to preliminary information, the girls had reportedly consumed baingan bharta and roti last night before their deaths. However, officials have not yet established whether the food was linked to the deaths.

The matter came to light after authorities learnt that the family had buried the bodies without informing police or arranging post‑mortem examinations. Local police, along with doctors, later reached the village and inspected the burial site.

Chhatarpur Chief Medical and Health Officer R.P. Gupta told IANS that he immediately reached the spot after receiving information. “As soon as the matter came to my notice, I reached the spot with my entire team. The police, revenue and FSL teams were also informed and called,” Gupta said.

He added that teams were working to establish the circumstances leading to the deaths and determine the exact cause.

“We are collecting all relevant information and the bodies will be exhumed for post‑mortem. The medical and forensic reports will help establish the actual cause of death,” Gupta said.

Officials are questioning family members and examining the sequence of events before and after the girls fell ill. Forensic experts have also been called to help collect evidence.

Police said they would take further action after receiving the post-mortem and forensic reports. The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Actress Manisha Koirala had shared her views on the massive age gap between male and female actors in Bollywood while speaking to veteran actress Simi Garewal, as she had appeared on the chat show, 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal'.

Manisha had pointed out that while a male actor with grandchildren could play a hero on screen, a female actor was considered unfit to be a leading lady as soon as she got married.

She was heard saying, "It's really sad, you know. I mean, we have actors who are grandfathers and are still working as a hero, but the moment an actress gets married, she's tabooed from acting, you know, and the age gap is there. Why, when you have, you know, 40-year-old or 50-year-old as a hero, why doesn't, okay, fine, I mean, 40 plus."

Manisha had expressed hope that things would get better with time.

"I mean, I think a lot of restrictions are there in our industry, but with time I feel people will start fighting it, you know," she had added.

When Simi Garewal pointed out that the reason for this might be that heroines were only seen as an object of desire for the hero in the movies, Manish had shared that while it is great to be desired, one should not be limited only to that.

"It's a great thing to be desired, but if they limit you only to that, then it's a sad thing, you know. But it's up to women, too, I mean, to get up and show, okay, fine, I can act, I can do, you concentrate on me and my talent or my work, and, you know, don't look at me, myself, or just my body, you know. You have to be clever enough to deal with the situation and, you know, change the attention from one thing to another, you know," Manisha had said.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Kareena Kapoor has been making headlines as speculations around her third pregnancy circulated on social media recently.

On Saturday, Bebo used her Instagram handle to share her reaction to these pregnancy rumours, and it will leave you in stitches.

Kareena took to the Stories section and reshared a hilarious Instagram post where a man can be seen posing with his bloated belly. The caption on the post read, ‘Hat nah be’.

As Kareena shared the post on her account, she added a couple of laughing and pizza emojis.

She further added the track, 'Chocolate Lime Juice' from the movie 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun', indicating that her visible paunch was simply a result of her love for food.

Before Kareena, her sister-in-law and Saif's sister, Saba Pataudi, rubbished the actress's pregnancy rumours, claiming that the picture in question, where Bebo can be seen with a bloated belly, was the outcome of a bad camera angle.

Saba had shared, “A bad angle ... Or a bad hair day! How can everyone assume another extreme!! She walked out of an airport looking slick, classy and slim, and today out of a gym! That's it!! I've been convincing my sister to have a 2nd child ... wish that was true! She'll kill me for saying it! Live n let live guys. Some things are left private. No speculation needed. With love n respect.”

To refresh your memory, speculation that Bebo was expecting her third child with husband Saif Ali Khan had also surfaced during her vacation in New York. Back then, one of Kareena's Insta Stories was misinterpreted. However, the 'K3G' actress had later cleared the air, saying that it was all just pizza and wine.

Professionally, Kareena will next be seen in Meghna Gulzar's 'Daayra', in which she will be seen alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Actor Sanjay Kapoor recreated elder brother Anil Kapoor's iconic look from the 1994 romantic entertainer, '1942: A Love Story'.

On Saturday, Sanjay shared a collage featuring a picture of Anil from '1942: A Love Story', along with a photo of himself posing in a similar ensemble.

Sanjay was seen wearing a dark flat cap, along with a navy V‑neck T‑shirt and denim. He further featured a moustache, just like Anil in the Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial.

Posting a couple of pictures of his vintage look, Sanjay wrote as the caption, "Humshakhal , #throwback , @anilskapoor (sic)."

The post comes as the 8K restored version of '1942: A Love Story' has been released in the cinema halls once again after 32 years.

On Friday, the 'Animal' actor commemorated the special occasion by urging cinema lovers to revisit the film.

Anil took to his IG handle and uploaded a reel from the screening of the restored version, along with the text, “Thank you to everyone who came and made the evening so special.”

“1942: A Love Story is back on the big screen, remastered and looking better than ever. Come for the songs. Stay for the nostalgia. And experience the magic of the film all over again," he went on to add.

Apart from Anil, '1942: A Love Story' also features Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, Danny Denzongpa, Anupam Kher, Pran and Brian Glover in key roles, along with others.

The drama shares the tale of Naren (Played by Anil Kapoor) and Rajjo (Played by Manisha Koirala), who fall for one another despite coming from contrasting family backgrounds. Their relationship faces a massive threat due to the outbreak of the Indian revolutionary movement.

For the unaware, '1942: A Love Story' also happens to be the last film work of musical legend R. D. Burman, who passed away before the release of the movie.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 22 (IANS) Tollywood heartthrob Ram Charan penned a sweet birthday wish for his father, Megastar Chiranjeevi, as he turned a year older on Saturday.

The 'RRR' actor took to his official handle on X (Earlier known as Twitter) and shared a heartfelt post, calling Chiranjeevi his 'first hero, and someone he could turn to'.

Ram Charam added that Chiranjeevi's belief in him has always been his biggest strength.

The 'Peddi' actor shared on the micro-blogging site, "Happy Birthday Nanna @KChiruTweets You have been my first hero, my biggest inspiration and someone I can always turn to. Through every high and low, your love, guidance and belief in me have been my greatest strength. I feel truly blessed to have you in my life. Wishing you good health, happiness and many more wonderful years ahead. Love you more than words can say, Nanna (sic)."

Additionally, actor, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, and the younger brother of Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, wished him by taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some fond memories of their childhood.

Pawan Kalyan stated that his elder brother had always been a hero for him, even before he became a hero on screen.

He wrote, "In my school days, just walking beside him was a proud moment. I used to feel like I am walking with the world's most important person; by then, he was just in college. When he used to ride my father’s bike (Bullet - 350 cc) with his curly long hair, fit NCC Cadet body with bell bottoms and glasses - oh! it was an absolutely fanboy and hero-worshipping moment," Pawan Kalyan disclosed and added, "My Annaya was always a Hero for me even before he became a Hero."

Sharing an incident, Pawan Kalyan added, "In the early days of his film career, he brought a big blue bag from his first Singapore trip. In that blue bag I found my first tiny Lego helicopter, few remote cars, racing track, some comics, music tapes, tape recorder, scented Yardley Co. powders, soaps, few perfumes and other small gifts to others. He always brought joy and smiles into our small home."

--IANS

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