Kolkata, May 2 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday ordered a fresh election in all polling stations of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district after finding severe electoral offences during the second phase of polling on April 29.

As a result, counting of votes will take place in 293 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal on May 4, with Falta excluded. The Commission said the entire polling conducted in the constituency on April 29 stands cancelled, and a fresh poll will be held on May 21.

“On consideration of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during polling in a large number of polling stations on April 29 in 144-Falta Assembly Constituency, West Bengal, the Commission directs that a fresh poll shall be conducted in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations. Fresh polling will be held between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on May 21,” the ECI said in an official statement.

Following the fresh poll, counting of votes in the constituency will take place on May 24.

On Friday, the Commission had announced re-polling in 15 booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district -- Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim). Re-polling in these booths was conducted on Saturday.

Falta has been in the spotlight even before the second phase of polling. A standoff had emerged between the Election Commission-appointed Special Police Observer Ajay Pal Sharma, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, and Trinamool Congress candidate from Falta, Jahangir Khan.

On polling day, allegations of EVM tampering surfaced in the constituency, and petitions were submitted to the Commission seeking re-polling. The Commission subsequently undertook scrutiny to determine the extent of irregularities.

According to sources, the highest number of complaints seeking re-polling was received from South 24 Parganas district, with Falta among the key constituencies flagged.

On the direction of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Commission-appointed Special Observer Subrata Gupta visited Falta, Magrahat, Diamond Harbour and other affected areas on Thursday to review the situation.

After assessing the ground situation, Gupta submitted a report to the Commission recommending re-polling in around 30 booths in Falta.

Sources said that during scrutiny, serious irregularities were detected, including allegations that surveillance cameras were switched off in several booths and that the information did not reach the control room due to network issues.

There were also allegations that EVMs were covered with tape in multiple booths. Although presiding officers reportedly removed the tape around 1 p.m., by then nearly 58 per cent of voting had already taken place, raising concerns about the integrity of the polling process.

--IANS

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​Surat, May 2 (IANS) Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda on Saturday said South Gujarat’s rise as a manufacturing hub reflects the state's broader economic strength and its ability to convert challenges into opportunities.​

He was addressing the concluding session of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) at Auro University in Surat.​

He said the conference had laid the foundation for the region to take a “major economic leap” in the coming years.​

Highlighting sectoral strengths, Nadda noted that Surat’s diamond and textile industries, along with the chemical and fertiliser clusters in Bharuch, Dahej, and Ankleshwar, have developed into global hubs.​

"The garmenting industry is now being linked with tribal areas, which would open new avenues of development for local communities and mark a significant step for both the region and the state," he said.​

Praising Gujarat’s economic performance, Nadda said the state contributes about eight per cent to India’s GDP, 17 per cent to manufacturing output, 27 per cent to merchandise exports, and 40 per cent to total cargo handling.​

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat has evolved into a globally connected and competitive economic engine," he said.​

Referring to policy-driven transformation, he said that before 2003, there was a gap between industrialists and the government, but "the launch of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi created a culture of dialogue and cooperation".​

“This model has become an example for other states, and such efforts have helped India emerge as one of the most reliable destinations for investment globally,” he said.​

Emphasising the need to strengthen manufacturing capacity amid global uncertainties, Nadda said: "Gujarat has demonstrated how adversity can be turned into opportunity through projects such as the Statue of Unity, GIFT City and high-speed rail."​

He said these initiatives would play a foundational role in achieving the goal of a developed India and congratulated the state government for organising the VGRC.​

The conference, held on May 1 and 2, brought together policymakers, industry representatives, and entrepreneurs, with discussions across sectors and interactions through business-to-business and business-to-government platforms.​

State ministers Jitu Vaghani and Kunvarji Bavaliya were present, along with senior officials, industry leaders, and representatives of trade bodies.​

--IANS

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Seoul, May 2 (IANS) A progressive civic group held a protest rally outside the US Embassy in Seoul on Saturday, chanting slogans accusing the United States of interfering in South Korea's domestic affairs.

An estimated 500 protesters, according to police, gathered outside the US Embassy compound in central Gwanghwamun, holding placards condemning the US for undermining South Korea's sovereignty and interfering in its domestic affairs by requesting that Seoul lift an exit ban on Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of K-pop entertainment powerhouse Hybe.

They also charged that the US is "attacking" President Lee Jae Myung because Lee has refused to provide support for its war against Iran and is seeking an early transfer of wartime operational control from the US, Yonhap News agency reported.

They denounced Washington for restricting intelligence-sharing with Seoul on North Korea after taking issue with what it sees as Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's unilateral disclosure of shared intelligence on an unidentified North Korean nuclear facility, as well as for nominating Michelle Park Steel, a conservative former Republican lawmaker, as its new ambassador to South Korea.

The participants from the civic group, "Candlelight Action," had been marching from Jonggak Station before stopping in front of the embassy compound to stage the rally.

Police issued two warnings over loudspeakers, telling them to continue marching, and no clashes occurred as the protesters complied with police instructions.

Hours earlier, around 6,000 protesters affiliated with a conservative group, led by hard-line activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, staged a separate demonstration in Gwanghwamun.

They justified ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law as a right that can be exercised by a leader "if the country is in trouble."

In February 2026, conservative groups and progressive group "Candlelight Action" held rival rallies, in anger and cheers after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison over his bid to impose martial law in 2024.

–IANS

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Imphal, May 2 (IANS) The Manipur Police intercepted four vehicles along the India-Myanmar border for illegally transporting 25 containers of petrol and diesel, and arrested the drivers, officials said on Saturday.

A senior police official said that the fuel was suspected to be intended for smuggling into neighbouring Myanmar.

According to the official, the four vehicles were carrying the petrol and diesel illegally towards Moreh in Tengnoupal district, which shares an unfenced border with Myanmar.

The arrested drivers have been identified as Elvis Lamkang (23), Md. Abas Khan (47), Dangsawa Koshil Pipachum (56), and Md. Mujibur Rahaman (35).

They are residents of Chandel, Thoubal, and Kakching districts.

Five districts in Manipur -- Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul -- share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.

This porous frontier serves as a key transit point for drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, as well as exotic animals and various other contraband entering India.

In a separate operation, security forces destroyed 23 bunkers that had been illegally constructed across the hill ranges of Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong, and Ringue villages in Ukhrul district.

In ongoing operations, security forces have already demolished more than 150 illegally constructed bunkers built by militant outfits and armed cadres belonging to various groups across different districts.

The district has witnessed a series of violent incidents since February this year, making it one of the most troubled areas in the state in recent months.

Security forces, comprising both central and state agencies, continue extensive crackdowns on militant activities.

Search operations and area domination exercises are being conducted in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable areas across multiple districts.

To curb the movement of illegal elements and suspicious vehicles, a total of 114 nakas (checkpoints) have been set up across Manipur in both valley and hill districts.

Security personnel are also providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks transporting essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures remain in place in sensitive stretches to ensure the safe movement of vehicles.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police have urged the public not to believe rumours and to remain cautious of fake videos circulating on social media.

"The veracity of any circulated videos or audio clips can be confirmed through the Central Control Room. Uploading or sharing fake posts on social media will invite legal action," a police statement warned.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, May 2 (IANS) Authorities in Gujarat have destroyed around 1,018 kilograms of suspected paneer, valued at approximately Rs 1.83 lakh, as part of a state-wide food safety inspection drive aimed at tackling adulteration in dairy and summer consumables.​

The action followed inspections across manufacturing units, restaurants, dhabas, and street vendors, during which suspected analogue dairy products and paneer were identified.​

The stock was seized and destroyed on the spot after being found unfit or suspicious under food safety norms.​

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the enforcement exercise formed part of the state’s “Food Purity Campaign”, under which 4,193 units were inspected across Gujarat during April.​

He stated that the drive was being intensified following a review meeting with the Food and Drug Regulatory Authority.​

He said, “The state government is fully committed to protecting the health of citizens and follows a policy of zero tolerance towards adulteration.”​

He added that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in selling analogue products as dairy items, particularly those misrepresenting them as paneer.​

During the inspections, authorities collected 118 food samples for laboratory testing and issued notices to around 270 establishments for violations of food safety regulations.​

Officials confirmed that further action would depend on the results of the laboratory analysis.​

In addition to the seized paneer stock, enforcement teams also sealed 18 establishments for serious breaches of hygiene and food safety rules.​

Municipal corporations across the state recovered fines totalling more than Rs 2.84 lakh from violators during the drive.​

Given the rise in consumption of seasonal beverages and street foods, the inspection campaign was also extended to items such as sugarcane juice, mango juice, ice gola, and watermelon.​

Under the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative, authorities conducted checks at 1,576 locations and tested 1,705 samples.​

The department also organised 284 training programmes and 255 awareness sessions for traders and citizens to promote compliance with food safety standards and to curb adulteration practices.​

Officials said the drive would continue with sustained monitoring and enforcement across the state.​

--IANS

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Aizawl, May 2 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday stressed the need to enhance financial literacy across the state, particularly in rural areas, and underscored the importance of accessible and efficient banking services for the people.

The Chief Minister attended the Mizoram Rural Bank Branch Managers’ Conclave 2026 on Saturday in Aizawl.

Addressing the conclave, he expressed pride that Mizoram possesses one of the most progressive Regional Rural Banks in India. He commended Mizoram Rural Bank for its consistent growth and achievements, particularly highlighting its outstanding Credit-Deposit ratio.

He noted that a high Credit-Deposit ratio reflects the bank’s commitment to channelling deposits back into the community through loans, which is essential for economic development.

The Chief Minister emphasised that branch managers play a crucial role in implementing government policies at the grassroots level, especially flagship programmes such as Bana Kaih Hand Holding.

He stated that the bank has immense potential to contribute to the state’s development and expressed high expectations for its continued performance. He urged Mizoram Rural Bank to sustain its commendable work while expanding its outreach to better meet public needs.

Congratulating the bank on its remarkable performance over the past year, the Chief Minister assured that the government would continue to extend full support to Mizoram Rural Bank in its growth and service to the people.

Sheryl L. Vanchhong, Chairman of Mizoram Rural Bank, spoke about the bank’s progress over the past year and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his presence.

Established on September 27, 1983, Mizoram Rural Bank is jointly owned by the Government of India (15 per cent share), State Bank of India (35 per cent share), and the Mizoram government (50 per cent share).

The bank currently operates 2 Regional Offices and 106 branches, of which 60 are located in rural areas, and employs 491 employees.

During the last financial year, Mizoram Rural Bank recorded deposits of Rs 6,526.10 crore, exceeding its target by Rs 682.11 crore, with a growth rate of 11.26 per cent.

Total advances stood at Rs 4,129.98 crore, surpassing the target by over Rs 300 crore.

The bank posted a net profit of Rs 152.27 crore, with a Credit-Deposit ratio of 63.28 per cent, the highest in Mizoram.

The bank's total business turnover reached Rs 10,656.08 crore, averaging Rs 100 crore per branch, placing Mizoram Rural Bank among only four Regional Rural Banks in India to achieve this milestone.

Notably, 97.36 per cent of its total transactions are conducted digitally, the highest in Northeast India and the second-highest in the country.

Under the state government’s Bana Kaihah programme, Mizoram Rural Bank has disbursed 279 loans, accounting for 59.35 per cent of applications received from partner banks under handholding initiatives.

--IANS

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Guwahati, May 2 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia on Saturday expressed doubts over the reliability of exit polls forecasting the outcome of the Assembly elections, saying such projections have often failed to reflect the final mandate of voters.

Speaking to reporters here, Saikia, who is also the Indian National Congress candidate from the Nazira Assembly constituency, said he does not place much faith in exit poll predictions, citing previous elections where estimates were proven wrong once actual counting took place.

Referring to the West Bengal Assembly elections, Saikia said several surveys had forecast a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but the final results turned out very differently.

He said such examples show that pre-result projections cannot always capture the true mood of the electorate.

The senior Congress leader claimed that the political atmosphere in Assam this time appears significantly different from previous elections. According to him, many voters chose to remain guarded about their preferences during polling, making it difficult for agencies to accurately assess public sentiment through post-vote surveys.

Saikia said the silence among a section of voters could indicate an undercurrent in favour of political change in the state. He suggested that people dissatisfied with the present administration may have preferred to keep their decisions private rather than openly discuss them in public.

He further alleged that some voters were hesitant to reveal their choices due to fear of possible backlash from local BJP workers.

Saikia also claimed that issues such as alleged misgovernance, public resentment and anti-incumbency sentiment could weigh heavily on the ruling party when votes are counted.

Maintaining confidence in his party’s prospects, Saikia said the eventual verdict would depend largely on the role of “silent voters”, whose choices, he added, often remain hidden until counting day.

He said the final outcome may therefore differ substantially from the trends suggested by exit polls.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Senior members of the Muslim community on Saturday welcomed the Allahabad High court's judgment which held that the right to practise religion does not extend to converting private premises into an "unregulated congregational space".

The court dismissed a plea seeking permission and police protection for offering regular namaz at an alleged private property in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district.

Commending the High Court's decision, Muslim religious leader Maulana Chaudhary Ibrahim Hussain said: "In Islam, prayers should not be offered at places where disputes may arise. Also, there should be a particular place to offer namaz."

"Therefore, it is a good decision according to Islam as well as according to the law," he told IANS.

Hussain mentioned that such a decision was necessary.

He said that since people of different religions stay in India, it is important to maintain communal harmony.

"If people of any one particular community start following their religious practises at public places, then it may hurt the sentiments of others," he added.

"Moreover, the public places are meant for the use of common people. Therefore, it would better if those places are restricted for such use only and no dispute arises in it," the Muslim cleric added.

All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi also supported the court's judgment.

He echoed saying: "The 'Shariat-e-Islamia' also says that namaz should not be offered in places of dispute."

"Also, namaz should not be offered at places which may be objectionable for anyone," he added.

He noted that a public place is prone to noise and congestion and therefore is not suited for a religious practise.

Barelvi highlighted that ambulances also pass through such places and namaz should not be offered there so that the route does not get obstructed.

"It is better to offer namaz at peaceful and secured places like mosques or own homes," he told IANS.

However, Barelvi said that some people, especially some "mindless youth", have turned the namaz into a "matter of joke".

Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari emphasised that rules and laws apply to everyone.

"We believe that mosques are meant for offering namaz. People sometimes offer namaz at public places, but it should be offered in mosques," he said.

Ansari also asserted: "This is a good decision which should be followed."

--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, May 2 (IANS) Filmmaker and writer Anees Bazmee turned nostalgic as his first major writing project, Swarg starring late Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna, Govinda completed 36 years.

Taking to his social media account, Aneez Bazmee shared the film’s poster featuring Rajesh Khanna and Govinda, and gook a trip down memory lane, recalling the movie that marked a major turning point in his career as a writer.

Sharing the post, he wrote, “On the 36th anniversary of Swarg, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude! As a writer, the very first film marked a turning point in my career. The love and appreciation I received from everyone meant the world to me. When they said ‘the writer had arrived’, since then, I've been fortunate to write for many talented filmmakers!”

Talking about the movie, Swarg diirected by David Dhawan released in 1990 and went on to become a commercial success.

The film starred Rajesh Khanna, Govinda, Juhi Chawla, Madhavi, Paresh Rawal, Satish Kaushik, Neena Gupta and others.

The emotional family drama revolved around loyalty, betrayal and dedication, with Rajesh Khanna playing the dignified patriarch ‘Sahabji’, while Govinda essayed his house help and fiercely loyal aide Krishna.

Talking about Aneez Bazmee, he began his screenwriting journey in the late 1980s before moving into direction.

Over the years, he has delivered some of Hindi cinema’s biggest entertainers, including No Entry, Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, Ready, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) Actor Akhil Kaimal currently seen as Ashvin, a passionate filmmaker from Kerala in “Sapne vs Everyone” Season 2.

Talking about his overall experience of working with the director of the show, Ambrish Verma, Akhil said “On my first day of shooting, we were filming one of the most crucial scenes in Ashwin’s journey, and I was honestly very nervous. It’s a moment where he’s completely broken but still chooses to care for someone else. I remember questioning myself whether I was approaching it the right way. That’s when Ambrish bhai, who is the director, writer, and also one of the leads in the show, played a track on set, Hand Covers Bruise, and asked me to sit with it.”

He added, “Something about that shifted everything. I suddenly understood what Ashwin was feeling. After that, whenever I felt stuck, I would ask him, ‘What music are you hearing for this scene?’ and it became my way into the character.”

Talking about his own perseverance at shoot, Akhil explained, “Even halfway through filming, I wasn’t entirely sure if I was capturing what Ambrish bhai envisioned. I tend to second-guess myself, so I kept wondering if I was portraying Ashwin accurately.”

He added, “A day before shoot, we were sitting and chatting, and I asked Ambrish bhai directly. He smiled and told me that he had initially imagined Ashwin very differently, more serious, more restrained, but the way I was playing him brought a new dimension to the character. He mentioned that even small things, like my smiles and lighter moments, added depth, which is why he never asked me to change anything.’

He added, “That validation meant a lot to me. But the doubt never fully disappears, and I believe that’s important. it keeps you honest as an actor.”

Further, Akhil reflected, “In an industry where everyone is chasing the same goals, feeling secure isn’t always easy. I experienced this during a quiet, emotional scene with Paramvir Singh Cheema on the beach. After the take, Param told me he could genuinely feel everything I was expressing. As actors, we don’t always get to hear such feedback, and it takes a certain level of generosity and confidence to acknowledge each other’s work.”

Akhil was last seen in “The Hunt- Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case,” “The Kerala Story,” and Netflix’s “Kaala Paani,”

His debut Malayalam film, “Jalasamadhi,” garnered international recognition, and since then, he has taken on diverse roles across Hindi and Malayalam cinema and theatre stages around the world.

Post “Sapne vs Everyone,” Akhil will now also be seen in Chand Mera Dil, produced by Dharma Films and directed by Vivek Soni, set to release on June 5 in theatres. Additionally, he is also currently shooting for a period drama for Netflix, produced by Balaji Telefilms and Chalkboard Entertainment.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 02 (IANS) A popular name in the television industry, Tarun Khanna, known for his mythological characters, especially his portrayal of Lord Mahadev, shared his views on Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's much-discussed mythological drama, "Ramayana".

During an exclusive interaction with IANS, Tarun shared that Ranbir is one of the finest actors of his time and hence will give his all to the role.

He further expressed confidence that Ranbir will be able to do justice to the role of Lord Ram.

He was asked, "What are your thoughts on Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in the upcoming 'Ramayana' film?"

Responding to the question, Tarun told IANS, "I prefer not to judge based on a teaser alone. However, Ranbir Kapoor is one of the finest actors of our generation. I am confident he must have approached the role thoughtfully. I admire his dedication—he even attended my play Hamare Ram as part of his preparation. I respect him a lot and believe he will do justice to the role."

"Ramayana" will also see 'KGF' actor Yash as Raavana.

Sharing what gives the drama a universal appeal while speaking during the CinemaCon 2026 recently, Yash said, “‘Ramayana’ has a certain substance that stays with you for a long time. The very reason this story has endured for so long, and gone beyond boundaries, almost transcending cultures where people truly own it suggests there’s something deeply universal about it”.

“And I feel that experiencing it on the big screen, with today’s technology, could make it feel even more immersive and unique for audiences, something they can truly take in and enjoy the way it’s meant to be seen," he went on to add.

Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, along with 8-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, "Ramayana" will also see Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 02 (IANS) Veteran actor Shatrugan Sinha expressed his regret for not being able to work with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.

Remembering him on his birth anniversary, Shatrugan penned a nostalgic note on social media, saying, "Shall always have great & deep regrets for not being able to work with the 'bestest' filmmaker ever, the only Indian personality who was honored with both 'Bharat Ratna' & the Oscar, legendary #SatyajitRay.(sic)."

He added, "Today on his birthday anniversary I pay floral tributes, solemn prayers & remember him with utmost respect. Long Live Satyajit Ray! #BirthAnniversary."

Another veteran name from the industry, Gajraj Rao, also penned a heartfelt note for the filmmaker.

The 'Badhaai Ho' maker penned on the photo-sharing app, "Our adorable, Satyajit Ray Saheb came into this world on this day in 1921 ... Millions of viewers all over the world have been mesmerized by their cinema... After watching her cinema, the dream of stepping into the magical world of cinema would have shined in thousands of eyes... Their stories are just as magical as their films...(sic)."

Gajraj recalled being a part of a film, penned by Satyajit Ray, "Barin Bhowmik-er Byaram".

"I am lucky to have the opportunity to act in a Netflix film on his written story, "Barin Bhowmik-er Byaram". The story was adapted by Niren Bhatt in India and directed by Abhishek Chaubey...Cinema lovers and cinema students, we will always be indebted to Ray Saheb... Hundreds of salutes to Ray Babu!," he added.

Satyajit Ray made his directorial debut back in 1955 with the movie "Pather Panchali". The drama brought the director international acclaim, including recognition at the Cannes Film Festival.

After this, he went on to deliver some iconic classics of Indian cinema such as "Aparajito", "Apur Sansar", "Charulata", "Nayak", "Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne", "Shatranj Ke Khilari", and "Ghare Baire," to name just a few.

--IANS

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