Rome, May 20 (IANS) The members of the Indian diaspora and several artists who performed to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rome on Wednesday expressed joy and admiration and said they were proud to witness India’s growing global stature.

Speaking to IANS, several members of the Indian community in Italy said they were proud to meet the Prime Minister and witness India’s growing global stature.

One member of the Indian diaspora said, “Today, I felt as if I had met God. This is the second time I am meeting him, and I felt very happy after meeting him.”

A member of the Italian Hindu Union also praised the Prime Minister’s influence and presence, saying, “Whenever he comes here, his presence is very powerful. Seeing him, Indians feel happy that India is progressing a lot and continues to move forward in the same way.”

Artists who performed during the welcome ceremony also shared their excitement and gratitude after interacting with the Prime Minister.

Kathak artist Rosella Fanelli said the opportunity to perform for PM Modi was a deeply emotional experience.

“It was very nice for me and for my friends. We were waiting for a long time, so the emotions were very high. I consider this opportunity a very nice experience, and I hope we can meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India,” she said.

Artist Martina Argada said the Prime Minister appreciated their performance and encouraged the artists.

“He told us the performance was excellent. We are very thankful to the Indian Embassy in Rome for giving us the opportunity to perform in front of the Indian Prime Minister,” she said.

Another artist, Francesco Gherardi, said PM Modi actively engaged with the performers during the event.

“His participation was there; we could feel it. He was clapping during the performance and gave us a lot of good vibes. We were able to shake hands with him and also had nice pictures together,” he said.

Artist Simone Mattiello described the event as joyful and said the Prime Minister appeared to connect with the performers.

“Our performance was very joyful, and I think he connected with us. He clapped, so I think he enjoyed it,” he said.

Musician Nicolo Melocchi called it a “great opportunity” to perform before the Prime Minister and interact with him briefly.

Artist Valerio Bruni added that PM Modi seemed genuinely enthusiastic during the cultural presentation and appreciated the team’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Svamini Shuddhananda of the Italian Hindu Union highlighted the Prime Minister’s continued support for the organisation and the Hindu community in Italy.

“We met him in 2021, and he has continued to support the Italian Hindu Union mission here. Recognition in the Italian Parliament is a very important achievement because Hindus are now officially recognised in Italy,” she said.

--IANS

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Chennai, May 20 (IANS) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in Tamil Nadu is planning to introduce a comprehensive biometric attendance system for its employees in an effort to improve workplace discipline and ensure staff complete their mandatory eight-hour work shifts.

The move comes in response to repeated complaints regarding employees not reporting to work on time and concerns over attendance monitoring, particularly among field-level staff. Corporation officials said complaints had surfaced from various zones, with the Ambattur zone witnessing recurring allegations involving conservancy sanitary inspectors and irregular attendance patterns.

The proposed system is expected to strengthen accountability and improve the monitoring of employee work schedules across the civic body. According to GCC records, the Corporation currently employs 36,381 workers, including 12,960 permanent employees and 23,421 contract staff members.

Given the size of the workforce and the nature of operations spread across multiple zones and departments, officials believe a technology-driven attendance system could help streamline administration and enhance efficiency.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran confirmed that preliminary discussions had been held regarding the feasibility of introducing biometric attendance for all categories of employees.

He stated that the proposal is still at an early stage and that detailed plans would be finalised only after further assessment of implementation requirements and operational progress.

As part of the proposed framework, employees may be required to record their attendance twice a day -- once at the beginning of their shift and again at the end of the workday. Officials involved in field inspections and outdoor duties could also be brought under a mobile-based attendance mechanism integrated with geofencing technology. Such a system would capture the employee’s photograph and location details while marking attendance, enabling authorities to verify field presence in real time.

Former GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran said discussions on introducing face-recognition attendance systems had already taken place and that a mobile application for field staff attendance had been developed earlier.

Employee unions, however, claim similar systems introduced in the past were not implemented effectively and have raised concerns about enforcement gaps. At present, biometric attendance is operational only for administrative staff at the Ripon Building, while several senior officials remain exempt from the system.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Actress and reality show contestant Farrhana Bhatt has opened up about one of the toughest decisions of her life, revealing that she has asked her family to publicly announce their disassociation from her.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the actress shared that cutting herself off from close blood relatives was the ‘biggest risk’ she ever took in pursuit of her dreams.

Speaking candidly about the emotional turmoil, Farrhana said, “The biggest risk in life taken by me, is that I completely cut myself off from my close blood relatives. To a limit where I told them you can publicly announce ‘she doesn’t belong to us’. That was the biggest risk I took.”

The actress further explained how difficult it was to distance herself from family despite emotional expectations attached to blood relations.

“Somewhere in your blood relation, if you are at your lowest, you have certain expectations that maybe someone from your family will someday come up and help you, or say a few words that motivate you. But at that point, when you have actually no one around, it’s just you and your mother, and you are cutting off everyone, publicly telling them, ‘You don’t belong to me. I don’t belong to you,’ that’s when you completely put yourself into solitude,” she shared.

The Bigg Boss season 19 contestant also added that despite the loneliness, she chose not to give up on her ambitions. “I decided that I will be alone, but I won’t give up on my dreams or whatever I want to do. That was the biggest risk I ever took,” she said.

Hailing from Kashmir, Farrhana Bhatt rose to fame with her stint in ‘Bigg Boss 19’ in 2025. Her outspoken personality and quite fearless journey on the reality show garnered attention from viewers across the country.

She was also trolled for her abusive language on the show.

Following the show, she featured in a music video with singer-composer Amaal Mallik.

The actress is now gearing up to participate in the stunt-based reality show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ season 15.

–IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratefulness to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "I am very grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome in Rome last evening. Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world."

Prime Minister Modi also attended a dinner hosted by Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. He also shared a few pictures on social media 'X' and said he is looking forward to their talks, during which they will continue discussing how to strengthen India-Italy friendship.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to boost the India-Italy friendship."

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni also warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Italy as he arrived in Rome on Tuesday night on the final leg of his five-nation tour.

Extending a personal greeting to the Indian Prime Minister, Meloni posted on X: “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”, underlining the close rapport between the two leaders.

PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with PM Meloni and meet President Sergio Mattarella.

Prime Minister Modi also shared details of his arrival, saying he had landed in Rome for an official visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, where both leaders are expected to adopt a joint declaration to further deepen the India-Italy strategic partnership.

Sharing details of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: “Scripting a new chapter in the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Rome on an official visit to Italy. He was warmly received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani of Italy.”

He added, “India and Italy share a longstanding and multifaceted partnership. The visit is set to add new momentum to the India-Italy partnership.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties, with both countries actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. The roadmap covers cooperation in trade, investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) Meta Platforms on Wednesday began laying off nearly 8,000 employees as part of a sweeping restructuring exercise aimed at accelerating its shift toward artificial intelligence (AI), according to multiple reports.

The Facebook-parent company started sending layoff notifications in phased waves, with the cuts and role transfers expected to affect around 10 per cent of its global workforce.

Reports claimed that an internal document highlighted Meta’s plan to move nearly 7,000 employees into new AI-focused roles as part of the restructuring exercise.

In a memo to employees, Meta’s HR chief Janelle Gale said many teams were being redesigned around AI-native principles to create flatter structures and smaller groups that can move faster with greater ownership.

“As org leaders worked on the changes, many of them incorporated AI native design principles into their new org structures,” Gale said.

North American employees were also reportedly asked to work from home on the day the layoffs took effect, a practice Meta has followed during previous job-cut announcements.

The restructuring comes as Meta significantly increases spending on AI infrastructure.

Moreover, the tech company has projected capital expenditure between $125 billion and $145 billion for 2026, largely focused on AI data centres, custom chips and model training.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly told employees that the data collected was intended only to improve AI systems and not for surveillance purposes.

Earlier this month, several reports had indicated that Meta would begin laying off nearly 10 per cent of its global workforce from Wednesday, while simultaneously expanding its AI initiatives as part of a broader reorganisation aimed at streamlining operations.

--IANS

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London, May 20 (IANS) Arsenal are guaranteed to finish in first place after Man City draw at AFC Bournemouth, winning Premier League the title for the first time in 22 years.

Manchester City's 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth on left them four points adrift of first place in the Premier League table, so they are unable to catch the Gunners on the final day of the season.

Arsenal's success follows three consecutive seasons in which they finished as runners-up, including in 2023/24 when Man City pipped them to the title by an agonising margin of two points.

Patrick Vieira was the last Arsenal captain to lift the Premier League trophy, in 2003/04, leading a side that featured stars such as Thierry Henry – the Golden Boot winner with 30 goals – Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell and Dennis Bergkamp, Premier League reports.

Mikel Arteta became the first former Premier League player to win the trophy as a manager. He took charge of the Gunners in December 2019, having played for the club between 2011 and 2016.

Arsenal have now won four Premier League titles, putting them two clear of Liverpool and only one behind Chelsea.

Manchester United have won 13 Premier League titles and Man City have won eight. The only other clubs to have been crowned Premier League champions are Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City, with one triumph each.

Across the full history of the English top flight, Arsenal have now been crowned champions 14 times – behind only Liverpool and Man Utd, who have both won the title 20 times.

Arsenal's success means the title has been won by three different clubs in the last three seasons, following Liverpool in 2024/25 and Man City in 2023/24. This is only the fifth time the Premier League has produced three or more different winners in successive seasons.

The last time such a sequence occurred, Leicester City’s fairytale triumph in 2015/16 was followed by Chelsea in 2016/17 and then Man City in 2017/18, Pep Guardiola’s first title-winning campaign.

The only longer run was a four-year stretch from 2012/13 to 2015/16, when the trophy changed hands between Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Leicester.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Actress Ridhi Dogra has penned a profound note on solitude, emotional independence and went on to speak about finding comfort in being alone.

Ridhi shared a slew of pictures of herself from a cafe. In the images, the actress looked every inch stunning dressed in a maroon mul cotton saree.

She wrote: “They say when you're not afraid to eat in a cafe alone/watch a movie alone/be on your own you become dangerous.... Of course they'll say that. Coz you just slightly broke the matrix. You are one with yourself. One with the source....”

Ridhi added: “You are not here to please or live off their expectations.... You learn to love people without holding them. You love even while letting go .... That is not how majority operate, So They don't know what to do with you anyway....”

“Not because life spared you loneliness, But because you befriended it, Sat with it and turned it into your little love story… #musings.”

Ridhi stepped into acting with Jhoome Jiiya Re in 2007. She gained fame with her work in the show Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi. The actress showcased her prowess in serials such as Savitri, Diya Aur Baati Hum, and Woh Apna Sa.

She played a titular role in The Married Woman directed by Sahir Raza. The web series also features Monica Dogra in the lead role.

She made her film debut with “Lakadbaggha” an action thriller film directed by Victor Mukherjee. It stars Anshuman Jha, Riddhi Dogra, Paresh Pahuja and Milind Soman. The film follows Arjun Bakshi, an animal lover, who discovers an illegal animal trade cell in Kolkata. He turns into a vigilante to save the animals and chances upon a rare species of the Indian black-striped hyena.

The actress was last seen in the reality show “The 50”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Actor Divyenndu Sharma opened up about his journey in Bollywood and said that starting from scratch comes with its own price, stating that it is the struggle what shapes an actor.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the actor spoke candidly about his career, gratitude, and the importance of constantly challenging himself with different roles.

“Woh jo aapne bola, woh scratch se na, woh scratch karna bahut zaruri hai. Uske peeche ek price hoti hai. Toh main wahan se start karna bahut zaruri tha.”

(What you said about starting from scratch… that scratch is very important. There is a price behind it. So, it was very important for me to start from there.)

Divyenndu further shared that he has always been mindful about choosing projects that allow him to explore different kinds of stories and characters.

“I have been very mindful of the fact ki main jitne projects karun, koshish usmein ye karun, main jitna different characters aur jitna different stories ka part ban sakun, woh better hai.”

(And yes, I have been very mindful of the fact that whichever projects I do, I try to be part of as many different characters and stories as possible)

Reflecting on his success without any industry backing, the actor said he feels both blessed and humbled.

“I feel very blessed. I feel very humbled ki jahan bhi aaj main pahucha hoon, without any backing or whatever, that I always wanted to be an actor. Today, I am a professional actor. People like my work. They give me love, respect my work.”

(I feel very blessed. I feel very humbled that wherever I have reached today, without any so-to-say backing or whatever, I always wanted to be an actor. Today, I am a professional actor. People like my work. They give me love and respect my work)

Divyenndu also acknowledged the countless aspiring actors still waiting for an opportunity in the industry.

“I remind myself of this each day when I go to the set, that I am living the dream.”

“And I understand, there are so many still waiting in the wings. I got fortunate to get this chance. So, I always keep this very close to my heart.”

He added, “Each day, I am very, very thankful to God, to energies, to artist gods up there, that I can actually go and express myself on screen there.”

Known for his memorable performances in projects like ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu’, and especially ‘Mirzapur’, where he played the iconic role of Munna Bhaiya, Divyenndu has carved a distinct identity for himself in the industry.

On the work front, the actor is all set to be seen in the upcoming movie ‘Peddi’ which also stars Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Boman Irani in pivotal roles. The film is slated to release on June 4.

–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 20 (IANS) Actor Divyenndu Sharma opened up about his journey in Bollywood and said that starting from scratch comes with its own price, stating that it is the struggle what shapes an actor.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the actor spoke candidly about his career, gratitude, and the importance of constantly challenging himself with different roles.

“Woh jo aapne bola, woh scratch se na, woh scratch karna bahut zaruri hai. Uske peeche ek price hoti hai. Toh main wahan se start karna bahut zaruri tha.”

(What you said about starting from scratch… that scratch is very important. There is a price behind it. So, it was very important for me to start from there.)

Divyenndu further shared that he has always been mindful about choosing projects that allow him to explore different kinds of stories and characters.

“I have been very mindful of the fact ki main jitne projects karun, koshish usmein ye karun, main jitna different characters aur jitna different stories ka part ban sakun, woh better hai.”

(And yes, I have been very mindful of the fact that whichever projects I do, I try to be part of as many different characters and stories as possible)

Reflecting on his success without any industry backing, the actor said he feels both blessed and humbled.

“I feel very blessed. I feel very humbled ki jahan bhi aaj main pahucha hoon, without any backing or whatever, that I always wanted to be an actor. Today, I am a professional actor. People like my work. They give me love, respect my work.”

(I feel very blessed. I feel very humbled that wherever I have reached today, without any so-to-say backing or whatever, I always wanted to be an actor. Today, I am a professional actor. People like my work. They give me love and respect my work)

Divyenndu also acknowledged the countless aspiring actors still waiting for an opportunity in the industry.

“I remind myself of this each day when I go to the set, that I am living the dream.”

“And I understand, there are so many still waiting in the wings. I got fortunate to get this chance. So, I always keep this very close to my heart.”

He added, “Each day, I am very, very thankful to God, to energies, to artist gods up there, that I can actually go and express myself on screen there.”

Known for his memorable performances in projects like ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu’, and especially ‘Mirzapur’, where he played the iconic role of Munna Bhaiya, Divyenndu has carved a distinct identity for himself in the industry.

On the work front, the actor is all set to be seen in the upcoming movie ‘Peddi’ which also stars Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Boman Irani in pivotal roles. The film is slated to release on June 4.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Hollywood star John Travolta, who has been honoured with the Palme d'Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, shared that he didn't expect this at all as “it was a complete secret.”

Travolta was speaking to Jimmy Fallon on his “The Tonight Show”. A glimpse of the chat was shared on the show’s Instagram handle with the caption: “John Travolta had no idea he was being honored with the Palme d’Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival! #FallonTonight.”

In the video Fallon talked about how Travolta said that he was surprised about being feted with the honour and that he got emotional.

The host asked: “This was not planned?”

To which, Travolta shared that it was a “complete secret”.

He added: “No one on my team knew. No one on the Apple team knew. No one did. And I think what happened was, five months prior, they had made a decision about me that was unheard of in the history of Cannes. Thierry Frémaux saw this film ‘Propeller One-Way Night Coach’, the one that you saw tonight, and he loved it.”

The actor-filmmaker said: “He thought it was great. And he said, I want you… I've done something I've never done before. I'm going to accept it as the first selection now, which he had never done five months early.”

Travolta added: “And I think he said, but I'm going to make it a very special night. So, I think he was planning this for five months. But , Yeah, you're like, a special night. Because I was happy just to be there. I didn't expect this at all. it's such a privilege to have a film at Cannes.”

Fallon said having his film “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” screened at Cannes is “a prize in itself.”

“But I think give John Travolta every award because you deserve all the awards because of what you've given us as an artist. Yes, I just loved it. And I love that — I just love how, like, humble you were there. I'm like, dude, this guy's been through it. He's seen everything, but you still appreciate it. And I'm like, that's why everyone loves you,” Fallon concluded.

For the unversed, the Palme d'Or is the highest prize awarded to the director of the Best Feature Film of the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It was introduced in 1955 by the festival's organizing committee.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Bollywood star Boman Irani has voiced his thoughts on the forever ongoing North India versus South India debate in cinema, saying he is ‘completely done' with the divide and believes that ultimately ‘we are all Indians.’

During an exclusive conversation with IANS, Boman passionately spoke about unity in Indian cinema and how language should never become a barrier in storytelling.

“I am now done with this North-South India debate to be honest. We all are Indians at the end of the day,” said Boman.

He added “Each region you go to, I mean a Delhiite will speak different from Hindi than I speak. It's just the cinema remains the same, the humanity remains the same, the people who love this country remain the same, Cinema grammar remains the same.”

He added, “It's a style. The language changes. Language changes every 200 kilometres. Am I saying that I am a foreigner to those 200 kilometres? I am not. Neither are they foreigners to us. Right?” Boman said.

The actor further explained how Indian cinema today has gone beyond regional boundaries, with films being celebrated across languages and cities.

Referring to his movie Peddi, Boman said, “Why are we doing these interviews here today? Because a film made in Hyderabad have a certain language. People who hail from there, they are coming to Mumbai to promote their film because it's part of this beautiful country. So, the only thing that we have to adapt to is the language and for me, I think I have figured out a way how to do that. Once you do that and you understand what is the soul of that line, then language becomes easy.”

Talking about performance and acting beyond language, Boman shared, “When acting we have to consider, ‘What is that you are saying? What is the subtext of that line? What does it actually mean? You can say it in Hindi, in English, in Marathi, but you have to deliver it to the people. But you have to think about it in your own language and say it.”

Known for his stellar performances in films like ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’, ‘Don’, and ‘PK’, Boman Irani has always delivered superhits.

On the work front, the actor is all set to star in the upcoming film ‘Peddi’ which releases on June 4. The movie also stars Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Divyendu Sharma in important roles.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) As they completed almost three decades of marital bliss, Hollywood star Sarah Jessica Parker penned a note for her actor-husband Matthew Broderick and said 29 years and counting.

Sarah shared a picture featuring photo frames. The photo featured glimpses of Jessica Parker from her wedding day with Broderick.

“May 19th, 1997-May 19th, 2026. 29 years. And counting. Here’s to you my darling. With your favorite band joining me in serenading you. Us. Forever young. Xxx, Your wife Sarah Jessica,” Sarah wrote as the caption.

Jessica Parker married actor Broderick in 1997 in an Episcopal ceremony officiated by Broderick's sister. The couple had been introduced by one of her brothers at the Naked Angels theater company, where she and Broderick both performed.

They welcomed their son James Wilkie Broderick in 2002 and twin daughters, Marion and Tabitha, in 2009, via surrogacy.

The 61-year-old actress has had a career in Hollywood spanning five decades. She has been feted with honours such as six Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

She has worked in projects such as Hocus Pocus, Mars Attack!, Sex And The City And Just Like That… Concurrently, Parker continued to appear in films, such as The Family Stone, Failure to Launch, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, New Year's Eve.

Talking about Broderick, he has worked in WarGames, Ladyhawke, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Glory, The Freshman, The Cable Guy, Godzilla, Inspector Gadget, You Can Count on Me, The Last Shot, Tower Heist, Infinity, Arabian Knight, Good Boy!, Bee Movie, The Tale of Despereaux and Wonder Park.

Broderick has won two Tony Awards, one for Best Featured Actor in a Play. In 2006, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

--IANS

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