New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) In a significant ruling impacting thousands of reassessment cases under the Income-tax Act, the Supreme Court has set aside a series of High Court rulings that had quashed reassessment notices issued by Jurisdictional Assessing Officers (JAOs) and remitted the matters back for fresh adjudication in light of the Finance Act, 2026.

A bench of Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant, and Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi passed a common order in a batch of thousands of appeals arising from divergent rulings delivered by several High Courts on the contentious issue of whether reassessment proceedings and notices under Sections 148 and 148A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 could validly be initiated by JAOs or were required to be exclusively handled through the faceless assessment mechanism.

The apex court observed that the reassessment framework underwent substantial legislative restructuring through the Finance Act, 2021, followed by the introduction of the e-Assessment of Income Escaping Assessment Scheme, 2022, which sought to institutionalise automated allocation and faceless proceedings.

"At the heart of the controversy lies the friction between the statutory provisions and the Scheme introduced under Section 151A, particularly concerning whether the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer continues to retain authority to issue notices and pass orders under Section 148A(d)," the order said.

The top court recorded that conflicting judicial opinions had emerged across High Courts, with some holding that JAOs and faceless authorities exercised concurrent powers, while others struck down reassessment notices issued by JAOs on the ground of lack of jurisdiction.

Given the legislative intervention through the Finance Act, 2026, which inserted Section 147A with retrospective effect from April 1, 2021, expressly clarifying that the "Assessing Officer" for the purposes of Sections 148 and 148A would exclude faceless units, the Supreme Court held that the legal basis underlying several favourable rulings secured by assessees had materially changed.

"Since the High Courts have primarily quashed the reassessment notices on the ground that the JAOs lacked competence to initiate such proceedings, and the very foundation of that view now stands altered by the amending legislation, the impugned judgments in favour of the assessees are set aside on this limited ground," it ordered.

However, it refrained from adjudicating upon the constitutional validity or retrospective applicability of the newly inserted Section 147A and related amendments.

"We make it clear that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the controversy, including the validity, scope, effect, retrospectivity or applicability of the amended provisions, and all such questions are left open to be decided by the High Courts," the order stated.

The Supreme Court granted assessees liberty to amend their writ petitions within four weeks to challenge the newly inserted provisions or raise any additional grounds, while allowing the Revenue three weeks thereafter to file written submissions and affidavits.

Further, it directed that all reassessment and assessment proceedings pursuant to the disputed notices would remain stayed during the pendency of proceedings before the respective High Courts, subject to terms imposed by those courts.

"During the pendency of the writ petitions before the High Courts, there shall be an interim stay of further assessment/reassessment proceedings," the CJI Surya Kant-led Bench directed.

In an effort to expedite the resolution of the tax litigation affecting thousands of taxpayers, the apex court requested all High Courts concerned to decide the cases preferably by September 30, and cautioned against unnecessary adjournments.

"The High Courts are requested to decide the matters preferably by 30.09.2026. Learned counsel for the parties undertake to extend full cooperation," the bench said.

--IANS

pds/vd

Patna, April 29 (IANS) In a shocking case that underscores the dark consequences of domestic conflict, a court in Bihar's Begusarai on Wednesday sentenced a father to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his own son.

The court judgment was delivered by the court of Principal District and Sessions Judge Rishikant.

The court found Sudhir Kumar, a resident of Pidholi under Teghra Police Station, guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

He has been sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 15,000.

In case of non-payment, the court has ordered an additional three months of imprisonment.

According to Public Prosecutor Santosh Kumar, the incident took place on June 9, 2019, between 6:30 and 7 p.m.

The victim, Alok Kumar, was sitting outside his home eating bhuja when his father allegedly attacked him from behind with a sharp-edged weapon, slitting his throat.

He died on the spot, sending shockwaves across the locality.

The FIR, lodged by the victim's wife Abha Devi, revealed that the accused was addicted to alcohol and palm toddy.

"It was alleged that he (accused) had sold one plot of land and spent the entire money on intoxicants. When he attempted to sell another plot, the family -- especially the deceased -- opposed the move and even discouraged a prospective buyer. Enraged by this, the accused allegedly committed the murder," Public Prosecutor Santosh Kumar said.

During the trial, the prosecution presented seven witnesses, including the deceased's mother Nutan Devi, wife Abha Devi, brother Anupam Kumar, neighbours Amit Kumar and Randhir Kumar, a government doctor Raju Kumar, and investigating officer Sumant Chaudhary.

"Based on witness testimonies, medical reports, and other evidence, the court convicted the accused on April 27, 2026, and pronounced the sentence on April 29," Kumar added.

The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure compensation for the victim's wife Abha Devi.

This case serves as a grim reminder of how addiction and greed can destroy familial bonds.

The judgment sends a strong message that such heinous crimes will face the full force of the law, reinforcing accountability and justice in cases of domestic violence.

--IANS

ajk/khz

Kolkata, April 29 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday cast her vote around 4.30 p.m. at a polling booth at Mitra Institution under the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in south Kolkata and alleged that central forces deployed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the second phase of Assembly polls for 142 constituencies had harassed and beaten innocent voters, including women and children, in the name of ensuring free, fair and violence-free polling.

She also accused the central forces of deliberately and selectively targeting Trinamool Congress leaders, workers and even polling agents throughout the day under the instructions of police observers appointed by the ECI.

“Is it really a free and fair poll? I have seen the central forces resorting to so many atrocities on polling day. But despite this, I am confident of Trinamool Congress’s victory in the Assembly elections this year,” the Chief Minister told mediapersons after casting her vote.

She is the voter, sitting MLA and Trinamool Congress candidate from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, and this time she is pitted against Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

Apart from the central forces, officers-in-charge of some police stations under both Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police also came under attack from the Chief Minister.

“Atrocities have been committed in various areas of Nadia district, as well as Arambagh, Khanakul and Goghat areas in Hooghly district. There have been similar incidents in the Canning area of South 24 Parganas district. The atrocities have been going on since Tuesday night,” the Chief Minister alleged.

According to her, since the ECI had deployed police observers from other states, and none of them understood Bengali, there had been a communication gap.

“Some of these police officers are instructing the central forces to crack down on innocent voters and even some of the Trinamool Congress candidates,” the Chief Minister said.

There were reports of sporadic tension in Bhabanipur through Wednesday, though there were no reports of casualties or major injuries. At times, central forces personnel had to resort to baton charge to disperse agitated crowds.

--IANS

src/sch/pgh

Guwahati, April 29 (IANS) In a significant development in the case involving ace Assamese icon Zubeen Garg, a Fast Track Court on Wednesday has ordered the freezing of several bank accounts allegedly linked to individuals associated with Siddhartha Sharma, manager of the late singer who has been in jail for his alleged role in the untimely demise of Garg in Singapore last year.

The court also directed the seizure of Mahabir Aqua, reportedly connected to Sharma.

The ruling is being seen as an important step in the ongoing proceedings related to the case.

The case pertains to the death of Zubeen Garg, who died on September 19 last year while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore.

The incident occurred just a day before the singer was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the NEIF banner.

Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam Police’s CID conducted an extensive probe and filed a chargesheet in December.

The chargesheet named seven accused individuals, including Mahanta. Of them, four have been booked on charges of murder, intensifying the gravity of the case.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had termed the case a “plain and simple murder” during a discussion in the state Assembly, underlining the government’s stance on the matter.

Meanwhile, a parallel investigation carried out by Singapore Police reached a different conclusion, stating that there was no evidence of foul play in Garg’s death.

Despite this, authorities in Assam have maintained that the findings of the foreign probe will not influence the ongoing investigation and trial in the state. The case continues to draw widespread public and political attention, with the upcoming bail hearing expected to be a crucial stage in the legal proceedings.

--IANS

tdr/rad

Sofia, April 29 (IANS) India must strengthen cooperation with littoral countries to conduct persistent surveillance across the vast Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through regional frameworks such as the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), it was highlighted on Wednesday.

According to a report in Bulgaria-based 'Modern Diplomacy', littoral countries in the IOR must go beyond non-traditional security cooperation and develop a common framework to safeguard shared maritime space, particularly to avoid spillover from conflicts such as the recent US–Iran escalation.

It added that India, being the most militarily advanced nation in the region, should take the lead in fostering coordinated surveillance, as maritime warfare transcends geographical limits.

The report highlighted that the US-Israel conflict with Iran has drawn several countries into a phase of energy insecurity. Although Iran’s immediate neighbours are directly impacted by the armed conflict, the ripple effects have also extended far beyond the immediate theatre of war, impacting distant regions.

“For India, the conflict has demonstrated the implications of getting caught in the crossfire of a conflict in its vicinity. Two particular incidents — the US sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the waters off the coast of Sri Lanka (just 40 nautical miles away) and the reported firing of two ballistic missiles towards the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — serve as a grim reminder about a conflict spiralling in India’s maritime backyard in the IOR," the report detailed.

“For decades, the Indian Ocean region has remained largely peaceful, away from any direct impact of a conflict in a neighbouring region or any major power conflict with a regional impact. The two above-mentioned incidents highlight the need for littoral states of the IOR to have a regional security mechanism to deal with any crisis in the region in a more cohesive and coordinated fashion," it added.

As one of the major stakeholders in the region, the report said, India must foster meaningful and substantial cooperation with IOR littoral states through regional mechanisms such as the CSC and the IONS. It stressed the need to move beyond non-traditional security cooperation mechanisms to protect the shared maritime space, particularly during such conflicts.

Emphasising the border strategic implications of the evolving security dynamics, the report said, "If India needs to entrench its position as a preferred security partner in the IOR and realise its vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR) — upgraded to Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) in 2025 — in the IOR, then it needs to support its normative framework with military capabilities.”

--IANS

scor/as

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Actor and businessman Raj Kundra, who is also the husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, has spoken up on 4 years of the legal procedure with regards to a pornography.

On Wednesday, Raj took to his X, formerly Twitter, and claimed that he has been subjected to a prolonged legal process, and is looking for relief if the court finds him innocent.

He wrote, “Four long years in the lower court in the ongoing pornography case. Today, my advocate Prashant Patil concluded our arguments. I stand by the truth if I’m guilty, punish me. If not, grant me a discharge, my freedom, and the respect taken away by relentless media trials. Justice delayed is justice denied. #Justice”.

He emphasised that while he has always respected the judicial system and fully cooperated with the investigation at every stage, the time taken to reach this point has been deeply frustrating.

Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on July 19, 2021, in connection over an alleged pornography production and distribution case. Police alleged him to be a “key conspirator” in creating and circulating adult content through subscription-based mobile applications. Investigators claimed that videos were produced in India and uploaded through foreign-linked platforms to bypass local regulations. The case involved charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. Police alleged that multiple accused were involved in filming, managing content, and monetizing the material.

He has always denied wrongdoing and maintained that the content was erotic rather than pornographic. He was remanded to judicial custody and later granted bail in September 2021 after spending around two months in custody. Court proceedings and related investigations continued, and the actor is finally seeking relief from the long-drawn legal process.

--IANS

aa/

New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) India's sex ratio at birth has increased at the all-India level, indicating improved survival of females reaching from 904 in 2017-19 to 917 in 2021-23, the government said on Wednesday.

The government released the “Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data” publication in Bhubaneswar, Odisha to provide gender-disaggregated data across a wide range of themes to "enable a deeper understanding of evolving gender disparities and development trends," an official statement said.

Infant mortality rate for both female and male infants has recorded a pronounced and sustained decline between 2008 and 2023, the publication said.

Gross Enrolment Ratio at Higher Education has improved from 28.5 to 30.2 for females and 28.3 to 28.9 for males between 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Labour force participation for those aged 15 and above rose for both sexes, with rural females seeing the highest increase, going from 37.5 per cent to 45.9 per cent during the period 2022 to 2025.

Men engaged in managerial positions between 2017 and 2025 rose 73.80 per cent, while women engaged in managerial positions rose 102.54 per cent during the same time period.

The statement from Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation said the publication compiles gender‑disaggregated indicators across population, education, health, economic participation, decision‑making and violence against women and other gender-related issues, drawing upon inputs from various Ministries, Departments and organisations.

By presenting an analysis of key socio-economic indicators and highlighting emerging trends, the publication equips policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders with valuable evidence to inform the formulation of gender-responsive policies and programs for inclusive and sustainable development.

Further, it adds metadata for 50 key indicators to clarify concepts, definitions, sources and methodology. The publication is available on the official website of MoSPI.

—IANS

aar/pk

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the fearless approach shown by the younger generation is ushering in an exciting phase for Indian cricket, highlighting how teenage talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are taking on top international bowlers without hesitation during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Pathan’s remarks come amid the emergence of young players making an immediate impact at the highest level, reflecting a shift in mindset in which opponents' age and reputation no longer serve as barriers.

“It's an exciting time for Indian cricket. The way they play fearless cricket, and you know, they don't worry about anything. They don't worry about getting out. They don't worry about, you know, who's bowling in front of them. A 15-year-old boy (Sooryavanshi) goes and smacks one of Australia's best fast bowlers. So, there is no better side, you know, in cricket at the moment, especially from the Indian side,” Pathan told IANS on the sidelines of the EUT20 Belgium jersey launch event.

Pathan also spoke about his involvement in the upcoming EUT20 Belgium, where he serves as co-owner and brand ambassador of Ghent Gladiators. The tournament, set to take place in June, aims to promote the sport across mainland Europe and provide a platform for emerging talent. Organised in partnership with the Belgian Cricket Federation, the league will feature five franchises representing major cities. It will be held in Brussels from June 6 to 14 at the 12 Stars Cricket Club in Hofstade.

Sharing his excitement about the initiative and the opportunities it presents to young players, Pathan pointed to the growing pool of talent in associate nations.

“It's an exciting time for European cricket and for youngsters around the world as well. We have one player from Italy in our team…Ben Manenti… he’s an exciting talent. We have seen him doing some exciting things here during the T20 World Cup, which was played in India and Sri Lanka. So guys like them, and some of the other young talent who might be unknown so far, but they’ll get something very special, they’ll get some opportunity.”

The inaugural edition of the league will feature teams including Liège Red Lions, Ghent Gladiators, Antwerp Anchors, JB Bruges, and Akcel United Brussels, with organisers aiming to create a competitive environment that blends local talent with international experience.

--IANS

vi/bsk/

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

sj/rad

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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Treating the netizens on his birthday, actor Siddhant Chaturvedi unveiled his original track "Rehna", in association with DAWgeek on Wednesday.

Rooted in the actor's love for writing and poetry, "Rehna" enjoys an intimate and honest tone. The meaningful lyrics blend seamlessly with the song’s mellow sound to create a track that resonates on an emotional level.

Sharing the track on social media, DAWgeek wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Rehna is all yours now! We've poured our stories and emotions into this happy melody. As we traveled the world, those experiences became the backdrop for a song that’s essentially a plea to future partners, asking them to “Stay along” (sic)."

The video of "Rehna" shows Siddhant and DAWgeek enjoying a relaxed jamming session by a beautiful seaside. While DAWgeek is seen playing the guitar, along with lending his voice to the melodious track, Sidhanth simply joins in, making for a soothing duet.

Work-wise, Siddhant will soon be seen playing the lead in the much-discussed biopic of the renowned filmmaker, V. Shantaram.

Previously, shedding light on his next, Siddhant said that every artist waits for that one story that tests their 'truth, heart, & hunger,' and for him it is "V. Shantaram".

Siddhant penned a gratitude note on social media for all the love that came his way following the release of the first look of the drama.

Siddhant wrote on the photo-sharing app, “Thank you for all the love and support we’ve been showered with on the poster. It truly means a lot. Couldn’t have been a better time than now to tell and remind us of a story of rebellion and of the glory of Indian cinema that shaped the country. for me it’s beyond words (sic).”

Directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, the film has been presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, in collaboration with Camera Take Films and Roaring Rivers Productions.

--IANS

pm/

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) As Sanskruti Jayana gears up to make her big screen debut as Satyabhama in "Krishnavataram" she paid a visit to Lord Krishna's Janmabhoomi Mathura.

During her trip, Sanskruti even met the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and also showed him the trailer of "Krishnavataram", seeking the blessings of the politician ahead of her big debut.

Additionally, Sanskruti also offered prayers to various temples in Uttar Pradesh during the trailer release of the film.

Recently, she was also in Lord Krishna's Karmabhoomi Dwarka and met the CM of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel. Following the meeting, Sanskruti also offered her prayers at the Satyabhama temple and Dwarkadhish temple.

Looking back at the eventful visit, Sanskruti said, "I wanted to offer my prayers at Krishna Ji's Janmabhoomi and Karmabhoomi, and since I am playing the role of Satyabhama, I also wanted to ensure that I visit the Satyabhama temple and Dwaradhish temple and seek blessings from the divine. It was such an emotional moment with the aarti, darshan, and devotion."

"I also met the honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel ji, and showcased him the trailer, which was quite a special moment. He truly liked the trailer and has given us his blessings for the same," she went on to add.

Recently, Sanskruti decided to pay an ode to Lord Krishna with her social media post that read, "In the land where He was born, we gave this back to Him. Krishnavataram is made by devotees, for devotees. So it only felt right to begin at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple -not just as a launch, but as an offering. Sharing the trailer with people who love Krishna as deeply as we do felt like the truest beginning."

Sanskruti, the granddaughter of Anandiben Patel, the former CM of Gujarat and the current Governor of UP, will be seen playing the pivotal character of Satyabhama in "Krishnavataram", slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 7th May this year.

--IANS

pm/

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) The late music composer O. P. Nayyar’s grand-daughter Niharica Raizada, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in ‘Mercy’, has shared that the composer was never formally trained in music.

Niharica shared that O. P. Nayyar’s father was a pharmacist, and wanted him to learn medical science. The composer was born in Lahore, and migrated to India after the Partition of India.

She told IANS, “So, he was never taught music and he was always curious about music. His father was very strict and he always wanted his three sons, there are three brothers, to study. And his father was a pharmacist, used to own a pharmacy. And his two brothers, one became a lawyer and one became an accountant. And I think it was expected for him to become a doctor. But he was always very gifted with music and he would be able to play all the instruments”.

She further mentioned, “And so, I guess, because of that inbuilt talent, they took him to a music class. But he did not like the way that musical education was being imparted in Lahore at that time. Because apparently, it was done in such an aggressive manner”.

Meanwhile, Niharica Raizada essayed the role of Jiya in ‘Mercy’. She is the wife of Shekhar, the film’s protagonist, set within a close-knit yet complex family. The film explored the sensitive and thought-provoking subject of passive euthanasia, delving into the emotional and moral complexities surrounding end-of-life decisions within a family.

Talking about the film, she said, “‘Mercy’ is a project that is very close to my heart. The character challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before, and it pushed me to grow as an actor. I truly believe the story will connect with audiences and leave a lasting impact”.

“It’s been an incredible journey working with such a passionate team, and I’m excited for everyone to watch it. Working closely with my co-actors made the experience even more special, performing alongside Raj Vasudeva during the audition process and later on set really helped shape my character. Sharing screen space with someone as accomplished as Adil Hussain was truly inspiring, his craft, humility, and presence bring so much depth to every scene. The entire team brought such warmth and support, and that energy reflects in the film”, she added.

--IANS

aa/

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) The makers of the upcoming film ‘Tumbbad 2’ have locked the film’s release date for December 3, 2027. The makers took to their Instagram, and shared the poster with the announcement.

They wrote in the caption “A sinful past, an ominous future. The hunger rises, the legacy of greed continues… Mark your calendars #Tumbbad2 arrives on 3. 12. 2027”.

The announcement follows the successful re-release of Tumbbad in 2024, which once again brought the film back into conversations and found strong traction at the box office.

Talking about the sequel, producer-actor Sohum Shah said, “‘Tumbbad’ has always been very special to me, and with ‘Tumbbad 2’, the idea is to take that world forward in a way that feels deeper and more expansive. We are building on the mythology and the atmosphere that audiences connected with, while exploring new layers within the story. It’s something that will feel familiar in its essence, but also new in the way it unfolds”.

With ‘Tumbbad’, Sohum Shah created a distinct space for folklore horror in Indian cinema, and the film has only grown in popularity over the years. Now, with ‘Tumbbad 2’, the makers are looking to take that world forward, expanding its story and scale while staying rooted in the tone that made the original stand out.

Director Adesh Prasad said, “Taking this story forward has been both exciting and challenging, especially because the first film has such a strong identity. Our focus has been on retaining that soul while pushing the narrative and visual world further. We’re trying to create something that feels rooted in the original, but at the same time offers audiences a fresh and immersive experience”.

‘Tumbbad 2’ is directed by Adesh Prasad and produced by Sohum Shah under his banner Sohum Shah Films, with Pen Studios. The distribution will be done by Pen Marudhar.

--IANS

aa/