New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) India’s services sector activity strengthened in April, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to a five-month high of 58.8, because of robust domestic demand and increased business activity, the HSBC India Services PMI data showed on Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rose from 57.5 in March to 58.8 in April, which is the strongest pace of expansion since November.

Moreover, new business inflows also grew at the fastest pace in five months, supported by competitive pricing, e-commerce activity and strong demand for relocation and logistics services, according to survey participants.

"Activity and new orders strengthened, even as new export orders eased, suggesting that demand is rotating from overseas markets to domestic consumers amid the Middle East conflict," said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC.

On the cost front, input price inflation eased slightly from March.

Despite elevated cost pressures, output price inflation remained relatively subdued, indicating that some firms absorbed higher costs rather than passing them on to customers.

However, service providers remained optimistic about the year ahead, supported by expectations of stronger demand, marketing initiatives and rising client enquiries, although sentiment softened slightly due to concerns over geopolitical tensions and cost pressures.

Meanwhile, hiring activity picked up across the sector, with companies adding both short-term staff and junior-level workers to meet rising demand. Increased recruitment also helped firms reduce outstanding business volumes marginally during the month.

At the broader level, India’s private sector activity also gained momentum in April, with the HSBC Composite PMI Output Index rising to 58.2 from 57 in March.

Notably, India’s manufacturing PMI increased to 54.7 in April, up from 53.9 in March, as output, new orders (including exports) and employment all grew moderately.

--IANS

ag/

Mumbai, May 6 (IANS) One of the most prominent producers, Ektaa Kapoor, recently joined forces with ace filmmaker Priyadarshan for Akshay Kumar-led horror comedy, "Bhooth Bangla".

On Wednesday, Ektaa used social media to share her experience of working with the director.

Posting a couple of photos with Priyadarshan on her official Instagram handle, Ektaa admitted that she had the most fun working with the 'Hera Pheri' maker.

She further claimed that their professional journey together is based on mutual respect.

The producer wrote on the photo-sharing app, "I was working with a man who was doing his 100th film… The world expected fireworks when two headstrong people like us came together, but what they didn’t see was the deep-rooted mutual respect that defined our journey. I don’t think I’ve had more fun working with anyone than @priyadarshan.official (sic)."

Through her post, she further revealed what Priyadarshan first asked her before they got on board the movie.

"The first thing he asked me was, “Ekta, are you making money on this film? I don’t work on a film if my producer doesn’t make money”. The kind of belief system he brings to the table and ensures the producer is secure before he even begins the project, is as rare as Priyan sir himself! I knew that the company’s money and the film; both were in the right hands. It’s not to say we never had our disagreements, but it was always respectful," Ektaa added.

She further stated that, according to her, "a director must take the ship forward".

Ektaa concluded by expressing her gratitude towards Priyadarshan.

"Thank you Priyan Sir, for your vision, your discipline, and for giving me the biggest hit of my career! Couldn’t be more grateful...Love and respect always!", she signed off.

Featuring Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, "Bhooth Bangla" reached the audience on April 17 this year.

--IANS

pm/

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) India has the potential to give the US a further edge in the race for AI adoption, with American tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon already committing billions of dollars in investments to build AI hubs across India, according to an article in Arab News.

These investments are aimed to ensure that US-designed technology forms the backbone of the Global South’s largest economy. If the future of the digital world is built on US-Indian infrastructure, the world will remain open and secure. But if it is built on China’s proprietary technology stack, the global order will fracture, the article written by Ylli Bajraktari and Dhruva Jaishankar states.

Although the US maintains a decisive edge in frontier models and high-end compute, China has proven that its capacity for innovation is a force to be reckoned with. To counter this, the US needs the talent and dataset scaling that only India can provide, the article opines.

“India offers more than just a massive market. It provides population-scale datasets drawn from almost 1.5 billion people, making it a vital theater for testing AI in real-world environments — from rural agriculture to urban healthcare. Moreover, with an AI talent pool projected to exceed 1.25 million by 2027, India provides the intellectual heft and human capital required to sustain a high-tempo innovation cycle,” the article states.

Potential, however, is not the same as proficiency. While India’s talent pool is vast, much more must be done to match skills to specific AI tasks. Bridging this gap should be seen as a US imperative. Integrating Indian talent into US-led ecosystems is the only way for American firms to maintain their edge against a competitor that views technology as a tool of state control, rather than a means of individual empowerment, the article further states.

It presents a four-point plan to turn the current US-India momentum in AI into a permanent strategic advantage. It suggests that linking India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem with the technological tools and capital available in the US can create common solutions for an array of global challenges.

Second, the two countries can cooperate in constructing resilient infrastructure and supply chains. Their efforts should encompass not only critical minerals and semiconductors, but also undersea cables, open telecommunications networks and data centers.

Third, India and the US will need to collaborate on creating a seamless, high-skill ecosystem for talent. With rising anti-immigrant sentiments in the US and many other countries, this will require navigating potentially treacherous political territory.

Lastly, to enable all the above, India and the US must align their technological standards, intellectual property rights and cybersecurity policies far more than they do today. Translating shared values into common agendas is the only way to reduce bilateral friction and accelerate cooperation, the article observes.

--IANS

sps/na

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that ties between India and Vietnam have been elevated to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

While addressing a joint press meet with Vietnamese President To Lam following their talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday, PM Modi called Vietnam a "key pillar" of India's Act East policy and Vision Mahasagar.

PM Modi said, "One decade back, during my first visit to Vietnam, Vietnam became India's first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN. Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress. Along with the civilisational ties, our trade, technology and tourism ties have also strengthened. Building on this strong foundation, today we are taking our relations to the level of an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

Extending a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President, PM Modi said, "I am immensely pleased to extend a hearty welcome to President To Lam in India. After becoming President of Vietnam, his visit to India within just one month, accompanied by a high-level delegation along with several business leaders, clearly demonstrates the priority he accords to India-Vietnam relations."

"President To Lam of Vietnam started his visit to India from Bodh Gaya. This reflects the shared civilisational and spiritual heritage of our two nations. Through his visit and our meaningful discussions, we are transforming the goodwill between us into concrete outcomes," he added.

PM Modi stated that more than 1.5 crore people had darshan of Buddhist relics when they were exhibited in Vietnam in 2025. He noted that heritage and development hold significance in the India-Vietnam partnership.

He stated that the two nations share a common outlook in the Indo-Pacific region. He announced that India will broaden its ties with ASEAN with Vietnam's cooperation.

"Vietnam is a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and Vision Mahasagar. In the Indo-Pacific region as well, we share a common outlook. Through our strengthening defence and security cooperation, we will continue to contribute to the rule of law, peace, stability, and prosperity. With Vietnam's cooperation, India will also broaden its relations with ASEAN," he said.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to Vietnam for condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and backing New Delhi in the fight against terrorism.

The Prime Minister said, "We are grateful to Vietnam for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and for standing with us in our fight against terrorism. In this period of global upheaval and economic challenges, India and Vietnam are emerging as the world’s fastest-growing economies on the strength of their talent, good governance and economic reforms."

--IANS

akl/dpb

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) The Supreme Court has cancelled the bail granted by the Allahabad High Court to a man accused in a dowry death case from Uttar Pradesh, terming the relief “not sustainable in law” and cautioning courts against taking crimes against women “very lightly”.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi allowed the appeal filed by the father of the deceased woman and directed the accused husband to surrender before jail authorities within one week, failing which coercive steps may be taken.

The case relates to the death of a woman, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her matrimonial home in Ghaziabad on July 11, 2024, within seven years of her marriage solemnised in February 2019.

An FIR lodged by the deceased’s father alleged that despite spending over Rs 30 lakh at the time of marriage, including an i20 car, cash, jewellery and household articles, the husband and his family continued demanding an SUV and an additional Rs 10 lakh as dowry.

According to the complaint, the woman was subjected to physical and mental harassment, beaten, abused, and threatened with death over the dowry demands.

The FIR further alleged that shortly before her death, the deceased had informed her father over the phone that her in-laws had been assaulting her and threatening to kill her.

Investigation in the case culminated in a charge sheet against the husband and his parents under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

The Allahabad High Court had granted bail to the accused husband in August 2025, observing that the cause of death was “asphyxia as a result of ante-mortem hanging” and referring to an alleged delay in lodging the FIR.

Setting aside the bail order, the Supreme Court said the Allahabad High Court committed an “egregious error” while exercising discretion in favour of the accused in such a serious offence.

“When bail is prayed for, the High Court is expected to consider the nature of the crime and a prima facie case. The allegations levelled by the father in the FIR do disclose more than a prima facie case,” the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench observed.

It added that the deceased had died in her matrimonial home within seven years of marriage and there were serious allegations of dowry harassment, attracting the statutory presumption under Section 118 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Referring to the post-mortem report, which recorded multiple ante-mortem injuries, including contusions on the face, chest, and arms, as well as a ligature mark around the neck, the top court said, “The post-mortem report indicates a ligature mark measuring 32 x 2 cm around the neck. What does this indicate? Prima facie, it suggests that the deceased was strangled to death.”

Expressing concern over rising dowry deaths, the Supreme Court said that young married women were being “killed mercilessly” in matrimonial homes for want of dowry. “A young girl does not get married to be killed mercilessly at her matrimonial home for want of dowry. This is a serious problem in some sections of the society in this country, more particularly in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka, respectively,” the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench said, adding that despite educational progress and efforts to empower women, they continue to suffer due to dowry demands after marriage.

Citing official data, the apex court noted that 6,156 people lost their lives in dowry death cases across the country in 2023, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of such deaths at 2,122, followed by Bihar with 1,143.

It further observed that bail courts must remain cautious so that their orders are not perceived by society as trivialising serious crimes against women. “All that we want to convey is that a bail court at any level should remain very careful to ensure that its order... should not be seen or read by the society at large that the courts are taking serious crimes against women very lightly,” the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench said.

While cancelling the bail, the apex court clarified that the observations made in its order were confined to the question of bail and should not influence the trial court while deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Setting aside the Allahabad High Court’s order, the Supreme Court directed that the trial be completed expeditiously, preferably within one year. The top court also directed that a copy of its order be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court for being placed before the Chief Justice.

--IANS

pds/dpb

Kolkata, May 6 (IANS) Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand on Wednesday said that JCBs cannot be used for victory processions and legal action will be taken against owners who rent them out.

The city police commissioner held a press conference in Lalbazar (city police headquarters) in central Kolkata in the afternoon after receiving reports of post-poll violence across the city.

He said that about 80 people have been arrested in connection with several incidents of post-poll violence, asserting that strict action will be taken against those indulging in such acts.

The police commissioner urged people to avoid rumours. He also said that police officers/personnel will face action in case of negligence in duty.

"The voting was peaceful and free from violence. Peace must be maintained. No one should listen to rumours," said the police commissioner.

On the other hand, he warned that immediate action would be taken against any kind of excessive or provocative activity.

According to him, no procession can be held with JCBs. Legal action will be taken against all the JCB owners who rent them out. He also clearly instructed that police permission should be taken before taking out victory processions.

Ajay Nand also advised reaching out to the police in case of any problem.

He informed that 65 companies of forces are still deployed in several sensitive areas. The police and the central forces will work together to suppress the violence. "About 80 people have been arrested in connection with the vandalism since the election results were announced," he said.

It is worth mentioning that the results of the West Bengal Assembly elections were announced last Monday.

The BJP won massively for the first time in the state with the overwhelming support of the people.

The verdict ended the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress government. Sporadic incidents of unrest have taken place in the state since the results were announced.

Several complaints, like vandalism and beatings, have been filed with the police station. In Kolkata's New Market area, JCB was used to raze down a Trinamool Congress party office and a few shops. Under these circumstances, the police have issued a strong message to curb the post-poll violence.

--IANS

sch/dpb

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday spoke about the growing and evolving partnership between United States and India while also sharing excitement about future partnerships that will take the bilateral relations to new heights.

The US Ambassador’s comments come ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's upcoming India visit.

Gor described Rubio as a "good friend" and underlined the importance that the US attaches to its ties with India.

"Looking forward to welcoming my good friend Secretary Rubio to India! The United States deeply values our growing partnership with India, and we are excited to build even stronger ties that will benefit both our nations and the world. See you soon, Mr. Secretary!," Gor posted on X.

Gor's statement comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between India and the US.

Notably, last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation, discussing the current situation in West Asia as well as ways to further strengthen the bilateral partnership.

"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call on April 14.

"We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he wrote further.

Last month, Sergio Gor extended a warm welcome to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to the White House during his official visit to the US and stated that Rubio looks forward to visiting India in May.

In a post on X, Gor wrote, "Welcome to the White House Vikram Misri! Productive meeting with Marco Rubio that focused on our bilateral relationship, especially trade, critical minerals, defense and the Quad. Secretary Rubio looks forward to visiting India next month!"

India and the United States expanded cooperation on energy, critical technologies and defence during Vikram Misri’s meetings with senior US officials, signalling closer strategic alignment.

--IANS

akl/

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Stakeholder sentiment in India’s real estate sector entered into a cautious phase in Q1 2026 over global macroeconomic volatility, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from Knight Frank and NAREDCO said its quarterly index Current Sentiment Score fell to 49 from 60 and the Future Sentiment Score eased to a neutral 50 from 61.

The index captures supply‑side and financial institution views on economic conditions and funding availability.

"The moderation in sentiment is largely driven by global macroeconomic volatility. Elevated crude oil prices have intensified inflationary trends, impacting construction and logistics costs, affecting project viability," the report said.

Even as India’s economic fundamentals remain largely stable, geopolitical conditions are beginning to influence real estate demand and supply dynamics.

Residential activity showed signs of recalibration after a prolonged growth cycle as sales and new launches moderated in Q1 2026.

"Demand is expected to further soften in the near term, even as property prices remain firm or continue rising. This divergence between demand moderation and price resilience highlights the structural cost challenges currently shaping the market," the report noted.

Around 52 per cent of respondents expect housing sales to drop, even as 73 per cent foresee prices rising or remaining stable due to rising materials costs, labour costs and loan costs.

The divergence between weakening demand sentiment and firm pricing expectations highlights that rising structural costs are driving the residential market, it added.

“Real estate sentiment has moderated amid global macroeconomic headwinds and inflationary pressures; however, this reflects short-term caution among stakeholders rather than any weakening in the residential market’s underlying strength," said Praveen Jain, National President, NAREDCO.

He called the recent softening in residential sentiment a natural recalibration following a sustained growth phase, with end-user demand and steady price appreciation continuing to support resilience.

The report noted that nearly half of stakeholders expect fewer new project launches in the near term.

By contrast, the outlook on office segment remained strong, with 41 per cent of respondents expecting improvement in leasing demand.

A similar trend is observed in the office supply outlook with nearly half of the stakeholders expecting more completions, and others expecting stable or lower supply.

—IANS

aar/na

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, May 6 (IANS) Bollywood’s dancing diva Nora Fatehi has heaped praise of “Dhurandhar” star Rakesh Bedi saying that his dancing skill are very good.

Nora and Rakesh have joined hands for an upcoming high-energy wedding song. Rakesh shared a behind-the-scenes video from the sets of the upcoming music video and is heard saying: “Today I am shooting with one of the biggest stars of India. Biggest sensation, great actor, great dancer. None other than Nora Fatehi!”

Hyping up the veteran actor, Nora said: "Thank you, sir, we are so excited to have you with us. Yes. So, so happy. You are killing it sir.”

Rakesh said that he tried his best to “compete” with the dancing doll.

To which Nora replied: “No, no, sir. Your dance is very good. You did it very well. And I can't wait until everyone sees this song, so they can see your moves.”

A humble Rakesh, who essayed the iconic role of Jameel Jamali in Dhurandhar, stated that Nora was being too kind.

To which, she replied: “I am telling the truth. I am serious sir, you killed it. It's such a good vibe, guys, you have to see this song to believe it. And we are so excited for you guys to see the music video. Oh yeah, yeah, very good vibes. It's, I feel like in all weddings, people will play this song.”

Rakesh, without divulging much about the project, wrote in the caption: “Dance with Nora Fatehi was a great experience.”

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, was based on a high-stakes covert counter-terrorism operation.

The second installment traces the story of an undercover Indian intelligence agent who continues to infiltrate Karachi's criminal syndicates and Pakistani politics while avenging the 26/11 attacks and confronting bigger threats. The film's storyline draws loosely on several real-life geopolitical events and conflicts in South Asia.

The film features Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Danish Pandor.

--IANS

dc/

Mumbai, May 6 (IANS) Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut is all set to return to the big screen with her next "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata". Adding to the hype, the makers announced on Wednesday that the project will reach the cinema halls on 12th June this year.

Set against the backdrop of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata" chronicles the extraordinary true story of the hospital staff — nurses, ward boys, cleaners, lift operators, security staff, and administrative workers — who stood firm in the face of armed violence.

Talking about her next, Kangana shared, “We usually celebrate big, dramatic acts of heroism, but real courage is much quieter—it steps in, stays back, and does what needs to be done. 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata' tells an untold story of courage, sacrifice, humanity, and unity—of ordinary people who stood between terror and life itself. This is desh bhakti in its truest sense, where duty turns into action. I feel proud to be part of a story that pays tribute to those who held the city together in its toughest moments, and I’m excited for audiences to watch it on the big screen on 12th June.”

Director Manoj Tapadia added, "On June 12, audiences will witness a tense, emotional, and deeply human thriller. But at its core, 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata' is about something much larger than terror—it is about the triumph of courage over fear, compassion over chaos, and sacrifice in the face of danger. It tells the story of ordinary people, especially women, who made extraordinary life-and-death choices when it mattered most. For me, this film is about honoring the unsung heroes who remind us that true bravery often comes from the most unexpected places."

Presented by Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata" also stars Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Amrutha Namdev, Esha Dey, Priya Berde, Asha Shelar, Suhita Thatte, Rasika Aghase, Aditya Mishra, and Zahid Khan in crucial roles, along with others.

--IANS

pm/

Hyderabad, May 6 (IANS) The makers of director Subash Chandra's upcoming breezy entertainer ‘Godari Gattupaina’, featuring actor Sumanth Prabhas in the lead, have now revealed that actress Reenu plays a character called Kanaka Mahalakshmi in the film.

Taking to its Instagram page, Red Puppet Productions, which is producing the film, shared the actress' look in the film and wrote, "The beautiful @_reenu_sk_ will win many hearts as 'Kanaka Mahalakshmi' in #GodariGattupaina. 3 days to go for #GodariGattupaina. ICYM the trailer. #GodariGattupaina Grand Release Worldwide on May 8th. ‎A @mr.subashchandra film. #GGonMay8th - FEEL THE GODARI BREEZE THIS SUMMER."

The makers had, only a few days ago, revealed that yesteryear actress Laila would be seen as Jhansi in the film.

The production house, while disclosing Laila's look and name in the film, wrote, "Yesteryear heartthrob @laila_laughs garu will win hearts once again with her performance as #Jhansi in #GodariGattupaina. #GodariGattupaina Grand Release Worldwide on May 8th. ‎A @mr.subashchandra film. #GGonMay8th - FEEL THE GODARI BREEZE THIS SUMMER."

Sumanth Prabhas, who made an impression with the popular film ‘Mem Famous’, will be playing the lead in ‘Godari Gattupaina’, which incidentally is the maiden production of Red Puppet Productions.

Subash Chandra, known for his work with MR Productions on several acclaimed short films, is making his directorial debut with this venture.

Nidhi Pradeep plays the lead actress in this film, which has veteran actor Jagapathi Babu essaying a key role.

The makers unveiled the film's title as ’Godari Gattupaina’, a name that has already gained popularity, thanks to the hit song from ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunnam’, last year in the month of April.

At the time of unveiling the title, the director of the film had said, "One will be able to experience the same kind of peace that one enjoys when one sits and spends time with friends on the serene banks of the river Godavari on a breezy evening when they watch our film. 'Godari Gattupaina’ will be a film that will help you relax. It will be full of fun with beautiful emotions."

“Set in the backdrop of Velpuru, Relangi, and Bhimavaram of the Godavari districts, our pure and heartfelt film has been titled ‘Godari Gattupaina’. The picturesque landscapes of the West Godavari region will play a significant role in enhancing the film's visual appeal,” he had added.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Reenu, Rajeev Kanakala, Laila, Devi Prasad, Harshavardhan, Sudarshan, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Viva Raghav, and Rohit Krishna Varma, all of whom play pivotal roles in the film.

On the technical front, the film brings together a talented team. Sai Santosh is the cinematographer of the film, which has music by Naga Vamshi Krishna. Anil Kumar P is the editor and Nagarjuna Thallapalli is the sound designer.

--IANS

Mkr/

Mumbai, May 6 (IANS) The upcoming streaming movie ‘System’ starring Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika, is set to drop on OTT on May 22, 2026. It is a thrilling legal drama, and focuses on a privileged prosecutor who teams up with a humble stenographer to uncover buried injustices, forcing a choice between power and justice.

It follows the unlikely connection between Neha Rajvansh (played by Sonakshi Sinha), a public prosecutor, and Sarika Rawat (played by Jyotika), a courtroom stenographer who comes from a humble background. Despite their distinctly different social standings, the team up to fight for justice and truth.

Harman Baweja, Producer, Baweja Studios, said, “‘System’ is a gripping legal drama that brings together two headstrong women from contrasting worlds, bound by their own ideas of justice. Brought to life through powerful performances by Sonakshi Sinha, Jyotika, and Ashutosh Gowariker, the movie reflects our shared vision of telling meaningful, cinematic stories. We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on this movie, a collaboration that has enabled us to bring this narrative to life with scale and authenticity. We look forward to delivering this genre-bending story to audiences in India and beyond”.

The film is helmed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga.

It also stars Preeti Agarwal, Adinath Kothare, Aashriya Mishra, Gaurav Pandey, and Sayandeep Gupta in pivotal roles.

Nikhil Madhok, director & head of Originals, Prime Video, India, said, “‘System’ is a powerful and thrilling drama that explores themes of ambition, justice and ethics. With Director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari at the helm and backed by Baweja Studios, System will surprise you at each stage, making for compelling viewing. Led by power-packed performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Jyothika, we believe the movie has the potential to resonate strongly with audiences across the world when it releases on Prime Video on May 22, 2026”.

The film is set to stream on Prime Video on May 22, 2026.

--IANS

aa/