Kolkata, June 12 (IANS) Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, has been asked to appear before the CID again in the MLAs' signature mismatch case on June 14, said officials on Friday.

He was grilled for almost six hours and released a little before midnight on Thursday at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in South Kolkata.

Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, appeared for questioning at the CID headquarters on Thursday in connection with the ongoing probe in the case of mismatches in the signatures of several Trinamool Congress legislators on a crucial resolution relating to the appointments for opposition slots in the West Bengal Assembly.

Insiders from the state police said the main reason for summoning Abhishek Banerjee for further interrogation again on June 14 is that during the prolonged interrogation on Thursday, he was unable to answer specific queries about the original resolution book and the minutes of the meeting.

Sources said that in the face of queries from the investigating officers, the Trinamool Congress general secretary was even unable to answer where the original resolution book is now. “Even when asked that as a party’s general secretary could he deny having knowledge about the resolution book, he even lost his cool for a few minutes,” said an insider aware of the interrogation proceedings on Thursday.

Sources also said that besides queries regarding the details of the original resolution book, Abhishek Banerjee failed to give specific answers to several other queries from the investigating officers in the matter, following which he has been summoned again on Sunday.

After being released a little before midnight on Thursday, Abhishek Banerjee went straight to the residence of Mamata Banerjee at Harish Chatterjee Street. However, nothing transpired about the discussion between them there.

After dodging three consecutive notices for interrogation, Abhishek Banerjee finally turned up to face the questioning on Thursday. This came after the single judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court, earlier in the day, set a deadline of 6 p.m. to appear at the CID office for interrogation.

Although the bench granted him protection from coercive police action, including arrest, for 21 days, it directed Abhishek Banerjee to cooperate with the investigating officers. The bench also gave a free hand to the CID to conduct raids and search operations according to necessity for a fair investigation in the matter

--IANS

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Seoul, June 12 (IANS) Banks are fast moving to rein in a surge in credit loans as customers have borrowed money to buy stocks, financial sources said on Friday.

According to various sources, Hana, Shinhan and other major lenders have tightened criteria and limits on credit loans in the face of pressure from the country's financial authorities, reports Yonhap news agency.

The measure came as household loans extended by banks rose at the fastest pace in nearly two years in May as lending linked to stock investment grew amid a market rally.

Outstanding household loans by banks grew 6.9 trillion won (US$4.5 billion) to 1,181.8 trillion won last month, accelerating from the previous month's 2.1 trillion-won rise, according to data by the Bank of Korea (BOK).

It marked the sharpest on-month growth since August 2024, when household loans increased 9.2 trillion won from a month earlier.

Mortgage loans increased 3.2 trillion won on-month in May, up from a 2.7 trillion-won gain in April.

Unsecured and other household loans also rose 3.7 trillion won in May following a decline of 600 billion won the previous month, marking the largest increase since April 2021, when such loans gained 11.8 trillion won.

The central bank said rising individual investments in the booming stock market drove the increase in non-mortgage loans.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rallied in May on strong gains in semiconductor shares, surging to the 8,400-point level from 6,500.

Meanwhile, Seoul stocks were trading sharply higher as U.S. President Donald Trump fueled hopes for an end to the Iran war.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was trading up 606.46 points, or 7.81 percent, to 8,370.41, as of 11:20 a.m.

After opening sharply higher, the index is remaining above the 8,000-point mark, as institutional and foreign investors snapped up blue chip tech stocks.

—IANS

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Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Haunted 3D’, has revealed the reason behind his penchant for telling stories of horror on the silver screen.

Vikram spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and shared that it’s the fear that guides the filmmaker in him.

He told IANS, “I really feel I have a connection with fear. I think fear is the basis of all other emotions in the world. If you look carefully, fear of losing someone is possessiveness. Fear of not having enough is greed. Fear of being lonely is relationships. Fear of being left behind is competitiveness. The world is guided by fear. But most of us don't understand it as fear. We understand it as possessiveness and greed and so on and so forth. If you look very closely, a lot of the populace lives in fear”.

He further mentioned with passion glowing in his eyes, “The entire animal kingdom is based on fear. Fear is the only emotion that even a single celled creature feels. Because fear is essential for survival. If I look at a tiger and I don't feel fear, I'll get eaten. My fear keeps me alive. As a filmmaker, I've always made stories on darker relationships, on darker perspectives. And so it doesn't come to me as a surprise that I'm close to fear. I think it's in all of us”.

“We are all our Google histories. If you have the guts to lay down your Google search history openly, it won't be the person you are. You are what you Google. So that person is in us, in all of us. And I like to explore that person”, he added.

Meanwhile, ‘Haunted 3D’ stars Mimoh Chakraborty, Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt and Hemant Pandey. The film promises an upgraded 3D experience using the newest technology to heighten every scare, making the horror more immersive.

The film is currently playing in cinemas.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood actress Zarina Wahab shared a picture with actor Master Raju, stirring nostalgia as they relived their “Chitchor” days.

Zarina shared a picture posing with Raju and wrote: “Time a part hearts together....!! With my little Raju.”

Released in 1976, Chitchor was based on Subodh Ghosh’s Bengali story, Chittachakor.

Directed by Basu Chatterjee, the film stars Vijayendra Ghatge, A. K. Hangal, Amol Palekar, Dina Pathak, Ritu Kamal, Shail Chaturvedi and C. S. Dubey. It was then made in Telugu titled as Ammayi Manasu, Malayalam as Minda Poochakku Kalyanam and also in Tamil as Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan.

The film follows Geeta's sister, who arranges her wedding with a young engineer, but their father mistakenly brings home the wrong man. However, as love blossoms between the two, the arrival of a letter startles everyone.

Raju Shrestha known by his stage name Master Raju started his film career as a child actor, in the 1970s. Raju has acted in films like Gulzar's Parichay, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Bawarchi, Yash Chopra's Daag: A Poem of Love, Basu Chatterjee's Chitchor and Gulzar's Kitaab. Over the years, he has acted in around 200 films and a few television series.

He was also seen int the youth based show titled Ziddi Dil Maane Na.

It was in 2005, when Master Raju was last seen in a film titled Khamoshh... Khauff Ki Raat. The mystery thriller was directed and produced by Deepak Tijori and was a revamped version of James Mangold's 2003 psychological thriller Identity.

Meanwhile, Zarina is also shot to fame for her work in films such as Gopal Krishna, Madanolsavam, Chamaram, Palangal and Adaminte Makan Abu to name a few.

The actress, who is the wife of actor Aditya Pancholi and mother of Sooraj Pancholi, was recently seen in the romantic action drama “Dacoit: A Love Story” starring Adivi Sesh and Mruna Thakur. The film is about a man convicted for a crime he didn't commit owing to a betrayal by his better half.

--IANS

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Brasilia, June 12 (IANS) Brito, who helped Brazil conquer the 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico, has passed away aged 86. He had been hospitalised for a week with complications due to pneumonia, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.

The centre-back made his Brazil debut in 1964 and made one appearance, against Portugal, in the global finals two years later. Brito then played every minute of every game as ‘The Beautiful Team’ won Mexico 1970 in style.

The CBF condoled the passing of Brito, former defender and world champion and expressed its solidarity with his family, friends and fans.

“Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football. His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us. I pay my respects to this idol of our country. May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup,” said the president of the CBF, Samir Xaud.

Brito became the seventh member of Mario Zagallo’s squad to pass away following Everaldo (1974), Fontana (1980), Felix (2012), Joel Camargo (2014), Carlos Alberto (2016) and Pele (2022).

In winning World Cup title, the Rio native formed a victorious defensive duo with Piazza. Together, they combined important attributes for a defense. Piazza was known for his technique, and Brito for his strength and physical presence. Not surprisingly, he was nicknamed Hercules. He started in all six World Cup matches and was never substituted.

Born on August 9, 1939, the former defender began his career at Vasco and played for other major clubs such as Flamengo, Cruzeiro, Internacional, Corinthians, Botafogo, and Athletico-PR.

His success with these teams made the Brazilian National Team a natural progression. He spent eight years (from 1964 to 1972) wearing the yellow jersey, during which he played 61 games, with 45 wins, 11 draws, and five losses. In addition to the three World Cup titles, he won the Copa Roca (1971) and the Taca Independência (1972).

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the achievements of women across various sectors and reaffirmed the government's commitment to women-led development, marking what he described as “12 Years of Nari Shakti” under the NDA government.

Using the hashtag #12YearsOfNariShakti, the Prime Minister said, "Over the last 12 years, the NDA Government has worked to further women-led development. And, this is visible across sectors. From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance, women are playing a prominent role across diverse sectors."

He added that the government's efforts have been guided by the principles of dignity, opportunity and empowerment.

"The efforts of the NDA Government are rooted in dignity, opportunity and empowerment. They have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building," he said.

In another post, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the growing presence of women in emerging sectors such as science, space technology and innovation.

"I am particularly happy to see India’s Nari Shakti make a mark in sectors like science, space and innovation. Their growing participation in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming development landscape across the nation. Our Government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are going a long way in making women financially independent," PM Modi said.

Calling women the cornerstone of nation-building, PM Modi said, "India's women power is the cornerstone of nation-building. Today, our mothers, sisters, and daughters are enhancing the glory of 'Maa Bharati' across every sector through their remarkable talent and skills."

Over the last decade, several flagship schemes aimed at women's empowerment have been launched to improve access to healthcare, education, financial services and livelihood opportunities. Among them, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has emerged as a major tool for encouraging women entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2015, the scheme has provided collateral-free loans to millions of beneficiaries. By March this year, loans worth more than Rs 40 lakh crore had been disbursed, with nearly Rs 17 lakh crore going to women beneficiaries.

Other initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the Womaniya initiative, have strengthened women's access to banking, savings and entrepreneurial opportunities. Of the more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened so far, around 33 crore belong to women.

The government also highlighted programmes such as Lakhpati Didi, which aims to help women achieve sustainable annual incomes of at least Rs one lakh, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which has contributed to an improvement in the national sex ratio at birth from 918 in 2014-15 to 929 in 2024-25.

With sustained policy support and innovative programmes, women are playing a pivotal role in shaping a self-reliant and inclusive economy.

--IANS

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Geneva, June 12 (IANS) UN experts expressed grave concern over reports of excessive use of force against demonstrators protesting restrictive dress code measures imposed on women in Afghanistan, where two people, including a boy, were killed and more than twenty others were injured.

According to the experts, the protests were triggered by the detention of dozens of women in Herat city of Afghanistan, on June 6 and 7, over alleged dress code violations.

“Use of force in law enforcement is strictly restricted under international law. It is permitted only when it is legal, necessary, and proportionate to the threat posed to officers or to others and when it respects principles of precaution, non-discrimination, and accountability," the experts said.

“As the de facto authority in Afghanistan, the Taliban must comply with the international human rights treaties to which Afghanistan is a party, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture, and the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,” they added.

The experts noted that on June 9, people gathered in Herat to protest increasingly "repressive restrictions" and the detention of dozens of women for allegedly violating an order to restrict women’s attire, including requirements to wear a "burka or chador" with a face mask and a ban on perfume. Taliban officials allegedly opened fire on protesters—men, women, and children—and beat them.

“Allegations that women were detained for dress code violations are deeply concerning and may constitute arbitrary and unlawful detention, as it appears to penalise the exercise of their right to freedom of expression and right to be free from gender discrimination,” they said.

The experts urged the Taliban authorities to conduct an investigation promptly, effectively, independently, impartially and transparently into the use of force by officials.

"Equality, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and movement, and protection from arbitrary detention are fundamental rights essential to restoring public confidence and preventing further deterioration of the situation,” they said.

Meanwhile, the European Union has strongly condemned the use of excessive force in Herat and arbitrary arrests of women for “violating dress code instructions," calling on Taliban authorities to adhere to international human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful protest.

Taking to social media platform X on Thursday, Anouar El Anouni, the European Union’s spokesman for foreign affairs, said, 'We condemn the excessive use of force in Herat and arbitrary arrests of women for violating dress code instructions'.The de facto authorities must respect international human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful protest. The EU stands with Afghan women.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) Indian equity markets rose in morning session on Friday, following positive global market cues amid a fall in oil prices and reports that US President Donald Trump had cancelled plans to strike Iran, citing progress in talks.

Sensex surged as much as 1.35 per cent or 1,000 points to touch an intraday high of 74,834 in early trade. Similarly, Nifty rose 1.26 per cent or about 300 points to 23,455.

Sectorally, all indices traded in green. Nifty Realty emerged as the top performer, rising 2.51 per cent, followed by Nifty Auto, which gained 1.79 per cent. Nifty Private Bank and Nifty PSU Bank indices advanced 1.29 per cent and 1.45 per cent, respectively. Other strong gainers included media, chemicals, consumer durables, oil & gas and cement.

Nifty Metals also traded higher, gaining 0.92 per cent, while Nifty FMCG was up 0.71 per cent and pharma and broader healthcare indices gained up to 0.86 per cent.

According to analysts, the near-term setup remains constructive, supported by strong global cues, sustained domestic institutional buying, and improving sectoral breadth. However, they cautioned that the sustainability of the rally will depend on whether indices can hold above key resistance zones in the coming sessions.

On the technical front, analysts noted the formation of an inverted hammer-like candlestick pattern, suggesting buying support at lower levels, though resistance continued to persist at higher zones. The RSI stood at 37.86.

“Key support is seen in the 23,000–23,100 zone, while resistance is placed around 23,600–23,650,” the experts said.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell roughly 3 per cent to $85 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent crude declined 1.59 per cent to $88.94 per barrel.

Meanwhile, Asian markets extended gains, with the Nikkei rising more than 3 per cent, the Hang Seng surging 2 per cent, and the KOSPI advancing more than 8 per cent.

Wall Street closed higher overnight, with the Nasdaq rising 2.54 per cent and the S&P 500 gaining 1.75 per cent.

--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, June 12 (IANS) Bollywood’s “Shahenshah” and megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is full of pride as India is no longer viewed as a “soft, weak country” and said that the phrase "India anti-fragile" is simply brilliant.

Amitabh took to his blog, where he spoke about how he stumbled upon a “wonderful phrase” describing the nation.

“Came across a wonderful phrase : ‘India 'anti- fragile' …’ simply brilliant .. India no longer a nation looked upon as a soft weak country… (sic).” he wrote on his blog.

The octogenarian is over the moon that the country is no longer “looked upon as a fragile nation.”

“We are no longer fragile - tenuous, easily broken, easily destroyed, easily threatened, vulnerable .. we are tough and strong , no longer looked upon as a fragile nation ..filled with pride .. face up, chest out ..COME ONNNN (sic)!!!” he wrote in the blog.

On the acting front, the thespian, who was last seen Vettaiyan directed by T. J. Gnanavel, will reportedly be seen in Nitesh Tiwary’s upcoming magnum opus “Ramayana: Part 1”. The upcoming film will also star Yash, Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol. The icon will reportedly play the character of Jatayu.

Amitabh is currently busy with filmmaker Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD” sequel. The film also stars Kamal Haasan and Prabhas.

On June 11, the icon spoke about the hold television serials can have on viewers. He went on to muse that engrossing narratives often compel audiences to invest emotionally in their favourite characters.

Amitabh took to his blog and wrote: “Is it just me or with others too .. watching a serial that coerces you to keep taking valuable time on its continuity, has the effect of drawing one into the narrative and opting for one of the characters that you prefer , giving rise to your behaviour and demeanor as the character .. !! strange .. (sic).”

He added: “And the feel of wanting the storyline to be doing justice to your thoughts and desires rather than what is being enacted before you on screen .. na .. ???!!! long pause .. ok maybe not (sic).”

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) Filmmaker Homi Adajania has showcased the “magic of movie making” by sharing a string of candid behind-the-scenes moments from his upcoming film “Cocktail 2”.

Adajania shared a “photo dump” featuring him with the cast: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon. Other pictures from his onset memories featured the crew members, including his stylist wife Anaita Shroff Adajania.

“Never been asked so overwhelmingly for “another dump”… so here goes! Share love & laughs and while we’re at it be kind to each other And don’t miss the last vid of how things start and what they become #magicofmoviemaking #Cocktail2 #BTS @maddockfilms,” he wrote as the caption for the pictures and clips he posted on Instagram.

Cocktail 2 is releasing in theaters on June 19, 2026. The film serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit “Cocktail”, which featured names such as Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty. The film will navigate modern Gen-Z relationship dynamics and the concept of "situationships".

The first installment of “Cocktail “ revolved around a complicated love triangle among three friends living in London: a flirtatious playboy, a wealthy wild-child, and a traditional, newlywed woman.

Kriti, on June 9, also shared a fun work mode video montage from the sets of ‘Cocktail 2’. She was seen expressing that she is still ‘mentally:’ immersed in the world of the film even after wrapping up of the shoot.

The National Award-winning actress shared the vibrant reel on Instagram with the caption, “Ment-Ally still here...... Join the #Cocktail2 from June 19th in theatres.”

Kriti gave a peek into the making of one of the movie's energetic dance sequences which also features Shahid. The footage, in large part, appears to be from the shoot of the chartbuster track ‘Main Nachu Jab Tak Tu Bole’.

The 54-year-old filmmaker stepped into the world of filmmaking in 2005 by directing Being Cyrus, featuring Saif, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, and Boman Irani. Ever since then, he has worked in films such as Cocktail, Finding Fanny, Angrezi Medium, the series Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo and Murder Mubarak.

--IANS

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Chennai, June 12 (IANS) Esakki Karvanan, the producer of actress Abi Nakshathara's upcoming Tamil film 'Aatti', has now disclosed that they have plans to make a sequel to the film, the core theme of which would revolve around women becoming forces of justice.

“The film is about women transforming into divine figures who punish those who commit wrongs and oppress women. The story explores who these women are and how they carry out that justice. In a way, it reflects the idea behind today’s ‘Singappen Padai’,” the producer, who also plays the lead role in the film, disclosed.

He also revealed that a sequel to the film had been planned and hopes that the film would inspire women by highlighting the strength and resilience of women in ancient Tamil society.

For the unaware, the film stars 'Ayali' fame Abi Natchathira as the heroine, alongside Kadhal Sukumar, Soundar, Praveen Palanisamy, and several others.

Built around the idea that women were the foremost figures in the Tamil community, the film, he says, will explore how women in ancient Tamil society fought for their rights, overcame challenges and handled sexual harassment.

For the unaware, the film was to originally hit screens on June 5 this year. However, the makers then chose to postpone the film's release to June 12.

Sources close to the unit of the film had said that the decision to postpone the film's release had been made due to some unavoidable circumstances.

Those in the know said that actor Essaki Karvanan was intent on releasing the film in a reasonable number of screens. However, as two films that were recently released were doing well and as a result, had got more screens, they had decided to push their film's release by a few more days in order to get the number of screens they had in mind.

Sources said producer Essaki Karvanan took the decision to postpone the film's release date after holding due consultations with V House founder Suresh Kamatchi, who in turn held discussions with the distributors of the film. Suresh Kamatchi holds the release rights of the film.

The film is now slated to hit screens on June 12.

--IANS

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Chennai, June 12 (IANS) Actress Shamna Kasim, who is known as Poorna to her fans in Tamil, has now penned an adorable post to her husband on the occasion of their wedding anniversary in which she has said that if there was something greater than love, then that was what she felt for him.

Taking to her Instagram page to pen the post, she wrote, "June 12th is the day we decided to spend the rest of our lives together -- to face every good and bad moment, every smile and laugh, every challenge and disagreement, side by side. It was the day we promised never to let go of each other’s hands until our very last breath."

She then went on to say, "There is one thing I want you to know. Sometimes, in our silly fights, I may say things I don’t mean, even that I don’t want you. But the truth is, I can never imagine my life without you, not even for a second. You know how deeply I mean this."

Shamna said, "What I feel for you is beyond words. If there is something greater than love, that’s what I feel for you. You are my comfort, my happiness, my home, and my greatest blessing. You are mine — only mine, forever mine — and I am yours. May Allah continue to bless our Nikah, strengthen our bond, and keep us together in love, peace, and happiness for all the years to come. Nikah day (Heart symbol) #anniversary."

Only recently, the actress had disclosed the reason behind choosing to name her baby girl 'Dua Jameela'.

Taking to her Instagram page to pen a lengthy post, Poorna had said, "Introducing our little angel, Dua Jameela. So many have asked me why “Jameela”? It was my grandmother’s name — a piece of my heart I lost far too soon. Her love, her warmth, her memories have stayed with me every single day. I always told myself that if I were ever blessed with a baby girl, I would give her that same beautiful name… so a part of her could live on again."

The actress, who has made a name for herself in both Tamil and Malayalam cinema, went on to say, " Today, that promise has come true. Holding my daughter in my arms feels like a piece of my grandmother has come back to me in the most beautiful way. Celebrating her 28th day with her noolekette ceremony — a moment filled with love, blessings, and family."

She also wrote about how her elder son was proud of his younger sibling.

"And just like that, Hamdan has become a proud big brother — our hearts have grown in ways we never imagined.Welcome to the world, my sweet Dua Jameela… you are loved beyond words, beyond time, beyon d everything. Masha Allah," she wrote.

--IANS

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