Mumbai, July 19 (IANS) Filmmaker Aditya Dhar, who recently helmed ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, has expressed his gratitude on winning 3 National Awards for his production ‘Article 370’.

On Saturday, ‘Article 370’ dominated the National Awards with 3 awards in its kitty for Best Music, Best Actress and Best Feature Film.

Aditya took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note reacting to the win. He wrote, “Winning Three National Awards for ‘Article 370’ is a moment that is difficult to put into words. It is humbling, deeply emotional and one that fills my heart with immense gratitude. When we set out to make this film, we weren't chasing accolades. We were driven by a conviction, to tell a story with honesty, courage and sincerity. To see that journey resonate with audiences across the country and now be recognised with the highest honour in Indian cinema, is truly overwhelming”.

He further mentioned, “My deepest gratitude to the esteemed Jury for this incredible recognition and to every single person who watched, supported, debated and believed in ‘Article 370’. Your love gave this film a life far beyond the screen. This honour belongs to our extraordinary director, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, whose vision and conviction shaped every frame. To Yami Gautam Dhar and Priyamani, for bringing such depth, strength and authenticity to their performances. To Shashwat Sachdev, whose music became the soul of our storytelling. And to every member of our cast and crew, whose relentless hard work, passion and belief made the impossible possible”.

Jyoti Deshpande, President – Jio Studios, said, “Winning three National Awards for Article 370 is an incredibly emotional moment for all of us at Jio Studios. I feel deeply grateful, humbled, and proud of every person who poured their heart into this film. We never began this journey with awards in mind. We simply believed this was a story that deserved to be told, with honesty, courage, and conviction. To see it resonate so deeply with audiences, and now be honoured with the highest recognition in Indian cinema, is an immensely proud moment. My heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed Jury for this honour, and to every viewer who watched, embraced, discussed, and championed Article 370. This recognition belongs to our incredible director, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, whose clarity of vision never wavered. To Yami Gautam Dhar who brought such honesty and emotional depth to their performances. To Shashwat Sachdev, whose music became the heartbeat of the film”.

“And to every member of our cast and crew, whose passion, perseverance, and commitment made this journey possible. Above all Aditya Dhar who is special beyond words and Lokesh Dhar, our partners at B62 whose belief in this story never faltered. It has been a privilege to share this journey with them. At Jio Studios, we have always believed that meaningful stories have the power to move people, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact. This honour reaffirms that belief and inspires us to keep backing storytellers who dare to tell stories with purpose and authenticity. This celebration belongs to every single person who made Article 370 what it is today”, she added.

--IANS

aa/

Budapest (Hungary), July 19 (IANS) Continuing India's outstanding run in the Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial Senior Ranking Tournament 2026, teenage wrestling sensation Kajal delivered a commanding performance to capture the gold medal in the women’s 76kg category in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday.

Displaying the same elite pedigree that saw her get crowned the 2025 U20 World Champion and the 2024 U17 World Champion, Kajal proved that her age-group dominance has seamlessly translated to the senior international circuit.

Facing the USA's Dymond Precious Guilford in a gripping gold medal clash, the young Indian wrestler exhibited immense tactical composure under pressure. The high-stakes encounter ended in a 3-3 deadlock, but Kajal held her nerve to clinch the championship on criteria, securing India's third gold medal of the tournament.

India added two more silver medals to their haul through strong campaigns in the 53kg and 57kg weight divisions. In the 53kg championship final, prominent Indian wrestler Antim Panghal was forced to settle for silver after conceding her gold medal bout against Sweden's Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren due to an injury (VIN).

Meanwhile, in the 57kg category, Neha Sharma put together an impressive run to reach the final. Facing a formidable opponent in China's Kexin Hong in the title clash, Sharma fought valiantly but sustained a 0-4 defeat on points to finish second on the podium.

The national squad secured an additional podium finish in the 53kg division as Nishu claimed a hard-fought bronze medal. In a fiercely contested tactical battle against Romania's Andrea Beatrice Ana, Nishu displayed immense defensive resilience. The bout ended in a 2-2 tie, but the Indian wrestler was declared the winner on criteria (VPO1) to secure her spot on the podium.

With these latest additions, the national squad has now accumulated an impressive total of 12 medals at the tournament, comprising three gold, four silver, and five bronze medals. The Indian campaign will now shift focus to the upcoming Greco-Roman weight categories as the contingent looks to finish the ranking series on a strong note.

Consolidated Medal Tally (Up to Day 4):

Women’s Wrestling:

59kg: Neha — Gold

76kg: Kajal — Gold

53kg: Antim Panghal — Silver

55kg: Hansika Lamba — Silver

57kg: Neha Sharma — Silver

62kg: Mansi — Silver

53kg: Nishu — Bronze

62kg: Savita — Bronze

Men’s Freestyle:

57kg: Aman Sehrawat — Gold

61kg: Deepak — Bronze

65kg: Vishal Kaliraman — Bronze

125kg: Rajat Ruhal — Bronze

Total Medals Won So Far: 12 (3 Gold, 4 Silver, 5 Bronze).

--IANS

bsk/

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) In a stern warning amid rising concerns over manipulated documents, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a strong advisory to students and parents regarding the submission of OMR sheets for scrutiny.

The agency revealed that many OMR sheets recently submitted for review have turned out to be fake or artificially generated, prompting closer monitoring of all complaints.

The NTA stated that it is actively scrutinising every complaint received. However, it cautioned that submitting counterfeit or AI‑generated OMR sheets could lead to serious legal consequences for the complainants.

“Students and parents are advised to submit only original OMRs for scrutiny. Any fake/AI generated OMR may invite legal action against the complainant,” the agency said in its official post on X.

This development comes at a time when the credibility of the examination process has been under intense public scrutiny. The NTA’s move appears aimed at curbing attempts to misuse the re‑evaluation or scrutiny mechanism through forged documents created with advanced digital tools.

Officials indicated that the agency has already identified several suspicious cases and is taking firm steps to verify authenticity before proceeding with any rechecking requests.

The advisory underscores the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence in academic and administrative processes. With easy access to AI image generation tools, some individuals appear to be attempting to fabricate evidence to challenge exam results.

The NTA has made it clear that such practices will not be tolerated and will invite strict legal action.

Education experts have welcomed the NTA’s proactive stance, calling it essential to protect the integrity of national‑level examinations. Parents and students have been urged to exercise caution and ensure that only genuine documents are submitted for any formal review process.

The agency’s latest communication reflects its commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness while dealing firmly with attempts to undermine the examination system.

As complaints continue to be monitored closely, the NTA has appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate and uphold the sanctity of the evaluation process. This warning is expected to deter fraudulent activities and reinforce trust in the agency’s mechanisms.

--IANS

sktr/dan

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday as part of his official visit to India.

"Warmly welcome Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, as he arrives in New Delhi. The visit follows President Mwinyi's successful engagements in Chennai yesterday, where he attended the 63rd Convocation Ceremony of IIT Madras as the Chief Guest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote on X.

His visit holds special significance as the Zanzibar campus of IIT Madras has completed two years since its establishment in October 2023.

"The visit reflects the growing momentum in the India-Tanzania Strategic Partnership, building on longstanding people-to-people ties and our shared priorities as partners in the Global South," the MEA noted on X.

During the visit, Mwinyi and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will hold talks to review the full spectrum of India-Tanzania ties and explore new avenues for future collaboration. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar will also call on President Myinyi.

According to MEA, as partners in the Global South, India and Tanzania enjoy long-standing, close ties of friendship and cooperation across diverse sectors. The visit is expected to impart a renewed momentum to expanding bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

Last month, Hussein Ali Mwinyi commended India's vital role in Zanzibar's development during his meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey.

"President H.E. Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi today received the High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, H.E. Bishwadip Dey, at the State House in Zanzibar. President Mwinyi commended India’s vital role in Zanzibar’s development, particularly in investments, vocational training, and ICT innovation through IIT Madras Zanzibar," the Indian High Commission in Tanzania posted on X.

During the audience, High Commissioner Dey extended an official invitation from India's Vice President, Radhakrishnan, for President Mwinyi to visit India in July, including a visit to IIT Madras.

–IANS

ksk/uk

Shillong, July 18 (IANS) Meghalaya has secured the top position among the Northeastern and hilly states in the regulatory ease category of NITI Aayog's inaugural Investment Friendliness Index (IFI), reflecting the state's progress in simplifying regulations and improving the business environment for investors, officials said on Saturday.

The official stated that according to the report released by NITI Aayog, Meghalaya scored 8.5 under the regulatory ease pillar, the highest among the region's states. Nagaland and Tripura followed with 8.2 each, while Himachal Pradesh scored 7.9. Assam and Uttarakhand shared the next position with 7.7 points.

The Regulatory Ease pillar assesses how effectively state-level regulations facilitate investments by examining the transparency, predictability and efficiency of administrative processes.

The index evaluates the extent to which regulatory frameworks reduce barriers for businesses and create a conducive investment climate.

The assessment takes into account several parameters, including the time required to establish a business, the number of statutory approvals and licences needed, the speed of obtaining electricity and water connections, industrial land allotment procedures and the efficiency of environmental clearances, officials added.

It also measures the effectiveness of single-window clearance mechanisms, investors' perception of regulatory processes, the functioning of commercial courts and the time taken for businesses to exit or wind up operations.

According to NITI Aayog, states that offer transparent and predictable regulatory systems are better placed to attract investments as they reduce compliance burdens, minimise uncertainty and lower the overall cost and time involved in setting up and operating businesses.

While Meghalaya emerged as the leading state in regulatory ease among the Northeastern and hilly states, it was placed in the "Emerging Performers" category in the overall Investment Friendliness Index, indicating that there is scope for further improvement in other key areas.

The report noted that the state would need to strengthen its performance in areas such as physical infrastructure, business ecosystem and resource availability to enhance its overall investment competitiveness.

The findings underscore Meghalaya's recent efforts to improve governance and streamline approval processes, with the regulatory reforms expected to encourage greater private investment and support long-term economic development in the state.

--IANS

tdr/uk

Bastad (Sweden), July 18 (IANS) Andrey Rublev and Luciano Darderi will be clashing in the final of the Nordea Open ATP 250 series event after both bounced back from second-set setbacks in their respective semifinals on Saturday to set a title showdown between two former champions in Bastad.

Top seed Rublev defeated Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach his second Bastad final, while defending champion Darderi outlasted Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-4, 6-7(11), 6-3 in a gripping two-hour, 57-minute battle. Rublev, the 2023 champion at the Swedish ATP 250 clay court event, leads Darderi 1-0 in the pair's ATP head-to-head series heading into Sunday's final.

“I feel great. I feel happy to be back in the final here in Bastad,” said Rublev, who is into his 30th tour-level final. “It’s tough to describe the emotions now. I just feel grateful for another opportunity to play in the final here. He’s [Darderi] a great player. He’s playing better and better. It’s not going to be easy, for sure,” he was quoted as saying by the ATP Tour on its official website.

After also reaching the Barcelona final in April, Rublev has now advanced to multiple tour-level finals in eight consecutive seasons. The 28-year-old will bid for his 18th ATP Tour title on Sunday, while Darderi is chasing the sixth trophy of his career.

Rublev’s composed deciding-set win against Tabilo marked his 100th tour-level clay-court win. Earlier in the day, Darderi also reached a milestone, claiming his 20th clay-court victory of the season to draw level with Roland Garros champion Alexander Zverev for the most on the ATP Tour in 2026.

Darderi was pushed to the limit in the opening semi-final. The 24-year-old Italian converted his 13th set point to edge the first set before letting three match points slip away in a dramatic second-set tie-break. Yet Darderi reset impressively in the decider to extend his perfect Bastad record to 8-0, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“My room is right here, so I’m going to rest right now,” Darderi said in his on-court interview. “I’m really tired after three hours. I just want to sleep.”

--IANS

bsk/

Tehran, July 18 (IANS) At least 50 people have been killed and 500 injured in Iran in US strikes since the start of the new escalation in the Gulf.

Tehran's Health Ministry spokesman, Hossein Kermanpur, reported this on X, specifying that 12 civilians have died in the last 24 hours. According to the spokesman, 460 injured people have been discharged from the hospital, while 37 people remain hospitalised, Italian news agency Adnkronos reported.

The Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei of Iran on Saturday called the signature of the US president ‘worthless’, saying that the repeated violation of the promises regarding the memorandum of understanding signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States has proved it to everyone, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) news agency Sepah reported.

Late on Friday, the US CENTCOM said in a post on social media platform X that US forces ended the seventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran, hitting surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities.

"More than 50,000 American service members are operating across the Middle East and remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," said the statement.

According to Iran's state media, three people were killed and eight others injured in the latest US strikes.

IRGC said Saturday that it targeted the US naval fuel support pier at Al Ahmadi Port in Kuwait, as well as the US combat aircraft site at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.

Jordan's air defence systems downed Iranian missiles, Bahrain intercepted several Iranian aerial attacks, and Kuwait said a fire broke out at a power and water desalination plant after an Iranian attack, according to local media reports on Saturday.

The IRGC also said that countries hosting US forces should expect "corresponding responses" if their territory is used for attacks on Iran, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.

--IANS

ksk/dan

Ahmedabad, July 18 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has recorded its 248th organ donation after the family of a 53-year-old brain-dead man from the city's Bapunagar area consented to donate his organs, allowing three patients awaiting transplants to receive life-saving treatment.

Virendra Gohadiya suffered a brain stroke caused by high blood pressure on July 13 and was initially admitted to Singarva Government Hospital.

He was later shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for advanced treatment, where doctors treated him in the intensive care unit for three days. Despite medical efforts, he was declared brain-dead on July 16.

Following the declaration of brain death, the hospital's organ donation team, led by Dr Abhishek Barot, counselled the family on brain death and the importance of organ donation.

In the midst of their bereavement, Virendra's wife Anita agreed to donate his organs. One liver and two kidneys were subsequently retrieved.

The organs will be transplanted into three patients undergoing treatment at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) on the Civil Medicity campus.

Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi said the latest donation had taken the hospital's total number of organ donations to 248.

"Virendrabhai Gohadiya suffered a brain stroke due to high blood pressure on July 13 and was brought to Singarva Government Hospital. He was later shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for further treatment. Despite three days of treatment in the ICU, he was declared brain-dead on July 16," Dr Joshi said.

He said the family's decision would help save three lives and praised them for consenting to organ donation during a difficult time.

Dr Joshi also said that Civil Hospital had so far received 821 organs from 248 organ donors. Along with 245 tissue donations, comprising 198 eye donations and 47 skin donations, the hospital has facilitated a total of 1,066 organ and tissue donations to date.

Expressing gratitude to the donor's family, Dr Joshi said the hospital's organ donation team continued to work round the clock under the "Angdaan Mahadaan" campaign to promote cadaver organ donation.

"Our team is continuously working to increase awareness about cadaver organ donation and encourage more people to donate organs so that no patient dies while waiting for an organ and no living person is compelled to donate an organ to save a loved one," he said.

--IANS

mys/dan

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, July 18 (IANS) Actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who are celebrating the 1st anniversary of their debut film ‘Saiyaara’, unveiled a special 2 disc collector's edition Saiyaara LP. The actors also penned special notes in the LP as they expressed their gratitude to the people, who connected with the film.

Designed as a souvenir for fans and music lovers, the limited-edition vinyl also features exclusive handwritten diary notes from Ahaan and Aneet, which are a personal reflection on their ‘Saiyaara’ journey.

Ahaan Panday wrote in the collectible LP, “If you’re one of the few people reading this, you’re probably somebody who cares deeply about our film, and for that, thank you. Thank you for giving love a chance. Thank you for believing in our story. We never knew Saiyaara would reach so many people, but it’s safe to say we’ve left our hearts with quite a few of you. I hope you keep this vinyl as a reminder that love will always be the strongest force to exist, that it has the power to surpass all things”.

He further mentioned that the music of ‘Saiyaara’ became something far greater than the team ever imagined. He hoped that somewhere between these songs, the listeners stop finding their characters and start finding pieces of themselves.

"Thank you for carrying this music with you and allowing it to become a part of your lives. Your love has turned Saiyaara into more than a film and more than an album, it has become a feeling that belongs to all of us. This special edition Saiyaara LP is our gift to you, a small token of gratitude for the immense love you've given all of us. We hope it brings you joy and becomes a cherished addition to your collection, holding a special place in your heart for years to come”, he added.

Aneet Padda said, "To everyone who opened their hearts to Saiyaara and its music, I don’t think there are enough words to truly express what this has felt like. Sometimes, when I sit quietly and think about how deeply this music has reached people, I feel overwhelmed in the most beautiful way. What began as songs, scenes, emotions and moments we poured ourselves into… somehow found a home in millions of hearts across the world. And that is something for which I will be deeply grateful, forever. Music has always been such a personal thing. It becomes part of our memories. A melody can remind you of someone you loved, a version of yourself you miss, a heartbreak you survived or even the hope you’re still holding onto. That’s why seeing people connect with Saiyaara the way they have, has been incredibly emotional for me”.

“I’ve read your messages. I’ve seen your edits, your covers, your late-night captions, felt your tears and your smiles. To everyone who embraced Saiyaara so fiercely, thank you. Thank you for feeling whatever you felt in a world that constantly tells you not to. Thank you for allowing this music to become part of your lives. What moves me the most is knowing that people from completely different parts of the world could relate to the same feelings through this music. Different languages, different lives, different stories… yet somehow everyone felt the same emotions and reciprocated deeply. That reminds me how universal love, longing, heartbreak, hope and healing really are. Thank you for making Saiyaara more than a soundtrack. Thank you for turning it into an emotion. And most importantly, thank you for reminding me why art matters in the first place. How it can make us feel alive, feel connected and give us hope”, she added.

Directed by Mohit Suri & produced by YRF ‘Saiyaara’ emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2025.

--IANS

aa/

Mumbai, July 18 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor, who is gearing up for his upcoming epic film ‘Ramayana’, attended a special event for the film in the national capital on Saturday.

During the event, the actor was seen touching the feet of the Indian poet, Kumar Vishwas and actor Sunny Deol. Ranbir took to the stage and greeted Kumar Vishwas and the senior actor paying his respect to them

Sunny Deol essays the role of Lord Hanuman in the film. The actor appeared sharp with a clean-shaven look.

Meanwhile, Kumar Vishwas is celebrated for making Hindi poetry accessible to younger audiences. He has a charismatic stage presence and a conversational style that resonates with diverse audiences. Beyond literature, he is known for his work in politics. He rose to nationwide prominence during the India Against Corruption movement in 2011.

He was one of the founding members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) but later distanced himself from active political roles following internal differences. Kumar Vishwas remains a prominent public intellectual, frequently delivering lectures on Indian history, culture, and literature while continuing to write, perform, and engage audiences through books, social media, and public events.

The special event for ‘Ramayana’ was held in the national capital ahead of the film’s trailer launch on July 24. The evening marked Pratham Sankalp, the ceremonial beginning of Ramayana's journey from Bharat to the World.

Pratham Sankalp also marked the first public coming together of the principal cast of Ramayana, a landmark celebration that united generations of Indian cinema around one of India's greatest cultural legacies.

--IANS

aa/

Chennai, July 18 (IANS) Actor, producer and director Dhanush, who won two National Awards -- one each for acting and direction -- at the 72nd National Film Awards, expressed gratitude to the National Film Awards Jury and the selection committee for the honour, even as he said that winning his very first National Award as a director for 'Raayan' was a blessing he would cherish forever.

For the unaware, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards at New Delhi.

Taking to his X timeline to share a note of gratitude soon after the 72nd National Film Awards were announced, Dhanush said, "I'm truly humbled and overwhelmed to have received the National Award for Best Regional Film for 'Raayan' and the National Award (Special Mention - Best Actor) for 'Captain Miller'. My heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed National Film Awards jury and the selection committee."

The actor and director then went on to thank the media for their consistent support.

He said, "My sincere thanks to the press, media and the social media fraternity for their unwavering support throughout my career."

Pointing out that this was his third National Award as an actor and his first as a director, Dhanush said this wouldn't have been possible but for the support of his fans.

He said, "This is my third National Award as an actor and my first National Award as a director. None of this would have been possible without my fans - the pillars of my strength. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The actor then went on to talk about the two awards that he had won for two different films. Reacting to the Special Mention Award he had won for his performance in Captain Miller, Dhanush said, "This recognition for Captain Miller is especially close to me because I have always believed it to be my finest performance to date. Receiving a Special Mention for a performance I hold so dearly makes this honour even more meaningful."

On his first award as a director, Dhanush said, "And a first is always unforgettable. Winning my very first National Award as a Director for Raayan is a blessing I will cherish forever. And as I always say,

Ennam pol vaazhkkai(Your life is based on your thoughts). Har Har Mahadev. with love, D."

--IANS

mkr/

Hyderabad, July 18 (IANS) Stating that they were deeply honoured and grateful to receive the two National Awards that had been awarded to their film, the makers of director Nag Ashwin's 'Kalki 2898 AD' on Saturday said awards like these inspired them to keep dreaming bigger, tell stories that resonated across generations, and take Indian cinema to even greater heights.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday announced the 72nd National Film Awards at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

At the awards, Nag Ashwin's 'Kalki 2898 AD' won in two categories. The film won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Award and the Award for Best Production Designer.

Soon after the winners were announced, production house Vyjayanthi Movies, which had made the film, issued a statement of gratitude.

Taking to its social media timelines, the production house wrote, " Humbled & Grateful. This recognition is a celebration of every artist, technician, and every heart behind #Kalki2898AD. Thank you for believing in our vision and making this journey truly special."

It went on to say, "The next chapter carries not just our vision, but your belief. We promise to make the wait for #Kalki2 worth it. #72ndNationalFilmAwards."

The production house also shared a statement that read, "We are deeply honoured and grateful to receive these 72nd National Awards for Kalki 2898 AD. To be recognised with the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design is incredibly humbling for all of us."

It further said, "Kalki 2898 AD was born from a dream - to tell an Indian story that could stand on a truly global canvas while remaining rooted in our culture, mythology and emotions. This recognition belongs to every member of our cast, every technician, every crew member, and everyone who poured their heart into bringing this vision to life, often pushing the boundaries of what seemed possible."

Thanking the jury for the honour, the production house further said, "We sincerely thank the jury for this honour and our audiences across languages, whose love, faith and encouragement gave this journey its true meaning. Awards like these inspire us to keep dreaming bigger, telling stories that resonate across generations, and taking indian cinema to even greater heights. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey."

--IANS

mkr/