Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Actress-turned-author Twinkle Khanna, who is married to Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, gave a glimpse into how she makes the most of downtime on shoots, revealing a mix of productivity and practicality.

Twinkle took to Instagram, where she shared a video of herself with a text overlay that read: “The things I do on a shoot while I am waiting.”

The clip then pans to Twinkle doing a workout on the steps, practice Bhramari, sing and remove creases from her clothes.

She captioned the clip: “Things I do while I wait for a shoot to start: use the staircase as my gym, practice aggressive Bhramari, sing, scratch out lines, and use my hairdryer to remove creases from my clothes. What do you do when you are bored?”

Twinkle met Akshay for the first time during a photo session for a magazine. They got married in 2001 and together have a son, Aarav and a daughter, Nitara.

Talking about Akshay, he is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film “Bhooth Bangla”.

The upcoming horror comedy is by Priyadarshan. It brings the iconic trio of Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal. The film will also see Tabu, Rajpal Yadav and Mithila Palkar in crucial roles, along with others.

Priyadarshan's directorial has been produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms in collaboration with Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films. The film is co-produced by Faara Sheikh and Vedant Baali.

It marks Priyadarshan's second Hindi-language horror comedy film following Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), both of which star Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, and Manoj Joshi.

The story of the movie has been written by Akash A Kaushik and the screenplay by Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair, and Priyadarshan. The dialogues have been penned by Rohan Shankar.

The film is produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films. "Bhooth Bangla" is slated for a theatrical release on April 10.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Veteran actress Lillete Dubey has once again expressed her deep-rooted passion for the stage, calling theatre her “most enduring love” on the occasion of World Theatre Day.

Lillete took to Instagram, where she shared a few throwback pictures from theatre days. She also posted a heartfelt note reflecting her lifelong connection with theatre.

“My truest joy.. my deepest passion.. my most enduring love .. Happy World Theatre Day !” the actress wrote as the caption.

World Theatre Day (WTD) is an international observance celebrated on 27 March. It was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. Various national and international theatre events are organized to mark this occasion.

One of the most important of these is the circulation of the World Theatre Day International Message through which at the invitation of ITI, a figure of world stature shares his or her reflections on the theme of Theatre and a Culture of Peace.

Talking about Lillete, the 72-year-old actress’ latest release “Songs of Paradise” is directed by Danish Renzu. The lead role is played by Saba Azad, Soni Razdan and Zain Khan Durrani. The film also stars Taaruk Raina, Lillete Dubey, Sheeba Chaddha, Shishir Sharma, and Lalit Parimoo.

This story follows the journey of a Kashmiri woman who dreams of becoming a singer, inspired by Raj Begum's music. Raj Begum, known as the Melody Queen of Kashmir, was a Padma Shri awardee and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

The movie narrates the story of Kashmiri artists, their struggles, and their eventual success, despite the challenges. The plot is set in Kashmir and showcases the area's music, culture, and history.

Lillete is best known for her film performances Zubeidaa, Monsoon Wedding, Chalte Chalte, Baghban, Kal Ho Naa Ho, My Brother…Nikhil, Delhi in a Day, Bow Barracks Forever, 3 Days to Go, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Sonata.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Veteran actress Soni Razdan, on Thursday evening, shared a heartwarming throwback picture with her daughters Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt.

Taking to her social media account, Soni posted a throwback selfie featuring herself along with Alia and Shaheen. The trio is seen smiling warmly for the camera.

She captioned the picture, “Throwback Thursday with my gorgeous girls.”

For the uninitiated, Soni Razdan is married to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.

The couple are parents to Alia and Shaheen.

On the professional front, Soni Razdan has had a notable career in films and television, and has appeared in projects such as Saaransh, Page 3, Raazi and Yours Truly, among others.

Talking about Alia Bhatt, the actress is touted as one of the leading stars of the current times in Bollywood, and made her Bollywood debut with Student of the Year in 2012.

She has since then delivered acclaimed performances in movies like Highway, Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

On the personal front, she is married to actor Ranbir Kapoor, and the couple are parents to their daughter Raha.

Talking about Shaheen Bhatt, on the other hand, is an author and mental health advocate.

Both Alia and Shaheen share an extremely close and warm relationship, and are often seen expressing their love and support for each other publicly.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar used the platform of the quiz reality show Wheel of Fortune to spread awareness about menstrual health and the importance of understanding and supporting women.

During the episode, responding to contestant talking about periods, Akshay Kumar agreed and emphasized on the importance of awareness among both men and women.

Referring to his film Pad Man, he said that while the film has already been released and achieved its purpose, the message remains extremely important.

He also urged everyone regardless of age to watch the film and understand the significance of menstrual hygiene.

He further added that it is especially important for men and young boys to understand what women go through during those 4 to 5 days.

“Yeh samajhna bahut zaroori hai ki ek mahila un dinon mein kya sehti hai. Ladkiyon se zyada, aadmiyon ko yeh samajhna chahiye ki unhe unka khayal kaise rakhna hai,” he shared.

(It is very important to understand what a woman goes through during those days. More than women, men should understand how to take care of them)

While care and respect should always be present, he highlights that those few days are particularly important and require extra sensitivity and support.

The conversation kickstarted when contestant Surbhi opened up about the stigma surrounding menstruation in society.

She shared, “Sir, yeh aasaan nahi tha, kyunki hamare samaj mein isko lekar bahut sharam hoti hai. Aapne jab Pad Man kiya, tab bahut sharam kam hui, kyunki India ka sabse bada superstar aisi baatein openly kar raha hai. Is par film bani, jo gaon-gaon tak pahunchegi, toh yeh sharam bilkul khatam ho jaati hai. Aur hum chahte hain ki purush, mahilaon se zyada, is baat ko samjhein.”

(Sir, this wasn’t easy because there is a lot of shame around this in our society. When you did Pad Man, that shame reduced because India’s biggest superstar spoke about it openly. A film was made on it that reached villages, which helps remove the stigma. We want men, even more than women, to understand this.)

Talking about the movie Pad Man, Akshay Kumar essayed the role of a villager who is extremely progressive with his mindset, and very caring for the women in his family.

Seeing the poor hygiene conditions faced by the women in his household during menstruation, especially his wife, his character takes it upon himself to create affordable sanitary pads.

The movie starred Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor along with the superstar.

–IANS

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New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended heartfelt greetings to citizens on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Durga.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “Salutations to Maa Siddhidatri! I pray to the Goddess to bless all her devotees with the fulfilment of their goals.” (loosely translated from Hindi)

He also shared a Sanskrit verse, saying: "May Goddess Siddhidatri, who is eternally worshipped by Siddha, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Asuras, and even the devas, and who bestows all spiritual powers and accomplishments, always bless us and ensure our well-being."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended greetings, posting on X: “May the grace of Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Jagat Janani Maa Durga and the bestower of eight siddhis and nine treasures, bring happiness, prosperity, and good health into the lives of all devotees, and may the entire universe be blessed - this is my prayer.”

The Chief Minister also greeted people on Ram Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, in a separate post, emphasising righteousness, compassion, and societal harmony.

He said, “Lord Shri Ram embodies those ideals of Indian consciousness in which there is a remarkable balance of compassion and duty. His life reminds us that the beauty of strength lies in honour, and the meaning of victory is in the welfare of the world. This sacred day of Ram Navami inspires us to embrace truth in our conduct, compassion in our interactions, and harmony in society - this is the true celebration of ‘Ramatava’."

"May the grace of Lord Shri Ram bring peace, balance, and goodwill into all your lives - this is the auspicious wish. Jai Shri Ram!” the CM added.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid tribute to Maa Siddhidatri, stating on X: “On this final day of the sacred Navratri, I reverently bow at the feet of Mother Siddhidatri, the bestower of all accomplishments. This form of the Mother, who also granted completeness to Lord Shiva, transforms our unwavering devotion and spirit of service into success. The Mother's blessings empower us with the ability to fulfil our resolves for public welfare. May the boundless compassion of Mother Siddhidatri forever bring prosperity and happiness into the lives of all Delhi residents. Jai Mata Di”.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 concludes on Friday with Navami, dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri. The day marks the culmination of nine days of devotion, fasting, and spiritual discipline, as devotees seek blessings for success, prosperity, and well-being.

--IANS

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Canberra, March 27 (IANS) Australia's fuel supply looks good in the short term, but it will get more difficult in the coming months, said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Parliament House in Canberra over the escalating fuel crisis facing the country, Albanese said the government is "working around the clock" to "have the strongest possible plan," and get ready and over-prepared for what may come.

Albanese noted his "positive" engagements with Malaysia, a critical supplier of oil to Australia, and with the wider ASEAN region.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the country's supply of petrol, diesel, and oil remains the same.

"The government has always acknowledged there are real and unacceptable shortages in regional Australia as the demand has spiked so much, and it's taken time for that strong domestic supply," said Bowen.

Albanese will also convene a national cabinet meeting on Monday over the fuel crisis.

Earlier in the day, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called on the government to temporarily halve the fuel excise for three months.

The government on Wednesday conceded that about 470 service stations around the country have run out of at least one type of fuel, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on March 24, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) had reported that Australia now has only two domestic refineries still operating, while more than 80 per cent of its petrol, diesel and jet fuel is imported, almost all of it from Asia. ABC had added that much of the crude oil used by Asian refiners comes from the Middle East and is mainly shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

The report had said the global oil market is facing severe supply disruption and that markets still appear to be underestimating the duration and damage of the shock. It had noted that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, shipping insurance may not recover quickly, meaning the impact on both the global and Australian economies could worsen.

--IANS

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Seoul, March 27 (IANS) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held summit talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang and signed a treaty on friendship and cooperation, the North's state media reported Friday.

Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had made a two-day official visit to North Korea at the invitation of Kim, and reportedly said bilateral ties between Pyongyang and Minsk were upgraded to a "new stage."

Kim and Lukashenko also signed a number of agreements on diplomacy, agriculture, public health and other areas, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The leaders expressed satisfaction and confidence that their cooperative ties will expand and develop in a way that meets the interests of their people, the KCNA said, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier on March 26, Kim Jong-un had welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang, as the Belarusian leader made his first official visit to the North.

A ceremony to welcome Lukashenko took place at Kim Il Sung Square on Wednesday as he arrived in Pyongyang by his private plane for a two-day visit at the invitation of the North's leader, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Both North Korea and Belarus have supported Russia in its invasion against Ukraine, with Pyongyang sending troops and weapons and Minsk allowing Moscow to use its territory for the invasion.

Accompanied by Kim, Lukashenko also laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang that honors former Soviet Union soldiers who the North claimed were killed while helping liberate Korea from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The two leaders had observed a moment of silence to honour the fallen soldiers.

For the trip, Lukashenko was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko and ministers of foreign affairs, public health, education and industry.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 27 (IANS) The DMK is likely to release its candidate list on Friday, signalling a major step in its preparations for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.

The announcement is expected to come after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin finalises seat allocations within the DMK-led alliance.

With the nomination process set to begin on March 30 and vote counting scheduled for May 4, political activity across Tamil Nadu has intensified. Major parties, including the DMK, AIADMK, NDA, and actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), have accelerated their campaigns, focusing on alliance negotiations, seat-sharing arrangements, and voter outreach.

Within the DMK-led alliance, most seat-sharing discussions have been largely concluded.

The DMK is likely to contest 164 constituencies, while its allies will field candidates in the remaining seats. The Congress is likely to contest 28 seats, followed by the DMDK with 10 seats, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) with eight seats, and both the CPI and the CPI(M) with five seats each.

The MDMK has been allocated four seats. Other alliance partners include the Indian Union Muslim League (two seats), Humanist People’s Party (two), Kongunadu People’s National Party (two), Humanist Democratic Party (one), Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) (one), Mukkulathor Pulipadai (one), and Tamil Desiya Katchi (one).

Sources indicate that final consultations are underway, and Chief Minister Stalin is likely to officially announce both the constituency allocation for allies and the DMK’s candidate list later in the day.

In addition to the candidate announcement, the DMK is also preparing to release its election manifesto, which has been drafted by a committee led by MP Kanimozhi. The manifesto is expected to outline the party’s key promises and policy priorities ahead of the polls.

Following these announcements, CM Stalin is scheduled to launch the DMK’s statewide campaign from Thiruvarur on April 2. He is expected to address a series of public meetings across the state, seeking support for DMK candidates and its alliance partners as the election campaign enters a decisive phase.

--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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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday met leaders of several farm unions from across the country at the Parliament House.

During the meeting, the farm union representatives expressed strong opposition to the India-US trade deal and conveyed their deep concern over the potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods, particularly those engaged in the cultivation of corn, soybean, cotton, fruits, and nuts.

The leaders told the Congress leader that they fear the agreement could open the door for agricultural imports, which may adversely affect domestic producers. Gandhi also reiterated his position, stating that the trade deal has opened the door for agricultural imports and warned that many other crops could soon be impacted as well.

The discussion also focused on the need for a large-scale national movement to oppose the deal and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers.

The farm leaders who participated in the discussion included Sukhpal S. Khaira (All India Kisan Congress), Ranjit S. Sandhu (GKS Rajasthan), Adv. Ashok Balhara (Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, Haryana), P.T. John (KMM Kerala), Baldev (BKU Krantikari, Zira), R. NandKumar (Progressive Farmers Front), Amarjit S. Mohri (BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Akhilesh Shukla (All India Kisan Congress), Kedar Sirohi (Aam Kisan Union), Kiranjit S. Sandhu (Kisan Congress Punjab), Gurpreet S. Sangha (Rajya Sabha), Guramneet S. Mangat (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha - India), Hameed Malik (J&K Zamidara Forum), Tejveer Singh (KMM), Dharamvir Goyat (Haryana Kisan Sangarsh Samiti), Ishwar Singh Nain (Krishak Samaj), and Satbir Khatana (South Haryana Kisan Union).

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted he would not be deterred by any FIR, criminal case or privilege motion and asserted that he would continue to fight for farmers' rights.

In a video post on X, Gandhi had reiterated his opposition to the India-US trade deal, claiming it would severely impact Indian farmers. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "opened the doors" of India’s agriculture market to foreign players at the cost of domestic producers.

"I have spoken the truth in Parliament. If you do not like the truth, that is a different matter. The country understands the truth. Do whatever you want to do. Let an FIR be filed, let a case be registered or bring a privilege motion. I and the entire party stand with farmers," Gandhi had said.

He had said any trade agreement that threatens farmers' livelihoods or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. Gandhi also claimed that corn, soybean, cotton and fruit growers would be the first to suffer, alleging that the government would eventually open the entire farm sector to foreign interests and corporate allies.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Veteran actress Soni Razdan, on Thursday evening, shared a heartwarming throwback picture with her daughters Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt.

Taking to her social media account, Soni posted a throwback selfie featuring herself along with Alia and Shaheen. The trio is seen smiling warmly for the camera.

She captioned the picture, “Throwback Thursday with my gorgeous girls.”

For the uninitiated, Soni Razdan is married to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.

The couple are parents to Alia and Shaheen.

On the professional front, Soni Razdan has had a notable career in films and television, and has appeared in projects such as Saaransh, Page 3, Raazi and Yours Truly, among others.

Talking about Alia Bhatt, the actress is touted as one of the leading stars of the current times in Bollywood, and made her Bollywood debut with Student of the Year in 2012.

She has since then delivered acclaimed performances in movies like Highway, Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

On the personal front, she is married to actor Ranbir Kapoor, and the couple are parents to their daughter Raha.

Talking about Shaheen Bhatt, on the other hand, is an author and mental health advocate.

Both Alia and Shaheen share an extremely close and warm relationship, and are often seen expressing their love and support for each other publicly.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar used the platform of the quiz reality show Wheel of Fortune to spread awareness about menstrual health and the importance of understanding and supporting women.

During the episode, responding to contestant talking about periods, Akshay Kumar agreed and emphasized on the importance of awareness among both men and women.

Referring to his film Pad Man, he said that while the film has already been released and achieved its purpose, the message remains extremely important.

He also urged everyone regardless of age to watch the film and understand the significance of menstrual hygiene.

He further added that it is especially important for men and young boys to understand what women go through during those 4 to 5 days.

“Yeh samajhna bahut zaroori hai ki ek mahila un dinon mein kya sehti hai. Ladkiyon se zyada, aadmiyon ko yeh samajhna chahiye ki unhe unka khayal kaise rakhna hai,” he shared.

(It is very important to understand what a woman goes through during those days. More than women, men should understand how to take care of them)

While care and respect should always be present, he highlights that those few days are particularly important and require extra sensitivity and support.

The conversation kickstarted when contestant Surbhi opened up about the stigma surrounding menstruation in society.

She shared, “Sir, yeh aasaan nahi tha, kyunki hamare samaj mein isko lekar bahut sharam hoti hai. Aapne jab Pad Man kiya, tab bahut sharam kam hui, kyunki India ka sabse bada superstar aisi baatein openly kar raha hai. Is par film bani, jo gaon-gaon tak pahunchegi, toh yeh sharam bilkul khatam ho jaati hai. Aur hum chahte hain ki purush, mahilaon se zyada, is baat ko samjhein.”

(Sir, this wasn’t easy because there is a lot of shame around this in our society. When you did Pad Man, that shame reduced because India’s biggest superstar spoke about it openly. A film was made on it that reached villages, which helps remove the stigma. We want men, even more than women, to understand this.)

Talking about the movie Pad Man, Akshay Kumar essayed the role of a villager who is extremely progressive with his mindset, and very caring for the women in his family.

Seeing the poor hygiene conditions faced by the women in his household during menstruation, especially his wife, his character takes it upon himself to create affordable sanitary pads.

The movie starred Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor along with the superstar.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Bollywood star Yami Gautam was recently spotted watching the blockbuster movie ‘Dhurandhar 2’ in a packed theatre.

A video shared by her sister Surilie Gautam on her social media account on Thursday, that was reshared by Yami, captured the candid moment, where the actress was seen seated inside a theatre, watching the film among a housefull crowd.

Surilie, while sharing the clip, penned a heartfelt note that read, ‘Take a bow yet again for one and only @adityadharfilms Another masterpiece!! Spectacular film and we are incredibly proud of you And over the moon celebrating your success And my beautiful sister who is the pillar of strength and luck @yamigautam Love you guys and letssss partyyyyy nowwwww.’

Reacting to the post, Yami reshared it on her social media account and wrote, ‘Love you .’

In the video, Yami appeared visibly shy as she watched herself on screen in a cameo appearance in ‘Dhurandhar 2’.

She was seen hiding her face and even placing a finger on her lips, signalling Surilie to stay quiet so that the audience would not recognise her presence in the theatre.

Talking about Yami Gautam, the actress is married to filmmaker Aditya Dhar, who has helmed the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise.

The film has been receiving a strong response from audiences, with its sequel ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ further building on its success.

The first instalment released in December and Dhurandhar 2 released on the 19th of March where Yami is seen in a cameo role as a nurse in the film.

Apart from this, Yami was recently seen in ‘Haa’, which released last year and received a positive response from audiences and critics alike.

Aditya Dhar is also the man behind the superhit movie Uri that starred Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Bengali film industry's superstar Jisshu Sengupta, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, opened up about the stark differences between the Hindi and Bengali film industries, stating that budget remains the biggest distinguishing factor.

He said, “It’s only the money. Average Bengali films’ budget would be around 3 crore mostly. Most of them, There are films which are 8-9 crores, but they probably happen once in two or three years. The average Bengali cinema is around 3 crore. It can be 2.5 or 3.5 max. So that’s the only difference.”

The scale and time taken to complete films was also highlighted by the actor.

He further added, “In the Bengali cinema, we complete a film within 16 to 18 days on average, with songs, with three-four songs in it. We complete it. And here in Bollywood, we can’t even think of completing a film like that.”

Drawing a comparison with big-budget Bollywood projects, Jisshu said, “If I see a big-budget film, say a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, one song will take eight to ten days. Wahan pe hum log 10 din mein 60 percent film khatam kar denge. So yeah, that’s the only difference, the money part.”

The presence of Bengali talent in Bollywood was also pointed out.

He said, “There are a lot of Bengalis who are working in Bollywood right now. There are so many technicians, so many DOPs. Sudeep Sarkar is there who works with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and so many more.”

He further emphasised, “You talk about the music directors, Pritam is there, Shantanu Moitra is there. So there are so many Bengalis here. Talent-wise, technician-wise, there is no difference. It’s only the money part that is the major difference between Bollywood and Bengali cinema.”

On the professional front, Jisshu Sengupta is set to be a part of Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan.

The film also stars Akshay Kumar, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi. The movie is slated to release on April 10.

–IANS

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