Los Angeles, Aug 21 (IANS) Hollywood actress Anna Faris has made a shocking revelation that she nearly hung up her acting boots in 2021.

The 49-year-old actress has shared that she reflected her future in the business, after appearing in the sitcom ‘Mom’ which ran from 2013 to 2021.

The actress recently appeared on the Dear Chelsea podcast, and shared, "I didn’t know what my ambition (was). I didn’t know where I stood, what opportunity there was”.

The actress is now of the belief that she was experiencing some mental health issues at the time. The actress said, "I was, in hindsight, I think pretty depressed, like, premenopausal depression without recognising it. I was just having a distant relationship with this city and my career and wondering if I had enough money to retire”.

However, all it took to reconsider her choice was an invitation to reprise the role of Cindy Campbell in the most-recent ‘Scary Movie’. She said that experience reignited her passion for acting.

The actress said, "Suddenly I had this rush of like, what if my destiny hasn’t quite forged itself in slow aging actress retirement? It was a very wonderful and heady year for me”.

Anna has rediscovered her sense of self-confidence and self-worth, too. She said, "I feel more confident in what I have to offer, which might not be, I don’t know, for a wide audience. But I feel more solid in my own ability. I wish I had realised that earlier”.

Meanwhile, Anna is set to star in the new comedy movie ‘Spa Weekend’ alongside Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, and Michelle Buteau.

And the actress previously described the Spa Weekend shoot as a "dream". She said that she particularly enjoyed the experience of working with the film's star-studded cast.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 21 (IANS) Hollywood actress Ashley Judd has shared her fond memories of watching The King Elvis Presley perform and record with his signature aura.

On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures, and videos celebrating her step-father Larry Strickland’s induction in the Hall of Graceland Legends.

She also penned a long note in the caption, as she reminisced her childhood, and how being in the company of Elvis Presley was a regular affair for her given her step-father performed with The King.

She wrote, “Elvis Presley was a feature of my childhood, given my Pop (Mom’s partner since I was 11) sang bass with him for 6 years, a member of the iconic J.D. Sumner and the Stamps gospel quartet. Congratulations, Pop, on being inducted as a Graceland Legend this past weekend. I am proud of you. So glad to share the memories. At Graceland, Pop and I stood in the Jungle Room, and I played from the 2 albums Pop recorded with Elvis. Pop said, ‘I stood there, Elvis walked around and sang. Gosh, he was so prepared, he did ‘Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain’ in two takes’. Pop also sang along (to himself). How cool to watch someone I love have their memories”.

She further mentioned, “I am glad to be a part of the Elvis extended family. Hey, thanks to the Blackwood Brothers, equally legendary gospel quartet, for inviting me on stage to harmonize on “How Great Thou Art” for the finale. Elvis fans, what would you like to experience for the 50th anniversary in 2027? My ears are open, the fan Vanessa, from Texas, immediately shared with me, “Ann-Margret!” I am listening, so, from your lips to the event organizers”.

“Next, enjoy my Stories, where Pop reminisces about wearing overalls the first time he met Elvis, and Elvis making fun of him! And yeah, I grew up with an Elvis stage outfit under the bed. I enjoy his stories, and hope you will enjoy them too”, she added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) As the third season of the Women’s Delhi Premier League (DPL) got underway on Thursday, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley said the most encouraging aspect for them is that women’s cricket in Delhi is growing from strength to strength

When the Women’s DPL was introduced, around 80 players registered for the auction, with 78 players required to fill the four squads. Three seasons on, the landscape has expanded significantly, with Delhi’s domestic women’s cricket structure now featuring 48 club teams and a database of more than 700 players, marking an important step in the growth of women’s cricket in the capital.

“The most encouraging aspect for us is that the growth of women’s cricket in Delhi is not limited to numbers. When we started the Women’s DPL, we wanted to create a platform where players could play regular competitive cricket and showcase themselves. Today, we are seeing a much larger pool of players coming through the system, and that tells us that the pathway is working,” Rohan Jaitley, President, Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), said on Thursday.

DDCA also organises the DDCA Women’s League, where players get an opportunity to perform and showcase their talent. Based on their performances, promising players are shortlisted for the DPL auction, allowing them to be picked by DPL teams and take the next step in their cricketing journey.

“The most important thing is that we are creating more opportunities for women cricketers to play competitive cricket and prove themselves. The journey from the DDCA Women’s League to the DPL is giving players a clear pathway, and we are seeing more and more talented players come through that system. It is very encouraging to see how the league is helping strengthen the overall women’s cricket ecosystem in Delhi,” Shikha Kumar, Vice President, DDCA, said.

The growth has also been reflected in the latest DPL auction, which saw a significantly larger pool of players putting their names forward, highlighting the increasing interest among women cricketers to compete at a higher level and use the league as a pathway to progress.

The impact of the growing ecosystem is also being seen in performances on the field. Delhi’s senior women recently ended a 14-year wait for silverware by winning the 2025–26 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, while the state’s younger players have also continued to make their presence felt, with Delhi finishing runners-up in the 2023–24 Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy.

“For us, this is the most important measure of progress. It is one thing to see more players registering and more teams participating, but the real success is when that increased participation starts to translate into quality and performance. Delhi winning the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy after 14 years was a very special moment, and the performances of our younger teams also show that there is considerable talent coming through,” Jaitley added.

The Women’s DPL has played an important role in providing players with exposure to a competitive franchise environment, while also allowing emerging cricketers to perform alongside and against established names.

“The growth we are seeing in women’s cricket is a result of creating the right platforms at the right stages. The DDCA Women’s League allows players to perform, while the DPL gives them a bigger platform to showcase their ability. Our focus is to keep strengthening this pathway so that more players can progress and represent Delhi at the highest level,” Ashok Sharma, Secretary, DDCA, said.

With Season 3 beginning today, the DDCA President believes the progress made so far is only the beginning of a much larger journey for women’s cricket in the capital.

“We are very encouraged by the journey so far. We have seen the numbers grow, we have seen the quality improve and, most importantly, we have started seeing the results. But we do not want to stop here. The objective is to continue expanding the ecosystem, provide more women cricketers with meaningful opportunities, and create an environment where the next generation of Delhi players can aspire to play at the highest level. Season 3 is another important step in that direction,” Jaitley concluded.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 21 (IANS) Dibrugarh Warriors held their nerve in a thrilling final game of the league stage to edge past Nagaon Rangers by one run in the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.

Chasing 122 for victory in a rain-shortened 18-over contest, Nagaon Rangers fell agonisingly short, finishing on 120/9 as Dibrugarh secured a dramatic win.

With this result, Dibrugarh Warriors finish third on the points table with 14 points from 10 matches. Guwahati Royals top the table with 14 points and a superior net run rate, while Barpeta Braves finish second, also on 14 points. Barak Legends take the fourth and final semi-final spot with 13 points.

The semifinal line-up for the inaugural season is also now confirmed, with table-toppers Guwahati Royals set to face Barak Legends. At the same time, second-placed Barpeta Braves will take on third-placed Dibrugarh Warriors for a place in the final. Both matches will take place on Friday.

Asked to bat first, Dibrugarh Warriors posted 121/8 in their allotted 18 overs. Ayush Agarwal anchored the innings with an impressive 52 off 38 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. Jay Borah contributed 12, while Ranjan Bikash Das and Anurag Phukan added valuable unbeaten cameos of four and six, respectively.

Nagaon Rangers' Sunil Lachit was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4/23 from his four overs, while Bhargav Dutta picked up two wickets.

In reply, Nagaon made a strong start but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Jitu Ali produced a stunning counter-attacking knock of 38 off just 21 balls, with five fours and a six, while Anurag Talukdar scored 33 off 37 deliveries.

With the chase going down to the wire, Dibrugarh's bowlers held their nerve. Ranjan Bikash Das returned excellent figures of 3/23, while Rituraj Biswas claimed 2/9 from his four overs to help complete a thrilling one-run victory.

With the champions set to receive ₹50 lakh and the runners-up ₹25 lakh, the stakes are high as the tournament enters its business end.

Brief scores:

Dibrugarh Warriors: 121/8 in 18 overs (Ayush Agarwal 52, Jay Borah 12; Sunil Lachit 4/23, Bhargav Dutta 2/24)

Nagaon Rangers: 120/9 in 18 overs (Jitu Ali 38, Anurag Talukdar 33; Ranjan Bikash Das 3/23, Rituraj Biswas 2/9)

Result: Dibrugarh Warriors beat Nagaon Rangers by 1 run

--IANS

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Dharamsala, Aug 21 (IANS) The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan government-in-exile, and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile jointly organised a prayer meeting and peace march in Dharamsala on Thursday to mark the 49th day since Tibetan activist Lobsang Palden (Lobga Rangzen) made the ultimate sacrifice.

The march began at Tsuglagkhang in McLeod Ganj. It concluded at the Dharamsala Police Ground, with large numbers of Tibetan community members, representatives of the exile administration, and Tibet supporters participating.

Speaking to IANS, CTA President (Sikyong) Penpa Tsering said the event was not only a tribute to Lobsang Palden but also a peaceful protest against Chinese policies that, he alleged, seek to undermine Tibetans’ distinct cultural, religious and linguistic identity.

Tsering said Palden had self-immolated in protest against what he described as continued Chinese repression and the recently implemented law promoting “ethnic unity and progress”. He said the 49th day holds special significance in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, marking the completion of the 49-day intermediate period, or “bardo”, following death.

According to Tsering, the law’s stated objective of promoting unity masks what the CTA considers an attempt to “Sinicise” Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongols and other officially recognised ethnic minorities in China. He alleged that Beijing is attempting to assimilate diverse communities by weakening their languages, cultures, religious traditions and distinct identities.

Tsering stressed that the CTA does not support self-immolation as a form of protest, calling every loss of a Tibetan life an “irreparable loss” to the movement. He said the campaign would continue through peaceful and democratic means.

The programme began with a two-hour prayer session at Tsuglagkhang Temple, where tributes were paid to Tibetans who had died in the struggle and solidarity was expressed with their families.

Tsering also said Tibetan communities in several countries had launched peaceful campaigns since early July. He claimed that Uyghur, Mongolian and pro-democracy Chinese groups had also participated, reflecting shared concerns over assimilation policies.

He further claimed that several countries, including the US, UK, Australia and Switzerland, had expressed concern over the new Chinese law. The European Parliament has also criticised the legislation, according to the CTA.

Tsering reiterated that the Tibetan movement would remain committed to protecting Tibet’s culture, language, religious freedom and identity through peaceful means.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) South Delhi Superstarz began their title defence in style, registering a convincing 29-run win over Central Delhi Queens in the opening match of the Women’s Delhi Premier League (DPL) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.

Batting first, South Delhi Superstarz posted a competitive 156/5 in 20 overs, with Nishika Singh and Tanisha Singh leading the recovery with impressive half-centuries.

The Superstarz lost a couple of early wickets and were under pressure in the opening stages. However, Nishika and Tanisha showed good composure and joined hands to rebuild the innings. The duo added 82 runs for the third wicket, putting South Delhi back in control.

Both batters kept the scoreboard moving and attacked the bowlers whenever the opportunity came. Their partnership provided the foundation for a strong total.

Nishika was eventually dismissed, bringing an end to the important partnership. South Delhi lost a couple more wickets at regular intervals after that but managed to finish with 156/5 in 20 overs.

For Central Delhi Queens, Sumiti Soni was the most successful bowler, picking up 2/13 in four overs, while Medhavi Bidhuri also claimed two wickets for 24 runs.

Chasing 157, Central Delhi Queens got off to a difficult start and were reduced to 31/3. Monika and Nidhi Mahto then came together to steady the innings and give their team some hope.

The pair added 65 runs for the fourth wicket before Monika was dismissed for a quick 30 off 19 balls.

Mahto continued to fight and brought up a well-deserved half-century. However, she struggled to find enough support at the other end as the required run rate continued to climb.

Mahto was eventually dismissed for an impressive 63 off 55 balls, effectively ending Central Delhi’s hopes of completing the chase. The Queens finished on 127/7 in their 20 overs, falling 29 runs short of the target.

Mayuri Singh was the standout bowler for South Delhi, finishing with 2/15 in her four overs as the defending champions began their campaign with a win.

--IANS

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Saharanpur, Aug 21 (IANS) Congress senior leader and Saharanpur MP Imran Masood has suffered a setback after his son-in-law, Shayan Masood, quit the Congress and joined the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Shayan Masood formally joined the SP in Lucknow in the presence of party president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. During a programme at the SP office, Yadav welcomed Masood by draping the party’s red-and-green scarf around him and formally inducting him into the organisation. Photographs and videos of the event have since circulated widely on social media.

The political development comes amid speculation over the family’s electoral plans. Imran Masood had recently stated at a press conference that no member of his family would contest the upcoming Assembly elections.

Following the announcement, Shayan Masood’s political stance reportedly began attracting attention, with speculation mounting that he could leave the Congress.

Those rumours ended when he arrived in Lucknow alongside his father, Shajaan Masood, and formally joined the SP.

Shayan Masood is the grandson of the late Qazi Rasheed Masood, a prominent former Union minister and an influential political figure from Saharanpur. Qazi Rasheed Masood was Imran Masood’s uncle, making Shayan part of the politically prominent Masood family that has long played a significant role in western Uttar Pradesh politics.

His move to the SP is being viewed as an indication of growing political differences and ambitions within the wider family network. The immediate question is whether the SP will field Shayan Masood in the upcoming Assembly elections.

His induction could also affect the political equations in Saharanpur and western Uttar Pradesh, where the Masood family has considerable political influence. The coming months are expected to reveal whether Shayan’s switch translates into a formal electoral opportunity.

--IANS

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Lucknow, Aug 21 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday carried out a significant reshuffle in the state police, transferring nine IPS officers across various district and headquarters postings.

Avinash Pandey was attached to the headquarters, while IPS officer Charu Nigam was also sidelined and shifted from a key posting to a less significant role.

The Superintendent of Police was given charge of the 112 emergency response system. Meanwhile, the SSP of Jhansi received a promotion, and officers from Jhansi were posted to important positions in Meerut.

According to the official transfer orders, Vinit Jaiswal (IPS 2014), who was serving as Superintendent of Police (SP), Gonda, has been posted as SP, Sultanpur. Charu Nigam (IPS 2014), the SP of Sultanpur, has been shifted to SP, UP‑112, Lucknow.

In a key change, Avinash Pandey (IPS 2015), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Meerut, has been transferred as SP attached to the headquarters of the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, in Lucknow. B.B.G.T.S. Murthy (IPS 2015), SSP, Jhansi, has been appointed SSP, Meerut.

Abhishek (IPS 2015), SP of Bijnor, has been posted as SP, Gonda. Vikas Kumar (IPS 2017), SP of Balrampur, has been elevated and transferred as SSP, Jhansi. Krishna Kumar (IPS 2018), SP of Sambhal, has been shifted as SP, Bijnor.

Among the other officers, Vikas Chandra Tripathi, who was serving as SP/Additional SP in Barabanki, has been posted as SP, Sambhal. Martand Prakash Singh, SP/Additional SP of Hardoi, has been transferred to Balrampur as SP.

The transfers involve a mix of district‑level Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), with some officers moving to key urban and sensitive districts. Others have been assigned headquarters roles.

The reshuffle covers districts including Gonda, Sultanpur, Meerut, Jhansi, Bijnor, Balrampur, Sambhal, Barabanki and Hardoi, along with a posting in the state capital.

The orders are expected to take effect immediately, and officers are directed to join their new assignments at the earliest. The changes are part of the routine administrative exercise undertaken by the state government to ensure effective policing across Uttar Pradesh.

--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, Aug 20 (IANS) Haryanvi brother duo 'Banjaare' are consistently breaking regional barriers by delivering back-to-back chart-toppers with 'Bairan' and 'Barsaat'.

Their latest release, 'Barsaat' is not only enjoying love from music lovers in the country, but is also making its presence felt across global charts, including Spotify, YouTube, Billboard, Apple and Shazam.

'Barsaat' has turned out to be one of the biggest regional-language releases of 2026, recording more than 40 million streams across audio platforms, along with 35 million views on YouTube.

In addition to this, ‘Barsaat’ has also been used for the Indian promotional campaign for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'.

Given the evocative sound and emotional storyline, the song is a good fit for Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'.

Reflecting on their recent success, Banjaare said the confidence that commenced with the success of 'Bairan', reached a new level with 'Barsaat'.

Banjaare said, “This moment feels surreal. ‘Bairan’ gave us the confidence that our sound could connect with audiences far beyond Haryana, but seeing ‘Barsaat’ reach No. 1 on Spotify India and featuring in global charts has taken that belief to another level. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us and made these songs their own. Sony Music India has been an important part of this journey, believing in our music and helping us take our sound to audiences across India and beyond."

They further shared that the association of 'Barsaat' with Spider-Man is something they could never have even imagined.

"Being associated with the Spider-Man: Brand New Day campaign is another milestone we could never have imagined. For us, this is not just about two successful songs, but a proud moment for us that the sound of Haryana is breaking regional boundaries and resonating with audiences on the global stage," they concluded.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 20 (IANS) The creators of the musical reality show 'Tamil Idol' on Thursday announced that well known actress and singer Andrea Jeremiah and playback singers Benny Dayal and Karthik would be the judges of the inaugural season of the eagerly awaited reality show.

For the unaware, the globally iconic Indian Idol franchise is to make its debut in Tamil this season. The show has been titled 'Tamil Idol'.

Sony, on Thursday, announced the names of the powerhouse trio, who, it said would mentor, critique, and champion the state's finest grassroots talent. The three judges, Sony said, would bring the perfect balance of technical mastery, stage-shattering energy, and modern musicality to the panel.

With A.R. Rahman leading the charge, 'Tamil Idol' will begin its first auditions in Chennai on August 23. Aspiring singers aged between 14 and 30 years of age can audition at Velammal Vidyalaya Annexure, Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai, for an opportunity to be part of this landmark talent hunt. The show is to be streamed on Sony Vizha and Sony Liv.

Sharing their excitement about joining the biggest musical reality show in the country, the judges conveyed their heartfelt wishes to the singers who would be coming for auditions.

Singer Karthik said, “Tamil Nadu has such a deep and diverse musical culture, and I am certain that 'Tamil Idol' is going to uncover voices that will surprise and inspire us. For me, the most exciting part of being a judge is not just listening to a great singer but recognizing potential and helping an artiste discover what they are truly capable of. With A.R. Rahman Sir guiding this journey, we have a wonderful opportunity to create a platform where new talent can really flourish. I cannot wait to hear what Tamil Nadu has to offer.”

Benny Dayal said, “I have had the opportunity to be part of the 'Hindi Idol' journey multiple times, and every time I walked onto that stage, I was blown away by the incredible talent that came forward. You realise that there are so many voices across the country with stories, dreams and an extraordinary musical instinct. To now be part of 'Tamil Idol' and have the opportunity to discover and work with talent from Tamil Nadu is something I am genuinely excited about. I have studied in Chennai, lived here for almost 10 years and built my career in Tamil music. So, to see the journey of Tamil music and the city evolve from then to now makes being part of 'Tamil Idol' even more special. I feel very happy and grateful to be part of this journey, and I cannot wait to see what the next generation of singers brings to the stage. This is going to be a very special journey.”

Andrea Jeremiah, for her part, said, “Music has always been an integral part of who we are as Tamilians, and I believe some of the most extraordinary voices are waiting to be discovered across the state. What excites me about 'Tamil Idol' is the opportunity to meet singers from different backgrounds, with different influences and stories, and watch them bring their individuality to the stage. I am really looking forward to this journey and to being part of a platform that gives these voices the opportunity to be heard, nurtured, and celebrated.”

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 20 (IANS) Actor Singer-songwriter Sam Smith has heaped praise on the Queen of Pop, Madonna. They said that her music has been a crucial "lifeline" for queer people.

They shared that her music has served as a personal anchor for them as an artiste. Sam called the ‘Like a Virgin’ icon as a “mother” figure who voices support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Sam appeared on ‘The Zane Lowe Show’, and said, “Madonna is my mother. She’s just unf****** real”.

The moment she heard about the backlash to their Kim Petras collaboration ‘Unholy’, its music video and performances of the song, Madonna reached out to Sam. The music video and performances were called out for provocative imagery, queer themes, and even accused of devil worship.

They said, “She (Madonna), the minute it happened, she made sure she got through to me. And she’s so aware of queer news and what’s happening in the community, (what’s happening) to the artists within the community”.

Talking about Madonna's longstanding support of the LGBTQ+ community, they said, “You feel that in her music. Her music is a lifeline to queer people and just all of the eras of her and her stamina and how she’s just always carried on and on and on. I just find it very inspiring. I think a lot of queer people find (her music) inspiring. And it’s not just a comfort in my personal life; it’s a comfort in my music”.

The Queen of Pop presented Sam and Kim Petras, 33, with their award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance prize for ‘Unholy’ at the 2023 Grammys, where she celebrated the duo's "fearlessness" amid the controversy.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 20 (IANS) Actor Harman Singha, who was recently evicted from the reality show ‘The Traitors’, has said that reality shows have always been in the vogue.

Harman spoke with IANS after he left the show along with Karan Singh, Soundous Mouafakir, Harman Singha and Munawar Faruqui.

Reality shows have become a major avenue or a career path for celebrities from across spaces. They are trying to move towards the space of reality shows.

When asked if he thinks that this is more because of the actual experience that they're going after or is it the visibility that they want to cultivate, he said, “Reality shows have never gone out of fashion like ‘Bigg Boss’. There's so many shows that we watch”.

“The thing is, I think the lines of what defines an artist have changed. All of those categories are different. You can be a part of all kinds of storytelling. Which is like audiences becoming much more aware”, he added.

Earlier, Harman spoke about his brother Rannvijay Singha, and said that Rannvijay would have had the same fate as Munawar on the show.

He said, “Rannvijay would have had the same problem which happened with (co contestant) Munawar (Faruqui). When the opening batsman comes to hit the century on 30 balls, then all the bowlers, all the fielders get scared. That's what happened”.

He revealed that before entering the show, the brothers had a chat about the same thing and they agreed that they will be targeted first, regardless of whether he is innocent or a traitor.

“But I wish I had learned something else from my brother because he knows all these things very well. He is very established in reality shows. This was the first experience for me”, he added.

--IANS

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