Los Angeles, Sep 29 (IANS) Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone is looking forward to being a father-in-law. The 80-year-old actor has raved about his soon-to-be son-in-law, Michael Sheehan, who is engaged to his eldest daughter, Sophia Stallone.

He recently appeared on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’. “She did get engra**”, Sylvester fumbled before saying, “It’s hard for me to say it because, like, it’s time to have a, you know, new life of her own. But she found a great man, great fiance, Michael”.

The show host Jimmy Fallon pointed out that it must be “tough” and “intimidating” for people to date Sylvester’s daughters.

Responding to the same, the actor said, “Yeah, a little bit”. Fortunately for Sheehan, Sylvester likes him “very, very much”.

He told Fallon, “I think he’s a stand-up guy, great, good-looking, got everything going”.

Another man pursuing a daughter of Sylvester’s friend, however, wasn’t so lucky.

He further mentioned, “I remember once, there was a very famous man. He did not like the guy his daughter was dating. Said, ‘Could you do something?’ So I went home, got my Rambo outfit, headband, fake blood, knife, full-on bandolero. So he knocks at the door, and he’s like this little comedian-type guy, got the hat on sideways. And I go, ‘What do you want?’ He goes, ‘If you touch her, it’s like touching me, and I will cut you from here to here (motions from top of head to midsection)’. Like, that was it. He never came back”.

Sylvester shares his three daughters, Sophia, 30, Sistine, 28, and Scarlet, 24, with wife Jennifer Flavin, and son Seargeoh, 47, with ex-wife Sasha Czack. The former couple’s son Sage died in 2012 at the age of 36.

Sophia and Sheehan announced their engagement in a joint post on Instagram.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Sep 29 (IANS) Hollywood actor Casey Affleck was always very confident about his friend Matt Damon making it big in Hollywood. Affleck had "no doubt" that his friend of 4 decades was going to be a massive star.

The 51-year-old actor lived with older brother Ben Affleck and their childhood friend while they were chasing their acting dreams.

He has now spoken up on the early promise his friend showed at a young age. He recently attended the Zurich Film Festival, where he said, "We all had the same theatre teacher, and lots of actors came through this one theater department. We were in a big public school, and we just had this great theatre teacher, and he made kids fall in love with theatre and acting”.

He further mentioned, “Matt was always a bit of a showoff. (He was) outgoing and would do talent shows and stuff. And there was no doubt where he was headed, but the rest of us were trying to figure it out”.

The two brothers were encouraged to act by their parents with their father working as a stage manager. Casey has also appeared in the films like ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘Ocean's Eleven’.

He shared, "Matt is a super talented actor. He’s a funny case because he’s a very talented actor who has a kind of movie star persona, a matinee idol appeal, at the same time, which Ben and I don’t really have. Ben seems more like a movie star and has leaned into the leading man thing right from early on”.

“I saw that and I thought, ‘Man, I’ll forever be thought of as an outsider, no matter what I do’. "You can win an Oscar, or you can do a big giant studio movie, and I think the public just thinks of people one way, and then it takes a lot to change that. I was sitting with it for a second, and I thought, ‘Am I crazy? I love that’. I don’t want to be an insider. I love being an outsider. I would much rather be an outsider in Hollywood than be an insider in Hollywood. I don’t think it’s a great culture. I don’t love the movies that are made by Hollywood. I don’t love the system of Hollywood, and I’m very happy being thought of as an outsider”, he added.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Sep 29 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an inquiry into the death of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Bhopal district general secretary and young advocate Divyarishi Tiwari, who allegedly died of electrocution after coming in contact with a roadside electric pole late last week.

Chief Minister Yadav has directed the district administration to investigate the incident and take appropriate legal action based on its findings.

The Chief Minister also expressed condolences to the bereaved family in a statement issued on Monday evening.

"The news of the tragic death of Divyarishi Tiwari—District General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (Bhopal City) and a young advocate—in an accident is heart-wrenching. I offer my humble tributes to him," CM Yadav said.

Following the Chief Minister's direction, the Bhopal Collector Priyank Mishra constituted a four-member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding Tiwari's death.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within five days.

The panel comprises Additional Collector Sumit Pandey, Chief Medical and Health Officer Manish Sharma, Mohammad Javed, Executive Controller of Electricity Department, and Superintending Engineer Pradeep Singh Chouhan.

The incident took place on Sunday night in the MP Nagar police station area.

Tiwari had gone to a mall with his family for shopping when he allegedly came in contact with a roadside electric pole and suffered an electric shock.

He collapsed at the spot following the shock.

Traffic police personnel attempted to revive him by administering CPR and arranged for his immediate transportation to AIIMS Bhopal.

Doctors at the hospital examined Tiwari and declared him dead.

The incident has raised questions over the alleged leakage of electric current from the roadside pole.

The inquiry committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its findings to the district administration.

Chief Minister Yadav also prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the loss.

"I have instructed the district administration to conduct an inquiry and take appropriate legal action regarding this tragic incident," the Chief Minister said.

State BJP president and MLA Hemant Khandelwal also condoled Tiwari's death.

"Divyarishi Tiwari's untimely demise is deeply saddening. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this grief," Khandelwal said on social media platform X.

--IANS

pd/khz

Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) The Sarod Maestro Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan has said that his latest collaboration with the Grammy-nominated musician Krishna Das, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash is a humble offering towards peace and compassion.

The track is a meeting of voice and sarod that allows the sacred chant to unfold with remarkable simplicity. Krishna Das’ vocals carry the devotional essence of the chant, while Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan’s & Amaan – Ayaan’s sarod adds an instrumental dimension that is at once contemplative, emotive and deeply rooted in the Indian classical tradition.

Talking about the same, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan shared, “Music has always been a language beyond boundaries and Om Mani Padme Hum is a beautiful expression of that belief. It was a privilege to collaborate with Krishna Das, whose voice carries such sincerity, devotion and spiritual depth. I have always believed that when musicians come together with an open heart, music becomes much more than sound tracks, it becomes prayer”.

The track is a part of the album Chants for Unity which brings together sacred chants, shlokas, stotras and kirtan with the timeless vocabulary of the sarod.

He further mentioned, “I am grateful to Krishna Das, Amaan and Ayaan for bringing this beautiful collaboration to life. As part of ‘Chants for Unity’, this recording is our humble offering towards peace, compassion and the oneness that connects us all”.

The track features Krishna Das on vocals and Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan on sarod, with music production and arrangement.

Krishna Das said, “‘Chants for Unity’ comes from a very simple place, the understanding that music and prayer can take us beyond all the things that seem to divide us. When we chant together, something deeper awakens, something that belongs to all of us. I feel grateful to be part of this beautiful offering. My hope is that these chants bring peace, love and connection into the hearts of those who listen. Ultimately, we are not separate. We are one”.

The album features a total of 9 tracks, and also marks the vocal debut of Subhalakshmi Borooah Khan who has sung five out of the nine songs. Acclaimed bhajan singer Nina Rao helms the powerful Sankat Mochan Hanuman Chalisa, Singer Jai Uttal has given vocals for Lotus Feet and Pandit Vijaykumar & Pandit Narayanan with their team has chanted the deeply contemplative Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash said, “When Krishna Das was recording Om Mani Padme Hum it felt as though the Bodhisattva of Compassion himself had descended at our studio”.

“It was an enriching experience to collaborate with him and bring this entire album to life. Professionally this album will always be close to our hearts as we could finally convince our mother for her vocal debut”, they added.

--IANS

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Shillong, Sep 29 (IANS) Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) State President Prestone Tynsong has ramped up his attack on the Opposition 'Voice of the People Party' (VPP) during campaigning for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll, accusing the party of using social media to spread misleading narratives and questioning its development record in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

Addressing an election meeting at Wahlyngkhat village under Pynursla Block, Tynsong said on Monday that the NPP had reflected on its defeats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and the 2025 Autonomous District Council polls and attributed part of the setbacks to the influence of social media.

He alleged that false and misleading claims circulated online had influenced voters and helped political parties win elections without a factual basis.

Tynsong specifically targeted the VPP, which controls the KHADC, and asked it to explain the changes it had brought about since receiving the people's mandate.

"I want that such people should give an answer in front of us, the public. The public has given you the mandate to govern in the district council. What is the change?" he said.

Tynsong also criticised the VPP over its attempt to amend the Land Act, which was returned by the Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar.

He alleged that the proposed changes could affect the traditional roles and powers of institutions such as the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima.

The remarks came as campaigning gathers momentum for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election.

The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting VPP MP Ricky Andrew Jones Syngkon on February 19, 2026.

Syngkon died after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing futsal in Shillong.

The Election Commission has not yet announced the polling schedule, with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Meghalaya being among the factors delaying the bypoll.

The ruling National People's Party has fielded D.R.L. Nonglait, President of the Khasi Authors' Society and a professor at North-Eastern Hill University.

The NPP formally announced his candidature in May.

Nonglait's candidature places an academic at the centre of the NPP's campaign, while the VPP has nominated another academic, Batskhem Myrboh.

The political contest is also expected to feature candidates from other major political parties.

Tynsong urged voters to assess political parties on their work rather than social media narratives, as the NPP intensifies its campaign to win the Shillong Parliamentary seat.

--IANS

tdr/khz

Nagoya (Japan), Sep 29 (IANS) The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has reaffirmed that E-sports will continue in the Asian Games and will not be withdrawn after the ongoing 2026 edition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

In a statement issued on Monday, OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam stated that E-sports would continue "within the Asian Games" and that the OCA would continue to support the development of E-sports in Asia.

The OCA said it has not made or issued any announcement regarding E-sports withdrawing from the Asian Games. The statement "E-sports withdraws from the Asian Games" circulating online does not align with the work arrangements of the OCA.

On September 19, 2026, the OCA signed a host city contract with Kuwait, confirming the hosting rights for the first Asian E-sports and Mind Sports Games in 2027.

Al Musallam said: "The popularity of E-sports in Asia is a key consideration for the OCA in making the aforementioned arrangements. The establishment of the Asian E-sports and Mind Sports Games aims to provide more platforms for Asian athletes to showcase their talents and will not diminish the status of E-sports within the Asian Games system.

"The OCA will continue to support the development of E-sports in Asia and will further promote and publicise E-sports in its other sporting events," Al Musallam added.

E-sports made its debut as a demonstration event at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang and became an official medal sport at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, yielding a total of seven gold medals. Its momentum and influence in Asia continue to rise.

At the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, there are a total of 11 e-sports events: Combat Sports, Pokemon Unite, Honour of Kings, League of Legends, Game for Peace Asian Games Edition, Peak Battle, Identity V Asian Games Edition, Naraka: Bladepoint, GT Racing 7, eFootball, and Magic Bubble Championship.

--IANS

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United Nations, Sep 28 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the countries at the epicentre of the Gulf War affecting the global economy and security, said on Monday that it seeks de-escalation and diplomacy to settle disputes peacefully.

“Our principled approach is rooted in de-escalation, bridge-building, the promotion of diplomacy and dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the rejection of the unlawful use or threat of force, as well as coercion,” UAE’s Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar told the General Assembly.

He highlighted the issue of three islands occupied by Iran: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which command a geostrategic position on access to the Strait of Hormuz.

“As Iran continues its occupation of the three Emirati islands, which we reject, the UAE has consistently called for a peaceful settlement of this conflict, whether through direct negotiations or by recourse to the International Court of Justice,” Al Marar said.

Iran took over the islands in 1971, and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has bases there. The US has attacked Abu Musa and Greater Tunb as the Gulf conflict escalated.

Without delving into specifics of the conflict, Al Marar stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and transit passage.

“We stress the need to secure and protect the safe flow of supply chains, trade and energy in accordance with international law, including the law of the sea and the principle of state sovereignty,” he said.

He added that despite crises, the UAE has pressed ahead with progress.

“This nation was forged not in the absence of challenges, but in defiance of them,” he said.

Although the UAE is one of the closest Arab countries to Israel, Al Marar condemned “in the strongest terms” Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories.

He said there is an urgent need to halt Israel’s escalation in the West Bank, settlement activities, settler violence, terrorism, and violations in East Jerusalem and at holy sites.

Media reports said Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

--IANS

ksk/dan

Bhubaneswar, Sep 28 (IANS) Despite the Odisha government and police emphasising measures to improve conviction rates in heinous crimes and crimes against women, the conviction rate in several major categories declined in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly on Monday that the conviction rate in rape cases fell from 13 per cent in 2024 to 11.6 per cent in 2025. Trials were completed in 1,666 rape cases in 2024, resulting in 216 convictions. In 2025, 1,467 trials concluded, with 170 convictions.

The conviction rate in attempted rape cases dropped from 9.3 per cent in 2024 to 5.1 per cent in 2025. Four of 43 cases ended in convictions in 2024, while only two of 39 cases did so in 2025.

Cases of assault on women with intent to outrage modesty saw a marginal decline from 3.8 per cent in 2024 to 3.6 per cent in 2025. In 2024, 127 convictions were recorded in 3,378 trials, while in 2025, 153 convictions were recorded in 4,265 trials.

Convictions in cases of cruelty by husband or relatives fell from 2.4 per cent in 2024 to 1.5 per cent in 2025. In 2024, 53 convictions were recorded in 2,192 trials, while in 2025, 50 convictions were recorded in 3,323 trials.

The conviction rate in cases involving insult to the modesty of women also fell from 3.6 per cent in 2024 to 2.9 per cent in 2025. In 2024, 21 convictions were recorded in 591 trials, while in 2025, 15 convictions were recorded in 515 trials.

In contrast, conviction rates in POCSO cases rose significantly from 11.8 per cent in 2024 to 18.7 per cent in 2025. There were 190 convictions out of 1,615 trials in 2024, compared to 396 convictions out of 2,113 trials in 2025.

Convictions in dowry death cases also increased from 8.4 per cent in 2024 to 9.4 per cent in 2025. Nine convictions were recorded out of 107 trials in 2024, while nine convictions were recorded out of 95 trials in 2025.

The CM said Odisha recorded 32,687 crimes against women in 2025, compared to 18,013 cases between June and December 2024. Between January and July 2026, 21,069 cases were reported. From June 2024 to July 2026, Odisha recorded a total of 71,769 crimes against women.

--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

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, Sep 29 (IANS) The Sarod Maestro Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan has said that his latest collaboration with the Grammy-nominated musician Krishna Das, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash is a humble offering towards peace and compassion.

The track is a meeting of voice and sarod that allows the sacred chant to unfold with remarkable simplicity. Krishna Das’ vocals carry the devotional essence of the chant, while Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan’s & Amaan – Ayaan’s sarod adds an instrumental dimension that is at once contemplative, emotive and deeply rooted in the Indian classical tradition.

Talking about the same, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan shared, “Music has always been a language beyond boundaries and Om Mani Padme Hum is a beautiful expression of that belief. It was a privilege to collaborate with Krishna Das, whose voice carries such sincerity, devotion and spiritual depth. I have always believed that when musicians come together with an open heart, music becomes much more than sound tracks, it becomes prayer”.

The track is a part of the album Chants for Unity which brings together sacred chants, shlokas, stotras and kirtan with the timeless vocabulary of the sarod.

He further mentioned, “I am grateful to Krishna Das, Amaan and Ayaan for bringing this beautiful collaboration to life. As part of ‘Chants for Unity’, this recording is our humble offering towards peace, compassion and the oneness that connects us all”.

The track features Krishna Das on vocals and Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan on sarod, with music production and arrangement.

Krishna Das said, “‘Chants for Unity’ comes from a very simple place, the understanding that music and prayer can take us beyond all the things that seem to divide us. When we chant together, something deeper awakens, something that belongs to all of us. I feel grateful to be part of this beautiful offering. My hope is that these chants bring peace, love and connection into the hearts of those who listen. Ultimately, we are not separate. We are one”.

The album features a total of 9 tracks, and also marks the vocal debut of Subhalakshmi Borooah Khan who has sung five out of the nine songs. Acclaimed bhajan singer Nina Rao helms the powerful Sankat Mochan Hanuman Chalisa, Singer Jai Uttal has given vocals for Lotus Feet and Pandit Vijaykumar & Pandit Narayanan with their team has chanted the deeply contemplative Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash said, “When Krishna Das was recording Om Mani Padme Hum it felt as though the Bodhisattva of Compassion himself had descended at our studio”.

“It was an enriching experience to collaborate with him and bring this entire album to life. Professionally this album will always be close to our hearts as we could finally convince our mother for her vocal debut”, they added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Rapper KARMA, who has created the song ‘Game Over’ from the upcoming film ‘Drishyam The Conclusion’, has said that the song reflects the film’s central theme of unpredictability.

The song carries an unapologetically raw energy, and captures the feeling of a game that has gone too far, where every move has consequences and there is no room left to back down. It taps into the pressure, uncertainty and sharp turns that define Vijay Salgaonkar’s world, while bringing a contemporary rap sound to the final chapter of the ‘Drishyam’ franchise. The song is composed, written and sung by KARMA and produced by KARMA and AK4EAL.

Talking about the song, Rapper KARMA said, “‘Game Over’ started with the title itself. I wanted to make something that had attitude, but also felt connected to the world of the film. There is a lot of unpredictability in Drishyam The Conclusion and I wanted the song to carry some of that energy without spelling everything out. I had a very clear sound in my head when I started writing it, so I ended up doing everything myself, the lyrics, composition and vocals. Once it came together, it had that feeling of something being pushed right to the edge, which is exactly where I wanted the song to live”.

The track brings a rugged, darker and confrontational edge to the world of Vijay Salgaonkar, reflecting the mounting pressure and the forces closing in around him. With the soundtrack moving between revenge, emotion and now confrontation, ‘Game Over’, adds another layer to the world of Drishyam The Conclusion, one that feels darker, more unpredictable and ready to explode. It is the sound of the pressure finally boiling over.

‘Game Over’ is out now on all streaming platforms and is released under the label of Sony Music India.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who hosts the streaming reality show ‘Rise & Fall’, has recollected the moments that exemplify the rise and fall in his professional career as a cricketer.

He spoke with IANS during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the city, and shared that life is a constant battle between fleeting happiness and challenging situations that test a person’s grit.

He told IANS, “In my life Rise and fall has happened a lot. I played my first match in 1999, the match was drawn so, I experienced the fall. Then I made a comeback, and scored the fastest 100 that was the rise for me. In 2007, I was dropped from the team, that was the fall. In 2008, I made a second triple century then I rose again. Life is all about ups and downs. It happens in life, if you keep playing”.

He further mentioned, “You are not Sachin Tendulkar, that you play for 20 years, and have a smooth sail. In everyone's life, rise and fall happen. But when you fall, you get a chance to make a solid foundation. When you rise, you become better”.

Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag took over the hosting duties from Ashneer Grover for the 2nd season of ‘Rise & Fall’. The reality series features 15 contestants competing over 42 days in a game built around power, strategy, alliances and shifting fortunes. The contestants are divided between the Rulers, who control the game from the Tower, and Workers, who live in the Basement and fight for opportunities to move up. Season 2 introduces an additional layer of audience participation, with viewers getting the power to influence who becomes a Ruler or Worker.

Swara Bhasker, Karan Patel, Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, Shehzad Poonawalla, Gautam Gulati, Tej Pratap Yadav, Sara Gurpal and Kajal Raghwani are a part of the show. The series marks Virender Sehwag’s streaming debut as a reality-show host

Produced by Banijay Asia, the show is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Actress Alia Bhatt wished hubby Ranbir Kapoor on his 44th birthday with some unseen romantic pictures of the two.

On Monday, the 'Jigra' actress posted an adorable photo of Ranbir seated on her lap as the two lovingly gaze into each other's eyes.

In the next pic, it seems like Ranbir is in the middle of a conversation with Alia, as the two enjoy some quality time in a restaurant.

Another pic showed the 'Barfi' actor standing on the sidewalk, looking up at the camera.

Alia also uploaded an adorable photograph of Ranbir holding little Raha in his arms. However, Raha's face was covered with a flower emoji.

This was followed by two snaps of Ranbir and Alia looking stunning in each other's company.

As the 'Animal' actor celebrated his special day, a video surfaced on social media where Ranbir and Alia are waving from the balcony of their Krishna Raj bungalow in Mumbai.

As part of his birthday celebration, Ranbir also held a cake-cutting ceremony with the paparazzi outside his Mumbai house.

The 'Wake Up Sid' actor was seen wearing a long grey full-sleeve shirt, along with pants, and a pair of stylish sunglasses.

Ranbir ended up cutting 3 cakes, one of which was shaped as the number '44'. After this, he even posed for some photographs. Before heading back, he thanked the paparazzi with folded hands.

Alia's mother and veteran actress Soni Razdan also wished her son-in-law with a special message on social media.

Calling him the “best man in the house”, Soni wrote, “Happy Birthday to the best man in the house. Loads of love and duas always #ranbir”.

For those who do not know, Alia and Ranbir reportedly fell for one another while working on Ayan Mukerji's fantasy drama 'Brahmastra'.

After dating for a few years, the couple finally tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Mumbai home in April 2022.

They welcomed their daughter, Raha, on 6 November 2022.

--IANS

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