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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) The prestigious beauty festival, 'Miss World', is set to return to India for its 72nd edition. Telangana has been chosen to host the global event in 2025, spanning from May 7th to May 31st. The opening and closing ceremonies, along with the grand finale, are scheduled to take place in Hyderabad.

An official announcement was made by Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO, Miss World Limited, along with Ms. Smita Sabharwal, Secretary to the Government of Telangana, Tourism, Culture, Heritage and Youth Affairs Department.

Julia Morley expressed her excitement about this collaboration saying, “We are delighted to bring the 72nd Miss World Festival to Telangana, a state that beautifully represents its rich culture, innovation, and hospitality. Partnering with the Telangana government allows us to showcase its incredible heritage and dynamic growth to a global audience. This collaboration is not just about hosting the Miss World Festival; it’s about empowering communities, celebrating diversity, and making a lasting impact through our shared commitment to beauty with a purpose.”

Sharing a similar sentiment, Ms. Smita Sabharwal stated, “Telangana is proud to announce that it will be hosting the 72nd Miss World 2025, welcoming the world to witness a land where beauty is not just what meets the eye; it is what resonates with its land, people, culture, and traditions. Telangana is a place where every festival is a spectacle of joy, where every hand that crafts tells a story of skill and devotion—this is Telangana, a reflection of what true beauty symbolizes .”

She added, “Hosting the 72nd Miss World Festival is to tell the world that Telangana is ready—ready to showcase its spirit, its warmth, and its boundless potential.”

'Miss World' will be bringing together participants from over 120 countries and territories competing for the coveted title.

The nations’ representatives are scheduled to arrive in Telangana on May 7th. The reigning 'Miss World', Krystyna Pyszková from Czechia will be crowning her successor on May 31st.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Actor Randeep Hooda, who is known for his work in ‘Sarbjit’, ‘Sultan’, ‘Jannat 2’, ‘Extraction’, ‘Laal Rang’ and ‘Highway’, has started dubbing for his upcoming project ‘Jaat’ on Wednesday.

The film is directed by Gopichand Malineni, and promises to deliver an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience. The film also stars Sunny Deol, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, and Regina Cassandra. Each actor brings their unique intensity and depth to their roles, ensuring a captivating viewing experience. The action choreography is done by Anal Arasu, Ram Laxman, and Venkat, who deliver a visual feast of exhilarating combat.

The film features the soundtrack composed by Thaman S composing the soundtrack and Rishi Punjabi behind the lens as the Director of Photography. The film sets the stage for a top-tier production, crafted with precision and passion. The editing is done by Navin Nooli, while Avinash Kolla's production design will transport audiences into the heart of the film’s gripping world.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on April 10, 2025.

Earlier last year, Randeep made his directorial debut with the historical biopic ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ based on the Indian freedom fighter and politician VD Savarkar

Prior to its release, Randeep said that method acting is often an abused term in the Hindi film industry.

The actor appeared on the ‘Beer Biceps’ podcast, and said, “Method acting term has been given a different colour altogether. Actors ke chochle doosre log jhelein, use method acting ka naam diya jata hai (method acting has been made a means to tolerate the tantrums of actors, it has got to that point)”.

He added, “Actors often say, ‘I won’t do this, I won’t do that. I won’t talk to the artiste with whom I’m about to engage in a fight sequence for the film”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Shalini Passi, known for her stint in the popular reality series “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives,” recently shared her excitement about the show earning an IIFA nomination.

In a statement, she opened up about the recognition and what it means for the show. Shalini shared, “This recognition at the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards is a testament to the growing impact of reality storytelling. I’m beyond thrilled to celebrate this journey on such a prestigious stage, surrounded by artists, storytellers, and audiences from across the globe.”

She added, “Being part of IIFA’s grand 25th anniversary in the enchanting city of Jaipur is truly an honor. This milestone event beautifully showcases the magic of Indian cinema and its incredible power to unite cultures across the world. Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is rich in cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and historical significance, making it even more special.”

“Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives” has been nominated in the Best Reality or Non-Scripted Series at the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards – ‘Where the Digital Realm Takes Centre Stage.’ Besides the original cast, Neelam Kothari Soni, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey and Seema Sajdeh, this season featured new faces- Ranbir Kapoor's sister Riddhima Kapoor, Kalyani Saha and Shalini Passi.

Shalini is an entrepreneur and the wife of Sanjay Passi, chairman of PASCO Group. Backed by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, "Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives season 3" premiered on October 18 on Netflix.

Talking about the award show, the much-awaited Silver Jubilee celebration of the IIFA Awards will take place on March 8th and 9th, 2025, at the renowned Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This year's event is set to be a spectacular one, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kartik Aaryan co-hosting the IIFA 2025 for the first time. Karan Johar will serve as the host for the main ceremony, while Aparshakti Khurana will take the reins for the IIFA Digital Awards.

Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at IIFA 2025.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (IANS) Pulkit Samrat is gearing up for his much-awaited OTT debut with 'Glory'. The 'Fukrey' actor will be seen playing a boxer in the sports-crime drama. In order to look the part, he has intensified his fitness routine.

Recently, Pulkit Samrat's trainer took to social media and shared a video of the actor practicing boxing on a treadmill. He can be seen throwing punches while holding dumbbells. The clip goes to highlight the sheer intensity of his training, along with his dedication to the role.

Over the past few weeks, Pulkit Samrat has been consistently posting sneak peeks of his strength training, endurance drills, and combat workouts on the internet.

Touted to be a sports crime series, 'Glory' has been produced by Mohit Shah and Karan Anshuman under the banner of Atomic Films. The series boasts an ensemble cast with Pulkit Samrat, Divyendu Sharma, and Suvinder Vicky.

"Glory" follows the story of a violent attack that tears a family apart, forcing Raghubir Singh, a revered boxing coach, to reconcile with his estranged sons, Dev and Ravi.

Talking about the series, producers Mohit Shah and Karan Anshuman shared, “Glory is a story close to our hearts. At its core, it’s a gripping murder mystery intricately woven against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of sports, bringing together two electrifying genres. With its propulsive action and relentless twists, Glory promises to keep audiences hooked. Partnering with Netflix has given us the platform to bring this bold vision to life for a global audience.”

On a different note, Pulkit Samrat and his better half, Kriti Kharbanda recently celebrated their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple in the most adorable way. As Pulkit Samrat is shooting in Punjab at the moment, the couple exchanged wishes over a video call.

The love birds used social media to drop a snippet of their adorable long-distance celebration.

Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda captioned the post, "Long distance wala valentine!", along with three red heart emojis.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (IANS) After sparking a heated debate online with her breast pump photo, actress Radhika Apte has shared her first post.

Taking to her Instagram account, the 'Sister Midnight' actress shared an adorable photo featuring her baby girl and husband, Benedict Taylor. Although their faces aren't visible in the image, it captures the father-daughter duo posing with their wrists touching each other’s hand.For the caption, Radhika wrote, "Happy birthday to the man with the big hand. We love you and we are very lucky to have you #birthdayboy #favoriteperson #boxingbuds.”

Meanwhile, Apte recently grabbed headlines after sharing a picture from the British Academy Film Awards, where she was seen breast-pumping milk.

Sharing the same on her IG handle, the 'Phobia' actress wrote, “And now my BAFTAs reality #breastfeeding #postpartum #breastpump I have to thank Natasha @tashtash07 for making it possible for me to attend the BAFTAs. She scheduled the itinerary around my breast pumping timings. She not only accompanied me to the washroom to express milk but more importantly brought me champagne in the loo It’s hard as is to be a new mum and work, this level of care and sensitivity is rare in our film industry and much appreciated. #baftas2025 #sistermidnight #postpartum.”

Her post divided the internet. Many fans expressed their sadness that, even in the 21st century, women like Radhika still have to pump milk in a washroom, highlighting how this simple act remains stigmatized in the country. While some appreciated her effort to normalize breastfeeding and breast pumping, they also voiced their discomfort with the fact that she had to do it in such an inconvenient and uncomfortable setting, pointing to the lack of proper facilities for mothers.

Radhika and her husband, Benedict, welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in late 2024. The actress shared the joyous news on Instagram in December 2024, posting a photo of herself with her newborn. In the caption, she wrote, “First work meeting back after birth, with our one-week-old at my breast...”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (IANS) Actor-director Sudhanshu Rai has shared insights into why his upcoming project "Baida" stands out as a unique cinematic venture.

According to Rai, the film offers an unprecedented exploration of the fictional world, blending innovative storytelling with stunning visuals to deliver a never-before-seen experience. In a statement, 'Baida’s lead actor and writer, Sudhanshu, said, “My promise to my listeners and fans that they will soon be able to enjoy a never-before-seen cinematic experience of the fictional world I have developed over the years is fulfilled by Baida.”

He added, “A unique treat is in store for audiences across all age groups, from the Gen Z to the elderly. The plot revolves around a former spy who gets stuck in a dark entrapment that defies time and death. We hope that people will adore Baida's distinct and fantastical illusionary environment.”

On February 11, the makers of the upcoming thriller released its teaser which began with a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the immortality of the soul. It then transitioned to the protagonist entering a 'world of darkness,' where he ultimately falls victim to the devil. “Baida” follows the protagonist's intense battle with a malevolent force as he journeys through various places and dimensions in a desperate fight for survival.

Speaking about her character, Shobhit, a journalist-turned-actor, shared, “I play the character of Golu in Baida, and he is probably the most lovable character in the film. He speaks Bhojpuri, has a carefree attitude, and is the breather amidst intense characters and situations. I hope the audience will be entertained by Golu and will smile, laugh, and cry with him when they meet him in the theatres.”

Directed by Puneet Sharma, “Baida” also stars Manisha Rai, Shobhit Sujay, ⁠Sourabh Raaj Jain, Hiten Tejwani, ⁠Tarun Khanna, Siddharth Banerjee, Deepak Wadhwa, Akhlaq Ahmad Azad, and Pradeep Kabra in pivotal roles.

The sci-fi supernatural thriller will release in cinemas on March 21.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (IANS) Rashmika Mandanna loves to treat her InstaFam with her adorable social media posts. The 'Animal' actress recently took to her Instagram and posted a cute picture of herself.

Rashmika Mandanna can be seen wearing a special crown on her head made from beautiful red flowers as she pouts for the camera.

She also asked a very crucial question to her fans in the caption, "Hey there. How does this crown look?"

Rashmika Mandanna played Maharani Yesubai in her last release, "Chhaava". The film that reached cinema halls on February 14 has been receiving lots of love from the audience. The diva took to her IG and penned a heartfelt note on her journey of transforming into Maharani Yesubai.

She wrote on the photo-sharing app, "A girl from the south playing Maharani Yesubai. That was something I never had on my radar.. never thought it was possible, and that’s why I love working with people who give us the hope to dream beyond boundaries. And then the maharani came in all her glory. She is fierce - she is powerful - she is graceful - she is a true queen. Her love is the love I truly relate to - it’s so pure so divine and so respectful and so true that Maharaj and Maharani are always connected beyond just words."

Additionally, showing her admiration for director Laxman Utekar, the 'Pushpa' actress wrote, "Laxman sir (@laxman.utekar)- I adore you so much. And I have never said this to you before, but you truly are THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PERSON I'VE EVER MET. I truly feel really blessed to have met you and known you. I don’t speak much because I am too shy to have conversations, but I mean every word."

Basking in the success of "Chhaava", Rashmika Mandanna will next be seen alongside Salman Khan in ‘Sikandar’. Helmed by A.R. Murugadoss, the much-awaited flick will be released in theatres during Eid 2025.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 18 (IANS) National Award winning editor, K L Praveen, who is rated highly in the Tamil and Telugu film industries, has now called actor Mahesh Babu’s film ‘Maharishi’, which released in the year 2019, a “cinematic masterpiece”.

Taking to his instagram timeline, Praveen, who was also the editor of the film, wrote, “Maharshi – A Journey of Success & Social Change. A film that beautifully blends ambition, friendship, and responsibility, ‘Maharshi’ is a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with every heart.”

The editing ace also went on to add, “From high-stakes corporate drama to rural empowerment, every frame was crafted to keep the narrative gripping and emotionally engaging. Editing this film was all about enhancing its depth and making its impact stronger.”

He then went on to ask his followers on which moment from the film inspired them the most.

Maharishi, which was directed by Vamshi Paidipally, featured Mahesh Babu, Pooja Hegde and Allari Naresh in the lead. The film, which was a commercial success, emerged a blockbuster, making a worldwide gross of over Rs 200 crores. In fact, the film went on to become the third highest grossing film in the year 2019.

The film also won two National Awards – one for the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and one for Best Choreography.

The story of the film, which was jointly written by Vamshi Paidipally, Hari and Solomon, had lyrics by Shreemani. The action sequences in the film were choreographed by Ram-Lakshman and music for the film was scored by Devi Sri Prasad.

Cinematography for the film was by KU Mohanan. Three production houses – namely Vyjayanthi Movies, Sri Venkateshwara Creations and PVP Cinema jointly produced the film.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Feb 17 (IANS) Singer-actress Selena Gomez’s mother was the one to link them up. Selena ‘s mother revealed that she played cupid in her relationship with fiance Benny Blanco.

Selena and her beau spoke with the media together for the first time, and dropped interesting insights, reports ‘People’ magazine.

In their first joint interview with ‘Interview’ magazine, the couple opened up about how Selena’s mom, Mandy Teefey, first linked them up.

“I was around 16, 17”, Selena said of when she first met Blanco, whom she got engaged to in December 2024.

As per ‘People’, Benny Blanco then revealed that Selena’s mother had set up a meeting for them to discuss music.

“And we first had music come out in 2013 or something”, he told the outlet. “Her mom set up a meeting between the two of us. This is right when I became big and she wasn’t a singer yet”.

Along with Selena’s stepfather, Brian Teefey, Mandy, 48, managed her daughter's career for eight years as she rose to fame on the Disney Channel.

“When she started putting out music, I was so into it. I feel like she was the original sad girl”, Benny Blanco shared of Gomez being with Disney Records at the time. “Everyone was like (beatboxes) and she was like, (sings) ‘I just want to look good for you’, (Laughs) I was drawn to it”.

The singer-actress went on to explain how she started to develop feelings for her other half while they were working on a song together.

“It was really simple”, the ‘Emilia Perez’ star said. “We got in the studio to work on a song and we just talked; that’s how easy it was for me. I liked him before he liked me”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who is known for chartbusters like ‘Barso Re’, ‘Aami Je Tomar’, ‘Ve Kamleya’ and others, is all set to release her new track ‘Namo Shankara’ on Monday.

The track is an ode to Lord Shiva, and promises to touch hearts with its devotional essence. Shreya announced on her social media, sharing her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Mahadev through music.

On Monday, Shreya took to her Instagram, and shared the poster of the song. She wrote in the caption, “Har Har Mahadev! This Mahashivratri, let devotion take over as we present #NamoShankara—a soul-stirring offering to the divine. This song is an ode to the supreme energy of Mahadev. Feel the power and lose yourself in the chants of Shiva. Coming soon! Stay tuned”.

‘Namo Shankara’ promises a deeply devotional and spiritual experience, filled with reverence for Mahadev. Fans are eagerly excited to witness this divine melody and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, as Shreya Ghoshal’s voice adds to the festivities.

2024 has been an incredible year for Shreya Ghoshal, with two massive hits. Her songs ‘Ami Je Tomar’ from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and ‘Angaaron’ from ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ became chartbusters, further cementing her place as a music industry legend.

Earlier, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal appeared on the quiz based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, and crooned a special rendition of the song ‘Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina’ for veteran Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan.

A promo video shared by the makers of the show featured Sonu and Shreya at the hot seat, as Sonu tells Big B, “I and Shreya thought that we will do something special for you. This is the first time we are doing this. This is just our love for you”.

The clip then showed Sonu singing the Hindi version of the song, and Shreya singing the song in Bangla. While Sonu was dressed in a crimson coloured suit, Shreya donned a beautiful black saree. ‘Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina’ is from the film ‘Abhimaan’ which starred Big B and his wife Jaya Bachchan.

--IANS

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