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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Actor Aparshakti Khurana has opened up about his early struggles, his unconventional journey into the entertainment industry, and his dreams beyond acting.

The younger brother of Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurana was on the show Double Date, where he appeared alongside his wife Aakriti Khurana. The couple joined hosts Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi for the chat.

Reflecting on his early days in showbiz, Aparshakti shared, “There was a phase when I thought, what can be one way to shift to Bombay for me. So, there was a phase when I was a stylist in Mumbai.”

“I used to style some hosts who were hosting Bollywood shows on a very famous TV channel. Slowly, slowly, I will say goodbye to whatever I am doing now. Mera bohat mann hai, after 10-12 years to learn tailoring. Kapda kaise kaatna hai kaise silna hai,”

He further recalled the struggles of trying to make it in the industry before marriage and how life unexpectedly changed afterward.

“Jab main radio mein kaam kar kar raha tha, (when I was working on the radio)... or whatever small work I was doing before getting married, I used to text or email directors or casting directors or production houses or TV channels, no one replied to me even once,” he said.

The actor added: “The day I got married, I received replies from 3-year-old messages asking that they are now looking for a host and now if I can come and join them. I didn't believe in lady luck at all. But then I realised aisa bhi kuch ho sakta hai.”

The episode also turned emotional as Aparshakti remembered his late father and shared touching memories connected to Chandigarh.

Aparshakti is known for his work in films such as Dangal, Stree franchise, Pati Patni Aur Woh and the series Jubilee. He was last seen in Jab Khuli Kitaab, a romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Saurabh Shukla.

The film stars Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia as an elderly couple who decide to seek a divorce after 50 years of marriage.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Veteran actress-filmmaker Revathy paid an emotional tribute to filmmaker Bharathiraja, remembering how his films shaped both her career and her craft.

Revathy shared a string of images of herself from Bharathirajaa’s films such as Mann Vasanai, Pudumai Penn, Oru Kaidiyin Diary and Taj Mahal.

Calling him the foundation of the actor she is today, she bid farewell to her mentor as she wrote: “#bharathiraja Memories of Bharathirajaa sir who moulded my career and my performances… Mann Vasanai, Pudumai Penn, Oru Kaidiyin Diary and finally Taj Mahal. Each film taught me to perform differently. A foundation that has made me the actor I am today… RIP to my Guru.”

One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors Bharathirajaa passed aged 84. He had been battling health issues for some time now.

The director, who was honoured with the Padma Shri, has won several state and National Awards. In fact, he won the Tamil Nadu government's state award for best direction for his very first film, '16 Vayathinile', which featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in the lead.

The director, who has directed around 44 films in his illustrious career, has delivered several cult classics including the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Mann Vasanai', 'Pudhumai Penn', 'Vedham Pudhithu', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', 'Karuthamma' and 'Nadodi Thendral'.

Apart from directing, Bharathiraja was also a brilliant actor. He made his debut as an actor in Kallukkul Eeram and then went on to act in several movies, including Nizhalgal, Dhaavani Kanavugal, Idhayam, Aayudha Ezhuthu, Rettai Suzhi, Pandiya Naadu, Seethakaadhi, Maanaadu, Eeswaran, and Thiruchitrambalam.

Revathy is known for her works predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, in addition to Telugu, Hindi and Kannada films.

She is known for her versatility, natural acting, and ability to portray strong, relatable women. She has received numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Kerala State Film Award. In 1993, she was honoured with the Kalaimamani, the highest civilian award in the state of Tamil Nadu.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) There has been a massive debate about the objectification of women in movies ever since the makers of "Peddi" were trolled for the way they portrayed Jahnvi Kapoor in the Ram Charan starrer movie.

Now, speaking exclusively to IANS, veteran actress Madhoo shared that her superhit movie of 1991 "Phool Aur Kaante" glorified eve-teasing, something which will not be tolerated in today's time.

When asked if there is more objectification of women in the movies now compared to the 80s and the 90s, Madhoo shared that the cinema has to evolve according to the changing mindset of the audience.

She said "Back in the day, rape scenes were very easily accepted, which is why they were included in almost every film. No questions were raised about them. In fact, Ranjit sir was referred to as a 'rape specialist.' Such scenes would be depicted with pulling, struggling, and assault. I, too, was involved in one such scene." She continued "Today, rape scenes are rarely shown in films. Even when they are depicted, they are presented very subtly."

Giving an example of her own movie, she said that in "Phool Aur Kaante" she ends up falling for the guy who eve teases her, mistaking it for romance, but if today, something like this were to happen, the boy would be out behind bars.

She told IANS, "In Phool Aur Kaante, the first two songs are only eve-teasing. The boys are chasing on a college campus and whisling, and I am looking at it as romance, and we all looked at it as romance. I fall in love with the boy who is teasing me and harassing me. Today, you will call that and put him behind bars. If a boy chased you today in college and campus and did all this, it would not be accepted."

She added that, unlike today, "Phool Aur Kaante" was not called out for glorified eve-teasing, but instead became one of the biggest hits of the time.

"Therefore, today, you can't even show that in a movie, because if you show that in a movie and we start admiring it as an audience, then it may give subtle permission to young men that they can do this. But, you cannot do this, this is not romance, this is not love, this is eve-teasing, this is harassment. But the same thing has become the biggest hit in the 90s, and I am part of that hit. But that was not trolled, that was only made a big hit," added the 'Roja" actress.

"So, what I am trying to say is our cinema reflects our society. As the society changes, as the conversation changes, the movie has to reflect that," concluded Madhoo.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has spoken about the hold television serials can have over viewers. He went on to muse that engrossing narratives often compel audiences to invest emotionally in their favourite characters.

Amitabh took to his blog and wrote: “Ahh .. such a wonderful release .. pent up through ages .. building the buildings of want , and it appears in abundance… to say it out to relieve the cerebrum , to acquire posture , and the fluidity of move… (sic).”

“All falling into motion even for the smallest distance of travel .. to pick up to switch on to retrieve... the delight of removal of excess , and the joy of its sharing with the deserving ..... and the subjective learning of all that had remained unlearnt and accepted as unlearnt, now known and accepted at multiple options on your finger tips .. supreme ..(sic).

The cine icon wonders if others, too, begin adopting the behaviour and demeanour of those they root for on screen, wishing the storyline would unfold according to their own thoughts and desires.

“Is it just me or with others too .. watching a serial that coerces you to keep taking valuable time on its continuity, has the effect of drawing one into the narrative and opting for one of the characters that you prefer , giving rise to your behaviour and demeanor as the character .. !!

strange .. (sic).”

He added: “And the feel of wanting the story line to be doing justice to your thoughts and desires rather than what is being enacted before you on screen .. na .. ???!!!

long pause .. ok maybe not (sic).”

On the acting front, the thespian will reportedly be seen in Nitesh Tiwary’s upcoming magnum opus “Ramayana: Part 1”, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol. The icon will reportedly play the character of Jatayu.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and his partner Gauri Spratt were spotted walking hand in hand at the Mumbai airport on the early morning of Thursday.

The couple appeared relaxed and happy as they made their way through the airport terminal, looking head over heels in love.

In a video by IANS, Aamir was seen dressed in a casual black T-shirt, matching trousers, a black cap and his signature spectacles. Gauri complemented him in a navy-blue co-ord outfit.

The two were seen walking side by side and hand in hand engaging in conversation and sharing smiles as paparazzi clicked them.

The airport appearance comes amid reports of the actor all set to marry Gauri Spratt next month.

According to sources close to the development, the couple is expected to tie the knot on July 5 in an intimate ceremony.

Reports suggest that Aamir and Gauri have opted for a simple registered marriage at home in the presence of family members and a close circle of friends.

Ever since making their relationship public last year, Gauri has been seen accompanying Aamir on several occasions.

Interestingly, the two are believed to have known each other for nearly 25 years before their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship.

Aamir officially introduced Gauri to the media earlier this year during celebrations surrounding his 60th birthday.

Gauri is also a mother to a seven-year-old son and has largely stayed away from the spotlight.

On the personal front, Aamir was previously married to Reena Dutta, with whom he shares two children, Junaid Khan and Ira Khan. The couple parted ways in 2002. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005, and they welcomed their son Azad Rao Khan.

Aamir and Kiran announced their separation in 2021 but continue to maintain an amicable relationship and co-parent their son.

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Actress Kaley Cuoco, who is known for playing Penny in the sitcom “The Big Bang Theory”, has announced that she is all set to welcome her second child with fiance Tom Pelphrey.

Kaley took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images, including a sonogram. The handful of images featured the gender reveal and her blossoming baby bump.

“Completing our little family, what a dream come true! This second time around journey has been a little windier in many ways, but wow we are so grateful for this moment!! Little sissy on the way!!! @tommypelphrey girl dad for life and yes, the last pic is our dainty princess giving us the middle finger!” she wrote as the caption.

Cuoco and Pelphrey made their first public appearance as a couple at a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in May 2022.

Cuoco had confirmed her relationship with actor Tom Pelphrey in May 2022. Five months later, she announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child together. The actress gave birth to their daughter Matilda in March 2023. They announced their engagement in 2024.

Pelphrey is known for his work in the series Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Banshee, Iron Fist, Ozark, Outer Range, Love & Death, Task, Mank, and American Murderer.

Meanwhile, Cuoco starred as Bridget Hennessy in 8 Simple Rules and as the title character in the comedic thriller The Flight Attendant.

The actress went on to star as Billie Jenkins in the fantasy series Charmed, voiced the title role in the animated series Harley Quinn, and played the lead role in the comedy thriller series Based on a True Story.

Her film work includes Quicksand: No Escape and Growing Up Brady, as well as Virtuosity, Hop, The Wedding Ringer, The Man from Toronto, Meet Cute, and Role Play.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Bollywood actor Veer Pahariya has shared glimpses from his first-ever visit to Kashmir, on Wednesday night, describing the Valley as "truly Paradise on Earth".

He also expressed his admiration for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.

Taking to his social media account, Veer posted a series of pictures and videos from his trip. In the caption, he wrote, "Kashmir .. my first time .. met the warmest people thanks to @arslannizaami and @faheemabdullahworld ... truly PARADISE ON EARTH."

The carousel opened with a striking picture of Veer relaxing on a traditional ‘shikara’ as he cruised across the serene waters of Dal Lake.

Dressed in a loose beige shirt and dark trousers, the actor was seen soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

Other pictures shared by Veer, capture various moments from his Kashmir getaway. One picture showa Veer spending time outdoors amid lush green landscapes with mountains. Another featured him visiting a local stall, interacting with residents and exploring the region's culture.

He was also seen playing the local ring game, while several other scenic shots highlighted Kashmir's beauty.

The post also included glimpses of his shikara ride through Dal Lake.

On the professional front, Veer made his Bollywood debut earlier this year with the war drama 'Sky Force', alongside Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur. Based on India's first airstrike during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the movie introduced Veer in the role of Squadron Leader T. Krishna Vijaya, also known as Tabby. The film marked his first major acting assignment and brought him into the spotlight.

Apart from his performance in the movie, Veer also became a talking point on social media after his dance hook step in the song from 'Sky Force' went viral.

For the uninitiated, Veer, who is the grandson of former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, has also been making headlines for his personal life.

He was widely reported to be dating actress Tara Sutaria after the two were spotted together on multiple occasions. But neither Veer nor Tara ever officially confirmed their relationship. Recent reports suggest that the two may have parted ways, though neither has publicly addressed the breakup speculation either.

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Bollywood stalwart singer Sonu Nigam took a trip down memory lane as he shared a rare throwback picture featuring three generations of women from his family, on Wednesday night.

The singer posted a still from an old video shoot that captured his mother, grandmother and sister seated together in an auditorium.

Sharing the image on his social media account, Sonu wrote, "Mummy, Naani and Tinni, 3 generations during the shoot of Agam Kumar Nigam ji's shoot of his first video for his first album.. Main bhi kharidaar hoon."

The picture appears to be from the filming of singer Agam Kumar Nigam's music video for his debut album 'Main Bhi Kharidaar Hoon'.

In the picture, Sonu's mother and grandmother can be seen seated in the front row of an auditorium, while his sister Teesha Nigam, affectionately called Tinni, is seated beside them. The candid frame seems to capture a precious family moment from the early days of Agam Kumar Nigam's music career.

For the uninitiated, Agam Kumar Nigam was Sonu Nigam's father, and was a noted singer who performed extensively on stage and played a key role in introducing Sonu to music at a young age.

Reportedly, Sonu often accompanied his father to concerts as a child where he learnt and fell in love with music.

Sonu made his Bollywood playback debut in the early 1990s before achieving nationwide fame with songs from films such as 'Border', 'Pardes', 'Dil Se..', 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Veer-Zaara', 'Saathiya', '3 Idiots' and many others.

Apart from singing, Sonu also became a familiar face on television. He hosted the iconic music reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa', in the mid 90s era. One of the show's most celebrated contestants was singer Shreya Ghoshal, who was a teenager then

Sonu also appeared as a judge and mentor on several singing-based reality shows over the years.

---IANS

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Los Angeles, June 11 (IANS) Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney, who essays the role of Cassie Howard in the superhit streaming series ‘Euphoria’, isn’t quite ready to let her character go.

Cassie Howard’s story has concluded in the show but the actress is yet to have a closure, reports ‘Variety’.

The actress, already an Emmy nominee for the second season of ‘Euphoria’ in 2022, dove even deeper into the character for the recent third and final season.

The actress feels that her character is alien to the concept of love, as she told ‘Variety’, “I think that, unfortunately, she doesn’t know what love is. I think that she had a bad example with her dad. She didn’t grow up with an idea of what a healthy relationship looks like or what a healthy version of love is. Then, throughout high school, she gets treated terribly by boys, she’s just a piece of meat and a token”.

“She learns that all they want from her is her body, so that sets up an element of her not respecting herself and not looking for the right things in guys, because they’re not looking for the right things in her”, the actress added.

As per ‘Variety’, she still thinks about what else Cassie might get up to. Over the course of eight episodes, Cassie, whom we’d last seen as a painfully insecure high-schooler, experienced endless milestones of grown-up life, getting married to boyfriend Nate (played by Jacob Elordi), facing down her household’s bankruptcy and working as an OnlyFans model to pay the bills (and Nate’s debts).

Throughout, the show’s trademark surreality and sense of play allowed the actress to act out massive emotional swings and to edge into the absurd, as in a sequence where Cassie strides through Los Angeles, towering over buildings and dominating the men below.

Cassie has been a calling-card role for Sweeney, who had never played a part this meaty when the show launched in 2019. Since then, Sweeney has scaled up her ambition in acting and producing; never busier, Sweeney could well receive another Emmy nomination this summer. Given the role’s frank sexuality, it’s also sparked yet more of the endless conversation and controversy that seems to trail her.

In a conversation while on a break from the Australia set of anime adaptation ‘Gundam’, the actress said that she believes, or hopes, that when separated from the noise of the present moment, ‘Euphoria’ will age well, and that some of her critics might think, as she puts it: “Maybe we all had this very wrong”.

Every season, we never knew if we were going to be doing a follow-up season, so by the end of Season 1 or Season 2, I was having this bittersweet moment of continually saying goodbye to Cassie every single time. And because there are such big time jumps between each season, yes, I’m coming back to the same character, but I’m coming back to a different place in her life.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 10 (IANS) Popular television couple Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth revealed their daughter Veda's face on her 1st birthday this Wednesday.

Taking to their official Instagram handles, Ishita and Vatsal treated the fans with some adorable family photos in a joint post captioned, "And just like that, she is one. Happy Birthday, Veda. (sic)"

The glimpses from her first birthday bash show Veda dressed in a beautiful yellow dress, with two adorable ponytails on each side.

Both Ishita and Vatsal chose to twin in blush-blue colors for their daughter's special day.

We could also see a cartoon-themed birthday cake in the album.

Before this, while the parents were sharing glimpses of their little one on social media, they used to cover her face with a heart emoji.

In December last year, Ishita and Vatsal celebrated their daughter Veda's "Annaprashan" ceremony, giving the little munchkin her first taste of rice.

Both Ishita and Vatsal's parents were also a part of the traditional ceremony.

"Veda’s first taste of rice, wrapped in blessings, love, and tradition. Bengali Annaprashan," the post was captioned.

Talking about their love journey, Ishita and Vatsal first met on the set of the popular television show, "Rishton Ka Saudagar - Baazigar". After being in a relationship for some time, these two finally tied the knot in 2017.

The lovebirds embraced parenthood for the first time back in July 2023, as they welcomed their son Vaayu.

Vatsal and Ishita became parents for the second time to baby girl, Veda in June this year.

Announcing the arrival of their daughter on social media, they uploaded a photo that showed Ishita holding the baby in her arms, while Vatsal and little Vaayu posed next to the latest addition to the family.

"From two to four hearts beating as one. Our family is now complete. Blessed with a baby girl," they captioned the post.

--IANS

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