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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Rupali Ganguly recently gave her fans a glamourous surprise as she shared a series of AI-generated pictures imagining herself walking the Met Gala red carpet.

The actress playfully asked her fans as to their preference and choice from her looks, and which look they would choose for her.

In the pictures, Rupali is seen serving completely different fashion moods.

In one look, she is dressed in an elegant black gown-saree fusion, giving a bold and regal vibe.

Another picture shows her in a dreamy butterfly-inspired outfit with soft pastel shades and statement wings.

In the third picture, she is seen embracing a nature-inspired ensemble with leafy embroidery and earthy tones.

Her final look features her in a classic Indian-inspired golden saree ensemble with rich maroon detailing.

On the professional front, Rupali has been continuing to rule television screens with her performance in Anupamaa.

In the show, the actress essays the role of Anupamaa, a woman who begins her journey as a simple homemaker who is often underestimated by those around her.

As the story progresses, Anupamaa is seen transforming herself into an independent, confident woman and successful woman, dealing and overcoming heartbreak, family struggles, and various challenges life throws at her.

Before ruling the roost as Anupamaa, Rupali, in the previous years, already has made her mark in the television industry with popular shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, where she played the quirky and lovable Monisha.

She was also seen in the show Parvarish and Sanjivani. The actress on the professional is married to Ashwin Verma. She is the mother to a teenager boy, Rudransh.

–IANS

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Bangalore, May 13 (IANS) Well known Kannada actor and television producer Dileep Raj passed away on Wednesday after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest.

He was 47.

Dileep Raj, who is best known for his performances in 'Milana' and 'U Turn', is survived by his wife and two children.

News of the actor and television producer's death plunged the Kannada film industry in gloom with several fans and film celebrities expressing their condolences to the near and dear ones of the actor.

Kannada star Rishab Shetty, in his condolence message in Kannada on X, pointed out that Dileep Raj was not only a good actor, director, and producer but more importantly, a truly good human being.

Stating that although the number of times he had met Dileep had been so few that it could be counted on one’s fingers, Rishab Shetty said that the impression the late actor's personality had made in his heart would never fade.

Sources in the industry say that Dileep was a theatre artiste, who left his mark in theatre, television and films.

Dileep Raj first made his debut in films in the year 2005 in the film 'Boyfriend', in which he played the lead. However, it was his performance as the villain in director Prakash's hit film 'Milana', featuring actors Puneeth Raj Kumar and Parvathy in the lead, that shot him to fame.

Dileep also played a pivotal role in the popular thriller 'U-Turn', which went on to be become a huge success. The actor was last seen in director Darling Krishna's 'Love Mocktail 3', which hit screens worldwide in March this year. The film, which featured Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj in the lead, was the final instalment in the popular hit franchise.

The late actor was also popular for his performance in television serials. Some of the serials he was part of include 'Ratha Sapthami' and 'Hitler Kalyana'. In particular, 'Hitler Kalyana', which was produced by Dileep Raj himself, had the actor playing the lead in it. The serial, which is believed to be a Kannada adaptation of the Hindi serial 'Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega', was a huge success and was telecast on Zee Kannada.

Dileep Raj was also a well known dubbing artiste, who has dubbed in several films for prominent artistes. Notable among these is 'Aa Dinagalu', in which Dileep dubbed for Chethan Kumar.

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IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan and comedian Samay Raina recently shared a fun behind-the-scenes moment from their gym time, further giving fans a glimpse of their light-hearted camaraderie around Varun's latest song, 'Wow.'

In a video shared by Varun on his social media account, the actor was seen singing the opening lines of his upcoming movie Huai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’s latest track ‘Wow’, further expecting Samay to join in with the main hook line.

However, Samay, in his own hilariouly dramatic and sarcastic way, had his own take on the song’s promotions. As Varun started singing, Samay jokingly responded, “Bro, this way it won’t work.,” hinting at Varun's song promotion strategy.

When Varun asked why, the comedian quickly added, “If it’s a good song, it’ll work.” The candid exchange left Varun amused who said, “Oh I thought it will only work this way.”

Talking about Wow, the peppy dance number features Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde.

Varun has been going all out in promoting the song. Recently, he had performed a peppy and fun dance performance on Wow along with Sanya Malhotra.

The track is a part of the upcoming romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan. The movie is set to mark yet another father-son collaboration between David and Varun.

The movie is slated to hit theatres on June 5, 2026. Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai also stars Jimmy Sheirgill and Maniesh Paul in key roles.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Filmmaker Priyadarshan has professed his love for cricket and said that he feels proud to stand beside player Sanju Samson for a picture.

Tagging himself as a “cricket lover”, Priyadarshan tagged the moment as “proud” for every “Malayali cricket fan”. He shared the photograph on Instagram. In the image, the two icons are seen standing besides each other looking at the camera and smiling.

“As a Malayali and a cricket lover, I feel proud to stand beside Sanju Samson for a picture, a proud moment for every Malayali cricket fan @imsanjusamson,” the filmmaker wrote as the caption.

Sanju Samson plays for the India national cricket team. He was part of the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup-winning teams, including a Player of the Tournament performance in 2026. He plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and for the Kerala cricket team.

Talking about Priyadarshan, he has been working since 1982 in Hindi and Malayalam cinema. The filmmaker has over 90 movies to his credit, which include blockbusters such as Chitram, Kilukkam, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, Bhagam Bhag, and Hera Pheri.

When he started his journey in cinema in the 1980s, he worked in Malayalam films including Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Thalavattam, Vellanakalude Nadu, Vandanam and Kilukkam and Megham, to name a few.

He then tried his hand in Hindi cinema with Gardish and Virasat. However, he tasted success with Hera Pheri, Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Chup Chup Ke, Dhol, Khatta Meetha and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

His most recent release in “Bhooth Bangla” with Akshay Kumar. The film marked his second Hindi-language horror-comedy, following Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which was a box-office hit in 2007.

“Bhooth Bangla” revolves around Akshay’s character Arjun, who inherits a haunted ancestral palace in Mangalpur and insists on hosting his sister’s wedding there despite local warnings. The film follows a deadly curse in which a demon spirit, Vadhusur, kills brides.

--IANS

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Mumbai May 13 (IANS) Actress Ruhaanika Dhawan, who became a household name as Ruhi in the show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, recently spoke about her bond with Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya who essayed the role of her mother, Ishima, in the show.

Talking about Divyanka, Ruhaanika, in an exclusive interview with IANS, said, “She is made of steel. She is an iron woman, and there is nothing she can’t do.”

Ruhaanika who is all set to participate in the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi, shared how Divyanka guided her like a mother and helped her stay calm and confident during an important phase.

“She has sat down and explained me every pointer to how I need to stay in a very calm state of mind and not panic, and instead relax and take it on.”

Talking about Ruhaanika, the young girl was only around six years old when she started playing Ruhi Bhalla in the show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.

Despite being so little, Ruhaanika quickly became one of the most loved child actors on Indian television.

Talking about Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, the show which aired in 2013, was a family drama that revolved around relationships, love, and emotional bonds.

Divyanka played the role of Dr. Ishita Iyer Bhalla, lovingly called Ishima, who became a mother figure in Ruhi’s life. Their on-screen bond as Ishima and Ruhi was loved by audiences and became one of the biggest reasons behind the show’s success.

The show also starred Karan Patel, Anita Hassanandani, Aly Goni, Neena Kulkarni and others.

The show was produced by TV czarina Ekta Kapoor.

The young girl who recently completed her 10th boards, revealed that she is the youngest participant in the history of the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) On Mental Health Awareness Month, actress Lisa Ray has spoken about how her character, Samara Kapoor from the series “Four More Shots Please!”, sparked a conversation about the struggles of bipolar disorder.

Lisa shared a handful of scenes featuring her as Samara from the show, which follows four unapologetically flawed women as they live, love, make mistakes and discover.

The quinquagenarian wrote on Instagram’s caption section: “Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that healing isn’t linear, and stories matter. One character that really brought that truth to life was Samara Kapoor from Four More Shots Please.”

Talking about playing highs, emotional crashes, loneliness, and vulnerability, the actress added: “Her journey with bipolar disorder showed the highs, the crashes, the confusion, and the loneliness that can come with living inside a mind that feels unpredictable.”

“Some of her scenes were difficult to watch because they felt real — the impulsiveness, emotional spirals, moments of vulnerability, and the way mental health struggles can affect relationships, work, and self-worth.”

Lisa added: “What made Samara’s storyline important wasn’t perfection — it was visibility. Seeing a woman openly navigating bipolar disorder on screen helped push conversations around mental health beyond stigma and silence, especially in communities where these topics are often brushed aside.”

Lisa stressed that mental illness does not define a person’s value, strength, or ability to be loved.

“Compassion, support systems, therapy, medication, and honest conversations matter.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, check in on your people, speak gently to yourself, and remember that asking for help is never weakness.”

Four More Shots Please! is directed by Anu Menon and Nupur Asthana. It stars an all-women-protagonist featuring Kirti Kulhari, Sayani Gupta, Bani J, and Maanvi Gagroo.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Punjabi singing star Karan Aujla has penned a note of gratitude, sharing a glimpse of a packed concert and saying he used to pray for times like this.

Sharing a video of himself performing on stage with a stadium brimming with people. In the clip, the “Boyfriend” hitmaker is seen performing on stage, and the torch lights are twinkling in the wrist bands of the fans.

For the caption, Karan wrote: “USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS... AUJLA AUJLA BABY DO YOUR THANGGGGG (sic).”

Karan, who is tagged as “Geetan Di Machine”, had a similar experience in his Delhi show, which turned out to be a superhit gig in March. The singer performed to a packed audience at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Back then, the singer, whose real name is Jaskaran Singh Aujla, said that the recent gig is a testament to the dream that he once saw as a young boy in a village. He had made history with his P-POP CULTURE India Tour.

Talking about the same, Karan, who is based in Canada and is primarily associated with Punjabi music, had said that it was a night of celebration of culture.

“And a moment where we all connected through the one language of love, passion and unity. To see all of Delhi show up and celebrate with me, feeling the energy live, was truly humbling. Delhi, you made history with me tonight, and this is just the beginning of the P-POP CULTURE revolution.”

The “God Damn” hitmaker added: “Pind ton ithe tak, eh ikk sapna hai jo sach ho giya (From the village to here, a dream has come true)”.

Karan is known for his numerous tracks which have charted on the UK Asian chart published by the Official Charts Company, while seven have charted on the Global YouTube music chart.

His debut album Bacthafucup peaked at number 20 on Billboard Canadian Albums chart and 34th on the New Zealand albums chart.

Aujla started as a songwriter for Jassi Gill's "Range", from his album Replay. In 2016, he released his debut song "Property of Punjab". He gained the limelight with his tracks like "Yaarian Ch Fikk", "Unity", "Alcohol 2", and "Lafaafe"; subsequently, he achieved mainstream popularity in 2018 with "Don't Worry", his first song to enter UK Asian chart.

In 2020, his singles "Jhanjar", "Red Eyes" and "Kya Baat Aa" entered top 10 in the chart, while "So Far" entered top 5.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) As “So You Think You Can Dance” has concluded after 18 years, actress-dancer Lauren Gottlieb, who participated in the third season of the dance-based show as a contestant, said that the platform not only changed her life but also paved the way for her global journey into films.

Lauren, who made her debut in Hindi cinema in 2013 with the film “ABCD: Any Body Can Dance”, took to Instagram, where she shared a video footage of herself from the dance competition show, which first premiered in 2005.

Taking to the caption section, the actress penned her thoughts about the show coming to an end.

She wrote: “The end of an era. So You Think You Can Dance has officially ended after 18 seasons.”

Lauren shared that she “was just an 18 year old girl from Arizona when I stepped onto that stage for Season 3, back in 2007!! Not only was I part of my season, but I was lucky enough to come back again and again for the All-Star seasons too.”

She added: “SYTYCD was my home for so many years. But I could have never imagined how the show would completely change my future. Because SYTYCD aired globally, Remo D’Souza saw me and cast me for ABCD. A global journey was born because of DANCE.”

19 years later, Lauren says she still has “moments like two days ago when a flight attendant stopped me and said ‘OMG, I love you all the way back from So You Think You Can Dance!’ That’s cultural impact if I’ve ever seen it!!”

“Dance transcends language, borders, and every other barrier we try to put between each other. Dance reaches straight to the heart. And that’s exactly what this show did for so many people around the world,” she added.

Lauren thanked every member of the show.

“To every single person who made this show what it was, cast, crew, choreographers, judges, our parents, and our fans - Thank you Thank you for the memories and all the moments that changed our lives forever. Now tell me your favorite memory, performance, or season in the comments…Let’s have one big SYTYCD party down there.”

Regarding Lauren, after her debut in 2013, she was seen as a runner-up on the sixth season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, alongside choreographer and partner Punit Pathak. She also judged the show's eighth season.

In 2016, Lauren made her Punjabi debut with Ambarsariya and was last seen in the 2025 film Single Salma, which stars Huma Qureshi, Sunny Singh and Shreyas Talpade in the lead role.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Actor and host Rithvik Dhanjani, who became a household name with his performance as Arjun Kirloskar in Pavitra Rishta, recently explained his absence from mainstream television despite continuing to stay active across other platforms.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the actor admitted that while ‘Pavitra Rishta’ remains one of the most defining chapters of his career and set a benchmark for him as an actor, he has consciously chosen not to return to fiction television unless a story truly moves him.

Reflecting on his absence from TV, Rithvik said, “I miss being on set. I miss being on a fiction set. But specifically when it comes to the medium of television, the stories that have been offered to me haven’t really enticed me enough. They haven’t done something to my heart.”

The actor further shared that over the last few years, he has been consciously trying to break away from familiar spaces and explore new storytelling formats.

“I am trying on web, whatever has happened in the last few years, Cartel, Half Love Half Arranged, a small film with Amazon Singapore, all of those things are things that I am trying to do to break the mould and do something else.”

Rithvik added that reinvention takes time, and he is in no rush to force things. “It takes time. It will take its own sweet unfolding time. And when it unfolds, it will unfold the way it is supposed to be.”

For the uninitiated, Rithvik Dhanjani was a part the iconic show Pavitra Rishta in 2011 opposite Asha Negi.

He essayed the role of a businessman, Arjun Kirloskar. The show, produced by Ekta Kapoor, went on to become one of Indian television’s most loved dramas.

The show also starred Ankita Lokhande, Sushant Singh Rajput, Usha Nadkarni, Savita Prabhune, and others.

Currently, Rithvik is all set to participate in the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi season 15.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson penned a note about his “first trip” celebrating “fashion’s biggest night”, the MET Gala, and said, he had the "best time”.

Johnson shared a string of images of himself along with his wife, Lauren Hashian, from the MET Gala, which had the theme "Costume Art," celebrating the Costume Institute's new exhibition, which explores 5,000 years of fashion as a living art form.

In the caption section of Instagram, Johnson wrote: “The Met. We had the best time - it was our first trip celebrating fashion’s biggest night. Thank you to our visionary icon, and friend @thombrowne and his entire team of inspiring and beautifully kind artists.”

He added: “To finally experience the ceremony and pageantry of 'art through fashion' and individual artistic expression made for one unforgettable night! Here’s the wild breakdown of our Thom Brown expressions - cheers and thanks for all the cool comments. We had a blast!!”

The actor then went on to share the details about the outfit he wore.

“THE MORTAL BODY by Thom Brown DWAYNE JOHNSON wears a black 3 ply mohair tailcoat with a back detail of a tonal silk ribbon applique of a skeleton paying homage to specifically the mortality and body section of the exhibition. The look is paired with a matching pleated skirt and trousers with a white silk faille vest and pique wing collar shirt.”

As per the details shared on the caption, “50 people were involved in the making of Johnson’s look, it took over 2,000 hours to complete it, and over 350 metres of silk ribbon was used.”

“LAUREN HASHIAN wears a white silk crepe halter neck dress featuring a tonal silk ribbon appliqué of the female anatomy. FACTS: 35 people involved in the making of this look 800 hours to complete 160 meters of silk ribbon used Together, Dwayne and Lauren play on the mortal/ immortal duality.”

--IANS

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