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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Popular Telugu actor Sudheer Babu has now penned a heartfelt note of gratitude to all those who had greeted him on his birthday.

Taking to his Instagram page to share the note of gratitude, Sudheer Babu said, "To all my dear family, friends, well-wishers, and beloved fans, My heart is filled with gratitude for the immense love and affection you all showered on me on my birthday. Every wish, every message, every call, and every effort made my day truly unforgettable."

The actor further went on to say, "A special thanks to those who travelled long distances just to meet me and celebrate with me. Your love and support mean more to me than words can express."

In particular, the actor made it a point to thank those fans who had organised food for children in orphanages, saying their compassion and kindness had made his birthday more meaningful.

He said, "To all my dear fans, who are no less than family, my heartfelt appreciation for organising food and taking care of the needs of orphan children on this special occasion. Your kindness and compassion made this birthday more meaningful and memorable for me. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life."

Sudheer concluded the note by thanking everybody for their love. He said, "Thank you all once again for your endless love, support, and blessings. With love, Sudheer Babu."

On the work front, Sudheer has a number of interesting projects including director Praveen Sattaru's eagerly awaited web series 'Gully', which features him in the lead along with JD Chakravarthy, Hansika Motwani and Shraddha Srinath.

Written by Sashi Sudigala, the eagerly awaited series has dialogues by Srikanth Vissa and Abhijeeth Poondla. Apart from the lead cast, the series will also feature actors Adarsh Balakrishna, Nandagopal, Chaitu Jonnalagadda and Prince in pivotal roles.

The makers of 'Gully' have described the series as a "modern-day-western, set on the mean streets of Old City, Hyderabad in which lives of criminals, police and cricket players clash on the eve of a high-stakes gully cricket match."

--IANS

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Chennai, May 13 (IANS) The makers of director Harish Durairaj's eagerly awaited comedy family entertainer, featuring actors Arjun Das and Anna Ben in the lead, have now announced that shooting for the film had been wrapped up.

Taking to its X timeline, Power House Pictures, the production house producing the film, wrote, "A journey we can't forget, a big step closer to you. #ConCity - WRAPPED UP! A film by @harish_durairaj, coming soon to theatres near you. An @RSeanRoldan musical. Starring @iam_arjundas @benanna_love @iYogiBabu #Vadivukkarasi #Akhilan. @powerhousepic in association with @Maaliandmaanvi @kloutstudios and @SilverTreeOffl."

The makers have already disclosed the characters played by Arjun Das, Anna Ben, Yogi Babu, Arul Doss, Abdul Razzak, Shahji Chen, Ponvannan, Sathanand, Rage Esakki, Madhan Dakshinamoorthy, Imman Annachi, Ramesh Thilak, Thambi Ramaiah and Bharadwaj Rangan in their film.

A teaser that the makers had released earlier has triggered huge interest in the film.

The teaser opens with Arjun Das getting threatened over phone by a money lender. He questions Arjun Das on why he had stopped picking up his calls.

From the phone conversation that Arjun Das has with this person, it becomes evident that Arjun Das has fled with his family after locking his home. The money lender threatens him saying, "Do you think I can't find you? If you think you can cheat me of my money, no matter where you run to, I will come and cut your family members to pieces before your eyes." Arjun Das sternly tells him he won't pay and asks him to do what he can.

Soon after the conversation, Arjun Das loses his temper and starts hurling things he can lay his hands on in anger. When he picks up a small handy machine which looks like a receipt printer in a grocery store to hurl it, lighting strikes and it happens to touch the machine in Arjun Das's hand.

Soon after, everytime, he presses a button for a receipt, 500 Rupee notes begin to come out of the machine. Soon, Arjun Das is in a position to repay the money lender. But it is not just Arjun Das who has found out that he has a machine that can cough up money...

Written and directed by Harish Durairaj, the film, apart from Arjun Das and Anna Ben, also features Yogi Babu, Vadivukkarasi, Imman Annachi and Akhilan in pivotal roles.

On the technical front, the film has music by Sean Roldan and cinematography by Aravind Viswanathan. Editing for the film is by Arul Moses A while production design is by Raj Kamal. Costumes in the film have been designed by Navaa Rambo Rajkumar while lyrics for the songs in the film have been penned by Mohan Rajan.

While the dances in the film have been choreographed by Santhosh, the fight sequences have been choreographed by Action Sandhosh.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Television superstar Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya recently recalled one of the most valuable lessons her parents gave her while growing up.

The actress highlighted how they taught her to learn to deal with any injury or pain independently instead of running to them for every little injury.

In her latest YouTube vlog, Divyanka shared how her father taught her first aid from a very young age, a lesson that helped shape her into a strong, self-reliant individual.

Opening up about her childhood, Divyanka said, “Whenever I got hurt, my parents didn’t make it look like a big issue. In fact, my father taught me first aid in my childhood. I used to take care of my wounds, bandage myself, and everything. To the extent that once or twice I had a major wound in Mumbai... I never even told my parents about it.”

She further revealed how those early lessons made her emotionally and mentally strong. “I did the dressing without telling my parents because I was like, why bother people when I can handle it? They made me independent so that I can do anything easily and I won’t cry.”

Divyanka’s mother, Neelam Tripathi, who was also a part of the vlog, shared that she hopes to raise her future grandchild with the same values and resilience they instilled in Divyanka. She said, “You will become strong on your own. We have never kept Divyanka flower-like. I think if you want to make your child strong, you should start from the first day.”

Neelam further explained her approach to raising her grandchild, and added, “We will let him or her play in the sand, we will make him swim in water. To become strong, you should be able to solve all your problems. And the second thing is, you should not do everything emotionally. If the child is falling or stumbling? Let him. He will become normal on his own.”

For the uninitiated, Divyanka is all set to become a mother. The actress along with her husband Vivek Dahiya had announced the good news in March, on the occassion of Gudi Padwa, through a joint post on social media.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Marathi star Sonali Kulkarni has launched her podcast show titled Half Ticket Full Nagrik and said she is fond of young people, as they have original ideas, think out of the box, are fearless and absolutely innocent.

Through the podcast, the actress hopes to challenge the way society dismisses younger people simply because they are considered “too young.”

Sonali said in a statement: “I am extremely fond of young people. They have original ideas, they think out of the box, they are fearless and absolutely innocent. I have worked with so many talented young artists as well. But over the years, I have realized many adults are very quick to dismiss young people and their opinions.”

She added: “Whether it is making family decisions, travel plans, financial choices, or even simple everyday matters, children are rarely asked what they feel. I feel there is a lot of emotional violence when it comes to younger people.”

“They matter a lot and they bring peace, joy and harmony into the world. We must protect their innocence yet give them a seat at the table.”

As per the statement, the podcast format has been intentionally designed to remain organic and authentic. Every episode begins with a conversation with a full ticket, an adult figure such as a parent, teacher, or psychologist, followed by the main interaction with the half ticket, a child guest who is on the journey towards becoming a ‘full nagrik’.

“The main segment is with the ‘half ticket’ who is going to become a full ‘nagrik’ very soon. I meet them directly in the studio because I want the spontaneity to remain intact. I talk to them about their world, our world, their fears, their concerns and their thought process.”

“The basic rule is that not a single guest should feel uncomfortable or pressured. You will be surprised to see how children use their autonomy and they are so insightful. There is so much to learn from them” Sonali stated.

Each episode, Sonali presents each child guest with the Indian Tri-colour and a special trophy carrying the message “India is my country and I am a proud Indian.”

The podcast has partnered with leading Maharashtra-based communications company AARPAR as its official digital partner.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, May 30 (IANS) Hollywood star Sienna Miller has praised her friend Emily Blunt and said that she thinks "her career is extraordinary".

Speaking to Extra, Miller said: "I couldn’t be more proud. She was in London last week for the premiere and she came over ... I just think that her career is extraordinary.

"Her soul is even more extraordinary. She just is the most talented human being, the greatest actress, but more than that, she’s the most extraordinary friend, wife, mother, and she just brightens up all of our lives.”

Miller tagged Blunt as "one of (her) best friends,” reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The actress also loved working with John Krasinski, Blunt's husband, on Jack Ryan: Ghost War, the new action-thriller film directed by Andrew Bernstein.

She said: "I was fortunate in that John and I had been friends for a long time before, and his wife is one of my best friends."

Miller had to shoot some action scenes for Jack Ryan: Ghost War, and the actress revealed that her pre-shooting training included doing "12 hours of squats".

She shared: "I think it was a baptism by fire … I was like, ‘I better get on my fitness because I’m going to need it.'"

Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson previously heaped praise on Blunt, describing the actress as one of his "best friends".

The wrestler-turned-actor has worked with Blunt on movies such as The Smashing Machine and on 2021's Jungle Cruise, and he's always relished the experience of collaborating with her.

Johnson said at the Toronto Film Festival in 2025: "I also want to give Emily her flowers too. She is one of the greatest actors of our time — of all time. And also one of my best friends.”

He said that to go to the place "we were going to go, you have to have love, and then you have to have trust. And the love and the trust then allow for vulnerability. We could not have done that without this love and trust and vulnerability that we have."

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Ayushmann Khurrana and his composer friend Rochak Kohli have sprinkled their magic into the re-imagined version of the song ‘Dil Waale Chor’ from the Bollywood actor’s upcoming film ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’.

Ayushmann shared a reel video of himself and Rochak, who are childhood friends and have had a successful streak in music with "Paani Da Rang", "Mitti Di Khushboo," and "Raatan Kaaliyan".

In the clip, the actor and Rochak are seen working on the re-imagined version in a music studio. Ayushmann even shared that he has even “improvised” on some lyrics of the song, which will be “coming soon”.

He wrote as the caption: “finally finally finally. Got to jam with @rochakkohli on this beautiful song… also ended up writing new verses for this version. can’t wait for you all to hear it

coming soooon…#PatiPatniAurWohDo in cinemas this Friday!”

Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is directed by Mudassar Aziz. The film features a new ensemble cast consisting of Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Singh.

As per the synopsis, the story of “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do” is set in Prayagraj, where an ideal wedding takes an unexpected turn when one decision leads to a chain of misunderstandings, suspicion, and comedic chaos.

Gulshan Kumar, B R Chopra and T-Series present, a T-Series Films and B R Studios Production, ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and Krishan Kumar and creatively produced by Juno Chopra. The film will release on May 15.

Talking about Rochak, he made his music debut in Shoojit Sircar's romantic comedy Vicky Donor with "Pani Da Rang". He is known for songs like "Paaniyon Sa" from Satyameva Jayate, "Tera Yaar Hoon Main" from Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, "Lae Dooba" from Aiyaary.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Bollywood actress Lara Dutta took to her social media account to pen a heartfelt birthday wish for spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, fondly known as Gurudev, on his 70th birthday on the 13th of May.

Alongside a series of warm moments spent with him over the years and under his guidance, Lara shared an emotional note expressing her gratitude and admiration.

Sharing the post, Lara wrote, “Happy 70th Birthday Gurudev!!! Always the happiest in your presence! May you live a looonnggg life and may we be blessed and fortunate enough to exist in your shadow.”

The carousel features a beautiful picture of Lara dressed in an elegant traditional outfit, smiling as she sits beside Gurudev.

In another picture, Lara was seen sharing a candid and joyful moment with Gurudev alongside her daughter.

The final picture featured Lara posing with Gurudev from a throwback moment.

Actress Lara Dutta, who was last seen in ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’, has always spoken about spirituality and humanity.

The actress' throwback video wherein she was seen speaking about navigating the world while being a beautiful person, had gone viral over social media a few weeks ago.

An old clip showed veteran actress Waheeda Rehman asking her if it’s difficult to be a beautiful person.

Responding to the same, Lara Dutta was heard saying, “Ma'am, as someone else down this line, one of my contestants said, beauty lies within you. And I think that if you are a beautiful person from inside, if you have belief in yourself, if you trust yourself, and you have confidence and determination to fight the odds, the stamina to last forever, conviction from within and a dream to be victorious, that makes you a beautiful person, and it's not that difficult”.

For the uninitiated, Lara Dutta won the title of Miss Universe on May 12, 2000, and has been a part of Bollywood for over two decades.

On the work front, the actress is gearing up for the release of ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ where she reunites with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar after their superhit movie Bhaagam Bhaag.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Actress Rakul Preet Singh shared her views on the online criticism, trolling, and the impact of social media on actors.

During an exclusive interaction with IANS, Rakul said that being an actor, it is important to distance oneself from the constant chatter.

When asked about the impact of social media on an actor, the 'Runway 34' actress pointed out that if one lets them get affected by all that is written on the internet, they will not be able to do their work.

Rakul told IANS, “I think when you are newer and when you just start out, you get affected. Luckily, when I started out, social media wasn't so prominent."

She also pointed out that people have become extremely vocal on social media ever since the COVID-19 lockdown.

"This is only the last five years, and I think people have started having an opinion only through the pandemic. I think the last five, six years, when there was a lot of time and social media was around," she added.

"So, I feel that ultimately as an actor, you have to shut that noise and you have to distance yourself from the chatter. And just put your blinders on and work, and then disconnect. Because if you start getting affected by what everyone is saying on social media, then you will be a disaster," concluded Rakul.

Work-wise, Rakul will soon be seen in the upcoming romantic comedy, "Pati Patni Aur Woh Do," along with Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, and Wamiqa Gabbi as the lead.

Backed by T-Series and B R Studios, and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and Krishan Kumar, with Juno Chopra as the creative producer, "Pati Patni Aur Woh Do" is expected to reach the cinema halls on May 15.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Actress Esha Deol revealed that she shares a very similar sense of taste as her late father, Dharmendra.

Speaking during the launch of her luxury design brand, Esha Dharmendra Deol Design, the 'Dhoom' actress was asked if she is a maximalist or a minimalist when it comes to design.

Describing herself as extremely moody, Esha said, "My taste and my father's taste were very similar - A lot of wood, a lot of whites, and a lot of nature coming in".

She also revealed that she recently ended up breaking a wall because she wanted a window facing a beautiful tree, as her other window faced a construction building, something she did not wish to see.

Addressing the media during the launch, Esha further shared that her father, Dharmendra, had a keen interest in the world of design and landscapes.

A teary-eyed Esha said, “Papa and I would spend hours, you know, discussing different landscapes, simple spaces and he would always say, ‘Lage raho bete, karte raho (keep going, give it your all), and those words I carry even today with me, which guide me. It was his faith in my creativity that gave me the courage to wholeheartedly pursue it today”.

The 'No Entry' actress also revealed that the logo for her recently launched brand was also designed by her father.

“The lantern in my logo was actually personally handcrafted by Papa. It was a gift he had given me. Yes, he loved doing all this. So, you know, it's not just a symbol, it is his light that I carry forward," remembered Esha.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24 last year at the age of 89.

He was earlier admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai after complaining of breathing difficulties.

Although he was discharged after treatment, his health deteriorated once again.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Actress Urvashi Rautela, who is making her fifth appearance at the iconic Cannes Film Festival, shared a peek into her glamorous look from the global event, which began on May 12.

Urvashi shared a picture of herself dazzling in an ensemble by a Vietnamese designer for the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival 2026. She posted a picture of herself from the French Riviera on Instagram.

In the image, Urvashi looks every inch beautiful in an embellished gown, which has silver crystal embroidery, sheer detailing, and dramatic cape-style sleeves. She completed her look with a heavily jewel-encrusted headgear and a clutch.

For the caption, she wrote: MERCI CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2026… OPENING CEREMONY.”

Talking about the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which will drop its curtain on May 23, French actress Eye Haidara will serve as host for the opening and closing ceremonies. It opened with the French period-comedy film The Electric Kiss.

Actress Alia Bhatt has already made an appearance on the red carpet. Other names such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria are set to make their appearances at the 11-day event.

Talking about Urvashi, she is gearing up for the second season of Inspector Avinash, which first aired in 2023, is headlined by Randeep Hooda.

The first installment featured names such as Amit Sial, Shalin Bhanot, Rahul Mittra, Zakir Hussain, Ayeesha S. Aiman, Zohaeb Farooqui, Bidita Bag, Pravin Sisodia, Rajneesh Duggal, Ajay Chaudhary.

The show was based on true events and the life of UP super-cop Avinash Mishra. The series revolves around the life of Avinash Mishra, who was brought in to stop the crimes in the state.

Urvashi was last seen on the big screen in the film “Daaku Maharaaj” with Nandamuri Balakrishna and Bobby Deol.

--IANS

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