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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, best known for portraying Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra's ‘Mahabharat’, has expressed strong disappointment with the film ‘Ramayana.’

He said he withdraws his earlier appreciation of the project. In a detailed statement, Nitish emphasized that the Ramayana is not merely a story but an integral part of India's cultural, spiritual and civilisational heritage. He said the characters, their values and their significance in the epic should not be casually reinterpreted.

Explaining his concerns, the actor spoke about the purpose of Lord Ram's incarnation, saying that Mahavishnu took the Ram Avatar to uphold Dharma, preserve tradition and establish Maryada. He objected to what he described as the film's portrayal of Ravan as an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure.

Nitish shared a series of notes, in which he expressed his disappointment with the film. He wrote, “RAMAYAN IS IN THE DNA OF BHARAT The Ramayan is not just a story. It is deeply rooted in the civilizational and spiritual consciousness of Sanatan Bharat. Its heroes, heroine and antagonist are integral to the values and message of this Mahakavya. Their character and significance cannot be casually redefined.”

“THE PURPOSE OF RAM AVATAR Mahavishnu took the Ram Avatar to uphold Dharma, parampara & establish Maryada.By presenting Ravan as an exceptionally liberal, socially just and fair figure, the film, in my view, alters the moral framework of the Ramayan and undermines the very purpose of avatar,” he added.

The post further read, “I WITHDRAW MY INITIAL APPRECIATION I am deeply upset and disappointed with this film. I withdraw my earlier post about it. I cannot find a single good word to say about it. A spectacle of VFX can never substitute for the core values, philosophical depth and spiritual essence of this Mahakavya.”

“OUR CULTURAL LEGACY DESERVES RESPONSIBLE REPRESENTATION This film, in my opinion, does not deserve to represent Indian cinema internationally when its narrative misrepresents Bharat's history, heritage and core spiritual values.— Dr. Nitish Bharadwaj.”

Earlier, after watching the trailer, Nitish had praised ‘Ramayana’ and expressed confidence that it had a strong chance of winning an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category. However, after watching the film, he appeared disappointed with its portrayal.

“Ramayana,” directed by Nitesh Tiwari, features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, and others. The movie was released in theatres on November 5.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Actress Mouni Roy, who was last seen in ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, has said that faith and sense of surrendering have always added to her strength to brave difficult situations.

On Tuesday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures from her Diwali celebrations. In all the portraits, the actress can be seen dressed up in ethnic wear, and busy with festive preparations, and posing with her loved ones.

She also penned a long note in the caption, as she spoke about how faith and surrender have bolstered her strength.

She wrote, “Through every storm, I’ve found my strength in Shraddha and surrender, for where Bhakti takes root, even destiny must bend”.

The actress also shared that she is currently obsessed with braids in the wake of the festive spirit.

“In the stillness of Prarthana, the soul finds its way; and the grace of the Divine turns darkness into day. (Amazing sometimes it’s so difficult to find literal translations of few words in any language) PS: obsessed with chotis at the moment”, she added.

The actress has been busy soaking in the colours of the festival season. Earlier, she reunited with the 'Brahmastra' director Ayan Mukerji as she visited the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai.

Looking pretty in a yellow saree, golden jewellery, and open hair, Mouni was seen posing with Ayan for a memorable click in the pandal. In another picture, these two were joined by Ayan's cousin and actress Tanishaa Mukerji for another wholesome click. The 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' actress was also seen lovingly serving food to the devotees in the pandal.

Mouni captioned the post, "Don’t be afraid, my child. I am always with you. Lay all your sorrows and fears at my feet. May courage be your strength, may faith be your light, and may your world be filled with love”.

“Always remember, you too are a manifestation of divine feminine power (sic)”, she added.

--IANS

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Chennai, Nov 10 (IANS) Heartbroken by the sudden demise of ace cinematographer Shaji Kumar, popular Malayalam actor Siju Wilson on Monday penned a condolence post in which he noted that the industry had lost "a true master of his craft".

Taking to pen a post on Shaji Kumar, with whom he had worked in the critically acclaimed period action drama 'Pathonpathaam Noottandu', Siju Wilson wrote, "Heartbroken by the sudden passing of Shaji chettan. Working alongside him on 'Pathonpathaam Noottandu' is an experience I will always hold close to my heart."

He went on to observe, "Beyond his extraordinary vision and mastery behind the lens, he was one of the most genuine, warm, and pure-hearted souls in our industry. Every day on set was filled with shared laughter, positivity, and a beautiful bond of friendship."

The actor concluded his note saying, "We have lost a true master of his craft and, above all, an exceptional human being. Rest in peace, Shaji chetta. Your presence will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family during this painful time."

Director Vysakh too penned an emotional post, condoling the demise of the gifted cinematographer.

In a post on Instagram, he said, "Shajichetta… (Heart broken image)I still can’t believe I’m having to write these words about you. Honestly, no words feel enough to express the pain of losing someone like you."

He went on to say, "Chetta, I wouldn’t be the filmmaker I am today if it weren’t for you. You were never just someone I worked with. You were so much more than that. You were my brother, my biggest strength, my constant support and I will forever be grateful for everything you did for me, Chetta."

Stating that he had never imagined that he would have to say goodbye to the cinematographer so soon, Vysakh said, "We still had so much more left to create together. I honestly don’t know how to imagine my journey in cinema without you by my side. A part of me will always be missing you.I may not get to see you or hear your voice again, but every memory we created will stay with me for the rest of my life. You will forever be a part of my story, Chetta. This isn’t goodbye, brother. You will always live on in my heart. Miss you more than words could ever express, Shajichetta."

For the unaware, ace cinematographer Shaji Kumar passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Monday. He was 57. The sudden demise of the ace cinematographer, who was currently working on a film featuring Dileep in the lead, has plunged the entire Malayalam film industry in shock and gloom.

Reports claimed that the cinematographer had, a couple of days before his demise, collapsed on a film set in Alappuzha. He was provided treatment and shifted to a private hospital in Kochi, where his health condition seemed to improve temporarily. However, the cinematographer's health deteriorated thereafter and he passed away on Monday.

The ace cinematographer, who began his career in Malayalam cinema with Uthaman, featuring actor Jayaram in the lead, has so far worked in over 50 films, many of which have gone on to emerge as superhits or blockbusters.

Some of the notable films that Shaji Kumar has worked on include 'Pulimurugan', 'Thudarum', 'Odiyan', 'Pathonpatham Noottandu' and 'Ramaleela'.

Two of the year's most eagerly awaited films, director Tharun Moorthy's 'Athimanoharam', featuring Mohanlal in the lead, and director Mathews Thomas's Ottakomban, featuring Suresh Gopi in the lead, have cinematography by Shaji Kumar.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Actress Alaya F used social media to reflect on her fitness progress over the years. In her latest post on Tuesday, the 'Jawaani Jaaneman' actress shared that back in 2023 she was unable to properly hold a headstand, but after three years of persistent hard work, she can now do a handstand scorpion on canes.

Alaya dropped a video of herself doing the handstand scorpion. The clip opened with glimpses of many of her failed attempts in the last three years, with Alaya finally performing the handstand scorpion perfectly at the end.

"November 2023, I could barely hold a headstand properly. November 2026, I’m doing a handstand scorpion on canes (A smiling face with a bead of sweat emoji) (sic)" read the caption of the post.

She added, "The name of the game is progress (Smiling face and raising hands emoticons)."

The 'Freddy' actor loves to keep her Insta Fam motivated with such inspiring insights into her intense fitness routine.

Back in June, Alaya expressed her excitement as she unlocked a hollowback headstand.

Sharing a glimpse of her latest fitness milestone, Alaya penned, “The balance Gods have been very kind to me lately! Hollowback headstand unlocked, babyyyyy!.”

The clip showed her performing a hollowback headstand, showcasing her flexibility and control.

Talking about her cinematic journey, Alaya stepped into acting in 2020 with the laughter ride 'Jawaani Jaaneman', co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Tabu.

She has also been a part of 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', where she shared screen space with Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Alaya's other projects include 'Freddy (2022)', 'Srikanth (2024)', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024)'.

Up next, Alaya will be seen playing a crucial role in a high-octane thriller series, 'Storm'. Backed by Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, the series also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad in significant roles.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recalled music maestro A R Rahman’s contribution to the Indian music industry and shared how he transformed Mumbai's music culture with films such as ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Rang De Basanti.’

Taking to Instagram, the ‘Taal’ hit-maker shared a heartfelt note about the composer, describing him as a “blessed talent.” He also recalled how he first approached him for his 1999 film ‘Taal’. Recounting his initial hesitation, Ghai said he was nervous about offering Rahman the project because the composer was not very familiar with Hindi lyrics or Hindi films at the time. However, his concerns eased when Rahman told him that he used to play the hero flute.

Sharing how he eventually embraced Rahman's distinctive musical style, he recalled their association with ‘Taal’ and praised the composer's ability to adapt to different musical influences.

Posting their picture, Subhash wrote “A blessed talent from our universe. A R RAHMAN. . WHY ? I was really nervous when I offered him my film TAAL to him as he cud hardly knew Hindi lyrics n not too close to Hindi films till he told me that he used to play Hero flute. I was relaxed. N entered into his style of music. N u know TAAL till now.” (sic)

“He changed the music culture in mumbai with lagaan n rang de Basanti or rockstar He won oscar for Hindi song Jai Ho He can learn n turn into any sound of any land n culture in to music He responds to every kind of film n director anywhere. So ARR is a blessed n will go on giving surprises to music lovers n will live for a long. My all blessings to his talent n happiness always,” he added.

Subhash Ghai and A R Rahman have collaborated on three feature films: ‘Taal’ (1999), ‘Kisna: The Warrior Poet’ (2005) and ‘Yuvvraaj’ (2008). Their association began with ‘Taal’, starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna, which became widely remembered for its music.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Bollywood’s original diva Zeenat Aman penned a heartfelt birthday wish for her son Zahaan, celebrating 37 precious years of his life.

Sharing her love for him on Instagram, the veteran star wished her son on his special day and shared a string of images from his childhood to now.

For the caption, she wrote: “37 precious years of you. Happy birthday my @zanuski.”

Zeenat married actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, and remained married until his death in 1998. With Mazhar, she has two sons Azaan Khan, a film director who directed the heist film Bankster, and composer Zahaan Khan.

She was previously married to actor Sanjay Khan, who was already married and a father of four children; this marriage was annulled in 1979, after Khan beat and physically assaulted her.

Zeenat established herself as one of the highest-paid and most glamorous actresses of her time and is cited in the media as a fashion icon and sex symbol.

She played a significant role in redefining the portrayal of women in Indian cinema through leading characters who embodied modernity, individuality and self-assurance along with a Western-influenced sense of style.

Zeenat had her breakthrough with Dev Anand's drama film Haré Rama Haré Krishna in 1971.

She continued to dominate in the 1970s, with films such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Ajanabee, Warrant, Chori Mera Kaam, Dharam Veer, Chhailla Babu, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, and The Great Gambler.

In the early 1980s, Aman had leading roles in Abdullah, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, Qurbani, Dostana, and Insaf Ka Tarazu, Laawaris, Teesri Aankh, Mahaan, Pukar, and Jagir.

She returned to films with a minor role in Bhopal Express. After another brief hiatus, she appeared in Boom. She has since featured in several independent films, including Ugly Aur Pagli, Dunno Y... Na Jaane Kyon, Chaurahen, Strings of Passion, Dunno Y2... Life Is a Moment, Dil Toh Deewana Hai, and Sallu Ki Shaadi, as well as the war film Panipat, in which she made a cameo appearance.

The star was last seen in series “The Royals”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Singer Kumar Sanu was seen chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' with full enthusiasm as he recently visited our BSF Jawans in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla region.

Along with a short video, Kumar Sanu also uploaded a couple of other glimpses from his time with our bravehearts on his official handle.

He expressed his gratitude to our soldiers for protecting our borders, because of which we are able to lead a peaceful life.

"Fearless Forty One The Indian Army camp and adjoining Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. Salute to our brave soldiers! Apko Koti koti naman (Folded hand emojis) Hamare soldiers ki wajah se hi ham sab surakshit hai. (sic)," the singer captioned the post.

The celebrated playback singer often shares such entertaining updates on social media.

Meanwhile, during an exclusive conversation with IANS, Kumar Sanu revealed that he stepped out of legendary singer Kishore Kumar's shadow with 'Aashiqui', establishing his identity as a performer.

He told IANS, “For me, the most important thing was the style of singing. In my earlier songs, you must have felt that there is a touch of Kishore Da. People said initially that this is a copy of Kishore Da or a clone of Kishore Da. I got to hear this from the beginning. So when I got to hear it, I took it positively and found a way to tackle it. I tried a lot to separate myself from Kishore Da with ‘Aashiqui’. Before that, I was dubbing all the songs of Kishore Da as I was doing their cover versions. I thought if I follow the footsteps of Kishore Da, then I can only go to a limit. I had to achieve something of my own to go beyond the boundaries”.

Kumar Sanu further pointed out that all legendary singers initially followed their idols, and only later do they end up making their own identity.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Veteran singer Kavita Krishnamurti took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as she recreated the iconic ‘Luv Kush’ song from Ramanand Sagar's popular television series ‘Ramayan’ after almost 38 years.

Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Veteran singer Kavita Krishnamurti took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as she recreated the iconic ‘Luv Kush’ song from Ramanand Sagar's popular television series ‘Ramayan’ after almost 38 years.

Sharing her experience on Instagram, Kavita expressed happiness about revisiting the song and remembered her association with its original composer, Ravindra Jain.

“It was such a pleasure and a truly nostalgic experience to re-record Luv Kush Ramayan. It brought back cherished memories of recording the original with Ravindra Jain ji, who composed the music so beautifully. A timeless masterpiece that will continue to touch hearts and remain cherished for generations to come,” she wrote.

In a video accompanying her post, the singer spoke about the special feeling of singing the song once again after nearly four decades.

“Namaskar, I am Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam. I am very happy today that after almost 38 years, I am singing the song of Ramayan, the song of Luv Kush in the original Ramayan, the production of Ramayan by Ramanand Sagar ji. I am singing that song today. Even then I felt the same, even now I feel that by singing this song, I feel blessed,” she said.

Ramanand Sagar's ‘Ramayan’ remains one of Indian television's most cherished mythological series, with its music and songs continuing to hold a special place in viewers' hearts.

Created, written and directed by Ramanand Sagar, the show originally aired on DD National from 1987 to 1988. Its music was composed by Ravindra Jain, while actors Ashok Kumar and Ramanand Sagar narrated the series. Based primarily on Valmiki's ‘Ramayana’ and Tulsidas' ‘Ramcharitmanas’, the show became a landmark in Indian television history.

The iconic television series featured Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Deepika Chikhalia as Goddess Sita, and Sunil Lahri as Lakshman. Their portrayals of the central characters became widely recognised and remain closely associated with Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan.'

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty has claimed that Gundaraj (mob rule) in West Bengal has ended for the good.

The actor recently spoke with the media during the Diwali celebrations in the state, and categorically denied the claims of mob rule gaining momentum in West Bengal, made by the opposition in the state.

He told the media, “What we have endured for 15 years. What can I say about it? He is saying that the goons are ruling. Have you ever seen such freedom? Why are you questioning? It has to be done”.

He further mentioned that the opposition doesn’t have any substantial issue to raise. Hence, they’re raising the issue of mob rule.

His statement comes amidst the claims of increased mob violence in the state. The TMC has raised the issues of mob intimidation, church vandalisms, denial of burial rights, and harassment in rural areas like Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas.

“When you're in opposition, something has to be done. There is nothing left for them now. They say, ‘Kalighat Trinamool’. Does anything like this even exist? It's all over. It's all over, sir”, he added.

However, it’s worth to be noted that of the 15 years of the mob rule perpetrated by the Trinamool Congress (now in opposition after assembly elections), that the actor-politician spoke about, he himself was a part of TMC for close to 3 years. In fact, he was nominated for the Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament elections by the then Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee for her All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the West Bengal Rajya Sabha Assembly Polls, which were held on February 7, 2014.

He resigned as a Rajya Sabha MP on December 26, 2016, and went on to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2021, ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kailash Vijayvargiya.

As a political figure, Mithun has covered the full spectrum of left to right. He was involved in the Naxalbari movement when he was young, he left the movement after his family suffered a crisis. He then went on to graduate from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), became a superstar, tried his luck in politics with great returns. Later, he joined TMC, which lies at the centre-left of the political spectrum, and is now in BJP, which is a right-leaning party.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) International DJ and music producer Martin Garrix has opened up about his upcoming album ‘MARTY’, describing it as his most personal project yet.

Revealing that he has spent over five years working on the album on Instagram, the musician said the 14-track project traces his journey from a young boy producing music in his bedroom to the artist he is today, with some of the ideas dating back 12 to 13 years.

“Little sign of life! Currently finalizing the last bits of MARTY... had lots of studio time lately and I can’t wait to share the full thing w you!! Been working on this album for over 5 years now & some of the ideas actually go back 12/13 years,” he wrote in the caption.

The DJ further shared: “Picking just 14 songs for my most personal project ever definitely wasn’t easy and I’m actually already giving thought to the album after this.. the name “MARTY” comes from my old alias “dj marty” and this album is really about the journey from being a little kid with big dreams, producing music in my bedroom, to where I am today. It tells the story of the first 30 years of my life through different chapters.”

He went on to add: “more than anything, I hope this album reminds people that the love and energy we give and put out into the world never really disappears.. can’t thank you all enough for the ongoing support and I can’t wait to finally share this with you all.. +x marty.”

Garrix is best known for his singles "Animals", "In the Name of Love", and "Scared to Be Lonely", he was ranked number one on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024.

Garrix has performed at music festivals such as Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, and Creamfields. In 2014, he headlined the first edition of Ultra South Africa, making this his first major festival. He became the youngest DJ to headline 2014 Ultra Music Festival at the age of 17. He was a resident DJ at Spain's Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa Ibiza.

--IANS

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