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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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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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