BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Indian actor Pradeep Rawat dies at 74 after cancer battle

Indian actor

MUMBAI: Veteran Indian actor Pradeep Rawat has died at the age of 74 after battling cancer, his manager confirmed on Tuesday.

According to Indian media reports, Rawat had been hospitalized for more than a month while undergoing treatment for cancer. His manager said the actor died a few hours before the announcement.

Rawat began his film career in 1985 and appeared in numerous Hindi and regional-language films and television productions. He earned widespread recognition for portraying memorable villainous roles throughout his career.

He shared the screen with several leading Bollywood actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Babbar and Vinod Khanna.

Rawat was also known for his performances alongside Aamir Khan in the films Lagaan and Ghajini, roles that helped cement his reputation as one of Bollywood’s notable character actors. His death marks the end of a career spanning more than four decades in Indian cinema and television.

Mrunal Thakur warns of legal action over AI-generated deepfake content

Mrunal Thakur

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur has warned of legal action against individuals creating or sharing artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos and images using her identity without permission.

According to Indian media reports, Thakur expressed concern over AI-generated content circulating on social media that falsely depicts her.

She said the unauthorized use of a person’s identity through artificial intelligence for misleading or harmful purposes is unacceptable.

In an Instagram Story, the actor urged those responsible for producing or distributing deepfake videos and images featuring her name or likeness to stop immediately. She warned that she would not hesitate to pursue legal action if the activity continued.

Thakur’s statement has renewed debate over the growing misuse of deepfake technology and its potential impact on privacy, reputation and digital safety. Experts have warned that AI-generated fake content can damage an individual’s credibility, violate privacy and create legal and social challenges.

The entertainment industry has increasingly raised concerns over the spread of deepfake content, with actors and public figures calling for stronger legal safeguards and more effective measures to protect personal identity and digital rights.

Why ‘Inception’ remains one of Hollywood’s most rewatchable films

Why ‘Inception’

LOS ANGELES: More than a decade after its release, Inception continues to captivate audiences with its intricate story, prompting many viewers to watch it multiple times in search of answers to its enduring mysteries.

Directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2010, the science-fiction thriller follows Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a skilled extractor who infiltrates people’s dreams to steal valuable information from their subconscious.

Instead of carrying out another theft, Cobb is assigned an unprecedented mission: planting an idea inside a target’s mind  a process known as “inception.” Joined by a team played by actors including Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Elliot Page, he navigates multiple layers of dreams where distinguishing reality from illusion becomes increasingly difficult.

Nolan has said he originally envisioned the project as a horror film before developing it into a science-fiction thriller. Rather than relying on scientific research about dreams, he based the story largely on his own experiences and imagination.

The film’s layered narrative has fueled years of discussion among fans. One of its most debated elements is Cobb’s spinning top, used throughout the film to determine whether he is in the real world or a dream. The ambiguous ending, which leaves the top’s fate unresolved, remains one of modern cinema’s most discussed finales.

In an interview with CNN, Nolan said he intentionally left the ending open to interpretation and has no intention of offering a definitive explanation, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.

The film has also been praised for its symbolic storytelling. Each major character has often been interpreted as representing a different role in the filmmaking process, with Cobb viewed as the director, Arthur as the producer, Ariadne as the production designer, Eames as the actor and Robert Fischer as the audience.

Even 16 years after its release, Inception continues to inspire debate, analysis and repeat viewings, cementing its reputation as one of the most influential science-fiction films of the 21st century.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ opens with $355m worldwide

'Spider-Man

LOS ANGELES: Spider-Man: Brand New Day has made box office history, earning an estimated $355 million during its opening weekend, according to international media reports.

The film’s debut marks the second-highest opening weekend in U.S. box office history, trailing only Avengers: Endgame, which grossed $357 million during its 2019 opening weekend.

The latest Spider-Man installment stars real-life couple Tom Holland and Zendaya in the lead roles.

The blockbuster opening underscores the continued global popularity of the Spider-Man franchise and places Brand New Day among the most successful film debuts ever recorded.

Secret wedding allegation involving Varma and Urmila resurfaces

Secret wedding

MUMBAI: Fresh claims about the past relationship between filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma and actress Urmila Matondkar have resurfaced after a veteran entertainment journalist alleged the pair secretly married during the 1990s.

According to Indian media reports, senior journalist Jyothi Venkatesh made the claim during an interview on a YouTube channel, saying he first heard about the alleged marriage from actor Chiranjeevi while visiting the set of the film Gentleman.

Venkatesh claimed Chiranjeevi told him the couple had married at a temple in Andhra Pradesh and even provided the contact details of the priest who allegedly conducted the ceremony. However, the journalist said he sought confirmation before publishing the story.

According to Venkatesh, Matondkar became emotional when contacted and urged him not to publish the claim. He also said Varma declined to comment when approached for his response.

The journalist further alleged that the relationship ended because Matondkar wanted the marriage to be legally formalized, while Varma was not prepared to do so at the time.

Neither Varma nor Matondkar has publicly confirmed the allegations, and the claims remain unverified. The pair previously collaborated on several successful films, including Rangeela, Daud, Satya and Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya.

Mathira highlights emotional struggles faced by men in society

Mathira highlights

KARACHI: Pakistani television host Mathira has spoken about the challenges faced by men in society, saying that men are often burdened with responsibilities and expected to suppress their emotions.

In a recent interview, Mathira discussed different aspects of life and shared her views on gender roles, saying that men also face difficulties that are often overlooked.

She said society has been unfair to men by treating them like “machines” and continuously placing responsibilities on them without acknowledging their emotional needs.

Mathira said that many men become so consumed by their duties that they struggle to fulfil roles as good fathers, brothers, or husbands, after which they are judged negatively by others.

She added that many men in society suffer from depression but feel unable to express their emotions or share their struggles with friends and family.

Mathira said men should also be given space to talk about their feelings and emotional challenges instead of being expected to remain strong at all times.

Salman Khan received PRP injections while eating Biryan

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Indian film producer Shailendra Singh has shared an interesting anecdote about Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, revealing details about the actor’s hair treatment routine.

According to Indian media reports, Singh recalled an incident when he visited Salman Khan’s residence and noticed that the actor was undergoing treatment for hair loss.

 He said Salman’s manager had earlier pointed out concerns about the actor’s hair fall, which led him to explore possible treatments.

Singh said he was surprised when he visited Salman and saw the actor sitting in the kitchen, eating biryani while looking into a mirror placed in front of him. He described it as one of the actor’s unique habits.

The producer further revealed that during the meal, a person wearing gloves entered the room with medical equipment and began injecting Salman’s scalp without interrupting the conversation.

When Singh asked what was happening, Salman reportedly replied that being a star comes with certain costs. Singh later learned that the actor was undergoing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a treatment commonly used for hair restoration.

Singh said Salman continued enjoying his biryani while receiving the injections as part of the hair treatment process.

Aijaz Aslam’s post about Hania Aamir lookalike goes viral

Aijaz Aslam

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Aijaz Aslam has sparked a wave of reactions on social media after sharing a photo of a young man he said bears a striking resemblance to actress Hania Aamir.

In an Instagram Story, Aijaz posted the young man’s picture alongside a photo of Hania and jokingly asked, “Is this Hania Aamir’s twin brother? The resemblance is unbelievable.”

The image quickly drew attention online, with many users pointing to similarities in the young man’s curly hair, smile, facial features and dimples, which they said closely resemble those of the actress.

The lighthearted post soon went viral, prompting humorous reactions from fans. Some jokingly referred to the unidentified young man as Hania’s “secret brother,” while others agreed with Aijaz’s observation about the uncanny resemblance.

There is no evidence that the young man is related to Hania Aamir, and the post appears to have been shared purely as a humorous comparison.

Saima Noor’s fitness transformation at 58 stuns fans

Saima Noor

KARACHI: Pakistani film and television star Saima Noor has drawn widespread praise on social media after showcasing her latest fitness transformation, with fans applauding her youthful appearance and energetic workout routine at the age of 58.

Videos circulating online show the veteran actress performing demanding gym exercises, including squats, kettlebell swings and strength-training workouts.

Her stamina and agility have impressed fans, many of whom said she continues to rival much younger actors in terms of fitness.

Additional videos of Saima Noor visiting a beauty salon also went viral, with social media users noting her noticeable weight loss. The clips sparked widespread discussion, with many describing the actress as “evergreen” and praising her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Some users even joked that her transformation looked so remarkable it appeared to have been created using artificial intelligence, while others credited her discipline and consistency for her youthful appearance.

The renewed attention has also brought back clips from Saima Noor’s earlier interviews, in which she discussed her fitness journey.

The actress said she adopted healthier habits after noticing weight gain, explaining that she follows intermittent fasting, eats balanced meals in moderation and maintains a regular exercise routine.

 She added that mental well-being and a disciplined lifestyle have played a key role in helping her stay fit and energetic.

Fahad Sheikh apologizes to senior actor over on-set joke

Fahad Sheikh

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Fahad Sheikh has publicly apologized to veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed after facing criticism over a video in which he appeared to mock the senior actor’s baldness during a television shoot.

The controversy began after Syed Mohammad Ahmed shared a video on social media in which, without naming anyone, he spoke about being ridiculed on set because of his appearance.

 The video quickly went viral, prompting fellow actors and social media users to call on the individual involved to issue a public apology.

After online users identified Fahad Sheikh through a circulating behind-the-scenes video, the actor addressed the issue in an Instagram Story.

 He said incomplete stories often create misleading narratives and insisted there had been no intention to insult the veteran actor.

Fahad said he had worked with Syed Mohammad Ahmed on previous projects and that they had always shared a friendly relationship.

He added that the atmosphere on set was like that of a family, where lighthearted banter was common, and said he did not realize the remarks had caused offense.

The actor said he had already apologized to Syed Mohammad Ahmed privately and had no hesitation in apologizing publicly, describing the veteran performer as his senior and someone he deeply respects.

Actress Zainab Raza criticizes Fahad Sheikh over conduct

Actress Zainab Raza has criticized actor Fahad Sheikh, sharing her own experience of working with him after veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed alleged he was mocked on a television drama set.

In a social media comment that has circulated online, Raza said she worked with Fahad Sheikh on a drama project and claimed his behavior often made fellow actors uncomfortable.

She alleged that he frequently made remarks or engaged in conduct under the guise of humor that left others uneasy.

Commenting on the recent controversy involving Syed Mohammad Ahmed, Raza described the alleged treatment of the veteran actor as “regrettable” and “shameful.”

She said she could not imagine anyone behaving in such a manner toward someone of her parents’ age, particularly a respected artist known for his humility and professionalism.

The controversy began after Syed Mohammad Ahmed revealed during a podcast that a younger lead actor had mocked his appearance, baldness and acting during a shoot. Although he did not identify the actor by name, a video later circulated on social media, prompting speculation that Fahad Sheikh was involved.

Several actors, including Syed Jibran, Faisal Quraishi, Shamoon Abbasi and Umair Rana, publicly expressed support for Syed Mohammad Ahmed and called on the junior actor to apologize. Fahad Sheikh later issued a public apology on social media, saying he had not intended to offend the veteran actor and had also apologized to him privately.