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Rakhi Sawant sparks controversy with remarks on Jaya Bachchan

Rakhi Sawant sparks

MUMBAI: Bollywood’s controversial and outspoken actress Rakhi Sawant has once again stirred debate on social media after making critical remarks about Jaya Bachchan and suggesting that Amitabh Bachchan should consider marrying veteran actress Rekha.

Known for her provocative statements, Rakhi Sawant became the center of attention after a video clip from an interview with Indian media went viral.

In the clip, she shared her views on Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha, leaving viewers both surprised and divided.

During the interview, Rakhi said she would advise Amitabh Bachchan to opt for a second marriage with Rekha, claiming that the trend of multiple marriages has become common these days. She also questioned why Amitabh Bachchan chose to marry Jaya Bachchan instead of Rekha.

Rakhi further criticized Jaya Bachchan’s dressing sense, remarking that despite being extremely wealthy, she does not dress well.

She even made a sarcastic comment about her clothing choices and offered to invite Jaya Bachchan to her birthday, promising to gift her a nice outfit.

The actress went on to suggest that Jaya Bachchan should dye her hair and consider cosmetic procedures, including Botox. Rakhi added that if she were ever asked to choose between Jaya Bachchan and Rekha for Amitabh Bachchan, she would pick Rekha.

Following these remarks, social media users have expressed mixed reactions. While some dismissed the comments as mere entertainment and typical of Rakhi Sawant’s outspoken persona, others strongly criticized her for making disrespectful statements about senior Bollywood figures.

British Rapper Central C converts to Islam, announces new name

British Rapper

LONDON: British singer and rapper Central C, known for his 2023 hit song ‘Too Much’, has publicly announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Aqeel.

During a live stream, the 27-year-old artist confirmed that he had embraced Islam and recited the Shahada, declaring, “I have recited the Kalima and am now a Muslim.” He also revealed that he had changed his birth name, Oakley, to Aqeel following his spiritual transformation.

Central C has gained worldwide fame for his distinctive music and relatable lyrics rooted in everyday life. Friends present during the live stream congratulated him, though he did not provide further details about his spiritual journey.

Prior to this announcement, Central C had rarely spoken publicly about his religious beliefs, although some fans speculated about his interest in Islam based on Arabic captions on his social media posts.

Born on June 4, 1998, in London, Central C began his music career in 2014 and quickly became a prominent figure in UK drill and rap music. In 2024, he was recognized as the most-streamed British rapper worldwide, with his songs being played billions of times across multiple platforms.

Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan’s ‘Aag Lage Basti Mein’ trailer creates buzz

Fahad Mustafa,

KARACHI: The trailer of the much-anticipated film ‘Aag Lage Basti Mein’, starring Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan, has gone viral immediately after its release, generating excitement among fans.

The movie also features renowned actors Javed Sheikh and Tabish Hashmi in key roles. The film is written and directed by Bilal Atif Khan.

A major production by Salman Iqbal Films and Big Bang Films, ‘Aag Lage Basti Mein’ is scheduled to hit cinemas nationwide this Eid-ul-Fitr.

The trailer depicts a conflict between Fahad Mustafa, who desires to follow the right path, and Mahira Khan, whose character seeks quick wealth and encourages him to take the wrong path, leading to escalating tensions and a wave of violence.

Fans on YouTube have praised the trailer, expressing eagerness to watch the full film on the big screen.

Court indicts Ducky Bhai, Aroob Jatoi in gambling promotion case

Court indicts Ducky

LAHORE:  A local court has formally charged YouTuber Saad Ur Rehman, also known as Ducky, his wife Aroob Jatoi, and other accused in a case related to the promotion of online gambling.

The hearing took place at the District Court, Lahore, before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Watto, where all accused appeared in court.

The court proceeded to frame charges against Saad Ur Rehman, his wife, and the other defendants, who pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate has summoned the case witnesses for February 23.

The case has been registered by NCCIA (National Counter Crime Investigation Agency) against Saad Ur Rehman and others, accusing them of promoting online gambling websites.

Nauman Ijaz responds gracefully to Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s criticism

Nauman Ijaz

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actor Nauman Ijaz has responded politely to recent harsh remarks made about him by acclaimed writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar.

Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar had recently expressed on a private TV channel that he personally dislikes Noman Ijaz and used strong language regarding the actor, which sparked widespread discussion on social media.

In response, Noman Ijaz spoke on a TV program, stating that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and only Qamar knows the reasons behind his statements.

He emphasized that, as a public figure, he is not a public property, and personal life or family should not be subjected to inappropriate commentary.

He further added that while everyone has the right to express opinions, it should always be done within the bounds of respect.

This calm and measured response from Noman Ijaz has been widely appreciated by fans and social media users.

Prakash Raj exposes Kangana Ranaut’s true colors

Prakash Raj exposes

MUMBAI: Renowned Indian musician AR Rahman recently faced criticism from Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut, prompting actor Prakash Raj to defend the Oscar-winning composer amid rising tensions over freedom of artistic choice.

Kangana had attempted to label Rahman as anti-national after he declined to contribute a song for her film Emergency, a move that drew widespread attention given her controversial statements and political affiliations with the BJP.

Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival during a discussion on “Criminalizing Dissent”, Prakash Raj expressed full support for Rahman.

He highlighted that the composer had earned acclaim and international recognition with hits like Maa Tujhe Salaam and Jai Ho, and does not need validation for his artistic choices.

Without naming Kangana directly, Raj questioned the fairness of branding an artist as anti-national merely for refusing work on a project. He also criticized the tendency to claim personal films as classics while attacking others for dissent.

Raj added that turning differences of opinion into personal vendettas and levying serious accusations like treason is a concerning trend in the industry.

Manoj Bajpayee’s film ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ faces backlash over title

Manoj Bajpayee

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming Netflix film “‘Ghooskhor Pandit’” (Corrupt Pandit) has sparked intense criticism even before its release, prompting the actor to respond to the controversy.

According to Indian media reports, the film features Bajpayee in the lead role as a corrupt police officer named Ajay Dixit, colloquially referred to as “Pandit.” The teaser, released during a Mumbai event, quickly went viral on social media, generating widespread backlash over the film’s title and its perceived insensitivity.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded the title be withdrawn immediately, stating that it hurts the sentiments of a specific community and could undermine social harmony.

Critics have argued that associating the term “Pandit” with corruption in mainstream entertainment is offensive, claiming it links unethical behavior to a particular community, sparking a broader debate on caste representation in Indian cinema. Some viewers have called for a ban on the film, while others have urged Netflix and the filmmakers to change the title.

Directed by Neeraj Pandey, known for successful Netflix projects such as “Khaki: The Bihar Chapter”, the film has drawn attention not only for its storyline but also for the sensitive discussions it has ignited about community portrayal and cultural sensitivity.

Bajpayee has since addressed the critics, providing a reasoned response defending the film, though details of his statement have not been fully disclosed.

Aishwarya Rai’s loving birthday message for husband debunks divorce rumors

Aishwarya Rai’

Mumbai: Amid circulating divorce rumors, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dispelled speculation by posting a loving birthday message for her husband Abhishek Bachchan on his 50th birthday, which quickly went viral on social media.

Rai shared a childhood photo of Abhishek, accompanying it with affectionate emojis and a message reading: “Happy 50th birthday to my dear baby papa! Wishing you lots of love, peace, happiness, heartfelt serenity, and the best of health. Shine with love always.”

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A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)

Fans expressed delight at the message, though some noticed the post featured only part of Abhishek’s face, with a few suggesting that it may have been posted by mistake.

Regardless, followers praised the heartfelt wishes and sent the couple congratulatory messages, calling them a “perfect pair” and highlighting the genuine love between them.

The post was widely described as touching, with many fans also wishing Abhishek a happy 50th birthday.

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan tied the knot in 2007 and have shared the screen in several films since. The couple also has a daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, completing their family.

Pankaj Tripathi and daughter Ashi share first on-stage performance

Pankaj Tripathi

Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi made a heartfelt return to the theatre after 12 years, sharing the stage with his daughter Ashi Tripathi, calling the experience one of the most memorable moments of his life.

According to Indian media reports, Tripathi will appear in a short role in the musical comedy-drama ‘Lilaaj’, marking his theatre comeback.

The play is produced by Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula, and also features their daughter Ashi, who is making her professional stage debut.

Tripathi described the play as a homecoming, taking him back to the roots of his theatre journey. He said, “Cinema has given me immense love and recognition, but the intimacy of theatre is something else—it humbles you, challenges you, and keeps you honest as an artist.”

He added that ‘Lilaaj’ is close to his heart because it is a project born out of family, friendship, and a shared love for storytelling. Producing the play with his wife has been a heartwarming experience, reminding them why they began dreaming in the first place.

Speaking about performing alongside his daughter, Tripathi said, “Seeing Ashi step onto the stage was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Sharing the stage with her isn’t just a father guiding his daughter—it’s two actors learning and growing together in that moment.”

‘Lilaaj’, written and directed by renowned theatre artist Faiz Mohammad Khan, is scheduled to be staged on February 8, 2026, at Rang Sharda, Mumbai.

Veteran Actor Naseeruddin Shah denounces last-minute removal from event

Veteran Actor

Mumbai: Renowned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has claimed that he was unnecessarily removed at the last moment from an event organized by the Urdu Department of Mumbai University, without any explanation or apology.

Writing in the newspaper, Shah described the incident as highly humiliating and disappointing, adding that he had been enthusiastic about interacting with the students.

He stated that the university informed the audience that he had declined to participate, whereas in reality, he was removed without reason. Shah challenged anyone who believed he spoke against the country to provide a single example.

Naseeruddin Shah gained critical acclaim in the 1980s for his roles in art-house Hindi films, including Mandi, Nishant, Aakrosh, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Masoom, and Sparsh.

Looking ahead, Shah will appear in the film Assi alongside Taapsee Pannu, Riwothi, and Manoj Pahwa, set to release on February 20, 2026, and is also slated to feature in Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film scheduled for release in June 2026.