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Aamir Khan breaks silence on third wife’s faith after threats

Aamir Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has said his third wife is Christian, responding to allegations made against him following public criticism of his interfaith marriages and reports of death threats.

According to Indian media, the controversy began after Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane described Khan as a “brand ambassador of love jihad” in reference to the actor’s marriages.

The remarks were later echoed by Hindu religious figure Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, who publicly supported the accusation and reportedly announced a reward for anyone who killed the actor, while also offering to cover the person’s legal expenses.

In a recent interview, Khan rejected the allegations and said his third wife, Gauri Spratt, is Christian, not Hindu. He added that neither his first wife, Reena Dutta, nor his second wife, Kiran Rao, converted to Islam after marriage because all of his marriages were conducted under India’s civil marriage laws.

Khan said his family has long embraced religious diversity, noting that his sisters married Hindu men, his cousin married a Christian woman, and his daughter also married a Hindu man. He said these relationships reflect his family’s belief in inclusivity rather than religious division.

Khan was married to Reena Dutta from 1986 to 2002, and to Kiran Rao from 2005 to 2021. He is now married to Gauri Spratt.

Shakira lauds Lionel Messi ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup final

Shakira lauds

MIAMI: Colombian singer Shakira has voiced her admiration for Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, praising the Argentine captain’s determination, discipline and continued success on football’s biggest stage.

Following Argentina’s semifinal victory, Shakira shared a message on her Instagram Stories, calling Messi’s performances “beyond extraordinary” and describing him as an example of commitment and perseverance.

“What @lionelmessi is doing is beyond extraordinary. It shows the values of a man who is deeply committed and disciplined, challenging time and all odds,” Shakira wrote.

She also credited Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, for her support throughout his career, saying that having her by his side provides him with strength and inspiration.

 Roccuzzo later reposted the tribute on her own Instagram Stories, responding with a teary-eyed emoji and a white heart.

Messi led Argentina to a 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semifinals, booking a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

The Inter Miami star has scored eight goals in the tournament, tying France’s Kylian Mbappé as the competition’s leading scorer.

Shakira will also take center stage during the World Cup final, where she is scheduled to co-headline the first FIFA World Cup halftime show alongside Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin serving as the show’s curator. The final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Salman Khan predicted Sonakshi and Zaheer Iqbal’s romance, couple reveals

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal have revealed that actor Salman Khan was the first to sense their growing relationship, long before they acknowledged it themselves.

Speaking on a talk show hosted by Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, Sonakshi said she first met Zaheer at one of Salman Khan’s parties.

She recalled that Salman repeatedly hinted he could see a connection between them, even though both insisted at the time that they were just friends.

According to Sonakshi, Salman once told her that one day the couple would break up and both would come to him separately to share their side of the story. She said the comment surprised them because they had not publicly admitted they were in a relationship.

Zaheer confirmed the story, saying he had never discussed his relationship with Salman but believed the veteran actor had figured it out on his own. He recalled Salman casually remarking during a trekking trip that “everything is visible,” without asking any questions or offering further explanation.

Despite Salman’s prediction that their relationship might not last, the couple said events unfolded differently.

Sonakshi and Zaheer dated privately for nearly seven years, appeared together in the 2022 film “Double XL,” and married in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai in June 2024. They remain happily married.

Shehnaaz Gill breaks silence on dating rumors with Raghav Juyal

Shehnaaz Gill

MUMBAI: Indian actress Shehnaaz Gill has addressed speculation linking her romantically with actor and television host Raghav Juyal, describing him as a close friend and declining to comment further on her personal life.

Rumors intensified after the two attended a birthday celebration last week, where a viral video showed Juyal escorting Gill through a crowd to her car, prompting widespread speculation on social media about their relationship.

Responding to the rumors during a recent interview, Gill dismissed the dating speculation, saying Juyal is “a very good friend” and requesting that interviewers avoid asking personal questions.

She then shifted the conversation to promote Juyal’s upcoming film, urging fans to support the project. Gill praised her co-star’s hard work, noting that he had entered the film industry through his own efforts and was making his debut as a lead actor.

Gill and Juyal previously appeared together in Salman Khan’s 2023 film “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.” Neither actor has confirmed being in a romantic relationship.

 Actress Huma Saleem accuses unnamed cricketer of harassment

 Actress Huma Saleem

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and model Huma Saleem has accused an unnamed national cricketer of harassment, fraud and defamation, saying she is preparing to pursue legal action over the allegations.

In a series of posts shared on Instagram, Saleem alleged that the cricketer had subjected her to mental harassment, character assassination and deceptive behavior. She did not identify the individual by name.

The actress claimed she has had no contact with the cricketer for the past two months but alleged that he continues to interfere with her life whenever she attempts to move on. She said no woman would willingly risk public scrutiny unless her limits had been crossed.

Saleem further alleged that the cricketer contacted her family members, friends and professional colleagues in an attempt to damage her reputation.

She also claimed the harassment continued during and after their alleged relationship.

The actress said her legal team would soon present evidence supporting her allegations and initiate legal proceedings.

The cricketer has not publicly responded to the claims, and the allegations have not been independently verified.

Pakistan to make historic Miss World debut

Pakistan to make

LAHORE: Pakistan will officially participate in the Miss World pageant for the first time in the competition’s 73-year history, with Aneeqa Jamal Iqbal selected to represent the country at Miss World 2026.

Aneeqa Jamal Iqbal was crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026 during a ceremony held at a hotel in Lahore. The crown was presented by Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, in the presence of Mr. Pakistan World Attaullah Gujar.

The Miss Pakistan World Organization, established in 2002, said Pakistan’s debut at Miss World marks a significant milestone for the country’s participation in international beauty pageants.

Organization President Sonia Ahmed said the achievement reflects the growing presence of Pakistani women on global platforms.

While Pakistani contestants have previously competed in international pageants, including Miss Earth, Miss Supranational, Miss International, Miss Grand International and Miss Universe, this will be Pakistan’s first official participation in the Miss World competition.

In 2023, Erica Robin became the first Pakistani contestant to compete in the main Miss Universe pageant, followed by other Pakistani representatives in international beauty competitions. Pakistan’s entry into Miss World adds another milestone to the country’s expanding presence in global pageantry.

Hindu extremist leader reportedly announces bounty against Aamir Khan

Hindu extremist

NEW DELHI: A Hindu extremist leader has reportedly announced a cash reward of 50 million Indian rupees (5 crore) for the killing of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, following controversial remarks by a politician that reignited debate over the actor’s personal life.

According to Indian media reports, the controversy began after Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane allegedly referred to Aamir Khan as the “brand ambassador of love jihad,” citing the actor’s marriages. The remarks drew widespread attention and fueled political and social debate.

Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, a Hindu extremist leader based in Ayodhya, publicly endorsed Rane’s comments and reportedly accused Khan of promoting what he described as “love jihad,” a conspiracy theory widely rejected by scholars and unsupported by evidence.

Media reports said Paramhans announced a reward of 50 million rupees for anyone who kills the actor, while also making additional threats against Khan and claiming he would cover the legal expenses of anyone carrying out such an act.

Authorities had not immediately announced any action regarding the reported threats, and Aamir Khan has not publicly responded to the remarks. Threats of violence against individuals are criminal matters under Indian law, and no evidence has been presented to support the allegations made against the actor.

Indian film ‘Dhurandhar’ fails to draw Audiences in Japan

Indian film

TOKYO: Indian film ” Dhurandhar,” starring Ranveer Singh, has reportedly struggled at the Japanese box office despite grossing an estimated 30 billion Indian rupees (3,000 crore) worldwide.

The film was released in Japan on July 10 across 80 locations, but attracted only about 900 moviegoers on its opening day, according to local box office reports, indicating a weak response from Japanese audiences.

The disappointing debut stands in contrast to the strong performance of several previous Indian films in Japan. Movies such as “3 Idiots,” “English Vinglish,” “RRR,” and “Baahubali” enjoyed widespread popularity and strong theatrical runs in the country.

Among them, “RRR” holds the record for the biggest opening-day attendance by an Indian film in Japan, drawing approximately 8,230 viewers on its first day.

Despite its global commercial success, “Dhurandhar ” has failed to secure a place among the top 10 highest-performing Indian films released in Japan, reflecting the different preferences of Japanese moviegoers.

Alia Bhatt joins cast of ‘Tumbbad 2,’ set for 2027 release

Alia Bhatt

MUMBAI: Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of the highly anticipated horror sequel “Tumbbad 2,” marking her first full-fledged role in the horror genre.

Actor and producer Sohum Shah confirmed the news on Instagram, writing, “A new journey begins,” while welcoming Bhatt to the project.

According to reports, Bhatt will play a major role central to the film’s storyline rather than making a brief appearance. The actress said she had been captivated by Tumbbad since first watching it and described joining its “unique and mysterious world” as an honor. She also expressed excitement about working alongside Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The sequel is being directed by Adesh Prasad and is reportedly being made on a budget of around 100 crore Indian rupees. A large-scale set is currently under construction in Mumbai for the film’s production.

“Tumbbad 2” is scheduled to be released in theaters on Dec. 3, 2027.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan plans mega family residence

Bollywood star

MUMBAI: Bollywood star Aamir Khan is planning a large residential project in Mumbai aimed at keeping members of his extended family living within the same complex, according to Indian media reports.

The reports said Aamir plans to redevelop the Bella Vista and Marina Apartments near Mumbai’s upscale Pali Hill neighborhood into a single luxury “sky villa” project.

The actor reportedly owns multiple apartments in Bella Vista and is expected to invest around 100 crore rupees in the redevelopment.

The proposed residence is expected to include spacious areas for family gatherings along with separate living quarters for family members.

One floor is reportedly being designed as an entertainment zone, while another is expected to be reserved for Aamir’s son, Junaid Khan.

According to the reports, Aamir plans to live in the new residence with his wife Gauri Spratt and her son. Separate apartments within the same residential complex are also reportedly being planned for his mother Zeenat Hussain, his sisters Nikhat Khan and Farhat Khan Dutta, as well as his former wife Kiran Rao and their son, Azad Rao Khan.

Indian media reported that until the redevelopment is completed, Aamir has temporarily moved into an apartment near Pali Hill. The reports follow his recent private wedding ceremony with Gauri Spratt at his residence in Mumbai.