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Entertainment & Fashion

Shekhar Suman’s quip on Aamir Khan’s third marriage goes viral

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Shekhar Suman

MUMBAI: Indian actor and television host Shekhar Suman has sparked widespread reactions after making a humorous remark about Bollywood star Aamir Khan and his reported third marriage, with clips of the comments circulating widely on social media.

According to Indian media reports, Aamir Khan married his longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5, following his previous marriages to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao.

During his YouTube talk show, Shekhar Suman jokingly said Aamir had taught the younger generation an important lesson: “Never stop trying until you reach your goal.” The remark drew laughter from the audience and quickly gained traction online.

Continuing in a satirical tone, Suman said politicians could also learn from Aamir Khan. Referring to political alliances, he joked that while governments often struggle to keep coalitions together, Aamir appeared to be successfully managing a “triple-engine” arrangement — a comment that prompted further laughter from the audience.

Separately, Indian media have reported that Aamir Khan is considering building a shared family home where Kiran Rao and their son, Azad, could also live, with the aim of maintaining close family ties despite their separation. The reports have not been independently confirmed by the actor.

‘Michael’ becomes first biopic to surpass $1b at global box office

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‘Michael’ becomes

LOS ANGELES: Michael, the biographical film chronicling the life of the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, has become the first biographical film in history to surpass $1 billion at the global box office, setting a new benchmark for the genre.

Released in April, the film crossed the milestone in just 12 weeks, earning $1.001 billion worldwide, including $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million from international markets.

The film has now overtaken Oppenheimer as the highest-grossing biopic of all time and surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing musical biopic ever.

Starring Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, the film traces Michael Jackson’s childhood, rise to global superstardom and transformation into one of the world’s most influential entertainers.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie opened with $97 million in North America and $217 million globally, setting a record for the biggest opening weekend for a musical biopic.

The milestone also marks a historic achievement for Lionsgate, with Michael becoming the studio’s first film to exceed $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales.

 Industry reports say the film’s success has prompted discussions about developing a follow-up project exploring additional chapters of Michael Jackson’s life.

Indian TV actor Rohit Chandel arrested over alleged harassment of minor

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Indian TV actor

MUMBAI: Indian television actor Rohit Chandel has been arrested on allegations of stalking and harassing a 16-year-old girl, Mumbai police said.

According to Indian media reports, police registered a case against Chandel under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to stalking and voluntarily causing hurt.

Police said the actor and the teenage girl were known to each other. The complaint alleges that Chandel repeatedly called the girl and, after she stopped responding, began contacting her using different phone numbers.

The first information report (FIR) alleges that an altercation took place between the two on July 5, during which Chandel allegedly shouted at the girl, followed her and physically assaulted her. The girl subsequently approached a local police station, where a case was registered.

Investigators said they will examine CCTV footage from the area where the alleged incident occurred and record the girl’s detailed statement as part of the ongoing investigation. The allegations have been filed in court records, and the case remains under investigation.

Singer Abdul Hannan says ‘Khasara’ began as melody before lyrics

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Singer Abdul Hannan

KARACHI: Pakistani singer Abdul Hannan says the idea for his hit song “Khasara” first came to him as a melody, long before any lyrics had been written.

Speaking on Geo Podcast, Hannan said the project dates back about a year and a half and initially consisted only of a tune that stayed in his mind.

He said that after listening closely to the melody one day, he felt it conveyed a sense of loss, which eventually inspired the song’s theme. “There were no lyrics at the time—just a melody,” he said, adding that the emotional tone naturally led him toward writing about loss.

Hannan explained that he does not usually write songs about a single individual but instead draws inspiration from his own experiences and the lives of people around him. He added that the idea of “loss” in Khasara can be interpreted in many different ways.

The singer also described his songwriting process, saying that sometimes lyrics emerge after hearing a musical beat, while at other times existing words or poetry are later developed into a melody. He said one of the most beautiful aspects of music is that inspiration often arrives unexpectedly and guides the creative process on its own.

Writer Meera Sethi opens up about marriage and divorce

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Writer Meera Sethi

KARACHI: Actor and writer Meera Sethi says her marriage was entirely her own decision, adding that she cannot hold anyone else responsible for how it ended.

Speaking in a recent interview with actor and singer Ahmed Ali Butt, Sethi reflected on the personal lessons she learned from her divorce and her journey of self-discovery.

She said one of the biggest lessons was not to blindly follow emotions or change one’s identity to please others. Whether in a marriage, friendship or workplace, she said, sacrificing one’s individuality for someone else’s approval is ultimately unhealthy.

Sethi said she has grown emotionally since the divorce and now views the experience as an opportunity for personal growth.

She added that women are often criticized for refusing to constantly “adjust” to others’ expectations, a mindset she believes should be challenged.

Addressing speculation about social pressure, Sethi said she was never forced into marriage and chose to marry of her own free will, motivated by love and idealism. “It was completely my decision,” she said, adding that she could not blame anyone else for that choice.

Meera Sethi married writer Bilal Siddiqi in California in 2019. The couple announced their separation in 2023.

Russian model’s resemblance to Erling Haaland sparks viral fame

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Russian model

MOSCOW: A Russian model has gone viral on social media after users noticed her striking resemblance to Norway football star Erling Haaland, a likeness that she says has transformed her career.

Twenty-four-year-old Anastasia Kostromitina said the comparison was first pointed out by a friend before family members and others began making the same observation.

As Haaland’s popularity grew, videos featuring people who resemble the Manchester City striker also gained traction online.

Capitalizing on the trend, Anastasia began creating videos mimicking Haaland’s facial expressions, mannerisms and signature goal celebrations.

The content quickly attracted millions of views and led to collaboration offers from several brands, she said.

Social media users have dubbed her “Female Erling Haaland,” “Haaland’s twin,” and even his “long-lost sibling” because of the uncanny resemblance.

Anastasia said she is supporting Norway at the FIFA World Cup and hopes to one day meet Haaland for a selfie. She added that she also hopes the football star will eventually notice her viral content and get in touch.

Despite ban, viewers screen ‘Sutlej’ film across India after downloading it

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Despite ban

NEW DELHI: Indian audiences have continued watching the film “Sutlej” despite its removal from an online platform, with screenings reportedly being organized in makeshift venues after viewers downloaded the movie.

The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented alleged extrajudicial killings in India’s Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s, was released on July 3 before being removed from its streaming platform on July 5, reportedly over security-related concerns.

According to reports, the film’s removal sparked controversy, with residents in several locations organizing informal community screenings using downloaded copies. Large crowds reportedly gathered at these makeshift venues, with some screenings drawing full-house audiences.

Actor Diljit Dosanjh, who plays the lead role in the film, said the movie could no longer be suppressed because people had already downloaded and shared it.

He added that attempts had been made in the past to silence similar voices, but said such efforts were becoming increasingly difficult.

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a prominent human rights activist who investigated allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Punjab. He was abducted in 1995, and Indian courts later convicted several police officers in connection with his abduction and murder. The film recounts his life and activism.

Govinda’s humorous comeback to Sunita Ahuja goes viral

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Govinda

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda drew laughter from the audience after responding with humor to an old remark by his wife, Sunita Ahuja, during an appearance on a reality television show.

In the show’s promotional clip, Govinda received a warm welcome from hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh. Speaking in his trademark comic style, the actor joked that while people only see visible “lockups,” there are others that cannot be seen, adding that he had just emerged from those invisible “lockups.”

During the conversation, Farah Khan referred to an earlier lighthearted comment by Sunita Ahuja in which she had jokingly said that, given the chance, she would “shoot” Govinda in the chest.

Responding in the same playful spirit, Govinda quipped, “I’ve brought a bullet in my pocket. If you wanted to shoot me in the chest, go ahead now,” prompting laughter from the hosts and audience.

Sunita had previously spoken about the ups and downs of their married life on the same program, saying that despite facing difficult phases, their relationship had endured because of love and mutual commitment.

She had also jokingly referred to Govinda’s accidental shooting incident from last year, a remark that attracted attention on social media.

Govinda and Sunita Ahuja married in 1987 and have two children, Tina Ahuja and Yashvardhan Ahuja. The couple is regarded as one of Bollywood’s longest-standing celebrity marriages.

Amitabh Bachchan’s social media post on race draws criticism

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Amitabh Bachchan

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has come under criticism after a social media post about France’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked accusations of insensitivity.

The controversy began after France’s victory over Paraguay, when Bachchan posted on X that the French starting lineup consisted of “one white player and 10 Black players,” concluding the post with the phrase “Black Power.”

The remarks drew swift backlash from football fans and social media users, many of whom argued that players representing a national team should be recognized for their nationality, talent and performances rather than their skin color or ethnic background.

Critics described the post as inappropriate and said public figures should exercise greater care when commenting on sensitive issues involving race.

Amid the criticism, Bachchan published a blog post in which he did not directly address the controversy but reflected on the importance of acknowledging mistakes.

He wrote that life teaches new lessons every day and that admitting an error is a sign of strength rather than weakness. He also suggested that sometimes the best way to end a disagreement is to accept that the other person may be right.

The blog has been widely interpreted by some social media users as an indirect acknowledgment of the criticism, while others have continued to call for greater sensitivity from public figures when discussing issues of race and identity.

 Actor Ahsan Khan’s father passes away

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Actor Ahsan

KARACHI: Actor Ahsan Khan has announced the death of his father, sharing the news with fans through an emotional post on Instagram.

The actor posted several photographs with his father and reflected on the profound loss, writing that some farewells serve as a reminder that nothing in this world is permanent and that everything ultimately belongs to God.

Ahsan Khan described his father as an extraordinary man who played a defining role in shaping his life and career. He said his father’s guidance and support had been instrumental in helping him become the person he is today.

The actor also thanked everyone who reached out with prayers, messages of support and condolences during the difficult time, saying their kindness and compassion reminded him that he was not alone in his grief.

Fans, fellow actors and members of Pakistan’s entertainment industry have since extended their condolences to Ahsan Khan and his family, while offering prayers for the departed soul.