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Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

Bollywood actor

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan has died at the age of 56 after battling liver cancer, Indian media reported Thursday.

Khan had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and was hospitalized at a Mumbai hospital about two weeks ago after his condition deteriorated.

Several Bollywood personalities expressed grief over his death.

Khan was known for his supporting and comic roles in films including “Welcome,” “Aashiqui,” “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke,” “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi,” “Hera Pheri” and “Jodi No. 1.”

He began his acting career in 1980 with the film “Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai?” and went on to appear in numerous Hindi films, primarily in supporting and comedic roles.

According to his son, Khan’s health had worsened significantly in recent days. He had been in good health before his hospitalization and was working on the debut film of the son of Salman Khan’s bodyguard, Shera.

Salman Khan defends Katrina Kaif without naming her

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has come to the defense of actress Katrina Kaif without naming her, criticizing social media users for making inappropriate comments about a celebrity’s weight and appearance after becoming a mother.

During a recent episode of his reality show Bigg Boss 20, Khan criticized people who mock celebrities over their bodies, appearance and personal lives to generate social media engagement and income.

Khan said some people make money by targeting the personal lives and appearances of celebrities, adding that attempting to make money by humiliating others reflects the mindset and upbringing of those involved.

He said celebrities often face criticism over their body shape, weight, appearance, family, professional setbacks and personal milestones, including motherhood.

Khan said gaining weight after becoming a mother is a natural process and that an actress can get back in shape when she returns to films.

He questioned why people who are themselves dissatisfied with their appearance feel entitled to criticize the weight and looks of others.

Khan also said the actress should be allowed to spend time with her family.

During the discussion, Khan referred to the trolling he has faced on social media and said he also receives criticism as he gets older.

“I am 60 now, so I can’t always look like the hero from Maine Pyaar Kiya,” he said, referring to his 1989 film.

Katrina Kaif recently attended events hosted by Mukesh and Nita Ambani with her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal. Photos and videos from the events went viral on social media, with some users commenting on Kaif’s weight and appearance.

Khan did not name Kaif during his comments, but his remarks came amid the online criticism directed at the actress.

Kangana Ranaut changes stance, calls Gen Z India’s greatest strength

Kangana Ranaut

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has changed her stance after facing criticism for calling India’s Generation Z a “gutter generation,” now describing the youth group as the country’s biggest strength.

According to Indian media reports, Ranaut had recently criticized students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi through a post on Instagram, referring to Gen Z in a negative manner.

Her remarks drew backlash from social media users as well as several personalities from the entertainment industry.

However, the actor-turned-politician has now softened her position, saying that Generation Z is a major asset and a powerful force for the nation.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Ranaut said, “Generation Z is the strength of our country and a great asset for our nation.”

She added that it was encouraging to see young people increasingly emerging as ambassadors of Indian culture and identity.

Ranaut further said it was a positive development that young citizens were connecting with the country’s cultural roots and engaging with respected figures such as Mohan Bhagwat, whose views she said were valued by many.

Her latest comments come after criticism over her earlier remarks, which had sparked a debate over perceptions of India’s younger generation.

Salman Khan urges students to end protest, return home

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has appealed to students protesting over an alleged examination paper leak in India to end their demonstrations and return home, saying the government has assured action against those responsible.

In a statement shared on social media, Khan said students’ education and safety should remain the government’s top priority and urged them not to worry.

He noted that the prime minister had already addressed the issue and expressed confidence that those behind the paper leak would face strict action.

The actor also appealed to social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying the protest should not be prolonged.

Khan added that public advocacy could resume in the future if necessary and even offered to send food from his home to Wangchuk.

Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan voiced support for the protesting students. Panday said the younger generation was no longer willing to accept injustice and was demanding fairness rather than special treatment.

Sara Ali Khan described students as the country’s future and praised their determination, expressing hope that the government would ensure justice in the matter.

Sohail Khan uses personal experience to advocate against child abuse

Sohail Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor and filmmaker Sohail Khan has revealed for the first time that he was sexually abused during childhood, saying fear, shame and emotional distress prevented him from telling anyone about the experience for many years.

Speaking on a recent podcast about child abuse, bullying and the importance of breaking the silence, the 57-year-old actor said the traumatic incident had a lasting impact on his life and remained undisclosed throughout his childhood.

Khan said he eventually told his father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, about the abuse after reaching adulthood. According to Sohail Khan, his father was deeply saddened and asked why he had carried the burden alone for so many years.

The actor said he remained silent because he felt frightened and ashamed, believing at the time that he was somehow responsible for what had happened. He said those feelings prevented him from seeking help or sharing his experience.

Khan said the ordeal has shaped the way he raises his two sons, Nirvaan and Yohan. He encourages them to speak openly with their parents if they ever experience harassment, abuse or any form of distress, stressing that children should never suffer in silence.

He urged parents to create an environment where children feel safe discussing difficult experiences, saying early support and open communication are essential in protecting children from long-term emotional trauma.

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.

Govinda’s humorous comeback to Sunita Ahuja goes viral

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

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.

Aamir Khan, Gauri Spratt wedding details emerge as guest list finalized

Aamir Khan

MUMBAI: Details have emerged about the intimate wedding ceremony of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt, including the guest list and menu for the private event set to take place at his Mumbai residence.

According to Indian media reports, the wedding will be held on Sunday in a simple, close-knit ceremony attended by family members and a small circle of friends.

Khan had earlier confirmed in an interview that the wedding would take place on July 5, describing it as a modest home ceremony.

Reports say the actor personally finalized the guest list and catering menu for the event, which is expected to include around 100 to 150 attendees, combining both families and close friends.

Among those reportedly invited are longtime friends and filmmakers Ashutosh Gowariker and Rajkumar Santoshi, both of whom have worked with Khan on major film projects.

Sources said the couple chose a selection of their favorite dishes for the wedding menu, reflecting the private and personal nature of the celebration.

Khan first introduced Spratt publicly during his 60th birthday celebrations, later confirming their relationship.

The actor was previously married to Reena Dutta, with whom he divorced in 2002, and later to filmmaker Kiran Rao, with whom he separated in 2021.

Aamir Khan to marry Gauri Spratt in private ceremony on July 5

Aamir Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said he will marry Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony at his Mumbai home on July 5.

Speaking to the media, Khan said the wedding would be a small family gathering attended by close relatives and a few friends.

“July 5 is a special day. We are getting married on the 5th,” Khan said. “We have arranged a small ceremony at home with both families and a few friends.”

The actor said he hopes the couple will receive the blessings and good wishes of fans as they begin their new life together.

Khan publicly introduced Spratt and confirmed their relationship earlier this year during celebrations marking his 60th birthday.

The marriage will be Khan’s third. He was previously married to Reena Dutta, whom he wed in 1986 before the couple divorced, and later to filmmaker Kiran Rao, whom he married in 2005. The two announced their separation in 2021.