Have you heard? B-Town hails queen Sania

Arjun Kapoor, Sania Mirz and Ranveer Singh

Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor have extended their support for tennis superstar Sania Mirza after she announced her retirement plans on Wednesday. Taking to his Instagram Story, Singh posted a picture of Mirza in which she can be seen holding the Indian flag proudly, and referred to her as the "Queen". Kapoor also took to his Instagram Story and wrote, "truly an inspiration to many @mirzasaniar." Mirza announced her retirement plans after her opening-round loss in women's doubles event at the ongoing Australian Open. The 35-year-old after her match said: "There's a few reasons for it. It's not as simple as ‘okay I'm not going to play'. I do feel my recovery is taking longer, I'm putting my 3-year-old son at risk by travelling so much with him, that's something I have to take into account. I think my body is wearing down."

Rai wants you to chill out

Facing flak for his handling of the subject of mental health in Atrangi Re, Aanand L Rai has hit back at critics who "are becoming too intelligent" for their own good. "I was not making a [movie] which would give you a solution [to] mental illness. It's fiction. I created the story through a layman's perspective and not through a medical perspective. I have learnt that the audience is not as judgemental as few important critics are. Obviously those opinions too are important. But, they are becoming too intelligent, just to prove that to others."

Industry morns

News of the demise of Shaan's mother Sonali Mukherjee made its way to social media yesterday after the singer shared a post. "She passed away peacefully in her sleep. A kind soul, great human being and a loving mother," the singer wrote. Meanwhile, actor Shaheer Sheikh's father also succumbed to COVID-19 after being admitted to hospital.

Mangeshkar still in ICU

A week after she was first admitted due to COVID-19, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar continues to be monitored in the Intensive Care Unit. In an update, a treating doctor reportedly said the team was "trying our best" to ensure she recovers. News of her admission as a precautionary measure was shared by her family.

The city of dreams

In a conversation, Kapil Sharma recently expressed gratitude to the city of dreams, Mumbai, which gave an opportunity to a "scooterwala like me". "The first time I came to Mumbai with my friends, we would roam around Juhu beach looking out for directors, as if they had nothing better to do in life. From then to now, things have changed so much. That is Mumbai, [and] that is what it does. It gives scooterwalas like me an opportunity to stand on a stage and entertain people," says the comic. Meanwhile, actor Shailesh Lodha, who will appear in the comic's show, is facing flak for his decision after having previously criticised the show.

Sen awarded

Sushmita Sen was recently honoured with the International Association of Working Women Award for her performance in the series, Aarya. Sen, who was honoured by the DC South Asian Film Festival, said, "I am overwhelmed with all the love and appreciation. The entire team has worked strenuously to put together a work of art that would be loved by everyone."

The metaverse

Singer and record producer Daler Mehndi, is set to perform at India's first Metaverse concert on Republic Day. The Bhangra pop pioneer will perform his hit numbers Namoh namoh, and Jago India. With this, he becomes the first Indian to perform at a Metaverse virtual concert. Others who have done it include Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, and Marshmallow.

Dulquer positive

After Mammootty, his son Dulquer Salmaan has tested positive for COVID-19. The Karwaan actor shared, "I have just tested positive for COVID-19. I'm isolating at home and have mild flu symptoms, but am otherwise ok (sic)." He urged people to continue wearing masks as a precautionary measure.

The guessing game goes on

Salman Khan teased fans by sharing an image on social media. Fans wondered if this was the actor's look in his upcoming film, Tiger 3. "I have to post commercials and trailers etc. Apne hi brands hain na," he wrote.