This Christmas, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in collaboration with The Bhamla Foundation, led by Asif Bhamla, has come together to launch a special campaign dedicated to empowering and educating the girl child of India called ‘Supergirls of Tomorrow’. As part of the initiative, the Bhamla Foundation felicitated Rani Mukerji with an award titled ‘Excellence in Women Empowerment Through Cinema Award’, recognising her outstanding contribution towards this important social issue via her towering cinematic performances. Rani Mukerji, who is celebrating 30 years in the Indian film industry, is not only an icon of cinema but also a trailblazer whose work has consistently broken barriers. Through her choice of powerful, resilient, and inspiring characters, she has championed the importance of dignity, equality, and respect for women. Her exceptional performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway was honoured with the National Award this year, further cementing her legacy as one of the finest actors India has ever produced. Widely regarded as the face of the modern Indian woman, Rani Mukerji’s pathbreaking body of work spans films such as Black, No One Killed Jessica, the Mardaani franchise, Yuva, Bunty Aur Babli, Saathiya, Hum Tum, Veer-Zaara, Hichki, and Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway. Her cinema has consistently reflected women as strong, independent, and fearless, and her work has played a significant role in shaping how women are perceived in Indian society today. Rani Mukerji's acceptance speech While receiving the award, Rani Mukerji said, “Campaigns like this, dedicated to empowering and educating the Supergirls of Tomorrow, are vital in shaping a more equal and compassionate society. I have been fortunate enough to have the chance to portray strong, self-reliant women who challenge patriarchy and break stereotypes, inspiring audiences to see women as agents of change, as nation builders, and as equals in society. I’m proud to have played fiercely independent women who lead by example and shatter glass ceilings. "Films have the power to impact and shape societal perceptions, and my work consciously aims to showcase women as powerful individuals who can challenge the status quo. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition of my work through cinema, and it is truly a special moment for me. I will continue on this mission to tell the world that girls are the backbone of our country, the very fabric of our social structure, and it is high time we celebrate each one of them." Rani Mukerji's upcoming films Rani Mukerji will next be seen reprising her iconic role of a daredevil female cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the highly anticipated Mardaani 3, which is slated for release on February 27, 2026. Mardaani is the only hit female franchise of our country that has resonated with theatrical audiences with an edge-of-the-seat content-forward film experience that is thrilling and entertaining while delivering a powerful message.
18 December,2025 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCricketer Smriti Mandhana has been making headlines for her personal relationship with former fiancé Palaash Muchhal. The two were set to get married on November 23 in Sangli but called it off just hours before the ceremony. Earlier this week, the cricketer confirmed that the wedding had been cancelled. Now, Smriti has made her first public appearance at the Mumbai airport. Smriti Mandhana was seen arriving in Mumbai, marking her first public appearance since the unexpected cancellation of her wedding. She was spotted in a blue top paired with matching pants, carrying a laptop bag and wearing a mask to cover her face. She headed straight to her car after exiting the airport. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Smriti Mandhana calls off wedding On Sunday, the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team shared a post on her Instagram Stories to put an end to all speculation surrounding her wedding. She confirmed the cancellation and requested privacy for both families. In her statement, she said, “Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life, and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way, but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off. I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace. I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level. I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be. Thank you for all your support. It's time to move forward.” Palaash Muchhal threatens legal action On the day, Smriti called off the wedding, Palaash Muchhal shared a note on his Instagram stories that read, “I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. It’s been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me. It’s the most difficult phase of my life and I will deal with it gracefully holding on to my beliefs. I truly hope we, as a society, learn to pause before judging someone based on unverified gossip, whose sources are never identified. Our words can wound in ways we may never understand." "While we think about these things, many people in the world are facing drastic consequences. My team will be taking strict legal action against those spreading false and defamatory content. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me with kindness in this tough time.”
10 December,2025 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Thursday ordered stand-up comedian and content creator Samay Raina, along with four other comedians, to organise at least two fundraising events every month. The court told them to contribute a corpus received from the fundraisers for the treatment of persons with disabilities. This came when the court was hearing a plea filed by the Cure SMA India Foundation, which sought action against content that violates the dignity of persons with disabilities. SC orders Samay Raina to organise fundraisers According to Bar and Bench, the order was passed by a Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. In its directive, the court stated that the influencers must organise at least two events per month to raise funds for the treatment of differently-abled. The court further noted that Samay and others will also have to invite differently-abled persons to their shows and share their success stories. The bench highlighted that "these memorable events will have a widespread effect" if Samay and his team show repentance and the ability to contribute to the cause of the specially abled. The bench told the influencers, "We will not impose a fine on you, provided you come up with a proposal for a donation to a very good institution. We don’t want to impose a penal burden, but you must discharge a social responsibility." It further added, "The private respondents have proposed to organise at least two events a month to generate funds. They have also sought permission of this court to invite the persons whose success stories have been brought on record to these shows. We leave it to the respondents to pursue and invite the specially abled persons to the shows for the cause of generating funds." What Samay Raina said? The directions came against the allegations that Samay Raina and the comedians made insensitive remarks about disability and the financial burden faced by SMA patients. During on of the episodes of his show India’s Got Latent, Raina had referred to a two-month-old SMA patient who required a Rs 16-crore injection, the cost of the one-time gene therapy Zolgensma. He followed it with a joke implying how a mother might view her husband if such an amount is suddenly credited in her bank account.
27 November,2025 03:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentInfluencer and content creator Orhan Awatramani, also known as Orry, was recently summoned by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Police crime branch. He was summoned after his name popped up in connection with a Rs 252-crore drugs case. After initially asking for additional time to present himself, Orry finally appeared before investigators on Wednesday for questioning, where he was mobbed by people. Orry appears for questioning Orry attracted massive crowds on Wednesday when he arrived for questioning in the Rs 252-crore drugs case. A huge crowd reportedly gathered outside the office in Ghatkopar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal) As he arrived for questioning, Orry was mobbed by people and paparazzi gathered outside the office, desperate to capture photos and videos. The influencer made his way through the crowd with the help of his guards amid the chaos, avoiding the paparazzi. Several images circulating online show Orry being surrounded and escorted through a tightly packed crowd. Several cameras are pointed in his direction. Orry is seen wearing glasses and a brown, knitted, patterned shirt. Earlier, Shraddha Kapoor's brother Siddhanth also appeared before the Anti-Narcotics Cell on Tuesday in connection with a Rs 252 crore drugs case. He was allegedly questioned for over 5 hours regarding the case. About the case Earlier this month, Orry was summoned for questioning after an alleged drug trafficker, Mohammad Salim Mohammad Suhail Shaikh, claimed Orry was also a part of the drug racket. Shaikh was recently deported from Dubai and has alleged links to the Dawood Ibrahim gang. According to officials, Shaikh, during interrogation, revealed that he had organised lavish parties in Dubai and Mumbai, which were attended by several high-profile figures, including Nora Fatehi, Shraddha Kapoor, Siddhant Kapoor, filmmakers Abbas–Mustan, rapper Loka, Orry, and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique. On November 21, Orry had sought more time to appear before investigators. Orry’s representative reportedly appeared before the ANC on Thursday and informed the police that he was out of the city and would be able to join the probe only after November 25. Orry is yet to publicly comment on the summons and reports of his involvement in the case.
26 November,2025 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma have been grabbing attention for their rumoured romance. The cricketer has not been shying away from expressing his love for his GF. The duo were seen performing a puja ceremony together, during which fans speculated that they were engaged. However, the model has now shut down the claims by sharing a cryptic note. Mahieka Sharma reacts to engagement rumours On Friday, Mahieka took to Instagram and posted a picture of a black kitten with pink hair, writing, “Me watching the internet decide I’m engaged when I just wear nice jewellery every day (sic).” She also shared another post, joking that pregnancy rumours might be next. Mahieka uploaded a picture of a man driving a toy car and wrote, “Wyd if I pull up in this to fight the pregnancy rumours.” The rumours of Hardik and Mahieka’s engagement circulated after the cricketer shared a post in which they were seen performing a pooja. He also mentioned her as one of the priorities of his life. In one of the pics, while Hardik and Mahieka posed in traditional outfits, a huge diamond ring was spotted on her finger, which led to speculation that they had secretly gotten engaged. Hardik Pandya’s relationships Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma first made headlines around September 2025 after the two were spotted frequently at the airport together. However, the rumours intensified when Hardik shared pics from their vacation. Since then, the two have clearly not shied away from posting about each other on social media. Before Mahieka, he was rumoured to be dating singer Jasmin Walia, known for the hit Bom Diggy, but they never confirmed their relationship. It was later reported that they had parted ways and unfollowed each other on social media. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya was previously married to Natasa Stankovic. The two tied the knot in May 2020 and renewed their wedding vows according to Hindu and Christian rituals in February 2023 before parting ways in July 2024. They are co-parenting their son Agastya. In a joint statement, they said, “After four years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best and gave it our all, but we believe this is in the best interest of both of us.”
22 November,2025 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSocial media influencer Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has sought time in response to the summons issued to him by the Mumbai Police in connection with a Rs 252-crore drug case. He has been called in for questioning by the investigating authorities. Orry’s lawyer submitted a letter to the police stating that he is currently unavailable and will be able to appear only after November 25. Orry accused in drug case The Mumbai Police is reportedly considering his request and has not yet issued a second summons. Dubai-based drug kingpin Salim Suhail Shaikh has allegedly claimed that he organised multiple drug-laced parties attended by the social media influencer. A senior Mumbai Police officer on Wednesday confirmed that Orry has been directed to appear before the ANC’s Ghatkopar Unit at 10 am on Thursday. Shaikh allegedly told investigators that he hosted drug-fuelled parties in Mumbai, Goa, and Dubai, which—according to his unverified claims—were attended by Bollywood personalities, a film director, the son of a well-known actor, a Page-3 figure, a former Mumbai politician, and even a relative of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Investigators said new leads have surfaced during the probe, and Orry’s statement is required to verify whether he had any direct or indirect links to the narcotics syndicate or to the Dubai-linked gatherings under scrutiny. “This is a routine step in the investigation,” an ANC officer said, adding that more high-profile individuals may be summoned as the case progresses. Who is Orry? Orry has become a pop-culture phenomenon without ever claiming a conventional profession. He is friends with many new-generation Bollywood actors and is known for his social-media presence. Positioned somewhere between a socialite, influencer, and Gen-Z performance artist, Orry has crafted a persona built entirely on visibility, access, and flamboyant self-presentation. He is the son of Suraj K. Awatramani, a businessman involved in real estate, hospitality, and beverage manufacturing. His trademark captions, chaotic humour, and deliberately mysterious replies to “What do you do?” have made him a symbol of modern celebrity culture, where fame comes from simply being seen. Orry appears at film promotions, star-studded birthdays, fashion events, and private gatherings with the same energy—posing dramatically, hugging celebrities, and creating viral content effortlessly. The social media influencer has also appeared on several chat shows and is known for his absurdist statements.
20 November,2025 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian cricketer Hardik Pandya's relationship made headlines in 2024 after reports of his separation from his wife, Natasa Stankovic, dominated the news. Soon after the divorce, Hardik was linked to Jasmin Walia. Following several speculations, he introduced his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, and the duo recently performed a pooja together. However, a pic sparked rumours that they may have gotten engaged secretly. Hardik Pandya, Mahieka Sharma get secretly engaged? Recently, Hardik shared a carousel of special moments with her, including a puja they performed together. What instantly grabbed the internet’s attention, however, was a sparkling ring on Mahieka’s finger, leaving everyone wondering if the two had quietly gotten engaged. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93) On Wednesday, Hardik took to Instagram to post a photo dump giving a glimpse into his relationship with Mahieka. Sharing the pictures, he wrote, “My big 3” (blue heart emoji, Om emoji, and cricket bat emoji). Netizens react In the comments section, a fan wrote, “Looks like it! The way he is flaunting this relationship,” with another sharing, “OMG girl, that was my first thought when he first posted pics with her.” “I don't know about engagement, but they look pretty serious,” one comment read. Another shared, “I thought about it a few days back when I saw a picture she maybe posted on her Instagram channel.” About Hardik and Mahieka Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma first made headlines around September 2025 after the two were spotted frequently at the airport together. However, the rumours intensified when Hardik shared pics from their vacation. Since then, the two have clearly not shied away from posting about each other on social media. Before Mahieka, Hardik was married to model Natasa Stankovic, with whom he shares son Agastya. Hardik got married to Natasa Stankovic in 2020, and in 2023, they renewed their wedding vows before calling it quits in 2024. In a joint statement, they said, “After four years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best and gave it our all, but we believe this is in the best interest of both of us. This was a tough decision given the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we shared as a family. We are blessed with Agastya, who will remain at the center of both our lives.”
20 November,2025 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a dazzling year of high-profile international arrivals — from Travis Scott setting the internet ablaze to Enrique Iglesias, Calvin Harris, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Jackson Wang touching down in India — it seems the global spotlight is only getting sharper. Another major international name is on the way: award-winning actress, writer, producer and gender-equality advocate Lilly Singh. About Lilly Singh's India visit A source confirms, “Lilly is coming to India to shoot the biggest season yet of her acclaimed podcast Shame Less With Lilly Singh, which is powered by Unicorn Island Fund — her non-profit dedicated to championing girls and women worldwide and changing how their stories are told.” The source adds, “A massive, glittering lineup of India’s top superstars has already confirmed to film with Lilly for this season. The list is being guarded closely, but insiders describe it as one of the strongest guest rosters ever assembled for an international podcast filmed in India.” In a year where some of the world’s biggest global artists have chosen India as a key stop, Lilly’s visit continues the momentum. A source observes, “Everyone from Hollywood is coming to India — the interest is unbelievable. And now Lilly is arriving to create something truly special. This season is going to be huge.” Another insider reveals, “Lilly will land in India soon for a tightly packed schedule, with filming planned throughout the week — day and night — as she collaborates with some of the biggest superstars in Indian entertainment. With Shame Less With Lilly Singh already delivering over 35 million views globally, this is the show’s most ambitious and star-studded edition yet.” Lilly Singh becomes a 'Dr.' Just last month, on 14 October 2025, York University conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Lilly Singh during its fall convocation ceremony. She was recognised for her "contributions to community building and accomplishments in pop culture and entertainment." She was honoured for her contributions to amplifying conversations about gender equality, mental health, and the representation of minorities in media. Her work has impacted not just people in the US and Canada but also reached Europe and Asia, showing how social media can shape public discourse globally. Her honorary degree is emblematic of the societal and cultural shift in the perception of digital creators, as universities have begun to acknowledge contributions to society beyond traditional academic achievements. Singh had graduated from the university with a degree in psychology back in 2010.
15 November,2025 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFolk and devotional singer Maithili Thakur joined the Bharatiya Janata PartyBJP) in Patna ahead of the state assembly polls in October 2025. The singer has now become the youngest MLA to win the Bihar polls. She contested from Alinagar in Bihar and won by a margin of 11,730 votes. She was contesting against Binod Mishra from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Who is Maithili? She was born on 25 July 2000 in Benipatti, Madhubani, Bihar. She trained in Indian classical music, Maithili folk music, and plays instruments like harmonium, tabla, guitar. Thakur gained recognition for her art through singing reality shows like the Rising Star India and her YouTube channel. A decorated artist, she won the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for folk music. Today, she is cultural figure deeply rooted in her heritage, and sings bhajans and folk songs on public platforms. Maithili Thakur on serving her people With this win, Maithili has become the youngest member of the house in Bihar. Speaking to ANI, Maithili Thakur said, "This is like a dream. People have a lot of expectations of me... This will be my first term as an MLA, and I will do my best for my constituency... I will serve my people as their daughter... I can only see Alinagar right now and how I can work them..." With her strong fan base in Mithilanchal playing a decisive role, the 25-year-old singer from Benipatti in Madhubani district was nominated by the BJP as a strategic move to leverage her popularity among youth and cultural enthusiasts to bolster its appeal in the region, where Alinagar has emerged as a key battleground seat. Maithili Thakur on joining BJP After joining BJP, Thakur expressed her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, citing their leadership as her inspiration for joining the BJP. Speaking to ANI, Thakur, said, "I am very impressed with the PM and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Drawing inspiration from them, I am here to support them...I do not believe that joining a political party makes you a politician; I am here to serve society and take their ideology to each and every person... I am the daughter of Mithila; my soul resides in Mithila."
14 November,2025 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentInternet sensation Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has once again found himself in the middle of a controversy. The social media star recently posted a video containing offensive language towards the transgender community. Following the video, he is now being called out for the video that many users have deemed “insensitive” and “disrespectful.” Orry's recent post Orry shared a video from the set of a comedy show on his Instagram, wherein two actors, reportedly dressed as transgender women, were involved in a mock fight. In the caption, he included a transphobic slur. This led to social media outrage and attracted criticism from users, including transgender actor Trinetra. Netizens react Soon after the video was shared, the video sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms. User accused Orry of using a transphobic slur, voicing their disappointment and anger. Actor and transgender Trinetra was among the first people to react to the video with “NO” in caps. A user commented, “This is EMBARRASSING, Orry! Using a slur that demeans an entire community is LOW!” Meanwhile, another user commented, “Not funny. Mocking trans women while profiting off queer culture is pure hypocrisy.” Many others joined in the criticism, noting that his post “tone-deaf” and “distasteful.” One iser even wrote, “When you dress up like Sabrina or well any other woman is cosplay and South Bombay chic, but here you use a slur with zero impunity?? This is not cool! you do not represent cool!” Another social media user commented, “This is EMBARRASSING Orry! I’m all for poking fun and joking around, but using a SLUR that is used on the daily to demean a community is LOW!” Some users also called it "criminal as per the Transgender Persons Act" Orry, whose real name is Orhan Awatramani, is a Mumbai-based socialite, influencer, and internet personality known for his flamboyant fashion. He is also popular among Bollywood celebrities, as well as his witty online persona. He graduated from New York’s Parsons School of Design. He is often seen at Bollywood parties alongside stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Nysa Devgn, and Suhana Khan. According to reports, Orry works with the Reliance Group, though his exact role remains a mystery.
10 November,2025 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStand-up comedian Samay Raina, who was engaged in controversy earlier this year in February, saw his show India's Got Latent create a significant outcry after podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia made a disgusting statement, asking a participant an inappropriate question regarding 'parents' sex. The comment sparked widespread outrage against Ranveer, Samay, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani, resulting in many FIRs being filed against them. After the backlash, Samay removed all episodes of India's Got Latent from his YouTube channel. Did Samay Raina just hint at Latent's season 2? Since then, fans have demanded a second season. Months after the uproar, the comedian teased the return of India's Got Latent for Season 2. According to DNA, Samay, who played in the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as part of his ongoing tour, Still Alive & Unfiltered, remarked, "Show toh main wapas launga" (I will bring back the show), eliciting tremendous applause and excitement from the audience. Samay, who turned 28 on October 26, used the occasion to extend a heartfelt apology to those with disabilities. His 'insensitive' jokes about them on his show India's Got Latent sparked outrage, prompting a petition from the CURE SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) Foundation of India, which cited insensitive remarks made by Samay, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjit Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar. Samay wrote, "Today is my birthday and instead of celebrating just myself, I want to use this day—the most special day of the year for me—to apologise to the people with disabilities." "We, Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Sonali Thakkar, Nishant Tanwar, Balraj Ghai, deeply regret the pain caused due to our show. Going forward, we will be more mindful and do our best to spread awareness about the challenges faced by the community. Your strength inspires us to grow. With respect and gratitude, Samay, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, Nishant Tanwar," he further added. About India's Got Latent controversy All about the controversy, Comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent sparked major backlash after an episode featuring Ranveer Allahbadia included vulgar and offensive jokes, including one about incest and others mocking disabilities and regional groups. Multiple FIRs were filed under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and IT Act, prompting Raina to delete the show’s videos and issue a public apology. The controversy led to cancelled shows, police questioning, and a Supreme Court directive for public apologies, reigniting debate over the limits of comedy and online content regulation in India.
09 November,2025 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1764148388298_d.png "Orry appears for questioning (Pic/Yogen Shah)")
