Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar was among the first celebrities to cast his vote in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 that commenced on Wednesday morning. As the polling booth opened at 7 am, the actor was one of the early birds at the venue. However, after he cast his vote, a senior citizen approached the actor and complained about the public toilet near Juhu Beach. Senior citizen complains to Akshay Kumar about public toilet For those unversed, Akshay Kumar has worked in the film ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’. A senior citizen outside the polling booth approached the actor and complained about the maintenance of a public toilet constructed near Juhu Beach, courtesy of the actor’s philanthropy works. The individual told the actor that the commode was not in a usable condition. Akshay assured that he would speak to the BMC officials and get it maintained. Watch the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Akshay Kumar praises arrangements at polling booth Akshay Kumar was seen dressed in a black shirt and beige trousers as he arrived at the polling station. Arriving in the morning, the actor stepped out of his car and walked to the polling booth. Akshay was also seen interacting with his fans. Apart from this the 'Singham Again' actor was seen greeting the paparazzi stationed outside. "The arrangements here are very good as I can see that arrangements for senior citizens are very good and cleanliness has been maintained," said Akshay. Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies. A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting the elections, including 2,086 independents. As a part of the security arrangements, the Mumbai Police has deployed over 25,000 personnel, including riot-control teams and home guards. Akshay Kumar’s work front Meanwhile, on the acting front, Akshay is currently seen in 'Singham Again', which hit the theatres this Diwali. The cast includes Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The cop drama is directed by Rohit Shetty and also stars Arjun Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. 'Singham' was released in 2011, starring Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, followed by 'Singham Returns' in 2014. Both projects were seen as Box Office hits. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 November,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOscar-winning music maestro AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have decided to separate after nearly three decades of marriage. The Mozart of Madras and his better half married in 1995 and share three children--Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. The composer shared the news on his X account on Wednesday, where he stated that while they had hoped to reach their "grand thirty," life had other plans. AR Rahman’s heartbreaking post on divorce AR Rahman took to X and wrote, "We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.” “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for… — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 19, 2024 His son Ameen also took to his Instagram Stories and requested "privacy" during this time. "We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding," he wrote. Saira Banu cites emotional strain as the cause of divorce Saira Banu's lawyer Vandana Shah released an official statement with regards to the couple's decision to separate. The statement read, “After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr. AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time”. “Mrs. Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life,” it added. Over the years, Rahman has composed iconic soundtracks for films like 'Roja', 'Bombay', 'Dil Se', 'Lagaan', and 'Rockstar'. He gained international fame for his work on 'Slumdog Millionaire", which earned him two Academy Awards. Apart from Bollywood, Rahman has worked on Hollywood films such as '127 Hours' and 'Million Dollar Arm'. He has also collaborated with global artists like Mick Jagger, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Will.i.am. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 November,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actor Moon Moon Sen's husband Bharat Dev Varma died at his residence here on Tuesday due to old age-related ailments, family sources said. Dev Varma, 83, is survived by his wife and two daughters Raima and Riya who are also actors. He breathed his last at their Ballygunge Circular Road residence, even as arrangements were being made to take him to a nearby hospital after his health condition deteriorated, the sources said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X, said, "Saddened by the demise of Bharat Dev Varma, the husband of filmstar Moon Moon Sen, and himself a great well-wisher of mine." Saddened by the demise of Bharat Dev Varma, the husband of filmstar Moon Moon Sen, and himself a great well-wisher of mine. He was indeed very loving and affectionate to me and I shall always treasure his memories. He truly considered me as part of his family and his demise is… — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 19, 2024 "After getting the news today morning, I visited their Ballygunge residence, where their daughter Riya was present. Moon Moon and Raima are coming from Delhi. I paid my respect to the departed and condolences to the family," she said. Moon Moon Sen, a former TMC MP, had married Dev Varma in 1978. He was a member of the erstwhile royal family of Tripura. "He was indeed very loving and affectionate to me and I shall always treasure his memories. He truly considered me as part of his family and his demise is a great loss for me," Banerjee added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 08:42 AM IST | Kolkata | PTIFilmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who is gearing up for the release of his movie, 'I Want To Talk', talked about casting Abhishek Bachchan and said that this is going to be his "best film" in his opinion. In a conversation with ANI, the ace director recalled his meeting with Abhishek in Australia and how after his conversation with him he saw the "innocence" of his mother in his eyes. "Abhishek and I met in Melbourne, Australia. He took me out to dinner one night, and we talked for 3-4 hours...During our conversation, Abhishek opened his heart to me, and I could see his mother's (Jaya Bachchan) innocence in his eyes...When I was shooting for the first time (for the film) with him, it was a silent shot and I could see the purity and innocence deep within him. I wanted the same warmth, which I got in Abhishek." Calling the movie Abhishek's "best" project, he added, "This would be his best film in my opinion and I will keep it on the top...bahut si jagah par Irrfan (Khan) vaale moments create kiye hai. After watching the film, you will realise what he has done through his eyes in silence. His performance is outstanding. " He also opened up about casting Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan in a film, "I would really like to cast Mr Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan) and Abhishek in a film. i would also like to cast Deepika in it, she is my favourite actress." I Want to Talk' is directed by Shoojit Sircar and stars Abhishek in the lead role. The story "explores complex emotional dynamics with Abhishek playing a pivotal character in the film grappling with deep emotional conflict. " While talking about the film and the message it gives, he shared, "It is all about never give up approach in life. We all have problems in life but we should learn to face them. When you will see Abhishek's characters' problems in the film, you will feel 'our issues are nothing'. So, there are problems but it is needed to face them with patience." Recently, the whole team of 'I Want to Talk' attended the film's music launch, where they shared their experience working on the project. At the event, Abhishek opened up about the physical changes he went through for the film "There's always a huge beeline outside his office because the experience of making a film with him is very transformative. Not just physically, from what you see."He pointed to the movie poster, where he appears with a big belly, and said, "I'm not in this shape anymore." He shared that the belly in the poster was real, not a prosthetic, and revealed that he gained extra kilos for the film. "But it's been a learning experience. It's been life-changing. And I hope that we've managed to make a bit of a difference to the two, or three hours that you spend in the cinema or watching the film. We've worked hard. It's a very sincere effort," he said. Shoojit Sircar and Ronnie Lahiri have produced the project under Rising Sun Films. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on November 22, 2024. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIBollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who will be soon seen in the upcoming movie ‘I Want To Talk’, has a hidden talent. The actor recently appeared on the latest episode of the quiz-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, hosted by his father, veteran Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, and surprised him as he said that he doesn’t eat Bhujiya but drinks it. As a flabbergasted Big B looked at his son, Abhishek said that since he stayed in a boarding school, any snack had to be carefully preserved from his hostelmates. And that’s when he came up with the trick of putting Bhujiya in a glass, and act out as if he is drinking water when he was actually relishing on Bhujiya. He told Big B on the show, “Let me tell you, I don't eat Bhujiya, I drink Bhujiya. This is because when I was in boarding school, we didn't have any bowls or spoons”. He further mentioned, “We used to get a glass which we used to drink water in. We used to keep our toothbrushes in that. So, when I used to get Bhujiya from home, I used to fill it in, and drink it like this”. Meanwhile, on the personal front, Abhishek has been witnessing some turbulent times in his marriage. Rumours are rife about Abhishek’s entanglement with actress Nimrat Kaur during the shooting of their movie ‘Dasvi’. As per media reports Aishwarya has been living separately from her husband and his family. However, the two are very cordial to each other whenever they meet publicly. On the work front, the actor is gearing up for his upcoming movie ‘I Want To Talk’. The film is directed by the National Award-winning director Shoojit Sircar. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSPriyanka Chopra Jonas recently shared a video of her arrival at a base camp at 6 AM, braving heavy snowfall. In the clip, the actress, who is currently in London, is seen navigating through the challenging weather conditions. On Tuesday, the desi girl, posted a video on her Instagram stories and wrote, “When u land at base camp at 6am and its snowing! In the video, Priyanka could be heard saying, “snow.” In the video, heavy snow can be seen blanketing the landscape as Chopra makes her way toward the base camp. Previously, the 'Baywatch' star had shared an adorable photo of her daughter, Malti Marie, bundled up in a cozy sweater, a white scarf, a printed floral jacket, and a cap, fully immersed in the beauty of autumn. In the picture, Malti was seen standing next to lush green plants, her back turned to the camera as she gazes at them. Priyanka captioned the heartwarming post simply with "Autumn," followed by falling leaves emojis. A few days ago, Priyanka gave fans a peek into her visit to a London museum with her daughter. The photo series began with endearing moments of the mother-daughter duo enjoying their time together at the museum. One of the videos showed Malti, clearly captivated, as she took in the preserved spiders, various insects, a dinosaur fossil, and jaw models with wide-eyed wonder. In terms of work, the 42-year-old actress was last seen in the romantic drama “Love Again” alongside Sam Heughan and Celine Dion. She will next be seen “Citadel 2” and is currently busy shooting for the same in London. In the forthcoming show, she will reprise her role as Nadia. Co-star Richard Madden will also return, though details about the season's plot remain under wraps. In addition, Priyanka has “Heads Of State” with Idris Elba and John Cena, and “The Bluff” co-starring Karl Urban, in her upcoming lineup. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSUntil sensibilities match Anees Bazmee wanted to make a comedy film, starring Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, but Sasha’s exit from the project led to rumours about a rift between the actor and the director. In an interview, the filmmaker addressed the fallout, saying that while he is set in his ways, much like the actor, it does not mean they will never work together again. He added that they have only love and respect for each other. Guess we will have to wait until their sensibilities match while this comedy takes a backseat. One person, many talents Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actor Sara Khan has ventured into production with the project, Choices. Besides production, she has directed, penned, and sung the title track. She created the song with Ayush Anand, while Akash Gupta assisted in writing the lyrics. She has sung the number alongside Mohit Chauhan. Talking about the song, which features Ridhiema Tiwari and Jaskaran Singh, she said, “I wanted to make something as per my visualisation. I thought it would be better if I did it myself.”
20 November,2024 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team"People visibly treat you differently,” says Arjun Kanungo with affliction, mirroring emotions that are, unfortunately, far too familiar with individuals tackling obesity. It’s among the few moments in which the revered singer lets us in on the mental toll that an 18-month arduous journey took, one that had him first gain, and subsequently shed 30 kilos. For the most part of this conversation, Kanungo hits us with data, numbers, and scientific jargon that are testimony to the research he put into healing himself after a kidney issue and a subsequent hip fracture put his health in jeopardy. Well aware of the role played by each of the 20 supplements he takes, the inflammatory markers in his body, and the statistical numbers relating to kidney functions, Kanungo is, as he says, more “health-literate” than the average person. What then, we ask, led an individual as informed as him to suffer a kidney issue? “I was doing stupid things,” he confesses earnestly. “I wouldn’t say that protein [supplements] alone caused kidney damage. I was also taking creatine, and drinking a lot of alcohol. But the final blow came in the form of antibiotics that [I needed to take]. All of this contributed to what they call acute kidney injury. Thankfully, it’s not permanent.” A state-level basketball player, Kanungo was supported by his athletic background when he decided to build his frame in 2021. “I decided to bulk up and was training hard. I was eating 4,000 calories, and gained 14 kilos in the period. I was in great shape, and felt indestructible. That made me try new things, like pre-workout [drinks] with a lot of caffeine, and fat burners, some of which I wouldn’t want anyone to take today.” Being bedridden Kanungo surely endured a significant health setback, but the problem had a definite solution. Under the guidance of nutritionist Luke Coutinho, he would adopt a vegan diet, get his parameters under control, and return to routine. That, however, was only the beginning of what was set to be a difficult journey as Kanungo subsequently suffered a hip fracture during a vacation. “The thing with vegan diets is that it’s easy to consume a lot of carbohydrates on them. You can be vegan and still eat a lot of unhealthy foods. Also, because of my kidney issues, I could not take any painkillers. The only way I could be happy was by eating. I was eating a lot of chocolate. One believes raw cocoa can’t be bad, but the calories add up. I also had to reduce my protein intake from 170 grams to 60 grams, so, my muscles were not getting adequate nutrition, and were [disintegrating]. All of this led me to gain 30 kilos in six months. Weight piles on really fast. Two months in, I noticed a paunch, and four months later, I noticed that my stomach had [grown larger].” Ask him if his nutritionist raised an alarm over his rising weight, and he says, “At the time, my priority was to reduce the level of creatinine in the blood. Until that is lower than 1.2 mg/dL, one isn’t even allowed to exercise. The weight was piling on, but, it wasn’t my immediate concern.” Easily among the most celebrated artistes of the independent music industry, Kanungo grew his league of followers with a brand of music that was unique. Considering that his looks have often earned appreciation from his followers, we wonder if the desire to get back into shipshape had to do with retaining an identity his fans had come to admire. “It’s a good question, but unfortunately the answer isn’t a yes or no. When I looked in the mirror, I did not see a person I recognised. It was more important for me to return to how I saw myself than how others perceived me. When I say I wanted six-pack abs again, it doesn’t come from a place of wanting to look good. It’s a metric that people understand, and a good representation of how I want to feel.” Rebuilding himself Turning to Coutinho for advice, he had to reduce his caloric intake to half of its initial value. “For about 14 months, I had only 1,500 calories a day. My vegan diet comprised salads, and vegan salads and cheese, which I think are bogus products considering how processed they are. When my kidney [functions returned to normal], I could have curd and other protein options. For several months I did not have a single cheat meal. It was hard, because if you’re accustomed to eating a large amount of calories and then drastically reduce it, your hormonal balance changes. Your body doesn’t stop craving food just because you decided to stop eating it. But, for me, it was do or die.” Under the guidance of his physiotherapist Tamara Zweck, he graduated from performing strength training exercises to mobility work, kick-boxing, and eventually, weight lifting. He recalls being reduced to tears when he ran for the first time following the injury. “As someone who has been into sports all my life, I was taken aback when I was told I’d never be able to play again. So, to be able to run without pain made me very emotional.” Kanungo is now on a diet comprising 160 grams of protein and has dropped his body fat percentage from 31 to 9. Looking back at his journey, he expresses gratitude for the team of professionals that guided him to good health, especially Zweck, who encouraged him to dismiss the suggestion of medical professionals who claimed he needed hip surgery. “People think a hip fracture is just an injury. Nobody understands how serious it is. Even my family didn’t call or visit me because they [didn’t think it was serious]. One of the biggest struggles was simply using the wash room. The physiotherapy, [though painful], was the easier part. Struggling with a task as simple as relieving yourself was difficult. It was those embarrassing, undignified moments that were tough to deal with. Also, I can tell you that when you don’t look good, your work suffers too. Nobody calls you or wants you to be on their show. My own management told me, ‘Dude, you’ve become old.’ I was like, I’m 30. But they insisted that my age was showing. People judge you quickly and point out what they see. But just because you don’t like what they see doesn’t mean it’s not true. It’s a lonely journey, and my wife was the only one who had to bear it all. It was eye-opening and showed me what I am capable of. I am much smarter now.” 117kgArjun Kanungo’s weight at his heaviest The Cheats: Shalini Pandey What’s your cheat meal:Chocolate cake is my ultimate comfort dessert. A flavourful biryani is another option. How often do you indulge:Frequently, because I am an active person. If I am travelling, I indulge a lot. Cheat meal Vs cheat day: I don’t plan this. It can be either, and depends on how my week has panned out. Do you compensate for it: I do compensate for any indulgence by ensuring that my diet, on most days, consists of clean, and nutritious foods. I exercise regularly, and also pay attention to portion sizes. Inside Dino Morea’s Fridge YogurtIce creamCoconut milkChocolate Fitness tip that works for Maniesh Paul Maniesh Paul Cardio is not [a tool] to be ignored. You don’t need to run, but, a 45- minute walk is [beneficial]. Even if you can’t lift, you can continue to walk to stay fit.
20 November,2024 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaEmbracing a new role can be delightful, more so when it requires you to pick up a new skill. Saiyami Kher says she has been lucky on that count, pointing to her upcoming release, Agni. For Rahul Dholakia’s directorial venture that focuses on firefighters, the actor reveals that she had to train extensively with the real-life heroes. “With every film that I’ve done, I have learnt a new skill—be it horse riding for Mirzya [2016], cricket for Ghoomer [2023], and now, firefighting for Agni. Spending time with real firefighters gave me an understanding of how little I knew about them and what all they have to endure,” says the actor. The role also turned her attention to an often overlooked fact. “The number of female firefighters also was an eye-opener,” she admits. The Amazon Prime Video film, also starring Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu, went on floors in August 2023. Kher’s prep began way before that as she made multiple rounds of the Marol and Wadala fire stations, gaining first-hand experience of the firefighters’ rigorous routines and techniques over her eight-week training. “The training sessions were exciting. I learned how to handle equipment, and did the drills the firefighters do. [I also picked up] hose management and ladder operations.” While the job further highlighted how it can be physically demanding, she walked away more impressed by their mental resilience. “Seeing the sacrifices these men and women make every day, often at great risk to themselves, was humbling.”
20 November,2024 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuConsider this: the Festival des 3 Continents, which is celebrating Shabana Azmi’s 50 years in movies this year, wasn’t around when she debuted in Hindi cinema in 1974. That itself can be a sign of how enduring Azmi’s career has been, as the actor went from strength to strength, leaving her mark not only in Indian cinema but also around the world. Not surprising then that the 46th edition of Festival des 3 Continents, which is underway in Nantes, France, is paying a tribute to the senior actor with a retrospective of her films. Beginning from November 19 to 22, the prestigious festival will screen Ankur (1974), Arth (1982), Mandi (1983), and Masoom (1983). Arth and Ankur will be screened at the festival Hours before the tribute began on Tuesday, as mid-day contacted Azmi, she said that she formed a deep connection with the French audience from her early days. “Right from the start, there has been a connection, beginning with Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. [The bond] strengthened with Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khilari [1977]. The Nantes Film Festival is one of cine artistes and a receptive audience,” said the actor, 74, recalling that Godmother [1999] was the opening movie of the film gala in 1998. “I remember being greeted with a thunderous applause when I had introduced Vinay Shukla’s [director] Godmother.” Last night, Jérôme Baron, the festival’s director, kicked off the four-day retrospective with Ankur. For the special occasion, Azmi wore her mother, the late Shaukat Azmi’s saree. She said, “All of mum’s sarees were woven. I like to be understated at film festivals. I don’t subscribe to the red-carpet dress code, which makes me feel like an alien. When abroad, the saree is the biggest statement about our country.” Making statements has come effortlessly to the veteran actor, be it through her movies, attire or social work. In 1989, at the Biennale of Human Rights in France, she was chosen as one of 16 women, including Mother Teresa and Guatemalan activist Rigoberta Menchu, who were honoured by then-President Francois Mitterrand. “It has been possible because of being at the right place at the right time,” said Azmi, proud that she has used cinema as a medium of social change. To her, that has made her golden journey in the movies all the more worthwhile. “When I first faced the camera 50 years ago, I never dreamed that I would still be working today! I feel humbled and grateful. I wish to thank all my directors, writers and co-actors, plus all the people behind the camera.”
20 November,2024 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBROver the weekend, Ajay Devgn sent the internet into a tizzy as he announced that his next directorial venture would be fronted by Akshay Kumar. This would be the two superstars’ seventh collaboration after Suhaag (1994), Khakee (2004), Insan (2005), Simmba (2018), Sooryavanshi (2021) and Singham Again. Now, it looks like the project could get more star-studded. mid-day has learnt that the film is a two-hero action comedy, and Devgn is keen to cast Vicky Kaushal as the parallel lead. A source tells us that the superstar has been deeply impressed by Kaushal. “Ajay likes the actor’s dedicated approach to work. Since the entertainer sees the two lead characters playing off each other, Ajay felt it would be novel to team up Akshay and Vicky. Meanwhile, Akshay loved the story, as it sees him doing not only action, but also comedy—a genre he excels at,” says the source. Things are, however, at a nascent stage, with the first draft being ready at the moment. Devgn is planning it such that the project can roll by September-October next year. After all, Kumar and his dates are blocked until then. The source adds, “Ajay is currently shooting for Son of Sardaar 2, after which he has De De Pyaar De 2, Ranger, and Indra Kumar’s Dhamaal 4.”
20 November,2024 07:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRADVERTISEMENT
