Month: October 2024

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a 3 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees.

During a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the DA hike was effective from July 1, 2024.

The Dearness Relief for pensioners has also been revised by 3 per cent, Vaishnaw said.

“The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2024 representing an increase of three percent (3 per cent) over the existing rate of 50 per cent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate against price rise,” as per a government release.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs .9,448.35 crore per annum, it added.

As per the release, this increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission. This will benefit about 49.18 lakh central government employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners.

The Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief is paid to central government employees/pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real values.

These are revised twice a year from January 1 and July 1 based on increase in 12 monthly average of All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) published by the Labour Bureau.

Since the hike is effective from July 2024, the employees will get arrears for July, August and September. (ANI)

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi Crops for the Marketing Season 2025-26.

Government has increased the MSP of Rabi Crops to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The absolute highest increase in MSP has been announced for Rapeseed & Mustard at Rs 300 per quintal followed by Lentil (Masur) at Rs 275 per quintal.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the Cabinet meeting held today.

For gram, wheat, safflower and barley, there is an increase of Rs 210 per quintal, Rs150 per quintal, Rs140 per quintal and Rs130 per quintal respectively.

The increase in MSP for mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26 is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average cost of production.

The expected margin over all-India weighted average cost of production is 105 percent for wheat, followed by 98 percent for rapeseed & mustard; 89 per cent for lentil; 60 per cent for gram; 60 percent for barley; and 50 percent for safflower. This increased MSP of rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and incentivise crop diversification. (ANI)

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Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 16 (ANI): After attending the swearing-in ceremony of Omar Abdullah as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that the people here have been witnessing a difficult time after the abrogation of article 370 on August 5, 2019, and now the new government must bring in its first resolution concerning it.

“I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir on getting a stable government after a long time. J-K has been facing a difficult time since August 2019 (after the abrogation of Article 370). They have given a mandate with great hope thinking that the wrong decision taken will be condemned on the floor of the House. A message will be given to the whole country and along with it, the problems of our daily lives like lack of electricity and other problems will also be resolved. Unemployment, drug addiction, electricity, and the rest of the issues must be addressed properly,” said Mufti.

Extending greetings to Omar Abdullah, J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina said, “I congratulate Omar Abdullah who has taken oath as the new CM of J&K and also his Council of Ministers. I hope that they will work to further establish peace in J&K and also resolve the issues faced by the public. I also wish that he takes forward the efforts put in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.”

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Omar Abdullah and said, “It was important (to form the government here), and getting the rights is even more important.”

Earlier in the day, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

L-G Manoj Saxena administered the oath of office to Abdullah and his council of ministers at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

NC leader Surinder Kumar Choudhary took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

NC MLA from Mendhar Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar from Rafiabad, Sakina Itoo from DH Pora, and Surinder Kumar Chowdhary were also administered oaths by LG Sinha as ministers in Cabinet.

Independent MLA from Chhamb assembly seat Satish Sharma was given a place in the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with many INDIA bloc leaders were also present for the swearing-in ceremony. (ANI)

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Nayab Singh Saini was on Wednesday chosen as the leader of Haryana BJP Legislature Party in a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Chandigarh.

Nayab Saini will now take oath as Haryana Chief Minister for the second time on October 17.

Union Minister Shah said that Haryana’s victory is the result of the developmental narrative carried by the Prime Minister across the country.

“This is a triumph of BJP’s policies. Since the 1980s, no party has seen a Chief Minister re-elected for a third consecutive term, and if it happens, it happens with BJP,” he said.

“I want to tell the opposition that if there is any state which buys all 24 crops, then it is the BJP-ruled Haryana state. If anyone has made the most purchases at MSP, it is PM Modi,” he said.

The Union Home Minister further slammed the opposition over Agniveers and said that they left no stone unturned in instigating them.

“This is not a scheme of injustice towards the youth, but one that will rejuvenate the army with young blood. BJP promises that every individual who returns from Agniveer will secure a pensionable job in the Indian Government or the Haryana Government,” Shah said.

The BJP is set to form its third successive government in Haryana after it won 48 seats in the 90-member assembly as per the results announced last week. The Congress won 37 seats.

The oath taking ceremony is slated to be held at Panchkula at 10 am at Dussehra Ground in Sector 5 on October 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present, along with senior leaders from the BJP and Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states.(ANI)

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Defending its decision to the alleged demolition of the Dargah and other places in Gir Somnath by authorities, the Gujarat Government has informed the Supreme Court that the lands were of governments abutting the waterfront Arabian Sea where the encroachments were removed.

“The removal of encroachments has been part of a continuous drive undertaken by the Revenue authorities of District Gir Somnath to ensure that the valuable Government land abutting the waterfront (Arabia Sea) is freed up of encroachments,” Gujarat Government said.

In an affidavit filed by the Gujarat Government in the Supreme Court in Gir Somnath demolition matter, the state administration informed the top court that in the District Gir Somnath, from where the encroachments were removed, are government lands abutting the waterfront (Arabian Sea).

The affidavit came as a reply to Summast Patni Musslim Jamat petition seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against Gujarat authorities for wilful and deliberate contravention of the Order dated September 17.

However, the Union Government clarified that it tenders a wholly unconditional, unqualified, bonafide and sincere apology for any alleged contemptuous conduct on its part arising out of any advertent or inadvertent action or inaction concerning the subject matter of the present proceedings, as it holds the top court in the highest regard and does not seek to affect its majesty.

But the Gujarat Government opposed the Jamat plea and submitted that all phases of demolition have taken place by following due procedure prescribed in law so as to ensure that government lands are freed of encroachments.

Countering the petitioner’s claim, Gujarat Govt called it unfortunate that the petitioner has given a communal colour to the work performed by the authorities, which is far from the truth.

“In Phase-1 of the removal of encroachments, on October 8, 2023, 26 encroachments were removed from Revenue Survey No 1852 of Village Prabhas Patan, out of which 1 encroacher belonged to a member of the Hindu community and 25 encroachments belonged to members of the Muslim community. Phase-1 cleared 15,000 square meters of government land of encroachments,” Gujarat Government said.

The affidavit further said that in Phase 2,174 encroachments, including temples, all belonging to members of the Hindu community, were removed and in the third phase, 155 encroachments on public roads were removed from Village Prabhas Patan, out of which 147 encroachments belonged to members of the Hindu community and 8 encroachments belonged to members of the Muslim community. Two more phases of demolition took place in which many encroachments were removed.

“Thus, the removal of encroachments has been part of a continuous drive undertaken by the Revenue authorities of District Gir Somnath to ensure that the valuable government land abutting the waterfront (Arabia Sea) is freed up of encroachments,” Gujarat Government said.

Gujarat Government submitted that before the removal of encroachments on September 28-29, 2024, the encroachers were, on September 5, 2024, issued notices under Section 202 of the Gujarat Land Revenue Code (GLRC) for removal of illegal encroachments.

The Gujarat government further added that the petitioner has not established its locus while filing of the petition, or as to how it stands affected by the actions of the respondent authorities. The petitioner is not affected by the removal of the encroachments that were removed by the respondent authorities, the government said.

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde for petitioner Summast Patni Musslim Jamat on Wednesday sought time to file a rejoinder and said that the state government’s only defence is it is near Arabian Sea.

A bench of justices BR Gavai, PK Mishra and KV Vishwanathan adjourned the matter after three weeks.

Summast Patni Musslim Jamat has filed petition through advocate Anas Tanwir and sought to initiate contempt proceedings against Gujarat authorities for wilful and deliberate contravention of the order dated September 17.

The Supreme Court in the last hearing refused to stay the demolition but clarified that if they find there is contempt of its order in this matter, then it will not only send the alleged erring officials to jail but also order to restore the structure.

On September 17, the top court directed that till the next date of hearing, there shall be no demolition anywhere across the country without seeking leave of this court.

However, on September 17, the court clarified that its order would not be applicable if there is an unauthorized structure in any public place such as road, street, footpath, abutting railway line or any river body or water bodies, and also to cases where there is an order for demolition made by a Court of law.

The organisation said that Gujarat authorities carried out an early morning illegal demolition of centuries-old Muslim religious places of worship, including mosques, eidgahs, dargahs, mausoleums and residential places of Mutawallis of the said dargahs on September 28, 2024, without issuing any notices for such demolition and without granting any opportunity of hearing.

“The respondents herein, by carrying out the said demolitions, have blatantly defied the aforementioned order, thereby lowering the majesty of the court in the eyes of the general public, relaying utter disrespect to the orders of the court,” the petitioner said.

The petitioner, which is a trust representing the Patni Muslim community of Prabhas Patan, sought to protect religious sites that have significant historical and spiritual importance.

“These include Haji Mangroli Shah Baba’s tomb, dargahs, mosques, and graveyards that have been used and revered by the local Muslim community for over a century. The tomb and surrounding graveyards have existed since the time of the state of Junagadh, with the matter of their ownership and usage being resolved as early as 1903 by a legal resolution passed under the supervision,” the petitioner said. (ANI)

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In the run-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the ruling Mahayuti does not need to announce the candidate for the chief ministerial post, as Eknath Shinde has already been designated by the alliance for the Chief Minister’s post.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “The Mahayuti doesn’t have to announce a CM face, our chief minister is sitting here. I challenge Pawar Saheb to announce their face for the CM post.”

Taking a dig at the opposition, Fadnavis said, “Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is not announcing CM face as they don’t think their CM can come after elections.”

Fadnavis further took a swipe at the MVA and said, “The alliance (Maha Vikas Aghadi) whose home minister went to jail for accepting a bribe of Rs 100 crore, who planted bombs outside a businessman’s house, who were picking up journalists and putting them behind bars, are telling us about the law and order situation. Nirbhaya Squad vehicles were being used to escort their leaders in their government. These people who were the most careless about women’s safety and security should not teach us how to keep our Nari Shakti safe.”

Adding further, Fadnavis said, “We have announced all the schemes, made all the financial provisions and budget for those schemes and not only this, but we will also announce some new schemes and benefits for everyone in our manifesto.”

“I assure you that all the schemes and promises announced by us will have full support of financial provision and no scheme will lack financial support from our side. Initially when we announced the Ladki Bahin Yojana, people from the opposition were claiming that money would not be deposited in the accounts, but till now at least 4 to 5 instalments have been deposited in the accounts of more than 2.5 crore beneficiaries of our state,” he said.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also spoke at the press conference and said, “Our two years of work and performance is the face of our alliance. The MVA should announce their face as the leader of the opposition.”

The Chief Minister further said, “We are presenting our two years performance card. This is not an easy thing to present your report card after two years of your government because to produce such a detailed report card, the government has to perform well.”

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar released the ‘Mahayuti’ government report card during their joint press conference in Mumbai.

RPI(A) chief and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale was also present at the press conference event.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, the Election Commission of India announced on Tuesday (October 15, 2024). With this, the political parties have begun gearing up for an election that will be unprecedented in many ways.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had sidestepped the question about who will be the MVA’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra. He said the Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA) will announce its chief ministerial face only after the ruling Mahayuti does the same.

“Let Mahayuti announce their CM face first then we will let you all know who is our CM face. Being in govt, Mahayuti should announce their chief minister face first,” Thackeray said during a press briefing in Mumbai on October 13.

Last month, Sharad Pawar said there was no need for the MVA to announce a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the election and the coalition would contest under a collective leadership.

“There is no hurdle anywhere by not announcing the CM’s face. No need to think about it now. Who should lead should be decided according to the numbers. There is no need to make any arrangements before elections,” Pawar said.

The Election Commission on Tuesday announced the schedule for the Maharashtra assembly election. According to the election panel, polling will be held in a single phase on November 20 and the results will be declared on November 23.

For Maharashtra, this will be in a single phase. Date of notification – October 22, last date of nomination – October 29, scrutiny – October 30, last date of withdrawal – November 4 and the date of polling will be November 20 and counting will be held on November 23.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed strong confidence in the Mahuyuti alliance’s success in the upcoming Assembly elections, stating that the outcomes of the welfare schemes will be reflected in the election results.

On the opposition casting aspersions on the Election Commission and chastity of EVMs, Shinde said, “When the Opposition wins, they praise the EVMs, the Election Commission, and the courts. But when the results aren’t in their favour, they criticize the EVMs. The people of Maharashtra recognize that the Opposition is being hypocritical, claiming that the EVMs and the Election Commission are flawed. We approach elections with confidence, energy, and a focus on development.”

In the 2019, Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Congress and unified Shiv Sena had won 154 out of 288 seats as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. However, this time around the Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar’s NCP and Congress are in alliance to counter the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.

In the Lok Sabha election held this year, MVA won 30 of the state’s 48 Lok Sabha seats. The ruling alliance won 17. One seat went to an Independent candidate. (ANI)

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The excitement surrounding ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ continues to grow, with the release of a teaser for the film’s title track, featuring a collaboration between global music icon Pitbull, known as Mr Worldwide, and Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh.

Following the recent release of the film’s trailer, this partnership blends Bollywood’s vibrant energy with international beats.

Kartik Aaryan, who reprises his role as Rooh Baba, leads the track with his signature dance moves and charismatic style.

The teaser released on Tuesday by the makers of the film has added to the anticipation of the song’s release.

Composed by Tanishk Bagchi, who is known for his chart-topping recreations, and featuring original compositions by Pritam, the title track is set to uphold the musical legacy of the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ franchise.

The collaboration brings together a dynamic trio: Pitbull, Diljit Dosanjh, and Neeraj Shridhar with a focus on modern sounds intertwined with traditional Indian elements.

Directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, combining horror and comedy.

The film also stars Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, and Triptii Dimri, making it a highly anticipated Diwali release.

Set to hit theatres on November 1, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ faces a significant box office challenge from Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again’.

With both films generating considerable buzz, the clash promises to be a thrilling showdown in theatres.

As anticipation builds for ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, fans are eager to see how the story unfolds, especially with the beloved characters of Manjulika and Rooh Baba back on screen. (ANI)

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Malayalam actor Jayasurya has appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning regarding sexual assault allegations against him.

The interrogation took place on Tuesday at the Cantonment police station in Thiruvananthapuram.

The situation escalated following accusations from multiple female colleagues in the Malayalam film industry, coinciding with the release of the Hema Committee Report, which investigated claims of sexual harassment within the industry.

Two actresses have filed police complaints against Jayasurya, prompting legal action and public statements from the actor.

On September 1, during a social media post on his 46th birthday, Jayasurya addressed the allegations, stating that he was in the United States at the time.

“Due to my personal commitments, my family and I have been in America for the past month, and during this time, two false allegations on the grounds of sexual harassment were made against me,” he wrote.

The actor emphasized his intention to pursue legal remedies. “I have decided to move forward with this legally. My legal team will be looking after the rest of the proceedings regarding this case.”

Expressing his emotional turmoil, he added, “Quite naturally, it has shattered me, my family and everyone who has held me close.” Jayasurya reiterated his innocence, stating, “A lie always travels faster than the truth but I believe truth will prevail.”

One of the complainants, actor Sonia Malhar, recently detailed her experience, claiming that an incident occurred on the set of the film ‘Pigman’ in Thodupuzha.

“When I came out of the washroom, someone grabbed me. It was actor Jayasurya. I pushed him away. He apologized and told me that he wouldn’t repeat it and that we should continue as friends,” she recounted.

Malhar also discussed the backlash she faced on social media after sharing her story publicly.

Another actress, Minu Muneer, has also accused Jayasurya, alongside other prominent figures, of inappropriate conduct during their collaborations on various projects.

She alleged, “Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully.”

Her claims prompted the registration of an FIR against Jayasurya, as well as another against actor Mukesh, a CPI (M) MLA, for similar allegations.

The Kerala Police confirmed that the second FIR against Jayasurya was filed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault and harassment. (ANI)

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The Indian film fraternity is mourning the demise of veteran actor Atul Parchure who passed away on Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Parchure’s death marks a significant loss to both the Marathi and Hindi film industries, where he had made a lasting impact through his diverse and memorable roles.

In an emotional response to this tragic event, actor Jaywant Wadkar shared his deep sorrow.

“What can I say? I don’t have words,” he told ANI recounting his long-standing friendship with Parchure.

Wadkar recalled his first collaboration with the late actor in a play during their school days.

“When he was in 9th standard, he acted in a play with me for the first time. The play’s name was ‘Tilak Ani Agarkar.’ It was a very famous play,” Wadkar reminisced, highlighting the enduring bond they shared throughout their careers.

“He has done a lot of shows. He has done a lot of shows in Marathi. Then, the way he has portrayed Pul Deshpande, no one has ever presented it like this,” Wadkar said.

Wadkar further reflected on Parchure’s dedication to his craft, noting, “He was also doing a show. After being diagnosed with cancer, he came out and did a show. Then performed.”

Despite his health challenges, Parchure’s passion for acting never waned. He had been rehearsing for a show titled “Suryachi Pillay,” and only days before his passing, he was optimistic about returning to the stage.

“He was also rehearsing for the show. And 8-10 days before that, there was a little problem. So the doctor called him and said that I have to do a little operation. So he did the operation. He was in the ICU. He had come out too. Pushkar, who is my friend, also works in it. So I kept asking him about his health. We were not allowed to meet him at that time,” the ‘Ka R Deva’ actor said.

His remarkable versatility as an actor was evident in his ability to capture audiences with both humour and depth.

“I have never seen such a fantastic actor like him,” Wadkar expressed, highlighting Parchure’s exceptional talent, particularly in portraying iconic characters like Pul Deshpande.

“I mean, really, I feel very bad. For us, a very good actor, a good friend has gone. That’s what I feel,” he said.

Numerous colleagues and friends from the Marathi film industry gathered to pay their final respects at the actor’s last rites.

Actor Shreyas Talpade also mourned the demise of Atul Parchure and said, “He was a very big actor. He has inspired almost all of us. He has inspired everyone in our generation. We grew up watching his work. So today, this is a big loss for all of us. It is extremely unfortunate.”

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray was among those in attendance.

Actor Arjun Kapoor also took to social media to express his condolences. “I never had a chance to work with him, but he always seemed to be such a likeable person no matter what role he played,” Kapoor wrote, adding, “He was taken by cancer despite fighting the disease for many years. May his soul rest in peace.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also voiced his grief, emphasizing the loss of the immense talent.

“The untimely death of Atul Parchure is painful. Sometimes making the audience laugh requires immense talent,” Shinde noted in a post on X.

He praised Parchure’s multifaceted contributions to drama, film, and television, stating, “He left his mark in all three fields of drama, film, and serials.”

Shinde specifically mentioned Parchure’s notable works, including “Tarun Turk Mhatare Ark” and “Natigoti,” emphasizing how deeply he resonated with audiences through his performances.

Parchure’s filmography spans numerous beloved films, such as “Navra Mazha Navsacha,” “Salaam-E-Ishq,” “Partner,” “All the Best: Fun Begins,” “Khatta Meetha,” “Bbuddah… Hoga Terra Baap,” and “Brave Heart.”

He was also well-known for his comedic appearances on “The Kapil Sharma Show,” which further endeared him to fans across India. (ANI)

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Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor has got a new haircut and it’s all enough to steal the attention of his fans.

Celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim gave Ranbir a fresh hairdo. On Tuesday, he took to his official Instagram and shared pictures of the ‘Wake Up Sid’ star flaunting his short slick haircut.

Ranbir’s swag was on point in the pictures as he struck stylish poses while showing off his new look.

He could be seen donning a black shirt with black sunglasses. His beard was also well-groomed.

“Hotness Alert !!! RANBIR KAPOOR,” Aalim captioned the post.

In no time, fans flooded social media with Ranbir’s pictures, heaping praise over his haircut.

“So cool,” a fan commented.

“Stunning look,” a social media user wrote.

These pictures set the internet on fire a few days after Ranbir made heads turn with his “dulha” look at fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani’s Baaraat by Tasva show, held in Delhi.

Several videos and photos of Ranbir, dressed as an Indian groom for the event, surfaced on social media.

In one of the videos, he made a grand entrance in a stylish car while traditional dhols played in the background.

Ranbir regal in a silk ivory sherwani paired with a matching churidar, embodying the quintessential groom.

After the show, Ranbir spoke with media and recalled his wedding day with Alia Bhatt.

He said, “My wife planned everything, I just had to follow her lead. Our wedding took place at our home only. So, it was not that hectic. And it was just a perfect marriage. To be groom again in this collection just feels good.”

Ranbir and Alia tied the knot in April 2022. The two share daughter Raha, who born in November 2022. (ANI)

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