Month: April 2025

There’s great news for the fans of the ‘Baahubali’ franchise as the makers have decided to re-release the first part.

Producer Shobu Yarlagadda, whose firm Arka Media produced the popular blockbuster directed by SS Rajamouli, took to Instagram to make the announcement.

“And on this special day, I am thrilled to inform you all that we are planning an Indian and international re-release of @BaahubaliMovie in October this year. It won’t just be a re-release, it will be a year of celebration for our beloved fans! Expect nostalgia, new reveals, and a few epic surprises along the way. Stay tuned! #ReliveTheEpic! #BaahubaliReturns,” Shobu wrote.

The film will be re-released in October; however, the exact release date in October is yet to be finalised.

The film starred Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamanna Bhatia and Ramya Krishnan in prominent roles. The big-budget period film was over three years in the making, and a massive set was created at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

The movie was awarded the ‘National Award for the Best Feature film’, in the year 2016 and director Rajamouli received the ‘Filmfare Best Director-Telugu Award’.

After waiting for two years, the makers released ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion’ in 2017, which was also a major hit. (ANI)

After smashing a scintillating century against Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, aged 14, expressed his happiness following the knock, saying that the accomplishment feels like a “dream” and there is no fear in his batting.

Suryavanshi, aged just 14 years and 32 days, registered his name in cricket history books as the youngest centurion in T20 cricket and the fastest Indian centurion in IPL history, making a mockery of a 210-run chase along with his batting partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Suryavanshi said, “It feels really good. It was my first century in the IPL in my third innings. What I’ve been practicing for the last three-four months, the result is showing. I don’t see the ground so much, just focus on the ball. There is no fear. I do not think much about the bowlers, I just focus on playing.”

Suryavanshi also spoke about batting with Jaiswal, saying, “Batting with Jaiswal is good, he tells me what to do and he infuses positive things.”

The fearlessness was indeed on display as Vaibhav took down Ishant Sharma for 28 runs in an over, including two fours and three sixes and also demolished all-rounder Karim Janat, a reputed name on T20 circuit, with a 30-run over, including three fours and sixes.

During the run-chase of 210 runs, fans were treated to some insanely clean ball-striking from Vaibhav, who scored 101 in just 38 balls, with seven fours and 11 sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 265.79.

Vaibhav reached his century in 35 balls, which is the second-fastest century in the history of the IPL, below Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton against now-defunct Pune Warriors India for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) back in 2013. Vaibhav is now also the fastest Indian to score a century in the IPL.

The left-hander, at the age of 14 years and 32 days, is the youngest player to score a century in T20 cricket history, surpassing Vijay Zol ,who was 18 years and 118 days old while scoring a century for Maharashtra against Mumbai in 2013.

This is also the seventh-fastest century in T20 cricket, with the fastest one belonging to Sahil Chauhan of Estonia against Cyprus in 2024, coming in just 27 balls.Suryavanshi also reached his fifty in just 17 balls, the fifth-fastest in league history, making him the youngest ever to score an IPL fifty.

Also, the 166-run stand between Vaibhav and Yashasvi Jaiswal is the highest partnership for any wicket for Rajasthan Royals, surpassing 155 by Jos Buttler & Devdutt Padikkal against DC at the Wankhede in 2022.

Vaibhav, who kickstarted his IPL career by slamming a sixer against Shardul Thakur on his very first ball in the competition, has now made 151 runs in three matches at an average of 75.50 and a strike rate of 222.05, with the best score of 101*.

During the IPL mega-auction last year, one of the biggest surprises that emerged was Suryavanshi becoming a Royal for Rs 1.1 crore. Born on March 27, 2011, in Bihar, Vaibhav is the youngest player on the list. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in January 2024 at just 12 years and 284 days old. Last year, he was part of India U19’s match against Australia in Chennai, where he smashed a 58-ball century.

He also made his T20 debut for Bihar during the SMAT 2024 tournament, though he could not score much in his only outing. He was also the seventh-highest run-getter in the ACC Under 19 Asia Cup 2024-25. He scored 176 runs in 5 matches in the tournament with a highest score of 76*.

Coming to the match, GT was put to bat first by RR and half-centuries from skipper Shubman Gill (84 in 50 balls, with five fours and four sixes) and Jos Buttler (50* in 26 balls, with three fours and four sixes) were the top knocks as GT reached 209/4 in 20 overs, with Maheesh Theekshana (2/35) being the top bowler for RR.

In the run-chase, Jaiswal (70* in 40 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) and Vaibhav Suryanvanshi (101 in 38 balls, with seven fours and 11 sixes) blew the opposition out of the water, posting a quickfire 166-run stand in just 71 balls. Later, Riyan Parag (32* in 15 balls, with two fours and two sixes) played a quick cameo, guiding his team to a win in 15.5 overs.

RR is at the eighth spot, with three wins and seven losses, giving them six points. GT is at the third spot, with six wins and three losses, giving them 12 points. (ANI)

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award on Monday by President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to the field of art, has expressed his happiness and gratitude.

“…Thank you very much, I am honoured…I hope I can pay the Government back in any way they want, for the good in society and the good in people and the good of the nation…,” Kapur told ANI.

Kapur’s daughter, Kaveri, also celebrated her father’s achievement on social media.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram Stories, she recalled her father’s advice.

“My father, when I asked for his advice, always said to me, ‘Your wealth lies not in the money you have earned, but in the respect you have earned.’ Today, as he is honored with the #PadmaBhushan, I feel so blessed to have had a father who showed me the true path. I accept the honor bestowed upon me as a responsibility to continue working towards the good of our society and our nation. And I thank the Government of India for selecting me for this honor.”

On Monday evening, President Murmu conferred the award on Kapur in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior leaders.

Kapur is known for his outstanding films like Bandit Queen, the British biographical drama Elizabeth, for which he was nominated for Best Director at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes, and its sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), which won Cate Blanchett her first acting Oscar.

Apart from that, he also directed one of Heath Ledger’s last films, the 2002 epic The Four Feathers. To date, audiences still talk about his films Masoom and Mr. India. (ANI)

The 96-year-old puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for her contribution to the field of Art.

The government announced the Padma Awards on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.

Shillekyathara has been a torchbearer for Togalu Gombeyaata (Leather) puppetry, the traditional shadow puppetry of Karnataka.

#WATCH | 96-year-old puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara receives Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for her contribution to the field of Art.

(Video Source: President of India/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/4PVvqSI9YL

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025

Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

Famous Raagi and Shabad singer Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji also received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to the field of Art.

The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities — art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

American author and researcher known for his writing on Vedic culture and spirituality, Stephen Knapp receives Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to the field of Literature and Education.

Renowned Vedic scholar Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid is also honoured with the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu. He decided the auspicious time for Bhoomi Pujan and Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions, which are held at Rashtrapati Bhavan usually around March or April every year.

For the year 2025, the President has approved conferment of 139 Padma Awards including duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 23of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, and 13 Posthumous awardees. (ANI)

The Padma Awards ceremony for this year took place on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu honoured several achievers from across the country.

The awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and recognize outstanding work in various fields.

Popular singer Jaspinder Narula received the Padma Shri award for her contribution to the field of Art.

#WATCH | Singer Jaspinder Narula receives Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for her contribution to the field of Art.

(Video Source: President of India/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/gG0UUSleBm

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025

Narula has been a respected figure in Indian music for many years. Throughout her career, the singer, best known for her popular song ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’ has lent her voice to several hit tracks including ‘Tare Hain Barati’ from Virasat (1997), ‘Judaai Judaai’ from Judaai (1997) and ‘Hungama Ho Jaaye’ from Baadshah (1999).

Popular Raagi and Shabad singer Bhai Harjinder Singh was also awarded the Padma Shri for his service to the world of devotional music. His contribution to spreading Sikh religious music has been widely appreciated.

#WATCH | Famous Raagi and Shabad singer Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji receives Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to the field of Art.

(Video Source: President of India/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/aPQr525q2g

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025

Among those honoured was superstar Ajith Kumar, who received the Padma Bhushan award for his contribution to Indian cinema. The ‘Mankatha’ star was felicitated in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Earlier, Ajith’s manager, Suresh Chandra, took to X and congratulated the actor.

“With immense pride, the entire team at Venus Motorcycle Tours, Aspire World Tours, and Ajith Kumar Racing congratulates our CEO, Mr. Ajith Kumar, on receiving the prestigious Padma Award. We are excited to celebrate this moment with you and wish you many more milestones ahead. #AjithKumar #PadmaAwards2025 #AjithKumarPadmaAward #PrideOfIndia #PadmaAward #ProudMoment #PadmaBhushanAjithKumar #TNPrideAjithKumar,” Suresh Chandra’s post read.

The Padma Awards are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day and are given in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. This year, the President approved 139 Padma Awards, including 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. (ANI)

BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Monday targeted former Union Minister and Congress leader Saifuddin Soz over his remarks on the Indus Waters Treaty and said that people like Soz, representing the true face of the Congress, are troubled by the government’s decision.

In a post on X, Thakur alleged that leaders like Saifuddin, who “shamelessly defend Pakistan”, accusing him of being sympathetic to a “rogue nation.”

“Pakistan is a habitual offender that takes delight in bleeding India and troubling the world by funding terrorism as its state policy; hence, it must be brought to task. The Narendra Modi government has taken a wise decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, sending a categorical message to Pakistan: don’t expect hospitality when you are hostile,” Anurag Thakur said.

“The entire nation has unequivocally supported the diplomatic measures taken by the Modi government, exercised with utmost restraint, to counter Pakistan and its terrorism. However, people like former Union Minister in the Congress-led UPA government, Saifuddin Soz, representing the true face of the Congress, are troubled by the government’s decision. Shamelessly defending Pakistan, their hearts bleed for a rogue nation,” he said.

The BJP MP further emphasised that India will not offer even a drop of water if Pakistan continues to carry out attacks like these.

“Let Pakistan and its Friends’ Club be very clear: India will not offer even a drop of water if you spill even a drop of our blood,” Thakur said on X.

Earlier today, Congress leader Saifuddin Soz said that India should not go that far, as the Indus Waters Treaty has worked well even during the wars.

“I don’t think that India should go that far. Because it is a treaty, it has worked well even during the wars. It offers an advantage to both India and Pakistan. What will we do with the water that is available? It will submerge Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir altogether. Water should flow down to the sea through its own course. I have a feeling we must not go that far,” he said.

He also termed the Pahalgam attack as “tragic”, calling every countryman to follow what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted.

“What happened in the Pahalgam was tragic and unacceptable. Every Indian should adopt the line that the Prime Minister has adopted. If Pakistan says that it is not involved. Let us accept that argument for a time and we shall ultimately go by our investigating agencies, and they will know better…India and Pakistan are two neighbours. Neighbourhood cannot be changed whatever you do. Ultimately, what will prevail between India and Pakistan is the dialogue. Dialogue and discussion. No military solution, no arms, no sword. Nothing will work except word of mouth that is dialogue,” Saifuddin said.

The attack in Pahalgam is one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday alleged that the people who attacked Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman’s convoy near Aligarh have “complete” support of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Uttar Pradesh government.

“Some people have been given a free hand to do anything they want, and this is because it is their people who are sitting (in government) from top to bottom. The attack on Samajwadi Party leader Ramji Lal Suman indicated that they (those who attacked him) have complete support of the government,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

He also said that the attack happened because the Rajya Sabha MP was heading to Bulandshahr to “raise his voice against those who oppress Dalits.”

“The attack took place because Ramji Lal Suman was going to Bulandshahr to raise his voice against those who oppress Dalits. The government is also making the Thar and the Bulldozer a symbol of fear,” said Akhilesh Yadav.

Some people attacked MP Ramji Lal Suman’s convoy on Sunday by throwing tyres at them, while he was heading to Bulandshahr, where an elderly woman was killed in a car accident.

Suman alleged that his convoy was attacked near Aligarh, with assailants attempting to break the windows of his car. He further claimed that the attackers had come intending to kill him and were being protected by the state government.

“Sunehra is a place in Bulandshahr, where people of a particular community killed an elderly woman by driving at high speed, and 4 to 5 others were injured. We had a program scheduled for the past three days, as per the orders of the Samajwadi Party, which meant that the police and administration were aware of it. The toll plaza at Ghabana was like a cantonment, and we were not allowed to pass. Some distance away from there, near Aligarh, our convoy was attacked, oil was poured on us, and the windows of the vehicles were broken. These people came with a conspiracy to attack and kill us, and they are backed by the state government,” Ramji Lal Suman told ANI.

Aligarh Additional SP City Mrigank Shekhar Pathak addressed the issue and confirmed that a case had been filed under the jurisdiction of Ghabana police station. According to the police, some individuals threw car tyres at Suman’s convoy. A case has been registered, and legal action is being taken.

“A case under the jurisdiction of PS Ghabana has come to our notice, in which it has been reported that some individuals threw tyres at the convoy of MP Ramji Lal Suman. A case has been registered under the relevant sections at PS Ghabana, and legal action is being taken,” he said.

Suman has been under fire since his controversial statement about the historical figure Rana Sanga last month. Suman called the 16th century Rajputana king a “traitor” for allegedly bringing Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.

On March 26, violence erupted outside the residence of SP MP Suman in Agra. Unidentified individuals resorted to pelting stones, breaking window panes and vandalising vehicles parked outside. (ANI)

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday hit back at Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi over his remarks on the Pahalgam attack, terming the latter as a “Joker”.

Afridi has blamed India for making “blunders” in Pahalgam, alleging that “India carries out terrorism itself and then blames Pakistan.”

Reacting to this, Owaisi said, “Who is he? Do not mention the names of such jokers in front of me. Forget about these people.”

Further, the Hyderabad MP demanded that Pakistan be placed back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

Speaking to the media at an event, Owaisi made the demand after claiming that Pakistan is financing terrorism with illegal money.

“It is my demand that Pakistan must be placed back on the FATF grey list. They are financing terrorism with illegal money, so it is necessary to put Pakistan back on the FATF grey list. Under international law, we can impose a naval and air force blockade. Under Article 51 of the United Nations, the right to self-defence is granted. In the Indian Constitution, Article 355 states that if there is external aggression against any state, it is the government’s responsibility to counter it,” the AIMIM Chief said.

Pakistan was on the FATF grey list from June 2018 to October 2022. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the international organisation responsible for tackling money laundering and terrorist financing. It maintains black and grey lists of countries that fail to implement sufficient safeguards.

The attack in Pahalgam on April 22 is one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism, including the abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty. (ANI)

The Janata Dal Secular on Monday shared a purported video of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of nearly slapping Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayan Bharamani and accused the Karnataka CM of “arrogance of power and misconduct.”

“Siddaramaiah, you have the arrogance of power on your head. Raising your hand to hit the Assistant Superintendent of Police does not bring any glory to your position or dignity. You, who are the Chief Minister, like a street rowdy, tried to hit the SP by using a singular word in a public forum, which is an unforgivable crime,” the JDS posted on X.

“Your term of office is only 5 years. But a government officer serves till the age of 60. Power is not permanent for anyone. Correct your misconduct,” the JDS added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also attacked the Karnataka Chief Minister and asked what message the CM is sending to the people of the state.

If a Chief Minister is going to slap an ACP, will the Kotwal gang of @INCKarnataka policemen be left alone? What message are you giving to the people of the state, Siddaramaiah?” the BJP posted on X.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje slammed the Karnataka CM and condemned Siddaramaiah’s action of allegedly nearly slapping the ASP.

“Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, during a rally in Belagavi, tried to slap a police officer. I condemn it. What kind of message does the Chief Minister want to give by doing this? Various leaders of the BJP, including the Mahila Morcha, also staged a protest against the Chief Minister. In a democracy, every person has the right to stage a protest…Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is famous in Pakistan, and he speaks well of Pakistan,” Karandlaje said.

In a video, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah angrily called a Police officer on stage during Congress’s protest rally in Belagavi and gestured, raising his hand at him.

The confrontation unfolded following a protest by BJP women workers near the venue.

During the CM’s address in Belagavi, a few women, who were reportedly BJP activists, indulged in sloganeering against the State Government and the CM and waved a black cloth. (ANI)

Legendary actor Anupam Kher revealed Shubhangi as the lead actress of his film ‘Tanvi The Great’.

During the press conference held in Mumbai, today, Bollywood actor Kajol introduced the lead actress, Shubhangi. Since the announcement of the film, the lead actress has been kept under wraps.

While introducing her, Kajol asked Shubhangi how she feels about being part of the event, She replied, “Amazing, excited and you (Kajol) are standing next to me”

Kher praised Kajol as an actor and said, “I just called her up and said I am unveiling Tavi, will you come, she said, ‘Yes’, there was no discussion and she is here.”

He told Kajol, “…. I learned a lot from you”

When asked, why he decided to call Kajol for the event, he replied, “She is the best looking, she is the best performer and she is relevant today both as a person and as a performer and I knew she will say yes also and she doesn’t take herself so seriously and that is the best part about her…if ever I was to make this film few years back I would have cast Kajol as Tanvi.”

The introductory teaser of ‘Meet Tanvi’ has also been released, showcasing Shubhangi as Tanvi. The debutant was selected from Anupam Kher’s acting school, Actor Prepares, where she has trained over the years, as per the press release.

While talking about casting, Kher said, “When it came to casting Tanvi, I was determined to discover a fresh face and select a talent from my institute, Actor Prepares, in order to offer a newcomer this opportunity. Shubhangi was the chosen one, who is an exceptionally bright talent. She has given her all to portray Tanvi — a story very close to my heart.”

“I am deeply grateful to Kajol for her support and for giving Shubhangi so much love on this important occasion,” he added.

Reflecting on her debut, Shubhangi shared, “I am immensely grateful to Anupam Kher Sir and Actor Prepares for giving me this opportunity to be the face of such a special film. My joy had no limits when I got to I will be playing the role of Tanvi. Embodying the character of Tanvi has been an overwhelming yet enriching experience. Working alongside so many legends in the film industry has strengthened my foundation, and I am determined to continue working even harder.”

The film is set to have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, within the Marche du Film.

Directed by Anupam Kher, with music composed by Oscar-winner MM Keeravani, Tanvi The Great is produced by Anupam Kher Studios in collaboration with NFDC, and will be released soon.

‘Tanvi The Great’ also stars ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Iain Glen and will feature sound design by Resul Pookutty, the Academy Award-winning sound designer known for Slumdog Millionaire. (ANI)