Sunil Narine Becomes Highest Wicket-Taker For A Single Team In Men’s T20s

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) veteran spinner Sunil Narine has etched his name into the history books by becoming the highest wicket-taker for a single team in men’s T20 cricket. The West Indian all-rounder achieved the milestone during KKR’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday in Delhi, where he picked up two crucial wickets.

With this performance, Narine now has 210 wickets from 198 matches for Kolkata Knight Riders, surpassing England’s Samit Patel, who had previously held the record with 208 wickets for Nottinghamshire.

The top five on the list now include Narine (210 for KKR), Patel (208 for Nottinghamshire), Chris Wood (199 for Hampshire), Lasith Malinga (195 for Mumbai Indians), and David Payne (193 for Gloucestershire).

Narine, who has been with KKR since 2012, has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success over the years, known for his mystery spin, economy rate, and ability to deliver in crunch moments. With this latest feat, he further cements his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers in the T20 format.

A hundred from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Heinrich Klaasen and a fifty from Travis Head powered SRH to 278/3 in 20 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 68th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday.

This is the third-highest total by any team in IPL history. Klaasen also registered the fastest hundred of the ongoing IPL in 37 balls.

Sunil Narine removed Abhishek Sharma for 32 (16) and Travis Head for 76(40).

Narine finished with figures of 2/42 in his four overs. KKR need 279 runs to win. (ANI)

Airport Diaries: Akshay Keeps It Cool With A Classic Blue Shirt And Denim

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was seen at the Mumbai airport on Sunday afternoon.

The ‘Kesari’ actor, who never fails to impress fans with his fitness and fashion style, looked dapper in a blue striped shirt, which he paired with denim jeans.

Akshay completed his look with a stylish pair of sunglasses.

This marks his first appearance after actor Paresh Rawal confirmed that he will not be part of Hera Pheri 3, leaving fans both surprised and disappointed. “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences,” he wrote on X, adding, “I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film’s director,” Rawal wrote on X.

However, it was not just the fans who were heartbroken by his exit. Rawal’s sudden departure from the popular franchise was also a big blow to actor Suniel Shetty, who played the calm and collected Shyam in the classic comedy.

“I mean, it’s an absolute shock to me, and I’m here because I heard it yesterday, and then today, some more news came about. So, I need to call and find out, and I’m completely heartbroken because if there was one film that I was looking forward to, it was Hera Pheri, you know,” Shetty told ANI.

“It cannot happen. 100 percent cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. It can have a 1 percent chance without me and Akshay, but it 100 percent can’t happen without Paresh ji. No, it doesn’t. Raju and Shyam, if they’re not hammered by Babu Bhaiya, it doesn’t work,” he added.

Directed by Priyadarshan, Hera Pheri was released in 2000. It featured Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and Tabu in the lead roles. The second part, which came out in 2006, was directed by the late Neeraj Vora. It featured Akshay, Paresh, Suniel, Bipasha Basu, Rajpal Yadav, and Rimi Sen in the lead roles. (ANI)

Preity Donates Huge Amount To Army Wives Welfare Association

Actor and co-owner of the IPL team Punjab Kings, Preity Zinta, has reportedly donated Rs 1 crore to the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) under the Indian Army’s South Western Command.

Her contribution comes days after the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor, which was initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists were brutally killed by Pak-sponsored terrorists.

The ‘Veer-Zaara’ actress, on Sunday, took to her Instagram to share a video from the event, where she is seen addressing army families. In her speech, she praised both the soldiers and their families for their courage and strength.

“Humari Bhartiya Sena, parakrami nahi, bohot bahadur bhi hain, but usse zyada bahadur aur parakrami in sabke parivaar waale hain. Yeh toh ek bohot chhoti bhet hain humari taraf se,” she said during her address.

Along with the video, she posted a lengthy caption where she spoke about her emotional experience at the event. She described her visit to the South Western Command auditorium and how deeply moved she was by the stories and sacrifices of the soldiers and their families.

A part of her caption read, “As I drove towards the auditorium in the South Western Command of the Indian Army, I saw posters of army officers and jawans at regular intervals, who had won various bravery awards. Some laid down their lives for our country, while others came back with scars from the battlefield. These men were husbands, sons, brothers, and fathers. They are part of our armed forces, and they gave up their today for our tomorrow!”

“At the event, I met the women who would miss these men every day and every moment of their lives. I met their kids and saw their smiles. There were no complaints, and no tears–just pride, strength, and sacrifice. There was so much bravery in that auditorium, it humbled me beyond words. It was truly my honor to share the stage with these Veer Naris and their families,” it added.

Take a look:

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. (ANI)

Rohini Acharya Backs Lalu’s Decision To Expel Tej Pratap

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rohini Acharya has come out in strong support of her father and party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s decision to expel his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from both the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the family, citing repeated violations of family values and public conduct.

Rohini Acharya expressed her thoughts in a message on X.

She wrote, “Those who take care of the dignity of the environment, tradition, family and upbringing are never questioned. Those who abandon their wisdom and repeatedly commit the mistake of crossing the limits of decent conduct and family prestige, they make themselves the subject of criticism.”

Reaffirming her loyalty to Lalu Prasad Yadav and the values he represents, she added, “For us, Papa is like God, family is our temple and pride and the party built by Papa’s tireless efforts and struggles, and the concept of social justice is our worship. We will never accept that the reputation of these three is tarnished due to anyone.”

The controversy erupted after Lalu Yadav took the significant step of expelling Tej Pratap from both the party and the family. Explaining the reason behind this decision, Lalu Yadav said that his son’s conduct was not in line with the family’s traditions and values. He stressed that neglecting moral standards in personal life weakens the broader struggle for social justice.

In a statement on X, Lalu Yadav said, “The activities, public behaviour, and irresponsible conduct of my eldest son are not in line with our family’s values and cultural ethos. Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions.”

He further announced, “Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for six years. He is capable of seeing the good and bad and merits and demerits of his personal life.”

Lalu Yadav also said that anyone who wishes to maintain contact with Tej Pratap is free to make their own decisions. “All those who will have relations with him should take their own decisions. I have always been an advocate of public shame in public life. The obedient members of the family have adopted and followed this idea in public life. Thank you,” he said.

Reacting to the situation, Tej Pratap’s younger brother and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav said that while the developments are unfortunate, the matter is personal. “We cannot tolerate such things, we are working and are dedicated to the people of Bihar. If it’s about my big brother, political life and personal life are different. He has the right to make his personal decisions. He is an adult and free to make decisions. Our party’s chief has made it clear, and ever since he has said so, it is his feelings. We didn’t question such things… What he is doing in his personal life, nobody asks before doing anything. I have come to know about it via the media only.”

The matter gained attention on Saturday after Tej Pratap Yadav alleged that his Facebook account had been hacked. This claim came after a post from his account said that he had been in a long-term relationship with a woman. The post sparked controversy online and reminded many of his previous marital issues that had made headlines.

Tej Pratap later posted on X, claiming that his social media accounts had been hacked and that some of his photos had been maliciously edited.

Tej Pratap had earlier married Aishwarya Rai, the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. However, the marriage was short-lived. Aishwarya left the Yadav household after a few months, alleging that she had been driven out by her husband and his family members.

This internal family dispute comes at a crucial time, with the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year. (ANI)

Delhi Govt Orders Immediate Suspension Of JE After Water-Logging At Minto Bridge

The Delhi government on Sunday took prompt action regarding water-logging at Minto Bridge by issuing immediate suspension orders to the Junior Engineer-in charge and the pump operator at site, government sources said.

According to sources, a show cause notice will be served to the Assistant Engineer for “supervisory lapses” and the Executive Engineer is directed to submit an explanation detailing preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Moreover, the Engineer-in-Chief has been instructed to ensure that such occurrences are not repeated across Delhi and to issue necessary warnings.

Minto Bridge is a railway bridge above Vivekanda Road in New Delhi. The bridge has faced water logging and traffic issues before as well.

Earlier on Sunday, Aam Aadmi Party MLA and party’s Delhi state president Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh for being “missing” while several parts of the national capital experience waterlogging.

“Where has PWD Minister Parvesh Verma gone missing?” Bharadwaj said in a post on X.

Delhi Assembly’s Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Atishi also questioned whether Minister Verma will be removed from his position, questioning why he is not on the ground monitoring the situation.

“Will Parvesh Sahib Singh be removed as PWD minister? Why is he not on the ground even after water logging has happened? Why is he hiding?”

The waterlogging occurred after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds hit Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, with several areas experiencing waterlogging and traffic congestion.

The visuals from Delhi Cantt showed a bus and a vehicle submerged in the water at a waterlogged underpass, demonstrating the severity of the rainfall.

Severe water-logging was also witnessed in the areas of ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Subroto Park, Nanakpura Underpass, and Chanakyapuri leading to traffic congestion.

Earlier on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and nearby areas, warning of strong thunderstorms, rain, and high-speed winds over the next two to three hours.

The alert is part of a nowcast warning based on the current weather conditions. Meanwhile, IMD has stated that there is a possibility of rain in Delhi today as well, as IMD predicts thunderstorm activity and gusty winds at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour as cyclonic circulations centred around Western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan were conducive for it. (ANI)

India Is In A Different League Today: Khurshid In Seoul

Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who is part of an all-party delegation in Seoul, said India is in a different league today as the world now sees it as a major global power.

Khurshid is a member of the all-party delegation sent to project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. In the context of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against cross-border terrorism, seven All-Party Delegations have been visiting key countries, including members of the UN Security Council.

“The message to the world is that India is in a different league today. They see us as a country that’s emerging as a top country globally,” Khurshid said while addressing the Indian diaspora here.

He pointed out that India has now become the fourth-largest economy, going ahead of Japan. “We have emerged beyond Japan as the fourth-largest economy, and we are going by leaps and bounds,” he said.

Khurshid added that this progress must be protected. “This is something we need to protect, and we will protect it. We will not allow anybody to distract us from this purpose,” he said.

“We don’t do things to hurt somebody, we only do things to defend ourselves. First reaction that the world gave to us was, that India has the right to defend itself, Khurshid said on Operation Sindoor.

“The world looks at a variety of things… their own geopolitical circumstances, their own purposes, etc. And therefore, fortunately, a very limited number of countries stood by Pakistan. Many more countries stood by India,” the Congress leader said.

Khurshid also emphasised that only terrorist camps were targeted during Operation Sindoor, that has not yet ended.

“We didn’t attack any area of Pakistan except the terrorist camps, and we attacked them with precision. If they hadn’t attacked us back, we would have stopped there, but they did attack us back, and when they attacked us back, what did we do? We neutralised the platforms they were using to attack us, so we neutralised their air bases… That sent the message clearly to them that you can’t take India on, and they therefore said Please let’s stop it and they’ve stopped. But we have to be careful, which is why the government very clearly said, we are not putting an end to the Operation Sindoor…,” the Congress leader said.

Also, while stressing India’s commitment to be Vishwa Guru, Khurshid remarked, “…We want to be Vishwa Guru, we want to be Vishwa Mitra – that’s a huge responsibility. We have an enormous responsibility and therefore restraint… “

Khurshid said that the countries that “have suffered from terrorism have changed their attitude”, adding, “But those countries that have been fortunate not to suffer the hands of terrorists continue to make these distinctions between militants and terrorists, freedom fighters and terrorists, and therefore it’s very important that our narrative continues…”

Khurshid is a member of the all-party delegation led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. The delegation will head to other East Asian countries as part of India’s global outreach against terrorism.

The other members of the delegation are BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradhan Baruah, Hemang Joshi, CPI-M’s John Brittas, AITC’s Abhishek Banerjee, and Ambassador Mohan Kumar.

In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan’s links to terrorism, and India’s strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)

Want To Get Back In T20I Team, World Cup Is On My Mind: KL Rahul

Following a solid Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul said that he wants to make a comeback to the Indian T20I team, and the next year’s T20 World Cup is on his mind.

KL ended an exciting IPL season with the bat following a 21-ball 35 during the clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), with his run tally being 539 runs in 13 innings at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, with a century and three fifties. He ended as the seventh-highest run-getter of the season and DC’s top run-getter.

Being a consistent run-getter is not a problem for KL, who has crossed the 500-run barrier in seven out of 12 seasons and crossed the 600-run mark in four seasons. He has scored 5,222 runs in 145 appearances with five centuries and 40 fifties and is the only player to make tons for three different IPL teams: Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. He also won the Orange Cap for most runs in the 2020 season, with 670 runs in 14 matches, including a century and five fifties.

Under scrutiny was always his scoring rate. He played his final T20I for India during the 2022 T20 WC semifinal against England, which India lost by 10 wickets. During the tournament, his strike rate was under scrutiny, as he scored 128 runs with two fifties in six innings at a poor SR of 120.75. His habit of playing out maidens also invited plenty of trolling from fans. Following the semifinal, Team India moved on from a core of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, investing in younger and more hard-hitting talent like Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson etc.

“Yes, I want to get back in the T20I team and the World Cup is in my mind, but for now it is just trying to enjoy how I am playing right now,” Rahul said in a Sky Sports interview with Nasser Hussain as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

His strike rate of 149.72 this season is a massive rise from the past five seasons: 136.12, 113.22, 135.38, 138.80 and 129.34. His best strike rate came in the 2018 season, when he scored 659 runs at a strike rate of 158.41.

“I obviously had some time to think about my white-ball game and white-ball cricket; I was quite happy with my performances and where I was. But there was a time probably 15 months ago or 12 months ago where I realised that the game is slightly getting ahead or it is changing and becoming much more faster, and I said this in an interview as well, that it is become more about the team that hits more boundaries is winning the games more often than the team that is, I cannot say playing smarter, but the team that does not hit as many boundaries is always finding themselves on the losing side,” he added.

Rahul had once found himself under immense scrutiny and trolling for his “strike rate is overrated” remark. Also notably, current DC mentor Kevin Pietersen had also once remarked on social media that “Watching KL is like sitting and watching the paint dry on the wall.”

The Karnataka-born was not a part of India’s T20 World Cup winning squad in 2024, and he said that it gave him time to think about his T20 game, where he needed to get better and catch up in order to earn his way back into the national side.

“Just sitting and thinking about these things, I have come up with certain things, obviously with the help of coaches that I have worked with. Abhishek Nayar is one of the guys I have worked with in the last 12 months quite a lot. He has come into the Indian team as a batting coach [but has been removed since], so I spent a lot of time with him and he really helped in helping me change my thinking and helped me work on my game,” he added.

Speaking about Pietersen’s remarks on social media, KL said that “it is good to have a little bit of banter.”

“I mean, these were times when I still used to read and see stuff that was said about me. There is obviously a drive if someone is saying that I cannot do something, or someone is saying that it is the most boring player to watch in T20 cricket or the powerplay… I mean, there is a bit more in me when I go into the next game.”

“I have spent a couple of weeks with KP here at the IPL, and you realise that they do not mean any harm to you, just what he has seen on TV, and it is what he felt, and he said that on TV. So there is nothing more. So it has been easy for me since I started seeing it that way: if someone is a commentator or a fellow cricketer has said that, obviously it is what he has seen and what he feels, so that you do not take it personally, I think that is a bit easier,” he concluded. (ANI)

Sanju Pays Tribute To Father Sunil Dutt On 20th Death Anniv

On the occasion of the 20th death anniversary of legendary actor and politician Sunil Dutt, his son, actor Sanjay Dutt, took to social media to share heartfelt memories and express the deep impact his father had on shaping his life.

Sunil Dutt, who passed away on May 25, 2005, left behind a legacy not only as a prominent actor but also as a pillar of strength and humility for his family and the public.

Sanjay, in a touching Instagram post, shared a series of photographs, some of which showcased cherished moments from his childhood and his film career with his father.

The first image captured a young Sanjay smiling beside his father, while the second one featured an iconic still from their famous movie Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., a film that became synonymous with the father-son duo’s on-screen chemistry.

In his emotional caption, Sanjay Dutt reflected on the resilience and courage his father taught him.

“You didn’t just raise me, you showed me how to stand tall when life gets tough. Love you dad and miss you every day…” wrote Sanjay, expressing his deep gratitude for the lessons Sunil Dutt imparted to him, which have helped him face life’s toughest moments with strength and determination.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKEQVWJscri/?img_index=1

Along with Sanjay, his sister, Priya Dutt, also shared an emotional tribute to their late father.

In her post, Priya spoke about how Sunil Dutt, despite his towering influence in the film industry and politics, never sought recognition or glory.

“Dad, when you smiled, we knew everything was okay. You were our pillar– the one person who stood by us, behind us, and guided us to move forward with the right values of humility, gratitude, compassion, and love,” she wrote in her heartfelt post.

“You always taught me that people must remember you by your good work and your good deeds, not by your status or money,” she wrote in the caption, adding, “You never wanted anything named after you, or statues built. You didn’t need that, as you are etched in the hearts of the people whose lives you touched. I feel so proud to be your daughter. I miss you, but you remain with me in all that I do.”

Sunil Dutt, who passed away at the age of 75 following a heart attack, was not only known for his iconic roles in Hindi cinema but also for his contributions to public service.

Sunil Dutt, known for his stellar performances in classics like ‘Mother India,’ ‘Waqt,’ ‘Padosan,’ and ‘Sadhna,’ left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

His romance with actress Nargis, which began dramatically on the sets of ‘Mother India’ when he rescued her from a fire, became one of Bollywood’s most cherished love stories.

The couple married on March 11, 1958, and together they had three children Sanjay, Priya, and Namrata Dutt.

The Dutt family faced significant challenges, especially with Nargis’s battle with pancreatic cancer, which claimed her life on May 3, 1981.

Despite these hardships, Sunil Dutt remained a pillar of strength, both for his family and his fans.

In addition to his cinematic achievements, Sunil Dutt made significant contributions to Indian politics.

He joined the Congress party in 1984 and served as a Member of Parliament for five consecutive terms, representing the Mumbai North West constituency until his death.

Sunil Dutt’s final film appearance was in ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S,’ where he shared the screen with Sanjay, creating memorable moments that fans still cherish. (ANI)

Baloch Journalist Abdul Killed Amid Escalating Press Crackdown In Pak

In a chilling escalation of violence against journalists in Balochistan, renowned journalist Abdul Latif Baloch was brutally assassinated in the early hours of May 24 inside his home in Mashkay, district Awaran.

According to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, he was shot dead at approximately 3 am by Pakistani state-backed militias, in full view of his wife and children.

Abdul Latif Baloch was widely respected for his fearless reporting on human rights violations and resistance in the war-torn province. His work gave voice to the oppressed and documented the suffering of Baloch communities under Pakistani military operations.

In a region where journalism is often criminalized, his assassination underscores the extreme risks faced by truth-tellers.

This killing is part of what Baloch activists describe as Pakistan’s “kill and dump” policy–a systematic campaign to silence dissent and erase Baloch identity. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee noted that just months ago, Abdul Latif’s son, Saif Baloch, along with seven other family members, were forcibly disappeared by security forces and later found dead.

“This is not just a tragedy for one family–it is an act of terror meant to silence an entire people,” said the Committee in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We call on the United Nations, international media, and press freedom organizations to break their silence and confront these crimes against humanity.”

Shalee Baloch, organizer of the Baloch Women Forum, posted on X, “The egregious killing of journalist Abdul Latif in Mashkay, Awaran district starkly highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, necessitating immediate accountability and transparency. This incident exemplifies the systemic violence perpetrated by state officials against the Baloch people, characterized by enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings.”

She added, “The international community must acknowledge the severity of the human rights situation and pressurize the state to ensure accountability. The persistent silence surrounding the Baloch genocide is untenable, and prompt action is essential to prevent further bloodshed. Justice must, once and for all, prevail.”

The assassination has sparked outrage among human rights groups and press freedom advocates, who emphasize the urgent need for international intervention and accountability in Balochistan. (ANI)

My Lawyer Has Sent An Appropriate Response: Paresh Amid ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Controversy

Bollywood veteran actor Paresh Rawal shared an update regarding the controversy surrounding his sudden departure from the upcoming film ‘Hear Phiri 3’ after director Priyadarshan confirmed his arrival earlier this year.

Last week, Paresh Rawal’s sudden departure from the third instalment of the ‘Hera Pheri’ franchise shocked the film industry and fans.

After reports of Akshay Kumar suing Paresh Rawal for the inappropriate departure, Rawal shared an update saying that his lawyer has sent an “appropriate response” regarding his rightful “termination and exit” from the film to the makers.

Taking to his X handle, the actor wrote, “My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response all issues will be laid to rest.”

While speculation initially suggested creative differences as the reason behind his decision, Paresh Rawal addressed these rumours in a public statement last week.

Taking to this X handle, the ‘Hera Pheri’ actor wrote, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences,” he wrote on X, adding, “I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film’s director.”

His post raised even more questions among fans, many of whom took to social media to express their disbelief and seek clarity.

One user questioned if the actor wanted to avoid being typecast in the Babu Bhaiya role, while another speculated about possible issues with the production.

“Then what happened? Are the producers offering less money, or are you bored of playing the same role? Come on, Babu Bhaiyya, Hera Pheri without even one of the three main leads would be totally pointless. Please rethink,” a fan asked online.

“You don’t want to get trapped again in Babu Bhaiya Image…?” another user wrote.

For over 20 years, Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, lovingly called Babu Bhaiya, has become one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and cherished comic roles.

The original ‘Hera Pheri’, directed by Priyadarshan, was released in 2000 and was followed by a successful sequel in 2006, directed by Neeraj Vora.

It featured Akshay, Paresh, Suniel, Bipasha Basu, Rajpal Yadav, and Rimi Sen in the lead roles. (ANI)