Agra: ASI Waives Off Entry Fee For Taj Mahal On International Yoga Day

On the ocassion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, which is being celebrated on Saturday, entry to the iconic Agra’s Taj Mahal is completely free.

The Archaeological Survey of India, which is responsible for maintaining ancient monuments and archaeological sites, has waived the entry fee for the Taj Mahal.

The ASI typically waives the entry fee to the Taj Mahal on special occasions such as World Heritage Day, celebrated on April 18th, and during Urs, Shah Jahan’s death anniversary. But on the eve of International Day of Yoga, they have made entry to the Taj Mahal free, bringing cultural and wellness together.

Along with the Taj Mahal, entry to several other historical monuments, such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra, and Etmad-ud-Daula, is free.

On the International Day of Yoga, people are participating in yoga events all over India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Yoga in in Visakhapatnam and urged the international community to embrace “inner peace” as a “global policy’ and make yoga a collective global responsibility. Speaking at the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, the Prime Minister called upon countries to adopt yoga not just as a personal or cultural practice, but as a unifying force for humanity.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also joined the International Day of Yoga and performed Yoga in Gorakhpur on Saturday.

While addressing the public, Yogi Adityanath said, “Today, Yoga Day is being celebrated in Gorakhpur. The local minister, MPs, other public representatives, and all the brothers and sisters here are participating. I welcome everyone. This program is happening not just here, but across the country and the world. In Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is spreading the message of yoga. On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, I send my warm wishes to everyone.”

Yogi said that yoga builds spiritual strength and is India’s gift to the world. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for getting global recognition for yoga. He also wished everyone good health and happiness on the occasion.

The 11th International Day of Yoga saw widespread participation across states. (ANI)

air hostess Air India London

Air India Gets Notice For Flights Breaching Duty Time Limit

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to the Accountable Manager of Air India for violating flight time rules.

The DGCA Show Notice to Air India reads, “During a spot check, it has been observed that the Accountable Manager of M/s Air India operated two flights from Bangalore to London (A|133) on 16 May 2025 and 17 May 2025, both of which exceeded the stipulated flight time limit of 10 hours, in violation of Para 6.1.3 of Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7 Series J Part III, Issue Ill dated 24 April 2019.

Air India has been asked to respond within seven days as to why appropriate enforcement action should not be initiated against them under the applicable provisions of the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements for the violations.

In its notice, the DGCA stated that the manager did not ensure adherence to specific provisions under the Civil Aviation Requirements, and warned that enforcement action could follow if no response is received.

“Whereas, it is further noted that the Accountable Manager of Mis Air India Ltd. has failed to ensure adherence to the provisions and compliance requirements as stipulated under Para 1 and Para 2.4 of Annexure III of Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) of Section 3, Series C Part Il. Now, therefore, you are hereby called upon to show cause within 07 days of receipt of this notice as to why appropriate enforcement action should not be initiated against you under the applicable provisions of the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements for the aforementioned violations,” the letter reads.

“Failure to submit your reply within the stipulated period shall result in the matter being decided ex parte based on the evidence available on record,” the letter further reads.

Additionally, the DGCA also issued a notice against three Air India officials on the rostering team, ordering the Airline to remove them for alleged repeated violations

“Remove the officials from all crew scheduling and rostering roles. Initiate internal disciplinary proceedings and report outcomes to DGCA within 10 days. Reassign the officials to non-operational roles; no involvement in safety/compliance positions until further notice. Strict enforcement action for future violations post-audit/inspection could include: penalties, License suspension, and withdrawal of operator permissions,” the regulator said in its notice.

Air India responded to the DGCA’s order and said that it has implemented the same.

As per the statement of Air India, “We acknowledge the regulator’s directive and have implemented the order. In the interim, the company’s Chief Operations Officer will provide direct oversight to the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC). Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices.”

Earlier on June 20, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson reassured the public and employees that the airline’s fleet — particularly its Boeing 787 aircraft — remains safe to operate following comprehensive checks, and that the carrier is exercising maximum caution in the wake of the AI171 tragedy.

The Air India CEO assured the public and employees of continued support and transparency in the aftermath of the AI171 incident, stating that the airline — and the wider Tata Group — will stand by the families of victims and affected staff long after the immediate crisis subsides. (ANI)

Modi Shares Glimpses From Yoga Day Event In Visakhapatnam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness over the global enthusiasm for the 11th International Day of Yoga, noting that people from all walks of life participated in the celebrations.

Sharing glimpses from the event held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the Prime Minister said the day highlighted how yoga ‘unites’ the world.

In a post on X, Narendra Modi wrote, “Yoga unites the world! Glad to see immense enthusiasm all across the planet for International Day of Yoga.”

“I took part in a Yoga Day programme in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. People from all walks of life also joined. Here are some glimpses,” the post reads.

Meanwhile, in Gujarat’s Vadnagar, a total of 2,121 people made a Guinness World Record when they held the Cobra pose for two minutes and nine seconds.

According to Richard Stunning, official adjudicator at Guinness World Records, a record with a title for the most people performing the cobra pose in yoga began on Saturday. The minimum number of participants for the record was 250; they had to hold the Yoga Cobra pose for at least a minute.

A total of 2,184 participants breached the one-minute timeline; they ended up holding the cobra pose for two minutes and nine seconds. The Guinness World Records discounted 64 participants, after which 2,121 participants held the cobra pose for two minutes and nine seconds to clinch the Guinness World Record.

“The Guinness World Records title that starts today is the most people performing the cobra pose in yoga, simultaneously. We set a guideline that everyone had to do it for at least a minute each, and we set a minimum target of 250 participants. Today, they did it for more than a minute, they did it for two minutes and nine seconds, and the total was 2185. We had to discount 64 participants. So the confirmed title is 2,121 participants. Given we set a minimum of 250, this is smashing the Guinness World Record. Congratulations to everyone involved, and it’s a fantastic achievement,” Richard Stunning told ANI. (ANI)

Sand Artist Creates Yoga Sculpture Of PM Modi At Puri Beach To Mark International Day of Yoga

On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Saturday created a striking sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Ustrasana (Camel Pose) at Puri Beach.

Below the sculpture, the theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, was written. Pattnaik’s sand art highlighted the significance of yoga, promoting awareness about its benefits for mental peace and well-being. His creations are typically accompanied by vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift “beyond age” that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in “health and harmony.” The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government and extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for hosting the event in Visakhapatnam.

He lauded their leadership as “inspiring” and described the state’s initiative to promote yoga as “commendable.”

Over three lakh individuals joined him for a mass yoga session in the coastal city, reinforcing this year’s message that ‘yoga belongs to everyone’ and brings the world together. The Prime Minister recalled India’s initiative at the United Nations in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, a move that received wide global support in record time.

BJP national president JP Nadda also took part in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in New Delhi. He spoke about the deeper meaning of yoga and how it has gone far beyond just being a form of physical exercise.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed yoga at the Kishan Mela Ground in Pusa, New Delhi, joining thousands of participants across the country in marking the occasion. The 11th International Day of Yoga saw widespread participation across states.

The Indian Army personnel celebrated International Yoga Day across the Himalayas, turning the harshest terrains into sanctuaries of mindfulness and wellness.

“Interational Yoga Day : Shahi Kangri Amidst the icy expanse of Shahi Kangri Lake at 20,000 feet, Indian Army marked the International Yoga Day 2025 with unwavering resolve and inner still. In a place where every breath is a challenge, soldiers embraced the timeless discipline of yoga — a source of strength, clarity, and resilience enhancing mental focus, emotional balance and physical endurance even in the harshest of conditions.” posted Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army on X.

Furthermore, India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations at The Strand in London on Saturday, drawing vibrant participation from the Indian diaspora, yoga enthusiasts, and friends of India. (ANI)

Rashmika Mandanna Pens Special Note For ‘Kuberaa’ Team

Actor Rashmika Mandanna penned a special note for the ‘Kuberaa’ team and gave a glimpse of behind-the-scenes of the movie.

On Friday, Rashmika posted pictures on Instagram featuring director Shekar Kammula, Jim Sarbh, Dhanush, Nagarjuna and crew.

She expressed gratitude in a long note that read, “Kuberaa…Sameera from Kuberaa.. being directed by Shekar Kammula sir.. there’s just something about him that made me perform Sameera the way I did.. His genuine love for the craft always overflows to his films and that’s the reason I wanted to work with him.. And when I got the chance, I just went and fully surrendered to him.. So today everything that you watch of Sameera is all him.. @kammula.sekhar sir.”

She added, “When you work with such amazing people, who are just such brilliant actors.. it’s a big big biggggg responsibility to be good yourself to elevate their performances.. And acting has a lot to do with how you react to the given situations also.. but when you have a brilliant actor like @dhanushkraja sir you have no other choice.. but to kill it when you share the screen with sir. I am so so grateful I got to play Sameera with Deva..”

“Nag sir, words can never do justice to him as a performer or him as a person but I truly adore and admire him.. he is just the best.. his way of life is just.. the most special.. it is inspirational,” Rashmika also praised Nagarjuna.

“The whole gang.. you know the direction department is loveeeee @nikethbommi I LOVEDDDDDD working with you guys ya.. so so damn fun you guys are. The camera department.. the actors.. all of them are so strong with their craft….I wish them all the bestest..the costume department…@kavyasriraam and gang.. the light department.. everyone man.. everyone played their parts so well.. I am so honoured

The production @jhanvinarang so so happy for you and proud of you @asiansunielnarang sir..,” she further added.

Rashmika concluded, “I really feel so honoured..Thankyou god!…Thankyou to the extended family (fans) Thankyou to all the audience.. Thankyou to everyone.. Sameera is the most beautiful kind of chaos and when you watch the film you’ll understand why I am saying this. Kuberaa is now in theatres and trust me it’ll be worth your while!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLINgQwonGG

‘Kuberaa’ has been released in theatres on June 20.

‘Kuberaa’ boasts an ensemble cast of Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarabh in the lead roles. It is directed by Shekhar K.

The film is produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under Sri Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations Pvt Ltd.Nagarjuna plays a complex yet pivotal role in Kuberaa, adding another layer to the film’s multi-dimensional storyline.

The film, a socio-drama, is being shot in both Tamil and Telugu.The film’s music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad. (ANI)

Pakistan To Officially Nominate Trump For Nobel Peace Prize

The Pakistani government has decided to formally recommend US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, as reported by The Dawn.

The conflict ended in a ceasefire after several days of cross-border shelling.

In a post shared on X, the government said the international community had “bore witness to unprovoked and unlawful Indian aggression, which constituted a grave violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and the elderly,” Dawn reported.

Following the Indian aggression, Pakistan “launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos — a measured, resolute, and precise military response”, the post read.

It noted that the response was executed to exercise the country’s “fundamental right to self-defence” and “carefully to re-establish deterrence”, defending its “territorial integrity while consciously avoiding civilian harm,” Dawn reported.

The post further read that “at a moment of heightened regional turbulence”, President Trump “demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi,” Dawn reported.

It continued that the US president “de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation, ultimately securing a ceasefire and averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear states that would have had catastrophic consequences for millions of people in the region and beyond,” as reported by Dawn. “This intervention stands as a testament to his [Trump’s] role as a genuine peacemaker and his commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue,” it added.

“Durable peace in South Asia would remain elusive until the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Jammu and Kashmir,” it observed, as reported by Dawn.

The government noted that President Trump’s leadership during the 2025 Pakistan-India crisis “manifestly showcases the continuation of his legacy of pragmatic diplomacy and effective peace-building”.

In conclusion, the post read that Pakistan remains hopeful that Trump’s “earnest efforts” will continue to contribute towards regional and global stability, particularly in the context of ongoing crises in the Middle East, including the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating escalation involving Iran, as reported by Dawn.

Trump has repeatedly said that the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours agreed to a ceasefire after talks mediated by the US, and that the hostilities ended after he urged the countries to focus on trade instead of war, Dawn reported.

The cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was reportedly agreed upon following a call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai.

During the conversation, the Pakistani DGMO proposed an end to hostilities, which was accepted by the Indian side, leading to a cessation of cross-border firing and air intrusions starting from 5:00 pm on May 10. However, Lieutenant General Ghai later disclosed that the cessation of hostilities was short-lived, as Pakistan violated the agreement with cross-border firing and drone intrusions just hours after it took effect.

The conflict had initially intensified after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

This operation was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians, including one Nepali national.

The Indian military’s retaliatory strikes were followed by increased cross-border shelling from Pakistan and a series of counter-responses by the Indian Armed Forces. (ANI)

290 Indians Return From Iran Under Operation Sindhu, Thank Govt For Safe Rescue

Chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Hindustan Zindabad’ echoed through Delhi Airport late Friday night as a special flight carrying 290 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu touched down.

Emotional returnees, including students and religious pilgrims, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for ensuring their safe return amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

Among those evacuated was Tazkiya Fatima, a resident of Noida, who recounted the tense situation in Iran and praised the coordination between Indian authorities. “There is a situation of war over there. We were not sure how we would make it out of there, but the Government of India made the whole process very smooth. I am very thankful to the Indian government. I am a resident of Noida,” she said.

Eliya Batool, another evacuee, described the emotional relief of returning home. She said, “… I am unable to express what I am feeling right now. My family was very worried. In Iran, we were at ease, we were provided with a 5-star hotel and safety was provided to us. But after coming here, we feel at ease. Thank you so much, Indian government. We did not face any issue there because our Embassy made everything easy for us…”

Maulana Mohammad Saeed Saeed also praised the swift and safe evacuation. He said, “We are happy and grateful that we have been able to return home safe and sound. The situation in Iran is no good and we all know. Indian Embassy and our Ambassador made the evacuation process very smooth and safe…”

Sehrish Rafique, an MBBS student at Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, highlighted how the situation escalated rapidly. “The situation in Iran was quite devastating. At first we didn’t expect that it would escalate so much. At first I couldn’t believe the Indian Embassy would make so much efforts for us. All Kashmiris are really thankful to the Indian government…” she said.

Mir Mohammad Musharraf, from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama, also praised the efforts of the Indian government, saying, “I am from Pulwama, Kashmir… Operation Sindhu is amazing and really helpful. The services were very good. We contacted our embassy. We were stuck in Tehran, unaware of what to do. Our landlords also left and were left behind. It was only our embassy that helped us reach here. Thank you so much, Indian government.”

Speaking to the media in Delhi, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, said, “… The third flight carrying 290 Indian nationals from Iran, as part of Operation Sindhu, has landed. 190 out of them are from J&K, others are from Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal, and other states. It is a matter of happiness for us that the Government of Iran has opened its airspace for us, and it shows the relationship between India and Iran… These people are very happy on reaching home, and they have thanked the Indian government… Operation Sindhu flights will soon commence from Israel as well…”

Many evacuees also expressed their appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the MEA.

Mehboob Ali Musharraf from Bijnor said, “I thank Modi Ji and the Indian government for making such good arrangements for our return. We are very happy. I am from Bijnor… Every moment felt very long. I am very grateful that we were evacuated at the earliest…”

Syed Mansur Hussain, another evacuee, added, “Everyone expressed their gratitude and bowed their heads as soon as they landed in India. We thank PM Modi and the Indian government… I love India.”

The special flight landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday night, as part of Operation Sindhu, India’s ongoing mission to evacuate citizens amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

The flight arrived at 11:30 PM IST and was received by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee.

Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said in a post on X, “Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. Evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims, by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Chatterjee.”

He added, “The Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for the facilitation of the evacuation process.” (ANI)

Neeraj Chopra Wins Paris Diamond League With Dominant First-round Throw Of 88.16m

India’s Neeraj Chopra once again proved his dominance on the global stage, winning the Paris Diamond League title on Friday night (local time) with a commanding first-round throw of 88.16 metres. Despite three no-marks in the middle rounds, his opening effort was enough to keep him on top throughout the competition.

Chopra set the tone early, launching the spear 88.16m on his first attempt, immediately taking the lead. Germany’s Julian Weber came close with a best of 87.88m but fell short. Brazil’s Mauricio Luiz da Silva secured third place with a throw of 86.62m.

In the opening round, Chopra led the field, followed by Weber’s 87.88m and Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott with 80.94m. In the second round, Weber briefly merged an 86.20m throw, while Neeraj recorded 85.10m and Walcott slightly improved to 81.66m. However, Chopra’s opening throw remained unmatched.

The third round saw Da Silva make his mark with a throw of 86.62m.

Weber tried to mount a late challenge with throws of 83.13m in the fourth and 84.50m in the fifth round, but he could not cross the 88m mark. In the final round, Neeraj returned to the sector with a solid 82.89m, while Weber finished with 81.08m and Da Silva with 78.56m.

Despite the inconsistency in the middle of the competition, Chopra’s single legal throw in the first round proved decisive and enough to seal the win.

The two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra will be in action for the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic, which will take place on July 5.

The NC Classic was originally slated to be held on May 24 but was later postponed to July 5 due to the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. (ANI)

Bollywood Celebs Gear Up For Intl Yoga Day 2025

Yoga has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including better posture, flexibility, strength, balance, and body awareness. It is not just meant for fitness, but an essential tool for inner peace and harmony. Recognising its relevance, June 21 is celebrated worldwide as International Yoga Day.

When it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, Bollywood celebrities also hail yoga, and several of them praise it for improving their physical and mental health.

So, if you are willing to choose a healthy lifestyle and well-being, take inspiration from these Bollywood celebrities who have made it part of their everyday practice to embrace holistic wellness and reduce stress.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena Kapoor Khan turn heads with her gorgeous looks and enviable figure.She an extreme fitness enthusiast, has always been an inspiration to many people who want to live a healthy lifestyle. The mother of two often justifies that age is just a number and she is an inspirtai for others. The ‘Crew’ actress keep inspiring her fans for adopting Yoga as as a lifetime practice for holistic wellness. She has shared a post practicing Chakrasana, also known as the Wheel Pose, which is good for flexibility, strength, and overall well-being.

Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora’s love for yoga reflects in her healthy lifestyle.She is a true fitness enthusiast and never misses a chance to share glimpses of her workout routine and often posts videos and pictures of her doing yoga on her social media to motivate fans to roll out their yoga mat.Malaika often impresses everyone with her toned figure and fitness routines, and she gives full credit to Yoga.

Milind Soman

Actor Milind Soman has been a fitness icon for decades now. The model has been always vocal about his belief in a simple and healthy lifestyle and he has redefined fitness at his age which has impressed everyone. He posts videos and pictures of performing Yoga asanas showing his firm belief in it for attaining physical and mental balance. In his post from the recent visit of Maldives with Ankita Konwar, he shared glimpses of his exciting scuba and yoga sessions.

Shilpa Shetty

The timeless beauty credits Yoga for her bright skin and toned figure. Shilpa, a yoga enthusiast, frequently posts videos of her yoga regimen on Instagram. She is well-known for promoting yoga as a comprehensive approach to fitness and health. In a video that she shared on her Instagram handle, Shilpa can be seen doing three yoga asanas, namely the Dhanurasana or the Bow Pose; Setu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose; and Chakrasana or the Wheel Pose.

Karan Singh Grover

For Karan Singh Grover fitness goes beyond just physical training, it’s about mental well-being too. While he is well-known for his strength training and cardiovascular routines, he also prioritises yoga in his fitness regimen. Recently, he shared a video of doing headstand and also pointed out the benefits includuding – “calm the mind, alleviate stress and depression, activate the pituitary and pineal glands, stimulate the lymphatic system, strengthen the upper body, spine, and core, enhance lung capacity, stimulate and strengthen abdominal organs, boost digestion, alleviate symptoms of menopause, prevent headache”

Yoga, an ancient practice with roots in India, has spread beyond geographical and cultural barriers to become a worldwide phenomenon. Yoga is celebrated for its many advantages, including improved physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. So, this International Yoga Day, let’s turn to yoga and make it part of our fitness regimes. (ANI)

Abhishek Talks About His Upcoming Project ‘Kaalidhar Laapataa’

Actor Abhishek Bachchan talked about his upcoming film ‘Kaalidhar Laapataa’ and shared why he decided to be part of the project.

Directed by Madhumita, the film also features Daivik Bhagela and Zeeshan Ayyub in pivotal roles.

In a conversation with ANI, he said, “Nikkhil Advani (producer) approached me. Nikkhil is a very old friend of mine. I have known him since he was an assistant director. He approached me and said that this is a story and we want you to hear it. As soon as I heard it, I said yes.”

While praising the director, he added, “The way Madhumita, the director of this film, told me the story, the way she wanted to make this film, I really liked it. Especially the values in this film, what I learned from the story.. I really liked it. This is a film about friendship, a journey in life, what to do and what not to do, what to do for yourself, what to do for your family. I liked all these things…”

On his preparation for his role, he shared, “We have to wek very hard. The good thing is, most of the work was already written in the script. So, the writers who do the work, it is very important, because it makes our work very easy. And Madhumita, when we used to sit on the readings of this film, we used to do our workshops, rehearsals…most of it was already on paper. You just had to say the lines honestly. She used to handle the rest. So, Madhumita should get the credit for this.”

Bachchan gives credit to the director for taking care of minute details in filmmaking. “Madhumita is a very particular director. Although, this is her first Hindi film. She has done a lot of Tamil films before this. But still, she pays attention to everything. And I think that is visible. From casting to production design, costume, dialogue, pronunciation, speech, everything. So, when your director pays attention to all these things, our work becomes very easy.”

Earlier, taking to his X, Abhishek Bachchan shared the poster of his upcoming film directed by Madhumita and set to stream on Zee5.

The film will be released on an OTT platform on July 4.In the poster, the actor is seen sitting in a tree sporting a dense beard.

The actor wore a white checked shirt and pyjamas. The background appeared to be that of a village.While sharing the poster, Abhishek Bachchan wrote, “Sometimes, getting lost isn’t a detour, it’s where the real story begins. Full of dreams, twists, and the people who make it worth it. #KaalidharLaapata premieres 4th July, only on #ZEE5.”

‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ features Abhishek Bachchan in the titular role, alongside Daivik Bhagela and Zeeshan Ayyub in pivotal roles.

Before announcing the project, the actor shared a cryptic post on X. The note which reads like a poem talks about the desire to hide away from everyone in order to find oneself again, “Main ekbaar lapaata hona chahta hoon, bheed mein khud ko phir se paana chahta hoon. Jo kuch bhi tha sab de diya apno ke liye, ab zara sa waqt bas apne liye chahta hoon (I want to be lost once, I want to find myself in a crowd. Whatever was mine, I gave away for the sake of my own kin. Now I wish to take out some time for my own self).”

Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5. It starred Riteish Deshmukh and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles.

The actor will also be seen in the Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjay Dutt starrer ‘Raja Shivaji’.The film will hit the theatres on May 1, 2026 in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

The film will be directed by Riteish Deshmukh and also stars Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Fardeen Khan, and Bhagyashree.Maestros Ajay-Atul and legendary cinematographer Santosh Sivan have come on board to enhance the musical and cinematography of the film, which is currently in production across Mumbai and Wai in Maharashtra. (ANI)