Month: August 2025

“Itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai, ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai.” The famous dialogue from Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ feels more real than ever. After over 30 years in the film industry, King Khan has finally received his first National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Jawan.’

The 71st National Film Awards, announced on Friday evening, honoured Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan with the Best Actor award for his intense and power-packed performance in ‘Jawan.’ For his “diehard fans,” it’s a moment of joy, pride, and, for some, a touch of bittersweet reflection.

In a career that began with ‘Deewana’ in 1992, Shah Rukh Khan quickly rose from a charming newcomer to the most loved face of Indian cinema. With an unmatched screen presence and a knack for slipping effortlessly into every kind of role, from romantic hero to misunderstood anti-hero, SRK has left a mark that only a few can match. However, despite delivering several iconic and emotionally rich performances, the prestigious National Film Award had long remained overdue.

Several fans were thrilled to finally see King Khan receive the recognition they felt he deserved years ago. Social media, especially X, was flooded with excitement as soon as the news broke. However, social media seemed to be divided after his big win. Some fans felt ‘Jawan’ was just an “average film” and that SRK getting the National Award for it, rather than ‘Swades’ (2004), was unfair to his legacy.

“As a Shah Rukh Khan fan, I’m saying this, Jawan did not deserve a National Award, Not even close,” a user wrote on X, adding, “Shah Rukh deserved an Oscar for Chak De! India, but didn’t even deserve a Kamla Pasand award for Jawan.”

One fan wrote, “Yes, #SRK definitely deserved a National Award, but not for #Jawan. He truly deserved it during Swades or My Name Is Khan. This one just doesn’t feel deserving.”

Another post read, “Being an ardent #ShahRukhKhan fan, the national award win for #SRK for #Jawan is not particularly exciting. Yes, it is an achievement–but I would have been happy if he won it for Chak De or Swades or even My Name Is Khan… But #Jawan seriously!!”

In ‘Swades’ (2004), SRK moved away from his usual romantic image to play Mohan Bhargava, a NASA scientist who returns to India to bring change to a rural village. The performance was raw, moving, and deeply human. The film received praise from movie buffs and critics alike, yet the National Award that year went to Saif Ali Khan for the film Hum Tum.

Later in 2007 came Chak De! India, where Shah Rukh stunned fans as Kabir Khan, a disgraced hockey coach fighting for redemption. The film itself won the National Award for Best Popular Film, but once again, King Khan’s stellar performance was left unrecognised. The Best Actor award that year was given to Hrithik Roshan for Dhoom 2.

Perhaps the most talked-about miss came in 2010, when SRK delivered a career-defining role in ‘My Name Is Khan.’ Playing Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s Syndrome navigating a world shaped by post-9/11 fear and bias, SRK’s performance earned global acclaim. He won international awards and fans’ hearts alike; however, the National Award went to Amitabh Bachchan for ‘Paa.’

With ‘Jawan,’ Shah Rukh returned in full force in 2023, taking on a dual role with action, emotion, and intensity. The film became one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and his performance struck a chord with the masses. This time, the jury finally agreed with what his fans have always known: SRK’s talent is undeniable and deserves top honours.

While some may debate whether ‘Jawan’ was his best work, there is no denying that this award is a nod not just to a single performance, but to a lifetime of commitment to cinema. (ANI)

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s happiness knows no bounds as his movie ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ bagged the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Expressing gratitude to the jury, Karan said, “I am ecstatic and overwhelmed to win the national award for a film exceptionally close to my heart….. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani…. I am grateful to the jury and continue to be humbled by the enormous love the film continues to receive.”

Karan also took to Instagram and penned a heartfelt note over his film’s recognition at National Awards.

“It feels surreal, 2 years on… to receive so much love for a film that we put so much love in. To have everyone across the world resonate so deeply, that they choose to call the story, the music, the characters, the dance and everything – their OWN! My deepest gratitude once again to the #NationalFilmAwards for having #RockAurRaniKiiPremKahaani receive this honour for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. And my biggest love & hugs to @vaibhavi.merchant and her team for giving us the Best Choreography for Dhindhora Baje Re! I’m a happy man today, and I will remain forever grateful for this. Fun fact – it feels magical to win the same award as you did for your first film, again,” he posted.

‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ starred Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. It hit the theatres on July 28, 2023, garnering much love from the audience and critics.

The movie also featured veteran actors Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi, alongside Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly, Aamir Bashir, and Kshitee Jog.

The film marked Karan’s return to direction after 7 years. Not only for the actors’ performances and beautiful storyline, the film’s songs were also quite popular and received a lot of love from the audience. The music, composed by Pritam, featured a mix of romantic tracks, dance numbers, and emotional songs, and contributed significantly to the film’s appeal.

Be it ‘Ve Kamleya’ or ‘Tum Kya Mile’ or ‘Kudmayi’, all songs of ‘Rocky Aur Rani…’ weaved magic.

The 71st National Awards, which were announced on Friday, have also recognized several other films and artists. Best Cinematography was awarded to The Kerala Story. Best Choreography went to Vaibhavi Merchant for ‘Dhindhora Baje’ in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. ‘Kathal’ bagged the Best Hindi Film award, while the Best Female Playback Singer award went to Shilpa Rao. (ANI)

Rani Mukerji, who bagged her first-ever National Film Award nearly 30 years after entering the film industry, says she feels “overwhelmed” to have received the honour.

The award, for Best Actress, was announced for her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,’ where she played a mother fighting to bring her children back home.

Her first National Award feels like a full-circle moment, one that her fans and the film industry will remember for a long time.

Calling it a big moment in her long journey in cinema, the ‘Mardaani’ actress shared her feelings in her statement, where she reflected on the “incredible films” she has done and thanked the jury for recognizing her work. Rani also shared the joy of the win with the team behind the film, calling it a “truly special project.”

“I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Incidentally, this is the first-ever National Award in my 30-year career. As an actor, I have been fortunate to have some incredible films in my body of work and have received so much love for them. I thank the National Award jury for honoring my work in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. I share this moment with the entire team of the film–my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha, and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this truly special project that celebrated the resilience of motherhood,” she said.

Rani also added that for her, this award means more than just recognition for a single film and shared that the honor is very “emotional and personal” for her, as the film’s message is close to her heart.

“I dedicate my National Award to all the incredible mothers of this world. There is nothing like a mother’s love and her ferocity to protect her own. The story of this Indian immigrant mother, who went all out for her child and took on a nation, shook me deeply… a mother’s love for her child is unconditional,” she said.

“I realised this when I had my own. So, this win, this film, feels deeply emotional and personal. A mother can move mountains for her children and also make the world a better place. This film tried to show this,” Rani added.

Rani’s role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ is based on the real-life case of Sagarika Chakraborty, whose children were taken by the Norwegian government in 2011. Rani plays Debika, the mother who fights the foreign legal system to bring her kids back.

Since her debut in ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’ in 1996, Rani has built a strong career. From winning hearts with ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ in 1998 to playing bold and fearless women in many films, she has always chosen roles that show strength and emotion. (ANI)

Actor Vikrant Massey has come a long way in his career. And now, on August 1, he achieved a milestone moment with the National Award win for his heart-touching performance in ’12th Fail’.

On Friday, the winners of the 71st National Film Awards were announced at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. Announcing the names of the awardees, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker declared Vikrant the ‘Best Actor’.

Vikrant shares this special honour with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who won the award for ‘Jawan’.

A few hours after the announcement, Vikrant, in a press statement, expressed his happiness, dedicating the award to “marginalised people.”

“…I dedicate this award to all the marginalised people in our society — those who are often looked through, and those who are fighting the socio-economic paradigm of our country every single day,” he shared.

He described it as a “privilege” to receive the award alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

“I want to thank the Honourable Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the NFDC, and all the esteemed jury members of the 71st National Film Awards for considering my performance worthy of this recognition. I also want to thank Shri Vidhu Vinod Chopra ji for giving me this opportunity. Today, if I may say so, a 20-year-old boy’s dream has come true.

I am eternally grateful to the audiences for honouring my performances and for recommending this film with such love. It is a privilege to be sharing my first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan,” Vikrant expressed.

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, ’12 Fail’ was released in October 2023. The film chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an IPS officer. It film puts the spotlight on his journey and how his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, was instrumental in his rise.

The news of Vikrant bagging the National Award also garnered a beautiful response from Manoj Kumar Sharma.

“Winning the National Award for Best Film and Best Actor by 12th Fail simply proves that our society truly values integrity and truth, and it holds the hope that our youth will continue to stand by these values,” he posted on Instagram.

The 71st National Film Awards honour the best of Indian cinema from films released in 2023. (ANI)

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for backing US President Donald Trump’s Indian economy “dead” remark, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday stated that the Congress leader was not just anti-BJP, but “anti-India” too.

“The last 7 days have exposed Rahul Gandhi badly. People now understand that he is not anti-BJP; he is anti-India. When PM Modi is doing everything gracefully, talking to different nations, Rahul Gandhi is defaming the country… ” Sarma said while addressing a press conference.

This comes after Rahul Gandhi agreed to Trump’s claims on the Indian economy and said that he was “glad” that the US President stated a “fact.”

“Yes, he (Trump) is right, Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact… The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. BJP has finished the economy to help Adani,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Congress MP further questioned PM Modi over a number of Trump’s statements, such as his claims of mediating a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, loss of Indian jets and the recent announcement of 25 per cent tariffs.

“The main question is, Trump has claimed 30-32 times that he did a ceasefire. He also said that 5 Indian jets have fallen. Trump now says that he will impose 25% tariffs. Why is PM Modi not able to give an answer? What is the actual reason? Who has the control in his hands?” the former Congress chief said.

Later, the Congress leader also posted on ‘X’ that “Indian economy is dead.”

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday made a shocking statement on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement of 25 per cent tariffs against India and threatened an additional “penalty” for importing Russian oil.

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world.” Trump said. (ANI)

In a significant step towards fostering mutual understanding and national unity, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held a historic meeting with prominent Muslim journalists at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi.

The meeting, themed “Dialogue for Solutions,” aimed to bridge differences and build a stronger, united India.

The gathering was organised by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS-affiliated platform, and was presided over by senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar.

The dialogue brought together nearly 50 esteemed Muslim journalists from major media outlets, including ANI, PTI, India TV, and Urdu publications like Inquilab and Sahafat.

The meeting offered a serious platform for introspection and discussion on the role of media in shaping national discourse. Shahid Sayeed, National Media In-charge, urged journalists to guide society and pave a path for the people, rather than just delivering information.

Shahid Sayeed said, “While a large part of the world is caught in war, violence, and unrest, India stands unique, holding aloft the torch of peace, dialogue, and coexistence. That is the true strength of our civilisation and culture.”

He urged journalists to go beyond just reporting the news and to become “a bridge that connects society, culture, and ideologies.”

He added, “Journalism is not just about delivering information–it is about paving a path for the people. Our pen must become a bridge, not a weapon.” Sayeed called upon the media to take responsibility in guiding society and contributing to national growth.

RSS senior leader Indresh Kumar emphasised that dialogue is the foundation for India’s future, resolving conflicts and building the nation.”Dialogue not only resolves conflicts but also builds the nation. We are not a news agency–we are workers of national reconstruction,” he said.

He also referred to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent outreach to Islamic scholars as “an effort to connect with India’s soul.”

“Only through true journalism, open dialogue, and collective efforts can we build a peaceful, inclusive, and powerful India.” He warned against sensationalism and said, “Let your pen be a voice for development and unity, not a weapon for conflict,” Indresh added.

Prof Shahid Akhtar linked the progress of the Muslim community with India’s overall development, stressing the need for social, educational, and economic empowerment. “Empowering the Muslim community socially, educationally, and economically will only strengthen India,” he said.

He said, “The media must become the true voice of society, not just exposing pain and neglect, but also creating a path of hope and confidence.”

Ruman Hashmi from Lok Swami said, “We are journalists first, then Muslims. If we don’t show ground realities, how will the government find solutions?”

Aashique Hussain from ANI said, “This RSS initiative is commendable, but must reach every village.”

Other journalists like Hasan Shuja, Khalid Raza, Maroof Raza, and A.U. Asif called for more support for Urdu media and greater representation of Muslim voices on national platforms.

Anjum Jafri from Qaumi Bharat said, “Muslim media must become technically advanced to connect with the younger generation.”

The discussion also included sensitive domestic and international issues such as mob lynching, temple-mosque conflicts, Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, Pakistan-Afghanistan, and Iran-Syria situations.

Indresh Kumar also responded to the NIA Court’s acquittal of all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. He said, “After a long battle, the NIA Court has shown the mirror to those political leaders who hatched the conspiracy of ‘saffron and Hindu terrorism.’ The court has clarified that they committed unconstitutional, inhumane, and torturous acts.”

He added, “Saffron and Hinduism have never been symbols of terror… Across the world, we hear that terrorism has no religion. Yet, Congress committed a punishable crime by labelling terrorism with a religious name.”

The RSS has been actively engaging with Muslim intellectuals and leaders to strengthen communal harmony. A recent meeting between RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Muslim leaders discussed issues like the usage of the word “kafir” for Hindus and “jihadi” for Muslims, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding. (ANI)

Actor Shahid Kapoor seems to be having a great time in London, as he spent a day playing cricket at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The actor, known for his fitness and love for sports, seemed thrilled to take the field in a friendly match and had a special cheerleader in the stands, his wife, Mira Rajput.

The ‘Jab We Met’ actor took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to share pictures from his cricket outing. Dressed in full cricket gear, including a white jersey and proper shoes, Shahid looked ready for the pitch. His excitement was clearly visible in the photos.

One of the images showed Shahid standing proudly with Mira, who was dressed in white and cheered for her husband from the stands.

Shahid captioned his post with a short but happy message: “What a day!”

Take a look

On the work front, Shahid was last seen in ‘Deva.’ In the film, Shahid plays ACP Dev Ambre, a police officer who loses his memory while investigating his best friend’s murder. The film also starred Pooja Hegde, who played the female lead, a reporter and Dev’s love interest. Deva hit theatres on January 31. (ANI)

‘Squid Games’ star Lee Jung-jae is set to star in a romantic comedy series ‘Nice to Not Meet You’, along with actress Lim Ji-yeon in the lead roles, reported Variety.

The project marks a genre shift for Lee Jung-jae, who rose to international fame with his Emmy-winning performance in Netflix’s survival thriller ‘Squid Game’ before expanding into the ‘Star Wars’ universe with ‘The Acolyte.’

In the upcoming series, the actor will play the role of Lim Hyeon-jun, an actor pigeonholeed in detective roles who’s angling for meatier dramatic parts, reported Variety.

As for actress Lim Ji-yeon, who is known for her critically acclaimed performance in Netflix’s revenge thriller ‘The Glory,’ takes on the role of Wi Jeong-sin, a political reporter whose beat gets switched to entertainment coverage mid-investigation, according to the outlet.

Kim Ga-ram, who helmed legal drama ‘Good Partner’ and Netflix’s drama-romance ‘Nevertheless,’ will direct from scripts by Jung Yeo-rang (‘Doctor Cha’), reported Variety.

The series is expected as both an industry satire and romantic comedy, mining humour from the entertainment world’s inner workings.

‘Nice to Not Meet You’ will join Prime Video’s growing slate of Korean originals, alongside titles like ‘Head Over Heels,’ ‘Good Boy’ and anime acquisitions including ‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ and ‘Rurouni Kenshin.’

Prime Video will roll out the series globally across more than 240 countries and territories with weekly episode drops.

The makers have not announced the release date of the series yet. (ANI)

Madayipara in Kerala’s Kannur and a storehouse of biodiversity, has transformed into a mesmerising carpet of deep blue flowers as the heavy rains of the Malayalam month of Karkadakam sweep through the region. The vibrant blooms of Utricularia, along with the white flower heads of Eriocaulon and Rhamphicarpa, have painted the entire plateau in stunning shades of blue, violet, and white.

Every year, the top of this ancient and serene laterite plateau in Kannur attracts numerous tourists and research students who come to observe and study its rich biodiversity. Madayipara is also a favoured spot for migratory birds, adding to its allure for nature enthusiasts. Boasting around 300 different plant species, Madayipara becomes a floral treasure trove during Onam, with children travelling long distances to collect native flowers.

The annual deep blue bloom of Madayipara is a natural wonder that underscores the region’s ecological richness. While it continues to draw admiration from visitors, there is a growing need for conservation efforts to protect this unique landscape from environmental degradation.

On July 8, Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said the state government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism. The Minister delivered the inaugural address at the state-level consultation workshop, aiming to develop a Gender Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy as part of the women-friendly tourism initiative here.

The Department of Tourism organised the workshop in collaboration with Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society and UN Women India. In her keynote address, Kanta Singh, Country Representative, UN Women, India, said Kerala has been showing the way for the country in many things, and it is a privilege to partner with the state government and the RT project to do more for women in the tourism sector.

K Rupeshkumar, CEO, Kerala RT Mission Society, in his presentation of a framework for Gender Responsive Tourism Policy, said the upcoming policy will lay down guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender inclusive practices.

“The major objectives of the policy include fostering women’s participation in the tourism industry, ensuring safety and security and women’s empowerment,” he said.

The Gender Inclusive Tourism Policy will include stakeholders like tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, hotels, local communities, tourists from diverse backgrounds, especially women.

Earlier in June, the Odapoo, a unique flower, attracted numerous visitors to Kerala’s annual 28-day Kottiyoor festival held in Kannur. The special flower is only found in Kottiyoor during the festival season and it is given by people to their relatives to symbolise sharing their joy and blessings after people visit the Kottiyoor temple.

The Otapoovu, or Odappu flower, is made from bamboo pieces, and people buy the flowers to hang them up on their homes for over a year. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at an event on Friday assured that no slum in Delhi will be removed without providing proper houses to its residents.

She emphasised the need for collective effort to transform Delhi, criticising those who politicise slum issues, including Rahul Gandhi, who she noted is only now visiting the slums.

Gupta guaranteed that every slum dweller would be provided with permanent housing before any demolition, allocating a budget of Rs 700 crore for slum development.

The government plans to offer employment opportunities and skill training to slum residents, aiming to improve their living standards.

“Delhi has to be changed, we have to work together. Those involved in politics in Delhi’s slums have no connection to it. Rahul Gandhi is coming to the slums now… The people of Aam Aadmi Party, who completed their entire tenure and left. They never laid pipelines in the slums of Delhi. Today, I want to say that not even a single slum in Delhi will be removed without giving them proper houses. We will provide them with employment, skills, and houses. If there is a need to change the policy, we will change the policy…,” said Delhi CM.

Gupta is willing to amend policies to ensure dignity and housing for all, focusing on accelerated development and rejuvenating the Yamuna river. The Delhi government has initiated development projects in slum areas, including laying pipelines and constructing new roads.

Gupta visited a slum camp near the railway crossing at Shalimar Bagh, assuring residents of proper rehabilitation and housing arrangements.

She also mentioned that all ISBTs, bus depots, and the entire transport station need to be developed following the cleanliness drive at the Women and Child Development (WCD) Office, ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Delhi CM said, “I just came from ISBT…all the ISBTs have to be developed, all the bus depots have to be developed, and the entire transport station has to be developed. You bring the ideas…we will do the work. Bring your vision…it is our job to put that work in place. Delhi has to be changed, and for that we have to work together.”

Calling out Rahul Gandhi and the previous AAP government for using Delhi’s slums as political props, Rekha Gupta said, “And let me tell you that those people who want to do politics in the slums of Delhi, who had no connection with anyone, even then Rahul Gandhi is coming to the slums. Have you ever come in your life to ask about the condition of slum dwellers? They only gave them a name, after that, they didn’t give even the slightest facility to the slum dwellers.”

“Those AAP party people who completed their work and went away, never laid a single pipeline in the slums of Delhi…,” Gupta added.

Gupta claimed that even though the previous AAP left the government drowning in debt, she will make sure that houses will be given to everyone, and she will not allow demolition of even a single slum. She added, “…We have come to revive Delhi, to take Delhi forward…”

Delhi CM launched the ‘Delhi Ko Koode Se Azaadi’ campaign today, and also took part in the cleanliness drive and cleaned piles of waste at the Women and Child Development (WCD) Office, ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh and BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay also participated in the Swachh Bharat Mission in the Green Park area of Delhi today. (ANI)