Month: January 2026

A tourist from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, painted himself in colours of the Tricolour, carried a mini model of BrahMos, and waved the National Flag with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ as he celebrated the 77th Republic Day at the iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Arun, the tourist, said, “I extend greetings to everyone on the occasion of Republic Day. I have been coming here continuously since 2022. From here, I would like to send a message to the Government of India and PM Modi: the youth today don’t just dream; they see their dreams become reality. Hoisting and waving the Tiranga here used to be a challenge. Narendra Modi ji was the first one to hoist the Tiranga here. The situation wasn’t good at that time. I have been coming here all alone since 2022, and I have been waving the Tiranga here.”

Speaking to ANI, Arun further said, “I have been coming here every year since 2022.” I want ot meet our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I feel very good. I also meet people here, and I have chatted with them. I came here earlier as well and went to Anantnag. I met with people there. I also go to Lal Chowk. People easily recognise me there. I receive lots of love.

“You can see the Operation Sindoor in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where they targeted the innocent tourists. Sofia Quresh and Vyomika sioingh has told the power of ‘Sindoor’.The Brahmos missile I showed is made in India. It is India’s strongest missile, which we showed to pakistan as well during Operation Sindoor. I only want this place to have peace, tranquillity, and brotherhood. Our neighbouring country, Pakistan do not want to have this place peace, tranquillity, and brotherhood. I do not know anyone here, but people recognise me and ask, you are th same person who waves the flag. The written ‘Bharat’ on my body is my permanent tattoo. This written ‘India’ is also a permanent tattoo of mine. So, people easily recognise me, and we receive a lot of love here”, Arun further said.

India’s 77th Republic Day parade concluded on Monday after a spectacular showcase of the country’s military might and diverse culture at Kartavya Path.Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, marks the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950, officially becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day holds immense historical significance as it represents the culmination of India’s long struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. (ANI)

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day.

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, in a post shared on X, said, “President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on India’s 77th Republic Day. It should be the right choice for China and India to be good-neighborly friends and partners that help each other succeed, and have the dragon and the elephant dance together.”

The message from Xi Jinping follows the normalisation of relationship between the two neighbours after months of standoff. In October last year, China and India to resumed direct flights.

The commitment toward this was made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India in August 2025. During his bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, both sides had agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on facilitating visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors in both directions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31, noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation

Earlier this month, on January 14, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, to review the positive momentum in bilateral relations. Sharing details of the meeting on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said both sides discussed ways to further advance ties through enhanced people-to-people exchanges and by addressing concerns on sensitive issues.

On January 13, leaders of the Chinese Communist Party met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale at the RSS headquarters. The meeting lasted for around half an hour. Sources said it was a courtesy call initiated at the request of the CCP delegation and that no formal agenda was discussed.

The CCP delegation also visited the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters, where they met BJP General Secretary Arun Singh and the party’s Foreign Affairs Department Convener Vijay Chauthaiwale. Sources described the interaction as part of a routine exchange and clarified that both meetings should not be viewed as formal or policy-level engagements. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that the state government “will consider the views of all stakeholders” while reviewing laws related to ancient religious sites in the state.

This comes after a decision taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday that non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand.

Addressing the reporters on the same matter, CM Dhami said, “We have already stated that, since all these religious sites are our ancient places of worship, the people who visit and manage these places, including members of our religious organizations, the pilgrimage committees, the Ganga Sabha, the Kedar Sabha, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, our revered saint community, and everyone else involved in managing these sites, will have their opinions and views considered.”

The Chief Minister further added that these holy places hold great historical and religious significance, and “certain laws were enacted regarding them in the past.”

“These places hold great historical and religious significance, and certain laws were enacted regarding them in the past. We are also reviewing those laws and will proceed based on that,” Dhami added.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat criticised the state government alleging that the BJP government had no issues left on their agenda.

“I do not have any comments to make on this because this is the BJP’s own agenda. Let them do it…Other religions across the world attract people to their places of worship. They do not prohibit, they attract, so that the greatness and qualities of one’s religion can be accepted by other people…Now, a new tradition has been set into motion. Perhaps, there are no issues left on their election agenda. So, new agendas are being invented,” Harish Rawat said.

Non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand after a decision was taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday.

Shri Gangotri Temple Committee Chairman Suresh Semwal stated that, as per the decision, the entry of non-Hindus into the Dham will be strictly prohibited. He added that the ban will also remain in force at Mukhba, the winter residence of the deity.

Meanwhile, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that a proposal to ban non-Hindus from entering both Dhams and all temples under the Temple Committee will be presented at the upcoming board meeting. (ANI)

The former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan showered immense praise on Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav after both batters put on a swashbuckling batting display on Sunday to help India defeat New Zealand by 8 wickets and gain an unassailable 3-0 lead over the visitors in the five-match T20I series.

After restricting New Zealand to 153/9 in 20 overs, India chased down the target in just 10 overs. Chasing 154, India recovered from the early loss of Sanju Samson for a golden duck with a blistering batting display, led by Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, to completely dominate the chase. The pair attacked the New Zealand bowlers from the outset, helping India race to 49/1 in three overs and register their quickest team fifty in T20Is, reaching the mark in just 3.1 overs.

Abhishek continued his onslaught by smashing a 14-ball half-century, the second-fastest for an Indian, as India piled up 94/2 in the powerplay — their second-highest powerplay total and the highest ever against New Zealand. With Suryakumar Yadav also bringing up a rapid fifty, his second of the series, India chased down the 154-run target in just 10 overs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan praised Abhishek Sharma for his explosive batting, calling his second-fastest T20I fifty for India outstanding and saying his fearless approach reflects the influence of his mentor Yuvraj Singh.

“Abhishek Sharma smashed the second-fastest T20I fifty for Team India, second to only after his mentor Yuvraj Singh. This is outstanding. It’s as if he is destined to mimick his idol Yuvraj Singh. Stepping out on the very first ball that he faced and hitting it for six, if there’s one batter who can teach that, it’s him.”

Pathan also lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form, saying his back-to-back half-centuries show he is in solid touch and fully back in his comfort zone.

“I had strong belief that Suryakumar Yadav is going to come back in form. He played good in the first match as well, scored a half-century in the second and then he followed it up with another fifty in Guwahati. It shows that he is in solid form. Surya is back! He looked in his comfort zone,” Pathan said.

While Abhishek Sharma has scored 152 runs in the three T20Is so far, the Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, has scored 171 runs in the series, with two T20Is yet to go. (ANI)

As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, featuring an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa are the Chief Guests as India marks its celebrations.

The European leaders are on a State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from January 25-27.

European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa

President of the European Council, Antonio Costa was born in Lisbon in 1961 and is a leading Portuguese political figure, recognised for his commitment to dialogue, political stability and sustainable development.

Interestingly, he comes from a family with Portuguese, Indian and Mozambican roots, and grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped his political vision based on openness, respect, and international cooperation.

A law graduate from the University of Lisbon, Antonio Costa entered politics at an early age.

He joined the Portuguese Socialist Party and gradually climbed the ranks, holding several key positions in the Portuguese government.

His career has been marked by pragmatic governance and a deep commitment to social justice and democracy.

He became the Prime Minister of Portugal in 2015, and had previously held several strategic portfolios like Minister for Parliamentary Affairs (1997-1999), Minister for Justice (1999-2002), Member and Vice-President of the European Parliament (2004-2005), Minister of State and Minister for the Interior (2005-2007) and Mayor of Lisbon (2007-2015).

Costa held the position of the Prime Minister for nine years and under his leadership, Portugal experienced a period of stable economic growth, sound public finance, reduced unemployment and increased investment in renewable energy.

His leadership and ability to foster dialogue and compromise among EU member states led to his appointment as President of the European Council in December 2024.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen was born in 1958. A medical doctor by training, she has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to public service. She first became involved in politics at the local and the regional level. From 2005 to 2019, she was federal minister in charge of family and youth, then labour, and defence in her home country Germany.

She took the helm of the European Commission in 2019 and was re-elected for second term in July 2024. In this second mandate, she is working for a more competitive and independent Europe that defends democracy, protects its people, and takes more responsibility for its defence and security in a changing world.

For the 77th Republic Day, Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated to showcase India’s remarkable journey. The celebrations will feature an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country’s unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.

The parade will feature the European Union (EU) contingent, which will comprise four Flag Bearers on three gypsies. They will be seen carrying four flags – the flag of the EU, the most recognisable symbol of the European Union; the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides.

A total of 30 tableaux – 17 of States/Union Territories and 13 of Ministries/Departments/Services – will roll down with a broad theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The tableaux will showcase a unique mix of 150 years of national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress on the back of the growing self-reliance across sectors, dipped in its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.

Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said that the visit of European leaders comes at a critical time as the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed after being in talks for 20-odd years.

EU Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic said on Sunday that India and the European Union (EU) are nearing the conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.

In a significant move to bolster ties between two of the world’s largest democracies, the European Union (EU) and India are set to unveil a “Security and Defence Strategic Partnership” and are closing in on a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the upcoming summit, EU official confirmed.

Terming the current period as a “culmination of remarkable intensifying relations,” the official noted that both sides now recognize that their security and prosperity are fundamentally linked in a shifting global landscape.

A key deliverable of the summit will be the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership by the EU’s HRVP Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This marks only the third such comprehensive agreement the EU has signed in Asia, following Japan and the Republic of Korea.

President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said yestrday that Europe and India have chosen strategic partnership, dialogue and openness.

Von der Leyen said that India and Europe are building mutual resilience.

Earlier in Davos, von der Leyen stated the European Union is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India and noted that some describe it “the mother of all deals”.

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, she stressed Europe’s intent to expand trade and international cooperation.

She also referred to the scale of the proposed trade deal with India.

“There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP,” von der Leyen said. (ANI)

TMC Spokesperson Bedabrata Dutta on Sunday accused the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to eliminate at least 1 crore 36 lakhs valid voters in West Bengal as a ploy to defeat Trinamool Congress in the upcoming Legislative Assembly Elections this year.

Speaking to ANI, Dutta alleged, “With the help and active participation of Bhartiya Janata Party, the ruling party at the centre, they are trying to eliminate at least 1 crore 36 lakhs names of the valid voters from the voters list of Bengal.”

“Our leader, Mamata Banerjee, and our All India General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, have said from the very beginning that this is a ploy to defeat Trinamool Congress in Bengal.”, he further alleged, adding that the BJP resorted to “unfair practices” with Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Taking aim at the Election Commission of India and central government for the ongoing “logical discrepancy” controversy in Bengal, he claimed, “For that purpose, they have now discovered a new language: logical discrepancy… These are all new terms which we are being made familiar with. The Bharatiya Janata Party are using all central agencies to disturb our government here.”

“But it is of no use, as this is not Bihar, this is not Uttar Pradesh. Our leader, Mamata Banerjee, has identified their tactics from the very beginning. There is no way they can achieve their target and be sure of it. Their ploy will not be successful in Bengal. Mamata Banerjee reigns supreme here.” he added, expressing confidence that the alleged ploy by the BJP would not result in an electoral win in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Chief Secretary, and police officials to implement the Supreme Court’s order to display the names of the electors falling under the ‘logical discrepancies’ category in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state.

The ECI directed the West Bengal CEO that the names of the persons, logical discrepancies category and also under the category of ‘unmapped’, to be displayed at the Gram Panchayat Bhawans, public places in every Taluka, and Block Office of every Taluka (Sub-Division), as well as in the Ward Offices in the cities of the urban areas by January 24 as said by the apex court.

The ECI added that “the persons, figuring in these two categories, are permitted to submit their documents and objections through their authorised representative, who can even be a Booth Level Agent (BLA). There shall be an authority letter, by the person, in favour of such representative, whether signed or thumb-marked.” The poll body asked the CEO to designate a Gram Panchayat Bhawan, Block Office, or Ward Office for each part of the electoral rolls, preferably within or near the polling station area, for the submission of documents and hearings.

As the court stated, the ECI said the affected persons can submit documents and objections at the designated Panchayat Bhawan, Block Office or Ward office. Further, upto ten days from displaying the names of the persons, those who have not yet submitted their claims, documents, or objections are allowed to do so within the extended period.

“All affected persons, in addition to being given an opportunity to submit documents, materials, or objections, shall also be heard by ERO or AERO at that same time, either in person or through the authorised representative accompanying them, for the purpose of making an appropriate decision. The official, who will receive the documents or accorda hearing to the affected persons, shall also certify the receipt of documents and the conduct of such hearing,” the letter added. (ANI)

Legendary actor Dharmendra will be conferred with the Padma Vibhushan for his immense contribution to the Indian film industry, as announced by the Centre on the eve of Republic Day.

Reacting to the announcement, Veteran actor-politician Hema Malini expressed pride and gratitude, saying, “So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award.”

In December, Hema Malini organised a prayer meet in Delhi for her late husband and legendary star Dharmendra, who died at the age of 89. Several members from the political fraternity and the film industry marked their presence at the prayer meet, honouring the late legend. Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda, and scores of ministers and parliamentarians were spotted offering condolences to Hema Malini and her daughters, Esha and Ahana, at the prayer meet.

Many even remembered Dharmendra with heartfelt words in their speeches, but it was Hema Malini’s tribute that left everyone truly emotional.

Bollywood legend Dharmendra, fondly known as the industry’s ‘He-Man’, passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving a void in Hindi cinema. Known for his gentle smile, charismatic screen presence, and six-decade-long career, Dharmendra remained a beloved figure on and off screen.

Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors of his time, made his mark in Hindi cinema with memorable performances in films like ‘Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Sholay’ , ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’, and ‘Anupama’, among others. He was known not only for his versatility on screen but also for his contributions to the film industry and for inspiring millions of fans worldwide.

On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled the official list of Padma awardees for 2026. The prestigious civilian honours recognise individuals from diverse fields, including arts, literature, social service, medicine, education and public service, for their excellence, dedication and long-term contribution to society.

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

These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions, usually in March/April each year. (ANI)

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Monday criticised the central government following the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026, alleging that the selection favoured recipients from poll-bound states.

Chidambaram stated that the government had made the process of selecting Padma Awardees easier by prioritising individuals from states where elections are due. He contrasted this with the proposed “One Nation, One Election” model, suggesting that such a system would have complicated the award process.

“If there was One Nation One Election, it would be so complicated for the Government to choose Padma Award recipients! Now it’s so much simpler, just choose persons from poll-bound states,” he wrote.

The Centre on Sunday announced a total of 131 civilian honours across the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri categories. The list includes several prominent figures from public life, arts, cinema, literature, sports and public affairs.

Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to X to celebrate the Malayali awardees and expressed his joy and well-wishes.

Listing the awardees, Tharoor wrote, On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Government of India’s list of Padma Award recipients honoured several prominent Malayalis for their exceptional contributions across various fields.”

He made a special mention of the three Padma Vibhushan awardees, who hail from Kerala.

“Notably, three out of the five Padma Vibhushan (India’s second-highest civilian award) recipients this year are from Kerala!” he wrote, sharing the “Kerala Honours list.”

Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message, congratulated all the Padma awardees, asserting that their excellence, dedication and service across diverse fields enrich the fabric of the society.

“Congratulations to all the Padma Awardees for their outstanding contributions to our nation. Their excellence, dedication and service across diverse fields enrich the fabric of our society. The honour reflects the spirit of commitment and excellence that continues to inspire generations,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.

The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity. (ANI)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that the announcement of the Padma Bhushan for veteran actor Mammootty was a moment of deep satisfaction and pride.

Speaking at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024 presentation ceremony, the Chief Minister said it was fortunate for the present cabinet to witness Mammootty receiving the Padma Bhushan. “For several years, our cabinet had consistently recommended Mammootty for the honour. Everything has its own time, and the fact that it has finally been conferred now is deeply gratifying. We can wholeheartedly congratulate him,” Vijayan said.

The Chief Minister praised Mammootty’s contribution to cinema, stating that each of his characters continues to amaze audiences with emotional depth. He specifically highlighted the actor’s performance in Kaathal, remarking that it was a role many superstars would hesitate to portray. Mammootty won the Best Actor award at the State Film Awards 2024.

“This is Mammootty’s ninth Kerala State Film Award. He is also the first actor from Kerala to have won the National Award for Best Actor three times,” Vijayan said. He added that Mammootty’s performance in Bramayugam, which earned him the Best Actor honour, has brought international recognition to Malayalam cinema. The film is the only Indian entry selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum for a special screening and will be screened in Los Angeles next month, he noted.

Responding to the honours, Mammootty said technicians from other film industries often ask why Malayalam cinema consistently produces strong films and stories. “The answer is simple, there is an audience here that watches and supports them. Cinema for us is not just entertainment; it is also a medium to think, understand and convey messages,” the actor said.

He added that the close bond between filmmakers and audiences is the greatest strength of Malayalam cinema. “Each of us chooses films we believe in, and the audience walks with us. Malayalam cinema is a vast mine of talent, with many treasures yet to be discovered,” Mammootty said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the Kerala State Film Awards 2024 at a ceremony held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, presided over by Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian. Veteran actress Sharada received the J.C. Daniel Award, the highest film honour of the state government.

The Chief Minister presented awards to 51 film personalities, including Mammootty, Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali, Vedan, Shamla Hamza, Lijomol Jose, Jyothirmayi, Soubin Shahir, Siddharth Bharathan, Chidambaram, Fazil Mohammed, Sushin Shyam, Sameera Saneesh and Sayanora Philip. Congratulating Sharada, Vijayan described her as an iconic artiste who has created cinematic wonders for over five decades.

He also noted that the Kerala State Film Awards hold added significance as Malayalam cinema is just two years away from completing 100 years. (ANI)

Actor R Madhavan expressed his “gratitude and humility” upon receiving the Padma Shri, dedicating the honour to his family members, mentors, well-wishers and the public.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the actor dedicated his award to his family, acknowledging that their support and belief have been crucial to their success.

“I accept the Padma Shri with profound gratitude and humility. This honour, bestowed upon me, is beyond my wildest dreams, and I receive it on behalf of my entire family, whose constant support and faith have been my greatest strength. This recognition is possible only because of the blessings of my mentors, the goodwill of my well-wishers, the love and encouragement of the public, and above all, the grace of the Almighty. Each of them has played an invaluable role in shaping my journey and guiding me toward this moment,” wrote R Madhavan.

The actor described the award as “responsibility” and promised to carry the honour with “dignity, sincerity and commitment.”

“I consider this not just an award, but a responsibility. I promise to carry this honour with dignity, sincerity, and a deep sense of commitment to the values it represents. My heart is filled with gratitude for this extraordinary endorsement and validation, and I hope to continue serving with integrity, humility, and dedication in the years to come,” wrote R Madhavan.

Actor R Madhavan is set to be conferred the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, by President Droupadi Murmu for his contributions to the Indian cinema industry.

On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the recipients of this year’s Padma Awards, honouring individuals for their remarkable contributions to the nation. It includes Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Madhavan has been named alongside distinguished individuals from the fields of art, education, sports, and various other disciplines

Madhavan is a popular actor in Indian cinema who has worked in films across diverse languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. The actor debuted in Bollywood with the film ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’ in 2001. In 2000, Madhavan gained recognition in Tamil cinema by playing the lead role in Mani Ratnam’s romantic drama film Alai Payuthey.

The actor was recently seen in the blockbuster film ‘Dhurandhar’ starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role. It was directed by Aditya Dhar. The sequel to the film is slated to hit theatres on March 19, 2026. (ANI)