Month: January 2026

Actor Ram Charan seems to be leaving no stone unturned for his role in his much-awaited film ‘Peddi’.

The ‘RRR’ star, who is busy shooting for the rural sports drama, has given fans a glimpse of how hard he is working to get into shape for the film.

On Sunday, Charan took to his Instagram account to share a picture from his intense workout session. In the picture, the actor is seen flaunting a stronger and bulked-up look, which suits the tough character he plays in Peddi. The post quickly garnered attention on social media.

Along with the photo, Ram Charan wrote a short line about his focus and hard work. In the caption, he said, “Fired up, working in silence! Ready for the next challenge.”

Take a look

Soon after the post went live, fans flooded the comment section with excitement.

One fan praised his look and energy, writing, “Beast Mode On! You’re looking superb #RamCharan Anna.” Another fan called him “Indian Hulk,” impressed by his strong new avatar.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is said to be a rustic emotional drama. The music for the film is composed by AR Rahman. Earlier this year, a teaser titled Peddi First Shot was released on Ram Navami.

It featured Ram Charan in a rugged avatar, walking into a dusty field, lighting a beedi, and delivering the line: “I have only one life to live, and I want to make the most of it.”

The film features Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Jagapathi Babu, Shiva Rajkumar, and Divyendu Sharma. Veteran actor Boman Irani has also joined the project.

Peddi is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings under the banner Vriddhi Cinemas. The film is slated for a theatrical release on March 27, 2026. (ANI)

A 66-year-old resident of Mel Anuppanadi, Madurai, passed away on Sunday due to injuries sustained at a Jallikattu event, officials said. The death occurred two days after the man, identified as Selvaraj, had attended the event held at Palamedu on Friday, where a rope from a bull became entangled around his leg, causing him to fall and sustain a head injury.

Madurai SP BK Arvind told ANI that Selvaraj was undergoing treatment at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.

“The deceased has been kept in the mortuary at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital for further post-mortem examination,” the SP added. Further details in the case are awaited.

Earlier on Friday, the District Collector of Madurai had said, “On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, the Commercial Tax and Registration Minister has just flagged off the event. We have given the maximum number of bulls and bull tamers the opportunity to participate in this major event. All safety measures have already been established. Around 25 Animal Husbandry doctors have already started examining the bulls.”

He added that in case any bull tamers sustain injuries, a high-level team of 11 specialists from Madurai Medical College Hospital has been constituted to provide immediate medical assistance.

“For bull tamers, if there are any injuries, to expedite immediate medical assistance, we have constituted a high-level team comprising 11 specialists from Madurai Medical College Hospital. So all standard operating procedures are in place. We are looking forward to an entertaining and safe Jallikattu. No major casualties or any severe injuries have been reported,” Madurai District Collector added.

Stalin arrived in Alanganallur, in Madurai district, on Saturday to witness the traditional Jallikattu event, celebrated as part of the Mattu Pongal festivities.

He announced that the person who tames the most bulls in the traditional Jallikattu competition will be offered a suitable government job in the Animal Husbandry Department.

Addressing the event in Alanganallur, “Madurai is a land where valour has flourished. Under the Dravidian administration, we have built the Kalaignar Centenary Library and the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena in Madurai. This is a great achievement. In the traditional Jallikattu competition, the person who tames the most bulls will be offered a suitable government job in the Animal Husbandry Department,” he said.

Jallikattu, also known as sallikkattu, is a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu celebrated on the third day of Pongal (Mattu Pongal).

The name is coined from two words, Jalli (silver and gold coins) and Kattu (tied). A bull is let loose among a crowd, and whoever tames it will get the coins tied to its horn.

Participants in the sport try to hold onto the animal’s hump to stop it. Sometimes, they run along with the bull.

Pulikulam or Kangayam is the breed of bulls used for the sport. The bulls which win in the festival are in high demand in the market and fetch the highest price. (ANI)

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar cancelled his official visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF), accusing the leadership of putting party interests above the nation and the state’s development.

In a post on X, Vijayendra said the BJP believes that “Nation comes first, and the party next,” while alleging that for the Congress, the party always comes before the country.

“We firmly believe that the “Nation comes first, and the party next”. For the Congress, however, it is always the party first, with the Nation relegated to the very end. The World Economic Forum at Davos was a golden opportunity to showcase our state as a unique and attractive destination for global investors, an opportunity that could have driven employment generation and promoted industrial growth beyond Bengaluru,” Vijayendra wrote.

Targeting the Congress leadership, he said Shivakumar skipped the crucial global platform, citing “pressing engagements” in New Delhi and Bengaluru, at a time when the state needs development and economic revival.

“Yet, the conduct of DCM @DKShivakumar clearly exposes the apathy of the Congress leadership towards governance and their distorted priorities. At a time when the state desperately needs development and economic revival, the DCM chose to skip this crucial global platform, citing “pressing engagements” in New Delhi and Bengaluru,” the post read.

Karnataka BJP chief further claimed that several supporters of the DCM had openly spoken about a change in leadership after Sankranti and that Davos had become the “first casualty” of this internal power struggle. He also referred to past protocol lapses, alleging that when the German Chancellor visited Karnataka, neither the Chief Minister nor the Deputy Chief Minister welcomed him.

“One doesn’t need much imagination to guess what these “engagements” are. The @INCKarnataka government is at a crossroads, torn apart by an open power struggle between CM @siddaramaiah and DCM @DKShivakumar. Several supporters of the DCM have openly spoken about a change in leadership post-Sankranti, and it now appears that Davos became the first casualty of this internal tug-of-war for power,” the post read.

“This pattern of misplaced priorities is not new. When Germany’s Chancellor, the head of one of the world’s leading economies, visited Karnataka, neither the CM nor the DCM had the courtesy to welcome him or follow basic protocol. Such repeated diplomatic and institutional lapses send a damaging signal to the global community,” the post further read.

“In the end, it is Karnataka and its people who pay the price. Jobs are lost, investments move to neighbouring States, and the aspirations of Karnataka’s youth are sacrificed at the altar of Congress’ infighting, insecurity, and obsession with self-preservation. This government has made its priorities unmistakably clear: not development, not governance, but mere political survival,” Vijayendra said, adding that Karnataka deserves leadership that puts the state first.

Shivakumar cancelled his official tour to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF). As per a release, the visit was cancelled due to his official engagements in New Delhi and Bengaluru.

The WEF is set to convene its 56th Annual Meeting in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026, bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty and rapid technological transformation.

Held under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, Davos 2026 seeks to provide an impartial platform for global leaders from government, business and civil society to reconnect, rebuild trust and explore collaborative solutions to challenges that increasingly transcend borders.

Shivakumar has a series of meetings with All India Congress Committee (AICC) functionaries regarding the Assam Assembly elections and is also spearheading a campaign against the Centre over MNREGA, which has led to a five-day special session of the Karnataka Assembly scheduled to begin from January 22, a release added. (ANI)

Amid the rumours surrounding Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja, the actor has finally spoken out for the very first time.

For months, reports have been circulating about a possible rift in their marriage. Many wondered where the relationship was headed. Now, Govinda has broken his silence and shared his side of the story.

Speaking to ANI, Govinda said he chose to speak now because staying quiet made him look “weak” and added to the “problematic” image people were forming about him. Talking about what he feels is happening behind the scenes, Govinda spoke about a “big conspiracy” and how, in his view, even his loved ones are getting “used” without realising it.

“…what I’ve been observing lately is that sometimes when we don’t speak, we either appear weak or it seems like we are simply the problem… So, today, I’m responding. I was told that the people in my family might be unknowingly involved, and they won’t realise that they are being used in the initial stages of a big conspiracy…”

“First, the family gets affected, and then it extends to society. I’ve been disconnected from work for so many years; there’s no market for my films, and please don’t mistake this as me complaining or crying. I’ve rejected many films myself, so I don’t cry about it,” he added.

Govinda went on to share that Sunita often worries about him rejecting projects, but may not see how she herself is being pulled into the “conspiracy.”

“…But she can never think that she herself has been unknowingly placed in a big conspiracy, with her being thrown into the field as the opening batsman.”

The actor went on to say that when someone becomes very popular, some people try to “destroy” their reputation in society. He said, “…to ruin someone’s reputation in society and impose something on them, like how, in the beginning, a very dangerous man had accused me, and that man got exposed too later. When your popularity in the film industry goes beyond a certain point, many people come forward to destroy you.”

Govinda also spoke from the heart about his family and children. He said he is praying to God that there should be no “misunderstanding” so that he doesn’t get “suffocated.”

The actor said, “I pray to God that He removes me from this problem, and I also pray for the welfare of my children… I pray that there is no misunderstanding and that I don’t get suffocated… I make a humble request, especially to my own family.”

Govinda and Sunita, who have been married since 1987, are proud parents to Tina and Yashvardhan. While Tina made her Bollywood debut in 2015 with ‘Second Hand Husband’, Yashvardhan is preparing for his acting debut soon. (ANI)

Following US President Donald Trump’s warning to impose tariffs on Denmark and other European countries over the sale of Greenland, the European Union has called for a pause to the ratification process of the EU-US trade deal announced back in July 2025.

Vice-President of the European People’s Party, Siegfried Muresan, in a post on X, confirmed the pause in the ratification process, stating, “We were supposed to ratify the EU-US trade deal from last July very soon, reducing tariffs for imports from the US into the European Union to 0%. However, in light of recent developments, this ratification will have to wait a little longer in this new context.”

The deal announced in July 2025, between the US and the EU, comprising 27 member states, unveiled a bilateral framework agreement aimed at resolving various tariff and trade issues.

However, Trump’s recent post on Truth Social has cast doubt on the future of the agreement.

On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland.

In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory.

He offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026 if a deal wasn’t reached, stating it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.

“Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump posted.

Trump has been adamant about acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security concerns.

Washington claims Greenland’s strategic location and mineral resources are vital to its security, but the leadership in Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea, emphasising their right to self-determination.

Muresan, in a follow-up post, added that Trump’s latest announcement undermines the “stability” which was the sole benefit expected from last year’s trade deal.

He further stated that this was the reason why delaying the ratification of the trade deal is warranted.

“STABILITY would have been the only gain from last year’s trade deal between the US and the European Union. Today’s announcement by President Trump to eventually impose new tariffs on several EU member states takes away that stability. This is why the postponement of the ratification of that trade deal is justified,” Muresan added.

Meanwhile, Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland have sent small numbers of military personnel to Greenland, with Denmark increasing its own military presence amid Trump’s call for acquiring the Arctic island.

The situation has sparked concerns about the potential impact on NATO, with some European leaders warning that a US attempt to seize Greenland could lead to the alliance’s demise. (ANI)

In a major breakthrough against organised crime, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police have busted an extortion module linked to gangster Goldy Brar, arresting 10 operatives and recovering a cache of sophisticated foreign-made weapons, officials said on Sunday.

In a post on X, the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, announced that arrests were made following a focused three-week operation. The police recovered multiple illegal firearms, including two Austrian-made Glock pistols, along with 10 other sophisticated weapons.

“In a major breakthrough, #Ludhiana Commissionerate Police busts an extortion module linked to Gangster Goldy Brar, apprehends 10 operatives in a focused 3-week operation and recovers foreign-made pistols, including 2 Austrian #Glock pistols and 10 other sophisticated weapons. The arrested operatives are involved in illegal arms trafficking, extortion and planned murders aimed at creating lawlessness across the state. FIRs registered under BNS and Arms Act. Further investigation is underway to nab remaining associates. @PunjabPoliceInd remains firmly committed to crushing organised crime and gangster networks and ensuring peace and security across Punjab,” Punjab police said.

Earlier this week, Punjab Police Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that the police made a recovery of 4.013 kg of heroin.

They also apprehended two people in connection with a cross-border drug smuggling module that was busted by the Ferozepur Police, officials said.

He said that the recovered consignment was allegedly smuggled from Pakistan, according to preliminary investigations. He added that backward linkages had been established, pointing to alleged cross-border connections underlying the operation.

An FIR has been filed at the Mamdot police station in Ferozepur.

The DGP said, “In an intelligence-led operation, Ferozepur Police busts a cross-border drug smuggling module, apprehends two accused, and recovers 4.013 kg heroin. Preliminary investigation reveals that the recovered consignment was smuggled from #Pakistan. Backward linkages have been established, pointing towards strong cross-border connections behind the operation. An FIR has been registered at PS Mamdot, #Ferozepur. Further investigation is underway. @PunjabPoliceInd remains committed to dismantling narco-networks and ensuring a drug-free, safe and secure #Punjab.”

The DGP said that the Punjab Police is remaining committed to dismantling narco-networks and ensuring a drug-free, safe and secure Punjab.

Further investigation is underway. (ANI)

Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut called the Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman “prejudiced and hateful” amid the controversial remarks by the singer against Bollywood.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Ranaut claimed that Rahman refused to meet her or work on the music for her directorial film, ‘Emergency’, because he allegedly considered it a “propaganda film”.

“Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you, I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don’t want to be a part of a propaganda film,” wrote Ranaut.

The actress also mentioned that her movie ‘Emergency’ was well-received by critics and opposition leaders alike for its “balanced” approach, saying that Rahman was “blinded by his hate”.

“Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics, even opposition party leaders sent me fan letters appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach, but you are blinded by your hate. I feel sorry for,” wrote Kangana Ranaut.

Oscar-winning composer Rahman had said in a recent interview on the BBC Asian Network that work from the Hindi film industry has slowed for him in recent years, attributing it to changing dynamics in the industry over the past eight years.

Veteran author and columnist Shobhaa De has termed AR Rahman’s recent remark on Bollywood as “very dangerous”, stressing that the film industry has always been a space where talent, not religion, determines opportunity.

Addressing a session on her new book at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, De said she disagreed with composer Rahman’s claims of religious bias in Bollywood.

“This is a very dangerous comment. I don’t know why he’s made it; you should ask him. But I’ve been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I’ve seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don’t have talent, there’s no question of religion being a factor; they’re not giving you a chance. So, what he’s saying, he’s such a successful man, he’s such a mature man. He should not have said it; maybe he has his reasons. You will have to ask him,” she said.

AR Rahman is yet to respond to these reactions. (ANI)

Superstar Aamir Khan participated in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 for the first time on Sunday and shared how special the day felt for him. The actor joined thousands of runners on the streets of Mumbai, calling the city’s energy and the marathon’s enthusiasm “amazing” and deeply inspiring.

The 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) saw participation from over 69,000 individuals, including more than 65,000 runners on the ground and 3,700 virtual participants. Recognised as a World Athletics Gold Label Race this year, the marathon continues to be one of India’s largest running events, attracting runners from across the country and abroad to compete for a total prize money of USD 389,524.

The ‘Lagaan’ actor, while interacting with the media, spoke about the strong “enthusiasm” he saw all around and said the “spirit” of the marathon left a deep impact on him.

“…We are participating in it for the first time. The enthusiasm we saw made me feel that we should come here every year. Mumbai and this marathon have an amazing spirit…” Aamir said.

Accompanying the actor were his former wife, Kiran Rao, and daughter, Ira Khan, who joined him in experiencing the vibrant energy of the city and the runners.

Over the last two decades, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has become a hallmark of unity and fitness in India. It has helped foster a running culture, encouraged community participation and promoted values of hope, teamwork and perseverance. The event brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the city’s resilience and collective spirit.

On the work front, Aamir Khan was last seen in Sitaare Zameen Par. In the film, he plays a basketball coach who trains a group of neurodivergent children. The movie also stars Genelia Deshmukh and is directed by Prasanna. It was released in theatres on June 20. (ANI)

Music maestro AR Rahman has shared his first post after the row over the controversial remarks he made against Bollywood, which led to reactions pouring in from different sides of the film world.

On Sunday, Rahman took to his Instagram account to share a video message. In the clip, he did not directly address the controversy but spoke about his bond with India, music, and culture.

In his video message, the Oscar-winning composer shared how music has always been his way of staying connected with people and traditions. He went on to add that “intentions” can sometimes be “misunderstood”, but his purpose has always been to serve through music.

“Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating, and honouring a culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music,” Rahman said.

“I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt. I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices,” he added.

“From nurturing Jala, presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Ruhi Noor, to collaborating with young Naga musicians to create a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, and building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band, to the honor of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, each journey has strengthened my purpose. I remain grateful for this and committed to music that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Jai Hind and Jai Bharat,” he further said.

The controversy began when Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, said that work from the Hindi film industry had slowed down for him in recent years and linked this to changes in the industry over the past eight years. After that interview, reactions came from both fans and film personalities.

Among those who reacted was actor Kangana Ranaut. On Friday, she took to her Instagram account and shared a long note. In the post, Kangana spoke about feeling “prejudice” and “partiality” in the industry.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Ranaut claimed that Rahman refused to meet her or work on the music for her directorial film, Emergency, because he allegedly considered it a “propaganda film.” “Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you. I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don’t want to be a part of a propaganda film,” wrote Ranaut. (ANI)