Month: February 2026

Keyzom Ngodup Massally, AI Director at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday hailed India’s leadership in the Global South as the country announced a historic trilateral partnership on artificial intelligence with Italy and Kenya on the sidelines of the global AI Impact Summit.

The strategic trilateral partnership was announced to co-design and deploy scalable, sovereign AI pathways across Africa, leveraging India’s digital public goods. It was signed in the presence of Nandan Nilekani; Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy and William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development at UNDP, said, “The trilateral agreement between Italy, India, and Kenya embodies this shared commitment. It positions the public and private sectors as strategic partners to elevate the Global South’s role in global AI governance. Together, with India’s leadership in digital public goods for the global south, we are actively working to identify and shape the public goods of AI–responsible pathways for its diffusion that prioritise equity, trust, and accountability–so AI can benefit humanity at scale and leave no one behind.”

At the Summit, Ekstep Foundation’s People plus Ai along with UNDP, Anthropic, IIITB, ORF, governments of Kenya and Italy announced new partnerships in support of the goal to develop 100 AI Diffusion Pathways by 2030 to create breakthroughs in AI adoption.

Massally further told ANI, “The discussions in Delhi marked a meaningful step forward, shifting focus from high-level concepts to the practical architecture of impact: building ecosystems that integrate finance, technology, and international cooperation to deliver real value.”

As per a statement by the UNDP, leveraging the G7-endorsed AI Hub for Sustainable Development, the arrangement unites ecosystems in India, Italy and Kenya to collectively work with local public and private sector innovators to scale voice-enabled AI solutions tailored to African contexts, focusing on low-connectivity environments, local languages, and data ownership.

“The cooperation aims at catalysing smart ecosystem pathways, combining India’s innovation expertise, digital public goods and know-how, Kenya’s on-the-ground ecosystem and leadership in Africa, and Italy’s AI Hub’s focus on horizontal unlocks and industrial partners to deliver concrete, Africa-led progress and marks a crucial step toward building sovereign, green AI infrastructure that is Africa-led”, the UNDP statement said.

Earlier, while in Delhi, Massally underlined how UNDP is working on making sure AI adoption serves people and the planet and noted how it is utilising AI to help support diffusion pathways where AI can speak local languages, and make a difference in the lives of farmers, women entrepreneurs– in India and across the world.

The Global AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi was the first to be hosted in the Global South, and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement.

At the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the comprehensive “MANAV Vision” for AI, reflecting on the technology to have ethical foundations.

Its inauguration was attended by over 20 Heads of Government and 59 Ministerial-level representatives, alongside government representatives from 118 countries. The Summit also convened 100+ global AI leaders, CEOs and CXOs, and over 500 leading AI experts from across the world.

The Summit witnessed unprecedented international participation, reaffirming India’s growing leadership in shaping the global Artificial Intelligence discourse. (ANI)

India made its mark at the 79th British Academy Film Awards as the Manipuri film ‘Boong’ won the Best Children and Family Film award. The movie was the only Indian nominee at this year’s BAFTAs, making the achievement even more significant. The win has been widely celebrated across India, with celebrities and politicians extending their congratulations to the makers of the film.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wrote on X, “Congratulations to Laxmipriya for winning the BAFTA for the best family film. I thought BOONG was better than the films that won the main awards. It’s just that it’s so rooted in Indian culture and politics that the westerners did not get it. That’s why it’s important to make our film awards more important internationally.”

‘Boong’ is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. The makers, including Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Lakshmipriya Devi and Alan McAlex, were present at the event held at London’s Royal Festival Hall to receive the award.

Farhan Akhtar celebrated the proud moment, saying, “Could not be happier for @lp_devi & the cast of crew of #Boong .. massive congratulations to them for creating a beautiful, heartwarming, gem of a film and for this recognition. Feel so proud to be a part of this film and to see it honoured on the BAFTA stage was truly an unforgettable moment. Thank you to the jury. This means a lot to the dreamers and storytellers back home.”

Ritesh Sidhwani expressed his joy and praised the director and entire team for their effort, “Still taking this in…Incredibly proud of our visionary director @lp_devi and the entire cast and crew of Boong — this honour belongs to each one of you. Truly grateful to have been part of such a beautiful, honest film. Thank you @bafta for recognising this gem from Manipur and giving it a global platform. This is more than an award — it’s an encouraging step for Indian cinema in all its diversity. May many more stories from across our country travel beyond borders and find their global audience.”

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh applauded the director and the entire team of the film for bringing the honour to the state, “Smt. Lakshmi Priya Devi’s victory at the 79th BAFTA 2026 exemplifies her commitment to impactful filmmaking, with ‘Boong’ claiming the top honor in the Best Children & Family Film category, bringing accolades to Manipur and India. #79BAFTA2026 #Boong”

Taking to Instagram stories, Karan Johar wrote, “Proud,” while praising the makers for bringing global recognition to Indian storytelling. He further wrote, “Huge congratulations to @faroutakhtar @ritesh sid @lp devi for this incredible and honourable BAFTA win!!!!”

Actor Dia Mirza wrote on Instagram Story, “Congratulations @lp devi so so happy for you and your team and so proud!”

Heartfelt congratulations to #LaksmipriyaDevi on this remarkable @BAFTA win for #Boong. A proud moment for Manipur and for Indian cinema. Congratulations to young actor Gugun Kipgen, and Bala Hijam for bringing this beautiful story to life with such depth. Deep appreciation to @FarOutAkhtar and @ritesh_sid for believing in and supporting a small, rooted film with such a powerful voice. This shows what films from our country can achieve when meaningful cinema is given the support it deserves,” wrote Manoj Bajpayee.

Actor Vivek Oberoi also congratulated the makers and mentioned, “A massive, thundering round of applause for the entire team of Boong for becoming the FIRST Indian film to win the BAFTA in the Best Children’s and Family Film category. @FarOutAkhtar and @ritesh_sid, your pursuit of excellence has always been relentless. And Lakshmipriya Devi–you’ve made an incredible masterpiece that has transcended borders and spoken to the heart of the world. Incredibly proud of you for changing the game!”

“Big Congratulations to Laskhmipriya Devi, @ritesh_sid and @FarOutAkhtar for winning prestigious @BAFTA award for Boong. Manipuri creativity shines globally,” wrote Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.

In his message reacting to the achievement, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the filmmakers and artists behind the project. “Congratulations to all those associated with this film. This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation,” PM Modi wrote on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed immense delight as Manipur’s ‘Boong’ wins big at the British Academy Film Awards 2026 (BAFTA).

Extending her congratulatory messages to the entire team of the film, CM Banerjee wrote, “I am very happy to know that the Manipuri film ‘Boong’ has scripted history at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. Against all odds, this film was crowned Best Children and Family Film, becoming the first-ever Indian production to win in this prestigious category. My heartiest congratulations to the entire cast and crew of ‘Boong’! You’ve made the whole nation proud.”

Actor Kangana Ranaut also reacted to the win and wrote on Instagram Story, “Congratulations @lp_devi and the entire team of Boong for this award. You spoke so well and look great.”

She added, “Dear LP, when we first worked together more than a decade ago, you were my first AD on a film called Game, whispers on the sets were that LP is made for greatness. Your time is here my friend, you have no idea how much honour/respect you have brought to the entertainment industry, India and the north east. Wish you the best. Keep shining.”

Actor Alia Bhatt, who made a stunning debut at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2026 as a presentor, leaving fans in awe of her graceful look, also congratulated the film’s team and wrote, “What a proud moment for Indian cinema..Congratulations to the entire team! Historic”

Actors Siddhant Chaturvedi, Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth also congratulated the film’s team for the honour.

Sharing her thoughts after the big win, director Lakshmipriya Devi expressed joy at seeing a story rooted in Manipur resonate internationally. Emphasising the personal and cultural significance of the film, “‘Boong’ means a little boy in my language, Manipuri. So it’s about a boy who wants to get a very special gift for his mother. So he thinks by finding his father, who’s been missing for quite a while, that would be the best gift for his mother. So that’s basically the story of the film,” she said in an interview with Deadline.

‘Boong’ revolves around a young boy from Manipur who sets out on a heartfelt journey to reunite his missing father with his family, believing it would be the greatest gift for his mother. His innocent quest gradually transforms his life, leading to an unexpected new beginning.

Producer Farhan Akhtar reflected on his long association with the director and what drew him to support the project. Speaking about their bond, he said, “Well, to start with, Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for close to 20 years now. This is her first film as a director. So it’s a very special moment in her life. And it’s amazing that we’re part of it.”Farhan added, “Also, it’s a film that’s set in a region of India where very few films that we get to watch, films coming out of there. So it was nice to support that as well. And it’s a very, very heartwarming and a very sweet story. So it just felt right.”

The film competed with international titles such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco, emerging victorious in the category.The film first premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section. It was later screened at many global film events, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. (ANI)

Actor Prabhas has shared a warm birthday wish for his ‘Spirit’ co-star Triptii Dimri.

Taking to his Instagram story, Prabhas shared a stunning picture of the actress and wrote, “Happy Birthday @tripti_dimri. Wishing you the very best always.”

Triptii celebrated her birthday with her close friends, including rumoured boyfriend Sam Merchant, who shared pictures from the birthday bash.

In a series of pictures and videos, Sam Merchant dropped glimpses of the celebrations, showing the actress cutting her cake and enjoying the evening to the fullest.

He also offered a sneak peek into the rooftop party, which was decked up with sunflowers, balloons, plants, candles and lots of food.

Notably, Triptii Dimri and Prabhas will soon be seen in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’, which is set to hit theatres in March this year.

In January, Vanga took to X and announced that Spirit will arrive in theatres on March 5, 2027.

The release date follows the unveiling of the first-look poster featuring Triptii Dimri and Prabhas, which was shared on New Year’s Day. Earlier, during the New Year, Prabhas had shared the first-look poster of the film, which quickly went viral on social media.

The poster shared by the makers earlier showed Prabhas standing shirtless with his back to the camera. He had visible bruises and wounds, with bandages tied around his shoulder, back, and hands. With long hair, a thick beard, and a moustache, many fans said his look reminded them of Ranbir Kapoor from Vanga’s earlier film Animal.

Triptii Dimri is also seen in the poster, besides Prabhas, as he holds a glass in his hands.

The film also features Vivek Oberoi in a key role. It is being produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, in collaboration with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures. (ANI)

The much-awaited trailer of Anil Kapoor starrer action-drama ‘Subedaar’ has been finally unveiled, offering a glimpse into a world rigged by illegal sand mining.

Anil Kapoor as Retired Subedaar Arjun Maurya appears in a never-before-seen avatar, leading high-octane action sequences in the trailer.

The trailer opens to show the disciplined battle-scarred, and grieving Subedaar Arjun Maurya making a fresh start, only to cross paths with Prince (Aditya Rawal). With an intense demeanour, Anil Kapoor delivers powerful dialogues like, “Fauji hai, seene mein goli jhel sakte hai, beizzati nahi.”

What follows is a tense and brutal face-off as Arjun takes on a ruthless new adversary, while Maurya’s strained relationship with his daughter Shyama (Radhikka Madan) deepens the emotional stakes.

“Gritty yet deeply human, the film promises a searing clash of ego, pain, and survival — because when fists fly and respect is on the line, there’s only one rule: Don’t f****k with Subedaar. Will Subedaar prevail, or will he be pushed to surrender?” the makers said, as per a press note.

Lead actor Anil Kapoor, whole speaking about the show said, “Playing this character has been one of the most powerful and emotionally demanding experiences of my career. Subedaar Arjun is a man defined by discipline, sacrifice, and deep personal loss, and bringing that to life on screen was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling for me as an actor,” the press release added.

Kapoor, who also produces the film, added, “I wanted to give my best, not only as an actor but also as a producer. Being involved creatively behind the scenes allowed me to contribute to the vision of the film in a more holistic way.”

Radhikka Madan, who portrays the role of Shyama, said, “My character, Shyama is a young woman dealing with loss, unspoken fear, and quiet strength, while trying to protect herself and navigate a fractured relationship with her father. What I admire about her is that her courage is not loud — it comes from resilience, self-belief, and emotional honesty. Sharing the screen with a veteran like Anil Kapoor sir made this movie truly memorable. His intensity, discipline, and emotional depth as an actor elevated our scenes, and I learned so much just by observing him.”

Suresh Triveni, director, writer, and producer of Subedaar, shared, “Subedaar is a tribute to the mainstream cinema I grew up with. It a tribute as an Anil Kapoor fan boy. While it deals with a retired army man acclimatising to the ‘civilian’ life deep inside it’s a father daughter story. This film is personal and has been challenging, a feat that I couldn’t have achieved without my team.”

Directed by Suresh Triveni, and produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni, Subedaar is written by Suresh Triveni and Prajwal Chandrashekar with dialogues by Suresh Triveni, Saurabh Dwivedi and Prajwal Chandrashekar.

Besides Anil Kapoor and Radhikka Madan, the film also features Saurabh Shukla, Mona Singh, Aditya Rawal, Faisal Malik, and Khushboo Sundar in pivotal roles.

‘Subedaar’ is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu across India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on March 5, 2026. (ANI)

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday trained guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP over the framework of the trade deal with the United States, alleging that the Centre has “sold out the country.”

In a video message in response to the BJP calling the Indian Youth Congress’ protest at the AI Impact Summit “shameful,” Rahul Gandhi termed the framework of the trade deal “shameful.”

He said, “Modi ji, do you talk about shame? Let me tell you what shame is. Your name, your minister’s, and your friend’s name appearing together in the Epstein files, being linked to such a vile criminal–this is shameful. The trade deal you’ve made with America, in which you’ve sold out the country–this is shameful. You’ve handed over our country’s data. You’ve wiped out the farmers. You’ve ruined the textile industry–this is shameful.”

Backing the party leaders for protesting against the Centre, he said that the party will not “retreat even an inch.”

“The entire country knows that the ongoing case against Adani in America has kept you up at night–because it’s a case against the BJP and your financial architecture. For 14 months, no action has been taken on it–this is shameful. Modi ji, you do whatever you deem appropriate for your friends Anil Ambani, Adani, and yourself. The lion-hearted warriors of the Congress Party and I will continue to defend the country–we won’t retreat even an inch,” the Congress MP added.

Congress has been critical of the India-US trade deal framework after India agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.

Although the Washington announced 18 per cent tariffs on Indian goods as per the trade deal framework, US Supreme Court ruled against the tariffs levied by the Trump administration. However, following the court ruling, the US President went a step ahead to announce a global tariff level of 15 per cent, effective immediately.

The members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a protest at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the Al Impact India Summit in the national capital by removing their shirts with slogans that read, “Compromised PM”.

The party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent against the India-US trade deal, after which seven Youth Congress leaders were arrested in connection with the case. (ANI)

Madhya Pradesh, home to one of India’s largest tribal populations, celebrates its indigenous heritage through vibrant customs and traditions. Among these, the Bhagoria festival stands out as the most joyous, marking the arrival of spring with colour, music and age-old rituals ahead of Holi.

The seven-day tribal festival of Bhagoria will be celebrated across Jhabua, Alirajpur, Khargone, Barwani, and Dhar districts from February 24 to March 2, according to an official release.

Bhagoria, observed seven days before Holi by the Bhil, Bhilala and Barela tribal communities. The festival is known for its vibrant weekly haat markets, traditional music and dance, and the age-old custom of choosing life partners during the fest.

During the month of Phagun, as nature comes alive with fresh energy, weekly haat markets across tribal belts from West Nimar to Jhabua are swept up in the festive spirit of Bhagoria Mela. People primarily visit these markets to shop for Holi. The Bhagoria haats are equally significant for non-tribal communities and local traders, who keenly await the occasion. Many shopkeepers earn a major share of their yearly income during this period. The markets offer a range of goods, including daily essentials, sweets and traditional jewellery.

Interestingly, the Bagoriya fair resonates with the beats of large drums and traditional tribal dances. Different groups take part in their traditional attire, often dressed in coordinated colours that give them a distinct identity. Both men and women wear silver ornaments and dance to the rhythm of indigenous musical instruments. Among the Bhil community, silver jewellery is regarded as a mark of prosperity.

Bhagoria is also regarded as a festival of social bonding, joy and celebration. It is believed that young men and women express their affection by applying gulal or offering paan to their chosen partners.

The festival begins seven days before Holi and continues until Holika Dahan. It is organised mainly on weekly market days in villages across Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani and Khargone districts. Bhagoria offers a unique opportunity to closely witness tribal culture, enthusiasm and lifestyle.

The Bhagoria Utsav of Walpur in Alirajpur district is particularly famous for its historical antiquity, vibrant tribal culture and distinctive traditional beliefs. It is said that the fair was initiated by the Bhil rulers during the time of Raja Bhoj. Alirajpur’s Walpur reflects the cultural colours of three regions and is known as a confluence of the cultures of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat due to its proximity to the three states. The Walpur fair presents a remarkable blend of tribal traditions and modernity, where youth dressed in traditional attire and ornaments dance to the beats of dhol and mandal.

As per the official release, the Bhagoria festival has been accorded the status of a ‘state festival’ after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared it a “Rajkiya Utsav” during the Tribal Devalok Mahotsav held at the Chief Minister’s residence on March 4, last year. The CM had then said Bhagoria is a festival of joy, a celebration that invites people to pause and immerse themselves in the fragrance and colours of Phagun. The state government would ensure that the spirit of the Bhagoria fest remains intact.

This year, the Bhagoria festival will begin tomorrow and conclude on March 2. The Chief Minister is also scheduled to participate in the concluding day of celebrations in Niwali of Barwani district. (ANI)

The Embassy of India in Iran on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to leave Iran through available means of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving situation and ongoing nationwide anti-government protests.

In an official statement, the Embassy said the advisory is in continuation of the government’s earlier notice issued on January 5, 2026, and reiterated on January 14, 2026.

“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the statement read.

The Embassy further reiterated that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy, and regularly monitor local media for updates.

This comes after thousands of Iranian students staged anti-government protests at universities in Tehran and other cities for a second consecutive day, on Sunday, as campuses reopened a month after deadly nationwide unrest, Al Jazeera reported.

The Embassy further advised the Indian nationals to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identification papers, readily accessible at all times and also assured that assistance would be provided to those facing any difficulty.

“The emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy are provided below: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in,” the statement read.

“All Indian nationals who are in Iran, and who have not registered with the Indian SO on the link Embassy, are requested to do (https://www.meaers.com/request/home). The link is also available on the Embassy website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so,” it added.

According to Al Jazeera, the recent demonstrations follow violent crackdowns earlier this year, during which thousands were reportedly killed, particularly on the nights of January 8 and 9, when authorities imposed a nationwide communications blackout, Al Jazeera reported.

The renewed protests come amid heightened tensions, with Iran also facing the risk of further escalation involving the United States and Israel.

Major higher-education institutions in the capital — including University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology and Shahid Beheshti University — witnessed significant student participation in protests on Sunday.

Scuffles reportedly erupted between anti-establishment students and those supporting the country’s theocratic system, many of whom were said to be linked to the paramilitary Basij, which operates under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Al Jazeera reported.

Areas surrounding the campuses saw a strong deployment of heavily armed security personnel.

According to Al Jazeera, tens of thousands of people — including schoolchildren and university students — have been detained during and after the nationwide demonstrations. However, Iranian authorities have not released comprehensive figures on the number of arrests. (ANI)

Actor Rajpal Yadav has commenced shooting for ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, marking his return to work, days after he walked out of Tihar Jail on bail in connection with a cheque bounce case.

According to information shared by Rajpal Yadav’s team, the actor began filming shortly after reaching Mumbai. He is also scheduled to hold a press conference in the city on February 28.

The Delhi High Court had recently granted an interim suspension of Yadav’s sentence until March 18 in the cheque bounce case. The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed the actor to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. The court noted that Rs 1.5 crore has been deposited in the respondent’s bank account while considering the relief.

Shortly after his release, Yadav shared his first public message on social media, thanking fans and well-wishers for their support. Taking to Instagram, he wrote in Hindi, “Aap sabbhi ke pyaar aur saath ke liye dil se dhanyawaad (Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your love and support).”

Speaking to ANI, the actor reflected on his three-decade-long journey in Indian cinema and addressed the ongoing legal matter. “I got the privilege of coming out, and regarding the matter which is in the honourable High Court, for any legal questions that arise, the one who will give proper facts and truth-filled answers is our lawyer, Mr. Bhaskar Upadhyay. I have given him the responsibility to stay in proper touch regarding this,” he said.

‘Welcome to the Jungle’, directed by Ahmed Khan, features an ensemble cast of over 30 actors. The line-up includes Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever, among others.

In November last year, Akshay Kumar shared a video from the film’s sets featuring Disha Patani. The duo was seen grooving to the new version of the song ‘Uncha Lamba Kad.’

In his caption, Akshay gave a special mention to former co-star Katrina Kaif, recalling the nostalgia associated with the franchise and writing, “Never forgetting our Queen Katrina.”

The original ‘Welcome’, released in 2007, starred Feroz Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal, and was helmed by Anees Bazmee. Its sequel, ‘Welcome Back’, released in 2015, featured John Abraham and Shruti Haasan in the lead. (ANI)

In a major announcement for streaming audiences, ZEE5 has unveiled the first look of its upcoming original film ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’, headlined by veteran actors Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia.

The direct-to-digital feature is set to premiere exclusively on Hindi ZEE5 on March 6, 2026.

Presented by Applause Entertainment and produced under the banner of Shoestrap Films, the film is written and directed by Saurabh Shukla.

It is based on Shukla’s original play of the same name and brings to the screen a tender, humorous, and emotionally layered late-life romance.

‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’ follows the story of Gopal and Anusuya, a couple whose decades-long marriage is shaken by an unexpected revelation. As long-held truths come to the surface, their family is drawn into a swirl of emotions- at times poignant, often laced with humour. At its core, the narrative explores themes of love, companionship, forgiveness, and the possibility of rediscovering one another after a lifetime together.

The ensemble cast also features Aparshakti Khurana as a young lawyer whose modern outlook introduces a fresh dynamic to the unfolding family drama. Supporting performances by Samir Soni, Nauheed Cyrusi and Manasi Parekh further add depth and texture to the story.

Kaveri Das, Chief Channel Officer, &TV and Business Head for Hindi ZEE5, described the film as a celebration of enduring love. “Jab Khuli Kitaab is a reminder that love doesn’t come with timelines or expiry dates. At ZEE5, we are constantly looking for stories that feel fresh yet deeply relatable, and this film does exactly that- it celebrates the beauty of second chances and the courage it takes to forgive loved ones,” she said.

Das added that the on-screen pairing of Kapur and Kapadia promises a rare blend of warmth, humour and emotional truth.

Sunil Chainani, Business Head, Movies, Applause Entertainment, noted that the film stood out for its warmth and finely observed relationships.

He said the story defies conventions through its characters and praised Shukla’s nuanced writing and direction, along with the performances of Kapur and Kapadia, calling the film both intimate and deeply relatable.

Sharing his thoughts, Saurabh Shukla said the story centres on “raw, unfiltered honesty” within long-standing relationships. He described it as an exploration of unspoken emotions, unresolved conflicts and unexpected tenderness, while also finding humour in the messiness of real life.

According to him, the film captures how love, in all its flawed and redemptive forms, can endure even the toughest storms.

Blending nostalgia with contemporary emotional complexity, ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’ promises a heartfelt and engaging look at a marriage tested by truth- and the possibility of falling in love all over again. (ANI)

Responding to reports suggesting a crash involving the LCA Tejas aircraft, HAL on Monday said the incident was limited to a minor technical issue on the ground and there was no airborne accident.

In a filing with the stock exchange, HAL said, “HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on the ground. LCA Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth, and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution.”

Earlier, on February 13, informing about the progress of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A programme, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday said that five engines are currently available; meanwhile, five aircraft are already flying.

Speaking to ANI, he said production has largely stabilised for Indian vendors and the main manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and will improve further once engine supply stabilises. He asserted that while weapon trials have been successful, some of the Indian Air Force’s requirements have not yet been fully met.

He added that certain operational requirements still need improvement, but with a planned order of 180 aircraft, the system is expected to be refined over time to meet the Air Force’s full needs.

“On LCA Mark 1A, the five engines are available, and five aircraft are flying. Once this engine supply line stabilises, the production seems to have stabilised in any case, as far as the Indian vendors and the system and the integrator, which is HAL, are concerned. On the acceptance by the Air Force, there are some areas where the level of some of the requirements that the Air Force had is not fully met, perhaps. Although the weapons trials have been successful,” the Defence Secretary said.

He added that certain operational requirements still need improvement, but with a planned order of 180 aircraft, the system is expected to be refined over time to meet the Air Force’s full needs.

“However, there are issues with some of the ORs made available to HAL… The idea is that with a 180-aircraft order, over time, they should be able to really perfect it and make it meet the entire requirements of the Air Force,” he said.

Earlier this month, on February 5, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) confirmed that five LCA Mk1a fighter jets are fully ready, and an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown.

The company, in a statement, assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year.

“HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications. An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery,” the public sector aerospace and defence company said. (ANI)