Month: February 2026

Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda has revealed details of the incident in Mumbai, in which a group of people entered his society late at night.

Speaking about the incident, the actor told ANI that there were about 23 people and he spotted them.

“Twenty two-twenty three log aa gaye the, aur maine unko dekh liya. So, I thought, there is no party going on ki itne log aa jaaye (there is no party going on that so many people come), and they even didn’t seem like party people. So I captured their video,” he said.

The actor said he tried to contact the local police for help, but “aur us waqt Mimbai police ka mera phone nahi uthaya (when Mumbai police didn’t picked up my phone), I called the top police officers of another country. I told them to stay on the phone, so that they don’t say that I am wrong. So I kept the phone on, and I waited.”

“Ek aadmi chat par chadh gaya (one man climbed the roof)..I thought, this is not normal…I told them to stay. Till then, I called everyone. I informed everybody and called them. ..I asked (them), who are you?, they said ‘we have come to repair the electricity'”, he added.

Unsatisfied with their answer, Govinda said that he “pointed a gun” in their direction to scare them and asked them to leave.

“I said, go that way on the road. They were not expecting this…,” he said.

Govinda said he did not try to find out who the intruders were. “That’s a waste of time. People divert their energy into thinking about all that,” he said, emphasising that an actor should focus on work and not react to every situation.

In 2024, Govinda was hospitalised when his licensed revolver accidently misfired while he was putting it back in the cupboard, according to Mumbai Police. He was preparing to leave for Kolkata at the time.

Govinda is one of Bollywood’s most famous and admired actors, who made his acting debut in the late 1980s and started his career in action and drama films.

Over the years, the actor has acted in several Hindi films, becoming a household name for his smooth dialogue delivery, excellent comic timing, and energetic dance moves.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he delivered multiple hit films, including ‘Ilzaam’, ‘Marte Dam Tak’, ‘Khudgarz’, ‘Dariya Dil’, ‘Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni’, ‘Swarg’ and ‘Hum’, which solidified his place as one of Bollywood’s top actors. (ANI)

Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt are set to surprise their fans by playing cameos in the upcoming Saudi action drama film ‘7 Dogs’. The film’s trailer is finally out.

Jointly directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film’s trailer featured Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt in a swaggy avatar. The film stars Egyptian actor Karim Abdel Aziz in the lead role, with Hollywood star Monica Belluci to also playing a prominent role.

In the trailer released by the producer, Turki Alalshikh, Salman was seen first wearing a crisp white suit, smiling slyly as the actor says, “You know what he does? He documents his whole life.”

It was followed by Sanjay Dutt’s appearance, walking with authority, holding a gadget. He was surrounded by men, hinting at a strong, possibly villainous role.

The trailer further shows Salman Khan asking a character, “Why do you look like a criminal to me?” with a suspicious expression.

Turki Alalshikh released the trailer on his Instagram handle on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan will be next seen in Apoorva Lakhia’s ‘Battle of Galwan’, based on the Galwan Valley clash between India and China in 2020, in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

Actor Chitrangada Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. The movie will be released on April 17.

As for Sanjay Dutt, the actor was last seen in the film ‘The Raja Saab’ directed and written by Maruthi and was produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment.

Apart from Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt, the film also stars Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar in key roles. (ANI)

Actor Tamannaah Bhatia began her tenure as the brand ambassador for the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) on Tuesday.

At an event in Bengaluru today, Tamannaah Bhatia was welcomed by MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries; KSDL Chairman CS Nadagouda; and other board members of the organisation.

The actress endorsed a few KSDL products, including Mysore Sadal soap, at the event. While addressing the gathering, Tamannaah Bhatia said, “It is the new chapter of my life as an artist, and I am so excited that in this new phase where I take on new roles, new challenges and new responsibilities, I get to be the face of Mysore Sandal Soap.”

Tamannaah Bhatia was appointed as the brand ambassador for KSDL last year. The Karnataka government’s decision, however, drew criticism, with many questioning why a Kannada actor was not chosen to represent the iconic state-run brand.

Following the backlash, the Large and Medium Industries Minister, MB Patil, stated that “the decision was made considering the actress’s wide appeal, strong digital presence, and her ability to connect with the younger generation.”

“Our target is to reach Rs 5,000 crore in sales by 2030, and in this context, a strong marketing strategy becomes vital. This appointment was made based on recommendations from marketing experts,” he highlighted.

“Other leading celebrities such as Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Pooja Hegde, and Kiara Advani were also considered. However, after evaluating factors like ongoing brand endorsements, availability, and associated costs, Tamannaah was selected for her strong pan-India appeal, reasonable engagement terms, and remarkable digital reach with over 28 million followers,” Patil said.

On the work front, Tamannaah will share screen space with Sidharth Malhotra in the folk thriller ‘VVAN.’

According to the makers, VVAN is set in the deep forests of Central India and is described as a blend of ancient legends, hidden temples, and adventure. It has been shot in real forest locations. (ANI)

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchand Pawar) leader Rohit Pawar on Tuesday raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s plane crash, suggesting it might be a conspiracy.

“Entire Maharashtra is questioning whether Ajit Dada’s plane crash was an accident or a conspiracy? I am sharing with you all what I feel. Some people are still expecting Dada to come from somewhere. Some say 6 people were in the aircraft, it was not Ajit Dada’s dead body, it still feels like a nightmare,” he said while holding a press conference on the Baramati air crash.

Rohit Pawar highlighted the atmosphere of suspicion, grief, and political intrigue currently surrounding these events in Maharashtra. He mentioned an investigation into the accident, citing a book that suggests killing a person’s driver is an easy way to target them.

Rohit Pawar pointed out that former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP Chief Ajit Pawar had changed plans, sparking speculation.

The crux of the suspicion lies in the final 24 hours before the crash. According to Rohit Pawar, a series of last-minute changes suggested a deviation from the original plan.

He claimed that Ajit Pawar was reportedly scheduled to travel from Mumbai to Pune by car the evening before the crash. The security convoy had already begun its manoeuvres, yet “Dada” (Ajit Pawar) never stepped into the vehicle.

He also claimed a high-stakes meeting with a “big leader” that may have altered his travel itinerary at the eleventh hour.

“Ajit Pawar’s plane crash could be a part of the conspiracy. We also investigated some things about Ajit Pawar’s accident. A book states that if you want to kill a person, the easiest way is to kill that person’s driver. The day before the accident, Dada was supposed to come to Pune from Mumbai by car in the evening. At that time, the convoy had also started. But why did Dada not leave by car? Ajit Dada was supposed to meet a big leader,” said Rohit Pawar.

Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28 in Maharashtra’s Baramati. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati, died after a crash-landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati.

On February 7, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation are making rapid progress in probing the fatal crash of a chartered Learjet 45 that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with his personal security officer, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant near Baramati Airport.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the black box from the ill-fated aircraft has been successfully recovered and is under analysis.

Speaking to the media, MoS Mohol stated, “The black box has been recovered, and the AAIB team and the DGCA are working on it. I believe the data will be downloaded as soon as possible. Some analysis will be done, an inquiry will be held, and after that, I think the preliminary report will also be released.”

He highlighted that a detailed inquiry is underway, with the preliminary report expected shortly after completion of initial data analysis and assessments.

He shared that investigation teams comprising three officers each from the AAIB and the DGCA’s Mumbai Regional Office arrived at the crash site on the day of the incident, and the Director General of AAIB also visited the site the same day to oversee initial proceedings.

“The probe is being conducted in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, to ensure a comprehensive and expeditious examination of the circumstances leading to the loss of control during the aircraft’s attempted landing amid reported poor visibility,” Mohol said.

Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no premature conclusions should be drawn until the analysis is complete. The black box data is expected to provide critical insights into the sequence of events. (ANI)

YSR Congress Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday alleged that Andhra Pradesh “lathi-charged” Shiva Mala Dharana devotees, who were gathered at Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh during Shivaratri Brahmotsavam.

Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the Andhra Pradesh government’s action has instilled fear among the devotees. He added that the TDP government’s action has “shaken the faith” of devotees.

Sharing a video of Andhra Police using lathis to scare away the crowd at Srisailam Temple, YSRCP chief said, “Shiva Mala Dharana devotees were lathi-charged by Andhra Pradesh Police under TDP governance. Devotees across Andhra Pradesh are living with growing fear when they step into temples under the TDP coalition government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu.”

“At Srisailam Temple, the breakdown became painfully clear when Police Lathi Charged Shiva Mala Dharana devotees. For years, Lord Shiva devotees who arrived on padayatra had time across the Shivaratri season to fulfil their vow with dignity,” he added.

🚨 🚨 Hello India 👋🏻 👋🏻👋🏻

Shiva Mala Dharana devotees were lathi charged by Andhra Pradesh Police under TDP governance.
Devotees across Andhra Pradesh are living with growing fear when they step into temples under the TDP coalition government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu.… pic.twitter.com/kBILeAwLOY

— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) February 10, 2026

Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the government for “failing to make adequate arrangements” for the devotees.

“Pilgrims who once travelled with devotion and confidence now arrive with anxiety and doubt. A string of painful, preventable failures has shaken faith in the system, yet the response from the TDP government is limited to publicity exercises and after-the-event routine reviews, with responsibility, accountability and moral answerability nowhere in sight,” he said.

“Now the window has been compressed to seven days. Authorities knew lakhs would arrive, yet failed to put in place adequate arrangements. Drinking water, shade, queues and medical help were insufficient. Families waited for hours in punishing conditions. Slogans were raised against Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, but instead of providing relief, the government resorted to force. Devotees who came to pray were beaten with lathis,” he said.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Srisailam temple on Tuesday to celebrate the Shivaratri Brahmotsavam. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday asserted that the Babri Masjid will never be rebuilt and warned those “who are dreaming of it” to abide by the law of the land.

Addressing a gathering in Barabanki, CM Yogi said, “Those who are dreaming of the Babri structure, to them I would like to say Judgement Day (Qayamat ka din) will never come. Don’t live for the Judgement Day. Learn to live by the rules in India. Abide by the law of the land. Otherwise, if someone breaks the rules, the path will lead them straight to hell. If someone is dreaming of going to heaven by breaking laws, their dream would never materialise.”

Yogi also took a jibe at the opportunists, “Some opportunists remember Lord Ram when they face crises and forget Him later. So, Lord Ram has also forgotten them. They will not succeed now. They will never go forward now,” he said.

Invoking the incident of former Uttar Pradesh CM Mulayam Singh Yadav’s order to fire at karsevaks in Ayodhya in 1990, Yogi said, “There is no place for these ‘Ramdrohis’ now; there is no place for those who fire bullets at Ram bhakts”.

The Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, in Ayodhya by a large group of ‘kar sevaks’, and the metaphorical foundation stone of Ram Mandir was laid down.

In the aftermath of the incident, riots broke out in different parts of the country, and over 1,000 people were killed.

Kalyan Singh, who was CM when the Babri Masjid was demolished. A few hours after the demolition, he resigned as Chief Minister. The Congress-led Union Government then dismissed the Uttar Pradesh state government on the same day. Singh later faced legal proceedings and was jailed for a single day over the incident.

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir was inaugurated in January 2024. (ANI)

Playback singer Arijit Singh returned to the stage in Kolkata for his first live show after announcing that he was stepping away from playback singing.

The moment was special for fans as the ‘Tum Hi Ho’ singer joined sitarist Anoushka Shankar on stage for a joint performance.

The duo left their fans enthralled with their jugalbandi. Several videos from the show have been going viral ever since the two performed on stage.

Soon after the concert, Arijit shared his first social media post since announcing he would not take on new playback work. Taking to his Instagram Story, the singer thanked Anoushka Shankar and spoke about how much he enjoyed performing with her.

“Thank you, Anoushka Shankar, for having me on stage last night in Kolkata. I’ve always adored your music; it listens, it speaks, it stays. Playing alongside you is always a beautiful experience, and one I look forward to every time. Grateful for the music, the moments, and the generosity you bring to every note. Special thanks to @bickramghoshofficial,” Arijit wrote.

Reacting to Arijit’s note, Anoushka Shankar replied, “Humbled beyond belief, @arijitsingh.”

Arijit Singh shocked his fans last month when he announced he would no longer take on new assignments as a playback singer, bringing an end to a “wonderful” journey.

In a message shared with his fans on Instagram, Arijit expressed gratitude for the love he had received over the years. “Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” he wrote in his post. (ANI)

Actor Sonu Sood extended his support to Rajpal Yadav after the actor surrendered at the Tihar Jail on February 5 for a series of cheque dishonour cases against him.

Taking to his X handle, Sonu Sood announced financial support to Rajpal Yadav by offering him a small signing amount, “adjustable against future work”, for his upcoming film.

Sonu Sood wrote, “Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us producers, directors, colleagues to stand together.”

Sonu Sood called his offering an act of preserving the dignity of the ‘Chup Chup Ke’ actor and not “charity”. He also urged the film industry, including producers, directors and colleagues, to stand together and show solidarity beyond professional ties for the actor.

“A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity. When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he’s not alone. This is how we show we are more than just an industry,” wrote Sonu Sood.

The financial support from Sonu Sood came after the Delhi High Court rejected Bollywood actor Rajpal Naurang Yadav’s final attempt to avoid imprisonment in a series of cheque-dishonour cases and directed that he must surrender to the jail authorities before any further hearing could be held.

The order came after Yadav failed to comply with the surrender deadline fixed by the Court, following repeated violations of undertakings regarding payment of settlement amounts to the complainant company.

The senior lawyer appearing for the actor submitted that Yadav was ready to deposit Rs 25 lakh immediately and that both parties had tentatively agreed on a repayment schedule for the remaining dues.

However, the Court declined to grant any relief, observing that Yadav had already been directed to surrender on February 4, 2026. Justice Sharma stated that since the actor had failed to comply with the surrender order, he would be heard only after he hands himself over to the jail authorities.

Following the Court’s observation, Yadav’s counsel informed the bench that the actor would surrender at Tihar Jail later in the day on February 5.

The Court clarified that once Yadav surrenders, he would be at liberty to file an appropriate application in accordance with the law. (ANI)

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding a deadly explosion at an illegally operated rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district that claimed 18 lives.

The Tribunal registered an original application based on a news item published on February 6, 2026, which highlighted the incident and potential environmental law violations.

The Tribunal noted that the blast, reportedly caused by dynamite, occurred at an illegal mine in the Mynsyngat area around 11 a.m., resulting in multiple deaths and several people being trapped underground. It also noted that hazardous mining had previously been banned and that the incident raised concerns about ongoing illegal operations despite restrictions.

A bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A Senthil Vel said the matter indicated violations and non-compliance with the Tribunal’s earlier orders, along with possible breaches of environmental laws, including the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the Indian Forest Act, and the Environment (Protection) Act.

The Tribunal observed that the issue raised substantial questions regarding environmental norms and the implementation of statutory provisions. Referring to a Supreme Court judgement recognising its power to take up matters suo motu, the NGT registered the case.

The NGT impleaded key authorities as respondents, including the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, the Central Pollution Control Board, the Integrated Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Shillong, and the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills district. Notices have been issued directing them to file replies in affidavit form at least one week before the next hearing. The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 19, 2026. (ANI)

The sixth annual bull-taming festival, locally known as Eruthu Vidum, was held with great enthusiasm on Tuesday at Puthukovil village near Natrampalli in Tirupattur district.

The traditional event featured more than 350 bulls and drew large crowds from across the region.

Bulls were brought from Tirupattur, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Jolarpet, and Krishnagiri, as well as from neighbouring districts of Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the festival’s wide popularity.

Ahead of the competition, veterinarians conducted mandatory medical examinations on all participating bulls, after which they were cleared to compete.

The bulls were judged based on the time taken to reach the designated target, with those completing the run in the shortest time declared winners.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners. The first prize carried ₹1,00,002, followed by ₹80,001 for second place and ₹60,001 for third place. In total, 130 prizes were distributed to the best-performing bulls.

The event attracted thousands of youth and spectators from nearby villages, turning Puthukovil into a vibrant, festive venue as people gathered to celebrate the age-old rural sport.

To ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents, over 50 police personnel were deployed under the supervision of DSP Mahalakshmi. Tight security arrangements were in place throughout the event, enabling the festival to be conducted smoothly and peacefully.

Earlier, during the last Friday of the Tamil month Thai, a Thiruvilakku Puja was held at the Sri Thunga Balasthanambika Sametha Kadrasundareswarar Temple in Kanjanagaram village, Tharangambadi taluk, Mayiladuthurai district.

The event featured the traditional lighting of the Thiruvilakku, along with prayers and offerings to the deities. Community members brought sweets, fruits, and flowers, filling the temple with a joyful atmosphere through devotional songs and prayers. The priest led the ceremonies to bring blessings for health and prosperity.

Women invoked the Goddess in the lamps placed before them and offered prayers seeking marital blessings, marital strength, and family harmony. They performed a special archana by offering kumkum, flowers, and other items to the lamps they had brought. (ANI)