Month: February 2026

Actor Sonam Kapoor, who is expecting her second child with husband Anand Ahuja, hosted a baby shower at her Mumbai residence on Sunday evening.

The special occasion was attended by several B-town celebrities who arrived to celebrate the mom-to-be. Many celebs from the film industry. Her dad, actor Anil Kapoor, her ‘Veere Di Wedding’ co-star Kareena Kapoor Khan, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, and other Bollywood personalities made their way to the party. Sonam’s cousins Khushi Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor were also spotted by the paparazzi.

The ‘Mr. India’ actor, was seen arriving at the venue in a blue floral kurta-pyjama and greeted the paparazzi stationed outside with folded hands.

Bebo, on the other hand, looked stunning in a blue ethnic outfit as she walked in to join the celebration.

Arjun Kappor, looked dapper in an orange kurta which he paired with white pyjamas and sunglasses.

Shabana Azmi opted for a mustard yellow kurta set, while Khushi Kapoor stood out in a white and yellow saree.

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja got married in 2018. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vayu, in 2022.

Sonam shared the news of her second pregnancy in November 2025 with a stylish social media post that quickly went viral. She posted pictures in a pink outfit inspired by Princess Diana and wrote “Mother” with a kissing face emoji. Many friends from B-town sent their love. PeeCee and Kareena Kapoor congratulated the couple, while Parineeti Chopra wrote, “Congrats, mamacitaaa.” Anand Ahuja also shared a sweet message for his wife, writing, “Baby ma.. also chicccccc mama!” (ANI)

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is celebrating 100 years of its journey with a two-day event in Mumbai titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons” at the Nehru Centre Auditorium.

The programme has brought together senior RSS leaders and personalities from the film industry.

The first day of the two-day event saw the presence of superstar Salman Khan. On day two, several actors and filmmakers arrived to be a part of the centenary programme. Those present included Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Ananya Panday, Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Ravi Dubey, Madhur Bhandarkar and others.

Actor Vicky Kaushal, who attended the event on the second day, spoke to the media about his experience. He said it was special for him to be part of a programme marking such a long journey of the RSS. Kaushal also shared that this was his first time hearing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speak in person, and that it made a strong impression on him.

“It’s wonderful that the RSS journey has completed 100 years. For the first time, I got to hear Mohan Bhagwat speak in person, and I was deeply impressed,” Kaushal said.

The second day also saw the presence of music composer Pritam and actor Jackie Shroff, among others. The programme looked back at the organisation’s long journey, its work in society, and its ideas for the future.

During the event, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed social issues and urged attendees to stay alert. Bhagwat on Sunday urged people to “detect and report” the “illegal infiltrators” to the police. He also urged people not to give them any employment and to be more “vigilant.”

The two-day event, which began on February 7 and concluded on February 8, 2026, at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Mumbai. (ANI)

Nepal bid farewell to Sunil Thapa on Sunday, the veteran actor who reshaped villainy in Nepali cinema and was regarded as the greatest villain of all time.

The actor, who began his career in Bollywood and later contributed significantly to Nepali cinema, passed away on Saturday morning in Kathmandu. The actor was 68.

On Sunday, hundreds of his fellow actors, as well as those who worked alongside him, stood in line at the Film Development Board to pay their last respects. Members of the film fraternity were also seen at the Pashupatinath Crematorium late Sunday afternoon, where Thapa was given his final farewell.

Two sitting Nepali ministers arrived at the crematorium, located next to the sacred Bagmati River and beneath the Pashupatinath Temple, where they draped Thapa’s body with the national flag.

A postmortem was performed earlier in the morning at the family’s request. At Pashupatinath, his son, Anmol, performed the rituals alongside Thapa’s wife, Rajani Limbu, and their daughter. Except for Thapa, the rest of his family members live in Mumbai, India.

Thapa had been actively involved in both Nepali and Indian cinema for decades, and his untimely death has left the entire Nepali arts and film fraternity in shock. He was widely respected for bringing depth, recognition, and dignity to antagonistic roles in Nepali films, earning acclaim comparable to that of lead actors.

He was especially popular for his iconic role as ‘Rate Kaila,’ which became one of the most memorable villains in Nepali cinema. Through his strong screen presence and distinctive acting style, Thapa carved out a unique place for himself in the film industry.

Thapa’s career wasn’t confined to Nepal alone. In addition to his work in Nepali cinema, he earned recognition in Indian films and television series, where his performances won him audiences across borders.

Born on May 19, 1957, Thapa contributed to acting, modeling, sports, and various aspects of the film industry. He began his professional life as a model, working in Mumbai in the 1970s for prominent brands, including Binny and Mafatlals. In those early years, he also played competitive football, representing ICL Club Bombay and Orkay Sports Club.

While modeling, he worked as a photojournalist for Junior Statesman magazine and covered Bhutan’s 1974 coronation ceremony.

He made his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the Hindi film ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye,’ a major commercial success that introduced him to Indian audiences. He later returned to Nepal and rose to prominence with the release of Chino, a landmark Nepali film that secured his place in the country’s cinematic history.

It was Chino that transformed him into a household name. His portrayal of the antagonist “Ratey Kaila” was both unsettling and magnetic, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The character became so iconic that Thapa was often recognized more by the role’s name than his own.

Though he became synonymous with villainous roles, Thapa resisted being typecast. He portrayed antagonists not as exaggerated figures of evil, but as intelligent, psychologically complex individuals shaped by power, pride, and circumstance. His performances lent villains credibility and depth, altering how conflict was portrayed in Nepali cinema.

In 2014, he appeared as a boxing coach in the Bollywood film Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra. The role earned him a Filmfare Award nomination and further established his reputation in Indian cinema.

Taking to her Instagram, Priyanka Chopra remembered her time with the late actor Sunil Thapa during the shoot of Mary Kom, where Thapa played the role of Priyanka’s coach.

She wrote, “You will always be my Coach, Sir. You kept me together when I had just lost my dad. You loved me and helped me through many tough days without even realizing. Your warm hugs and your laugh will always be part of my memories. Gone too young but never forgotten. Thank you for your kindness at a time when I was broken. Rest in peace, Sunil Thapa. My condolences and prayers are with the family and loved ones.”

Over the decades, “Rate Kaila,” the evergreen villain of Nepali cinema, appeared in more than 138 Nepali films, beginning with Masal in 1985. His most recent release was Eklo, while Ram Naam Satya remains his final completed film. Another film, Pahad, directed by Tulsi Ghimire, is awaiting release.

Thapa passed away while undergoing treatment at the Norvic Hospital in Kathmandu. According to the hospital, he was brought in unconscious, and after an ECG, doctors confirmed his death. (ANI)

India and France are looking to sign a major deal for buying a significant number of SCALP cruise missiles that were used by the Indian Air Force to destroy the terrorist headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Toiba inside Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last year.

A significant number of SCALP Cruise missiles are being ordered by the Indian Air Force from France, and discussions are underway. A decision in this regard is expected to be made soon, defence officials told ANI.

The SCALP missiles were launched by the Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets along with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to take out the terrorist headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur districts of Pakistan. The targets were completely destroyed in the attacks by the Indian Air Force with pinpoint accuracy, they said.

The Indian Air Force will use cruise missiles with its fleet of Rafale aircraft.

After the successful destruction of terrorist headquarters in Pakistan on the night of May 6-7, the Air Force used them again in a big way to strike at Pakistan Air Force bases.

The Indian Air Force had hit 12 major air bases of the Pakistan Air Force and destroyed a large number of high-value targets, including fighter jets and spy planes on the ground.

The IAF is also in the process of ordering a huge number of Meteor air to air missile for its fleet of Rafale jets.

The missile will also be integrated into the 26 Rafale Marine fighters ordered for the Indian Navy, which are expected to arrive over the next three to four years.

After the performance of Rafale fighter jets in the Operation Aindoor and increasing threat perception in the region, the Indian Air Force is also going to place orders for another set of 114 Rafale combat aircraft, which are likely to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in the next few days.

The Rafale aircraft is all set to be the mainstay of the Indian Air Force in the next few years, with its numbers expected to be around 200 in the next 10-15 years. (ANI)

Actor Vikrant Massey has shut down all the speculation and cleared the air after several media reports claimed he was replaced by Raghav Juyal in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited film ‘Ramayana.’

The speculation began on social media when multiple news outlets reported that Massey was initially a part of the project but was later “replaced” by Juyal.

Soon after, the ’12th Fail’ actor took to his Instagram Stories to put an end to the rumours and set the record straight. In his message, Massey clarified that he was never part of the film and that the media outlets should have done a “background check” before reporting on his supposed “replacement.”

Shutting down the reports and wishing the team well, the actor wrote: “Ok, to put the rumours to rest, I was never a part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. The many media outlets reporting about my supposed ‘replacement’ should’ve done the requisite background check. Disappointing. Nonetheless, wishing everyone involved in the movie all the very best. Love.”

Ramayana is a two-part film directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.

The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and DNEG, along with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. Set around 5,000 years ago, it is based on one of India’s most beloved and well-known stories from mythology.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Vikrant is all set to return to OTT with his upcoming series ‘Musafir Cafe’, which also stars Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana in lead roles. With this, the actor has also stepped in as a producer for the first time. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Farooq Abdullah on Sunday expressed grief over the suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Speaking to the reporters in Pampore, Abdullah said, “It is sad that bombs are being blasted in mosques now… I regret this incident… Blasts are happening everywhere.”

At least 31 people died, with 169 injured, after a suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers, according to a report by Dawn citing the authorities.

According to Dawn, the explosion occurred at the Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra in the Tarlai area.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir’s Shia community held a candlelight march to pay tribute to the victims of the suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Speaking to ANI, a protester demanded that the Pakistan Army bring the guilty to justice. “We held this candle march against the attack that happened in Islamabad, Pakistan, in which people were martyred while reading namaz. We have demanded that the Pakistan Army bring the guilty to justice.”

Another protestor said, “The protest and the candle march were held against those who were killed in the terror attack in Pakistan. This has not happened in Pakistan for the first time.”

The Ministry of External Affairs has also condemned the bombing, which claimed several lives, while calling the accusations made by the neighbouring country against India in the incident as “baseless” and “pointless”.

In a statement issued, MEA said, “The bombing at an Islamabad mosque earlier today is condemnable, and India condoles the loss of life it has caused. It is unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills. India rejects any and every such allegation, which is as baseless as it is pointless.” (ANI)

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated a historic centenary, a two-day lecture series on “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons” was held in Mumbai.

The grand celebrations were attended by several Bollywood celebrities, whose presence added glamour and energy to the milestone occasion.

The second day of the event saw the presence of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, acclaimed music composer Pritam, actors Raveena Tandon and Ananya Panday, and renowned filmmaker-producer Karan Johar, along with several other prominent figures from the film industry.

Meanwhile, the programme was held as part of the RSS centenary celebrations. It reflects on the organisation’s long journey, its role in society, and the ideas shaping its future.

The two-day event, which began on February 7, concludes on February 8, 2026, at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Mumbai. It brings together senior RSS leaders and invited speakers.

Salman Khan arrived at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) Mumbai Vyakhyanmala event on Saturday.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday urged people to “detect and report” the “illegal infiltrators” to the police. He also urged people not to give them any employment and to be more “vigilant”.

Speaking at the Two-Day Lecture Series On ‘100 Years Of Sangh Journey – New Horizons’ in Mumbai, Bhagwat highlighted that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has already revealed the “foreigners” living in the country.”The government has a lot to do regarding infiltration. They have to detect and deport. This wasn’t happening until now, but it has started little by little, and it will gradually increase. When the census or the SIR is conducted, many people come to light who are not citizens of this country; they are automatically excluded from the process,” he said.

“But we can do one thing: we can work on detection. Their language gives them away. We should detect them and report them to the appropriate authorities. We should inform the police that we suspect these people are foreigners, and they should investigate and keep an eye on them, and we will also keep an eye on them. We will not give employment to any foreigner. If someone is from our country, we will give them employment, but not to foreigners. You should be a little more vigilant and aware,” he added. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gulam Ali Khatana on Sunday praised the India-US Interim Trade Framework Agreement, highlighting that India does not bow to any external pressure while participating in global trade.

Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader further declared that all countries now want to do trade with India.

“… All countries want to do trade with India… India does not bow to anyone while doing trade…” said Khatana.

The framework for the trade agreement with the United States reduces tariffs on Indian goods in the US to 18 per cent, while Washington has claimed the deal will help it export more agricultural products to New Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the framework for the trade agreement with the United States will not harm Indian farmers and that the US has, in fact, reduced tariffs on several Indian farm exports to zero.

He said that Indian farmers’ interests have been fully protected in the trade deal with the US, adding that no key crops, fruits, dairy products or spices have been opened to American imports.

Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Chouhan said, “PM Modi said that he will not let the country bow down and will not allow any harm to the interests of the farmers. This trade deal has taken both of these into account… If we look at agriculture and agricultural products, no product has been included to harm Indian farmers. All such products have been excluded from the trade deal.”

Earlier, the United States and India issued a joint statement announcing that they had reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade and agreed on its terms.

According to the joint statement by the Ministry of Commerce and the White House, the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on goods originating in India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery.

Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods identified in the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners Annex to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements), as amended, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.

BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan hailed the Interim Trade Framework Agreement, saying that the reduction has received ‘tareef’ (appreciation) from the public and has sparked a wave of optimism across the country.

“This paradigm-defining trade deal pioneered by PM Narendra Modi’s astute leadership, empowers New India with a massive competitive advantage. The substantial and significant reduction in tariffs for Indian products has been received with ‘tareef’, appreciation, and the people are very buoyant, and there is a wave of optimism across the country,” he said.

Kesavan assured that the interim framework secures and safeguards the interests of our agricultural and dairy sectors and protects the welfare of our farmers, fishermen, workers, and skilled labourers. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasising a shift toward female leadership in governance.

In a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the BJP-led Delhi government, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and BJP National President Nitin Nabin officially flagged off a massive fleet of 4,000 electric buses, making Delhi’s EV fleet the largest in the country.

Gupta credited the team’s 365-day effort, saying women-led development is thriving under PM Modi’s guidance adding that the event served as both a milestone for urban mobility and a celebration of the administration’s “women-led development” philosophy.

“This is the wonder of PM Modi’s leadership: the women’s driver, the women’s secretary, and the women’s chief minister, where women-led development is possible in the country. I am pleased that on 8th February, we are able to serve the people of Delhi, thanks to their trust and blessings. A large fleet of 4,000 EV buses has been handed over to the people of Delhi, making it the largest in the country. I am pleased that all our ministers and the entire government have been working for Delhi for 365 days,” she said.

The addition of 4,000 electric buses aims to drastically reduce the city’s carbon footprint and modernise public transit. CM Rekha Gupta was joined by Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, and National President Nitin Nabin.

CM Gupta, along with Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and BJP National President Nitin Nabin, flagged off electric buses and the Delhi-Panipat bus service to mark the BJP-led government’s first year in office.

Addressing a gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the people of Delhi ended years of neglect in development by electing the BJP government.

“For eleven years, Delhi lagged behind in development. The hopes and aspirations of the people of Delhi withered away. Delhi stopped dreaming of development. The people of Delhi were left without basic amenities such as water, sewage, and healthcare. But in the 2025 assembly elections, the people of Delhi gave a befitting reply to those who claimed to be the masters of Delhi,” CM Gupta said.

“Arrogant Kejriwal used to say, ‘You will have to be reborn to defeat me.’ But the people of Delhi, in this very lifetime, in this very Ramlila Maidan, changed the atmosphere of Delhi by forming the BJP government. The people of Delhi showed that if they can elevate someone to a position of power with love and affection, they also know how to bring them down,” he said.

Further, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said the BJP government is fulfilling its promises as it completed one year in office, announcing the introduction of 500 electric buses and improved connectivity between Delhi and Panipat. (ANI)

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam arrived in Pakistan on Sunday ahead of a crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting on the India match boycott, according to Geo News on Sunday.

During the BCB chief’s stay in Pakistan, Aminul Islam will attend an emergency ICC meeting scheduled to be held later today, with other board members also expected to participate, the sources added.

According to Geo News, Islam will also meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi before departing for Dhaka.

An ICC delegation led by its Deputy Chairman is also likely to arrive in Pakistan later today. The delegation is expected to hold discussions with PCB officials regarding Pakistan’s boycott of the high-profile group-stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played on February 15 in Sri Lanka.

The development comes after the official X handle of Pakistan announced that the Men in Green would not take the field in the Feb 15 clash, and later Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked this boycott to the controversy with Bangladesh, citing it as a symbol of solidarity.

Bangladesh was removed from the tournament and replaced by Scotland, as their wish to have all their matches played outside India could not be agreed upon by the ICC, which they put in place because of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mustafizur Rahman being removed from the squad after instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid concerns related to atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the ICC is understood to have asked the PCB to demonstrate what it had done to mitigate the ‘Force Majeure’ event, as it is needed by the Members Participation Agreement (MPA).

Also, ICC is believed to have conditions in detail under which ‘Force Majeure’ can be invoked legimately and the evidentiary threshold needed for non-participation in the tournament, sporting, commercial and governance implications of such a step.

ICC informed PCB of the potential material damage the former could incur if the match does not go ahead. The global governing body does not want any confrontation, but under their constitution, they are allowed to go ahead with suspension/termination of a membership if there is a massive breach of obligations supposed to be fulfilled.

PCB also believes that if the matter becomes contentious, they have a strong case because there is a reference to an old PCB-BCCI dispute that reached the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) regarding a bilateral series.

It was about BCC allegedly failing to honour a 2014 MoU between the two boards to play six bilateral series between 2013 and 2015. PCB lost their claim for damages but believes the Indian government’s refusal to grant BCCI permission to proceed with the series sets a precedent for them, according to ESPNCricinfo.

At present, both sides are engaged in back-channel discussions, with ICC directors Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani continuing dialogue with the PCB to resolve the impasse. Neither the ICC nor the PCB has issued an official statement on the matter so far. (ANI)