Month: March 2026

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has spoken about actor Rajpal Yadav after the actor recently received interim bail in a cheque bounce case.

The ‘Hera Pheri’ director, who has worked with Rajpal in several films over two decades, described him as an “innocent” person who got caught in a “trap”.

Rajpal Yadav was recently granted interim bail in a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case linked to a loan taken for his 2010 film Ata Pata Laapata. The actor had taken Rs 5 crore from businessman Madhav Gopal Agrawal, and with interest and penalties, the amount later increased to Rs 9 crore. He deposited Rs 1.5 crore and has been granted interim bail until March 18.

Speaking about Yadav and their long friendship, Priyadarshan said he has known the actor for many years and believes he is one of the most genuine people in the industry.

“My relationship with Rajpal, I have known him for many years, and I would say that he is the most innocent actor I have ever seen,” he said.

“This guy was so innocent that he got into a trap, and for that, our relationship will never change. If it had been somebody else, so many people would not have come together to help him. There were so many people ready to help him because they understand how innocent this guy is. You can see the innocence in his face, and the same innocence is also in his heart,” he added.

Priyadarshan and Rajpal Yadav have worked together in many Hindi comedy films over the years. Their collaborations include movies like ‘Hungama,’ ‘Garam Masala,’ ‘Malamaal Weekly,’ ‘Chup Chup Ke,’ ‘Bhagam Bhaag,’ ‘Dhol,’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa.’ (ANI)

Birthdays in the Bhatt household are always special, and this year was no different.

As Alia Bhatt rang in her 33rd birthday on Sunday, March 15, her mother, veteran actor Soni Razdan, made sure to make her “baby girl” feel extra special.

Razdan took to her Instagram account on Sunday to post a touching message for her daughter, giving fans a glimpse into the close bond the two share.

The actress dropped a series of pictures featuring Alia, along with a note celebrating the actor not just for her success, but for the person she has become.

It read, “Happy Birthday to a very special girl, our baby girl, our life. You are the most generous, kind, and loving soul — and always have been. They say that in life you receive what you give to others.”

“May you receive all that goodness and so much more in return. May you continue to inspire us, and everyone whose life you touch, with your warmth and your beautiful spirit. And may your tribe always grow. Love you to the moon, the stars, and back again,” Razdan added.

Take a look

Over the years, Alia has carved a special place for herself in Indian cinema with performances that showcase her versatility. From playing the brave spy in ‘Raazi’ to portraying the powerful and layered character in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ the actor has repeatedly impressed movie buffs and critics alike with her range.

On the work front, Alia will next be seen in the much-anticipated spy thriller ‘Alpha’. The film also stars Sharvari Wagh, along with Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in key roles.

The film is directed by Shiv Rawail, who previously directed the series ‘The Railway Men.’ It is produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The project also marks Alia Bhatt’s first film with Yash Raj Films. ‘Alpha’ is the sixth installment in the highly successful YRF Spy Universe, which already boasts blockbusters such as ‘Ek Tha Tiger,’ ‘Tiger Zinda Hai,’ ‘War,’ and ‘Pathaan.’ ‘Alpha’ will arrive in theatres on July 10, 2026. (ANI)

A relaxed airport look and a warm moment with fans marked actor Hrithik Roshan’s departure from Dehradun on Sunday morning. The Bollywood star, who had been in Uttarakhand on a private visit, was spotted at Jolly Grant Airport where he paused to take selfies with his fans before heading out.

Hrithik kept his travel style understated yet sharp. His airport outfit featured a dark zip-up hoodie layered over a bright yellow crew-neck T-shirt, paired with off-white cargo-style trousers.

The relaxed-fit pants, complete with side pockets, added to the laid-back aesthetic.

Completing the ensemble, the actor wore a light-coloured baseball cap. He rounded off the outfit with clean white athletic sneakers.

Despite the brief stop, Hrithik took time to acknowledge fans gathered at the airport. Several onlookers captured selfies with the actor. One fan even gave a red rose to the ‘War’ star.

Meanwhile, Hrithik recently addressed speculation linking him to the upcoming film ‘Don 3’, putting rumours to rest with a public clarification. In a statement issued in February, the actor said he had never been approached for the project.

“What started off as just a rumour has now taken on an entire life of its own, and it’s important to set the record straight. I would like to categorically clarify that I was never approached for Don 3 at any given time. Requesting media to steer clear of any such unverified reports,” the statement read.

The third instalment of the franchise was officially announced by filmmaker Farhan Akhtar in August 2023. In a teaser video, actor Ranveer Singh was introduced as the new Don, taking over the iconic role previously portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in earlier films.

On the professional front, Hrithik was last seen in ‘War 2’, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The film also features Jr NTR and Kiara Advani in key roles. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday shared glimpses of “Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar” which he said looked vibrant even before the full bloom. He also appreciated gardeners and the Floriculture Department team for their hard work.

“Got a sneak preview of Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar earlier today. The garden is still 7-8 days away from its full bloom but it’s already bursting with colour. The garden looks amazing. The team of gardeners have done an amazing job under the supervision of the Floriculture Department officials,” Abdullah said on social media.

The chief minister had inaugurated the annual Almond Blossom Festival at the historic Badamwari Garden in Srinagar on Saturday.

Highlighting the valley’s natural heritage, the Chief Minister invited visitors to witness the early spring bloom and announced that the famous Tulip Garden is set to open its gates to the public on March 16.

“I would like to thank the department for decorating Badamwari so well. I hope people will come here and take advantage of it. We are awaiting our tourist season. Today (Saturday), this program took place in Badamwari, and the day after tomorrow (March 16), the Tulip Garden will be inaugurated. With this, the summer tourist season begins here. We hope that a large number of people will come and enjoy the beauty of Kashmir.”

Director of Floriculture Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, had said on Wednesday that the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is ready to welcome visitors with a record-breaking floral display.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also introduced online ticket booking facilities for the upcoming tulip season, making it easier for tourists and local visitors to plan their visit.

“The Tulip Garden will be opened to the public from March 16th. The Chief Minister will inaugurate it. Like every year, we have made efforts to improve the garden. This time we have planted 18 lakh tulips. More than 70 varieties have been planted. The facility of purchasing tickets through the online medium is also being started. We are trying to provide all kinds of facilities to the people. People will be encouraged to come, enjoy and maintain a clean environment in the garden. We hope that their experience will be beautiful and better,” Masoom told ANI.

Affectionately known for its breathtaking vistas, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden boasts not only a splendid array of tulips but also provides sanctuary to an array of other flower species.

Daffodils, Hyacinths, Roses, Ranunculi, Muscaria, and Iris blooms flourish alongside the iconic tulips, creating a mesmerising tapestry of colours and fragrances that captivates visitors. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday has hit back at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on the LPG issue, alleging that there are doubts about his “patriotism”.

Speaking to reporters here, Yadav said, “I can’t call Akhilesh Yadav a traitor to the country, but there are doubts about his patriotism. At a time when the country and the world are facing an energy crisis due to the ongoing war between Iran, the US, and Israel, statements like these are only spreading rumours.”

He said the global situation has affected fuel supply and demand, leading to an increase in LPG bookings across the country. “Earlier, daily bookings for 50-55 lakh gas cylinders used to happen before this crisis, but now they have reached around 88 lakh. Whether it is Akhilesh Yadav or Rahul Gandhi, they are working to spoil the atmosphere and spread rumours,” Maurya said.

According to the Deputy Chief Minister, such statements could create unnecessary fear among citizens. “Their statements are causing panic in the country. The public will set them straight,” he added.

Maurya’s remarks came after Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at the BJP-led central government over LPG availability, referring to it as “Lapata Gas” and accusing the government of misleading the public.

Speaking to mediapersons earlier, Yadav criticised the government’s handling of international relations amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and suggested that stronger diplomatic efforts could have reduced the impact of the crisis.

Meanwhile, Maurya also commented on the political situation in West Bengal, claiming that the ruling All India Trinamool Congress was losing ground and that the Bharatiya Janata Party was gaining support among voters.

“In West Bengal, TMC is on its way out, and BJP is coming in. The atmosphere in favour of the BJP has left the TMC rattled, so they are lashing out and engaging in Muslim appeasement politics. The public will give them a fitting response,” Maurya said. (ANI)

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that he is “fine,” following a surge of social media posts suggesting his demise.

The clarification was issued after a correspondent from the Anadolu Agency questioned his office regarding widespread claims on digital platforms that “Netanyahu has been assassinated.” In a direct response, Netanyahu’s office dismissed the reports, stating, “These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine.”

The rumours gained momentum after the Israeli PM posted a video of a press conference on Friday discussing the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Some social media users alleged that the footage was AI-generated, claiming to have identified six fingers on the Prime Minister’s right hand.

Specifically, viewers pointed to a moment at the 0:35 mark where Netanyahu raises his hands, asserting that visible extra flesh near his little finger was a ‘Classic AI finger glitch’.

American conservative commentator Candace Owens joined the discourse, asking, “Where’s Bibi?” in a post on X. She further questioned, “Why is his office releasing and deleting fake AI videos from him, and why is there mass panic at the White House?”

However, X’s AI chatbot, Grok, fact-checked the allegations, clarifying that Netanyahu does not have six fingers. It explained that the visual anomalies were optical illusions caused by shadows, hand angles, or the palm’s natural shape, such as the hyphenar eminence. The chatbot noted that official footage from Israel’s Government Press Office confirms a standard five fingers per hand.

The backdrop to these rumours is a significant regional escalation that began on 28 February, when joint Israeli and US attacks were launched against Iran. The opening day of the conflict resulted in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to retaliate with strikes against neighbouring oil-exporting nations.

In a major disruption to global trade, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway is a vital energy route, typically facilitating the shipment of approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily and nearly 20 per cent of the global trade in liquefied natural gas. (ANI)

Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, on Sunday issued advisories regarding disruptions to flights to the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, as the evolving West Asia crisis has led to operational restrictions and schedule changes in the Middle East.

In a post on X, IndiGo informed passengers that flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted, leading to modifications in schedules. “Update: Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules. Customers travelling to/from Dubai are requested to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. We are also sending out notifications to keep customers informed of the latest updates,” the airline said.

Meanwhile, Air India stated that following instructions from the UAE airport authorities, both Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express have curtailed several scheduled flights on March 15.

According to the airline, Air India will operate only one Delhi-Dubai return flight, while four of the five planned Dubai flights have been cancelled. Air India Express will also operate a single Delhi-Dubai return flight, with five out of six scheduled Dubai flights cancelled.

In Abu Dhabi, all five Air India Express flights have been cancelled for the day. However, the airline plans to continue operations from Sharjah with flights scheduled to Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Additionally, Air India Express said it would operate Ras Al Khaimah-Kozhikode and Ras Al Khaimah-Kochi services, subject to slot availability and prevailing operational conditions.

Passengers affected by cancellations have been offered the option to rebook to a future date without additional charges or opt for a full refund. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and said it remains committed to bringing stranded passengers home at the earliest.

The developments come amid broader disruptions in the aviation sector triggered by the evolving West Asia crisis, which have also driven a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices.

Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, have recently introduced fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes to offset rising operational costs linked to the surge in fuel prices. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has reportedly demanded that Iran “surrender,” stating that he has heard the nation’s new supreme leader is “not alive” while dismissing the possibility of an immediate ceasefire in the escalating Middle Eastern conflict.

In a wide-ranging, 30-minute telephone interview with NBC News on Saturday, the American leader revealed that despite Tehran’s apparent interest in ending the hostilities, he remains unsatisfied with the current conditions.

He asserted that “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” adding that any future agreement must be “very solid.”

When questioned on the specific requirements for a peace deal, the US Commander-in-Chief remained tight-lipped, replying, “I don’t want to say that to you.”

He did, however, concede that a primary component would involve a total commitment from Tehran to completely abandon its nuclear ambitions.

The President cast significant doubt on the well-being of Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently assumed the role of supreme leader following the death of his father.

Remarking on Khamenei’s absence from public view, he stated, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him.”

While acknowledging the reports of the leader’s death were currently “a rumour,” Trump added, “I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.”

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed these sentiments on Friday, suggesting that the younger Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured” following recent military strikes.

Hegseth characterised a recent written statement from the leader as “a weak one,” claiming that the Iranian head of state is “scared,” “injured,” and “lacks legitimacy.”

The American head of state also confirmed that US forces have conducted heavy strikes on Kharg Island, a strategic Iranian oil export hub.

He claimed the operation “totally demolished” the island, though he noted that energy infrastructure was preserved to avoid lengthy reconstruction efforts.

“We’ve totally decimated it,” he said, before adding that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.”

Looking ahead, the US President predicted that the remaining Iranian military capabilities would be “totally decimated” within two days.

He claimed that the US has already successfully “knocked out most of their missiles” and “knocked out most of their drones,” largely destroying their domestic manufacturing capacity.

To combat rising global oil prices, he announced he is coordinating with an international coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

He has called upon “numerous countries that are affected by the thuggery of Iran” to deploy warships to the vital waterway, specifically mentioning the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea.

Addressing domestic concerns over fuel costs, which have risen significantly since the conflict began, the President insisted he is “not concerned at all” about the impact on upcoming elections.

He predicted that prices would eventually drop to record lows, stating that the market is simply “clogged up a little bit” but will be “unclogged very soon.”

The US leader also used the interview to criticise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing him as “far more difficult to make a deal with” than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He dismissed Zelenskyy’s offers to help the US with drone interception technology, stating that the “last person we need help from is Zelenskyy.”

When asked about reports that Russia might be providing intelligence to Iran regarding the location of US forces, the President was non-committal.

He remarked that “Russia is perhaps giving information, perhaps they’re not,” while noting that the US provides its own intelligence to Ukraine as part of efforts to facilitate peace.

Ultimately, the US President maintained that his current military and diplomatic strategy is focused on regional security.

He stated that his sole objective is to “make sure that Iran can never be the bully of the Middle East again”. (ANI)

Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar on Saturday remembered his father, who passed away due to prostate cancer, and urged people to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing every year.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, Akshay Kumar shared an emotional message while talking about the importance of his late father in his life.

According to him, one of the biggest reasons behind the tragedy was his lack of awareness about the importance of the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test after the age of 50-55, which helps in the detection of any prostate cancer.

“I lost the most important person in my life, my father. At the age of 67, I lost him. He was everything to me, and why? Because I didn’t know that after the age of 50-55, you have to get your PSA checked,” Akshay Kumar said.

“I want to tell you all the people here, all the people who are listening, we were not educated about this thing that getting a PSA check for every person every year is very important…You can save your life; you can save not only your life; you can save your whole family’s life,” he said.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein which is made by the cells in the prostate. A PSA blood test measures the amount of PSA you have circulating in the blood.

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar will be next seen in the film ‘Bhooth Bangla’, which is directed by Priyadarshan. It also stars Rajpal Yadav in the lead role. It will be released in theatres on April 10.

The actor will also be seen in the film ‘Golmaal 5’ directed by Rohit Shetty. The shooting of the film has already started. (ANI)