Month: March 2026

TVK president Vijay will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its inquiry on Sunday in connection with the 2025 Karur stampede case.

On September 27, last year, during the public outreach programme of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay in Karur, a crowd stampede occurred, resulting in the deaths of 41 people.

The Karur stampede case was transferred to the CBI from a state-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) following an order from the Supreme Court, which emphasised the need for an independent and impartial probe.

Since then, the agency has been examining the circumstances surrounding the stampede at a political event in Karur.

The investigation continues to scrutinise various aspects of the rally, including crowd management arrangements, the timeline of Vijay’s arrival, and coordination between party organisers and local authorities.

One of the key issues under scrutiny was the alleged seven-hour delay at the venue. Investigators are probing the discrepancy between the programme’s scheduled start time and Vijay’s actual arrival and whether the delay contributed to the crowd swelling and loss of control.

Investigators are scrutinising documents related to permissions sought for the event and are seeking clarity on who organised the Karur programme. Within the party, the CBI is examining the organisational structure to determine responsibility for planning and execution, including who decided to hold the event in Karur and when Vijay was informed.

Another focus area is whether Vijay’s team conducted any prior risk assessment in coordination with the district administration, and whether basic arrangements, such as drinking water facilities and designated entry and exit points, were provided for the crowd.

The movement of Vijay’s modified caravan through the gathering is also under investigation, with the CBI examining how it passed through the dense crowd and whether there was adequate coordination with local police.

The agency is further probing when Vijay became aware of the stampede and the sequence of events that followed. Questions on the exact time of his arrival and departure from the venue are also part of the ongoing inquiry. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) said that Iran is ready to negotiate a deal to end the ongoing war, but he is not prepared to agree to a ceasfire yet since the terms offered are insufficient, according to NBC News.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump said he is unwilling to make a deal with Tehran at this stage despite indications the country wants negotiations.

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” he said, adding that any terms will have to be “very solid”.

When asked about the conditions for a deal, Trump said, “I don’t want to say that to you,” though he indicated that a commitment from Iran to completely abandon would be part of any agreement.

His remarks come amid the ongoing conflict that began two weeks ago when the US and Israeli forces launched joint strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israel and US-linked targets across the region.

Trump also said he is working with several countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, as oil prices surge during the conflict, NBC News reported.

NBC News reported the US President asking “numerous countries that are affected by the thuggery of Iran” to assist in keeping the strait open, but declined to name them.

“They’ve not only committed, but they think it’s a great idea,” he said.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom could send warships to the area to help ensure safe passage for oil tankers.

Iran’s leadership has vowed to keep the waterway closed, which has contributed to sharp increases in global energy prices, NBC News reported, adding that Trump has confirmed US forces carried out strikes on Kharg Island, a strategic Iranian island that houses the country’s main oil export terminal.

According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), US forces conducted “precision strikes” on dozens of military targets while attempting to preserve oil infrastructure.

However, Trump said the attacks had devastated the island.

“We totally demolished Kharg Island, but we may hit it a few more times just for fun,” NBC News quoted Trump as saying.

“We’ve totally decimated it,” the president added, noting that the energy pipelines themselves were left intact because rebuilding them would take years.

Trump also questioned whether Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive after he did not appear on camera following his appointment earlier this week.

“I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him,” Trump said.

Khamenei was appointed after the death of his father, Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran. (ANI)

Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt are all set to make fans hit the dance floor with the latest track ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from the film ‘KD: The Devil’.

The peppy track features Fatehi and Dutt shaking a leg together, with Fatehi marking her debut in the Kannada film industry. While talking about the debut, she said, “Thank you Prem sir for inviting me. After watching the trailer on the big screen, now, I know why they call you the Showman. I came into the film quite last minute. When I came on the set and I met the entire crew, I realised they are genuinely making an epic movie. For me to be able to debut in Sandalwood industry with this project, is quite an honour.”

She further added, “I hope everyone can enjoy the song when you actually get to see it. Today, it’s just lyrical, but the song is massive.” The track, sung by Mangli and written by Raqeeb Alam, and is composed, arranged and produced by Arjun Janya. It was simultaneously released in five languages including Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.

The song launch event saw the presence of Fatehi, Prem, Arjun Janya, Rakshitha Prem, Reeshma Nanaiah, and the film’s lead, Action Prince Dhruva Sarja. Produced by Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions, KD: The Devil is an awaited film of the year, starring Dhruva Sarja in the titular role along with Sanjay Dutt, Reeshma Nanaiah, Shilpa Shetty, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, and Nora Fatehi.

A period action entertainer based on true events from 1970s Bangalore, ‘KD – The Devil’ is presented by KVN Productions, directed by Prem and produced by Suprith. It features a multi-starrer cast including Dhruva Sarja, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Nora Fatehi, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, and V Ravichandran in important roles.

The movie is set to hit theatres all across on April 30, 2026. (ANI)

Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal franchise is gearing up to go bigger and grander, with the addition of Akshay Kumar and the return of Sharman Joshi.

On his birthday on Saturday, Rohit shared the film’s announcement video, expressing excitement about shooting the fifth part of the film that changed his life 20 years ago.

“20 years ago, the first Golmaal was released, a film that changed my life. The credit goes to you, my audience. Over the past 20 years, we have entertained you, and yes, sometimes disappointed you, but we have always been honest in our work. So now, once again, my fabulous team and I are set on a journey to entertain you as we start filming G5. You have always loved and supported me. All we need is your blessings. See you at the movies @tseries.official @rohitshettypicturez,” he wrote.

The promo video shows Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu, and Tusshar Kapoor celebrating Sharman Joshi’s return to the franchise. Later, everyone is taken by surprise when Akshay Kumar joins them.

On having Akshay as a new joinee, Ajay quipped, “Koi bhi franchise nhi chordta”

Akshay could be seen sporting a bald look, wearing a black kurta pyjama and dark sunglasses.

On joining the franchise, Akshay took to Instagram and wrote, “Happy Birthday @itsrohitshetty On your birthday, the madness just got bigger and louder. Excited to be joining this crazy family of Golmaal 5! Let the chaos begin!”

Helmed by Rohit Shetty, the Golmaal franchise has been making film buffs laugh for almost two decades now. The first instalment, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, which hit theatres in 2006 and became a huge hit. It starred Ajay Devgn, Sharman Joshi, Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor. Paresh Rawal and Rimi Sen were also part of the first film. Over the years, the Golmaal series went on to become one of India’s most loved comedy franchises. (ANI)

The Academy Award-winning musician AR Rahman is set to perform at the upcoming mega fan event of the IPL team Chennai Super Kings’ Roar 26 event on March 22.

According to the Chennai Super Kings website, the mega fan event will witness “the legendary Oscar award-winning music director AR Rahman delivering a special live performance, turning Chepauk into a pulsating arena of music and lights, filling it with celebration and immersive fan experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime.”

Roar’26 will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The event will also mark the reunion of ‘OG’ Super Kings, led by Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden, M Vijay and S Badrinath, among others, on their legendary turf to take on the current Chennai Super Kings squad in a series of high-energy, never-seen-before match-ups, as per the CSK website.

This mega celebration is a tribute to the journey of the Chennai Super Kings and the unwavering love of the fans.

The CSK also shared the event’s poster on their Instagram handle on Saturday. They wrote, “FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! CSK stars, OG Super Kings and A.R. Rahman are coming together for one unforgettable night!”

AR Rahman is the award-winning musician of the Indian cinema industry. The musician has recently composed the music for Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ starring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles.

The lyrics are penned by Irshad Kamil. (ANI)

Actor Sanya Malhotra has moved into her new home, and she could not be happier.

With her heart brimming with joy and emotion, Sanya recently performed the Griha Pravesh puja alongside her family.

For the actress, the new home is not just a milestone but a symbol of years of dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her loved ones.

Sharing pictures from the puja, Sanya took to Instagram and wrote, “Har Har Mahadev Years of dreaming, working, learning and growing. Iss ghar ki har deewar mujhe yaad dilayegi ki patience aur faith ka result kitna sundar ho sakta hai. And through it all meri family and friends ka trust was always my biggest strength. This is more than just a house. It’s a little piece of my journey. Welcome to my ghar.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sanya is gearing up for her upcoming film ‘Toaster’ alongside Rajkummar Rao, which will premiere on Netflix.

Abhishekh Bannerjee, Upendra Limaye, Seema Pahwa, Jitendra Joshi, and Archana Puran Singh are also a part of the film. (ANI)

In wake of the developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington would be sending warships along with other countries to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe”. Trump also called upon China, France and Japan among others to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz and said that the US would bomb the shoreline and continually shoot Iranian boats and ships.

He made the remarks in a post on Truth Social.

Trump said that several countries in conjunction with the United States would send warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. “Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe. We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are”, he wrote.

He added, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated. In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”

The United States has long referred to the strait as the “world’s most important oil chokepoint” due to the volume of global energy supplies that transit through the narrow passage.

More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass daily through the narrow channel separating the Iranian coast from Oman. That volume represents roughly a fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of all seaborne oil trade. A significant share of the world’s liquefied natural gas also moves through the same passage.

Meanwhile, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Saturday expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict, stating that the conflict was not only affecting the people of Iran but had also become a global concern, citing rising energy prices and wider economic impacts.

Highlighting the global implications of the conflict, Ilahi pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit for global energy supply.

He said disruptions in the region were affecting many countries through shortages of gas, petrol and oil, but maintained that Iran had no option but to defend itself.

“Actually, the crisis is not only for Iran, but it’s a global crisis. And they imposed this war on us, and we have to defend ourselves. We are ready to share our blood for our dignity, for our independence, for our country,” he said.

“We are not happy with the suffering of other people–the shortage of gas, the shortage of petrol, the shortage of oil. But we have to defend ourselves. We don’t have any other option,” he added, urging global leaders to pressure the United States to stop the war.

He reiterated that Indian vessels would be allowed to pass through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in West Asia.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Ilahi responded affirmatively, “Of course, of course. Yes,” when asked whether Indian ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait.When asked to elaborate on the matter, Ilahi said, “I heard that our embassy tried to provide an opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.”

Ilahi further said that the special concessions for India on the passage of vessels were a reflection of the Indian public showing solidarity with the Iranian regime against what he described as “oppression” by the US and its allies.

“I can say the majority of Indian people are with Iran. They condemned the oppression. They follow justice. And they don’t want war. Even I can say they are against the war,” he said. (ANI)

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed the AAP government in Punjab over “religious conversions” and said if a BJP government is formed in the state, the first Bill it will bring will be “against religious conversions”.

Addressing the ‘Badlav Rally’ here, Home Minister also slammed the Congress and said the problem of terrorism in the border state had started during its rule.

He criticised Congress for settling for the inclusion of Karatarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan when the border was being drawn between the two countries. He said the Modi government has constructed the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.

“You (Congress government) had resorted to tank fire on Akal Takht. It was during the Congress rule that terrorism erupted, there was strife and conflict erupted between Sikhs and Hindus. The development of Punjab is impossible without Sikh-Hindu unity, and such unity can only be achieved under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Today, the entire state of Punjab is grappling with the issue of religious conversions. I urge people to elect the BJP government here. The very first bill we will introduce in Punjab will ban religious conversions,” Amit Shah said.

He said the BJP will fight elections to form the government in Punjab in 2027 . “Only the BJP government can make Punjab free from drugs…Punjab has collapsed due to the terror of gangsters, debt, religious conversions, corruption,” he said.

“We have removed Article 370 from Kashmir. Today, Naxalism is also on the brink of extinction. That is why a double-engine BJP government is essential here to free Punjab from drugs and provide employment to the youth,” he added.

The Home Minister also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP leadership, alleging that the state government is functioning under the influence of leaders from Delhi.

“The Aam Aadmi Party came to power on the promise of change. I want to ask the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party: What exactly is your Chief Minister doing? Across the entire country, wherever Kejriwal needs to travel, this Chief Minister has done nothing other than chartering aircraft at the Punjab government’s expense and flying him there as his personal pilot,” Shah said.

He further accused the AAP leadership of misusing Punjab’s resources. “The Chief Minister of this state should hang his head in shame. Four ‘subedars’ have arrived from Delhi, and they are looting Punjab’s wealth only to siphon it back to Delhi,” he alleged. (ANI)

Actors RajKummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh will soon be seen together in a new film titled ‘Raftaar’.

Amazon MGM Studios took to its Instagram account on Saturday to announce that the film, described as a “powerful edge-of-the-seat drama”, is set to arrive in theatres on July 24, 2026.

‘Raftaar’ is set in the competitive world of the education industry. The story follows a fast-growing start-up and the lives of two ambitious individuals whose goals begin to clash as they chase success. As money and power enter the picture, their relationship is put to the test.

The film is directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and produced by Patralekhaa under the banner of Kampa Film. The story and screenplay are written by Rohan Narula, while Tarun Bali serves as the executive producer.

Along with RajKummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, the film also features Anurag Thakur, Rohan Verma, Tanya Maniktala, and Rajat Kapoor in key roles.

Further details about the project are still under wraps.

Meanwhile, Rao also has a couple of projects lined up. The actor will next be seen in ‘Nikam’, a film based on the life of noted public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Keerthy, on the other hand, was last seen in the Telugu film ‘Revolver Rita’. Written and directed by JK. Chandru, the film also stars Radhika Sarathkumar, Super Subbarayan, Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, Redin Kingsley, and John Vijay, among others. Revolver Rita hit theatres on November 28 last year. (ANI)

Legendary singer Mohammed Rafi’s son, Shahid Rafi, recently recalled the final moments of his father during a special episode of the reality show Indian Idol.

Visibly emotional after Tanishk Shukla’s performance, Shahid recounted the last days of his father and the events that happened in his final hours.

Recalling that his father had recorded his final song shortly before his death and even attended rehearsals despite not feeling well, Shahid spoke about the moment when his father experienced chest pain and had to be taken to the hospital. He shared that doctors were called immediately, but the situation soon turned serious while they were on the way.

“Rafi Sahab ka aakhri gaana tha, and it was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal ji; that was his last song. Do din ke baad dad expired. Ussi din rehearsal the aur rehearsal kiye unhone, rehearsal hone ke time pe unke seene mein dard utha tha. Unhone medicine liye, mumma ko doubt hua, unhone bola doctor ko bulao.”

(It was Rafi Sahab’s last song, and it was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal ji; that was his final recording. Two days after that, my dad passed away. On the same day, he had attended a rehearsal. During the rehearsal, he felt pain in his chest. He took medicine, but my mother became suspicious and said, ‘Call the doctor.’)”

“Doctor immediately aaya, between Mahim and Bombay Hospital, when dad was travelling teen attack aaye ambulance me. Maximum five minutes mein doctor said, sorry he is no more,”he added. (The doctor immediately arrived. While dad was being taken from Mahim to Bombay Hospital, he suffered three attacks in the ambulance. Within a maximum of five minutes, the doctor said, ‘Sorry, he is no more.)

The episode paid tribute to the songs of Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh. Veteran music composer Pyarelal Sharma also appeared as a guest. Contestants performed songs from the golden era of Hindi film music, bringing back memories of the legendary singers.

New episodes of Indian Idol air every Saturday and Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. (ANI)