IT WAS a decade ago that brothers Captain Brijinder and Lieutenant Harmeet Singh Nijjar, then teenagers, visited the Army Aviation Centre, in Hampshire, where they remember being “blown away” by the sights and sounds of the Apache helicopters in action.
Today, they stand in that very same spot, one as a qualified Army pilot and the other on the verge of doing the same.
Though they both were in the Army Cadet Force, a future in the forces was by no means certain for the brothers.
Brijinder, who was 16 at the time, admitted that “all sorts of ideas” were running through his head about what he wanted to do with his life. A career as a police officer, a pharmacist and a vet were options, but it was that one experience at the Army Aviation Centre that changed the course of his and his brother’s lives.
Brijinder said: “It was something as simple as seeing a helicopter landing, jumping inside and being flown around – you never forget something like that.
“We had the opportunity to speak to soldiers and pilots about their experiences and interests and we found we had similar interests. So when I realised I could actually do that for myself and become a pilot, I just went for it and thankfully it worked out.”
Harmeet recalled: “We spent time with the Army Air Corps, and took a picture with the Apaches. And that is what sparked our interest.”
When they went to university (Brijinder studied biology at Royal Holloway while Harmeet did law from Kingston University), they continued to maintain their links with the Army with the goal of first being selected for initial officer training and then the Army pilot course.
“At university, I became convinced I was going to join the Army,” Brijinder said. “I went to the (officer) selection process and got to visit different regiments, including the Army Air Corps. I saw what life in the military was like. I could see the camaraderie and made friends from day one, and I am going through my training with some of them now.”
The officer selection process involves tests (written, psychometric and physical), outdoor tasks and interviews. Brijinder and Harmeet said it was a “daunting” experience, but it was also an immensely proud moment when they were selected. They are the first members of their family to join the Army.
After leaving university, the siblings did their officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, 12 months apart. But before arriving at Sandhurst, they had to complete the Army Air Corps selection process too – and this gave them their first opportunity to fly an aircraft.
“It was nerve-racking to begin with,” Brijinder admitted. “Up until that point, I had only ever been in a big airliner, which is like sitting in the living room, and suddenly here I am doing loops and
flips and turns in this small plane.
“But you then relax into it and you start to learn new techniques. In two to three weeks, I had gone from never having been in a small aircraft before, to knowing how to start the plane, taxi, take off, do various manoeuvres and land almost solo.
“That’s one of the key things I found – the Army has a way of pushing you beyond what you think is possible. I was learning things which would have taken me weeks, months or years to learn in civilian training, but I was picking these things up in a matter of weeks.
“I started this course on the Apache six months ago and now I can fly an Apache helicopter – it’s quite remarkable.”
Harmeet added: “Someone like me and my brother would never have had the opportunity to become a pilot if it wasn’t for the Army. The Army is paying us to learn how to fly, you wouldn’t get that anywhere else.
“[To get to] the equivalent of a commercial pilot, [someone] would be spending upwards of about £100,000 for the same training. You’re basically taking out a mortgage to pursue a career in this field. And we are having it provided to us not just free of charge, but we are being paid to do it.”
By 2015, the brothers had completed the 44-week officer training at Sandhurst and were on the Army pilot’s course. Having gained his “wings”, Brijinder is now in the final part of the programme, known as the ‘conversion to type’ training.
“I am a qualified military pilot, but I am doing training for the frontline now. Your wings are considered probationary until you are qualified. It’s a bit like doing your driving test and then going on to do minibus or lorry driving training. I should be a qualified attack Apache helicopter pilot within the next year.”
Younger brother Harmeet is one step behind, on the operational training phase, which makes up the bulk of the training programme and consists of 91 flying hours and a tactical simulation course.
Asked if their relationship is of a competitive or supportive nature, Brijinder said: “A bit of both; I think supportive when we need to be. We’ve always worked as a team. It’s good for him to see what’s coming next so I give him a little heads-up.
“There is also a competitive edge. I’m trying to get the best grades I can, he is trying to beat me. And I hope the competition is going to raise our standards.”
After qualifying as pilots in the Army, Briijinder and Harmeet would be forgiven for thinking about moving on to the lucrative commercial sector and flying as civilian pilots. However, they are more keen for others to see what motivates them.
“If we can do it, then anyone can do it. We are by no means above average or extraordinary in any way. We were brought up in west London and have come from very humble beginnings and that’s where we intend to stay,” said Brijinder.
Harmeet added: “It can’t be the case that we are the only two people from our community who are good enough to join the army. That’s just not true. There are a lot more out there (who can join the Army), but it’s just a lack of knowledge. We would urge them to learn more about it. “If you are not going to join the Army, that is absolutely fine, but this is your army and everyone should know what we do and what opportunities are available.”
Brijinder, who revealed there was no one who “looked like me who was ahead of me”, said people are surprised when he tells them he is an Army pilot. But the brothers are trying to change this by being role models and going out of their way to inspire the next generation.
“We go into schools and colleges as much as we can,” said Harmeet. “They (students) are quite receptive to us. We can tell them, ‘we sat exactly where you are siting 10-15 years ago and we have made it here and so can you’. We show them pictures and videos of an Apache and they think, ‘I wanna do that’. “The British Army is a home for everybody, no matter what kind of background you are from.”
Brijinder added: “I have gone from being a young boy going to university not quite sure what he wants to do, to now on the verge of being an attack Apache helicopter pilot. I think that is a massive win for social mobility. The fact you can take somebody from any background and bring them to the front of a completely new area is just brilliant and more people should be encouraged to do it.
An inspiring evening of sport, solidarity, and celebration unfolded on Friday (13) as Her Excellency Nimisha J Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK, hosted a dynamic fundraising event for the Tritons Uganda Rugby Tour 2025. The fundraiser drew attention to a groundbreaking moment in UK and Ugandan rugby relations, the first ever UK women’s rugby team set to tour Uganda.
The high-energy evening included guest appearances by celebrated rugby personalities Simon Shaw, a former England lock and British & Irish Lion, and Shaunagh Brown, an inspirational former England Red Roses international.
Set to take place from 19th to 23rd November 2025, the Tritons Uganda Tour will see both a men’s and women’s UK team travel to the "Pearl of Africa" to face the Uganda Club Select and National Select XVs. The tour, organised by Tritons Sports in collaboration with the Uganda Rugby Union, is poised to make history, marking the first ever UK women’s rugby team to play in Uganda.
Last year’s men’s match against the Ugandan National Veterans XV left an indelible mark. The 2025 tour is expected to build on that legacy with renewed purpose, inviting players and supporters alike to “Play. Explore. Make History.”
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The couple were married from 2003 to 2016 and have two children
The sudden death of billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur at the age of 53 has raised questions over the future of his vast wealth and who stands to inherit it. Best known in the public eye for his marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Kapur leaves behind a family spread across three marriages — including two children with Kapoor.
Global business, personal fortune
Kapur was the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd, commonly known as Sona Comstar, a global automotive components firm headquartered in Gurugram, India. He took charge of the company after the death of his father Dr Surinder Kapur in 2015 and steered it to significant success, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company was listed on the Indian stock exchange in 2021 and is now valued at approximately £2.95 billion, according to Bloomberg.
At the time of his death on 13 June in London, Kapur's personal net worth was estimated at around £980 million ($1.2 billion), with most of it tied to his stake in the company.
Family and children
Kapur was married three times. His first marriage, to designer Nandita Mahtani, ended in 2000. From 2003 to 2016, he was married to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children — Samaira, now 20, and Kiaan, 14. He later married entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple have a six-year-old son, Azarias.
Inheritance and past settlements
There has been no official word from the family or company about the contents of Kapur’s will or the structure of his estate. However, reports suggest that under Indian inheritance law, his current wife Priya Sachdev would manage the estate unless otherwise specified in a will.
According to earlier reports from ANI in 2016, during divorce proceedings with Karisma Kapoor, Kapur had purchased bonds worth around £1.3 million (₹14 crore) each for Samaira and Kiaan. These bonds reportedly generate a monthly income of around £9,400 (₹10 lakh) for each child — a move seen as part of his legacy planning.
As part of the divorce settlement, a family property in Mumbai was also transferred to Karisma Kapoor, who retains full custody of the two children.
Uncertain future
While the details of Kapur’s current estate plan are not public, Indian media reports suggest his sisters may take on management roles within Sona Comstar. The company has said that business operations remain unaffected and pledged to uphold his legacy.
For now, it remains unclear how his estimated £980 million fortune will be distributed among his heirs.
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Veeraswamy was opened in 1926 by Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian and retired British Indian Army officer.
VEERASWAMY, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant, is locked in a legal battle with the Crown Estate, which is seeking to evict it from its home at Victory House on Regent Street, where it has operated since 1926.
The Crown Estate wants to take back the building to renovate the upper-floor offices, which have remained empty since a flood in late 2023.
According to The Times, the plans include removing the wall that separates the restaurant’s entrance from the office entrance to create a larger reception area. The restaurant’s co-owner, Ranjit Mathrani of MW Eat, has said this would block access to Veeraswamy, effectively shutting it down.
Mathrani told The Times he had proposed several alternatives, such as sharing the entrance or giving up the first floor and retaining only the basement and mezzanine levels, but none had been accepted. “My dealings with the [Crown Estate] have been characterised by an uncompromising refusal to consider any change to their design plan,” he said in a court filing.
Veeraswamy pays around £205,000 in annual rent, and Mathrani has said he is willing to match the rent paid by future office tenants after renovation. Though initially open to relocating, he said the Crown Estate's claim of helping find a new site was “disingenuous”. “They’ve made no real attempt to find alternative sites for us,” he told The Times.
Veeraswamy’s lease expires at the end of June. However, MW Eat can continue to trade until the court hearing, expected in spring or early summer next year. If the court rules in its favour, the restaurant’s protected tenancy could allow a 14-year extension. If not, Mathrani hopes for a two-year lease to allow time for relocation. “If we lost, that would be our fallback, but moving sites will cost us about £5 million and therefore it is not our preferred option,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Crown Estate said: “We need to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House to bring the building back into full use. We appreciate how upsetting this is for Veeraswamy and have offered to help find new premises elsewhere on our portfolio, having explored other options to accommodate the restaurant’s needs. We thank Veeraswamy and their customers for their contributions to the West End.”
Nearly a century on Regent Street
Veeraswamy was opened in 1926 by Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian and retired British Indian Army officer.
Located at 99-101 Regent Street, the restaurant has served regional Indian cuisine for decades, with dishes from Punjab, Lucknow, Kashmir and Goa.
It has long attracted royalty, political leaders and celebrities. Past diners include Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, and King Gustav VI of Sweden.
Ownership and Michelin recognition
In 1997, the restaurant was acquired by Ranjit Mathrani and Namitha Panjabi. They restored its interiors and integrated it into their MW Eat group.
In 2016, Veeraswamy received a Michelin star. Inspectors noted that it continued to serve “classic dishes from across the country” with care and professionalism.
Historical roots
Before opening Veeraswamy, Edward Palmer had started EP Veeraswamy & Co. in 1896 to promote Indian food in Britain.
In 1924, he advised the Indian Government Pavilion restaurant at the British Empire Exhibition, which served around 500 curries a day.
Veeraswamy was not the first Indian restaurant in the UK, but it was among the first high-end ones and has remained at its Regent Street location for 99 years.
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Aamir Khan addresses love jihad allegations and shares rare details about his family
In the lead-up to his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan has addressed a long-standing controversy that has trailed him for years: allegations that his 2014 film PK promoted ‘love jihad’ and disrespected religion. Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, the actor finally offered his side of the story, calling the accusations “baseless” and “misinformed”.
“When two people fall in love and decide to marry, it’s not a conspiracy. It’s a human connection,” Aamir said, firmly rejecting the label of ‘love jihad’.
‘PK’ wasn’t against religion, it warned against blind faith: Aamir clarifies intent
Back in 2014, PK sparked debate for showing a Hindu woman in love with a Pakistani Muslim man. Critics accused the film of mocking religious beliefs. Responding to this, Aamir said the film respected all faiths and was never intended to ridicule anyone’s beliefs.
“We respect every religion deeply. PK was about being cautious of those who misuse religion to exploit people. This kind of manipulation exists in all communities,” he explained. He stressed the film’s core message: don’t fall for those who use faith as a tool for fear or financial gain.
Aamir Khan defends PK and calls out misuse of religion to create divisionGetty Images
Aamir also addressed questions about his children’s names. Despite being married to Hindu women Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, his children carry Muslim names like Ira, Junaid, and Azad. “My wives chose the names. There was no pressure from me,” he said, adding with a smile, “Husbands don’t always get their way.”
‘Humanity over headlines’: Aamir gives personal examples to challenge narrative
To further break down the ‘love jihad’ myth, Aamir pointed to his own family. “My sister Nikhat is married to Santosh Hegde, Farhat to Rajeev Dutta, and my daughter Ira to Nupur Shikhare, all Hindu men. Will you call that love jihad too?” he asked.
He urged people to look beyond religion when it comes to relationships, calling love a personal choice that transcends labels. “When two minds connect, it’s above any religion. It’s about humanity,” he said.
Aamir says real love is a human bond not a conspiracy Getty Images
Aamir also addressed criticism for delaying his response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The actor clarified that he isn’t active on social media and said the timing of his statement and the trailer release of Sitaare Zameen Par was purely coincidental.
Sitaare Zameen Par hits cinemas on 20 June.
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5 moments from the Kantara 2 shoot that shocked fans and halted filming
The shoot of Kantara 2 has been anything but smooth. What was meant to be a spiritual sequel to one of Kannada cinema’s biggest hits has instead been plagued by a series of disturbing incidents, including a drowning, a boat capsizing with Rishab Shetty on board, and even environmental fines. While the production team insists filming is on track, the number of on-set mishaps has left fans concerned and questioning the safety standards behind the camera. Here's a timeline of five serious events that disrupted the shoot.
A minibus ferrying around 20 junior artists back from set rolled over near Jadkal, Karnataka. Initial reports pointed to injuries. Hombale Films quickly countered, insisting it wasn’t their official transport and no one was seriously hurt. Filming pushed ahead almost immediately. The conflicting accounts left questions hanging about crew safety during transit.
A lunch break tragedy (7–8 May 2025)
The shoot took its darkest turn during a break at the Kollur Souparnika River location. Junior artist M.F. Kapil, just 24, went for a swim off-duty. Strong currents swept him away. Hours later, his body was recovered. Production halted. While the makers stressed this happened off-set and was a "personal accident," the death of a young crew member cast a long shadow over the production. A police probe followed.
Off-set losses (May–June 2025)
Within weeks, two more deaths struck, though not directly tied to set conditions. Comedian Rakesh Pujare succumbed to a cardiac arrest in May. Then, in June, mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju collapsed on set with chest pain, dying en route to the hospital. While health-related, each incident highlighted the importance of on-call medical support.
Massive set destruction & environmental fines (Early 2025)
Months before the drownings and boat capsize, the team faced a different kind of blow. A massive, expensive set built for the film was utterly destroyed by fierce, unexpected storms and relentless rain. To compound the problem, the crew later drew flak and fines from forest officials, accused of disrupting habitats and illegally dumping waste during their work.
Boat capsize at Mani Reservoir (16 June 2025)
The most recent jolt came with the boat capsizing incident at the Mani Dam reservoir. While filming a scene, the vessel, overloaded with Shetty and crew, overturned, plunging everyone into the water. Shallow depths prevented fatalities, but equipment was lost, production stopped, and safety protocols came under intense scrutiny. Police are investigating overloading as a likely cause.
Each setback, from overturned vehicles to environmental pushback and sudden fatalities, has tested Kantara 2’s planners and crew. While no further fatalities have occurred since 15 June, production delays and budget increases are almost inevitable. The team now faces the dual task of maintaining its ambitious 2 October 2025 release date while ensuring every member can work without fearing for their safety.