OFF-SPINNER Azeem Rafiq’s sister is believed to have formally complained against the Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB) where she is employed, claiming she felt “shunned”.
Amna Rafiq, 26, the clubs and community development manager at the YCB, is understood to have alleged that she was made to feel ostracised because of her brother’s claim of bullying and racism at the county.
However, the complaint lodged last weekend “is not thought to involve racism”, Mail Online reported.
Amna has been on sick leave since May.
Azeem, a former England Under-19 captain, had gone public last year, saying institutional racism pushed him to the “brink of suicide”, a claim that forced the club to order an independent inquiry.
It admitted that Azeem faced 'racial harassment and bullying’ and tendered a formal apology to the off-spinner in August this year.
Actor-director Dhanush performed live with composer GV Prakash at Chennai event.
Youngest son Linga joined his father on stage, dancing alongside him.
Dhanush recounted childhood memories that inspired the story of Idli Kadai.
The film, featuring a star-studded cast, is set to release on 1 October.
Dhanush delighted fans at the Idli Kadai audio launch in Chennai with a touching father-son moment, performing the film’s hit song Enjami Thandhaane alongside music composer GV Prakash. The actor’s youngest son, Linga, joined him on stage, creating a heartfelt moment that resonated with audiences. Dhanush also shared personal childhood memories, revealing how his love for idlis inspired the upcoming film.
Dhanush stuns fans as young son Linga joins him for impromptu dance at 'Idli Kadai’ audio launch Instagram Screengrab/life_of_aakash/redgiantmovies_
How did Dhanush and Linga steal the show at Idli Kadai audio launch?
The audio launch of Idli Kadai on 14 September saw Dhanush delivering a lively performance with GV Prakash, which quickly became the highlight of the event. Towards the end of the song, Dhanush invited his son Linga to join him on stage. The duo’s synchronised dance moves were met with loud applause from fans, who captured the emotional moment on camera.
During the event, Dhanush shared a deeply personal story from his childhood that formed the basis for Idli Kadai. He recounted waking up at 4 a.m. with his sister and cousins to collect flowers from their neighbourhood, earning around £0.02 (₹2) each.
The children would then bathe at a local pump set and head to an idli shop, where the modest earnings would buy four to five idlis. Dhanush said the experience of eating food earned through hard work left an indelible mark on him, inspiring the film’s narrative about perseverance and simple joys.
Idli Kadai marks Dhanush’s fourth directorial venture and features a strong ensemble cast. Alongside Dhanush, the film stars Nithya Menen, Sathyaraj, Arun Vijay, Samuthirakani, Rajkiran, Shalini Pandey, and Parthiepan.
The Tamil release is scheduled for 1 October 2025, with a Telugu version titled Ildi Kottu also set to hit screens simultaneously. Fans can expect a mix of compelling storytelling, music, and emotional moments that reflect Dhanush’s personal touch as a filmmaker.
Why did fans react emotionally to Dhanush and Linga’s dance?
The impromptu father-son dance captured the hearts of fans because it was both genuine and affectionate. After their performance, Dhanush hugged Linga, while the young boy touched his father’s feet in a traditional gesture of respect. This simple yet heartfelt exchange highlighted Dhanush’s family-oriented persona, further endearing him to fans. Clips of the performance have since circulated widely on social media, generating admiration for both Dhanush’s talent and his bond with his son.
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Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.
Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.
In his first remarks on the killing, Trump blamed the immigration policies of former president Joe Biden, calling the attacker an “illegal alien” who should have been deported.
“I am aware of the terrible reports regarding the murder of Chandra Nagamallaiah, a well-respected person in Dallas, Texas, who was brutally beheaded, in front of his wife and son, by an illegal alien from Cuba who should have never been in our country,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
He added that the accused, who is in custody, “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law. He will be charged with murder in the first degree.”
Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for “terrible crimes,” including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.
“Rest assured, the time for being soft on these illegal immigrant criminals is over under my watch! Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Border Czar Tom Homan, and many others in my Administration, are doing an incredible job in making America safe again,” Trump said.
Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was attacked with a machete in the motel where he lived and worked.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he was horrified by Nagamallaiah’s murder, calling him a hardworking Indian-American immigrant who was killed in front of his wife and 18-year-old son. “My deepest condolences go to his family. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
Cobos-Martinez had been released from ICE custody earlier this year after Cuba refused his deportation because of his criminal record. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said the case highlights broader immigration challenges. “This is exactly why the Trump Administration was removing criminal illegal aliens to third countries such as Uganda and South Sudan,” she said.
The Consulate General of India in Houston is monitoring the case and providing consular support. Consul General DC Manjunath said the consulate “is in contact with the family and local authorities, offering all necessary assistance.”
The Indian-American community expressed shock. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America condemned the killing, calling it part of a disturbing national trend. “These tragedies highlight an alarming societal breakdown where political discord erodes cohesion, violence spreads unchecked, and government responses are mere lip service. We demand full investigations and a national inquiry into America’s collapsing civil dialogue,” it said.
Indiaspora, a global network of Indian-origin leaders, said it was “deeply saddened and horrified by the brutality of this crime” and condemned the act “in the strongest possible terms.” It added, “Every person deserves safety and dignity regardless of identity.”
Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, said the community was “shaken again” by the beheading. “In times like this, we must remember our shared humanity and choose patience and acceptance over violence,” she said.
Dallas Police said the killing was recorded on motel CCTV cameras. Cobos-Martinez remains jailed without bond pending trial.
Nagamallaiah’s funeral was held on September 13 in Flower Mound, Texas, attended by close family and friends. A fundraiser for his family has collected over USD 321,326. The case has renewed debate over immigration enforcement and the difficulties faced by US authorities when countries refuse to accept deportees.
Two leading AI tools shaping digital art, Seedream 4.0 and Google’s Gemini Nano Banana
Seedream 4.0 generates high-resolution imaginative visuals in multiple styles
Nano Banana transforms selfies into retro Bollywood-inspired portraits
Viral on Instagram, TikTok, and X, with global audiences engaging
Experts highlight data privacy, authenticity, and ethical concerns
AI-powered creativity is sweeping social media, with Seedream 4.0 and Nano Banana AI capturing the imagination of users worldwide. Seedream 4.0 is designed for digital artists and hobbyists who want to create detailed, high-quality visuals in a wide range of styles, from realistic landscapes to abstract scenes. Nano Banana, on the other hand, allows users to turn selfies into 1990s Bollywood-inspired portraits, often featuring traditional South Asian attire and nostalgic retro backdrops.
A global viral phenomenon
Both tools have seen rapid adoption in 2025. Seedream 4.0 attracts those seeking versatile, high-resolution creative outputs. Nano Banana has gone viral for its playful, culturally resonant edits. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X are flooded with creations from influencers, celebrities, and everyday users, showing the broad appeal of AI-driven art.
Why creativity matters
Seedream 4.0 highlights the technical potential of AI, giving users precise control over the artistic process. Nano Banana blends nostalgia with identity play, offering a visually striking way to connect with cultural heritage. Together, the platforms illustrate how AI can be both a tool for experimentation and a medium for cultural expression.
Data privacy and safety concerns
Experts warn that uploading personal images or creative files to AI platforms carries privacy risks. Questions around image storage, consent, and potential misuse are increasingly important for younger audiences and online communities. Governments and digital safety advocates in India, the UK, and beyond have emphasised caution.
Beyond the trends
Seedream 4.0 and Nano Banana each cater to different creative goals but highlight the expanding ecosystem of AI art. Users are exploring everything from high-resolution imaginative scenes to retro Bollywood portraits, showing that AI-driven experimentation is not only here to stay but also shaping global digital culture.
As these trends grow, they are influencing both digital aesthetics and social media engagement while fostering creative expression across cultures in 2025.
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James Bourne confirms his exit from the McFly and Busted joint tour hours before opening night
James Bourne announces exit from the joint tour just hours before its launch
The Busted star says he is not well enough to perform
McFly and Busted will continue the tour as planned without him
Fellow bandmates and fans send messages of support and encouragement
In an unexpected turn, James Bourne has pulled out of the much-anticipated McFly tour, just hours before the opening show in Birmingham. The Busted star shared that ongoing health issues have forced him to withdraw from the joint run, which was due to see both bands performing their greatest hits on the same stage. His decision comes as a major blow to fans who had been awaiting this collaboration.
James Bourne confirms his exit from the McFly and Busted joint tour hours before opening night Getty Images/Instagram/busted
Why has James Bourne left the McFly tour?
Bourne posted a heartfelt message on social media, revealing that his health had deteriorated in the lead-up to the tour. He said: “The VS tour kicks off tomorrow night in Birmingham and as excited as I’ve been all year for this tour to begin, I’m really sorry to say that over the last eight days it has become clear that I am not in good enough health to play these shows.”
He added that he is still undergoing tests to understand his condition fully, and after discussions with his bandmates and management, they decided it was best he stepped away to focus on recovery. Bourne expressed hope that he might return further down the line, saying: “I really hope I can be in a position to come back further down the line. It’s still going to be an amazing show and I will miss being there.”
The announcement drew quick responses from Bourne’s colleagues in both bands. Harry Judd of McFly said: “Won’t be the same without you dude. Hope you’re back on tour asap.” Fellow McFly member Danny Jones reshared Bourne’s statement with the caption, “Get well soon mate,” while Matt Willis from Busted commented: “Love you brother…”
Despite Bourne’s absence, the rest of the line-up including McFly’s Harry Judd, Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, alongside Busted’s Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson, will carry on with the planned performances. The tour aims to mix both bands’ hits and culminate in an onstage “battle” of songs.
Charlie Simpson, Matt Willis and James Bourne of Busted attend a photocall at Royal Albert Hall Getty Images
Where will the McFly and Busted tour travel next?
The tour is set to launch in Birmingham before moving on to some of the UK’s biggest arenas, including The O2 Arena in London, and stops in Cardiff, Sheffield, Leeds, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Manchester, Dublin and Belfast. The final show is scheduled to take place at London’s O2 Arena on 1 November.
This isn’t the first time the two pop-rock bands have shared the stage. In 2014, they joined forces as McBusted for a hugely successful tour following guest appearances from Bourne and Willis during McFly’s Royal Albert Hall concerts. Bourne later reunited with Busted in 2015 after a decade-long hiatus, making his sudden absence from this new tour especially poignant for fans.
Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Matt Willis of Busted, James Bourne, Tom Fletcher and Harry Judd attend a press conference Getty Images
How have fans reacted to James Bourne’s departure?
Messages of support have poured in across social media since Bourne’s announcement. Many expressed sadness at his absence but urged him to prioritise his wellbeing. Comments included: “Get well soon brother,” and “Wishing you a speedy recovery James.”
While disappointed, most fans have echoed the sentiment that his health must come first. With McFly and Busted pressing ahead, ticket holders can still expect a packed night of nostalgic hits, even as they hope to see Bourne back on stage in future.
The live-action Street Fighter film will release in October 2026 via Paramount Pictures
Indian star Vidyut Jammwal plays Dhalsim in the multicultural ensemble cast
The film is directed by Kitao Sakurai and shot for IMAX
Set in 1993, the story follows Ryu and Ken returning for a high-stakes World Warrior Tournament
The upcoming Street Fighter movie is gearing up for a worldwide release in October 2026 under Paramount Pictures, and the buzz around Vidyut Jammwal in Street Fighter is already hyping fans. Bringing together a diverse international line-up, this live-action adaptation aims to reintroduce the beloved gaming saga to a new generation while tapping into the nostalgia of its 1990s arcade roots.
Street Fighter is now in production Instagram/streetfightermovie
What is Vidyut Jammwal’s role in Street Fighter?
Indian action star Vidyut Jammwal joins the cast as the mystical fighter Dhalsim, marking his first major Hollywood studio film. Known for his intense martial arts skills and dynamic screen presence, Jammwal’s casting adds South Asian representation to the franchise.
Dhalsim is famed among gamers for his yoga-inspired combat style, teleportation abilities and fiery attacks, making him a challenging yet memorable character. Seeing Jammwal bring these distinctive moves to life on the big screen could offer audiences a fresh take on the classic fighter.
Vidyut Jammwal prepares to unleash Dhalsim’s iconic fire attacks in the new Street Fighter movie Getty Images
When will the Street Fighter movie release?
The film is scheduled to hit cinemas in October 2026 and will be distributed globally through Paramount Pictures under a new partnership with Legendary Entertainment. The production is currently underway and is being filmed for the IMAX format to amplify its large-scale, action-heavy sequences.
This release is also the first title to launch under Legendary’s new global distribution deal, signalling high expectations from both studios. The date positions it for a lucrative autumn slot, often seen as a prime window for blockbuster releases.
Who else stars alongside Vidyut Jammwal in Street Fighter?
The ensemble features a multicultural mix of stars. Andrew Koji portrays Ryu, while Noah Centineo plays Ken Masters. Callina Liang takes on Chun-Li, with Joe Anoa’i (Roman Reigns) as Akuma, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison and Cody Rhodes as Guile. They are joined by Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) and Jason Momoa among others.
Set in 1993, the story reunites estranged fighters Ryu and Ken when Chun-Li recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament, a brutal, globe-spanning contest. However, beneath the spectacle lurks a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront both each other and their troubled pasts.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film promises to capture the spirit of the original game while building an emotionally driven narrative for today’s viewers. With Hadoukens, roundhouses and dramatic face-offs, it aims to bring the nostalgic fan service with cinematic spectacle.