GURMEET CHOUDHARY BRINGS A REAL LIFE LEGACY TO THE SCREEN IN PALTAN.
DIRECTOR JP Dutta completes his war trilogy with newly-released film Paltan, which
revolves around an important battle in 1967 where an outnumbered Indian army
defeated China.
Like his previous two war epics Border and LOC: Kargil, he has assembled a talented cast to celebrate the bravery of Indian armed forces.
One of the key roles is being played by rapidly-rising star Gurmeet Choudhary, who put
his heart and soul into a very demanding role.
Paltan also has an added resonance for the TV actor-turned-Bollywood star because he
hails from a proud military family and grew up surrounded by stories of the Indian army.
Eastern Eye caught up with Gurmeet during the promotional trail of Paltan to talk about the film, friendship, the importance of keeping history alive and more...
You are a very talented actor, but is the biggest challenge finding great roles?
Honestly speaking, I don’t think it’s a challenge to find big roles because we have so many talented people creating great characters.
Working with the right people can make a simple character look great onscreen, so it’s
also up to the artists in how much they put in. So another important aspect is your own
hard work. Then finally, destiny plays a big role I feel.
Is searching for the right roles why you are so picky with the projects you do?
I feel as an artist you should experiment with yourself and do different kinds of work that push your limits as a performer. I believe that is what us artist/actors should do.
It may be more challenging for you, as well as being demanding, but that makes the work more interesting for you and the audiences.
What did you like about Paltan?
Paltan is a movie very close to me as I’m playing an army man. My father is a retired army personnel and he always wanted me to join the army. So putting on that uniform had an added resonance. I have been a big fan of JP Dutta sir and when I found out he was making another film about the army, I thought: ‘Wow’.
When I met him, I was wearing army printed clothes and looking like an army man. I said: ‘JP sir, I am a big fan, I really want to work with you and will give my 200 per cent’. Sir told me; ‘Okay Gurmeet, you are doing Paltan’. So it was like a dream come true.
Tell us about Paltan and the character that you play?
Paltan is based on the Indo-China war of 1967 where our brave army fought to secure our boundaries and showed China what defeat looks like. I’m playing the character of Captain Prithvi Singh Dagar, who hails from Haryana and was one of the heroes of that war.
How aware were you of this battle before starting work on Paltan?
I have known about the various wars and other stuff because I belong to a family where a lot of my relatives have served in the armed forces, including my father.
So I’ve always been travelling with them, was born in an army hospital, studied at an army school and stayed in the cantonment areas where he was posted.
What was the biggest challenge of playing this character?
We were shooting in Ladakh in freezing temperatures and in areas where oxygen levels were really low. But with time we got used to it and had an amazing schedule.
What is your favourite moment in the movie?
Paltan has many great moments audiences will connect with. What made this project really special is that there were great moments off-screen where all of us used to come together and have a great time doing mischief, including playing pranks on each other.
Also with cellular network an issue on the sets, it meant that we spent extra timing bonding and having fun together.
You are very patriotic. How did you feel putting on the uniform?
It was a dream come true for me. Also experiencing the hardships and trials that our brave soldiers face for us was humbling. They secure the boundaries so we can live securely, and that is something we should all cherish.
What is JP Dutta like as a director?
He is a filmmaker and a person with a great vision, and to work with a veteran as great as him is really a milestone for me in itself. I call him ‘God’ and his contact on my phone is also saved as ‘God’.
JP Dutta said there was a strong bond between the actors; how much did that help you?
When you are on location, especially one that has demanding climatic conditions and other unexpected challenges, the bond between actors is important as it helps ease the pressure.
We all bonded really well and everyone worked hard, which also connected us all. That bonding continued after the shooting ended.
Can you share a memorable moment from shooting Paltan?
We were shooting for a war sequence and had real ammunition with us. (Laughs) When the director said: ‘Cut’, we were like: ‘Please don’t turn the gun towards me!’.
Who are you hoping Paltan appeals to?
I would not say I want it to ‘appeal to’, but for me fans, audiences and the common man have always been important. I, like other artists, work hard only for them.
I feel they are the ones who can understand what we have tried to do and will take something away from Paltan. Apart from this, the main part is I hope I have done justice to the character I’m playing, who is a hero that should not be forgotten.
Just how important is it to keep history like this alive?
It is very important, especially as a way to educate the younger generation about these brave personnel and soldiers of the armed forces. They sacrificed everything for our safety and cared more about the country than their own lives.
What can we expect next from you?
You can expect me to carry on working very hard. I have a set of projects lined up after Paltan and I will definitely share details of them when the time is right. Also I recently signed a three-film contract with Mr JP Dutta, which I am thrilled about.
What is your biggest motivating factor?
I guess it’s the ambition in me to be giving my best to whatever I do and always pushing myself beyond the limits.
How strong or big is your paltan of friends in real life?
(Smiles) I love my work, but friends and family are a very integral part of my life. They mean a lot, giving me a lot of advice and support. Friendship for me is an integral bond when I’m not working. We all hang out and have fun together whenever possible.
You are physically very fit like a soldier; can you give us an exercise tip?
Fitness is not necessarily about just going to the gym. You can do any kind of work-out, including just going for a run. There is always something that can be done to keep yourself fit, like going for a walk. Eat clean too.
What would be a dream role for you?
I’m a black belt in karate, so would love to do an all-out action film one day.
How do you feel ahead of the Paltan release?
Honestly speaking, I have a mixture of feelings including the excitement of audiences watching. Promotions have been in full swing and it has just been a countdown to its release.
I am proud of the entire team who has worked on this and am thankful to have been part of it.
Finally, why should we watch Paltan?
Paltan is a story about the events that led to Sikkim remaining an Indian territory. It is a story about heroes that not many people know about, who despite being outnumbered took on the Chinese and emerged victorious in 1967.
An urgent warning has been issued in the UK after several popular Jolly Rancher sweet products were recalled due to the presence of banned ingredients linked to cancer. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that certain products, including Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, ‘Misfits’ Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, are affected.
These sweets, produced by American confectionery giant Hershey, were found to contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) and Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbon (MOSH), both of which are derived from crude oil and have been associated with serious health risks, including cancer.
Products removed but some still on sale
Hershey has informed UK authorities that it has taken steps to withdraw the affected products from the British market. However, the FSA has warned that some Jolly Rancher sweets containing these harmful substances are still being sold in shops, and local authorities have been urged to act.
Consumers are advised not to eat them and to dispose of them safelyiStock
The FSA stated: “Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat them regularly.”
Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are advised not to eat them and to dispose of them safely. While the risk to individuals who have already consumed the sweets is considered low, the presence of MOAH and MOSH means they are not compliant with UK food safety laws.
Growing concerns over US imports
The Jolly Rancher recall is the latest in a series of warnings about American food products being sold in the UK with banned or harmful ingredients. Earlier this year, various sweets, drinks, and snacks imported from the United States – including Fanta Pineapple, Mountain Dew, Swedish Fish, Prime Hydration, Cheetos Crunchy, and Twizzlers – were found to contain substances not approved in the UK.
Among the banned additives were brominated vegetable oil (BVO), used in Mountain Dew, and Red Dye 3, a colouring found in jelly beans and preserved cherries. White mineral oil, also used in many US-made sweets, was another concerning ingredient.
Dr Pepper recall raises additional alarm
Separately, US authorities have recalled over 19,000 cans of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar due to mislabelling. The product, manufactured by Pepsi Beverages Company, was found to contain sugar despite being marketed as sugar-free. The error poses significant risks to individuals with diabetes or those who need to control their sugar intake.
Initially labelled as a voluntary recall, the incident has now been escalated to a Class II recall by the US Food and Drug Administration, meaning consumption may lead to temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.
Health risks of hidden ingredients
These recent incidents have drawn attention to the growing trend of importing American products into the UK without full compliance checks. Experts warn that continued exposure to banned or mislabelled ingredients can pose long-term health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and people with chronic health conditions.
The FSA continues to monitor the situation and has urged consumers to remain vigilant, particularly when buying imported food and drink products online or from independent retailers.
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Rescue and relief work underway following the Air India plane crash, in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo)
ONE survivor walked away from the Air India aircraft that crashed at Ahmedabad airport earlier this morning (12), according to the latest reports from India.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, a UK national, was in seat 11A of the Air India Flight 171 bound for London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after take off from Ahmedabad with 242 people on board.
Initial reports suggested there were no survivors following the accident.
However, Kumar Ramesh was quoted as saying that seconds after take-off, “there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed”.
He told local media in India, “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran.
“There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”
Two other British passengers believed to have been travelling on the aircraft were named as Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre and yoga studio in south London.
They spoke of their “magical experience” in India, adding they experienced “mind-blowing things”.
British Indian businessman Surinder Arora told Sky News a distant family member was on board the aircraft.
The UK government said it was sending a team to support the investigation into the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survivor of the Air India plane crash, in Ahmedabad. (PTI photo)
In a statement, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it “has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India.
“We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian led investigation.”
Britain has set up crisis teams in Delhi and London to support the families of those on board the Air India Flight 171, foreign secretary David Lammy informed parliament.
“My thoughts and I’m sure those of the entire House are with those who have been affected by the tragic plane crash in India this morning,” Lammy told MPs.
“We know that British nationals were on board and I can confirm that the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families, and has stood up a crisis team in both Delhi and in London,” he said.
The Tata Group said will provide Rs 10 million (£95,000) to the family of each person who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
In the message posted by Tata Group on X, the company said it will cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support.
"Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the BJ Medical's hostel,” Tata Group and Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran said.
"We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time," he said.
A US government agency that investigates civil aviation accidents said it would lead a team of American investigators to India to assist in the investigation of the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in a post on X that it will be “leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday.”
— (@)
It added that as per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organisation, all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India.
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The crown for the most expensive celebrity-owned home in India has now passed on
For decades, Shah Rukh Khan’s ocean-facing mansion, Mannat, stood as the pinnacle of Bollywood royalty. Located in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra area, the house wasn’t just a home—it was a symbol. Fans from around the world still gather outside its gates, hoping for a glimpse of the man often called the “King of Bollywood.”
But the crown for the most expensive celebrity-owned home in India has now passed on.
Kapoor-Bhatt mansion takes the lead
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated couples, have completed work on a sprawling new bungalow in Bandra, reportedly worth over ₹250 crore—approximately €27 million. This figure eclipses the estimated value of Mannat, which stands around ₹200 crore or €22 million.
This isn’t just a luxurious residence. It’s a bold statement of the couple’s rising status in the industry. Their new property signals that a new generation of Bollywood royalty has arrived.
Personal touches and prime location
The Kapoor-Bhatt bungalow blends cutting-edge architecture with personal design choices. Both actors were deeply involved in shaping the interiors and layout, working closely with architects to ensure the space reflected their tastes and lifestyle.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt outshine Shah Rukh Khan Getty Images
The home’s location adds further weight to its emotional and symbolic value. It is situated close to Krishna Raj Bungalow, the former home of Ranbir Kapoor’s late father Rishi Kapoor, preserving a connection to the actor’s heritage and childhood memories.
A shift in Bollywood’s property powerhouses
While Mannat remains an iconic destination undergoing renovation, it no longer holds the top spot in Mumbai’s ultra-premium celebrity housing market. Other high-profile residences, like Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa in Juhu, are estimated at around ₹125 crore (€13.5 million), making Ranbir and Alia’s mansion the clear front-runner in terms of value.
Mannat remains an iconic destination undergoing renovationGetty Images
This €27 million investment isn’t just about luxury—it marks a turning point in how star power is defined in modern Bollywood. Kapoor and Bhatt, both at the top of their careers, are not only dominating cinema but also influencing lifestyle trends and property benchmarks.
A family home for the future
The couple are reportedly planning to make the mansion their permanent residence, raising their daughter Raha in one of Mumbai’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. The property offers them privacy, security, and all the comforts needed for their growing family.
The design also reflects a desire for permanence—this isn’t a status symbol to flip or rent, but a long-term home meant to reflect their legacy.
A new chapter in Bollywood’s legacy
The purchase of this home is being seen as symbolic of the shifting tides in Bollywood. While Mannat and Shah Rukh Khan continue to command respect and fan devotion, there’s no denying that the torch is being passed.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s new home is not just Mumbai’s most expensive celebrity bungalow—it’s also a sign of the generational shift taking place in Indian cinema. The glamour, wealth, and global reach once associated with SRK are now being matched by the power couple of the new era.
This isn’t just a real estate story. It’s a reflection of changing icons, growing ambitions, and the evolution of stardom in Bollywood.
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Keir Starmer at London Tech Week in London on Monday (9)
MORE THAN 350 technology companies from India joined London Tech Week, which began on Monday – making it the largest-ever delegation from the country to attend the event.
London mayor Sadiq Khan’s office, City Hall, described the rise in Indian participation as a reflection of deepening ties between India and London’s tech sectors, following the recent signing of the India– UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a £187-million government “TechFirst” programme to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities, training people of all ages and backgrounds for the tech careers of the future.
He also announced the launch of “Extract” – an AI assistant for planning officers and local councils developed by the UK government with support from Google.
Speaking at the London Tech Week, Starmer said, “For too long, our outdated planning system has held back our country – slowing down the development of vital infrastructure and making it harder to get the homes we need built.
“With Extract, we’re harnessing the power of AI to help planning officers cut red tape, speed up decisions, and unlock the new homes for hard-working people as part of our Plan for Change. It’s a bold step forward in our mission to build 1.5 million more homes and deliver a planning system that’s fit for the 21st century.”
London Tech Week is the UK’s largest technology event, held annually in June and brings together over 45,000 attendees from more than 90 countries, including innovators, investors, tech leaders, and policymakers.
Among Indian companies taking part are a mix of high growth and established firms such as The Black Box, Digi Osmosis, Bahwan CyberTek, Arya.ai, Mphasis, Helios Batteries, Fynd, Hyperready, MoneyHOP, Siam Computing.
Hemin Bharucha, chief representative of the mayor of London and regional director for India and the Middle East at London & Partners, noted the growing presence of Indian companies in London.
“London continues to be a preferred destination for Indian innovators and investors looking to scale globally, supported by a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures collaboration, innovation, and growth,” said Bharucha.
“Our record-breaking delegation at London Tech Week 2025 highlights the immense potential and ambition of Indian tech firms to contribute to London’s thriving technology landscape,” he added.
London & Partners, as the UK capital’s growth agency supported by the mayor of London, said it hoped to promote deeper partnerships and support Indian businesses as they expand in the UK.
“This collaboration not only strengthens bilateral ties, but also positions London and India at the forefront of the global tech revolution,” added Bharucha.
Over the past three years, India has emerged as the largest investor in London.
London & Partners figures show that 31 new Indian companies were established in London in 2023, followed by 23 in 2024, and a “game changing” nine companies have already set up in just the first two months of this new financial year. Earlier this year, fintech firms such as Paytm, India’s largest digital payments app, announced plans to invest in the UK to accelerate access to affordable digital payments and credit for small businesses.
WNS, a digital-led business transformation services company founded in India with a $2.7 billion (£2bn) market cap, will expand their London presence with a new office alongside an AI design hub. Similarly, Mphasis, an Indian tech business which has established an Innovation hub in London last year, is exploring how to scale their operations in the country. Ashish Devalekar, executive vice president and head of Europe, Mphasis, said, “The UK remains an innovation powerhouse and a global hub for world-leading businesses and talent. At Mphasis, we have steadily expanded our presence in the region over the past years, and we are now on the trajectory to double the headcount through our London Innovation Hub which we opened late last year.
“This centre is a testimony to our commitment to the UK and its vibrant tech scene and will be a focal point for developing next-generation solutions in AI, quantum computing, and beyond.”
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Don't Miss Fanna-Fi-Allah's Enchanting Qawwali Performance
London is set to host an unforgettable night of spiritual depth and musical brilliance as the renowned Sufi qawwali ensemble Fanna-Fi-Allah brings their celebrated performance to Union Chapel on Friday, 27 June. Located at 19b Compton Terrace, the historic and acoustically rich venue in Islington will come alive with the passionate, poetic and soul-stirring sounds of qawwali — a centuries-old devotional music tradition rooted in the mystical practices of Sufism. This much-anticipated concert promises to be a transcendent cultural experience, fusing ancient rhythm, powerful vocals and heartfelt devotion in a way that deeply resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Fanna-Fi-Allah, an ensemble revered across continents for their authentic interpretations of classical qawwali, continues to preserve and elevate this spiritual art form with integrity and passion. With decades of dedication and training under legendary qawwals in Pakistan and India, the group has become one of the most respected global ambassadors of Sufi music. Their performances are marked by an electrifying blend of tabla, harmonium, handclaps and rich vocal harmonies that build to ecstatic crescendos — transporting listeners into a meditative and emotional state known in the Sufi tradition as haal.
The ensemble’s name, Fanna-Fi-Allah, translates to “annihilation in the divine,” reflecting the central Sufi concept of dissolving the ego in union with the divine presence. This philosophy echoes through every note they sing, drawing from the works of revered Sufi poets such as Rumi, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow and Kabir. The group’s musical journey is not merely performance but devotion — a sacred offering intended to uplift and connect hearts across linguistic, cultural and spiritual boundaries.
Over the years, Fanna-Fi-Allah has performed at some of the world’s leading world music festivals and venues, including in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Asia. Their London appearance offers UK audiences a rare opportunity to witness the spiritual intensity and cultural richness of qawwali performed with deep respect for its origins. This performance at Union Chapel — a space renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance — will only enhance the depth of the experience.
As interest in spiritual and world music continues to grow, events like this serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of sacred traditions. In a time when many seek moments of stillness, connection and meaning, the devotional energy of Fanna-Fi-Allah’s qawwali offers something more than entertainment — it offers healing, remembrance, and transcendence.
Tickets and event details are available at www.unionchapel.org.uk. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this rare and powerful musical gathering — one that bridges centuries of Sufi tradition with the vibrancy of modern global audiences.