News station LBC has confirmed the departure of its weekend presenter Sangita Myska.
Myska, who held the weekend 13:00 slot on Saturdays and Sundays for over two years, abruptly exited the station’s line-up, leaving listeners surprised.
The radio station said she was leaving at the end of her contract after almost two years amid a shake-up of its weekend schedule.
LBC senior managing editor Tom Cheal said, “We would like to thank Sangita for her fantastic contribution to LBC and we wish her every success in the future.”
Disappointed by the news, over 25,000 people have signed a petition to reinstate the radio host.
The petition urges LBC to “reinstate” her after her “sudden and unexplained removal” from the air.
Myska’s final show featured an interview with Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman, which remains available to watch on the LBC YouTube channel.
In response to Myska’s departure, LBC has made adjustments to its weekend schedule.
It announced that Vanessa Feltz is joining the station to host a new programme from 3 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays.
Feltz just quit TalkTV, where she hosted the drivetime slot, as News UK took it off linear TV to focus on streaming.
She said, “After a long and passionate courtship, I’ve finally succumbed to the allure of LBC. Actually, I was powerless to resist. Global’s (the parent company) dynamism is mesmerising and it is the high-octane station from which to broadcast, in this riveting election year.”
Former Conservative Party parliamentary candidate and commentator, Ali Miraj, will now host two weekend shows following a successful guest-hosting stint.
Additionally, Iain Dale’s popular programme will be expanded to five days a week, with Dale presenting an additional show on Friday evenings.
The celebrated comedian and character actor passed away due to age-related ailments.
Asrani’s career spanned over five decades across Hindi and regional cinema.
He was best known for his collaborations with Kader Khan and director Priyadarshan.
A prolific career in Indian cinema
Veteran actor Asrani, who brought laughter and warmth to Indian screens for more than five decades, has passed away at the age of 84 due to age-related ailments. Known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable supporting roles, Asrani was among the most recognisable faces in Hindi cinema from the 1970s through the 1990s.
He became a household name with his performance as the eccentric jailer in Sholay (1975), and also left a mark with acclaimed roles in Abhimaan, Bawarchi, and Chupke Chupke. Over the years, his versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between comedy, character parts and cameos.
Successful collaborations with Kader Khan
Asrani shared a long and successful professional relationship with actor-writer Kader Khan. The duo appeared together in several hit films including Swarg Se Sundar, Charnon Ki Saugandh, Patal Bhairvi, Himmatwala, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni, Dulhe Raja, and Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare. Their chemistry and comic exchanges became a staple of mainstream Hindi cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.
Comic brilliance under Priyadarshan’s direction
In the 2000s, Asrani reached a new generation of filmgoers through his collaborations with filmmaker Priyadarshan. He featured in some of the director’s most popular comedies including Hera Pheri, Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, Billu, and De Dana Dan.
A legacy of laughter
With more than 350 films to his credit, Asrani’s contribution to Indian cinema is immense. His distinctive expressions, dialogue delivery, and ability to find humour in everyday situations made him one of Bollywood’s most beloved comic actors.
He is remembered not only for his performances but also for shaping the tone of comedy in Hindi films across generations.
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