Modi remembers “maestro of melody” Mukesh on his 100th birth anniversary
Born on July 22, 1923, in Delhi, Mukesh launched his playback career in the 1940s and carved a niche for himself among many singing stalwarts of his time, with his soulful renditions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a long note remembering maestro of melody Mukesh on his 100th birth anniversary on Saturday.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Remembering the maestro of melody, Mukesh, on his 100th birth anniversary. His timeless songs evoke a wide range of emotions and have left an indelible mark on Indian music. His golden voice and soul-stirring renditions will continue to enchant generations.”
— (@)
Mukesh Chand Mathur, fondly known by his stage name Mukesh, is regarded as one of the most well-known and esteemed playback vocalists in the Bollywood industry.
Born on July 22, 1923, in Delhi, Mukesh launched his playback career in the 1940s and carved a niche for himself among many singing stalwarts of his time, with his soulful renditions.
The song "Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai" from the movie Rajnigandha (1973), among the many nominations and honours he received, earned him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
His musical association with the legendary music composers Naushad, Shankar Jaikishan, and many more, produced numerous unforgettable melodies.
Mukesh tied the knot with Saral Trivedi, the daughter of millionaire Raichand Trivedi. Mukesh and Saral were compelled to elope because their marriage could not be consummated with Saral's father's approval.
On July 22, 1946, they were wed in a Kandivali temple. Rita, the singer Nitin, Nalini (who passed away in 1978), Mohnish, and Namrata (Amrita) were the couple's five children. Mukesh's grandson is the actor Neil Nitin Mukesh.
Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.
The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.
Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision
What is causing the Eurovision 2025–2026 crisis?
The main trigger is Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Casualty figures reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry exceed 64,000 Palestinians by September 2025, drawing international scrutiny. Several European countries argue that Israel’s presence in a major cultural event like Eurovision would appear to normalise the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, Israel insists participation is purely cultural and unrelated to politics.
What countries are boycotting Eurovision over Israel?
So, which nations are taking this stance? The movement gained its most significant momentum with Spain's announcement. Its public broadcaster, RTVE, issued a decisive statement, confirming an overwhelming vote to withdraw. The organisation cited Israel's military actions in Gaza and stated it could not, in good conscience, "look the other way." This move is particularly consequential as Spain is one of the "Big Five" major financial contributors to the contest.
They were swiftly followed by Ireland’s RTÉ, which deemed participation "unconscionable" given the situation in Gaza. Public broadcasters in the Netherlands and Slovenia subsequently aligned with similar positions. Iceland's broadcaster has also indicated it is considering its position, formally "reserving the right" to withdraw. This is not a peripheral protest but a movement emerging from within the contest's core European membership, raising questions about which other countries may follow.
How is the EBU handling the Eurovision boycott calls?
The European Broadcasting Union faces an immense challenge. Its standard operating procedure of promoting unity through music appears insufficient for this geopolitical dilemma. The gravity of the situation can be seen in its unprecedented decision to delay the standard deadline for participation confirmations to mid-December 2025. This extension is dedicated to extensive consultation with all member unions in an effort to find a viable resolution that preserves the contest's integrity.
Concurrently, the EBU has been forced to publicly deny reports from Israeli media outlets suggesting it had advised Israel to withdraw voluntarily to avoid a "humiliating elimination," calling these claims false.
Is this Eurovision situation similar to Russia's exclusion?
This comparison forms the crux of the debate for many. The 2022 exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine established a clear precedent; the EBU justified its decision by stating Russia's participation would "bring the competition into disrepute."
Boycott advocates now argue that the same standard must be applied consistently, questioning why Israel's actions in Gaza do not merit an identical response. The EBU will likely attempt to differentiate the cases based on nuanced legalities of membership and the operational independence of the respective national broadcasters. However, in the court of public and political opinion, the perception of a double standard is a significant threat to the EBU's credibility.
What are the arguments for and against the boycott?
Proponents of the boycott base their position on principles of human rights and conscience. They stress the extensive civilian casualty figures reported by authorities in Gaza, alongside assessments from UN agencies, to argue that Israel’s inclusion on a cultural platform constitutes a form of normalisation of the ongoing conflict.
Conversely, opponents of a boycott contend that cultural events must remain separate from political disputes. They caution that excluding a nation’s artists could veer into prejudice and stress that the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, operates with editorial independence, unlike the state-controlled media of Russia. There is no clear, unambiguous resolution that will satisfy all parties.
What happens if Israel is allowed to compete in Eurovision 2026?
Should the EBU permit Israel's participation, an immediate and consequential withdrawal of several key members is all but certain. The loss of Spain, a major funder, would represent a serious financial and credibility blow. The subsequent absence of Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and potentially others would noticeably diminish the contest's scale and diversity.
Furthermore, the event itself would likely become a focal point for large-scale protests, potentially disrupting the broadcast and overshadowing the musical competition, further alienating segments of its global audience.
What happens if Israel is excluded from Eurovision?
An exclusion would trigger a different but equally severe crisis for the EBU. It would face vehement accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, particularly from Israel and its allies. The move could prompt legal challenges and potentially lead to Israel's permanent withdrawal from the union.
It would also establish a new and far-reaching precedent for excluding countries involved in international conflicts, fundamentally transforming Eurovision from an inclusive cultural space into an institution that makes overt political judgements.
The future is decidedly uncertain. The EBU is confronted with a dilemma where any decision carries significant negative consequences. The upcoming General Assembly in December is going to be a tense and potentially historic meeting. While some have speculated about a compromise, such as Israel participating under a neutral banner, the EBU has denied pursuing this option.
The underlying truth is that Eurovision has always been intertwined with politics, from historical participation under authoritarian regimes to contemporary voting blocs. The current crisis has simply stripped away the glittering façade, forcing a direct confrontation with this reality. The contest's future will depend on navigating a path that may not exist, balancing its ideals against an increasingly polarised world.
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Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan has fearless spark and rare talent as The Bastards of Bollywood gears up for Netflix release
Bobby Deol has heaped praise on Aryan Khan, calling him a talented actor who could have easily chosen to be in front of the camera. The veteran star, who features in the newcomer’s directorial debut 'The Ba***ds Of Bollywood', said the show’s teaser confirmed his belief that Shah Rukh Khan’s son has a natural screen presence. Deol also opened up about the young director’s meticulous and passionate approach to filmmaking.
Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan has fearless spark and rare talent as The Bastards of Bollywood gears up for Netflix release Instagram/iambobbydeol/redchilliesent
What did Bobby Deol say about Aryan Khan’s acting?
Let's get this out of the way first. Everyone who saw that teaser had the same thought: can Aryan Khan act? Well, Bobby Deol reckons he absolutely can. He didn’t just direct; he apparently performed every part for his cast. Deol told reviewers that Aryan would act out scenes, even mimicking a journalist’s lisp, to show his actors exactly what he wanted.
“Itna talented hai woh bachcha!” Deol exclaimed. He even phoned Aryan after the teaser dropped to say he’d miss seeing him perform on screen. The big takeaway? He looks like his dad, sure, but Bobby insists “he is totally different.”
Oh, absolutely. That’s the word everyone uses. Bobby didn’t sugar-coat it; he called Aryan a “tough taskmaster.” Deol admitted there were moments the cast wondered why they were doing so many takes, but later saw it brought out their best work. It seems that famous Khan perfectionism is a family trait.
Aryan’s focus was apparently unshakeable. Seven-hour narrations? No problem. Chaos on set? He never lost his cool. For a 27-year-old debutant, that’s pretty rare air. He lived and breathed this project, and his conviction was apparently infectious.
How does Bobby Deol feel about Aryan Khan personally?
This is where it gets interesting. Beyond the professional respect, Bobby’s tone shifts to something almost paternal. He openly talked about feeling “fatherly emotions” on set. He knows the pressure of being a star kid, calling it “not an easy task” to step out of the shadow of the “biggest Indian superstar in the world.”
But he sees a fearlessness in Aryan. He mentioned meeting him a year before the project and sensing a special “spark” and a fire to achieve something on his own terms. It’s not just about a famous surname, but about the person determined to carve his own path, and Bobby clearly respects that.
The upcoming Netflix series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, is a satirical dive into the inner workings of the Hindi film industry. It follows an outsider, Aasman Singh, navigating the brutal and glamorous world of Bollywood. Bobby Deol plays a top superstar named Ajay Talwar who is desperate to orchestrate a grand launch for his daughter, played by Sahher Bambba.
The show is a mix of sharp, self-aware humour and a gripping narrative. With a cast including Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, and Manoj Pahwa, it’s one of the most anticipated Indian web releases this year. Mark your diaries for its premiere on September 18.
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Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness
The star revealed she was constantly judged for her career and clothing choices.
Malaika said she felt free when she stopped explaining herself to others.
She now sees confidence as moving forward with grace despite self-doubt.
The actor and model insists the only narrative that matters is her own.
Malaika Arora has defiantly addressed the lifetime of criticism she has faced for her personal and professional choices. The actor and model, known for her impeccable fitness and fashion sense, said being labelled “too bold” is something she now wears as a crown. In a new interview, she opened up about her journey to unshakeable self-acceptance and shutting out the noise.
Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness Getty Images
What has Malaika Arora said about the criticism she faces?
It seems there is very little Malaika has not been judged for. She laid it all out in a chat with The Hindustan Times, stating, “I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships, you name it.” That constant scrutiny from the public and media would be enough to make anyone second-guess themselves.
But her approach changed completely when she decided to stop engaging with it. She called the moment she quit explaining herself the moment she truly felt liberated. Her philosophy is pretty straightforward now: “The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself.” It is a powerful shift from being defined to doing the defining.
Malaika Arora owns every label from bold to outspoken and calls them her strength Getty Images
How does Malaika Arora respond to being called 'too much'?
Honestly, she has turned it into a strength. Those very criticisms have become a part of her identity, and she owns them completely. “I have been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now,” she stated.
She even has a sharp, modern clapback for her detractors: “If I am ‘too much’ for someone, they are probably not enough for me.” This mindset is not just for show. It feeds into everything she does, from her fashion collaborations to her fitness brand. She has never followed a template, believing real confidence is when you “stop performing for the world and start living for yourself.”
Malaika Arora insists the only story that matters is the one she writes herself Getty Images
Does Malaika Arora ever experience self-doubt?
Absolutely. It is a reminder that confidence is not about being bulletproof. She is human, after all. Malaika was candid about the fact that self-doubt “never really disappears,” admitting there are days she questions herself just like anyone else. The key difference now is how she handles those moments. Instead of meting out self-criticism, she practises kindness. For her, confidence is not the absence of doubt but the ability to “move forward with grace despite it.”
This nuanced take is a far cry from the perfect, curated images we often see, making her stance all the more relatable to her fans who navigate their own insecurities.
Malaika Arora says she stopped explaining herself and found true freedomGetty Images
What is the core of Malaika Arora's confident mindset?
It all boils down to ownership. Her recent work as the face of a beauty campaign titled Own It felt less like a job and more like telling her own life story. She has had to fight labels and expectations her entire career. This is not about arrogance; it is about a quiet certainty in her own choices.
Whether it is balancing motherhood with her career or navigating public relationships, she trusts her gut. Her message is clear: stop letting outside opinions write your story. The greatest freedom comes from writing it yourself, unapologetically and on your own terms.
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Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda
First look images reveal the meta comedy take on the 1997 creature feature.
The film sees the duo as fans trying to shoot their own version of the original film.
Director Tom Gormican applies his The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent formula.
The cast, including Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn, promises chaotic fun.
It is slated for a Christmas Day release, aiming for a box office strike.
The first photos from the wildly unexpected Anaconda remake have finally surfaced. This is not your typical Hollywood rehash, mind you. Jack Black and Paul Rudd are leading a brilliantly meta charge, playing superfans whose dream project goes horrifyingly wrong. The new images tease the comedic chaos planned for the big screen this Christmas.
Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda People/Courtesy of Sony Pictures
What is the new Anaconda movie actually about?
Right, so the plot is almost more interesting than the original film's premise. Black and Rudd play lifelong mates, Doug and Griff, who are utterly obsessed with the 1997 J.Lo and Ice Cube B-movie classic. They hit a midlife crisis and decide, you know what, let's actually do it. Let's go to the Amazon and remake Anaconda ourselves. The synopsis says their chaotic movie set gets turned upside down when a real, genuine giant anaconda decides to crash the party. So the film they're desperate to make might literally end them.
One name: Tom Gormican. He is the director behind The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, that brilliantly unhinged Nicolas Cage meta flick. He is bringing that exact same self aware, comedic energy here. Rudd himself said the script's clever meta angles appealed to him directly because he was a fan of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. This is not some dour, serious reboot. It is like a knowing wink to the audience, a celebration of a so bad it's good film, all wrapped up in a proper action comedy. That angle is everything right now.
Sounds like an absolute riot, honestly. The chemistry between Black and Rudd is the main engine. Black said point blank that working with Rudd was the "main reason" he took the job, calling him "f---ing hilarious" and a "sweet pea". Rudd shared the same feelings, thrilled to finally work with Black properly for months. Even Steve Zahn, who is also in the mix, admitted to messing up takes because he could not stop laughing at them. When the cast is having that much fun, it usually bleeds through onto the screen.
Mark your calendars for a seriously unconventional Christmas Day. 25 December is the planned release date. Releasing a film about a giant killer snake on Christmas itself is a bizarre choice, you have to admit. It is going up against some family friendly stuff, but maybe that is the point, offering an alternative for those tired of the same formulaic content. Whether it becomes a festive box office gift or gets squeezed out remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: it will be a talking point!
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Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe
Raj Kundra questioned in India for five hours over alleged £5.6m (₹60 crore) fraud
He claimed money was paid as fees to Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia
Investigators traced nearly £2.3m (₹25 crore) in direct transfers to actresses and Balaji Entertainment
Shilpa Shetty also under scrutiny as financial probe widens
Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, has been questioned for nearly five hours by financial crime investigators in India in connection with an alleged £5.6 million (₹60 crore) fraud. During interrogation, Kundra reportedly said part of the disputed money was paid as professional fees to Bollywood actresses Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. Authorities are now examining whether these transactions were legitimate or part of a larger scheme.
Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe Getty Images
Why has Raj Kundra been questioned?
The case began after Indian businessman Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services Ltd, filed a complaint alleging he had been cheated out of £5.6m (₹60 crore) between 2015 and 2023. Following this, police in Mumbai registered a case against Kundra, Shetty, and another associate in August this year.
Kundra appeared before investigators this week and was extensively questioned. Officials described him as evasive on several points, leading them to plan further rounds of questioning. He was also asked to provide video material from a project called Best Deal, which he claimed had already been submitted to another police department.
Raj Kundra grilled over £5.6m fraud, links Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia to paymentsGetty Images
What did Kundra say about the money trail?
According to officials, Kundra admitted that some of the disputed funds were paid as fees to Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. He also confirmed transactions linked to Shilpa Shetty and the production company Balaji Entertainment.
Investigators have tracked nearly £2.3m (₹25 crore) in direct transfers to these accounts. They are now assessing whether these were legitimate professional payments or part of a fraudulent operation. Officials also noted suspicious fund movements during India’s 2016 demonetisation, when the country’s financial system was under severe strain.
Bollywood fraud case: Raj Kundra under scrutiny as Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia payments emergeGetty Images
What role do the actresses play in the probe?
Financial records show that accounts connected to Shilpa Shetty, Bipasha Basu, and Neha Dhupia received transfers from the company under investigation. Kundra insists these were legitimate payments for work, but investigators said his answers were incomplete.
Neither Bipasha Basu nor Neha Dhupia have commented publicly on the case. Authorities have not alleged wrongdoing on their part, but their names remain part of the money trail being examined.
Raj Kundra tells police £5.6m fraud funds went to Bipasha Basu and Neha DhupiaGetty Images
What happens next in the investigation?
Indian financial crime authorities have said the investigation is ongoing and that more individuals may be summoned in the coming days. They are also expected to re-examine video material linked to Kundra’s company to determine whether it was used as a front to move money.
In an official statement, Mumbai Police said: “Investigations are going on against actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in an alleged fraud case of £5.6m (₹60 crore). A summon was issued to Raj Kundra, and he appeared before police for questioning.”
With financial records under fresh scrutiny, the case has become one of the most high-profile fraud investigations involving Bollywood figures in recent years.