MALAYALAM actor Nivin Pauly was on Tuesday (3) booked for the offence of rape on a complaint by a 40-year-old woman that he sexually assaulted her over a year ago in Dubai.
Pauly has denied the allegation and vowed to take all possible legal measures to prove his innocence.
An officer of Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam, Kerala, where the FIR under section 376 of the IPC was registered, said that there are six accused, including a woman, in the case.
The first accused is a woman and Pauly is the sixth accused, the officer said.
According to the woman, the incident occurred over a year ago in Dubai, the officer said, and declined to give further details.
Pauly alleges conspiracy
Hours after the FIR was registered, Pauly, in a Facebook post, said that the allegations were "entirely untrue".
"I'm determined to go to any extent to prove these allegations are baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be handled legally," he said.
Subsequently, he held a press conference where he reiterated that the allegations against him were false and added -- "this is a deliberate allegation and I believe there is a conspiracy behind it".
He further said that he did not know the complainant and had never seen or spoken to her.
The actor said that around one-and-a-half months ago, an officer of Oonnukal police station had called him over the phone and told him that they have received a sexual assault complaint against him from a woman.
"When I denied knowledge about the allegations, the officer said they were convinced that the complaint was false and they were going to close it," he said.
The actor further said that the officer and his lawyer advised him not to file a case against the complainant as some persons make such complaints merely for publicity. "So, I did not pursue that then," he said.
Pauly said he will take all possible legal measures to prove his innocence and will fight it to the very end as he believes that "we need to put a stop to such fake allegations".
"So, I will fight it, not just for me, but for others who might face such fake allegations in the future," he said.
The actor also said that he would file a case against the complainant for trying to defame him and the complaint was being prepared.
To cooperate with probe
He further said that he will cooperate with the investigation and requested the media to ascertain the facts or truth behind the allegations before publicising them. "Such allegations affect our close family. Thankfully, my family's support is with me," he said.
Pauly is among the many actors and directors who are facing allegations of sexual harassment or rape by female actors following the publication of the Justice K Hema Committee report.
The committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case and its report revealing instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.
Following the allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation cropping up against several actors and directors, the state government on August 25 announced the establishment of a seven-member special investigation team to probe them.
A wave of spiritual upliftment swept through North London as Vaishnavacharya Pujya Goswami Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri delivered a three-day series of discourses on the foundational pillars of Pushtimarg, organised by VYO UK at the Dhamecha Hall in Harrow. Devotees from across the UK gathered to immerse themselves in divine teachings, soulful vachanamrut, and rare spiritual insights that touched the essence of Vallabh Vedanta.
The event commenced on 11 June with a ceremonial padhramni at Shri Kunj, followed by daily discourses that explored the divine character of Shrinathji, the grace of Yamunaji, and the timeless legacy of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The highlight included the celebration of the 108 Shree Yamunaji Lotiji Utsav on 13 June, drawing hearts together in joy and reverence.
In his address, JeJeShri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri shared a profound reflection: “What is the best character within you? Yamunaji teaches us to say ‘yes’ in every conversation with Thakorji — this is to truly listen, to understand, and to agree with grace. This is not just divine discipline but also the essence of our behaviour.”
He further emphasised the unified divinity of Shrinathji, Yamunaji, and Mahaprabhuji, reminding the congregation: “They may appear as different swaroop, but their tatva is one. To treat them as separate is a misunderstanding of divine unity.”
The discourses were graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, along with Pradipbhai Dhamecha, Ketanbhai Kotecha, Vinodbhai Thakrar, Dipakbhai Jatania, Umiben Radia, and many other community figures who appreciated the rich spiritual experience.
In a heartfelt moment, Shri Vrajrajkumarji also offered condolences for the victims of the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
The programme opened with a warm welcome address by Kanteshbhai Popat, Chairman of VYO UK. An overview of VYO’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives was shared by Jayshreeben Radia, President of VYO UK. The entire event was beautifully compered and hosted by Pratibhaben Lakhani, President of VYO North London – UK.
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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.