Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor starrer Saaho is undoubtedly one of the most awaited films of the year. The trailer and the songs of the film have created a good pre-release buzz. Recently, a pre-release event of the film was organised in Hyderabad which was attended by Prabhas, Shraddha, director of the film Sujeeth and others.
At the event, Prabhas was all praises for Shraddha. He stated, “Shraddha gave her two years to the film. Giving that much time is not a joke. Not even one day we had a production problem. She was so supportive and dedicated towards Saaho. We are lucky to have her. She is a super performer. She is fabulous in action sequences.”
Saaho is a multi-lingual film and while it marks Prabhas’ Hindi debut, Shraddha too for the first time will be making her debut in Tollywood. While talking about it, the actress said, “This is my first Telugu film and I received a very warm welcome. To act with your favourite Prabhas was absolutely amazing. I hope you all like the film.”
Saaho is directed by Sujeeth who is quite young. Prabhas reveals how people were worried if he will be able to carry the film. The actor said, “When we started shooting, the entire team was worried how Sujeeth will carry such a big film on his shoulders. However, he managed everyone. I think he will become one of the best directors of our industry. It is not easy to handle such a film. I would not be surprised if he goes international.”
Saaho was slated to release on 15th August 2019. But the film was postponed and now, it is slated to release on 30th August 2019. The expectations from the film are quite high as Prabhas will be seen on the big screen after a gap of two years and that too after the super success of Baahubali franchise.
'Basically everybody agrees bigger is better. That's not true for everything in life, but it is true for pension funds. We are just putting some wind into the sails of that existing process,' pensions minister Torsten Bell said. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE UK government on Thursday said it wants many pension schemes to merge into "megafunds" with at least 25 billion pounds of assets by 2030 as part of efforts to channel more investment into the economy.
It also confirmed plans for a "backstop" power to potentially force investment firms to meet specific allocation targets for illiquid assets, such as domestic infrastructure projects.
The government said it does not expect to use this power, but some investment firms have criticised the move, saying it could lead to worse outcomes for pension savers.
The planned reforms will require pension schemes used by around 20 million Britons to merge if they are not already large enough. The aim is to follow the Australian and Canadian models, which have fewer, larger funds that can invest at scale.
"Basically everybody agrees bigger is better. That's not true for everything in life, but it is true for pension funds. We are just putting some wind into the sails of that existing process," pensions minister Torsten Bell told reporters.
The government has been pursuing a range of policies to boost domestic investment, including an agreement with 17 investment firms to invest 50 billion pounds of additional cash in UK businesses and infrastructure.
The targets could become mandatory if the government exercises its new powers.
"The government says it will create a 'sword of Damocles' power in legislation.... This essentially puts a gun to schemes' heads and will create those mandatory targets in all-but-name," said Tom Selby, director of public policy at investment platform AJ Bell.
Pensions minister Bell said the government was not directing specific investment strategies and that the proposals reflected a consensus within the pensions industry.
The Financial Conduct Authority said separately on Thursday it planned to request data from firms early next year on their asset allocations as part of the government's pension investment review.
The new changes will apply to multi-employer defined contribution schemes and local government pension schemes, the government said.
Penalties will be applied to pension funds that do not meet the 25 billion-pound assets threshold by 2030, such as losing access to auto-enrolment contributions that would be diverted into larger schemes, a government official told Reuters.
Schemes worth over 10 billion pounds that are unable to reach the minimum size by 2030 will be allowed to continue as long as they show a clear plan by 2035, the government added.
Some firms are concerned the plan could reduce competition.
"Supporting UK growth is a worthwhile goal, but fiduciary duty must remain at the heart of any reform," said Martin Willis, partner at consultancy Barnett Waddingham.
Local government pension schemes will also be given investment targets and told to combine assets that are currently split across more than 86 authorities into just six pools.
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The Beijing and Washington ties had already crashed since the trade war through Trump's tariffs
US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced it will “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students studying in the United States.
"Those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields" will also be included in the revocation process, stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Tensions between Beijing and Washington had already deteriorated following the trade war sparked by Trump’s tariffs.
Estimates suggest that approximately 280,000 Chinese students were studying in the US last year. It remains unclear how many of them will be affected by this move.
China has strongly opposed the action and urged the US to pursue more constructive international relations.
Rubio also indicated that the increased scrutiny would apply to future visa applicants from China and Hong Kong. He has instructed US embassies worldwide to halt student visa appointments as the State Department plans to expand social media vetting for these applicants.
Although Chinese nationals previously formed the majority of international students at American universities, that trend is now shifting.
Data from the US State Department shows a decline in the number of Chinese students enrolling in American universities, largely due to deteriorating US-China relations during the pandemic era.
Currently, a significant number of foreign students are being deported, while others have had their visas revoked by the administration. Many of these actions are being challenged in court.
The US government has also frozen hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for universities. President Trump has criticised prestigious institutions such as Harvard for being overly liberal and for what he perceives as a failure to address antisemitism on campus.
Although Beijing has condemned the US in general terms, it has not issued a specific response to this visa crackdown.
Foreign students are vital to the financial health of many US universities, as they typically pay higher tuition fees.
According to the US Department of Commerce, Indian and Chinese students accounted for 54% of the international student population and contributed up to $50 billion to the US economy in 2023.
Some students have expressed regret over choosing US universities for their education.
YEH DOSTI: Celebrating 50 Years of Sholay is a spectacular live music and dance production that honours one of the most iconic Bollywood films ever made. As the legendary movie Sholay reaches its golden jubilee, this unique show offers fans across the UK an opportunity to relive the magic, music, and memorable characters that have stood the test of time for five decades. More than just a performance, YEH DOSTI is a vibrant celebration of Indian cinema’s cultural heritage, capturing the essence of friendship, bravery, and justice that made Sholay a classic in the hearts of millions.
This captivating tribute will be staged at two venues: The Woodville in Gravesend on Friday, May 30, and Sutton Coldfield Town Hall in Birmingham on Saturday, May 31. The show brings together the best of live music, energetic dance, and theatrical storytelling, weaving the timeless narrative of Sholay into a dazzling live experience. Fans will be treated to the iconic soundtrack featuring unforgettable hits like “Yeh Dosti,” “Holi Ke Din,” and “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” all performed live with a rich blend of traditional instruments and modern musical arrangements.
Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy and released in 1975, is widely regarded as a landmark film that redefined Indian cinema with its engaging storyline, memorable dialogues, and complex characters. The movie’s themes of friendship, sacrifice, and justice continue to resonate deeply, which makes this 50th-anniversary celebration even more significant. The live show captures these elements through exquisite choreography and vibrant costumes, transporting audiences back to the dusty landscapes of the fictional village of Ramgarh.
Beyond entertainment, YEH DOSTI offers an immersive cultural experience. It highlights Bollywood’s influence on global cinema and celebrates the lasting bond between the film and its fans. Whether you grew up watching Sholay on the big screen or are discovering its charm for the first time, this show promises to be a heartfelt tribute filled with emotion, energy, and nostalgia.
Tickets for the May 30 and 31 performances are available now, with further tour dates to be announced soon. For more details and to secure your place at this unforgettable celebration, visit www.luventertainment.co.uk.
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Amitabh Bachchan invests £3.7 million in his fourth Ayodhya property
Amitabh Bachchan has made yet another high-value move in Ayodhya’s fast-growing property market. The veteran actor has reportedly bought a 25,000-square-foot plot for £3.7 million (₹40 crore), marking his fourth land purchase in the temple city within a year.
The newly purchased land is located near The Sarayu, an upscale real estate project where Bachchan had previously invested £1.4 million (₹14.5 crore). This recent deal adds to a string of property investments he has made in the area since the development of the Ram Temple began drawing national attention and infrastructure projects to Ayodhya.
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This is not just about business. A large 54,000-square-foot plot registered under the Harivansh Rai Bachchan Trust, named after his late father, is also part of his Ayodhya holdings. There are reports that a memorial is being planned on that site to honour the poet, offering a personal touch to what appears to be a wider strategic expansion.
Bachchan’s interest in Ayodhya real estate began last year, when he bought a 5,372-square-foot plot for £440,000 (₹4.54 crore) just before the Ram Temple’s inauguration. Since then, his name has become increasingly tied to the city’s transformation into a high-profile spiritual and tourism hub.
Amitabh Bachchan strengthens his ties to the temple town with another high-value dealGetty Images
In addition to Ayodhya, he has been active in Mumbai’s property circuit. He recently sold a duplex flat in Andheri for £8 million (₹83 crore), a property he had purchased for £3 million (₹31 crore) in 2021, nearly tripling his investment. In 2023, he and his son Abhishek also jointly purchased 10 apartments, valued at £2.4 million (₹25 crore).
Just days before the Ayodhya purchase, Bachchan had also invested £1.9 million (₹20 crore) in a real estate firm run by Bollywood producer Anand Pandit, putting £960,000 (₹10 crore) into two separate projects. These back-to-back deals suggest a deliberate diversification of assets, with Ayodhya becoming a central piece in that plan.
With multiple real estate deals this year Amitabh Bachchan’s property empire keeps expandingGetty Images
According to Jaya Bachchan’s election affidavit from last year, the Bachchan family’s total assets stood at £152 million (₹1,578 crore), with £70.5 million (₹729.77 crore) in immovable assets alone. With Amitabh’s continued property acquisitions, those figures are almost certainly higher now.
Whether it is personal legacy or calculated investing or both, Amitabh Bachchan’s real estate footprint is growing fast, and Ayodhya is clearly central to his long-term vision.
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Hailey Bieber celebrates Rhode’s £800 million sale with fans calling her the real boss in the Bieber household
Hailey Bieber is riding high after her skincare label Rhode was bought for $1 billion (₹84,00,00,00,000) by e.l.f. Beauty, a big leap for the 28-year-old who launched the brand in 2022. The deal includes £480 million (₹50,40,00,00,000) in cash, e.l.f. stock worth £160 million (₹16,80,00,00,000), and a potential £160 million (₹16,80,00,00,000) more depending on how well the brand performs over the next three years.
Hailey isn’t just cashing out now; she’s stepping up. She’ll now serve as Chief Creative Officer and Head of Innovation at Rhode, while also becoming a strategic advisor at e.l.f. Beauty. In her announcement, she said the deal felt like the beginning of a new chapter and credited her team and customers for their role in Rhode’s growth.
While Hailey’s career hits new heights, her husband Justin Bieber is making headlines for less celebratory reasons. Reports have surfaced claiming he’s been facing serious financial setbacks, including an $8 million (₹67,20,00,000) debt from his cancelled 2022 Justice tour. Insiders suggest the pop star’s spending habits and questionable financial management may have led to these issues.
Despite selling his music catalogue for $200 million (₹16,80,00,00,000) in 2022, sources say Justin’s fortune has taken a hit, and he was reportedly lent money by former manager Scooter Braun to cover the tour fallout. There were even murmurs last year that Justin considered suing his financial advisors for mishandling funds, though his team denied all claims of money trouble.
Justin Bieber breaks his silence on marriage rumours and health concerns following viral Coachella video Getty Images
Meanwhile, fans have been closely watching the couple’s dynamic. Hailey’s billion-dollar win sparked online chatter suggesting she should “take the money and run,” with several social media users urging her to leave Justin, citing past moments where he appeared dismissive or distant. His quiet reaction to her business success, posting a photo with no caption, fuelled further speculation.
Still, the couple publicly appear united. Justin recently posted photos of himself embracing Hailey, though fans debated whether it felt supportive or staged. With Hailey now officially the top earner in the Bieber household, many are wondering how this shift will impact their relationship.
For now, Hailey’s focus remains on building Rhode into a global name, proving she’s more than just a celebrity wife, she’s a top player in the beauty business.
Justin Bieber faces backlash for ‘I love you’ comment on 17-year-old star Ariana Greenblatt’s post