In 2014 release Mardaani, Rani Mukerji played the role of a cop named Shivani Shivaji Roy. The movie showcased the issue of child trafficking in our country. Now the makers of the film are coming up with the sequel of the film titled Mardaani 2 and Rani will be back as the no-nonsense cop Shivani Shivaji Roy.
Recently, while talking about the film to a news agency, the actress said, “In Hichki, they (audience) came to know about the symptoms of Tourettes which not many people knew in India. With Mardaani we got to tell people how the menace of child trafficking exists in our lives even though we don’t want to see it but it is rampant around us. In Mardaani 2, we will again tackle a subject that will be shocking; it will show something very real, very alarming to audiences and make them aware of what’s happening in and around our lives.”
Rani started shooting for Mardaani 2 a couple of months ago. It was a few days ago when she wrapped up a schedule in Rajasthan. The movie is directed by Gopi Puthran and the release date is yet to be announced. However, reportedly, the film will be releasing in November this year. We are sure fans of Rani are eagerly waiting to see her on the big screen.
While talking about the film, Rani had earlier said, “Mardaani is and will always be extremely close to my heart. Right since its release, everyone has asked me time and again when I would be doing Mardaani 2 and I'm sure this announcement will come as a pleasant surprise to them all. Gopi has written an extraordinary script that we all love and I can't wait to start shooting this film soon.”
Last year, Rani made her big screen comeback with Hichki after taking a maternity break. The actress’ performance as a girl suffering from Tourette syndrome was appreciated a lot. The film was a hit at the box office and did very well in China.
The court heard that Vruj Patel was arrested on February 1 after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met Police to a third-party report of child sexual abuse videos found on a device sent for repair.
AN ASIAN-origin man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for child rape offences at an east London court on Tuesday. His brother was sentenced to 15 months for possession of indecent images of children.
Vruj Patel, 26, and his brother Kishan Patel were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court following a Metropolitan Police investigation, which is appealing for other potential victims to come forward.
Detectives said the Patels’ offending is believed to date back to 2018 and warned there may be other victim-survivors.
“(Vruj) Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification,” said Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the investigation.
“The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life,” said DS Blant.
“This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender,” he added.
According to police, Vruj Patel pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in relation to one victim.
He also pleaded guilty to rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim. In addition, he was found in possession of indecent images of children and guilty of voyeurism, leading to a life-long entry on the UK’s sex offenders’ register.
Kishan Patel was sentenced for making and possessing indecent images of children. He will also serve a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court heard that Vruj Patel was arrested on February 1 after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met Police to a third-party report of child sexual abuse videos found on a device sent for repair.
The device belonged to Kishan Patel. Some videos showed child sexual offences against a young girl known to the brothers.
“Officers worked quickly to seize Kishan’s devices; however, it became apparent that Vruj Patel was the one appearing in the videos. Detectives were able to identify him after his face was briefly visible at the end of one of the videos showing abuse of the child,” the Met Police said in a statement.
Further images and videos uncovered by detectives showed Vruj Patel committing rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl.
Police said he had filmed himself committing multiple offences, and was identified from clothing comparisons and distinctive jewellery.
“Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism precedes this and officers are concerned that Vruj’s offending has continued until more recently,” the Met Police said.
Following the sentencing, detectives renewed their appeal for further victims to come forward.
“There may be other instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those around him, had been placed under his care. Detectives are interested to speak to anyone who believes this may have been true,” the force said.
According to officers, victim-survivors in this case have been given specialist support and guidance throughout the investigation and court process. Survivors are encouraged to contact the police online or by calling 101 quoting “Operation Castline”.
“There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice,” said DS Blant.
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Starmer arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on October 8, 2025 in Mumbai.
UK will not seek a visa deal with India, prime minister Keir Starmer said, as he looks to build on the trade agreement signed between the two countries earlier this year.
Starmer began a two-day trip to India on Wednesday with a trade mission of businesses. The trade deal was agreed in May, signed in July, and is set to come into effect next year.
He said visas had previously blocked progress on a trade deal, but that this issue had been resolved and would not be raised when he meets Indian prime minister Narendra Modi for talks on Thursday.
"That isn't part of the plans," Starmer told reporters en route to India when asked about visas, adding the visit was "to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we've already struck".
"Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas."
Starmer is taking a more restrictive position on immigration at a time when public concern over the issue is high and his Labour Party trails the Reform UK party in opinion polls.
He ruled out including visas to attract professionals from India in sectors such as technology, following the increase in H-1B visa fees by US president Donald Trump. However, he said more broadly that he wanted Britain to have "top talent".
Asked if he would stop issuing visas to people from countries that refuse to take back foreign criminals or those the UK wants to deport, Starmer said this was a "non-issue" with India because of the existing returns agreement. But he added it was something he would examine more widely.
"We are looking at whether there should be a link between visas and returns agreements," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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RJ musician dies at 35 after motorcycle crash in Himachal Pradesh sparking grief among British fans
Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda has died. He was 35.
A motorcycle crash on September 27 caused his fatal injuries.
He spent eleven days on life support before passing away.
His songs were massively popular with British Asian audiences.
His wife had urged him not to go on the ride that killed him.
Gone. Just like that. Fortis Hospital in Mohali made the announcement on October 8. Rajvir Jawanda was 35 years old. A brutal bike crash took his life. For his fans across the UK, the loss cuts deep. That voice was the soundtrack for so many here.
RJ musician dies at 35 after motorcycle crash in Himachal Pradesh sparking grief among British fans Instagram/rajvirjawandaofficial
Why the UK reaction has been so strong
Scroll through Twitter or Instagram right now. You will see it. The outpouring from the UK is immediate and raw. Comments from Coventry. Tributes from Slough. Shares from Southall. His music travelled well. It had the right mix of traditional Punjabi soul and modern energy. It fitted perfectly into the UK scene. You heard his songs at birthday parties in Birmingham and at wedding receptions in London because he was not some distant star. For many young British-Punjabis, he was their voice. That’s why this feels like losing a friend.
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The accident that ended his life
The details of the crash are brutal. The crash happened on September 27 near Baddi. Jawanda was on his bike when stray cattle wandered into his path. He swerved to avoid them but lost control and smashed into another vehicle. The impact was severe. He suffered critical head injuries and major damage to his spine and was rushed to a local hospital and then moved to Fortis Mohali. For the next eleven days, machines kept him alive. Doctors reported minimal brain activity. There was no chance of recovery.
Motorcycle accident claims Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda at 35 as British Asian fans pay tributeInstagram/rajvirjawandaofficial
A final, heartbreaking plea
The most painful part of this story is a private conversation. People close to the family have spoken up. They say his wife had a bad feeling. She pleaded with him to not take that motorcycle trip. He told her he would be careful. He promised to return soon and that was their last talk.
Now, she is a widow. His two young children have lost their father. It’s a devastating personal tragedy hidden inside the public headlines. His music, from his debut Munda Like Me to his film roles, remains. But for those who knew him, the silence he left behind is all they have now.
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Bangladesh's players along with England's Heather Knight and Charlie Dean walk back to the pavilion at the end of their World Cup match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India, on October 7, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
ENGLAND went to the top of the Women’s World Cup points table after defeating Bangladesh by four wickets in a tense chase in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Former captain Heather Knight guided England to victory with an unbeaten 79, helping the four-time champions reach the target with 23 balls remaining.
Knight, who lost the captaincy after the Ashes last winter, benefited from three reviews that went in her favour. She survived lbw decisions twice and was given a reprieve after a catch at cover was ruled not clean by the third umpire.
Yet to score, Knight overturned an lbw verdict on review. On eight, another lbw call went in her favour. Then on 12, she was ruled not out after replays showed the fielder had not taken a clean catch.
"It's probably the most reviews I've ever had go my way," Knight said. "That one at cover, I thought it was a fair catch. I walked off, but the TV umpire saw it differently."
Knight’s 27th half-century included eight fours and a six, with the sweep and reverse sweep proving key shots on a slow pitch.
At 103 for six, Bangladesh looked in control, but Knight found support from Charlie Dean as they added 79 runs for the seventh wicket to complete the chase.
Earlier, England’s spinners restricted Bangladesh to 178. Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets, while Linsey Smith, Dean and Alice Capsey took two each.
England fielded a spin-heavy attack to suit the subcontinental conditions, using close-in fielders like slip, silly mid-off and short cover.
Bangladesh struggled to score freely, with Sobhana Mostary top-scoring with 60. Rabeya Khan added 43 off 27 balls with six fours and a six to lift the total.
"We fought till the last ball and that’s what matters," Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said. "We were probably 30 short, but I’m proud of the fight the girls showed."
(With inputs from agencies)
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The movie blends folklore, mythology, and cinematic spectacle
Kantara showcases the ancient ritual of Bhoota Kola
Panjurli and Guliga Daiva inspire the film’s central narrative
The movie blends folklore, mythology, and cinematic spectacle for global audiences
A local myth on the global stage
Bhoota Kola of Kalurti X/Ranvijay Singh
Kantara: Chapter 1, written, directed, and starring Rishab Shetty, is more than a regional blockbuster; it is a cinematic celebration of Tulu Nadu’s spiritual heritage. At its core, the film explores the legends of Panjurli Daiva, the protective boar spirit, and Guliga Daiva, the enforcer of justice. These deities have long been central to the coastal Karnataka communities, and Kantara brings their stories to life for audiences worldwide.
Kola is more than a ritual, it's a bridge btwn the spiritual & earthly realmsX/ Prajwal Bhat
— (@)
The art and ritual behind Kantara
The film draws heavily on Bhoota Kola, a centuries-old ritual dance and divination practice. Performed in villages across Karnataka and parts of North Kerala, Bhoota Kola is both a spiritual and performative experience. Rituals span hours, featuring elaborate costumes, intense drumming, and the ceremonial mudi (headgear), which symbolises the deity entering the performer. Traditionally, participants consume madhyam (toddy) to suppress personal consciousness, allowing the deity to manifest fully.
PanjurliX/ Prajwal Bhat
Kantara’s cinematography and art direction capture this intensity, translating a centuries-old folk ritual into a visually arresting and authentic cinematic experience.
— (@)
Panjurli and Guliga: Gods of protection and justice
Panjurli Daiva embodies nature, fertility, and the protection of communities and crops. The boar spirit’s vibrant performances, rhythmic drumming, and elaborate headdresses make the rituals both mesmerizing and spiritually potent.
PanjurliX/ Ranvijay Singh
Guliga Daiva, on the other hand, represents order and justice. Shrines dedicated to Guliga are simple yet powerful, often consisting of a single stone under a sacred tree. In Kantara, Guliga’s presence adds tension and stakes, reflecting the balance between protection and discipline in traditional Tulu Nadu communities.
Cinema as a cultural bridge
Kantara not only entertains but also educatesX/ Ranvijay Singh
Kantara has achieved global recognition, grossing over £28 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Its success demonstrates that regional myths, when presented with care and cinematic flair, can resonate across cultures. The film immerses viewers in a world where folklore, ritual, and everyday life intersect, showing that ancient stories still hold relevance today.
By combining mythology, folklore, and epic storytelling, Kantara not only entertains but also educates, preserving cultural heritage and introducing global audiences to Tulu Nadu’s living spiritual traditions.
The lasting impact
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Kantara proves that cinema can be a bridge between ancient art forms and modern storytelling. The rituals of Bhoota Kola and the legends of Panjurli and Guliga are more than local folklore; they are a window into a community’s identity, faith, and history. By bringing these myths to the big screen, Rishab Shetty has ensured that these stories, and the culture they represent, will reach audiences far beyond Karnataka.