R Madhavan starrer Rocketry: The Nambi Effect has made the audience gasp not just pan-India but across the globe. Multiplying its sky-high speed, the visual treat has gone global and is eligible for Oscars 2023.
The story of the film revolves around Nambi Narayanan, a former Indian Space Scientist and aerospace engineer, known for developing liquid fuel engines getting embroiled in a spy scandal. 2022 was a Rocketry year as it was named 'Most Popular Indian Movie of 2022' by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
R Madhavan being expressive about the film being on the Oscars First List says, “This film continues to give. The journey gets more rewarding and we are all in a daze. Firstly the love of the people around the world. Nambi sir getting the recognition he so richly deserved and NOW this, what more can I ask for from my directorial debut. The excitement begins again."
Only 4 films from India have made it to the first list. Rocketry also premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival on 19 May.
The film also marks the directorial debut of R Madhavan.
Bags of rubbish and bins overflow on the pavement in the Selly Oak area on June 02, 2025 in Birmingham, England.(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
MEMBERS of the Unite union voted by 97 per cent on a 75 per cent turn out in favour of continuing the industrial action in Birmingham, which began intermittently in January before becoming an all-out stoppage in March.
At the centre of the dispute is a pay row between the cash-strapped city council and workers belonging to Unite which says some staff employed by the council stand to lose £8,000 per year under a planned restructuring of the refuse service.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said a proposal by Birmingham City Council was not in line with an offer discussed in May in talks under a conciliation service.
She accused the Labour "government commissioners and the leaders of the council" of watering it down.
"It beggars belief that a Labour government and Labour council is treating these workers so disgracefully," she said. "Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined –- the strikes will continue for as long as it takes."
Although non-unionised workers have been collecting bins during the strike the industrial action continues to cause disruption to rubbish removal resulting in concerns about rats and public health.
The dispute in the city of over a million people, known for its industrial past and multicultural character, is an illustration of the budgetary pressures facing many other local authorities across the country.
A council spokesperson denied there had been any watering down of the deal.
"This is a service that needs to be transformed to one that citizens of Birmingham deserve and the council remains committed to resolving this dispute, the spokesperson said.
"We have made a fair and reasonable offer that we have asked Unite to put to their members and we are awaiting their response.”
Council defends ‘ambitious’ vision for city, reports LDRS
In another development, Birmingham council has defended an “ambitious” plan for the city’s future despite the vision being slammed as “devoid of reality”.
The local authority’s corporate plan sets out the priorities for Birmingham over the next three years and how it intends to overcome the issues which have recently plagued the council.
In a bid to make the city fairer, greener and healthier, the Labour-run council’s plan explores how it can tackle critical challenges such as housing need, health inequalities, unemployment and child poverty.
Bags of rubbish and bins overflow on the pavement in the Sparkbrook area on June 02, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
But the council’s vision came under fire during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (3) with Conservative group leader Robert Alden pointing to its aspiration of improving street cleaning and waste services.
He went on to say the city’s bins service was currently not operating properly as the ongoing bins strike continues to take its toll.
“This plan is devoid of the reality of the situation the council finds itself in,” he argued. “That’s a fundamental problem as to why it will fail.
“Residents expect the city to balance the books and to clean the streets – this corporate plan doesn’t do it.
Councillor Alden added: “A lot of officer time and resources have been spent producing yet more colourful, lovely dossiers to hand out and claim that the future will be different.”
Acknowledging the financial turmoil which has plagued the authority, council leader John Cotton said the Labour administration had made significant progress in “fixing the foundations”.
He continued: “Fixing those foundations is essential if we’re going to deliver on ambitions for this city – and we should make no apology for being ambitious for Birmingham and its people.
“This is exactly what this corporate plan is about – it’s about looking forward to the future.”
Cotton went on to say the plan sets out the council’s “high level ambitions” and “major targets” for the city over the next few years.
“It’s also underpinned by a lot of detailed policy and strategy that’s come before this cabinet previously,” he said.
“It’s important not to just look at one document – we need to look at this being the guiding document that governs all the other work that this council is undertaking.”
Deputy leader Coun Sharon Thompson added: “We have to be ambitious for the residents of Birmingham – that is we are committed to doing whilst also fixing some of the issues which opposition [councillors] have highlighted.
“The world is changing, innovation is coming upon us and we cannot let Birmingham be left behind.”
She added that having a Labour government working with the council would “make a difference” when it came to tackling some of the city’s most pressing issues compared to the previous 13 years.
Birmingham City Council also has plans to transform its waste collection service in a bid to boost the efficiency and reliability of bin collections.
But the bins strike dispute between itself and Unite the union remains unresolved, with striking workers raising concerns about pay while the council’s leadership has repeatedly insisted that a “fair and reasonable” offer has been made.
The all-out citywide strike has been running since March and has attracted unwanted headlines from across the world, with tales of ‘cat-sized rats’ and rubbish mountains making headlines.
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Priya Mulji with participants at a Thailand retreat
I turned 43 recently, and it was the best birthday of my life. Special for so many reasons. For the first time since my twenties, I spent my birthday abroad. (In case you were wondering – Phuket, Thailand.)
Last year, I impulsively booked myself onto my friend Urvashi’s mind, body and soul expansion experience. Since then, life has taken some unexpected turns – including being made redundant from my day job – so this trip could not have come at a better time.
Before leaving, I was apprehensive. I had never been to East Asia. Would I like it? Would I get on with the other women? Should I really be going on a two-week trip without a job? What vaccinations would I need? Would the street food give me Delhi belly?
I need not have worried. Within the first day, all my fears melted away. The group of women on the trip were inspiring – each there for her own reasons – and across the week, I connected with them in unique and beautiful ways.
We ranged in age from 37 to 53. Some of us were single, others married with grown-up children. Some were high-flying execs, others unemployed.
But there was no sense of hierarchy – no “I’m better than you.” Just acceptance.
It was a trip of firsts. I got up at 5.30am on my birthday to do a four-kilometre mountain hike to see the Big Buddha. I got in a kayak and floated in the middle of the ocean, despite being a terrible swimmer. I took a Thai cooking class and finally learned how to make some of my favourite dishes.
But the biggest lesson from this impactful trip was this: it is so important to find people who bring good energy, who listen without judgment. Surround yourself with those who offer wisdom and support, not force their opinions on you. Who remind you that you are respected. That you are loved.
For anyone feeling lost, unloved, or unsure of how to navigate life, know that your tribe might be out there, waiting to meet you in the most unexpected of places. I found a new sisterhood in just one week. So take a chance. Step out of your comfort zone. Do something you never imagined doing.
I will leave you with the words of Usha, who was on the trip: “We are all devis in our own way.” I dedicate this column to Jaymini, Leena, Nina, Usha, Iram and Rinku – for helping me in ways they may never fully understand.
And to my darling Urvashi, thank you for bringing us all together. You created magic. You gave me the best birthday gift I could ever have asked for.
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A kushti bout continues until one wrestler pins the other’s back to the mud, regardless of how long it takes
Crowds cheer as muscular men in tight loincloths slap sacred scented soil on their bulging thighs and arms for a mud wrestling bout in India.
“When we fight, we sweat,” said 33-year-old Mauli Jamdade, a wrestling star in Maharashtra state, rubbing red-brown earth onto his body for each clash.
“The mud gives us grip and helps us grapple better.”
Unlike conventional wrestling matches played on mats with regulated draws, India’s mud wrestling is more raw, but has been the training ground for Olympic success. This style of wrestling, known as kushti or dangal, has millennia-old roots but emerged during the period of India’s Mughal rulers in the 16th century, blending traditional hand-to-hand combat with Persian martial arts.
There are no blows or kicking, but plenty of throws to the ground, and it remains hugely popular.
It took Jamdade over 15 minutes to defeat his rival, starting with a slow circling dance then twisting, turning and locking arms, before he pinned him down.
The bout ends when one wrestler pins his opponent’s back to the mud, irrespective of how long it takes.
Both men and women Indian wrestlers have won medals at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games in the more regulated form of the sport.
But it is the mud, not mat, version that is popular in swathes of rural areas, with supporters saying it is not just a spectacle but a tradition that many want to uphold.
Bank cashier Anil Harale ended his wrestling career after injuring his leg, but after work still slips out of his office clothes for a dirty wrestle. “I miss it,” said the 46-year-old, who hopes his “unfulfilled dream” will be realised by his teenage son, an aspiring wrestler.
Wrestler KD Jadhav, who took bronze at the 1952 Olympics – the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal – began his sporting career as a mud wrestler in Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra.
“It is from mud that wrestlers reach the Olympics,” said excited fan Sachin Mote, among hundreds cheering the wrestlers at a bout.
Kolhapur is a core base of the sport with its centuries-old residential gymnasiums known as talims.
Jamdade joined the Gangavesh talim aged 14. A picture of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman – a deity worshipped by wrestlers for his strength and devotion – gazes over waist-deep pits where the soil is dug.
The earth is mixed with turmeric, yoghurt and milk, as well as neem tree leaves and oil, before it is ploughed and smoothened across the ring.
For the wrestlers, the soil is sacred.
“It is everything,” said Jamdade. “There is nothing without it.”
More than a hundred wrestlers – some as young as 10 – train at the talim.
It is an austere life. The rigorous training includes waking up before dawn, running, hundreds of push-ups, rope climbing and grappling. Tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited, phone usage is restricted and pre-marital relationships are considered a distraction.
For Jamdade, the first year at the talim was all about gaining weight, and that is an expensive affair.
“There are people who weigh 125-130 kilos (275-285 pounds),” he said.
“To fight with them, and match their strength, I need to be at least 120 kilos.”
So when he is not in the ring or training, Jamdade focuses on eating. That includes at least five kilos of goat meat each week, some 70 egg whites, 24 apples, leafy vegetables and dry fruits.
He washes that down with at least 21 litres of milk, 14 litres of sweet lemon juice and a protein shake made with almonds, cashews, honey, cardamom seeds, honey and milk.
His monthly food bill totals £258 but the prize money he has won helps his family, who are from a poor farming background.
Winnings range from a few hundred pounds to £1,200 – more than the annual average income of an agricultural household in India.
While the popularity of more organised wrestling on mats has grown, Jamdade believes mud bouts have a safe future as a core part of village fairs.
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Kalki 2 yet to begin casting as rumours about Deepika’s role swirl online
There’s been a whirlwind of speculation surrounding Deepika Padukone’s association with two of the most high-profile films in Indian cinema right now: Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. The latest buzz claims she might be walking out of Kalki 2, but the truth appears far less dramatic.
While social media and gossip pages have been buzzing with unconfirmed reports suggesting Deepika demanded fixed eight-hour shifts post-motherhood, allegedly causing trouble on set, the reality is, Kalki 2 hasn’t even started filming. In fact, it’s still in pre-production. No actors, including Deepika, have officially been signed or begun any work on the sequel, according to sources close to the film.
Deepika Padukone’s team denies exit from Kalki sequel amid speculationGetty Images
Rumours linked to Spirit exit spiral into Kalki speculation
Much of the noise seems to stem from Deepika’s recent departure from Spirit, a Sandeep Reddy Vanga film starring Prabhas. Reports suggest that the actor’s demand for a work-life balance, through an eight-hour shoot schedule, a higher pay cheque and profit-sharing didn’t sit well with the team. Soon after, Triptii Dimri was announced as the film’s new lead, and director Vanga appeared to post cryptic messages online criticising an unnamed actor for violating trust and playing “dirty PR games.”
Though Deepika was never named directly, the timing of Vanga’s posts and the sudden casting change led many to draw conclusions. Vanga’s social media tirades hinted at betrayal, accusing the unnamed actor of revealing story details and undermining a younger co-star. His use of idioms like “Khundak mein billi khamba noche” only fuelled the drama.
Now, those flames have been fanned further by similar murmurs around Kalki 2. Some reports claim her role may be trimmed or cut altogether due to scheduling conflicts. But the facts don’t back it up.
Deepika Padukone remains in the spotlight as speculation fuels headlinesGetty Images
What’s really happening with Kalki 2? Despite the noise, there’s no official word from Deepika or the Kalki production team confirming any of these developments. According to insider reports, the sequel hasn’t even begun the casting process yet. “There’s no shoot, no set, no interaction, so where’s the question of on-set friction?” the source stated, shooting down reports of a professional fallout.
With the sequel still in early planning stages, any casting speculation, especially of someone being dropped seems premature.
For now, what we know is this: Deepika is navigating her career differently post-motherhood, prioritising work-life balance. Whether that means fewer films or renegotiated terms remains to be seen. But until Kalki 2 actually takes off, rumours about her exit are just that: rumours.
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Father’s Day with Sarangi and Flute Double Bill Concert
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the guiding figures in our lives — the mentors, protectors, and nurturers who shape our journeys. This year, give your father or father figure the gift of culture, heritage, and transcendental music at The Bhavan’s special Father’s Day Double Bill Concert on Sunday, 15 June 2025. Set in the heart of west London at The Bhavan, 4A Castletown Road, W14 9HE, this prestigious event will showcase the intricate beauty and emotional depth of Indian classical music, with spellbinding performances by Harsh Narayan on sarangi and Pravin Godkindi on flute, accompanied by the rhythmic genius of Pandit Sanju Sahai on tabla.
This one-of-a-kind concert brings together three master musicians, each carrying forward a rich legacy while continuing to innovate within their classical traditions. The event offers more than just a performance — it is a cultural immersion, a sonic journey into India’s centuries-old musical heritage, making it an ideal way to honour Father’s Day in a truly meaningful and memorable fashion.
Harsh Narayan, grandson of the legendary Pandit Ram Narayan, is one of today’s leading sarangi players. The sarangi, a bowed string instrument known for its haunting, voice-like timbre, is often said to echo the deepest human emotions. Harsh has made a name for himself by breathing new life into this traditional instrument, combining technical brilliance with emotive sensitivity. His ability to convey a wide range of moods and rasa (aesthetic flavours) through the sarangi has made him a sought-after performer on the global stage.
Joining him is Pravin Godkindi, a trailblazing bansuri (flute) artist whose playing is marked by expressive phrasing and creative improvisation. With training in both Hindustani classical and Carnatic traditions, Godkindi brings a unique dual perspective to his craft. His work has crossed into film music and fusion, yet he remains deeply committed to the purity of the classical raga system. For this concert, he promises to deliver a performance that balances serenity and dynamism — qualities that make the flute such a beloved instrument in Indian music.
Adding rhythmic complexity and percussive brilliance to the evening is Pandit Sanju Sahai, one of the finest tabla exponents of the Benares gharana. With a career spanning decades and performances across the globe, Pandit Sahai is known for his extraordinary speed, clarity, and emotive playing style. His tabla solos and accompaniment are always a masterclass in control, timing, and musical conversation.
Indian classical music is not only about melody and rhythm — it is a deeply spiritual art form that invites both the performer and the listener into a shared space of introspection and bliss. Experiencing a live performance like this one, with the spontaneous interplay between melody and percussion, offers a rare opportunity to connect with a musical tradition that transcends boundaries.
Whether your father is a seasoned connoisseur of classical music or someone new to the genre, this concert at The Bhavan — London’s home of Indian arts and culture — will make for an enriching, soul-touching evening. It’s a unique chance to celebrate a special occasion through the universal language of music.
Book your tickets early and join fellow music lovers for an evening of sonic excellence, cultural heritage, and timeless artistry. Celebrate Father’s Day the classical way — with a concert that nourishes the soul.