India’s ban on Rushdie’s Satanic Verses lifted due to missing order
By EasternEyeNov 08, 2024
INDIA’s decades-long ban on the import of Salman Rushdie's controversial book The Satanic Verses has effectively been lifted after a court found the original notification imposing the ban could not be located.
The book by the India-born British author was banned in 1988, following complaints from some Muslim groups who viewed it as blasphemous. The Delhi high court reviewed a 2019 petition challenging the ban.
In its order on 5 November, the court noted that the Indian government was unable to produce any official record of the import ban. The court said it had "no other option except to presume that no such notification exists."
"The ban has been lifted as of 5 November because there is no notification," Uddyam Mukherjee, lawyer for petitioner Sandipan Khan, stated.
India's interior and finance ministries have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Khan had approached the court after being informed by bookstores that the novel could neither be sold nor imported in India. Unable to locate the official ban order on government websites, Khan turned to the court for clarification.
The court's 5 November order noted that none of the respondents could provide the notification, and even a customs department official who was reportedly involved in the drafting had “shown his helplessness” in producing it.
The Satanic Verses, Rushdie's fourth novel, stirred global controversy upon its release in September 1988, as some Muslims deemed its passages about Prophet Muhammad to be offensive.
The book’s publication led to violent protests and book burnings in various countries, including India, which has a large Muslim population.
In 1989, Iran’s then-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s assassination, forcing the Booker Prize-winning author into hiding for several years.
In August 2022, Rushdie was attacked on stage in New York, leaving him blind in one eye and impairing the use of one hand.
JJ Perry leads a 45-day action shoot for Yash’s Toxic in Mumbai.
The Hollywood stunt director is known for John Wick and Fast & Furious.
Perry chose to work with an exclusively Indian stunt crew for the first time.
Toxic is being filmed in Kannada and English with multiple dubbed versions.
Hollywood action director JJ Perry, best known for designing the bone-crunching set pieces in John Wick and Fast & Furious, is currently spearheading an ambitious 45-day schedule for Yash’s upcoming film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups. The production, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is being hailed as one of Indian cinema’s most daring ventures, with Perry highlighting both the action sequences and the all-Indian stunt team as game-changers.
JJ Perry praises the precision of the Indian stunt team while filming Toxic Instagram/toxic_themovie/kvn.productions
What makes JJ Perry’s action direction in Toxic unique?
Perry, who has worked across 39 countries in his 35-year career, is approaching Toxic with the same precision and intensity that defined his Hollywood projects. Unlike many big-budget Indian films that rely on international crews for major stunt work, Perry has assembled an entirely local team.
“This Indian crew is world-class. That’s precisely why I chose to work with them,” he said. “We’re here to push boundaries together, and that’s what filmmaking is.”
The current schedule in Mumbai is centred on a complex action sequence that took months of planning. The makers allocated a significant budget to mount the sequence, complete with extensive storyboarding, pre-vis sessions, and tactical rehearsals. Perry has described the action style as “immersive, visceral, and new to Indian cinema.”
John Wick director JJ Perry bets on Indian stunt crew for Yash starrer Toxic Instagram/toxic_themovie/kvn.productions
Why did JJ Perry choose an all-Indian stunt team?
While Perry has often collaborated with international stunt specialists, he said working with Indian professionals has been a career highlight. After witnessing their discipline and technical skill first-hand, he made the decision to entrust them with one of the film’s most challenging set pieces.
“In my decades of experience, I’ve rarely seen such commitment and creativity,” he explained. “Getting the chance to work with Yash, Geetu, Venkat, and this incredible team has been fantastic. Geetu has great vision, and everyone from cinematographer Rajeev Ravi to the production design department has been outstanding.”
By opting for an all-Indian crew, Perry is also helping spotlight local talent on a global stage, a move that underlines the growing confidence of Indian cinema in competing internationally without outsourcing key technical areas.
The makers have decided to shoot the film simultaneously in Kannada and English, a first-of-its-kind effort on such a scale. Additional dubbed versions will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. This strategy not only helps with the film’s pan-Indian appeal but also positions it as a legitimate global release.
Yash, who became a household name with the K.G.F franchise, is also co-producing the project along with Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. With international VFX studio DNEG also involved, the team has described the film as a unique mix of Indian storytelling and global cinematic grammar.
Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 19 March 2026. The film is expected to be one of the biggest Indian releases of that year, combining Yash’s star power with Geetu Mohandas’ distinctive directorial vision and Perry’s action expertise.
For Perry, the collaboration has been a personal milestone: “India’s culture is ancient, rich, and layered. Blending it with the action language I’ve developed over the years is very exciting. I don’t just want to replicate what’s been done, I want to create something unique. And Toxic is giving me that chance.”
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Raghav Chadha’s on air promise comes true as Parineeti Chopra confirms pregnancy with heartfelt post
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha confirm they are expecting their first child.
The couple shared a joint Instagram post with a sweet video and cake image.
Bollywood and political circles sent warm wishes following the announcement.
Their pregnancy news comes less than a year after their Udaipur wedding.
Actor Parineeti Chopra and her husband, politician Raghav Chadha, have officially announced their first pregnancy with a heartfelt post on Instagram. The couple, who tied the knot in September 2023, shared a video and a symbolic cake image to mark the moment, delighting fans across Bollywood and political circles. The announcement follows recent hints dropped on The Great Indian Kapil Show, where they playfully teased “good news soon.”
Raghav Chadha’s on air promise comes true as Parineeti Chopra confirms pregnancy with heartfelt post Getty Images
How did Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha announce their pregnancy?
On 25 August, the pair uploaded a joint Instagram post featuring a beautifully decorated round cake with the golden imprint of baby feet and “1 + 1 = 3.” Alongside the photo, they shared a video of themselves strolling hand-in-hand through a park, writing in the caption: “Our little universe on its way. Blessed beyond measure.”
The post was immediately flooded with congratulatory messages. Sonam Kapoor commented, “Congratulations darling,” while Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi, and Neha Dhupia also extended their wishes. Fans expressed excitement and joy, with many describing the announcement as one of the happiest surprises of the year.
What did they say earlier about starting a family?
The announcement comes just weeks after the couple appeared together on The Great Indian Kapil Show. During the episode, host Kapil Sharma jokingly asked them about family plans. Raghav Chadha smiled and responded, “Good news jaldi denge (We’ll share good news soon),” catching Parineeti by surprise.
The exchange, which went viral at the time, now appears to have been a subtle nod to their actual plans. Their light-hearted remarks sparked speculation, but this is the first time they have officially confirmed that they are expecting a child.
Parineeti Chopra confirms pregnancy with Raghav Chadha after months of speculationGetty Images
When did Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha get married?
Parineeti and Raghav married on 24 September 2023 at the Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The ceremony had both cinematic glamour and political prominence, with attendees including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and several Bollywood personalities.
The couple had earlier exchanged rings at a grand engagement ceremony in May 2023 at Delhi’s Kapurthala House. Since then, they have frequently shared glimpses of their life together on social media, from festive celebrations to candid travel moments.
While preparing for motherhood, Parineeti Chopra continues her acting journey. She recently wrapped up shooting for an upcoming Netflix series, co-starring Tahir Raj Bhasin, Jennifer Winget, Harleen Sethi, Sumeet Vyas, Anup Soni, and Chaitannya Choudhry. The project, which is yet to be titled, marks another step in her digital career after her recent film outings.
Raghav Chadha, meanwhile, remains active in his political role as a Member of Parliament for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Their announcement reflects a new chapter for the couple as they balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
Keep ReadingShow less
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles fuel dating rumours in Rome
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles were seen walking arm in arm through Rome on 24 August
The sighting comes while Kravitz promotes her new film Caught Stealing with Austin Butler
Both stars have had recent high-profile breakups, adding fuel to dating speculation
Neither Kravitz nor Styles has commented on their relationship status
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles have set off fresh dating speculation after being spotted walking arm in arm in Rome. The sighting of the actress and the pop star has drawn attention not just for their closeness, but also for the timing. Kravitz is currently in Europe promoting her new film Caught Stealing, while Styles has been keeping a relatively low profile since the end of his relationship with actress Taylor Russell.
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles fuel dating rumours in Rome Getty Images
Are Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles dating?
The video of Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles strolling through the streets of Rome was shared by a fan account on 24 August. In the clip, Kravitz, dressed casually in a white mini dress, flats, and a cap, can be seen linking arms with Styles, who wore a denim jacket and sunglasses.
The pair appeared at ease as they walked together, with Kravitz clutching a coffee cup while holding Styles’ arm. The relaxed outing immediately fuelled questions online, with fans debating whether the two are romantically involved or simply close friends enjoying time together in Italy.
— (@)
What do we know about Zoë Kravitz’s relationships?
Zoë Kravitz has had a series of public relationships in recent years. She split from her fiancé Channing Tatum in October 2024 after three years together, though the two continue to share a professional connection through her directorial debut Blink Twice.
Earlier this month, Kravitz was linked to her Caught Stealing co-star Austin Butler after they were seen socialising in Paris following the film’s French premiere. However, sources close to the production told US media that the pair are “just friends” and not romantically involved.
Kravitz was also previously married to actor Karl Glusman for a year before their divorce in 2021.
Director, writer and producer Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum attend the photocall for "Blink Twice"Getty Images
Who has Harry Styles dated recently?
Harry Styles has also been in the spotlight for his high-profile relationships. His most recent was with actress Taylor Russell, though the two split in May 2024 after less than a year together.
Styles was later seen at Glastonbury Festival in June, where he was caught on video kissing a woman identified as producer Ella Kenny. Prior to that, he had been romantically linked with various women during his travels across Europe, though no long-term relationships were confirmed.
The singer and actor has been keeping a relatively private profile in 2025, with his last major screen appearances being Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman in 2022. His last studio album, Harry’s House, was released the same year.
Fans call out Taylor Swift connection as Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles stroll closely in RomeGetty Images
What projects are Kravitz and Styles working on now?
Zoë Kravitz is currently busy with the European promotion of Caught Stealing, a crime caper directed by Darren Aronofsky and co-starring Austin Butler. The film is set for release on 29 August. She also has two upcoming projects in production: How to Rob a Bank, alongside Nicholas Hoult and Pete Davidson, and Self-Portrait with Thomasin McKenzie.
Harry Styles, meanwhile, has not announced any new film roles. Fans are eagerly awaiting news about his next music project, with speculation that he may be working on material during his time in Europe.
Keep ReadingShow less
The group have introduced fresh orchestral elements and added instruments to expand their live sound
The Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group return to the UK with a nationwide tour after viral success online.
The ensemble of brothers blend centuries-old qawwali traditions with fresh improvisations that connect with young audiences.
From Pakistan to the USA and UK, their performances have won acclaim for their electrifying energy and spiritual depth.
Fans can expect new instruments, reimagined classics, and the same message of love and harmony at this year’s shows.
From viral sensation to global stages
When a performance goes viral, it can change an artist’s career overnight. For the Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group, their stirring renditions of Bhar Do Jholi and B Kafara propelled them from local fame in Pakistan to global recognition, amassing millions of views across platforms. What set them apart was not just the power of their voices, but the way their music resonated with younger listeners who were hearing qawwali with fresh ears.
That viral momentum soon carried them beyond borders, leading to major performances in the United States and the UK. “It wasn’t just one track,” the group explained. “We revived older gems like Kali Kali Zulfon and Dil Pukare Aaja in our own style, and those went viral again, showing that qawwali still speaks across generations.”
Heritage, family and style
The Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group’s uniqueness lies in their roots. Composed of seven brothers and joined by fellow musicians from respected musical families, the ensemble was trained by their late father, himself a master of the art form. On stage, as many as 15 to 20 performers create a sound that is both deeply traditional and daringly modern.
Their shows are alive with improvisation. In the middle of a devotional track, harmonium player Shahbaz might suddenly weave in a melody from a contemporary Bollywood hit, while lead vocalist Fayyaz channels his energy into unrestrained movements and audience interaction. “When different styles meet, something new emerges,” they said. “That’s what keeps the music vibrant.”
UK audiences and the international journey
Having performed across the USA, the Middle East and Europe, the group describe UK audiences as particularly electric. “Each time we perform here, the atmosphere is charged. People don’t just listen – they become part of the performance,” they said.
Their repertoire often draws requests from fans who expect to hear viral favourites alongside traditional classics. “Sometimes, if organisers don’t allow us to perform songs like B Kafara or Dil Pukare Aaja, the audience won’t let the show continue. That’s the level of passion here,” they recalled with a laugh.
Keeping qawwali alive for new generations
While the roots of qawwali stretch back centuries, the group see their role as carrying the tradition into the present. By fusing tabla, harmonium and handclaps with newer instruments and arrangements, they appeal to younger listeners without losing the music’s essence.
“We want every audience to feel peace, harmony and love when they leave our concerts,” they said. “An artist should never belong to just one group of people – music is for everyone.”
What fans can expect this tour
This year’s UK tour promises new surprises. The group have introduced fresh orchestral elements and added instruments to expand their live sound. Fans can expect a mix of beloved classics, spontaneous improvisations, and the chance to hear qawwali reimagined for today’s world.
For Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group, the mission remains unchanged: to honour their heritage, embrace new audiences, and spread the universal message at the heart of their art. As they put it: “We look forward to growing together with our fans. Let’s celebrate qawwali as a tradition that belongs to everyone.”
Keep ReadingShow less
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s Krishna Raj house in Bandra is valued at an estimated £24m
Six-storey Krishna Raj bungalow in Bandra worth £24m (₹250 crore) almost complete
Home named after Ranbir’s late grandmother Krishna Kapoor, wife of Raj Kapoor
Family has personally overseen design with greenery, chandeliers and heritage touch
Couple expected to move in with daughter Raha around Diwali this year
Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s much-talked-about Krishna Raj bungalow in Bandra is finally nearing completion. The £24 million (₹250 crore) property, which has been under construction for years, is not just a new address but a mix of Bollywood heritage and modern design. The Ranbir Kapoor Alia Bhatt house is also set to become a special legacy home for their daughter Raha, carrying forward the Kapoor family tradition.
The Krishna Raj bungalow named after Ranbir’s grandmother Krishna Kapoor carries decades of Bollywood legacy Getty Images
What is the history of Krishna Raj bungalow?
Krishna Raj bungalow is more than just a celebrity mansion. It was originally home to legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna Kapoor, after whom the house is named. Later, it was passed on to their son Rishi Kapoor and his wife Neetu Kapoor in 1980. The bungalow has witnessed decades of cinematic history and family milestones.
Now, the baton passes to Ranbir and Alia, who have been deeply involved in the rebuilding process. Reports suggest that the house will be registered in the name of their daughter, Raha, making it not only a dream home but also an emotional gift.
Ranbir and Alia are expected to move into Krishna Raj with daughter Raha around DiwaliGetty Images
How much is Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s house worth?
The newly rebuilt mansion has been valued at an estimated £24m (₹250 crore), making it one of the costliest celebrity homes in Mumbai. This figure surpasses even iconic Bollywood residences such as Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat in Bandra and Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa in Juhu.
While Mannat was last appraised at around £19m (₹200 crore) more than a decade ago, and Jalsa at around £11m (₹120 crore), neither matches the latest price tag of Krishna Raj. The property shows how newer generation stars are setting new benchmarks in luxury living within Mumbai’s real estate market.
The Ranbir Kapoor Alia Bhatt house strikes a careful balance between minimalism and grandeur. A video recently shared on social media revealed the grey façade softened by cascading greenery on each balcony. Large glass windows offer glimpses of high ceilings and ornate chandeliers.
Unlike ostentatious celebrity mansions, Krishna Raj is designed with understated sophistication. Vertical gardens and clean lines dominate the exterior, while the interiors promise a mix of modern comfort with heritage touches. The couple and Neetu Kapoor have been spotted supervising the construction multiple times, ensuring personal involvement in every detail.
— (@)
When will Ranbir and Alia move into their new home?
According to reports, interior finishing work is almost complete and the family is expected to move into Krishna Raj around Diwali this year. The timing is significant as it would allow them to celebrate their daughter Raha’s third birthday on 8 November in the new home.
Currently, the couple live at their Bandra apartment Vastu, where they also tied the knot in April 2022. The proximity of Vastu to Krishna Raj has allowed them to keep a close eye on construction progress.
Ranbir and Alia live at their Bandra apartment Vastu, where they also tied the knot in April 2022Getty Images
What’s next for Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt?
On the professional front, both actors have busy schedules. Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious two-part Ramayana, the first of which is expected to release next Diwali. Alia Bhatt, meanwhile, headlines Shiv Rawail’s Alpha, the next film in the YRF Spy Universe, slated for release on Christmas Day this year.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
The couple will also reunite on screen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War alongside Vicky Kaushal, their first collaboration after 2022’s Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva.