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'Sholay' actor Satinder Kumar Khosla passes away

He was also featured in films like Naseeb, Yaarana, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Anjaam among others.

'Sholay' actor Satinder Kumar Khosla passes away

Veteran actor Satinder Kumar Khosla, popularly known as Birbal, has died. He was in his 80s. Khosla breathed his last on Tuesday evening at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital. His friend Jugnu confirmed the news of the demise of the Sholay actor to ANI.

Khosla passed away due to cardiac arrest. His final rites will be performed on Wednesday.


After learning about the unfortunate news, the official X handle of the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) paid heartfelt condolences.

A post read, “CINTAA expresses its condolences on the demise of Birbal (Member since 1981).”

Khosla is best known for his comic characters. His distinctive look, featuring a bald pate and a thick moustache, made him easily recognisable.

He worked in several films of Manoj Kumar including Upkar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti.

However, it was his role as a prisoner in Sholay that made him garner a lot of attention.

He was also featured in films like Naseeb, Yaarana, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Anjaam among others.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

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  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
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  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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