Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Superstar Rajinikanth to enter politics

Rajinikanth, the wildly popular Indian cinema star who inspires almost godlike adulation in some parts of the country, announced his entry into politics Sunday.

The 67-year-old actor's announcement ended a wait of almost two decades for many of his fans, especially in the southern state of Tamil Nadu where he is revered and referred to simply as "The Superstar".


"I will form my own political party and contest from all 234 seats in the next (state) assembly election," he told a hall packed with supporters in the state capital Chennai.

The state, home to 72 million people, has been hit by political instability since the death in December 2016 of its charismatic chief minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram, also a former movie star.

Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor in the southern city of Bangalore before heading to Chennai in 1973 to pursue his passion for acting.

He rose to become the biggest star in the history of Tamil-language cinema.

Rajinikanth is widely credited for almost single-handedly defeating a state government in 1996 by asking his fans to vote it out days before the election.

"I am not doing it for any post or money or fame as I have enough," he said Sunday of his political plans.

Many fans let off firecrackers, danced to drums and shouted slogans in support of Rajinikanth after the announcement.

India's junior finance minister Pon Radhakrishnan, who is also a parliamentarian from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, congratulated Rajinikanth on Twitter.

One of Bollywood's biggest stars, Amitabh Bachchan also had warm words.

"My dear friend, my colleague and a humble considerate human, Rajinikanth, announces his decision to enter politics... my best wishes to him for his success," Bachchan told more than 32 million Twitter followers.

But most political parties -- especially the two regional parties DMK and AIADMK, which have dominated Tamil politics and have the most to lose from Rajinikanth's foray -- were guarded in welcoming his  announcement.

The BJP, despite its preeminent position across most of India, remains a fringe player in Tamil Nadu.

Modi however has a good rapport with the Tamil star, who has often publicly praised the prime minister.

The entire state of Tamil Nadu goes into a frenzy every time a new Rajinikanth movie is released. Many companies give their employees a day off, expecting low attendance.

Fans cut their hair to resemble Rajinikanth's characters, and some even get his face tattooed on their bodies to mark the release of a film.

In Chennai, many fans hand out sweets and even pour milk over giant posters advertising his movies -- a tradition that derives from the ritual bathing of Hindu idols in milk.

In his movies Rajinikanth specialises in playing ruffians with a golden heart.

He also often portrays underdogs fighting for the good of society against corruption.

More For You

raj kundra

Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe

Getty Images

Raj Kundra tells Mumbai police £5.6m fraud funds went to Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia

Highlights:

  • Raj Kundra questioned in India for five hours over alleged £5.6m (₹60 crore) fraud
  • He claimed money was paid as fees to Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia
  • Investigators traced nearly £2.3m (₹25 crore) in direct transfers to actresses and Balaji Entertainment
  • Shilpa Shetty also under scrutiny as financial probe widens

Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, has been questioned for nearly five hours by financial crime investigators in India in connection with an alleged £5.6 million (₹60 crore) fraud. During interrogation, Kundra reportedly said part of the disputed money was paid as professional fees to Bollywood actresses Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. Authorities are now examining whether these transactions were legitimate or part of a larger scheme.

raj kundra Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Robert Redford death

Robert Redford dies at 89 leaving behind a Hollywood and Sundance legacy

Getty Images

Robert Redford dies at 89 as tributes hail his fight for cinema freedom and environmental justice

Highlights

  • Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor and director, dies at age 89 in Utah
  • Starred in classics including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men
  • Founded the Sundance Institute, transforming the landscape of independent cinema
  • Advocated for environmental causes and used his fame to highlight pressing global issues

Robert Redford dies at 89, leaving behind a legacy that bridged blockbuster Hollywood hits and groundbreaking independent cinema. Best known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, Redford was not only a matinée idol but also an Academy Award-winning director and the driving force behind the Sundance Film Festival, which changed the trajectory of global filmmaking.

Robert Redford death Robert Redford dies at 89 leaving behind a Hollywood and Sundance legacy Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer sparks festive wedding chaos with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor

Instagram/dharmamovies

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer brings love and laughter to Dussehra audiences

Highlights:

  • The Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari trailer is out, offering a festive family entertainer.
  • Features a star-studded cast including Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sanya Malhotra.
  • Set against a vibrant Indian wedding backdrop with romance, comedy, and music.
  • Directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Dharma Productions and Mentor Disciple Entertainment.

The Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari trailer has finally landed, giving audiences a glimpse of what promises to be one of 2025’s most joyous family films. Bursting with romance, humour, and festive charm, the trailer sets the tone for a big fat Indian wedding story, rooted in togetherness and celebration, a hallmark of Dharma Productions’ signature family entertainers.

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer sparks festive wedding chaos with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor Instagram/dharmamovies

Keep ReadingShow less
Lokah Chapter 1

Dulquer Salmaan reveals Mammootty and Priyadarshan doubted Lokah Chapter 1

Dulquer Salmaan reveals Mammootty and Priyadarshan doubted ‘Lokah Chapter 1’ before it smashed £24M box office

Highlights:

  • Dulquer Salmaan says both his father Mammootty and Kalyani’s father Priyadarshan were initially worried about the ambitious project.
  • The Malayalam superhero film has stormed the global box office, crossing £24 million (₹250 crore).
  • Kalyani Priyadarshan shares the key advice her director father gave her following the monumental success.
  • The producer-actor admits his production company was braced for a significant financial loss.

The record-shattering success of Lokah Chapter 1 has sent shockwaves through Indian cinema, but for producer Dulquer Salmaan and star Kalyani Priyadarshan, the sweetest victory was winning over their most sceptical critics: their legendary fathers.

In a recent interview, Dulquer disclosed that veterans Mammootty and Priyadarshan had serious doubts about the risky superhero venture, making its phenomenal Lokah Chapter 1 box office haul a deeply personal win. The film’s performance has not only re-written Malayalam cinema’s commercial potential but also cemented its pan-India appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12 2025

Getty Images

Taylor Swift hides behind £6,000 bulletproof barrier at Chiefs game after Charlie Kirk murder sparks safety fears

Highlights:

  • Taylor Swift reportedly used a £6,000 (₹7.14 lakh) bulletproof portable shield to attend Travis Kelce’s game discreetly.
  • Heightened security follows the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk last week.
  • Swift’s low-profile entry marked a departure from her usual public arrivals at Arrowhead Stadium.
  • Fans speculate the singer opted for extra protection amid growing safety concerns.

Taylor Swift took unprecedented precautions at Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs game, reportedly shielding herself behind a bulletproof barrier as she watched fiancé Travis Kelce play. The heightened security comes amid concerns following Charlie Kirk’s shocking murder, showing that Swift’s safety remains a top priority. Fans noticed the unusual arrival, sparking discussions online about the superstar’s protective measures.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12 2025 Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less