Tamannaah Bhatia is a big name down South and has been a part of many big films. In Bollywood, the actress has done a few films like Himmatwala, Humshakals, Entertainment, and others. However, she is yet to make it big in Bollywood.
Tamannaah has been roped in to star opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Bole Chudiyaan. The movie earlier starred Mouni Roy, but she opted out of the film. Recently, while talking about the film, Tamannaah said, "I know that Baahubali was a big deal for me but in this film, I am approaching my character very differently. The world of this film is very different. It is a Hindi film. I want our audience to look at me as a newcomer. I want to focus on the emotion of the character rather than applying my experience from my early films.”
When asked what her reaction was when she was offered the film, the actress said, "Firstly, when I got a call to act opposite an actor like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, I thought someone was playing a prank. So, I cross-checked and then realised it was a genuine offer! I have to say that I am a huge fan of Nawaz sir.”
Talking about sharing screen space with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, she said, "I am amazed to see how effortlessly he acts on screen and convincingly portrays every character. I think by the time I finish shooting the film, I will get to know his acting secret!"
Tamannaah’s last Bollywood film was Khamoshi which failed to make a mark at the box office. During an interview with us when we had asked her why we don’t get to see her in more Bollywood films, the actress had said, “I have not been choosing films according to language. Now it’s just like if it is a good script, it could be in any language I want to do it. So, for me, it is important that wherever I do films, the script and the subject should excite me. I would love to do Hindi films, I keep listening to scripts, but I am very selective because I feel like it is so important that whenever I do a Hindi film it should be something that I resonate with. So, yeah, I have been extremely low key on that. But I keep hearing fans, they are like all the time, ‘you should do more Hindi movies’.”
The date Friday the 13th has long been linked to misfortune. Whether you are superstitious or not, it is a date that stands out, referenced in films, books, songs and urban legends alike. But where did this association with bad luck begin, and does it really deserve its eerie reputation?
Biblical roots of the superstition
The origins of the Friday the 13th superstition are widely believed to stem from Christian tradition. According to Biblical accounts, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, the day he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was also the 13th guest at the Last Supper. This combination of the number 13 and the day Friday laid the groundwork for its ominous legacy.
Is Friday the 13th really unlucky?
Despite its reputation, there is no scientific evidence that Friday the 13th brings more bad luck than any other day. Still, the superstition persists.
A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation: even though fewer people drove on Friday the 13th, the number of transport-related accidents was higher than usual. However, the findings were based on data from only one town, leading to questions about the study's validity.
In contrast, a 2011 German study found no increased risk of accidents or bad luck on Friday the 13th compared to other days.
Some researchers believe it's not the day itself that’s unlucky, but that people may act differently because they expect bad things to happen, potentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A phobia with a long name
If Friday the 13th fills you with dread, there’s an official name for that fear: friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term comes from ‘Frigga’, the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named, and ‘triskaidekaphobia’, the fear of the number 13.
Historical events on Friday the 13th
While there’s no proof the day is cursed, several tragic events have happened on Friday the 13th, fuelling the superstition:
13 October 1307: Hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested by the French monarchy, many later executed.
13 September 1940: Buckingham Palace was bombed during WWII.
13 March 1964: Kitty Genovese was murdered in New York, sparking a national conversation on bystander apathy.
13 November 1970: A cyclone in Bangladesh killed over 300,000 people.
13 October 1972: A plane crashed in the Andes, later portrayed in Society of the Snow.
13 September 1996: Tupac Shakur died following a shooting in Las Vegas.
13 January 2012: The Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the Italian coast, killing 30 people.
Of course, tragic events occur on many other dates too. But Friday the 13th continues to capture the imagination, precisely because of its long, often grim, cultural history.
Whether you see it as superstition, coincidence or cultural myth, Friday the 13th has cemented its place as the world’s most infamous date. While there's no proof it's any more dangerous than any other day, its eerie reputation ensures it never goes unnoticed.
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.
Dua Lipa confirms engagement to Callum Turner after months of speculation
After months of speculation, Dua Lipa has officially confirmed her engagement to British actor Callum Turner. The pop star shared the news in a recent interview, calling it an emotional and meaningful step in their relationship.
The couple, who have been together for over a year, first met in London and reconnected a year later under unexpected circumstances. Dua described their journey as one filled with “sliding doors moments,” including discovering they were reading the same book the night they re-met.
The story behind the ring that has everyone talking
Lipa’s engagement ring, now a regular feature on her social media, has sparked plenty of buzz. But behind the sparkle was an extremely thoughtful gesture. Turner collaborated with Dua’s sister, Rina, and her closest friends to design the piece. Set on a bold gold cigar band, the centre diamond, likely an old European cut, is estimated to be worth between £160,000 and £216,000 (₹1.6 crore to ₹2.2 crore).
“I’m obsessed with it,” Dua admitted. “It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you that well.” She praised Turner for creating something deeply personal instead of following traditional trends.
Dua Lipa opens up about her future with Callum Turner in a recent interviewGetty Images
Fans first suspected something was up during Christmas 2024, when Dua posted a photo wearing the ring. But it wasn’t until the interview that she finally confirmed the news, saying, “Yeah, we’re engaged. It’s very exciting.”
No wedding plans yet, but the excitement is real
Dua is currently on her Radical Optimism world tour, while Turner is filming the sci-fi series Neuromancer for Apple TV. Despite the excitement, they haven’t set a date yet.
“I’ve never really thought about what kind of bride I’d be,” Dua shared. “But now, all of a sudden, I’m wondering, what would I wear?”
Callum Turner and Dua Lipa at the Met Gala Getty Images
The couple is in no rush, choosing instead to enjoy this new chapter quietly. “It’s the decision to grow old together,” she said, “and that feels really special.”
Keep ReadingShow less
Kagiso Rabada celebrates with teammate Kyle Verreynne after taking the wicket of Alex Carey during day two of the WTC Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's on June 12, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
SOUTH AFRICA remain confident about chasing down a big target in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, despite the match being dominated by the bowlers so far.
David Bedingham, who top scored with 45 in South Africa’s first innings total of 138, said the team believed they could chase whatever target Australia set.
Australia, who lead by 218 runs with two second innings wickets remaining, will resume on Friday aiming to stretch their lead further and put South Africa under more pressure.
“I think it's just an amazing chance. And I think we're all very, very excited about the opportunity to win,” Bedingham said after the second day’s play.
“Like I said, it could go either way, but I think us as a team are very, very excited and there's a lot of belief in the dressing room.”
With 28 wickets falling over the first two days, bowlers have dominated the contest so far. South Africa’s chances of chasing down the target appear challenging.
“I think when you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch, it obviously makes batting tough. But I think the way the game's going, I think the wicket has slowed down a bit. The nicks aren't carrying," Bedingham said.
“So I think in the fourth innings, they'll maybe come a bit straighter, and hopefully we can get those runs.”
He said Australia’s bowling, led by Pat Cummins who took six wickets on Thursday, had been difficult to handle.
“Personally, I don't think the Australians gave us any bad balls. That's why they're the best in the world.
“But hopefully, going forward, we can just counteract that and win the World Test Championship. The main thing is just to 100% commit if you are defending or attacking. I think as soon as you get caught in two minds against this attack, you get found out,” he said.
The third-highest successful chase at Lord’s is England’s 277 against New Zealand three years ago. West Indies chased down 342 against England in 1984, while England scored 282 against New Zealand in 2004.
England also chased 218 against New Zealand in 1965, which is the fourth-highest successful chase at the venue.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Smoke rises from a location allegedly targeted in Israel's wave of strikes on Tehran, Iran, on early morning of June 13, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
ISRAEL carried out a series of airstrikes on Iran on Friday, targeting nearly 100 locations, including nuclear sites and military command centres. The strikes killed senior officials, including the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists, according to Iranian reports.
In response, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel would face a "bitter and painful" outcome. The Iranian military said there would be "no limits" to its response.
Later, Israel’s military said Iran launched about 100 drones in retaliation. The Israeli air force intercepted them outside its territory.
Jordan said it intercepted drones and missiles that had crossed into its airspace, while air raid sirens were heard in the capital, Amman.
US president Donald Trump told Fox News he had prior knowledge of the Israeli strikes, which involved 200 fighter jets. Trump said Tehran "cannot have a nuclear bomb".
The United States said it was not involved in the Israeli strikes and warned Iran not to target US personnel or assets.
Tehran, however, said the United States would be "responsible for consequences", arguing that the operation "cannot have been carried out without the coordination and permission of the United States".
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes hit the "heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme", including the atomic site at Natanz. He also confirmed nuclear scientists were among those targeted.
Netanyahu said the operations would "continue as many days as it takes". The Israeli military claimed intelligence indicated Iran was nearing the "point of no return" in its nuclear development.
Iranian media said the strikes killed the country’s highest-ranking military officer, Mohammad Bagheri, and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said, "The precise targeting of senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military, and nuclear scientists — all of whom were involved in advancing the plan to destroy Israel — sends a strong and clear message: those who work toward Israel's destruction will be eliminated."
AFP photos showed a large hole in a residential high-rise in Tehran, appearing to have been hit in a targeted strike.
Iranian state media reported civilian deaths, including women and children. Tasnim news agency said six nuclear scientists were killed.
Flights suspended
In Tehran, streets were largely empty except for long queues at petrol stations.
Flights were halted at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. Iraq and Jordan also closed their airspace and suspended flights.
Several Gulf airlines cancelled services to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Israel declared a state of emergency and shut its airspace. Defence minister Katz said the country was prepared for Iran’s expected retaliation.
Later, Jordan’s military said it had used its aircraft and air defence systems to intercept "a number of missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace".
Iran’s armed forces said there were "no limits in responding to this crime" and accused Israel of crossing "all red lines".
Oil prices rose while global stocks fell following the Israeli strikes. The developments came after Trump’s warning of a "massive conflict" in the region.
Trump had earlier said the US was drawing down staff in the Middle East due to threats from Iran to target American bases if war broke out.
He had also said that a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme was "fairly close", but warned that an Israeli attack could jeopardise it.
Speaking about a conversation with Netanyahu, Trump said: "I don't want them going in, because I think it would blow it." He added, "Might help it actually, but it also could blow it."
‘Within reach’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran against targeting US bases in response to the Israeli strikes, reiterating that Washington was not involved.
Iran had earlier warned that it could strike US bases in the region if conflict broke out.
The violence has cast uncertainty on a sixth round of talks scheduled between the US and Iran in Oman on Sunday. Trump said the US still hopes to "get back to the negotiating table".
The UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed that Natanz was among the sites targeted and said it was "closely monitoring" the situation.
"The agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country," said Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
‘Extremist’
Israel, which relies on US support, views Iran as an existential threat.
Netanyahu has said Israel will act with less restraint since the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas, which is backed by Tehran, and which triggered Israel’s large-scale operation in Gaza.
Since then, Iran and Israel have exchanged direct strikes for the first time.
In addition to Hamas, Israel has been fighting Iranian-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Huthis in Yemen.
The United States, Israel, and Western allies have long accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, which Iran has denied.
On Wednesday, the IAEA accused Iran of failing to meet its obligations. Israel renewed its call for international action.
Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami called the resolution "extremist", and Iran said it would start a new enrichment site in a secure location.
Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60 per cent — higher than the 3.67 per cent limit under the 2015 nuclear deal and near the 90 per cent level required for a nuclear weapon.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel inspect the site after Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad, on June 13, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
RESCUE teams with sniffer dogs searched the crash site on Friday after an Air India flight heading to London crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad, killing at least 265 people on board and on the ground.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed on Thursday. One person survived the crash, which left the tail of the aircraft lodged in the second floor of a hostel housing medical staff from a nearby hospital.
The nose and front wheel of the plane landed on a canteen building where students were having lunch, according to witnesses.
Deputy commissioner of police Kanan Desai said 265 bodies had been counted so far, indicating that at least 24 people on the ground had died. The toll may rise as more body parts are recovered.
"The official number of deceased will be declared only after DNA testing is completed", Home Minister Amit Shah said in a statement on Thursday evening. He added, "families whose relatives are abroad have already been informed, and their DNA samples will be taken".
Prime minister Narendra Modi visited the affected neighbourhood on Friday. He had earlier described the crash of Air India flight 171 as "heartbreaking beyond words".
Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. pic.twitter.com/R7PPGGo6Lj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
According to the airline, the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. There were also 12 crew members on board. The flight was bound for London’s Gatwick airport.
The only survivor was a British national of Indian origin, identified by local media as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Air India said he is receiving treatment in hospital.
"He said, 'I have no idea how I exited the plane'", said his brother Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, in Leicester, as reported by Britain’s Press Association.
Relatives of passengers gathered in Ahmedabad on Friday to provide DNA samples for identification.
Ashfaque Nanabawa, 40, came looking for his cousin Akeel Nanabawa, who was on board with his wife and three-year-old daughter. He said they had spoken just before takeoff.
"He called us and he said: 'I am in the plane and I have boarded safely and everything was okay'. That was his last call."
One woman, who did not give her name, said her son-in-law had died in the crash.
"My daughter doesn't know that he's no more", she said. "I can't break the news to her, can someone else do that please?"
Air India’s dedicated passenger hotline numbers for India 1800 5691 444; for calls outside India +91 8062779200.
Air India requests media persons not to contact the dedicated passenger hotline number. — Air India (@airindia) June 13, 2025
Crash occurred moments after takeoff
The plane crashed less than a minute after takeoff on Thursday, shortly after reaching an altitude of about 100 metres.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the aircraft issued a mayday call and "crashed immediately after takeoff".
Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat state with a population of about eight million, has a busy airport located near densely populated residential areas.
"One half of the plane crashed into the residential building where doctors lived with their families," said Krishna, a doctor who did not give his full name.
Investigations begin
Boeing said it was in contact with Air India and was "ready to support them". A source familiar with the case told AFP this was the first crash involving a 787 Dreamliner.
The UK and US air accident investigation agencies have sent teams to assist Indian investigators.
A statement from Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg on Air India Flight 171.
Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced financial support of 10 million rupees ($117,000) for the families of each person who died. It also said it would cover the medical expenses of those injured.
India has experienced multiple deadly air crashes in the past. In 1996, two jets collided mid-air over New Delhi, killing nearly 350 people. In 2010, an Air India Express plane crashed and caught fire at Mangalore airport, killing 158 out of 166 people on board.
Cause of crash still unknown
Experts said it is too early to determine the cause of Thursday’s crash.
"It is very unlikely that the plane was overweight or carrying too much fuel," said Jason Knight, senior lecturer in fluid mechanics at the University of Portsmouth. "The aircraft is designed to be able to fly on one engine, so the most likely cause of the crash is a double engine failure. The most likely cause of a double engine failure is a bird strike."
India’s growing aviation sector
India’s aviation sector has seen rapid growth in recent years. Last month, Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), called the growth "nothing short of phenomenal".
India, with a population of 1.4 billion, is now the world’s fourth-largest air travel market. IATA has projected that it will become the third-largest within the next decade.