Akshay Kumar starrer PadMan is doing extremely well in India and it is slowly inching its way to the top of Box Office. But the film has run into a bit of trouble in Pakistan. According to Pakistan government, PadMan, which talks about menstruation, discusses a "taboo subject."
Reacting to Pakistan's ban, the film's producer Twinkle Khanna said it's important the film is shown in the country as women in Pakistan also menstruate.
“I think women menstruate no matter where you put a boundary, a border. We menstruate this side. We menstruate that side, and it is important for them to see it (the film) as well. I wish that they’d change their mind and show the movie,” she said at an event.
Terming the banning of PadMan in Pakistan an "unfair" decision, the film's director R Balki said the issue addressed in the movie was an important one. "You do something very unfair to women and humanity if you do such things. It is not only about this movie. It is the story of this man’s life, and what issue it is addressing,” the director said, adding that PadMan is a success in several other countries that were thought to be conservative.
"In countries we think are conservative, this film is doing so well. So, I don’t think it is just one or two odd places, actually just one odd place (to ban Padman). But I am sure there will be a lot of public pressure there too, to watch the film. As this is not just an Indian film. It is not political stuff. It is a simple film for humanity,” added Balki.
PadMan released on February 9 and it has already earned Rs 52.04 crore in the first five days.
The film is based on the life Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man responsible for creating a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine.
INDIAN authorities have arrested 11 people for allegedly spying for Pakistan, according to local media reports citing police officials.
The arrests follow recent fighting earlier this month in which at least 60 people were killed, reported AFP. The clashes were triggered by an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing the attackers, a charge Pakistan has denied.
NDTV reported on Monday that nine of the arrests took place in the northern states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
Punjab director general of police Gaurav Yadav said two people were arrested for "leaking sensitive military information".
Police received "credible intelligence inputs" that the two were "involved in sharing classified details" linked to Indian strikes inside Pakistani territory on the night of May 6-7.
A preliminary investigation revealed they were in "direct contact" with handlers from Pakistan’s intelligence agency Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) and "had transmitted critical information concerning the Indian Armed Forces," Yadav said.
In Haryana, police arrested a travel blogger last week on similar charges.
Local media reported that the woman had travelled to Pakistan at least twice and had been in contact with an official from the Pakistani embassy.
Others arrested include a student, a security guard and a businessman.
India Today reported that the 11 accused were "lured into the spy network through social media, monetary incentives, false promises, messaging apps and personal visits to Pakistan".
The arrests come after the most serious flare-up between the two countries since their last open conflict in 1999.
A ceasefire was reached after four days of missile, drone and artillery attacks.
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor chose a quiet family evening over the much-awaited Guns N’ Roses concert in Mumbai this past weekend. Instead of joining the crowd at Mahalaxmi Race Course, she stayed home with her husband Saif Ali Khan and their children, enjoying a cosy music session together.
Kareena shared a glimpse of this private moment on Instagram. She posted a photo of Saif patiently teaching Taimur to play the guitar, with the young boy sitting on a stool, fully absorbed in learning. Kareena captured this from outside the room, framing the father and son in a warm, candid shot. She wrote, “Might have missed Guns N’ Roses… but I got my own band,” adding fire and heart emojis to the story.
Saif Ali Khan teaching Taimur guitar during a cozy family jam sessionInstagram Screengrab/Kareena Kapoor Khan
This intimate jam session highlighted a different side of the Kapoor-Khan family, one filled with simple pleasures and shared moments rather than the usual glitz. For Kareena, these moments clearly matter more than attending a big public event, no matter how exciting.
Meanwhile, the Guns N’ Roses concert marked the legendary band’s first performance in India in 13 years. The iconic lineup, including Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, returned with their touring band for a high-energy show packed with classics like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain.” The Mumbai crowd’s excitement was palpable, with Axl Rose expressing his happiness to be back on stage in the city.
Kareena Kapoor shares a rare glimpse of her husband and son bonding over musicInstagram Screengrab/Kareena Kapoor Khan
On the professional front, Kareena was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s action film Singham Again, sharing screen space with big names like Ajay Devgn and Deepika Padukone. Rumours suggest she may next star in Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming project, tentatively called Daayra, alongside Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, though details remain unconfirmed.
While Guns N’ Roses rocked Mumbai, Kareena found her own kind of music and magic at home and sometimes, the best concerts happen right in your living room with loved ones.
Manchester’s renowned Opera House is set to light up the stage with an exciting new production this spring — Come Fall in Love. This original musical comedy draws inspiration from the record-breaking Bollywood blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), a film that has become a cultural phenomenon not just in India but globally. However, this musical brings a fresh, modern perspective, blending the heart and humour of the classic story with a compelling cross-cultural spin that resonates with today’s diverse audiences.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, released in 1995, is often described as one of the most iconic Bollywood films of all time. It tells the timeless story of Raj and Simran, two young lovers who face familial and cultural challenges as they pursue their love. The film’s blend of romance, music, comedy, and family drama captured the hearts of millions, securing its place as a beloved classic.
Come Fall in Love honours this legacy but reinterprets the narrative for a contemporary stage audience. This adaptation shines a spotlight on the complexities and celebrations of cultural identity, especially relevant in today’s multicultural Britain. The musical cleverly weaves in themes of tradition, modernity, and the challenges of bridging different worlds — all while delivering toe-tapping songs, vibrant dance routines, and side-splitting comedy.
For fans of musical theatre, Bollywood cinema, or simply a good love story, Come Fall in Love promises an unforgettable experience. The production brings together talented performers, innovative choreography, and a catchy musical score that combines traditional Bollywood melodies with contemporary styles. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty.
The setting of Manchester’s Opera House adds to the excitement. As one of the city’s premier cultural venues, it offers the perfect backdrop for this colourful, energetic show. The theatre’s central location on Quay Street makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.
What makes Come Fall in Love truly special is its cross-cultural appeal. Whether you’re familiar with the original film or new to the story, the musical’s themes of love, family bonds, and self-discovery are universal. It also reflects the rich diversity of modern British society, making it relatable to a broad audience.
The show’s humour and heartfelt moments create an engaging atmosphere where laughter and tears flow freely. Audiences can expect moments of high drama balanced with lighthearted fun — a recipe that has made Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge so enduring and beloved.
The production runs from Thursday, 29 May to Saturday, 21 June at the Opera House, 3 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HP. Tickets are available now and are expected to sell quickly, so early booking is highly recommended.
Grand Theft Auto VI is not just another video game. With Rockstar Games at the helm and years of development behind it, the upcoming title is shaping up to be one of the most expansive and bold undertakings in entertainment history. Here are seven reasons why GTA 6 could become the most ambitious entertainment project ever.
1. Rockstar’s pursuit of ‘perfection’
According to Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company), Rockstar Games is striving for “nothing short of perfection”. The studio is known for taking its time to refine every detail, ensuring the final product is polished to the highest standard, even if it means delaying release. Their commitment to quality is central to GTA 6’s grand ambitions.
- YouTubeYouTube/ CNBC
2. Record-breaking trailer launch
GTA 6’s debut trailer, released in December 2023, quickly became the most viewed video game reveal in YouTube history. It racked up over 93 million views within 24 hours, surpassing major music and entertainment videos. This massive response reflects the global excitement and places GTA 6 in a league of its own before launch.
3. A billion-dollar budget
Industry insiders estimate GTA 6’s development and marketing costs could exceed $1 billion, potentially making it the most expensive game ever made. This budget rivals blockbuster Hollywood productions and underlines how video games are now competing, and often leading, in the global entertainment space.
4. Revolutionary open-world design
Rockstar is reportedly building one of the most dynamic game worlds ever seen. GTA 6 is expected to feature an updated version of Vice City (inspired by Miami) and may include evolving environments, smarter AI, and complex NPC behaviours. This living, breathing world is designed to react more naturally to player actions, enhancing immersion.
5. First female protagonist in modern GTA
For the first time in the HD era of GTA, the game will feature a female lead character. This move not only marks a shift in representation but also signals Rockstar’s intent to evolve its storytelling and character dynamics, a key part of creating a more nuanced and engaging narrative experience.
6. Built for next-gen consoles
GTA 6 is being developed specifically for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, allowing Rockstar to push technical boundaries. Players can expect improved graphics, faster loading times, and more detailed worlds thanks to the hardware capabilities of new-gen consoles, making the game a leap forward from GTA V.
7. Cultural impact and legacy
Few games have had the lasting influence of Grand Theft Auto V, which sold over 190 million copies. With GTA 6, Rockstar is aiming even higher, not just in sales, but in cultural relevance. From music and fashion to internet memes and political satire, the GTA series has long influenced pop culture. GTA 6 is poised to amplify that legacy on an even larger scale.
GTA 6 is expected to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. If Rockstar delivers on its vision, it may redefine not just open-world gaming, but what’s possible across all forms of entertainment.
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Cllr Patel moved to Harrow in 2000 and was first elected in 2002.
Cllr Anjana Patel has been sworn in as the new mayor of Harrow at the council’s Annual Meeting held on 15 May. She becomes the 73rd mayor of the borough and the UK’s first British Tanzanian-Indian born woman to hold the post. Cllr Yogesh Teli was appointed deputy mayor.
The outgoing mayor, Cllr Salim Chowdhury, handed over the robes and chain of office to Cllr Patel during the ceremony. Her mayoral theme for the year is “Kindness, Caring and Respect.”
Harrow marks its 60th year as a London borough in 2024. Cllr Patel will lead the borough’s jubilee events. Her chosen charities are VIA, which supports individuals affected by drug and alcohol dependency, and the Samaritans.
Cllr Patel moved to Harrow in 2000 and was first elected in 2002. She currently represents Belmont Ward and has previously held cabinet roles including Community and Culture, Schools and Children’s Development, and Environment and Community Safety.
Rupesh Patel was named mayor’s consort. The ceremony was attended by local leaders, residents, and faith representatives. Cllr Patel paid tribute to her mother and spiritual guide Pramukh Swami Maharaj, quoting: “In the joy of others lies our own.”