Witnesses being threatened: SSR’s cousin

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In the case of the alleged suicide by actor Sushant Singh Rajput, his family is now apprehensive about evidence being destroyed and witnesses being threatened.

Sushant’s cousin Neeraj Kumar Bablu, a BJP MLA, said here that the evidence, in this case, was being erased and the witnesses could be eliminated. He said the witnesses were facing threats and demanded that they should be provided protection.

Neeraj Kumar told IANS on Tuesday: “We all hope that the Supreme Court will soon direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the matter and the investigation will go in the right direction and everything will come to the fore.”

He said: “This is not only our desire but that of the entire country.”

When asked about the destruction of evidence, in this case, he said: “Attempts are being made to erase the evidence. This apprehension is also being expressed by the media.”

“Maharashtra Police should take care of it.”

He felt that something untoward could happen to the witnesses and said that efforts were being made to intimidate them. The Mumbai Police were not cooperating in this matter. This is now known to everybody and we demand that protection be given to the witnesses, he added.

Even two months after Sushant’s alleged suicide, no significant progress has been made in the investigation of the case. On July 15, Sushant’s father K. K.Singh had a case registered at the Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna. Later, the Bihar government decided to recommend handing over the investigation to the CBI.

Rhea Chakraborty, the main accused in the case registered in Patna, has approached the Supreme Court to transfer the case to Mumbai.

Pak filmmaker Asim Abbasi: Art felicitates what political conflicts cannot

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Pak filmmaker Asim Abbasi: Art felicitates what political conflicts cannot

Pakistani film director Asim Abbasi, who made his digital debut with the web series Churails on an Indian OTT platform for the first time, says such exchange in the field of entertainment, can felicitate unity between India and Pakistan despite the political bitterness between the two countries.

“Art should felicitate something that political conflicts are unable to do, and that is building bridges. For the last few days that is exactly what I am doing. I have been speaking to several Indian journalists, sitting here in the UK but I am a Pakistani. We are connecting through the medium of storytelling, which is one of the oldest forms of entertainment,” Asim told IANS

He added: “Earlier people used to gather around fireplaces to tell stories. These days we are doing the same thing on the screen. We are watching stories on phones and laptops. The purpose of art is to bring people together. Due to institutional politics, the exchange will get stopped for a while but honestly, it is like a magnet. We will keep coming together. Look at our history. We were separated and then came together again.”

The web series featuring Nimra Bucha, Sarwat Gilani, Yasra Rizvi, Meher Bano, and Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan in a special appearance.

“Our agenda is different than that of politics, we are not infuriating hate, our stories only bring us together,” mentioned the filmmaker who made his debut with the 2018 film “Cake”, which was Pakistan’s entry at the Oscars.

Asim’s 10-episode web series “Churails” is streaming on the OTT platform Zee5.

Mukesh Khanna: The ‘Shaktiman’ who knows too much?

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Mukesh Khanna: The ‘Shaktiman’ who knows too much?

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna may have opened up a Pandoras Box with his recent comments on Bollywood against the backdrop of the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

In a couple of TV debates, Khanna — of the “Shaktiman” — has claimed that there have been many ‘murders in Bollywood’ which were allegedly ‘declared as suicides’, in the past.

His remarks were greeted with murmurs of disbelief and disdain, while some dismissed allegations of the actor – fondly remembered for the role of ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ (“Mahabharata”) – as “the man who knows too much”.

Now, Khanna’s statements have become a potential cause of action — in the form of a letter to Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh — demanding that the utterances should form the basis for the police to re-investigate all ‘Bollywood suicides that may have been potential murders’ in the past 50 years or so.

Shiv Sena leader and Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavlamban Mission (VNSSM) President Kishore Tiwari — who is accorded the status of Minister of State — has shot off the letter to the Mumbai CP for a thorough probe into Khanna’s allegations in the public interest.

“On August 13 in a debate on Republic TV, Khanna made the stunning declaration in the presence of the Editor Arnab Goswami, and several others like legal luminary Ujjwal Nikam, BJP leader Sambit Patra and even myself… Nobody questioned him on such a serious matter which he later repeated on at least one other channel, and others have followed it up prominently,” Tiwari told IANS.

Taking the lead, Tiwari has urged (Mumbai CoP) Singh to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and probe Khanna’s TV comments that “many crimes of murders in Bollywood are suppressed and turned into cases of suicide like the Sushant Singh Rajput case”.

Maharashtra home department sources indicated that considering the serious nature of Khanna’s charges repeatedly openly on at least two TV channels, the government will seek a report on the same from the Director-General of Police.

“If he or anybody, has knowledge of any ‘murders sought to be turned into suicides’, as stated in the TV debates, they must share and depose before the police and the courts,” said an official declining to be identified.

As this amounts to ‘knowledge of very serious cognizable crimes or even its conspiracy’, Tiwari said the Police must immediately summon Khanna, Goswami, and Patra “to share whatever inside knowledge they possess to enable a re-probe” of all such 100-odd crimes.

“Let them voluntarily reveal details of all such alleged murders-turned-suicides in the past 50 years, whether Khanna and others actually witnessed these alleged ‘murders’, who committed them – whether mafia in connivance with some Bollywood rogues or some ‘supari’ killers, etc,” Tiwari pointed out.

“However, if Khanna’s contentions are proved fake or false, then he and the others like Goswami and Patra, must face criminal action and be penalized for Rs100 crore each…

“Let them realize that such loose statements on a public platform paints Bollywood in poor light, tarnishes the image of Maharashtra Police and the credibility of the entire Indian Judiciary,” warned the Sena leader.

Tiwari also lauded Khanna’s courage for “pointing a finger at (Bollywood) where there is so much hidden muck” of which the Sushant case is just one off-shoot, and this will now result in a ‘Maha Swachhata Abhiyan’ to cleanse the film industry.

He admitted Khanna’s statements pose huge ramifications for the entire Bollywood, corporate, television media, and political world, besides the people at large who have full faith in the police and judiciary which was shaken by such statements.

Nidhhi Agerwal’s productive lockdown: Yoga, fitness and detox

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Nidhhi Agerwal’s productive lockdown: Yoga, fitness and detox

Actress Nidhhi Agerwal says she has been extra careful about staying fit through the lockdown months.

“It’s been a productive lockdown for me. I have learnt a lot of fitness-related things. I started doing yoga, and have done some detoxing too. I feel all these things have helped me develop beautiful changes in my body,” Nidhhi told IANS.

Nidhhi, who turned 27 on Monday, says it felt great to be able to spend the whole day on her birthday with family, for a change.

“I stayed at home, cut cakes, and spent quality time with family members. Spending quality time with my closed ones is always on my wish list. I also want to open a charitable organization,” she added, sharing her birthday wish list.

Nidhhi, who is best known for “Munna Michael” and “iSmart Shankar”, has four films coming up.

Richa Chadha: Need of hour is systemic shift in how we perceive nature

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Richa Chadha: Need of hour is systemic shift in how we perceive nature

Actress Richa Chadha believes that little acts of kindness go a long way. She feels the need of the hour is a systemic shift in how people perceive nature.

Last month, the actress and her fiance Ali sent out 1000s of PPE masks to frontline workers. Now, and environmentalist, Dr R.K Nair, has planted 650 saplings in the names of Richa and Ali at Pulwama Shahid Vann, Umbergaon Gujarat, as a thank you gesture for their charity gesture.

“To say that we need to step up to protect the environment in the face of the pandemic is truly underplaying it. Dr Nair’s gesture touched our hearts because he gave us hope that each of us are capable of creating great changes. The need of the hour is a systemic shift in how we perceive nature,” said Richa.

“There’s a pre-existent symbiotic equation that must be respected. The capability of being a hero is in each of us and Dr Nair’s gestures makes us want to be better people and do more for the world around us,” she added.

Ali pointed out that he doesn’t like talking about achievements but “Dr R.K. Nair’s thank you message to Richa and me truly melted my heart”.

“I know the number is not a huge pathbreaking number of trees but for me, it’s a big step forward personally because during this lockdown, I have realised the power of good and the power of reach. And without ignoring the power of hunger and helplessness. The solution for all lies in our own hands, fortunately and unfortunately,” he added.

Ankit Tiwari sings his first devotional track

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Ankit Tiwari sings his first devotional track

Ankit Tiwari has carved his niche as one of the most popular romantic voices in new-age Bollywood, but the singer-composer has gone for a whole new makeover now. He has recorded his first devotional song.

The hitmaker who scored “Teri galliyan” and “Katra Katra, has sung “Jai Ganesh deva art”.

“This is my first-ever devotional track and as all good things start with Lord Ganesha, I am happy that this is my first song as a singer in the devotional genre,” Ankit said.

The song is part of a new album, “Raja Ganpati”, which has 10 tracks by popular singers and composers like Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar Mahadevan, and Neeti Mohan.

“This year we will all be celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in our homes and these aartis and songs recreated by Dipesh Varma will add that touch of magic that we all might miss this year. It felt great to collaborate on a track that is an expression of the devotion of millions, after such a long time,” said Vishal and Shekhar.

Shankar Mahadevan said: “While all festivals will be celebrated differently this year, I find myself extremely lucky to be celebrating this with my family. Singing and recording this devotional track with my sons Siddharth and Shivam was an enriching experience. From my family to yours, here’s wishing you a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.”

Veteran actress Hema Malini, and her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol Vohra have also sung together for the first time.

Bhumi Pednekar urges all to opt for eco-friendly Ganpati idols

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Bhumi Pednekar urges all to opt for eco-friendly Ganpati idols

Actress Bhumi Pednekar says there are sustainable ways to celebrate the Ganpati festival and urged everyone to choose eco-friendly idols.

“This is my favorite festival and we have been celebrating Ganpati for years in my family. Since I have been on this journey of climate conservation, I have realized that there are better ways of celebrating this festival, more sustainable ways. Nature is God, God is nature. We have to find better alternatives,” said Bhumi, who is also an environmental activist.

Bhumi has joined hands with sculptor and environment activist Dattadri from Maharashtra to spread the message. Dattadri specializes in making tree Ganpati idols with seeds planted inside the idol. The idol can be immersed in clay pots once the festivities are over.

She will also upload several Do-It-Yourself (DIY) ways of making Ganpati idols at home that are eco-friendly.

“I really hope that concepts like these are adopted by citizens, to spread the message of ecological conservation to the next generations. I hope people are inspired to act and choose environment-friendly alternatives like this, which are revolutionary ideas to protect our country,” she said.

Bhumi added: “We have to work to change the mindset of people and try and make them realize that you can celebrate festivals with gusto but in the most environmentally conscious way too.”

Shalmali: Whenever someone calls me a ‘singer’ I almost cringe

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Shalmali: Whenever someone calls me a ‘singer’ I almost cringe

Singer-songwriter Shalmali says she almost cringes when she is referred to as a singer because her dream was always much bigger than that.

“My big dream was always to become a musician, so whenever someone calls me a ‘singer’, I almost cringe. I sing, sure, but I do more than just singing. I write and compose my songs, I do vocal arrangements, I produce tracks, I perform live and I have just finished work as a music director on an indie Marathi film. I am able to do all these because I am a musician and not just a vocalist,” asserted Shalmali, while speaking to IANS.

Right now, she is taking baby steps into the independent music scene with singles like “For you” and ‘Regular’ that she released this month.

“I love to wear many hats instead of limiting my musical career just on adding soul to a lyrical composition as a playback singer,” added the artiste who started her career in Bollywood and shot to fame singing “Pareshaan” in the 2012 release, “Ishaqzaade”.

She is primarily known for her film hits such as “Daru desi” (Cocktail), “Balam pichkari” (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”), “Lat lag gayee” (“Race 3”), and “Baby ko bass pasand hai” (“Sultan”), among others, and she had also released indie songs such as “Ruka Ruka” and “Kalle kale”.

Diljit Dosanjh on Sushant: ‘Suicide waali baat digest toh nahi hoti’

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Diljit Dosanjh on Sushant: ‘Suicide waali baat digest toh nahi hoti’

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh says he met Sushant Singh Rajput twice in his life and that he cannot digest the idea that the late actor committed suicide.

A user on social media urged Diljit to raise his voice in the Sushant case. He also used hashtags such as #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput and #GlobalPrayer4SSR

Diljit replied to the user: “Bhai Shushant Bhai Ko Mai Do Baar Mila Thaa Life Mai.. Suicide wali Baat Digest Toh Nahi Hoti.. JAANDAAR Banda Thaa Yaar.. Baki I Know Police Apna Kaam Kar Rahi aa .. Humeh Wait karna Chaiye. I Hope Sach Sab Ke Saamney Aeyga (I have met Sushant twice in my life. Cannot digest that he committed suicide. He was a guy full of life. Rest I know, the police are doing their job. We should wait. I hope the truth comes out).”

Diljit had spoken about Sushant on social media earlier, too. In an Instagram post on June 30, he had called the late actor a “jaandaar banda” (a guy full of life).

Back then, Diljit had posted to say that he was not happy with the decision to release Sushant’s last film “Dil Bechara” on the OTT platform.

“Eh Tan Theatre ch v Release Honi Chaidi Aa.. (It should be released in theatres),” Diljit had said.

Sushant was found dead at his residence on June 14. His family lodged an FIR accusing his girlfriend, actress Rhea Chakraborty, and her family with abetment to suicide among other charges. They have demanded a CBI investigation into his death.

Marking the two-month death anniversary of Sushant Singh Rajput, his family members, fans and colleagues from the industry observed a prayer meet on Saturday.

Film celebs to M S Dhoni: Thank You

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Film celebs to M S Dhoni: Thank You

A host of film stars such as Varun Dhawan, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal and Mohanlal among many others shared emotional tributes on social media for the former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who announced his retirement from international cricket.

Dhoni announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Saturday, thus calling time on an illustrious international career that spanned nearly 16 years.

He posted a video montage with pictures at different points of his career along with a caption: “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired (sic).”

Here’s what the celebrities had to say:

Shekhar Kapur: Not once, never, can I remember our hearts not pounding, our excitement levels not rising when Dhoni came out to bat. A true game-changer. You made cricket seem simple, almost casual, yet exhilarating. Unexpected. If that’s not genius, I don’t know what is #Dhoni #DhoniRetires.

Mohanlal: Farewell Captain @msdhoni, Best wishes to all your future endeavors.

Varun Dhawan posted a picture of Dhoni playing on the field and wrote: “Pure class”. He then shared another picture and captioned: “Thank u @mahi7781”

Vicky Kaushal: What an innings! Thank You for everything @mahi7781.

Rajkummar Rao: Thank you for all the amazing memories Captain cool. We will miss you.

Siddhant Chaturvedi: Shukriya legend… ary yaar ek match aur! ha ha.

Nushratt Bharuccha: .@msdhoni made me fall in love with cricket! Huge fan of his, batting, captaincy, wicket-keeping, and composure on field! The man was always two steps ahead in the game! Will truly miss you Dhoni!

Yami Gautam: Immense respect for M.S. Dhoni for not just being an outstanding player but also setting an exceptional example with his conduct and journey, on and beyond field.

Riteish Deshmukh: No retirement from our hearts.

Bipasha Basu: Captain forever @mahi7785.

Divya Dutta: #Dhoni retires!! Thank you captain for making us proud always!! Ever dependable!! Amazing memories !! You are done India proud!! Keep inspiring us!!

Randeep Hooda: Nooooo !!! You’ve always known the best… Thanks for the entertainment.

Saiyami Kher: From his long locks to his patent on the helicopter shot, Captain Cool always had a style of his own. This one has left all of us stumped. Aye Aye captain!

Kunal Kohli: @msdhoni game changer for cricket. Anything was possible as long as #mahi was there. Made nonbelievers watch the game. The game will miss him. #Dhoni best finisher ever. Selfless. The team meant more to him than personal milestones. Love you. #AllTimeGreat.

Huma Qureshi: Dhoni (heart emoji).

Rahul Dholakia: Dhoni! Thank you.

Sophie Choudry: An exceptional player, an exemplary leader, an absolute class act on and off the field…A true legend!! Thank you for everything you have done for Indian cricket MS… Wish you nothing but the best always.

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