Rhea Chakraborty denies ever meeting Aaditya Thackeray

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Rhea Chakraborty denies ever meeting Aaditya Thackeray

Actress Rhea Chakraborty has denied ever meeting Aaditya Thackeray, in a statement issued on Monday through her lawyer Satish Mandhinde.

“The comments made at the last hearing before the Hon’ble Supreme Court on the 11th of August 2020, make it evident that this has become more about politics than the truth. Unwanted and irrelevant submissions are being made. A number of politicians (are) taking advantage of this case on the eve of elections in Bihar. Rhea does not know and has never met Aaditya Thackeray till today. Neither has she ever spoken to him telephonically or otherwise, though she has heard of him as a leader of the Shiv Sena,” Manshinde said on behalf of his client, Rhea.

Shiv Sena scion Aaditya Thackeray is Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment in the Government of Maharashtra, and an MLA of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Mumbai. His name has been come up in unsubstantiated allegations pertaining to the death of Rhea’s boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Manshinde also added that Rhea knows and has met actor Dino Morea socially as he is her senior in the film industry, and nothing more. Dino’s name has come up in the case because it was alleged that the actor hosted the June 13 party in which Sushant was present, a day before the latter’s death. Dino has earlier denied hosting any such party.

Sushant’s sister molested Rhea after getting drunk, which lead to rift between siblings: Lawyer

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Sushant’s sister molested Rhea after getting drunk, which lead to rift between siblings: Lawyer

The legal team of Rhea Chakraborty has detailed the entire incident pertaining to the previous allegation made by the actress that it was Priyanka, sister of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who had molested her after getting too drunk, and the incident had, in turn, created a rift between the siblings.

Rhea’s lawyer Satish Maneshinde detailed the whole incident in the fresh statement.

“In the initial months of their relationship, when Rhea had visited Sushant’s house, his sister Priyanka and her husband Siddharth were living with him. One night, in and around April 2019, Rhea and Priyanka had gone out to a party. Priyanka consumed copious amounts of alcohol and was behaving inappropriately with men as well as women at that party. So, Rhea insisted that they return to Sushant’s home. Upon returning, Sushant and his sister continued drinking alcohol while Rhea retired for the night as she had a shoot the next morning. Rhea was asleep in Sushant’s room when she suddenly awoke to find Priyanka had got into bed with her and was groping her. Rhea was extremely shocked and demanded that she leave the room immediately. Subsequently, Rhea herself left the house. Thereafter, Rhea informed Sushant as to what had transpired, and Sushant got into an argument with his sister regarding the same. That due to the aforesaid incident, the relationship between Sushant’s family and Rhea had been strained since inception. Even after his death when a list of 20 people was made to attend the funeral, Rhea’s name was not included in the list and hence excluded from attending the funeral,” said Manshinde.

About how Rhea and Sushant came to know each other and the actress’s subsequent departing from the late actor’s home, the lawyer added: “Rhea and Sushant were known to each other over the past several years as they were both working in the Indian film industry. Rhea and Sushant had maintained a cordial friendship and would occasionally communicate with each other. In April 2019, Rhea and Sushant had attended a party hosted by the film fraternity and shortly thereafter they began dating each other. Even though they spent a lot of time at each other’s homes, they officially moved in together in December 2019 and live at Mont Blanc, Bandra, till Rhea left on the 8th of June 2020.”

Talking about the allegations against Rhea, he said: “It is total nonsense and an afterthought to make allegations after a period of 40 days, the manner in which it has been made before Bihar Police. No allegations whatsoever were made till 27th July 2020 by anybody in the family before Mumbai Police or to any authority. Their statements were recorded by police in Mumbai. They are educated and have an IPS officer OP Singh in the family. The allegations are totally concocted and fabricated for ulterior purposes.”

Manshinde continued: “Rhea denies all allegations of abetment of suicide, misappropriation of funds and others or otherwise. The Mumbai Police and the Enforcement Directorate have been handed over all of Rhea’s financial documents, which clearly show the falsity of such allegations. She has not received a single transfer from Sushant’s accounts. All her Income Tax Returns have been examined by police as well as Enforcement Directorate (ED). Neither of them has found anything incriminating against,” he added.

Sushant was found dead in his home in Mumbai on June 14. Before his death, Maneshinde claims that the actor kept on trying to reach his family.

“Sushant had been calling his family, informing them of his decision to move out of Mumbai and requesting them to come and meet him. After several days of Sushant calling and crying over the phone, his sister Mitu agreed to come live with him on the 8th of June 2020. Due to this development, Sushant requested Rhea to live with her parents for the time being. Rhea had been suffering from her own anxiety issues and often endured panic attacks. Sushant’s conduct also aggravated these conditions. Even though Rhea was desirous of seeing her family, she was not at all comfortable with leaving Sushant. On the very same day,8th June 2020, Rhea had arranged to have a therapy session of her own with Dr. Susan Walker and requested Sushant if she could leave after the session. However, Sushant told her to leave immediately before his sister Mitu arrived. Thus Rhea reluctantly left and informed Sushant to let her or her brother know about anything he required or in case he needed to talk,” Manshinde claimed.

It was shared that Mumbai Police and ED have investigated Rhea’s relationship with Sushant and her financial status at great length, and “till today nothing incriminating has been found against her”.

Manshinde also said that “Rhea does not know and has never met Aaditya Thackeray till today. Neither has she ever spoken to him telephonically or otherwise, though she has heard of him as a leader of the Shiv Sena”.

About Rhea’s alleged interaction with actor Dino Morea, the lawyer clarified that the actress knows and has met Dino socially as he is her senior in the film industry.

Continuing on the media overdrive about the case, Manshinde said: “The media is requested not to speculate its own theories and make unsubstantiated claims. She has remained silent to such allegations. Her silence should not be mistaken for weakness. The truth will remain the same,” said her lawyer.

Rhea, as put by her lawyer, would like the truth of the matter to be revealed by “virtue of a fair and impartial investigation”.

“She has admitted in her petition to the SC that she sent a message to Amit Shah to order a CBI investigation. She has also informed the Supreme Court that if the court transfers the case to CBI she had no objection. What she has challenged is the illegal registration and investigation of Bihar Police without jurisdiction, and transfer to CBI of an illegal investigation. Unless the Maharashtra Government consents to a CBI investigation, the case cannot be transferred to CBI. Instead, the Bihar Government ought to have transferred the investigation to Mumbai Police as per the notification issued by the Union Government,” the lawyer said.

He also stated that Rhea will not submit to an “illegal investigation”.

“My client has not shied away from cooperating with any investigating agency to date, but she is entitled to a fair and impartial investigation by an agency that has jurisdiction to investigate the case. The manner in which the proceedings were instituted and being conducted in Bihar made it appear unlikely that she would receive fair treatment,” said Maneshinde.

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”.

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