Pooja Hegde lambasts IndiGo staffer for rude behavior; airline apologizes

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Pooja Hegde lambasts IndiGo staffer for rude behavior; airline apologizes

Pooja Hegde, one of the top actresses in Tamil and Telugu film industries, on Thursday lambasted a staff member of IndiGo, who allegedly behaved in a rude manner with her costume assistant for no reason when the actress and her team were flying out of Mumbai.

Taking to Twitter, Pooja Hegde wrote, “Extremely sad with how rude IndiGo6E staff member, by the name of Vipul Nakashe, behaved with us today on our flight out from Mumbai. Absolutely arrogant, ignorant, and threatening tone used with us for no reason. Normally I don’t tweet about these issues, but this was truly appalling.”

Pooja’s tweet evoked a swift response from the airline, which apologized for the inconvenience caused to Puja and her team in a bid to resolve the issue.

The airline said, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Ms. Hegde. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to you and would like to assure you that we are certainly looking into this matter to ensure that there are no recurrences.”

Pooja accepted the apology but pointed out that the apology must first be made to her costume assistant, who, she claimed, was discriminated against.

She tweeted, “Thanks for apologizing for his behavior but honestly, the first apology should go to my costume assistant towards whom he discriminated against and lastly us. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, irrespective of where they come from or who they are. There’s a way to talk.

“You cannot claim that a purse counts as hand luggage and not allow an actual carry-on bag. More so, for no valid reason, you cannot threaten to deplane someone to show power. The point of this tweet was to hope that there is no abuse of power and all people are treated equally and kindly.”

 

Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming film’s title is locked; it’s ‘Prince’

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Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming film’s title is locked; it’s ‘Prince’

Extensively filmed in Puducherry and London, the shoot of Sivakarthikeyan and director Anudeep KV’s Telugu-Tamil bilingual movie is in its final stages. The makers have also finalized the title and released the first-look poster.

‘Prince’ is the title locked for the movie and Sivakarthikeyan appears like a peacemaker in the poster, as he wears white and white with a globe in his hand. The hands are painted with country maps and we can also see a world map and a dove which is the symbol of peace can be seen in the background.

The poster oozes positive vibes with a smile on Sivakarthikeyan’s face as he appears like a real Prince in it. The makers have announced that they intend to release ‘Prince’ on August 31 on the auspicious occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi day in Telugu and Tamil around the world.

Maria Ryaboshapka, the Ukrainian actress last seen in ‘Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story’, plays the female lead in the film. Senior actor Sathyaraj also has an important role in the movie. Its music has been composed by S. Thaman.

Cybertruck will be Tesla’s best product ever: Musk

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Cybertruck will be Tesla’s best product ever: Musk

Tech billionaire Elon Musk said he believes that the upcoming Cybertruck will be the company’s “best product ever”.

According to Teslarati, the Cybertruck was spotted at the Moss Landing Battery System’s commissioning event in California earlier this week.

It was sporting its 30X Cold-Rolled Stainless-Steel exoskeleton and its somewhat challenging wiper blade, which has been in development for some time, along with other portions of the vehicle, which have been modified since the vehicle’s unveiling in late 2019.

The new interior images showed slight modifications to the cabin design, the report said.

Along with a new dashboard design and instrument cluster, the accelerator and brake pedals were also newly-designed, and it appeared to be running a version of the new Model X software.

However, among the most noticeable alterations to the futuristic electric vehicle is a new windshield wiper, which replaces the truck’s previous unusually huge wiper arm, which was on display at Tesla’s Cyber Rodeo event in Austin, Texas, in April.

Musk was not too happy and commented on the photos on Twitter, writing: “The wiper is what troubles me most. No easy solution. Deployable wiper that stows in the front trunk would be ideal, but complex”.

In 2019, the Cybertruck made its debut. The electric pickup truck was expected to be in production by now, but the manufacturer postponed production as it battled with supply chain issues and parts shortages.

The Cybertruck is not projected to start delivering until late 2023, with production slated for early next year.

 

Bihar child undergoes successful surgery, parents thank Sonu Sood

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Bihar child undergoes successful surgery, parents thank Sonu Sood

With help from Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, a two-and-half-year-old child from Bihar’s Nawada got a new lease of life on Thursday.

The little girl named Chahumukhi was born with four additional hands and legs in her body. Her parents, who work as daily wage laborers in Nawada, had gone to the SDO office a few days ago seeking help for Chahumukhi’s surgery.

While their efforts didn’t yield any immediate result, an onlooker made a video of Chahumukhi and uploaded it on social media.

After Sonu Sood saw the video, he sent his team to Nawada to contact Chahumukhi’s parents. With his initiative, Chahumukhi was taken to a private hospital in Surat for the surgery.

The doctors have now carried out the surgery successfully. The entire expenses were borne by Sonu Sood.

Following the successful operation on the child, Sonu Sood tweeted a photograph of Chahumukhi who could be seen resting on the hospital bed.

The actor said: “One of the toughest surgeries in the country is successful.”

He also thanked the Kiran Hospital in Surat and the doctors for the successful surgery.

Chahumukhi’s parents, who are natives of Hemda village under Warshaliganj block in Nawada district, thanked Sood for giving their daughter a new life.

Bihar child undergoes successful surgery, parents thank Sonu Sood

Shilpa fulfills dream of ‘DID L’il Masters’ contestant

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Shilpa fulfills dream of ‘DID L’il Masters’ contestant

Actress Shilpa Shetty will be seen gracing the show ‘DID L’il Masters’ along with her ‘Nikamma’ co-stars Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia.

The Bollywood diva fulfilled the dream of a contestant named Sagar, who wanted to buy a brand-new saree for his mother as she had never worn a fresh saree in her life.

In a bid to help the contestant achieve his lifelong dream, she brought a wonderful saree for his mom. That’s not it, she also praised Sonali Bendre for taking full responsibility for Sagar and for taking care of him just like her own child.

Shilpa said: “The way Sonali has taken care of this child, I think it is very beautiful. It is not very easy to take full responsibility for a person and to follow it with your whole heart. I would like to applaud Sonali for this. I have been following the show closely and I know that Sagar has always wanted to buy a new saree for his mom and today I would like to help him fulfill this wish.

“I have brought a brand-new saree for Sagar’s mom, and I would love to give it to him today.”

After this special gesture by Shilpa, Sagar went on to mention how his mom has always worn a second-hand saree given to her by other people. He happily exclaimed that this will be the first new saree that his mom will be wearing.

‘DID L’il Masters’ airs on Zee TV.

‘Forensic’ trailer promises edge-of-the-seat thriller as Radhika Apte returns after hiatus

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‘Forensic’ trailer promises edge-of-the-seat thriller as Radhika Apte returns after hiatus

The trailer of the psychological thriller ‘Forensic’, which stars Vikrant Massey as Johnny Khanna, a forensic specialist, and Radhika Apte as Megha Sharma, a police officer, was unveiled on Thursday.

As seen in the trailer, ‘Forensic’ is an edge-of-the-seat thriller where young girls are murdered on their birthdays in shocking ways. As new evidence comes forward with the help of advanced forensic technologies, the suspect keeps changing and the mystery keeps rising.

However, when the best possible duo – Johnny and Megha come together to crack open the case, they make good headway but at the cost of their personal and professional lives which turn upside down.

Commenting on the occasion, actor Vikrant Massey, who has had successful OTT releases in the past like ‘Haseen Dillruba’ and ‘Love Hostel’, said in a statement, “Forensic experts are so underrated, and I am glad that for the first time in Bollywood, we have a movie with a forensic expert in the lead.”

“Just like a good script is incomplete without a good director, I believe a criminal case is incomplete without a good forensic expert and I hope that we are able to do justice to this profession via the movie. ‘Forensic’ is an exciting, edge-of-the-seat crime thriller with shocking twists and turns and I am looking forward to another successful OTT release with ZEE5,” he shared further in his statement.

The film is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film of the same name and is directed by ‘Chhorii’ helmer Vishal Furia, and is produced by Mini Films and Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

Sharing her excitement on the film’s trailer launch, Radhika Apte, who has commanded a huge fan following courtesy of her successful OTT projects like ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Ghoul’, said, “I am returning to the screens after more than a year and I am super thrilled about it. Even though Forensic is an adaptation of a south film, I can guarantee that the viewers are in for a surprising shock as this is not just another murder mystery.

“The plot is tight, the suspense is ‘killer’, and the shock is inevitable so I’m super pumped for this release and I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction”.

‘Forensic’, which also stars Prachi Desai, Vindu Dara Singh, and Rohit Roy in pivotal roles, will premiere on ZEE5 on June 24.

Kartik Aaryan’s short film ‘Silvat’ to premiere on June 12

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Kartik Aaryan’s short film ‘Silvat’ to premiere on June 12

The short film ‘Silvat’ starring Kartik Aaryan is all set to release on the Zindagi channel on June 12.

Set in the late ’90s, the film tells the story of Noor and Anwar who share a passionate love for each other but are bound by societal norms and fidelity. A saga of forbidden love, it perfectly encapsulates the misery incomplete love brings with it.

Starring Kartik Aaryan and Meher Mistry as Anwar and Noor, the film features one of Aaryan’s most laudable performances.

Talking about the film, Kartik Aaryan said,” ‘Silvat’ is a very very special film and it will always be extremely close to my heart. Anwar’s character is unlike all the other characters that I have played in my career so far. This is a film that I shot 6 years back and I cannot believe it’s being showcased again.

“It feels really overwhelming and validating as an actor to see your old work getting that kind of appreciation, so many years down the lane too. The film perfectly depicts the emotional turmoil that the characters go through.

“From the script, dialogue to the music, each element plays a vital role in bringing the film together and that’s what is so beautiful about it,” he further added.

This social drama is directed by noted filmmaker Tanuja Chandra, who is known for creating female-centric films including movies like ‘Qarib Qarib Single’ and ‘Dushman’.

Talking about the film’s journey, director Tanuja said, “I am thrilled that a film that is such a special one for me, is finally going to be seen by audiences on their television screens at home. This is the reason we tell stories – to share them with people, and a love story that’s filled with intensity and emotions is something that invariably speaks to peoples’ own, personal experiences.”

The film has been written by Faraz Ansari, who is known to tell stories on social issues like LGBTQ rights through his movies and has been acknowledged for his films Sheer Qorma’, ‘Sisak’, ‘And Stanley Ka Dabba’.

‘Silvat’ will be available on Zindagi’s value-added service DTH platforms Tata Play, and 117 on Dish TV and D2H service.

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Maj Sandeep’s mom wore same saree for ‘Major’ screening that she wore for his graduation 23 yrs ago

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Maj Sandeep’s mom wore same saree for ‘Major’ screening that she wore for his graduation 23 yrs ago

While Adivi Sesh is overwhelmed with the praise coming his way for his performance in ‘Major’, the most special words were those from Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s parents who watched the film in Bangalore with Adivi.

In a touching gesture, Maj Sandeep’s mother Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan also wore the same saree at the screening that she had worn 23 years ago during her son’s pipping ceremony when he joined the Indian Army. She also wore the watch he gifted her.

It was an emotional and surreal moment for Adivi to relive these special moments with the late Major’s family, as they watched a tribute to him on the big screen.

Narrating this emotional moment, Adivi says, “Two days before the release, we did the premiere in Bangalore. Amma (late Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s mother) called me and said, “23 years ago, I wore this saree for Major Sandeep’s graduation. Today, I’m wearing this saree for you.

“She showed me the watch he gave her and she came to watch the film. I kid you not, the moment I saw her I hugged her for four minutes and I held their hands while watching the film. It was a surreal feeling, parents watching a film inspired by their son who is no longer there. After the film they gave me a kiss, I held their hands and sat on the floor and at that moment, I knew we won.”

Adivi has been flooded with rave reviews for his sensitive and moving portrayal of the late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who will forever remain in our memory for his bravery and sacrifice in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

 

‘Just married Nayanthara’, says Vignesh Shivan as he posts wedding pic

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‘Just married Nayanthara’, says Vignesh Shivan as he posts wedding pic

Director Vignesh Shivan, who wed the love of his life Nayanthara on Thursday morning at a popular resort in Mahabalipuram, has posted his first wedding picture on social media.

Taking to Twitter, Vignesh Shivan posted a picture of him planting a kiss on his wife’s forehead immediately after their wedding and said, “On a scale of 10 She’s Nayan & am the One! With God’s grace, the universe, all the blessings of our parents & best of friends, Just married Nayanthara!”

Vignesh Shivan tied the sacred ‘Thali’ around actress Nayanthara’s neck at around 10.24 a.m. this morning even as guests who had gathered for the wedding showered their blessings upon the newly-wed couple.

Sources said that the couple came down the stage after the wedding and took the blessings of superstar Rajinikanth who was seated next to Shah Rukh Khan and director Mani Ratnam in the audience.

The couple has made arrangements to provide lunch to over a lakh people all across the state as part of their wedding arrangements. Food is to be provided to destitute people and inmates of old age homes all across the state. This apart, arrangements for ‘Annadanam’ at select temples have also been made by the celebrity couple, whose wedding has been the cynosure of all eyes.

As part of their wedding arrangements, the couple has also chosen to provide food to 18,000 children all across the state.

Sarath Kumar hails ‘Nenjukku Needhi’ as ’emotional film with message of equality’

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Sarath Kumar hails ‘Nenjukku Needhi’ as ’emotional film with message of equality’

Actor Sarath Kumar has praised director Arunraja Kamaraj’s recently released film ‘Nenjukku Needhi’, calling it “a deeply emotional film with a message of equality.”

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Sarath Kumar, who is also the head of a political party in Tamil Nadu, wrote, “Had the privilege of watching ‘Nenjukku Needhi’ yesterday. A deep emotional film with a message for equality and a clear message that untouchability should be eradicated in our society. A calm dignified and effective performance (from) Udhayanidhi Stalin, great narrative by Arunraja Kamaraj, kudos!”

The film, featuring actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin in the lead, hit screens on May 20 and is produced by Boney Kapoor’s production house Bay View Projects along with Zee Studios.

A remake of the hit Hindi film ‘Article 15’, ‘Nenjukku Needhi’ was presented by Romeo Pictures.

Tanya Ravichandran played the female lead in the film, which also featured a host of stars including ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ winner Aari Arjunan, Shivani Rajashekar, Mayilsamy, Suresh Chakravarthy, Ilavarasu, and ‘Ratchasan’ fame Saravanan.

The music for the film was by Dhibu Ninan Thomas and the cinematography was by Dinesh Krishnan.

 

Chiranjeevi Latest News | Telugu Bullet | Mega 154

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Chiranjeevi Latest News | Telugu Bullet | Mega 154

Chiranjeevi Latest News | Telugu Bullet

 

 

PULICHERLA Balakrishna Intro First Look

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PULICHERLA Balakrishna Intro First Look

PULICHERLA Balakrishna Intro First Look

Adipurush Movie Update, Krishnam Raju in Adipurush

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Adipurush Movie Update, Krishnam Raju in Adipurush

Adipurush Movie Update, Krishnam Raju in Adipurush

 

Nani is confident that ‘Ante Sundaraniki’ will not annoy Brahmins (IANS Interview)

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Nani is confident that ‘Ante Sundaraniki’ will not annoy Brahmins (IANS Interview)

All set to release on Friday, the Telugu movie ‘Ante Sundaraniki’ is ‘Natural Star Nani’s second theatrical release in the post-pandemic scenario.

Nani feels that a lighthearted rom-com like ‘Ante Sundaraniki’ will be welcomed by theatre audiences.

“A film like this is much needed at this point of time after watching back-to-back huge action movies and after the pandemic, people need some relief, a breather which is just lighthearted, which will put a smile on you throughout the film and you walk out with a nice feeling. I mean that’s the kind of film we’re all looking for now. I’m super happy that it’s coming out now,” Nani said to IANS.

In the movie, Nani is a young Brahmin named Sundar whose dream is to visit the USA at least once in his life. Nazriya Nazim who played his love interest as Leela aims to become a popular photographer. The two different worlds of Sundar and Leela, their love story, and the fun in the journey together are depicted interestingly in ‘Ante Sundaraniki’.

While in the past there have been protests by Brahmin organizations over caricaturing and denigrating the community in some Telugu films, Nani who portrays the travails of a Brahmin youth in love with a Christian girl is confident that his movie will not annoy the community.

“Not at all. Because we didn’t exaggerate or mock anyone. Or it’s not a loud kind of comedy. It’s a very realistic approach. And we’re not discussing religion. We’re discussing people here. So I’m not worried about it at all,” he told IANS.

‘Ante Sundaraniki’ starring Nani, Nazriya Nazim, and Fahadh Faasil, is directed by Vivek Athreya and produced by Mythry Movie Makers. Vivek Sagar composed the music for the movie released on June 10, in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.

Raashi Khanna plays Dhanush’s high school friend in ‘Thiruchitrambalam’

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Raashi Khanna plays Dhanush’s high school friend in ‘Thiruchitrambalam’

The team of director Mithran R. Jawahar’s much-awaited comedy-drama ‘Thiruchitrambalam’, featuring Dhanush in the lead, has disclosed actress Raashi Khanna’s character’s name and role in the film.

Taking to Twitter, director Mithran Jawahar posted a clip and said, “Meet Anusha played by Raashi Khanna.”

Actor Dhanush too released the same short clip in which actress Raashi is seen sitting in the driver’s seat of a car. He wrote, “‘Thiruchitrambalam’… Meet Anusha… His high school friend.”

The film, which will also feature Nithya Menon, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Prakash Raj and director Bharathi Raja, has music by Anirudh.

This is the first time that Anirudh is scoring music for a Mithran R. Jawahar film.

The film has cinematography by Om Prakash and editing by Prasanna G.K. It has been produced by Sun Pictures Kalanithi Maran.

 

Vignesh weds Nayanthara, couple seeks blessings from Rajinikanth

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Vignesh weds Nayanthara, couple seeks blessings from Rajinikanth

Director Vignesh Shivan wed the love of his life, actress Nayanthara, at a grand and glittering ceremony on Thursday in the presence of close family members and a host of friends from the film industry.

Vignesh Shivan tied the sacred ‘Thali’ around actress Nayanthara’s neck at around 10.24 a.m. even as guests who had gathered for the wedding showered their blessings upon the newlywed couple.

Sources said that the couple came down the stage after the wedding and took the blessings of actor Rajinikanth who was seated next to Shah Rukh Khan and director Mani Ratnam in the audience.

The couple has made arrangements to provide lunch to over a lakh people all across the state as part of their wedding arrangements. Food is to be provided to destitute people and inmates of old age homes all across the state. This apart, arrangements for ‘annadanam’ at select temples have also been made by the celebrity couple, whose wedding has been the cynosure of all eyes.

Superstars Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupathi, director Mani Ratnam, actors Suriya, Karthi and Jyothika were some of the high profile guests who were present on the occasion.

Actor Vijay Sethupathi, who gave Vignesh Shivan his big break with ‘Naanum Rowdy Thaan’, arrived with his entire family to wish and greet the couple on their special day.

Other popular celebrities who were present on the occasion included directors Mohan Raja, Siva, K S Ravi Kumar, Atlee and actors Sarath Kumar and Radhika, S J Suryah and music director Anirudh.

Security to the venue was tight with as many as 80 bouncers having been deployed apart from a heavy posse of police personnel.

Chris Evans: Buzz Lightyear has always been a heroic character

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Chris Evans: Buzz Lightyear has always been a heroic character

Hollywood star Chris Evans, who will be seen voicing Buzz Lightyear in the upcoming film Lightyear, has opened up about how the movie will showcase the vulnerable side of the titular character.

“Buzz Lightyear has always been a determined, confident, and heroic character, but with ‘Lightyear’ we get a chance to see a more vulnerable and human side of Buzz,” says Evans.

He added: “We witness his struggles, uncertainties, and occasional failures.”

The film introduces viewers to the life story of Buzz Lightyear. From his strengths, and weaknesses to his struggles and motivation, the adventure drama journals the life of Toy Story’s original creator ‘Buzz Lightyear’.

It is directed by Angus MacLane, Lightyear. ‘Lightyear’ is based on Buzz, whose life turns upside down when he gets marooned on a hostile planet. He receives help from recruits and robots, but will Buzz be able to travel back home?

The film is set to hit the theaters on June 17.

 

Adivi Sesh announces Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Fund for CDS, NDA aspirants

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Adivi Sesh announces Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Fund for CDS, NDA aspirants

After the rousing reception ‘Major’ received and the impact it has made on audiences, actor Adivi Sesh on Wednesday announced the Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Fund, yet another attempt to take the late Major’s legacy ahead by helping CDS and NDA aspirants across the country.

The plans for this fund will soon be presented to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The fund will help aspirants from remote corners of the country access the training, guidance, and funding required for pursuing their dreams of serving the nation.

Talking about this development, Adivi Sesh says, “Major is not a film, it’s an emotion so I wanted to announce the ‘Major’ promise! We are going to start a fund in the name of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan for CDS and NDA aspirants across the country. Lots of people from villages and small towns don’t know how to apply or go about the process, they don’t have money for the textbooks or the guidance for the training institutes. We will provide that guidance, training, and funding and it will start with me. I will contribute to the fund and encourage my friends and fellow actors to as well. I will do everything in my power to make sure Major Sandeep’s legacy is not among the unsung heroes but the sung heroes.”

Adivi Sesh stars in the film ‘Major’ that traces the inspirational journey of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and his bravery and sacrifice in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The ‘Major’ fever hit the nation like wildfire, with audiences stepping out of theatres moved, emotional, and with a deep sense of pride and respect.

Rajinikanth, SRK, Mani Ratnam among guests at Vignesh Shivan-Nayanthara wedding

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Rajinikanth, SRK, Mani Ratnam among guests at Vignesh Shivan-Nayanthara wedding

Superstars Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupathi, and director Mani Ratnam are some of the high-profile guests who have arrived here at the Sheraton Grand for the wedding of the director Vignesh Shivan with actress Nayanthara.

Actor Vijay Sethupathi, who gave Vignesh Shivan his big break with ‘Naanum Rowdy Thaan’, arrived with his entire family to wish and greet the couple on their special day.

Other popular celebrities, who have arrived include directors Siva, K S Ravi Kumar, Atlee, actors Sarath Kumar and Radhika, and music director Anirudh.

Security at the venue is tight with as many as 80 bouncers having been deployed apart from a heavy posse of police personnel.

Meanwhile, sources hint that the couple — Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara — have made arrangements to provide lunch for over 18,000 children across Tamil Nadu as part of their wedding celebrations.

Babar Azam’s century, and Khushdil’s cameo help Pakistan beat West Indies by five wickets

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Babar Azam’s century, and Khushdil’s cameo help Pakistan beat West Indies by five wickets

Skipper Babar Azam (103) struck a fine century while Imam-ul-Haq (65) and Mohammad Rizwan (59) scored the fifties to help Pakistan overcome West Indies by five wickets in the first One-day International at the Multan Cricket Stadium here.

Azam was at his brilliant best while Imam-ul-Haq gave him good company as they raised 103 runs for the second wicket. He then added 108 runs for the third wicket with Rizwan before Khushdil Shah (41 not out off 23 balls) sealed victory with a late cameo as Pakistan did enough to sneak past Shai Hope and the West Indies.

Hope scored 127 to help West Indies reach 305/8 in 50 overs but with Babar and his boys standing tall, Pakistan reached 306.5 in 42.9 overs to win the first match of the series.

Babar Azam continued to make a mockery of opposition bowlers and the Pakistan captain was at it again on Wednesday night as he helped himself to yet another ODI century.

It was Babar’s third century on the trot and it also meant he becomes the first player in the history of ODI cricket to score three consecutive centuries on two separate occasions, said a report on the ICC’s official website.

Babar’s innings also saw him become the quickest player to notch 17 ODI centuries and the fastest to complete 1,000 ODI runs as captain. His 103 came off 107 balls and was studded with nine fours.

The 27-year-old who is seemingly still on the improve has recently targeted becoming the first player to be ranked No.1 in all three formats of the game.

Babar wasn’t the only player to reach three figures in Multan, with West Indies opener Shai Hope scoring his 12th ODI century with a stylish 127 that helped the Caribbean side post a highly competitive score of 305/8.

While Hope’s innings is unlikely to receive the same amount of plaudits as Babar’s, it was a knock of a similar class and really laid the platform for West Indies’ big total.

Hope smashed 15 fours and one massive six during his 134-delivery stay, with his 154-run stand with No.3 Shamarh Brooks a particular highlight.

It looked like Pakistan’s run chase was going to prove futile when Babar and Mohammad Rizwan were dismissed in quick succession, but finisher Khushdil Shah had other ideas.

The left-hander smashed four sixes and scored an unbeaten 41 during the closing stages of the chase to ensure Pakistan drew first blood in the three-match series.

It was only Khushdil’s fifth ODI, but he is making a name for himself as a reliable closer after he performed a similar role with aplomb against Australia in March.

Brief scores: West Indies 305/8 in 50 overs (Shai Hope 127, Shamarh Brooks 70, Rovman Powell 32; Haris Rauf 4/77, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/55) lost to Pakistan 306/5 in 49.2 overs (Babar Azam 103, Imam-ul-Haq 65, Mohammad Rizwan 59, Khushdil Shah 41 not out; Alzarri Joseph 2/55) by 5 wickets.

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