Priyanka Chahar Choudhary confirms she’s joining ‘Hero Heeroine’ cast

Mumbai, June 21, 2024
Actress Priyanka Chahar Choudhary has confirmed being a part of the Telugu film “Hero Heeroine”, starring Divya Khossla. She said that the film is a “wonderful opportunity”.

Priyanka said: “I’m thrilled to be part of ‘Hero Heeroine’ and collaborate with the amazing Prerna Arora. This film is a wonderful opportunity, and I can’t wait to bring my character to life alongside such a talented cast and crew.”

“The story is incredibly engaging, and I’m looking forward to the journey we will embark on together to create something truly special for the audience.”

The film marks the Telugu debut of Priyanka, who gained major stardom with her performance with “Udaariyaan”, where she played the role of Tejo Singh Virk.

Produced by Prerna Arora, “Hero Heeroine” also stars Paresh Rawal and Soni Razdan. Shooting is scheduled to commence in July in Hyderabad in Ramoji Film City.

Priyanka is also gearing up for the release of her web show “Dus June ki Raat,” where she stars opposite Tushar Kapoor. The show is set to premiere soon.

Born in Jaipur, Priyanka got her first lead role as Chandni in the film “Lateef To Laden” in 2018.

She ventured into the world of small screen in 2019 with “Gathbandhan”. She was also seen in the crime thriller film “Kandy Twist”. Priyanka was also seen in the reality show “Bigg Boss 16”, which MC Stan won.

Directed by Suresh Kumar, “Hero Heeroine” will have Divya reportedly play the role of Priyadarshini in the Telugu-Hindi film.(Agency)

Girl dangles mid-air for reel, Pune Police nab 2 for daredevil stunt

Mihir Gandhi and-his friend Minakshi Salunkhe making reel

Pune (Maharashtra), June 21, 2024
The Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station has arrested a man and woman for performing a potentially deadly stunt to click a reel atop a dilapidated temple building, an official said here on Friday.

They are identified as Mihir Gandhi, 27, and his friend Minakshi Salunkhe, 23, while a third person who was making the reel is absconding.

“After we got information about the video, we launched investigations and managed to trace them. They were summoned to the police station late last night and placed under arrest. We have charged them under IPC Section 336 and others,” Senior Inspector of Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station, Dashrath Patil told IANS.

However, since the offence is minor with a jail term of less than six months plus a fine or both, they will not be remanded to custody, added Patil.

Earlier this week, people of Pune were rattled to see the boy and girl, and the unidentified reel-maker performing a daring feat atop an abandoned temple roof.

Gandhi was seen lying at the edge of the temple roof and the girl Salunkhe, laughing away, gingerly got down, grabbed his hand and was seen dangling mid-air from a height equivalent to at least a 10-storied building.

The background showed the depth below the building, indicating that in case her grip slipped, she would have met with a gory end, as speeding vehicles ply on a road nearby.

The reel, which quickly went viral, elicited angry responses from the people who demanded stringent punishment for the duo for endangering their lives and setting a bad example for others, especially youngsters.

Patil said that the police are on the lookout for the third accomplice who was shooting the reel on his mobile and expressed hope that he would be caught soon.(Agency)

SC issues notice on plea seeking cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 counselling

New Delhi, June 21, 2024
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and others on a plea seeking cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 counselling cum seat allotment process which is likely to commence from July 6.

However, a vacation bench presided over by Justice Vikram Nath turned down the request to defer the commencement of the counselling for two days, i.e., till July 8, when the apex court is scheduled to hear the batch of pleas, including the petitions seeking cancellation of NEET-UG exam.

The Bench, also comprising S.V.N. Bhatti, observed that the first phase of counselling will extend for a week and halting the seat allotment process may result in irreparable loss of time.

After hearing the submission, the apex court ordered, “Issue notice. Tag (with the pending batch of petitions). In the meantime, learned counsel appearing for respondents NTA and Union of India may file their response within two weeks. The other respondents may also file their response on or before the next date fixed.”

The matter will be taken up for hearing on July 8.

In the past, the Supreme Court has reiterated that it would not pass any interim direction to stay the admission counselling process to medical programmes pursuant to the NEET examination amid the allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities.

The plea filed through advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava referred to the 2015 judgment where the apex court had cancelled the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) on the ground of mass cheating and multiple irregularities and had directed CBSE to conduct a re-test within four weeks.

It said, “The petitioners are seeking similar kind indulgence of this Hon’ble Court in the instant case too as the allegations levelled on the similar NEET-UG 2024 are much graver and more serious as compared to the AIPMT-2015.”

Further, the plea added that it would be in the interest of justice, equity and fairness and also in the interest of the future of about 24 lakh young students, to cancel the NEET-UG exam forthwith, stay counselling cum seat allotment process which is likely to commence from July 6 and re-conduct it.

The writ petition filed before the apex court said that the NEET-UG 2024 examination deserves to be cancelled in view of the statements recorded by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police, wherein, the accused persons categorically stated that the question paper was leaked and was provided to few candidates a day before the actual examination date and the leaked question paper was identical to the NEET-UG 2024 question paper actually provided to them.(Agency)

Forest fire kills 5, injures 44 in Turkey

Ankara, June 21, 2024
Five people were killed and 44 others injured in a forest fire in southeastern Turkey, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday.

A stubble fire broke out on Thursday night in the cultivated areas between the Cinar district of the Diyarbakir province and the Mazidagi district of the Mardin province, Yerlikaya said on social media platform X.

The fire was fueled by wind and quickly spread over a wide area, but it has been taken under control following firefighters’ interventions, reports Xinhua news agency, citing Yerlikaya.

Local authorities have issued warnings about the high risk of forest fires due to the forecasted extreme heat and dry weather conditions during the week.

Turkey is often subjected to forest fires in summer, especially in its western and southern regions.(Agency)

Music Day: Jasleen Royal is listening to ‘Assi Sajna’, ‘Tum Se’; Burrah binges on ‘Chaupai Sahib’ on loop

Mumbai, June 21, 2024
On the ‘World Music Day’, singers and songwriters Jasleen Royal and Jasdeep Singh aka Burrah, shared about the tracks that they are currently listening to on loop.

Jasleen, who is known for the track ‘Ranjha’ from the biographical war film ‘Shershaah’ starring Sidharth Malhotra said: “I am listening to ‘Assi Sajna’ and ‘Tum Se’ on loop right now. Both feel like the perfect mood for this weather and spark a subtle excitement making them feel like a warm hug.”

The song ‘Tum Se’ is sung by Raghav Chaitanya, Sachin-Jigar, and Varun Jain. It is from the science fiction romantic comedy movie ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

‘Assi Sajna’ is sung by Aditya Sharma, INTENSE, and Jasleen.

Burrah, who was a part of ‘MTV Hustle’ and ‘Coke Studio Bharat’, shared: “Currently I’m in a supremely creative space, been writing a lot of music, so I’ve been constantly listening and feeling my unreleased songs on loop to perfect them and bring them to truth. Beyond that, I’m constantly listening to ‘Chaupai Sahib’, it’s a hymn written by Guru Gobind Singh ji.”

“In Sikhism, it’s recited to gain spiritual safety and defence from external and internal enemies, worries and afflictions,” he said.

Burrah further added: “I’m working on a very special project.. deep inside I feel I’m in a sensitive and sacred space, like giving birth.

This activity serves to protect my energy and keep me grounded while also connecting me to the divine. Also been listening to ‘Bajarang Baan’ a lot. On a secondary note, ‘Sajni’ sung by Arijit Singh is constantly playing on loop at my home, it’s quite therapeutic as well.”

Jasleen is known for tracks like ‘Peh Gaya Khalara’, ‘Raatein’, ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’, ‘Nachde Ne Saare’, ‘Udd Chaliyan’, and most recently ‘Heeriye’, which featured Dulquer Salmaan.(Agency)

‘Chacha-bhatija’ Anil, Arjun Kapoor to shake a leg on ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ grand premiere

Mumbai, June 21, 2024
Bollywood star Anil Kapoor along with his actor-nephew Arjun Kapoor will be seen setting the ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ stage on fire at the grand premiere, which is set to take place on Friday evening.

Sources told IANS that the two will be seen dancing on the track “Chokra Jawaan” from the 2012 film “Ishaqzaade”, which marked Arjun’s debut in Hindi cinema as an actor.

Anil, who is for the first time stepping into the shoes of a host for a digital version of the controversial reality show “Bigg Boss”, which was earlier presented by filmmaker Karan Johar and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, will be seen shaking a leg on his numbers too.

The actor will be seen performing on the track “Kate Nahin Kat Te” from the 1987 film “Mr. India”. The song, which was originally sung by Alisha Chinai and Kishore Kumar, was originally picturised on him and the late actress Sridevi, who passed away in an accidental drowning in 2018.

He will then perform on the song “My Name Is Lakhan” from the 1989 film “Ram Lakhan”. The iconic track is synonymous with the actor, whose ‘tapori’ style in the film resonated with the country’s youth.

Anil will also be seen performing on the number “The Punjaabban Song” from the film “JugJugg Jeeyo” sung by Gippy Grewal, Zahrah S Khan, Tanishk Bagchi and Romy.

As the house is set to host its contestants, several names have been confirmed as the participants.

Diva journalist Shobhaa De to Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey and Internet sensation Chandrika Dixit, famously called the “vada pav” girl from the national capital, will be seen in the show.

Then there is Sonam Khan, the veteran actress, who has featured in films such as “Vishwatma” and “Tridev”, television actress Sana Sultan, content creator Vishal Pandey, actress Sana Maqbul, journalist Deepak Chaurasia; and Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta who were seen in the show “Temptation Island”, will also be seen in the show.(Agency)

Bengal LoP seeks Calcutta HC’s permission to stage protest near DGP office

Kolkata, June 21, 2024
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday, approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to organise a sit-in demonstration in front of the DGP’s office against the incidents of post-poll violence in the state.

The matter is likely to come up for hearing at the single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha on June 25. Earlier, Adhikari had sought permission to hold the sit-in demonstration in front of Raj Bhavan in central Kolkata.

After being denied the police permission, he approached the bench of Justice Sinha. However, Justice Sinha advised him to choose an alternative venue to hold the same.

Finally, on Friday, he informed the court that he had decided to organise the sit-in demonstration in front of the office of the Director General of Police (DGP).

Adhikari had already clarified that his earlier decision to conduct the demonstration in front of the Raj Bhavan was not meant to target the Governor on the issue of post-poll violence.

“Last year, the ruling Trinamool Congress had organised a five-day protest in front of Raj Bhavan on another issue. Police gave them the requisite permission despite Section 144 being imposed there year-round. So we expected the police to permit us also,” the LoP said.

Already, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, after meeting Suvendu Adhikari and some victims of post-poll violence had issued a strong statement on the matter and claimed that he will see it through the end to end this menace.(Agency)

NSE warns investors of individuals, entities promising assured returns in stock market

New Delhi, June 21 2024-

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) issued an advisory on Friday cautioning investors of certain individuals and entities promising assured returns on investment in the stock market.

The exchange said in a statement that investors are cautioned and advised not to subscribe to any such scheme/product offered by any person/entity offering indicative/assured/guaranteed returns in the stock market as the same is prohibited by law.

The NSE said that a Telegram channel named ‘Leverage Consultants’ operating through the mobile number ‘9257674662’ and an individual named ‘Amisha Thakur’ operating via mobile number ‘9366171650’ — is “providing securities market tips and assured returns on investment in the stock market”.

“It may also be noted that the said person/entity is not registered either as a member or authorised person of any registered member of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited,” said the NSE.

The stock exchange also advised investors not to share their trading credentials, such as user ID/password, with anyone.

“Exchange has provided a facility of ‘Know/Locate your Stock Broker’ under the link https://www.nseindia.com/invest/find-a-stock-broker on its website, to check the details of the registered member and its authorised persons,” it mentioned. (Agency)

Arzoo Govitrikar makes TV comeback after 6-year hiatus with ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Renowned actress Arzoo Govitrikar, has made her television comeback after a six-year hiatus with the show ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’, and has opened up on her character Neelima.

Arzoo, who is known for her work in ‘Ek Ladki Anjaani Si’, ‘Ghar Ek Sapnaa’, and others joined ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’ as Neelima Maasi, Sid’s (Bharat Ahlawat) aunt who has raised him as her own son.

However, Neelima has a complex personality and a dark side that will unfold as the story progresses.

Speaking about her entry in the show, Arzoo shared: “After being away from television for quite some time, I was seeking a unique role for a strong comeback, and Neelima’s character came to me at the perfect moment. The storyline really caught my attention, and I’m excited to portray the character of Neelima as this role is very different from anything I’ve done before.”

“I’m eager to bring this character to life. Neelima is a modern-age woman who is known for her stylish and modern demeanour. She is a successful businesswoman and loves Sid as her own child. However, there’s more to Neelima than meets the eye. I’m excited for viewers to see me as Neelima Maasi and hope they will embrace my character and the show with their love and support,” added Arzoo.

It also features Khyati Keswani as Amrita, Swati Sharma as Aashi,

The show airs on Shemaroo Umang.

Arzoo has been a part of projects like ‘Baghban’, ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’, ‘Tulsi’, and ‘Manmadhan’. (Agency)

Original diva journalist Shobhaa De confirmed as ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ contestant

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Diva journalist Shobhaa De will be seen as a contestant in the controversial reality show ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’, which is all set to have its grand premiere on Friday.

Sources told IANS that Shobhaa De, who is referred to as the ‘Jackie Collins of India’ for her depiction of socialites and sex in her works of fiction, will be a part of the show, hosted by Anil Kapoor for the first time.

Apart from Shobha, another big personality to star in the show is Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey, who was last seen on the big screen in “Tiger 3” starring Salman Khan, Emraan Hashmi and Katrina Kaif.

Others who will be seen in the show include names such as veteran actress Sonam Khan, the viral “vada pav girl” Chandrika Dixit, Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta, who were seen in the show “Temptation Island”, television actress Sana Sultan, and content creator Vishal Pandey.

Several reports also claim that actress Sana Maqbul and journalist Deepak Chaurasia will also be seen in the show.

“Bigg Boss OTT” is the spin-off version of “Bigg Boss”, which first premiered in August 2021 and hosted by Karan Johar. The second season, hosted by Salman Khan, aired in 2023. (Agency)