On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC 814 took off from Kathmandu to Delhi, carrying 179 passengers and crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the flight was hijacked by Pakistani terrorists. The plane was first landed in Amritsar, from where it was flown to Kandahar, Afghanistan. During this time, the terrorists demanded the release of their associates from the Indian government. The situation was extremely critical as the terrorists had put the lives of the passengers at risk. Finally, on December 28, 1999, the Indian government struck a deal with the Taliban, under which three dangerous terrorists—Maulana Masood Azhar, Omar Sheikh, and Mushtaq Zargar—were released.

Recently, Amarjit Singh Dulat, the former head of India’s intelligence agency RAW, made a significant revelation regarding this incident. He admitted that there were lapses in decision-making by India’s security agencies during the hijacking. Dulat revealed that when the plane was grounded in Amritsar, Indian security forces had the opportunity to ensure that the plane did not leave Indian territory. However, a wrong decision was made at this crucial moment, which allowed the plane to be flown to Kandahar. Dulat also mentioned that he had a lengthy conversation with Sarabjit Singh, the then-DGP of Punjab. Sarabjit Singh had made it clear that he was not KPS Gill, who would risk his job to take bold steps. The then-Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal also did not want any bloodshed in Amritsar. Due to such concerns, clear instructions were not received from Delhi, resulting in a missed opportunity to stop the terrorists.

Dulat further stated that after the plane left Amritsar, India had no option but to negotiate with the terrorists. The decisions made at that time were appropriate given the circumstances, but Dulat has acknowledged the mistakes in decision-making before, and continues to do so. Ultimately, the hostages aboard the plane were safely brought back after the release of the three terrorists as part of the deal between the Indian government and the Taliban on December 28, 1999. Then-Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh personally went to Kandahar to hand over the three terrorists. Upon reaching Kandahar, officers from Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI identified the terrorists’ relatives, ensuring the release of the passengers.

Bollywood’s megastar, Amitabh Bachchan, was showered with tons of affection and adoration at mid-night, making his birthday memorable for him and his family. On his 81st birthday, Big B was observed celebrating his special day with his fans and well-wishers outside his residence – Jalsa. With folded hands, a welcoming smile and humbleness on the face, the shehenshah of Bollywood expressed his gratitude to all his fans who gathered outside his place. Adored by every artist in the Bollywood industry, Amitabh Bachchan was flooded with heartfelt wishes from the film fraternity, prominent leaders and netizens on various platforms of social media. Not only Big B was spotted but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Aradhya from his family were also spotted celebrating the beginning of the special day.  Conferred with various national, international and other Filmfare awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke, Legion of Honor for his eminent contribution to the field of arts and cinema, people on social media remember his best work and years of dedication.

One of the most prominent and successful Hindi actors who is also known for his dominant presence in domains like producing, hosting and playback singing, began his career not through acting skills but as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s Bhuvan Shome in 1969 which won a national award. His acting debut was through the movie Saat Hindustani whereas it was Anand which garnered him his first ever Film Fare award in the category of best supporting actor. In his career span of over five decades, he has starred in more than 200 films, fetching his audiences superhits like Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, Roti, Kapda aur Makaan, Coolie, Amar, Akbar, Anthony, Don, Naseeb, Laawaris, Silsila, Shehenshah, Agnipath, Paa, Piku, Badla and many more.

From opening the trust in his father’s name, who, as a great poet, influenced his thought process and discipline in life to a major extent, to donating to various social causes, he exhibits his empathetic behaviour and concern for the needy. The Allahbadi born, has always stood up for social causes like Polio, swacchh Bharat mission, Save Tiger, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.

Various actors like Kajol, Aditi Rao Haydri and Vicky Kaushal from the young generation were spotted expressing their joy and passing on the wishes to the biggest star of Bollywood. As per the reports a restaurant in Madhya Pradesh has also offered a 25% discount on the occasion whereas the social media was flooded with various movie clips, songs, reels and Ads starring one of the best actors that the nation has ever witnessed and revered.

By Sneha Yadav

Mumbai: Prime Video has set September 7 as the advanced debut date of genius Rajinikanth’s most recent film Jailer. Created by Sun Pictures and coordinated by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer stars Rajinikanth ahead of the pack job. Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vinayakan, Tamannaah and Expert Ritvik balance the cast. The film likewise includes exceptional appearances from Malayalam whiz Mohanlal, Kannada genius Shiva Rajkumar, and Bollywood star Jackie Shroff.

Jailer delivered in auditoriums on August 10. Following its advanced presentation, Prime individuals in India and north of 240 nations and domains overall will actually want to stream the activity performer in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.

The story focuses on a resigned officer Tiger Muthuvel Pandiyan (Rajinikanth), who goes on a manhunt to track down his child’s executioners. As he explores the shadows of his child’s reality, Muthuvel’s assurance is scrutinized, driving him through a perplexing and natural way, the authority outline peruses.

“Jailer is very unique to me; I had Rajinikanth sir to raise the story with his particular acting style, and had geniuses from the Indian entertainment world – Mohanlal sir, Shiva Rajkumar sir, and Jackie Shroff sir – to add their mysterious touch to this mass performer. We are energized for crowds across the globe to now partake in this activity show, whenever and anyplace, from their homes,” chief Nelson said in a proclamation.

C Sembian Sivakumar, COO, Sun Pictures, said they are eager to show the film to the worldwide crowd. “The film’s staggering accomplishment across theaters is a confirmation of Nelson’s vision and the whole group’s diligent effort and commitment. We are presently eager to take this genuinely rich performer to crowds across the globe in various dialects through Prime Video,” he said.

The jury held a press conference on Thursday at the National Media Centre in New Delhi to present the 69th National Film Awards. Anurag Thakur, the Union I&B Minister, received the list of winners for the feature, non-feature, and best script categories from the National Film Awards jury members.

Here is the full list of winners at the 69th National Film Awards:

• Best Feature Film: “Rocketry”
• Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan for “Godavari”
• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: “RRR”
• Nagis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: “The Kashmir Files”
• Best Actor: Allu Arjun for his standout portrayal in Pushpa.”
• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for her embodiment in “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” and Kriti Sanon for her role in Mimi.”
• Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for his impactful contribution to Mimi.”
• Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi, acknowledged for her exceptional role in “The Kashmir Files.”
• Best Child Artist: Bhavin Rabari, whose talent illuminated “Chhello Show.”

Script and Musical Brilliance

• Best Original Screenplay: Shahi Kabir for “Nayattu”
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha for “Gangubai Kathiawadi.”
• Best Dialogue Writers: Utkarshini Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia for “Gangubai Kathiawadi.”
• Best Music Director (Songs): Devi Sri Prasad for “Pushpa”
• Best Music Direction (Background Music): MM Keeravaani for “RRR”
• Best Playback Singers*: Kaala Bhairava for “RRR” and Shreya Ghoshal for “Iravin Nizhal.”
• Best Lyrics: Chandrabose for “Dham Dham Dham” from “Konda Polam”
• Regional Gems
• Best Hindi Film: “Sardar Udham”
• Best Kannada Film: “777 Charlie”
• Best Malayalam Film: “Home”
• Best Gujarati Film: “Chhello Show”
• Best Tamil Film: “Kadaisi Vivasayi”
• Best Telugu Film: “Uppena”

Technical 

• Best Cinematography: Avik Mukhopadhayay for “Sardar Udham”
• Best Costume Designer: Veera Kapur Ee for “Sardar Udham”
• Best Special Effects: Srinivas Mohan for “RRR”
• Best Production Design: Dmitrii Malich and Mansi Dhruv Mehta for “Sardar Udham”
• Best Editing: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for “Gangubai Kathiawadi”
• Best Makeup: Preetisheel Singh for “Gangubai Kathiawadi”
• Best Stunt Choreography: King Soloman for “RRR”
• Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith for “RRR”

Distinguished Recognitions

• Special Jury Award: “Shershaah,” helmed by Vishnuvardhan
• Special Mention: Late Shri Nallandi for “Kadaisi Vivasayi,” Aranya Gupta and Bithan Biswas for “Jhilli,” Indrans for “Home,” and Jahanara Begum for Anur.”

The 69th National Film Awards served as a platform to salute the abundant talent and ingenuity thriving within Indian cinema. These victors have etched an unforgettable impression on the industry, captivating audiences with their narratives, performances, and technical virtuosity. The eagerness for the forthcoming award ceremony, which will elevate these achievements on a grand scale, is palpable amongst movie enthusiasts and the film fraternity at large.

The 40-year-old vocalist was going through treatment for unexpected issues and died in the midst of close relatives and companions. Hailing from a straightforward town in Haryana, Raju Punjabi’s ascent to popularity comprised a particular mix of customary Haryanvi society tunes with present-day melodic components. His melodies resounded across ages and foundations, spreading his fame past the lines of Haryana to the adjoining locales. Outline-beating hits like “Lehenga,” “Desi Na Bolya Kar,” and “Principal Pariyaan Si” exhibited his capacity to imbue contemporary music with the provincial appeal that has been a sign of his celebrated lifetime.

His melodies have collected a large number of perspectives on different music stages, spreading the word about him as a well-known name in the business. The insight about Raju Punjabi’s unexpected end has resounded in the music business as well as via online entertainment stages. The amazing overflow of sympathies from fans and individual artists mirrors the effect he had on Haryanvi music.

Regarded individuals from the Haryanvi music local area have approached him to impart individual stories of their joint effort and feature his commitment to the class. Considering Raju Punjabi’s music, an individual Haryanvi vocalist communicated, “His songs were considerably more than just verses; they were an impression of the pith of Haryana, which reverberated profoundly with its kin.” The void made by the surprising destruction of Raju Punjabi is tremendous and will be challenging to fill in the Haryanvi music scene.

His one-of-a-kind style, sincere verses, and magnetic stage presence have established his heritage as a symbol in the business. As the local music scene wrestles with this misfortune, his melodies will keep on reverberating in towns and urban communities, guaranteeing that his memory lives on. Raju Punjabi’s passing is a strong sign of the delicacy of life and the profound effect specialists make through their craft. In the midst of the sorrow, the Haryanvi music organisation praises his inheritance and the delight he brought to endless lives through his melodic arrangements.

By Harshit Sankhla

Prasad shared a video of Dhoni’s collection on his Twitter account while writing, “One of the craziest passions I have seen in a person. What a collection and what a man MSD is . A great achiever and a even more incredible person. This is a glimpse of his collection of bikes and cars in his Ranchi house. Just blown away by the man and his passion @msdhoni.”

The first look poster features an intense close-up of Deepika, in which she looks compelling donning a black-rugged scarf.

Sharing the poster with their fans on social media, the film’s production banner, Vyjayanthi Movies wrote, “A hope comes to light, for a better tomorrow. This is @DeepikaPadukone from #ProjectK. First Glimpse on July 20 (USA) & July 21 (INDIA).”