It was just yesterday when, after Saira Banu's lawyer released an official statement sharing the news of AR Rahman and Saira Banu's divorce, the music maestro posted an emotional message on his X account. Now, hours later, Rahman's bassist Mohini Dey has also announced that she and her partner Mark Hartsuch have decided to part ways. In her detailed post, she requested privacy and stated that they "would appreciate no judgments." AR Rahman's bassist announces her divorce View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohini Dey (@dey_bass) In a joint post on her Instagram, she wrote: "Dear friends, family, fans, and followers, with a heavy heart, Mark and I announce that we have separated. First, as a commitment to our friends and family, this is a mutual understanding between us. While we remain great friends, we have both decided that we want different things in life, and separation through mutual agreement was the best way to proceed. We will still be working on several projects together, including MaMoGi and the Mohini Dey groups. We have always prided ourselves on working well together, and that will not stop anytime soon. :) The big thing we want to wish is love to everyone out there in the world. We appreciate your support in all the ways you have given it to us. Please honor the decision we have made by being positive towards us during this time and respecting our privacy. We would appreciate no judgments." About AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s divorce “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for… — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 19, 2024 Meanwhile, Oscar-winning music maestro AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have decided to separate after nearly three decades of marriage. AR Rahman took to X and wrote: "We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.” His son, Ameen, also took to his Instagram Stories and requested privacy during this time. We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding," he wrote.
20 November,2024 04:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn the occasion of Rajkumar Hirani’s 62nd birthday, we’re revisiting his remarkable 20-year journey in the film industry. Over the years, Raju Hirani has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences and industry professionals alike, known for his unique ability to create stories that are both heartwarming and thought-provoking, with a perfect blend of humour. From 'Munnabhai MBBS' to 'Lage Raho Munnabhai', '3 Idiots', 'PK', 'Sanju', and 'Dunki', Raju Hirani has consistently delivered blockbuster films that resonate with millions. His success isn’t just limited to box office numbers; he has earned deep respect and admiration from his peers in the industry. As we celebrate 20 years of Rajkumar Hirani’s extraordinary contributions to cinema, let’s take a moment to revisit some of the heartfelt tributes from fellow filmmakers who have praised his craft and influence on the industry: Karan Johar: “I am jealous of him. It’s not jealousy, it’s envy. I have never been able to do what he does. His films are driven by great ideas. Maybe I don’t have that ability, but I would love to make the kind of films he makes. His scripts are so strong. I can only hope to come across scripts like his.” S. S. Rajamouli: During a promotional event, Rajamouli shared, “I am a fan of Rajkumar Hirani’s films. The way he crafts his stories, I can’t even imagine creating a single scene like that.” Anurag Kashyap: “Usually, we filmmakers try so hard to make our subject impactful that it can lose its essence for the audience. But Rajkumar Hirani doesn’t do that, and that’s what sets him apart,” said Kashyap. Javed Akhtar: “I am a big fan of Rajkumar Hirani. He does incredible work. I always say that to make great films, one must not only be a good director or writer but also a good human being—and Hirani is all of those things.” These reflections highlight not just Rajkumar Hirani’s immense talent but also the lasting influence he has had on the directors who admire him. As we celebrate his 20 years in the industry today, it’s clear that his journey is one of remarkable storytelling, craft, and love from both audiences and peers. Happy Birthday to a visionary filmmaker, and master storyteller whose impact on Indian cinema will be remembered for years to come.
20 November,2024 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent'Mufasa: The Lion King', one of the most anticipated cinematic spectacles is all set to roar with a brand-new tale, taking audiences back to the journey of Mufasa’s rise as the legendary King. This epic saga is already creating waves across India, promising to set records even before its grand release! In a move that has thrilled fans nationwide, we will hear the voices of some of the most celebrated superstars from across the country who have lent their voices to this visual extravaganza. Mahesh Babu and Arjun Das voice Mufasa in Telugu and Tamil versions Shah Rukh Khan and Mahesh Babu as the voice of Mufasa in Hindi and Telugu respectively created a huge buzz and built a massive anticipation for the film. It has just been announced that Tamil actor Arjun Das is the voice of Mufasa in Tamil. The makers know the pulse of the audience and pull the biggest stars from across the country. Along with the voice of Mufasa, the film boasts of the biggest names voicing other key characters in the film across these three languages. 'Mufasa: The Lion King' (Hindi) will see Shah Rukh Khan voicing 'Mufasa', Aryan Khan as 'Simba', AbRam Khan as 'Mufasa' (cub), Sanjay Mishra as 'Pumbaa', Shreyas Talpade as 'Timon', Makarand Deshpande as 'Rafiki' and Meiyang Chang as 'Taka'. 'Mufasa: The Lion King' (Tamil) will see Arjun Das as 'Mufasa', Ashok Selvan as 'Taka', Robo Shankar as 'Pumbaa', Singam Puli as 'Timon', VTV Ganesh as 'young Rafiki' and M. Nasser as 'Kiros'. 'Mufasa: The Lion King' (Telugu) will see Superstar Mahesh Babu as 'Mufasa', 'Brahmanandam' as 'Pumbaa', Ali as 'Timon', 'Satyadev' as Taka, Ayyappa P Sharma as 'Kiros'. Prepare to be awestruck as the legendary tale of the jungle returns, voiced by some of India’s most celebrated stars. This time audiences will witness Mufasa’s legacy roar across the nation like never before. More about 'Mufasa: The Lion King' 'Mufasa: The Lion King' enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, introducing an orphaned cub called Mufasa, a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline—and their expansive journey alongside an extraordinary group of misfits. The all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins. Disney’s 'Mufasa: The Lion King' will be released in Indian cinemas on 20th December 2024, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
20 November,2024 04:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rakul Preet Singh has treated her fans with her 'favourite men' on the occasion of International Men's Day. On Tuesday, Rakul took to Instagram Story and dropped a family picture featuring her husband Jackky Bhagnani, her in-laws, her parents and her brother. Picture Courtesy/Rakul Preet Singh's Instagram account She wrote, "All my favorite men in this pic, #happyinternationalmensday, Here is to all the men who truly support and empower the women in their lives." International Men's Day is celebrated globally on November 19th, recognizing men's positive impact on society, families, and communities. This day raises awareness about men's health, well-being, and gender equality, encouraging the promotion of positive male role models and fostering discussions about the obstacles men encounter in modern society." On the work front, Rakul will be next seen in 'De De Pyaar De 2'. 'De De Pyaar De 2' is directed by Anshul Sharma, produced by T-Series' Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar and Luv Films' Luv Ranjan & Ankur Garg. It will be released on May 1, 2025, coinciding with International Labour Day and Maharashtra Day. Rakul was last seen in 'Indian 2' alongside Kamal Haasan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | ANISushmita Sen is celebrating her 49th birthday on Tuesday and wishes have been pouring in for the actor from B-town celebs. Among the many celebs sending their love and blessings to the former beauty queen was Shilpa Shetty Shilpa Shetty took to her Instagram Story to share a throwback picture with Sushmita. She accompanied the phtot with an adorable message. "Happy Birthday, Sush! May this year bring you endless love, boundless joy, radiant health, and endless blessings. Keep shining like the star you are!@sushmitasen47," read Shilpa's the post Actor Rakul Preet Singh also posted a sweet message for Sushmita on her Instagram Story along with a beautiful picture of Sush. "Happy Birthday @sushmitasen47! May your day be surrounded by love, filled with laughter, and marked by unforgettable moments. Here's to a year of health, happiness, and success!" her post read. Sushmita made history in 1994 when she became the first Indian to win the Miss Universe title at the age of 18. Following her pageant success, Sushmita entered Bollywood, and made her debut in 1996 with 'Dastak'. She went on to work in movies like 'Biwi No. 1', 'Main Hoon Na', and 'Aankhen'. Apart from acting, Sushmita is also admired for her independence and fearlessness, including her decision to adopt two daughters, Renee and Alisah, as a single mother. Meanwhile, Sushmita recently stole the spotlight at the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024, where she graced the runway as the showstopper for designer Rashi Kapoor. The former Miss Universe showcased her confidence and elegance in a breathtaking white ivory saree adorned with sequins and paired with a striking strapless blouse, embodying the essence of modern Indian fashion. On the professional front, Sushmita was last seen in the acclaimed series "Aarya," which received critical acclaim and an International Emmy nomination. The first part of the third season premiered in 2023, and the second half aired in February 2024. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor Arjun Kapoor has reunited with his 'Ishaqzaade' co-actor and his 'Partner-In-Crime' Parineeti Chopra after ages. On Tuesday, Arjun dropped a selfie with Parineeti on Instagram Stories and wrote, "Was good to be back on set with my favourite partner-in-crime after ages." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arjun Kapoor (@arjunkapoor) They were shooting for a brand and spent good time with each other after a long time. 'Ishaqzaade' was helmed by Habib Faisal, and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, the 2012 flick marks Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor's debut in Bollywood industry. 'Ishaqzaade' revolved around two influential political families, Chauhans and the Qureshis, whose rivalry and mutual hatred for one another goes back generations, and how the legacy of the rivalry is later followed by Parma Chauhan and Zoya Qureshi. The romantic thriller ends on an emotional note where the duo ends up marrying each other and sacrificing their lives. Meanwhile, on the work front, Arjun was last seen as an antagonist in 'Singham Again', which also stars Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor Khan. On the other hand, Parineeti was last seen in 'Amar Singh Chamkila', in which she shared screen space with Diljit Dosanjh. Imtiaz Ali helmed the film. Diljit portrays 'Chamkila,' the top-selling artist of his era. Parineeti essays the role of Amar Singh Chamkila's wife, Amarjot Kaur. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 12:47 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIPunjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh finally announced the dates for his show in Mumbai as a part of the 'Dil-Luminati' Tour. Diljit had announced the India leg of his world tour in September. The original list of cities included only Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Chandigarh, and Guwahati. However, Diljit surprised his fans by announcing an additional show in the hub of entertainment. Diljit Dosanjh announces Mumbai show Diljit took to Instagram and shared a poster announcing his show in Mumbai. It is set to take place on December 19th at 7 pm. The exact venue for the same is yet to be revealed. Tickets for the show will go LIVE on November 22. Diljit wrote in the caption, “Lao Ji Finally Ho Gaya Add Mumbai.” Earlier, Diljit said in a statement, "Bringing the Dil-Luminati Tour to India is a dream come true. After the incredible journey abroad, performing in my homeland feels like coming full circle. The love and energy I've felt from fans around the world have been extraordinary, but there's something uniquely special about performing here, where it all began. India, get ready, because Punjabi ghar aa gaye oye! We're going to make history together - I can promise you a night you'll never forget!” Diljit Dosanjh served legal notice for songs on alcohol Recently, Diljit performed in Hyderabad where he received a legal notice from the Telangana government, asking him not to sing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence. The notice, issued just hours before his performance cited a complaint from a Chandigarh resident who claimed that Dosanjh had performed songs promoting alcohol and violence at a previous concert. Reacting to the same, Diljit shared a video where he called out all the states for not doing enough to stop liquor sales since it is a huge "revenue" generator. He also stated that he would stop making songs on alcohol if the government declared a nationwide ban on it. On the acting front, Diljit is all set to star in the upcoming movie 'Border 2', where he will be seen alongside Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. The film, based on the historic Battle of Longewala, is set to begin shooting in November.
20 November,2024 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and wife Saira Banu announced separation after 29 years of marriage. While Saira let her lawyer Vandana Shah release a statement on her behalf, the Mozart of Madras resorted to a post on X, formerly Twitter. While both parties requested privacy, the internet noticed Rahman creating a hashtag for news about his divorce. AR Rahman and his hashtag #arrsairaabreakup AR Rahman took to X and wrote, "We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter." The post ended with the hashtag #arrsairaabreakup which left the internet baffled. Don't know who's handling Rahman's account, but the last thing to do when asking for privacy is to not create a page3-ish hashtag. I mean wtf were they even thinking.#communication#PRblunders#arrsairaabreakup pic.twitter.com/hjJFDeBRHE — Chandra Kiran 🗻2️⃣1️⃣ (@ck_chandrakiran) November 19, 2024 Internet reacts to AR Rahman’s hashtag after announcing divorce One user wrote, “Who creates hashtag for this situation? Fire your admin, thalaiva." “Why a hashtag after this? Are you out of your mind,” added another. Another user commented, “Don't know who's handling Rahman's account, but the last thing to do when asking for privacy is to not create a page3-ish hashtag. I mean wtf were they even thinking?” One added, “2024 will go down history as the year AR Rahman created a hashtag to announce his separation.” Saira Banu’s statement after divorce from AR Rahman The statement shared by lawyer Vandana Shah read, "After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time.” AR Rahman and Saira Banu tied the knot in 1995 and are parents to three children -- daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen.Over the years, Rahman has composed iconic soundtracks for films like 'Roja', 'Bombay', 'Dil Se', 'Lagaan', and 'Rockstar'. He gained international fame for his work on 'Slumdog Millionaire", which earned him two Academy Awards.
20 November,2024 11:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran Bollywood actress Shubha Khote, who is in her 80s, arrived at a polling booth in Mumbai early Wednesday morning to cast her vote for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. The video shared by paparazzi shows Shubha flaunting her inked finger as she heads home after fulfilling her duty as a responsible citizen. Watch the clip below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Who is Shubha Khote? Perhaps, one of the most underrated actresses in this space, Shubha started by playing second leads in films like 'Seema', 'Paying Guest' and 'Dekh Kabira Roya'. Later, she changed gears to supporting roles and eventually a wicked mother as well as mother-in-law in movies like the Kamal Haasan-starrer 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye', 'Mohabbat', 'Swarag Se Sunder' and 'Saudagar'. The actress currently does very selective work. She was last seen in the television show ‘Spy Bahu'. For those unversed, Shubha is the sister of late actor Viju Khote, who passed away in 2019. The actor was highly admired for his portrayal of Kalia in the 1975 blockbuster hit 'Sholay'. His character Robert from 'Andaz Apna Apna’ movie also won many accolades and made him a well-known name in the industry. The late actor had made an everlasting impact in the cult Marathi film, 'Ashi Hi Banva Banvi.' He has been active in theatres and in the TV industry, and is noted for his role in the serial 'Zabaan Sambhal Ke.' Bollywood celebs cast their vote in Maharashtra Assembly Polls 2024 Among the many celebs who arrived early to cast their votes included Akshay Kumar, Rajkummar Rao, Ali Fazal, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Kartik Aaryan, and Suniel Shetty to name a few. Voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the single-phase Maharashtra assembly elections and will conclude at 6 pm. Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies. A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting the elections, including 2,086 independents. The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and the NCP 59. The Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 86. The BSP is contesting 237 seats, while other smaller parties are also in the fray. The state has approximately 9.7 crore registered voters. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 November,2024 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSamajwadi Party leader and actor Swara Bhasker's husband Fahad Ahmad, who joined the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), was fielded from the Anushakti Nagar seat against Sana Malik of NCP (Ajit Pawar). The actress, who is currently on a break, took to Instagram and shared a video sharing facts about Fahad as Maharashtra commenced voting for the assembly polls on Wednesday. Who is Swara Bhaskar's husband Fahad Ahmad? In the video shared by Swara Bhasker, she introduces her husband Fahad Ahmad stating, “In the last few days, you must have heard a lot about my husband Fahad Ahmad. Today I will tell you the truth.” Swara shared that Fahad was born into a simple family. At the age of 14, he went to Aligarh Muslim University. He did his Master's in Social Work at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh. After this, he qualified for the JRF Scholarship in the NET exam. Fahad got admission into the Integrated MPhil Ph.D. Program at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, following which, he came to Mumbai in 2016. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swara Bhasker (@reallyswara) Fahad Ahmad’s political journey Fahad Ahmad was a student activist, who fought against the scholarships for SC and ST, calling for equal opportunities for students to secure admissions. He took it up during his convocation and asked the chairman of TISS to look into it or he won’t accept his degree. As the institution tried to remove him from the PhD program, Fahad took the legal route and won the case in Bombay HC. Fahad has been a part of relief work during COVID-19 and also helped in relief work during the Delhi riots. Swara added, “He has always raised his voice for the rights of the people on the streets. Now, he is trying to take the voice of the people to the Parliament.” Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies. A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting the elections, including 2,086 independents. As a part of the security arrangements, the Mumbai Police has deployed over 25,000 personnel, including riot-control teams and home guards.
20 November,2024 10:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood superstar Akshay Kumar was among the first celebrities to cast his vote in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 that commenced on Wednesday morning. As the polling booth opened at 7 am, the actor was one of the early birds at the venue. However, after he cast his vote, a senior citizen approached the actor and complained about the public toilet near Juhu Beach. Senior citizen complains to Akshay Kumar about public toilet For those unversed, Akshay Kumar has worked in the film ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’. A senior citizen outside the polling booth approached the actor and complained about the maintenance of a public toilet constructed near Juhu Beach, courtesy of the actor’s philanthropy works. The individual told the actor that the commode was not in a usable condition. Akshay assured that he would speak to the BMC officials and get it maintained. Watch the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Akshay Kumar praises arrangements at polling booth Akshay Kumar was seen dressed in a black shirt and beige trousers as he arrived at the polling station. Arriving in the morning, the actor stepped out of his car and walked to the polling booth. Akshay was also seen interacting with his fans. Apart from this the 'Singham Again' actor was seen greeting the paparazzi stationed outside. "The arrangements here are very good as I can see that arrangements for senior citizens are very good and cleanliness has been maintained," said Akshay. Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies. A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting the elections, including 2,086 independents. As a part of the security arrangements, the Mumbai Police has deployed over 25,000 personnel, including riot-control teams and home guards. Akshay Kumar’s work front Meanwhile, on the acting front, Akshay is currently seen in 'Singham Again', which hit the theatres this Diwali. The cast includes Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The cop drama is directed by Rohit Shetty and also stars Arjun Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. 'Singham' was released in 2011, starring Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, followed by 'Singham Returns' in 2014. Both projects were seen as Box Office hits. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 November,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
