Tag: India

  • Indian politician Prajwal Revanna accused of assaulting 400 women, escapes to Germany

    Indian politician Prajwal Revanna accused of assaulting 400 women, escapes to Germany

    An Indian politician, who sexually assaulted 400 women and made videos of them, has escaped to Germany. He’s accused of exploiting and making videos of women over many years.

    Parjwal Revana is a member of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coalition party and the grandson of former Indian Prime Minister HD Devarajegowda, according to Indian media.

    According to media reports, Parjwal allegedly filmed 2,800 videos, of 400 women being raped, 2,000 USB sticks of rape videos were found in parks, buses and trains across the state of Karnataka and the rape videos were leaked by the former driver of Prajwal Revanna. These videos were used by the member of the parliament to blackmail women and gain sexual favours from them.

    While Prajwal has escaped, his father has been arrested on the charge of sexual violence against a maid. The girl who worked at Parjwal’s house complained to the police about the rape and she also accused Prajwal’s father of sexual assault.

    A former Bangalore councilor has also accused Prajwal of raping her several times.

    Indian politician and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that this is not a sex scandal but a serious case of mass rape.

    Modi has campaigned for Prajwal in the elections but in his statement has said, “It is a law and order issue. If such an incident took place in Bengal, then the Bengal government of would be responsible. If it happened in Gujarat, then the Gujarat government is responsible…if it happened in Karnataka, then the Karnataka government is responsible to take action.”

  • India election chiefs warn political parties against AI deepfakes

    India election chiefs warn political parties against AI deepfakes

    India’s election authorities on Monday warned political parties against using artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and spread misinformation during the country’s ongoing general election.

    Millions of voters will head to polling stations on Tuesday in the third of seven voting phases in the world’s most populous country.

    A rash of deepfake and doctored videos and misinformation have circulated on social media in recent weeks.

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) warned against “misuse of AI-based tools to create deepfakes that distort information or propagate misinformation”.

    Political parties “have been specifically directed to refrain from publishing and circulating deep fake audios/videos, disseminate any misinformation or information which is patently false, untrue or misleading in nature”, the ECI said in a statement.

    It did not mention any organisation by name, but said parties would be ordered to remove any fake content within three hours of being notified of such.

    The warning came days after the arrest of the social media chief of the country’s main opposition party over accusations he doctored a video that was widely shared.

    The Congress party’s Arun Reddy was detained on Friday in connection with edited footage that falsely shows India’s powerful interior minister Amit Shah vowing in a campaign speech to end affirmative action policies for millions of poor and low-caste Indians.

    Shah’s original campaign speech shows him promising to end affirmative action measures for Muslims established in the southern state of Telangana.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress party have accused each other of spreading misinformation and outright falsehoods since voting began last month.

    In recent weeks, both Modi and Shah have stepped up campaign rhetoric over India’s principal religious divide between majority Hindus and the 200 million-strong Muslim minority in an effort to rally voters.

    At a recent campaign rally Modi referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” and “those who have more children”, prompting condemnation and an official complaint to election authorities by Congress.

    The prime minister has not been sanctioned for his remarks despite election rules prohibiting campaigning on “communal feelings” such as religion, prompting frustration from the opposition camp.

    In its statement Monday the Commission also asked political parties to refrain from “posting derogatory content towards women”, using children in their campaigns, or depicting harm to animals.

  • Imtiaz Ali was advised against casting Shahid Kareena in ‘Jab We Met’

    Imtiaz Ali was advised against casting Shahid Kareena in ‘Jab We Met’

    Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has revealed quite shockingly, that he was advised against casting A-listers Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in his cult hit film ‘Jab We Met.’
    Director Imtiaz Ali, who recently made a biopic film on Indian Punjabi singer ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, said in a recent interview that he defied suggestions and cast Shahid and Kareena Kapoor in ‘Jab We Met’. The film proved to be a pivotal moment in their careers, achieving cult status over time.

    Imtiaz Ali said, “Fortunately, I have had different opportunities in my career with the supposed success of, or the position of stars, to put it that way.”
    He also said “I remember Shahid and Kareena visiting Jab We Met once. They were not doing well at the time. But it was very successful. You know, people really love that movie, don’t they? So, as a filmmaker, I believe I shouldn’t treat the film industry like the stock market,” said the filmmaker. “Making guesses isn’t what a film director, filmmaker, or producer should be focused on. Instead, we should recognize the potential of each actor for the roles we offer them.”

    He concluded, “A film works when you cast the actor who is most appropriate for that part, not just whoever might be popular at the time. I believe that’s what I’ve learned from my experience.”

  • ‘Every frame is a painting’; Heeramandi captivates audiences

    ‘Every frame is a painting’; Heeramandi captivates audiences

    Netflix’s new series, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ is now available on the streaming service. It’s created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and it’s all about the world of courtesans. People have had lots to say about it.

    Some love the amazing acting and catchy music, while others have questions about how the show was put together.

    One person shared their thoughts on social media about the show, praising the acting, saying, “Heeramandi has to be congratulated for its pitch-perfect acting by Richa Chadha and the actor playing Ustad Ji. Manisha Koirala as a flawed madam was outstanding. I liked Sonakshi too. Songs were superb.” However, they also felt that the director went a bit too far with the grandeur, saying, “Just wish the director had not overindulged and got carried away by his reputation for grandeur. There’s a thing as ‘give me excess of it so the appetite may sicken and so die.”

    For some people, the series really connected with them because it showed how women faced challenges throughout history. One person said, “People who aren’t familiar with Heeramandi: ‘This is such a powerful story showing the real struggles of Indian women.’” But for others, they were drawn to it more for its beauty. One viewer jokingly said, “When I watch Heeramandi: ‘I want those clothes, that jewelry, and definitely those ghagras”.

    Another user said, “Bhansali made something amazing! Really impressive art, dance, acting, and dialogue. It’s such a delight to see another fantastic movie from the legendary Sanjay Leela Bhansali.”

    Despite all the praise, some people had different opinions. One viewer thought Manisha Koirala did a great job, but they didn’t feel the show was as good overall. They said, “Manisha Koirala was amazing in Heeramandi. But the show itself didn’t impress me much.”

    It’s not just the acting that got people talking. Some moments of deep emotion also stood out. One viewer vividly described a scene with Alamzeb and Tajdar: “Alamzeb writing poetry in her diary, and Tajdar softly guiding her hand towards his chest to use it as a flat surface, I am speechless.”

    And of course, the music got a lot of love too. One viewer was amazed by the teamwork of Shreya Ghoshal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali: “The combination of Shreya Ghoshal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali in ‘Chaudhavi Shab’ is pure magic. Every scene looks like a beautiful painting. The visuals are just extraordinary.”

    People really admire Bhansali’s talent. One person said, “No one does it like him.” Another praised Sonakshi, saying, “She was amazing in just one scene of the first episode.”

  • ‘Girls are not display items’, Maya Khan on rishta rejections

    ‘Girls are not display items’, Maya Khan on rishta rejections

    A video of actress and TV host Maya Khan talking about how people search for girls for marriage is making rounds on social media and it seems like a lot of people agree with her.

    In the video that got a lot of attention, she talks about how people visit a girl’s house to consider marriage, but they end up not marrying her

    The actress said, “After seeing the girl, the people who come ask the girl’s parents for a few days and then say on the phone that their istikhara is not correct, they cannot have a relationship. In the same way, the girl’s parents get a call from someone else to come to see the girl and then the family asks the girl to stay at home or leave the office early.”

    Maya Khan stated, “The people who come for the second time also do the same, see the girl, leave after drinking tea and water and ask for an answer after a few days.”
    She added, “Calls for girls to see relationships are coming again and again and every time the girls are decorated and dressed like a ready-made item in a showroom.”

    The actress’s video discussing Pakistani culture regarding girls’ relationships became really popular. Users commented on it and agreed with her. They said that some people pretend to pray for guidance (istikhara) when they don’t really intend to marry the girl.

  • After EMIGALA honor, Mahira Khan thanks family and fans

    After EMIGALA honor, Mahira Khan thanks family and fans

    After winning the ‘Artist in Fashion’ title at the EMIGALA event in Dubai, Mahira Khan shared her excitement on social media. She posted a picture wearing a beautiful blue gown that grabbed everyone’s attention. In her Instagram caption, she expressed gratitude for the positive energy at the event.

    “In moments like this, I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude,” wrote the star. Mahira included everyone and everything she could think of in her short but heartfelt note. She expressed thanks for life, courage, family, friends, and both big and small blessings, especially saying “Alhamdulillah” for the tender ones.

    Continuing her theme of gratitude, Mahira shared a video of herself holding her award at the gala and giving her acceptance speech.
    “When women support other women, and when people support each other, miracles happen. Magic happens. Sometimes we think we should keep something for ourselves, but the real magic is when we share.”

    She then talked about her career in film and television, saying, “My lifelong dream has been to see myself on the big screen, and I hope to keep doing that. But another important purpose in my life is to do what my parents taught me – to pay it forward. If we’re fortunate enough to be in the positions we’re in, then I believe our job is to help others in any way we can.”

  • Sidhu Moosewala murder suspect Goldy Brar alive and free, US authorities verify

    Sidhu Moosewala murder suspect Goldy Brar alive and free, US authorities verify

    Goldy Brar, the main suspect in the killing of Indian rapper Sidhu Moosewala was falsely reported dead in a shooting in the US. The Fresno Police in California has clarified that the man killed in the firing incident wasn’t Brar.Sidhu Moose Wala – renowned for fusing modern hip-hop and classic Punjabi music – was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in May last year in Mansa, Punjab.

    “At first, it was said that Brar got shot while he was outside a house with a friend. But Fresno Police said it wasn’t true,” Lieutenant William J. Dooley of the Fresno Police Department stated.

    “The confusion came from wrong information on social media and news sites,” Lieutenant Dooley explained. “The person who got shot was actually Satinderjeet Brar, a gangster from Canada with ties to Bollywood and Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang.”

    Satinderjeet Brar, wanted for crimes in Canada, was called a terrorist by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. He once threatened Bollywood star Salman Khan in a TV interview in 2023.

    During the interview, Brar also admitted to killing Sidhu Moosewala, saying, “Sidhu Moosewala was an egoistic person. He misused his political and money power. It was necessary to teach him a lesson, and he was taught one.” Brar added, “Bhai Sahab (referring to Lawrence Bishnoi) had stated that he wouldn’t apologize. Baba will show mercy only when he feels merciful.” He also asserted that they have more targets, and they won’t stop until they achieve their goal.

  • Cross-Border Love: ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ takes viewers on emotional journey

    Cross-Border Love: ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ takes viewers on emotional journey

    ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ is a heartwarming family movie that tells the enchanting love story of Simi Chahal as Meher and Imran Abbas as Ali. Their on-screen chemistry is delightful, drawing viewers into the world of Punjabi cinema. The film beautifully captures the essence of love, dreams, and heartbreak, taking audiences on an emotional journey.

     

    Director Thappar skillfully portrays the love story across borders, showcasing picturesque locations in England, Lehnda, and Charda Punjab. The cinematic experience is elevated by the stunning set designs and vivid location descriptions.

     

    The stellar performances of the cast add depth to the film. Simi Chahal’s bubbly nature and charming attire light up the screen, while Imran Abbas shines in his debut role, becoming the new heartthrob of Punjabi cinema. The supporting cast, including Mintu Kapa and Udaya Vakati, leave a lasting impression with their commendable performances.

     

    The film was released in Pakistan and worldwide on February 16, 2024. It falls under the romance and drama genres, with Punjabi as the primary language. The total budget of the film is five crore, and as of now, it has collected approximately 0.4 crores Indian rupees at the box office, which converts to approximately 95.92 lakh Pakistani rupees. The film holds an IMDb rating of 6.3/10, indicating an average review about the movie.

     

    In my opinion, the producers should consider changing the climax to a happier one. This would elevate the movie’s appeal, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings. The film’s cross-border casting and engaging storyline make it a must-watch.

     

    The film’s engaging storyline, filled with clever one-liners and glimpses into the characters’ personalities, keeps viewers entertained throughout. The well-timed songs, especially the title track ‘Jee Ve Sohneya’ sung by Atif Aslam, enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.

     

    Overall, ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ offers a complete entertainment package with its compelling story, stellar performances, and soulful music, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

    Here are a few audience reviews buzzing on social media about the latest film ‘Jee Vee Sohneya Jee,’ capturing diverse opinions and insights into the viewer’s experience with the movie.

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Imran Abbas (@imranabbas.official)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Imran Abbas (@imranabbas.official)

     

     

     

     

  • Shabana Azmi loves the smile of THIS Pakistani superstar

    Shabana Azmi loves the smile of THIS Pakistani superstar

    Indian icon Shabana Azmi recently shared a heartfelt compliment filled with love and admiration for our favourite Pakistani actress on Instagram.

    The post has created a buzz of anticipation among fans for Sajal Ali’s upcoming drama ‘Zard Patton ka Bunn.’

    In her comment section, Bollywood royalty Shabana Azmi expressed her affection for Sajal by writing, “Uff! Yeh muskurahat❤️❤️”

    The teaser for ‘Zard Patton ka Bunn’ has been released, heightening anticipation among viewers. The drama, starring Sajal Aly alongside Hamza Sohail, promises to be a captivating story written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Saife Hasan.

  • Four onscreen couples driving Pakistani drama fans crazy

    Four onscreen couples driving Pakistani drama fans crazy

    The classic story where a boy meets a girl but faces challenges along the way has been popular for ages, even back in Shakespeare’s time. Pakistani TV shows often use this storyline, and it’s a favorite among directors and producers, because it works really well. And when good-looking actors are part of the mix, fans seem to overlook any flaws in the show and just enjoy the romance.
    In Pakistan’s entertainment industry, there are lots of romantic couples on screen. And there are also many actors who are not only talented but also really good-looking. Pakistani drama fans everywhere are thrilled to see four pairs of actors who have amazing chemistry when they act together.

    Yumna Zaidi and Humayun Saeed in Gentleman

    The handsome Humayun Saeed shone in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ as Dr. Hasnat Khan, and now he’s back on local TV screens after three years in ‘Gentleman,’ playing Iqbal. This time, he’s working with the very talented Yumna Zaidi, known for her role in ‘Tere Bin.’ Both actors are known for giving their all to their roles. Their teamwork is expected to be exciting, and fans are eagerly looking forward to it.

    Bilal Abbas and Durefishan Saleem in Ishq Murshid

    The final episode of ‘Ishq Murshid’ is about to hit theaters, and fans on social media are deeply invested. They’ve spent hours debating whether Bilal Abbas’s character, Shahmeer/Fazl, should be forgiven for lying to win over Durefishan’s Shibra. Despite some serious concerns about his character, Bilal’s amazing acting skills have won over even the toughest critics. And with Durefishan’s strong yet understated performance as Shibra, the two actors have carried the beloved drama from beginning to end.

    Sheheryar Munawar and Hiba Bukhari in Radd

    Sheheryar and Hiba are teaming up for the first time in the show ‘Radd.’ With only six episodes out, it’s already becoming a hit with viewers. Hiba plays Emaan, a woman who’s independent and not afraid to speak her mind, a character many admire. Sheheryar portrays Salaar, an artist who works in a simple shop and paints in his free time, a departure from typical TV heroes. Sheheryar’s subtle acting brings Salaar to life in a refreshing way. Though Emaan and Salaar face familiar domestic problems, the talented duo breathe new life into the classic story, keeping fans hooked with each episode.

    Faysal Qureshi and Durefishan Saleem in Khaie

    In an exciting tale of revenge, Durefishan’s character Zamda once again captures the hearts of her fans. This time, she stars alongside Faysal as Channar, the villain, for the first time. The story is not for those easily scared. It follows tribal men seeking vengeance by killing their enemies’ male descendants. Durefishan plays Zamda with skill, hiding her revenge plans behind innocent eyes. Contrasted with Channar’s pure evil, their chemistry is a testament to how unexpected connections can form.