Sunday, December 31, 2023

A Round Up Of Alia's Special Moments In 2023. Ranveer Reacts

2023 has been a splendid year for Alia Bhatt. The year has been filled with awards, family celebrations, and numerous international collaborations. From making her Hollywood debut to winning the most coveted National Award, her achievements have been countless.The beautiful actor took to her Instagram handle to share glimpses of her accomplishments in 2023. It featured a slew of pictures from memorable moments of the year.

She captioned it with, "2 0 2 3". After her post, Ranveer Singh dropped a heart emoji. A fan also commented, "was definitely the year of ALIA BHATT!" Another wrote, "Wish you more success, love and happiness for 2024"

She shared the special moments in a video. It started with her look from 'Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' also starring Ranveer Singh. Helmed by Karan Johar, the film also starred Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles and was declared a hit.

Recently, ace filmmaker Karan Johar penned a long appreciation post for the lead cast of his film 'Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh.

Taking to Instagram, Karan shared a new selfie with both actors. About Alia, KJo wrote in his caption, "Before the years wraps I felt like sharing this with all of you...I hadn't directed Alia since 2012 and the day she walked onto set In her @manishmalhotra05 plus @mickeycontractor plus #flavian look I knew we had the Rani I had always envisaged .... What followed was an actor I wasn't prepared for.... And I can take zero credit ... will always be grateful to Imtiaz ali for taking her on a highway of life and moulding her into the actor she finally became."

He also wrote that Alia's true launch as an artist will always be 'Highway.' "SOTY is technically her launch but her true launch as an artist will always be highway... Alia is such a pride and pleasure on a film set.... She had a ticking mind constantly questioning Rani and trying her best to make her strong and yet identifiable and likeable ... again for that I take no credit that is her evolution as an artist! Was blessed to have her as Rani Chatterjee and I do hope her character keeps resonating .... Love you @aliaabhatt," he added.

Surely, Alia has had a great year. Darlings,' Alia Bhatt's web debut, earned her the Best Actor (female) award in the Filmfare OTT Awards. Alia wore a black body-hugging outfit inspired by a saree for the event.

At the 69th National Film Awards ceremony, actress Alia Bhatt received the Best Actress award at the prestigious event, Alia chose to wear her wedding day saree -undoubtedly, a major nod to sustainable fashion.

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt gave a Christmas surprise to their fans by making their first public appearance with their daughter Raha.

The star couple, who have been protective of Raha, have finally posed with her for the paparazzi.

Looking ahead, Alia will be next seen in the film Jee Le Zaraa alongside Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif and also in director Vasan Bala's upcoming film Jigra.



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When Zeenat Aman "Stumbled Upon" Her Mural At Mumbai Airport

Hours before entering into the years 2024, veteran actress Zeenat Aman, who made her debut on Instagram earlier this year, shared a clip from Mumbai airport of her stumbling u[pon on mural. In the video, Zeenat Aman can be seen passing by the live-sized mural while on a travelator. She was seemingly leaving for her New Year holiday. Sharing the video, she wrote, “The past is etched in stone, or in this case, painted on the walls! You can't change it, but you can always shape the future.”

She continued in her post, "Gliding by a mural of myself, and some of the greatest icons of Indian Cinema, that I stumbled upon at Mumbai's International airport. 2023 was a raucous and productive year for me, let's see how 2024 unfolds. I'm grateful to each one of you on this journey with me. Cheers to chapters unwritten, a canvas untouched and a year filled with infinite joy."

Take a look at the post below:

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, who celebrated her 72nd birthday a few months back, treated her fans to a heartfelt post, thanking her family and friends, who ensured that she lives "to a ripe old age and be able to look back at the decades gone by without regrets and with grace." Her gratitude post read, "today - an expression of unadulterated gratitude for my life. For the pinnacles and pitfalls that have gifted me resilience and self belief. For my small, loving family of two-legged and four-legged beings. For a circle of friends that has endured through decades. For a mind that is alive and curious still. For a body that occasionally aches, but yet persists. For the love and kindness each one of you has given me. And for the opportunities that flow my way as a result."

See the full post below:

On the work front, fans are eagerly waiting for the comeback of Zeenat Aman with the release of Bun Tikki.



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Saturday, December 30, 2023

Recap 2023: Ananya-Aditya To Tamannaah-Vijay, The Buzziest Couples

Bollywood stars are always in the news, be it for their latest releases or their link-ups. The year 2023 saw some of the biggest names keep the gossip mills busy. The paparazzi updated us on every detail, ensuring that these couples occupied top spots on trends charts.  While rumoured lovebirds Ananya Panday and Aditya Roy Kapur grabbed headlines with their ‘hush, hush' meetings and never-ending denials, Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia joined the power couple club. Tara Sutaria and Kartik Aaryan's late-night dinner with friends also went viral. Without wasting any more time, let us look at the list of the buzziest couples of the year.

1. Ananya Panday and Aditya Roy Kapur

After their appearances (separate) on Koffee With Karan Season 8, we can't help but start with this adorable duo. FYI: They have neither accepted nor denied the reports of their relationship. When Ananya was asked to confirm if she is dating Aditya on KWK, the actress said, "I am feeling very Ananya Coy Kapur to answer that question." 

As per Aditya Roy Kapur, Ananya Panday is “pure joy and bliss.” The actor was questioned by Bollywood's favourite celebrity quiz-master Karan Johar. The filmmaker  asked Aditya, "You mean you are joyously in a situationship." To this, the actor replied, "Yes, I am quite joyous." KJo added, "You are quite joyous. So the first word that comes to your mind when I say Ananya is Joy?" He said, "Yes, pure joy, bliss." 

The rumoured lovebirds were stopped at the Mumbai airport on Wednesday. It seems they flew out of the city of dreams for New Year's celebrations.

2. Tamannaah and Vijay Varma

Tamannaah and Vijay Varma have truly captivated our hearts with their reel and real-world chemistry. She broke her 18-year-long no-kissing policy for her segment in Lust Stories 2 with Vijay Varma. Their impeccable on-screen presence did manage to win hearts. In an interview, Tamannah said that Vijay is her “happy place”. Loved the way the couple walked hand-in-hand at parties and red carpet events. 

3. Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya

Remember when Shikhar Pahariya almost made it official on Instagram? In a now-deleted comment, Shikhar told Janhvi, “I am all yours.” The ‘awe adorable' exchange took place under Bollywood's BFF  aka Orry's (Orhan Awatramani) post. Read all about it here.  Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya were also spotted seeking blessings at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain in December.  Our favourite moment was when Shikhar Pahariya was patiently waiting for Janhvi Kapoor in the car after Manish Malhotra's Diwali party.

4. Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are no strangers to dating rumours. It only got amplified when Ranbir Kapoor teased Rashmika during Animal's promotions on the sets of Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna's chat show Unstoppable with NBK 2.  On the show, Rashmika was asked to pick between two posters — Vijay Deverakonda's Arjun Reddy and Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor. Even before Rashmika could react, Ranbir told Balakrishna, “Ask Rashmika, who is the better hero”. This is when the crowd started cheering. Later, Rashmika called Vijay on the show and put him on speaker. Nandamuri Balakrishna then asked Vijay Deverakonda to say “I love Rashmika” over the phone, giving the actress another reason to blush.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have acted together in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. Their dating rumours often trend on the Internet. 

5. Palak Tiwari and Ibrahim Ali Khan

Are they dating? We don't know. But they have been spotted at parties (of course, individual appearances) and movie nights. As per Palak, they are “nice friends. He [Ibrahim] is a very sweet guy. That's all there is to it. We talk sometimes and that's all." Recently, a video of Ibrahim carrying Palak's jacket while exiting a theatre created a lot of buzz online.

6.Tara Sutaria and Kartik Aaryan

Tara Sutaria and Kartik Aaryan sparked dating rumours after they stepped out for dinner with friends in Mumbai. Tara's birthday wish for Kartik added fuel to the reports. She shared a cozy picture on Instagram Stories and wished “popat” Kartik. Tara was also part of Kartik's 33rd birthday party on November 22. 

7.AP Dhillon and Banita Sandhu

AP Dhillion broke a million hearts when he made his relationship Instagram official with actress Banita Sandhu. The two celebrities, who also featured together in a video this year, looked stunning in a series of pictures shared by Banita on Instagram. The actress declared, “with me”. She also added a red heart in her caption. To this, AP Dhillon replied with “pinched finger” emojis. 

8. Ishaan Khatter and Chandni Bainz

Ishaan Khatter made a lot of noise on social media over his relationship status after he was spotted with his rumoured girlfriend, Kuala Lumpur-based model Chandni Bainz. In a video, Ishaan is seen holding Chandni's hand as they climb down the stairs. Without saying a word or posing for the paps parked outside the venue, the rumoured couple left in the same car. We think that was enough.  

9. Aadar Jain and Alekha Advani

It all started after Aadar and Alekha were seen holding hands as they arrived at Kareena Kapoor's house for the Diwali bash. Aadar, who was previously in a relationship with Tara Sutaria, looked dapper as he walked in with his ladylove. A few days later, Aadar made it Instagram official with a mushy picture. In the frame, we can only see their intertwined hands. He wrote, “Light of my life,” and ended with a red heart emoticon.  

Alekha was also spotted at the annual Christmas brunch of the Kapoors. 

So, who do you think has the best chemistry?



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Friday, December 29, 2023

Man Kisses Snake On Head, Helps It Shed Skin. Internet Asks "Why?"

Snakes evoke a primal fear rooted in human evolution. Their slithering motion triggers an instinctual response, heightening anxiety in many people. This fear, known as ophidiophobia, often stems from cultural myths, folklore, and media portrayal, casting snakes as symbols of danger. But there are some people who can catch snakes and hold them in their bare hands. The video of one such person, posted on Instagram, is making waves on social media in which he is seen helping the snake shed its skin and even kissing the reptile.

The caption of the Instagram post has compared the process of shedding skin to opening a Christmas gift.

"Best caption wins. Unwrapping Christmas Presents be like," reads the caption. The video has amassed more than 1.6 million views.

In the clip, a man is seen removing the dead skin from snake's eyes and then helping the reptile remove it entirely.

The man holds the snake gently and starting from its mouth, peels away the skin from its body. At one point, the snake wriggles out of the man's hand as he keeps holding to the dead skin.

Before starting the process, he kisses the deadly-looking snake on its head. In the end, the reptile and the man are seen facing each other.

The video has given goosebumps to several Instagram users.

"Why do I feel people that play with wild animals will one day lose their life to that same wild animals? It's called wild for a reason and shouldn't be treated like a domestic animal," commented one user.

"Are you sure it's not too early to do this, I mean it might hurt if it's not time yet," said another.

Others appreciated the man's gesture and praised him for helping the snake shed its skin, especially from its eyes.

Snakes shed their skin, a process known as molting or ecdysis, for various reasons. As snakes grow, their skin becomes rigid and less elastic. Shedding allows them to accommodate their increasing size and remove parasites or damaged skin. Additionally, it helps in the regeneration of cells, ensuring the maintenance of a healthy and functional outer layer.

This remarkable adaptation is vital for a snake's survival, promoting flexibility and maintaining optimal sensory perception. Shedding is a natural and essential aspect of their life cycle, signifying growth and adaptation to their ever-changing environment.



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Thursday, December 28, 2023

"Keep Your Mouth Shut...": Ex-India's Star's Brutal Take On KL Rahul's Ton

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif hailed KL Rahul for his gutsy century in the ongoing first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Rahul scored his 8th Test ton on Wednesday as he rescued India from a tricky situation on Day 2. He was unbeaten on 33 when India lost their seventh wicket for 164. He then scored 68 of India's 81 runs to take his team to respectable 245 against the Proteas. On a track where rest of his teammates struggled, Rahul batted with a lot of patience with wickets falling at the other end.

Kaif feels that Rahul silenced his critics by letting his bat do the talking.

"It's not easy to hit a century at No.6. Very difficult conditions, overcast conditions. It was a wet pitch, the ball was moving around. India were in a spot of bother. But KL Rahul stood there. What an innings. It's a historic knock. Nobody will be able to forget. Keep your mouth shut and let your bat do the talking, that's what you have done well. The game was slipping away. India were in a lot of trouble. This historic knock had patience, it had class. It was a proper Test knock. Well done, KL Rahul," Kaif said in a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Rahul's ton was overshadowed by South Africa opener Dean Elgar's unbeaten 140 on Day 2 as the visitors took a narrow 11-run lead at the SuperSport Park.

Elgar, who plays his domestic cricket for the Centurion-based Northerns Titans, slammed his first Test century at his home ground.

It was an innings which showed brilliant composure on a testing pitch, and skill when it came to punishing loose deliveries.

It included 23 fours and came off just 211 deliveries before bad light stopped play with South Africa 256 for five, leading by 11 runs in the first innings.

The left-hander, who retires after this two-Test series, previously scored home Test centuries in Cape Town and Gqeberha (two each), Durban, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg so he was delighted to complete the set. 

(With AFP Inputs)



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5 Facts On Hafiz Saeed's Son, Set To Contest Pakistan Election

  1. Hafiz Talha Saeed is considered No. 2 in Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), second only to his father. Last year, the Home Ministry declared him a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The notification said Talha Saeed has been actively involved in recruitment, fund collection, planning and executing attacks by LeT in India.
  2. India has also been trying to get Talha Saeed designated as a United Nations-listed terrorist. The US has backed India on this subject, but New Delhi's repeated attempts to get Hafiz Talha designated as a terrorist with the UN have been blocked by China.
  3. Hafiz Talha Saeed hit headlines in 2019 after a failed assassination attempt left an LeT supporter dead and seven others injured. Hafiz Talha was to speak at a religious gathering at a refrigerator store in Lahore when an explosion took place. He escaped with some injuries.
  4. Talha Saeed has filed nomination papers to contest from Lahore's NA-122 constituency. The big name who may contest from the seat is former Pakistan Prime Minister and legendary cricketer Imran Khan, who is now in jail.
  5. Earlier attempts by Hafiz Saeed, now in jail, to kick off his political career have not yielded much success. He had fielded candidates from his Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek party on 265 seats in the 2018 polls, but ended up with a zero score. This time, he has entered the polls with a new party named Pakistani Markazi Muslim League and is contesting all seats.


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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Derek O'Brien Slams Government, References Vajpayee-Advani Rule

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien today said Parliament has turned into a "deep, dark chamber," as he accused the central government of maintaining silence on the security breach.

In a post on X, Mr O'Brien said that unlike now, after the 2001 Parliament attack, the then prime minister and home minister had given statements in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

"2001 Parliament attack: In 3 working days, a full discussion in Parliament. PM gave statement in Rajya Sabha, Home Minister in Lok Sabha," Mr O'Brien said.

"2023 breach: GOVT SILENT. 146 MPs suspended for demanding discussion & statement from Home Minister. Parliament turned into a deep, dark chamber," he said.

On December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two people jumped into the chamber of the Lower House of Parliament from the public gallery during the Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters they had been hiding in their shoes, and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by MPs.

Following the incident, opposition MPs demanded a discussion on the breach, and a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.

As many as 100 opposition MPs in Lok Sabha, and 46 in Rajya Sabha, were suspended during the session for indiscipline as they raised their demand vociferously, leading to frequent adjournments.

Mr O'Brien, who was the first Rajya Sabha MP to be suspended, also had a breach of privilege motion moved against him for staying in the House after being suspended. The matter has been referred to the Privileges committee of the House.

As per Parliament records, after the December 2001 attack on Parliament, a debate was held in both the Houses, and then Home Minister LK Advani had replied to the debate, while Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee made interventions in both Houses.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Tuesday, December 26, 2023

"Been Blocked From Everywhere...": Dhawan's Emotional Post On Son's B'Day

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been going through a torrid time off the field. Dhawan isn't in the Indian national team's plans in any of the three formats at present but is the captain of the Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings. Still rolling with his professional life, it's the personal life that has given Dhawan the most difficulties of late. Having been separated from his wife Ayesha Mukherjee, Dhawan hasn't been able to meet his son Zoravar in person for a year now. In an emotional social media post on Instagram, Dhawan even claimed that he has been blocked from all virtual platforms through which he could connect to his son. 

In October this year, a Delhi court granted divorce to Shikhar Dhawan on grounds of "cruelty" inflicted on the famous Indian cricketer by his estranged wife Aesha Dhawan.

The court also granted mandatory visitation rights to Dhawan to meet his son in India and Australia. It also ordered Aesha to bring their son to India for visitation purposes including overnight stays with Dhawan and his family and during the school holidays. But, it seems like Dhawan isn't even able to connect to his son virtually, let alone meeting in person.

Dhawan's emotional post on Instagram read: "It's been a year since I saw you in person, and now, for almost three months, I've been blocked from everywhere so Posting the same picture to wish you, my boy, a very Happy Birthday. "

"Even if I can't connect with you directly, I connect with you through Telepathy. I am so proud of you, and I know you're doing great and growing up nicely."

"Papa always misses you and loves you. He's always positive, waiting with a smile for the time when we will meet again by the Grace of God. Be naughty but not destructive, be a giver, be humble, compassionate, patient, and strong."

"Despite not seeing you, I write you messages almost every day, asking about your well-being and daily life, sharing what I'm doing and what's new in my life."

"Love you loads Zora
Papa"



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Monday, December 25, 2023

Watch: Alia-Ranbir Reveal Daughter Raha's Face To The World On Christmas

Our Christmas just turned more joyous after Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor revealed their daughter Raha's face to the world. The couple was pictured with Raha in their arms as they arrived for the Kapoor's Christmas party in Mumbai's Juhu.  The couple brought Raha along for the annual Christmas lunch with the Kapoor family on Monday. In the pictures we can see Raha looking super cute in a white and pink dress with red velvet shoes. Her mom Alia Bhatt was seen wearing a floral black dress and Ranbir wore a black jacket with dark jeans. The parents smiled widely as they showed Raha to the paparazzi.

This comes hours after Alia and Ranbir were spotted attending a Christmas eve dinner at Mahesh Bhatt's house on Sunday night. Alia Bhatt also shared some inside pictures on her gram on Monday. Take a look at the post below: 

A few weeks back, Alia Bhatt hosted a "Sunday Funday - Ask me Anything session" on Instagram story. A fan wanted to know what Raha's nick name is. Alia Bhatt promptly replied to that question and revealed three nick names of Raha. Can you guess what are they? Well, they are - Rahu, Rara, Lollipop. Alia also added a disclaimer at the end of her post. It read, "to name a few". Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's daughter Raha turned a year old in November.

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Another fan asked if Alia still feels separation anxiety for Raha. Alia replied to this, "It's never easy leaving her. But I guess I will take a while to change. Knowing she's with family even when I'm away makes me feel less guilty somehow."

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In November 6th of this year, the couple celebrated their daughter's first birthday. 

Alia shared some adorable images on the first birthday of Raha. In the pictures, we can see tiny hands smeared with cream. There's also a picture of Raha holding marigolds.  A third slide features a tiny music box playing La Vie En Rose. Alia wrote in the caption, "Our joy, our life.. our light! it feels like just yesterday we were playing this song for you while you were in my tummy kicking away..there's nothing to say only that we're blessed to have you in our lives.. you make everyday feel like a full creamy yummy delicious piece of cake. Happy birthday baby tiger .. we love you more than love itself." Take a look:

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed Raha in November 2022.



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