Rupali Ganguly writes to Narendra Modi urging ban on elephant rides after pink elephant photoshoot row

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Following public outrage over images of a captive elephant painted bright pink for a photoshoot in Rajasthan, Anupamaa star and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India supporter Rupali Ganguly who officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024 has written to Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, urging an end to elephant rides and encouraging the use of robot elephants and other non-animal means instead of animal performances. In her letter, Ganguly mourns Chanchal, the elephant featured in the photoshoot, who is reported to have died, and expresses her shared respect for wildlife with the Prime Minister.

Ganguly notes that the owner quoted in news reports — Saddik/Shadik Khan — is also associated with Malti, an elephant who was used for rides at Amer Fort, violently beaten and later transferred to a sanctuary after efforts by PETA India. She stresses that while the photoshoot shocked the public, elephants used for rides at sites such as Amer Fort are routinely kept chained when not in use and controlled using weapons, conditions that can cause severe physical and psychological distress.

“This incident has upset people across India and beyond, reflecting how strongly the public now feels against elephant exploitation,” Ganguly wrote. She appealed, “On World Wildlife Day, you shared the importance of wildlife protection. It is in this spirit, I respectfully urge that India end all elephant rides as Indonesia has now done, and that robotic elephants, decorated electric vehicles, and other non-animal alternatives be encouraged for use to protect our national heritage animal from use in cruel spectacles.”

PETA India notes that frustrated elephants forced into close contact with humans can become unpredictable, and attacks involving elephants used for rides and other performances are regular occurrences. For elephant and human welfare, the Kerala Tourism Department is promoting a mechanical elephant safari experience at Thamboormozhi Butterfly Garden near the iconic Athirapilly waterfalls, instead of a live elephant.

Also Read: Actress-turned-politician Rupali Ganguly writes letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to stop horse-drawn carriages: Reports 

Akshay Kumar visits Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain with Dimple Kapadia ahead of Bhooth Bangla release: “I prayed for the entire country"

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Actor Akshay Kumar visited the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on April 1 along with his mother-in-law and veteran actor Dimple Kapadia. The visit comes days ahead of the release of his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla.

After offering prayers at the temple, Akshay spoke about the significance of the visit and shared that he prayed not only for his family but also for the country. He said, “It was really good...I prayed for the entire country and my family. I prayed that may our country always excel and progress.”

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Actor Akshay Kumar, along with his mother-in-law and veteran actor Dimple Kapadia, visited Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and offered prayers today. pic.twitter.com/Q21mMHWmZy — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2026

#WATCH | Ujjain, MP: After the prayers, actor Akshay Kumar says, "It was really good...I prayed for the entire country and my family. I prayed that may our country always excel and progress." https://t.co/xUwoYsIfWl pic.twitter.com/rpZMgroK1E — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2026

Visit comes ahead of Bhooth Bangla release Akshay’s visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple takes place shortly before the theatrical release of Bhooth Bangla, which marks his reunion with director Priyadarshan after several successful collaborations in the past.

The film is scheduled to release on April 17 after its earlier release date of April 10 was revised. The change in schedule came amid strong theatrical buzz surrounding Dhurandhar The Revenge, prompting the makers to push the release slightly.

Apart from Akshay Kumar, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal and late actor Asrani in key roles. Akshay Kumar’s long-standing devotion to Lord Shiva Akshay Kumar has often spoken publicly about his devotion to Lord Shiva. In February last year, he released the devotional track ‘Mahakal Chalo,’ which reflected his spiritual connection with Mahakal. The actor has also portrayed Lord Shiva on screen in films such as Oh My God 2 and Kannappa, further highlighting his association with the deity in his cinematic work as well.

Also Read: Ahmed Khan reveals ambitious new plan for Akshay Kumar starrer Welcome To The Jungle; shift grand sets to Mumbai

Mona Singh credits authentic roles for building two decades of audience trust: “It’s also my approach of being the anti-diva on screen”

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Actor Mona Singh says the phrase “Mona Ka Magic,” often used by audiences to describe her screen presence, comes from years of building trust through honest performances and carefully chosen roles. Speaking at the India Today conclave, the actor reflected on what the label means to her after more than two decades in the industry. She said she believes her connection with viewers has grown from her willingness to prioritise authenticity over glamour on screen.

“I honestly feel that I’ve managed to build a two-decade-long bridge of trust with the viewers. So it’s also my approach of being the anti-diva on screen. I’m ready, I’m willing to look raw, I’m willing to look fatigued and tired, and whatever the character demands,” she said.

“I’m ready to look raw, fatigued or tired—whatever the character demands. That honesty gives a gut punch that feels stronger than something overly scripted,” she explained. Choosing stories that stay with audiences Singh also spoke about how her project choices have shaped her reputation. According to her, she has consistently tried to balance commercial storytelling with narratives that spark discussion.

“Most of the projects I’ve picked are not only commercially viable but also conversation starters,” she said, suggesting that this balance may be one reason audiences associate her work with the phrase “Mona Ka Magic.”

Her recent and upcoming slate reflects that direction. The actor is set to appear in projects including Happy Patel, Border 2, Kohrra Season 2, and Subedaar. Across genres and formats, Singh’s selections continue to emphasise character-driven storytelling rather than conventional screen positioning.

Also Read: Maa Ka Sum trailer introduces Mihir Ahuja as math prodigy on mission to find love for his mother, played by Mona Singh

Zack Snyder calls Huma Qureshi “one of the most amazing actors” after Army of the Dead

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Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Zack Snyder has praised Indian actor Huma Qureshi, describing her as “one of the most amazing actors” he has worked with. The filmmaker shared the appreciation on social media while revisiting their collaboration on Army of the Dead.

Taking to Instagram, Snyder posted a still of Qureshi from the film and wrote that she brought “talent, presence, and pure brilliance on screen,” recalling his experience working with her on the 2021 zombie heist drama. The actor, who played Geeta Ranjan in the film, responded warmly in the comments, writing, “You the best… boss man.”

Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan also reacted to the post with an enthusiastic response, while actor Saqib Saleem joined in congratulating Qureshi.

 

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Huma Qureshi’s Hollywood debut with Army of the Dead Directed by Snyder, Army of the Dead marked Qureshi’s Hollywood debut. The film featured an ensemble cast including Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, Theo Rossi, Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tig Notaro, Raúl Castillo and Garret Dillahunt.

Set in a zombie-infested Las Vegas, the film follows a group of mercenaries attempting a high-risk casino heist during a post-apocalyptic outbreak. Snyder conceived the project as a spiritual successor to his 2004 directorial debut, Dawn of the Dead. Upcoming projects: Huma Qureshi set for Toxic On the work front, Qureshi will next be seen in Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, headlined by Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film also features Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria. Shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, the film is set in 1980s Goa and revolves around a powerful drug cartel operating beneath the region’s picturesque exterior.

Qureshi’s recent releases include Maharani Season 4 and Delhi Crime Season 3.

Also Read: Red Lorry Film Festival 2026: Huma Qureshi-starrer Bayaan director questions lack of support for female-led stories: “To all those women in positions of power, why don’t they support such a story? Ek certain female-led films se kya pareshaani hai?”

Another Roshan in the making? Hridaan Roshan heads to USC to study filmmaking

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There may soon be a new creative force emerging from the illustrious Roshan family. Hrithik Roshan’s younger son, Hridaan Roshan, has taken his first step toward a career in cinema by enrolling in a filmmaking course in the United States.

The 17-year-old will be studying film and television production at the prestigious University of Southern California, a globally renowned institution known for shaping some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The news was shared by his alma mater, the American School of Bombay, on Instagram.

Sharing a picture of Hridaan alongside the USC logo, the school wrote, “It’s no surprise to us that we’ll C Hridaan at USC studying film and TV production! Congratulations Hridaan, we are so proud.” The announcement was met with an outpouring of love from friends and family, including cousin Fizaa Ali, who cheered him on in the comments.

Hridaan is the younger son of Hrithik Roshan and his former wife Sussanne Khan. He comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the film industry—his grandfather Rakesh Roshan is a celebrated actor-filmmaker, while his maternal grandfather Sanjay Khan is also a prominent name in Indian cinema.

Interestingly, Hrithik himself is set to step behind the camera soon, with plans to direct the next installment of the popular Krrish franchise. With Hridaan now formally training in filmmaking, speculation is already rife about whether he will carry forward the family’s cinematic legacy.

While it remains to be seen what path Hridaan ultimately chooses, his decision to study filmmaking at such a reputed institution certainly signals a strong inclination toward storytelling and cinema—perhaps hinting that the Roshan legacy is set to continue into the next generation.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan come together for family picture to celebrate Hridaan’s 14th birthday

EXCLUSIVE: Bhooth Bangla expected to be approx. 2 hours 50 minutes long; among Akshay Kumar's longest films since Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty

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Bollywood Hungama was among the first to inform readers that the Akshay Kumar-starrer Bhooth Bangla, scheduled to release on April 10, might be delayed and arrive in cinemas on April 17. The suspense over its release date continues, as the makers have yet to make an official announcement. Moreover, the trailer, which was initially expected on March 27 and later rescheduled for March 30, has not been unveiled. This has only further fuelled speculation that the horror-comedy has indeed been pushed ahead. Meanwhile, Bollywood Hungama has now learned about the film’s run time.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bhooth Bangla is around 2 hours and 50 minutes long. After the censor process, the run time may reduce or increase by a few minutes. The exact duration will be known closer to the release date, but as of now, it is said to be around 170 minutes.”

If Bhooth Bangla indeed ends up with a run time of 2 hours and 50 minutes, it will be among Akshay Kumar’s longest films in the last 12 years. In this period, most of his films have had shorter durations, usually under 150 minutes. The last Akshay Kumar starrer with a similar run time was Holiday – A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014), which was also 2 hours and 50 minutes long.

After the A R Murugadoss-directed action entertainer, only 11 Akshay Kumar films have had run times of 2 hours and 30 minutes or more – Baby (2015; 2 hours and 39 minutes), Brothers (2015; 2 hours and 38 minutes), Rustom (2016; 2 hours and 30 minutes), Toilet - Ek Prem Katha (2017; 2 hours and 41 minutes), Gold (2018; 2 hours and 33 minutes), Kesari (2019; 2 hours and 30 minutes), OMG 2 (2023; 2 hours and 36 minutes), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2014; 2 hours and 38 minutes), Sarfira (2024; 2 hours and 35 minutes), Housefull 5 (2025; 2 hours and 45 minutes) and Jolly LLB 3 (2025; 2 hours and 37 minutes).

Last year, Akshay Kumar was also seen in Kannappa (2025), which was 3 hours and 3 minutes long. However, it hasn’t been added to the aforementioned list as it was a Telugu film and featured Akshay in a special appearance.

Also Read: Was Bhooth Bangla originally planned as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2? Priyadarshan BREAKS SILENCE

Composer-singer Vishal Dadlani in trouble for interacting with controversial Pakistani journalist Safina Khan

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Composer-singer Vishal Dadlani is being hounded for no reason except that he spoke to a Pakistani journalist. A recent controversial video shows Dadlani interacting with Pakistani journalist Safina Khan in London.

Safina Khan is notorious for openly expressing anti-India views.

Enraged netizens are demanding that Dadlani be removed from the panel of judges on the popular music content show Indian Idol. Dadlani has served as judge on Indian Idol for years now.

Whether the parent channel Sony TV will succumb to overzealous nationalistic pressures, or wait for the storm to pass, remains to be seen.

Also Read: Vishal Dadlani takes indirect dig at Dhurandhar The Revenge over demonetisation portrayal: “A film is just entertainment. Facts are facts”