Sunny Deol’s Emotional Reaction to ‘Gadar 2’ Success: Anil Sharma Reveals Heartwarming Moment
Sunny Deol’s latest blockbuster, Gadar 2, has captivated audiences and stormed the box office, surpassing expectations. Directed by Anil Sharma, the film is a sequel to the 2001 classic Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, and it has successfully crossed the Rs. 500 crore mark at the box office. The film’s patriotic narrative and nostalgic appeal have struck a chord with viewers, making it one of the biggest hits of 2023.
Anil Sharma, in a recent interview, shared an emotional moment with Sunny Deol after the overwhelming success of the film. According to Sharma, Deol was deeply moved by the audience’s response. He recounted that during one late-night screening, fans’ reactions went viral online, which touched both the director and the actor. Sharma recalled how Deol called him early in the morning, emotional and in tears, saying, “Sharma ji, we did it.” It was the first time Sharma had heard Deol express his emotions so openly, marking a poignant moment for the team behind Gadar 2.
The film’s success has also sparked excitement for a potential third installment. When asked about Gadar 3, Deol hinted that it was a possibility, saying, “Woh bhi aayegi” (that will also come). This has left fans eagerly awaiting another chapter in the beloved saga.
The remarkable performance of Gadar 2 demonstrates the continued impact of the film’s patriotic themes and the enduring appeal of its lead actor, Sunny Deol. Both the filmmakers and audiences are celebrating this cinematic triumph, showcasing how powerful storytelling and nostalgia can come together to create box office magic.(Input from Agencies)
Challenging Day Ahead for New Zealand as India Eyes Fightback
BENGALURU: As New Zealand chases a target of 107 to secure a Test victory against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, pacer William O’Rourke remains cautious. Despite the modest target, he emphasized the challenge ahead, acknowledging India’s strong bowling attack and the unpredictable pitch conditions.
After India was bowled out for 462, with O’Rourke and Matt Henry claiming six wickets each, O’Rourke noted, “It won’t be an easy win. India has the quality to make this chase difficult.”
On Day 4, play was halted early due to rain, leaving New Zealand’s openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway at 0/0. However, the forecast for Day 5 looks favorable, ensuring New Zealand a full day to reach their target. Despite this, India’s record of defending small totals, including a historic 107-run defense against Australia in 2004, keeps their hopes alive.
With the SubAir system at the stadium ensuring quick drainage, the final day promises intense action. O’Rourke concluded, “We must stay focused and confident, knowing India will fight till the last ball.”
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion as both teams vie for dominance in this thrilling Test match. (Input from Agencies)
Election Commission Removes Jharkhand’s Acting DGP Amid Allegations
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate removal of Anurag Gupta, the acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand. The directive, issued on October 19, 2024, mandates that Gupta step down and the state government appoint a senior DGP-level officer by 7 PM the same day. Ajay Kumar Singh, a former DGP, is expected to assume the position as the state prepares for upcoming elections.
The removal comes after a series of complaints against Gupta, some dating back to previous elections. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gupta faced allegations of bias, leading to his temporary transfer to Delhi. This history influenced the ECI’s decision, as they aim to ensure neutrality in the upcoming two-phase assembly elections scheduled for November 13 and 20. The Commission stressed the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s 2018 guidelines, which prohibit ad hoc appointments for the DGP post.
The state government is required to submit a list of eligible IPS officers by Monday morning for review. This measure highlights the ECI’s commitment to maintaining transparency and impartiality in Jharkhand’s electoral process.
All Sporting Events, Including IPL, to Stream Exclusively on Hotstar Post Disney-Reliance Merger
After the much-anticipated Disney-Reliance merger, all major sporting events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), will now be streamed exclusively on the Hotstar app. This integration reflects a strategic move following the $8.5 billion merger of Disney and Reliance’s media assets earlier this year. While Reliance’s JioCinema platform had previously secured IPL rights, the shift to Hotstar signals a unified streaming approach.
Hotstar’s robust technology, especially for handling live content, played a significant role in this decision. Sources close to the matter indicate that Hotstar’s backend infrastructure, particularly for serving targeted ads and managing concurrent viewership, made it the preferred platform. With record-breaking viewership during past cricket events, the platform has proven its capability in live streaming sports in India, where millions of users tune in simultaneously.
Mukesh Ambani, chairperson of Reliance, reportedly plans to strengthen Hotstar under the merged entity, with the potential for future rebranding. The merger, which was cleared by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in August, aims to create India’s largest entertainment platform, combining over 120 TV channels and two major streaming services.
While the fate of other entertainment content remains unclear, the focus for now is on streamlining sports content. As the merger progresses, industry insiders predict Hotstar will become the dominant player in India’s highly competitive OTT market.
Byju’s Fall from $22 Billion to Zero: A Story of Rapid Expansion and Investor Fallout
Byju Raveendran, the founder of India’s edtech giant Byju’s, recently made a stunning revelation about the company’s financial state. Once valued at a staggering $22 billion, Byju’s now stands at “zero,” according to Raveendran. The rapid expansion into multiple markets and aggressive acquisitions of over 24 startups left the company struggling to manage its finances. Investors like Prosus Ventures, Peak XV Partners, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative withdrew from the board, leaving Byju’s in dire straits.
Raveendran shared his thoughts during a candid discussion with media, lamenting how the company, which had ambitious plans to go public, found itself in deep financial crisis. He attributed much of the decline to unforeseen global events such as the Ukraine conflict, which disrupted international markets and forced a halt in funding. Additionally, key investors distanced themselves from the board, making it difficult to secure new financial backing.
The crisis has resulted in thousands of layoffs, with employees going unpaid for months. In an attempt to stabilize the company, Raveendran mortgaged his own home to pay salaries. The company is now facing insolvency proceedings following a complaint by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which claimed Byju’s defaulted on a $19 million sponsorship payment.
Despite these setbacks, Raveendran remains hopeful about Byju’s future. He acknowledged that mistakes were made, especially during the pandemic-driven boom when online education demand skyrocketed. However, he envisions a potential comeback once the company addresses its governance and financial challenges.
5-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted in UP’s Ballia; Police Detain Three Minors
Uttar Pradesh: A disturbing incident occurred in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, where a five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by three boys aged six, 13, and 16. The incident took place on October 16 at the victim’s home, where the boys were tenants. Upon learning of the attack, the girl’s mother filed a police complaint, and all three minors were swiftly detained under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and POCSO Act.
Superintendent of Police Vikrant Vir and a forensic team investigated the scene. This incident follows another similar case reported in the same region last month, raising concerns over child safety. The police are conducting thorough inquiries, and the case has prompted outrage among locals.
SP Vikrant Vir stated, “We are treating this case with utmost seriousness, and appropriate legal action is being taken against the minors involved.”