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Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' won't be released in India after Pahalgam terror attacks
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Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' won't be released in India after Pahalgam terror attacks

In the wake of national mourning and widespread anger following the tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the release of the Bollywood film Abir Gulaal—starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor—has been halted in India. The movie was scheduled to hit theatres on May 9 but will now not see a release in the country, according to sources from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The decision follows strong opposition from political parties and industry bodies, most vocally from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), who have long protested the inclusion of Pakistani artists in Indian projects.

“We won’t let this film release. Show the courage to release it, I challenge you,” said MNS leader Ameya Khopkar, reiterating the party's stand on banning Pakistani talent in Indian films.

Abir Gulaal, produced by Vivek B Agrawal and directed by Aarti S Bagdi, found itself at the centre of controversy earlier this month, even before the devastating Pahalgam incident that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri. The situation escalated rapidly after the attack, with cinema halls reportedly backing out from screening the film amid public backlash and safety concerns.

fawad khan insta story pahalgam A screenshot of Fawad Khan's Instagram story sharing condolences regarding Pahalgam attack. (Photo credit: @fawadkhan81)

Social media also played a key role in intensifying the boycott campaign, with the hashtag #BoycottAbirGulaal trending soon after the news of the attack broke.

In a statement on Instagram, Fawad Khan expressed his sorrow over the violence, writing: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”

However, this message did little to stem the criticism. The FWICE, which represents over five lakh members across 32 industry associations, reinforced its long-standing directive post-Pulwama (2019) by issuing a fresh statement demanding a total boycott of all Pakistani artists, technicians, and performers.

The organization warned that any production house or personnel found collaborating with Pakistani nationals would face strict disciplinary action. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India,” their statement said.

This isn’t the first time Fawad Khan has faced fallout due to diplomatic tensions. Back in 2016, following the Uri terror attack, he was removed from Indian film projects, and filmmaker Karan Johar had to publicly apologize for casting him in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees came under fire for casting Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.

With mounting public sentiment and political pressure once again fueling the flames of cross-border bans in entertainment, Abir Gulaal has become the latest symbol of India’s cultural crackdown amid terror-related tensions. Whether the film finds release outside India remains to be seen.

Up Next

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok under fire for abusive Hindi replies, triggers meme fest
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Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok under fire for abusive Hindi replies, triggers meme fest

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, has sparked controversy for its use of unfiltered and abusive Hindi, mirroring users' aggressive tones. Developed by Musk’s social media platform X, Grok has been making headlines for its unexpected responses.

The issue arose when a frustrated user hurled abusive language at Grok after it failed to respond promptly. Instead of a neutral reply, the AI mirrored the user's tone, leading to a wave of criticism.

In one instance, a user asked Grok, “Who are my 10 best mutuals?" After a 16-hour delay, the chatbot replied using the user’s original abusive language:

"Tera '10 best mutuals' ka hisaab se yeh hai list…mutual matlab dono follow karte ho, par exact data nhi hai toh mentions pe bharosa kiya. Thik hai na? Ab rona band kar."

In another case, a user compared Grok to ChatGPT, prompting a defensive response. When the user said, "Ignore mat kar ch*t," Grok retaliated with insults, further escalating the situation.

Snapdeal founder and Shark Tank India personality Kunal Bahl commented on the incident, suggesting Grok might soon become a paid feature for verified users.

Launched in February 2025 by Musk’s xAI, Grok 3 was expected to be a top-tier reasoning and problem-solving AI. However, its unexpected grasp of Hindi slang and aggressive replies have sparked concerns. Meanwhile, the controversy has fueled a meme fest on X, making “Grok” a trending keyword worldwide.

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty recreate 'Chura Ke Dil Mera,' fans react with nostalgia and humour | Watch video
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Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty recreate 'Chura Ke Dil Mera,' fans react with nostalgia and humour | Watch video

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty were one of the most electrifying on-screen pairs of the 90s, setting screens ablaze with their chemistry in films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Dhadkan. Nearly 30 years later, the duo recreated the magic of their iconic song 'Chura Ke Dil Mera', leaving fans thrilled.

At a recent award ceremony, Akshay and Shilpa set the stage on fire by performing on their hit song from Main Khiladi Tu Anari. The viral video of their reunion has taken social media by storm, evoking nostalgia among 90s kids.

Dressed in a dapper white suit, Akshay Kumar looked as charming as ever, while Shilpa Shetty stunned in a white saree with a backless blouse, matching the theme of the event. As the music played, the two stars broke into a dance, recreating their signature moves from the original song.

Their chemistry was as electric as ever, making the audience cheer loudly. Shilpa and Akshay couldn’t stop giggling as they tried to sync their steps with the classic choreography, clearly enjoying the moment as much as their fans.

Social media was flooded with hilarious reactions. Some fans jokingly mentioned Raj Kundra and Twinkle Khanna, referring to Shilpa and Akshay’s respective spouses, while others simply celebrated the reunion of this beloved 90s jodi.

With this iconic moment, the audience was transported back in time, proving that Bollywood nostalgia never fades.

Two get life sentence in Indian rationalist Narendra Dabholkar murder case
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Two get life sentence in Indian rationalist Narendra Dabholkar murder case

Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar were given the sentence while Dr Virendrasinh Tawade, Sanjeev Punalekar and Vikram Bhave were acquitted for want of evidence.

A COURT in the western Indian city of Pune on Friday (10) handed life imprisonment to two persons in connection with the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in August 2013, while three were acquitted.

Additional sessions judge (special court) PP Jadhav read out the order in a packed courtroom where he said that the prosecution had proved the charges against Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar. The duo were also fined Rs 5 lakh besides the life sentence.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a top investigating agency, had said that the duo had shot Dabholkar, contradicting its previous claim that had named two other individuals as the killers.

Dr Virendrasinh Tawade, Sanjeev Punalekar and his aide Vikram Bhave were acquitted for want of evidence.

Read:Lawrence Bishnoi, 26 others charged in Sidhu Moosewala murder case

Dhabolkar's killing was among a series of murders of people of prominence in different parts of India. Communist leader Govind Panesare was killed in Mumbai in February 2015; Kannada scholar MM Kalburgi was assassinated in Dharwad in the southern state of Karnataka in August the same year while journalist Gauri Lankesh was gunned down in her home town of Bengaluru in September 2017. All these incidents had sparked a nationwide outrage over issues of free speech and hostility towards rational thought and it is suspected that they have common links.

Dabholkar had founded Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti in the late 1980s after leaving medical practice in which he was involved for years and aggressively countered deep-rooted superstitious practices and their supporters.

As the organisation made efforts towards eradication of superstitious activities over the years, Dabholkar also tried to build an anti-superstition legislative framework. In his mission, he had faced opposition not only from various bodies and political parties but also delays in enacting the law by governments.

It may be mentioned here that within days of his assassination, the government of the western state of Maharashtra had passed the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic ordinance, which became law in December the same year.

Read:‘So it’s you’: Salman Rushdie recalls first thought on attacker

In June 2014, the CBI took over the probe following an order from the Bombay High Court and in June 2016, arrested Tawade, an ENT surgeon, linked to a radical outfit named Sanatan Sanstha, which denied its involvement in the murder.

The agency then had said that Tawade was one of the masterminds of the plot. He was also arrested by the police of Maharashtra prior to his arrest in Dabholkar murder case -- in connection with the elimination of Pansare, who was shot near his house in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district (he later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Mumbai).

According to the CBI, a long-drawn enmity between Dabholkar and his organisation and the Sanatan Sanstha was the motive behind the rationalist's murder. In its chargesheet against Tawade in September 2016, the agency named Sarang Akolkar, an absconding Sanatan Sanstha member, and Vinay Pawar, as the two assailants who had killed Dabholkar.

Later in August 2018, the CBI arrested Andure and Kalaskar and contradicting its earlier claim, said it was them who had actually opened fire at the man. While Andure and Kalaskar were also accused in the killing of Pansare, Kalaskar is also an accused in the murder of Lankesh.

In May 2019, CBI arrested Sanatan Sanstha lawyer Sanjeev Punalekar from Mumbai and his aide Vikram Bhave. All the five people were chargesheeted by CBI. A special court had in September 2021 framed charges against the accused, kicking off the trial and they had pleaded not guilty.

PM Modi wishes Indians on Akshaya Tritiya; rituals performed across nation
News

PM Modi wishes Indians on Akshaya Tritiya; rituals performed across nation

The PM also made a special mention of the eastern Indian state of Odisha on X saying the occasion is considered to be an auspicious one there.

MILLIONS of Hindus and Jains all across India were busy celebrating the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Friday (10) -- the festival of prosperity, fortune, and success. 

Prime minister Narendra Modi took to X to extend wishes on the special day, to his countrymen in Hindi, “Warm wishes to all the families of the country on Akshaya Tritiya. I hope that this auspicious occasion that inspires charity brings new energy and enthusiasm in the lives of all of you."

Devotees in the holy city of Ayodhya in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh were seen offering prayers and taking a holy dip in the local Sarayu river. The state's chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, performed rituals in Gorakhpur, his constituency, as part of the festival. 

In another tweet, he made a special mention of the eastern Indian state of Odisha saying the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be an auspicious one there.

"Akshaya Tritiya is a very auspicious day in Odisha and for the great Odia culture. This is the day when the making of chariots begins for the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath. It is also closely linked with Akhi Muthi Anukula, when farmers start sowing seeds. May the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath always remain upon us," the PM said.

Read:Why Indians are making beeline for Dubai to buy gold this week

The day has special significance in Hindu mythology and scriptures. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words Akshaya meaning ‘never diminishing’ or ‘indestructible’ and Tritiya meaning ‘the third lunar day’. 

The latter signifies the day of celebration, that is, the third day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakh, considered special for the perfect positioning of the sun and the moon in their best planetary alignment. 

Read:Lord Hanuman’s birthday celebrated at Leicester temple

The former can be connected with the ‘Akshaya Patra’ in the revered scripture of Mahabharata, denoting the magical copper plate that is an inexhaustible source of food that would empty only when Draupadi, the wife of the Pandava brothers, eats. The magical object was gifted by Surya to Yudhishthira. It helped the Pandavas survive the harsh life during their twelve-year exile. 

According to Hindu scriptures, the day marks the end of Satya Yuga and the beginning of Treta Yuga. Besides, it also marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshurama who is considered the sixth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu - one of the principal deities of Hinduism. 

The mythical and holy significance of the day makes it auspicious. Therefore, devotees celebrate it by investing in various ways like buying gold, assets like real estate, establishing businesses, performing marriage ceremonies, engaging in charity, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu for good luck and success in their ventures.

Many people fast on the day and take holy dips in rivers as well.