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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Delhi elections, with party leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announcing 15 key promises under the banner of ‘Kejriwal ki guarantees.’ These assurances include free public bus travel and a 50% discount on Metro fares for all school and college students. The initiative is aimed at making public transport more accessible to students, while also empowering women with extended free bus travel and fare concessions for female students. Kejriwal reiterated last month’s promise of a ₹2,100 direct cash transfer to eligible women under the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ which he described as an effort to address financial needs and promote women’s empowerment. Other significant guarantees included employment opportunities, a ‘Sanjeevani scheme’ for medical treatment, and waiving incorrect water bills. The manifesto also pledged to fulfill promises from the 2020 election, such as cleaning the Yamuna river, providing 24-hour drinking water for all households, and constructing European-standard roads. Kejriwal acknowledged delays in implementing these projects, attributing them to the COVID-19 pandemic and political targeting by the BJP. The party’s senior leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain, have faced arrests on corruption and money laundering charges since May 2022, leading to tensions between AAP and the BJP. Despite these challenges, Kejriwal reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises if re-elected.

Last year seen in the Hrithik Roshan-starrer Fighter, actor Akshay Oberoi is now set to share the screen with ‘KGF’ star Yash in the upcoming pan-India film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film also features ‘Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal’ actress Nayanthara in a significant role. In a recent interview with Digital Commentary, Oberoi confirmed his involvement in the project and expressed excitement about working alongside Yash and Nayanthara. “I’m shooting for Toxic right now with rocking star Yash. Nayanthara is also part of the movie. I shouldn’t talk about the cast much because the makers won’t like it. Also, I’m a big fan of director Geetu Mohandas,” he said. Speculations suggest Nayanthara may portray Yash’s elder sister in the movie, an exciting collaboration between the stars. The film was initially set to mark Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Kannada debut, but scheduling conflicts led to her replacement by Nayanthara. Kiara Advani stars as the female lead opposite Yash, while Tara Sutaria and Shruti Haasan are rumored to join the cast, though their roles are yet to be confirmed. Set against the backdrop of Goa’s drug trade, Toxic promises an action-packed narrative. A teaser released on Yash’s birthday showcased the star in a sleek all-white ensemble walking with style inside a casino, raising anticipation for the film. Scheduled for an April 10, 2025, release, the project has sparked speculation about potential delays, though no official announcement has been made.

Director SS Rajamouli has joined hands with South superstar Mahesh Babu for their much-anticipated upcoming film, SSMB29. While an official announcement is yet to be made, the filmmaker recently stirred excitement among fans with a teasing Instagram post. On Saturday, Rajamouli shared a short clip featuring a majestic lion holding an Indian passport, symbolically referencing Mahesh Babu being “locked in” as he gears up for the film’s shoot. Captioned “Captured,” the post hinted at the actor’s commitment to the project. Fans immediately connected the lion symbolism to Mahesh Babu, who has been affectionately called a “lion” since voicing Mufasa in the Telugu version of Disney’s The Lion King. Reacting to the post, Mahesh Babu quoted a famous line from his 2006 blockbuster Pokiri in Telugu: “Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu. [Once I commit, I won’t even listen to myself].” Adding to the excitement, Priyanka Chopra, rumored to play the female lead in SSMB29, commented “Finally,” seemingly confirming her involvement in the project. At a screening of RRR in Japan, Rajamouli spoke about the film, saying, “We have completed the writing and are in the pre-production process, including pre-visualization. The protagonist is Mahesh Babu, a Telugu actor. Many of you may already know him – he’s very handsome, and I’m sure you’ll love him as well.” In addition to Mahesh Babu, Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has been roped in to play the antagonist. The film is planned as a two-part epic saga, with extensive pre-production already underway. Fans are eagerly awaiting further updates, including an official announcement and release timeline, as SSMB29 shapes up to be yet another cinematic masterpiece from Rajamouli.

Naseeruddin Shah, a name synonymous with brilliance in acting, has an uncanny ability to embody every character with remarkable depth and subtlety. His voice, too, has become an instrument of storytelling, making even the most ordinary of dialogues unforgettable. Whether as D.K. Malhotra in Masoom, Bhola in Manthan, or the Common Man in A Wednesday!, his characters resonate with authenticity, making them stand the test of time. In a recent interview, Shah reflected on his journey, acknowledging the pivotal role Shyam Benegal played in shaping his career. He credited Benegal for casting him in revolutionary films like Manthan, Bhumika, and Junoon when no one else was willing to take a chance on him. Shah expressed deep affection for Benegal, calling him a guiding force in his life. Shah’s reverence for his craft extends beyond Bollywood. When he visited Kerala for the Kerala Literature Festival, he spoke of the state’s unique love for literature and the arts. He expressed admiration for the educated and theatre-savvy populace, admiring their intellectual engagement with the arts. Interestingly, Shah also shared his experience working in Malayalam cinema. Though his appearance in Ponthan Mada with T.V. Chandran was challenging, especially as he grappled with the language, Shah fondly remembered working with Malayalam cinema icons like Mammootty. He praised Mammootty’s approach to stardom, emphasizing that despite his fame, he didn’t let it overshadow his craft. Shah observed that both Mammootty and Mohanlal, two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars, have been instrumental in supporting parallel cinema, allowing newcomers to flourish in an environment of artistic collaboration. He wished Hindi cinema stars would follow suit and extend their reach beyond self-propagation, participating in meaningful and smaller-budget films that deserve a wider audience. Shah’s reflections offer a glimpse into the thought process of an actor who has transcended the limits of commercial cinema to become an icon of meaningful storytelling. His unwavering commitment to his craft continues to inspire countless filmmakers and actors alike.

Bollywood fans have reason to rejoice as actor Sanjay Dutt might collaborate with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar for Vaastav 2, a potential sequel to the iconic 1999 gangster drama Vaastav. Although an official announcement is pending, reports suggest that discussions are underway to transform the film into a franchise 26 years after its release. According to Pinkvilla, Manjrekar is in the process of developing the screenplay, which will be narrated to Sanjay Dutt once finalized. A source close to the project revealed that Vaastav 2 is envisioned as a franchise film rather than a direct continuation of the original. The source explained, “Mahesh has cracked an idea that aligns with the Vaastav universe and has shared it with Sanjay Dutt, who is excited to step into Raghu’s shoes again. While the idea is ready, Mahesh is currently focused on translating it into a full-fledged screenplay. Once complete, Sanju is eager to hear the entire narrative.” Interestingly, the film is expected to be a two-hero gangster drama, with a younger actor joining Dutt in the lead. The source added, “The makers aim to cast a big name from the younger generation alongside Sanjay Dutt. It’s a parallel-lead subject, and casting for the second hero will begin once the script is locked.” Produced by Subhash Kale, Vaastav 2 is being envisioned as an out-and-out commercial entertainer featuring gripping dialogues, high-octane action, and engaging songs. The production team hopes to finalize casting by mid-2025, with shooting expected to commence by the year’s end. The original Vaastav was a massive hit and is remembered for its gritty portrayal of Mumbai’s underworld, Sanjay Dutt’s powerful performance as Raghu, and its iconic climax. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Dutt to the Vaastav universe, making this sequel one of the most exciting projects in development.

Renowned Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep has respectfully declined the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, which he was awarded for his performance in the 2019 film Pailwan. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Sudeep expressed gratitude for the recognition but reaffirmed his decision to stop accepting awards, a stance he adopted several years ago for personal reasons. Sudeep wrote, “While I feel privileged to have received the state award, I have chosen to stop receiving awards for several years now. This decision was made for various personal reasons, and I intend to uphold it.” In Pailwan, Sudeep portrayed an orphan-turned-wrestler and boxer, a role that earned him widespread acclaim. Acknowledging the jury for their selection, he remarked, “I am grateful to every jury member for selecting me, as this recognition is, in itself, my reward.” He also offered an apology to the jury and the state government, stating, “I sincerely apologise for any disappointment my decision may cause, and I trust you will respect my choice and support me on the path I have chosen.” Fans and well-wishers expressed their support for the actor’s decision on social media, praising his humility and principles. M Narasimhalu, president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, refrained from commenting directly on Sudeep’s decision but noted that the awards are intended to appreciate and encourage artistes. This is not the first time Sudeep has declined a significant honor. In August 2024, he turned down an honorary doctorate from Tumakuru University, citing his belief that his contributions were personal and had not yet impacted society significantly. He highlighted that many unsung heroes working for societal betterment remain unrecognized. Sudeep’s gesture has once again underlined his grounded nature, earning him further admiration from fans and the film fraternity.

In a transformative moment, former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni renounced her worldly life and embraced spiritual sainthood, assuming the name Mai Mamta Nand Giri. The Uttar Pradesh government announced that the 52-year-old took sanyas during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, joining the Kinnar Akhara, a prominent religious order established by the transgender community in 2018. Kulkarni’s spiritual journey included performing the ritual of Pind Daan on the banks of the River Ganga, symbolizing the renunciation of material ties and paying homage to her ancestors. Following this, she underwent her pattabhishek (consecration ceremony) amidst Vedic chanting in the Kinnar Akhara. Mamta Kulkarni was welcomed into the fold by prominent spiritual leaders, including Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri. She also met Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. Speaking at the ceremony, Mamta expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is my good fortune to witness and be part of this holy moment during Maha Kumbh.” She revealed that her spiritual journey began 23 years ago when she took deeksha (initiation) from Guru Shri Chaitanya Gagan Giri at Kupoli Ashram. With her induction into the Kinnar Akhara, Mamta Kulkarni now holds the revered title of mahamandaleshwar, joining the ranks of spiritual leaders dedicated to religious discourse and social upliftment. This marks a significant chapter in her life, moving from stardom in Bollywood to a path of spiritual devotion and service.

The iconic Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, has been granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration, enabling it to receive foreign donations. A government source clarified that the FCRA approval was sought by a court-appointed management committee overseeing the temple, not the temple’s hereditary priests. The Mathura district court formed the management committee, which includes nominees from the BJP-led State government, to manage the temple’s affairs. The temple, historically managed by Sevayat Goswami priests and descendants of Swami Haridas, is now locked in a legal battle with the State government over control of its substantial funds, valued at approximately ₹480 crore, along with gold and other valuables. According to sources, the FCRA application cited the temple’s regular inflow of foreign currency and its intention to accept donations from abroad. The Ministry of Home Affairs granted the registration on Friday under the “Religious (Hindu)” category after due scrutiny and court approval. The FCRA registration is a crucial step, as it is mandatory under the 2010 Act for NGOs and associations to legally receive foreign funds. The development highlights the ongoing tussle between traditional custodians and the State government over the temple’s management and finances, even as it opens avenues for international contributions to one of India’s most revered religious sites.