Exclusive Interview! Kiran Rao on her directorial Laapataa Ladies making it to the Oscars | Hindi Movie News


Exclusive Interview! Kiran Rao on her directorial Laapataa Ladies making it to the Oscars
Kiran Rao and the poster of Laapataa Ladies
Kiran Rao’s directorial venture Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Film Category for the Oscars 2025 by the Film Federation of India on Monday.
Talking about it, an ecstatic Kiran told us, “I was hoping that Laapataa Ladies would be selected by the committee, but honestly, I didn’t expect it. My first reaction was utter disbelief! It’s only after my phone started pinging non-stop that I realised what had happened.I spoke to Aamir (Khan, co-producer) as soon as it was confirmed, and then others from our team – Ram Sampath, Sneha Desai, Chhaya Kadam, Ravi Kishan and Divynidhi Sharma. It has been quite overwhelming. This has been such a great year for Indian films and there were so many brilliant films in the mix. It’s a tremendous honour for our entire team.”
The film, which boasted of a fresh cast, was applauded by critics and audiences alike. About the love the film has received, Kiran shared, “We have such a treasure trove of talent in India, and it’s always a delight to discover and present new actors to the audience. This film is exceedingly special. Getting an opportunity to direct a film is such a great privilege in the first place, and I’ve waited for so many years to direct my second film. I’m grateful to Aamir for giving me this opportunity and to Jyoti Deshpande for championing the film.”
Ask her if Laapataa Ladies will bring back an Oscar home and she says, “I have my fingers firmly crossed! For now, we are just happy to be selected to be India’s official entry. We have a long road ahead and will have to figure out the best way forward.”

Back in the day, Aamir starrer Lagaan (2001) was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards. Is the team looking to tap his experience to plan the strategy in the months ahead? “Aamir’s experience will of course be invaluable to us. His insights and knowledge will help formulate the strategy for our campaign and the journey ahead,” said Rao.





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Venus: The Planet of Love, Beauty, and Desire


Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin, is more than just a bright and beautiful planet in our sky—it represents love, beauty, and harmony. Named after the Roman goddess of love, Venus holds a special place in both astronomy and astrology, capturing our imagination with its glowing presence. But there’s much more to this planet than meets the eye.
In terms of astronomy, Venus is the second planet from the Sun and the hottest planet in our solar system, thanks to its thick atmosphere that traps heat. Despite its scorching surface temperatures, Venus is incredibly beautiful from afar, often shining the brightest among the planets in the night sky. Its phases, similar to the Moon’s, make it an object of fascination for astronomers and stargazers alike.
Astrologically, Venus rules over everything that makes life sweet—love, relationships, beauty, art, and pleasure. It governs our sense of attraction, not just in a romantic sense but also what draws us toward people, experiences, and aesthetics that please us. The placement of Venus in your birth chart can reveal how you express love and affection, what you find beautiful, and what brings you joy. For example, a Venus in Libra gravitates towards harmony and balance in relationships, while Venus in Taurus seeks stability and sensuality.
Venus is also a symbol of self-worth. In modern times, we might forget that love begins within, and Venus helps remind us to nurture ourselves before pouring love into others. It’s about indulging in the pleasures of life—whether that’s enjoying good food, admiring art, or simply spending time with those you care about.
But Venus isn’t all about gentle love. Its proximity to Earth also hints at intensity. Just as love can be peaceful and serene, it can also burn with passion and desire. Venus reminds us that love and beauty are not passive forces—they have the power to transform, inspire, and even challenge us.
So next time you gaze up at that bright evening star, remember that Venus is not just a pretty planet—it’s a celestial symbol of love, desire, and the things that make life worth living. Let its energy guide you to appreciate the beauty in the world, and more importantly, within yourself.





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Sri Lanka has arrested 37 fishermen, TN CM tells Jaishankar; urges steps for their release | India News


Sri Lanka has arrested 37 fishermen, TN CM tells Jaishankar; urges steps for their release
Sri Lanka has arrested 37 fishermen, TN CM tells Jaishankar; urges steps for their release
CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday apprised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of the arrest of 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and seizure of three boats, and sought measures for their release. Writing to Jaishankar, Stalin said the fishermen were arrested on September 21, 2024 and as he has been pointing out, such instances of arrests of TN fishermen, “while fishing in their traditional fishing waters have been on the rise.”
Besides this, the Sri Lankan courts are levying penalties that are beyond the means of these fishermen. Strong measures must be taken to prevent the Sri Lankan authorities from apprehending fishermen and their fishing boats, the CM requested.
“Therefore, I request you to prevail upon the Sri Lankan government to stop levying hefty fines on the fishermen and provide them with necessary legal assistance. Further, I urge you to secure the release of all the arrested fishermen and their fishing boats as soon as possible.”





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Man dies of snakebite in Chhattisgarh; villagers burn reptile alive on his funeral pyre | Raipur News


Man dies of snakebite in Chhattisgarh; villagers burn reptile alive on his funeral pyre

NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old man died after a venomous snake bit him in Chhattisgarh‘s Korba district, following which locals burnt the reptile alive on his funeral pyre. After the incident on Sunday, some locals said they feared the snake might harm someone else also, hence they burnt it on the pyre.
Upon being bitten, Rathiya informed his family and was immediately taken to a government hospital in Korba.Despite receiving treatment, he passed away on Sunday morning. After the postmortem, the body was returned to the family for cremation.
Locals caught the snake and placed it in a basket. During Rathiya’s funeral procession, the villagers carried the snake to the cremation site and burned it on the funeral pyre. A video of this incident, showing villagers dragging the snake with a rope, has surfaced on social media.
Some villagers expressed fear that the snake could harm others, which led to their decision to burn it.
Korba’s Sub-Divisional Officer Ashish Khelwar stated, “No action will be taken against the villagers for killing the snake.” He highlighted the importance of educating people about snakes and snakebite management, emphasising that reptiles are crucial for the ecosystem.





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6 yoga asanas that can prevent hair fall and strengthen hair


Pranayama for scalp health

Yoga breathing exercises, also known as pranayama, can be beneficial for oxygenating the blood and potentially nourishing the scalp. These practices not only improve overall circulation but also help reduce stress, which can have positive effects on hair health. Here are some yoga breathing techniques that may be particularly helpful:

Bhramari Pranayama (Bee breath)

This technique involves making a humming sound while exhaling, which can increase oxygen in the body and improve blood circulation to the head and scalp.To practice, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and place your index fingers on the cartilage between your cheeks and ears. Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly while making a humming sound like a bee. The vibration created may help stimulate blood flow to the scalp.

Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull shining breath)

According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga guru, founder, Akshar Yoga Kendraa, “This energizing breath involves forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. It’s believed to cleanse the respiratory system and increase blood flow to the brain and scalp. Begin by sitting comfortably with a straight spine. Take a deep breath in, then exhale forcefully through your nose while pulling your navel towards your spine. Allow your inhale to happen passively as your abdomen relaxes. Repeat this cycle at a steady pace for 30 seconds to a minute.”

Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing)

This balancing breath can help improve overall circulation and reduce stress. Sit in a comfortable position and use your right thumb to close your right nostril. Inhale deeply through your left nostril, then close it with your ring finger. Open your right nostril and exhale slowly. Inhale through the right nostril, close it, open the left nostril, and exhale. This completes one cycle. Continue for 5-10 minutes.

Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious breath)

Also known as the ocean breath, this technique involves slightly constricting the throat to create a soft, audible sound while breathing. It can help increase oxygenation and improve circulation throughout the body. Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly through a slightly narrowed throat, creating a gentle “ha” sound. This breath can be practiced for several minutes and is often used during yoga asana practice.
According to Yogacharya Akhil Gore, founder RouteIn Yoga, “Pranayama, the ancient yogic practice of breath control, offers significant benefits for scalp health. By improving blood circulation and oxygen flow to the scalp, pranayama nourishes hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth. Techniques like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalbhati (skull-shining breath) help detoxify the body, reduce stress, and balance hormones—factors that can contribute to hair thinning or loss. Regular practice of pranayama can also alleviate scalp conditions such as dandruff or dryness by improving overall scalp health and reducing inflammation, making it a natural, holistic way to support hair care.”

Nadi Shodhana (Subtle energy cleansing breath)

Similar to Anulom Vilom, this technique is believed to balance the subtle energies in the body and improve overall circulation. The main difference is that you start with the left nostril instead of the right. Begin by closing your right nostril with your right thumb, inhale through the left nostril, then close the left nostril with your ring finger, open the right nostril, and exhale. Inhale through the right nostril, switch, and exhale through the left. Continue for 5-10 minutes.

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When practicing these breathing exercises, it’s important to maintain a comfortable, upright posture to allow for optimal breath flow. Start with just a few minutes of practice and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the techniques. Remember to breathe smoothly and never force or strain your breath.
Incorporating these yoga breathing exercises into your daily routine may help improve blood oxygenation and circulation to the scalp, potentially supporting hair health. However, it’s important to note that while these practices can be beneficial for overall well-being, they should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment if you have specific hair or scalp concerns. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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Optical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you have high emotional intelligence or struggle to express yourself


Optical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you have high emotional intelligence or struggle to express yourself
Photo credit: Mia Yilin via TikTok
Optical illusion personality test

Photo credit: Mia Yilin via TikTok

Optical illusion personality tests are fun and easy psychology-based tests that can help one understand oneself better. How? Well, in such images there are various elements that can be perceived differently. Depending on what one sees first, a lot can be interpreted about a person’s nature and traits.
Mia Yilin first shared this particular optical illusion personality test on social media.Mia Yilin is quite well known for her predicting people’s hidden personality traits based on her specialised optical illusions.
In this optical illusion test, one can either see a woman’s face or a tree under a starry night first. Depending on what one notices first, it can determine if a person is an extrovert or introvert, if they are too trusting and kind to their loved ones or too detached. To take the test, look closely at the picture above and note what you saw first. Read on to know what it means:
1. If you saw a tree first
It means that you make friends with others easily. People find you to be very trustworthy; so much so that they open up with you and often share their problems or views with you thinking that you can keep their secrets. In relationships, you easily share your feelings and views with your partner. You are honest as a person and are also quite loyal and devoted to your special someone. “You’re also very kind and have strong morals. You have high emotional intelligence and can read people like a book,” says Mia, as reported by Express UK.
2. If you saw the face first
Whereas, if you fall in the second category of people who saw a woman’s face in the image first it means that you are very humble as a person. You are an introvert and so you do not express your true feelings to everyone. However, people see you as someone dependable. You have a big heart and are kind to others. You are known for treating others with respect. But you also dislike publicly displaying your emotions. Sometimes, you even struggle to express appreciation for others and so you often express yourself through your actions. Commenting about people who see a woman’s face first in the image, Mia further said, “Because you’re rather introverted, you struggle with expressing yourself verbally and prefer to show your love through acts of service and gift-giving.”

7 Daily habits to follow every night for a sharper brain





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US Presidential Election 2024: Trump’s ‘Martin Luther King Jr’ Mark Robinson goes missing from his North Carolina rally | World News


Donald Trump returned for a campaign rally in North Carolina on Saturday, dealing with a situation he had a significant hand in shaping in this key battleground state.
Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate whom Trump has often likened to Martin Luther King Jr., did not withdraw from the race by the deadline on Thursday, despite pressure from the NAACP, editorial boards from North Carolina newspapers, and some congressional Republicans.
This pressure followed a CNN report that brought to light Robinson’s history of inflammatory remarks made on a porn website’s message board. Robinson, currently serving as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor, had allegedly referred to himself in derogatory terms, advocated for reinstating slavery, and made numerous explicit comments.
Robinson wasn’t invited to the rally in Wilmington, and Trump made no reference to him in his speech.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent, launched a new television ad linking Trump to Robinson, marking the first time the Harris campaign has drawn this connection between Trump and a down-ballot candidate.
The ad doesn’t directly address Robinson’s controversial comments but combines Trump’s past praise for him with some of Robinson’s anti-abortion statements, including his support for a total statewide abortion ban with no exceptions.
The ad opens with clips of Trump’s high regard for Robinson, juxtaposed with Robinson’s own uncompromising stance on abortion and his call for a potential ban without exceptions in North Carolina.
This effort to associate Trump with Robinson comes as Harris strategizes on reaching 270 Electoral College votes, eyeing paths that include several battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina. Polls suggest that Robinson is trailing his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein, in the gubernatorial race.
Although Trump narrowly won North Carolina by a 1-point margin in 2020, current polls indicate a close contest with Harris this year. A loss of North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes would significantly complicate Trump’s route back to the presidency.
Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, commented on the Robinson controversy, suggesting it would be resolved in the “court of public opinion,” marking the most direct acknowledgment from Trump’s campaign regarding the matter so far. Vance emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Robinson and the voters of North Carolina.
Following the CNN report, Trump’s campaign spokeswoman stated that Trump’s focus remains on winning the White House and securing North Carolina as part of that strategy, expressing confidence that voters would favor Trump’s record over that of the Biden-Harris administration.
Previously, Robinson had attended most of Trump’s recent events in North Carolina. He even spoke at Trump’s economy-focused rally in Asheville last month, and Trump had brought him onstage in Asheboro.
In March, during a Greensboro rally, Trump had praised Robinson as being even more impressive than Martin Luther King Jr., a compliment underscoring Trump’s high regard for the lieutenant governor.
Despite Robinson’s history of making controversial remarks about the civil rights movement, school shooting victims, and the Holocaust, Trump endorsed him in March, continuing a pattern of backing candidates who have faced similar scrutiny but still secured their primary nominations, only to lose in general elections.
Some Republicans have conceded that the revelations about Robinson could jeopardize their chances of winning the governor’s office in North Carolina. Many have distanced themselves, with a planned fundraiser featuring Robinson and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, the Republican Governors Association chair, now canceled.
Concerns are rising about whether Robinson’s potential poor showing could drag down other GOP candidates, including Trump. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, recognizing the political challenges, urged Republicans to concentrate on races they have a realistic chance of winning, highlighting the presidential contest and other state elections.
Tillis suggested that if the allegations against Robinson are true, he should take responsibility for his actions and prioritize the future of North Carolina and the Republican Party over his campaign.
Conservative commentator Erick Erickson echoed this sentiment, warning that relying on Trump’s endorsement of candidates like Robinson often backfires, forcing Trump to divert resources to states he should have comfortably secured.





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Punjab: Nine iron rods recovered from Bathinda-Delhi railway track, tragedy averted | India News


BATHINDA: Nine iron rods were recovered on the Bathinda-Delhi railway track, Government Railway Police (GRP) officials said on Monday.
Investigating Officer Shavinder Kumar, said that a train had to stopped after multiple iron rods were seen on the Bathinda-Delhi railway tracks early Sunday morning. The rods were recovered at around 3 am.
According to railway police officials, as soon as the rods were found on the tracks, the railway officials removed them and an FIR was registered against unknown persons.
“In the morning, the RPF had investigated the matter and recovered the rods, after which the matter was handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP), and then an FIR was registered,” said Investigating Officer Kumar.
He further said that a total of nine rods had been recovered from the site of the incident.
“Nine iron rods have been recovered from the spot. GRP (Government Railway Police) has registered a case against an unknown person and further investigation is being done,” he added.
In another incident on Sunday, a major tragedy was averted in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh after a 5-litre emply gas cylinder was found on the railway tracks.
The incident had occurred near Prempur railway station at around 5.50 am.
According to Indian Railway officials, the loco pilots of the goods train reported a 5-liter empty gas cylinder on the track, following which the driver halted the train.
The statement from CPRO of North Central Railway said, “A goods train going from Kanpur towards Prayagraj was stopped using the emergency brakes after the driver spotted a gas cylinder lying on the tracks, at Prempur Station at 5:50 am today (September 22). Railway IOW (Inspector of work), security, and other teams examined the cylinder and removed it from the tracks. Upon inspection, it was found that the 5-litre cylinder was empty. Directions have been given to investigate the matter.”
Similarly on September 19, a metal pole was found on the railway tracks between Bilaspur Road and Rudrapur City in Uttarakhand.
According to Indian Railway officials, the loco pilot of train reported a 6-meter-long iron pole on the track following which the driver halted the train.





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Wear a turban and … ‘: Amit Shah demands Rahul Gandhi’s apology over remarks on Sikhs | India News


NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday hit out at Congress leader and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of having a history of disrespecting the Sikh community. Shah also called on him to apologise for his recent remarks about the community at an event in the United States.
Addressing a public rally in Tohana, Amit Shah said, “Rahul Baba, what are you talking about – you have a history of disrespecting the Sikh community.Thousands of Sikhs were killed on roads during your government in Delhi riots, even children and mothers were not spared.”
“Rahul Baba, if you want to do something, wear a turban, go to gurudwara and apologise to our Sikh brothers,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi had stirred a political controversy after his remarks on Sikh community at an event in US where the Congress leader specifically asked a Sikh attendee, “What is your name, brother with the turban,” and then said, “The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. That’s what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions.”
“Fight is also about, I can see here in the crowd, people from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. When I say Kerala, I have been a Member of Parliament for Kerala. When I say Kerala, Kerala is a simple word, and Punjab is a simple word, but these are not simple words. This is your history, your language, your tradition. Your entire imagination is in these words,” he had further said.
Shah also accused Rahul of misleading the youth regarding the Agniveer scheme and said, “About Agniveer, Rahul Baba is misguiding the youths. I am firm in what I say, and today I am saying that none of the Agniveer of Haryana will be left.”
The home minister also accused the previous government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda of being controlled by dealers, ‘damaad’ (son-in-law), and the corrupt and said, “Dealers, ‘damaad’ and corrupt used to call shots when Bhupinder Singh Hooda ruled Haryana.”
“Congress governments were there – to make Delhi’s son-in-law, farmer’s land was allotted at very cheap rates. In Hooda Sahab’s government, dealers have much say, the son-in-law has a say and the corrupts have a say. BJP has ended the govt of the dealer and son-in-law… Hooda Sahab has promised to give 2 lakhs jobs, it’s in the manifesto of Congress, I want to ask the leaders of Congress party -‘ye 2 lakh naukariyan kisko doge, jo yuva yogya hai usko doge ya jo aapko kharchi data, jiske paas aapki parchi hai usko doge?”, he added.
Furthermore, Shah labeled the Congress party as anti-Dalit, adding that, “If there is anybody who can protect SC, OBC reservation, it is PM Modi.”





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Ryback Hints at NDA Cover-Up in Triple H and WWE Superstar Relationship Rumor | WWE News


Ryback Hints at NDA Cover-Up in Triple H and WWE Superstar Relationship Rumor
Ryback claims an NDA is covering up Triple H’s alleged affair (Image via WWE)
WWE and scandalous stories have been going hand in hand ever since the company has been around. Now, former WWE superstar, Ryback, has brought another tale to the fore. Speaking on the Ryback show, the former WWE star claimed that an NDA might be preventing Triple H’s alleged affair with a WWE superstar from going public.
For a while now, there has been a lot of talk suggesting that Triple H had a thing going on with WWE superstar, Kaitlyn.The former star made her WWE debut back in 2010. During her time with the company, she went on to win the WWE Divas Championship and is fondly remembered as one of the best. Let’s take a look at what Ryback had to say about the alleged affair between Triple H and Ryback:
“There is a story there. There’s probably an NDA there. Kaitlyn’s responsibility to tell that story, not mine. But I have it on close accord from people that came and told me with things that were directly involved with her that something went down between her and Hunter. And I’m not going to be, use your brains though people with everything. And then she leaves the company almost immediately after”
Also Read: Professional Wrestlers Who Hate Each Other In Real Life

Is there any credibility to Ryback’s claims about Triple H and Kaitlyn’s alleged affair?

These words would’ve had a little more credibility if they had come from someone else’s mouth instead of Ryback. As we know, Ryback has a sour relationship with WWE because of everything that has happened over the years. The company has even dragged Ryback to court over the use of his own name in the past.
Because of all the problems that Ryback has with both Triple H and Vince McMahon, any story coming from his mouth needs to be accompanied by solid proof and until he can provide some of that, it is best to take his claims with a pinch of salt.
So far, no one from WWE has acknowledged Ryback’s words regarding the situation. It is likely that WWE will maintain their silence on the situation. If the company began addressing every single scandalous story, they’d be writing explanations for days.
Also Read: CM Punk’s most memorable Hell in a Cell matches





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