Bollywood
Bhumi speaks up for gender-neutral performing arts awards
Hours after Brian May, the guitarist of the British rock group Queen, slammed the decision of the Brit Awards management to do away with gender-specific awards, Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar came out in support of the move, saying that it is time human beings started celebrating artistes irrespective of the gender they belong to.
The Brit Awards, which celebrate the best in British and international music, have replaced Best Male/Female Solo Artiste of the Year and Best International Male Solo/Female Solo Artiste of the Year with two gender-neutral categories — Best Artiste and Best International Artiste of the Year, respectively.
Pednekar, who is known to articulate her opinions on gender and environmental issues, says that society needs to be more open to the reality that’s unfolding each day.
Batting for inclusivity, Pednekar said: “I have always felt that gender must not be important to determine the value of an artiste’s skill or creation. Artistes should be celebrated solely because of their body of work and not by how they choose to identify themselves.”
Almost echoing the sentiments of the best-selling ‘genderqueer’ English Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Sam Smith’s concern that the award categories ruled out non-binary artistes like him, Pednekar said: “People are identifying with diverse genders and we just can’t turn a blind eye to this reality.”
Pednekar praised the Brit Awards management for “doing away with gendered awards” and said: “We have to ensure that our society acknowledges gender diversity. I laud the Brit Awards. It is a step in the right direction and shows across the world will soon follow suit.”
She added a note of caution, saying the journey towards more inclusivity must not come at the price of representation. “We should also keep in mind that while we try to be more inclusive, it should not lead to less representation or less inclusion of genders in a world that is governed by the binary lens. That would be counterproductive to equality.”
Most recently, the Berlin Film Festival awarded its first-ever gender-neutral Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance to Maren Eggert for her role in the German sci-fi romance, ‘I’m Your Man’.
The Gotham Awards, which will be held on Monday, November 29, also announced that their best actor and best actress prizes will be combined into a single lead performance category.
Bollywood
Dharmendra’s Fan, An Auto-Rickshaw Driver, Breaks Down Outside Actor’s Mumbai Home After His Discharge, Says ‘Admired Him Since Childhood

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, 89, was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning and will continue his treatment at home, bringing immense relief to fans who had been anxiously following his health updates. The actor, who was admitted over a week ago after complaining of breathlessness, had been under constant medical supervision for several days.
As news of his discharge spread, a large crowd of admirers gathered outside the actor’s Juhu residence today morning to catch a glimpse of their beloved ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema. Among them stood an auto-rickshaw driver, clutching a handmade poster, wiping his teary eyes and offering prayers for the actor’s recovery, a moment that perfectly captured the emotional bond between Dharmendra and his fans.
The auto driver, speaking to reporters, said with deep affection, “As soon as I heard that Dharmendra had arrived home, I immediately came here with my rickshaw. I couldn’t resist, I have admired his pictures since childhood. Even at his age, his personality is remarkable; he still swims, which is not easy. I pray for his speedy recovery.”
A video shared by paparazzi accounts earlier today showed an ambulance arriving at Dharmendra’s residence, followed by his son Bobby Deol’s car. Moments later, fans were seen cheering as word spread that the actor had safely reached home.
Dr. Pratit Samdani from Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the development, saying, “He was discharged at 7:30 am. His recovery and treatment will continue at home.” Dr. Rajiv Sharma added that Dharmendra “left fully satisfied,” and that his family had made all necessary arrangements for his continued care. “He is in stable condition,” Sharma assured.
Though the Deol family has not yet issued an official statement, sources close to the family said that Dharmendra’s condition has stabilised and he will be closely monitored by doctors at home. Messages of love and prayers have poured in across social media, with fans sharing old movie clips, heartfelt notes and pictures of the actor.
Bollywood
Dharmendra latest health update: Actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment,’ reveals Sunny Deol’s team

Mumbai, Nov 11: According to the latest update on Dharmendra’s health, the veteran actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment.’
When media contacted Sunny Deol’s team, they shared an update on the actor’s health, stating, “Sir is recovering and responding to treatment. Let’s all pray for his good health and long life.”
We are in constant touch with Sunny Deol’s PR team. Earlier, the team issued a clarification stating that Dharmendra continues to remain stable. They also urged everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information about the actor’s health. In an official statement, the team had shared, “Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Kindly don’t indulge in spreading false rumours regarding his health. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family’s right to privacy.”
Meanwhile, false reports about Dharmendra’s death began circulating on social media late last night. Several celebrities and eminent political leaders fell prey to the death hoax and shared condolence messages online. However, the veteran actor’s family intervened to put an end to the rumours.
Hema Malini took to social media to strongly condemn the misinformation, calling it “unforgivable” and “highly irresponsible,” while urging media outlets to respect the family’s privacy. Esha Deol also shared a statement, assuring everyone that her father is stable and recovering well.
Hema wrote, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.”
Esha Deol also shared a health update about her father, assuring that he is stable and recovering well in the hospital. “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable & recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papas speedy recovery.” (sic)
Bollywood
Dharmendra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Mourns Veteran Actor’s Death On X, Later Deletes Post

Veteran actor Dharmendra has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital. On Tuesday morning, several media reports claimed that the actor breathed his last and is no more.
Around 9 am today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also confirmed his death. “Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. A versatile actor who brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity,” he wrote on X.
“His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” the Minister added.
However, he deleted his post minutes after posting it.
On November 10, his wife, veteran actress-politician Hema Malini, shared an update about his health, telling fans that he was being continuously monitored at the hospital. Taking to her X (formerly Twitter), Hema wrote on Monday, “I thank everyone for their concern about Dharam ji who is in hospital for observation. He is being continuously monitored and we are all with him. I request you all to pray for his welfare and speedy recovery.”
Following news of his hospitalisation, Hema was seen arriving at the hospital on Monday evening to visit her ailing husband. Shortly after, Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol arrived with his sons, Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol. Later, Bobby Deol’s wife, Tanya Deol, also reached the hospital.
Later, Govinda, Salman Khan, Ameesha Patel and Shah Rukh Khan, along with Aryan Khan, who shares a close bond with Dharmendra, were seen rushing to the hospital to visit him.
Meanwhile, police and security guards have erected barricades outside Dharmendra’s Mumbai residence to manage the large crowds of media and fans gathering outside his home.
Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 for a routine check-up. Later, his team shared that there was absolutely no cause for concern, assuring fans that he was in good health.
“The actor is in good health and visits the hospital often for routine medical tests, which is the reason for his current stay. It seems that someone spotted him there, which has led to a frenzy among his fans, but there is nothing to be worried about as he is absolutely fine,” said the team.
Dharmendra was gearing up for the release of his new film, Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda, which was slated to hit theaters on December 25.
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