Entertainment
First ‘KBC13’ crorepati is visually impaired Himani Bundela

When Himani Bundela lost much of her vision in a motorbike crash in 2011, doctors made several attempts to make her see the world again, but they failed. The plucky Agra girl, who’s now a 25-year-old woman, did not give up. And she kept nursing one hope: to get an opportunity to appear in a reality show.
She did, and how! Himani, who teaches Mental Maths, in an Agra school, is the first ‘KBC13’ contestant to win Rs 1 crore. And now the big question is, will she be able to answer the 16th questions and walk home with Rs 7 crore, or settle for what she has won and forgo the attempt?
Like the famous scene in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ where the entire country waits with bated breath for the Dev Patel-character, Jamal Malik, to answer the ‘crorepati’ question posed by Anil Kapoor, fans of ‘KBC13’ will be praying for luck to come knocking on Himani’s door.
Will she, won’t she? The episodes on August 30 and 31 will showcase Himani’s journey of winning Rs 1 crore and then attempting for Rs 7 crore. She will also be seen teaching a few Mental Maths tricks to the reality show’s celebrity host, Amitabh Bachchan.
“The winner doesn’t do anything different, but she does everything differently.” These were Himani’s words when she described her tryst with the Hot Seat.
“Since childhood I wanted to be a part of some reality show and when I saw ‘KBC’, the only thought that came to my mind was that this is where I should be,” Himani said.
For her students, Himani is not only their Mental Maths teacher, but also a role model who shows them with her own life how to overcome life’s unexpected turns. Himani, who’s undergoing treament for glaucoma, and can only distinguish between light and darkness, strongly believes in staying happy and spreading happiness.
What was it like to be within back-slapping distance with India’s most revered film star? “To be on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ and to meet Mr Bachchan has always been my dream. I’m glad I could fulfil it. He made me feel so comfortable that I did not experience any nervousness. The most touching moment was when he offered me water.”
Talking about her personal journey, Himani said, “My life after the accident wasn’t been easy. But my family, especially my parents, my brothers and sisters, put in a lot of hard work to make sure I returned to leading a normal life and earn my livelihood independently.”
She added: “Being a woman who’s visually impaired, I hope my stint on ‘KBC’ offers hope to people who are just like me. A lot of specially abled students get admission into schools and colleges, but there are no coaching academies for them to prepare them for competitive exams for government jobs. With the money I have won, I would want to open a coaching academy that trains specially abled young men and women for competitive exams.” Now, that would indeed be an Olympian cause.
(‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 13’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television)
Entertainment
Sharad Kelkar on language conflict: All Indian languages are beautiful, I’m Indian, first and foremost

Mumbai, July 5: Actor Sharad Kelkar, who is known for his work in television, and has voiced the iconic character of Baahubali for its Hindi version, has shared his opinion on the growing language conflicts between different states of India.
The actor recently spoke with IANS, and shared that though he prefers to stay away from politics, he surely respects all “beautiful” Indian languages that are spoken throughout the country.
He told IANS, “Honestly, I don’t want to get into political matters. I have no interest in it. Ask me about acting, and I’ll talk. Ask me why I haven’t done a Marathi film, and I’ll answer. But this isn’t about personal will or preference. I believe all Indian languages are beautiful. I’m Indian, first and foremost”.
The actor was also asked if he is the highest paid actor on his upcoming show, to which he responded by saying, “I’ve been working for over two decades. I’ve earned my place, and yes, I charge for it. What’s wrong with that? If someone is earning well, people should be happy—not jealous. It’s a sign of achievement. If an actor returns to television, it’s because they have value. No one’s calling you back just for nostalgia—you have to bring something to the table”.
He also shared about why in the current era of television, shows don’t run for years and actors don’t become household names.
He said, “The audience landscape has changed. OTT has brought in new content and platforms. Earlier, shows used to run for years and characters would live in people’s hearts. Now, shows are shorter, and people move on quickly. Many actors believe they aren’t getting recognition, but I think it’s the characters that become famous, not the actors themselves. I’ve been known as Nahar Singh, Barry B., Thakur, and Dr. Ashutosh—all character names”.
“If you keep reinventing yourself and present a new version every time, people might eventually remember your real name”, he added.
Bollywood
Subhash Ghai shares how Aamir Khan brought dignity to Hindi cinema with his film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’

Mumbai, July 4: Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai took to social media to shower praise on Aamir Khan for his continued efforts to elevate the stature of Hindi cinema.
Lauding his decision to release ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ in theatres and hold off on its OTT release for six months, Ghai called it a move that brings “dignity to Hindi cinema.” In his heartfelt note, the director expressed his happiness at how exhibitors across the country honoured Aamir as a “brave filmmaker” for supporting the big-screen experience and showing deep respect for theatrical business.
Sharing a photo featuring Aamir Khan, Subhash Ghai wrote on Instagram, “Dear Aamir. You have done it again to bring dignity to Hindi cinema with your heartwarming film in cinema halls n pledging not to show it on small screen for six months. M glad that all India exhibitors honoured you as a brave film maker yesterday for respecting the business of big screens theatres too. Congratulations n blessings. @muktaa2cinemas @pvrcinemas_official @inoxmovies @cinepolismx @zeecinema @muktaartsltd.”
The makers of the Aamir Khan starrer have decided not to release the film on OTT platforms. The Multiplex Association of India had applauded the move, and Aamir Khan Productions later expressed their gratitude for the support. Sharing MAI’s statement on their official Instagram account, the production house wrote in the caption, “Grateful for the overwhelming love and support MAI (red heart emoji).”
In the statement, Kamal Gianchandani, who served as the President of MAI, had said, “Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who puts the audience first. His decision to bring Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience. Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres. As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, Sitaare Zammen Par will remain a shining example of cinema’s resilience and its irreplaceable magic.”
“Sitaare Zameen Par,” which also stars Genelia D’Souza, was a sequel to the 2007 hit film “Taare Zameen Par.” Directed by RS Prasanna, the sports drama hit theatres on June 20.
Bollywood
Ranvir Shorey criticizes MNS workers for assaulting a Gujarati shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi

Mumbai, July 3: Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey took to social media to strongly condemn the actions of MNS workers who allegedly assaulted a Gujarati shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi.
Expressing his outrage, the actor called the incident shameful and unacceptable. He also tagged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in his post. The ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ actor took to his X handle to post a video that captured members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly attacking a restaurant owner in Mumbai’s Mira Road area over his inability to speak Marathi. Expressing his anger, Shorey described the incident as “disturbing” and voiced serious concerns about the current state of law and order in Maharashtra.
The actor tweeted, “This is sickening. Monsters on the loose, looking for attention and political relevance. Where’s L&O, @CMOMaharashtra @Dev_Fadnavis ?.” Ranvir also hit back at trolls in the comments section of his post, giving a sharp and fitting response to those who tried to criticise him. One user asked the actor, “Since how many years you now live in Maharashtra? How much effort have you taken to learn Marathi?”
In his reply, Ranvir Shorey said, “First, I’m not answerable to a hateful anonymous troll like you for any of these questions. Second, you’re really dumb if you think beating people up will make them learn and speak a language. And finally, if you do want to bring attention to the issue, there are more positive & constructive ways to bring about change, or even protest for political mileage, instead of beating hapless citizens who’re just trying to make a living!”
A video that went viral on social media showed a group of men visiting a shop to buy food. The situation turned violent when they allegedly attacked the shop owner for not speaking in Marathi. The men were seen wearing scarves associated with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The incident took place in Bhayander, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. It occurred shortly after the state government rolled back its decision to enforce a three-language policy, which had sparked criticism from the opposition.
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