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India has one less reason to laugh; our favourite ‘Gajodar Bhaiyya’ is no more

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Known for his earthy humour and inimitable delivery style, comedian Raju Srivastav, who became a household name in his delightful ‘Gajodhar Bhaiyya’ persona, breathed his last on Wednesday, September 21, aged 59. The popular comedian battled for his life for 43 days.

He passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he had been rushed on August 9 after he complained of chest pain and collapsed in the South Delhi gym where he was working out.

Srivastav was at once moved to the Intensive Care Unit and put on a ventilator. Doctors had then said that he had suffered brain damage.

Born on December 25, 1963, Satya Prakash Srivastava, who later became famous as Raju Srivastava, came from a middle-class family in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

A gifted mimic, the comedy star had his share on initial struggles before attracting notice by mimicking megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic baritone voice. That got him invited to stage shows both within and outside India.

He first appeared in small roles in Bollywood films, such as the 1989 Salman Khan-starrer ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’, where he essayed the role of Shambhu, a house help. He then appeared in Shah Rukh Khan’s defining film ‘Baazigar’, which was released in 1993.

Srivastava was then seen in films such as ‘Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa’ (2001), ‘Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon’ (2003), ‘Big Brother’ (2007) and ‘Bombay To Goa’ (2007), among many others.

His big breakthrough came in 2005, however, with the first season of ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, which opened the doors for him in the world of stand-up comedy.

He finished as second runner-up and then took part in the spin-off, ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge – Champions’, where he was feted with the title of ‘The King of Comedy’.

In 2009, he took over the cameras, quite literally, as he joined the reality show ‘Bigg Boss 3’. Following that, he was seen in ‘Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala’.

The beauty of his life was that he constantly kept pushing the envelope. In 2013, Srivastava, along with his wife Shikha, participated in the popular dance show ‘Nach Baliye’ Season 6. Soon thereafter, he also appeared on ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’.

He even branched out into politics! The Samajwadi Party fielded Srivastava from Kanpur in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, but he returned the ticked and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi named him to be a part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, for which he has shot various TV commercials and social service video.

He is survived by Shikha, whom he married in 1993, and their children Antara and Ayushman.

Bollywood

Bobby Deol To Play Grey Character In Ahaan Panday, Sharvari’s YRF Film: Report

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Bollywood actor Bobby Deol, who continues to ride high on the success of projects like Animal and Ba***ds of Bollywood, has been roped in for filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action romance featuring Ahaan Panday and Sharvari in the lead roles. The yet-untitled film, backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, is expected to go on floors in the UK in the first quarter of 2026.

According to a report in Midday, Deol will play a key role with grey shades, a character that is not exactly a villain but one with strong authority and complexity.

“It would be incorrect to call him the antagonist. His character holds an authoritative position in the film, but there’s more than meets the eye. As the story unfolds, Bobby’s character develops grey tones that deeply influence his dynamic with the hero,” a source informed the publication.

The insider further added that Zafar envisions presenting Deol in a larger-than-life role, someone whose presence invokes fear, yet remains deeply layered and unpredictable. “That’s the newness the director wants to explore – a brutal yet nuanced side of the actor that fans haven’t seen before,” the source shared.

After receiving appreciation for his recent performances, Deol has become one of the most sought-after names for powerful, unconventional roles.

The source reportedly added that Ali Abbas Zafar is eager to deliver a “fan service” moment by showcasing the actor in a completely new avatar.

The film marks the fifth collaboration between Aditya Chopra and Zafar after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. With Deol joining the cast, and Ahaan Panday sharing screen space with him for the first time, this action-packed romance promises an exciting mix of intensity, emotion, and high-octane drama.

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Katrina-Vicky welcome baby boy: Priyanka Chopra and Kiara Advani send congratulatory wishes

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Mumbai, Nov 7: Priyanka Chopra, Kiara Advani, and Parineeti Chopra, among others, sent their warm wishes and heartfelt congratulations to Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal on the arrival of their baby boy.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Priyanka reposted the new parents’ announcement post and wrote, “Congratulations @katrinakaif @vickykaushal,” followed by heart emoji. Kiara Advani also extended her greeting to the couple, writing, “Hearties congratulations mama and papa! #Classof2025.”

Parineeti Chopra also shared her joy on Instagram, sending heartfelt wishes to the new parents. She wrote, “Play dates just got their newest member! Congratsss mamma and papa.”

A host of Bollywood celebrities have extended their heartfelt greetings and congratulatory messages to Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal.

On November 7, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram by posting a greeting card that read, “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November, 2025. Katrina & Vicky.” In the caption, they kept it simple and heartfelt, writing, “Blessed. Om.”

The duo had announced their pregnancy on September 23, 2025, through a joint post on social media. The announcement featured a picture of the couple, with Katrina flaunting her baby bump, along with the caption: “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude.”

The actors shared a Polaroid-style photo in which Vicky was seen gently cradling Katrina’s baby bump. The actress kept her look simple and chic in a white top and jeans.

Vicky and Katrina tied the knot on December 9, 2021, in an intimate wedding ceremony in Rajasthan. The ceremony was a low-key affair with their family members and close friends in attendance.

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Varun Dhawan’s first look from ‘Border 2’ is full of valor, bravery

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Mumbai, Nov 5: The makers of “Border 2” on Wednesday have unveiled actor Varun Dhawan’s intense first look from the film in a fierce battlefield avatar.

T-Series Films took to Instagram, where the banner shared the poster, which captures an intense and dramatic war sequence. At the center stands Varun, as an Indian soldier, covered in dirt and grit, wearing a military uniform with ammunition strapped across his chest.

For the caption, the banner mentioned: “Border uska farz hai aur Bharat uska pyaar!”

The poster offers a striking glimpse of Varun’s transformation as he steps into the world of the most iconic war film “Border 2,” which is set to release on January 23, 2026.

Varun took to his Instagram and shared the poster. He went on the caption it: “Desh ka sipahi PVC Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya. #Border2 in cinemas 23rd January, 2026.”

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh and Sonam Bajwa with production by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta & Nidhi Dutta.

A franchise to the 1997 war drama “Border”, the film is reported to be based on India and Pakistan’s 1999 Kargil War.

While ‘Border’ was based on the events of Battle of Longewala, ‘Border 2’ is presumably based on the Kargil War which occurred in 1999. The conflict between the two countries was mostly limited. During early 1999, Pakistani troops infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied Indian territory mostly in the Kargil district.

“Border 2” is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh, the film honours the heroism and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers.

In other news, Varun will also be seen in filmmaker David Dhawan’s “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai”, which also stars Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur. It is all set to hit the screens next year on June 5.

For those who do not know, ‘Hai Jawani Toh Pyaar Hona Hai’ is a hit song from David Dhawan’s film “Biwi No 1”, featuring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen. The name of the forthcoming drama is believed to have been inspired from this popular track.

Touted to be a blend of a lighthearted narrative with romantic elements, “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai” reportedly shares a tale of a guy who was rejected by several women, but ends up getting help from God.

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