Bollywood
India has one less reason to laugh; our favourite ‘Gajodar Bhaiyya’ is no more
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
Salman Khan POSTPONES Sikandar Teaser Release As Former PM Manmohan Singh Passes Away
The teaser for Salman Khan’s highly-anticipated next, Sikandar, which was originally set to be released on Friday, December 27, on the occasion of the superstar’s 59th birthday, has now been postponed. The decision to delay the release has come in light of the death of former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, on December 26.
The makers of Sikandar released an official statement that read, “In light of the passing of our esteemed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji, we regret to announce that the release of the Sikandar teaser has been postponed to 28th December 11:07 AM.”
On Friday, the Central government declared seven days of national mourning to honour former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, the teaser of the action thriller will now be released online on Saturday, a day after Salman’s birthday.
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by AR Murugadoss of Ghajini fame, Sikandar promises to be a cinematic spectacle that blends action, drama, and emotion. The plot of the film has been heavily kept under wraps.
The countdown to Salman Khan’s next blockbuster officially begun after the actor dropped a fiery picture of himself from the shoot in September 24.
In November, videos of Salman Khan and his co-star in the film, Rashmika Mandanna, shooting in Hyderabad had gone viral online, They were reportedly shooting near the famed Falaknuma Palace with a swanky Rolls Royce parked near the sets.
Speaking of the film earlier, Rashmika had said that it is the first time she will be seen playing a commercial heroine in Bollywood. She stated that while her other Hindi films had been performance-oriented, Sikandar will see her play a quintessential heroine for the first time.
Bollywood
Arjun Kapoor falls victim to online scam, warns fans
Mumbai, Dec 26: Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor recently took to his social media to warn his fans about an online scam involving someone impersonating his manager.
The actor shared a post on Instagram, cautioning his followers about a fake account that had been reaching out to people, claiming to offer opportunities to connect with him. The scammer had been targeting unsuspecting fans, using the actor’s name to build credibility and trick people into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links.
Arjun shared a post that read, “It’s come to my attention that a random account is reaching out to people claiming to be my manager and offering opportunities to connect with me. Please know that these messages are not legitimate, and I have no association with them. I would never anyone to click on links or share personal details Through such means. Please don’t fall for these scams-stay safe and alert. If you come across such messages. Kindly report the account immediately. Have a safe and merry Christmas.”
Meanwhile, yesterday, the Gunday actor extended his best wishes to the team of Baby John. Taking to his Instagram stories, Arjun shared the poster of Varun Dhawan starrer and wrote, “Wishing the entire team massive success !!! Are you going to reflect on the year or deflect from reflection? Dhawan dropped heart emojis as the reaction.
Work-wise, Arjun Kapoor was recently seen portraying the modern-day version of Raavan, Danger Lanka, in Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again.” The film also features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, “Singham Again,” the fifth installment in the popular Cop Universe, was released on November 1.
Arjun penned a heartfelt note, thanking Rohit for making every moment on set unforgettable. He captioned the post, “The perfect role, at the right time, with a director who believes in you — sometimes, that’s all it takes. Grateful beyond words for the trust he’s shown in me when not many were willing to, and for creating a character so close to his vision that the audiences have loved. This journey of becoming Danger Lanka has been nothing short of amazing. Thank you, @itsrohitshetty sir and team, for making every moment on set unforgettable. I’d do this all over again in a heartbeat!.”
Bollywood
Anil Kapoor: ‘Subedaar’ is much more than just an action film
Mumbai, Dec 24: On Anil Kapoor’s 68th birthday on Tuesday, the makers of “Subedaar” shared the actor’s first look from the upcoming film, which he says is much more than just an action movie.
Anil said in a statement: “Subedaar is special!!! It’s much more than just an action film; it’s about resilience, honor, family and the relentless fight we face in life.”
The first look starts with gritty visuals, accompanied by a gripping Subedaar theme track. Anil embodies a rugged and intense persona with absolute finesse. The video, with its escalating tension, offers a glimpse into what can only be described as a full-throttle, powerhouse performance.
He said: “Revealing this first glimpse of Subedaar Arjun Maurya on my birthday is my gift to the fans who have supported me all these years!”
Directed by Suresh Triveni, the action drama is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Triveni.
“I could not have asked a better director than Suresh to captain this film and it is equally special to partner with Vikram and team as we bring this story to life,” said the actor.
“Subedaar” also stars Radhikka Madan in the lead role. The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. Featuring the dynamic Anil Kapoor, alongside the talented Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter.
An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, the action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January.
On December 23, the actor remembered his father Surinder Kapoor on his 99th birth anniversary. He said that his simplicity, honesty, and joy not only defined him but gave his life meaning.
“Subedaar” is a Prime Video Original film.
-
Maharashtra3 months ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Crime2 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra3 months ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News3 months ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 months ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Crime2 months ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
-
Maharashtra1 month ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News3 months ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface