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Kathak’s living legend, Pandit Birju Maharaj, dies at 83

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The living legend of Kathak, Birju Maharaj, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and put on dialysis, died at his home here late on Sunday. He was 83.

Maharaj ji, as he was popularly known, was said to be playing with his grandsons when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital, where he died of a heart attack.

A recipient of the country’s second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, Maharaj ji was also a lifelong Kathak guru as well as a talented Hindustani classical singer and percussionist.

He will be remembered by cinema buffs for the two period dance sequences in Satyajit Ray’s historical drama ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ (for which he sang as well) and for the ‘Kaahe Chhed Mohe’ track picturised on Madhuri Dixit in the 2002 version of ‘Devdas’.

Maharaj ji won the National Award for choreographing ‘Unnai Kaanadhu Naan’ in the Kamal Haasan multi-lingual megahit ‘Vishwaroopam’ and the Filmfare Awards for the Bajirao Mastani number ‘Mohe Rang Do Laal’.

Adnan Sami, one of the first artistes to pay his tributes to the doyen of Kathak, said in a tweet: “Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj ji. We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius. May he rest in peace.”

Another early tribute came from Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who tweeted: “Pandit Birju ji Maharaj was a doyen of India’s art and culture. He popularised the Lucknow gharana of Kathak dance form around the world. … His passing away is a monumental loss to the world of performing arts.”

Birju Maharaj was the son of the exponent of the Lucknow gharana, Jagannath Maharaj, better known as Acchan Maharaj, whom he lost when he was just nine. His uncles were the renowned Shambhu Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj.

He taught at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Kathak Kendra, both in Delhi, from where he retired as director in 1998.

Bollywood

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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Amitabh Bachchan beams with pride as he wishes grandson Agastya Nanda success and love for ‘Ikkis’

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Mumbai, Nov 4: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan is beaming with pride as his grandson Agastya Nanda gears up for his upcoming film “Ikkis.”

Taking to Instagram, the megastar, on Tuesday, penned a heartfelt note expressing his love and admiration for Agastya. In his heartfelt post, he wished him immense success and happiness as he embarks on his next cinematic journey. Sharing an action-packed image picture of Agastya, Big B wrote, “Agastya .. so proud of you .. love and wishes for success ..On 25th December, bravery marches into cinemas. Witness the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra hero. #IkkisTrailerOutNow#Ikkis in cinemas worldwide this Christmas.”

A few days ago, Amitabh had taken to his blog to pen an emotional note for his grandson Agastya Nanda, calling him “special” ahead of the release of his much-awaited war drama “Ikkis.” In his post, the ‘Sholay’ actor fondly recalled the time when he had held Agastya in his arms as a little child, expressing deep pride in watching him grow and step into the world of cinema.

“Agastya! I held you in my hands as soon as you were born .. few months later, I held you again in my hands and your soft fingers reached out to play with my beard ..TODAY you play in Theatres all over the World ..(sic).”

The proud grandfather added, “You are SPECIAL .. all my prayers and blessings to you .. may you ever bring glory to your work and the greatest PRIDE for the family (red heart and folded hands emoji) (sic).”

On a related note, “Ikkis” helmed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, tells the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal – India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal took on the enemy head-on during the Battle of Basantar, destroying 10 Pakistani tanks before losing his life. The film will also see Simar Bhatia, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Deepak Dobriyal in significant roles.

“Ikkis” is slated to hit theatres in December 2025.

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