Mumbai, Aug 18: Actor Suniel Shetty celebrated the strong bond between India and the UAE. He expressed pride in the Indian diaspora and the growing collaboration between the two countries.

Taking to Instagram, the ‘Dhadkan’ actor shared glimpses from an event and described the evening as a wonderful celebration of India, its people and the special connection shared with the UAE. “What a wonderful evening of celebrating India, our people and the beautiful bond we share with the UAE,” he wrote.

The ‘Hera Pheri’ actor also praised the Indian community in the UAE and highlighted the work being done through collaboration between India and the UAE. “Proud, proud, proud of our Indian diaspora and the incredible work being done together with the UAE,” Suniel added.

He also mentioned Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in his post. The actor also shared pictures from the event on social media.

Organized by the Indian People’s Forum (IPF), one of the largest community associations representing Indian expatriates in the UAE, the gathering saw attendees collectively recite a pledge of allegiance to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Suniel Shetty also joined the audience in taking both pledges.

Speaking at the event, Suniel described the UAE, particularly Dubai, as “an extension of our very own India” and praised the country and the Indian community for their resilience in overcoming challenges and crises.

Suniel Shetty has often spoken about his pride in India’s culture and global community.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shetty was last seen in the action-comedy film “Welcome to the Jungle,” which also starred Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, and Jackie Shroff.

“Welcome to the Jungle” was released worldwide on 26 June 2026

Mumbai, Aug 18: Actress Pooja Hegde showcased pride after being invited as the Guest of Honour at the India Day Parade in New York, saying the experience of seeing the Indian community come together to celebrate the country was “truly an honour”.

The actress shared a slew of images on Instagram, where she is seen holding the Indian flag and waving it as she stood atop a car during the parade. She was also felicitated with a sash that read “Chief Guest.”

“It was truly an honour and a matter of immense pride to be the Guest of Honour at the India Day Parade in New York. There was something incredibly surreal about seeing the streets of New York come alive with so many Indians, proudly celebrating our country and everything that connects us to home,” she wrote as the caption.

The actress added: “Thank you to @federationofindianassociations for the honour and a beautifully organised event along with the officials of New York. To be there, doing this with you all is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Gratitude for this moment that I’ll carry with me for a long time. Jai Hind.”

It was the 44th annual India Day Parade in New York City, which took place along Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), it is celebrated as the largest India Day Parade outside of India.

Pooja was joined by actor Adivi Sesh, who also served as a chief guest and grand marshal. The lead actors of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah made their first-ever New York City appearance at the event.

Pooja’s latest release is Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a romantic comedy film directed by David Dhawan. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Sheirgill and Mouni Roy. The film is intended to be David Dhawan’s final directorial film.

Mumbai, Aug 14: Yash revealed that he was surprised to learn that Kiara Advani had never done a rain sequence before ‘Toxic’, despite spending so many years in Bollywood.

Addressing the album launch event of ‘Toxic’ in Mumbai, Yash shared that when he asked Kiara if she had done a rain sequence, she said no, and he convinced her that it was going to be easy.

Yash was heard saying, “When Kiara came into this film, I was a little worried because it is too demanding. The first time we spoke, I asked her, ‘have you ever done the rain sequence?’ and she said, ‘Never, how is it?’ And I was like ‘Oh, all these years you have worked and you have never done a rain sequence’. She said, ‘No’. And I said, ‘Yeah, it’s going to be good, easy’.”

Yash also praised Kiara, saying that the actress came with 100% commitment despite being pregnant with her daughter at the time of the shoot.

He revealed that he and director Geetu Mohandas were extremely scared and acted like Kiara’s bodyguard during the shoot.

“And then I saw the way she dedicated herself, and I must say, even after she was pregnant, she came with 100% commitment. We all were so scared. I was more worried. Gitu was more worried. We were more like bouncers or bodyguards, where we used to take care of her. But she has really dedicated herself. So thank you, Kiara. This one is special,” the ‘KGF’ actor went on to add.

Yash even went on to call another leading lady from ‘Toxic’, Tara Sutaria, a ‘stunning beauty’.

“I was told, ‘You know in your whole movie the character what she is playing that looks authentic like a Disney queen or a character from that era’. So that makes me a little conscious standing next to her that I am not looking according to the period or because she is so good looking that that’s making me look little local,” he said.