Entertainment
Sidharth’s first director recalls his rise from ‘a non-actor to a TV star’
Ratna Sinha is the director who launched late actor Sidharth Shukla in the television series titled ‘Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na’, released in 2008. And since then, there was no looking back for Sidharth.
After his sudden demise, Sinha recalled the upcoming model who had that spark that turned him into a successful actor. Here’s her first-person account, shared exclusively with IANS, of her first meeting with the late actor:
It was around 2007 onwards when I think I saw him in a shopping mall. Sidharth was a ramp model back then when me and my team was looking for a new face for a new show that I was working on.
One of my assistants walked towards him and approached him for acting and he was so skeptical about the idea of acting. He really was a non-actor and when we auditioned, even the channel rejected the audition.
He was actually quite happy with modelling. But we thought there is something in him that will work! We kept on working on his skill and eventually I cast him as the male protagonist for my show ‘Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na’.
As the show received a good response, since then the world of acting opportunities grew for Sidharth. You know I really have seen Sidharth growing from a model, non-actor to a television star that he became. I had a mixed feeling of pride and happiness that this fellow is growing from strength to strength.
It is not easy at all to make it big here in the industry and staying relevant for 13 years! There were many youngsters back then started as a model and stepped into acting but maintaining success is a task that Sidharth was doing successfully. I think ‘Balika Vadhu’ was the breakthrough for him.
When I spoke to him last time, before lockdown, he was saying how keen is he to do more films. He was very keen on expanding his horizon in Bollywood. He did one film (‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’) and he nurtured the hope of acting in more films.
In the morning, when I woke up to the message of his sudden demise, I was numb. Just numb.
In the past one year, we lost so many young talents really. This is hard to process … life is so unpredictable really. I knew how emotionally close Sidharth was to his mother … my heart goes out to her.
Entertainment
Telangana minister threatens to stop release of Pawan Kalyan’s films over ‘insulting’ remark

Hyderabad, Dec 2: Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Tuesday warned that Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s movies will not be allowed to be released in theatres in Telangana if he fails to apologise over his “insulting” remarks about Telangana.
He told media persons that screening of Pawan Kalyan’s films will be permitted only after he tenders an unconditional apology for his remarks.
“If Pawan Kalyan apologises, his movies will be screened at least for a couple of days, but if he fails to apologise, his films will not release anywhere in Telangana. I am saying this as the minister for cinematography,” said Venkat Reddy, who also holds the portfolio of roads and buildings.
The minister clarified that the issue is not related to megastar Chiranjeevi, who is elder brother of Pawan Kalyan. “Chiranjeevi is a sober man. He always stays away from controversies,” he said.
He remarked that Pawan Kalyan is new to politics and, after becoming the Deputy Chief Minister, he had been making “controversial” statements.
The minister said that at a time when Telangana completed 12 years, and entered into the 13th year, Pawan Kalyan made the “insulting” remarks.
The Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister had recently blamed the “evil eye” for “dying” coconut trees in the development of the Konaseema region, known for lush green fields.
The Jana Sena leader, who visited the region last week to inspect the coconut trees damaged by seawater from a drain, blamed it on “evil eye”. He was apparently referring to the bifurcation of the state.
His remarks have evoked a strong reaction from leaders in Telangana.
Animal Husbandry Minister Vakati Srihari said that Pawan Kalyan was “unable to digest” the tremendous development of Telangana.
He remarked that the Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM “lacks” maturity.
Srihari alleged that the Jana Sena leader was making such statements for political mileage and demanded that he immediately take back his words.
Congress MLA from Jadcherla J. Anirudh Reddy demanded that Pawan Kalyan tender an unconditional apology.
“If Telangana has cast an evil eye on Godavari and Konaseema, why is Pawan Kalyan staying in Hyderabad?” he asked.
Anirudh Reddy told Pawan Kalyan to sell his properties in Hyderabad and shift to Vijayawada.
Bollywood
Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday promote ‘Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri’ on Amitabh Bachchan’s KBC

Mumbai, Dec 1: Actors Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday are all geared up for their upcoming movie Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, which is slated for a Christmas release this year.
The actors who are currently on a promotional spree were spotted at the Kaun Banega Crorepati sets on the 1st of December to promote their movie on the iconic quiz reality show hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Ananaya was seen dressed in a beautiful and classy saree, while Kartik looked dapper in his suit-boot avatar.
Apart from imparting knowledge to the audience, KBC has become a hotspot for movie and show promotions for the entertainment industry, owing to its popularity. Earlier, the cast of Family Man, Jaideep Ahlawat, Manoj Bajpayee, and Sharib Hashmi, had appeared on the show to promote their series. The cast, along with Big B, was seen having a blast.
Talking about Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, Kartik and Ananya were recently in the city of Jaipur to promote their movie. At a packed press conference in Jaipur, Kartik was seen opening up about Ananya’s journey as an actress, especially when asked what it felt like to come together again after seven years, referring to the movie Pati, Patni Aur Woh.
The actor had recalled how she was just starting out when they first collaborated and how today she stands tall with a newfound confidence, sharper craft, and a mature ease that shows both on and off screen. Kartik also spoke warmly about watching Ananya grow not just as an actor but also as a person. Reuniting after their Pati Patni Aur Woh days, the duo seemed to slip straight back into their spark. Recently, Kartik and Ananya had opened up about filming the title track of “Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri”
Kartik, in a statement, had shared, “The energy on set while shooting this track was an absolute banger!! Vishal and Sheykhar have delivered something extraordinary with this one. And with Remo bringing his magic to the choreography, the vibe on set was next-level electric. Can’t wait to see the audience grooving on this track!! ”
Ananya had added, “This track is totally on fire! It captures the entire feel of the film, the fun, the chaos, and the electric connection between Rumi and Ray. We had such a blast shooting it, and I truly believe this is the biggest party anthem of the season.” She added, “Huge props to Vishal and Sheykhar for this banger! And of course, Remo sir’s choreography just makes you want to get up and dance; he brought such infectious energy to the song with his choreography! ”The season’s biggest, loudest, and most addictive banger.”
On November 28, the makers of the upcoming film released the first and the title track, “Tu Meri Main Tera”. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the film is slated to release this Christmas on 25th December.
Bollywood
Samantha Ruth Prabhu Shares FIRST Wedding Photos With Raj Nidimoru, Exchanges Rings At Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation In Coimbatore

Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru are officially married! The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Sadhguru’s Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, at the Linga Bhairavi Temple, with reportedly only 30 guests in attendance.
In the photos, Samantha was seen wearing a traditional red saree. The couple also exchanged rings. In one of the photos, Samantha was adorably looking at her husband, while Raj could not stop beaming with a smile at their wedding
Born in Chennai on April 28, 1987, Samantha is currently 38 years old, while her husband, Raj, born on August 4, 1979, is 46. This makes an age gap of 8 years between the two.
Despite the age difference, the couple seems to share a strong bond.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu was previously married to Naga Chaitanya, and Nidimoru was previously married to Sshyamali De.
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