Ricky Kej Awarded Padma Shri, Shares Intriguing Protocols
Ricky Kej joins NDTV's Arun Singh for a powerful conversation about being conferred with the Padma Shri, collaborating with world leaders like PM Narendra Modi, and composing a stirring rendition of the Indian National Anthem. He opens up about the wild pivot from dentistry to global music, reveals the weirdest place he's ever recorded a sound, and even shows off his earrings that reflect his roots.
Show Full
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
10 hours ago
- NDTV
Filmmaker Mani Ratnam To NDTV On Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga Row: "Her Ask Is Fair"
Legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam has thrown his weight behind calls for improved work-life balance in the Indian film industry, specifically endorsing actress Deepika Padukone's reported demand for an eight-hour work shift. Speaking to NDTV during an interview about his film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, Ratnam addressed the challenges faced by working young mothers. "It's fair if she's a young mother and needs to take care of her child, and she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance," he said emphatically. Ratnam also praised Deepika's assertiveness, "I think it's nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It's a very healthy sign." Ratnam's comments come days after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, in what was seen as a jab at Deepika Padukone, accused her of being 'unprofessional'. Industry insiders said that Deepika Padukone, who was to work with Vanga on his upcoming film Spirit, had asked for eight-hour shifts so that she could spend time with her daughter, Dua. Reports mentioned that Deepika's insistence on eight-hour workdays led to Sandeep Reddy Vanga replacing her with Triptii Dimri, who he has worked with in his previous film, Animal. Padukone, a new mother, has been vocal about prioritising her family. When asked if the industry should actively accommodate such requests, Mani Ratnam responded affirmatively, "I think so." The filmmaker went on to offer a pragmatic solution, "If it doesn't fit into your film, move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking. They are making a very fair demand, which is absolutely necessary, so we should acknowledge it and see how to live with it." This development, sparked by Padukone's stand and now bolstered by Ratnam's support, has triggered significant debate within Bollywood about sustainable working practices, particularly for parents. Actor Saif Ali Khan recently echoed similar sentiments. Khan said at the Arab Media Summit 2025, "I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That's not success. Success is being able to say, 'No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.'" Last week, actors Kajol and Ajay Devgn also supported actors' demand for eight-hour shifts. Devgn said, "Most of the honest filmmakers would not have a problem with eight-hour shifts for new moms. Also, other than new moms working for eight hours, most people have now started working eight hours. I think it's person to person, and most of the industry understands." Mani Ratnam's endorsement signals that demands for structured schedules and family time, once perhaps unconventional in the film industry's round-the-clock culture, are now seen as not only reasonable but essential by influential figures. The conversation about balancing professional dedication with personal well-being, especially for parents, is gaining momentum. Thug Life, which reunites legends Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after nearly four decades, releases on June 5.
Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘I, as an actor, dehumanised her': Sara Ali Khan recalls going through a moment of jealousy over Alia Bhatt's success; expert on psychological triggers
Actor Sara Ali Khan recently opened up about the emotions she experienced when she saw Alia Bhatt's achievements. She admitted that she went through a moment of jealousy after witnessing Alia's personal and professional milestones. Reflecting on Alia's recent National Award win at a recent event held by NDTV, Sara said, 'When Alia got the National Award, I was like, 'God, she got it, she has a kid also, her life is set'. But I don't know what she went through to get that. I, as an actor, dehumanised her.' She added, 'You don't know, she must have had challenges and disappointments too, to reach where she has. But I didn't realise what went into it. There are two sides to every coin.' Despite this feeling, the Sky Force actor also shared an insightful perspective on envy, explaining, 'Most often, when we are envious of other people, we feel so without all the information. We are envious because we just see that success and then we want that. We don't see what goes behind it; we never see it. Envy means blindness.' Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Envy is a deeply human emotion. Whether in personal relationships or professional spaces, envy often stems from our inherent need for validation, success, and belonging. However, what we see on the surface is rarely the full picture. Understanding envy, its triggers, and its impact can help individuals navigate these feelings in a healthier way.' A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) She adds, 'Envy in personal relationships can arise from perceived imbalances — when one friend seems to have a more fulfilling relationship, a smoother family dynamic, or greater life stability. Professionally, it emerges when peers achieve milestones we aspire to, whether it's recognition, financial success, or a particular career trajectory.' According to Khangarot, This tendency is fuelled by: – The Highlight Reel Effect: Social media and public personas rarely showcase struggles, failures, or personal hardships. – Emotional Projection: When we feel stuck or dissatisfied, we project an idealised version of others' lives, assuming they are free from challenges. – Lack of Context: We only see the outcome — awards, relationships, stability — but not the years of hard work, sacrifices, or setbacks. 'To cultivate a nuanced understanding of success, one must practice perspective-taking — reminding oneself that every achievement comes with its struggles. Engaging in meaningful conversations rather than assumptions helps humanise others' journeys,' she notes.
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
NDTV Exclusive: Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Says, "I Had Breast Cancer Surgery At 16"
New Delhi: Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who was crowned Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad, created history by becoming the first-ever Thai contestant to win the prestigious title. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the Miss World 2025 winner opened up about her journey, her advocacy and her personal milestones "I'm the first Thai girl to win the Miss World title," said Opal, expressing her excitement and pride after the landmark win. A passionate advocate for health, Opal shared that her 'Beauty with a Purpose' cause stems from a deeply personal experience. "I had breast surgery after being diagnosed with a benign tumour when I was 16," she revealed. Her advocacy today centres on spreading awareness about breast cancer. "I promote breast cancer awareness," she affirmed. Outside the pageant world, Opal has a softer side, especially when it comes to animals. "I'm a fur mom with 16 cats and 3 dogs," she said with a smile. She also credited India for the successful organisation of the pageant and expressed gratitude to its leadership. "PM Modi made this possible... so thank you," Opal added warmly. ICYDK, Opal Suchata Chuangsri edged out Ethiopia's Hasset Dereje Admassu, who finished as the runner-up. For the ceremony, Chuangsri wore a white gown adorned with opal-like florals. The gown symbolised both healing and strength. She was crowned by the reigning Miss World, Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic. Chuangsri emerged as the winner among 107 national representatives from across the globe. This is Thailand's first win at the Miss World pageant. India's Nandini Gupta, who represented the country this year, did not make it to the Top 8 finalists.
