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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rashmika Mandanna reveals acting was never part of her original plan
Rashmika Mandanna, who debuted in Bollywood with 'Animal', revealed acting wasn't her childhood dream. Despite challenges, she embraced her career with gratitude, supported by family and friends. She advises taking bold chances and staying grounded amid success. Upcoming films include 'Thama', 'Kuberaa', and 'Pushpa 3: The Rampage'. After making a striking entry into Bollywood with Ranbir Kapoor 's 'Animal', Rashmika Mandanna has been enjoying a streak of blockbuster hits. Having already made a mark in South Indian cinema, she is now recognized as a leading actress in Hindi films. Interestingly, Rashmika recently revealed that acting was not her childhood dream, and she faced considerable challenges and pressure before embracing her career in the film industry. Early Thoughts on Acting In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Rashmika revealed that when she was younger, she never imagined becoming an actress as it was not part of her original plan. However, looking back, she feels incredibly grateful for taking that leap, as it has profoundly transformed her life in many meaningful ways. She emphasized that her approach to her career has always been simple and genuine—she focuses on doing what truly makes her happy and fulfills her heart, which has been the foundation for all her pursuits. Encouraging Others to Take the Leap The actress reflected that she would tell her younger self—and anyone feeling uncertain or afraid—to be bold and take chances. Coming from a small town like Coorg, she proved that dreams are achievable, and she urged others to grab opportunities when they come, as they may look back and feel thankful for having done so. Handling Pressure and Expectations She shared that when dealing with the pressure of success and high expectations, she stays fully aware that nothing in life is permanent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo She believes that one can have everything one day, but circumstances can change the very next, which helps her maintain perspective and composure. The Role of Family and Support System Mandanna emphasized the importance of the strong support she receives from her family, which has helped her navigate the highs and lows of both her personal and professional life with ease. She explained that this perspective keeps her grounded, and she feels fortunate to have a reliable support system consisting of her family, close friends, and team who help her stay focused on what truly matters. While she sincerely appreciates and enjoys her current success, she approaches it with humility and maintains a balanced outlook. Upcoming Projects After her recent role in 'Chhaava', Rashmika Mandanna is gearing up for an exciting lineup of films. Her upcoming projects include 'Thama', 'Kuberaa', and the much-anticipated 'Pushpa 3: The Rampage'. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anubhav Sinha celebrates 5 years of being smoke free on World No Tobacco Day, reveals he consumed 20 cigarettes a day
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha On World No Tobacco Day, acclaimed filmmaker Anubhav Sinha opened up about a deeply personal milestone of completing five years without smoking. In a heartfelt note shared with Hindustan Times, the 'Article 15' and 'Thappad' director reflected on his long and difficult relationship with cigarettes, offering an honest account of how he started and more importantly how he stopped. Sinha recalled how smoking in his younger days was equated with growing into manhood. Influenced by advertisements featuring rugged male icons, lighting a cigarette was seen as a rite of passage. Back then cigarette warnings were often dismissed as mere background noise. 'Warnings felt like dares,' he shared, adding that the urge to rebel often overpowered reason in adolescence. Addiction and denial in adulthood By his mid-30s, smoking had become a daily habit of consuming an entire pack of 20 cigarettes a day. It had transitioned from being a rebellious act to a part of his daily identity. He remembers discussing cigarette brands like fashion choices but deep down he knew he needed to quit. The problem? Nicotine had its claws in too deep. Despite multiple attempts, some lasting days, others months, he always found himself back where he started. 'Ninety-nine percent of smokers I know want to quit,' he wrote in the article published by Hindustan Times. 'But they struggle.' Even after health scares, many smokers, he said continue because the addiction is overpowering. What finally made him stop Sinha finally found his resolve five years ago. No external factor triggered it. He simply told himself, 'Enough.' After trying over 20 times across three decades, something clicked and he quit. For good. 'Now my pillow doesn't smell. I enjoy smoke-free spaces. I'm clean,' he wrote. Support from his family, especially his younger brother Anupam who had quit a month earlier, and his son Shlok, a staunch anti-smoker helped solidify his decision. His message to young people: Don't start at all Today, Sinha is urging young people to never light that first cigarette. 'Not starting is so much easier than quitting,' he emphasized. Once you begin then the battle to quit becomes one of the hardest things you'll ever face. 'And if you don't quit it will hit you so hard.' Anubhav Sinha whose work often challenges social issues hopes his story helps others understand the true grip of addiction and the freedom that lies beyond it. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
NDTV
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Amid Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga Row, Saif Ali Khan Weighs In On Importance Of Work-Life Balance
New Delhi: Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga were set to collaborate for the first time in the upcoming film Spirit. However, within a few weeks, the deal fell through after the actress and the filmmaker reportedly had disagreements over remuneration and working hours. The incident sparked conversations around work-life balance in the film industry. Now, Saif Ali Khan has shared his thoughts on the matter. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit, the actor candidly spoke about prioritising his family over work. What Amid the ongoing feud between Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Deepika Padukone, after the latter's exit from Spirit, Saif Ali Khan shares his thouhgts on work-life balance. Saif said, '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.' We get four holidays a year, and when my kids are on break, I don't work,' as quoted by Hindustan Times. "I'm at that crazy age where I have to call both my mom and my children. You think it's just your parents you have to check on — then you realise it's both,' Saif Ali Khan added. Sharing his definition of success, Saif concluded, "Working is important, yes. But so is cooking pasta together, having a meal, and focusing on the kids. That's the real glue of life. Success and privilege, for me, is being able to say no to work and yes to time with my family." Why The Internet Is Connecting Saif's Comment To Deepika-Vanga Feud Saif Ali Khan's comment came shortly after Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. Following her departure, the actress was labelled 'unprofessional' for making specific demands – one of which reportedly included not working beyond six hours a day. Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri has replaced Deepika Padukone as the female lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit. How The Controversy Started Deepika Padukone walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's much-anticipated film Spirit, after which Triptii Dimri was officially announced as the leading lady of the film. Deepika Padukone was tagged as "unprofessional" for her demands which included working for a 6-hour shift with a newborn at home. The actress had also charged a massive fee of Rs 20 crore, along with a profit-sharing settlement and refused to deliver her dialogues in Telugu. Due to creative differences and "unreasonable" clauses, a replacement for Deepika Padukone was found. In A Nutshell After Deepika Padukone's exit from Spirit, several actors in the industry have spoken up on work-life balance. Deepika demanding for a 6-hour work shift with a baby at home, among other requests, was one of the reasons why she was replaced in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film. Saif Ali Khan is the latest actor to have shared his opinion on why a stable work-life balance is essential.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Smriti Irani Commences Shooting For Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Under Z+ Security: Report
New Delhi: The popular daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is returning for Season 2. After over a decade and a half, the beloved series is all set to hit our TV screens once again. The iconic duo – actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay – will reportedly be reuniting in the show, produced by Ektaa Kapoor. As per a report by India Forums, Smriti Irani will be shooting for the series under Z+ security. Strict protocols have been put in place, including taping of phones and restricted footfall near the sets. What Smirit Irani and Amar Upadhyay are reportedly set to reprise their roles Tulsi and Mihir in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. As per recent reports, Smriti Irani has commenced shooting for the series under Z+ security "The mobile phones of everyone on the sets excluding Amar sir, Smriti Mam and Ektaa mam will be taped. Everyone will be barred from using their mobile phones. Smriti is also shooting with Z plus security and everyone on sets will have to adhere to the strict security protocols laid," a source told the publication. Ekta Kapoor On Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Last month, Ektaa Kapoor confirmed that Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 will feature a total of 150 episodes, reported Hindustan Times. The producer explained that the original series, which wrapped up in 2008, fell just 150 episodes short of hitting the 2000-episode milestone – something she now wants to complete with the new season. "The love we have for this program brought everyone related to it back together to complete just those 150 episodes to reach that 2000 episode. This show deserves that," Ektaa Kapoor said. About The OG Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Originally aired from July 2000 to November 2008 on Star Plus, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi revolved around the ideal daughter-in-law, Tulsi Virani (played by Smriti Irani), the daughter of a pandit who marries Mihir, the grandson of business tycoon Govardhan Virani. Apart from Smriti and Amar Upadhyay, the show also featured Inder Kumar, Ronit Roy, Mandira Bedi and Achint Kaur. In A Nutshell
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Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Veteran tiger conservationist, author Valmik Thapar passes away in Delhi
Renowned tiger conservationist and author passed away in Delhi on Saturday morning. A central figure in India's wildlife conservation movement since the mid-1970s, Thapar was known for his decades-long work in protecting tigers and had served on more than 150 central and state government panels, Hindustan Times reported. According to the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, most of Thapar's fieldwork was centred in Rajasthan, though he also played a pivotal role in the revival of other key reserves, notably Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. A vocal advocate of responsible tourism, Thapar challenged the belief that all forms of tourism harm wildlife. He supported innovative approaches that foster collaboration between communities, scientists, forest staff, bureaucrats and the media to create sustainable conservation models. Thapar authored 32 books over his lifetime, including four on African wildlife. His notable works include Living With Tigers and The Secret Life of Tigers. Thapar also inspired a whole generation of conservationists and students. Tributes pour in for veteran tiger conservationist Thapar Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh described Valmik Thapar as a towering figure in wildlife conservation, particularly tiger protection, over the past four decades. Calling his passing a significant loss on social media platform X, Ramesh said today's thriving Ranthambore is a reflection of Thapar's tireless dedication and deep commitment. Valmik Thapar, a legendary figure in the world of conservation over the past four decades - especially tigers - has just passed away. It is a great loss. Today's Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 31, 2025 He added that Thapar had an exceptional grasp of biodiversity issues and was a regular voice in policy discussions. 'Not a single day went by during my ministerial tenure without us speaking and more often than not, I was at the receiving end,' Ramesh said. He also recalled their frequent exchanges when he chaired the parliamentary standing committee, noting that while they often debated, Thapar's insights were always rich with passion and concern. Taking to social media, Koustubh Sharma, conservation science director at the Snow Leopard Trust, said, 'Valmik, it's hard to believe you're gone.' He remembered first encountering Thapar in 1993 as a high school student, deeply moved by his compelling talk on tiger conservation. He further recalled, 'Years later, I was genuinely surprised to get a call from your deep voice, asking me to be in Delhi in March 2008 to receive the Carl Zeiss Award for Nature Conservation.' Sharma added, 'That you recommended me to a recent university graduate for my first conservation award said so much about your generosity and faith in others.' He said he treasured the long hours spent helping Thapar craft impactful presentations. 'Working with you over the years taught me a great deal about how to make a message resonate,' Sharma said, fondly recalling a lighter moment: 'One of my favourite memories is you calling in a panic, convinced you had 'bacteria or whatever it is' in your computer and asking me to fix it!' Rest in Peace, Valmik Thapar, the international voice of Indian tigers for many many years. As a tribute to him, do read the many books he penned on tigers: 'Tiger Fire', 'Living with Tigers' and others. — Neha Sinha (@nehaa_sinha) May 31, 2025 Conservation biologist Neha Sinha said, 'Valmik was a fearless champion for the tiger, raising awareness of India's tiger conservation challenges on a global stage. As a keen student of tiger behaviour, his numerous books offered valuable insights into their habits and nature. He skilfully blended academic research with passionate advocacy at a time when India's conservation movement was still in its infancy. He will be remembered as the voice for a creature that cannot speak for itself.'
