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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sooraj Barjatya reflects on privilege in filmmaking, compares storytelling with Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra and the 90s Bollywood boom: 'We sold fairytales'
Sooraj Barjatya , the celebrated filmmaker behind iconic family dramas like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain,' and Vivah, has opened up about the role of privilege in shaping up his and peers like Karan Johar , Aditya Chopra 's respective film careers. In an interview, Barjatya reflected on his shared upbringing with his fellow directors, acknowledging that their privileged lives have influenced their filmmaking. Here's a closer look at Sooraj Barjatya's candid revelations from the interview. Sooraj Barjatiya on selling "fairy tales" In a candid interview with Bollywood Hungama, Barjatya noted that he, Johar, and Chopra all grew up with guaranteed comfort, which led them to create what he calls "fairy tales." He explained that their love for cinema blossomed during a time when audiences in India craved non-realistic, fantastical stories. "They represented what type of world was a fairy tale, and the '90s were an era in India where the audience wanted fairy tales," he stated. This demand, he says, is why they gravitated toward a particular genre, creating a body of work that catered to this desire. Barjatiya weighed in saying, 'We are the ones who were born with golden spoons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 of These Questions Correctly. IQ International Undo Humne zindagi ke jhatkon ko experience nahi kiya hai zyada. Hamesha gaadiyon mein ghoomein hain. (We haven't experienced many of life's jolts. We have always traveled in cars.) But fortunately or unfortunately, jab hamara daur aaya (when our time dawned), we were passionate about filmmaking. Hum logon ne vo duniya dikhayi jo fairytale hai, aur vo 90s ka daur aisa tha ki audience dekhna chahti thi fairytales. Toh uss bahaav mein hum beh gaye — and we are into a particular kind of cinema. (We showed a world that was a fairytale, and the '90s were an era when the audience wanted to see fairytales. So, we got swept away in that current.).' Barjatiya on the signature styles of direction While Johar and Chopra have explored more complex themes like infidelity and moral ambiguity in films like 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' and 'Befikre,' Barjatya's films have consistently remained focused on family values and tradition. He attributes this to his upbringing, stating, "Out of us three, I am the most conservative one. Maybe it has to do with my upbringing. If you look at us, individually, we are all on the good side of cinema. Karan would like to make Rocky Rani; maybe it has to do with our age, but mostly, we want to make family films. But yes, comparatively, I am more conservative. I think there lies my strength.' Despite their different storytelling approaches, Barjatya believes they all share a common goal of making family-oriented films. Sooraj Barjatiya on the work front Following a seven-year hiatus, Sooraj Barjatya made his directorial comeback with the 2022 film 'Uunchai,' starring Amitabh Bachchan. Barjatya will be seen returning to television with a new show titled 'Manpasand Ki Shaadi,' that is touted to be modern take on the classic themes of love, relationships, and Indian traditions.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Inside the H-1B visa collapse: Why 2025 is reshaping the future of skilled immigration in the US
What began as a slow administrative tightening has rapidly turned into a storm. The H-1B visa system, long considered the backbone of America's high-skilled workforce, is now buckling under political pressure, procedural overhauls, and growing distrust. In 2025, what was once a predictable immigration pathway is becoming a cautionary tale, especially for thousands of international graduates who thought the U.S. would reward talent with opportunity. Instead, they're facing silence, scrutiny, and shutdowns. Delays turning into breakdowns The U.S. State Department's announcement of mandatory in-person interviews for H-1B applicants starting September 2025 has sent shockwaves through the immigration community. The waiver, introduced during the pandemic to streamline processing, had become a quiet but crucial support for a fragile system. Its revocation means that already overloaded U.S. consulates, especially in India, will now have to accommodate thousands more face-to-face appointments. Wait times, which already stretch into months, are expected to balloon further. Employers are left stranded, hires are postponed or canceled, and skilled professionals are watching their windows of legal stay close rapidly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 of These Questions Correctly. IQ International Undo A broken promise to graduates For international students graduating from U.S. universities, the cracks are devastating. Most rely on the H-1B system to legally remain in the country after Optional Practical Training (OPT). But with increasing denials, delays, and employer reluctance to sponsor, 2025 is turning into a graveyard of aspirations. A system that once advertised 'study here, work here' is now delivering a different message: 'You're on your own.' Political targeting and scapegoating Amid these structural failures, the political temperature has spiked. Prominent figures like Steve Bannon have called the H-1B program a 'scam,' stoking fears that American jobs are being 'stolen' by foreign talent. More recently, a conservative Congresswoman's anti-H-1B posts specifically targeting Indian visa holders sparked outrage across party lines. But the damage was done. The shift is clear. H-1B is no longer just a bureaucratic issue. It is a political wedge. And foreign professionals, particularly Indians, are being painted as convenient scapegoats in a broader ideological war over immigration, trade, and national identity. A silent exodus begins With no guarantees of security or transparency, skilled workers are quietly leaving. Many are opting to return to India, Canada, or the UK, which are seen as more stable and respectful of talent. Others are being forced out after years of study and work due to visa rejections or administrative backlogs. Worse still, some are being flagged for social media posts, peaceful protests, or minor legal technicalities. This is part of a growing wave of "soft rejections" that require no public explanation but achieve the same effect: keeping them out. Alternatives? Few and fragile While cap-exempt options like university jobs or O-1 visas exist, they are neither scalable nor accessible to most applicants. The path for high-skilled, employment-based immigration is narrowing at every turn. There is no new system to replace H-1B. Just silence, gridlock, and growing fear. India's muted response Despite the disproportionate impact on Indian nationals, who typically account for over 70% of H-1B recipients, the Indian government has remained publicly silent. While private diplomatic channels are reportedly active, no strong statement or formal protest has been issued against what many see as a clear targeting of Indian talent. A turning point with long-term costs What's happening in 2025 is not a blip. It is a structural shift. And if left unaddressed, the U.S. risks permanently damaging its reputation as the destination for global talent. Universities will struggle to attract students. Companies will find it harder to hire. Innovation will suffer. The U.S. education-to-employment pipeline, the very engine that powered Silicon Valley, biotech breakthroughs, and global research leadership, is being quietly dismantled. And by the time the alarms are loud enough to hear, it may already be too late. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Invasion season 3 trailer releases; Reveals premiere date
The teaser trailer for Invasion Season 3 has finally been made available. On Friday, August 22, the science fiction series will resume. The show, which was created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil , follows an alien invasion from the viewpoints of people all over the world. Things are expected to change in the upcoming season. What can we anticipate from Season 3 of Invasion? The main characters from all over the world team up for a crucial mission in Season 3. According to the official announcement, "those perspectives collide for the first time, as the main characters of the series are brought together to work as a team on a critical mission to infiltrate the alien mothership." Now, the aliens have developed into "ultimate apex aliens," with lethal tendrils that are rapidly expanding on the planet. To save humanity, the group of heroes must now take swift and wise action. Returning as Aneesha, Farahani remains committed to keeping her children safe. Anderson returns in the role of Trevante, a soldier searching for answers while dealing with trauma. As Mitsuki, who concluded Season 2 deep within the alien hive mind, Kutsuna also makes a comeback. Enver Gjokaj (Clark), Shane Zaza (Nikhil), and India Brown (Jamila) are also returning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Official IQ Test - Updated 2025 IQ International Undo In a mystery role, Erika Alexander joins the cast. Invasion Season 2: What Happened? The alien awareness grew stronger in the second season, which advanced the plot. New research outposts, such as one in the Amazon, were established by humanity. Character arcs became more complex as Trevante kept going in fighting his demons, Mitsuki risked everything to establish a connection with the alien mind, and Aneesha discovered a potent alien artwork. The new, evolved alien threat is shown in the teaser trailer. It suggests that action and group dynamics will be given more attention in Season 3. Take a look: Episode count and release schedule There will be ten episodes in Invasion Season 3. Every Friday until the October 24 finale, a new episode will be released following the August 22 premiere. 'Wednesday' Season 2 Shake-Up: Confirmed Cast Exits, Beloved Characters Return & Star-Studded Additions Announced
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Man loses over 50 kg in a year with a unique football game strategy
For years, Chris Martin from Suffolk felt like a prisoner in his own body. Tipping the scales at nearly 152 kg, the 39-year-old father of three had resigned himself to a life marked by breathlessness, takeaway dinners, and low self-esteem. But a humbling moment at his child's school sports day changed everything. 'I struggled to take part in the parents' race,' Martin recalled while talking with Daily Mail . That moment of physical defeat became a turning point, and what followed was nothing short of transformative. The Facebook Scroll That Changed Everything In a story that sounds almost cinematic, Martin's path to reclaiming his health began with a casual scroll through Facebook. There, he discovered Man v Fat Football —a weight-loss-oriented six-a-side football league where goals and grams count equally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 Of These Questions Correctly IQ International The initiative, which combines weekly weigh-ins with football matches, scores players based on both weight loss and match results. The unique blend of sport and accountability instantly appealed to Martin, a lifelong Ipswich Town supporter, who promptly signed up for his local Cambridge team. 'I Was So Out of Breath' The first few matches were brutal. 'I was so out of breath during my first game,' Martin admitted. But with each week, the sport that had once left him gasping for air became the very vehicle that carried him toward fitness and renewed self-worth. Alongside the matches, participants received healthy recipes and nutritional advice, helping Martin rethink his entire relationship with food. You Might Also Like: 89 kg weight loss without crash diets or overtraining: Woman shares 5 lifestyle changes you can start today From One Takeaway a Day to Balanced Meals Martin's lifestyle overhaul was dramatic. Gone were the solitary, calorie-heavy meals and the mindless biscuit binging during work hours. 'I used to eat one meal a day—and it was usually a takeaway. I'd snack constantly and never think about calories,' he told Daily Mail , which reported on his journey. Now, he's ditched the takeaways and shifted to three nutritious meals a day, full of vegetables and homemade curries. 'Before, I never ate vegetables. Now I try new things—we eat a lot of vegetable-based dishes,' he said. 'I Felt Like a Monster' Beyond the physical toll, obesity had left Martin emotionally battered. 'It wasn't nice going out, thinking that I was a monster and people were looking at me,' he said. 'You can't go into shops to buy clothes. Everything had to be ordered from specialist stores. It was demoralising.' As of this June, Martin weighs around 100 kg—a loss of over 50 kg in under a year. Not only is he more mobile and confident, he's now the captain of his Man v Fat team. You Might Also Like: How an extremely busy man lost nearly half his body fat in 3 months without strict diet or long gym sessions 'I Can Be a Father Again' Perhaps the most profound change has been at home. 'To do things with my children and be present with them means the world to me,' he said. 'It feels like I can be a father again.' Chris Martin's story isn't just one of weight loss; it's about reclaiming life, joy, and dignity. From hiding behind oversized clothes to leading his team with pride, he's shown that sometimes all it takes is a football, a supportive league, and the will to change. As he puts it: 'I'm proud of actually doing it and I'm proud of what I've achieved.'
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UIDAI extends free online document update service deadline to June 2026
Aadhaar-issuing body Unique Identification Authority of India ( UIDAI ) has announced an extension of its free online document update facility till June 14, 2026. The free service is available on myAadhaar portal , UIDAI said in a post on X, urging Aadhaar holders to provide updates, where applicable, for maintaining accuracy of their demographic information. "UIDAI extends free online document upload facility till 14th June 2026; to benefit millions of Aadhaar Number Holders . This free service is available only on #myAadhaar portal. UIDAI has been encouraging people to keep documents updated in their #Aadhaar," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Official IQ Test: What is Your IQ? | Answer 30 Questions to Find Out! IQ International Undo Updates can be made by uploading proof of identity or proof of address documents.
