Latest news with #JodhaAkbar
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
On World Elephant Day, A Fashion Show, Birthday Cake, 15 Happy Pachyderms
Jaipur: Fifteen elephants and a fashion parade, and some cake too. In the 'elephant village' in Jaipur there were special celebrations to mark World Elephant Day. Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot looked on as elephants decked up in their Sunday best paraded on the ramp, cut a cake, and enjoyed a feast of fruits, jaggery, cucumber, and sugarcane. Jaipur is home to 75 elephants. Most live in the 'village' on the outskirts of Amer City and spend their days ferrying up and down the hill on which the fort - a beautiful 12th century building - was built. The fort's location, then, meant you could only access it on an elephant or horse. But after the princely states stopped the tradition of keeping the gentle giants in Amer, they found a new occupation, i.e., ferrying tourists up to their forefathers' former home. Today their welfare is governed by an animal welfare board and the forest department. They can only make one trip up and down the hill in a day, and that too by rotation only. The rest of the day they spend at 'home', in spacious and specially-made stalls and with a personal 'swimming pool', i.e., a large pond to bathe in, and regular medical check-ups. Elephant day celebrations in Jaipurs elephant village — Harsha Kumari Singh (@harsha_ndtv) August 12, 2025 And, of course, lots of treats on World Elephant Day! All the elephants, including the lone male, were dressed in silver ornaments - from elaborate neck pieces to anklets and head gear - to walk on the red carpet The lone male, Babu, led the line, carrying his mahout who, in turn, held an Indian flag. The other elephants, including Parvati and Chanda, both adept at elegantly garlanding special guests, followed. They greeted Mr Gehlot with a five-foot-long garland. That wasn't their first interaction with dignitaries either; it was Parvati and Chanda who welcomed United States Vice President JD Vance and family to Jaipur earlier this year. And they are film stars too, with small roles in movies like 'Jodha Akbar' in 2008. Meanwhile, it was a doubly special day for another elephant. Young Junali, 18 years old now, celebrated her birthday covered in flowers and cutting her two-tiered cake with her trunk. She then proceeded to enjoy the cake as the minister and everyone sang 'happy birthday'. "There should be concern and care for animals in society and we should work towards their conservation. This is the first 'elephant village'... set up by former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Then there were over 100 elephants... the numbers have come down, but we should make every effort for their welfare," Mr Gehlot told NDTV, "The government is subsidising their care." The elephants here receive bi-annual medical check-ups. "We also monitor their routine and diet according to the season, as elephants are very sensitive to weather and temperature. We also train mahouts, or their handlers, on how to understand their behaviour and needs all through the year," veterinary Dr Arvind Mathur said. Babu Khan, under whose protection many of the elephants live, said, "Celebrations like these are welcome... it will help tourism and showcase how well the animals are looked after here."
India.com
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet star who quit engineering to become an actor; from playing villains to becoming the 'messiah of the poor', he is…
Bollywood star Sonu Sood is no less than a hero in real life. His commendable work during the nationwide lockdown in the Corona period made headlines all over the world. He also keeps helping the poor and needy on social media. Very few people know that he was studying engineering. But fate brought him to acting. Why Sonu Sood left engineering? Sonu Sood lives in the hearts of his fans today. But once he was studying engineering. He has obtained an engineering degree. But he always wanted to become an actor. Fate also made him an actor. He started his career from the South Industry.. then his first Hindi film was 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne'. His film proved to be a hit in the year 2005 itself. He got real recognition from 'Jodha Akbar' and 'Dabangg'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonu Sood (@sonu_sood) Who is Sonu Sood's wife? He is married to South Indian Sonali Sood. Sonu and Sonali got married in 1996. The couple has two sons. Sonali likes to stay away from the glamour of Bollywood and neither does she ever appear in front of the media. Sonu and Sonali first met during their studies. When they were doing engineering in Nagpur. Today Sonu and his wife Sonali Sood are also successful producers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonu Sood (@sonu_sood) Let us tell you that Sonu is always seen helping the poor and stands up for the needy. Sonu Sood is as brave in his personal life as he is in real life. It is worth noting that Sonu Sood has played the role of a villain in most of the films in the beginning of his career. But people have loved him wholeheartedly in negative roles.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ankit Raizada advocates for environmental consciousness on World Nature Conservation Day
Actor Ankit Raizada, currently seen as Aman Singh Rajput in the television show Advocate Anjali Awasthi, used the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day to emphasize the urgent need for environmental awareness and action. Known for his work in shows like Jodha Akbar, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Rabb Se Hai Dua, Ankit shared a heartfelt message about reconnecting with nature and embracing conscious living. 'I truly believe that nature doesn't need us — we need it,' Ankit said. 'It teaches us calm, balance, and the art of living in harmony. For me, it's not just about appreciating nature, but protecting it in whatever little way I can. Whether it's avoiding plastic, planting whenever possible, conserving water, or simply respecting every living being—I try to stay connected and conscious. And nature is not just around us, it lives within us… and it's our duty to nurture it back. ' Highlighting the growing strain on Earth's resources, Ankit stressed the importance of collective effort. 'As human activity has made a huge impact on the environment, particularly through depleting natural resources and adding pollution, it is necessary for people to offer more care and pay more attention to preserve the planet for future generations,' he said. 'Many people don't realize that the small efforts they make on a daily basis, when combined with others, can make a huge impact on the future of the planet. ' He concluded with a strong reminder: 'After experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, it's high time to be responsible. Let's make a difference in our regular activities and show the Earth how vital it is by caring for it in a multitude of ways!' Ankit's message is a call to action—a reminder that real change begins with individual awareness and consistent action.
New Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Life gives ‘Kaanta Laga girl' Shefali Jariwala a second chance, from pain to love
Actor Shefali Jariwala, widely known as the 'Kaanta Laga girl', passed away at the age of 42, leaving many in shock. She was married to television actor Parag Tyagi. However, before meeting Parag, Shefali was married to musician Harmeet Singh in 2004 and later separated in 2009. In an interview with Times Now, Shefali expressed that emotional respect was absent in their marriage, putting her in mental distress that pushed her to end the five year long relationship. 'It is very important to understand that you are not being appreciated. Not every kind of violence is physical. There is a lot of mental violence that also happens, and you are very unhappy in your life," she said. In several other interviews, Shefali claimed that her financial independence and upbringing empowered her to walk away from a bad marriage. Post her divorce, Shefali met television actor Parag Tyagi at a dinner party hosted by a mutual friend. Speaking with Times Now, Shefali shared she was single at that time and her meeting with Parag was an arranged date. 'We really liked each other a lot and hit it off instantly. Parag and I are very similar and different in many ways. I think we kind of balance each other out.' Parag and Shefali dated for a couple of years before getting married in August 2014. Parag Tyagi is known for his roles in Pavitra Rishta and Jodha Akbar. He also participated in the celebrity dance reality show Nach Baliye with Shefali.
Pink Villa
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is Parag Tyagi? All about Shefali Zariwala's 2nd husband who rose to fame with Pavitra Rishta
Trigger warning: This article contains mention of death. Shefali Zariwala 's sudden demise has left all her family, friends, and fans shattered and shocked. But the one person whose world must have come crashing down would be her husband, Parag Tyagi. The love of his life is no more, and we cannot even imagine the pain he must be going through at the moment. As we mourn the loss of former Bigg Boss 13 contestant, here's everything you need to know about her husband, who is also an actor just like his late wife. Parag Tyagi's childhood Parag Tyagi was born in Modinagar, a small town in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. From a very young age, he showed interest in fitness and acting. After his schooling, Tyagi moved to Mumbai to give wings to his acting dreams. He initially started off in modelling and fitness training. Parag Tyagi's television breakthrough He got a break in Zee TV's hit show Pavitra Rishta in 2008, where he played Ankita Lokhande 's on-screen brother-in-law. His character was a quiet one, but even without being the main lead, he became a household name. He was later also seen in shows like Jodha Akbar, Brahmarakshas, Shakti-Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Aghori, to name a few. Parag Tyagi's film roles Apart from his stint in TV, Parag Tyagi was also seen in several films like A Wednesday, Sarkar 3, and Agnyaathavaasi. Parag Tyagi and Shefali Zariwala's love story Not many know that Parag Tyagi is not late Shefali's first husband. The actress was earlier married to music composer Harmeet Singh of Meet Bros. Right after their toxic marriage ended in divorce, the former Bigg Boss 13 contestant met Parag Tyagi at a common friend's dinner party. Parag has confessed several times in interviews that it was love at first sight for him. He was instantly smitten by the actress. Shefali was hesitant at first, still healing from a toxic past relationship, but Parag's genuine kindness and patience won her over. After dating for 4 years, these two lovebirds tied the knot in August 2014 in a low-key ceremony. The unfortunate news of Shefali's demise has left a void in everyone's heart, and we pray that God gives Parag all the strength to Parag to deal with this loss.
