Latest news with #Leela
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
A road to her village, a newborn in her family — before her own delivery, YouTuber Leela Sahu welcomes niece
In a singsong voice, 22-year-old Leela Sahu smiles at the camera and answers a relative's offscreen question — 'Leela, iska kya naam rakhe ho?' (Leela, what have you named her?). Without hesitation, she replies: 'Aradhya'. In the reel she uploaded to Instagram, she adds playfully: 'Ghar mein Pihu, Pari, Sundariya bhi hai'. The child in her arms is not hers, but her sister-in-law's newborn daughter — the first baby born in the family in 11 years. But Aradhya's birth marks the emotional culmination of a year-long public campaign led by Leela, a Bagheli YouTuber from Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district who drew national attention to the broken, unpaved roads that made emergency healthcare in her village nearly inaccessible for pregnant women. 'She was born healthy. The ambulance came about an hour after we called, and it took another hour or so to reach the hospital,' Leela told The Indian Express. 'My due date is August 2. My only hope is the ambulance will come in time.' Leela said this was the first child in the family in the last 11 years. 'That's why I gave her many names, Aradhya, Pari, Sundariya,' she said. As her own delivery date approaches, Leela says she won't give up. There are six pregnant women who are expecting to deliver in the coming months, and a road is crucial for access to healthcare. 'My work isn't done just because construction began. I'll keep raising my voice till the full road is built. Because this isn't just about one ambulance, or one baby. It's about the other woman too.' The road, or at least parts of it, has finally started to take shape. In late July, after months of public pressure and viral videos, construction work began in Khaddi Khurd under the initiative of local Congress MLA Ajay Singh Rahul, who stepped in after BJP MP Rajesh Mishra's comments triggered outrage. The Congress leader said he was moved to act after seeing how the local MP dismissed Leela's concerns by suggesting he would personally carry pregnant women to the hospital on their due dates. The path to this moment began in July 2023, when Leela, then in her first trimester, posted a video tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'You got all 29 MPs from Madhya Pradesh, Modi ji. Can't you at least give us a road?' she had said, speaking in Bagheli dialect from her mud-brick home in Khaddi Khurd. Her message resonated across platforms, drawing attention to the region's collapsing infrastructure, where pregnant women were routinely transported by tractor and stretchers due to inaccessible roads. In March 2025, officials from the Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority confirmed that a five kilometre road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana had been surveyed and submitted for state approval.
India.com
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress who married at 16, became mother at 17, divorced before 30, debuted film was superhit, worked in Hollywood, her name is...
Before she was an on-screen diva, she was a teen bride. Before the applause, there was silence. And before Tenet, there was Bobby. Dimple Kapadia's life didn't follow the rules of the script; it tore them up and wrote a new one, frame by frame. Dimple Kapadia, the bold debutante of Bobby (1973), entered the industry at just 16 and unknowingly became a walking paradox: a superstar, a teen bride, a mother at 17, and a divorcee before she turned 30. But her story didn't follow the usual fading-into-oblivion arc. Instead, she rewrote the rules, both for herself and the generations of actresses who followed. Why did she walk away at her peak? Soon after her debut, Dimple married superstar Rajesh Khanna. Their marriage was the talk of the town, but behind closed doors, cracks began to show. Rumours swirled, from career restrictions to pressure for a male heir. As Dimple once revealed, 'He wanted me to stop working.' She eventually left the marriage, becoming a single mother of two daughters by the age of 25. When did the comeback happen? After a 12-year break, Dimple returned to the silver screen with Sagar in 1985. Not only did she reclaim her stardom, but she also picked up prestigious awards, including a National Award for Rudaali and multiple Filmfare Awards. Her performances had matured — raw, complex, and unforgettable. Did she break beyond Bollywood? Absolutely. Dimple stunned global audiences when she starred in Christopher Nolan's Tenet in 2020. She had already tested international waters with Leela in 2006, showing she was always one step ahead of the curve. Even today, Dimple Kapadia is unstoppable. In recent years, she's wowed audiences in Pathaan, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Murder Mubarak.
India.com
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who was Bollywood's first graduate heroine? Worked with Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, was the first film star to endorse…, her name is…
The film industry has been a place where many prefer to leave their education to become actors. We have come across many actors who hold PhDs, Master's Degrees, and Doctor's degrees before entering the world of cinema. Many had quit their profession to become successful actors. Right from Sai Pallavi to Sreeleela, many of them may know that these divas are doctors. Many such divas possessed such prestigious designations before they became huge stars. However, today we will tell you about Bollywood's first actress to complete her graduation. You'll be surprised to know her name? Who was the first Bollywood actress to complete her graduation? The actress whom we are talking about inspired many people during her era. Bollywood's first heroine to complete her graduation was none other than Leela Chitnis. During her early days, Leela ventured into the film industry when the roles of heroines were limited. The divas were featured in the films to either attract the audience with their beauty or to portray emotional depth in demanding scenes. However, when Leela Chitnis entered Bollywood, she changed the dynamics of the roles offered to heroines. How did Leela Chitnis's education have an impact on Hindi cinema? Leela was the first actress to shatter such taboos of films, and it was through her that the Hindi cinema saw an image of an educated, self-reliant and sensitive woman for the first time. In her autobiography, 'Chanderi Duniyat', Leela revealed how she adapted to situations over time. Even before the great heroines like Nirupa Roy or Sulochana, Leela Chitnis was delegated to play the role of a compassionate mother on screen. Due to which she was honoured with the title of 'Duchess of Depression' and the first graceful mother of Hindi cinema. Leela Chitnis was graciously presented on screen, her impact was such that the audience sitting on the other side of the room was swept away by her performance. Leela never gave up a moment to leave a lasting impression on the people; her roles were such finely played that the audience stood in awe of her. Not only that, Leela nailed the role of sacrifice and human dignity. Did Leela Chitnis transform her personality after becoming famous? Leela Chitnis remained a down-to-earth person, despite her immense popularity in Hindi cinema. Leela never transformed herself. However, during her last years, Leela lived in an old-age home in America. Leela started living a life where there was no camera around her, and she died alone in the darkness of anonymity. How did Leela end up becoming a heroine? In her autobiography, 'Chanderi Duniyat' it mentions every detail about Leela Chitnis. Starting from her birth, family, her first meeting with her husband in college. She was born on 9 September 1909 in Dharwad (present-day Karnataka) in a Marathi Brahmin family. Her father was an English professor, and this family environment made her conscious of education. Leela Chitnis was married at a young age. She went abroad with her doctor husband. She gave birth to four sons. Later, when she got divorced from her husband, she returned to Mumbai. After coming to Mumbai, Leela again started working in a school. But she had the responsibility of four children, and it was difficult to make ends meet. It was during such times that she started Marathi theatre. Through her plays and films, she raised questions on casteism, the status of women, and social pressures. Did Leela fail as a director and producer? Despite this, Leela made her presence felt as an extra in films, and she struggled and became an actress. Then came films like 'Kangan', 'Bandhan', 'Jhoola', where she appeared as a modern, self-reliant woman opposite Ashok Kumar. In the films of that time, her character spoke, thought, and fought. This was a new heroine who was showing a mirror to society by going beyond flowers and saris. Many may not know this, but Leela tried her luck in directing and producing films; eventually, she failed at it.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Department of Official Language organises
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 12 (ANI): Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs organised 'Dakshin Samvad' in Hyderabad as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations. The event became a vivid testimony to linguistic harmony, the multilingual consciousness of the nation, and the continuous progress of the Hindi language. In her welcome address, Secretary of the Department of Official Language, Anshuli Arya, said in a press note, 'Today's celebration - 'Dakshin Samvad' - is being organised in South India because Hindi has been adopted as the official language across the nation. Therefore, the celebration should not remain confined to a central event but be observed nationwide. With this spirit, we have gathered today on the historic and culturally rich land of Hyderabad. Hyderabad--where the voices of Telugu, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, and English echo together--is not just a city, but a reflection of India's multilingual soul.' She also remembered Ramdhari Singh, the first official language advisor to the country's government as a person who raised a fearless voice in favour of Hindi in the Parliament. 'The Department of Official Language was established on 26 June 1975. Many scholars, officers, and dedicated workers have contributed to this journey--some no longer with us physically, yet their memory and contributions remain indelible. We especially bow to the poet laureate Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, who was the first Official Language Advisor to the Government of India and who raised a fearless voice in favour of Hindi in Parliament,' Arya said. Highlighting the department's 50-year journey, she said that initiatives including 'Mantra' and 'Leela' had strengthened the department technologically. 'To promote the use of Hindi in offices, the department provided policies, rules, training programs, and technological tools. The inspections by the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language accelerated these efforts. Initiatives like 'Mantra,' 'Leela,' 'e-Mahashabdakosh,' and 'Kanthasth' have strengthened the department technologically. After 2014, this journey gained special momentum,' she stated. Speaking on the Prime Minister's role in bringing a revolutionary change in the perception of Hindi, she said, 'The simple, impactful, and spirited speeches delivered by the Hon'ble Prime Minister in Hindi, both in India and abroad, have brought a revolutionary change in the perception of Hindi among the youth. Among the five pledges he envisioned for a 'Developed India,' two--freedom from the mindset of slavery and pride in our cultural heritage--continue to inspire the Department of Official Language.' Expressing gratitude to the Home Minister, Chief Guest G. Kishan Reddy said he was thankful that Hyderabad was chosen for this event. He remarked, 'In these fifty years, the Department of Official Language has accomplished significant work. Promoting Hindi is the foremost duty of every Indian.' Guest of Honour Pawan Kalyan appealed for the use of Hindi on social media platforms. 'If we can learn foreign languages, why hesitate with Hindi? Hindi is easily understood across the country. I personally use Hindi on social media. On this Golden Jubilee of the Department, let us resolve to love Hindi, adopt it, and promote it,' said Kalyan. Recalling former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he said, 'Language should connect hearts. Let us view Hindi from this perspective.' Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh said, 'Inspiration to promote Hindi came from those whose mother tongue was not Hindi. Today, the Hon'ble Prime Minister and Home Minister are furthering that tradition.' Professor Manikyamba said, 'Over my 55-year tenure, I have witnessed the flourishing of the Official Language. The Veena of the Official Language resonates with the collective tones of all languages.' Professor Anant Krishnan said, 'I am here representing Tamil Nadu and proudly say that a favourable environment for Hindi is taking shape there.' On this occasion, several Hindi publications from various institutions were released, including contributions from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ONGC (MRPL), Central University of Tamil Nadu, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Union Bank of India, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Indian Bank, and the Central Hindi Institute, Hyderabad. It is noteworthy that the Department of Official Language completed 50 years on 26 June 2025. The first Golden Jubilee celebration was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where major departmental achievements were showcased through book releases. This symbolic event signified that the journey of the department had transcended policy frameworks and become entwined with national pride and consciousness. Bharat Mandapam--recently a venue for G20 global summits--has now emerged as an inspiring stage for the promotion of Hindi and Indian languages. Carrying this spirit forward, the second major event of the Golden Jubilee year, 'Dakshin Samvad,' was organised in Hyderabad on 11 July 2025, becoming a symbol of harmonious dialogue rooted in southern India's linguistic and historical diversity. This event affirms that the Golden Jubilee of the Department is no longer confined to Delhi but has evolved into a national celebration, with Hindi now playing the role of a unifying force for dialogue across the country. On this occasion, the winners of sports competitions held for officers of the Central Secretariat Official Language Service and subordinate offices under the Department in Delhi were also felicitated. In the post-lunch idea exchange session, Telugu scholar Professor Manikyamba, Professor Annapurna Charla, Kannada scholar T. R. Bhatt, and Tamil scholar Anant Krishnan shared their views on the harmony between Indian languages and Hindi. All speakers expressed a shared sentiment of love for Hindi and affirmed their commitment to adopting and promoting it as a path towards a more harmonious India. The concluding session featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing India's linguistic and cultural diversity, which captivated the audience. (ANI)
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
How the Sanskrit feature film Padmagandhi aims to promote the language
It's not often that you get to talk to the director of a Sanskrit feature film. And when you do, you realise how difficult it is to make a film in Sanskrit, particularly for a contemporary audience. Padmagandhi, directed by popular Kannada actor-director and theatre personality, K. Suchendra Prasad and produced by Sanskrit scholar S.R. Leela is about the flower — lotus. The story is told through a young girl studying at a gurukula and in the process, touches upon mythology, scriptures and warfare. 'Though the theme may come across as philosophically intense, it is not. It is a children's film that will appeal to adults too,' says Suchendra. .' Drawn into directing the film after understanding the flower's strong presence in our culture, Padmagandhi opened Suchendra's eyes 'It is intriguing that the lotus grows in muddy waters, yet is considered pious. The lotus is mentioned in our vedas, specifically Sri Suktam. These names describe specific lotus-like characteristics associated with our deities. It is our national flower and the highest civilian awards are named after it. We have the Swarna Kamal award for actors. Besides, there are over 36,000 synonyms/references only for the lotus in the ancient book, Amarakosha. Subjects such as botany consider the lotus important due to its medicinal value. One can find its references in our literature, performing arts and temple architecture. These are the aspects that Padmagandhi weaves into its story,' shares the director, who believes, 'we are losing out on our ancient studies of science and scriptures, which is what we talk about through the medium of cinema.' Knowledge that is available in our scriptures is vast. 'We have been able to incorporate just the essence of the vedas and puranas in the film,' says Leela, who's earlier film, Ekachakram, directed by Suchendra, was their first Sanskrit feature film that has had a successful stint at film festival circuits. Leela has invested all her life's savings to promote Sanskrit language and what better way to do this than through a film? 'I approached Suchendra as he is one of those rare actors, who is also a Sanskrit scholar. Ironically, the film's lead child artiste's real name is Mahapadma, which has been retained in the film and has become a part of the narrative. It is her curiosity, as to why she is named so, that triggers her journey and the story of Padmagandhi. Initially, I wanted to make it as a documentary but Suchindra felt that the story could be built into a feature film.' There is a need for films such as Padmagandhi, believes Suchendra, as 'we ape the West blindly in all that we do and are losing out on our culture. We had five ancient universities, where people from across the world came to study. None of them exist. Yet, our knowledge and heritage survived as ours is 'maukhikha parampara' (oral tradition).' Suchendra plans to screen Padmagandhi first at the Indian Panorama International Film Festival. 'This film has been in the making for over six years. Four years went into discussions and study with Sanskrit scholars and researchers. We want to make sure it reaches as many people as possible.' The gurukula sequences in Padmagandhi were filmed at Shubham Karoti Maitreyi Gurukula in Bengaluru. 'It is a gurukula for girls and aims to promote Indian culture along computer studies and karate,' says Suchendra adding that there are several gurukulas across Karnataka. He gives complete credit to Leela. 'It is her passion for Sanskrit and research on the lotus of over a decade that has been made into a film.' The other USP of the film is the music, which is composed by a Sanskrit scholar, Deepak Paramashivan, and all actors, cast i n the film are Sanskrit students, who speak the language fluently. The film is edited by N. Nagesh Narayanappa and will be released under the banner of Suchendra's production house, Voicing Silence.
