Latest news with #Musafir
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sameera Reddy reveals her son's reaction to Race made her reconsider return to films after 13 years with horror-thriller Chimni: 'You don't look like that anymore'
Sameera Reddy is making a comeback to the silver screen after more than a decade. Last seen in Tezz (2012), she revealed that the decision was sparked by her son's reaction to her old work. About a year ago, he watched her 2008 film Race and told her that she didn't look like that anymore, asking why she wasn't acting. Sameera told him she had been busy raising him and his sister, but her son urged her to reconsider staying away from films. 'A year ago, my son saw my film Race (2008) and asked me, 'Wow, you don't look like that anymore. Mum, why don't you act?' I said, 'Because I've been busy taking care of you and your sister.' He pushed me to reconsider my decision of staying away from showbiz,' she shared. First time in full-fledged horror The 46-year-old's return will be in a genre she has never fully explored before. She said the film, titled Chimni, is a 'hardcore horror-thriller' that will release by the end of this year. While she had a brief stint as a narrator in Darna Mana Hai (2004), this is her first complete horror role. The novelty of the genre, she admitted, was a big draw for her. Nervous but ready Facing the camera again after 13 years was nerve-racking. Crew members on set referred to her as a veteran, but she laughed it off, saying she felt like she was starting from scratch. The moment the director called 'action,' though, the actor in her 'woke up' and she was able to perform with full conviction. Sameera Reddy reveals the 'scariest' incident in her life as a mother Sameera observed that the industry has changed significantly since her last outing. She pointed out how filming technology had become more efficient, recalling that during Musafir (2004), she had to repeat the same scene multiple times for different angles, whereas today's steadicam systems make such work far more streamlined. In her time away from films, Sameera built a strong presence on social media, especially during the pandemic. She used the platform to speak openly about issues many women face — from parenting challenges to aging and weight fluctuations. While she noted that many celebrities prefer to hide such matters, she wanted to normalise them. The connection she has formed with women followers, she said, comes from their shared understanding that 'no one is beyond issues. '
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Actor Sameera Reddy on acting comeback after 13 years with a horror-thriller: I was so nervous
Actor Sameera Reddy will return to the silver screen after 13 years. Last seen in Tezz in 2012, she shares what kept her away for so long. 'A year ago, my son saw my film Race (2008) and asked me, 'Wow, you don't look like that anymore. Mum, why don't you act?' I said, 'Because I've been busy taking care of you and your sister.' He pushed me to reconsider my decision of staying away from showbiz,' she shares. Actor Sameera Reddy The 46-year-old's comeback project is a horror outing: 'This film fit the bill perfectly. Titled Chimni, it's a hardcore horror-thriller that is slated for release by end of this year. I got excited about it as I've never done something in the genre. I was a part of Darna Mana Hai (2004), but only as a narrator.' Ask if she had cold feet while facing the camera after over a decade, and she says, 'I was so nervous. People on the set were like, 'Aap toh veteran ho,' and I was like, 'Kya veteran?' I knew I had to start from scratch. But the moment I heard 'action', the actor who had been sleeping [inside me] for a long time woke up and I performed according to the director's vision.' Sameera admits that film-making has advanced in the past decade: 'The kind of technology we have now is amazing. I remember doing a similar scene for Musafir (2004) many times so the director could get the shot from different angles. Today, things are much more sorted with a steadicam system in place.' Before her return to acting, Sameera was busy enjoying her social media presence, which she started five years ago. "I got to explore the medium around the pandemic, and I felt these were normal issues that every woman goes through. Many celebrities try to hide it, saying, 'Hamare sath aisa nahi hota,' but I wanted to normalise it all, be it issues with kids, in-laws, and primarily aging and weight. I am happy when women followers connect with a big smile, understanding that no one is beyond issues."
Mint
7 days ago
- General
- Mint
Why toys are vital for your pets' well-being and how to pick them
You have surely noticed the Labubu craze exploding across social media. Children and adults alike seem obsessed with these big-eyed figurines. While they are cute, they also highlight the universal instinct to play. This instinct isn't limited to humans. Our pets, whether dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs, rely on play not just for fun but also for their mental and physical well-being. Yet in most Indian homes, you'll find a dog with one half-chewed ball or a cat with a string no one's used in weeks. Since play is a key part of our pets' daily lives, it's worth getting their toys right. When I first got Musafir, my Golden Retriever, I fell into the trap of buying squeaky toys that looked adorable but barely lasted two days. He'd rip through the fabric and chew out the stuffing. It took me a while to learn that durability matters, and enrichment matters more. The first toy he engaged with was a snuffle mat. I'd hide bits of his dry food in the fabric folds, and he'd spend 30 minutes foraging. Not only did it slow down his eating, but it also tired him out. Snuffle mats aren't just for dogs; cats love them too when sprinkled with catnip. Interactive puzzle toys are another worthwhile investment. One of my clients had a Beagle who'd shred curtains when left alone. Once we introduced a rotating disc feeder that dispensed kibble with a nudge, his anxiety-driven behaviour dropped significantly. The trick is to make your pet work for the reward. A mini foraging tray with hidden seeds in shredded paper is surprisingly effective at keeping hamsters occupied for hours. For smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, tunnels and hideouts are essential. These animals are naturally skittish. A tunnel gives them a sense of safety and encourages movement. I had a rabbit patient, Coco, who refused to eat after being moved into a new home. It wasn't until we gave her a cardboard tunnel and a box lined with hay that she began to explore and nibble. The right environment made all the difference. Chew toys are another category that require thought. Dogs benefit from Kongs or rubber chews that can be stuffed with frozen treats, but avoid toys marketed as 'indestructible". I've seen many fractured premolars from overzealous chewing. Cats enjoy catnip-stuffed fabric toys that are soft enough to bat around. Rabbits and guinea pigs need untreated wood or compressed hay chews to help wear down their teeth. Cats, in particular, need toys that mimic the hunt. Wands with feathers, slow-moving motorised bugs, or even a simple shoelace dragged across the floor can engage their predatory instincts. But remember to let them 'catch" the toy occasionally. If every play ends in frustration, your cat will quickly lose interest. Rotating the toys is equally important. Like humans, pets can easily get bored with the same thing every day. I keep Musafir's toys in a basket and rotate them weekly. The squeaky duck that got ignored three weeks ago suddenly becomes fascinating again. The same applies to rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and hamsters. A cardboard maze you make this week can be dismantled and reshaped the next. Change keeps things novel, and novelty drives engagement. Toys don't need to be expensive. Some of the best enrichment comes from DIY options. Stuffing an old sock with newspaper, knotting it, and freezing it makes a great chew toy. Cardboard boxes with cut-out holes become hideouts. I've seen a hamster joyfully spend 20 minutes climbing over a half-empty tissue box. The point isn't how fancy the toy is. It's how well it stimulates your pet's senses, instincts and brain. Boredom can trigger barking in dogs, over-grooming in cats, furniture destruction, and gastrointestinal issues in rabbits. Toys are not indulgences but basic mental health tools. If you're budgeting for your pet, factor them in like you would food or vet visits. The right toys can reconnect our pets with their instincts and inner joy. Nameeta Nadkarni is a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and pet blogger from Mumbai.
News18
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Birthday Boy Sanjay Dutt's Most Iconic Villain Roles
1/9 Many actors have showcased their acting prowess as the villains in the Hindi films and ended up outshining the protagonist as well. Among these bad guys of Bollywood, Sanjay Dutt occupies a special place as he has left an indelible impression of his acting both as a hero and a villain. (Image: IMDb) 3/9 Musafir: Billa, Dutt's character in the crime thriller, was of a ruthless killer who is very evil and stylish as well. Despite the fact that the 2004 film was a box office disappointment, Billa's character was loved by audiences the most. (Image: IMDb) Plan: The seasoned actor went a notch up in the antagonist avatar with his character of Mussabhai in the film Plan (2004). Sanju Baba played the role of a dreaded underworld don of Mumbai. (Image: IMDb) Agneepath: Dutt's portrayal of Kancha Cheena, the main antagonist in the 2012 film, remains one of his most prolific roles ever. From his bulky frame to his shaved head, the actor left everyone aghast with his menacing look. (Image: IMDb) Panipat: Sanjay left no stone unturned to get his teeth into the skin of Ahmad Shah Abdali's role from Panipat directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. In this 2019 period drama, Sanjay ended up stealing the limelight from male lead Arjun Kapoor as well who played the role of Maratha commander Sadashiv Rao Bhau. (Image: IMDb) KGF Chapter 2: The veteran actor excelled in essaying the character of Adheera. However, some opined that he had gone too far in playing this role and it didn't look convincing as well. Many felt that they had seen Sanjay performing such characters in the past as well and there was no novelty in Adheera's character. However, he was praised by a section of audiences and critics for his portrayal of the character in this 2022 blockbuster movie. (Image: IMDb) Shamshera: Among all the negative characters played by Sanjay Dutt till date in his career, the role of Daroga Shuddh Singh seems to be murkier and enjoyable. A character who is highly drunk on power, Shuddh Singh was also dismissive of the British superiority. (Image: IMDb)
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE travelers choose 'calmcation', 'slowcation' over packed tourist spots this summer
UAE residents are choosing peaceful escapes over packed tourist hotspots this summer. Whether it's relaxing in a quiet village in Austria, taking a break at a wellness resort in Bali, or working remotely from the cool mountains of Georgia, the way people travel is changing. Gone are the days of rushed sightseeing and crowded landmarks. Instead, travelers are now looking for calm, comfort, and connection. They are slowing down, staying longer, and focusing on their health and happiness, according to UAE travel experts. 'Travel is no longer just about ticking off destinations — it's now deeply personal, intentional, and often slower,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of 'UAE travelers are embracing new styles like townsizing and calmcations, while also turning to more mindful, meaningful holidays." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Calmcations and wellness travel More UAE residents are booking 'calmcation' trips focused on rest, spa treatments, healthy food, and nature. Popular destinations include Bali, Thailand, Kerala, and wellness resorts in the Philippines. 'Wellness has always been a strong part of the travel industry,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Travels. 'For a long time, a few have been going to beach resorts and wellness villages, especially in countries like Austria.' Townsizing and slowcations Another growing trend is townsizing — choosing small, beautiful towns over big cities. These places offer local charm, fewer crowds, and a slower pace of life. From Europe's hidden gems to peaceful towns in Southeast Asia, travelers are now spending weeks, not days, at their chosen destination. This ties into slowcations, where people visit fewer places but spend more time in each, fully enjoying the culture, food, and local lifestyle. 'There are a few quiet and scenic towns that offer great food culture and immersive natural experiences, places where people can fully disconnect from the world,' said Subair. 'They just stay there and relax. No sightseeing, no rush.' Staycations and detour destinations Not everyone is heading overseas. Many UAE residents are opting for staycations at resorts within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These short breaks offer comfort and relaxation without the hassle of airports and long flights. For those travelling abroad, detour destinations, lesser-known locations are on the rise. Spots like Abha, Salalah, Jordan, and Morocco are attracting visitors with their natural beauty, cultural richness, and lower costs compared to mainstream tourist hubs. Workcations: Mixing business with travel With flexible work options more common now, around 30 per cent of UAE residents are taking workcations, working remotely from scenic destinations like the Swiss Alps, Georgia, or Bali while enjoying a change of environment. 'Many residents are also adding wellness days after a business trip,' said Subair. 'For example, they go to work events in Japan or China, then stay a few more days to relax in a serene mountainous region or at a beach resort.' This year's travel is all about balance, saving money, escaping stress, and making real memories. Whether it's for wellness, culture, or quiet reflection, UAE residents are choosing experiences that feel good for the soul. 'This year, travel is less about location and more about experience,' added Babu. 'It's where curiosity, calm, and customization come together.'
