Latest news with #Nargis
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
From 'Look East' to 'Act East', India emerging a key player in Indian Ocean region
Over the past decade, India has steadily expanded its maritime vision, evolving from the regional focus of SAGAR -- Security and Growth for All in the Region -- to the globally aligned MAHASAGAR doctrine, with the Indo-Pacific at its strategic core. Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2015 during the commissioning of the Mauritius Coast Guard vessel Barracuda, the SAGAR framework underscored the Indian Ocean's critical role -- carrying two-thirds of global oil shipments and hosting 40 per cent of the world's population along its shores. The policy prioritised the security of India's mainland and island territories, deepening cooperation with maritime neighbours, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing regional maritime engagement. Complemented domestically by the Sagarmala port-led development initiative, SAGAR, marked India's shift from a continental to a maritime outlook. Over the years, the Indian Navy has built strong credentials as a "net security provider" in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), responding to disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, Cyclone Nargis in 2008, and the Maldives' 2014 water crisis, while strengthening ties through joint exercises, capacity building, and humanitarian missions. India's maritime diplomacy has grown into robust Indo-Pacific engagement. Since the 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue, where PM Modi articulated India's vision for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific with ASEAN centrality, New Delhi has launched initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and deepened ties through the Quad. Regional engagement extends through forums like the East Asia Summit, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Colombo Security Conclave, and MILAN exercises, along with white shipping agreements and the Information Fusion Centre--IOR in Gurugram. The Ministry of External Affairs' 2024 Annual Report underlined multi-faceted engagement with ASEAN and other regional bodies, highlighting the upgrade of India–ASEAN ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange. In March 2025, marking a decade since SAGAR's launch, PM Modi unveiled MAHASAGAR -- Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions -- in Mauritius. While SAGAR focused on the IOR, MAHASAGAR expands the vision globally, with particular emphasis on partnerships across the Global South. It signals India's intent to be a "preferred security partner" and a driver of inclusive maritime growth worldwide. From safeguarding regional waters to shaping global maritime norms, India's journey from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR reflects its transformation into a proactive, responsible maritime power with ambitions stretching far beyond its own shores.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan: Sanjay Dutt expresses gratitude to sisters Priya, Namrata for love and strength
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt , who was last seen in 'KD: The Devil', is celebrating Raksha Bandhan with his sisters Priya and Namrata. On Saturday, the actor took to his Instagram and shared a picture with his sisters, as he called them his strength. He wrote in the caption, "Priya and Anju, having you as my sisters is the biggest blessing life could give me. Thank you for filling my life with love and strength. Happy Raksha Bandhan @priyadutt @namrata62." Sanjay, Namrata, and Priya are the children of the late actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis. Sunil Dutt and Nargis, who was a Muslim by faith, tied the knot on 11 March 1958. Prior to their marriage, Nargis converted to Hinduism and adopted the name Nirmala Dutt. Reportedly, Sunil Dutt had saved her life from a fire on the sets of Mother India. Their children took different paths; Sanjay went on to become a successful film actor. Namrata married actor Kumar Gaurav , son of veteran actor Rajendra Kumar , who had appeared alongside Nargis and Dutt in 'Mother India'. Priya became a politician and a Member of Parliament. Earlier, Priya took to social media to pen a heartfelt note for Sanjay Dutt on his 66th birthday. In a heartfelt post, she cherished old memories and their special bond. Taking to her Instagram handle, Priya posted a few unseen throwback photos featuring her posing alongside the actor. In the caption, the doting sister penned a heartfelt note, wishing Sanjay all the happiness and success. She wrote, "Happy Birthday, Bhaiya. I wish you all the happiness and success you so very much deserve. We argue, we fight, we laugh and we cry together but we all know that in times of trouble we will all stand together as one. Our love for each other makes that possible. Love you bhaiya. Happy birthday, @duttsanjay." Sanjay Dutt's wife, Maanayata Dutt , also showered birthday love on the actor. She posted a sweet video from their snowy vacation. The clip also compiles the couple's solo photos, outings at restaurants, and other special moments.
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bollywood rain songs: When rain stayed in the background, emotions took centre stage
Hindi music has often used the rain imagery to evoke drama onscreen. Rain often brings a sense of joy and nostalgia, coaxing us to hum melodies about saawan, bijli, baadal, barkha, and bahaar. It deepens the emotional drama of a scene, and sometimes says what words can't. "Rain is more than just visual. It becomes an expression, a mood, even a metaphor, depending on the scene," says cinematographer Nigam Bomzan (The Family Man 1, Marjaavan, The Empire, Jism 2). 'Rain has to be a character and not just a backdrop. It gives you a lot more than what the scene or actors are trying to tell you.' Kavita Seth echoes a similar sentiment when she says, 'To the educated and sensitive audience, romance of the rains lies in unearthing hidden meanings in lyrics that are connected with Nature.' From heartbreak to healing, freedom to desire, rain elevates a song's impact — often without the lyrics ever mentioning a single drop. As Nigam points out, 'Sometimes you don't even need background score when you have rain. You just place the boy, the girl, and the rain, like Mohit Suri did in Aashiqui 2. That's enough.' As Haruki Murakami once wrote, 'Look at the rain long enough… you gradually feel your body falling loose, shaking free of the world of reality.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola That hypnotic quality defines cinema's enduring romance with rain — a romance that, as Raveena Tandon once said, 'will never lose its charm.' Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua (Shree 420, 1955) Filmed on Raj Kapoor and Nargis, this Shankar–Jaikishen composition, voiced by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, perfectly captures the essence of love. Rain plays a perfect matchmaker here. The iconic image of Kapoor and Nargis sharing a tender moment under a shared umbrella in the song became the template for countless rain sequences in Bollywood that followed. Bhaage Re Mann (Chameli, 2004) A rain-drenched dance of release and reflection. Sunidhi Chauhan's mellow vocals and Kareena Kapoor Khan's fluid movement under falling drops combine to create a deeply serene, almost meditative experience. With each listen, the song urges you to step out and dance in the rain. Kaate Nahi Kat Te (Mr. India, 1987) In an era when Indian films often used bobbing flowers as a metaphor for passion, rain songs emerged as a bolder and more sensual alternative. Kaate Nahi Kat Te features Sridevi in her trademark chiffon sari, evoking splendour and sensuality. Combined with Javed Akhtar's evocative lyrics, the rain setting beautifully amplifies the longing and romantic intensity. Kyunki Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2, 2013) One of the most memorable recent rain scenes shows Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor sharing a romantic moment under a coat on the streets of Mumbai. While it may not quite match the magic of Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua, it still offers a powerful, rain-soaked romantic number for contemporary Bollywood fans. Tum Se Hi (Jab We Met, 2007) Mohit Chauhan's composition carries the romance, with Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor drenched in rain, celebrating love through imagination and rain-burnished emotion. Dilbara Dilbara (Dhoom, 2004) Not all rain sequences are romantic. Esha Deol and Uday Chopra, in a playful rain-dance amidst car repairs, use rain to invite joy and spontaneity—adding lighthearted mischief that contrasts with traditional themes. Mana Ki Hum Yaar Na (Meri Pyaari Bindu, 2017) Like love, rain is unpredictable. It can whisper or roar, tease or console, hide or reveal. It makes ordinary streets sparkle, slows down racing hearts, and turns the simple act of getting soaked into a million stories of longing, laughter and sometimes even heartbreak, as in this Sachin-Jigar composition. Kausar Munir has beautifully penned the song. Mere Khwaabon Mein Jo (DDLJ, 1995) Hindi cinema doesn't only want you sitting in one place and pontificating about life. It also wants you to go out on the streets and experience the rain in its gusty, splashy, unpredictable madness, like Kajol does in Aditya Chopra's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as she tells her mother about the man of her dreams in Jatin-Lalit composition Mere Khwaabon Mein Jo. Janam Janam (Dilwale, 2015) Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol echo the Raj Kapoor–Nargis umbrella scene from Pyaar Hua, updated for modern audiences. Sung by Arijit Singh, this song rekindles nostalgia with Pritam's composition and Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics. Taal Se Taal Mila (Taal, 1999) Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan's duet, backed by AR Rahman's blend of classical and modern beats, makes the monsoon feel like music you have to move to and completely lose yourself in its rhythm. Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili (Kareeb, 1998) A romantic rain song from the 1998 film Kareeb, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is sung by Kumar Sanu and Sanjivani, with music by Anu Malik. The song pulls you into a world where love is everything and easily becomes a monsoon favourite you'll want to play on repeat.
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Nargis Fakhri: There's something about old-Hollywood fashion, it's like wearing a piece of history
As the camera lens focuses and the lights flood the set, Nargis Fakhri doesn't just pose — she owns the frame. For the June cover shoot of HTCity Showstoppers, the actor arrives with a quiet confidence, radiating a blend of timeless glamour and personal evolution. Nargis Fakhri in outfit: Rose Room By Isha J Jewellery: Diacolor Fine Contemporary Jewels 'There's an artiste in me that's so excited right now,' she beams, every inch of her presence echoing an aura of poise and personal pride. All set to grace the silver screen again in Housefull 5, and soon making her Telugu debut alongside Pawan Kalyan, Nargis is not only making a cinematic comeback but also stepping into a new fashion chapter — one rooted in authenticity, individuality and self-love. Also Read| Nargis Fakhri says she survives on water for 9 days twice a year to look snatched: 'It's very difficult but…' From Minimalism to Moodboards 'During my early modelling career, I gravitated towards classic and timeless pieces,' she shares in a candid conversation, a flash of nostalgia in her voice. 'Wardrobe basics that could be styled effortlessly made sense to me. But as I moved into acting, working with stylists helped me explore red carpet glamour, casual chic and everything in between,' she adds. Nargis Fakhri's outfit: Ridhima Bhasin Jewellery: Kays Jewels Today, her sartorial sensibilities go beyond trends. Fashion, for Nargis, is a mirror to her mood. She says, 'Whether it's a comfy, casual look or a more styled ensemble, my outfit always reflects who I am and how I want to show up in the world.' It's this mindful dressing philosophy that has not only set her apart in an industry often dictated by passing fads but also helped her find a balance between comfort and couture. Threads of a Creative Childhood Long before she turned heads on international red carpets, Nargis' style journey was being stitched together in childhood bedrooms, filled with fabrics, scissors and wide-eyed curiosity. 'As a kid, I made my own clothes. That creative energy gave my fashion an edgy, experimental quality.' It's no surprise then, that her creative curiosity also led her beyond films. 'While my main work has been in film, I've had the chance to explore music a little — collaborating on tracks like Woofer with Zora and Snoop Dogg, and Habitaan Vigaad Di with Parichay and Kardinal Offishall,' she shares, 'It's something I've really enjoyed and would love to do more of. Especially seeing how Indian audiences are embracing genres like rap and hip-hop, it's exciting to think about collaborating with artists like Raftaar, Divine or MC Stan in the future. There's so much talent here, and being part of that creative space — even in a small way — would be incredible.' Old Hollywood Dreams, Modern-Day Confidence Nargis Fakhri outfit: W For Woman Jewellery: Kays Jewels A self-proclaimed vintage soul, Nargis admits she's currently 'living her retro era.' Think tailored silhouettes, elegant lines, and classic charm reminiscent of the '50s. 'There's something about old-Hollywood fashion — it's like wearing a piece of history,' she smiles, 'It adds a unique sophistication to modern wardrobes.' Creative direction: Shara Ashraf Prayag Mishra Photography: Abheet Gidwani Styling: Namita Alexander Hair: Umang Thapa Makeup: Nicky Rajani Location: Hilton Mumbai International Airport
New Indian Express
22-07-2025
- New Indian Express
TN woman arrives on stretcher to file dowry harassment complaint
VELLORE: A 21-year-old woman, Nargis A, on Monday petitioned Collector VR Subbulaxmi, alleging domestic violence and dowry harassment by her husband and in-laws. The woman was brought to the collectorate in a stretcher by ambulance. Nargis said she married B Khaja Rafik (30) in 2023. On June 3 this year, she sustained serious injuries after falling from the terrace in Saduperi. Her father Abdul Salam said Nargis suffered a spinal cord injury and fractures in both legs. While Nargis and her family allege that her husband pushed her from the second-floor terrace following an argument, her husband's family claims she fell on her own. 'My family had taken loans to give them 30 sovereigns of gold, Rs 1.5 lakh for buying a vehicle, Rs 3 lakh for home appliances, and spent Rs 10 lakh on the marriage. Even after all this, my in-laws kept saying I brought only 30 sovereigns,' Nargis told TNIE. Nargis also said that despite attempts to file complaints with the Ariyoor police, no action was taken, allegedly because her father-in-law works as a SI at a police station in Tiruvannamalai. The collector assured that the case would be investigated.
