Latest news with #OperationValentine
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Manushi Chillar slams ‘misogynistic mindset' towards women in film industry where they are labelled gold diggers
Manushi Chillar has spoken on the perception towards women in the entertainment industry, stating that they are often 'discussed with such disrespect and contempt'. Taking to her X account on Saturday, Manushi called out the misogynistic attitudes that prevail in the industry. (Also read: Kangana Ranaut says 'politics is kinder to older women than film industry' as she talks about joy of ageing) Without naming anyone in the industry or talking about a specific incident, Manushi began in her X post, 'A misogynistic mindset finds it easier to attribute a woman's success to a man's patronage than her own merit. I've always really ignored silly comments which have no consequence in the real world, but I constantly see working women, specially in the entertainment industry being discussed with such disrespect and contempt.' She went on to add, "I grew up in an empowered, educated environment where irrespective of gender, we all had equal value to add. But I have also been exposed to this mentality of 'men are hardworking and talented if successful, whereas women and opportunists, gold diggers or manipulators' Is it as simple as 'if you hear something bad about a woman, it's from a female who can't be her or a male who can't have her'. Or is there a deep rooted bias? Manushi won Miss World in 2017 and then made her acting debut in Bollywood through the historical drama Samrat Prithviraj opposite Akshay Kumar. It underperformed at the box office and received negative reviews. She then went on to do projects such as The Great Indian Family opposite Vicky Kaushal, and Operation Valentine. She was last seen in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and Alaya F. The film emerged as a box office failure. She will be seen next in the film Tehran, alongside John Abraham.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Indian Airforce fighter jets to IPL to film sets: Meet Varlin Panwar, who defended Indian skies for 10 years
Rooted in Discipline: Early Life and Inspiration Wearing the Uniform and Earning the Rank Beyond the Air Force: Films and the IPL From defending the skies to consulting on blockbuster films for authentic portrayal of the armed forces and working behind the scenes in the IPL, Retired Sqn Ldr Varlin Panwar has seamlessly transitioned from decade long military service in the Indian Airforce to creative and security roles in civilian life. Her journey reflects dedication both in uniform and beyond, inspiring many through her continued service in diverse story, which recently gained widespread attention through a post shared by Humans of Bombay on Instagram, showcases how purpose and discipline can carry over into every phase of life. After 10 years in the Indian Air Force , she is now helping shape how India views its armed forces—both onscreen and childhood was shaped by the rhythm of army life, with her father's postings taking the family to new cities every few years. Despite the frequent moves, her parents created a supportive environment. One of her most cherished memories is running every Sunday with her father, who would speak passionately about his army days. These moments planted the seeds of ambition in ambition became conviction when, at 12, she witnessed a passing out parade in Dehradun. The pride on the cadets' faces left a lasting impression. Later, during her graduation, she joined the NCC as part of the 11th Girls Battalion. The training was grueling—marching in rain, attending camps, and balancing it all with academics—but she pushed through, eventually earning the title of Best Cadet at the national to serve, Panwar applied to both the Army and the Air Force and chose the latter after clearing the exams. She remembers the emotion of receiving her uniform and calling her father in tears. His response—'I'm proud of you, but don't just wear your rank, earn it'—became her guiding was commissioned as a Fighter Controller, a demanding position that required quick, decisive action. One of her most significant moments came in 2018, when she was stationed at a frontline IAF base and oversaw the Republic Day flypast. Moments before takeoff, she detected an unidentified aerial object crossing from the border. Responding swiftly, she scrambled jets, and the threat was neutralized—an incident that tested her composure and retiring in 2018, Panwar wasn't ready to slow down. She stepped into the world of tech security with the IPL and soon after began consulting for films like Fighter, Operation Valentine, and Skyforce. Her goal was clear: ensure the men and women in uniform were portrayed with accuracy and offering her military insight to directors and producers, she's helped bridge the gap between real-life service and cinematic storytelling. It's a role she takes seriously, understanding the power of media to influence public perception of the armed Panwar also serves as a mentor for young aspirants, especially girls who dream of joining the forces. She believes courage doesn't come from being fearless, but from believing in one's purpose and taking the first step despite the Humans of Bombay Instagram post, admirers referred to her as a 'real role model,' 'an inspiration,' and 'the pride of India.' Many recalled personal memories with her, while others from defense backgrounds expressed deep respect. Several users even asked for guidance on how to join the Air Force, reflecting the impact of her every chapter—whether in uniform or out—Sqn Ldr Varlin Panwar has shown that service to the nation doesn't end with retirement.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: From URI to Fighter, 7 iconic airstrike-based titles to watch on OTT
As the nation watches Operation Sindoor unfold with bated breath, one thing is clear: India's Armed Forces aren't just defending the borders but writing history. Whether it's the stealth of our ground forces, the power of our jets, or the sheer will of the men in uniform, every mission reminds us what true bravery looks like. While we might not be on the frontlines, we can always keep the patriotism burning by revisiting stories that show the heart and heroism of our forces. Over the years, Bollywood and OTT platforms have gifted us some unforgettable tales inspired by real-life military operations, especially daring airstrikes. So, as the spirit of Operation Sindoor soars high, here's a list of 7 incredible titles based on iconic airstrikes and surgical strikes that you can stream right now. Read on! 1. URI: The Surgical Strike (2019) Where to Watch: Zee5 Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal IMDb: 8.2/10 This is where it all began for many of us, the moment India responded to the Uri terror attack with a bold and precise surgical strike across the Line of Control in 2016. Vicky Kaushal's powerful performance as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill had the entire country shouting, 'How's the Josh?' The film captures the emotional, strategic, and action-packed elements of India's military response. 2. Fighter (2024) Where to Watch: Netflix Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor IMDb: 6.2/10 Imagine the Indian Air Force in full throttle, battling enemy jets and defending the nation's skies with heart-pounding dogfights and jaw-dropping visuals. That's Fighter - India's first aerial action film that salutes the unsung heroes of the Air Force. Hrithik and Deepika play elite IAF pilots whose chemistry, courage, and camaraderie light up the screen. If you want a thrilling dose of patriotism in the skies, this one's for you. 3. Operation Valentine (2024) Where to Watch: Prime Video Starring: Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar IMDb: 5.3/10 Inspired by the Balakot airstrikes, this Telugu-Hindi bilingual film is a lesser-known gem that highlights India's response to the Pulwama attack. With crisp aerial combat scenes and a compelling storyline, Operation Valentine delivers a balanced mix of military tactics and emotional moments. 4. Sky Force (2025) Where to Watch: Prime Video Starring: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan IMDb: 6.9/10 This film is based on India's first and boldest airstrike during the 1965 war - the Sargodha attack. This was the moment when our pilots flew into enemy territory, against all odds, to protect the nation. Akshay Kumar plays a commanding officer, while Veer Pahariya plays a young, brave pilot who risks it all. The aerial combat scenes will keep you hooked, but it's the emotion behind those missions - the letters home, the brotherhood, the silence before takeoff - that truly hits the heart. 5. Avrodh: The Siege Within (2020) Where to Watch: Sony LIV Starring: Amit Sadh, Neeraj Kabi IMDb: 7.7/10 A thrilling web series based on the same events as URI, but with a deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes military planning, politics, and intelligence work that led to the 2016 surgical strikes. Avrodh brings realism and detail that films often skip. It's perfect for those who want to understand the brain behind the brawn of our armed forces. 6. Rakshak: India's Braves Where to Watch: Prime Video Starring: Varun Mitra, Kanika Mann, Mrinal Naval IMDb: 8.2/10 Part of the India's Braves anthology, Rakshak is a touching tribute to real-life gallantry award winners. The episode starring Varun Mitra tells the story of a young Air Force officer who laid down his life to protect fellow soldiers. There's no dramatisation, just raw emotion and factual storytelling. This one's for those who truly want to feel the weight of a soldier's sacrifice. 7. Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond (2024) Where to Watch: JioHotstar Starring: Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana IMDb: 7.8/10 This series is a fictional retelling, but it's heavily inspired by real events around the Balakot airstrike and everything that came before and after. From military precision to political pressures, Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond dives deep into the high-stakes decisions that shape national security. What makes it stand out is that it zooms out to show the bigger picture of strategy, misinformation, and modern warfare in today's India. As Operation Sindoor unfolds in real-time, saluting our brave soldiers becomes more than a gesture but a feeling that runs deep. Cinema has the power to stir that feeling, helping us understand the depth of sacrifice, strategy, and spirit our forces bring every single day. So, the next time you're scrolling through OTT platforms wondering what to watch, pick one of these. They're a salute. A reminder. A feeling of India in your heart. Jai Hind! For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Niharika Konidela excited for Varun Tej, Lavanya Tripathi's baby; Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Upasana Konidela send them love
Actor couple Varun Tej Konidela and Lavanya Tripathi announced on Tuesday that they will be parents soon. After their announcement, wishes poured in from numerous celebrities, including his sister Niharika Konidela, who can't wait to be an attha (aunt). Here are some of the wishes that poured in. (Also Read: Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi announce pregnancy with sweet post: 'Life's most beautiful role yet') Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi announced on Tuesday that they're going to be parents soon. Varun and Lavanya posted a sweet picture of themselves holding hands and baby booties. They shared it and wrote, 'Life's most beautiful role yet - Coming soon (heart emojis).' Congratulations poured in from fans and celebrities alike. Niharika re-shared their post on her Instagram stories, writing, 'Attha is ready, come soon, little one (heart emoji).' The couple has yet to announce their due date. Screengrab of Niharika Konidela's Instagram stories. Numerous celebrities congratulated the couple, with Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Allu Sneha Reddy, Ritu Varma, Pragya Jaiswal, Sudheer Babu, Regena Cassandrra, Ritika Nayak, Nithiin, Nikhil Siddhartha and several others sending them love. Kajal Aggarwal wrote, 'Big congratulations! Lots of love to all three of you!' Upasana Konidela commented, 'Best news. (heart emoji) sweetest parents to be.' Lakshmi Manchu seemed excited, writing, 'Wooooohoooooooo! Congrats (heart emoji) welcoming you to the 'hood' with open arms!' Aditi Rao Hydari commented, 'Congratulations!!!!! Big hug to you both.' About Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi Varun and Lavanya have known each other since they acted together in the 2017 film Mister and again in the 2018 film Antariksham 9000 KMPH. While there were rumours of them dating, the couple never confirmed them. Even Varun's uncle, Chiranjeevi, once joked that their relationship was a well-kept secret, even from him. In June 2023, they got engaged in Hyderabad in a close-knit ceremony and married in Italy in November of the same year in a lavish wedding. Varun was last seen in the 2024 films Operation Valentine and Matka, both of which failed to make a mark. Lavanya was seen in the 2022 film Happy Birthday and the 2024 web series Miss Perfect. She will soon star in Sathi Leelavathi and Thanal.
