Latest news with #Sukoon
The Wire
12-05-2025
- The Wire
In Photos: A Weary Lake in Srinagar
Two girls cross the Dal Lake in Srinagar. Photo: Shome Basu. The Dal Lake in Kashmir's Srinagar is more than a natural marvel, it is a site of paradise itself. For centuries, poets have described its beauty, framed by the majestic Zabarwan Mountains. Conflict has now taken centre stage. The valley has witnessed unimaginable violence, with countless lives lost, and now new political turmoil continues. Still, the lake remains, a shimmering body of water along the picturesque Boulevard Road, bearing silent testimony to the time that passes. In recent years, reports have noted how the Dal Lake has fallen into distress. Pollution chokes its shallow waters which are overgrown with weeds. The lake is dotted with houseboats and shikaras (small wooden boats) that still aim to give tourists a taste of its former glory. But careless and insensitive behaviour – littering with cola cans, plastic bottles, and food wrappers – has marred its beauty. Years of neglect and the absence of strict enforcement have clogged the lake, threatening the lotus plants that once thrived in it. Although a law has been introduced to fine violators, enforcement remains weak. Today, the Dal Lake which was once synonymous with Kashmir, struggles to maintain its identity. Militancy too has cast a dark shadow. Blasts have rocked the lake's shores, and in 2013, the murder of Sarah Elizabeth, a Dutch tourist on a houseboat, left a scar on its history. More recently, tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam massacre in which 26 civilians were killed, have brought fresh instability. Retaliatory strikes, drone incursions, and air skirmishes have stirred fears once again. Tourism has come to a halt. Altaf Chapri, owner of the houseboat called 'Sukoon' (meaning 'peace'), told The Wire: 'The recent conflict has cast a heavy shadow over this delicate ecosystem. The people of the lake including houseboat owners, shikara-wallahs, artisans, and farmers, who have long stood as ambassadors of peace and warmth, now find themselves pushed to the edge again. For many, the months of May and June are not just seasons, they're lifelines. It's during these weeks that most of the year's sustenance is earned.' Chapri, whose father witnessed years of conflict and who himself grew up during Kashmir's most violent years, adds: 'What makes it all the more heartbreaking is that I know people who've poured their savings, their borrowed hopes, and their silent prayers into preparing for this season. Loans taken on high interest, houseboats lovingly restored, shikaras painted anew – all in anticipation of guests who may never arrive. There's pain in these waters, yes, but also resilience.' The spirit of Dal Lake is not easily broken. Love for the land and for those who visit it endures. Javed Dar, a boatman who has been rowing for over 40 years, believes Kashmiri hospitality will bring back the tourists. 'I've seen the valley in its worst days,' he says. 'This feels like a temporary phase. Things will get better.' My photographs are a visual chronicle of this weary lake, scarred by conflict and strangled by pollution. Even in its tired state, Dal continues to reflect both suffering and strength. All photographs are by Shome Basu.
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Asma Abbas tears up in Sumbul Shahid's memory
In a video shared on her YouTube channel, veteran actor Asma Abbas reflected on the death of her actor-sister, Sumbul Shahid. Asma began by shedding light on how one's mental health deteriorates with age, especially as they watch their loved ones pass away. "I think the bitter realities of life and the departure of loved ones shatter you as you grow older." She soon broke into tears, her voice quivering as she continued, "Today is May 6. It's the death anniversary of my Sumbul baji. It's been four years since she left us." The Radd actor took a moment to dwell on how quickly the four years have flown by. "It's been four years and it doesn't even feel like it," she said. Sumbul passed away in 2021 after battling Covid-19 on a ventilator. Both Asma and actor Bushra Ansari informed their fans about their sister's affliction and requested them to pray for a speedy recovery. "She was very innocent," Asma said of her sister. "So innocent that she didn't even realise that she had fallen sick. How she passed on, I don't know. But her departure, my parents' departure, it has all affected my heart deeply. And after that, there has been no joy left in life." Despite her relentless sorrow, the veteran actor is grateful for the gift of life. "We've been spending our life, all thanks to God. This life is indeed His blessing. But given these tragedies, there is no delight left in life anymore, no enjoyment." Asma thanked her fans for extending their well-wishes and support while also giving her advice on how to stay strong during periods of grief. "Yes, keeping busy is important and I do that too. But the thing is, the dejection of losing my loved ones has settled deep within. It's not going to end." Providing some context, she mentioned that she was on set and had been in low spirits since morning. "That's why I have tears in my eyes. My heart was aching," she said. "I kept thinking about many lovely memories with her. My sister was very naive and God-fearing. It is as they say, when someone passes, that they're now near and dear to God. She was always that way because her faith was so strong. There is no greater pain for a mother than her child's suffering, yet when her son passed away, she made sure to keep praying despite her grief." Asma believes that effort doesn't make a person good, they just naturally have kind hearts, like her sister. For Asma, Sumbul had a touch of clumsy innocence to her, given her lack of awareness of material things, and she also had a beautiful singing voice. While reminiscing about her sister's memorable moments, Asma took away something positive from Sumbul's passing. "She used to hate feeling old and would tell us not to call out her age on every birthday," the Sukoon actor recalled. "And look at God's plans. She departed young and never got to see the old age that she feared so much." Bushra's note On Thursday, Bushra also dedicated an Instagram post to her late sister, who she had worked with on the beloved comedy wedding series Kis Ki Aayegi Baraat. Posting a solo photo of Sumbul, Bushra wrote, "My lovely sister, Sumbul Shahid. I miss you a lot. It's your death anniversary yet I still can't believe (that you're gone). May Allah bestow mercy upon you. Ameen." Fans flooded the comments section with heartfelt prayers, acknowledging that the void that loved ones leave behind can never truly be filled.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive- Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi actress Sanchita Ugale recalls managing studies and doing theatre says, "Where there's a will, there's a way!"
actress , who plays the lead role of Sukoon in the popular drama, recalls managing studies and doing theatre. She said, "My home is in Vasai, . So I used to come to Andheri, Western Mumbai for my studies and tuition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, I used to also do theatre and go for auditions. Managing was difficult but where there's a will, there's a way. So I would manage gracefully." She continued, "I used to get up early and make sure to be in my college on time. And later used to learn acting. I joined the theatre and used to perform before getting into TV. I also had tuition in the evening. So during lunchtime, I used to try visiting Gurudwara, do some seva and eat there only. It was one of my favourite places." She added, "Getting up early to returning back home by late evening to managing both studies and acting. I have my own experience and struggle, that makes me happy today. It's last year when I started doing TV I shifted to western Mumbai." Talking ahead she counts how being part of theatre helped her to pursue acting professionally. She shared, "I have learnt acting while performing in theatre. Learning acting in theatre offers numerous benefits, including improved confidence, enhanced communication skills, increased empathy, and the development of creative and problem-solving abilities. It also fosters teamwork, emotional expression, and a deeper understanding of the world and its characters." She concluded by stating, "Theatre exposes individuals to various artistic expressions, fostering an appreciation for beauty and creativity. Today I can easily express or play the role given to me and I'm thankful to the theatre for helping with the skills." is best known for her previous roles in and , as well as films like Silence 2 and Chhaava.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi actress Sanchita Ugale: Kumkum Bhagya was a life-changing experience in my life
Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi actress Sanchita Ugale , who plays the lead role of Sukoon in the popular drama, revealed Ekta Kapoor 's show Kumkum Bhagya was a life-changing experience in her life. She said, "I'm grateful that Kumkum Bhagya happened to me and I featured as Diya Tandon. My around one year journey in the show was amazing and it was the biggest blessing to me. My father who was not earlier aware, as I felt he would not support me in pursuing an acting career was proud to see me in such a big show." She continued, "I remember during that time he was in our hometown, Sangamner (a city in Maharashtra ). And everyone there congratulated him for becoming an actress and featuring in one of their favourite show. The incident made him feel confident and happy about my decision and since then he's supporting me." She added, "My mother always supported me. She somehow knew that I was trying my luck in acting. She showed me growing up and knew about my strong interest in becoming a heroine. She was the one with whom I used to share my small success. I feel Kumkum Bhagya was a life-changing experience as people saw me, and I started getting offers to play lead roles." The actress feels happy to star as Sukoon. She concluded by mentioning, "I feel blessed that my efforts have given me positive results in the required time. It is why I have been working regularly for the last 2 years, so for me, I feel my job is completely fulfilling, but it's not the same for every artist, and totally depends upon your hard work, talent, approach and luck. I'm happy and enjoying essaying Sukoon, it gives me sukoon (smiles). " Sanchita is best known for her previous roles in Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya , as well as films like Silence 2 and Chhaava.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sanchita Ugale on World Laughter Laughter Day: This joyful day reminds us of the healing power of laughter
On the occasion of The World Laughter Laughter Day, Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi actress Sanchita Ugale , who plays the lead role of Sukoon in the popular drama, says her onscreen personality brings laughter and inspires people to stay happy in every situation. She said, "My role of Sukoon is very beautiful, she makes sure to stay happy and bring laughter in the environment. If we compare Sanchita with to be honest Sanchita takes stress a lot, of things in her life. I keep myself happy but not as like Sukoon does. So I feel inspired by my Sukoon in terms of handling situation and keeping herself calm and happy." Sanchita believes happiness, laughter are the meaning and purpose of life. She feels, "The feeling of happiness is a wonderful experience, emotionally and mentally, and it makes sense that we'd want to create more of that in our lives. I feel bringing more happiness into your life has far more benefits than merely feeling good. Say, feeling happier and more positive leads to greater participation in activities, it helps us to be fit, lively and confident. Happiness, laughter are the meaning and purpose of life." She continued, "A stronger sense of happiness and wellbeing has been shown to lead to better relationships, increase social connection and contribution to the lives of others, as well as contributing to healthier physical wellbeing." Talking about the importance of the World Laughter Day , celebrated globally on the first Sunday of May. She adds, "They say laughter is the best medicine — and that's what this day is about! This joyful day reminds us of the healing power of laughter . In a world filled with stress, competition, and digital burnout, World Laughter Day promotes peace, happiness, and togetherness through one of the most universal expressions — a hearty laugh." She concluded sharing, "Laughter knows no boundaries – it unites us, uplifts us, and reminds us of our shared humanity. The day aims to promote peace and understanding among people worldwide. Also, World Laughter Day serves as a reminder of the universal language of laughter, transcending barriers and uniting people in shared moments of happiness." Sanchita continues to win hearts with her charm, talent, and humility—both on and off screen. She is best known for her previous roles in Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, as well as films like Silence 2 and Chhaava.
