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  • Defamation case filed against Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood

    Defamation case filed against Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood

    Former officer of India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Sameer Wankhede has filed an INR 2 crore defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment and others involved in the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, alleging that the show falsely portrays him in negative light.

    The series, which marks the directorial debut of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan, has drawn criticism for its close parallels to Wankhede’s real-life role in the 2021 cruise drug case involving him.

    Wankhede claims that a character in the show is clearly modeled after him and undermines the credibility of anti-drug agencies. He also objected to a scene where the national motto Satyamev Jayate is followed by an obscene gesture — an act he says violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and various provisions under the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

    The timing of the series’ release, while legal proceedings related to the 2021 drug case are still ongoing, is another major point of contention. Wankhede argues it could prejudice public opinion and damage his reputation further.

    Wankhede has pledged to donate any awarded damages to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, framing the case as one of principle rather than profit.

    Meanwhile, Aryan Khan’s much-awaited debut The Ba***ds of Bollywood on Netflix is being wildly discussed on social media for being loaded with satire, drama, fighting scenes and masala.

    The series is also filled with A-list Bollywood cameos, including those by Shah Rukh, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Badshah, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Disha Patani and Emraan Hashmi among others.

  • Salman Khan opens up about his desire to ‘become father one day’

    Salman Khan opens up about his desire to ‘become father one day’

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has recently opened up about his past relationships and the desire to have children some day.

    In an appearance on the newly-launched talk show Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, Salman reflected on why his past relationships didn’t work out. “When a partner grows more than the other partner, that is when differences start coming in. That’s when the insecurity starts setting in and so they both need to grow together,” he explained.

    “Both need to get off each other’s backs. I believe in that.”

    Aamir Khan, who was also a guest, interrupted to ask more directly about Salman’s romantic history. To this, the Tiger 3 actor responded with a touch of his trademark, “Yaar, nahi jama toh nahi jama [If it didn’t work, it didn’t work]. If there is anyone to blame, I am the one to blame.”

    The highlight of the conversation, however, came when Salman expressed his heartfelt desire to become a father. “Children, I will have, one day, soon,” he said, offering a rare glimpse into his personal aspirations. When host Twinkle Khanna asked, “Really? When?” Salman replied casually, “Whenever,” leaving the door wide open for speculation.

    Despite years of media speculation around his marriage and personal life, Salman has maintained that fatherhood remains a dream he still wishes to fulfill, even if it happens without marriage. He dismissed the idea of adoption when asked, saying, “Na, never.”

    Kajol asked if he wanted to pass on the Khan name to future generations. Salman said, “What legacy? What have we done? It’s not like we’ve delivered rocket science.”

    Kajol also recalled meeting Salman when she was just 12 years old, jokingly calling him “uncle”. Aamir spoke about how his bond with Salman deepened after his divorce, with the two spending long evenings together in quiet companionship. They also discussed parenting, with Salman commenting on how kids tend to stay closer to their mothers.

    “Kids get closer to their mom’s side… ghar bhi chalana parta hai bhai [You also have to run the house, brother],” he added with a laugh.

    Salman Khan has reportedly been in multiple relationships over the years, including with several leading ladies from Bollywood. He has often faced questions about his plans to get married, but has consistently dodged the topic or responded indirectly.

  • Italy, Spain deploy navy ships to assist Gaza aid flotilla

    Italy, Spain deploy navy ships to assist Gaza aid flotilla

    Italy and Spain have deployed navy ships to assist a Gaza-bound aid flotilla after organisers reported that several of their boats had been targeted by drones off Greece.

    Spanish Prime Minister (PM) Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday that Spain would send a navy ship to the area.

    “We are concerned, and that is why we will be deploying a ship to ensure that, if necessary, our citizens can be rescued and brought back to Spain,” Sanchez told a news conference in New York, adding that the ship would depart on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the country sent a navy frigate to assist the flotilla on Wednesday. “To ensure assistance to the Italian citizens on the flotilla […] I spoke with the prime minister and authorised the immediate intervention of the Italian Navy’s multi-purpose frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea,” Crosetto said in a statement posted by the ministry on X.

    “The vessel is already en route to the area for possible rescue operations,” he said.

    Earlier, the Global Sumud Flotilla said more than a dozen explosions were heard around the flotilla as it sailed off Greece late on Tuesday, with damage caused by “unidentified objects” dropped on deck.

    Crosetto expressed “the strongest condemnation” of the “attack” on the flotilla using “drones by currently unidentified perpetrators”.

    Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had asked Israel to ensure the safety of Italian citizens, along with members of parliament among the pro-Palestinian activists.

    The ministry had already informed Israel that “any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution”.

    The Global Sumud Flotilla, which currently numbers 51 vessels, most of which are off the Greek island of Crete, set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza and delivering aid to the territory.

    Israel, which blocked two previous attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea in June and July, said it would not allow the flotilla to reach the embattled Palestinian territory.

  • ‘FBR to tax TikTokers’

    ‘FBR to tax TikTokers’

    In an effort to boost tax collection, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is strategising to impose taxes on TikTokers, it has emerged.

    As per the details, Senator Faisal Vawda informed a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, that the tax watchdog was planning to tax TikTokers’ income.

    He went on to say that the largest share of recoverable taxes would come from Punjab as the province has the largest number of internet users.

    The move comes days after FBR collected data of around 100,000 individuals flaunting their wealth on social media, with the revenue watchdog reportedly poising to take action against them.

    According to reports, FBR will audit 100,000 wealthy people in the initial phase and people showcasing their luxury lifestyle online, including mansions, expensive cars, jewelry and other assets, will have to disclose their source of income. Individuals wearing clothes worth as much as $20,000 as a sign of the extreme luxury at weddings, will also come under the tax net.

    Meanwhile, the tax authority will also compare income tax returns submitted last year with those filed this year.

    FBR has made it clear that individuals who provide accurate and updated information in their income tax returns will not be penalised. However, those who fail to disclose their lavish spending or luxury assets risk facing strict legal consequences.

  • ‘They are very good people’; Ishant Sharma praises Pakistan’s hospitality

    ‘They are very good people’; Ishant Sharma praises Pakistan’s hospitality

    Veteran Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma fondly recalled his tour of Pakistan, offering high praise for the country’s hospitality and its people on a recent Indian YouTube podcast.

    Sharma emphasized his positive experience, saying, “We even went to Pakistan to play. They are not bad; in fact, they are very good people. They offer a good welcome and serve good food. We really enjoyed being with them.”

    The fast bowler noted that the current animosity between the nations developed later. “This atmosphere (tension) between Pakistan and India developed now; initially, we used to play series together,” he stated.

    Addressing the pressure of playing an Pakistan-India match, Sharma acknowledged it existed but remarked on the intensity of past contests. “The pressure in a match against Pakistan is quite high,” he admitted.

    However, he added, “I think the pressure of the earlier Pakistan-India matches was much more because the Indian team played against a Pakistani team that included players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Inzamam-ul-Haq; they were all great players.”

    Ishant Sharma was part of the Indian squad when Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2008.

  • Diljit Dosanjh responds to Sardaarji 3 backlash, turns focus on Pak-Ind cricket matches

    Diljit Dosanjh responds to Sardaarji 3 backlash, turns focus on Pak-Ind cricket matches

    Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has broken silence over the controversy surrounding his and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s film Sardaarji 3, taking a dig at Pakistan–India cricket matches being held despite growing tensions between the two neighbours.

    Dosanjh had come under fire for featuring Hania in his film despite recently military clashes between the two countries. The same had also led to a ban on the film across the border as critics accused him of insensitivity, questioning his allegiance.

    During a recent concert in Kuala Lumpur, Dosanjh addressed both the controversy and the ongoing Pakistan-India cricket matches. He acknowledged he has “a lot of answers” but said he chose to stay silent up until now.

    He explained that Sardaarji 3 was filmed in February, before the attack took place.  Speaking to the audience, he said, “When my film Sardaarji 3 was shot in February, the matches were being played. After that, the tragic Pahalgam attack happened […] we have always prayed that the terrorists receive the strictest punishment.”

    “I have many answers, but I kept quiet, kept everything inside me. Whoever tells you anything, you shouldn’t take that poison inside you […] there are a lot more things to say, but I don’t want to say them,” he added.

    Dosanjh also addressed media outlets that described him as “anti‑national”, asserting that national media tried its best but Punjabis and the Sikh community could never go against the nation.

    Sardaar Ji 3’s collection in Pakistan is estimated to be over PKR 50 crore, making it the highest-grossing Indian film in Pakistan. Whereas, the film earned over INR 60.70 crore as of July 2025, with its overseas performance breaking Punjabi film records and ruling the overseas box office.

  • ‘PCB chairman on fire’: Social media reacts to Mohsin Naqvi’s viral Ronaldo post

    ‘PCB chairman on fire’: Social media reacts to Mohsin Naqvi’s viral Ronaldo post

    Off-field tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated, moving from match-day snubs to a social media post by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.

    Naqvi sparked debate online after appearing to back pacer Haris Rauf’s viral gesture during the recent Super Fours clash at the Asia Cup.  While fielding near the boundary, Rauf had on Sept 21 responded to jeering Indian fans by mimicking a fighter jet crashing down.

    The gesture that was aimed at mocking India’s loss of jets during May’s military clashes against Pakistan, quickly drew attention and sparked outcry across the border.

    Days later, Naqvi posted to X a video of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo making a similar gesture, which fans saw as a witty reference.

    The video, posted without any caption, instantly ignited social media as Pakistani fans praised Naqvi for engaging boldly. 

    “PCB chairman on fire ,” commented one while another wrote, “Our chairman cooked so-called Indian journalists .” Some even joked that Naqvi’s move earned him forgiveness for past decisions, with one user writing, “Mohsin Naqvi ke saaray aglay pichlay gunaah maaf [All of Mohsin Naqvi’s past sins are forgiven].”

    Fans also loved the Ronaldo reference, with one posting, “Ronaldo aur kitna dil jeeto gy .” Others added playful suggestions, linking the gesture to Pakistan’s proud history of military victories, with one remarking, “I wish following 7 seen on his shirt, there was a zero somewhere. That would’ve made it perfect :).”

    While a majority of comments were supportive, a few reminded the PCB chief of his main role.

    One fan advised, “Boss ap trolling hum pay choro or cricket theek karo jo apka kaam hai [Boss, leave the trolling to us and focus on fixing cricket].” Another reacted with surprise, saying, “Boss ye kis line mei agai ap (Boss, what line of work have you entered)?”

    Some users also dismissed criticism from across the border, pointing out that Naqvi’s post was shared in his personal capacity. One fan wrote, “Take a chill India He posted this video as Interior Minister of Pakistan, not as ACC president .”

    With fans divided between admiration and reminders of responsibility, Naqvi’s post has added a new dimension to the ever-intense Pakistan-India cricket rivalry, proving that the battle is now being fought as much online as it is on the field.

    It, however, merits a mention that Ronaldo’s video was not originally a political statement, but a goal celebration following a precise header against UAE’s Al Wasl in February this year.

  • Fawad, Mahira’s Neelofar set for theatrical release this winter

    Fawad, Mahira’s Neelofar set for theatrical release this winter

    After years of anticipation, the much-awaited film Neelofar, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, is finally slated for release this winter.

    The film marks the on-screen reunion of the beloved duo, who rose to stardom with their iconic television drama Humsafar in 2011.

    Mahira Khan recently unveiled the official poster of Neelofar on Instagram, captioning it with a poetic message: “Agli mulaqat ka intezar rahay ga. Neelofar – This Winter.” The announcement has reignited excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release.

    Directed and written by Ammar Rasool, Neelofar has been in the making since 2019. Production was initially delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the team to pause filming with only 10 days remaining in the shoot. However, shooting eventually resumed and was wrapped up in late 2020, with key sequences filmed in the historic Walled City of Lahore.

    Speaking at an event in June last year, Fawad Khan confirmed that the film had entered its final stages of completion.

    Mahira, too, had previously shared emotional reflections from the set, hinting at a deeply personal connection to her role. Though the original posts have since been removed, her words, “I take with me a piece of you… leaving a bit of my soul with you,” captured the sentiment surrounding the project.

    With the film now heading to cinemas, Neelofar is expected to recreate the magic of Humsafar and offer audiences a memorable cinematic experience.

    The duo’s last collaboration was 2022’s The Legend of Maula Jatt that earned over PKR 274.7 crore (approximately $9.5 million) worldwide, with PKR 115.02 crore in Pakistan and PKR 160.8 crore in other territories as of December 2022.

    It should be mentioned here that the power duo will again be seen together in the upcoming Netflix series Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo.

  • FIR filed in Mumbai against Quaid-e-Azam’s grandson for ‘forgery’

    FIR filed in Mumbai against Quaid-e-Azam’s grandson for ‘forgery’

    The Mumbai police have filed a case against Nusli Nevil Wadia, the grandson of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, and some of his family members, as well as others, for allegedly using forged and fabricated documents in their court proceedings against Ferani Hotels Pvt Ltd, a leading daily Indian newspaper has reported. 

    The First Information Report (FIR) was registered following orders by the metropolitan magistrate court at Borivili, which directed the Bangur Nagar police to register a case against 81-year-old business tycoon Nusli Wadia, Maureen Wadia, 78, Ness Wadia, 54, Jehangir Wadia, 52, H.J. Bamji, 75, K.F. Bharucha and R.E. Wandewala, 65, for alleged cheating and forgery.

    The case revolves around a 30-year-old development agreement between Wadia and Ferani Hotels on a plot of land in Malad, which Ferani Hotels was to develop with builder K. Raheja, along with paying Wadia 12 percent of the gross sale proceeds. 

    However, disputes arose in 2008, leading to legal battles over Jinnah’s grandson’s share of sales and the management of the land. Mala fide, lack of authority, and commercial disputes are among the allegations in the case, which has proceeded through various courts, including the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.

    On Monday, the FIR was registered under Sections 3(5) (general explanations), 318(4) (cheating), 331(2) (punishment for house-trespass or house-breaking), 336(3) (forgery), 339 (possession of a document described in Section 337 or Section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine), 340(2) (forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

    According to the FIR, Mahendra Chande, the chief executive officer of Ferani Hotels Private Limited and its group companies, complained to the police that the accused persons had allegedly forged documents and submitted them to the court in 2010 in a commercial matter against them.

    “We are still verifying the complaint and will be able to comment on the matter only after scrutinising the bulky documents involved in the case,” a police officer from Bangur Nagar police station was quoted as saying by the outlet.

    Despite text and WhatsApp messages, Wadia’s son Ness Wadia remained unavailable for comment, it added.

  • PCB mulling Babar Azam’s return to T20 squad

    PCB mulling Babar Azam’s return to T20 squad

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to bring former skipper and star batter Babar Azam back to the national squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

    According to reports, the decision follows the national side’s batting struggles in the ongoing Asia Cup. Reports said that selector Aaqib Javed and head coach Mike Hesson previously supported a policy of giving opportunities to new players over established batters like Babar and Mohammad Rizwan. However, following the recent defeats against India, PCB officials have directed management to bring Babar back to the team.

    A few days ago, officials even decided to send the senior batter to the UAE to join the Asia Cup squad. Organisers, however, informed the board that tournament rules prohibited squad changes unless a player sustained an injury.

    Reports now claim a strong possibility of Babar’s return for the T20I series against South Africa.

    Babar last played a T20 International match against South Africa in December. Since then, selectors have kept him out of the squad, citing concerns over his strike rate.

    It may be noted that he is the second-highest run-scorer in T20 history (4,223 runs) globally, trailing only behind India’s Rohit Sharma. He also boasts the second-most fifties in T20I career history, among other significant records.