Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, on Sunday, took to social media to address rumors surrounding his departure from the eagerly awaited comedy sequel “Hera Pheri 3.”

Speculation had been rife that Rawal’s exit was due to creative disagreements with the film’s director, Priyadarshan. However, the actor was quick to dispel these rumors, putting the record straight. In a heartfelt message, Paresh tweeted, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I reiterate that there are no creative disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.”This clarification highlights the actor’s admiration for Priyadarshan, with whom he has delivered some of Bollywood’s most memorable comedies. While Paresh Rawal did not specify the exact reasons behind his decision to leave the film, industry insiders suggest it could be due to scheduling conflicts or other professional commitments.“Hera Pheri 3” is the third installment in the popular “Hera Pheri” franchise. Paresh Rawal portrayed the unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri series, a character that became hugely popular.The original film, released in 2000 and directed by Priyadarshan, featured a stellar cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. The plot centers around three struggling men who accidentally become involved in a kidnapping scheme. The follow-up film, ‘Phir Hera Pheri,’ was released in 2006 and was directed by Neeraj Vora. The third installment will star Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty reprising their roles.Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal is set to collaborate once again with director Priyadarshan in the upcoming film “Bhooth Bangla.” This horror-comedy will mark his reunion with Akshay Kumar, alongside co-star Tabu. The movie is slated for a theatrical release in 2026. Additionally, Paresh has another project titled “Welcome to the Jungle” in the works.–IANSps/

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) One of India’s most loved actors, Vijay Sethupathi, has recalled with gratitude how director Aarumugakumar, who has now directed his eagerly-awaited upcoming film ‘Ace’, played a crucial role in ensuring that he got two important film opportunities when he was just starting off as an actor.
Participating in a pre-release press conference called by the unit of ‘Ace’, actor Vijay Sethupathi said, “When I first went looking for an opportunity in a film, I went to audition for a film called ‘Varnam’. My photo had been given to the makers of that film by a manager called Bhoopathy. When I went there, they told me what the scene was and asked me to write my dialogues myself and act.”That was where I realised even I could write dialogues. I bought some hair gel from a shop nearby, applied it on my hair and delivered my lines comfortably as I had written them myself. The director of this film Aarumugakumar was the one who recommended my name to the makers of that film, saying, ‘This person’s acting is good. Pick him.'”Aarumugakumar and I did not know each other then. However, he was the one who strongly recommended my name and ensured that I got that opportunity. I am thankful to him for that,” Sethupathi said.Again while I was doing Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kanom, I was not the first option for that role. I got to know from director Prem, who directed the cult classic ’96’, that it was Aaru who strongly recommended my name for the role. Aaru had told them, “Please watch his audition and then reject him. Do not reject him without giving him an opportunity to audition.” I am thankful to him for both these opportunities.”Sethupathi, who is now one of India’s top actors, went on to say, “Help that comes at a time when you are doing well is one thing. But help that comes your way when you yourself don’t know who you are is invaluable. It is like lighting a lamp in a house filled with darkness. Aarumugakumar was the man who lit that lamp that day. So, my heartfelt thanks go to him.”The actor further went on to say, “Also, when my father was on his death bed worried if I would ever make it as an actor, the picture that I showed him to convince him that I had made it as an actor was a picture that was shot on the sets of ‘Varnam’. It helped him ease his mind about my future,” said Sethupathi.Ace, which has been directed by Aarumugakumar, features Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu and Rukmini Vasanth in the lead. The film, which has been predominantly shot in Malaysia, is slated to hit screens on May 23.–IANSmkr/

Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) Sharvari, who recently clinched the Best Young Actor award at the Zee Cine Awards, took a moment to reflect on her journey in the film industry.

Opening up about the hurdles she overcame and the dedication that fueled her success, the actress shared that the audience has helped her find her feet in this industry. At the Zee Cine Awards 2025, Sharvari won the award for ‘Outstanding Performance by a Young Talent’ for her role in ‘Munjya’ and ‘Vedaa.’Sharvari shared, “2024 has truly been my luckiest year — a year filled with amazing opportunities and huge success stories. To have a 100 crore hit, to receive unanimous love for my acting in Vedaa and Maharaj, to get the kind of films that I have got now due to these successes is truly incredible.”She thanked her producers and directors for their belief in her as an actor. “I would like to thank all my directors and producers— my Maddock family Dinesh Vijan sir and Aditya Sarpotdar, my Emmay family Nikhil Advani sir, Monisha and Madhu and of course my YRF family Aditya Chopra sir, Sidharth P. Malhotra sir and my entire team for believing in me. I thank you my visionary producers and directors for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such beautiful and impactful films. You have helped me live my dream of being an actor who wants to spread smiles on the faces of everyone.”Speaking about her latest win, the Maharaj actress credits the audience for embracing her and delivering the hits that proved her undeniable talent and rightful place in the industry. She mentioned, “I would like to thank the audience for their support and love — this award is for you! You fuel my passion every single day, you have helped me find my feet in this industry and I promise to keep giving my best with every performance for you.”Work-wise, Sharvari is next gearing up for the release of her upcoming project “Alpha,” part of the YRF Spy Universe, where she stars alongside Alia Bhatt. The film, directed by Shiv Rawail—known for ‘The Railway Men’—is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.–IANSps/

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, S. Somanath, on Sunday said that setbacks have served to refine our resolve and deepen our scientific rigour, as the Indian space agency’s 101st mission, PSLV-C61 carrying the EOS-09 satellite, faced a technical malfunction in the launch vehicle.

In a post on the social media platform X, Somanath said that true to its indomitable spirit, ISRO “will swiftly assemble its finest minds to dissect the anomaly and chart a meticulous course forward”.”I am aware of the formidable challenges we faced during the development of the third-stage solid motor — an endeavour marked by multiple failures. It is indeed unusual to witness such anomalies resurfacing at this stage. Nevertheless, I have complete confidence that the team will identify the root cause both swiftly and effectively,” said the former ISRO chief.The malfunction led to the mission failure, and the satellite could not be successfully deployed. The indigenous PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle — PSLV-C61 — lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota with the aim of placing EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).According to Somanath, over the years, “such challenges have only strengthened our conviction that failure is never defeat, but rather a formidable tutor”.”Every towering success of ISRO has been forged in the crucible of adversity — shaped by lessons deeply learnt and courageously applied. Setbacks have ever served to refine our resolve and deepen our scientific rigour. Nothing shall deter our pursuit of knowledge, which we carry forward with characteristic poise and unwavering precision,” he mentioned.According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, an unexpected issue arose during the third stage, preventing the successful deployment of the satellite.”The PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle, and its performance was normal up to the second stage. The third stage motor ignited perfectly; however, during its operation, an anomaly was observed, and the mission could not be completed successfully. We will come back after analysis,” he further said.–IANSna/svn

Charlotte (USA), May 18 (IANS) World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler stormed into a three-shot lead at the PGA Championship ahead of Sunday’s final round at Quail Hollow. He carded a superb round of 65 – playing his final five holes in five under – to end the day on 11 under par for the tournament.
Sweden’s Alex Noren holds solo second spot on eight under, making birdies on four of his final five holes to shoot 66. Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Bryson DeChambeau both briefly held the lead before finishing at six under and five under par, respectively.Scheffler stood on the 14th tee, 304 yards from the hole. It was nearly perfect, the ball climbing onto the green and settling just inside 3 feet away. The eagle put him atop the leaderboard for good and started a closing stretch that was nothing short of a clinic, 5 under over the last five holes. It sent him to a 6-under 65 and a three-shot lead as Scheffler closed in on a third major championship, PGA Tour reports.Time moved quickly once that ball was in the air for Scheffler, both for him and the combatants surrounding him on the leaderboards lining the Green Mile. Scheffler stood on the 14th tee at 6 under, having just dropped a shot on the par-3 13th to fall two shots off the lead of Bryson DeChambeau. But DeChambeau found the water on No. 17 just minutes before Scheffler made eagle on No. 14, and the cascade of momentum went in opposite directions.DeChambeau played closing three holes in 3 over to finish at 5 under, while Scheffler was only getting started in his effort to distance himself from an otherwise crowded leaderboard that at one point featured a five-way tie at the top. He followed with a birdie on the par-5 15th, played the difficult 16th to perfection and birdied the last two holes of Quail Hollow’s infamously difficult closing stretch – lacing his tee shot on No. 17 to 18 feet and rolling in a 9-foot birdie on the last green despite finding a divot off the tee.DeChambeau, the U.S. Open champion who has been a major force at golf’s biggest events, briefly took the lead with a birdie on the par-5 15th. And then it all came undone. He missed a 4-foot par putt on the 16th.DeChambeau was stunned to see his ball find the water on the 17th that led to double bogey. He had to scramble for par on the 18th and a 69. He was three behind when he finished, six behind when Scheffler got done with his masterful performance.–IANSbc/

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) India’s seafood exports have recorded a robust growth of 17.81…

Jammu, May 18 (IANS) The Indian Army’s western command said on Sunday that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was planned, trained and executed to deliver Justice.The Western Command posted a video on X with narration showing soldiers buzzing with confidence about the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’.The post read: “Planned, trained & executed. Justice served”.“It started with the Pahalgam terror attack. The country had no anger, but a desire to avenge the innocent killings. Pakistan was taught a lesson that its future generations won’t be able to forget. Pakistani pickets from where fire was opened at our positions were completely destroyed. It was not revenge, but justice which had to be delivered. Soldiers of the enemy deserted their posts and ran for their lives. Operation Sindoor was such a lesson that Pakistan had not learnt for decades,” the narration supporting the videos showing targeting of Pakistani pickets on the border, said.The video also showed the clips of action taken during Operation Sindooor — the enemy territory being pounded with heavy guns and shelling.Meanwhile, the Indian Army said on Sunday that no meeting of the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan was scheduled for Sunday, adding that the ceasefire between the two countries continues.A defence ministry statement said, “Some media houses are reporting that the Ceasefire between India and Pakistan is ending today. In addition, queries are also being received if a DGMO-level talk is scheduled today? The response is as under:- No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in DGMOs interaction of 12 May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it.”The DGMOs of the two countries decided to end hostilities and maintain a ceasefire between the two nuclear neighbours on May 12.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that despite the ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries, trade with Pakistan and the Indus Water Treaty would continue to remain in abeyance.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while interacting with the soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Badami Bagh headquarters of the 15 Corps and Bhuj in Gujarat, has said that the ceasefire understanding will be respected by India only as long as Pakistan does not allow any terrorist activity against India from its soil.He said at the Indian Air Force base at Bhuj that the current ceasefire meant that India had kept Pakistan on probation based on its behaviour. “If the behaviour improves, it is fine; but if there is any disturbance, the harshest punishment will be given,” the minister warned.The armed forces are on high alert throughout the country, and the security forces and police have been asked not to lower their guard against the terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers in the hinterland.–IANSsq/dpb

Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) Former actress Somy Ali has extended her support to the victims of the recent violence in Kashmir by donating $1,000 to the PM Cares Fund.

The actress and philanthropist made this contribution as a heartfelt gesture to honor the affected families and stand in solidarity with those impacted by the unrest. Ali described her donation as her way of paying tribute to the victims and families affected by the violence in Kashmir. Speaking about the same, she shared, “India has always been close to my heart. As someone who believes deeply in justice, healing, and sacrifice, I wish to humbly contribute to the PM CARES Fund in support of our brave Jawans who put their lives on the line every day, and to honor the victims and families affected by violence in Kashmir.”This gesture is small compared to their courage. But I hope it reflects the unity of humanity beyond borders, beyond religions, and beyond politics. I stand with India’s fight against terrorism and with every family mourning an irreplaceable loss. As the world watches, let India also lead not just with strength, but with compassion,” added Somy.Somy Ali, a human rights advocate who leads the US-based NGO No More Tears and has launched a movement focused on truth and justice called Somyism, has donated $1,000 to the PM Cares Fund.Meanwhile, she recently opened up about the importance of empowering girls, stressing that Pakistan’s future depends on providing education, fostering innovation, and nurturing compassion. Somy, who was born in Karachi, shared, “Imagine girls from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Hyderabad becoming AI analysts, UX designers, and film editors, working remotely for companies in London, Dubai, and San Francisco. Artisans and survivors are launching AI art and fashion collectives with global buyers. Women building ethical AI platforms and creative incubators, generating revenue while transforming their communities. This is not a dream. It’s already happening in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Vietnam. Why not Pakistan?”–IANSps/

Hyderabad, May 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the fire accident in a building in Hyderabad, which claimed eight lives and left many others injured.

Prime Minister Modi also announced solatium of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased.”Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000:PM,” read the post by the Prime Minister’s Office.A huge fire broke out in a building at Gulzar Houz near Charminar. At least eight persons, including two children, were killed and many others injured.Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who visited the accident site, told media persons that he would speak to the Prime Minister and request him to announce financial assistance to the families of the victims.Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also expressed grief over the fire accident.”Deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in the tragic fire at Gulzar House, Hyderabad. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” CM Naidu posted on ‘X’.Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao also expressed shock over the fire tragedy.”Extremely shocked and pained!! Details emerging out of Gulzar House fire tragedy in Old City are very sad. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. Hoping and praying that this fire will be contained very soon BRS team will be available for anything that you may need,” Rama Rao posted.–IANSms/svn

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the owner of the building that collapsed in the national capital, claiming three lives.Delhi Police said that the FIR has been lodged at Nabi Karim Police Station under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Three people died while one suffered injuries after an under-construction building collapsed in the Paharganj area on Saturday evening.According to officials, the incident occurred on Saturday evening near the Krishna Hotel on Ara Kansa Road, where the side wall of an under-construction basement gave way.Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a probe into the incident and assured strict action against the culprits.Expressing grief over the loss of lives, she said: “May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.”Chief Minister Gupta instructed the officials to provide all necessary support to the family of the deceased and the injured.The Chief Minister’s Office wrote on X: “An unfortunate basement wall collapse was reported at an under-construction building in Paharganj. It has claimed three precious lives and left one seriously injured. Central Delhi District Magistrate, Karol Bagh SDM, MCD and Delhi Police officials visited the incident site.”It said the Delhi Fire Service and NDRF personnel carried out the rescue operations.”Central Delhi DM has been directed to provide all assistance and help to the next of kin of the deceased and injured. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased,” the post read.According to the officials, two of the deceased were from Bihar and one from Uttar Pradesh.Prabhu (65), Niranjan (40), and Roshan (35) were killed in the incident, while Chuttan (35) was admitted to the hospital with injuries.Prabhu was the contractor, while Niranjan and Roshan used to work under his guidance.On April 19, a building collapse in the Mustafabad area of Delhi claimed 11 lives.–IANSsvn