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Roopa Ganguly Breaks Down Recalling Pankaj Dheer, Calls Him ‘Second Most Handsome Man on Mahabharat Set’

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Roopa Ganguly Breaks Down Recalling Pankaj Dheer, Calls Him ‘Second Most Handsome Man on Mahabharat Set’

New Delhi: Actor Roopa Ganguly, globally renowned for her portrayal of Draupadi in B.R. Chopra’s iconic serial Mahabharat (1988-1990), became visibly emotional and broke down in tears while reminiscing about her late co-star, Pankaj Dheer, who passed away recently after a battle with cancer.

​Ganguly, who learned of Pankaj Dheer’s demise—who played the tragic hero Karna—just moments before her exclusive conversation with NDTV, expressed shock and sorrow. She confirmed she had received the heartbreaking news from another Mahabharat veteran, Nitish Bharadwaj (Lord Krishna).

​“I can’t imagine he left us at this age. I am so sorry to hear this. I don’t know what to say,” were her initial stunned comments.

​’My Most Handsome Friend’

​The actor was overcome with emotion when discussing her last interactions with Dheer, stating she was unaware of his illness. “I talked to him over a text probably a year ago. But he never spoke to me about his illness,” she recalled, breaking into tears.

​Despite the grief, Roopa Ganguly fondly remembered Pankaj Dheer’s gentle demeanor and striking looks during their time on the set of the epic serial.

​”Pankaj Dheer was the most handsome man on the set after Nitish Bharadwaj. I used to send him texts calling him, ‘my most handsome friend.’ He knew people called him ‘handsome’,” she shared, smiling through her tears.

​She characterized him as a reserved, well-mannered, and soft-spoken gentleman, contrasting him with their more “playful” co-stars, Puneet Issar (Duryodhan) and Firoz Khan (Arjun).

​Roopa Ganguly added that while she hadn’t met him in person for years due to her short trips to Mumbai, they continued to exchange texts “on and off,” underscoring the enduring connection among the legendary cast members.

​Pankaj Dheer’s impactful performances were not limited to Mahabharat. He was also widely loved for his role as Raja Shivdutt in the cult fantasy show Chandrakanta.

Massive YouTube and Google Streaming Outage Rocks US, Over 200,000 Users Affected

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Massive YouTube and Google Streaming Outage Rocks US, Over 200,000 Users Affected

Google’s primary video and music streaming platforms, YouTube and YouTube Music, experienced a massive and widespread outage across the United States on Wednesday afternoon, according to user reports. The disruption extended to YouTube TV, leaving thousands of users unable to access content.

​Tracking platform DownDetector recorded a peak of nearly 203,763 reports of issues with the main YouTube service alone. The issues primarily affected the ability to stream video and music, which accounted for 54% of reported problems.

​The outage also heavily impacted Google’s supplementary streaming services. YouTube Music saw a significant influx of complaints, with more than 4,873 users reporting issues, while YouTube TV users filed over 2,379 reports.

​The widespread nature of the disruption highlights the dependency millions of Americans have on these platforms for entertainment and information. As a breaking news story, Google is expected to issue an official statement addressing the cause of the technical failure and providing an estimated time for service restoration. Users continue to monitor the situation, hoping for a swift resolution to the streaming blackout.

US Passport Falls Out of World’s Top 10 for First Time in Two Decades, Signaling Global Power Shift

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US Passport Falls Out of World’s Top 10 for First Time in Two Decades, Signaling Global Power Shift

In a dramatic shift that signals a changing landscape in global mobility and soft power, the United States passport has dropped out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports for the first time in two decades.

​According to the latest Henley Passport Index—a definitive ranking measuring the number of countries a passport holder can visit without requiring a visa—the US passport now ranks 12th globally, tied with Malaysia. This marks a significant descent for a nation that held the top spot just ten years ago and was ranked 7th as recently as last year.

​The reigning champion is Singapore, which secures the title with visa-free access to an impressive 193 destinations. South Korea follows in second place with 190 destinations, and Japan holds the third spot with 189. Asian nations now heavily dominate the upper echelons of the index.

​The decline is about more than just numbers. Christian H. Kaelin, the index creator, noted that the drop signals a “fundamental shift in global mobility.” While US passport holders can access 180 destinations visa-free, a key factor driving the lower ranking is a lack of reciprocity. The US currently allows only 46 other nationalities to enter its borders without a visa, a policy gap that nations like Brazil, China, and Vietnam have recently cited when ending or limiting visa-free entry for Americans.

​Analysts suggest the stagnation is compounded by stricter US immigration and travel policies enacted in recent years. This decrease in soft power is already having consequences: the firm reports a surge in interest among Americans for acquiring dual citizenship, with some experts calling “multiple citizenship the new American dream.” The results highlight a growing trend where nations prioritizing international openness and cooperation are rapidly advancing, leaving nations that have traditionally relied on past privilege to fall behind.

Trump Claims Modi Vows to Cease Russian Oil Purchases: A Major Shift in Global Energy Diplomacy

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Trump Claims Modi Vows to Cease Russian Oil Purchases: A Major Shift in Global Energy Diplomacy

WASHINGTON D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given him a personal assurance that India would cease all purchases of oil from Russia. The claim, made by Trump during a White House event, signals a potentially massive turning point in global energy politics and the economic isolation campaign against Moscow.

​Speaking to reporters, Trump characterized the alleged commitment as a “big step” toward efforts to economically isolate Russia amid its ongoing military action in Ukraine.

​”So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump stated. “That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”

​India, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, became a crucial buyer of discounted Russian crude following the imposition of Western sanctions. A halt to these purchases would mark a significant blow to Moscow’s oil revenues and could influence the buying decisions of other nations currently importing Russian crude.

​While the Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to inquiries to confirm whether PM Modi had made such a commitment, Trump suggested the move would not be instantaneous. He added that India could not “immediately” halt shipments, describing it as “a little bit of a process, but that process will be over soon.”

​The statement comes as Washington continues to intensify diplomatic efforts to choke off Moscow’s oil revenues, shifting the calculus for nations balancing diplomatic ties with affordable energy needs.

From Kerala to Meghalaya: Former Chief Secretary V. Venu Lauds IAS Peer Dr. Shakeel Ahammed as a ‘Rare Indian Gem’

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From Kerala to Meghalaya: Former Chief Secretary V. Venu Lauds IAS Peer Dr. Shakeel Ahammed as a ‘Rare Indian Gem’

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr. V. Venu, the former Chief Secretary of Kerala, has penned a heartfelt tribute on Facebook to his colleague and friend, Dr. Shakeel Ahammed IAS, currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya. Dr. Venu’s post describes Dr. Ahammed as an irreplaceable figure in the Indian Civil Service, highlighting his exceptional talent, dedication, and profound humanistic approach to service.

​”If you ask me one name I remember most dearly in my 34 years of civil service, I would unhesitatingly say Dr. Shakeel Ahammed IAS,” wrote Dr. Venu. “Those who know him will attest that there is no one else to replace Shakeel in this great nation. This is a rare Indian phenomenon.”

​Dr. Venu praised Dr. Ahammed as a “hardworking and talented” individual with a “clear service mindset that stands for people.” He also noted Dr. Ahammed’s diverse talents, describing him as an artist, footballer, and chef.

​The former Chief Secretary recalled their amusing first meeting in 1991 during his wedding reception. A young homoeopathy doctor, Dr. Ahammed, nervously approached him, shook his hand, and whispered, “Brother, you didn’t invite me, but I came to see you.” Dr. Venu described this interaction as a ‘package of purity and innocence,’ marking the beginning of their lasting friendship, which started with Dr. Ahammed seeking advice on civil service preparation.

​Dr. Venu highlighted Dr. Ahammed’s inspiring journey from a humble coastal background, overcoming all odds to succeed. He hailed him as a genuine role model, demonstrating a positive ‘Shakeelian lifestyle’ to Malayalees—a man who believes any situation can be changed with a smile.

​Dr. Ahammed’s academic brilliance was evident from the start, excelling at the Mussoorie Academy where he secured the ‘Best Officer Trainee,’ ‘Best Artist,’ and ‘Best Sportsman’ awards in his batch. His distinguished career saw him selected for sensitive and crucial posts, including being a representative to the Tea Board in the Moscow Embassy and serving in the Prime Minister’s Office. As the Private Secretary to the then Union Minister E. Ahamed, he daily met and resolved the issues of hundreds of people.

​Dr. Venu emphasized that Dr. Ahammed’s life passion is serving the common people and the distressed. “His official lifestyle perfectly embodies the saying: live and work for the people and society.”

​His commitment to grassroots service is evident in his career choices. During a period when many high-ranking officials sought to avoid the North East, Dr. Ahammed dedicated his work and life to the region, quickly becoming a beloved officer in Meghalaya. He embraced the culture and life of the Khasi-Garo hills, traveling through tribal villages, learning their language, and voluntarily undertaking numerous responsibilities for them.

​”The one who conquered the shore and the sea with his hard work has now conquered the mountains,” Dr. Venu concluded, referring to Dr. Ahammed’s new role. “He has conquered not by authority, but by love, service, compassion, and empathy.” Dr. Venu wished his “brother” the very best, expressing hope that his tenure as Chief Secretary will be an unforgettable chapter in Meghalaya’s history.

Sharafudheen and Anupama Parameswaran’s ‘Pet Detective’ Hits Theaters Tomorrow; Bookings Open

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Sharafudheen and Anupama Parameswaran’s ‘Pet Detective’ Hits Theaters Tomorrow; Bookings Open

Kochi: The highly anticipated adventure-comedy “Pet Detective,” starring Sharafudheen and Anupama Parameswaran, is set for a grand theatrical release tomorrow, October 16. Advance bookings for the film have officially opened on all major platforms. The movie, which has received a clean ‘U’ certificate and positive reports from the censor board, promises to be a fun-filled family entertainer.

Directed by Praneesh Vijayan, “Pet Detective” features Sharafudheen in the lead role of a quirky private investigator named Tony Jose Alukka. The film’s trailer has been met with a fantastic response on social media, suggesting a hilarious and engaging investigation that will appeal to audiences of all ages, especially children and families. The movie is being released with the tagline, “Complete Animal Domination.”

The film marks a significant on-screen reunion for Sharafudheen and Anupama Parameswaran, who are sharing screen space ten years after the blockbuster hit ‘Premam’. This reunion, coupled with Sharafudheen’s recent successes in films like ‘Hello Mummy’ and ‘Padakkalam’, has generated considerable buzz among moviegoers.

Adding to the excitement, the film’s songs, composed by Rajesh Murugesan, have already become super hits. The theme song, “Thera Paara Odikko,” has gone viral among children.

Produced by Sharafudheen himself under Sharafudheen Productions and Gokulam Gopalan of Sree Gokulam Movies, the film also features a strong supporting cast, including Vinay Forrt, Ranji Panicker, Jomon Jyothir, Vinayakan, and Shobi Thilakan. The film is co-written by director Praneesh Vijayan and Jay Vishnu.

The technical crew includes Anand C. Chandran as the cinematographer and Abhinav Sunder Nayak, the director of the hit film ‘Mukundan Unni Associates’, as the editor. Dream Big Films is distributing the movie.

Lukman Avaran’s Rom-Com ‘Athibheekara Kamukan’ Set for November 14 Release

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Lukman Avaran’s Rom-Com ‘Athibheekara Kamukan’ Set for November 14 Release

Kochi: The release date for the upcoming romantic comedy “Athibheekara Kamukan,” starring Lukman Avaran and Drishya Raghunath, has been officially announced. The film is set to hit theaters on November 14. The announcement was made with a new poster featuring the lead pair gazing into each other’s eyes.

Directed by the duo CC Nithin and Gautham Thaniyil, the film is described as a romantic comedy family entertainer. Shot across picturesque locations in Palakkad, Kodaikanal, and Nelliyampathy, the movie promises to be a visual treat. The colorful first-look poster had previously garnered significant attention on social media.

“Athibheekara Kamukan” will be a pan-Indian release, available in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The film also stars Manohari Joy, Ashwin, and Karthik in supporting roles.

The movie is produced by Deepthi Gautham, Gautham Thaniyil, V. Mathiyalagan, and Sam George under the banners of Pink Bison Studios and Etcetera Entertainments. The technical crew includes Sreeram Chandrasekharan as the cinematographer, Ajeesh Anand as the editor, and Bibin Ashok handling the music and background score. Century Release will distribute the film, and Saregama holds the music rights.

Rapper Fejo Drops New Animated Track ‘Baby Cool Aayirunne…’

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Rapper Fejo Drops New Animated Track ‘Baby Cool Aayirunne…’

Kochi: After delivering a string of viral hits like ‘Thalayude Vilayattu’ and ‘Aayiram Aura,’ popular Malayalam rapper Fejo has released his latest track, “Baby Cool Aayirunne…” The new rap song was launched with a vibrant and attractive animated video on the Sony Music Malayalam YouTube channel.

Known for his incredible ability to weave words with impeccable rhythm and rhyme, Fejo has written, directed, and performed the new song himself. The track’s beat was produced by Jeffin Justin, with mixing and mastering handled by Ashbin Paulson. The unique visuals for the song were created with illustrations by Shabnam Fathima and animation by Muhammed Shaifulal.

Fejo, who started his solo career in 2009, has become a formidable force in the Malayalam music scene. His previous single, ‘Aayiram Aura,’ remains a trending hit with over 22 million views on YouTube, while his song ‘Koode Thullu…’ has crossed the 30 million view mark.

He made a significant impact in the film industry with his debut rap ‘Aparadapanka’ in the Tovino Thomas-starrer ‘Maradona’. He went on to deliver chartbusters for major films, including ‘Thalayude Vilayattu’ in Mohanlal’s ‘Aaraattu,’ ‘Ayudhamedhuda’ in Prithviraj’s ‘Ranam,’ and ‘Ee Thazhvara’ in Fahadh Faasil’s ‘Athiran.’ He also debuted as a playback singer earlier this year with the song ‘Heart Attack’ in the film ‘Painkili.’

With a massive following on social media, Fejo continues to be a prominent figure in music shows and festivals, solidifying his place as one of Kerala’s leading rap artists.

Real Snake Visits ‘Theater’ Film Set; Makers Release Traditional ‘Pulluvanpattu’ Song

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Real Snake Visits ‘Theater’ Film Set; Makers Release Traditional ‘Pulluvanpattu’ Song

Kochi: Ahead of its theatrical release on October 16, the team behind Rima Kallingal’s new film, “Theater: The Myth of Reality,” has released a new song and shared a startling video from the film’s shooting. Director Sajin Babu unveiled footage of a real snake that appeared at the ‘Sarpakkavu’ (sacred serpent grove) location during filming.

The film, which explores themes of myth, faith, and rituals, features a Sarpakkavu as a key location. The production’s art department had constructed a temporary grove for the shoot, and it was to this location that a real snake made a surprise visit. The crew described the incident as a “miraculous event,” given the film’s subject matter.

In the lead-up to its release, the makers also launched the “Pulluvanpattu,” a traditional song from the film. The track is composed by Sayeed Abbas, with lyrics by Mohanan Pulluvan, and is sung by Parvathy Devi, Sabarinath, Ramachandran, and Narayanan.

Directed by Sajin Babu, “Theater: The Myth of Reality” has already gained attention and acclaim at various international film festivals. The film stars Rima Kallingal and Sarasa Balussery in prominent roles. The cast also includes Dain Davis, Pramod Veliyanad, Krishnan Balakrishnan, Megha Rajan, and Meenakshi Raveendran, among others.

Produced by Anjana Philip and Philip Zachariah under the banner of Anjana Talkies, the film’s technical crew includes Shyamaprakash M S for cinematography and Appu Bhattathiri for editing.

‘Echo’: Makers of Blockbuster ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ Announce New Mystery Film

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‘Echo’: Makers of Blockbuster ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ Announce New Mystery Film

Kochi: Following the massive success of their mystery thriller “Kishkindha Kaandam,” director Dinjith Ayyathan and writer Bahul Ramesh have officially announced their next project, titled “Echo.” The release of the film’s official poster has already created a buzz on social media, with fans speculating about the movie’s plot, questioning if it will be a time-travel or a loop-based film.

The upcoming movie will star Sandeep Pradeep, who has previously appeared in hit films like “Falimy,” “Padakkalam,” and “Alappuzha Gymkhana,” in the lead role. The cast also includes prominent actors such as Saurabh Sachdeva, Naren, Vineeth, Ashokan, Binu Pappu, Ranjith Sekhar, and Sahir Muhammad.

Adding to the anticipation, the core technical team from “Kishkindha Kaandam” will be reuniting for “Echo,” including music director Mujeeb Majeed, editor Sooraj E.S., and art director Sajeesh Thamarassery. The film is being produced by M.R.K. Jayaram under the banner of Aradhya Studios.

Bahul Ramesh will not only be penning the story, screenplay, and dialogues but will also be handling the cinematography for “Echo.” The film is slated for a November release and will be distributed by Icon Cinemas.

The rest of the crew includes Shafi Chemmad as the production controller, Rasheed Ahmed for makeup, and Sujith Sudhakaran for costumes.

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