Nation is soaked in Patriotism: India celebrates 70th Republic Day

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January 25, 2019

India became a self-governing country on August 15, 1947. India is the world’s largest democracy which means that the citizens of the nation hold the power to elect its leader and run the government. Although India attained independence in 1947 from the Britishers, it was on January 26, 1950, when the country adopted its Constitution which promises freedom and equality for all. Therefore, we celebrate Republic Day on January 26 every year. This year, the country will be celebrating 70th Republic Day.

Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the nation. Mumbai is geared up with tight security across the city; Mantralaya and Vidhan Bhavan are also decorated on the occasion. The schools, colleges, government, and private institutions are all decked up to honour the Constitution that came to force on January 26, 1950. The Mumbai schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are going to present several cultural programs; speech recitation, group discussion are also organised by the students to demonstrate India’s rich heritage and culture. On the other hand, Sarkari babus and Netas too are getting groomed for the event. There is Patriotism in every Hindustani, forgetting all the differences.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in India to grace the Republic Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. Ramaphosa is been accompanied by First Lady Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials, and a 50-member business contingent. He will be the second President of South Africa after Nelson Mandela to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. It will be Ramaphosa’s first visit to India as the head of state. India’s Prime Minister Modi will do flag hosting followed by his address to the nation.

The ‘National War Memorial’ near India Gate will also be inaugurated on the eve of the Republic Day to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. IAF will carry out a special fly-past with three helicopters and SU 30 jets on the occasion.

The celebrations this year will be special as 2019 marks the 150th birth anniversary of ‘Father of the Nation’. Around 17 tableaux from states/Union Territories and six from various ministries will be displayed in the parade based on the theme ‘Gandhi’. The Rajpath parade will also see a tableau showcasing ‘Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth’ which is a historical educational institution situated in Varanasi. The tableau will also display the glory of Ghats, Buddhist Monks, rituals, and ancient temples of Varanasi.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat is going to receive the Param Vishisht Sewa Medal (PVSM) for his contributions to improve the nation’s military services.

Adding to the grandeur of the commemoration, Indian Air Force will be flying an aircraft which will run by blended bio-fuel on the Republic Day 2019 fly-past with 10 per cent of bio-fuel in it. The aircraft will fly over Rajpath with a ‘V’ shape formation resembling ‘Victory’ sign. This year’s Parade will also witness the inclusion of M777 Howitzer and K9 Vajra, the self-propelled gun which are the latest artilleries inducted in the Indian Army. T-90 tanks, SU-30, Mig 29, Jaguar aircraft will also be a major attraction of the parade. Moreover, this will be the first time in the history that four veteran soldiers of the ‘Azad Hind Fauz’ aged above 90 years will take part in the parade at Rajpath. On the other hand, for the very first time in Indian history, a woman officer would be leading the Army Services Corps in the 2019 Republic Day parade. The Daredevils Motorcycle Team will also include a women officer in their team this year.

Retired Army official Amarnath Chaurasia greeted the nation on the special occasion of 70th Republic day! He said, “I hope this generation will understand the essence of Indian Army and join hands to protect the country. Our country is progressing and we are very happy to see women actively taking charge of the armed forces. Woman officer leading the Army Services Corps in the 2019 Republic Day parade for the first time is a moment of pride for us.”

The list marking the ‘first-time-ever’ special event doesn’t end here. An all-women contingent of Assam Rifles, which is one of the oldest paramilitary forces of India, will take part in the 2019 Republic Day parade. CISF will display its tableau in the parade after 11 years.

In addition to that, it will be the first time that winners of National Bravery Awards might not be able to join the parade at Rajpath as the NGO giving the awards has allegations of financial integrity. However, the winners of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar will get the chance to walk at Rajpath parade.

Brigadier Sudhir Sawant expressed, “In 1991, I was the first one to voice in the Lok Sabha in favour of women participation in the Indian Army. The then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other political parties approved the proposal and since then, women are making their presence in giving security to the country. We are proud to see women in the armed forces; we expect, in near future, the country will be proud to see more women soldiers at the border.”

A Glamorous Ramayana by Hema Malini and Esha Deol

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

When it comes to stage appearances and shows by Bollywood Divas there is never lack of fascinating and sizzling visuals equally blended with great dance, costume, makeup, hair and drama.

Recently, the dream girl of Indian Cinema Hema Malini presented her stunning daughter Esha Deol on stage with a fabulous production ‘Ramayan’ choreographed by amazingly talented and highly creative Bhushan Lakhandari.

Ramayan is one story which is performed by many artists through numerous dance styles. But Hema Malini’s Ramayan was class apart, it had the ancient epic story told in a beautifully put musical dance drama format, with perfectly choreographed dance moves that brought alive each character aptly by Bhushan ji.

There are many versions of Ramayan in Indian languages, besides Buddhist, Sikh and Jain adaptations. There are also Cambodian, Indonesian, Filipino, Thai, Lao, Burmese and Malaysian versions of the tale.

As a director Hema ji presented important episodes from the Bala Kanda (Marriage of Ram and Sita), Ayodhya Kanda (Ram Leaving for Exile), Aranya Kanda (Kidnapping of Sita), Kishkindha Kanda (Ram meeting Hanuma and their journey to find Sita), Sundara Kanda (Hamuman meeting Sita) and Yuddha Kanda (Victory of Ram over Ravana).

When I asked our dream girl how she felt while directing Esha as Sita, Hema ji laughed and said, “As a kid, Esha was naughty and would rarely listen to me, finally I am glad I could have my way at least on stage.”

Bhushan sir choreographed and executed each part of the dance drama so perfectly that it looked as if it was not Esha Deol telling us the story of Ramayan but it was Sita herself talking to the audience in regards to all that happened in her life with the ultimate man Rama played beautifully by super talented and very handsome Mithun Shyam.

Happy and contented Bhushan ji praised Esha’s work and said, “Esha has completely taken after her mother, she is a very fine dancer and a performer, she emotes brilliantly and understands the nuances of the character very well, I was glad to choreograph Esha as Sita.”

Talking about dancing on stage Esha said, “From a very young age, Ahaana and I would see our mother practise and rehearse tirelessly, so dance is something that came naturally to both of us.” Explaining further about how she felt while playing the complex role of Sita, Esha said, “Playing Sita is a big responsibility and I am glad it came to me at this stage of my life when I am a mother, more mature and responsible as a human being, So I feel I could do justice to playing such a beautiful character.”

Mithun Shyam who played calm and composed character of Lord Ram was actually super excited about this role, overwhelmed Mithun said, “I consider it a huge learning curve working with Bhushan ji. He is a very learned and experienced master. I got the opportunity to watch a video of his performance recorded over three decades ago. I practiced based on the choreography. It was a challenge to justify such a role. Bhushan ji himself guided and gave me some very valuable suggestions to enhance my performance. On the other hand, Esha is a pleasure to work with, she is extremely professional and carries herself with amazing grace and dignity. She was Sita to the T.”

So did Bangalore based Mithun’s dream come true meeting the dream girl, thrilled with joy Shyma further added, ‘To meet Hema ji was indeed a dream come true. When I was called for an audition I was truly stunned, I wasn’t apprehensive about being selected for the role but thrilled beyond words that I would be meeting ‘The Hema Malini’ herself. Initially, when she spoke to me I was too tongue-tied and I told her that I was unable to speak. She in her diva style laughed and spoke about dance and asked me about my training etc. Then she told me about her expectations for the role, she gave me the exact image she wanted me to portray. Later, Hema ji herself attended, checked and directed us, a dream come true for me indeed.”

Every performer has a bit of nervousness before a show, so did our gorgeous Sita felt the butterflies in her stomach too, Excited Esha replied, “Well, yes before every show one is nervous and so was I, but all the dancers, my co-actors and we all bonded well so the anxiousness was settled.”

After Sita what role would Esha be keen to play was something that was running on my mind and when I asked her about the next character she would want to portray, she gave me a very spiritual answer, she said, “I have always believed that, we do not choose what characters we want to showcase, it is the divine energy up there that chooses us to tell their stories, we are just a medium which the divine uses to narrate their lives and reach out to the audience.”

But still there must be some character that fascinates her and it would be a blessing to play that part, when quizzed about it emotional Esha answered, “When my mother used to play Meera, I would always play the young Meera, now that I am grown up, I hope I am sanctified to play the mature Meera one day.”

Ramayan directed by Hema Malini and choreographed by Bhushan Lakahdari is a visual treat, I suggest if you hear that this show is in your city or is coming to your city then please take out some time and go and see the ultimate epic presented glamorously and alluringly by the team that is known to bring alive our Indian Gods and Goddess like no one else does.

By-Sandip Soparrkar

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

Rahul Gandhi dismisses speculation of Varun joining Congress

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that he was unaware of any speculation about BJP leader Varun Gandhi joining his party.

The Congress chief’s remark comes two days after his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally entered politics on Wednesday ahead of the elections.

“I have not heard this speculation,” Gandhi said while responding to a query about Varun Gandhi joining Congress in a move to reunite the Gandh-Nehru family.

Varun Gandhi, cousin of Rahul Gandhi, is at present a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha member from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

His mother Maneka Gandhi is the Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development in the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

Letters to the Editor: January 25, 2019

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

Should this be called as patriotism?

The patriotism of Indians starts bursting forth as Independence Day and Republic Day approaches even though there may be debates held throughout the year, on topics like ‘Whether to say Vande Mataram’, ‘Whether to stand up in respect when the national anthem is played’ etc. There is competition to exhibit patriotism by uploading own photos with the ‘tri-colour’ in hand or group-photos in dresses made with ‘tri-colour’; ‘tri-colour’ tattoos on faces etc. on social websites. There is so much craze of the three colours of our national flag that there is special demand in the market for sweets made in three colours or cakes in three-colours of our flag. One, therefore, starts thinking whether the national flag has become a show-piece considering its use for such ordinary purposes. National Flag is a symbol of our national identity and it is an unwritten duty of every Indian to maintain its due respect. National Flag teaches us values like sacrifice, revolution, peace and prosperity. We, however, trample these values when we misuse colours of National Flag out of our over-enthusiasm. The right place of National Flag is on flag-pole. That is the appropriate honour of the flag. Keeping our revolutionaries as ideals before us, who sacrificed their lives for this country and trying to walk on the path shown by them, will be true patriotism rather than showing off such patriotism on social websites.

Manisha Chandarana

January 26: More interest in holiday

Republic Day is on Saturday this year; followed with Sunday. People from city plan outing on getting such back to back holidays. There is, however, a difference between getting holidays for other reasons and for Republic Day though it is argued that how to make use of holidays is a personal matter. Even if it is right; the holiday of Republic Day is not for only enjoyment but it should be spent for the country. Can we not spend even one day for paying gratitude towards own country which we use for our education, jobs, business etc? Our soldiers are battling against the enemy on the boundaries of this country; therefore, such enjoyment is possible on holidays. Our soldiers, police have a huge and difficult challenge of maintaining tight security to see to it that no untoward incident takes place on August 15 and January 26. It is nevertheless, observed that citizens are as usual more interested in making plans for such holidays, in advance; as if, protection of this country is the responsibility of only our soldiers and to enjoy life at their cost is our responsibility. Moreover, having such discussions on holidays is most unfortunate. Our soldiers are facing a bombardment of firing, bombs etc. from the enemy which cannot be faced by ordinary citizens. They need to be told that at least for a day, they should devote for own country and do their duty. Soldiers come to our rescue even calamities like earthquake, deluge strike us but we run away to enjoy holidays. Can there be any comparison with soldiers ?

Sandeep Kate

Phenomenal run for Virat Kohli this year!

Kudos to Virat Kohli for not just winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy along with Test and ODI player of the year awards. It has been a phenomenal year for Captain Kohli who has literally been scoring runs and tons with ease. It was kids play for the jury to select a winner as there was no competition for Kohli this year who has emerged as an even bigger icon than the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. It is truly amazing in the manner that he bats and resembles a Robot when it comes to perfection.

Virat Kohli has amassed so many runs and tons in his career at such a young age that Tendulkar’s records who dwarf against Kohli’s milestones whenever he retires. Fitness is the key to Virat Kohli’s success but I request him to select tournaments and give IPL a skip to prolong his international career. Virat Kohli is poor man’s Don Bradman in the manner he bats as Sir Garfield Sobers in attitude. Keep up the good work going Virat and wish you the very best in the coming times. Indians want you to win the coming ODI World Cup which is reasonable expectations after your great wins in Australia. Go for it and make India proud!

S.N.Kabra

Memorable Mumbai Marathon

Mumbai Marathon is a big occasion for the Media and the participants as they enjoyed the real essence of running for a noble cause. Tata Mumbai marathon 2019 spirits had gone very high this time. We saw all walks of life people participated in the Mumbai Marathon and there was no caste, creed or religion in the unique effort. Mumbai Marathon is a great initiative and it deserves a feather in the cap for the sponsors. It was totally Unity in Diversity on the street of Mumbai. Print Media played a pivotal role in making the Marathon a great success. The events include Marathon, Half-Marathon, Dream Run, Senior Citizen run and Wheelchair run in all. Tata marathon turned out to be a significant fund-raising platform. A large number of entries and the participants enjoyed every moment in the event revealed its success. Be it youth, doctors, businessmen, actors, senior citizens, handicapped and the mentally challenged played a part and everyone was out on the streets to celebrate life in the best way possible on a Sunday. Mumbai Marathon moment was memorable. The enthusiasm and high spirits displayed showed an encouraging marathon. Anyway it was not just a fad. The Mumbai Marathon brings the best out of the participants in a big way. It also showed the way of organising strength in an International event of this magnitude in the best way possible. Kudos to the organisers!

Jayanthi S. Maniam

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Republic Day reminds us responsibilities towards our country

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Vinod Dixit

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January 25, 2019

India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day. First Republic Day of India was celebrated in 1950. India is a country having people of different cultures, societies, religions and languages who interplay with each other harmoniously. Republic Day is the symbol of true spirit for the independent India where military parades, exhibiting military equipment, salute to the National Flag by the Indian President and variety of events that take place on this day. Republic Day represents the true spirit of independent India. In his autobiography, Jawaharlal Nehru recalled how Independence Day came into existence on January 26, 1930, and it revealed to us, in a flash, the earnest and enthusiastic mood of the country. After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, there was huge public outrage against the British rule and looking at the public sentiments Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress committed themselves to Purna Swaraj. Mahatma Gandhi led nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement between 1920-1922 against 1919 Rowlett Act in which civil liberties of Indian citizens were hugely curtailed.

It was also the reason why January 26 was designated as Republic Day when the Constitution was finalised in 1950. The Constitution of India was drafted by Dr. BR Ambedkar which helped to replace the existing Government of India Act, 1935. The Constitution of India which was drafted by Dr. BR Ambedkar was actually passed on November 26, 1949. It is the supreme law of India. It gives us a framework of fundamental political principals, establishes structure, procedures, powers, and duties of the government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and the duties of citizens. The constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens of justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavours to promote fraternity among them. It gives us Fundamental Rights and duties too. Right to Freedom, Equality, Freedom of Religion, Culture and education, constitution remedies are our six fundamental rights.

It was mainly Nehru’s idea to have an impressive parade on Republic Day every year to strengthen the nation’s unity in diversity, and demonstrate its military might, economic and social progress as well as it’s vast cultural heritage. An official draft by Mahatma Gandhi said: “The British government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally and spiritually. Therefore, India must sever the British connection and attain ‘purna swaraj’ or ‘complete independence’. ”

Mahatma Gandhi’s mission to wipe every tear from every eye still remains unfulfilled. We have to work harder to provide food security to our people and to make the agriculture sector resilient to the vagaries of nature. We have to provide better amenities and opportunities to our people in villages to ensure a decent quality of life. The fundamental rights and duties of the people of the Republic in India have been laid down in our constitution. Every citizen of India is equal in the eye of the law, and no one is to suffer because of religion, creed, caste, colour or race.

Youth today are brimming with hope and aspirations. They pursue their life goals, which they perceive will bring them fame, success and happiness, with single-minded devotion. They consider happiness as their existential objective, which of course is understandable.

The anniversary of India becoming a republic has come and gone. Fireworks, salutes to the tiranga, distribution of awards, parades, display of our military might and what not. But the real issue amid the festivities seems to have been lost somewhere.

Democracy has helped only our politicians. Many of them got an opportunity to become billionaires after a decade or so in politics. Our criminal justice system is all but ineffective in curbing corruption, which starts with the ballot box and ends in Swiss banks.

Let us make a great promise that we would live together in peace and happiness as the people of the same nation. It creates a feeling of patriotism among the people. It reminds us of the supreme sacrifices made by the great freedom fighters. Republic Day also realises us our responsibilities towards our country.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

SC to examine Centre’s decision to grant 10% quota to poor in general category

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

The Supreme Court on Friday decided to examine the Centre’s decision to grant 10 percent reservation in jobs and education to poor candidates belonging to general category.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued notice to the central government on various petitions challenging the validity of the Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019, which paved the way for grant of quota to poor belonging to general category.

“We are examining the matter and hence issuing notice returnable within four weeks,” the bench said.

The bench, however, did not stay the operation of the Centre’s decision granting quota to the poor in the general category.

In poll year, the Narendra Modi government had come out with the constitutional amendment bill giving quota benefits to the poor among general category candidates.

The petitions were filed by parties including organisations like Janhit Abhiyan and Youth For Equality challenging the Centre’s decision.

The petition, filed by Youth For Equality, has sought the quashing of the bill saying that the economic criterion cannot be the sole basis for reservation.

The plea has said the bill violates basic feature of the Constitution as reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general categories and the 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached.

A similar plea has been filed by businessman Tehseen Poonawalla seeking to quash the bill, saying that backwardness for the purpose of reservation cannot be defined by “economic status alone”.

The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill on January 8 and 9 respectively and it has also been signed by President Ram Nath Kovind.

CBI registers new case against former-Haryana CM Hooda in land scam

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

The CBI has registered a new case against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others over alleged irregularities in land allocation in Gurgaon in 2009 and carried out searches at 20 locations in Delhi-NCR on Friday, officials said.

A team of officials from the agency arrived early morning at his residence in Rohtak, Haryana, they said.

According to the officials, 20 locations in the Delhi-NCR region are part of the probe, they said.

The agency is tight-lipped about the details of the case as the search operation is underway.

The case is understood to be related to the alleged irregularities in land allotment in 2009, sources said.

It is alleged that there were glaring irregularities in acquisition of 1,417 acres land by the then Haryana government in Gurgaon in 2009, they said.

Mrinal Sen was revolutionary filmmaker: Adoor Gopalkrishnan

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

Humanity has always taken precedence over ideology for auteur Mrinal Sen, who did not deter to join the movement against Nandigram violence in 2007 despite his Left leanings. Sen was a rebel who believed in fighting for the cause of common people of and off the camera, veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has said during a session at Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet here on Thursday,

“For him (Sen), humanity was more important than his ideology. He had very high integrity. He joined a big procession in Kolkata in protest against the shootings in Nandigram despite his Leftwing ideology,” said the ‘Mukhamukham’ (Face to Face) director, credited for pioneering a new wave of cinema in the early 70s.

Appreciating Sen’s body of work, Gopalakrishnan said ‘Ek Din Pratidin’ (1979) by the auteur was among his all-time favourite films. That is one film where he says that everything without saying anything. It stands out in the Indian cinema as a great example of a filmmaker’s genius. Everyone who sees the film wonders what happens to the girl and where was she all night? As she quietly walks in the next day, neither she says anything, nor does any family member ask her. That is a remarkable.

Sen had won National Award for ‘Ek Din Pratidin’. To a question by the audience, Gopalakrishnan said that both Satyajit Ray and Sen have made films on Kolkata, but there was a difference in the way they approached the subject. However, asked about his approach to films, Gopalakrishnan said that “My subject is politics, but my films are not political. I only ask questions, never answer them. I am not sure about the answers, as an artist I keep searching.

Fourteen people were killed in alleged police firing in 2007, at the height of an anti-land acquisition agitation at Nandigram in Bengal’s West Midnapore district. The CPI(M)-led Left Front was at the helm of affairs in the state at that time.

“Gully Boy” team set the stage on fire

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

In keeping with the theme of their forthcoming release “Gully Boy”, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt performed live at the music launch of the film with rappers amid much fan fare on Thursday night.

The grand music launch of the film was held at the Richardson & Cruddas in Byculla. Besides the team of “Gully Boy” including director Zoya Akhtar and producer Farhan Akhtar, Shweta Bachchan Nanda too was in attendance at the music launch event.

Donning a green skirt and vibrant top, Alia apologised for starting the event late and cheered and hyped up the crowd. Then Ranveer arrived on the stage post 9 pm, wearing a silver jacket and neon green sweatshirt and tracks.

“It is a big day for Indian hip hop. The hip hop scene here is going to change from today. We are going to have a blast. Let me invite the ‘asli hip hop’ crew on stage,” Ranveer said.

The actor, who performed on the song “Apna Time Aayega”, was at his energetic best. There are 18 songs in the album of the film. Rapper Divine and Naezy from whose life the film is inspired, performed at the event along with their original Gully gang. The team of “Gully Boy” including Alia, Ranveer, Zoya joined all the rappers on stage for their last performance on the hit track “Apna Time Aayega”.

“Gully Boy” is the story of a rapper from the streets of Mumbai who dreams of making it big. In the film, Ranveer plays a budding street rapper from the slums of Mumbai while Alia, who has been cast opposite him essays the role of an aspiring medical student. It also stars Kalki Koechlin, Vijay Raaz in pivotal role and will release on February 14.

Renowned Hindi author Krishna Sobti dies at 93

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Web Team

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January 25, 2019

Renowned Hindi author and essayist Krishna Sobti died on Friday in Delhi, family sources said.

The author breathed her last in a Delhi hospital this morning, where she was admitted for the last two months. She was about to complete her 94 years in February, so an age factor was there no doubt. For the last one week she was in the ICU, Ashok Maheshwari, a friend and managing director of Rajkamal Prakashan said.

“She was 93, and even after being extremely sick, she was very much aware about her thoughts and about what was happening in the society,” Maheshwari added.

Born in 1925, Sobti was known for writing about issues of female identity and sexuality. She received prestigious awards like Sahitya Akademi, Jnanpith awards and was also offered Padma Bhushan, which she had declined.