Sriram Raghavan Reveals Why Dhurandhar Is Not The Kind Of Film He Would Make

Even as Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar continues its triumphant box-office run, Sriram Raghavan has made it clear that the blockbuster spy thriller sits firmly outside his own creative comfort zone. 

Speaking to The Hindu ahead of the release of his next film, Ikkis, Raghavan explained why the Ranveer Singh-starrer, despite being well-crafted, represents a cinematic language he would not personally adopt.

Why Dhurandhar's Success Does Not Define His Filmmaking Choices

Addressing comparisons between Dhurandhar and the kind of spy films he and his brother Shridhar Raghavan have made in the past, Sriram stressed that it is less about quality and more about worldview.

"It is a well-made film with terrific performances, but it is not our kind of film. We must understand that we are living in different times. The earlier James Bond films starring Sean Connery and Roger Moore were fun movies. Later on, Bond films started to get serious. Dhurandhar is one movie. It is doing spectacularly well, and it should. But this is not the only format. If I start following it, it will be the silliest thing to do," he said.

Sriram Raghavan Praises Aditya Dhar

While distancing himself from Aditya Dhar's stylistic choices, Raghavan was careful to underline his admiration for the filmmaker. The two directors share a significant career milestone, having both won National Awards in the same year - Dhar for Uri: The Surgical Strike and Raghavan for Andhadhun.

Reflecting on that moment, Raghavan said, "Aditya and I shared the National Award stage when he made Uri, and I had Andhadhun. He has a different kind of sensibility and craft, and I love watching his films, but it is not something I would make."

That philosophy also shapes his upcoming project Ikkis, a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. In the movie, Agastya Nanda steps into the role of the 21-year-old war hero and Dharmendra portrays his father.

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar Actor Naseem Mughal Was "Uncomfortable" About Viral Assault Scene, Reveals Ranveer Singh's Reaction

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Helped Boost Ties: PM In Letter To Tarique Rahman After Khaleda Zia's Death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolence letter to Tarique Rahman - the son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the acting chairman leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party - recalled his association with her and expressed hope that the people of Bangladesh, who have shown "remarkable strength and dignity throughout their history... will continue to be guided by their shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity".

PM Modi's letter was delivered today by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who represented India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia.

On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.

Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi.

Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and… pic.twitter.com/xXNwJsRTmZ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 31, 2025

Expressing his condolences in the letter, PM Modi had said, "I warmly recall my meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015".

"She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," he wrote.

"While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure," PM Modi added. "I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," he wrote.

Zia, the three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh who headed the BNP, died on Tuesday after a long illness. Her funaral today was attended by thousands, including dignitaries from various nations. She was laid to rest with full State honours this afternoon beside her husband, the country's former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

Rahman, a front-runner for the prime minister post in the election due on February 12, is Khaleda Zia's eldest son.

During his meeting with Rahman, Jaishankar acknowledged Zia's contribution to democracy. He also expressed optimism about closer India-Bangladesh ties -- which have been frayed since the government led by Mohammad Yunus came to power -- after the elections due in February. Dhaka's growing closeness with Pakistan and its all-weather ally China lately has been a situation that is being closely watched by India.

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Techie Reveals How Moving From Bengaluru To Hyderabad Changed Her Life

Shreya Prasad, a techie who works at Uber, has recently shared her experience of moving to Hyderabad. In her post on LinkedIn, she said that leaving Bengaluru was one of the best decisions she made this year. She listed a few reasons for leaving Bengaluru, such as potholes, time spent on travelling, waiting hours for cabs, insane traffic, hard water, low-quality food and healthcare and expensive living costs. 

Shreya further said that life has become calmer, happier, and healthier in Hyderabad. She highlighted that Hyderabad offers a better work-life balance, with improved infrastructure and lower living costs.

"A small career + life update - I moved from Uber Bengaluru to Uber Hyderabad earlier this year. Looking back, it's been one of the better decisions I've made for myself," she wrote in the post, which gained significant traction. "I didn't realise how much mental energy was being drained by everyday things until they were gone." 

Also read | Watch: Google Techie Takes "Proud Parents" On Office Visit, Shares Emotional Moment

"Hyderabad is calmer. That has translated into better health, more energy, and sharper focus at work. Bengaluru gave me a lot professionally. Hyderabad is giving me balance between personal and professional life," she said.

"Sometimes growth isn't about changing roles, it's about changing environments."

Also read | "Dear Indians, Stop Behaving Like This": Man Calls Out Tourists For Littering Kerala Beach

The post resonated with many, with one user saying, "That's the precise reason we migrated from Bangalore to Hyd over 6 yrs back. Hyd is simply much better than Bnglr."

"Hyderabad is way better than Bangalore," a second user said.

"100% true-and that's exactly why I'd never want to move back to Gurgaon or any other city," a third wrote.

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CBSE Cancels Affiliation Of Jaipur School Over Class 4 Student's Suicide

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today cancelled the affiliation of a school in Jaipur where a 9-year-old girl, a Class 4 student, died by suicide on November 1.

In a detailed eight-page order dated December 30, the CBSE said the incident exposed "grave, flagrant and wilful non-compliance" with mandatory child safety norms, concluding that the Neerja Modi School was "not fit for continuation of affiliation".

The board described the case as one involving systemic failure, negligence, and lack of accountability, adding that the tragedy was entirely preventable.

What The CBSE Found

According to the official order, a two-member fact-finding committee appointed by CBSE conducted surprise inspections, examined CCTV footage, interacted with staff and parents, and reviewed school records. The findings revealed multiple serious lapses:

- No safety grills or steel nets in open areas on upper floors

- No effective CCTV surveillance of student movement and failure to preserve footage

- No vigilant or dedicated staff monitoring corridors and staircases

- Absence of a functional counselling mechanism

- Non-existent or non-functional anti-bullying systems

- Repeated complaints by parents about bullying were ignored

- Teachers, staff, and students found without identity cards

- No floor-level supervision, the child's movement to the fourth floor went unnoticed

Most critically, the CBSE noted that the bloodstained area at the site of the fall was cleaned almost immediately, which it said amounted to tampering with potential forensic evidence.

"The removal of vital material evidence within minutes of the incident demonstrates a serious breach of legal and procedural obligations," the order stated.

Counselling And Bullying Failures

The Board rejected the school's claim that the child was happy and academically active, stating that such arguments were irrelevant to the core issue of safety compliance.

"It is evident that despite repeated approaches by the parents, the school confined its response to discussions during Parent-Teacher Meetings, without initiating any structured or proactive intervention," CBSE said.

The absence of documented counselling, referrals, or remedial action, the Board added, reflected a complete failure of the safeguarding mechanism mandated under affiliation by-laws.

School's Defence Rejected

Neerja Modi School argued that it had complied with building safety norms, fire safety regulations, and had constituted mandatory committees. CBSE dismissed these submissions, stating:

"Mere possession of structural or fire safety certificates cannot substitute mandatory child safety measures required under the Affiliation By-Laws."

The Board also noted that documents submitted showed committees existed only on paper, with no evidence of meetings, actions, or case handling.

'Completely Preventable Incident'

In one of its strongest observations, the CBSE said:

"The only answer to the fundamental question is that this incident was completely preventable had the required provisions been followed."

The failure to monitor the child after she left for the washroom, the Board said, was a serious lapse of duty of care.

CBSE's Final Orders

Based on the findings, CBSE imposed the severest penalty available under its rules:

- Affiliation up to Senior Secondary level withdrawn with immediate effect

- Class X and XII students allowed to appear from the same school for the 2025-26 session

- Class IX and XI students to be shifted to nearby CBSE schools by March 31, 2026

- No new admissions or promotions to Class IX and XI allowed

- School may apply for restoration up to secondary level only after one academic year, from 2027-28, subject to full compliance

- Senior secondary affiliation can be sought only after two additional academic years

- The future of Classes I to VIII will be decided by the Rajasthan State Education Department

'Zero Tolerance On Child Safety'

CBSE underlined that schools are expected to be "safe havens for children" and warned that violations impacting student safety strike at the very foundation of affiliation.

"Such negligent actions constitute serious breaches directly impacting student safety and warrant strict and immediate action," the Board said.

The order has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority of the CBSE and sent to the school management for compliance.

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4 Dead, 9 Injured After Mumbai's BEST Bus Crashes Into Pedestrians

Four people were killed after they were hit by a BEST bus while it was reversing in Mumbai tonight. Nine others were injured. The incident happened in Mumbai's Bhandup.

The injured people have been admitted to a hospital.

BEST, short for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, runs the country's largest public bus fleet.

The Mumbai Police said the bus lost control before it hit pedestrians. What led to the bus going out of control is not yet known.

Soon after the accident, a large police presence was deployed at the site to manage the situation and regulate traffic in the area.

Senior officials rushed to the spot to help with emergency response teams.

The authorities have started an investigation to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident, including whether mechanical failure or other factors were involved.

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Watch: Group Of Monkeys In Odisha Risk Lives To Save Companion From Crocodile

A group of monkeys in Odisha made a valiant attempt to rescue a companion from a saltwater crocodile. The incident, captured on camera, occurred in the Mahakalapada area of Kendrapara district.

The footage shows a large troop of monkeys swimming in a straight line towards the crocodile, trying to save their companion. The region's rivers and rivulets, including the Kharinasi tributary of the Mahanadi, are known for frequent crocodile sightings, which often pose a threat to wildlife and occasionally humans.

According to eyewitnesses, a crocodile suddenly attacked and dragged one of the monkeys into the river. Instead of fleeing, several other monkeys jumped into the water and chased the predator in an attempt to rescue their friend. Despite their determined efforts, the crocodile overpowered the group, and their companion could not be saved.

Crocodiles are commonly seen across Odisha, especially around Bhitarkanika National Park, home to India's largest saltwater crocodile population, and coastal areas such as Astaranga and Chandrabhaga near Puri. Recent floods have also forced them into villages.

In October, a 57-year-old woman went missing after a crocodile dragged her into the Kharasrota river in Odisha's Kantia village while she was bathing. Villagers attempted to rescue her but she couldn't be saved. Fire brigade personnel and police launched a search operation in the river following reports of the incident. A video showing the crocodile dragging the woman went viral on social media.

Crocodiles often appear near human settlements due to a combination of habitat overlap, environmental factors, and food availability. Many villages and towns border crocodile habitats, naturally bringing humans and reptiles into proximity. Heavy rains and floods can push crocodiles out of their usual areas in parks and rivers into nearby villages. Crocodiles follow water bodies and prey, which often leads them toward rivers, coasts, and other areas frequented by people.

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Salman Khan Skips Greeting Fans On 60th Birthday Due To Security Reasons

Salman Khan turned 60 today, December 27. The actor had a star-studded birthday bash at his Panvel farmhouse last night, attended by several A-listers including Sanjay Dutt, Karisma Kapoor, Manish Malhotra and MS Dhoni, to name a few. As is the tradition every year, a massive sea of fans gathered in front of his Galaxy Apartments in Bandra. Clips and pictures of fans waiting for a glimpse of the superstar on his 60th birthday have been circulating online all day. However, the superstar skipped greeting his sea of fans outside Galaxy Apartments. The last time he had given it a miss was during the covid pandemic (2020-2021).

The actor was seen enjoying a bike ride around his Panvel Farmhouse, skipping his annual birthday meet with fans outside his Galaxy Apartments due to security reasons. The actor has been given Y+ security after the incessant attacks faced by him since 2024.

The actor installed a bulletproof glass on his balcony in January 2025, months after the shooting experience at his home in April 2024. He greets his fans from there during special occassions like Eid and birthday.

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A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani)

After last night's party at Panvel farmhouse, more celebs namely Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, Bobby Deol, to name a few were seen arriving for the superstar's 60th birthday.

High Security For Salman Khan

The first attack attempt on Salman Khan took place on April 14, 2024. The actor woke up to gunshots at his Bandra residence.

Mumbai Police mentioned in their statement, that the shooters who wanted to kill Salman were from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Both Salman Khan and his brother Arbaaz Khan were questioned for six hours by the Mumbai Police, on June 4, 2024.

Salman Khan had shared that he had gone to sleep that night, after a party. He was then awakened by the sound of a bullet aimed at his balcony. Upon going outside, he couldn't find anyone.

The police had arrested Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal in Gujarat, and Anuj Thapan and another individual in Punjab on April 26, 2024; the latter however, died in police custody.

The police further revealed that Lawrence Bishnoi had much bigger plans of killing Salman Khan. They had intentions of attacking the actor's car at Panvel, Maharashtra, with weapons from a Pakistani arms supplier.

Sources told NDTV that the gang, led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his Canada-based cousin Anmol Bishnoi, and associate Goldie Brar, had acquired AK47s, M-16s, and other lethal weapons from a Pakistani arms dealer.

Salman Khan has been on the radar of the Bishnoi gang ever since the blackbuck poaching case.

Police investigation surrounding Baba Siddique's death also led to hints that the politician was killed because of his close friendship with Salman Khan.

Baba Siddique was attacked outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office, at Kher Nagar, in Mumbai's Bandra area. The assailants were waiting in an auto-rickshaw. Their faces were covered with handkerchiefs, and upon spotting their target, they fired 3 shots at the politician.

Earlier, there was also a shooting outside AP Dhillon's house in Canada. This was because he collaborated on a music video with Khan, free of cost.

The Bishnoi gang has been terrorising the actor for years now and continues to be a major threat to Salman Khan.

Salman Khan's Panvel Celebrations

The celebrations were kept largely private, but the actor made time to step out and greet the media gathered outside the venue.

Salman arrived with his family. Salim Khan and Salma Khan were pictured outside the venue. Arbaaz Khan, along with his wife Sshura Khan and their newborn baby, was also seen arriving at the farmhouse.

Sohail Khan, Arpita Khan Sharma, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Arhaan Khan, Nirvaan Khan, Ahil and Ayat also attended the bash.

Actors Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur and cricketer MS Dhoni were among the attendees.

Riteish Deshmukh with Genelia D'Souza and their two sons, Riaan and Rahyl, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sangeeta Bijlani, Ramesh Taurani, Nikhil Dwivedi, Maniesh Paul, Mika Singh and Huma Qureshi were also present.

Ahead of the celebrations, Salman cut his birthday cake with the paps. He was seen interacting briefly with photographers, exchanging smiles and warm greetings. In the video, Salman is seen cutting a red-and-white cake as the paparazzi sang the birthday song. Dressed casually in a T-shirt and blue jeans, the actor sported a clean-shaven look.

He also offered pieces of cake to the photographers and posed for pictures. In one moment that drew cheers, Salman greeted a woman with a side hug.

On the professional front, Salman will next be seen in Apoorva Lakhia's directorial Battle of Galwan. The film is based on the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020.

ALSO READ | Salman Khan: Growing Up With Two Mothers In A Family Like No Other

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52-Year-Old Woman Earns First Income Through YouTube, Video Goes Viral

A heartwarming video of a 52-year-old woman celebrating her first-ever income through YouTube has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread admiration and praise from users across platforms.

The video was shared on Instagram by Anshul Pareek and features her mother sitting with her mobile phone, visibly emotional and smiling with pride. In the clip, Pareek asks her mother, "Kya hua mummy?" (What happened, mother?). The woman responds by sharing a moment that marks a major milestone in her life.

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A post shared by Anshul Pareek | Content Creator (@anshul_pareek___)

She says that she has earned her first income at the age of 52 through YouTube, achieving the feat within just six months. Her statement reflects years of perseverance and determination, resonating deeply with viewers. The video captures not just a financial achievement, but the fulfilment of a long-held dream, highlighting that success is not limited by age.

A text overlay on the video reads, "No age for dreams, only hard work and she proved it," underlining the central message of the moment. Pareek's caption, "I'm a proud daughter," further adds to the emotional impact of the post.

The video also caught the attention of YouTube Creators India, whose official Instagram account commented, congratulating the woman and calling the journey "incredibly inspiring."

Social media users flooded the comments section with messages of encouragement and appreciation. Many viewers said the video made their day, while others noted that it proves age is just a number. Several users praised the woman's dedication and hard work, with comments highlighting that it is never too late to start something new.

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Qatar Airways Shares Stunning Cockpit View Of Cloudy Heathrow Landing

A recent video shared by Qatar Airways has gone viral, offering a rare and stunning glimpse from the cockpit of an Airbus A380 during its descent into London Heathrow Airport. The video, posted on the airline's official Instagram account, captures the massive aircraft gliding smoothly through thick grey clouds before the runway comes into view - creating a cinematic and serene visual that has captivated social media users.

The clip highlights the calm precision of the landing from the pilots' perspective and showcases the beauty of flying, even in cloudy weather conditions. The airline captioned the video: "Our A380 touches down at London Heathrow, gliding through the clouds and turning a grey sky into a moment to remember."

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Qatar Airways (@qatarairways)

Since being posted, the video has garnered nearly 2.1 million views, with thousands of users praising the professionalism of the flight crew and expressing admiration for the peaceful in-cockpit atmosphere.

Several users reacted to the video with a mix of curiosity and humor. One viewer questioned, "How is this allowed? I wasn't even permitted to click a photo in the A320 cockpit after landing." Another joked, "Deja vu, hope next year I'm going on vacation with your plane." A third simply asked, "Where is the touchdown?" highlighting how the cinematic clip ended just before the wheels met the runway.

Aviation enthusiasts and casual viewers alike have celebrated the footage for its rare insight into flight operations and its calming aesthetic.

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Woman, 25, Shot At In Gurugram Club For Refusing Marriage Proposal

A 25-year-old woman was shot at inside a club in Gurugram after she allegedly refused a marriage proposal from a man, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place in the early hours of December 20 on MG Road.

Police said they received information about a woman injured in a firing incident and found her admitted to a private hospital, where she was initially unfit to give a statement.

The woman's husband, from Najafgarh in Delhi, lodged a complaint stating that his wife, Kalpana (25), worked at a club in Gurugram and was shot by Tushar, a resident of Sangam Vihar in Delhi.

In his complaint, the husband said his wife had gone to work on December 19 and around 1 am called him to say she had been shot.

“Around a month ago Tushar came to our house, had a fight with us and left,” the complainant added.

Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered at Sector 29 police station.

During the investigation, a crime unit team arrested two accused, Tushar alias Jonty (25) and his friend Shubham alias Jony (24), both residents of Sangam Vihar, from Baraut in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

During interrogation, police said Tushar revealed that he befriended the victim around six months ago and wanted to marry her, but she repeatedly refused.

Police alleged that on the night of December 19, Tushar, along with Shubham, went to the club, proposed to her again and upon refusal shot the woman.

The accused have been arrested and are being questioned, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Drug-Addict Jalandhar Man Crosses India-Pak Border, Detained

A man from Punjab's Jalandhar, who is addicted to drugs, crossed the India-Pakistan border and was detained by the Pakistani Rangers. Sharanjit Singh, a native of Jalandhar's Bhoypur village, crossed the border into Pakistan on November 2, according to the police. Shahkot's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhpal Singh said Sharanjit's family filed a missing persons report on November 7.

However, the family got to know about Sharanjit's whereabouts weeks later when a photo of him handcuffed by the Pakistani Rangers went viral on social media.

Victim's Friend Left Him At Town Close To Pak Border

Speaking to NDTV, Sharanjit's parents said that he left the house on the evening of November 2. Sharanjit's friend Mandeep left him at Khemkaran, which is located just four kilometres from the Pakistan border. When Singh didn't return, his parents enquired about his whereabouts from Mandeep.

Mandeep lied to the family for several days but eventually revealed that he left Sharanjit at Khemkaran. On November 21, the family were left devastated after they received news through social media that Singh had been detained in Pakistan.

The man's family has appealed to the central government to bring him back home.

Shahkot's Station House Officer (SHO) Balwinder Singh said that after the missing persons report was filed on November 7, the Border Security Force (BSF) requested information about Sharanjit, following which it was revealed that the man crossed the border.

Victim Had Case Filed Against Him

Sharanjit's family said that he had been a wrestler for the last 10 years. However, he started using drugs in 2024.

Sharanjit became an addict and would often disobey his family and fight with them. His elder brother has been living in the United States for the last eight years, while his sister is a student in Punjab.

Earlier, a first information report (FIR) was registered against Sharanjit in connection with a brawl, and he was released from jail on October 17. 

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Toxic Syrup Survivor, 5, Returns Home After 115 Days, But Without Eyesight

In a tragedy that claimed the lives of 24 children across Madhya Pradesh after they consumed a poisonous cough syrup, a five-year-old boy from Chhindwara has returned home after a 115-day battle for survival, carrying both the scars of the tragedy and a story of extraordinary resilience.

Kunal Yaduvanshi, a resident of Jatachhapar village in Chhindwara district, was among the children who fell critically ill after consuming the cough syrup 'Coldrif'. While 24 families lost their children, Kunal survived after months of intensive treatment, prolonged dialysis, and continuous medical intervention.

His return has brought back life and sound to a house that had remained silent for over three months.

However, the survival has come at a cost. The toxic effects of the syrup have left Kunal with permanent damage to his eyesight, and he is currently unable to see. He is also facing difficulty in walking, and doctors say his recovery will be long and uncertain.

Kunal fell ill on August 24 after developing a mild fever. His family took him to a local doctor, Dr Praveen Soni, who prescribed medicines and the cough syrup. Instead of improving, Kunal's condition rapidly deteriorated. Medical tests later revealed that the syrup had severely damaged both his kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure.

As his condition worsened, Kunal was referred to Nagpur on August 30. His father, Tikku Yaduvanshi, took him there the next day, where he was admitted to multiple hospitals, including AIIMS Nagpur. For nearly a month and half, the child underwent painful daily dialysis. Doctors informed the family that given the extent of kidney damage caused by the toxic syrup, the chances of survival were extremely low.

Despite the grim prognosis, Kunal continued to fight. After 115 days of intensive treatment, he was finally discharged and brought back to his village.

Doctors say that the toxic effects of the syrup also caused severe damage to his eyes. The fluid in his eyes dried up, leading to loss of vision. The neurological impact of the poisoning has also affected his mobility.

For Kunal's family, however, his survival itself is nothing short of a miracle.

"He was slipping away from us every day. We had almost lost hope," his father said. "Now he is back with us. Even if he cannot see right now, we believe he will recover slowly."

Doctors say the child will require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and monitoring. His parents and doctors remain hopeful that, just as he defied death, he may also gradually recover some of what he has lost.

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Navi Mumbai Airport To Begin Commercial Flight Ops From Tomorrow

The Adani Group-promoted Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will commence commercial flight operations on Thursday, according to a statement.

First conceived in 1997 by Maharashtra's city planning agency, City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport in 2018.

The airport was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on October 8 this year.

At the foundation-laying ceremony, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced that the "first flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport will take off in December 2019".

Since 2021, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), has led the development, construction, and operational readiness of the greenfield airport, progressing it from accelerated construction to phased commercial operations within a compressed time frame.

Now, finally, the airport, inspired by India's national flower, the lotus, the terminal architecture integrated cultural identity, contemporary design and sustainability features, is set for operations after nearly eight years, which also includes two years of the pandemic.

The development is expected to reduce congestion at the existing Mumbai International Airport, besides significantly boosting capacity in the MMR.

On the first day, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air will operate domestic services, connecting the new facility to nine destinations across India, the private airport operator said on Wednesday.

The airport will handle 15 scheduled departures on the first day, it said, adding that during the initial phase, the facility will operate for 12 hours -- between 8 am and 8 pm, with up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations and the capability to manage up to 10 aircraft movements (arrivals and departures) per hour, it added.

The first phase of the five-phased airport has been built at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore.

Spread across 1,160 hectares, the airport will have one terminal and one runway in the first phase, with an annual passenger handling capacity of 20 million.

By the time all five phases of the airport are completed, it will be catering to 90 million passengers annually, along with dedicated cargo terminals and multimodal connectivity.

The entire project is being developed in multiple phases under a special purpose vehicle, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), in which the Adani Group has a 74 per cent stake, and the remaining 26 per cent is owned by CIDCO.

From February next year, operations are planned to progressively scale up to round-the-clock services, the airport operator said.

The opening adds a critical new gateway for a region that has faced sustained congestion for over a decade, it said, adding that planned as part of a distributed aviation framework, NMIA supports Mumbai's transition to a multi-airport system aimed at improving capacity, operational resilience and long-term scalability.

Passenger services from day one will be supported by Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing at designated touchpoints, along with trained terminal staff across kerbside, check-in, security and boarding areas, the private airport operator said.

Retail and food and beverage offerings have been curated with a focus on affordability and local relevance.

With operations set to begin tomorrow, NMIA is expected to strengthen Mumbai's role as a global gateway and support long-term economic growth through expanded aviation capacity, the airport operator stated.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

(Disclaimer: New Delhi Television is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.)

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"Pathetic Trainwreck": Trump Says Stephen Colbert Should Be "Put To Sleep"

On the eve of Christmas, President Donald Trump has unleashed a fresh blast of vitriol at late-night comedy talk shows, saying comedian Stephen Colbert is a "pathetic trainwreck" who should be "put to sleep."

Colbert's "The Late Show" is scheduled to end in May 2026, a decision his fans say smacks of censorship.

In a late-night Truth Social post, Trump wrote that Colbert "has actually gotten worse" since being "terminated by CBS, but left out to dry." 

"Stephen is running on hatred and fumes. A dead man walking! CBS should, 'put him to sleep,' NOW," Trump wrote.

Colbert has hosted "The Late Show" since 2015, and it has been the highest-rated late-night talk show on US television. His opening monologues often take aim at the Republican president.

There was no immediate public response from Colbert or CBS to Trump's post. 

CBS announced the sunsetting of Colbert's show after one more season in July, the same month its parent company reached a $16 million settlement with Trump. CBS called the cancellation "a purely financial decision."

Trump had sued Paramount, alleging that CBS News' "60 Minutes" program deceptively edited an interview with his 2024 election rival, Kamala Harris, in her favour.

In another overnight post, Trump repeated threats to yank the broadcast licenses of networks whose content he deemed overly critical. 

"If Network NEWSCASTS, and their Late Night Shows, are almost 100% Negative to President Donald J. Trump, MAGA, and the Republican Party, shouldn't their very valuable Broadcast Licenses be terminated? I say, YES!" 

On Sunday, CBS's new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, pulled a "60 Minutes" segment on alleged torture at El Salvador's CECOT prison -- where Trump sent hundreds of deported Venezuelans -- saying it needed more reporting. 

In August, Disney-owned ABC briefly suspended its late-night star, Jimmy Kimmel, before bringing him back on a one-year contract.

Kimmel had annoyed conservatives with comments in the wake of the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Trump appears to be aiming to reshape the US media landscape, which he says is biased against conservatives.

His appointee to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, turned heads when he told a Congressional hearing that "the FCC is not formally an independent agency," implying that his actions could justifiably be aligned with the political priorities of the White House.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Dhurandhar Actor Naveen Kaushik Reveals Why Pakistanis Are Loving The Film

Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar has been unstoppable at the box office. Led by Ranveer Singh, the film's plot revolves around gangs of Karachi's Lyari Town. The film has been watched in Pakistan, and social media has been abuzz with reactions. Now, Naveen Kaushik, who played the character of Donga in the film, has opened up about why it seems to have had an impact on the audience in Pakistan.

What's Happening

• In conversation with Live Hindustan, Naveen Kaushik spoke about how he has noticed that the reactions coming in from Pakistan deeply reflect how people of that country realise that the film does not disrespect them.
• He said, "Maine ek cheez notice kari hai ki wahan se jo comments aa rahe hain... unhone ye notice kiya hai ki film mein humne wahan ki logon ko gaali nahi di hai, humne unko criticise nahi kiya hai. Humne Muslim community ko koi gaali nahi di hai. Koshish yahi rahi hai ki uss system mein jo corrupt log hain, ya jo agents hain jo poore mahaul ka misuse kiya aur aisi situations create kari jahan India pe attack ho rahe hain... humne unko highlight karne ki koshish kari hai. (I have noticed in the comments that the Pakistani audience has realised that the film has never talked ill about them, never criticised them. We have not abused the Muslim community. We have tried to highlight those corrupt people who have taken advantage of the situation and manufactured such attacks on India.)"
• He added, "Toh woh cheez wahan ke log bhi yahi recognise kar rahe hain ki, 'Haan, ye log humare desh ka bhi bhatta bitha rahe hain.' (This is what the Pakistani audience has recognised: yes, these are the people who have caused the trouble.)"
• "Toh log usse relate kar paa rahe hain ki hum bhi kehna chahte the, hum bhi chahte the ki aise logon ke upar sawal uthe. Unko koi target karein na ki woh ki ek insaan ke liye poora desh kharab hai, woh kehna galat hoga. Isliye film ko dekh kar pyaar bhej rahe hain, which is nice," concluded the actor. (They have related to the fact that these people must be questioned. They must be targeted... not the entire country, which would not serve the purpose. That is why the film has received so much love.)"

About Dhurandhar

Besides Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar stars Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi in important roles.

Dhurandhar has emerged as a blockbuster, earning over Rs 600 crore in India. The film opened strongly with Rs 103 crore in its first weekend (Rs 28 crore on Friday, Rs 32 crore on Saturday, and Rs 43 crore on Sunday) and maintained momentum through weekdays, ending week one at Rs 207.25 crore.

The second weekend saw a surge, while weekdays stayed solid. By the third weekend, collections reached Rs 555.75 crore. The film continues its record-breaking run as 2025's biggest hit. After 19 days, the film's total collection stands at Rs 619.3 crore nett in India, as reported by Jio Studios.

Dhurandhar 2 Update

During the post-credit scene of Dhurandhar, the makers revealed that the sequel will release on March 19, 2026. Taran Adarsh shared that Dhurandhar 2 will hit screens in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

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No Study Says Only 9% Aravalli Above 100 Meters: Forest Survey Of India

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has issued a rebuttal to recent media reports and interpretations suggesting that its studies or data indicate only 9% (approximately 8.7-9%) of the Aravalli hills rise above 100 meters in height, implying that 90% of the range would lose protection following the Supreme Court's judgment dated November 20. 

In a post on X, the FSI, responsible for assessment and monitoring of the forest resources of the country, clarified that it has not conducted or endorsed any specific study claiming that merely 9% of the Aravalli range qualifies as hills above 100 meters, nor has it concluded that 90% of the hills would be left unprotected as a result of the top court's recent order.

The backstory

The controversy stems from the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on November 20 in long-pending matters related to mining and environmental protection in the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. 

The court accepted a uniform definition recommended by a high-level committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This definition classifies landforms as "Aravalli Hills" if they rise 100 meters or more above the local surrounding terrain (relief), with adjacent areas and slopes included, and "Aravalli Ranges" as clusters of such hills within 500 meters of each other.

The ruling aimed to resolve longstanding inconsistencies in how different states defined the Aravallis, which span across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. The court also imposed a freeze on new mining leases until a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is prepared, emphasising the range's critical role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and acting as a natural barrier against dust storms from the Thar Desert.

Media reports and environmental groups have cited internal assessments - reportedly from the FSI - showing that, in Rajasthan alone, only about 1,048 out of 12,081 mapped hill formations (rising at least 20 meters) meet the 100m threshold. This equates to roughly 8.7%, leading to claims that over 90% of the Aravalli system could lose legal safeguards against mining, construction, and other activities.

These interpretations have sparked widespread protests in Rajasthan and Haryana, with environmentalists warning of accelerated ecological degradation, increased desertification risks, and threats to the Delhi-NCR region's air quality.

FSI's Clarification
The FSI emphasised that the figures being circulated do not represent an official FSI study concluding widespread loss of protection. It stated:

> "FSI categorically refutes claims in certain sections of the media that it has carried out any study saying that only 9% Aravalli is above 100 meters."

The organization further clarified:

> "FSI categorically refutes claims in certain sections of the media that it has carried out any study showing that 90% of the hills in Aravalli would be left unprotected following the recent judgement of Supreme Court" 

The FSI's position aligns with government clarifications, including statements from Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, asserting that the new definition - when applied to entire hill systems, contours, and surrounding areas - will actually bring over 90% of the Aravalli region under protected status. Officials have described the 100-meter criterion as a globally accepted geological standard (drawing from classifications like Richard Murphy's), aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring objective, map-verifiable boundaries.

Broader Implications
The Aravalli range, often called India's oldest mountain system (dating back over 2 billion years), has been a focal point of environmental litigation since the 1990s. Previous Supreme Court interventions, including bans on mining in certain areas, were driven by concerns over irreversible damage from quarrying.

While environmental activists and opposition leaders have labelled the new definition a potential "death warrant" for much of the range, the government and the court maintain that it strengthens uniform protection and sustainable regulation.

The FSI's rebuttal comes amid ongoing debates and protests, with calls for more inclusive criteria (such as slope-based definitions previously used by the FSI) to better capture the ecological continuity of the low-relief hills and ridges.

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Professor Suspended Over "Atrocities Against Muslims" Question In Exam Paper

A professor at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) was suspended after a question he set in a semester examination triggered widespread controversy and outrage on social media. 

The university has also constituted an inquiry committee to probe the matter, officials said.

The controversy centres on a 15-mark question in the BA (Hons) Social Work first-semester examination, held earlier this week, in a paper titled 'Social Problems in India'. 

The question asked students to "discuss the atrocities against Muslim minorities in India, giving suitable examples".

Prof Virendra Balaji Shahare created the test. 

Following complaints, the university said it took a "serious view" of what it described as negligence and carelessness on the part of faculty member.

"An inquiry committee has been formed to examine the issue. Until the committee submits its report, the concerned professor has been placed under suspension," a university official told NDTV. 

The official added that the move was taken to uphold academic responsibility and institutional discipline.

An order signed by officiating registrar CA Sheikh Safiullah, and circulated widely on social media, confirmed the suspension "till further orders". 

The order also stated that "Prof Shahare's headquarters during the suspension period would be New Delhi and he shall not leave the headquarters without prior permission of the Competent Authority".

The same order mentioned that a police FIR would be filed "as per rules". However, university officials later clarified that there was no intention, at present, to register an FIR against the professor.

"There is no proposal to file any police case against the faculty member. The matter is being examined internally through a committee," an official said, seeking to clear confusion arising from the wording of the order.

Images of the question paper began circulating online on Monday, prompting sharp reactions from several users, who questioned the appropriateness of the wording and alleged political or communal bias. 

The issue gained further traction after Kanchan Gupta, senior adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, shared the suspension notice on X.

Jamia Millia Islamia suspends Social Work Dept professor for extremely provocative and communally polarising question in Semester 1 question paper. Inquiry ordered. FIR being filed.
JMI is a Central University with a mixed student community. The question shows malicious intent. pic.twitter.com/GSHzJOsg2o

— Kanchan Gupta 🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) December 23, 2025

"Jamia Millia Islamia is a central university with a mixed student community. The question shows malicious intent," Gupta wrote, criticising the paper setter.

While Jamia Millia Islamia has not issued a detailed public statement beyond the suspension order, sources said the inquiry committee will examine how the question was framed and approved, and whether it violated university norms or examination guidelines.

The findings of the committee are expected to determine the next course of action in the case.
 

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Singer Harassed While Performing 'Jago Maa'. What Is The Song All About?

Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly harassed for performing the song "Jago Maa" during a concert on Saturday, sparking widespread criticism.

A man has been arrested for allegedly targeting the popular singer for not singing a "secular" song and instead performing what he perceived as a "religious" number at a private school in East Midnapore's Bhagwanpur.

So what is the song all about?

According to the singer, she performed the track from the upcoming Bengali movie Devi Chowdhurani. The song's lyricist, Ritam Sen, clarified to NDTV that the song is based on "motherhood and not a Goddess."

"What happened to Lagnajita during her show was completely unacceptable," Sen told NDTV. "One needs to understand that the lyrics of 'Jago Maa' are not about any deity. The song is themed around a mother and the concept of motherhood, representing feminine energy."

He added that the song was created as a promotional video for the film and is based on the iconic character of Devi Chowdhurani, not the Goddess Durga.

Directed by Subhrajit Mitra and starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Srabanti Chatterjee, Devi Chowdhurani is a historical drama adapted from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic novel.

Recalling the incident, Lagnajita said, "I had finished my seventh song and was communicating with the audience before starting the eighth. I had just finished 'Jago Maa' and was explaining the details of the song to the crowd when I saw a man come running onto the stage. He looked like he wanted to hit me."

"When he realised that, well, he really could not manage to beat me up, even after all this. While he was being pulled away from me, he shouted and said, 'Enough of your Jaago Ma, now sing something secular," Langajita added further.
 

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Opinion: Opinion | Telangana A Lab For Congress's Minority Policy

One of the that catapulted Revanth Reddy to the Chief Minister's chair in Telangana is his aggression. He does not believe in keeping it subtle when he wants to drive a point home. When he spoke about "sacrifices" by Sonia Gandhi that have enabled Christians to celebrate Christmas in Telangana, it was not so much about sycophancy as a well-thought-out political strategy.

As expected, it caught everyone's attention and sent the political mercury soaring. The BJP has called it "Olympic-level sycophancy and boot-licking" and said this was an insult to Jesus Christ and the Christian community, and mockingly suggested that the Congress may next claim the Sun rises because of the Gandhi family.

The BRS called it political theatrics and recirculated videos from when Revanth Reddy was in the Telugu Desam Party and had reportedly referred to Sonia Gandhi as "Bali Devatha" (Deity of Sacrifice), blaming her for the death of young people during the movement for a separate state.  

Examine the statement: "If people are celebrating Christmas in Telangana today, it is because of Sonia Gandhi's sacrifice." 

This was a sequel to Reddy's explosive comment just a month ago, in the run-up to a high-decibel by-poll in Jubilee Hills, when he told the Muslim electorate: "Hum hain tho aap hain" (You exist because we exist and you are nothing without the Congress). He even suggested that they were able to celebrate Islamic festivals because of the Congress government. 

Revanth Reddy did not make a random statement to appease the minority community or flatter his political boss. It is a calculated piece of a much larger, sharper game plan to break the hold of the BRS, or even the AIMIM, over the minority vote. 

By linking religious festivities and even minority "existence" with the Congress party, Reddy is moving away from the BRS model of secularism, focusing on welfare schemes like Shaadi Mubarak, and instead moving the narrative to protectionism. Under KCR, the BRS treated minorities as "beneficiaries" of welfare. It was a top-down model of financial doles. It was a patronage model.

Revanth Reddy is framing the Congress not just as a choice among `secular' parties, but as a survival shield against a rising BJP, raising the bogey that under the BJP, even the right to exist and celebrate their festivals is under threat.

Revanth Reddy is pivoting the Congress as an "aggressive protector". 
By invoking Sonia Gandhi's "sacrifice" for statehood, he is trying to communicate to the minority community that they owe some kind of a gratitude that goes beyond a payout from the treasury, positioning the Congress as the party that will ensure protection of their rights and that it is an architect of their freedom.

For years, the AIMIM has been seen as the voice of the Muslims, and undeniably held the monopoly on Muslim representation, in what can be seen as a ghetto model. With not enough strength of numbers to lead the state on its own, it often acted as a tactical ally to the BRS. Revanth Reddy is directly challenging this "outsourcing" of minority leadership. 

By bringing the Telangana model of caste census into the mix, the Congress is telling the so-called Pasmanda or backward Muslims and Christians, that they can be mainstreamed to get a share of power the "Mandal" way rather than through religious representation, which is the "Majlis" way. That was a move by then Congress Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy that was struck down by the Supreme Court.

Revanth Reddy is also moving beyond mere rhetoric. He is promising a law that will act as an anti-hate shield. 

Reddy has said this is modelled after a similar move in Karnataka, suggesting that it is the Congress that is building a legal fortress to ensure that when there are rogue comments, the state would become your bouncer, your protector.

While the BRS often avoided direct confrontation on communal issues to maintain a "neutral" image, Reddy is taking a side. He is legislating against "insults to faith", effectively making the BRS and AIMIM's rhetoric look passive in comparison.

Revanth Reddy's reference to a "Miracle Month", linking the birthday of Jesus, the birthdate of Sonia Gandhi and Telangana's birth is meant to strike an emotional chord about the political stakes the Congress had been willing to risk because it took a "principled" stance on statehood. The message is that the Congress knew it would lose out in Andhra Pradesh because of "giving" Telangana and yet it kept its promise. Similarly, it would act on behalf of minorities, without looking at political expediency.

What Revanth Reddy is betting on is that, in the coming years, to counter an aggressive Hindutva political force like the BJP, minority voters won't be satisfied merely with the "secular" credentials of any party. They would want a "warrior" party that can mainstream them. Telangana is a lab for the Congress to amplify in the rest of the country.

(Uma Sudhir is Executive Editor, NDTV)

(Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author)

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Watch: Russian Woman Clears 6 Myths About India, Internet Reacts

A Russian woman living in India has gained significant attention on social media for sharing her experience of living in India. In an Instagram video, the woman named Kseniia Shakirzianova debunked common myths and addressed several misconceptions, showcasing her life in India over the past three years. "So I have been living in India [for] around 3 years, and let me clear a few myths," Shakirzianova said while eating a sandwich in a car. The video gained significant traction with more than 67K views and over 2000 likes.

Also read | Chinese Firm Gifts Renovated Flats After 5 Years Of Service To Retain Employees

Myths Vs Reality

1. Shakirzianova dismissed the idea that the Indian sun drastically changes foreigners, saying she still hasn't gotten a tan, even though everyone said that the Indian sun would "burn" her.

2. She clarified that she didn't gain weight from Indian food, despite warnings about its oily nature.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kseniia Shakirzianova (@vegkseniia)

3. She also revealed that she hasn't ridden a bike even once, even as a passenger.

4. She joked about not wearing a sari every day, saying "Shocking? I know".

5. Shakirzianova said she didn't become "spirituality-enlightened" and didn't disappear into retreats.

6. She said she definitely doesn't drink masala chai "five times a day".

"India didn't turn me into a stereotype. It just stayed in India, and I stayed me," she said at the end of the video.

Social Media Reaction

"Haha! Thanks for the honesty!" one user said in the comment section.

"It's nice to see someone from another country interested in Indian culture," another added.

"You sound like a normal indian women who takes good care of their skin.. indian women wear sari very rarely nowadays...so I think you are living a modern Indian lifestyle," a third wrote.

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Sunny Shares Ikkis Wrap-Up Clip, Dharmendra Urges India And Pakistan To Watch

The late actor Dharmendra, who will be posthumously seen in the upcoming film Ikkis, once said that he wishes that people of both India and Pakistan watches the film.

On Saturday, the late actor's elder son Sunny Deol took to his Instagram, and shared a BTS video from Ikkis. In the video, Dharmendra said, “I'm extremely happy to be in the Mandav films. The team, the captain, Shriram ji. It was done in a very nice way”.

He further mentioned, “I think India and Pakistan both should see the film. I'm a bit happily sad today, the last day of shooting. I love you all, if I made any mistake, please forgive me”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol)

Sunny wrote in the caption, “A smile that lit up the darkness. Generosity without limits. Love for my papa is deeply rooted in our hearts. He has blessed us with his final film, Ikkis. Let's celebrate him in movie halls this New Year”.

Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan, and is based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, one of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardees, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the age of 21.

The title directly refers to Khetarpal's age at the time of his death. The lead role is played by Agastya Nanda, marking a significant departure from conventional debut choices, as the film prioritises realism over spectacle. Veteran actor Dharmendra appears in a key role, adding generational weight to the narrative.

The film focuses on military discipline, battlefield decision-making, and personal courage rather than melodrama. Staying true to historical accounts, the film aims to portray the human cost of war while honouring a real-life hero whose bravery continues to hold national significance.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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