A right-wing Hindu organisation, the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, has urged the authorities to take legal action against Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Ankur Singh, the owner of the online gaming platform Big Cash Poker. Reportedly, the organisation claims that the actor, in a recent advertisement promoting the gaming app, has allegedly defamed the Maharashtra Police by appearing in the role of a police officer.

Advertisement Allegedly Defames Maharashtra Police
The controversy stems from an advertisement for Big Cash Poker featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui dressed as a Maharashtra police officer, encouraging people to play poker on the app. According to the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, this portrayal is damaging to the image of the Maharashtra Police, as it associates law enforcement with gambling.

In a formal complaint, Abhishek Murukate, Maharashtra state coordinator for the organisation’s social welfare campaign, Surajya Abhiyan, addressed the issue in a letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and Maharashtra Director General of Police. The letter calls for strict action against both Siddiqui and Singh under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules of 1979 and the Maharashtra Police Act of 1951.
Concerns Raised by Hindu Janjagruti Samiti
In their letter, the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti expressed concerns that such advertisements may promote illegal and unethical use of police uniforms in the media. The organisation emphasized that portraying the police as participants in activities like gambling undermines the hard work and dedication of the force.

Murukate further highlighted that “The Maharashtra police are trained through hard work, but this advertisement attempts to suggest that online gambling gives them skills. It is disappointing that no police officer has been compelled to take action against this application, and it is unfortunate that complaints have to be made by others.”
Call for Action from Maharashtra’s Home Minister
The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has not only reached out to the police but has also called for Maharashtra’s Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to intervene in the matter. The organisation hopes that the minister will take cognizance of the issue and ensure that necessary steps are taken to prevent such representations in the future.

Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui becomes brand ambassador of BigCash

“I still tear up thinking about how kind he was to us.”

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“Every scene is a masterclass in building tension and making your skin crawl.”

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The iconic French luxury fashion house Dior announced global fashion icon, actor & producer Sonam Kapoor as their latest ambassador for collections dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri.

A trailblazer and a multi-talented personality, the actress, producer and fashion icon henceforth, embodies the audacity, grace and elegance of Dior style, a femininity constantly reinvented. More than ever, this unique alliance celebrates the powerful cultural ties that have united Dior and India since the very beginning of the House.

Talking about her association with Dior and her new role as ambassador with the French luxury fashion house, Sonam Kapoor said, “It’s an honour to be a part of Dior’s story as they continue to push the boundaries and redefine creativity and elegance in the world of fashion. Each of their collections present a truly unique vision with intricate craftsmanship, celebrating heritage in a way that deeply resonates with my own sense of style. This partnership is another step in the beautiful cultural synergy that has connected Dior and India over the years, and I’m excited to see where we take it next.”
ALSO READ: Sonam Kapoor shares heartwarming Maldives vacation photos with husband Anand Ahuja and son Vayu

Netflix and acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Pandey are joining forces once again to bring the high-octane crime drama Sikandar Ka Muqaddar to audiences. In the lead-up to the film’s release, Netflix has unveiled an intense behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the film.

Produced by Friday Storytellers, the film features a stellar ensemble cast led by Jimmy Shergill, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Rajeev Mehta. This first look gives a glimpse of the powerful performances delivered by the cast, giving viewers a preview of the compelling suspense, and high-stakes pursuit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the final moments.

This exclusive behind-the-scenes look sets the stage for a gripping experience ahead, leaving audiences eager for the film’s global release on Netflix.

On a similar note, it is worth mentioning here that producer Shital Bhatia, in an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, said, “It is shaping up very well. In fact, I saw it last night itself. I am very excited for its release. It should be released in the next couple of months. I hope all of you enjoy it.” Speaking of Avinash, Bhatia added, “He is very good. When Neeraj was writing this film, he thought that he (Avinash) is right for the character. That’s how we cast him, and he has done a wonderful job.”

As the conversation progressed further, Bhatia also spoke about the process of choosing a story. She said, “We are storytellers. That’s what our job is – we are constantly looking for stories. Anything that’s exciting that comes our way, whether it’s from Neeraj or any other writer, if we believe in it, we back it up. There is no particular genre that one is looking at all the time. We are just looking out for good stories.”

Also Read: Shantanu Maheshwari opens up on working with Neeraj Pandey in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha; says, “The discipline he has towards his work is inspiring”

Ektaa Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have issued an official clarification following a case filed against them for allegedly depicting obscene scenes of juvenile girls in their web show Gandi Baat 6. On Tuesday, October 22, the Mumbai Police questioned the producer and her mother after they were booked under the POCSO Act.

According to ANI, the Mumbai Police have registered a case against Ektaa Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and their company, ALT Balaji, for allegedly depicting objectionable scenes involving minor girls. They have been summoned to appear for further questioning on October 24.

The tweet read, “Mumbai Police questioned filmmaker Ekta Kapoor and her mother Shobha Kapoor, who were booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly showing inappropriate scenes involving minor girls in an episode of ALT Balaji’s web series ‘Gandi Baat’. Mumbai Police registered a case against Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and Alt Balaji company under the POCSO Act. They have been asked to appear for questioning again on October 24: Mumbai Police.”

Following this, Ektaa Kapoor issued an official statement about being charged under the POCSO Act. The statement read, “With reference to various media reports regarding the web series “Gandi Baat, “ALT Digital Media Entertainment LTD. (“company”) hereby clarifies that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, including the POCSO Act, and any references to the company’s engagement of minors are entirely incorrect.”

The statement continued, “It is further clarified that Mrs. Shobha Kapoor and Ms. Ektaa R Kapoor are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, which are managed by separate teams, including its content strategy. The company has complete faith in the judiciary and is fully cooperating with the authorities in the investigation. Since the matter is sub judice, the company refrains from commenting in detail.”

For those unaware, a case was filed against Balaji Telefilms Limited, run by Ektaa Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, under the POCSO Act for allegedly depicting objectionable scenes involving minor girls in an episode of their web show Gandi Baat Season 6, which streams on ALT Balaji. The controversial episode has since been removed from the OTT platform.

The case was registered at the MHB police station in Mumbai under Section 295-A of the IPC, the IT Act, and Sections 13 and 15 of the POCSO Act.

Ektaa Kapoor’s most recent produced film was Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 (LSD 2), which was released on April 19, 2024. However, the movie struggled to perform well at the box office.

Also Read : Alt Balaji, Ektaa Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor booked under POCSO Act for web series allegedly involving minors in obscene scenes: Reports 

Shoojit Sircar is known for always having unique titles for his films be it Vicky Donor, Piku, Pink, October, or Madras Café, and this time he has one that will be talked about with I Want to Talk. Starring Abhishek Bachchan who along with Shoojit put the title out on their social handles with an inimitable Blabber Head video of the lead character of the film who says, ‘I don’t just love to talk, I live to talk’.

From the title and the announcement video, we can be sure that this is a classic Shoojit Sircar film that will have a unique take on everyday life and take us on a journey of emotions. Smart, quirky, and seeped in heartwarming moments the little snippet leaves a big impact and much anticipation.

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Shoojit Sircar’s films are known to be universal and resonate with audiences across borders and also have been the recipient of 13 prestigious national awards across films. As he returns to the big screen after a hiatus, it will be a treat to watch the magic unfold as he teams up with powerhouse performer Abhishek Bachchan.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by Rising Sun Films and Kino Works, I Want To Talk is set to release in theatres worldwide on November 22, 2024.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan is “anxiously waiting for the release” Abhishek Bachchan’s upcoming films; calls Housefull 5, Be Happy, and untitled with Shoojit Sircar “promising”

1. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite: Check upcoming phones from OnePlus, iQOO, more  Business Standard
2. Realme GT 7 Pro confirmed to launch in India with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset: What all to expect  Mint
3. Mobile and app use cases set to change with Snapdragon 8 Elite: Qualcomm India President Savi Soin  The Hindu
4. Qualcomm revamps mobile phone chips for AI, signs Samsung and others  The Economic Times
5. Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with Oryon CPU  The Times of India

“I don’t think this comparison has been made before because I know it’s an obscure one people might not agree with, but Gillian Jacobs and Halsey.”

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