Author: Vividh Bharathi

Jamie Lever to star in Lakshmi R Iyer’s ‘2050’: It challenged me emotionally

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) Comedian Jamie Lever is set to star in a heartwarming emotional role in the short film “2050” by Lakshmi R Iyer. She said that the role challenged her emotionally.

With a narrative that highlights the message “Care with love heals everything,” “2050” also stars Sulabha Arya, Avinash Dwivedi, Trishaan Maini, and Vaidika Senjaliya.

Talking about the film, Jamie said: “This role is unlike anything I’ve done before. It challenged me emotionally, and I am grateful to Lakshmi for believing in me and pushing me to explore this new dimension of myself.”

Veteran actress Sulabha Arya added: “2050 is a story that will touch everyone’s heart. Working with such a talented cast and team was a fulfilling experience.”

Heaping praise on the director, Arya added: “Lakshmi has created something truly meaningful.”

Director Lakshmi R Iyer shared that ‘2050’ is about hope, healing, and the love that transcends time.

She added: “Jamie brings a beautiful vulnerability to her role, making it one of the most touching performances I have directed.”

Produced by Santosh Kumar Acharya under the banner of Elios Productions Pvt. Ltd, 2050 is a thought-provoking journey into human emotions, relationships, and the transformative power of love and care, read a statement.

Lakshmi R. Iyer is known for her work in the 2017 film “Appa”, “First Second Chance” and “Wrong Mistake”.

Jaime is the daughter of noted comedian and actor Johnny Lever. She started her career as a marketing executive at the London-based market research agency Visiongain in August 2012.

Her journey in showbiz started with The Comedy Store, Mumbai from 2012 as a stand-up comedian. She performed on Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali.

She has also showcased her acting prowess in films such as “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karun” starring Kapil Sharma. She was then seen in “Housefull 4”, “Bhoot Police” and the Vidyut Jammwal-starrer “Crakk”.

–IANS

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Flood risk in low-lying areas of Chennai as Chembarambakkam Lake’s water level rises

Chennai, Dec 12 (IANS) Chennai and its surrounding areas face a flood risk as the water level in the Chembarambakkam Lake has risen to 21.19 feet.

Officials have warned that if the water level reaches 22 feet, water will be released from the lake, increasing the flood risk for low-lying areas in Chennai and nearby districts such as Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu.

Heavy rains have contributed to the rising water levels in the lake.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to manage the risk effectively.

Chembarambakkam Lake, located about 25 km from Chennai, is one of the two major rain-fed reservoirs supplying drinking water to the city, along with the Puzhal Lake.

It is to be noted that the Adyar River originates from the Chembarambakkam Lake.

Notably, this artificial lake was first constructed by Rajendra Chola, the son of Raja Raja Chola, and Madeviyar, a prince of Kodumbalur.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued ‘orange’ and ‘yellow’ alerts for several districts in Tamil Nadu, citing a well-marked low-pressure system over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, near the Sri Lankan coast.

This system, accompanied by an upper-air cyclonic circulation extending to mid-tropospheric levels, is expected to move west-northwestward towards the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coastline within the next 24 hours.

On Wednesday, Chennai and its neighbouring districts experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, which is predicted to continue over the next 24 hours due to the intensified low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.

During the ongoing northeast monsoon season (October 1 to December 15), Tamil Nadu has recorded 14 per cent excess rainfall, receiving 447 mm against the seasonal average of 393 mm.

Chennai recorded 845 mm of rainfall, 16 per cent above average, while Coimbatore saw a remarkable 47 per cent increase in rainfall.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, and those already at sea are urged to return to shore immediately.

This alert comes on the heels of Cyclone Fengal, which caused significant devastation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between November 29 and December 1.

—IANS

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Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco are now engaged

Los Angeles, Dec 12 (IANS) Actress-singer Selena Gomez is now engaged to her partner, music producer Benny Blanco. She shared the news via an Instagram carousel including an up-close snap of her engagement ring and a pic of her and Blanco celebrating their engagement with laughs and a hug.

She wrote in the caption, “Forever begins now”. Blanco is ready to make their union official as he commented, “hey wait… that’s my wife”.

The bride-to-be also proudly posted a mirror selfie, showing off her new ring even more in her Instagram Stories, reports ‘People’ magazine.

During a May appearance on ‘The Howard Stern Show’, Blanco told Stern that he could see marriage in his future with the ‘Only Murders In The Building’ actress.

He said, “When I look at her … I’m always just like, I don’t know a world where it could be better than this”. Selena and Blanco had known each other for years having collaborated on the 2019 single ‘I Can’t Get Enough’ with Tainy and J Balvin before they started dating in June 2023.

As per ‘People’, in August 2023, Selena released the Blanco-produced single ‘Single Soon’. In December 2023, she confirmed their relationship when she liked fan account posts on Instagram of the pair, even commenting, “He is my absolute everything in my heart”, on one.

They made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Emmys in January. The following month Gomez spoke to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about their relationship.

“Without getting into too much detail, I think it’s just really important to meet someone that respects you”, she said. “And I think it’s really nice to also lean on someone who understands the world that I live in. But I’d have to say overall it’s the safest that I feel and it’s been really lovely and I’ve only grown through it, so it’s awesome”.

–IANS

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South Korean Prez defends martial law decree as act of governance, rejects insurrection charges

Seoul, Dec 12 (IANS) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday defended his botched martial law declaration as an act of governance and denied insurrection charges facing him, while vowing to fight until the last moment against whether it is impeachment or a martial law probe.

Yoon defied calls to resign during a public address, as police and prosecutors are widening their investigation into his short-lived martial law declaration last Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon said he used his presidential power to declare martial law “to protect the nation and normalise state affairs” against the Opposition that paralysed the government, calling it a “highly calibrated political judgment.”

“Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will fairly confront it,” he said.

–IANS

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Show of brotherhood by Vijayan, Stalin at event to honour Dravidian icon

Kottayam, Dec 12 (IANS) Ever since M.K. Stalin took over as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the state’s relations with Kerala have been very strong and on Thursday this fact was even more evident as Stalin and Pinarayi Vijayan travelled together in one car to a meeting venue, near here.

CM Stalin, who arrived in Kerala after spending time in a houseboat at the picturesque Kumarakom tourist destination, on Thursday morning arrived with CM Vijayan to inaugurate the renovated memorial of social reformer and Dravidian ideologue E.V. Ramasamy Periyar at Vaikom.

The venue of the function houses the statue of Periyar, a museum and a library and the two leaders went around the renovated premises.

Speaking on the occasion CM Vijayan said the presence of CM Stalin at the event brought a lot of significance to it.

“Periyar stood in the forefront of uplifting the weak and downtrodden. According to Periyar the Congress leaders never stood for the downtrodden. He always had a strong sentiment for the Communists and was known for the closeness he had with Communist leaders in Tamil Nadu,” said Vijayan and added that the Dravidian icon’s thoughts and ideology continue to be relevant even today.

CM Stalin also paid glowing tributes to Periyar and the movement he led and also thanked the Vijayan government for organising the event.

The significance of the new-found brotherhood that starts at the highest level between the two CMs, should be seen in the presence of several dignitaries, including Kerala Ministers V.N. Vasavan and Saji Cheriyan, along with Tamil Nadu Ministers Durai Murugan, E.V. Velu and M.P. Saminathan besides top officials with the two states’ Chief Secretaries also present.

This is not the first time the two CMs are sharing a stage, as in the past Stalin was present at the 23rd CPI-M Party Congress held at Vijayan’s pocket borough in Kannur two years ago.

Vijayan has also visited Tamil Nadu in the past on quite a few occasions and has his routine medical checkups at a popular private hospital there.

–IANS

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BGT: Marsh backs ‘class player’ Smith to regain form in Brisbane

Brisbane, Dec 12 (IANS) Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has expressed confidence in senior batter Steve Smith to score runs in the third Test against India in Brisbane after accumulating just 19 runs across three innings of the series so far.

Smith had scored 0, 17 and 2 in the first two Tests of the series. With pressure mounting over his form, Marsh called Smith a ‘class player’ and backed his abilities to perform for Australia in the third Test following their emphatic 10-wicket win in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

“We know he’s one of our best players ever and I’m certainly backing him to get some runs. I’m probably not in a position to tell Steve Smith what he should work on. We know he’s a class player and he’s scored a lot of runs for Australia and we know at times when we’ve needed him, he always seems to step up,” Marsh said on Thursday.

India arrive at the Gabba following a setback in Adelaide but carry fond memories from their remarkable victory at this venue during the 2020-21 series. That historic win ended Australia’s unbeaten streak on the ground and secured back-to-back Test series triumphs for the visitors in Australia.

The hosts, however, are focused on the present and not dwelling on past outcomes. After suffering a defeat in Perth, they rebounded strongly in Adelaide to level the ongoing series and will look to maintain that momentum in the third Test.

“The biggest thing for us is just focusing on this week and not what’s happened in the past. The way we bounced back from Perth was an example of that. We’re really focused on playing our style this week and hopefully going 2-1 up in the series,” Marsh said.

Australia’s hopes of thwarting India at the Gabba could hinge on their ability to counter Jasprit Bumrah. The world’s top-ranked bowler has been a nemesis for Australia’s top order, dismissing Steve Smith twice in three innings and accounting for the other top-five batters – Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head – at least once each in the series.

Marsh, who is yet to be dismissed by Bumrah, believes that applying pressure rather than merely trying to survive against the Indian spearhead is the best approach to tackling his threat.

“We know right now he’s probably the best bowler in the world. It’s just about getting up for that challenge, it’s a big series. You want to take the best in the world on. That is certainly my mentality. Looking forward to facing him again,” Marsh said.

“I think each batter has their own plans. As a batting unit we back each other’s plans. I think when you have the best bowler in the world and you are just trying to see him off, he is going to have one with your name on it. I think it is about applying pressure with your own method and taking the challenge on,” he added.

The third Test will be played in Brisbane from Saturday.

–IANS

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NLC’s first supercritical power plant starts commercial operations

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) NLC India Limited (NLCIL) on Thursday announced the commencement of commercial operations of the first unit of its supercritical 3 x 660 MW Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant, developed through Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited, a joint venture with UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited.

“The first unit successfully completed its trial operation on December 7 and started commercial operations from December 12, 2024. This milestone represents NLCIL’s first venture into supercritical power generation technology, a major leap in enhancing the company’s energy portfolio,” the company said.

This accomplishment reinforces NLCIL’s position in the power sector and its ability to execute large-scale projects that contribute to India’s energy security and sustainable development goals, the statement said.

With the commercial operation of the first 660 MW unit of the greenfield Ghatampur Thermal Power Station, the total installed power generation capacity of NLC India Limited and its group companies has increased from 6,071 MW to 6,731 MW.

The Ghatampur power project is designed to meet the growing power demands of the states of Uttar Pradesh and Assam. Its supercritical technology ensures higher efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions compared to conventional plants. The project has an advanced environmental management system, including high-efficiency electrostatic precipitators and flue-gas desulfurization units. This project marks the beginning of a new era in the long-term partnership between NLC India Limited and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL).

Through Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL), the strategic alliance leverages the expertise of both organisations’ operational and project execution capabilities and UPRVUNL’s deep understanding of the regional power landscape, the statement added.

Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLCIL, said, “The successful commissioning of the first supercritical power plant of NLCIL at Ghatampur marks a historic milestone in our journey towards energy sustainability. This project demonstrates our commitment to supporting India’s growing power needs while embracing cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies.”

“Supercritical technology ensures lower emissions, higher thermal efficiency, and a more sustainable energy future. We remain steadfast in our resolve to operationalize the remaining units, contributing to India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the energy sector,” he added.

This achievement underscores NLCIL’s ongoing commitment to driving energy sector advancements while adhering to environmental and social governance principles.

–IANS

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Family & friends, foes & fans troop to wish ‘Happy Birthday Sharad Pawar Saheb’

New Delhi/Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) Marking an unofficial red-letter day in the national political calendar, scores of celebs and commoners rushed to meet Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Govindrao Pawar and greet him ‘Happy Birthday Saheb’, either physically or virtually, on Thursday.

The trickle of greetings started with his close family and friends posting wishes, roses and cakes after midnight, but by dawn, it had become a veritable storm, with many jostling to be seen, heard or read by the veteran leader, currently a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Among the early birds who felicitated him on X were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the INDIA bloc and ruling NDA, besides other parties, plus the corporate world, entertainment, media, foreign dignitaries, and even ordinary peasants as Pawar has netted big buddies all over during his 57 years in super-active political life.

Clad in his trademark black jacket, to beat the New Delhi cold, the Baramati-born Big Birthday Boy was seen basking in all the attention, enjoying his day with a glint in his eyes and a semi-toothed smile, warmly receiving his family members, political and personal friends, foes and fans at the official bungalow, with many falling at his feet, bowing and beaming and seeking his blessings.

His daughter, Lok Sabha MP and NCP(SP) Working President Supriya Pawar-Sule was seen playing the gracious hostess, welcoming visitors or VIPs, from Maharashtra and elsewhere, with a broad smile, a humble ‘namaste’ and ushering them to her ‘Baba’ (father in Marathi) nearby.

The eye-popper who turned up to greet was the rival Nationalist Congress Party President and Deputy CM Ajit A. Pawar, with his wife and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra A. Pawar and their son Parth Pawar also dropped in to wish their fond ‘Pawar Uncle’.

In the past couple of years, the Ajit Pawar-Sharad Pawar sides have witnessed many political ups and downs, parties split, and families ripped, but their personal relations never crumbled and survived under the ever-watchful and protective 85-year-old ‘umbrella’. Owing to a set of political circumstances and personal ambitions, a tad irritated Ajit Pawar had attempted to close down the ‘umbrella’ and repeatedly pushed him to retire into a ‘margdarshak mandal’ sort of role.

Later, it was time for the formal do’s, shaking hands and cutting a cake, which Sharad Pawar did the honours first with a small knife and then with a medium-sized sword, offering pieces of cake to his family members as someone showered flower petals amid claps and cheers.

After the brief exchange of pleasantries, Sharad Pawar was back to business in moments, got up and left to go to Parliament for the day’s proceedings.

Besides the Pawar clan, NCP(SP) leaders like the Sule family, Jayant R. Patil, Dr Jitendra Awhad, Fauzia Khan, Rohit R. Pawar, Yugendra A. Pawar; NCP’s Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal; Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sanjay Raut, Kishore Tiwari, Sushma Andhare, etc., greeted him.

Similarly, several leaders of the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other state, regional or national parties, CM’s of various states, celebs and big biz honchos, and hordes of ordinary folks, greeted him in person or through social media messages.

Most praised Sharad Pawar for his good health, the wisdom that he bestows on the country as and when needed, extolled his political acumen, administrative skills, how he guided several gen-next and expressed gratitude for learning a lot under his firm but gentle tutelage while weathering many political storms.

Speaking for the Baramati’s numero uno political clan, Ajit A. Pawar and his nephew Yugendra S. Pawar pointed out that whatever may be their political-ideological battles, they never allowed it to interfere in family relations as taught to them by Sharad Pawar himself.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@gmail.com)

–IANS

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Celebrations kick off in Saudi Arabia to welcome FIFA World Cup 2034  

Riyadh, Dec 12 (IANS) Following the official announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host country for the FIFA World Cup 2034, celebrations kicked off with spectacular events worldwide, including vibrant flash mobs at London’s Piccadilly Circus and Dubai Mall’s iconic fountain.

Moreover, Saudi will be the first country to host the expanded 48-team tournament format single-handedly. The matches will be hosted across cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Abha.

In celebration of Saudi’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, the Saudi Tourism Authority organised on-ground activities in key international locations, such as London’s Piccadilly Circus and Dubai Mall’s iconic fountain, featuring Saudi flash mobs that showcased the country’s rich culture and highlighted the destinations set to host matches.

Domestically, celebrations took place in five iconic locations: Salwa Palace, Historic Jeddah, Hegra, Rijal Almaa and Ithra, inviting the public to join in and commemorate the milestone.

After the FIFA World Cup 2034 was confirmed to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Riyadh-based football club Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, expressed his confidence that the plans drawn up by the Saudi bid have laid the foundations for what he predicts would be an amazing tournament.

“It’s amazing. I didn’t expect it, but it is so good. The 2034 World Cup will probably be the best World Cup ever. After what I’ve seen today, I’m convinced that it will be amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans, the airports, and everything else, it’s amazing,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said.

“The 2034 bid tagline Growing. Together. is beautiful, because it’s what we all have to do. We have to grow together in everything, not just in football, but in everything in life. I believe Saudi Arabia will continue to grow and I’m happy to be part of this success in the country. I will be here for sure to see the World Cup,” Ronaldo added.

–IANS

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‘Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)’ marks India’s sole representation at Sundance Film Festival 2025

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) The upcoming Marathi film ‘Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)’, helmed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, has made its way to the Sundance Film Festival 2025 making it India’s only feature film competing at the film festival. It is also the first-ever Marathi language feature to premiere at the prestigious festival.

The film has been selected under the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. The film is an exploration of identity, familial expectations, and unconventional love. It follows Anand, a city-dweller grappling with personal loss and familial pressures, as he embarks on a 10-day mourning ritual in his ancestral village. He finds solace and connection with Balya, a childhood friend facing similar societal expectations.

The film stars Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap. The film was developed under the Venice Biennale College Cinema 2022-2023 and NFDC Marathi script camp and presented at global platforms like the Film London Production Finance Market, NFDC Marathi Script Camp, Film Bazaar Co-Production Market, Venice Gap Financing Market, and Goes to Cannes.

Talking about the selection, writer-director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade shared, “‘Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)’ is a highly personal film. It reimagines the grief period I experienced in my ancestral village following my father’s death, during which I felt enormous pressure to comply with cultural expectations, including marriage”.

“This film transforms that moment of loss and confinement into a delicate romance that celebrates my experiences as well as my parents’ love, who accepted my sexuality with grace and wisdom. Bringing this extremely personal narrative to life and receiving recognition at Sundance is a dream come true. I’m excited to share it with global audiences and commemorate Marathi cinema’s historic presence at the festival”, he added.

It is produced by Neeraj Churi (UK), Mohamed Khaki (Canada), Kaushik Ray (UK), Naren Chandavarkar (India), Sidharth Meer (India), and Hareesh Reddypalli (India), with co-producer, acclaimed actor Jim Sarbh and associate producer Rajesh Parwatkar the film is a remarkable achievement for Marathi cinema.

The Sundance Film Festival is an annual film festival organised by the Sundance Institute. It is the largest independent film festival in the United States of America. The festival takes place every January in Park City, Utah.

–IANS

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