Author: Vividh Bharathi

‘Dedicated his entire life to public service’: CM Yogi, Rekha Gupta extend birthday wishes to LK Advani

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday extended heartfelt birthday wishes to senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, praising his lifelong contribution to public service, dedication to the nation and role in the party’s growth.

Taking to social media platform X, CM Yogi wished the veteran BJP leader good health and a long life, describing him as a senior member of the BJP family who had dedicated his entire life to public service and the national interest.

“Heartfelt birthday wishes to the respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji, a senior member of the BJP family who has dedicated his entire life to public service and the national interest, former Deputy Prime Minister and recipient of the ‘Bharat Ratna’,” CM Yogi posted on X.

“His inspiring personality and long public life have always been a source of inspiration for countless workers,” he added.

CM Yogi further invoked Lord Shri Ram while praying for the BJP veteran’s well-being.

“May Lord Shri Ram bless you with excellent health and a long life—this is my prayer.”

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended warm birthday greetings to Advani, describing him as a towering figure in Indian politics, a guide and a revered senior leader of the BJP.

Taking to X, CM Gupta praised his lifelong commitment to putting the nation first, ideological integrity and dedication to the organisation.

“Heartfelt birthday wishes to the towering figure of Indian politics, our guide, senior BJP leader and revered Bharat Ratna recipient, Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji,” she wrote.

“Respected Advani ji’s entire life is an unparalleled example of putting the nation first, ideological integrity and dedication to the organization,” the Delhi Chief Minister added.

Recalling Advani’s contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Gupta said his historic role in taking the movement to the people gave a powerful voice to the faith of millions of devotees of Lord Ram.

“His historic role in taking the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement to the people gave a powerful voice to the faith of millions of devotees of Lord Ram. The construction of the magnificent Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya is the historic fulfillment of that long struggle and resolve, and Advani ji’s name will always be mentioned with respect among its principal leaders,” she posted.

“I pray to Lord Shri Ram for his good health and a long life. May we all continue to receive his affection, blessings and guidance,” she added.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also extended birthday wishes to the veteran BJP leader in a post written in Hindi on X.

“Heartfelt birthday wishes to the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, our source of inspiration and revered Bharat Ratna Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji. Advani ji has completed 99 years and is entering his 100th year today. I pray to God for his good health, long life and a happy and blessed life. I wish that we continue to receive his guidance in the same way,” Gadkari wrote.

Advani, one of the senior-most leaders of the BJP, has played a significant role in Indian politics and the party’s development over several decades. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 and was conferred the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 2024.

–IANS

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Chinmayi Sripaada learned ‘Judi Jodi’ from ‘Ramayana’ just an hour before performing it live

Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Singer Chinmayi Sripaada recently performed the ‘Judi Jodi’ track from ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ during the audio launch event for Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial in Chennai.

Amidst a lot of comparisons between Chinmayi Sripaada’s live rendition and Shreya Ghoshal’s studio-performed Hindi version of the track, the former has now revealed that she had learned the ”Judi Jodi’ song only an hour before performing live on stage.

The singer tweeted, “I did learn this with probably an hour or so to give before going on stage and I am glad I had the opportunity. It is nice to be challenged instead of getting into comfort zones of having hours to know a song enough to play with the words, the tune. Am I still a student eager, sincere enough to do what I should as a professional as well? Deliver even if it is not perfect for me? Am I still a student eager, sincere enough to do what I should as a professional as well? Deliver even if it is not perfect for me? (sic)”

Chinmayi Sripaada shared that she is hyper critical of her singing and also perhaps the worst cursing critic of herself.

“That voice plays in my head whilst I am singing. Perhaps it is my mother’s voice that rarely if never, praised me because she wanted to keep me grounded,” she went on to add.

She further mentioned that she suffers from a massive imposter syndrome and that is something she believes might never change.

“Maybe that’s necessary for who I am as a singer, maybe not. I’ll never know,” she added.

Chinmayi Sripaada added that even after 25 years of being a professional singer, she is no more confident than when she started.

“Improvisations, to me, needs time to become friends with the song. Maybe next time I would sing it differently maybe I wont. But all that I know- I love singing. And thats all that matters,” concluded the post.

-IANS

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BJP to celebrate LK Advani’s 100th birth anniversary with special event at party headquarters today

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise a special programme at its Central Office on Sunday to mark the 100th birthday of veteran party leader and former Deputy Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Lal Krishna Advani.

The programme, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Diwali, will be attended by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Advani’s daughter Pratibha Advani, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal, along with several other senior party leaders.

“Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji’s 100th birth anniversary and the occasion of Diwali Pavan Diwas. Venue: BJP Central Office, New Delhi,” BJP announced on its official X handle.

The event will commemorate Advani’s inspirational life, his dedication to the nation, his contribution to the party organisation and his long journey in public service.

According to the programme details shared by the party, the celebrations will begin at 10 a.m. with a puja and havan. This will be followed by a special 20-minute video presentation highlighting significant moments from Advani’s life and excerpts from some of his prominent speeches.

Pratibha Advani and Union Minister Piyush Goyal will address the gathering and share their thoughts on the veteran leader’s life and legacy.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin will then address the programme, recalling Advani’s contributions to the nation and the party and highlighting his role in shaping the organisation over several decades.

In its statement, the BJP said the party has always respected the contributions, ideas and dedicated service of its senior leaders, guiding figures and distinguished personalities.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (present-day Pakistan), Advani is one of the most prominent leaders in the history of the BJP. He played a key role in the party’s growth from a relatively small political force into a major national political organisation.

Advani served as the BJP president on multiple occasions and was instrumental in strengthening the party’s organisational base across the country. His nationwide Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 became a significant turning point in Indian politics and helped expand the BJP’s political reach.

He served as India’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 under the government led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also held several important portfolios, including Home Affairs, during his political career.

In recognition of his contribution to public life, Advani was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2024. He was previously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

Advani remains a senior figure in the BJP and a key part of the party’s political history.

–IANS

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Arjun Bijlani says festive season is an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones

Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Television actor Arjun Bijlani believes that the festive season is an opportunity to take a break from your hectic work commitments and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Arjun shared that he likes to celebrate a traditional Diwali at home with his family.

He added, “Diwali is always about spending quality time with family. We generally celebrate at home, do our puja, decorate the house, have some tasty food and of course make sure there is lots of laughter and happiness. “I am always busy with my work, but I always try to make time for my family and celebrate the festival together.”

While the working hours in the industry can be intense, Arjun feels that it is important to strike a balance between your personal and professional life.

“It’s about managing work and festivities. But I feel it’s important to make time for the people and things that matter to you. I try to arrange the schedule in such a way that I can enjoy the festivities with my family. “Work is important, but at the end of the day, these moments with your loved ones are equally precious,” the ‘Laughter Chef’ contestant added.

Arjun also admitted that his perception of Diwali has changed over the years.

“Diwali, as a child, was the joy of new clothes and sweets and crackers and meeting family. But when you’re older, you realize the festival is about so much more. For me, light over darkness is also about hope, positivity and finding strength during challenging times. It reminds me to be grateful for what I have, and to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws my way.”

Sharing his fondest memories of Diwali, the actor shares, “Diwali is always special with my family, but the ones when everyone is together under one roof are always the most memorable. The older you get, the more you realize that the real joy of Diwali lies not just in the celebrations, but in the people you get to share it with. Those moments of laughter, of being with people and making memories is what you hold onto.”

-IANS

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Shilpa Shirodkar calls Mithun Chakraborty ‘kindest soul’ as she reunites with him after 2 decades

Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Actress Shilpa Shirodkar called veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty the ‘kindest soul’ she ever had the opportunity to know as she reunited with him after 2 decades.

Dropping a picture with Mithun on her official Instagram handle, Shilpa revealed that nothing has changed even after so much time. The ‘Gopi Kishan’ actress added that she would not have been the person she is today if Mithun had not shown his trust in her back then.

Calling the veteran actor her ‘absolute favourite’, Shilpa wrote on her photo-sharing app, “2 decades later and absolutely nothing has changed! (Red heart emoji) Met Mithun da today and we had the most amazing time catching up on the good old days. I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today without his belief in me back then. (sic).”

“Thank you so much, Dada, for always trusting me and showering me with so much love. You are the kindest soul I’ve ever known, and you are still exactly the same. You will always, always be my absolute favourite Dada forever! Love you so much my dada!”, she added.

It must be noted that Shilpa and Mithun were one of the most popular on-screen pairs back in the 1990s. These two have collaborated in several movies.

In fact, Shilpa even made her Bollywood debut alongside Mithun in 1989 with ‘Bhrashtachar (1989)’.

With Rekha, Anupam Kher, and Raza Murad in key roles, the project also saw Rajinikanth in a special appearance.

Shilpa and Mithun later went on to be a part of many other projects such as ‘Yodha (1991)’, ‘Trinetra (1991)’, ‘Hitler (1998)’, and ‘Rangbaaz (1996)’.

Work-wise, Shilpa will be a part of the forthcoming web series “Shankara The Revolutionary Man”.

Backed by Modi Studios in association with Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi, the drama has been inspired by the life and teachings of the saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.

Abhishek Nigam, Rati Pandey, Rajesh Shringarpure, Farnaz Shetty, and Manoj Joshi will also be part of the core cast of the project.

-IANS

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Man City fell to Nottingham Forest for third straight Premier League loss

Nottinghamshire, Nov 8 (IANS) Liam Delap scored twice against his former club as Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City 3-1, condemning Enzo Maresca’s side to a third straight Premier League defeat.

Having failed to score in their first four home games under Glasner, Forest stunned City by netting twice in the opening 18 minutes, with Jair Cunha and Delap taking advantage of some tentative defending.

The result means City have lost three consecutive Premier League matches and head into the international break six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest started the game superbly and were 1-0 up after just six minutes. With the home fans visibly lifted, another Forest goal soon followed, this time it was former City striker Liam Delap was on the scoresheet after a fine individual run and finish that left Donnarumma with no chance.

City were 2-0 down after 18 minutes and left with a mountain to climb. Enzo Fernandez headed over from close range after Marc Guehi’s fine ball into the box, as City went looking to reduce the deficit.

And five minutes before half-time, Erling Haaland rounded the ‘keeper but saw his effort cleared off the line by Cunha.

The second half saw City came agonisingly close to equalise when Haaland curled one just wide of the top corner.

But as they pressed forward looking for a second, gaps began to appear in behind, and Delap took full advantage, finishing off a swift counter-attack to make it 3-1 with a powerful strike that went in off the post and condemned City to defeat on the banks of the River Trent.

Man City remain in second spot, but could drop to third depending on Brighton & Hove Albion’s result on Sunday.

–IANS

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‘Diwali wishes to everyone’: PM Modi extends festival greetings to nation

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended warm Diwali greetings to people across the country, wishing everyone happiness, well-being, and prosperity on the occasion of the festival of lights.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister shared his wishes with citizens and conveyed his greetings to people celebrating the festival across the country.

“Diwali wishes to everyone! Boundless Diwali wishes to my family members across the country,” PM Modi posted on X (in Hindi).

His message came as people across India celebrate Diwali with traditional fervour and enthusiasm, illuminating their homes, streets and public spaces with diyas, decorative lights and colourful decorations.

In a social media video titled “Have a Great Diwali”, the Prime Minister had also greeted citizens on Saturday and shared his plans to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm, as he does every year.

“On the occasion of Diwali, the entire country is illuminated. The festival of lights symbolises our pledge against darkness,” he said.

“May this festival bring happiness, wellbeing and prosperity for all. Just like you all, I also celebrate this festival with enthusiasm. Like every year, I will again be celebrating Diwali with our brave defence personnel. Once again, greetings to all of you on the occasion of Diwali,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister’s reference to celebrating Diwali with defence personnel also highlighted his annual tradition of spending the festival with members of the armed forces, recognising their dedication and service to the nation.

Earlier, PM Modi also met Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and extended Diwali greetings on the eve of the festival.

The Vice-President’s office shared details of the meeting on X, stating, “Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan warmly received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Uprashtrapati Bhawan today and exchanged Deepawali greetings.”

Diwali, the festival of lights, is being celebrated on Sunday, November 8, on the occasion of Kartik Amavasya. On the day, homes and temples are decorated and illuminated with earthen lamps and decorative lights, creating a festive atmosphere across the country.

In the evening, devotees perform traditional prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for happiness, peace and prosperity. The celebrations also include lighting diyas, bursting fireworks, exchanging sweets and spending time with loved ones.

The festival brings together people from different communities and regions, reflecting India’s rich cultural traditions and the spirit of togetherness, hope and positivity.

–IANS

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Russia warns foreign troops in Ukraine will be considered legitimate targets

Moscow, Nov 8 (IANS) Russia will regard any foreign military units deployed in Ukraine as legitimate targets, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, warning that such deployments would further escalate the conflict.

Commenting on the “Koalicja 26.2” military exercises for multinational forces planned for November 9-22 in Ukraine, Zakharova on Saturday accused Western countries of disregarding Russia’s security concerns and fueling tensions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Britain and France hope to maintain a foothold in Ukraine through the deployment of multinational forces to confront Russia and inflict a military defeat on the country, she said.

“We reiterate once again that the deployment of foreign military contingents in Ukraine is categorically unacceptable — whether under the auspices of a so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing’ or any other grouping,” Zakharova said, adding that such military intervention would create additional security threats to Russia.

Zakharova said the planned deployment would deepen the involvement of European NATO members in the conflict.

She said Moscow would achieve the objectives of its special military operation.

Zakharova also noted that the exercises would begin on the eve of the resumption of Russia-US-Ukraine consultations in Abu Dhabi, arguing that this showed European countries had no place at the negotiating table.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the creation of the multinational forces in Ukraine was announced after a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Kyiv on August 24, 2026.

Meanwhile, US, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, special envoy Steve Witkoff said Monday. The meeting caps a tumultuous year for Ukraine’s peace talks, which stalled after the US and Israel began striking Iran in February and revived only in September, when Witkoff and fellow envoy Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv for their first visit as negotiators.

–IANS

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