Veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been left disappointed with the postponement of Tokyo Olympic Games due to the Coronavirus pandemic which has wreaked havoc across the world. India last won a gold in Hockey in 1980 in Moscow Olympics. Since then, they have participated in eight Olympic editions but have failed to make a podium finish. And after qualifying for the Tokyo Games, the team was in high spirits and were looking forward to end the medal drought.

However, their dream remains unfulfilled for now as the International Olympic Committee has postponed the Games to summer 2021. "It's disappointing that the Olympics has been postponed. We have been focussing only on the Olympics in the last one year. We qualified for the Olympics and started very well at the FIH Hockey Pro League, but then the COVID-19 crisis began and everything changed," Sreejesh said.

"But though it is disappointing that the Games are delayed, when you take the health and safety of the players into consideration, the best thing to do is to postpone the Games instead of cancelling it," he added.

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Tour de France organisers are working to find a new start date for cycling's biggest race after large public gatherings were banned until mid-July in the latest extension of the French coronavirus lockdown. Originally slated to start from Nice on June 27 and finish in Paris on July 19, there is no chance the event can go ahead as planned and organisers face a mammoth logistical task of rescheduling. So far, organisers ASO have remained silent, but several mayors of the French towns along the planned route say they have been consulted regarding the new dates.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address Monday that a strict lockdown in France would continue until at least May 11, as public gatherings were banned until mid-July. Tour general director Christian Prudhomme has said riders will need two months after the lockdown ends to prepare for the race. France's Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner said on Tuesday that ASO had to reschedule or cancel the Tour. "It is up to the organiser to analyse their ability to organise it and reschedule it," Castaner told French radio.

A start in late July or mid-August has been mooted, with some reports suggesting the race could even be delayed until September. The race's route is over 3,000km long, with roughly 500,000 fans lining the roads each day. "Social distancing on the roadside wouldn't be a problem, but in the start towns, at the finish line and in the VIP tents it certainly would," Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst told Flemish TV channel Sporza on Saturday. Suggestions the Tour could be held without supporters have been ruled out. "The Tour de France is 3000km of smiles," Prudhomme said regarding roadside gatherings.

"We won't run a Tour de France without the fans."

Between a rock and a hard place

Macron's announcement may have caught the organisers short. A late July start for the Tour could be considered too close to the ban on large public gatherings, while the riders would also need to be in peak condition. ASO also organises the Criterium du Dauphine eight-day race, and had been hoping to run that ride through the Alps in late June or early July, but the traditional Tour warm-up has been postponed.

A mid-August start would see the race finish in September, meaning a clash with the Vuelta a Espana. There are only 176 riders on a Tour, but the whole event involves around 4,500 people, with team staff, police and media all moving every day. Cancellation is the worst-case scenario. The "Grande Boucle", as the Tour is known in France, is the central economic pillar which supports the sports' 22 professional teams.

"It's as simple as this. If the Tour does not take place, teams could disappear, riders and staff alike would find themselves unemployed," said Marc Madiot, the chief of French team Groupama-FDJ. The riders are also keen to race, with 2018 winner Geraint Thomas saying he was desperate for the Tour to go ahead. "There are bigger and more important things to sort out first, but as soon as it's safe and ready to go, we (Ineos) would love it to happen," said the Welsh rider.

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The financial independence of professional sportspersons has never been more important than during this Coronavirus-caused lockdown period. And given their limited sources of income due to no sporting activity, it's unfair if these athletes are refused their due.

Maharashtra's long distance-running trio of Jyoti Gawate, Srinu Bugatha and Kalidas Hirave emerged champions at the Dailyworld Marathon in Chandigarh on March 31 last year but are yet to receive their monetary rewards.

Women's full marathon winner Gawate (who clocked 2:50:02) and men's full marathon champion Bugatha (2:25:55) were both entitled to cash awards of R2 lakh each, while half marathon winner Hirave's (1:06:02) prize money was R1,25,000. Among the three, only Bugatha has received a part payment so far.

"I have been calling the organisers several times since last year for my prize money. I have spoken to different people each time. Initially, a person called HS Gujral gave me assurances. Then, one Ravi Sharma spoke to me, followed by some PC Kushwaha and now the last person I spoke to a few days ago is one Manish Tiwary. But my money has still not come. An amount of Rs 2 lakh is huge for an athlete like me who is jobless. I have won over 15 marathons till date and each time, I have received my prize money within 45 days," Gawate, 33, who lives in Parbhani, told mid-day on Tuesday.

Army Sports Institute (Pune) athlete Bugatha, who is currently at home in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh due to the lockdown, said the organisers are not even answering his calls. "Of the R2 lakh, I received only R50,000 and that too just a month back after a lot of follow ups. Now, they're not even responding to my phone calls. I requested them many times, pleading that it's my hard-earned prize money but to no avail," said Bugatha, 27, claiming that the Ethiopian and Kenyan runners received their prize cheques immediately.

The trio are now contemplating legal action. "We have only been getting false assurances from the organisers that they will deposit our money soon. We have made dozens of calls to them. Now, Srinu, Jyoti and myself are thinking of sending them a legal notice," said Hirave, 27, from his home in Wai, Satara. Dailyworld's Editor-in-chief Tiwary told mid-day that the cash awards will be handed over soon. "This event was done in association with the Punjab government. We have received a part payment from them and are awaiting the balance which has caused this delay. Still, out of 90 winners in all categories, we have paid 87 athletes. We will check our records and pay the others immediately. These athletes are our stars and it's our responsibility to take care of them," said Tiwary.

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Bianca Belair, WWE's NXT superstar, has now made it to the main roster on WWE Raw and is bringing the house down. Bianca Belair has performed for two matches on WWE Raw in the past 2 weeks and seems to be making her way to the top in the women's division. In an interview, she discusses how she was discovered, why she calls herself the 'EST', creating her own ring gear and more.

How did Mark Henry first discover you? And what is the most useful piece of advice he’s given you from your tryout and beyond?
“After my track career I wanted to find something I could still be competitive in, so I was doing Crossfit and I really stood out…all the other girls were just wearing regular shorts and t-shirts and I was coming out in tutu’s and big bows and just really standing out. At a lot of Crossfit competitions I was getting on the mic and, without even knowing it, cutting promos. Mark Henry came across a video of me at a Crossfit event on the internet and he contacted me and asked me if I’d ever thought of being in the WWE… He got me in the door but he made it very clear from the very beginning that “this is all going to be on you”… It gave me a lot of confidence and it really pushed me. Ever since then he has always been someone I can go to for advice”

You famously declared yourself the ‘EST of NXT’, and now the ‘EST of WWE’. Can you explain to people who don’t know, what that means?
“The ‘EST of WWE’ means that I am a hybrid athlete. I’m not just good in one area, I’m not just good at one thing, I’m not just strong, I’m not just someone who can go in there and do flips and be a showcase athlete. I’m someone who can do it all. I’m not just average in different areas, I’m the best in every single area. I’m the strongEST, the fastEST, the quickEST, the roughEST, the greatEST, the smartEST, I’m the bEST. All those end in EST. I just see myself as being the absolute best in every single area that you can think of.”

You’re a Superstar with a host of skills, one of which is making your own gear. Has that always been a passion for you? Which ring gear have you designed that means the most to you, and why?
“I have been pretty creative and pretty hands on my whole life. I get it from my dad who is always doing something, always making something. My mum is the same way. They are super creative and I just grew up in that environment. I used to sew when I was younger, my mum had this little Christmas cookie jar that had everything in it but cookies. At first I started sewing pillow cases together, I didn’t even know what I was doing, but it carried over into High School and I used to sew and make my own outfits… It carried over into WWE because I do everything the best and I do everything myself, it’s a huge part of my character. Probably my favourite gear is my Black History Month gear that I wore at NXT TakeOver: Portland. Black History Month is really important to me because I really feel that Black history is American history is World history, and I’m very passionate about that. So that’s probably my favourite gear that I’ve made and it has the most sentimental value to me.”

Do you see your position as a WWE Superstar carrying a responsibility to set an example for young girls and women around the world?
“The further along I get in my career the more I see that I do have a responsibility and I take that very seriously. Especially with women and young girls we are often taught to shrink ourselves, and that is a big part of my character is to never shrink yourself to soothe anyone’s insecurities, you never dim your light for anyone. You go out there and you shine bright, it’s even in my theme song: “watch me shine now”. It’s something that I really want to stress to young girls, especially within the community that I come from… Go out there and show them who you are and don’t hold back. I hold that responsibility very close to my heart and it’s not just for young girls or for women, it’s for everyone. You have to be your biggest supporter, you have to be your biggest cheerleader.”

What are Bianca Belair’s future WWE ambitions?
“The cliché answer is to be RAW Women’s Champion, or if I’m on SmackDown to be SmackDown Women’s Champion, or to eventually be NXT Women’s Champion. Of course, I want to be the Champion on all three brands at some particular time but, honestly, I just want to go out there and leave an impact no matter where I’m at. I feel like I did that with NXT, I left an impact. When people think back to this era in WWE history I want to be one of the names that pops up as one of the key players regardless of if I’ve won one match or one hundred matches. I want to leave a legacy, I want to leave an impact.”

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A staff member of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee has tested positive for COVID-19. Tokyo organizers issued a statement Wednesday saying it was a male employee in his 30s who worked at the headquarters building in a part of Tokyo known as Harumi. Organizers said he was in quarantine at home and gave no further details. The Tokyo Olympics were postponed last month until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The committee employs about 3,500 people, and organizers say about 90% have been working from home for the last several weeks. Organizers said the area in which he worked would be disinfected, and people who worked nearby have been told to stay home.

The Olympics are scheduled to open on July 23, 2021, but questions persist if that will be possible in light of the pandemic.

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The Tokyo 2020 Olympics cannot be delayed beyond the year-long postponement already forced by the coronavirus outbreak, the organising committee's president has warned in comments published Thursday. Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said there is "absolutely no" chance of postponing the Games beyond their rescheduled July 23, 2021 opening, according to Kyodo News agency. "Also thinking about athletes and issues over Games management, it is technically difficult to delay it by two years," Mori was quoted as saying.

Mori said he had earlier asked Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whether Japan should consider a two-year postponement but "the prime minister decided that one year is the way to go". Under heavy pressure from athletes and sports associations, Japanese organisers and the International Olympic Committee in March agreed to a year-long postponement of the Games. Organisers and Japanese officials have said the delayed Olympics will be a chance to showcase the world's triumph over the coronavirus, but questions have arisen about whether even a year's postponement is sufficient.

Earlier this week, a Japanese expert who has criticised the country's response to the coronavirus warned he is "very pessimistic" that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021. "To be honest with you, I don't think the Olympics is likely to be held next year," said Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University. He said holding the Games would require not only Japan but also the rest of the world to have the virus under control.

The organising committee itself has been hit the virus, saying Wednesday that a staff member in his 30s working at its Tokyo headquarters had tested positive for the disease. Postponing the Games is a massive logistical undertaking, and expected to incur significant additional costs. Kyodo News quoted Mori as saying the opening and closing ceremonies would need to undergo "drastic reviews" in order to cut costs, adding that organisers would ask the ceremonies' directors to consider including a message about the coronavirus crisis.

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The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics will have to be cancelled if the Coronavirus pandemic isn't brought under control by next year, the organising committee's president warned, ruling out further delays. The comments, in an interview with a Japanese sports daily published on Tuesday, come as medical experts doubted whether the pandemic can be sufficiently contained by next year to hold an event drawing participants and spectators from around the world. The pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Games, which are now scheduled to open on July 23, 2021.

No more delays

But Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori was categorical when asked by the Nikkan Sports daily whether the Games could be delayed until 2022 if the pandemic remains a threat next year, replying: "No." "In that case, it's cancelled," Mori said. Mori noted the Games had been cancelled previously only during wartime, and compared the battle against Coronavirus to fighting an invisible enemy. If the virus is successfully contained, "we'll hold the Olympics in peace next summer", he added. "Mankind is betting on it."

Masa Takaya, a Tokyo 2020 spokesman, declined to comment on a possible cancellation of the Games and told reporters that Mori's remarks were based on the chairman's own thoughts. But the comments will add to growing questions about the postponement, decided last month.

Vaccine is a must

On Tuesday, the head of Japan Medical Association warned it would be difficult to hold the Games next year if a vaccine has not been found. "I would not say that they should not be held, but it would be exceedingly difficult," Yoshitake Yokokura told reporters.

And last week a Japanese medical expert warned that he was pessimistic that the Olympics can be held in 2021. Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University, said: "Japan might be able to control this disease by next summer, I wish we could, but I don't think that would happen everywhere on Earth, so in this regard I'm very pessimistic about holding the Games next summer."

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The postponement to 2021 of the Olympic Games in Tokyo because of the coronavirus pandemic will cost the International Olympic Committee (IOC) "several hundred million dollars", its president Thomas Bach said on Wednesday. "We already know that we have to shoulder several hundred million US dollars of postponement costs," the German wrote in a letter to the Olympic movement, warning that, while the IOC would honour its financial obligations to Tokyo, it would probably have to make cuts. "We also need to look into and review all the services that we provide for these postponed Games," he said.

"The IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the operational burden and its share of the costs for these postponed Games." The IOC, which has approximately $1 billion (926 million euros) in reserves, took the historic decision to postpone the Games, scheduled to open on July 24, until July 23 to August 8, 2021. If the coronavirus pandemic is not brought under control within a year, the Games cannot be postponed again and will be cancelled, the head of the organising committee (COJO) Yoshiro Mori warned on Tuesday.

A task force, which brings together the IOC and various partners, including COJO, "has established the priorities and management strategies to make these postponed Olympic Games feasible and successful", Bach said. These include creating "a safe environment with regard to health for all participants". "At this moment, nobody knows what the realities of the post-coronavirus world will look like," he said. "What is clear, however, is that probably none of us will be able to sustain every single initiative or event that we were planning before this crisis hit." He added that the IOC should also view the crisis as an opportunity.

"We can fairly assume that, in the post-coronavirus society, public health will play a much more important role. Sport and physical activity make a great contribution to health," he wrote. Bach also said the Olympic movement should consider its relationship with esports in light of social distancing.

"Whilst maintaining our principles by respecting the red line, with regard to the Olympic values, we encourage all our stakeholders even more urgently to 'consider how to govern electronic and virtual forms of their sport and explore opportunities with game publishers'," he said.

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Mawa modak

Modak is Ganesha’s favourite dish and therefore, Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is incomplete without this Indian sweet. Modak has evolved with time and is now available in myriad forms, including steamed and fried forms. Thanks to restaurants and chefs in Mumbai, who are taking initiative to give a tasty twist to the traditional sweet dish.

This year on Ganesh Chaturthi, Executive chef Kamlesh Rawat of 180 Degrees Grand Sarovar Premiere in Goregaon has prepared a massive 5kg Mawa Modak to mark the occasion. The modak will be there on display until Sunday, August 27. Do not forget to drop in to take a glance of this mighty modak.

5kg Mawa Modak at Grand Sarovar Premiere

Read the recipe of the modak here:

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1. 3Kg Mawa(if hariyali mawa is good texture)
2. 1.5 Kg sugar or add as per taste
3. 200 Gm. Cardamom powder
4. 10 Gm. Saffron
5. 200 Gm. Ghee for Modak greasing

Method:
1. Heat pan in low flame and put mawa on it. As the mawa starts melting, keep stirring it on low flame.
2. When the mawa begins to melt add sugar in it and stir again.
3. When the mawa starts bubbling, add cardamom and saffron in the mixture.
4. Keep stirring on low flame until the mixture starts leaving the bottom of pan.
5. Transfer the mixture into a big bowl and wait for it to cool.
6. Place the mixer on a greased plate and mould it in the shape of a modak.
7. Garnish with saffron on top and the Mawa Modak is ready to be served

Where: Grand Sarovar Premiere, AK Plaza, SV Road, Goregaon West, Mumbai

Tofu for Ganesha
This vegan, gluten- and sugar-free modak is bound to get the fitness freak interested. A blend of tofu, almond flour, coconut powder and soya milk, with a whiff of cardamom and saffron, makes this made-to-order eat delicious to the core.

Time: 12 pm to 1 am
At: Dishkiyaoon, ground floor, The Capital, Bandra Kurla Complex Road, Bandra East.
Call: 8291139404
Cost: '350 plus taxes for five modaks

With love from Manchuria
Enjoy the piping-hot and deep-fried Manchurian Modak that oozes with Chindian flavours or opt for other savoury varieties like Dahi Modak Chaat, Matar Samosa Modak and Hara Bhara Modak at a 10-day chaat festival.
Time: 12 pm to 10 pm at Dillie Heart, Nalanda Co-op housing Society, Evershine Nagar, Malad West
Call: 28800781
Cost: '99 (for a plate of five pieces)

Do the tutti frutti
If you love a dose of colourful tutti frutti, this mawa modak with a mix of the confectionary is what you need. They offer 20 variants, including Chocolate Chips, Gulkand, Roasted, and Mathura Modak.
At: Puranmal restaurants at Juhu, CSMT, Chandivali, Khopoli and Ghatkopar.
Call: 8080806749 (CSMT)
Log on to: puranmal.com
Cost: '121 for six modaks

Break it open
Try D:OH! Dak, a hollow chocolate modak filled with ice cream brownie and chocolate sauce, served with a side of hand-churned modak ice cream featuring jaggery, coconut and dry fruits.
Till: September 5 Time 9 am to 1 am
At: D:OH outlets in Kamala Mills, Lower Parel and Fun Republic Mall, Andheri West
Call: 62372830 (Lower Parel)
Cost: '299

For gooey goodness
Here's an artisanal version of your regular festive favourite - this modak has a filling of caramel and tender coconut, all encased in a shell of saffron mousse. And to help you maintain your vegetarian diet, it's egg-free!
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
At: Toshin, first floor, IVY Restaurant & Banquets, GM Road, Amar Mahal, Chembur West
Call: 67982298
Cost: '260 per piece

The anti-dairy bite
Sworn off dairy products and unable to enjoy mawa modaks? Order the decadent Chocolate Cranberry variety, which includes oats laced with cocoa and bits of tangy-sweet berries. It isn't just vegan but gluten- and sugar-free too.
Time: 9 am to 9 pm at Buddha Bowl, Hill Road, Bandra West
Call: 33126724
Cost: '360 (for a box of 11)

Modak platter

Malai modak, chocolate modak, mawa modak, Ganpati Bappa's feast is incomplete without a plate of modaks. And, so is ours during Ganesh festival! But, this Ganeshotsav, ditch the calorie laden modaks and try their healthy alternatives. We bet the modaks taste yummy and are perfect sweets to indulge in during the festival in Mumbai. What more do you need when you have more 'goodness' on a platter?

1. Oats modak: Made with jaggery instead of sugar, Oats modak is an all time favourite healthy Indian dessert to savour during Ganesh festival. Crush the oats to give a fine texture to the dessert. Keep a frying pan in low flame and put jaggery on to it. Once the jaggery melts, add coconut oil, crushed coconut, powdered oats and assorted crushed dry fruits. Make a fine mixture and keep it aside to cool down. Once the mixture cools down, place it in a modak mould, press hard and take it out gently. Place it on a plate, garnish with pistachio and your nutritious oats modak is ready to be served.

Oats modak

2. Figs and dates modak: Soak dates and figs in hot water for some time. Once it turns soft, drain the water and grind it to make a fine paste. Take a handful of almonds and cashews and ground it into a fine powder. Heat a pan, add ghee, dates and figs mixture and powdered nuts gradually. Cook it for a while and place it aside to call down. Put the mixture in a modak mould, press it, and take out from the mould once the shape is formed.

3. Chana Dal ka Modak: Consumption of legumes in any form is good for health. Boil chana dal in a pressure cooker, drain out excess water and mash the dal to make a smooth paste. Add jaggery and ¼ water to a pan. Keep the pan in low flame and stir the jaggery until it melts. Add chana dal and 1/3 cup of grated coconut to the jaggery syrup. Mix everything and cook on a low flame until a thick mixture is formed. Let it cool down before you start shaping it in the form of modak. Fill the mould with the mixture for healthy and delicious chana dal modak.

Ukadiche Modak

4. Ukadiche Modak: Also known as steamed modak, this is one of the popular and nutritious versions of modak available in the market. The sweet dumplings are made from rice flour. Add rice flour in a pan of boiling water. Mix well, knead into a soft dough and keep it aside to cool down. Heat ghee and add coconut, jaggery and poppy seeds to it. Make a thick mixture and let it cool for a while. Make rice balls, stuff the centre of the balls with the mixture and put them in a modak mould. Moisten the modaks with little water and place them in a steamer. Steam for around 10 minutes and serve warm.

5. Dark chocolate modak: Heat dark chocolate and milk in a pan until it turns into a smooth mixture. Add crushed digestive biscuit crumbs to make the modak more nutritious and knead to form a soft dough. Once the paste cools down, put it in a modak mould and serve. Garnish it with finely chopped nuts.

None of these modaks is made of sugar and is therefore perfect for those on a diet plan or those who are looking out for healthy alternatives of the traditional dessert. Yet, these are delicious in taste and are ideal to indulge during the festival. The recipes are simply too. So, why not give it a try at home?

Alleppy Prawns Curry in Spicy Rosemary Warqi Taco

It's hard to miss London Taxi standing tall at a corner of Kamala Mills. The facade of the three-level gastropub, which opens this Saturday, might seem like it’s bovine inspired but a close look reveals a map of London, the city that serves as an inspiration for this pub, with the river Thames running through it.

The 6,000-sq ft property is helmed by ad filmmakers Vivek DasChaudhary, Sanjay Shetty and Ricky Singh Bedi, with Dhaval Udeshi as the managing partner. The first things we notice when we enter are the custom-made, taxi-shaped tiles. The bar features cab grills lining the front. Colourful pipes run across the ceiling, to form a map of the London Underground. The table tops are printed with artwork inspired by Abbey Road.

Sherlock in a Pickle

The London inspiration continues on the menu, albeit in a less obvious manner. It has a wild mix of cuisines (think Prawn Thai Broth, Moroccan Fish Tikka and Madras Curry Scotch Egg). Chef Nagraj Bhat says the menu speaks of London’s cosmopolitan nature, and stories from his time spent there. The south Indian dishes are an ode to his mother’s cooking. Everything is made in-house, including the sausages, sauces and breads. Ami Shroff, who has created the bar menu, informs that the infused liquor and shrubs are made in-house too.

Bhat picks some of his favourites for us to try. The first is Truffle-scented Dark Chocolate Caramelised Cauliflower Veloute ('260).

A soup is not something we would normally have at a pub, but the dark chocolate flavour, heightened by the bitter-sweetness of the caramelised onion, makes it a must-try. From the salad spread, we are served Cajun-spiced Prawn and Kale Chips Salad ('385). Grilled pieces of spicy pineapple add a punch to the dish, with drops of mango jalapeño coulis offering a sweet-and-spice combination.

By now, Shroff is ready with her cocktails, the first concoction being The Trip ('725). A pleasant woody flavour of turmeric envelopes our palate, thanks to the gin infused with the healthy ingredient. Saffron honey water and fresh orange add to the unique flavour.

It is followed by Sherlock In A Pickle ('675). The savoury cocktail features Earl Grey-infused vodka mixed with wine-beetroot reduction, sweet lime juice and pickled gherkins — inspired by the culinary favourites of the fictional sleuth. Beer lovers can opt for Picadilly Circus ('450), made with lager, espresso and cocoa-infused whisky with bitters. There is a section dedicated to gin and tonic and martinis for the Londoner in you. Only paper or metal straws are offered, to reduce plastic usage, a move that we wholly approve of.

Our food picks also include Alleppy Prawns Curry in Spicy Rosemary Warqi Taco ('580), Truffle Scented Welsh Rarebite Doughnut ('365), which makes for a great bar bite, and Theecha Tepenade Flatbread ('575) made with beer-fermented flatbread. For dessert, try their Banana Rum and Toffee Parfait ('465).

With intriguing decor, a crowd-pleasing menu and unique cocktails (which are heavy on the pocket), London Taxi is revving up as the newest entrance in the restaurant race at Kamala Mills.

Opens on September 9, 6 pm to 1 am At Kamala Mills, Trade World, Lower Parel.
Call 24951000

There are various global versions of the food we eat, depending on the ingredients and regional produce. I have travelled around the globe and found, for example, that many countries have their own variations of our halwa.

Halwa refers to many dense, thick and sweet confections across South, Central and West Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Balkans, Central Europe, Malta and the Jewish world.

Sesame halwa is popular in Balkan countries such as Poland and in the Middle East. In the Mediterranean region, sesame butter and tahini paste are the key ingredients, besides sugar or glucose. Eastern European countries like Belarus, Romania, Bosnia and Russia use sunflower seeds to make halwa.

While touring Turkey extensively to research for my book On the Kebab Trail, I found that they too have a halwa like our candyfloss called floss halwa. Floss halwa is a traditional sweet, made by flossing thin strands of halwa into a light confection. Made primarily of wheat flour and sugar, the strands are continuously wrapped into a ball and then compressed. The result is a halwa with a light consistency. It is made in regular and pistachio flavours.

The most popular form of halwa in Bahrain is a jelly-like sweet called halwa Bahraini, which is called rehash in Kuwait. In Egypt, halwa is a popular confection that is relatively inexpensive and comes in pistachio, chocolate and mixed nut flavours, though they are sesame seed based.

Sesame halwa is a classic dessert in Greece and Cyprus. Halwa-halvardeh is the Iranian name for their tahini-based halwa, which includes whole pistachio nuts. Ardeh is processed sesame in the form of a paste, usually sweetened with sugar. Halwa made with flour, butter and sugar is spread on a plate in a thin layer and is often flavoured with rose water.

Monish Gujral

Halwa came to Russia from Central Asia. Halwa containing bars, cakes or waffles (with or without chocolate, nuts or seeds) are now widespread.

Alva, as halwa is called in Serbia, is common to the whole region and popular at local church fairs around the country. Xalwo, a staple of Somalian cuisine, is a popular confection served during special occasions, such as Eid and wedding receptions. It is made with sugar, cornstarch, powdered cardamom and nutmeg, clarified butter and some local flavours, to enhance taste.

Aluva is served at the traditional Sri Lankan New Year in April. This halwa is generally made with rice flour and sugar. Cashew nuts are often added for taste. In Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the traditional name for halwa is lavz. Soft sesame halwa is made with sugar syrup, egg whites and sesame seeds. Solid sesame halwa is made with pulled sugar, which is stretched, till it is white coloured.

Sesame is added to warm sugar and spread on large trays. As a child, I would get up early in the morning to go to Chandni Chowk’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib with my grandmother. I would wait for the halwa after it had been offered as prasad. I would tell my granny to get at least 5–6 portions. How I relished that taste!

Halwa is often cooked at home. There are many variations—sooji (semolina), whole wheat, gram flour (besan), besides carrot, raw papaya, pumpkin, fig and surprise, surprise, even egg.

The standard recipe for semolina halwa is referred to as ‘1:2:3:4’ as it comprises one unit of oil, two of semolina, three of sugar and
four of water.

In my opinion, carrot halwa is the ultimate Indian dessert, or should I say the king of Indian desserts. There could be nothing more perfect than a bowl of warm carrot halwa on a cold winter day.

The chewy, caramelised carrots, slow-cooked in an open pan for almost an hour are a heavenly treat in themselves.

Gajar Halwa
Ingredients (for 6 servings)
12 tender, juicy red carrots
3 tbsp + 2 tbsp ghee
25 cashew nuts, chopped
3 cups full cream milk
1/3rd cup condensed milk
2 tbsp seedless raisins
5–6 green cardamom pods, crushed
6–7 saffron strands
1/3rd cup sugar
To decorate
3 silver leaves

Method
Scrub the carrots well.
Trim both ends and scrap off the outer skin.
Grate the carrots.
Put 3 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-based wok over moderate heat.
Fry the cashew nuts, till light gold.
Remove and drain on kitchen paper to absorb excess fat.
Add the grated carrots and cook, stirring all the while, for 25 minutes.
Pour in the milk and condensed milk and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally till the mixture thickens and the milk is fully absorbed.
Add the sugar, mix well and stir for another 10 minutes, till the halwa thickens again.
Mix in the remaining ingredients, including the ghee and fried cashew nuts.
Cook for 5-10 minutes, till the halwa leaves the sides of the pan.
Transfer to a serving dish, decorate with silver leaves and serve hot.
Excerpted from On The Dessert Trail: Around the World in Eighty Desserts by Monish Gujral, Penguin Random House India

Bittu Sahgal and Dia Mirza enjoy a meal at Kitchen Garden by Suzette in Bandra. Pics/Shadab Khan

There is a peacock whose cacophony Bittu Sahgal wakes up to at his Napean Sea Road residence every morning , before he starts hammering away at articles for Sanctuary Asia, a magazine he launched and has been editing since 1981. And as Dia Mirza tells us how she came to be associated with Sahgal's various projects, a butterfly fluttering in the al fresco section of Kitchen Garden by Suzette lights up her eyes. The actor, who has been deeply involved with the cause of the environment, attended The International Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Forum in Kyrgyzstan last month, and was appointed the ambassador of the Wildlife Trust of India earlier this year. As the mentor and the mentee meet over lunch, words flow as odes to nature, unravelling the green legacy of India and the ecological miracle called Mumbai.

Hasan: How did your association come about?
Sahgal: She walked into our lives like a breath of fresh air.
Mirza: There had been always a sense of awe for the man he is and his work, but I hadn't had facetime with him. So, when I met him socially at a dinner, I chased him. I told him, 'The problem with people like you is that you don't communicate with people like me. If I had more access to your mind, I would take your ideas to more people.' Bittu is someone I look up to as my guardian, my guru. He really changed my life.
Sahgal: It takes a lot out of somebody to keep fighting for 40 years. Then I look at you and I say to myself, 'We won!' Life is a marathon and the baton has been passed on.
Mirza: The world is constantly drawing you away from your purpose. Bittu came into my life as a reminder of all the things I was nurtured with when I was being brought up. I went to a J Krishnamurti school, where we did classes under trees, we grew vegetables and discussed materialism. My work in films had taken me far away from all this but he reminded me that the two can co-exist. And I made a choice.

Avocado Toast and The Greek salad arrive.
Hasan: Speaking of choices, are both of you vegetarian?
Sahgal: I don't perceive meat as food. I was born in a non-veg loving Punjabi family, but I stopped eating meat when I was old enough to say no to my mother.
Mirza: I am not a vegetarian, but I have become more conscientious about my consumption. There are certain meats I don't eat, like wild animals.

Hasan: Where does Mumbai stand in the fight to ensure urban centres retain their green cover?
Mirza: As citizens of Mumbai, we need to remember that we are the only city in the world with a large forest cover in the heart of the city.
Sahgal: We have a garland of mangroves protecting us. Sanjay Gandhi National Park has more butterflies than the entire UK. We are like spoilt rich brats who don't understand the value of our wealth. Like the biodiversity of forests, we need biodiversity of attitudes and strategies.

Mirza: And laws. Isn't it appalling that we are waking up to waste management systems only now?
Sahgal: We have planners planning infrastructure at sea level, when the rest of the world is planning for six metres above sea level. It defies logic that my generation is straddling your generation with white elephant investments that can never work. Nature doesn't give you judgement, it gives you consequences. Mithi river was a consequence, as is Florida.

Mirza: As Bittu always quotes Senegalese environmentalist Baba Dioum: In the end we will conserve only what we love and love only what we learn about.

Watch two hours of fresh material by new stand-up artists including Aakash Gupta, Govind Menon, Mandar Bhide and Andy Reghu (in pic).

On: September 12
At: Canvas Laugh Club, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel.
Log on to: bookmyshow.com
When: 8.30 pm 
Entry: Rs 500

Verbena Brewpub & Skygarden

This Tuesday, head to Verbena Brewpub & Skygarden for the La Femme Nights!

In Mumbai, there is something about a night out with your girls, an LBD, stilettos, some great food and drinks, especially if it is a good venue! Mumbai's popular Verbena Brewpub and Skygarden presents the La Femme Nights every Tuesdays.

Calling all the ladies to forget about their work woes to indulge in a few sangrias, martinis and a few more laughs.

Verbena Brewpub and Skaygarden promises to pamper the ladies with unlimited free sangria and fruit martinis between 7:00-10:00 pm.

So ladies, a great night awaits you!

What: La Femme Nights
When: 12th September, Tuesday
Where: Verbena BrewPub & SkyGarden, 4th Floor, Trade View Building, Gate no 4, Kamala mill compound, Lower Parel
Time: 7:00 pm onwards

A 3D rendering of what The Bank will look like when complete

This is a scenario that's all too familiar to most millennials: it's the end of the month, and a colleague's farewell party comes up. The next morning, you realise you don't have enough money to last you till your next pay cheque. Turns out, two budding entrepreneurs from the city have a solution - a pub called The Bank.

Harsh Mav and Shaunak Mukherjee

"The concept is born out of the understanding of what being broke towards the end of the month feels like," begins Harsh Mav, who, along with childhood friend Shaunak Mukherjee, is launching a space where you can drink on a loan and repay it in EMIs, among other things. And they've just started a crowdfunding campaign so you can help turn their dream into reality.

Ajit Dhumal at BBC's first outlet in Goregaon. Pic/Sneha Kharabe

Jumping through hoops
"We have been frequenting different pubs in the city for a while, and we realised that most places serve alcohol at prices that are unaffordable to people like us. So, we started thinking of new ways in which bars could make money while keeping it affordable for customers. That's when we thought, 'Why not do this ourselves?'" says Mav.

Right off the bat, they faced a series of hurdles. They were turned down by banks for a loan, and investors weren't keen on the project due to the duo's lack of experience in the industry. Mav finally mortgaged his family home for R90 lakh, while Mukherjee managed to acquire a loan of Rs 43 lakh. They even found a space in Lower Parel's bustling Mathuradas Mills. That's when things took a turn for the worse.

"We had put down the deposit, paid three months' rent, and started work on the interiors. Then, suddenly, the BMC put a halt to everything, claiming there was a stay order on the property, a detail the landlord had failed to mention," says Mav.

Furthermore, the landlord refused to return their money, which meant they were back to where they had started - with nothing. "We're going to take legal action to recover the money, but for now, we want to get the project going. That's why we opted for crowdfunding," says Mav.

Moving forward
Needless to say, not all the funds will come from the Ketto campaign. Opening an eatery in the city requires a far larger sum than the Rs 10 lakh the duo is trying to raise. "Right now, we have most of what we need to get the pub going - food and beverage suppliers, staff, and brand tie-ups. We're looking to gather funds for the interiors," says Mav.

What do you get if you contribute to the campaign? Plenty of rewards, it appears, ranging from free drinks to getting double the return on your investment. The search is now on for a new space, and the campaign has already started catching the attention of interested investors, who, Mav and Mukherjee hope, will look beyond their inexperience and give them a fair chance.

Log on to: ketto.org/fundraiser/thebank

Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo topped the timesheets by a dominant margin ahead of teammate Max Verstappen, as Red Bull marked themselves out as contenders for victory on the opening day of Singapore Grand Prix practice.

Ricciardo put in a dazzling one minute 40.852 second lap under the floodlights, setting a new record around the Marina Bay street circuit after having already lowered the earlier benchmark with the fastest time in the opening session.

His effort was a massive 0.556 seconds quicker than Verstappen's best. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton meanwhile, chasing a hat-trick of wins this weekend, was third fastest after having been fourth in the opening session.

His title rival Sebastian Vettel, second in the evening, was inconspicuous at night with only the 11th fastest time.

Singapore's tight twists are expected to play to Ferrari and Red Bull's strengths and Vettel briefly lit up the timing screens. Valtteri Bottas, who agreed a one-year contract extension with Mercedes, ended the day fourth-fastest.

Sebastian Vettel after claiming pole position in Singapore on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

Sebastian Vettel pulled out a scorching lap in the dying stages of Saturday’s qualifying session to seize pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver lapped the floodlit Marina Bay street circuit in one minute, 39.491 seconds, the fastest ever set around the 5-kilometer long track, in a dazzling display of speed.

Max Verstappen went second fastest and will start alongside Vettel on the front-row with his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo third.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton, Vettel’s title rival, was only fifth ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.

The Briton, seeing a hat-trick of wins this weekend, seized the championship lead with victory at the last race in Monza.

But starting on the third row, with the Red Bulls and Kimi Raikkonen’s fourth-placed Ferrari between him and Vettel, Hamilton could well have to drive a race of damage limitation that could cost him his slim three-point advantage.

“I’m still full of adrenaline so maybe whatever I say doesn’t make any sense,” a breathless Vettel, who let out a loud whoop of joy over the team-radio, said immediately after qualifying.

“The car was tricky but it came alive and it was getting better and better as the night progressed, so really happy that we got it done.”

Saturday’s pole was the 49th of Vettel’s career and an unprecedented fourth at Singapore.

It could prove to be an especially crucial one with seven of the last nine races in the city-state won by the pole-sitter.

But the German, who also has an unprecedented four wins at the twisty track, initially did not seem to have the pace to seize the top-spot.

Red Bull had topped the timesheets in every session over the weekend.

With Verstappen even topping the opening two parts of qualifying, the former champions had looked on course to score their first front row lockout since the United States Grand Prix in 2013.

But Vettel put it all on the line when it really mattered, vaulting to the top of the timesheets during the final 12-minute pole-position shootout.

Nico Hulkenberg was seventh for Renault ahead of Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne, who put both McLaren’s in the top-ten a day after the Woking-based squad agreed to swap Honda power for Renault.

Carlos Sainz, set to move to the works Renault team next year, rounded out the top ten for Toro Rosso.

Force India’s Sergio Perez was 12th with teammate Esteban Ocon 14th.

Lewis Hamilton

F1's Lewis Hamilton has said that he has gradually moved to veganism over the past two years after TV documentary inspired him to do so to improve his health and avoid harming the planet.

Mercedes driver, Hamilton said he had changed his habits after watching a documentary about the environmental impact of the meat industry.

"It is something I have been going towards anyway. I stopped eating red meat two years ago," he told the BBC.

"This year I stopped eating chicken and then kind of went back to it and now I've stopped again. So I have generally been pescatarian for the majority of the year and then I cut out fish too."

He added: "I have actually eaten plant-based food for the last two days and it has been amazing. So far, I don't feel as if I have been missing out. I don't know how easy it is going to be when I get home. That is going to be a real test."

Also see: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner

Sparks fly off Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari (right) after he collides with teammate Sebastian Vettel's vehicle (left) in the Singapore Grand Prix yesterday. Raikkonen was eliminated immediately while Vettel retired later due to a damaged car. Pics/AFP

Sebastian Vettel pulled out a scorching lap in the dying stages of Saturday's qualifying session to seize pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver lapped the floodlit Marina Bay street circuit in one minute, 39.491 seconds, the fastest ever set around the 5-kilometer long track, in a dazzling display of speed.

Max Verstappen went second fastest and will start alongside Vettel on the front-row with his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo third.

A victorious Lewis Hamilton jumps off his Mercedes

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton, Vettel's title rival, was only fifth ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.

The Briton, seeing a hat-trick of wins this weekend, seized the championship lead with victory at the last race in Monza.

But starting on the third row, with the Red Bulls and Kimi Raikkonen's fourth-placed Ferrari between him and Vettel, Hamilton could well have to drive a race of damage limitation that could cost him his slim three-point advantage.

"I'm still full of adrenaline so maybe whatever I say doesn't make any sense," a breathless Vettel, who let out a loud whoop of joy over the team-radio, said immediately after qualifying.

"The car was tricky but it came alive and it was getting better and better as the night progressed, so really happy that we got it done."

Saturday's pole was the 49th of Vettel's career and an unprecedented fourth at Singapore.

It could prove to be an especially crucial one with seven of the last nine races in the city-state won by the pole-sitter.

But the German, who also has an unprecedented four wins at the twisty track, initially did not seem to have the pace to seize the top-spot.

Red Bull had topped the timesheets in every session over the weekend.

With Verstappen even topping the opening two parts of qualifying, the former champions had looked on course to score their first front row lockout since the United States Grand Prix in 2013.

But Vettel put it all on the line when it really mattered, vaulting to the top of the timesheets during the final 12-minute pole-position shootout.

Nico Hulkenberg was seventh for Renault ahead of Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne, who put both McLaren's in the top-ten a day after the Woking-based squad agreed to swap Honda power for Renault.

Carlos Sainz, set to move to the works Renault team next year, rounded out the top ten for Toro Rosso.

Force India's Sergio Perez was 12th with teammate Esteban Ocon 14th.

Don Bosco team pose with the Ahmed Sailor Cup at the Cooperage ground yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Dwayne Pereira's goal helped Don Bosco High School (Matunga) defend their title with a 1-0 win against Campion School (Cooperage) in the final of the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA)-organised Ahmed Sailor boys under-16 football tournament at Cooperage football ground yesterday.

This is the third time the Matunga side have won the knockout title on the trot. Don Bosco were close to scoring in the fifth minute, but Sherwyn D'Souza's header was blocked by goalkeeper Rahul Verma. Five minutes later, midfielder Nihal Dudwadkar's shot from the 30-yard circle landed wide. Mannan Dang was fouled by Hriday Dhakad, but the defending champs were unable to capitalise on the opportunity.

Campion too had their fair share of chances in the game. Aashad Vesuna missed to score from the 18-yard box as the ball went sailing over the goalpost. During the 22nd minute, Campion had another chance of scoring off a free kick, but Aryaan Majumdar's attempt from the right corner was blocked by a sturdy Bosco wall. After the lemon break, Don Bosco continued to search for a goal and were rewarded. Skipper Dwayne Pereira scored the only goal in the 44th minute.

Don Bosco coach Leslie Machado was happy his side were able to display an aggressive show. "Since it is the last year for most of the boys, this win is very special for them," he said. "This win is dedicated to Leslie sir and because of him we were able to bring out our A game," Dwayne added.

Telugu actress Samantha Akkineni turned a year older on April 28, 2020, and she was seen celebrating her special day with near and dear ones. Samantha's husband Naga Chaitanya hosted a sweet little party for the birthday girl at their home.

Chaitanya also baked a cake for his wife, and the actress shared a time-lapse video on social media. She wrote, "baking my birthday cake." Take a look at the series of photos and video shared by the birthday girl on Instagram.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Family ❤ï¸Â .... (no points for guessing what I am praying for )

A post shared by Samantha Akkineni (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) onApr 27, 2020 at 12:29pm PDT

For the uninitiated, the 33-year-old actress has a solid fan-following not only in India but globally too and has given us two very memorable films- 24 and Eega, both brimming with imaginative ideas and smashing entertainment. Samantha has come a long way and carved her own niche in Indian Cinema. Her work in the Telugu and Tamil industry continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Speaking of her professional journey, some of her most remembered works as an artist are 24, Oh Baby, U-Turn, Super Deluxe, and Rangasthalam.

On the other hand, talking about her personal life, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya tied the knot in both grand South Indian and Christian ceremony in October 2017.

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Adhyayan Suman and Kangana Ranaut were in a relationship back in 2008 when they were working together in Raaz: The Mystery Continues but parted ways soon. And in 2016, the Jashn actor made some shocking revelations about the actress and how vociferous the relationship was. It has been four years since that interview and more than a decade since the relation.

Strangely, questions about her are still asked whenever he gives an interview and his recent one with BollywoodLife was no exception. To give a brief background, Kavita Kaushik of FIR fame also tweeted in support of the actor and how Kangana owned an apology to him. In case you missed it, this is what she tweeted.

Have a look right here:

Also, a huge apology is owed to @shekharsuman7 and @AdhyayanSsuman , they are a sweet family and the hate they got from an eager to judge, feeding on lies smeared popcorn audiences is so damn heartbreaking🙏 everyone was so cruel to them at that time cos of the 'woman card' https://t.co/kRZ8kycwJ2

— Kavita (@Iamkavitak) April 19, 2020

And now, talking about it, the actor said, "I have left that topic miles...miles behind in my life. I am right now way ahead in my life. And it doesn't really matter who wants to apologise or not. I wanted to share my side of story, and I did that three years ago. I am very glad and fortunate that some people came out in support."

To give credit where it was due, he thanked Kaushik for her support and said, "Kavita put out a tweet, and I am very thankful to her. But the amount of fake trollers who came and trolled her, said some really mean stuff to her, I thought that was such a disgrace. It is so sad."

Over the years, the actor has been a part of films like Raaz: The Mystery Continues, Jashn, Himmatwala, and Ishq Click.

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Bollywood's Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri Dixit Nene on Tuesday announced a two-day-long online live dance festival starting from April 29 to mark the World Dance Day.

The dancing diva took to Instagram to announce the virtual dance festival by her dance academy - 'Dance With Madhuri' - and also urged her fans and dance fanatics to register to take part in the festival.

 

 

 

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2 days of fun & learning with LIVE interactions, dance classes & more only at the first edition of #DWMDanceFestival. Get ready to #GrooveInYourRoom with @dancewithmadhuri! (Link in bio)

A post shared by Madhuri Dixit (@madhuridixitnene) onApr 28, 2020 at 7:56am PDT

"With the World Dance Day right around the corner, I am coming to groove in your room on the 29th and 30th of April with the first edition of the DWM dance festival," the 52-year-old actor said.

"We will be offering two days fun and learning with some of the best dancers, choreographers, and industry experts on our website and Instagram page. All this from the comfort of your home," she added.

The virtual dance festival will have some of the greatest dance maestros of India including senior choreographer Saroj Khan, film director Farah Khan and legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj. The dance festival will stream live on all social media handles of the actor and her website 'Dance With Madhuri.'

World Dance Day is celebrated every year on April 29. As coronavirus induced lockdown remains in place, Dixit has organised the virtual dance festival to help people de-stress and develop dancing skills during the lockdown.

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Katrina Kaif's inner chef simply won't give up. A while back, she whipped up something in the kitchen that she was not sure what excatly it was she made. On Tuesday, she has done it again! In a new video she shared on Instagram, Katrina chops away what could either be cheese or cabbage. Later, when she is asked what is it that she is cooking, she admits not being too sure.

 

 

 

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Tuesday = ðŸ¥Â˜+👩🏽‍💻@🏠

A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) onApr 28, 2020 at 3:42am PDT

Commenting on the post, fashion designer Anaita Shroff Adajania asked: "What's cookin?". Katrina replied: "That I'm not too sure of."

This sent fans on a wild guessing spree. "Gobhi," guessed one user, while another imagined mashed potatoes. Still another suggested the actress should finish first and then think of a name for her dish.

Earlier this month, Katrina had shared a video where she is seen cooking something along with sister Isabelle. Although, the item on the frying pan looked like a pancake, Katrina claimed she was "not sure" what was being prepared!

 

 

 

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We’re not sure what it is either .... we ll let u know when we do ðŸ¤Â”🍴🥣 #happyworldsiblingday @isakaif

A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) onApr 10, 2020 at 5:55am PDT

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As Bollywood's 'Queen,' Kangana Ranaut completed 14 years in the Indian film industry on Tuesday, her team shared a throwback picture from one of her early portfolios. The 33-year-old actor was shortlisted for an audition for her debut film 'Gangster' on the basis of the picture that her team shared on Twitter.

The priceless picture from the past featured a younger version of the actor with her signature curly locks and bold expressions.

#Trivia: On 14th anniversary of #KanganaRanaut ’s Bollywood debut #Gangster, here’s the image from her portfolio on basis of which @anuragbasuofficial selected her for an audition#Throwback #14YearsofKanganaRanaut #14YearsofGangster pic.twitter.com/CkDWat9TJv

— Team Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) April 28, 2020

Ranaut is seen wearing a white and brown coloured muffler in the picture.

"#Trivia: On 14th anniversary of #KanganaRanaut 's Bollywood debut #Gangster, here's the image from her portfolio on basis of which @anuragbasuofficial selected her for an audition #Throwback #14YearsofKanganaRanaut #14YearsofGangster," Kangana's team tweeted along with the picture.

Kangana Ranaut stepped into Bollywood at a very young age and began her career with her debut film 'Gangster' 14 years ago. Helmed by Anurag Basu, the romantic thriller featured Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja besides Kangana in the lead roles.

'Gangster' received great appreciation from critics as well as the audiences and also won Kangana the best debut award at Filmfare. Earlier in the day, the team of the 'Fashion' actor marked her 14th anniversary in Bollywood by preparing a video reel of her 14-year-long journey.

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We don't expect the usual Kangana Ranaut candour in an interview largely about how many squats she packs into her regimen. But the actor isn't one to offer the ordinary. Unbowed by the heft of her battle against the bulge, Ranaut is playfully self-deprecating when chronicling her 20-kilo weight-loss attempt. "I didn't expect to gain 20 kilos," she says of her endeavour to emulate J Jayalalithaa in the actor-politician's upcoming biopic, Thalaivi. "When Kareena [Kapoor Khan] was pregnant, she gained 16 kilos. I told myself, I am like [a] post-pregnant Kareena Kapoor!" she exclaims at one point, before breaking into a laugh. "I never remember feeling so unfit. At one point, I needed to support myself with my palms to stand up off the floor," she says at another, before the ever-so-slight quiver in her voice reveals the moments that triggered her badly. "I was unable to carry my weight in heels, and that almost left me in tears. One thinks they'll eventually adjust, but, I couldn't walk in my own shoes! Usually, I can run in them, but now my feet would swell. I didn't know how to handle it."

Train, but gain

The diligence with which she had kept tabs on the weighing scale as it climbed by 10, 12 and 15 kilos was rendered redundant after a few weeks of lull. "[The makers] told me to start losing weight so that we could shoot [Jayalalitha's] younger portions, and that's when I noticed that I had gained 20 kilos. I wondered if I had gone too far, and questioned if the decision to take the hormone injections was appropriate." It was towards the close of 2019 that Ranaut had first admitted to leaning on hormone supplements to add bulk to her hips and thighs, to emulate her muse. Unlike the misshapen built acquired by Bollywood's top brass of actors gaining weight for cinema, Ranaut's avatar, though voluptuous, had to resemble the shapely and nimble-footed bharatnatyam dancer that Jayalalitha was. "I had to do bharatnatyam for two hours, yoga for one, and still gain weight in a desirable manner. The mild hormone dosage helped [me] gain weight around the hips. Bharatnatyam involves a lot of leg work, so the dancers tend to [gain weight in this region]. Also, I needed to put on so much weight because I am tall. At 5'8, I had to ensure that the [bulk] was visible on my frame."

Winning the race, slowly, steadily

Currently nestled in picturesque Manali, Ranaut decided to make the most of the lockdown by taking along her trainer of several years. Under the guidance of Siddhartha Singh, founder of iSweat, she has shaved off seven kilos, and continues to crawl, jump and jog off the rest. "We are focusing on workouts that encourage movement for a long duration of time, instead of those involving shorter intervals. The idea is to keep movements sustainable by not rendering her breathless, so that more calories can be burnt. The evening functional training sessions last 45 to 75 minutes, and are coupled with a 20-minute morning walk in her 100-metre driveway," says Singh, attributing her body's positive response to the regimen to her consistent yoga practice.

Her high metabolic rate may afford her many luxuries, but Ranaut won't abuse what she has been blessed with. For as long as Singh can recall, she isn't swayed by food that has little nutritional value, and prefers "home-cooked meals". "Kangana is attuned to her body's [nutritional] needs. If she craves something, she'll have it in limited portion, or cook a [healthier] version of it at home." That her body had become complacent with the additional weight also began to work against her, making the weight-loss process more demanding than both she and Singh had anticipated. "It was difficult. I had to undergo detox. I was affected by the sugar withdrawal, and felt like I was in rehab. For over six months, I was perpetually hungry, and had mood [swings]. The weight wouldn't budge. Also, at 33, things are not as easy [as they were when I was younger]."

Asked if she will do it all over again if a film demands it, her response is prompt, but not very assertive: "No, yaar!" she says. "It's not worth it. My cholesterol level was quite high this time. In my 30s, I don't enjoy doing this."

Singh on principles he uses to train Ranaut

• We're targeting the anterior and posterior muscles at once. We use the driveway to do short jogging sets, shuttle lunges, back crawls, and jumping jacks.
• Usually, I avoided exhausting her because actors have to work for the rest of the day, and can't be dealing with aches and pains. I had to be mindful of not targeting the muscles that she would be using for her action films, like Manikarnika. For instance, horse-riding employs a lot of leg work, and hence, when she was learning it, I'd only do weight-less leg workouts with her. Similarly, when she was training in sword-fighting, and using her upper-body muscles, I'd have to shift focus away from her shoulders and arms [in the gym]. 
• With physical activity currently limited, she is consuming only two to three meals a day. The morning jogs that she takes help in activating her metabolism.

1,800
Ranaut's approximate calorie intake, usually

v/s 

1,000
Calories being consumed by the actor currently

Female actors who've gained weight for cinema

Bhumi Pednekar, Dum Laga Ke Haisha

The actor made a note-worthy entry into Bollywood by adding 30 kilos for the film. She reportedly took to conditioning exercises before jumping into a high-intensity routine, when she began shedding the weight.

Vidya Balan, The Dirty Picture

To play the role of an adult film actor, Balan gained 12 kilos, and was uninhibited as she flaunted her figure to do justice to the part of Silk Smitha.

Anushka Shetty, Size Zero

Unwilling to wear a fat-suit for the part, the actor reportedly put on 20 kilos for the film. Under the guidance of Luke Coutinho, she took a generous amount of time to gradually shed it off.

Kriti Sanon, Mimi

Sanon had been on a weight-gaining spree for several months to gain 15 kilos for her forthcoming movie, Mimi, which sees her as a surrogate mother.

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Twinkle Khanna, Hema Malini, Bhumi Pednekar, Kim Sharma, Surbhi Jyoti and many other Bollywood celebrities took it upon themselves to grow their own vegetables. Many have taken to home gardening and decided to grow some veggies and other plants during the lockdown.

The coronavirus outbreak has put many lives and businesses on halt, but people have decided not to give up and find a different way to help each other. Twinkle Khanna grew green veggies in her garden, and sharing the picture, she wrote, "What you sow, you shall reap and I planted a love for gardening in the hearts of my children. This is my harvest-their help in digging, watering and this large bowl of Ceylon Palak. It grows like a weed and is easily propagated by planting the stem back after taking out the leaves. Thank you @merliynjoseph for helping me with this a few years ago. It is a gift that keeps giving in so many ways. #greenthumb [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna) onMar 26, 2020 at 12:13am PDT

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan and their tiny tot Taimur Ali Khan have been waiting for the tomatoes they planted to sprout. Kareena, who made her Instagram debut on March 1, 2020, shared, "My boys doing their bit! Together, let's make the world a better place for us all.
Play your part... #StayHome #StaySafe #JantaCurfew [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) onMar 22, 2020 at 12:34am PDT

Bhumi Pednekar too shared the new members of her family, "After months of tender love & care, we present to you #PednekarKePed #homegrown #GharKiKheti #sustainableliving [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by BhumiâÂœ¨ (@bhumipednekar) onApr 25, 2020 at 2:56am PDT

Kim Sharma, who also enjoys gardening, wrote on Instagram, "Weekend chores #day4 [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kim Sharma (@kimsharmaofficial) onMar 28, 2020 at 3:38am PDT

Madhuri Dixit-Nene also posted an Instagram story, which showed figs and pomegranates from her home garden. Isn't this truly inspiring? Take a look!

"Ye dekho... Mera naya kaam... preparing beds for methi, kothmir and planted tomatoes! abhi dekhte hain kya hota hai [sic]" wrote Juhi Chawla on her Instagram.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Juhi Chawla (@iamjuhichawla) onApr 11, 2020 at 10:56pm PDT

It's good to see public figures taking up the initiative to grow their own food and showing people how it's done! Home gardening can never get better, or more fun, than this!

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Everyone's firsts are always special and stay with them forever. For this actress as well, her debut film was a real life character which affected the lives of many and served as an inspiration, breaking a lot of stereotypes about women. Her character demanded alot from her and the actress had to choose either to give in her all or lose it all.

The actress chose to give in her all, playing a real life character is exciting until the tough part comes across. Being an outsider and a well known dancer of reality shows her character was of a wrestler. Hair being one of the finest jewel a woman has, the actress even chopped it off to breathe more life to her character. The film emerged as a glorious success and the actress was now popularly known as 'The Dangal Girl'.

We are talking about Sanya Malhotra. Being an outsider, the actress played a real life character and Dangal has become as one of the classics and the film always invokes a sense of motivation due to its storyline and dedication towards winning and always working hard and moving ahead in order to achieve your desired goals. A strong step in Bollywood and the actress didn't have a halt ever since.

Sanya being a lover of always doing something different, has always chosen quality scripts and characters that would connect to the audiences. Being an outsider the actress has built her fanbase from scratch. Some of the actresses’ films include Badhaai Ho, where the actress won hearts and looked extremely natural on-screen. Joining hand with more opportunities, the actress is having three major films in her plate.

Sanya will be seen playing tge role of Anupama Banerjee, and also the actress is going to show herself in varied age groups alongside Vidya Balan.

The next one being Pagglait followed by Ludo. The actress has blended well in the industry and made a place for herself. Sanya works on quality scripts and ensures to give a fine delivery of work that her viewers enjoy and always hunts for a new character which challenges her to become better.

The actress has built a strong connect with her audiences by always keeping them involved in her life through various BTS. Apart from being a great actress, Sanya is also a phenomenal dancer and often shares many of her moves on her social media. Sanya is truly a star one can root for.

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Late actor Irrfan Khan's wife Sutapa Sikdar took to social media to pen a healtfelt message for the actor, who passed away on Wednesday. She updated her Facebook display picture with an adorable picture of herself hugging Irrfan and captioned: "I have not lost I have gained in every which way...."

Reacting to the post, several users paid condolences to her and her sons, Babil and Ayan. "You are strong. Love," a user commented. Another user wrote: "Super salute to you."

Sutapa and Irrfan met each other during their college days at National School of Drama, Delhi where they fell in love with each other and later tied the knot in 1995.

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"Her energy is contagious," says Rasika Dugal on being thrilled to tick 'working with Mira Nair' off her bucket list. The actor insists that the filmmaker is a class apart from other directors as she helms the six-part BBC series based on Vikram Seth's novel, A Suitable Boy.

Dugal, who has wrapped up her scenes in the series says, "Despite working for so many years, Mira has the enthusiasm [of a newbie]. She brings unexpected energy to an otherwise dull scene. Reading how the script will unfold on paper, is usually very different from the outcome. When she directs the scene, it's almost magical." She reiterates that Nair pushes boundaries with every actor.

"She has a child-like energy on set. She gives you a freehand [to perform], then designs it accordingly at her end. As an artiste, it is a surreal experience to be directed by Mira as she knows how to get the best out of her actors," says Dugal, who plays the character of Savita Mehra Kapoor.

Mira Nair

Dugal only has one regret. "I don't share much screen time with Tabu," she says, and hopes that the future yields more opportunities.

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Yoga is considered as a good way not only to stay fit, but also become strong mentally. It has the power to provide mental peace, and can work wonders for the mind, body and soul. Considered as one of the best ways to unwind and achieve calmness, many have aced yogasanas with the utmost ease.

Speaking about the same, Kavita Kaushik, Sushmita Sen, Ashka Goradia, Pooja Batra and many celebs have been working out with their partners. Let's take a look at their version of how they unwind and relax.

Kavita Kaushik was seen performing some yoga poses with husband Ronit Biswas at their home during the lockdown. These stretches really look cool! What do you think?

 

 

 

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Strrrrrrrretch 🥰

A post shared by Kavita (@ikavitakaushik) onApr 12, 2020 at 2:45am PDT

Sushmita Sen and Rohman Shawl have also been sharing some couple yoga poses on social media, and leaving fans in awe of their chemistry. This also brings flexibility and balance, apart from giving extreme strength to the body and soul.

 

 

 

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All grown up & yet nothing beats the comfort of the fetus pose!! Nothing calms the mind faster than going back to the source!!👍😇❤ï¸ÂðŸÂÂÂ’ƒðŸ» besides, @rohmanshawl attempting this with me is #adorable ðŸÂÂÂ’‹ðŸ˜„😍we wish you calm & all the love in the world!! #yourturn 😉👊❤ï¸Â I love you guys!!! #duggadugga ðŸÂÂÂ’‹

A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) onApr 22, 2020 at 9:44am PDT

Ashka Goradia, on the other hand, has been surprising fans with her yoga poses. Be it alone or with husband Brent Goble, Ashka has left no stone unturned to keep it calm during this difficult period of lockdown. 

 

 

 

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If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation. ~ Jiddu K . . . #allinclusive #onelove #couples #coupleyoga #acroyoga #yogaforlife #yoga #yogaeveryday My ðŸÂÂÂ’“ @ibrentgoble 📸 @dattaatinaa thankkuuuu

A post shared by Aashka Goradia Goble (@aashkagoradia) onApr 21, 2020 at 11:45pm PDT

Pooja Batra loves sharing her workout videos and posts. Pooja, too, is homebound like everyone else during the lockdown, but the actress has her hubby Nawab Shah for company. During her quarantine time, Pooja Batra has been practising a wide range of yogasanas along with Nawwab. Let's take a look.

 

 

 

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#couplesyoga #acroyoga Home is where the workout is 🙏#yogawithpoojabatra ðŸ§Â˜‍♀ï¸Â#stayactive #stayhome

A post shared by Pooja Batra Shah (@poojabatra) onApr 23, 2020 at 8:00pm PDT

So, how many did you get right?

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Despite the sealed borders keeping him from returning home to India, Sonu Nigam has been neck-deep in work, supporting causes for daily-wagers, and raising awareness for relief funds for the country. It's been a month since Nigam, who is currently holed up in Dubai, began the cumbersome task of breathing life into a passion-project, the brainchild of his industry associate Srinivas. Along with Indian Singers Rights Association CEO Sanjay Tandon, the duo reached out to 100 artistes from across India for the creation of the 14-language track, One nation one voice, which is set to be unveiled by Lata Mangeshkar.

"We had been struggling to find a Sindhi [singer], and that's when we reached out to Ghanshyam Vaswani. Though disconnected from mainstream [music], he has been a ghazal singer for decades. My mother was proficient in Sindhi. So Ghanshyamji and I collaborated for those portions. Similarly, Papon [worked on] the Assamese [verses], Bhajan Soporiji and Kailash Kher did the Kashmiri track, Mame Khan crafted Rajasthani [verses] and Krishna [Beura], the Odia portions," Nigam tells mid-day of the song that also includes lines in Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and Tamil.

The coalescing of an assortment of home-bound artistes for a single track becomes simpler when employing a digitally transferable background score that they can individually lay their vocals on. But Nigam was creating an acapella piece, which didn't have instruments to play second fiddle in supporting his endeavour.

"We sent two songs to all the singers. One [included] the base track that had been created by [a select few], and included sounds, layers and harmonies. No instruments were used to create this, and it was upon this piece that the singers [recorded their vocals]. We also gave them a reference piece of how we wanted the song to sound, but offered an empty space [for them to experiment]." Those singers who do not have a home-studio had to let the acapella piece play in the background as they recorded their vocals over it, he informs.

There's a peculiar cheer in his voice when he talks of Asha Bhosle's involvement in this number. "With her being by our side, this project has become invaluable. At 86, she has opened this song like a boss. You find yourself wondering how someone at that age can sing so beautifully. I was reduced to tears on hearing her 30-second performance."

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To help the people looking for some exercising tips at home, actor Preity Zinta on Sunday shared a glimpse from her workout session amid the coronavirus induced lockdown.

The 'Koi Mil Gaya' star took to Instagram and shared a video featuring lower back and hip strengthening exercise. In the video, Zinta is seen exercising with the help of a chair in her garden, after which her pet 'Bruno' jumps in to lick her face.

 

 

 

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A lot of people have been asking me for some simple but effective lower back and hip strengthening exercise.... so here it is. Make sure to keep ur core muscles squeezed and engaged. Squeeze ur butt muscles when u go up and breath. The more u do the better for you. Do 4 sets of 10 to start👍 Keep doing it till someone stops you like Bruno did to me 😂 Hope this helps. #pzfit #day52 #Quarantine #lowerback #stayhome #staysafe #staystrong #ting

A post shared by Preity G Zinta (@realpz) onMay 2, 2020 at 11:33pm PDT

Taking to the captions she wrote, "A lot of people have been asking me for some simple but effective lower back and hip strengthening exercise.... so here it is. Make sure to keep ur core muscles squeezed and engaged. Squeeze ur butt muscles when u go up and breath. The more u do the better for you. Do 4 sets of 10 to start. Keep doing it till someone stops you like Bruno did to me. Hope this helps. #pzfit #day52 #Quarantine #lowerback #stayhome #staysafe #staystrong #ting."

Lately, the 'Veer Zaara' actor is making the best use of her social media platforms in raising awareness about the coronavirus.

As misinformation that animals spread coronavirus is causing many pet owners to abandon their pets, the actor also urged people not to abandon their pets."Abandoning your pets is the most inhuman thing one can do right now, especially when it is confirmed that they are not carriers of the virus. Have a heart folks, stay safe, love your pets and pls follow social distancing," she wrote on her Instagram post.

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Rishi Kapoor's demise was one of the most shocking news of the year. He was an actor, a star, and an entertainer for nearly five decades and was known for his wit, honesty, and fantastic performances. He passed away on April 30 at 8:45 am in hospital after a two-year battle with leukemia.

Ranbir Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, his son, and wife, attended his prayer meet and his daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also arrived with her daughter Samara Sahni to be with her family. And now, Ranbir, Neetu, accompanied by Alia Bhatt and Ayan Mukerji, visited the Banganga Tank to immerse the late actor's ashes.

In a video that was shared by Manav Manglani, we could see Ranbir, Ayan, and Alia proceeding towards the Banganga Tank, have a look at the video right here:

 

 

 

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#RanbirKapoor #neetukapoor 🙏🙏 #RiddhimaKapoorSahni #AyanMukherji #AliaBhatt snapped as they perform puja for #RishiKapoor ji at #banganga today #instalove #RipRishiKapoor #sunday #manavmanglani @manav.manglani

A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) onMay 3, 2020 at 8:56am PDT

And then came a video where Ranbir could be seen immersing his father's ashes, take a look right here:

 

 

 

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#RanbirKapoor at #banganga for his father #RishiKapoor #pray #RipRishiKapoor #sunday ❤️🙏

A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) onMay 3, 2020 at 8:49am PDT

Rishi Kapoor is one personality that can never be forgotten! He was charm and honesty personified and his presence will always be felt around us!

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In a historic move, India's biggest fundraiser concert to raise funds for GiveIndia Covid-19 relief fund was met with an unprecedented response by millions of people across the globe. Held live on 3rd May, 2020 IST on Facebook Live, India's biggest virtual concert witnessed 85 plus Indian and global stars on one platform to raise funds for those affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was more than happy to be a part of this noble initiative, urged everyone to contribute in whatever capacity they could. The superstar pulled off an interesting and engaging conversation with his ardent fans by singing the song 'Sab Sahi Ho Jayega' (created by Badshah) – a song about chances… good chances… about hope, compassion and love.

Shah Rukh Khan's adorable act with his son AbRam was loved and appreciated by one and all, bringing a magical end to the marvelous evening. After announcing a range of initiatives, Shah Rukh Khan provided 25,000 PPE kits to the frontline medical staff in Maharashtra fighting to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state.

 

 

 

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‪Extremely grateful to #IforIndia, @badboyshah and @cacklerraj for music, lyrics & for working overnight. thank u Sunil for the edit. All so that I could sing. ‬ ‪Ab bhai, lockdown mein mujhe gaate hue bhi jhelna padhega. AbRam is saying 'papa enough now!’‬ ‪Par sab sahi ho jaayega!‬

A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) onMay 3, 2020 at 2:08pm PDT

The actor's group of companies, Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, Meer Foundation and Red Chillies VFX recently announced several initiatives to support the efforts of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Government in its COVID-19 fight.

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In a historic move, India's biggest fundraiser concert to raise funds for GiveIndia Covid-19 relief fund was met with an unprecedented response by millions of people across the globe. Held live on May 3, 2020, IST on Facebook Live, India's biggest virtual concert witnessed 85 plus Indian and global stars on one platform to raise funds for those affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was more than happy to be a part of this noble initiative, urged everyone to contribute in whatever capacity they could. The superstar pulled off an interesting and engaging conversation with his ardent fans by singing the song 'Sab Sahi Ho Jayega' (created by Badshah) – a song about chances… good chances… about hope, compassion and love.

Shah Rukh Khan's adorable act with his son AbRam was loved and appreciated by one and all, bringing a magical end to the marvellous evening.

 

 

 

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‪Extremely grateful to #IforIndia, @badboyshah and @cacklerraj for music, lyrics & for working overnight. thank u Sunil for the edit. All so that I could sing. ‬ ‪Ab bhai, lockdown mein mujhe gaate hue bhi jhelna padhega. AbRam is saying 'papa enough now!’‬ ‪Par sab sahi ho jaayega!‬

A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) onMay 3, 2020 at 2:08pm PDT

After announcing a range of initiatives, Shah Rukh Khan provided 25,000 PPE kits to the frontline medical staff in Maharashtra fighting to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state.

The actor's group of companies, Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, Meer Foundation and Red Chillies VFX recently announced several initiatives to support the efforts of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Government in its COVID-19 fight.

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Real estate developer Vikas and Gayatri Oberoi's son, Vihaan, 13, is an aspiring artist, studying at the Oberoi International School. His passion for art led him to pursue acrylic painting and drawing. The self-taught youngster's tools vary from painting knives to cooking pan lids. He particularly enjoys working on multiple canvas making diptychs and triptychs as he loves the disconnection and continuity of such form of paintings.

Says Vihaan, "Knowing the situation we are in and learning about the hardships people are facing due to the lockdown, I have used my time at home to compile my work for an online exhibition on https://colorwaysbyvihaan.org. I was always keen on holding an exhibition and it's fulfilling to know that it will help people in need."

Crimson

Proceeds from the sale will be collected by the Oberoi Foundation and donated to the NGO Teach for India's COVID-19 Relief and Learning Fund. "I hope my art brings as much positivity to people during this time, as creating it did for me," adds Vihaan.

Historique

His parents have always encouraged Vihaan's love for art. They say, "We are thrilled that he is able to contribute to a cause when it is most needed. We will continue to guide and encourage his creative mind and generosity. We are very thankful for all the appreciation he has received."

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Rakul Preet Singh says her yoga journey began two years back and since then it has been a joy for her to practice it. The actress took to Instagram, where she shared a throwback photograph of her doing a complicated inversion yoga pose and said that life is all about balance.

"Throwback: when the world wasn't upside down but I was !! My yoga journey began in 2018 and since then it's pure joy to do my practice every day. Life is all about balance. You don't always need to be getting things done. Sometimes it's absolutely ok to shut down, kick back and do nothing. @anshukayoga this was the first time I did an inversion," she captioned the image.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) onMay 2, 2020 at 7:01pm PDT

She also shared a photograph of herself having a plate full of fried rice. The actress then urged everyone to "eat simple, nutritious and balanced meals and improve your immunity."

 

 

 

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Plate full of happiness ❤️ many of us think that rice is fattening ! NO it isn’t . On the contrary it’s the easiest form of carbs to digest for the body. It heals the gut which in turn helps in better absorbtion of nutrients. Most importantly it’s basic food and easily available even during lockdown. So eat simple , nutritious and balanced meals and improve your immunity ❤️❤️ @rashichowdhary your veg fried rice recipe is amazing ..

A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) onMay 4, 2020 at 12:45am PDT

Recently, she took to Instagram and shared a video where she plays games like "dog and the bone", "Kabbadi" and "chidiya ud" with her brother Aman Preet Singh.

On the acting front, Rakul will soon be seen in a cross-border romantic-comedy with actor Arjun Kapoor. The film is directed by debutant Kaashvie Nair and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani and John Abraham.

Rakul will also be seen in Kamal Haasan's ambitious upcoming film "Indian 2", which co-stars Kajal Aggarwal and Vidyut Jammwal.

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A majority of the courtroom dramas that have been made in Hindi Cinema always tend to adopt the David vs Goliath approach, a battle between the right and the remorseless, the hero and the villain. But in the upcoming series, Illegal, which stars Neha Sharma, Piyush Mishra, and Akshay Oberoi, seems to be a little different, it digs deeper.

The trailer suggests that this time, the tension shall be outside the courtroom too, and inside the mind and heart of a lawyer. Illegal seems to be an attempt to gaze at a lawyer's personal life and how he/she battles injustice and the lacunae of the judicial system. It will surely leave you intrigued and interested and also invested.

Have a look right here:

A first of its kind intense, a racy legal drama that questions whether all lawyers are mercenaries or can some resist the lure of greed, ambition and power; and fight to win defining judgments that hold the bar of justice high and restore faith in humanity

Now let's see whether it delivers the thrills or not when it's out on May 12.

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Superstar Mahesh Babu is one of the most critically acclaimed actors of the southern film industry and cherishes a humongous fan following throughout India. His social media is popular to spread messages that support certain social causes. The actor and his fans are known to storm social media with their social campaigns.

Recently, Mahesh Babu took to his social media to share a post about wiping away fake news and gossip websites that often spread misinformation and lies about celebrities.

These blogs or gossip websites leech off the actor's popularity and spread misinformation about them to gain views on their respective pages. It is crucial that these websites and rumors be put to a stop so that they can stop spreading fake rumors. Mahesh Babu shared the post on social media under the tag of "#KillFakeNews" against misinformation being spread with the caption.

Have a look at his tweet right here:

I stand by you brother @TheDeverakonda #KillFakeNews #KillGossipWebsites https://t.co/mk5enwj5Pm pic.twitter.com/ESYodVIQbw

— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) May 4, 2020

It's highly commendable someone has finally spoken against these lies and false news!

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Noted actor Sonali Kulkarni known for lending support to social causes has raised her voice against the discrimination against COVID-19 positive patients across Maharashtra, through a video. 

There have been rising cases of COVID-19 positive or even suspected patients facing discrimination. Recently in Mumbai's Lalbaug area a 24-year-old photojournalist working with a Marathi newspaper was ostracised and verbally abused by his neighbours after he returned home from institutional isolation. 

The photojournalist had not even tested positive, however, since he was in close contact with two other photojournalists, who had tested positive, the BMC identified him as their high-risk contact and asked him to go to an isolation center on April 20. COVID-19 positive patients are also facing issues like their videos being circulated or their names being shared on Whatsapp groups.

Health professionals including mental health experts are increasingly expressing concerns over the long-term psychological impact of this on patients and their families. Even Chief Minister Shri Uddhav Thackeray has been urging people to show support towards the COVID-19 patients as well as their families instead of stigmatising them.

The 70-second video has been released by Mumbai based Waatavaran Foundation, and Jhatkaa.org who are working together in Maharashtra to create public awareness on COVID-19. The film has been conceptualised and executed by Goregaon based Geeta Singh and Avinash Kumar Singh of Turtle on a Hammock Films. Through this video, popular actor Sonali Kulkarni is seen encouraging and urging people to treat those suffering from COVID-19 with dignity and respecting their privacy. Have a look right here:

 

 

 

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It's a small effort but let's take it.. it's going to be our lifestyle to wear a mask.. just like that - let it be as normal to accept a covid recovered person in the society 💕 Wonderful initiative by @waatavaran 👍🙏 #विà¤Âšार_बदला_à¤Â•à¥Â‹रà¥Â‹नाला_हरवा

A post shared by Sonali Kulkarni (@sonalikul) onMay 4, 2020 at 6:59am PDT

"The unfortunate fact is that being COVID-19 positive seems nothing less than a crime as people think that if a person is tested positive for COVID-19 the person is a criminal. This is wrong and this mentality needs to change," says Sonali Kulkarni in the video. "Our fight is against the pandemic, not the people suffering from it," appeals Kulkarni.

Kulkarni concludes by appealing to the public that, let's not shake hands, instead let's shake off all the myths and stigma that is associated with being COVID 19 positive.

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Actor Akshay Oberoi has been on the stage, done short and feature films, as well as web series. Now, the actor is gearing up for his upcoming web series, Illegal opposite Neha Sharma and Piyush Mishra.

Akshay Oberoi has been inspired by the Suits character Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht, for his role in the upcoming web series, Illegal. The actor says he rarely gets cast to play real people. "Illegal is the closest thing to the way I actually look and sound. There are no masks to hide behind," he adds.

Trailer of the web series was released on Tuesday. The trailer suggests that this time, the tension shall be outside the courtroom too, and inside the mind and heart of a lawyer. Illegal seems to be an attempt to gaze at a lawyer's personal life and how he/she battles injustice and the lacunae of the judicial system.

Have a look right here:

Speaking about Oberoi, after making his Bollywood debut with "Isi Life Mein" in 2010, he has managed to be on different platforms. In the past, he did Ekta's web series "The Test Case" and "Hum Tum And Them". In a recent intervew, when he was asked if he had planned his career that way, the "Gurgaon" actor said: "I had planned my career to be an actor. I wanted to be an actor irrespective of the medium. I started acting when I was 16 or 17 in theatre. Then I got my first film."

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The Vizag gas leak has left Bollywood in shock, and many celebrities grief over the unfortunate situation. Praying for the victims, actor Ayushmann Khurrana wrote: "Extremely saddened to hear about the Visakhapatnam Gas Leak. Praying for everyone's safety there. Condolences to the families of the victims."

Extremely saddened to hear about the Visakhapatnam Gas Leak. Praying for everyone’s safety there. Condolences to the families of the victims.#VizagGasLeak

— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) May 7, 2020

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the news of the
#VizagGasLeak. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and praying for the speedy recovery of the ones suffering." The incident occurred on Thursday morning at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. At the last count there have been at least 11 casualties.

Deeply saddened by the news of the #VizagGasLeak. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and praying for the speedy recovery of the ones suffering. 🙏🏻

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) May 7, 2020

Actress Anushka Sharma said that her "heart goes out to the people of the city".

" Shocked to hear about the gas leak at Visakhapatnam...I pray for the well-being of all. Deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," she added.

Shocked to hear about the gas leak at Visakhapatnam. My heart goes out to the people of the city and I pray for the well-being of all. Deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) May 7, 2020

Kartik Aaryan is "disturbed" and "heartbroken".

"The news about the #VizagGasLeak is heartbreaking prayers and strength," Varun Dhawan tweeted while expressing his condolences.

Disturbed and Heartbroken #Visakhapatnam #VizagGasTragedy

— Kartik Aaryan (@TheAaryanKartik) May 7, 2020

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From Mahesh Babu to Allu Arjun, from Ram Charan to Vijay Deverakonda and Nani, several sourthern superstars offered condolences to the families affected by the unfortunate gas leak at LG Polymers in RR Venkatapuram village of Visakhapatnam on Thursday morning.

At least 10 casualties have been reported at the time of publishing, while hundreds were rushed for treatment to hospitals after complaining of breathing difficulties and burning sensation in the eyes. Reacting to the shocking news, Mahesh Babu tweeted: "Heartwrenching to hear the news of #VizagGasLeak, more so during these challenging times... Heartfelt condolences and strength to the bereaved families in this hour of need. Wishing a speedy recovery to those affected. My prayers for you... Stay safe VIZAG."

Heartwrenching to hear the news of #VizagGasLeak, more so during these challenging times... Heartfelt condolences and strength to the bereaved families in this hour of need. Wishing a speedy recovery to those affected. My prayers for you... Stay safe VIZAG.

— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) May 7, 2020

Allu Arjun too prayed for the safety and well being of the victims. "It's really heart breaking to see Vizag, which one of the most special places in my life, in such a state. I am deeply saddened by this horrific accident. Condolences to families who have lost their lives and hoping for a speedy recovery for the rest," he wrote.

It’s really heart breaking to see Vizag which one of the most special places in my life in such a state. I am deeply saddened by this horrific accident. Condolences to families who have lost their lives and hoping for a speedy recovery for the rest .

— Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) May 7, 2020

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who is known for helming the "Bahubali" franchise, is extremely disturbed by the visuals from the Vizag Gas Leak.

"Praying for the recovery of those admitted to the hospital. Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones," Rajmouli added.

Deeply disturbed by the visuals from the #VizagGasLeak. Praying for the recovery of those admitted to the hospital. Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones.

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) May 7, 2020

Actor Ram Charan is also heartbroken. "Heart breaking to see the visuals of #VizagGasLeak. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the people who are no more. I hope all necessary measures are taken to make sure the affected people recover at the earliest. My thoughts and prayers with the people of Vizag," he grieved.

Heart breaking to see the visuals of #VizagGasLeak. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the people who are no more. I hope all necessary measures are taken to make sure the affected people recover at the earliest. My thoughts and prayers with the people of Vizag. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) May 7, 2020

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With fans continuing to rave about the cute and mature love story between Anuj (Sharman Joshi) and Gauravi (Asha Negi) in ALTBalaji and ZEE5's Baarish Season 2, the show makes us fall in love with this adorable pair once again with the release of a soulful track 'Dil Ki Gullak'.

The soft melody picturized on the Jodi highlights the ups and downs of their life, with the lyrics adding to the special bond that they share. What starts off with the cute moments soon turning into the couple contemplating divorce, this track further adds to the intrigue surrounding the fate of Anuj and Gauravi in this unusual love story.

Composed by the talented Shamir Tandon, who has given music for films like Mission Istanbul and Inkar, the soul of 'Dil Ki Gullak' is in its two singers Rik Basu and Pratibha Singh Baghel who have given fans a track to cherish forever. And it's the deep and heartfelt lyrics penned by Abhinav Nagar that adds meaning to the good and bad moments that Anuj and Gauravi go through. It's a song that's certainly going to make you realize that be it happy or sad, each and every moment in a relationship comes with a certain level of maturity.

Composer Shamir Tandon quips "It always has been a pleasure to score music for Balaji. My first outing with them was Ragini MMS where we had a very intimate melodic love song. And now it's time for Baarish. The song 'Dil ki Gullak' is one of my favourite and Ekta and her team were swift to pick this beautiful Raag based composition. I'm fortunate for this opportunity to work on this Sharman Joshi starrer and to everyone who wants to listen to this simple hummable track on repeat mode."

Baarish 2 begins with Anuj and Gauravi rediscovering their bond and finding love through every challenge that life throws at them, as they dream of a future together. Things don't seem to be going as per plan as Anuj, on seeing Gauravi face humiliation and hardships, changes as a human being in his quest to guarantee her happiness forever.

Having to pay a heavy price sees Anuj lose the very charm and innocence that made Gauravi fall in love with him in the first place which makes her take a firm stand to not settle for this change. With the couple taking separate paths, it's the rain that plays cupid once again to reunite these two hearts who yearn for each other.

Stay tuned to ALTBalaji and ZEE5 app for more!

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The song Genda Phool, featuring Badshah and Jacqueline Fernandez, may have gone through its ups and downs but there's one actress that's clearly enjoying dancing on it. We are talking about the Bengali beauty Monalisa, who shot to fame with her career in Television. She is known for acting in the serial Nazar, both season 1 and 2.

The aforementioned song is set against the backdrop of the Bengali culture and since she too is a Bengali, couldn't stop herself from grooving on its pulsating beats. Taking to her Instagram account, she shared a video and danced with both oomph and elan. Also featuring in the video was her hubby and actor Vikrant Singh.

Have a look right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

“GENDA PHOOL” ❤ï¸ÂðŸ¥°.... Finally 🤷‍♀ï¸Â#myfavourite #song #gendaphool #bongconnection #lovingit #quarantinelife #havingfun #dance #stayhome #staysafe @vikrant8235

A post shared by MONALISA (@aslimonalisa) onApr 10, 2020 at 2:29am PDT

The song has fetched a staggering response on YouTube and now has even attracted the attention of Monalisa. Let's see who happens to be the next one to dance on this infectious song!

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Ishita Dutta's love for painting is not known to many. Now that shooting has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and she is indoors, she is engaging in painting.

"I am painting, sketching, watching TV and cooking a bit. It's such a bliss to be able to find time to do things that I love as we are always working. We never really get much time for ourselves or with each other," she said.

 

 

 

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So I tried making ice cream with what I had at home and it turned out pretty good.... step 1 Beat fresh cream (If u don’t have enough add little milk or almond milk n beat till it becomes thick n foamy) Step 2 Add flavour whatever u have (I added crushed Oreo, Nutella) Step 3 Freeze for 15 min take out beat again and then freeze again Repeat step 3 3-4 times Step 5 Add nuts, chocolate pieces whatever u can add for texture and mix but with spoon softly and then freeze. Do not use a beater for this step. Step 6 Keep the ice cream out for 5-10 min before serving so it’s soft n easy to serve. Enjoy 😊 Note: If you don’t have a blender like I used try with an egg beater or take a bowl and a fork freeze it and then use it to beat the cold cream.

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta) onApr 2, 2020 at 6:02am PDT

"In these difficult times, we all need to stand together by distancing ourselves from each other. We have to stay home and practice self-isolation and social distancing. People are treating this as a holiday, going out and meeting others. We have to refrain from all these activities and take this more seriously," she added.

 

 

 

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❤️❤️❤️ Note: Pic ref google. 😊

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta) onApr 3, 2020 at 6:29am PDT

Her Instagram page is full of her photos and videos in which she can be seen having a fun time with her husband Vatsal Sheth, doing yoga, painting, cooking and much more. Have a look:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Cook, paint, clean, dance, workout, do yoga, watch tv, read a book, spend time with ur family, play with your pets, write something, water ur plants here’s a list of things you can do just don’t go out please.. 🙏🙏🙏 Let’s fight this together by staying away from each other... #socialdistancing #selfisolation #fightagainstcoronavirus✌️

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta) onMar 22, 2020 at 12:39am PDT

 

 

 

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Just another day... ❤️

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta) onMar 26, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

 

 

 

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Food for my soul 🎨 ( inspired from a painting I saw online... just wanted to give credit to the painter ❤️)

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta) onMar 31, 2020 at 11:22pm PDT

She was last seen on the small screen in the show "Bepanah Pyaarr", which went off air in February.

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Veteran Gujarati actor Arvind Trivedi, who became a household name all over India playing Raavan in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, got emotional while watching the re-run of the popular mythological serial.

In a video circulating on social media, Trivedi, who is in his eighties now, is seen watching the 'Sita Apaharan' (Kidnapping of Sita) episode with great attention. The video has gone viral on the internet.

In the video, Trivedi folds his hands in the end. The scene got him very emotional, as per a report by timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Have a look:

 

 

 

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So touching. 84 year old veteran #ArvindTrivedi ji watched his #Ravana role after 30 years & seeks forgiveness from others 🙏🙏

A post shared by @ koro_na_hunter onApr 12, 2020 at 7:54am PDT

Amid the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown, the popular mythological series is being re-telecast on Doordarshan.

Ramayan aired in 1987-1988 and is created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar. The show was a television adaptation of the Indian Hindu epic of the same name.

The show was a game-changer for Indian television, hooking the nation to the show. Sunday mornings were never the same for families in India after the first episode of "Ramayan" aired on television. The impact was such that the actors associated with the show, continue to live under the shadow of their characters, with people remembering them for the roles they played in the show, which narrated the life story of Lord Ram and Sita.

The role of Ram was played by Arun Govil, Sita played by Deepika Chikhalia, Lakshman was played by Sunil Lahiri, and Hanuman by late Dara Singh. It also featured Sanjay Jog, late Vijay Arora, Sameer Rajda, late Mulraj Rajda and late Lalita Pawar.

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Actress Smriti Khanna, who is 40-weeks pregnant, has penned an emotional birthday post for her husband, actor Gautam Gupta.

'Happy birthday to my most precious gem, the light of my world and my forever love. If I did anything right in my life it was when I gave my heart to you.

"Of all years this is the one we should celebrate the most. Sure it might not be the kind of birthday you would have wished for, spending it in quarantine, but it is one we will remember. One that we will not take for granted."

She added: "I'm so grateful that your love is mine and our lives are woven together and I feel incredibly blessed to be your wife.

Smriti also shared that she "can't wait to share parenthood" with Gautam now.

Have a look:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Happy birthday to my most precious gem, the light of my world and my forever love. If I did anything right in my life it was when I gave my heart to you ❤ï¸Â Of all years this is the one we should celebrate the most. Sure it might not be the kind of birthday you would have wished for, spending it in quarantine, but it is one we will remember. One that we will not take for granted. I’m so grateful that your love is mine and our lives are woven together and I feel incredibly blessed to be your wife. I love doing life with you and can’t wait to share parenthood with you now. ILYSM baby ❤ï¸Â @mistergautam PS Sorry the birthday gift is a bit late but it’ll arrive anytime now 🍼

A post shared by Smriti Khanna (@smriti_khanna) onApr 12, 2020 at 10:39pm PDT

She also regretted not being able to deliver Gautam's birthday gift -- their baby birthday! "PS . Sorry the birthday gift is a bit late but it'll arrive anytime now," Smriti quipped.

The couple got married in 2017. They have worked together in the TV show Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi.

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