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Amazon Mega Tablet Days Sale! Get up to 50% off on tablets from OnePlus, Redmi, Motorola, Lenovo and others. technology news

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Amazon Mega Tablet Days Sale! Get up to 50% off on tablets from OnePlus, Redmi, Motorola, Lenovo and others. technology news


Are you planning to buy a tablet? If you are, now would be a good time to do so as Amazon is hosting the Amazon Mega Tablet Days sale on its platform right now. This sale promises huge discounts on the purchase of tablets from top brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Lenovo and Motorola. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance tablet to increase your productivity and help your workflow or a device to play your favorite games or a tablet for studying and entertainment, Amazon has limited-time deals for everyone.

These tablets come with bright displays and large storage space. (Amazon)

what’s more? The Amazon Mega Tablet Days sale not only promises up to 50 percent off on tablet purchases, but it also lets buyers maximize their savings by using additional banking discounts and exchange bonuses on select cards. ₹45,000. Here we have compiled a list of top tablets with maximum discounts for you. Read on to check the offer details.

Top deals on tablets on Amazon

The Realme Pad 2 comes with a large 11.5-inch display with a screen refresh rate of 120Hz and 450 nits peak brightness. This display is installed inside the metal body. For audio, it had quad speakers with Dolby Atmos. It runs Android 13-based Realme UI 4.0 and has 128GB of storage space.

Under the sale, Amazon is offering a discount of 47% on the purchase of this tablet. Buyers can maximize their savings by using credit cards and credit card EMI transactions and availing exchange bonuses ₹15,000.

Specifications

Display

11.5 inch 2K AMOLED display

storage

8GB RAM and 128GB storage

processor

MediaTek Helio G99

camera

8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Battery

8360mAh battery with 33W fast charging

connectivity

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G + LTE

reason to buy

good performance

spontaneous performance

long battery

reason to avoid

heavy to hold

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers appreciate its large display and its lag free performance. They also like its battery life

Why should you choose this product?

You should choose this product for its design and large display.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, S Pen in-box, 27.7 cm (13.1-inch) display, AI Writing, Desktop Mode, Pre-loaded Pro Apps, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, Wi-Fi tablet, Gray

our principles

full transparency

Each product is clearly listed in the review Pros and consProvides you with a balanced perspective.

brand confidence

We focus on products from such brands Proven reputation and long-term market trust.

This Samsung tablet comes with a resolution of 2880×1800 pixels and a maximum brightness of 800 nits, which is ideal for outdoor use. It comes with many useful features like expandable storage, fast charging support, and stereo speakers. What sets this tablet apart is the S-Pen stylus included in the box.

Under the sale, Amazon is offering a discount of 29% on the purchase of this tablet. Buyers can maximize their savings by using credit cards and credit card EMI transactions and availing exchange bonuses ₹42,500.

Specifications

Display

13.1 inch LCD display

storage

8GB RAM and 128GB storage

camera

13MP rear camera, 12MP front camera

reason to buy

– S-Pen in the box

– smooth display

reason to avoid

– Average battery life

– No charger included

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers like its overall performance. However, its battery life has received mixed reviews.

Why should you choose this product?

You should choose this product for its performance and large screen.

This Lenovo tablet comes with a 10.1 inch display and dual speakers with Dolby Atmos certification. This setup is installed inside the metal body frame. While it has just 128GB of storage space, it can be expanded using a microSD card. Talking about the battery, this tablet has a 5,100mAh battery which provides up to 10.5 hours of browsing and up to 9.5 hours of streaming support. Additionally, it comes with a 20W power adapter in the box.

Talking about offers, Amazon is giving a discount of 32% on the purchase of this tablet. Buyers can maximize their savings by using exchange bonuses ₹12,500 and opting for credit card and credit card EMI transactions.

Specifications

Display

10.1-inch WUXGA IPS display

storage

4GB RAM and 128GB storage

processor

MediaTek Helio G85

camera

8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Battery

5100mAh battery with 15W rapid charge support

connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

reason to buy

– display quality

– Power adapter in the box

– sound quality

reason to avoid

– Display

– battery life

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers consider it ideal for students and as an entertainment device. He also likes its display and sound. However, performance and battery life have received mixed reviews.

Why should you choose this product?

You should choose this product for its performance performance and sound.

The Motorola Pad 60 Neo comes with an 11-inch AMOLED display that offers a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. The display is coupled with quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support for audio. While it has 128GB of built-in storage space, it can be further expanded using a microSD card with up to 2TB of space. Additionally, it comes with a stylus, the Moto Pen, which comes inside the box.

As far as offers are concerned, Amazon is giving a discount of 38% on the purchase of this tablet. Buyers can avail higher discounts if they opt for credit card and credit card EMI transactions. Even Amazon is offering exchange bonus ₹Rs 19,000 on purchase of this tablet.

Specifications

Display

11 inch AMOLED display

storage

8GB RAM and 128GB storage

processor

MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G

camera

13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera

Battery

5100mAh battery with 15W rapid charge support

reason to buy

– Display

– battery life

– moto pen

reason to avoid

– Display

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find this tablet ideal as an entertainment device and love its display. However, its performance has received mixed reviews.

Why should you choose this product?

You should choose this product for its display and stylus.

The massive 12.1-inch display of the Redmi Pad 2 Pro comes with Dolby Vision support and TUV Rhineland triple certification. The display is coupled with quad stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for audio. It runs Android 15-based HyperOS 2 and comes with expandable storage space up to 2TB. It comes with a large 12,000mAh battery with fast charging and wired reverse charging support. This battery can last for about two days on a single charge. Additionally, this tablet supports Redmi Smart Pen and Redmi Pad 2 Pro keyboard.

Talking about offers, Redmi Pad 2 is available on Amazon with a discount of 17%. Buyers can avail up to banking discounts and exchange bonus ₹24,000 more to save.

Specifications

Display

12.1 inch 2.5K LCD display

storage

8GB RAM and 128GB storage

processor

Snapdragon 7S Generation 4

camera

8MP rear camera, 8MP front camera

Battery

12000mAh battery with 33W fast charge support

connectivity

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth

reason to buy

– sound quality

– Display

– value for money

reason to avoid

– No SIM card slot

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find this tablet ideal for students and entertainment. They appreciate that it provides lag-free performance.

Why should you choose this product?

You should choose this product for its large battery and Gemini integration.

The OnePlus Pad Go sports an 11.4-inch 2.4K display and has quad speakers with Dolby Atmos. It runs OxygenOS 13.2 and comes with 128GB of storage space. This storage space can be further expanded using a microSD card of up to 1TB of storage space. Talking about offer details, this tablet is available on Amazon with a discount of 10%. Buyers can avail up to banking discounts and exchange bonus ₹17,000 to maximize savings.

Specifications

Display

11.4 inch 2.4K LCD display

storage

8GB RAM and 128GB storage

processor

MediaTek Helio G99

camera

8MP rear camera, 8MP front camera

Battery

8,000mAh battery with 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging

connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

reason to buy

– sound quality

– display quality

– battery life

reason to avoid

– Display

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers love its crisp display, sound quality and battery life. However, some people have reported lag when using the device.

Why should you choose this product?

You should choose this product for its sound quality and battery life.

Top three features of the best tablets in India

Name Display storage connectivity
realme pad 2 11.5 inch 2K AMOLED display 8GB RAM and 128GB storage Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G + LTE
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1 inch LCD display 8GB RAM and 128GB storage wifi
lenovo tab 10.1-inch WUXGA IPS display 4GB RAM and 128GB storage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
motorola pad 60 neo 11 inch AMOLED display 8GB RAM and 128GB storage Wi-Fi, 5G
redmi pad 2 pro 12.1 inch 2.5K LCD display 8GB RAM and 128GB storage Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
oneplus pad go 11.4 inch 2.4K LCD display 8GB RAM and 128GB storage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.


Emily Osment reveals why she skipped Hannah Montana`s 20-year reunion special

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Emily Osment reveals why she skipped Hannah Montana`s 20-year reunion special



Emily Osment reveals why she skipped Hannah Montana`s 20-year reunion special

Disney`s popular show Hannah Montana completes 20 years today. To mark the milestone, the makers brought the cast together, including lead actress Miley Cyrus, for a special reunion episode. The show will air on March 24, 2026. However, actress Emily Osment, who played Miley’s best friend Lily on the show, will be missing from the reunion episode.

Emily Osment on skipping HM anniversary special

A day before the reunion special, Emily Osment shared a video explaining why she will not be seen in the special episode. The actress shot the video from the sets of her show Georgie & Mandy`s First Marriage, which she is currently filming. The video also features her co-star Montana Jordan, who plays Georgie. The show is a spin-off of Young Sheldon, which itself is a spin-off of The Big Bang Theory.

In the video, Emily is seen interacting with Montana Jordan about Hannah Montana and how it has been 20 years since the show premiered. She explained that she couldn’t attend the reunion special as she was busy shooting for Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. She also thanked the audience for the love showered on the show through the years and for making it what it is today.

Along with the video, Emily wrote in the caption: “Hannah Montana changed my life. It gave me a lifelong respect for this medium of comedy. It taught me discipline, patience, timing, and respect while working in an adult space at such a young age. I’ve met thousands of HM fans over the years — fans that now have children watching this show and fans that literally work beside me every day, like Montana. He’s seen every episode, don’t be fooled. I can’t tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been a part of this once-in-a-generation goliath of a television show. Thank you for letting me into your living rooms, and I hope to still be there many years from now. I would never be where I am without you guys, now working on another beautiful show I love so dearly. With all my heart, THANK YOU!”

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Emily Osment (@emilyosment)

About Hannah Montana

Hannah Montana originally premiered in 2006 and ran for four seasons until 2011. The show received immense love from audiences, becoming a fan favourite among kids and teenagers. It also earned four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children’s Program.

The series followed the story of Miley Stewart — a teenager from Malibu, California — who secretly lived a double life as the famous pop singer Hannah Montana. The show also spawned a film titled Hannah Montana: The Movie, which was released in theatres in April 2009.

Besides Miley Cyrus, the show also featured Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Earles, and Moisés Arias.

Meanwhile, Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary Special will premiere on March 24, 2026, and stream on Disney+.




HSBC’s Rahul Badhwar appointed JP Morgan India chief

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HSBC’s Rahul Badhwar appointed JP Morgan India chief


HSBC's Rahul Badhwar appointed JP Morgan India chief

MUMBAI: J.P. Morgan has appointed Rahul Badhwar as senior country officer for India, filling a key leadership gap after months without a dedicated head in one of its fastest-growing markets.Badhwar will start in July 2026, be based in Mumbai, and report to Sjoerd Leenart, CEO Asia Pacific. He will also join the Asia Pacific management committee. In an email to employees, Leenart said India is a critical market for the bank’s Asia Pacific franchise, and that Badhwar will drive and execute growth strategy, strengthen governance and controls, and help bring the full firm to clients and stakeholders.Badhwar joins from HSBC after three decades in sales and trading roles, most recently as global head of corporate sales, markets and securities services. He began his career in India in global markets and has since worked in Dubai, Hong Kong, and London, building cross-product solutions for corporate and institutional clients and leading high-performing teams.The appointment follows the exit of Kaustubh Kulkarni earlier in 2026, who moved to Citi as head of its India corporate bank. Kulkarni had led the bank’s India operations since 2021, overseeing expansion amid rising deal activity and regulatory shifts. His departure left the bank without a dedicated India head for several months, with an interim management team steering operations through a busy phase of mergers and acquisitions and capital markets deals.In the email, Leenart said the India management team had shown leadership and strong contributions in recent months, and said he looked forward to their continued partnership as the bank expands its business in the country.


‘Ricky Ponting takes a lot of load off Shreyas Iyer’: Ashwin breaks down Punjab Kings’ resurgence under Aussie great

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‘Ricky Ponting takes a lot of load off Shreyas Iyer’: Ashwin breaks down Punjab Kings’ resurgence under Aussie great


Punjab Kings remain one of the two sides yet to lift an Indian Premier League trophy, alongside Delhi Capitals, and that wait has only added to the pressure over the years. The franchise has often made questionable calls around retention and auctions, reflecting that desperation. However, things began to settle last season with Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain and Ricky Ponting stepping in as head coach. Punjab showed clear signs of progress, putting together a strong campaign to reach the IPL 2025 final, where they eventually fell short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Iyer–Ponting partnership brought a sense of direction and stability, and the camp will be hoping that the same combination can build on that momentum in the upcoming season.

Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting duo has worked well for Punjab Kings last season. (PTI)
Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting duo has worked well for Punjab Kings last season. (PTI)

Former Punjab Kings skipper Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the strong dynamic between Shreyas and Ponting, noting that the trust and understanding between the captain and coach have helped ease the leadership burden in their setup.

“Shreyas Iyer is slightly chilled, he loves to take inputs from Ricky Ponting. He listens. It’s almost like they have a very good elder-brother, younger-brother kind of relationship. Where Shreyas knows that Ricky has his back, Ricky always does good recruitment, manages the team well, and manages ownership well. It takes a lot of load off Shreyas, allowing him not only to focus on his batting but also to lead in a relaxed, outward-facing way. We can see that, so I think they are a good combination,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read – Why the auction craze for Rishabh Pant? Faf du Plessis calls out LSG skipper’s inconsistency: ‘Can get out anytime’

“Ricky Ponting stays till the last moment”

PBKS played some quality cricket last season, beating Mumbai Indians to secure a place in the final, with Shreyas Iyer leading from the front and Ricky Ponting nurturing young talent, though they ultimately fell short in the big finale.

Ashwin also shed light on Ponting’s hands-on approach, emphasising how the head coach remains deeply involved in training sessions and ensures that every player in the Punjab Kings squad gets equal attention and support.

“He (Ponting) always stays in the nets until the very end. Even for the last batsman in the team, the one at the end of the squad, who, as you know, rarely gets a chance, he gives them time. Ricky Ponting doesn’t leave, he stays till the last moment and makes sure they are properly facilitated,” he added.


Dhurandhar 2 controversy: R Madhavan reacts to Sikh community`s complaint

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Dhurandhar 2 controversy: R Madhavan reacts to Sikh community`s complaint



Dhurandhar 2 controversy: R Madhavan reacts to Sikh community`s complaint

While Aditya Dhar`s Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is a huge success at the box office, the makers ruffled some feathers with one of the scenes where R Madhavan recites a verse from the Gurbani while smoking a cigarette. Members of the Sikh Community filed a complaint against the makers alleging hurting religious sentiments with the scene. Now, actor R Madhavan who was a part of the scene has issued a clarification on the matter, saying that they did not wish to hurt any sentiments with the scene. 

R Madhavan issues clarification on Gurbani scene

R Madhavan who plays Ajay Sanyal in the film stated that he might have had the cigarette at the beginning of the scene, but he had properly put it out way before speaking his lines.

“This is a misunderstanding. Because I am sure that during this scene, before saying this line, Aditya Dhar Ji, who takes care of all these things more than me, had told me that while saying this line, you should not smoke and there will be no smoke coming out of your mouth, nor will there be any smoke on the screen, nor will there be a cigarette in your hand because this is very pure and sacred for us.”

Madhavan said that they have immense respect for the Sikh community.

“Before every film`s release, I go to the Golden Temple. Everyone knows this. So, believe me. We had no intention of hurting anyone.”

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy)

`There was no smoke`: R Madhavan

Explaining the scene in question in his own words, Madhavan continued, “In the beginning of the scene, it is possible that I had a cigarette in my hand. But after that, when the scene starts and the rest of the people speak, I properly put out the cigarette.

And long before my line came, there was no smoke in the scene. Nor is there a sign of a cigarette till the end of the scene.”

He concluded the post by apologizing if they knowingly or unknowingly ended up hurting someone.

A formal police complaint has also been lodged in Mumbai over the alleged disrespect towards Sikh religious sentiments by the makers of “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge”. 

(with inputs from IANS)




Excerpt: Madeira; India’s forgotten spirits and the cocktail revival

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Excerpt: Madeira; India’s forgotten spirits and the cocktail revival


The story begins not with the crunch of snow or the splash of spirits, but with silence – the quiet absence of something precious. It begins with what was once celebrated and then suppressed, cherished and then almost forgotten. Before shaking and stirring cocktails, Indian drinking was ceremonial – deeply rooted in ritual, identity and reverence. Our spirits were not mere beverages; Those were the calls. They had a sense of memory, heritage and belonging.

“Generation after generation, we learned to look down on our spirits. Mahua became the ‘drink of the poor’. Feni was relegated to holiday souvenirs. Arak was pushed into the shadows.” Not anymore. (Shutterstock)
316pp, ₹695; Rupa Publications

This chapter revisits that silence, retraces the journey from glory to extinction, and lays the foundation for revival. To truly appreciate what we are rediscovering, we must first remember the time when whiskey touched our shores.

Once upon a time, there was no whiskey

Long before imported liquor arrived in mixer-lined bars and crates, India spoke a distinct drinking language – distinctly regional, deeply ritualized and quietly reassuring.

In royal courts, the drink dipped in saffron was poured from silver cups, indicating status and sophistication. On the southern coasts, fresh toddy was taken out at dawn, passed from hand to hand with the easy intimacy of village gossip. In tribal areas, flowers, fruits and grains are fermented silently without recipes, guided only by intuition.

In Arunachal, rice beer was not just a drink; It marked the celebrations of life. In Odisha, fermented wine honored the seasonal harvest and connected the community deeply to the land. And in Chhattisgarh, Mahua was not just a soul – it was sustenance, devotion, livelihood and song.

We were never casual drinkers. Our traditions were intentional, layered, and inventive. Every beverage has meaning, context and cultural pride. They were not objects; They were community offerings – each presenting an act of storytelling.

the great extinction

Then came the British – and with them, a new gospel: If it wasn’t bottled in Europe, it wasn’t drinkable. He didn’t just import souls, he imported judgment too. Local brewers were criminalized, taxed, and banned. Indigenous furnaces were closed. Toddy tappers became criminals. What was once sacred was now ‘illegal’.

Over generations, we have learned to despise our souls. Mahua became the ‘drink of the poor’. Feeny was reduced to holiday souvenirs. Arak was pushed into the shadows.

In their place came Scotch, gin and rum – symbols of sophistication. We weren’t just robbed of our drinks – we were robbed of our pride in drinking.

Comeback: A Cocktail Renaissance

History moves in cycles, and ultimately, it brings us home.

Today, India is experiencing a quiet but powerful renaissance – reclaiming the cocktail culture that was always ours. From the stylish backyards of Bandra to the hidden speakeasies of Goa, a new generation of bartenders and drinkers are rediscovering the spirits that were once pushed aside.

Mahua is now being cold-distilled and elegantly bottled like a fine fragrance. Goa Feni ages beautifully in teak casks, making its way into sophisticated Negronis. Ingredients that were once dismissed as merely ‘local’ – Gondhraaj lemon, kokum, basil, jaggery, tamarind – have become the soulful heart of modern Indian cocktails.

We are no longer looking outside for inspiration. We are defining our tradition, creating a uniquely Indian cocktail canon – rich in heritage, daring in creativity, and authentic in every way.

It could be Dattana’s Deccan Spice Negroni! (Shutterstock)

why this book now

Madeira Cocktails are more than a collection of recipes; It is a living document of revival.

Think of it as part drinker’s diary, part cultural exploration, and completely a celebration of the senses. Inside, you’ll find temple offerings, roadside stalls, royal kitchens, hidden forests and cocktails inspired by festive celebrations. Each recipe is a gateway to an experience – some deeply personal, others meticulously researched, many witnessed firsthand, and some happily imagined.

Yet every cocktail in these pages is bound by the same conviction: India’s indigenous spirits deserve to be recognised, respected and rediscovered.

…So, here’s everything we once overlooked: fermented, forgotten, flavored…

Deccan Spice Negroni

Stubborn Spirit of the South

Story: Dattanna’s Glass, Dattanna’s Laws

Even at the age of 80, Dattanna used to drink alcohol.

Not casually. Not socially. Just one drink. every evening. Same glass. Same chair. Same critical look at anyone who dared to suggest light beer.

It wasn’t about the alcohol. It was about ritual.

His drink of choice? A Negroni – well, kind of. He tweaked it decades ago, using dried kokum from a backyard tree in place of foreign bitters and mixing gin with the cinnamon bark his late wife used to add to her Sunday biryani.

The family called him stubborn. He called it a legacy.

‘It stops me from being British inside,’ he mutters, swirling a dark red concoction in a glass older than most of his grandchildren.

Every year, they tried to change it.

‘Appa, try this new low-ABV spirit.’ ‘No, Thatha, we got you this fancy Japanese whiskey.’

‘This year, no drinking – doctor’s orders!’

And every year, he would nod politely, listen patiently, and at exactly 6:45, pour himself a Deccan Spice Negroni.

Kokum fruit grows in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. (Shutterstock)

One part gin, one part kokum-syrup vermouth, one part bitter spirits he declined to name.

He shook it without any fuss, without a shaker, without garnish. Just a piece of dried kokum buried beneath like a secret he was unwilling to tell.

At Diwali celebrations, someone would always try to impress him with a ‘Smoked Margarita’ or a ‘Desi Old-Fashioned’.

He had to take a sip, moan and mutter:

‘This is all drama. ‘Real drink has bite.’

And that’s what the Deccan Spice Negroni was – spicy, complex, earthy. Like its creator.

When he passed, they found a notebook under his cot. Four pages were blank. There was only one thing in the fifth:

1. Take the one who is foreign.

2. Add what’s yours.

3. Be proud.

Now, every year, on his birthday, the family makes a batch. Some people still turn up their noses at Kokum. But they drink it anyway.

Because it doesn’t matter what they believe in –

Everyone agrees: Dattanna was right about gin.

What makes this cocktail special?

Dried Kokum: A bold, spicy twist that replaces the sour and bitter flavors with Deccan soul

Cinnamon Gin: Hot, Spicy, and Tastes Just Like a Memory

Indian Sweet Vermouth: Mixed with kokum syrup or tamarind mixture

Unapologetically Red: Something as bold as Dattanna’s opinion

Shaken, never shaken: Because that’s how rebels roll

Material

(Bold, spicy and full of heritage)

• 30 ml cinnamon gin

• 30 ml kokum-spicy sweet vermouth

• 30 ml Campari (or Indian bitter liqueur)

• Ice – cubed, not crushed crap

• Garnish: dried kokum piece or cinnamon stick

how to make it

(old school, always)

1. Combine gin, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass.

2. Add ice and stir slowly – no rush, no fuss.

3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.

4. Add a piece of dried kokum at the bottom. give it a rest

Like the intelligence of Dattanna.

5. Sip slowly. Argue fast.

last sip

This is not your mixologist’s Negroni. It is fire and bark, fruit and fight. A cocktail that doesn’t care about fads – only the roots. One sip, and you’ll understand why some men never change.

*******

Mishti Prerna (Shutterstock)

Gulab Jamun Rum Float

Sweet Sin in Crystal Glass

Story: Heritage, wine and a little floating rebellion

This shop was there for 86 years.

Located in a narrow alley in North Kolkata, just a few lanes down from College Street, it needed no signage. The smell of hot sherbet and cardamom was his own GPS.

‘Mukherjee Mishtir Dokan’ was famous for two things: its saffron-infused gulab jamuns and its unwavering refusal to modernise.

That is – until Arindam came home.

Fresh from a mixology course in Singapore and bearing a very un-Bengali tattoo of a liver on his wrist, Arindam was the third-generation heir to the shop. But unlike his father and grandfather, he saw Chineseness not as a tradition – but as a potential.

One night, after helping close the shop, Arindam stayed there.

The kitchen was quiet. The brass sherbet pot is still hot. He took a ladle of rose-cardamom syrup, added a pinch of cloves and cinnamon sticks, and poured it over a base of dark, oak-aged Indian rum. Then – because he couldn’t stop himself – he poured a small gulab jamun into the glass.

It looked ridiculous. It seemed rebellious.

It seemed perfect.

As he moved towards the bar spoon, the old wooden door creaked open.

His father was standing there. Yawning in a kurta.

They made eye contact. silence.

Then, Arindam gave him the glass.

His father took a long sip. Let it sit.

Then he bit his lips, looked at the berries bouncing like the moon in jaggery and said:

‘Not bad, son. Just…don’t serve it to Grandfather.

Arindam laughed. He knew that his grandfather would call it sacrilege. Or worse – ‘fusion’.

But as his father raised the second glass, he winked and said:

‘Relax, Baba. I will feed sugar-free food to Dadu.

His father laughed – because everyone knew Dadu hated anything sugar-free. But for the first time, amidst the slow heat of syrup, spices and rum –

Arindam’s Mishti Cocktail didn’t feel like a rebellion. It felt like Inheritance – just shaken differently.

What makes this cocktail special?

Mini Gulab Jamun: No decoration. Focal point.

Indian Dark Rum: Bold, oak-aged, and caramel-kissed

Rose-Cardamom Syrup: Sweet memories, full of heritage

Clove and Cinnamon Bitters: Adds depth and whisper

of summer

Syrup from Mishti Traditions: exalted, not erased

Material

(Bold, Sweet and Bengali-Boozy)

• 45 ml Indian dark rum

• 20 ml rose-cardamom syrup

• 2 teaspoons bitter cloves and cinnamon

• 1 mini gulab jamun

• Ice – one big cube

• Garnish: None. let the berries float like the moon

how to make it

(Late Night Legacy Edition)

1. Mix rum, rose syrup together in a mixing glass.

And gets bitter with a big ice cube.

2. Strain into a lowball or coupe glass.

3. Gently float a small gulab jamun on top.

4. Don’t overdo the decorations. This drink already has one

Story.

5. Drink slowly, sip by sip. Let the syrup melt down the center line

Tradition and twist.

last sip

This is not sweet. This is a disruption.

A Mishti became Mixology.

A cocktail that says: You can respect tradition –

Even when you put something new on top of it.

Parag A Shastri is a storyteller and spirits strategist with a keen interest in mixology and the diverse drinking cultures of India. He is the author of Madeira, India’s Forgotten Spirits, and the Cocktail Revival.


‘Why such a big craze over Rishabh?’: Ex-IPL star baffled by Pant’s Rs 27.5cr price tag | Cricket News

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‘Why such a big craze over Rishabh?’: Ex-IPL star baffled by Pant’s Rs 27.5cr price tag | Cricket News


‘Why such a big craze over Rishabh?’: Ex-IPL star baffled by Pant's Rs 27.5cr price tag
Rishabh Pant (Photo by PTI)

NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant’s performances and massive IPL price tag have come under scrutiny after a disappointing season last time, where he struggled for consistency as the team missed the playoffs. The wicketkeeper-batter, bought for a record Rs 27.50 crore, is now being urged to rethink his approach as he aims for a comeback in India’s white-ball setup.Speaking on Star Sports, former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis criticised Pant’s lack of a clear game plan, saying, “Even in his method in Test cricket, it looks all over the place.

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Gujarat Titans confident ahead of IPL 2026: ‘We’re here to win, not participate’

“But there must be something in his head that says this is the blueprint I want to play with in Test cricket. It’s the same in T20 cricket. Just figuring out what your game plan looks like to give yourself the best chance of not being a 1 or 2 out of 10 player and instead be a 60 to 70% player, where you can have consistency.”He added that Pant seems overwhelmed by too many shot options: “It boils down to him having too many options in his head. It feels like he can score a six off every ball… But you still need a method even for T20 batting… with Pant, you feel like he’s always on the edge.”Du Plessis also questioned Pant’s huge auction value despite modest T20 numbers. He added, “You look at players like Pant in the auction and ask why there is such a big craze over someone like him… If you look at his T20 numbers, it’s not that great. So why is there such an obsession with him?” Pant scored just 269 runs last season at an average of 24.45, his lowest in IPL history, raising concerns about whether he has lived up to expectations.


Mukesh Chhabra reveals how he found Atiq Ahmed and Nawaz Sharif lookalikes for Dhurandhar 2, reacts to memes | Interview

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Mukesh Chhabra reveals how he found Atiq Ahmed and Nawaz Sharif lookalikes for Dhurandhar 2, reacts to memes | Interview


Ever since Dhurandhar 2 released in theatres last week, the discussion is as much about Aditya Dhar‘s ‘detailing’ and Ranveer Singh’s performance as it is about the support cast. Some of the actors playing characters inspired by real figures are dead ringers for those figures. So much so that there are theories that AI was involved. We spoke to casting director Mukesh Chhabra about what went into casting these roles and his process for the two blockbusters.

Mukesh Chhabra is the casting director of Dhurandhar.
Mukesh Chhabra is the casting director of Dhurandhar.

Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2 were shot back-to-back in 2024-25, with Mukesh and his team casting over 300 roles. While the main cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Rakesh Bedi, has earned acclaim, the supporting cast has been praised for its resemblance to the roles they play. Actors playing roles inspired by ISI financier Javed Khanani, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, and UP gangster Atiq Ahmed have befuddled audiences with their resemblance.

Mukesh Chhabra on Dhurandhar’s casting

When we tell the casting director about memes claiming the real Nawaz Sharif was hired to play ‘Nawab Shafiq’ in the film, he laughs it off. But he does call it ‘high praise’.

Talking about how he and his team balanced between looking for actors who resembled the characters and finding solid performers, Mukesh says, “It depends on the role. In some roles, I went for physical appearance. But for others, I needed a great performer, and then we could make them look like the character. For instance, with Atif Ahmed, I wanted him to look like Atiq Ahmed. Of course, he also needed to act. So, it had to be a mix and match of both. Then, I knew (Danish Pandor, who plays) Uzair Baloch is a great actor, and you can create his look accordingly. There, we needed a good actor first.”

The veteran casting director also credits the film’s hair and makeup artist, Preetisheel Singh, for the actors’ transformations. “Preetisheel also did a great job with the hair and makeup and how she transformed those actors into the characters,” he says.

‘Praise makes me happy for casting community’

The two Dhurandhar films have brought renewed focus to casting in India, a hardly discussed aspect of filmmaking. Talking about the winds of change, Mukesh Chhabra says, “I have been casting for the last 20 years. I see the way people are now taking this job seriously and giving it a lot of love, and that makes me happy for the whole community. Not just for myself, I am also happy for Shanoo (Sharma), Karan & Nandini, Casting Bay, and my entire community. The system had been in place, and the work is finally paying off.”

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy in Pakistan. The first film, which also starred Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, grossed ₹1300 crore worldwide. The sequel, which released last week, has already grossed ₹850 crore worldwide. The two films also star Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, and Danish Pandore in pivotal roles.


Dhurandhar 2's 'Rizwan' Mustafa Ahmed pens emotional note for Ranveer Singh: ‘I will always have your back’

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Dhurandhar 2's 'Rizwan' Mustafa Ahmed pens emotional note for Ranveer Singh: ‘I will always have your back’


Dhurandhar 2 has set the box office on fire over the last few days, shattering records one after another. The spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh has received praise from viewers and celebrities alike. The film has also proved to be a breakout role for many actors who played supporting roles in the film.

Mustafa and Ranveer Singh in a still from Dhurandhar The Revenge.
Mustafa and Ranveer Singh in a still from Dhurandhar The Revenge.

Actor Mustafa Ahmed, who played Rizwan, the loyal aide to Ranveer Singh’s Hamza in the film, has also been singled out for praise. Mustafa, who has been training Ranveer for many years and has seen the actor’s dedication to the film, took to his Instagram on Tuesday to pen a heartfelt note. (Also read: ₹547 crore to beat Pathaan”>Dhurandhar 2 box office collection day 6 (updated live): Ranveer’s juggernaut rolls on, mints ₹547 crore to beat Pathaan)

What Mustafa wrote for Ranveer

Mustafa shared a still from the film, where he was seen beside Ranveer. A second picture was taken a few years ago, showing Ranveer training in the gym with him. In the caption, Mustafa began, “Dhurandhar was 2 yrs in the making. But Hamza and Rizwan are decade-old comrades. With you, it’s always been just picking up from where we left. So many conversations unrelated to work but more to life.”

‘Whether it’s Mustafa or Rizwan, I will always have your back’

He continued, “Times where we spoke without words. It can safely be said that we both can communicate telepathically. And I guess that’s what worked so smoothly on screen. It’s the proof that actions can be louder than words. And boy have we made some noise. Whether it’s Mustafa or Rizwan, I will always have your back. You know it. And now I guess the world knows it too. To Dhurandhar and Beyond- Rizwan AKA Mustafa.”

About Dhurandhar 2

The first film showed Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy who infiltrates gangs in Lyari to eliminate a terror network targeting India while also climbing the power ladder within Pakistan’s underworld. It revolved around covert intelligence operations in the background of geopolitical and terror events like the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament Attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The sequel showed how he was trained to become Hamza Ali Mazari. It also takes the story forward, showing him taking control of the power dynamics in Lyari while working to dismantle a terror network in Pakistan that threatens India. The film also featured an intense face-off between Arjun Rampal and Ranveer. Dhurandhar 2 also stars R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, Danish Pandor and Sanjay Dutt.


Adviser questions US justification for war on Iran | US-Israel war on Iran

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Adviser questions US justification for war on Iran | US-Israel war on Iran


Quotable

Senior Adviser with the US Program at International Crisis Group, Brian Finucane, says US intelligence failed to substantiate claims of an ‘imminent threat’ from Iran, with no public evidence it posed an immediate danger or had nuclear weapons.