Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the role of Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians, stating that the veteran opener should remain involved for the entire duration of a match rather than being utilised only as an Impact Player in the Indian Premier League.Sharing his views, the former India opener said that if Rohit is fully fit, it would be more logical for him to take part in the game from start to finish instead of appearing solely as a batting substitute. According to Chopra, limiting a player of Rohit’s calibre to just a few overs with the bat does not maximise his overall contribution to the team.“Logically, if you are fit, you should play the whole game and not be substituted. Especially when you are batting second, you shouldn’t come in as an impact player. An opener is not used to watching 20 overs of the match from the dugout,” Chopra told Jio Hotstar.Chopra further explained that opening batters generally prepare for a match by staying involved in the game from the beginning, which helps them get into the right mindset before heading out to bat.“Opening batters are used to staying on the field, preparing accordingly and then hitting the ground running. Rohit Sharma is the fittest, meanest and maybe the strongest at this point in time, so he should be on the ground for all 40 overs. That’s actually how Mumbai Indians will be able to make full use of Rohit Sharma,” he added.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also shared a similar opinion, suggesting that Rohit’s experience and leadership qualities make him far too valuable to be restricted to a substitute role. He emphasised that Rohit’s presence on the field could prove crucial for captain Hardik Pandya, especially during pressure situations.“Rohit Sharma has been used as the 12th man who just bats, but I feel that the kind of leader he has been, a player like him should be on the field. In tough matches, when you need to take certain calls, when a captain sometimes needs a shoulder to lean on, Rohit Sharma can do that for Hardik Pandya,” Harbhajan said.Rohit, who led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles during his captaincy stint, was frequently used as an Impact Player by the franchise during the 2025 season. The move had sparked debate among fans at the time.The seasoned opener endured a difficult campaign last year, managing only 240 runs across the tournament. As the new season approaches, Rohit will be keen to turn things around and make a stronger impact with the bat.
Actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, in Mumbai following a long battle with cancer. The actor belonged to the renowned and artistically rich Kapoor family, which has dominated the film industry for decades. According to a report, the Kapoor family has taken the legal route and copyrighted Rishi Kapoor’s name to prevent any misuse.
Rishi Kapoor`s name secured by family
According to a report in India Today, the Kapoor family has obtained permission to copyright the actor’s name, ensuring that any individual or entity seeking to use “Rishi Kapoor” in a professional, commercial, or public capacity would require prior permission from the family.
A reliable source said, “As per the copyright, anyone wanting to use the name Rishi Kapoor or mention it in any capacity would need prior permission from the family.” The move, the source added, was primarily undertaken to ensure that the late actor’s name and legacy are not misused after his death.
Several public figures, including actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, and podcaster Raj Shamani had earlier approached the high court seeking protection of their personality and publicity rights. The court granted them interim relief.
In recent years, many high-profile celebrities and public figures have taken legal steps to safeguard their names, likenesses and intellectual property tied to their legacy. These measures are typically aimed at preventing unauthorised commercial use, such as merchandising, brand tie-ups or projects that attempt to profit from their identity without permission.
About Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor was one of the most celebrated actors in Hindi cinema, known for his romantic charm, versatility and long-lasting presence in the film industry. Born into the legendary Kapoor family, he made his debut as a child artist in Mera Naam Joker, directed by his father Raj Kapoor. He later rose to fame as a leading man with Bobby, which established him as a romantic star of the 1970s and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Over the decades, Rishi Kapoor appeared in more than 150 films, including hits like Karz, Chandni and Amar Akbar Anthony. In later years, he reinvented himself with character roles in films such as Agneepath and Kapoor & Sons.
The veteran actor passed away on April 30, 2020, in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with Leukemia. His death marked the end of an era in Bollywood, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy spanning nearly five decades.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s wait to return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to stretch at least a little longer, with March 16 now shaping up as the next key date in the venue’s path back to hosting IPL 2026 matches. The Karnataka government’s Expert Committee met representatives of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, RCB, and their operational agencies on Friday to assess the ground’s readiness, marking another significant checkpoint in a process that has been under far greater scrutiny than a routine pre-season clearance.
An aerial view of M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI)
The scrutiny is impossible to separate from what happened last year. Chinnaswamy has not hosted a match since the stampede during RCB’s title celebrations on June 4, an incident that claimed 11 lives and cast a long shadow over match operations in Bengaluru. Since then, any discussion around the venue’s return has carried a larger question: not only whether the stadium is ready, but whether the entire ecosystem around it is equipped to handle the scale and pressure of an IPL fixture safely.
In a statement after Friday’s meeting, KSCA said: “During the meeting, KSCA made a detailed presentation on the infrastructural upgradations/arrangements and safety measures undertaken at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in line with the recommendations of the Expert Committee that are to be implemented under Phase-I of the compliance framework.”
That line in the statement shows that this is no longer about broad approval in principle. The process has clearly moved into a more technical stage, where the emphasis is on whether the first phase of the required compliance measures has actually been put in place, both inside the stadium and around it.
KSCA also said, “Representatives of RCB and their associated operational agencies also presented their preparedness and operational plans for smooth and orderly conduct of the upcoming OPL matches.”
That is an important detail because it widens the focus beyond the renovation or physical upgrades. The authorities are clearly examining operational readiness too – crowd movement, access systems, coordination between agencies, and the overall management structure required to host matches without disorder. In a venue as high-profile and as densely packed as Chinnaswamy, that part may matter just as much as the infrastructure itself.
KSCA had earlier received a conditional nod from the Karnataka government in January to resume hosting IPL and international fixtures, before formal clearance followed in February. Even so, the latest meeting suggests the return is being treated as a phased and monitored exercise rather than a simple reopening.
For RCB, the outcome matters enormously. If Chinnaswamy is cleared, the defending champions are expected to play five of their seven home matches there, with the remaining two scheduled in Raipur. But for now, Bengaluru’s return remains tied to one more crucial update, with March 16 likely to offer the clearest signal yet on whether IPL cricket can return to one of its most iconic venues.
New Delhi, “Dhurandhar” director Aditya Dhar said he feels overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the faith the audience has shown in his work over the years.
My heart is full: Aditya Dhar expresses gratitude to audience
Dhar, who is gearing up for the release of his film “Dhurandhar The Revenge”, celebrated his 43rd birthday on Thursday and shared a post on his Instagram handle, in which he expressed gratitude to his team and fans.
“As I spend my birthday adding the final touches on ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, I find myself pausing for a moment and looking back at the phenomenal year that has gone by,” he wrote.
“Sitting here today, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, for the journey, for the team who has always walked beside me, and for the faith so many of you have shown in my work over the years, he added.
The director said his “heart is full” and the trust of the audience means everything.”Reading all your messages, tweets, stories, and all the peak detailing by Aditya Dhar memes, my heart is full. I wish I could personally respond to each one of you, but please know how deeply I value all your love and encouragement.”
“None of this is something I take for granted. In an industry where nothing is guaranteed and every film is a leap of faith, the trust of the audience means everything…If this year has taught me anything, it is to never lose belief in your dreams, however big they might be. Show up with honesty. Give your work everything you have. And the universe will respond. Trust that every small step and every struggle is slowly leading us exactly where we are meant to be,” he said.
Dhar’s “Dhurandhar” released in December 2025 and went on to cross over ₹1000 crore at the box office. Featuring Ranveer Singh alongside R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi, the film followed covert intelligence operations set against a backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like the Kandahar plane hijack, 2001 Parliament Attack and 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Presented by Jio Studios and produced by B62 Studios, “Dhurandhar The Revenge” will release in five languages, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam on March 19.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes it would be extremely difficult for the Chennai Super Kings team management to leave MS Dhoni out of the playing XI in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.Dhoni is set to return for Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 campaign, with franchise CEO Kasi Viswanath already confirming that the veteran will be available for the entire tournament. However, the exact role he will play during matches is yet to be finalised. According to Viswanath, the decision will be taken by the team management, who will decide whether Dhoni features as the wicketkeeper or is used as an impact player depending on the match situation.The 44-year-old had a relatively quiet season in IPL 2025 season, scoring 196 runs from 14 matches. Batting mostly in the lower order, Dhoni averaged 24.50 and maintained a strike rate of 135.17 while often coming in during the closing stages of the innings to provide quick runs.Despite questions around his role, Badrinath feels the management would find it almost impossible to bench the legendary captain given the stature he holds within the franchise. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former CSK batter suggested that even head coach Stephen Fleming may not be in a position to make such a call.“I don’t know if it is an administrative decision where he (CSK CEO) said that he (Dhoni) is ready to play all matches. He said that he would support the cricketing decision and stop. Now, will Fleming go and tell Dhoni that you don’t play this match, we are dropping you. I don’t think Fleming has a chance at all. How will he go and tell Dhoni that you are dropped? I literally feel that it is not possible,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.Badrinath further emphasised the level of respect Dhoni commands inside the CSK dressing room. According to him, it would be extremely hard for any member of the coaching staff to even suggest that the former India captain should sit out or be used only as a substitute.“I don’t think any support staff in the world, be it even Fleming, can tell Dhoni you are an impact player, or you don’t play this match. There is no chance. We can take it that he is going to play all the matches,” he added.
After doing supporting roles over the last few years, and finding success in ensemble projects like Black Warrant, Rahul Bhat finally had a release as a leading man recently with Kennedy. The film was stuck for release for three years before it finally made its way to OTT. But the wait didn’t bother Rahul Bhat as he is used to be patient. Right after making his fim debut in 2003, the actor took a decade long break from acting, and he opens up on what he did during that time.
Rahul Bhat (Photo: Instagram)
“I was doing too much maza and I felt like now I need to be serious, and that that has to change,” he quips, adding, “Early in my life I realised that I need to prepare a lot. I feel that any when an actor takes any time gap, that is actually very important. It’s not what happens between action and cut. An actor becomes whatever he is before action, with what he has done when he was not doing anything. These aspiring actors today spend 70-80% of their time in chasing work, meeting people. They spend very less time in preparing themselves, reading history and literature. Majority of an actor’s time should go in that so that when you finally get work, you are ready for it. That preparation is what I was doing through those 10 years.”
Watch the full chat with Rahul Bhat here:
It was eventually filmmaker-actor Anurag Kashyap who called him and gave him the 2013 film Ugly to make his return. Ask him if it was the lack of work that kept him away during those 10 years and Rahul says, “The phone was always ringing for me. It never stopped but the right call was not coming, which I wanted. I was waiting for the right call. When I was doing (the daily soap) Heena every day, I could have done 100 more shows. I was being offered every other show in the country that time.”
He adds, “I started my career as supermodel, then I went to TV, became very successful there then after that, I came to cinema and my films didn’t do well. But it was strange that people wanted to cast me even then. Many films came to me, but I realised that I need to prepare more. I realise that I am not ready, I need to do something else. And sometimes it can be a bad decision, but sometimes it can be good. If I would not have taken that break and I would not have prepared, I don’t think I would have seen the staircase of Cannes. I don’t think that I would have been the part of films that I am right now. I might have been a fairly okay success but I couldn’t have been this and isme alag tarah ka satisfaction aur khushi hai.”
Voters in the Republic of Congo will choose their next president on Sunday, although longtime leader Dennis Sassou Nguesso is likely to be elected unchallenged, analysts say.
The central African nation, which has been led almost continuously by Nguesso for more than 40 years, is one of the most politically repressive in the world, with Freedom House giving it a 17 out of 100 rating for freedom.
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The country is Africa’s third-largest oil exporter. It sells between 236,000 and 252,000 barrels per day, alongside copper and diamonds.
Congo is also highly biodiverse. Sprawling expanses of tropical rainforest in the country form part of the Congo Basin – the second-largest rainforest network in the world after the Amazon. The Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in the north is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to elephants, endangered lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees.
Still, the country of 6 million people is racked by economic woes. Corruption and mismanagement, analysts say, contribute to Congo being 171st of 193 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index.
A fractured political opposition, meanwhile, has only allowed Nguesso’s governing Congolese Labour Party (PCT) to consolidate power over the years, although a newcomer is raising hopes.
Here’s what we know about Sunday’s polls:
Supporters of outgoing President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is running for re-election, take part in a campaign rally before the March 15 presidential election, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, March 7, 2026 [Roch Bouka/Reuters]
When do polls open?
Polls will open on Saturday, March 15, between 6am (05:00 GMT) and 6pm (05:00 GMT). More than 2.6 million people are eligible to vote; that is, they are more than 18 years old and have been registered.
Voter turnout in 2021 — during the last election — was 67.70 percent according to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Authorities have announced that borders will be closed during voting.
Candidates with an absolute majority usually win the elections, or in rare cases, a run-off will be called between the two top polling candidates.
Presidential terms in Congo are for five years. While the constitution had previously allowed a maximum of two terms and an age limit of 70, those were removed in 2015.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks with President of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso during the signing of a letter of intent by Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, Congolese minister of international cooperation and promotion of partnership, and France’s Delegate Minister for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on May 23, 2025 [File: Thomas Samson/Reuters]
Who’s running?
Dennis Sassou Nguesso: The 82-year-old was first elected to office in 1979 and led the country for 12 years under a one-party state. He lost elections after opposition lawmakers voted to introduce a multiparty system. On his second attempt in 1997, he seized power in a bloody civil war and has remained in office since. He is Africa’s third-longest serving ruler.
Nguesso’s legacy has been one of gross underdevelopment and corruption, said Andrea Ngombet, the exiled founder of Sassoufit, a group advocating for Nguesso’s exit. In 2015, Nguesso pushed through a controversial referendum that reset presidential term limits from two to three. It also completely removed age restrictions, allowing him to run for the fifth consecutive time in 2021.
A strong hold on the country’s judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Body (CENI) has helped secure Nguesso’s hold, analysts say. His strategic international alliances, from Beijing to Moscow to Paris, have ensured foreign investments and boosted his influence, according to Ngombet. However, since 2013, France has launched investigations into his family’s numerous assets in Europe and the US under pressure from civil society. French authorities seized property belonging to his son, Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso, in 2022.
Melaine Deston Gavet Elengo: At only 35, Elengo’s candidacy has caused ripples. The oil sector engineer leads the Republican Movement and is the youngest contender in the race. Although a first-time presidential candidate, Elengo appears to be pulling an unusual amount of interest as he presents himself as a departure from the old system. His campaign has emphasised a government built on transparency, an independent justice system, and inclusive development.
“He could secure at least 20 percent of the vote, signalling a generational shift,” Ngombet said.
“His unique advantage lies in the unspoken support from UPADS dissidents frustrated with the boycott,” he added, referring to the opposition party, Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS), which boycotted the March 21, 2021, presidential election over concerns of integrity. UPADS is doing the same this year but has called on its supporters to go out and vote according to their “conscience”.
Elengo is also closely allied with political heavyweights like the opposition Union of Humanist Democrats, founded by the popular opposition figure, late Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas, who came second in 2016.
A man walks past a campaign banner of presidential candidate Destin Gavet, before the presidential election scheduled for March 15, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, March 11, 2026 [Roch Bouka/Reuters]
Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou, 73: The veteran lawmaker is the leader of the political party The Chain and represents the southwestern Lekoumou department. He has run several times in the past without much success, with his 2021 bid resulting in just 0.62 percent of the vote. Mboungou’s campaign promised political change and an economy that diversifies from oil, while reducing poverty.
Uphrem Dave Mafoula, 43: The economist is leader of the New Start party. He is making his second bid for the top post after running as the youngest candidate in 2021 and securing just 0.52 percent of the vote. Mafoula’s goal, he says, is to implement governance reforms, create jobs, and reduce inequalities.
Vivien Romain Manangou, 43: The independent first-timer is a university lecturer campaigning on institutional reforms, improving public finances, and promoting national unity.
Mabio Mavoungou Zinga, 69: Running under the opposition coalition Alliance party, the retired customs inspector and former member of parliament promises to tackle corruption and free jailed opposition leaders. It’s his first bid.
Anguios Nganguia Engambe, about 60: The president of the Party for Action of the Republic is running for his fourth time as presidential candidate. In 2021, he won only 0.18 percent of the vote. This time, he has pledged to bridge political divisions in the country and foster better political participation.
Which opposition leaders have been targeted?
Several opposition leaders are either jailed or have fled into exile. Some are:
Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko,78: A former chief of the army and an adviser to Nguesso, who turned against the president and ran for elections in 2016. He called for protests after the results showed that he won 13.74 percent and placed third. He was arrested afterwards on charges of undermining state security and was in 2018 sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Andre Okombi Salissa: a one-time leading member of the governing Congolese Labour Party, and a former minister, Salissa also switched to the opposition in 2016 to contest the polls. He was arrested shortly after, also on security charges. In 2019, he was sentenced to 20 years of hard labour.
What are the key issues?
Poverty despite oil riches
Analysts have long warned that a lack of economic diversification hurts the country’s prospects. As Africa’s third-largest oil producer, Congo earns more than 80 percent of its export revenue from oil, according to the World Bank, making the economy vulnerable to shocks.
Government investment in hydrocarbons has only intensified in recent years. In 2015, authorities aimed to boost daily output to 500,000 barrels of oil per day within three years. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export also began in 2024.
Despite this, around half the population lives below the poverty line. Most live in the main cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire where access to electricity and roads is available but dismal. The situation is even worse in rural areas, analysts say.
While the population is young, with nearly half under 18, job creation is weak. Many young people with degrees have to turn to menial work for survival. The unemployment rate hovers at approximately 40 percent, with inadequate electricity being one of the major barriers for business, according to the World Bank.
Forests and agriculture
Before it began extracting oil in the 1970s, agricultural produce and timber were the biggest revenue generators in Congo.
However, Congo has become reliant on food imports amid the shift to oil.
Although the country has up to 10 million hectares (24 milllion acres) of arable land, only a small percentage is being cultivated, and that’s mostly for low-yield subsistence farming.
The government has touted plans to boost cassava, maize, sorghum, and soy farming, along with developing fisheries and poultry.
Meanwhile, deforestation in the Congo Basin, which encompasses parts of Congo and five neighbouring countries, nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020, compared to the previous decade.
Political freedom and post-Nguesso race
Protests are rare in the country as authorities don’t provide permits and respond with violence when demonstrators gather, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
Opposition members are routinely jailed. Nguesso appoints national judges himself, meaning the judiciary is not independent.
Many Congolese expect Nguesso to win Sunday’s elections, so much attention is now on who will likely take over leadership in the country in the coming years.
Analysts say an intense succession race is already brewing behind the scenes.
Denis-Christel Nguesso, the president’s son and minister of international cooperation, is the clear favourite, but he faces challenges from the president’s nephew and Head of National Security Jean-Dominique Okemba.
The Nguessos’ cousin, Jean-Jacques Bouya, who is currently the minister of planning and works, is another contender.
Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ is creating massive buzz ahead of its March 19th release. Early reviews hail it as ‘Paisa Vasool,’ with advance bookings already crossing Rs 120 crore. Andhra Pradesh has approved a temporary ticket price hike, and special early morning benefit shows are planned, promising a grand opening for the action entertainer.
The upcoming Telugu action entertainer ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ has started generating strong hype even before its theatrical release. Starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead role, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026 and it coincides with the festive occasion of Ugadi. With just days left for the premiere, an early review has started circulating on social media.
Early review calls it ‘Paisa vasool’
On March 11, film personality Umair Sandhu shared his first impressions of the film on X. Sharing his reaction, he wrote, “#PawanKalyan Entry Scene is Paisa Vasool ! Watching Overseas Censor Screening #UstaadBhagatSingh !.”
Advance booking buzz crosses Rs 120 crore mark
Even before its release ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ has reportedly generated impressive business through advance bookings. As reported by Money Control, the film has already recorded significant ticket sales across Telugu-speaking regions and also the film has earned nearly Rs 120 crore in advance booking sales in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Ticket price hike approved in Andhra Pradesh
Ahead of the film’s release, the government of Andhra Pradesh has approved a temporary ticket price hike for Ustaad Bhagat Singh as reported by 123 Telugu website. A new Government Order confirming the revised pricing has also surfaced online.According to the order, single-screen theatres can increase ticket prices by Rs 100, including GST. This brings the revised ticket rate to Rs 247.For multiplex theatres, ticket prices can be increased by Rs 125, including GST. The revised multiplex fare will be Rs 302.These enhanced ticket prices will remain in effect for ten days starting from March 19.
Benefit shows planned for early morning screenings
As per the same Government Order, the film will not have premiere shows before its official release. Instead, a special benefit show will be screened on the release day itself. The benefit show will take place on March 19. It will begin early in the morning between 4 AM and 5 AM.The ticket price for this special show has been fixed at Rs 500, including GST. Additionally, theatres have been permitted to screen five shows per day for the first ten days of release.Interestingly, the project was initially scheduled for release on March 26. The makers later decided to advance the release by a week, bringing it to theatres earlier than planned.Directed by Harish Shankar, the film also features Sreeleela, Raashii Khanna, and R. Parthiban in key roles. On the other hand, Pawan Kalyan’s previous film was ‘OG’.
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said he relishes taking responsibility in pressure situations and described the T20 World Cup defence as one of the most fulfilling of his career.
Bumrah played a stellar role, claiming four wickets as India handed New Zealand a crushing 96-run defeat in the final to become the only team to win the T20 World Cup three times.
“I don’t want to hide behind, I want to be in the thick of things. I always wanted to do a tough job,” Bumrah, who was adjudged the Player of the Match in the final for his career-best 4-15 against New Zealand here, said in a video shared by BCCI.
“I’ve played cricket for that. I started cricket for that. When I’m able to make a difference, that gives me so much joy. No better feeling than that.”
For the Gujarat-born pacer, the triumph carried added emotional significance as it came at the venue where his cricket journey began.
“I started my cricket here [in Ahmedabad]. I played all my cricket here, came up the ranks through playing for Gujarat over here and winning the World Cup here, winning, being Man of the Match. The last time we fell just short, this time we went over it, really happy.”
Bumrah also spoke about the presence of his family during the title triumph, calling the moment deeply personal. “My son came. He was there last time as well; this time, he was there. My mum came, really special.
“I don’t know about full circles, but really, really happy, back-to-back World Cups never really happen. Really grateful God is really kind, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” he added.
Zero No. of boundaries conceded by Jasprit Bumrah in his entire four-over spell in Sunday’s final
Seven No. of wickets claimed by Jasprit Bumrah in India’s last-three must-win matches
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Shaka Laka Boom Boom actress Hansika Motwaniand businessman Sohael Khaturiya got divorced on March 11 after three years of marriage. They tied the knot on December 4, 2022, in a grand wedding ceremony at Mundota Fort in Jaipur and their wedding attracted significant attention on social media. The couple reportedly filed for separation by mutual consent. Shortly after the divorce was finalised, Hansika took to social media to share a positive message.
Hansika Motwani shares first note post-divorce
On Thursday, 12 March, Hansika Motwani took to her Instagram Stories to share a short note on positivity and resilience.
She wrote, “Chardi Kala always.” The short but straightforward Punjabi phrase refers to marching on in the face of adversity. It is about maintaining optimism, resilience and high spirits despite the challenges life throws at you. While the Villain actress did not mention her divorce in the note, people interpreted the message as a reflection of her current mindset following the end of her marriage.
So far, neither Hansika nor Sohael have publicly addressed their separation.
About Hansika and Sohael Khaturiya`s divorce
Hansika Motwani and her businessman husband Sohael Khaturiya have officially parted ways. The couple was granted a divorce by the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai after filing for separation by mutual consent, with the actress choosing to forgo alimony. Amid this, their wedding documentary, Hansika`s Love Shaadi Drama, continues to stream on JioHotstar.
During the proceedings, Motwani was represented by advocate Adnan Shaikh, who stated that the couple lived together for only a brief period after their marriage. Over time, they realised that differences in their temperaments, opinions, and lifestyles were causing frequent disagreements.
According to the plea filed before the court, the two often argued over even minor matters, which eventually made it difficult for them to continue living together. The couple ultimately decided to separate amicably.
Reports about their separation have been circulating since July 2025. A report in HT City stated, “Hansika has moved in with her mother, while Sohael is staying with his parents.” She even shared a cryptic note on her birthday, mentioning how the year has been full of lessons and emotionally tough for her.
-1773388516842_d.png?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "Hansika Motwani shares first post after divorce from Sohael Khaturiya")
-1773388516842_d.png "Hansika Motwani shares first post after divorce from Sohael Khaturiya")
