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Urvashi Dholakia slams ‘midnight horror’ construction at TMKOC producer Asit Modi's property: ‘Made life unbearable’

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Urvashi Dholakia slams ‘midnight horror’ construction at TMKOC producer Asit Modi's property: ‘Made life unbearable’


Television actor Urvashi Dholakia has raised serious concerns over ongoing late-night construction work in Mumbai’s Juhu area, calling it a “midnight horror” for residents and questioning the lack of action by authorities.

Urvashi Dholakia calls for action against late-night construction in Juhu. (Instagram)
Urvashi Dholakia calls for action against late-night construction in Juhu. (Instagram)

The actor took to social media to share an open letter, highlighting the disturbance allegedly caused by construction at a property linked to Asit Kumar Modi, the producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Along with videos, she wrote, “HORRORS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK IN JUHU CONTINUES. Now without permission they’ve blocked an entire road and no official has come for inspection or intervention.” (Also read: Urvashi Dholakia lashes out at trolls for questioning her love for stray dogs: ‘Go and do some good deed yourselves’ )

What Urvashi Dholakia alleges against Asit Kumar Modi

Tagging Modi, she added, “You and your brother have made life unbearable and unlivable for us for your convenience. Your brother categorically claimed ‘kaam nahi rukega’… ok then. My posts will also not stop now!”

This is not the first time Urvashi has spoken out. A day earlier, on April 16, she shared another post raising objection over the situation. “For several days now, construction work has continued well beyond permissible hours, often late into the night. The constant noise from machinery, drilling, and movement of materials has made it extremely difficult for residents to rest, affecting sleep, health, and overall well-being,” she wrote.

She further pointed out that such activities violate civic norms. “As per local regulations, construction in residential areas must follow designated timings. Unfortunately, these guidelines appear to be consistently overlooked. This is not just an inconvenience, it is a matter of basic living conditions,” she added, highlighting the impact on families, elderly residents, and working individuals.

Urvashi questions authorities over lack of action

Urvashi also urged authorities to step in and ensure compliance. “I urge the concerned authorities and builders to strictly adhere to permitted construction hours, minimise noise pollution, and ensure that residents’ right to peace and rest is respected,” she wrote, tagging civic and police officials.

In a worrying revelation, the actor shared her experience of trying to seek help. “I had dialled the police emergency number at 4:23 AM and made three calls till 4:55 AM. I waited till 5:08 in the morning, and no one turned up,” she said.

Questioning the system’s responsiveness, she added, “Just imagine if this was any other situation, and had I been in trouble, what would have been my situation? The system is so flawed, it is unbelievable and appalling.”

Her posts have once again brought attention to concerns around civic accountability, noise pollution, and the enforcement of regulations in residential areas.


BCCI takes action after Romi Bhinder found guilty; ACU ‘unsatisfied’ with RR manager’s protocol breach explanation

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BCCI takes action after Romi Bhinder found guilty; ACU ‘unsatisfied’ with RR manager’s protocol breach explanation


Romi Bhinder, the Rajasthan Royals team manager, has been fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on April 10. During the Rajasthan Royals’ batting innings, the cameras caught Bhinder closely looking at his phone, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated alongside him. The image went viral on social media, and two days later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit issued a show-cause notice, giving him 48 hours to provide an explanation.

Romi Bhinder, has been fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone (Screengrab - JioHotstar)
Romi Bhinder, has been fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone (Screengrab – JioHotstar)

Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary, confirmed that the BCCI’s ACU was not happy with the clarification issued by Bhinder, and that he was fined INR 1 lakh and given an official warning.

“Romi Bhinder was involved in a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under the IPL protocols. He was given 48 hours to explain his position. His explanation came, and we are not very satisfied with it. The Anti-Corruption Unit is not very satisfied with his reply. As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he was fined an amount of INR 1 lakh and also handed a warning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” Saikia told HT.

“We hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by all other stakeholders, and I request everyone to follow the rules and regulations so that the game does not suffer,” he added.

It is worth noting that under the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, no one is allowed to use mobile phones in the dugout area. Only the team managers and media managers can use their devices, but even they are restricted to inside the dressing room, not the dugout. The incident involving Bhinder using the phone occurred during the 11th over of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting innings.

Bhinder’s involvement with RR

Bhinder has been involved with the Royals since the league began in 2008, in some capacity. The senior team official is also acting as a local guardian for the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi. After the match against RCB, Bhinder was spotted alongside Riyan Parag during the toss for the fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, carrying the team sheet.

Rajasthan beat RCB by six wickets, powered by Sooryavanshi’s 78 off just 26 balls. The Royals are currently third in the points table and will face the Kolkata Knight Riders next on April 19 at Eden Gardens.


Patralekhaa hits back at paparazzi for body-shaming her after giving birth: ‘I have not sat and eaten a mountain'

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Patralekhaa hits back at paparazzi for body-shaming her after giving birth: ‘I have not sat and eaten a mountain'


Actor-producer Patralekhaa on Friday called out paparazzi for body-shaming her postpartum appearance after a video of her circulated online with an insensitive caption. The backlash began when a paparazzi page shared a clip of the actor stepping out of her car, captioned, “What’s happened to her?”, as her husband Rajkummar Rao followed behind. (Also read: Patralekhaa backs husband Rajkummar Rao after his weight gain sparks buzz: ‘The world does not see the hard work’ )

Patralekhaa speaks out against postpartum body-shaming by paparazzi, advocates empathy. (Instagram)
Patralekhaa speaks out against postpartum body-shaming by paparazzi, advocates empathy. (Instagram)

Patralekhaa calls out paparazzi for body-shaming

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Patralekhaa strongly criticised the remark, addressing the realities of a woman’s body after childbirth. She clarified that her physical changes are a natural part of the postpartum phase and urged people to be more empathetic.

“What’s happened to me!? is that I have just given birth! Yes I have gained the weight, which seems like an unnatural phenomenon to you all,” she wrote. She further added that the weight gain was not due to overeating but a natural response to pregnancy, even as she continues to come to terms with it.

‘For God’s sake please learn to be a little kind’

In a longer note, she emphasised the physical and emotional demands she has been navigating. “I have not sat and eaten a mountain, I just delivered a baby and produced two films simultaneously which are not easy jobs. If I could I would not be this way. But that’s how my body has reacted to pregnancy. For God’s sake please learn to be a little kind,” she added.

The incident has once again sparked conversations around body-shaming and unrealistic expectations placed on women, especially during the postpartum period. Several celebrities, including Neha Dhupia, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor, have previously spoken out against intrusive or insensitive behaviour by paparazzi.

About Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa

Patralekhaa and Rajkumar Rao welcomed their first child, a daughter, on November 15, 2025. They named her Parvati Paul Rao after Rao’s late mother.

Rajkummar has earlier recalled first noticing Patralekhaa in an advertisement, admitting he was instantly drawn to her and hoped their paths would cross someday. They eventually met while working on CityLights (2014), directed by Hansal Mehta, where their professional collaboration gradually blossomed into a relationship.

After being together for several years, Rajkummar proposed to Patralekhaa in October 2021. The couple tied the knot the following month, in November 2021, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.


IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder ‘warned and fined’ for using phone in dugout | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder ‘warned and fined’ for using phone in dugout | Cricket News


IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder 'warned and fined' for using phone in dugout
Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been let off with just a fine and warning for using mobile phone in the dugout. It can be confirmed that the BCCI ACSU decision has been communicated to the franchise.

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been let off with just a fine and a warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout in IPL 2026. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) communicated its decision to the franchise after thoroughly investigating Bhinder’s response to the show-cause notice.The investigators were convinced by Bhinder’s medical reasoning and how his current health condition forced him to keep and use the phone in the dugout. Regarding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngster seated next to Bhinder during the act, there was no discussion about him.“The ACSU conducted the investigation, and a formal communication has been sent to the franchise. Bhinder received a fine and a warning for using his phone in the dugout; however, investigators were convinced his medical condition necessitated its use, so there were no severe consequences. There was no discussion about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He is a kid and may be the franchise can explain the rules better to him. No point intimidating a youngster,” says a senior BCCI official.According to the PMOA Protocol, managers may use phones in the dressing room but not in the dugout. Here’s what the protocol says:PHONES

  • Mobile Phones and other electronic communications equipment are not allowed to be used in the PMOA other than for a few members of the team.
  • The Team Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout

While Bhinder clearly violated the protocol, the Indian cricket board and the ACSU wing were satisfied with the reasoning.Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone in the team’s dugout during his team’s IPL 2026 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week, violating the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol by doing so.The incident occurred during the 11th over of the RR chase when Bhinder was using his phone and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, sitting to his right, was peeping at his screen.Besides the team manager, the media manager is allowed to have a phone in the PMOA area, but usage is clearly defined in the protocol, which was published before IPL 2026 got underway


'Dhurandhar 2' BO collection day 30 [LIVE]: Ranveer Singh film eyes 'Pushpa 2's collection

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'Dhurandhar 2' BO collection day 30 [LIVE]: Ranveer Singh film eyes 'Pushpa 2's collection


Dhurandhar: The Revenge Surpasses Hollywood Films, Secures Place In Global Top 10

‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ has made box office history by becoming the first Hindi film to breach the Rs. 1,100 crore net mark in India. After crossing the Rs. 1,100 crore India net milestone on day 29 and entering day 30 (fifth Friday) since its theatrical release on March 19, 2026, the Ranveer Singh-starrer continues to dominate the box office despite the ongoing IPL 2026 with a cumulative India net of Rs. 1,103.51 crore. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has amassed a staggering Rs. 1,737 crore gross worldwide. With the fifth weekend beginning, trade experts are watching closely to see if the film can sustain enough momentum to challenge the all-time record set by Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ with its Rs. 1,234.1 crore domestic net collection.

Watch

Dhurandhar: The Revenge Surpasses Hollywood Films, Secures Place In Global Top 10

Dhurandhar 2 Review

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ first, second, third and fourth week earnings

The journey of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ has been one of consistent record-breaking. The film opened with a thunderous Rs. 90 crore on Day 1. By the end of its first week, it had raked in Rs. 674.17 crore, setting a new benchmark for the highest opening week in the history of Indian cinema. Despite a natural 61% drop, the film collected Rs. 263.65 crore in its second week. Remarkably, in just 11 days, the sequel surpassed the lifetime collection of the original ‘Dhurandhar’ of Rs. 840.20 crore. Maintaining a steady grip, the film added Rs. 110.60 crore to its tally in Week 3, becoming the first-ever Hindi film to enter the Rs. 1,000 crore India net club. In its fourth week, the film added Rs. 54.70 crore, showing extraordinary resilience against the ongoing IPL season and maintaining a strong repeat-viewing culture.

‘Dhurandhar 2’ day 29 collection recap

On day 29, its fourth Thursday, the film recorded a net collection of Rs. 3.40 crore. This represented a minor 16% drop from the previous day’s Rs. 4.05 crore, highlighting the film’s incredible staying power. Across 8,654 shows, the film pushed its India net total to Rs. 1,103.12 crore. Globally, the film reached a cumulative gross of Rs. 1,737.24 crore, further cementing its position. Overseas, the film has grossed a total of Rs. 416.75 Cr in gross collections, pushing its total worldwide gross collection to Rs. 1,737.24 Cr.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ day 30 live tracking

Entering day 30, ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ continues its historic run with 1,448 shows currently active, netting Rs. 0.73 crore in live tracking so far today, according to Sacnilk. This brings the film’s cumulative domestic performance to a net of Rs. 1,103.85 crore and a gross of Rs. 1,321.36 crore, with the final figures for the day still to be tallied.

Day and week wise collections for ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

Week 1: Rs. 674.17 croreWeek 2: Rs. 263.65 croreWeek 3: Rs. 110.60 croreWeek 4: Rs. 54.70 croreDay 30: Rs. 0.73 crore

TOTAL: Rs. 1103.85 crore

More about ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ is an expansive 229-minute epic that was originally shot concurrently with the first part between July 2024 and October 2025. Director Aditya Dhar initially envisioned a single film but opted for a two-part split to preserve the narrative’s complexity. The film holds a U/A certification, though the producers recently introduced smart mid-run family-friendly re-edits to broaden its appeal.The film’s success is anchored by Ranveer Singh’s career-best performance as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan. However, the breakout stars have stolen the spotlight, specifically Udaybir Sandhu as Pinda, whose haunting line “Ghar di yaad nahi aayi tujhe, Jassi?” has become a global pop-culture meme. Amidst the commercial glory, the film faced a legal hurdle as Trimurti Films filed a copyright infringement suit involving the 1989 film Tridev. The Delhi High Court declined an immediate injunction to stall the film but directed the producers to maintain detailed financial records. Furthermore, the court was informed that the OTT release of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ has been deferred to mid-May 2026, ensuring the film remains an exclusive theatrical experience for now.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers and data in this article are compiled from diverse public and industry sources. All figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned, offering a fair representation of the movie’s box office performance. These totals may change as official studio data is updated or as additional international market reports are finalized. This data is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.


Canada T20 World Cup game under ICC scrutiny after corruption claim | Cricket News

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Canada T20 World Cup game under ICC scrutiny after corruption claim | Cricket News


Canada’s match against New Zealand at T20 World Cup among allegations of corruption against country’s cricket set up.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match corruption, including the team’s loss to New Zealand at the recent T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The game in Chennai – which Canada lost by eight wickets – is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday.

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“The ACU (anti-corruption unit) is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement.

The documentary by the public broadcaster made wide-ranging accusations of corruption and poor governance against Canada Cricket.

In the Chennai game, suspicion is focused on the fifth over bowled by captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase, according to the ESPN Cricinfo website.

He started with a no-ball, bowled a wide, and ended up conceding 15 runs in the over.

Canada scored 173 for four wickets in 20 overs, while New Zealand replied with 176 for two off 15.1 overs.

The ICC, the game’s world governing body, is also investigating a phone call involving then Canada coach Khurram Chohan in which he claims that senior Cricket Canada board members put pressure on him to select certain players.

“Governance matters in relation to ICC members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes,” Ephgrave said.

Cricket Canada said it was treating the matter with “utmost importance”.

“Recent promotional material alludes to allegations related to organised crime and match-fixing – issues that Cricket Canada takes extremely seriously,” the organisation said on its website.

“Where matters are raised, we are committed to reviewing them responsibly and taking appropriate steps as needed.”


IPL 2026: Head coach Mahela Jayawardene speaks about MI`s loss against PBKS

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IPL 2026: Head coach Mahela Jayawardene speaks about MI`s loss against PBKS



IPL 2026: Head coach Mahela Jayawardene speaks about MI`s loss against PBKS

In the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered a loss by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

This was Mumbai`s fourth consecutive loss in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league.

Following the disappointing result, MI`s head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, said that no individual should be blamed for the loss.

“I think it`s on every one of us when we are not doing well. It`s not an individual. It`s pretty much on me, everyone who is involved in the management and all that to see how can we be better,” he said.

Despite suffering consecutive defeats, the head coach feels that the side is playing good cricket. He also said that Mumbai`s think tank need to do things better to yield better results.

“I know we are playing good cricket. We are not taken out completely, but at the same time the other teams are much better, clinical; obviously the confidence is high as well when they have that kind of start so we just need to control phases that we can control. So I think it`s not just on one individual. As a franchise, as a team management, we need to do things better to get into some rhythm and then get a few wins under our belt that will give us that confidence,” said Jayawardene.

IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings: Match Summary

Batting first in the match, the hosts posted a total of 195 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock smashed an unbeaten 112 runs off just 60 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries and seven maximums. Naman Dhir also scored 50 runs in 31 balls, with the help of three boundaries and the same number of maximums.

Punjab`s Arshdeep Singh returned with the figures of three wickets for 22 runs in four overs. Marco Jansen and Shashank Singh also chipped in with one wicket each.

Later in the second essay of the game, along with Prabhsimran, skipper Shreyas Iyer accumulated 66 runs off 35 balls, including five boundaries and four maximums.

With this, the Kings chased the target by scoring 198 runs for the loss of three wickets in 16.3 overs.

Mumbai`s Impact Player, Allah Ghazanfar, bagged two wickets, and Shardul Thakur also claimed one wicket.

(With ANI Inputs)


Watch: Tiger Shroff does the moonwalk in tribute to Michael Jackson

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Watch: Tiger Shroff does the moonwalk in tribute to Michael Jackson



Watch: Tiger Shroff does the moonwalk in tribute to Michael Jackson

Action superstar Tiger Shroff has once again captured the internet’s attention with a powerful and emotional post paying tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, whom he considers his idol.

Tiger Shroff`s tribute to Michael Jackson

Sharing a striking video on his Instagram account, Tiger captioned it, “He taught me everything I know about movement. About presence. About what it means to give a stage everything you have.”

Adding to the moment, Tiger is seen performing to the iconic track Billie Jean, one of Michael Jackson’s most celebrated songs, known for its instantly recognisable bassline and unforgettable performances that shaped pop culture across generations. The choice of track brings a strong sense of nostalgia while staying true to the spirit of the tribute.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tiger shroff (@tigerjackieshroff)

The tribute has struck a chord with audiences instantly, with MJ fans flooding social media with praise, calling it a fitting homage to one of the greatest performers of all time. Known for his unmatched dance ability and stage presence, Tiger has often credited Michael Jackson as a key influence in shaping his journey as a performer – making this moment feel deeply personal and authentic.

Interestingly, this comes shortly after Tiger teased a Michael Jackson-inspired look, which was even reposted by the official page of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic – further fueling speculation around a larger pop culture moment, especially with the film slated for release on April 24, 2026.

Whether it’s a tribute, a moment, or something more, one thing is certain – the internet is loving this ode. And once again, Tiger Shroff proves why he remains one of the few Indian superstars with true global pop performer energy.

About Michael movie

Michael stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long as family heads Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller will play Jackson`s attorney and advisor John Branca.

Larenz Tate will star as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, while Laura Harrier will portray pioneering female music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham will appear as the legendary Diana Ross.

Other cast members of the film include Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Michael`s older sister; Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson`s former security-turned-trusted friend and confidante Bill Bray; and Kendrick Sampson as industry icon Quincy Jones, who first met Michael Jackson when he was just 12 years old, reported Variety.




‘Nobody happier than me’| Business News

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‘Nobody happier than me’| Business News


West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her “extreme happiness” on Thursday following the Supreme Court’s order regarding appellate tribunals and the relaxation of the earlier freeze on voter lists. Despite the ruling, the Election Commission (EC) has yet to clear the air regarding the operational procedures of the 19 tribunals that commenced work earlier this week.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters take part in a rally in support of West Bengal Chief Minister and the party's President Mamata Banerjee as part of an election campaign, ahead of the state Assembly elections, at Bhabanipur.  (Photo for representation) (PTI)
Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters take part in a rally in support of West Bengal Chief Minister and the party’s President Mamata Banerjee as part of an election campaign, ahead of the state Assembly elections, at Bhabanipur. (Photo for representation) (PTI)

Also read: Supreme Court refuses to extend Congress leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that people cleared by appellate tribunals for inclusion in electoral rolls at least two days before polling will be entitled to vote in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, significantly relaxing the earlier freeze on voter lists and offering relief to many caught in the ongoing special intensive revision exercise.

Also read: Digital mapping for Census begins in NDMC, Delhi Cantonment areas; over 700 officials deployed

“I got the good news soon after the boarding the chopper. I have been telling the people (whose names were deleted after adjudication) to have patience and appeal before the tribunals. Today or tomorrow their names would be enrolled. I am so happy. Nobody is happier than me today,” Banerjee told reporters in Cooch Behar.

ALso read: Man fractures wife’s nose after she refuses to sign property papers

She added: “Today the Supreme Court has ordered that the first supplementary list (comprising names of voters whose cases are cleared by the appellate tribunals) will be published on April 21 for the first phase polling. The second list for the second phase polling would be published on April 27. Soon after the lists are published TMC leaders and workers would take printout of the voters’ slips and distribute them so that these people could vote.”

Under the top court directions, appellate tribunals must decide appeals by April 21 for the first phase of polling on April 23, and by April 27 for the second phase scheduled on April 29. If an appeal is allowed within this window, the voter’s name must be restored through a supplementary roll, enabling them to cast their vote. The development assumes significance because electoral rolls for the first and second phases were frozen on April 6 and April 9, respectively, effectively disqualifying those whose claims were not adjudicated in time. At the time, the tribunals were barely functional and had cleared just two names.

However, despite the judicial relief, ECI has struggled to provide transparency regarding the tribunals’ operations. With only five days remaining until the first cut-off date, questions remain about public hearings and the volume of cases processed.

“The appellate tribunals have started working. In all 19 retired judges are working. We don’t have the exact figures on how many numbers of cases have been disposed of as the dashboard hasn’t been set up yet,” said chief electoral officer of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal.

EC officials also couldn’t provide any clarity on whether the tribunals would be holding any public hearing for the 2.7 million voters whose names were deleted from the roll after adjudication.

Reacting to the matter, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said, “We didn’t conduct the SIR. It is the EC’s domain. However, the EC did not hear several Form 7 submissions from the BJP (which challenged the inclusion of dead and fake voters). With due respect to the EC, we are not satisfied with the EC’s working.”


Bhooth Bangla review: Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan are back; the laughs are not

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Bhooth Bangla review: Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan are back; the laughs are not



Bhooth Bangla review: Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan are back; the laughs are not

After Bhool Bhulaiya, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are back with another haunted palace and another ghost. But when the first movie`s lurking, unseen, mysterious entity is replaced by a poorly rendered CGI ghost, is there any comparison?

The film introduces us to Arjun Acharya (Akshay Kumar), who lives in London. His younger sister Meera (Mithila Palkar) is about to get married, but cannot find an appropriate destination wedding location in India that her fiancé’s pandit would agree to. Things fall in place miraculously when a lawyer shows up at their door, informing them that their grandfather is dead and has bequeathed all his wealth, which includes a haveli, to them.

Grateful and befuddled (since he was unaware of the existence of his grandfather), Arjun heads to Mangalpur to survey the property and prepare it for the wedding. There, he encounters Shantaram (Asrani), the caretaker, who warns him that the haveli is a bhooth bangla. No marriage can take place within Mangalpur, as in it resides a bat-like rakshas called Vadhusur, who abducts newly-wed brides. He launches into the lore of how Vadhusur was born and why he turned vengeful, while Arjun is disbelieving.

He calls a wedding planner, Jagdish (Paresh Rawal), who arrives with his electrician nephew Sunder (Rajpal Yadav). While the reunion of this trio should have been a rollicking affair, all it elicits are the occasional chuckles.

Odd (and supposedly comic) things happen: A ghostly entity grabs Rajpal Yadav by the legs while he`s sleeping, Paresh Rawal`s lungi catches fire, a mysterious recording of Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil reverberates in the long, shadowy passages, and the flames of lanterns suddenly dwindle. These episodes serve to give Jagdish and Sunder the jitters. Arjun, by now a bit worried, tells all his freaking-out employees that these are the machinations of Shantaram, who wants to drive him back to London. And so the wedding will take place, but what of Vadhusur?

In the first half, Akshay Kumar succumbs to his need to bung in comedy by spouting loud dialogues at the top of his voice (I feel sorry for his throat) and raucously hitting everyone who gets in his way. In fact, Sunder is slapped so many times that Yadav gets to utter his famous ‘Main koi mandir ka ghanta hoon’ dialogue again.

Priyadarshan`s humour has always been heavy-handed, his plots hare-brained, his characters whackadoodles, but his previous films worked because he knew how to combine the crazy and dynamic energies to create a laugh riot. Here, the gags he resorts to make you want to pull your hair out – for instance, a series of misunderstandings lead Arjun to think Sunder is a lecher, ogling at a woman whose pallu conveniently keeps slipping. The joke, really, is on us. 

When the central figure of horror, Vadhusur, is just a man in a Batman-esque costume, how are you supposed to get scared? Even the jump scares are few, punctuated with overbearing background music in a poor attempt to spook. 

His Bhool Bhulaiya was novel in its idea because it rejected superstition and opted for a psychological framing; the cure wasn’t in faith but in medical science. Another horror-comedy, Stree, worked because of its subversion, allowing a woman to be a threat to all of mankind and confining men to their homes instead. So when Priyadarshan returns to the genre after almost 20 years, the last thing you expect is this outrageous attempt to cash in on the genre`s popularity with a dated and hackneyed plot.