Sony Entertainment Television’s acclaimed singing reality show, Indian Idol 15, announced its Top 15 contestants last weekend. In a true shocker, contestant Ragini Shinde, the 15-year-old from Aurangabad, who impressed the judges with her beautiful voice and touching story, has been left out of the Top 15. It`s not just the fans who are upset but even the show’s judge, Badshah, can`t believe it. Badshah, who had given the Theatre Round a miss, was very surprised to see that Ragini was not amongst the chosen Top 15 in the Grand Musical Explosion. Speaking to his fellow Judges, Badshah expresses his confusion about Ragini, saying, “Ek aisa contestant tha, jisne humein chhoda nahi, humare zehen ko nahi chhoda uske performance ne aur woh hai Ragini”. 

About Ragini Shinde`s journey on Indian Idol 15 so far

Ragini`s journey to Indian Idol was nothing short of heroic. As a 3-year-old, she saved her brother from the grips of thalassemia through a life-saving bone marrow transplant, proving herself to be a fighter. While most children her age enjoy the perks of being an innocent toddler, Ragini was busy giving her all to save her sibling. Her audition was one for the ages; singing Asha Bhosle`s iconic track `Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai`. Her pure vocals and fearless choice of song left the judges in awe. Both Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Ghoshal couldn`t stop praising her talent, with Shreya even pointing out that her choice of song showed maturity far beyond her years. But it was Badshah, who couldn`t contain his admiration during the auditions and had stated, “Agar Aashirwad ka koi face hota toh I think Ragini hoti.’”
  
Yet, despite all this, Ragini’s name wasn’t called out when the Top 15 were announced in the theatre round, making it a decision that has sparked outrage across social media, with fans and even Badshah questioning the show`s choices. The rapper-turned-judge voiced his frustration, admitting he couldn`t comprehend how someone so talented, with such a heartwarming story, could be overlooked.

Is this the end of Ragini’s Indian Idol journey, or will the makers, along with the support of her fans and Badshah, give her a second chance? Will the rapper use his influence to bring Ragini back into the competition? 
 
Watch Indian Idol Season 15, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Bollywood’s muscle hunk Varun Dhawan plays the lead in Raj and DK’s spy thriller ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Writer Sita Menon tells Mid-day that Varun keeps referencing 90s superstar Govinda a lot when he talks. For those unversed, Varun’s father and ace filmmaker David Dhawan has directed Govinda in several films like ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, and ‘Partner’ to name a few. 

Varun Dhawan called up Raj and DK for a role 

DK recalls Varun Dhawan personally calling him up, soon after ‘The Family Man’ season 2: “He said, ‘Listen, if you guys are doing anything else, let me know. Especially, if you’re doing anything in action.’ We were actually developing Citadel. We didn’t have anybody in mind. So, it wasn’t much of a pitch. I said, ‘We’re doing Citadel.’ And Varun said, ‘Sure, I’m on.’”

Is Varun Dhawan similar to Govinda on sets?

Just like that, Varun got on board his web series debut. For some reason, we tell Raj & DK, that Varun usually reminds us of Govinda, through his goofy,  genial presence onscreen, otherwise. This reference is apt for the two directors because they’re among the few from the current lot, who’ve actually worked with the Govinda. That was in Raj & DK’s Happy Ending (2014), a decade ago. Is Varun anything like Govinda on the set too? 

Raj says, “We sought out Govinda to play himself [in Happy Ending]. You’re making that [Varun-Govinda] connection; we didn’t! Varun, we realised, is a director’s actor. He submits to an idea, once he’s made sense of it… He was always mentally trained to be an action star.” 

About Raj and DK’s ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’

‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ shows Samantha Ruth Prabhu as Honey, a former struggling actress who is recruited by Varun`s character, Bunny, to become a spy. The plot takes a thrilling turn when, years later, the two are reunited to protect their daughter, Nadia, from the dangerous enemies of their past. 

Packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and emotional drama, the duo navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and danger. The series is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s.

Written by Sita R Menon and directed by Raj and DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK), `Citadel: Honey Bunny` is the Indian installment of the global `Citadel` franchise starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Interestingly, Samantha and Varun play her parents in the Indian version. 

‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ commenced streaming on Amazon Prime Video on November 7. 

Selena Gomez showered her boyfriend, Benny Blanco, with love and support after he made it onto PEOPLE magazine`s “Sexiest Men Alive” list in 2024.

The actress and singer on Tuesday took to Instagram to express her admiration, saying that Benny loves her unconditionally and even gets her favourite Taco Bell Mexican pizza.

In her post, Selena shared a picture from Benny`s feature in PEOPLE, along with a caption that read, “Not only do you love me unconditionally… you always get me my Taco Bell Mexican Pizza.”

Apart from this Selena also added a romantic quote by William C Hannan for Benny, saying, “I still haven`t figured out how to sit across from you, and not be madly in love with everything you do.”

The couple recently charmed fans with their fun-loving nature, dressing up as characters from Alice in Wonderland for Halloween.

Selena transformed into Alice, wearing a sheer tulle grey dress with a black bow.

Benny Blanco didn`t hold back in his portrayal of the Mad Hatter, embracing a vibrant and eclectic style. He sported a bottle green silk shirt adorned with floral accents and layered it with a tan blazer.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)

During an interview with PEOPLE, Benny revealed that he even mastered a homemade version of Taco Bell`s signature meat, knowing how much Selena loves the fast-food favourite.

The couple have been together since 2023 and often leaves fans in awe by sharing special moments from their relationship.

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Embracing a new role can be delightful, more so when it requires you to pick up a new skill. Saiyami Kher says she has been lucky on that count, pointing to her upcoming release, Agni. For Rahul Dholakia’s directorial venture that focuses on firefighters, the actor reveals that she had to train extensively with the real-life heroes. “With every film that I’ve done, I have learnt a new skill—be it horse riding for Mirzya [2016], cricket for Ghoomer [2023], and now, firefighting for Agni. Spending time with real firefighters gave me an understanding of how little I knew about them and what all they have to endure,” says the actor. The role also turned her attention to an often overlooked fact. “The number of female firefighters also was an eye-opener,” she admits.

The Amazon Prime Video film, also starring Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu, went on floors in August 2023. Kher’s prep began way before that as she made multiple rounds of the Marol and Wadala fire stations, gaining first-hand experience of the firefighters’ rigorous routines and techniques over her eight-week training. “The training sessions were exciting. I learned how to handle equipment, and did the drills the firefighters do. [I also picked up] hose management and ladder operations.” While the job further highlighted how it can be physically demanding, she walked away more impressed by their mental resilience. “Seeing the sacrifices these men and women make every day, often at great risk to themselves, was humbling.” 

Mumbai Election 2024 Live: A polling official arranges election material at a center on the eve of voting for the Maharashtra Assembly polls, in Mumbai.

Mumbai Election 2024 Live: Maharashtra is gearing up for a smooth electoral process as the state prepares for voting on today. With polling set to begin at 7 AM, celebrities, politicians, actors and other names from Mumbai are expected to make their way to polling booths too. Election officials have been working around the clock to finalise preparations, while security arrangements have been tightened across polling booths to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting experience for all citizens.…Read More