AR Rahman Communalism Row: Bollywood Industry Divided? Paresh Rawal, Varun Grover Defend, Javed Akhtar, Shobhaa De Question Music Maestro

By

-

January 19, 2026

AR Rahman Communalism Row: Music maestro AR Rahman has been blasted by Javed Akhtar, Shobhaa De, Kangana Ranaut, BJP, VHP and Shaan while supported by Varun Grover, Mehbooba Mufti and Paresh Rawal over his communalism remarks.

In a recent interview to BBC, the Oscar-winning musician remarked that work from Bollywood slowed for him in the last few years because of “shifting power dynamics” and communal factors.

AR RAHMAN in his interview said

Chaava was definitely a communal film, it cashed on divisiveness and Muslims being painted in a negative impression in the movie was such a cliche

He goes on calling it an attempt to manipulate people.

Finally a Celeb with a Spine. pic.twitter.com/hXLYbxNq14
— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) January 17, 2026

He added that people who have no creative skills now decide things unlike in the past when experienced and knowledgeable people used to make decisions. Rahman who composed music for the movie Chhaava said the movie exploited “divisiveness”.

Javed Akhtar, Shobhaa De, Kangana Ranaut and Shaan Blast AR Rahman

Noted novelist and author Shobhaa De remarked Bollywood has always been free of communal tension. Shobhaa further remarked Rahman is a mature man and should not have made those remarks. Singer Shaan denied of any minority or communal bias in Bollywood. The singer said he also has not been getting much work lately but that does not mean that biases are going on.

Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar blasted the Padma Bhushan recipient saying he is also a Muslim and has never felt like communal biases in Bollywood.

Actor-politician Manoj Tiwari said he does not agree with the statement of Rahman. Tiwari remarked sometimes things slow down a lot for everyone. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut called Rahman “prejudiced and hateful”. Ranaut said AR Rahman refused to work on her for the movie “Emergency” saying her directorial project was propaganda.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also blasted Rahman saying India has never seen the music genius through the lens of religion.

Varun Grover and Paresh Rawal comes to Rahman’s Rescue

Varun Grover, the national award-winning lyricist, said the comments made by the music maestro were made in the mildest and politest manner based on his lived-experience. Mehbooba Mufti, the former CM of Jammu & Kashmir, said communalism is the truth of India.

When Javed Akhtar dismisses A.R. Rahman’s concerns about the growing communalisation of Bollywood he contradicts lived & shared realities of Indian Muslims including those of his own wife Shabana Azmi, who has openly spoken about being denied housing for being Muslim in a…
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 18, 2026

Actor Paresh Rawal came in the support of Rahman and commented that the music director is the pride of India

AR Rahman Communalism Row-Rahman Backtracks From His Comments

In a video message, AR Rahman remarked that his comments have been misunderstood.

A.R.Rahman speaks out & responds with clarity.#ARRahman ❤ pic.twitter.com/0YiFOJMA2v
— A.R.Rahman News (@ARRahman_News) January 18, 2026

The Roja music director remarked India is his home, teacher and inspiration. Rahman further added that he never wished to cause pain to anyone and said he wish his sincerity is felt.

Dhurandhar 2 Teaser Likely to Play With Border 2 in Theatres, Excited Fans Can’t Keep Calm for Ranveer Singh’s Next Big Screen Storm

By

Purnima Jain

-

January 19, 2026

The excitement among Bollywood fans is at an all-time high as the Dhurandhar 2 teaser is rumored to be attached with Border 2 in theatres. Audiences can hardly wait to catch a glimpse of Ranveer Singh’s next action-packed extravaganza. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming cinematic storm.

Teaser Buzz: A First Look at Dhurandhar 2

The teaser for Dhurandhar 2 is expected to give fans a taste of the film’s high-octane action, dramatic storytelling, and Ranveer Singh’s new avatar. While the full movie is still under wraps, the teaser alone has already created massive anticipation across social media platforms.

Ranveer Singh’s Next Big Screen Storm

Fans are speculating about the film’s storyline, dialogues, and the intensity Ranveer will bring to his character. Known for his energy, versatility, and screen presence, Ranveer Singh is expected to deliver a performance that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The combination of Border 2 and the Dhurandhar 2 teaser makes the theatre experience even more exciting.

Social Media Frenzy

The teaser attachment has sparked a huge wave of online conversations. Fans are creating posts, memes, and countdowns, expressing their excitement for the first look at Dhurandhar 2. It’s clear that Ranveer Singh’s charisma continues to captivate audiences and generate massive buzz well before the film’s release.

Why This Teaser Matters

The teaser is more than just a preview; it’s a statement. It sets the tone for the film and builds anticipation, making Dhurandhar 2 one of the most talked-about movies of the year. With Ranveer Singh leading the charge, fans can expect nothing less than an action-packed, thrilling experience.

Noida Techie Death: ‘Papa, Don’t Let Me Die,’ Father Says Son Cried on Final Call, Poor Road Conditions or Rash Driving, Who’s to be Blamed ?

By

Purnima Jain

-

January 19, 2026

Noida Techie Death: A tragic accident in Greater Noida’s Sector-150 has claimed the life of 27-year-old software professional Yuvraj Mehta, reigniting concerns over road safety and infrastructure negligence. Mehta was returning home after a night shift late Friday when his SUV veered off a fog-covered road and plunged into a deep, water-filled construction pit.

What Went Wrong That Night

Noida Techie Death: According to preliminary details, Mehta’s vehicle skidded in dense fog and crashed through a damaged boundary wall of an under-construction site. The pit, filled with water, was located dangerously close to the road. Family members and local residents allege there were no barricades, warning signs, reflectors, or lights to alert drivers to the hazard.

The lack of visibility, combined with poor safety measures, turned the stretch into a deadly trap.

A Desperate Call for Help

After the car sank, Mehta reportedly managed to climb onto the vehicle’s roof. He shouted for help and used his mobile phone’s flashlight to signal passing vehicles. In a final, desperate act, he called his father, pleading, “Papa, don’t let me die.”
Rescue arrived too late.

Poor Infrastructure or Driver Error

Authorities are examining whether fog-related visibility issues or driving speed contributed to the accident. However, the family insists the real failure lies in unsafe road design and a lack of basic precautions at the construction site.

Road safety experts note that even careful drivers are vulnerable when hazards are left unmarked, especially during winter fog conditions common in the region.

Official Action and Public Anger

Police have registered a case and are investigating the role of the construction agency. The damaged wall and unprotected pit are being examined as part of the probe.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with residents demanding stricter safety audits, better lighting, and mandatory barricading near construction zones.

India Home ODI Defeat: Wrong Selections Haunt Indian Cricket, Coach and Captain Under Siege, is it time to Rewrite the Script?

By

Pushp Dutt

-

January 19, 2026

India Home ODI Defeat: Indian cricket, which was long synonymous with dominance under Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, now stumbles from one heartbreak to another. The Indian team lost the third and final one-day international (ODI) to New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore by 41 runs despite a valiant century by Kohli.

The most worrying part is that Team India’s loss was against a New Zealand C team that lacked specialists such as Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips. Why is India losing even on home grounds lately – all-rounder drought, the slump of Ravindra Jadeja, selection prejudices, coaching failures, Shubman Gill’s poor captaincy, too much importance given to IPL and not to domestic cricket or something completely different?

India Home ODI Defeat-The List of Possible Reasons

First things first, the present-day Indian team under coach Gautam Gambhir seems to favour out-of-form veterans like Ravindra Jadeja over in-form youngsters such as Sarfaraz Khan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy. This favouritism breeds imbalance and resentment as veterans coast on reputation while youngsters lose hunger.

Lately, prejudices have been playing a sneaky role from IPL hype to regional biases trumping domestic grind. The selection of out-of-touch players over aggressive pacers such as Mukesh Kumar screamed favouritism.

All-Rounder Void: No Hardik, No Hope?

The Indian bench is barren. Axar Patel is no game-changer, the injury-prone cameos of Hardik Pandya are best left aside. In contrast, Michael Bracewell exposed the gap, chipping in with both bat and ball. The over-reliance of India on top-order fireworks leaves the middle order exposed, especially on seaming tracks.

Jadeja’s Poor Run: From Star to Liability?

Ravindra Jadeja, once the ultimate all-rounder, has hit a wall. In recent times, his fielding lapses have multiplied, batting averages have plummeted and spin bowling statistics have lacked bite. Fans idolize him, but sentiment can’t trump team selections.

Coaching Lapses: Gautam Gambhir’s Tenure Under Scrutiny

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure has been a mixed bag. While the team won two trophies under him, the losses even in home conditions have been heart-breaking to say the least. New Zealand Test Series in 2024, Australia Test Series in 2024-25 and South Africa Test Series in 2025 have been notable. In ODIs, team India has lost to New Zealand and South Africa.

Ruthless selections, all-rounder investments and performance-based axe for stars like Jadeja are the solutions ahead but would India take these hard decisions?

MP Kang Demands PM to Take Stern Action Against BJP Leaders for Hurting Sikh Religious Sentiments

By

Harsh

-

January 18, 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the strictest possible action against those responsible for deliberately hurting Sikh religious sentiments by circulating a fake and doctored video.

Kang said that forensic investigations by the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) of both Punjab and Delhi have conclusively established that the video in question was fabricated and maliciously edited to falsely accuse Delhi’s Former Chief Minister Atishi of making derogatory remarks about Sikh Gurus. The scientific reports have made it absolutely clear that no such words were ever spoken by her.

Calling the incident a “deliberate and dangerous attempt to incite communal disharmony,” the AAP MP said the fake video was knowingly propagated by BJP leader Kapil Mishra with the clear intent of provoking outrage and extracting political mileage by weaponising Sikh religious sentiments.

“This is not a mistake or misjudgment. This is a conscious act of deception that strikes at the very core of Sikh faith and values,” Kang said, adding that invoking the sanctity of Sikh Gurus through lies and manipulation for political gain is an unforgivable moral crime.

Kang reminded the Prime Minister that the Sikh Gurus laid down their lives not for power or privilege, but for Dharma, truth, human dignity, and the freedom of conscience. He said the Sikh community has always stood as the moral backbone of the nation and expects justice, not silence, when its faith is attacked.

The AAP MP said it is deeply painful that such an incident occurred at a time when the Sikh community was commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who sacrificed his life to protect religious freedom. “Such actions amount to the highest form of moral transgression,” he said.

Appealing directly to the Prime Minister’s conscience and leadership, Kang said that silence or inaction in such matters risks being seen as consent. He urged the Prime Minister to take decisive action against Kapil Mishra, including removing him from all positions of authority and publicly denouncing his actions.

“Strong action will send a clear message that the sanctity of the Gurus is non-negotiable and that no political ambition stands above Dharma,” Kang said.

He added that timely intervention by the Prime Minister will help restore faith, deliver justice to the Sikh community, and reaffirm that the ideals for which the Sikh Gurus made supreme sacrifices continue to be protected in modern India.

Kang reiterated that Punjab will not allow any attempt to divide society or insult religious beliefs for political gain and will continue to stand firmly for truth, harmony, and justice.

SGPC Chief has become soldier of Sukhbir Badal instead of serving Guru Sahiban, which is deeply painful for Panth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

By

Harsh

-

January 18, 2026

At a public function in Majithia on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann delivered a clear message on faith, governance and the future of the constituency while laying the foundation stone for 23 rural link roads worth ₹11.32 crore. The Chief Minister said it would have given him heartfelt happiness if the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, considered himself as a soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, but expressed concern that he instead calls himself a soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal.

In the same address, the Chief Minister announced that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Talbir Singh Gill will be the party’s candidate from Majitha for the 2027 Assembly elections, asserting that the people will not allow any attempt to push Punjab back into beadbi (sacrilege) and goondagardi, and that development, dignity and respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib will remain paramount.

Addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone of 23 new rural link roads in Majitha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Earlier, this area lived under constant fear. A self-proclaimed ‘jarnail’ of the region used false cases as a weapon against ordinary people. With deep connections in both Congress and Akali governments, he unleashed a reign of terror, and people were afraid to speak.” He said that this fear has now completely vanished, as the will of the people is prevailing and such politics has been decisively rejected.

The Chief Minister said that people have charted a new path by rejecting the politics of intimidation pursued by the Majithia and Badal families. He said, “This very Majitha area was once controlled by people who hosted General Dyer for dinner on the same day as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Such acts of betrayal can never be forgotten. The people of Punjab will never forgive those whose hands were stained with the blood of innocent masses.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann warned that bringing the Akali Dal back to power would mean dragging Punjab back into a dark era. “It will mean the return of ‘Beadbi’ (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, firing on innocent protestors and atrocities against the common man,” he said.

He added that it was due to the misdeeds of the Akalis and the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) that the state government was compelled to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the missing 328 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “Our only objective is to trace the missing saroops. We have no intention of interfering in religious institutions,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was unfortunate that instead of focusing on his primary responsibilities, the SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Mann was busy making arrangements for political rallies. “Instead of calling himself a soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, he proudly calls himself a soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal. What good can be expected from such a person, who takes pride in serving someone who ruined Punjab with his every move,” he noted.

The Chief Minister reiterated the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and said, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is above all of us. That is why I did not attend the function of the President of India and chose instead to appear before the Takht.” He said that unlike his government, the Akalis have repeatedly undermined the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. “Jathedars have been appointed and removed at their whims, dealing a severe blow to the sanctity of these institutions,” he said, while also remarking that Congress leaders have lost their political balance after facing continuous defeats.

Making a major announcement from Majitha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that AAP leader Talbir Singh Gill will be the AAP’s candidate from Majitha in the 2027 Assembly elections. “The time has come for the people of Majitha to move beyond submitting demand letters and start taking decisions themselves,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, asserting that AAP represents a new politics where people are not petitioners before power but partners in governance. He said that Majitha will now send a representative who believes in decision-making, development and accountability, not intimidation and entitlement.

Highlighting the pro-people initiatives of his government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “After assuming office in March 2022, our first decision was to provide free electricity to 90 percent of households.” He said that farmers are now receiving uninterrupted power supply, sparing them from venturing out on freezing nights to irrigate their fields. “Punjab today is power surplus. With adequate coal supply and fully functional thermal plants, the state is emerging as a frontrunner in the country,” he said.

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister said, “Some leaders treat staying one night in a poor person’s house as a novelty. I am myself a common man and I understand the daily struggles of ordinary people.” He added that the state government is committed to preserving Punjab’s glorious legacy, citing the recent commemoration of the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, and said that more such initiatives will follow to familiarise students with the state’s rich heritage.

The Chief Minister said that special attention is being paid to the welfare of border residents, whom he described as true patriots. “In a major relief to farmers in the border belt, the Central Government has given in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the International Border,” he said, adding that this would allow unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres currently lying beyond the fencing. He said he had raised the issue with the Union Home Minister, pointing out the daily hardships faced by farmers who were forced to cross the fence under BSF escort to reach their own fields along the 532-kilometre India-Pakistan border.

The Chief Minister said that the renewal of 23 rural link roads in the Majitha constituency will be carried out at a cost of ₹11.32 crore. “Projects worth ₹11.32 crore have been initiated for the renovation of link roads in several villages of Majitha constituency. Out of this, ₹9.94 crore will be spent on road renovation and ₹1.38 crore on their maintenance over the next five years. These roads were in a deplorable condition, causing immense inconvenience to commuters and farmers transporting their produce to markets,” he said, expressing confidence that their upgradation would significantly benefit residents of Majitha and surrounding areas.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government has launched a massive programme to repair and upgrade link roads across the state. “Punjab has nearly 43,000 kilometres of link roads. Along with repairing them, we have taken a historic decision to ensure their maintenance for the next five years,” he said. To ensure quality, he said a CM Flying Squad has been constituted, and an Artificial Intelligence-based survey was conducted before granting approvals, leading to savings of ₹226.89 crore.

“This money was earlier siphoned off by leaders of previous regimes,” the Chief Minister said. “By plugging leakages, we are now using these funds for the development of Punjab and the prosperity of its people.” He added that with initiatives such as Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence and free power, governance in Punjab is now firmly centred on public welfare.

Earlier, PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, MLA Sarwan Singh Dhunn, senior AAP leader Talbir Singh Gill and other leaders were present on the occasion.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro: What Leaks and Early Speculation Suggest

By

Neha Kumari

-

January 18, 2026

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro has not yet been launched, and all information currently circulating is based on early leaks, analyst speculation, and industry chatter. While Apple has not confirmed any details, several reports suggest what the upcoming Pro model may offer when it eventually enters the market.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro: What Leaks and Early Speculation Suggest

In terms of design, the iPhone 18 Pro is likely to retain a premium look similar to recent Pro models, though subtle refinements may be introduced. One of the most discussed changes is related to the front display, where Apple could significantly reduce the size of the Dynamic Island or possibly redesign it altogether. Some leaks suggest that Face ID sensors may be placed under the display, allowing for a cleaner screen layout with only a small punch-hole camera or minimal cutout.

The chip is likely to be optimised for advanced AI tasks

The display itself is expected to remain OLED, with high refresh rate support likely to continue. Screen sizes may stay similar to current Pro variants, but improvements in brightness, efficiency, and durability could be introduced to enhance the overall viewing experience.

On the performance front, the iPhone 18 Pro is widely expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A-series Pro chipset, which may deliver notable gains in speed, graphics performance, and power efficiency. The chip is likely to be optimised for advanced AI tasks, gaming, and high-end photography, while also improving battery efficiency.

Camera upgrades are another area where Apple may focus. The primary camera sensor is expected to remain high-resolution, but leaks suggest the possibility of a variable aperture system, which could allow better control over light intake and depth of field. Improvements in low-light photography, video stabilisation, and computational photography are also likely.

Battery performance and thermal management may see incremental improvements, with Apple possibly optimising internal components rather than making major changes to battery size. Faster wireless charging and enhanced power efficiency could also be part of the upgrade cycle.

Connectivity features on the iPhone 18 Pro may include improved 5G performance, refined satellite-based services, and more advanced in-house components as Apple continues to reduce reliance on third-party hardware.

As with all pre-launch information, these details remain speculative and subject to change. Apple typically finalises features close to launch, and some leaked features may not make it to the final product. Until an official announcement is made, the iPhone 18 Pro remains a device shaped largely by expectations and early leaks rather than confirmed specifications.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Electric Scooter vs Ola S1 X — Feature and Specification Comparison

By

Neha Kumari

-

January 18, 2026

The Indian electric two-wheeler market continues to expand with several options catering to different riding needs, and among the popular choices are the Bajaj Chetak C25 Electric Scooter and the Ola S1 X. Both models target urban commuters while offering distinct approaches in design, performance, and technology.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Electric Scooter vs Ola S1 X

The Bajaj Chetak C25 carries forward the brand’s legacy with a classic design and metal body construction, giving it a solid and premium feel. Its styling is simple and traditional, appealing to riders who value durability and a clean aesthetic. The scooter is primarily designed for everyday city commuting, focusing on smooth acceleration and stable ride quality rather than aggressive performance.

Feature and Specification Comparison

In contrast, the Ola S1 X adopts a modern and futuristic design language with a more youthful appeal. It is positioned as a tech-forward electric scooter and offers multiple battery options, allowing users to choose a variant based on their daily range requirements. This flexibility makes it suitable for both short city rides and comparatively longer commutes.

When it comes to battery and range, the Chetak C25 offers a single battery configuration that delivers a practical range for daily urban use, along with charging times suited for overnight home charging. The Ola S1 X, on the other hand, provides several battery capacities, enabling a wider range of claimed distances per charge depending on the variant chosen.

Performance-wise, the Bajaj Chetak C25 is tuned for comfortable city riding with a controlled top speed and emphasis on efficiency. The Ola S1 X generally offers quicker acceleration and higher top speed potential, particularly in its higher battery variants, which may appeal to riders looking for a more spirited riding experience.

In terms of features, the Chetak C25 focuses on essential functionality with a straightforward digital display and a minimalistic interface. The Ola S1 X places greater emphasis on technology, offering advanced connectivity features, a larger digital console, app integration, and additional rider assistance features depending on the variant.

From a comfort and practicality perspective, the Chetak C25 provides a relaxed seating position and a ride setup suitable for daily commuting on city roads. The Ola S1 X offers a spacious seat, generous under-seat storage, and ergonomics designed for convenience and utility.

Overall, both electric scooters cater to different preferences and usage patterns. While the Bajaj Chetak C25 emphasises simplicity, build quality, and everyday reliability, the Ola S1 X focuses on technology, performance options, and feature-rich riding. The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities, commuting needs, and expectations from an electric scooter.

If SGPC President Dhami were truly soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, it would have given me immense happiness; But he proudly calls himself soldier of Sukhbir Badal: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

By

Harsh

-

January 18, 2026