Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra impressed everyone with an opulent fashion show in Varanasi. In his latest designs, he celebrated the heritage of Kashi. Bollywood stars Kriti Sanon and Ranveer Singh arrived as his show Stopper.

Manish Malhotra takes his couture to Banaras ghats

One of the biggest releases of the year, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan hits theatres today, on occasion of Eid. Starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff in main leads. Watch in for more details!

Bollywood's 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' releases today

April 10 is celebrated as Siblings Day in several countries. In India, several Bollywood stars took to their social media to pay sweet tributes to their siblings and mark the occasion.

April 10 is celebrated as Siblings Day in several countries. In India, several Bollywood stars took to their social media to pay sweet tributes to their siblings and mark the occasion. From Varun Dhawan to Taapsee Pannu to Shilpa Shetty, several stars shared adorable photos and videos of their siblings and celebrated love. Varun Dhawan took to Instagram to share heartwarming photos with his elder brother - filmmaker Rohit Dhawan. Varun and Rohit are sons of celebrated filmmaker David Dhawan. Varun's first and second images capture the duo posing together on a movie set while the third photo has the two brothers dancing together at a wedding. He captioned the post as, "I would be nowhere in life without my elder brother. The first person who believed in me was my brother." View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) × Shilpa Shetty Kundra shared a photo with her sister Shamita Shetty and wrote, "#happysiblingsday, Shamita. I love you to the moon and back always, Tunki." Newly married Taapsee Pannu shared a series of videos that featured her younger sister Shagun Pannu. "And this shows that excessive gyaan makes you lose it, and then the conversations sounds like this...." Taapsee added in one of the videos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee) × Meanwhile, Aparshakti Khurrana shared a hilarious video of his brother Ayushmann Khurrana and him dancing to a hit Punjabi song as their wives cheered on and Ayushmann's kids looked shocked. "Ya it was always a mad house! #HappySiblingsDay," he wrote along with the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aparshakti Khurana (@aparshakti_khurana) ×

National Siblings Day 2024: Bollywood stars pay sweet tributes to their siblings

Crew featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu and Kriti Sanon is perhaps Bollywood's first female heist film. In a world where male bonding is celebrated in every other movie, director Rajesh Krishnan gives the baton in the hands of three heroines who deliver a refreshing comedy. So, is Crew worth your time? Watch Critically Speaking to find out.

Crew review: Tabu, Kareena Kapoor and Kriti Sanon pull off a fun heist | Critically Speaking

<p>Renowned Bollywood singer Anuradha Paudwal, who has also lent her voice to many devotional albums besides film songs and has garnered widespread acclaim for her melodious singing, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 16). The development comes as India's vast electorate is set to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general elections this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement of her joining the party came during a press conference where senior BJP leaders were present to welcome the singer into the party fold. The event took place at the BJP's party's headquarters in the Indian capital of Delhi.</p>

<p>Paudwal, who has been active in the music industry since the 1970s, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and expressed her happiness to be part of the party led by the PM.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-all-you-need-to-know-about-top-20-candidates-of-mega-polls-700743">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls</a></p>

<p>"I am happy that I am joining the government which has a deep connection with Sanatan (Dharma). It is my good fortune that I am joining BJP today," the singer reportedly said after she joined the saffron party.</p>

<h2><strong>Will&nbsp;Anuradha Paudwal contest Lok Sabha elections?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>However, it is unclear if&nbsp;the singer would be contesting the upcoming elections. Responding to a question on the same, she reportedly said, "I don't know yet, whatever suggestion they give me..."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-what-is-the-election-commission-of-india-few-details-about-the-poll-body-700676">Lok Sabha elections 2024: What is the Election Commission of India? Few details about the poll body</a></p>

<p>BJP's national general secretary Arun Singh and chief spokesperson Anil Baluni were also present&nbsp;at the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout her career, Anuradha Paudwal has recorded songs in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, and Malayalam. She has also collaborated with many leading composers and singers in the Indian music industry and has won several prestigious awards for her contributions to music, including the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours in India.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pm-modi-addresses-rally-in-telangana-pushes-big-in-south-indian-states-700736">India: PM Modi addresses rally in Telangana, pushes big in South Indian states</a></strong></p>

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<p>On January 22, the 69-year-old singer Anuradha Paudwal performed at the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;and later described the experience as "out of this world."</p>

<p>BJP has already unveiled its second list of 72 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, wherein it dropped&nbsp;a minimum of 28 sitting MPs. The party released its first list of 195 candidates on March 2. With the release of the second list, the BJP has finalised its candidates for all constituencies in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and&nbsp;Tripura.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Renowned Bollywood singer Anuradha Paudwal, who has also lent her voice to many devotional albums besides film songs and has garnered widespread acclaim for her melodious singing, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 16).

Renowned Bollywood singer Anuradha Paudwal, who has also lent her voice to many devotional albums besides film songs and has garnered widespread acclaim for her melodious singing, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 16). The development comes as India's vast electorate is set to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general elections this year. The announcement of her joining the party came during a press conference where senior BJP leaders were present to welcome the singer into the party fold. The event took place at the BJP's party's headquarters in the Indian capital of Delhi. Paudwal, who has been active in the music industry since the 1970s, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and expressed her happiness to be part of the party led by the PM. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls "I am happy that I am joining the government which has a deep connection with Sanatan (Dharma). It is my good fortune that I am joining BJP today," the singer reportedly said after she joined the saffron party. Will Anuradha Paudwal contest Lok Sabha elections? However, it is unclear if the singer would be contesting the upcoming elections. Responding to a question on the same, she reportedly said, "I don't know yet, whatever suggestion they give me..." Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: What is the Election Commission of India? Few details about the poll body BJP's national general secretary Arun Singh and chief spokesperson Anil Baluni were also present at the event. Throughout her career, Anuradha Paudwal has recorded songs in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, and Malayalam. She has also collaborated with many leading composers and singers in the Indian music industry and has won several prestigious awards for her contributions to music, including the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours in India. Watch | India: PM Modi addresses rally in Telangana, pushes big in South Indian states × On January 22, the 69-year-old singer Anuradha Paudwal performed at the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh and later described the experience as "out of this world." BJP has already unveiled its second list of 72 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, wherein it dropped a minimum of 28 sitting MPs. The party released its first list of 195 candidates on March 2. With the release of the second list, the BJP has finalised its candidates for all constituencies in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Tripura. (With inputs from agencies)

Bollywood singer Anuradha Paudwal joins BJP. Will she contest Lok Sabha elections?

As Alia Bhatt turns a year older, here's looking at the 7 films that made her a bonafide superstar of Bollywood and a force to reckon with.

7 Films That Made Alia Bhatt A Force To Reckon With

Fans of Veteran Indian actor Waheeda Rehman may have a chance to view her journey in the film industry through her lens. Waheeda Rehman has donated her personal memorabilia to the Film Heritage Foundation for preservation.

Waheeda Rehman donates film memorabilia to Film Heritage Foundation

Do you know the connection between Janhvi Kapoor's name and her mom Sridevi's movie, Judaai? Watch the story to find out!

Rare facts about Janhvi Kapoor

Directed by Vikas Bahl, Shaitaan is a psychological thriller. A remake of Gujarati film Vash, Shaitaan has an interesting premise where a man takes control of a family and hypnotises the daughter for his own sadistic pleasure. It has R Madhavan in a negative while Ajay Devgn and Jyothika play helpless parents. While the trailer of the film looked interesting, does the film work? Watch Critically Speaking to find out.

Shaitaan review: Does Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan's film work?

'Drishyam' franchise is all set to go global. The Panorama Studios have joined hands with Gulfstream Pictures and JOAT Films to make the Bollywood film in Hollywood, a first for an Indian film.

'Drishyam' franchise goes global, set for English-language remake

Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon feature in a new age love story in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. The film has Kapoor's character falling in love with a robot played by Sanon. Does the film's hatke story line work? Watch to know more.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya review: What works for the film, what doesn't

Bollywood is gearing up for its next big EID blockbuster, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The movie stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff in pivotal roles. Helmed by Director Ali Abbas Zaffar, the movie boasts of filming most of the action sequences using minimum VFX.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan BTS: Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff engage in real action

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar became another victim of a deepfake video. Watch the video to know more.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar becomes the latest victim to deepfake video, plans to take legal action

Shah Rukh Khan collaborates with Rajkumar Hirani for the first time in Dunki- which focuses on illegal immigrants. The film is a typical Hirani affair that deals with serious issues wrapped in humour. But is it Hirani's best work to date? Will SRK deliver a hat-trick at the box office with this film? Watch Critically Speaking to find out.

Dunki Review: Shah Rukh Khan is not the star of this film on migrants | Critically Speaking

With releases like 'Pathaan', 'Gadar 2' and 'Jawan', Indian cinema was in for a joyous ride in 2023. But another trend was observed last year. Cinegoers also rushed to their nearest cinema to watch matches and concerts. In this exclusive conversation with Wion's Samarpita Das, Ajay Bijli, the managing director of PVR Inox limited, explains the drastic changes theatres witnessed in 2023.

PVR Chief Ajay Bijli talks about the big boom in Indian Cinema

Ahead of the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir, Indian star Amitabh Bachchan has already bought a plot to build a home in Ayodhya. The megastar bought the plot in the Sarayu a seven-star mixed-use Enclave in the region.

Amitabh Bachchan buys land in Ayodhya for $1million

<p>There should be a new proverb for Bollywood to match the times: Put your money where your tweets are.</p>

<p>After a couple of days of raging controversies involving politicians close to the new regime in the Maldives, visibly close to the Chinese establishment, Lakshadweep is the hot new term for India's movie stars because some elite Maldivians disparaged Indians&nbsp;days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clicked snorkelling at the Indian archipelago.</p>

<p>But there's a catch somewhere, as we shall see.</p>

<p>Everybody and his uncle in Bollywood rallied to tell the world, which essentially meant eager Indian beach lovers and out-of-the-box honeymooners thinking beyond Goa, that they should ditch the arrogant Maldivians for our desi version, Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>As a schoolboy, I worked hard to get brownie points for remembering things like how the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindvi Islands were elegantly and Sanskritisingly renamed as Lakshadweep. But like many things south of the Vindhyas, this falls in the "Madrasi" category for affluent northerners -- something remembered vaguely and forgotten quickly.</p>

<p>In the same 1970s that Lakshadweep got its current name, there was a famous catchphrase to explain an Indian fascination for overseas thingies: "craze for phoren". It was natural therefore that the Maldives became a preferred alternative for honeymooners and sundry beach vacationers.</p>

<p>When not in the news for political tumult or sob stories about its vulnerability to climate change, the archipelago made merry as an attractive destination for Indian vacationers.</p>

<p>With silver beaches, pristine waters and blue skies, Lakshadweep matches up to the Maldives, though we shall not debate infrastructure and other stuff like costs that we shall leave to the touristy analysts. But, in terms of distance, Lakshadweep, 400 km off the Kerala coast from Kochi, stands at half the 800 km you would need to fly to reach the Maldives.</p>

<p>But there are 325 international flights every week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/maldives-vs-lakshadweep-india-s-airlines-yet-to-look-inwards-with-flight-frequencies-101704696712641.html">connecting </a>the Maldives, whose biggest chunk of tourists comes from India, compared with barely one flight a day from India to Lakshadweep (No direct flights from anywhere except Kochi, thank you!).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-maldives-row-maldives-faces-heat-over-anti-india-comments-proposes-muizzus-visit-to-india-678169"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-Maldives Row: Maldives faces heat over anti-India comments, proposes Muizzu's visit to India</strong></a></p>

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<p>Presumably, it is a heady cocktail of the "craze for phoren" (visa-free at that) and great marketing by the Maldivians (and a poor counter from our own union territory) that keeps Lakshadweep a poor cousin.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, we have Bollywood's A-graders firing from their X/Twitter-loaded smartphone guns that Indians should ditch the Maldives for Lakshadweep. A casual Google search (Lakshadweep + Bollywood) assaults us with stories from the past two days listing everyone&nbsp;from Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan to lesser mortals extolling the virtues of Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>Here's where the catch is. Where were Hindi cinema's famous crews all these years? Switzerland, New Zealand and god knows who else has been wooing Bollywooders to shoot in their exotic locales. We have had movies like Agent Vinod (Morocco), Chalte Chalte (Greece), and Tamasha (Corsica) joining less enchanting locales. But try finding Lakshadweep as I did, and you are likely to draw a blank unless you are a compulsive trivia collector or extra deep researcher.</p>

<p>But where Bollywood failed, Mollywood, Kerala's own thriving film industry, has had its scenic Malayalam shots at Lakshadweep. Flush (2023), Anarkali (2015) and Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal (2014) were joined in 2018 by Sinjar, made in Lakshadweep's own Jasari language.</p>

<p>The Maldivians are a lot luckier with Bollywood.</p>

<p>Apart from several international movies, including one based on Salman Rushdie's Booker-winning novel 'Midnight's Children', the Maldives has witnessed location shooting for at least four Hindi commercial movies including Samundar (1986), Ek Villian (2014), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) and the Akshay Kumar flop Ram Setu (2022).</p>

<p>So, Mollywood went to Lakshadweep, and Bollywood went to the Maldives. Get the picture?</p>

<p>Perhaps it is time to tell Bollywooders: Put your money where your tweets are, and not in distant destinations.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


There should be a new proverb for Bollywood to match the times: Put your money where your tweets are. After a couple of days of raging controversies involving politicians close to the new regime in the Maldives, visibly close to the Chinese establishment, Lakshadweep is the hot new term for India's movie stars because some elite Maldivians disparaged Indians days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clicked snorkelling at the Indian archipelago.

There should be a new proverb for Bollywood to match the times: Put your money where your tweets are. After a couple of days of raging controversies involving politicians close to the new regime in the Maldives, visibly close to the Chinese establishment, Lakshadweep is the hot new term for India's movie stars because some elite Maldivians disparaged Indians days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clicked snorkelling at the Indian archipelago. But there's a catch somewhere, as we shall see. Everybody and his uncle in Bollywood rallied to tell the world, which essentially meant eager Indian beach lovers and out-of-the-box honeymooners thinking beyond Goa, that they should ditch the arrogant Maldivians for our desi version, Lakshadweep. As a schoolboy, I worked hard to get brownie points for remembering things like how the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindvi Islands were elegantly and Sanskritisingly renamed as Lakshadweep. But like many things south of the Vindhyas, this falls in the "Madrasi" category for affluent northerners -- something remembered vaguely and forgotten quickly. In the same 1970s that Lakshadweep got its current name, there was a famous catchphrase to explain an Indian fascination for overseas thingies: "craze for phoren". It was natural therefore that the Maldives became a preferred alternative for honeymooners and sundry beach vacationers. When not in the news for political tumult or sob stories about its vulnerability to climate change, the archipelago made merry as an attractive destination for Indian vacationers. With silver beaches, pristine waters and blue skies, Lakshadweep matches up to the Maldives, though we shall not debate infrastructure and other stuff like costs that we shall leave to the touristy analysts. But, in terms of distance, Lakshadweep, 400 km off the Kerala coast from Kochi, stands at half the 800 km you would need to fly to reach the Maldives. But there are 325 international flights every week connecting the Maldives, whose biggest chunk of tourists comes from India, compared with barely one flight a day from India to Lakshadweep (No direct flights from anywhere except Kochi, thank you!). Watch | India-Maldives Row: Maldives faces heat over anti-India comments, proposes Muizzu's visit to India × Presumably, it is a heady cocktail of the "craze for phoren" (visa-free at that) and great marketing by the Maldivians (and a poor counter from our own union territory) that keeps Lakshadweep a poor cousin. Suddenly, we have Bollywood's A-graders firing from their X/Twitter-loaded smartphone guns that Indians should ditch the Maldives for Lakshadweep. A casual Google search (Lakshadweep + Bollywood) assaults us with stories from the past two days listing everyone from Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan to lesser mortals extolling the virtues of Lakshadweep. Here's where the catch is. Where were Hindi cinema's famous crews all these years? Switzerland, New Zealand and god knows who else has been wooing Bollywooders to shoot in their exotic locales. We have had movies like Agent Vinod (Morocco), Chalte Chalte (Greece), and Tamasha (Corsica) joining less enchanting locales. But try finding Lakshadweep as I did, and you are likely to draw a blank unless you are a compulsive trivia collector or extra deep researcher. But where Bollywood failed, Mollywood, Kerala's own thriving film industry, has had its scenic Malayalam shots at Lakshadweep. Flush (2023), Anarkali (2015) and Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal (2014) were joined in 2018 by Sinjar, made in Lakshadweep's own Jasari language. The Maldivians are a lot luckier with Bollywood. Apart from several international movies, including one based on Salman Rushdie's Booker-winning novel 'Midnight's Children', the Maldives has witnessed location shooting for at least four Hindi commercial movies including Samundar (1986), Ek Villian (2014), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) and the Akshay Kumar flop Ram Setu (2022). So, Mollywood went to Lakshadweep, and Bollywood went to the Maldives. Get the picture? Perhaps it is time to tell Bollywooders: Put your money where your tweets are, and not in distant destinations. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hypocrites of Bollywood? Hindi stars speak loud for Lakshadweep, but prefer Maldives and faraway lands

<p>Amid the raging controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Lakshadweep island, many Indian celebrities have spoken out, condemning the shameful comments by the minister as they urged millions of Indians to explore Indian Islands.<br />
<br />
While the controversy is raging all over, on Sunday, celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared support with #ExploreIndianIslands as they praised the mystic beauty of Lakshadweep.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who never shies away from putting forward his view, took to X to condemn the derogatory comments from prominent public figures of Maldives.<br />
<br />
"Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism," Kumar posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.<br />
We are good to our neighbors but<br />
why should we tolerate such… <a href="https://t.co/DXRqkQFguN">pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1743910499274924419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Akshay rang the New Year with his entire family in the Maldives.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Praising the beauty of Lakshadweep, actor Salman Khan wrote, "It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.<br />
We are good to our neighbors but<br />
why should we tolerate such… <a href="https://t.co/DXRqkQFguN">pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1743910499274924419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actress Shraddha Kapoor praised the pristine beaches of the Lakshadweep.&nbsp; "All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I'm on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti&nbsp;This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands," she wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍<br />
Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️<br />
This year, why not <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExploreIndianIslands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExploreIndianIslands</a> <a href="https://t.co/fTWmZTycpO">pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO</a></p>
— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShraddhaKapoor/status/1743881298522083626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Check all the posts here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.… <a href="https://t.co/hLbQvD5RYD">pic.twitter.com/hLbQvD5RYD</a></p>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1743923026515964229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/exploreindianislands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#exploreindianislands</a> <a href="https://t.co/CA1d9r0QZ5">pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5</a></p>
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJohnAbraham/status/1743894445177868758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The rift started after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to&nbsp;Lakshwadeep.<br />
<br />
Shiuna, who is the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, called PM Modi 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' on X. However, her post was quickly taken down from the site.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Reacting to the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government distanced itself from the controversy, saying,&nbsp;''These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.''<br />
<br />
In a statement, the Government of Maldives said that it is aware of the derogatory remarks made by the minister on social media platforms. "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives. The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maldives National Party condemns racist and derogatory comments made by a government official against a foreign head of State. This is unacceptable. We urge the government to take necessary action against those involved.</p>
— Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNP_Secretariat/status/1743866346872676411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Sunday evening, all the three ministers,&nbsp;Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan&nbsp;were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-govt-suspends-ministers-who-made-racist-remarks-against-indians-to-target-pm-modis-lakshadweep-visit-677475">suspended</a> by the government over derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an official statement, Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said, "All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts, effective immediately."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the raging controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Lakshadweep island, many Indian celebrities have spoken out, condemning the shameful comments by the minister as they urged millions of Indians to explore Indian Islands.

Amid the raging controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Lakshadweep island, many Indian celebrities have spoken out, condemning the shameful comments by the minister as they urged millions of Indians to explore Indian Islands. While the controversy is raging all over, on Sunday, celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared support with #ExploreIndianIslands as they praised the mystic beauty of Lakshadweep. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who never shies away from putting forward his view, took to X to condemn the derogatory comments from prominent public figures of Maldives. "Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism," Kumar posted on X. Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024 × Akshay rang the New Year with his entire family in the Maldives. Praising the beauty of Lakshadweep, actor Salman Khan wrote, "It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain." Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024 × Actress Shraddha Kapoor praised the pristine beaches of the Lakshadweep. "All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I'm on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands," she wrote on X. All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍 Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️ This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO — Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 7, 2024 × Check all the posts here: Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.… pic.twitter.com/hLbQvD5RYD — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 7, 2024 × With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.#exploreindianislands pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5 — John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024 × The rift started after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshwadeep. Shiuna, who is the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, called PM Modi 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' on X. However, her post was quickly taken down from the site. Reacting to the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government distanced itself from the controversy, saying, ''These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.'' In a statement, the Government of Maldives said that it is aware of the derogatory remarks made by the minister on social media platforms. "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives. The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said. Maldives National Party condemns racist and derogatory comments made by a government official against a foreign head of State. This is unacceptable. We urge the government to take necessary action against those involved. — Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) January 7, 2024 × On Sunday evening, all the three ministers, Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan were suspended by the government over derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Modi. In an official statement, Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said, "All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts, effective immediately." (With inputs from agencies)

Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and other celebs laud PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep amid Maldives row

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Ranbir Kapoor starrer, Animal, continues to remain the box office favourite. Meanwhile, in the OTT domain, Zoya Akhtar's The Archies has become the talk of the town. What makes these two vastly contradicting movies so visually attractive? Find out more in this episode of E-Club.

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