Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Kartik Aaryan shares he lied to director Kabir Khan to secure role in ‘Chandu Champion’

Kartik Aaryan
  • Kartik Aaryan trained rigorously for Chandu Champion.
  • He admitted lying about swimming skills.
  • The film required Kartik to master the swimming.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan recently revealed the lengths he went to for his role in Chandu Champion, despite the film’s modest box office performance.

Speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 event, Kartik admitted he lied to director Kabir Khan about his swimming abilities to secure the role. “In reality, I could only do enough to keep myself afloat,” he confessed. The fib led to 1.5 years of intense swimming training. “One and a half minutes of lying cost me one and a half years,” Kartik joked.

The movie, based on Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, required Kartik to master swimming professionally, even learning to swim without using his legs. He also took on wrestling for the first time. “Kabir Khan wanted everything to feel authentic,” Kartik shared, praising the director’s dedication.

Kartik highlighted the emotional journey of the film and marked its completion with a celebratory moment when Kabir Khan treated him to Rasmalai. “After two years without sugar, the Rasmalai gave me an unexpected sugar rush,” Kartik said.

Though Chandu Champion struggled initially, it found success on Prime Video. Kartik’s work ethic continues to impress, as he enjoys ongoing success with films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

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UN chief calls for urgent de-escalation by Israeli forces in Syria

UN chief

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes against targets in Syria since the overthrow of the Assad regime, and called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the demilitarized zone in the strategically important Golan.

In a note to correspondents issued on Friday, the UN chief said he was “deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Since the de facto authorities of the HTS armed group took control of Damascus on Sunday, Israeli forces reportedly took over an abandoned Syrian military post overlooking the city in the Golan border region and other parts of the “areas of separation” between Israel and Syria.

The UN Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, was established by the Security Council in May 1974 to maintain the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces in the mountainous Golan and supervise the areas of separation.

Israeli forces have not only moved into parts of the separation zone – they say on a temporary basis only until new security measures are put in place – but also conducted a “defensive” air campaign against weapons stockpiles, military facilities and assets such as airfields, as well as bombing naval vessels off the Syrian coast.

“The Secretary-General is particularly concerned over the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes on several locations in Syria,” the statement said, calling for urgent de-escalation “on all fronts, throughout Syria.”

Many areas of Syria are not under the control of HTS, with several armed groups holding territory in the south, the far north and the north-east, where Kurdish fighters have reportedly captured the town of Deir-ez-Zor, the UN said.

Designated terrorist group ISIL affiliates also maintain a foothold in central Syria, where US warplanes have been targeting them this week.

The statement from the UN chief stressed that the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement “remains in force” and must be upheld, “including by ending all unauthorized presence in the area of separation and refraining from any action that would undermine the ceasefire and stability in Golan.”

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Vikrant Massey shares reason behind announcing retirement from acting career

Vikrant Massey
  • Vikrant Massey announced a career break for personal priorities.
  • He cited social media pressure and family time as reasons.
  • He is currently filming Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan.

Actor Vikrant Massey recently opened up about his decision to take a break from work, citing personal and professional reasons.

Speaking at Agenda AajTak, Vikrant shared that social media pressures influenced his announcement. “Social media pressure was an important part of sharing that break from work post,” he admitted. Despite being an introvert, he acknowledged the need to engage with social media, albeit selectively.

Explaining his decision, Vikrant stated, “The life I had always dreamt of, I finally got it, so I thought it was time to live it. Everything is transient, which is why I am only doing one film next year.” He further revealed that the birth of his son highlighted the need for quality family time. “I was not able to spend any quality time with him or my wife. As an actor, son, father, and husband, it was time for me to recalibrate,” Vikrant added.

In an Instagram post, he thanked fans for their support, writing, “Coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time. Last 2 movies and many a years of memories. Forever indebted.”

Vikrant is currently filming Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan with Shanaya Kapoor, directed by Santosh Singh. The romantic drama explores contemporary themes of love and ghosting.

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Allu Arjun issues statement after release from jail in stampede case

Allu Arjun
  • Allu Arjun expressed condolences after the release in stampede case.
  • Stampede at Pushpa 2 premiere claimed one life and injured another.
  • Political controversy also erupted over his arrest and detention.

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has broken his silence following his release from prison, where he was detained in connection with the death of a fan during the premiere of his latest film, Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Arjun expressed his sorrow and vowed to cooperate with authorities. “I am a law-abiding citizen and will cooperate. I would like to once again express my condolences to the family. It was an unfortunate incident,” he said.

Arjun was arrested on Friday from his Banjara Hills residence after a tragic stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre on December 4. The event, which occurred during a premiere of Pushpa 2, resulted in the death of 35-year-old Revathi and left her son critically injured. The deceased’s husband filed an FIR naming Arjun as an accused, alongside other parties.

A lower court initially sent Arjun to 14-day judicial custody, but he was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court hours later. Despite the order, Arjun had to spend the night in jail, prompting his lawyer to label the delay as “illegal detention” and announce plans to “take legal steps.”

The arrest also sparked political controversy. BJP and BRS criticized the Congress-led state government for its handling of the case, while TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud countered, stating, “The law is equal for everyone and it will take its course.”

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WhatsApp Set to Launch Exciting New Calling Features

WhatsApp introduces new exciting features

WhatsApp aims to strengthen its position as the go-to app for staying connected with friends and family, whether for quick chats or long-distance communication. Just in time for the holiday season, the app is rolling out a series of new calling features to make interactions easier and more enjoyable. One of the standout updates is … Read more

Babar Azam Poised to Break Afridi’s T20I Record in South Africa Series

Babar Azam

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, aims to surpass Shahid Afridi’s record of 73 sixes in T20I cricket. Azam is chasing legends like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, and Afridi. Babar Azam close to surpass Shahid Afridi’s record in second South Africa T20I. Centurion is set to witness history today as Pakistan’s star batter, Babar … Read more

Nadia Afgan speaks up about the exploitation of new actresses

Nadia Afgan speaks up about the exploitation of new actresses

Nadia Afgan discussed the exploitation of young actresses in the industry. She emphasized that the high earnings of modeling are not easily earned. She advised them to live with their parents and avoid buying and renting apartments for competition. She recently appeared on Something Haute’s YouTube show, Haute Talk, hosted by Amna Haider Isani. During … Read more

Maaz Safder faces backlash for allegedly copying Rajab Butt

Maaz Safder faces backlash for allegedly copying Rajab Butt

Maaz Safder started his social media journey on TikTok. Currently a successful YouTuber with 4.32 million subscribers and 2 million Instagram followers. Recently, a viral video of him tossing money at his family wedding sparked controversy. Maaz Safder, a prominent Pakistani digital creator and businessman, began his social media journey on TikTok. He has since … Read more