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NDTV
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Vande Mataram: The Song Shubhanshu Shukla Listened To Before Space Trip
A fighter pilot to the core, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's favourite song is from actor Hrithik Roshan's 2024 film 'Fighter'. 'Vande Mataram' is also the song that Group Captain Shukla listened to as he was headed to the launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to board the Falcon-9 rocket for his maiden space flight. The Hindi song loosely translates as "India is not a dream but a celebration. Victory is the habit in every vein of Indians. Such is our prowess that even the enemy salutes us". 'Fighter', which was released in 2024, was billed as a tribute to the valour, sacrifice and patriotism of the Indian armed forces. Directed by Siddharth Anand, it also featured Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor. The song 'Vande Mataram' (The Fighter Anthem) has been sung by Vishal Dadlani and others with original lyrics by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and remix lyrics by Kumaar. There is an old tradition at NASA that when astronauts drive out to the launch pad for their missions, they get to listen to their choice of music as they drive up after saying goodbyes to their families. Reports say astronauts often play music before launching in a rocket to help them relax and focus. Music can be a powerful tool to manage stress, especially in the high-pressure environment of space travel. It also serves as a way to connect with Earth and loved ones, and can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Axiom Mission 4 NASA, Axiom Space, and billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX are now targeting 12.01 PM (India Time), Wednesday, June 25, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4. The crew includes Dr Peggy Whitson from the United States as mission commander, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Group Captain Shukla is the designated pilot for this mission. Incidentally, the Indian astronaut will be flying into space from the same launch pad that was used by astronaut Neil Armstrong for his launch when he became the first person to land on the moon in 1969. Ms Whitson, while speaking to NDTV this month, had described Group Captain Shukla as "wicked smart". Group Captain Shukla has practised Yoga as part of his training before boarding the 70-metre-tall Falcon 9 rocket, which is nearing its 500th flight and has a 99.6% safety record. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Shubhanshu Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and is the youngest among the four astronaut-designates trained under India's Gaganyaan program. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006, in the fighter stream. A decorated Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, he has logged approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience across a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. The lyrics of the 'Vande Mataram' song: Khwaab nahi ek jashn hai Bharat Rag-rag mein hai jeet ki aadat Aisa hunar dushman bhi salaami de Tu suraj, hum tere ujaale Tujh se juda nahi hone waale Akhir tak hum safar pe honge ki Jai-hind jo nas-nas mein hai Har baazi phir bas mein hai Zid thaan ke hindustan bole Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram Naa hee zameen, naa aasmaanon mein Naa hee mumkin hai do jahano mein Jazbe, iraade aur ye junun Bante hain dil ke kaarakaano mein Pahunch gae ambar se aage Dharti se phir bhee bandhe hain dhaage Rahete vatan kee mittee se judake Jai-hind jo nas-nas mein hai Har baazi phir bas mein hai Zid thaan ke hindustan bole Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram English translation: No dream, but a celebration- In every vein of India, victory is the habit. Such is our prowess that even the enemy salutes us. You're the sun, we are your radiance; We're never going to part from you. Till the end, we'll journey ahead- Jai Hind lives in every pulse; Every challenge is within our grasp. With firm resolve, Hindustan shall proclaim: "Vande Mataram: with pure waters, fertile fields, Cool breezes and verdant growth." Neither the land nor the sky can hold us, Nothing's impossible across the two worlds. Our spirit, resolve, and this passion- They are forged in the chambers of our hearts. We've reached beyond the skies above; Yet roots remain bound to the earth. Anchored by the soil of our nation- Jai Hind lives in every pulse; Every challenge lies within our grasp. With firm resolve, Hindustan shall proclaim: "Vande Mataram: with pure waters, fertile fields, Cool breezes and verdant growth."


News18
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Listened To This Hrithik Roshan Song Before Space Trip
Last Updated: Group Captain Shukla listened to 'Vande Mataram' song from Hrithik Roshan starrer 2024 film 'Fighter' as he was headed to the launch pad. Indian Air Force's (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the astronauts selected under India's Gaganyaan program, is set to launch into space today after several delays due to bad weather and technical glitches. As part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla along with three other astronauts, will lift-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida onboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Which Song He Listened? As per the reports, there is an old tradition at NASA that when astronauts drive out to the launch pad for their missions, they get to listen to their favorite music as they bid adieu to their families. As per the report by NDTV, Group Captain Shukla listened to 'Vande Mataram' song from Hrithik Roshan starrer film 'Fighter' as he was headed to the launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Bollywood song loosely translates as 'India is not a dream but a celebration. Victory is the habit in every vein of Indians. Such is our prowess that even the enemy salutes us". As per the reports, astronauts often play music before launch to help them relax and focus. Music can be a powerful tool to manage stress, especially in the high-pressure environment of space travel. The song 'Vande Mataram' has been sung by Vishal Dadlani and others with original lyrics by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and remix lyrics by Kumaar. Axiom-4 Mission The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is the fourth private astronaut expedition to the International Space Station. It launches from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission is led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, now with Axiom Space, serving as commander. The international crew includes Slawosz Uznanski from Poland (European Space Agency) and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Group Captain Shukla joins them as the mission's pilot — a role of high responsibility and precision.


India.com
25-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Big blow to Pakistan as China may not give J-35A stealth fighter jet to Islamabad soon, may deliver the jet first to...
Big blow to Pakistan as China may not give J-35A stealth fighter jet to Islamabad soon, may deliver the net first to.. J-35A Stealth Fighter Jet: Pakistan, China's close ally, may not be the first country to acquire the Dragon's fifth-generation stealth fighter Shenyang J-35A. A report published in Air Forces Monthly, which is a leading military aviation magazine published by Key Publishing Ltd in Stamford and Lincolnshire, rejects earlier reports saying that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would receive its first batch of 40 J-35A fighter aircraft by August 2025. As per the magazine, another country, whose name has not been disclosed, will be the first recipient of China's fifth-generation fighter jet. Notably, delivery of the J-35A to Pakistan is expected to be delayed until 2026 or later, and it will also take two to three years for completion of the order. Notably, the fifth-generation stealth fighter has entered Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). J-35A Stealth Fighter Jet The fifth-generation stealth fighter jet is developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which was unveiled in November last year at the Zhuhai Air Show. J-35A is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet which is known for its stealth feature. It is the second fifth-generation stealth jet of China after the Chengdu J-20. The J-35A is specifically designed for precision strike mission and loaded with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and stealth-optimised airframe. It is also designed to be compatible with long-range missiles like the PL-17. Framed as a more affordable export option compared to US's F-35, the J-35A is designed to strengthen the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and act as a major export offering for partner nations such as Pakistan. Pakistan's Interest In J-35A Pakistan started showing interest in J-35A in December last year. As per several reports, Islamabad had ordered approx 40 J-35A fighter jets with a defence package including KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems. Promoted as a game-changer for the PAF, the deal was anticipated to offer a short-term technological advantage over IAF, which is not expected to field a fifth-gen fighter until its homegrown Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational around 2030. Not only that Pak's pilots reportedly started training on the fifth-generation stealth fighter in August 2024 in China. However, the latest report from Air Forces Monthly, citing sources, states that an unnamed country, possibly Egypt, Algeria, or Saudi Arabia, may become the first to acquire the J-35A during its LRIP phase. The report doesn't specify why China holds Pak's order, but suggests that Beijing is prioritising other customers. If the report is true, PAF will start receiving J-35A in 2026, with the full order of 40 jets completed between 2028 or 2029. The identity of the unnamed country could carry a major geopolitical weight. If a Middle Eastern like – Saudi Arabia or Egypt acquires the J-35A fighter aircraft, it may indicate China's ambition to extend its defence reach beyond its traditional partners like Pakistan, reshaping regional power dynamics.


Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Top Gun ka cheap copy': Hania Aamir's Pakistani film Parwaaz Hai Junoon trolled for mirroring Tom Cruise cult classic
Who needs original content, when you can use inspiration to create something that already kind of exists? A resurfaced trailer from the 2018 Pakistani film Parwaaz Hai Junoon is baffling the internet, and netizens can't stop comparing it to something suspiciously familiar! Hamza Ali Abbasi and Tom Cruise The movie stars some of Pak's most loved names, including Hamza Abbasi, Ahad Raza Mir and Hania Aamir, who recently found herself in the middle of a controversy. The young actor was all set to make her Bollywood debut with Diljit Dosanjh's already delayed film. Panjab 95, the trailer for which was released on Sunday. But following tensions after the Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor, the casting has faced immense backlash, and this third instalment in the Sardar Ji franchise will only be releasing theatrically abroad. Now, what is it about Parwaaz Hai Junoon that has netizens commenting with such frenzy? According to those who have watched the film, and those who have simply glanced at the trailer, Parwaaz Hai Junoon seems to have a lot of similarities to another very popular fighter jet narrative, one with a huge cult following. 'Top Gun's cheap copy = Top Katta,' read one comment on X. Tom Cruise's Top Gun, which released in 1986, was a cultural reset for military fanatics. The film sensationalised the American military, and made serving in the Air Force look hot, hot, hot. It is only an assumption that this is the same thing Pakistan was trying to do with Parwaaz Hai Junoon, but the unconvincing VFX as well as many shot-for-shot remake scenes had netizens rolling on the floor. 'This can't be a movie had to be satire," read a comment on X. One more comment said, 'I think I watched it in Emirates flight sometime back or let's say tried to watch but the screenplay as expected was so poor and utterly predictable story so just stopped it in about 15 mins or so..' One more comment asked, 'Where can I watch this movie. Been long haven't watched a comedy movie.' Many also drew comparisons to Hrithik Roshan's hit 2024 military film Fighter, and even if the connection is a bit of a stretch, the sentiment was clear. 'Bhai ye Top Gun ki nahi Fighter ki cheap copy hai!' said one user. 'Fighter in 144p,' quipped another. One more comment read, 'Fighter movie ki copy but in Pakistan version.' Whether it's a coincidence or a straight-up copy job, Parwaaz Hai Junoon has landed itself back in the spotlight. What do you think?


Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Why Muslim UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov 'refused' to take picture with woman - just weeks after he declined to shake TV host Kate Scott's hand despite greeting all of her male colleagues
The reason that UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov originally turned down a photo with a woman last week has become clear. Khabib, 36, is one of the most impressive fighters in UFC history after winning all 27 of his career bouts. Since retiring, he has focused on coaching and mentoring fighters and is also regularly seen attending high-profile sporting events. However, a clip of Nurmagomedov, 36, circulated on TikTok last week where he appeared to urge a woman to turn around when she approached him for a photo at an event. The same individual returned moments later and did take a picture with the 36-year-old and fans have noticed one major difference. In the original approach, the woman had a drink in her hand, which appeared to be alcoholic. It seems that Khabib instructed her to put down the drink before returning for a photo without it in her hand. This is because the former fighter is a devout Muslim and in Islam, alcohol is prohibited, with the holy book The Quran forbidding the consumption of it. And several fans were quick to praise the 36-year-old for maintaining his faith despite all of his fame. One said: 'A man with moral values and discipline,' before another added: 'Money hasn't changed this man, stuck to his beliefs and principles.' A further fan added: 'He's a devout Muslim and doesn't like to engage in any type of way that endorses alcohol.' Khabib regularly spoke about and was involved with his religion throughout his fighting career. The Russian would often be seen praying after his UFC bouts and previously opened up on his faith in 2023 when speaking on his YouTube channel. 'A lot of people, they are a little bit shy to show they are Muslim,' he said. 'Some people don't like this, but who cares? My religion taught (sic) this to me: to be a nice person, to be a good man, to be a good family man. 'You know, like, to be a good neighbour, to be a good friend. This is only because of my religion. Because of my faith, you know. 'And everybody has (sic) their own way, but I choose to show this. To show this, to represent this and to be proud of this.' However, Khabib had generated controversy last month when he failed to shake TV host Kate Scott's hand at the Champions League final despite greeting all of her male colleagues. CBS Sports covered the action with their regular punditry trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards and presenter Scott. After Les Parisiens' crushing 5-0 victory, the group were joined at pitch side by popular streamer IShowSpeed and the UFC icon. As Khabib made his way over to the group he embraced each member individually before declining a handshake from Scott as her hand remained awkwardly outstretched. Nurmagomedov then appeared to clarify his refusal to the presenter - previously known as Kate Abdo prior to her marriage to boxing trainer Malik Scott last year - who subsequently apologised on air. This is because in Islam it is forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that you are not related to.