Latest news with #K.D.
Indianapolis Star
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Tyrese Haliburton: Kevin Durant 'is tired of being the Achilles guy'
This isn't a "community" Tyrese Haliburton wants to be part of but he's determined to make the best of the situation. The Indiana Pacers star said Tuesday on the "Pat McAfee Show" that Kevin Durant visited him during WNBA All-Star weekend to add perspective on how to deal with Achilles injury. Haliburton blew out his right Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Pacers have said he will not play in the 2025-26 season. "K.D. actually came to visit me the other day, came to my house," Haliburton said. "It was pretty cool. We sat down for a while." Haliburton discussed how he, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Damian Lillard have become part of the "Achilles community," all having suffered that injury in the NBA playoffs. He said Durant's perspective helped. "(K.D.) is tired of being the Achilles guy," Haliburton said. Durant suffered a similar injury in the 2019 NBA Finals and missed the following season. "For me it's about getting my mental right," Haliburton said. "I try to figure out things to do." T.J. McConnell: 'You'd think people would learn by now, but: We're actually not done' He said he has been to several Indiana Fever games, is improving his WWE video game skills and that he bought a turntable to learn a few DJ skills. "When I'm alone, I sit there and think about everything that's happened, and it's kind of like, 'That sucks,'" he said. "I'm going to fight like hell to get back. All I can do is attack that rehab the best I can." Haliburton is about one month past surgery, and he said on Monday, he put 50% of his body weight on his legs while using crutches. He hopes to be done using his scooter in another couple of months. Get IndyStar's Pacers coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Pacers Update newsletter. "KD actually came and visited me at my house the other day and we just hung just talked and it was pretty cool..I'm gonna felt like hell to get back and hopefully have the opportunity to win a championship again"@TyHaliburton22 #PMSLive
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Abhishek Bachchan's 'Kaalidhar Laapata' director Madhumita talks about her upcoming international horror film: 'I would love to bring together Aishwarya Rai, Taapsee Pannu, Deepika Padukone...'
From Tamil cinema to a Hindi-language debut featuring , director is steadily carving her own space across industries—with heart, humour, and honesty at the core of every story she tells. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In this candid conversation, Madhumita opened up about dream collaborations, her love for ensemble storytelling, navigating Bollywood sets, and why empathy—not ego—is the true engine behind her work. Excerpts... Your first Hindi film features Abhishek Bachchan — was he on your dream list of actors to work with? Who else in Bollywood would you love to collaborate with and why? Honestly, I was a bit nervous about working with a star like Abhishek, but his professionalism and down-to-earth nature put everyone at ease—including Daivik and myself. I'd love to collaborate with him again. Directing sir has always been a dream—like many, I'm a true fan! But then, there are so many talented actors in India, and I'd love the chance to work with all of them. Can't blame a girl for dreaming, right? Is there a Bollywood actor or actress whose work you deeply admire—maybe someone whose choices or craft you find especially inspiring as a storyteller? I deeply admire anyone—actor, director, or technician—who puts the film above themselves. That selfless dedication to the story and the craft is what truly inspires me as a storyteller. If you could cast any two Bollywood actors in your next film—no budget constraints—who would you pick and what genre would the film be? That is a really tough one. So I'm going to say this. If it is from Bollywood, and I had zero budget restrictions, I would love to bring together a powerhouse ensemble of incredible women for this international horror film that I am developing. Imagine a band of fierce, talented actresses like ma'am, ma'am, ma'am, Shefali Shah ma'am, Tillotama Shome ma'am, ma'am, and ma'am—all in one film. Just the thought of that energy and talent on screen gives me goosebumps! As someone now straddling industries, what's something unique you've observed about Bollywood sets compared to Kollywood ones? Regardless of where I am making the film, being on set is magic and that is magic I love and hope to be creating for a very long time. You have a strong emotional signature in your work—be it Vallamai Tharayo, K.D., or Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa. What personal experiences or values shape your storytelling lens the most? I'm drawn to human stories and spend a lot of time observing people, understanding them. At the core of it all, I believe it's important to be a kind and empathetic human being; everything else comes after that. You can always learn and refine your craft as a filmmaker, but for the kinds of stories I want to tell, empathy is essential. Someone I once deeply admired told me that filmmakers are like surrogates. As someone who is naturally sensitive and emotional, I'll admit that comment stung. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Every film I make feels like a child to me. I truly believe that our sensitivity is what makes us creators—if we don't connect emotionally with our stories, how can we expect audiences to connect with our characters? Ultimately, my hope is that the characters I create linger in the minds of the audience, giving them something meaningful to take home. You're now part of a rising wave of South Indian women directors entering Hindi cinema. How do you hope your voice adds to the larger landscape? I recently read about Jiro Ono, the legendary sushi chef who runs a small restaurant in a Tokyo train station. Every day, he wakes up at 4 am, carefully selects his fish, and dedicates himself to perfecting his craft—one piece of sushi at a time. His routine never changes, but his passion and commitment shine through in everything he does. That's exactly how I see my journey as a filmmaker. I just want to keep making films, honing my craft every day, and loving every minute of it—one story at a time. If my voice adds anything to the larger landscape, I hope it's that quiet dedication to storytelling and the belief that, with consistency and heart, every story can make a difference. For me, it really is as simple as that. With increasing collaborations and remakes, the lines between Bollywood and South cinema are blurring more than ever. As someone who's now worked in both industries, how do you view this shift? As I mentioned earlier, human emotions are universal, so language is no longer a barrier. With the rise of OTT and digital platforms, we now have access to stories from all over the world and find ourselves resonating with narratives from places we've never even visited. I see this as a positive shift—it allows us to learn from global perspectives while also sharing our own culture-specific stories with a wider audience. I truly believe that if you keep your story rooted in its local context and stay authentic to the emotions, it will naturally find a global audience. Authenticity transcends language, and that's what makes storytelling so powerful today.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kaalidhar Laapata director Madhumita on casting Abhishek Bachchan against type: 'His range as a performer deserves far more recognition'
Madhumita's acclaimed Tamil film K.D. is reimagined in Hindi as Kaalidhar Laapata, marking her Hindi directorial debut. She casts Abhishek Bachchan against type as Kaalidhar, a vulnerable character far from his usual urban persona. Madhumita highlights Bachchan's dedication and versatility, emphasizing his collaborative spirit and subtle improvisations that enriched the character, guided by Nikkhil Advani's insights for the Hindi audience. With Kaalidhar Laapata, filmmaker Madhumita brings her acclaimed Tamil film K.D. to a wider audience—this time reimagined in Hindi, with Abhishek Bachchan in a role unlike any he's played before. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the director opened up about adapting her story for a new cultural lens, casting Abhishek completely against type, and the little moments on set that turned a powerful script into something deeply human. Excerpts... Kaalidhar Laapata marks your first direct foray into Hindi, remaking your acclaimed K.D. (2019). What motivated you to revisit this story for a new audience, and how was the experience different this time? I see Kaalidhar Laapata more as an adaptation than a remake. I was genuinely excited—and grateful—for the chance to share this story with a new audience. While we've kept the heart of the original, both the characters and the treatment have evolved to suit the Hindi context. The experience was very different this time. For one, the scale and budget were on a completely different level compared to when I made KD in Tamil. Working with Abhishek Bachchan sir, who truly became Kaalidhar for this film, was a privilege. Another difference was that in Tamil, when I made KD, there was no mentor / guide. I made it the way I wanted to, exploring, learning along the way. However with Kaalidhar, I had the able guidance of Mr. Nikkhil Advani , an experienced director himself, always guiding me on what the Hindi audience would expect and want. What made Abhishek the perfect choice for this role? What drew me to Abhishek Bachchan sir for this role was the opportunity to cast him completely against type. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ada jeragat, terus nampak tua! Minum ni je, beli kat Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Undo by Taboola by Taboola He's often seen as polished, stylish, articulate, and very much the quintessential urban gentleman. Kaalidhar, on the other hand, is the exact opposite—rough around the edges, vulnerable, and far removed from that world of sophistication. I was genuinely excited to see how Abhishek would transform himself for this character, and he absolutely embraced the challenge. There's something incredibly compelling about watching an actor step outside his comfort zone and bring a whole new dimension to his craft. Did Abhishek bring any unexpected layers or improvisations that surprised you during the shoot? Abhishek sir and I had many in-depth discussions before filming began, and he was always eager to find new ways to add depth to Kaalidhar. While I had a clear vision of how Kaalidhar would talk, walk, and behave—and Abhishek sir fully embraced that—he also brought his own subtle touches that truly brought the character to life. One detail that stands out is his suggestion to add freckles to Kaalidhar's cheeks, which made perfect sense for a man who spends so much time out in the sun. We also spent time discussing everything from the style of his beard and the shirts he'd wear to the way his hands might shake. These little nuances, many of which came from Abhishek sir himself, are what made Kaalidhar feel so real and layered. On set, whenever I suggested an idea Abhishek sir liked, he'd exclaim, 'Kaise kar lete ho aap?' It became a running joke—soon, everyone started using that phrase whenever someone did something impressive. It was a lovely reminder of the collaborative spirit that shaped the film. Was there a scene between Abhishek and Daivik that moved you deeply on set — something that made you pause and just take it in? I vividly remember one scene at the bus stop—an incredibly emotional moment. Abhishek sir delivered his lines with such sensitivity, pausing just long enough for Daivik to respond with a quiet sniffle. In that instant, they weren't Abhishek sir and Daivik anymore; they had truly become Kaalidhar and Ballu. I was so absorbed in their performance that I completely forgot to call 'cut.' There was absolute silence on set—everyone was caught up in the moment. After a long pause, Abhishek sir finally turned around, broke the tension, and with his trademark humour said, 'Kaise kar lete ho aap?' It was a beautiful reminder of the magic that can happen when actors are fully present. As a director who's worked in Tamil cinema, how different was it directing Abhishek in Hindi? Did the linguistic shift open up a new creative space for you? Hindi was my second language in school, so I am comfortable reading, writing, and speaking it, though it's not my mother tongue. I do sometimes make small mistakes—usually with gender-based grammar—but communication was never an issue on set. As the legendary director K Vishwanath garu once told me, when emotions are universal, language is never a barrier. Directing Abhishek sir in Hindi did open up a new creative space for me. We were all united in telling a story rooted in human emotion, so we were always in sync on that front. To ensure the dialogue felt authentic and true to the heartland, we had the support of wonderful writers like Amitosh Nagpal and Vibhuti Upadhyay, who brought a genuine flavor to the characters' words. Ultimately, it was a collaborative effort, and language became just another tool to deepen the emotional resonance of the film. Finally—what's one thing about Abhishek Bachchan as a performer that the world needs to appreciate more? One thing the world should truly appreciate about Abhishek Bachchan is his remarkable versatility and the dedication he brings to every character. He consistently goes above and beyond to inhabit his roles, bringing depth and authenticity to each performance. His commitment and range as a performer deserve far more recognition.
Mint
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Kaalidhar Laapata' REVIEW: Abhishek Bachchan anchors a gentle tale of abandonment, healing, and unlikely friendship
Director Madhumita returns to familiar ground with 'Kaalidhar Laapata', a Hindi-language adaptation of her own acclaimed 2019 Tamil film 'K.D.' (Karuppu Durai). At its heart, the story remains a deeply human one: an elderly man, discarded by his family, finds purpose and joy in an unlikely friendship with a child. But this version, starring Abhishek Bachchan as the titular Kaalidhar, shifts the tone in a way that is both emotionally satisfying and gently bittersweet, if a little too restrained for its own good. In the original 'K.D.', the protagonist was a crusty, spirited old man who stormed out of his village nursing both bruised pride and a hunger for experience. His counterpart in 'Kaalidhar Laapata', played by Bachchan, is a quieter figure. After overhearing his family's disturbing plan to abandon him during a trip to the Kumbh Mela—a decision driven by greed and cloaked in religious propriety—Kaalidhar slips away unnoticed. This early betrayal sets the emotional temperature for the rest of the film. While the Tamil KD responded to betrayal with bite and black comedy, Bachchan's Kaalidhar retreats into a softer, sadder world, choosing detachment over confrontation. Abhishek Bachchan's performance is unexpectedly delicate. His Kaalidhar is not a man loudly raging against injustice but one quietly folding into the loneliness of being unwanted. There is a fragility to the way he walks, talks, and smiles—making this one of his more nuanced performances in recent years. The sharp, sardonic humour of the original is replaced here with a quiet longing, a gentle weariness that turns Kaalidhar into a figure you want to protect rather than laugh with. This reimagining won't appeal to everyone, especially those who loved the earthy, irreverent vibe of 'K.D.', but it adds its own emotional weight. Enter Ballu, played with natural charm and spontaneity by child actor Daivik Baghela. The chemistry between Kaalidhar and Ballu is the film's beating heart. Their bond unfolds gradually—starting with stolen food and squabbles over sleeping spots, and blooming into trust and affection. As they travel together across towns and highways to tick off items on Kaalidhar's bucket list (which includes everything from eating jalebis on a train to riding a horse), the film captures moments of joy with simplicity. Their friendship has no grand declarations, but it's in the quiet acts of kindness—Band-Aids on bruises, shared jokes, silent companionship—that we witness something profound. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub appears in a small but pivotal role, bringing credibility and warmth to his scenes. The rest of the supporting cast is serviceable, though the scheming siblings and manipulative sister-in-law veer into caricature. The film also avoids any direct confrontation or dramatic reckoning with the family's cruelty, choosing instead to keep the focus on personal healing and emotional growth. Visually, the film doesn't aim for grandeur, but it uses India's varied landscapes—dusty roads, crowded temples, mustard fields—with gentle beauty. Kaalidhar's journey feels less cinematic and more lived-in, like flipping through an old, handmade scrapbook. But for all its tenderness, 'Kaalidhar Laapata' does play it a little too safe. It sands down the rough edges of the original. The rebellious spirit, the biting commentary on ageism and family hypocrisy—all of it is more muted here. The film's emotional impact, while sincere, never quite surprises. Still, Abhishek Bachchan brings an unmistakable warmth to the role. His portrayal of Kaalidhar is steeped in quiet dignity, and his transformation—subtle as it is—feels earned. He may not have the fire of 'Karuppu Durai', but he has a deep well of empathy, and that gives the film its emotional centre. 'Kaalidhar Laapata' may not dazzle, but it gently stirs. It is kind, soft-spoken, and sometimes, that's enough.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A Mass. man bought an illegal depressant online and took his life. The seller will go to prison
Nearly five years ago, a Bedford man, identified in court documents only as 'K.D.,' purchased an illegal depressant online that ultimately resulted in his suicide. Now, the California man who admittedly sold it to him via an illicit online marketplace he operated will spend 30 months in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced this week. Paul Z. Lamberty, 62, of Folsom, Calif., pleaded guilty last August to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of the introduction of misbranded drugs with the intent to defraud and mislead. On May 30, Lamberty was sentenced in Boston federal court to prison time followed by three years supervised release for selling etizolam over the internet starting in 2017 and ultimately earning profits of more than half a million dollars. Etizolam is part of a class of drugs chemically related to benzodiazepines (commonly referred to as benzos), which depress the central nervous system. Read more: It was labeled and looked like Adderall. But thousands of pills were meth and caffeine Physicians can prescribe benzodiazepines that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat insomnia and anxiety, but they also carry risks of dependency, toxicity and even fatal overdose, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The FDA has not approved etizolam for medical use, and thus it can't be sold or prescribed in the U.S. And yet, it is regularly sold by illegal online marketplaces as a 'designer drug' that mimics the pharmacological effects of controlled substances or prescription drugs, according to court documents. In July 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration temporarily scheduled etizolam as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning the agency deemed the drug an 'imminent hazard to public safety.' According to court documents, Lamberty played a role in operating two websites, and where he sold and shipped etizolam to customers at residential addresses throughout the country, including in Massachusetts. He and his co-conspirator, who is unnamed through court documents, accepted payments via cryptocurrency only, prosecutors said. In July 2020, a customer in Bedford, Massachusetts, died from an overdose of etizolam and miragynine, also known as kratom, autopsy results showed. In its sentencing memorandum, Lamberty's defense stated the man's death was a purposeful overdose and ultimately ruled a suicide because of a note he left behind. Attorney Robert Helfend argued that without the Massachusetts man's 'purposeful actions,' his client would 'not be standing before this Court.' Read more: Mass. lawmakers target pill press machines fueling opioid crisis According to email records, the man had purchased etizolam from Lamberty's websites approximately 15 times between July 2019 and June 2020. Meanwhile, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan wrote that 'K.D.' was a victim 'because of the original sale of the misbranded etizolam by the defendant, not the subsequent overdose.' The heart of the argument, he said, is that etizolam is illegal to sell in the U.S. Lamberty imported the etizolam from suppliers in China. In the U.S., he sold it with false labeling stating the products were 'for research purposes only' and 'not for human consumption,' court documents show. In 2018, Lamberty's business partner sent him an email informing him about a Department of Justice press release referencing an FDA investigation into several individuals charged for selling etizolam over the internet. The warning didn't deter Lamberty, according to prosecutors. Read more: Mass. grandfather's online pain medication search spiraled into an international drug operation Later that year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained a pill press that Lamberty had purchased, presumably so he could produce etizolam tablets himself, court documents said. Based on analysis of bank and cryptocurrency records, prosecutors say Lamberty and his co-conspirator conducted gross sales of more than $550,000 worth of etizolam. 'This was drug dealing by another name, and it led, as drug dealing often does, to foreseeable and devastating results,' the U.S. Attorney's Office wrote in its sentencing memorandum. 'Lamberty knew the risks of selling this unregulated and unapproved designer drug and he should now be held accountable for the profits he made at the expense of victims like K.D.' The defense, seeking probation with home confinement, said Lamberty has accepted responsibility for his crimes, citing no additional criminal history and 'a circle of family and friends that want him to excel and need him.' 'He strives to do better in the future,' his attorney wrote. Judge denies ICE transfer of Milford student out of Mass., meeting with lawyer granted Milford student arrested by ICE has fever, sleeping on floor, attorney says Boston in the running for most walkable city in the country — here's how to vote Rock Hall of Fame inductee cancels 2025 tour 'with deep regret' Boston's Mariel Underground closes to become 'stunning new concept' this fall Read the original article on MassLive.
