Latest news with #Pooja
Daily Mirror
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Mum of teen murdered with ninja sword makes powerful plea on day of major law change
Pooja Kanda, whose son Ronan was murdered in 2022, has called on anyone who still owns a ninja sword to 'do the right thing' and surrender it as a ban comes into force Since her 16-year-old son Ronan was murdered with a ninja sword, Pooja Kanda has been on a mission to make the streets safer. The heartbroken mother has a powerful message to those who still have the deadly weapons, which today become illegal to possess. "Do the right thing - save yourself, your family and your future," she said. Pooja knows full well the misery such swords - which for years have been readily available online with minimal checks - can cause. Schoolboy Ronan was stabbed through the heart as he walked home in June 2022 in a tragic case of mistaken identity. Her voice cracking, Pooja reflected on the way her life changed that day - and her desperate need to stop others going through the same thing. Ronan's teenage killers had bought the 20-inch blade online, and murderer Prabjeet Veadhesa collected it along with a machete on the morning of the attack. Pooja only learned how easy it was to buy these weapons at the trial of Veadhesa and Sukhman Shergill, who were both found guilty of murder. Speaking at her home in Wolverhampton she said: "When I left that courtroom I just didn't know how it was happening. It was a shock to my whole system, I was in pain. "And my son, when you see the reality of what happened to Ronan, that is beyond words. There was no chance that he would have survived that." During the harrowing weeks of evidence, it emerged that Veadhesa - who was only 16 when he murdered Ronan - had amassed an array of weapons that he purchased online. A 16-year-old was able to buy 25 of those weapons, it was beyond words," Pooja said softly. "I had to do something at that point. I lost the most beautiful, loving, caring, intelligent human being who would have made a positive difference on this earth." Determined that Ronan's death would make a difference, Pooja set about campaigning for the law to change and outlaw weapons like the one that killed her son. She said: "There is no reason for these weapons. This is not a kitchen knife, there is no sense of purpose. "These large knives do not serve any purpose. And when they get into the wrong hands they are used for what happened to Ronan, for a murder to harm somebody else." Ronan was walking home after buying a a PlayStation controller from a friend when he was set upon. His killers had mistaken him for another teenager, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard the following year. Pooja said: "The weapon went through his heart. It was small and sharp and long, and what Ronan went through in that moment he should not have gone through. This type of weapon should have been banned years ago. "They should have been monitoring online activity of these types of weapons years ago. They should have been doing that and my son would have been here today." Pooja, who was awarded an OBE in the King's birthday honours list in June, branded internet weapon vendors "heartless". "All they care about is their money," she said. "And the bloodshed, what's happening behind it, they do not care about it." Her tireless work in Ronan's memory has already made a huge difference in tackling the horrendous online loopholes. Today's ban is a landmark, but it's not the end. Legislation working its way through Parliament will bring in mandatory two-step age checks for anyone buying blades. Tougher sentences for those who sell knives to under-16s will be brought in what the Government has called Ronan's Law. There will also be a new criminal offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence - carrying a jail term of up to four years in prison. The bereaved mum said today is a "strong step forward" - but more needs to be done to keep kids safe. She said: "This is very important legislation that will be protecting youths. Children will be able to walk home not much more safely. "I'm not saying this is the end. I'm saying this is a one strong step forward, but there are many more to take." She said now is the time for families to stand up and make the streets safer. Her next step, she revealed, will be to demand a licensing system for online and face-to-face sales of sharp blades. "We need the community to come forward and, come forward, speak to us, support us," she said. "Right now I could do with more support from the public and I want mums and dads and the siblings, everyone to come forward now. These kind of people (knife sellers) must be held accountable." She praised Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for finally tightening the law around online knife sales. "I believe that the government is walking on the right path," Pooja said. "They're doing much more than the previous governments do, and they are definitely committed to halving knife crime." Since June more than 1,000 ninja swords have been handed in at amnesty bins and police stations ahead of the ban. This will make it illegal to possess, manufacture, import or sell these deadly weapons. From now on anyone caught in possession of a ninja sword in a private place could be jailed for six months. This will go up to two years when the Crime and Policing Bill becomes law. And there is already a penalty of up to four years in prison for carrying any weapon in public. Writing for The Mirror, Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said ninja swords are "a deadly weapon bought online with no legitimate purpose beyond causing harm". She praised Pooja for her relentless campaigning since Ronan's death, writing: "Ronan's memory deserves nothing less than our unwavering commitment to create communities where every child can walk home safely." The ban on ninja swords has been welcomed by police chiefs. Simon Foster and Matthew Barber, who lead on serious violence at the Association for Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) said it will make a "significant difference" in the availability of these deadly weapons.
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress who made her debut with blockbuster, worked with Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, left Bollywood due to..., had failed marriage, she is...
In late 1990s, a striking beauty walked into Bollywood, capturing hearts with her elegance, tall frame, and calm screen presence. She starred opposite some of the biggest names in the industry and was poised for a long, successful film career. But unlike many of her contemporaries, this actress chose to leave the arc lights behind just as her popularity was soaring. At peak of her fame, she married and moved abroad, only to later return to India, far removed from the limelight that once followed her. Which actress is this? Here we are talking about Pooja Batra, who made memorable debut in the critically acclaimed film Virasat (1997), opposite Anil Kapoor and Tabu. Before her acting career began, Pooja was already in the public eye as Miss India International 1993. How was Pooja Batra's Bollywood career? Pooja Batra had a promising Bollywood career in the late 1990s, known for her roles in films like Bhai, Nayak, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Talaash, and Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, where she worked with stars like Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Known for her poise and expressive eyes, Pooja had all the makings of a long-term leading lady in the Hindi film industry. However, her career didn't sustain momentum, partly due to fewer leading roles and that's when she decided to leave the world of glitz and glamour. How was Pooja Batra's personal life In 2002, Pooja surprised many by marrying Los Angeles-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sonu S. Ahluwalia. She relocated to the United States, putting her acting career on hold. During her time abroad, she kept a low profile, occasionally engaging with entertainment world through small roles and independent projects. After eight years of marriage, the couple parted ways in 2010. As per reports, Pooja Batra, who had moved to Los Angeles, received film offers, including from Hollywood, but her husband opposed her return to acting and wanted to start a family, which she wasn't ready for and decided to end their marriage. More about Pooja Batra Following her divorce, Pooja returned to India and gradually reentered the public sphere, not as mainstream actress, but as a wellness advocate and occasional performer. In 2019, she married actor Nawab Shah in presence of friends and family and the two often share glimpses of their life on social media. Though she hasn't returned to full-time acting, Pooja remains a graceful presence in the industry, known for her calm demeanor and balanced lifestyle and today, Pooja Batra focuses on wellness, yoga, and personal growth.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
‘A social person, passionate about fitness': Day after Hinjewadi techie's death by suicide, family looks for answers
A day after Piyush Kawade, a 23-year-old software engineer, allegedly died by suicide at his office building in Pune's Hinjewadi IT Park, his devastated family is scrambling for answers. 'He had no problems in his personal life and had no relationship issues as well. He used to enjoy his weekends, as he did the day before this incident on Monday,' Pooja, Piyush's younger sister, told The Indian Express. Piyush began Monday like any other day, his sister said. He stayed with his elder sister in Wakad and followed his usual routine of having breakfast and leaving for his office at around 7.30 am. According to the police, Piyush was attending a meeting when he suddenly walked out midway and allegedly died by suicide. A note was found at the scene, the police said. 'Piyush was very passionate about fitness. He used to work out regularly. Even in the rainy season, he used to be punctual when attending the gym, eating homemade food, and following a healthy lifestyle. Also, he used to be a social person. He had also planned to visit Nashik for Raksha Bandhan,' Pooja said. Pooja said Piyush had talked about a new project he had been recently allocated while conversing with his elder sister just two days ago. 'He said the pressure was gradually building up and there were unrealistic deadlines,' Pooja said, adding, however, that he did not seem to be overwhelmed by the deadlines or work. 'We don't know what exactly happened during the meeting that he left midway and took this step. We are trying to connect with Piyush's colleagues, and we request that the police investigation be done transparently. The truth should come out,' Pooja added. According to Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare of Hinjewadi Police Station, Piyush had been working as a design engineer at the company for about a year.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pooja Bhatt Launches Podcast to Explore Reality Behind Bollywood's Glamour
Actor, director and producer Pooja Bhatt, known for her candid and articulate nature, is now channelling that gift into hosting her podcast, The Pooja Bhatt Show. With this project, she promises to go beyond the glitter and dive into the lesser-seen layers of the entertainment industry. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'I am going to see what's under the red carpet,' she says, as she gears up to chat with acclaimed directors, superstars, spot boys and background dancers. As she embraces this new role, Pooja calls herself a lifelong adventurer. 'I am not a trained actor. I began my career when I was 17. I am 53 now, and I am still in the ring with my boots on. Eventually, it's the heart and not the art that people remember you for. There is a section of people who either abhors me or adores me, and that suits me fine as long as they don't ignore me. In the carefully curated world where everything is glossed over, I want to talk not only about success and failures but about the periods in between.' She points to her own career as an example. After stepping away from acting, she was unexpectedly approached for the web series Bombay Begums, which marked her return to the screen. 'Director Alankrita Shrivastava told me, 'We want you because you have garnered life experiences in the last 21 years, and those experiences are what we want to harness.' When I look back at my life, I think it is the times of supposed darkness that actually shaped me as a human being. We glorify art, but sometimes it's just a bloody accident.'
India.com
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who is Shah Rukh Khan's manager Pooja Dadlani? Earns more than top CEO's, lives in Rs 7 crore house; Her net worth will shock you
Bollywood superstars are also known for paying hefty salaries to their managers and bodyguards. From Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan, and Saif Ali Khan to Akshay Kumar, they spend a significant amount on their management and security teams. Who is Shah Rukh Khan's manager? Pooja Dadlani has been managing Shah Rukh Khan's finances for over a decade. Associated with him since 2012, she schedules all his projects and oversees operations for his film production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, as well as his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders. In addition, she handles Shah Rukh's professional and legal matters. What is Shah Rukh Khan's manager Pooja Dadlani's salary? Talking about Shah Rukh Khan's manager, Pooja Dadlani's salary is enough to shock anyone. Her income is equivalent to that of ten engineers and five doctors combined. Pooja is seen accompanying Shah Rukh Khan at almost every event. She manages all the finances from his projects and also handles the profit-and-loss calculations for upcoming ventures. According to reports, Pooja earns between Rs 7 crore to 9 crore annually, and her total net worth is estimated to be around Rs 45 crore to Rs 50 crore. She not only earns more than most engineers and doctors but also out-earns the CEOs of many top companies. Pooja Dadlani's personal life According to Bollywood Life, Pooja Dadlani completed her schooling from Bai Awabai Framji Petit Girls' High School and graduated from HR College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. She also holds a degree in Mass Communication. In 2008, Pooja wed businessman Hitesh Gurnani with whom she has a daughter named Rena. Hitesh is the director of a company which is engaged in making jewellery. Pooja has a luxurious house in Bandra, whose interior design is done by Gauri Khan. Pooja maintains a great balance between her professional and personal life. She gave this information through one of her Instagram posts. According to Magicbricks, the price range of Pooja's house is between Rs 5.63 crore and Rs 7.88 crore.
