Latest news with #Sonchiriya
Gulf Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Bhumi Pednekar praises UNDP India for its efforts to empower young people
Actress Bhumi Pednekar has praised UNDP India for its efforts to empower young people in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She called the initiative a significant step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Pednekar, UNDP India National Advocate for the SDGs, shared, 'This initiative is a game-changing moment. Today's youth are informed, passionate, and committed to building a better world. Through this partnership, we are creating a platform where their vision and energy can drive sustainable action and impact at scale.' The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India has teamed up with Collective Artists Network India Pvt. Ltd. to boost youth involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The partnership aims to spark meaningful conversations on important global issues like climate change, gender equality, poverty, and inclusive development. Talking about the partnership, Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India, stated, 'This partnership is a step forward in empowering young people to become active change-makers. Across India, youth are not only raising their voices for change - they are leading it. Whether it's championing climate action, advocating for gender equity, or creating inclusive opportunities, their work is shaping the future. With Collective Artists Network, we can amplify these efforts, ensuring that stories of youth leadership resonate from urban centres to rural communities.' Dhruv Chitgopekar, Co-founder, Collective Artists Network, added, 'At Collective, we believe storytelling is a powerful tool to drive real change. Partnering with UNDP allows us to channel the voice and influence of India's youth toward causes that support building a future rooted in purpose, equity, and sustainability.' The first project under this partnership was a three-part digital docuseries created with Under 25, one of India's biggest student communities. The series showcased inspiring stories of young changemakers and reached millions of viewers online. It also featured support from actress and UNDP India Youth Champion, Sanjana Sanghi. The partnership aims to work with OTT platforms, filmmakers, brands, and popular influencers to run campaigns and events that raise awareness and encourage action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the country. Meanwhile, Bhumi has completed a decade in Hindi cinema. The actress made her debut with the breakout hit 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha,' in which she was paired opposite actor Ayushmann Khurrana. The actress shared that she is always drawn to stories that challenge her thought-process, and give her the window to grow as a person. In 10 years of her cinematic career, the actress has taken up some brave choices like 'Sonchiriya,' 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,' 'Badhaai Do,' 'Govinda Naam Mera,' 'Bhakshak' and others. Indo-Asian News Service
News18
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sushant Singh Rajput Carried A Telescope To Chambal, Showed Co-Stars The Moon
Last Updated: Sushant Singh Rajput's co-stars recalled his love for astronomy—carrying a telescope to sets, showing them stars, and sharing celestial conversations. There are some people who live life not just to exist, but to explore, to learn, and to love—quietly and with intensity. Sushant Singh Rajput was one such soul. More than just an actor, he was a seeker—of knowledge, of meaning, of wonder. While the world came to know him through the glowing screen, portraying characters that etched themselves into cinematic memory, those closest to him knew him as someone who was always reaching for the stars—literally and metaphorically. Rising to fame with his television debut in Pavitra Rishta, Sushant quickly transitioned to films, delivering unforgettable performances in Kai Po Che, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sonchiriya, and Chhichhore. But beyond the accolades and blockbuster success, there existed a deeply curious man with a mind that refused to settle for the ordinary. Few may know that Sushant ranked 7th in the highly competitive AIEEE exam in 2003 and was pursuing mechanical engineering at Delhi College of Engineering before the arts claimed his heart. But engineering, as he once said in an interview, was never truly his calling. 'Engineering wasn't my choice. I wanted to be an astronaut, and later, an Air Force pilot. I remember tearing up my Top Gun poster when my parents told me that was not going to happen," he had confessed. That moment, steeped in teenage rebellion and crushed dreams, would mark the beginning of a life that danced between stardom and science, storytelling and stargazing. Before he became a household name, Sushant began his journey in entertainment as a background dancer. In a blink-and-miss moment in Dhoom 2, he can be spotted grooving behind Hrithik Roshan. That passion and perseverance took him places, but it never dimmed his love for the cosmos. Sushant's love for astronomy was no secret. He owned a powerful telescope and often spoke about black holes, quantum physics, and distant galaxies. Friends and co-stars often recalled evenings spent at his home, where he would excitedly introduce them to celestial wonders. Shraddha Kapoor, his Chhichhore co-star, remembered being moved to tears after he showed her the moon through his telescope. 'I was so speechless that I could see its exquisite beauty up close," she wrote after his passing. 'He saw things through a kaleidoscopic lens." That same passion spilled into his conversations and relationships. Jacqueline Fernandez once called him a 'genius," saying he would constantly recommend books and authors, often peppering their chats with scientific curiosity. Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with him on Sonchiriya, shared that Sushant's mind was always teeming with questions—about space, philosophy, filmmaking, and existence itself. 'He was always curious to learn about everything—the unknown, space, about quantum physics, about acting, about filmmaking," Manoj told IANS. To those who worked closely with him, he was more than a co-actor. He was an inspiration, a puzzle, a teacher, and a dreamer. Sara Ali Khan, who starred opposite him in Kedarnath, penned a heartfelt tribute on the film's fourth anniversary. 'I would do anything to go back to August 2017, learn so much from Sushant about music, films, books, life, acting, stars, and the sky… He is up there right by his favourite moon, shining like the bright star he always was and always will be." Bhumi Pednekar, his Sonchiriya co-star, shared how he had promised to show her the stars—something she had brushed off at first as a cheesy line. But Sushant, true to form, brought out his telescope on set and introduced her to the cosmos: Saturn, Jupiter, and the red-tinted moon. 'You took us to the moon and back," she wrote. 'You genius will live on with all the work you have done, and through that telescope I will spot you again." Even veteran actor Ashutosh Rana recalled being awestruck when Sushant carried a telescope to the rugged landscapes of Chambal during the filming of Sonchiriya. It wasn't for show—it was simply who he was. Whether on a film set or in the stillness of a forest, he carried his stars with him. Sushant Singh Rajput passed away on June 14, 2020. But the stories he left behind—of his brilliance, kindness, and insatiable thirst for knowledge—continue to orbit our collective memory. His was a mind that found joy in both the smallest things and the vastest mysteries. He reminded us that it's okay to dream wildly, to be different, to question, and to chase things bigger than ourselves. First Published: June 14, 2025, 19:57 IST
Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sushant Singh Rajput promised to show the stars to his co-actors, carried a telescope to Chambal: ‘He's up there right by his favourite moon'
Sushant Singh Rajput was one of the most loved actors of his generation in the Hindi film industry. He rose to fame with his television show Pavitra Rishta but his films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sonchiriya brought him a lot of critical acclaim. While he was undoubtedly a celebrated actor, he also excelled at academics as he got the seventh rank at AIEEE exams conducted nationwide in 2003. While he became an actor, he had a lot of passion for astronomy and loved watching the stars. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sushant Singh Rajput had shared, 'Engineering wasn't my choice. I wanted to be an astronaut, and later, an Air Force pilot. I remember tearing up my Top Gun poster when my parents told me that was not going to happen. Apparently, I was going to be an engineer. Maybe the drama I did that day should've given everyone a clue! But truly, I was gutted…' In his early days in the entertainment industry, he worked as a background dancer and was seen dancing behind Hrithik Roshan in the song 'Dhoom Again' in Dhoom 2. While he relentlessly pursued his passion as an actor, his love for astronomy never subsided. After Sushant Singh Rajput's death on June 14, 2020. His Chhichhore co-star Shraddha Kapoor took her Instagram handle to share a long note about her bond with the Pavitra Rishta actor. Among the many things, she wrote how he used to be curious about everything around him. 'The conversations we had at shoot about the cosmos, different philosophies, the moments we spent together, were filled with magical wonderment! During a lovely musical and poetry filled gettogether at his home (he loved music and poetry), he showed me the moon from his telescope and I was so speechless that I could see it's exquisite beauty up close!' She further revealed his love for astronomy, and shared, 'Our Chhichhore gang went to his beautiful home in Pavna, where we were awestruck together with the peace and calm of the nature around us–he loved nature! He saw things through a kaleidoscopic lens and wanted to share that with everyone around him. He was mesmerised by the simplest things and would muse on them in a genius way.' ALSO READ | Kamal Haasan continues to fight against Karnataka govt for banning Thug Life despite its box office failure: 'It violates constitutional rights' Similarly, Jacqueline Fernandez, who starred opposite him in the film Drive shared her memories with the star in a conversation with India Today. She said, 'I looked at him as this genius. He was always telling me which books to read. He would say, 'Oh Jacky, you don't know this. Wait, let me introduce you to this author, let me introduce you to this science.' In a conversation with IANS, Sushant's Sonchiriya co-star Manoj Bajpayee said, 'What I automatically recall about Sushant is how much interest he had about everything in life. He was always curious to learn about everything — the unknown, space, about quantum physics, about acting, about filmmaking.' In another podcast with Mid-Day, Manoj shared the Kai Po Che star was a 'voracious reader' with a 'fantastic mind.' ALSO READ | When Sushant Singh Rajput gave a tour of his unique home, revealed how Shah Rukh Khan influenced him When his film Kedarnath turned 4 in 2022, his co-star Sara Ali Khan penned a long note in his memory. Writing about Sushant, Sara shared on her Instagram, 'I would do anything to back to August 2017, learn so much from Sushant about music, films, books, life, acting, stars and the sky, witness every sunrise, sunset and moonrise.' She added, 'And as the full moon shines bright tonight, I know Sushant is up there right by his favourite moon, shining like the bright star he always was and always will be. From Kedarnath to Andromeda.' His Sonchiriya co-star Bhumi Pednekar too had shared a long note after his death. In her note, she shared, 'The first time we met, you told me you would show me the stars. In my head, I wondered–ya whatever, what a cheese ball. Little did I know you meant every word you said. With a smile full of pride you showed it to us. The massive big black hole, your best friend, your telescope. I was like, wait, what really, you got this here!' She added, 'You took us to the moon and back, I remember the moon being red then. You showed us Saturn, Jupiter, and a million stars. You challenged me to write with my left hand and narrate versus backwards. You challenged me to races and quizzes and it drove me nuts. You spoke of Faraday, Chatelet and tried explaining me Newton's theories through Art. You genius will live on with all the work you have done and through that telescope I will spot you again.' Veteran actor Ashutosh Rana, who was also a part of the critically acclaimed film Sonchirya, recalled in an interview with Bombay Times that Sushant had carried a telescope with him to Chambal during the shoot of Sonchiriya. ALSO READ | Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called Bollywood a haven for 'drugs and alcohol', accused film industry of 'attacking culture of the country' Sushant Singh Rajput was a member of the International Lunar Lands Registry (ILLR), which is a crowd funded program that aims to gather data necessary for human exploration and development of the lunar surface without hampering its natural beauty. His love for astronomy was such that he even bought some land on the moon. In a moving tribute for the actor, US-based astrophysicist and scientist Dr Karan Jani had shared little-known side about the actor a day after his death in 2020. In a long post, Karan shared, 'I had the rare privilege to witness the other side of Sushant – that of a profoundly curious human being who had an impressive reading habit.' He added, 'His social media bio read, 'Photon in a double-slit'. He was indeed like that, living with a duality. With one being a Bollywood star with millions of followers while the other being an honest seeker finding a meaning in this universe. Our 2017 discovery of neutron star collision was the closest to him. It was his dream to one day visit the LIGO observations in the U.S.' Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sushant Singh Rajput's 5th death anniversary: 5 must-watch films on OTT that celebrate his legacy
Sushant Singh Rajput may have left us five years ago, but his powerful screen presence and unforgettable performances continue to resonate with fans. From his early days on television to becoming one of Bollywood's brightest stars, SSR carved a unique space with his charm, talent, and choice of roles. Whether playing a small-town lover or a mysterious detective, he made every character memorable. On the fifth anniversary of his passing, we take a look back at some of his best films, now streaming on OTT platforms. 'Kedarnath' Set against the backdrop of the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods, 'Kedarnath' is a poignant love story between Mansoor ( Sushant Singh Rajput), a humble Muslim porter, and Mukku (Sara Ali Khan), a Hindu Brahmin woman from a conservative family. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film addresses not only natural disaster but also religious divides and social pressure. Sushant's portrayal of Mansoor was deeply moving. His quiet strength, sincerity, and gentle demeanour made audiences instantly connect with the character. It was one of those performances where he let his eyes and silence do most of the talking, leaving a lasting emotional impact. Where to watch: Zee5 Kedarnath - Official Trailer 'Shuddh Desi Romance' In this fresh take on love and relationships, Sushant plays Raghu, a commitment-phobic young man who runs away from his own wedding. Soon after, he meets Gayatri (Parineeti Chopra), and they start living together. But things take a surprising turn when Tara (Vaani Kapoor), the bride he left at the altar, re-enters his life. 'Shuddh Desi Romance' brings out the fun, chaos, and confusion of modern relationships, and Sushant's performance as the confused yet charming Raghu makes it a delight to watch. His effortless chemistry with both leading ladies and his natural acting style won him many admirers. Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Shuddh Desi Romance Trailer ' Sonchiriya ' Sushant features in 'Sonchiriya' as Lakhna, a morally ambiguous dacoit in Chambal's ravines. Starring in the 1970s, this dark drama is about a band of bandits struggling through caste, violence, and guilt. The movie also features Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the movie uses the Bundeli dialect and gritty cinematography. Even though this is an ensemble movie, Sushant's performance as Lakhna leaves an indelible mark. His inner conflict and need for redemption are met with understated intensity. Although it did not get a wide audience in theaters, it's now one of his best performances. Where to watch: Zee5 'Sonchiriya' trailer out: The dacoit film promises more than just bloodshed 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' In this period mystery-thriller directed by Dibakar Banerjee, Sushant plays the iconic Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshy. The film follows his investigation into the disappearance of a chemist named Bhuvan. As Byomkesh digs deeper, he uncovers a dangerous plot that could shake Calcutta. The role was a bold choice for Sushant, who had said to NDTV, to get into character, he learned Bengali mannerisms and even changed his eating habits to suit the role. Though it didn't perform well at the box office, critics praised the film's atmospheric style and Sushant's gripping performance. Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Detective Byomkesh Bakshy Trailer SSR's movies continue to touch the hearts of people due to their compelling stories and his memorable his films keeps his spirit alive and lets new viewers discover the magic he brought to the screen. As we watch these beautiful stories again, we remember not just the actor, but the warmth and passion he shared with the cinema.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Optical Illusion: Only a mathematical genius can spot hidden 32 among a pool of 52
Optical illusions are deceptive visuals that manipulate people's perceptions by utilizing colors, lights, and various patterns. Numerous elements, such as how the brain processes images, how light bounces off objects, and how the eyes are positioned, can result in illusions. Our visual system is not a complete depiction of reality, which leads to these confusions. Light is captured by our eyes and sent to the brain, which interprets the data. However, a number of things, such as prior experiences, preconceived notions, and the presentation of visual information, affect how our brain interprets information. One of these optical illusions will leave you perplexed. Numerous numerals are written in the figure below. Your Challenge? You need to find the hidden number '32' in this puzzle. This problem is intended to assess your ability to focus and the quality of your vision. Hold on! We have a twist for you before you begin looking for the solution: Find the hidden number '32' in five seconds. Can you rise to the occasion and become a real puzzle expert? Set the timer and go hunting. Best wishes! We are fascinated by optical illusions because they make us reevaluate how we see the world. They serve as a reminder that our perspective is not always a true representation of reality and that our senses are easily fooled. Your abilities and your capacity for observation will be put to the test by this puzzle. How is your search progressing, then? Have you discovered the location of the '32'? It's hiding there in front of your eyes, so come on. Not found it yet? Act quickly because there is not much time left! Three, two, and one! The allotted time has passed. Have you noticed the secret number? Congratulations! You've done a fantastic job if you were able to locate it. Don't worry if you couldn't find it; anybody can experience it. Even the most skilled problem solvers occasionally miss the main idea of the picture. You can try scrolling to the top to find the number '32' once more. Answer to this optical illusion Here's the answer now! You see, this puzzle was confusing. Try your hand at the optical illusion below and challenge your thinking. Bhumi Pednekar writes an emotional post for her 'Sonchiriya' co-star Sushant Singh Rajput, calls him 'supernova' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
