Monthly Archives: October 2025

Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram passes away at 94

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The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram, who passed away at the age of 94. The veteran star, celebrated for her graceful performances and remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, breathed her last on Saturday, October 4. Her final rites were performed at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park, Mumbai.

While there has been no official statement from the family regarding the cause of her demise, reports suggest that the actress passed away due to age-related complications. Sandhya’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, as she was among the last surviving icons of the golden age of Hindi and Marathi films.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the film industry and political circles, as fans and colleagues remember her incredible body of work.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief. He wrote:
“Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji. Her iconic roles in films like #Pinjra, #DoAnkhenBarahHath, #Navrang, and #JhanakJhanakPayalBaaje will forever be cherished. Her remarkable talent and mesmerizing dance skills have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. 🙏 #OmShanti #LegendaryActress #CinematicIcon.”

BJP leader Ashish Shelar also paid his respects, acknowledging her impact on both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He wrote:
“Heartfelt Tribute! The news of the passing of Sandhya Shantaram ji, the renowned actress from the film ‘Pinjra’, is extremely heartbreaking. In the Marathi and Hindi film industries, she left a distinct impression on the audience’s minds with her unparalleled acting and dance skills. Her immortal roles in films like ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje’, ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath’, and especially in the film ‘Pinjra’ will forever remain etched in the hearts of the audience. May God grant eternal peace to her soul!”

Born as Vijaya Deshmukh on September 13, 1931, Sandhya rose to prominence under the direction of her husband, the legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. Her filmography includes a series of classics that continue to be celebrated for their innovation and artistry, such as *Amar Bhoopali* (1951), *Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje* (1955), *Do Aankhen Barah Haath* (1958), *Navrang* (1959), and the Marathi masterpiece *Pinjra* (1972).

With her exceptional acting and mesmerizing dance performances, Sandhya Shantaram carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate with audiences.

We at Bollywood Hungama express our heartfelt condolences to her family.

**BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES**
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/veteran-actress-sandhya-shantaram-passes-away-94/

Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s long-delayed pandemic drama arrive on OTT?

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**Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s Long-Delayed Pandemic Drama Arrive on OTT?**
*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025, 04:55 pm*

An untitled film starring Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas, shot in 2023, remains stuck in limbo. Although the film has been ready for nearly two years, it has yet to secure a release window. A source revealed to Mid-Day that the movie was initially prepared for a theatrical release but may now bypass cinemas and head straight to OTT platforms.

**About the Film**
The movie, directed by Abhishek Acharya and produced by Zee Studios, is a pandemic drama narrated from the perspective of healthcare workers. It offers an emotional insight into the chaos and strain faced by frontline professionals during the COVID-19 crisis.

**Reasons Behind the Delay**
Internal discussions suggest that the film’s sensitive subject matter is a major factor delaying its release. The studio reportedly hesitates to release it theatrically, fearing the story may feel outdated to audiences.

A source explained, “With the shoot and post-production completed, the film was ready for a theatrical release. But with each passing month, the possibility of it arriving in cinemas is reducing.” They added, “The makers feel that the story can feel dated today.”

**Shift to Digital Release**
As theatrical prospects dwindle, the makers are exploring options to launch the film on digital platforms. The source confirmed, “Now, the makers are looking at pursuing an OTT release and will initiate talks with some streamers.” This change in strategy responds to concerns that audiences might avoid theaters due to lingering trauma associated with the pandemic.

**Career Highlights: Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas**
Richa Chadha began her acting journey with a cameo in *Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!* (2008). She gained prominence with her breakthrough role in Anurag Kashyap’s *Gangs of Wasseypur* (2012) and later starred in notable films like *Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela* (2013) and *Masaan* (2015).

Sumeet Vyas rose to fame as Mikesh Chaudhary in TVF’s *Permanent Roommates* (2014). His film credits include *English Vinglish* (2012), *Parched* (2015), and *Veere Di Wedding* (2018).

With the pandemic drama’s release hanging in the balance, fans await further updates on whether the film will premiere on OTT platforms soon.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/richa-chadha-and-sumeet-vyas-s-pandemic-drama-delayed/story

Maserati’s MCPura supercar launched in India at ₹4cr

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**Maserati Launches MCPura Supercar in India Starting at ₹4 Crore**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 04, 2025, 02:32 PM*

Italian luxury automaker Maserati has officially launched its latest supercar, the MCPura, in India, with a starting price of ₹4.12 crore. The MCPura is an evolution of the acclaimed MC20 supercar and was first unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2025.

### Powertrain and Performance

The MCPura and its convertible variant, the MCPura Cielo, are powered by Maserati’s 3.0-liter V6 turbo-petrol engine. This high-performance mid-engined powertrain delivers an impressive 630 horsepower and a peak torque of 720 Nm. Thanks to this robust engine, the coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, solidifying its status as a true road beast.

### Pricing and Market Positioning

The MCPura Cielo is priced ₹19 lakh less than the MC20 Cielo, which has been available in India since May 2025. This strategic pricing makes the MCPura a more accessible option for supercar enthusiasts looking to own a Maserati in the Indian market.

### Design and Aerodynamics

Both the coupe and convertible models showcase an aggressive design that has been meticulously refined with the help of Dallara, a renowned race car engineering firm. This collaboration has enhanced the aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring top-tier performance and stability at high speeds.

### Exclusive Aesthetic Features

Maserati has introduced a striking new color option named **AI Aqua Rainbow** for the MCPura and Cielo. This unique shade changes its hue under sunlight, producing a captivating rainbow-like effect. The coupe features a matte finish, while the convertible sports a glossy finish, adding to each model’s distinct appeal.

Notable design elements include:

– Signature butterfly wing doors
– Carbon fiber monocoque chassis
– Retractable glass roof on the convertible variant

### Interior Detailing

Inside, the MCPura’s cabin shares many similarities with the MC20. It boasts Alcantara seats accented with laser-etched 3D patterns, creating a luxurious and sporty atmosphere. The coupe’s interior details have a glossy finish, whereas the convertible version opts for a matte texture, providing subtle yet sophisticated contrasts.

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With its powerful engine, advanced aerodynamics, and bespoke design choices, the Maserati MCPura emerges as an exciting new supercar option for the Indian market — blending Italian craftsmanship with exhilarating performance.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/maserati-mc20-s-evolution-mcpura-supercar-launched-in-india/story

‘A bold gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi shares excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ film

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**‘A Bold Gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi Shares Excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ Film**
*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025*

Pankaj Tripathi, reprising his iconic role as Kaleen Bhaiya in *Mirzapur: The Film*, recently opened up about the show’s transition from a popular web series to a theatrical release. Describing the move as “a bold gamble,” he told *Mid-Day*, “It’s the first time in India that a series is being transformed into a theatrical feature. It shows the faith the producers have in the story and these characters.”

**A Unique Perspective on Kaleen Bhaiya**
Having been part of the *Mirzapur* franchise since its inception, Tripathi shared his intriguing take on his character Kaleen Bhaiya. “People call him a criminal, but I’ve always seen Kaleen as a businessman. He is soft-spoken, calm and calculative. If you didn’t know what his business was, you might even find him poetic,” he said, revealing the depth behind the powerful persona.

**From Bihar to Bollywood: Tripathi’s Personal Journey**
Tripathi also reflected on his inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Bihar to becoming a celebrated figure in Bollywood. Reminiscing about his early life, he shared, “While chatting recently with Rasika, I remembered that for the first 18-19 years of my life, I didn’t even use a toothbrush. We didn’t have that concept in the village because there wasn’t a market nearby.” These memories, he added, remind him of how far he has come in life.

**The Next Chapter: Mirzapur’s Big-Screen Debut**
Directed by Gurmmeet Singh, the film marks a new chapter for the *Mirzapur* franchise. Alongside Pankaj Tripathi, the movie stars Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Rasika Dugal. The original series, which has released three successful seasons to date, continues to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Fans eagerly await to see how this bold new venture unfolds on the big screen, bringing the gritty, intense world of *Mirzapur* to life in an exciting cinematic format.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-talks-about-mirzapur-film-adaptation/story

Maserati’s MCPura supercar launched in India at ₹4cr

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**Maserati Launches MCPura Supercar in India at ₹4.12 Crore**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 4, 2025, 2:32 PM*

Maserati has officially launched its latest supercar, the MCPura, in India with a starting price of ₹4.12 crore. This new model is an evolution of the renowned Maserati MC20 and was first unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. The Indian-spec MCPura mirrors its international counterpart in engine specifications and performance.

**Powertrain and Performance**
Both the MCPura coupe and its convertible variant, the MCPura Cielo, are powered by Maserati’s 3.0-liter V6 turbo-petrol engine. Delivering an impressive 630 horsepower and a peak torque of 720 Nm, these mid-engined supercars offer exhilarating performance. The coupe model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, emphasizing its true supercar credentials.

**Pricing and Market Positioning**
The MCPura Cielo is priced ₹19 lakh lower than the MC20 Cielo, which has been on sale in India since May. This pricing strategy makes the MCPura a more accessible option for supercar enthusiasts looking to experience Maserati’s cutting-edge performance and design.

**Design and Aerodynamics**
Both MCPura models boast an aggressive design, fine-tuned by the prestigious race car engineering firm Dallara to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. A standout aesthetic feature is the introduction of a unique new color option called AI Aqua Rainbow, which changes hue in sunlight to create a captivating rainbow-like effect. The coupe sports this shade in a matte finish, while the convertible features a glossy finish.

Additional design highlights include iconic butterfly wing doors, a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis, and a retractable glass roof exclusive to the convertible model.

**Luxurious Interior**
Inside, the MCPura shares much of its cabin design with the MC20. It features Alcantara seats with intricate laser-etching that produce a three-dimensional effect. The coupe’s interior details have a glossy finish, contrasting with the matte accents in the convertible, adding layers of sophistication to Maserati’s latest supercar offering.

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Maserati’s MCPura successfully combines breathtaking performance, innovative design, and luxury, positioning itself as a thrilling new choice in India’s supercar segment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/maserati-mc20-s-evolution-mcpura-supercar-launched-in-india/story

‘A bold gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi shares excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ film

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**‘A Bold Gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi Shares Excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ Film**

*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025*

Pankaj Tripathi, reprising his iconic role as Kaleen Bhaiya in *Mirzapur: The Film*, recently shared his excitement about the popular series’ transition to the big screen. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day, Tripathi described this move as “a bold gamble,” highlighting its uniqueness in the Indian entertainment industry.

“It’s the first time in India that a series is being transformed into a theatrical feature,” he said. “It shows the faith the producers have in the story and these characters.”

**A Deeper Look at Kaleen Bhaiya**

Having been part of the *Mirzapur* franchise since its inception, Tripathi offered a unique perspective on his character Kaleen Bhaiya. Contrary to the common perception of Kaleen as a mere criminal, Tripathi views him as a businessman.

“He is soft-spoken, calm, and calculative. If you didn’t know what his business was, you might even find him poetic,” Tripathi explained, shedding light on the complex layers of his character.

**From Bihar to Bollywood: Tripathi’s Journey**

Reflecting on his personal journey, Tripathi shared candid memories of his early life growing up in Bihar. “While chatting recently with Rasika, I remembered that for the first 18-19 years of my life, I didn’t even use a toothbrush,” he revealed. “We didn’t have that concept in the village because there wasn’t a market nearby.”

These recollections serve as a poignant reminder of how far he has come, from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in Bollywood.

**A New Chapter: From Series to Film**

*Mirzapur: The Film*, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, marks a fresh chapter for the franchise. Alongside Tripathi, the film stars Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Rasika Dugal. The original series, which has already released three successful seasons, continues to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

With this bold cinematic venture, fans eagerly await to see their beloved characters come alive on the big screen, promising an intense and thrilling experience ahead.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-talks-about-mirzapur-film-adaptation/story

Maserati’s MCPura supercar launched in India at ₹4cr

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Maserati has officially launched its latest supercar, the MCPura, in India.

The highly anticipated model comes with a starting price of ₹4.12 crore, catering to luxury car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

With its stunning design and powerful performance, the MCPura is set to make a significant impact in the Indian supercar market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/maserati-mc20-s-evolution-mcpura-supercar-launched-in-india/story

‘A bold gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi shares excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ film

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Pankaj Tripathi, who is reprising his iconic role as Kaleen Bhaiya in *Mirzapur: The Film*, recently shared his thoughts on the show’s transition from a web series to a theatrical release.

The actor opened up about the challenges and excitement involved in adapting the popular story for the big screen. Fans of the series can look forward to experiencing the intense narrative and gripping performances in a new cinematic format.

With the film version, *Mirzapur* aims to reach a wider audience while maintaining the gritty and raw essence that made the original series a success. Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of Kaleen Bhaiya continues to be a highlight, promising an engaging experience for viewers both old and new.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-talks-about-mirzapur-film-adaptation/story

UAAP: UST bounces back, clobbers UE in men’s basketball

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**UAAP SCHEDULE: Season 88 Basketball Tournament**

**MANILA, Philippines** — University of the Santo Tomas made sure to bounce back in its own backyard on Saturday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

Following a close loss to National University, the Growling Tigers gave the Thomasians at the Quadricentennial Pavilion a treat with a dominant 111-99 victory.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642918/uaap-ust-bounces-back-clobbers-ue-in-mens-basketball

London Court To Hear Nirav Modi’s Petition To Reopen Extradition Trial Over Possible Agency Interrogation In India

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New Delhi: A London court is set to hear fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s petition on November 23 to reopen his extradition trial. Modi’s plea is based on the claim that he may face interrogation by agencies if repatriated to India. Authorities, however, are expected to counter this claim by assuring the court that Modi will not be subjected to any such questioning.

Modi, who has exhausted all his legal appeals up to the Supreme Court, approached the Westminster Court seeking to reopen his extradition trial. The petition reportedly contends that if extradited, Modi could be interrogated by various agencies, potentially leading to torture.

Officials familiar with the developments stated that the investigative agencies handling the case may reiterate their previous assurances to the court. They will likely emphasize that Modi will be tried strictly according to Indian laws and will not face interrogation upon extradition.

“We have already filed chargesheets in the case. His questioning is not needed at this stage as the investigation is almost complete. He is required to face trial. If the UK court seeks clarification, we may reiterate that he will not be subjected to interrogation if extradited. We have provided such assurance before as well,” said an official.

All investigative agencies probing the allegations against Modi—who is accused of siphoning off over Rs 6,498 crore through hundreds of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking issued from Punjab National Bank (PNB)—are reportedly aligned in their stance that interrogation is unnecessary.

India has also informed the UK authorities that Modi will be held at barrack 12 of Arthur Road Prison in Mumbai upon extradition. This facility reportedly offers protection from violence, is not overcrowded, and provides adequate medical care. The agencies have assured the UK that Modi will face trial in accordance with Indian law and no new charges will be filed against him.

Once a shining star of the Indian jewellery industry, whose brand ‘Nirav’ attracted global celebrities, the 54-year-old diamantaire was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019. The then UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, ordered his extradition in April 2021. Modi has been in prison in London for nearly six years.

Despite multiple bail applications, all have been rejected due to his deemed real and substantial flight risk. Modi faces three sets of criminal proceedings: a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) fraud case involving Punjab National Bank, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case concerning alleged money laundering linked to the fraud, and a third case relating to interference with evidence and witnesses in the CBI case.

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*(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/london-court-to-hear-nirav-modis-petition-to-reopen-extradition-trial-over-possible-agency-interrogation-in-india