Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films clarifies

**Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Clarifies**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:49 PM*

After making a grand entry into Bollywood with the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, actor Aneet Padda has been the subject of reports suggesting that she is set to take on a new challenge. Rumors circulated that Padda has been roped in for the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. According to Pinkvilla, the actor had even completed her look test for the film.

However, Maddock Films has now issued a clarification regarding these reports.

### Maddock Films Issues Clarification

In an official statement, Maddock Films said,
*”While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including *Shakti Shalini* and *Maha Munjya*, are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us.”*

### The Casting Buzz

Earlier, an insider close to the project revealed to Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was keen on infusing fresh energy into his horror-comedy universe. The source highlighted that Vijan was impressed by Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and had been in discussions with her for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months.

> “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to bring new energy to his universe. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and decided to build the next chapter around her,” the insider shared.

### Production Details and Direction

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains undisclosed, it is reported that Dinesh Vijan is interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar, known for *Munjya*, to helm the project. The final decision on the director is expected within the next fortnight.

### Background on ‘Shakti Shalini’ and the Horror-Comedy Universe

Initially, *Shakti Shalini* was announced with Kiara Advani in the lead role. However, she is no longer attached to the project for undisclosed reasons.

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, *Chamunda*, another film in the universe featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead, is slated to go on floors in May 2026 after Bhatt wraps up *Love and War* directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Stay tuned for official updates from Maddock Films regarding the casting and production of *Shakti Shalini*.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story

‘Jolly LLB 3’ reviews: What netizens said about Akshay-Arshad’s film

**Jolly LLB 3 Reviews: What Netizens Are Saying About Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s Latest Film**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:23 PM*

The much-anticipated courtroom drama *Jolly LLB 3*, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, has finally hit theaters. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film marks the return of both actors reprising their iconic roles from the beloved series.

### Franchise Continuation: Warsi and Kumar Return as ‘Jolly’

*Jolly LLB 3* is the third installment following *Jolly LLB* (2013) and *Jolly LLB 2* (2017). In this sequel, Akshay Kumar reprises his role as Jagdwishwar “Jolly” Mishra, while Arshad Warsi returns as Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi. The film’s plot centers on a high-stakes land-grabbing case involving a political heavyweight, inspired by the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh.

### Positive Reception from Netizens

The film has been met with a wave of positive responses online. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), viewers have praised the film’s engaging screenplay and powerful storytelling.

One user commented, “What a performance by Akshay Kumar & Arshad Warsi. Great comedy with great screenplay and an emotional message.”

Another shared, “Watched #JollyLLB3 — what an intense courtroom scene. This movie is dedicated to farmers. It’s about their fight for justice. Masterpiece.”

A devoted fan wrote, “#JollyLLB3 is awesome. From start to finish, it’s full of laughter, thoughtful social messages, and fantastic courtroom drama.”

### Pre-Release Controversy

Before its release, *Jolly LLB 3* faced controversy regarding claims that it mocked the judiciary through its promotional material and the song *Bhai Vakeel Hai*. However, petitions filed in the Bombay and Allahabad High Courts were dismissed. Both courts ruled that satire does not undermine the dignity of the judiciary.

Following this, the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate accompanied by a “16+ advisory,” after minor edits were made.

For a detailed critique, [read our full review here](#).
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/akshay-kumar-arshad-warsi-s-jolly-llb-3-twitter-review/story

Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films clarifies

**Is ‘Saiyaara’ Star Aneet Padda Cast in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Sets the Record Straight**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 19, 2025 | 01:49 PM*

After her impressive Bollywood debut in the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, reports began circulating about actor Aneet Padda taking on a new role in the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. Rumors suggested that Padda had already completed her look test for the movie, sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.

### Maddock Films Issues a Clarification

However, Maddock Films has now stepped forward to clarify these reports. The production house released an official statement addressing the speculation:

> “While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including *Shakti Shalini* and *Maha Munjya*, are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us.”

This statement serves to remind everyone that no casting decisions have been formally announced yet.

### Insider Insights on Casting

Despite the official denial, an insider close to the project had previously told Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was very impressed by Aneet Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and was keen on injecting new energy into his horror-comedy universe.

>A source revealed, “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to infuse his universe with fresh talent. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and decided to base the next chapter of the horror-comedy universe around her.”

### Production Plans and Direction

*Shakti Shalini* is reportedly slated to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains under wraps for now, Dinesh Vijan is reportedly interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar—known for *Munjya*—to direct the project. The final decision on the director is expected within the next two weeks.

### Changes in Lead Cast

Earlier announcements for *Shakti Shalini* had named actor Kiara Advani as the lead. However, she is no longer attached to the film, with reasons for her exit remaining unclear.

### Looking Ahead in the Horror-Comedy Universe

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, another installment titled *Chamunda*, featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, is set to begin production in May 2026, after Bhatt completes Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*.

As the horror-comedy universe continues to expand, fans eagerly await official announcements regarding casting and production details. Stay tuned for more updates.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story

Rajnath Singh: India showed retaliation strength in Operation Sindoor

The Defence Minister recently interacted with a group of 1965 war veterans, reflecting on India’s military resilience and determination.

“We launched Operation Sindoor and showed the enemy just how strong our retaliation can be. The coordination and courage with which our team worked have proven that victory is no longer an exception for us. Victory has become our habit. And we must always maintain this habit,” Singh said.

Addressing the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Defence Minister expressed the government’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Whenever that incident comes to our mind, our hearts become heavy. What happened there shook all of us to the core. But that incident could not break our morale. Our Prime Minister has taken this resolve that this time the terrorists will be taught such a lesson that they would never have even imagined,” he added.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan. These strikes triggered four days of intense clashes, which ended with an understanding to stop military actions on May 10.

Singh also reflected on India’s challenges since Independence, stating, “India as a nation has not been very fortunate in matters concerning its neighbours since Independence. Challenges of one kind or another have always come before us. But this is the specialty of us Indians — that we do not sit back accepting these challenges as fate. We work hard and shape our own destiny, creating our own future.”

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/rajnath-singh-india-showed-retaliation-strength-in-operation-sindoor-23594800

How long does it take to beat Dying Light: The Beast?

Open world games are notorious for their potential to run long, but while *Dying Light: The Beast* is an open world game, it takes a blessedly reasonable amount of time to beat. There’s plenty of side and hidden content you can explore to extend your playtime, but here’s a breakdown of how long it takes to beat *Dying Light: The Beast*.

### How Long Does It Take to Beat *Dying Light: The Beast*?

My playthrough for the review, on the medium difficulty setting, took about 25 hours. This included a fair amount of exploration and side content, but not nearly all of it. You’ll want to complete at least some side missions to level up, as there are three soft level gates during the story. One gate is near the mid-point, and the other two are closer to the end.

I call them soft gates because you can challenge the missions without reaching the required level, but enemies will be harder to beat and take more damage. If you’re too far behind, every fight can become a slog, significantly increasing the time spent on the game’s combat challenges.

If you decide to speedrun the main story campaign and focus solely on it, expect your playtime to be in the 12-15 hour range. That’s a conservative estimate, as you’ll likely lose time due to tough required fights.

On the other hand, a completionist playthrough of *Dying Light: The Beast* could easily clock in at 40-50 hours. This includes fully revealing the map, completing all side quests and world activities, finishing the main story, and finding all hidden items such as the Legendary Weapons.

### Summary: Estimated Playtimes for *Dying Light: The Beast*

– **Main story only:** 12-15 hours
– **Main story, some exploration, and side content:** 20-25 hours
– **Completionist (100%):** 40-50 hours+

Whether you’re looking to experience the core story or dive deep into everything the game has to offer, *Dying Light: The Beast* provides a flexible and engaging open-world experience that fits a variety of playstyles.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146020/how-long-to-beat-dying-light-the-beast

Balloon braids: 5 styles you’ll love

By Simran Jeet | Sep 19, 2025, 01:43 PM

**What’s the story?**

Balloon braids are a fun and creative way to add some flair to your hairstyle. These braids are characterized by small, evenly spaced bubbles along the length of the hair, giving a unique and playful look. Perfect for casual outings or special occasions, balloon braids can be styled in various ways to suit different preferences.

Here are some styles you can try with balloon braids:

### 1. Classic Balloon Braid Ponytail

The classic balloon braid ponytail is a simple yet elegant style. To achieve this look, create a single braid down the back of your head and secure it with elastic bands at intervals. This technique creates puffy sections or “balloons” along the length of the braid. It’s perfect for keeping hair off your face while adding a touch of fun.

### 2. Double Balloon Braid Pigtails

Double balloon braid pigtails give you a cute and playful look. Divide your hair into two sections and create separate balloon braids on each side. Secure each braid with elastics at intervals to form the balloon effect. This style is ideal for those who want to keep their hair away from their necks while looking adorable.

### 3. Half-Up Balloon Braid Hairstyle

The half-up balloon braid hairstyle is ideal for those who want to keep some hair down while styling the top half. Simply take the top section of your hair and create a single balloon braid from ear to ear or just above them. Leave the rest of your hair down or tie it up in a loose bun or ponytail.

### 4. Intricate Balloon Braid Crown

An intricate balloon braid crown gives you an elegant and sophisticated look. Start by parting your hair down the middle and create two separate balloon braids on each side, wrapping them around your head like a crown. Secure them in place with bobby pins or small elastics for a secure fit.

### 5. Side-Swept Balloon Braid Style

The side-swept balloon braid style offers an effortlessly chic appearance by sweeping all your hair over one shoulder. To achieve this, create one long side braid from ear to ear and secure it at intervals with elastics. This forms puffy bubbles along one side, giving an asymmetrical yet balanced look.

Give these balloon braid styles a try and add a playful twist to your everyday hair routine!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/balloon-braids-5-styles-you-ll-love/story

Better to risk billions than fall behind in AI: Zuckerberg

**Better to Risk Billions Than Fall Behind in AI, Says Mark Zuckerberg**

*By Akash Pandey | Sept 19, 2025, 2:12 PM*

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reaffirmed his commitment to heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, emphasizing that the greater risk lies in not being aggressive enough rather than overspending.

**A Calculated Risk Amid an AI Bubble**

In a recent episode of the Access podcast, Zuckerberg acknowledged that an AI bubble is “quite possible.” However, he stressed that for Meta, the larger danger would be falling behind in the race to develop transformative AI technologies.

Zuckerberg highlighted the importance of preparing for the advent of superintelligence, warning that companies moving too slowly could find themselves at a significant disadvantage. He described superintelligence as potentially the most important technological breakthrough in history—one that will fuel new products, innovations, and economic value.

> “The risk, at least for a company like Meta, is probably in not being aggressive enough rather than being somewhat too aggressive,” Zuckerberg said.

**Massive Investment in Infrastructure**

To support this vision, Meta has committed to investing at least $600 billion in US data centers and infrastructure by 2028. This figure, revealed earlier this month and confirmed by Meta’s CFO Susan Li, covers data center expansions as well as broader investments in US business operations, including hiring.

**Balancing Growth with Caution**

Despite the massive financial commitment, Meta has recently slowed its recruitment pace after initially offering substantial signing bonuses to attract AI talent. This strategic caution comes amid concerns from Wall Street regarding Meta’s labor costs and the potential dilution of shareholder value through stock-based compensation without clear innovation outcomes.

**Sustainability and Market Position**

Zuckerberg contrasted Meta’s financial stability with other AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic, which rely heavily on fundraising to cover expensive compute costs. He asserted:

> “We’re not at risk of going out of business,” unlike these private companies whose futures depend on both AI progress and wider economic factors.

**Preparing for Superintelligence**

Looking ahead, Meta is consolidating its top AI researchers into a small, flat “superintelligence” lab that prioritizes research without rigid deadlines. Zuckerberg emphasized that the company aims to make “compute per researcher” a competitive edge by outspending rivals on GPUs and custom infrastructure necessary for frontier AI development.

Mark Zuckerberg’s vision underlines Meta’s commitment to leading the AI revolution—even if it means risking billions—to avoid falling behind in what he sees as a defining technological race of our time.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/risking-billions-on-ai-is-worth-the-gamble-zuckerberg/story

Babus, mantris & buzz: China’s Dams on Brahmaputra: AI Ambitions Behind Water Power?

**China’s Dams on Brahmaputra: AI Ambitions Behind Water Power?**

Speculation is growing in strategic circles that China’s rapid dam-building along the Brahmaputra and in Tibet may not be driven by hydropower needs alone. According to diplomatic sources, the energy generated from these projects could eventually feed massive data centers aimed at powering China’s AI revolution.

The scale of electricity required for such centers has prompted questions about Beijing’s infrastructural choices and long-term ambitions. Indian officials, aware of these developments, are said to have raised concerns with their Chinese counterparts. Quietly, New Delhi has also been sharing limited water-related information with close allies, including the United States, to alert them to the larger implications.

Sources suggest India fears that what appears to be a “run-of-the-river” hydropower initiative could, in reality, be laying the groundwork for AI-centric data infrastructure. While China has officially denied any diversionary intent, analysts point to the strategic coupling of water, energy, and technological power as part of Beijing’s future roadmap.

The Brahmaputra’s waters may thus be flowing into a much larger story—one that merges geopolitics, climate security, and the global contest for artificial intelligence dominance.

**India’s Security Apparatus Watches Pakistan’s Nuclear Pact with UAE Closely**

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defense pact, marking a major deepening of their long-standing security partnership. The agreement commits both nations to enhanced defense cooperation and joint deterrence, with a declaration that any aggression against one will be treated as aggression against both. This move aims to bolster their regional and global security profile.

India’s security establishment is closely monitoring the development. Sources indicate that New Delhi has initiated high-level consultations to assess the pact’s strategic implications. According to senior officials, calls have already been made at the highest levels of government to evaluate how this renewed Riyadh-Islamabad security axis may alter the regional balance and affect India’s broader strategic interests.

### Bureaucracy Updates

**About 30 IAS Officers of 1995 Batch to be Empanelled**

Around 30 IAS officers from the 1995 batch are likely to be empanelled to the rank of Secretary in the Government of India. Currently, about 20 IAS officers from this batch are posted in the GoI.

**Addl Secretary Post Vacant in Higher Education Department**

Following the departure of Sunil Burnwal to the Ministry of Health, the position of Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education remains vacant.

**Renu Raj Receives Fulbright Scholarship**

Dr. Renu Raj, a 2015 batch Kerala cadre IAS officer, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study Public Health at Harvard University.

**Khushboo Goel Choudhary Proposed as Karnataka IT Secretary**

Khushboo Goel Choudhary is reportedly being strongly backed by Minister Priyank Kharge to become the next IT Secretary of Karnataka. She holds a degree in public policy from Harvard and is considered close to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

**Varun Kumar Shukla Selected as CMD, Hindustan Salts Ltd**

Varun Kumar Shukla, GM at Richardson & Cruddas Limited, has been selected as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Hindustan Salts Limited. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) held a meeting on September 17, 2025, during which seven candidates were interviewed.

**Manikumar Sivaramakrishnan Recommended for DMD, IFCI Ltd**

The name of Manikumar Sivaramakrishnan has been recommended for the position of Deputy Managing Director of IFCI Limited.

**Bipul Pathak Appointed as Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Delhi Govt**

Bipul Pathak, a 1992 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home), Government of Delhi.

**Ms. Manisha Sinha Returns to Parent Cadre**

Ms. Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, has been given premature repatriation to her parent cadre.

**VRS of Four Senior IRS Officers Accepted**

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has accepted the Voluntary Retirement Scheme applications of four senior IRS (C&IT) officers:

– Dr. J. Michael Kennedy, 1993 batch, Principal Additional Director General
– Ms. Sudha Koka, IRS (C&IT), 1995 batch, Principal Additional Director General
– Shaik Khader Rahman, IRS (C&IT), 1992 batch, Chief Commissioner
– Mrinal Chatterjee, 2018 batch, Deputy Director

**India’s Home Ministry Commissions Study on Protest Financing, Sops to Shield Internal Stability Expected**

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Bureau of Police Research & Development to undertake an in-depth study of post-Independence protest movements, with a special focus on the period after 1974. The study aims to map reasons, patterns, outcomes, behind-the-scenes actors, and funding trails.

This effort, linked to the recent National Security Strategies Conference 2025 in New Delhi, will culminate in standard operating procedures (SOPs) to pre-empt mass agitations driven by vested interests. The mandate includes inter-agency coordination with financial intelligence and tax bodies to trace protest-linked money flows. Parallel frameworks will also be developed by central agencies to disrupt terror financing networks and tackle extremism-crime nexuses impacting public order and national security.

### Other Key Appointments and Developments

– **Hemant Kumar Das in Race for CMD, Coal India Ltd**
Hemant Kumar Das, ED (Projects) at Power Finance Corporation, is among the contenders for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director at Coal India Limited.

– **Mangesh Ghildiyal’s Tenure Extended as Deputy Secretary, PMO**
The central deputation tenure of Mangesh Ghildiyal, a 2012 batch IAS officer of the UD cadre working as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been extended till March 31, 2026.

– **Ashok Kumar Appointed as Director, Consumer Affairs**
Ashok Kumar, a 2012 batch Indian Engineering Services officer, has been appointed Director in the Department of Consumer Affairs.

– **Raj Kumar Chaudhary Appointed Chairperson, JERC (J&K and Ladakh)**
Raj Kumar Chaudhary, retired Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited, has been appointed Chairperson of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

*Disclaimer: The correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author. Published in arrangement with whispersinthecorridors.com.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/babus-mantris-buzz-chinas-dams-on-brahmaputra-ai-ambitions-behind-water-power

NEET PG 2025: Supreme Court Hearing Today On Answer Key Dispute; Counselling Schedule Awaited

**NEET PG 2025 Counselling: Supreme Court to Hear Petitions on Answer Key Transparency**

The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions related to the NEET PG 2025 counselling today, September 19. Originally slated for September 12, the hearing will now be conducted by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan, according to media reports.

### Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Transparency

The petitions have been filed by NEET PG aspirants along with the United Doctors Front (UDF), who are strongly opposing the answer key released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). This is the first time NBEMS has published an answer key following a directive from the Supreme Court.

However, candidates argue that the answer key format is not transparent. The key includes only question IDs and answer key IDs, without the actual questions. Students claim this restricts their ability to verify their answers effectively, defeating the purpose of publishing the answer key in the first place.

The petitioners are urging the Supreme Court to direct NBEMS to publish the complete set of question papers along with detailed answer explanations. They believe this will ensure a fair and equitable verification process.

### NEET PG 2025 Counselling Schedule Awaited

While the Supreme Court examines the matter, thousands of aspirants eagerly await the release of the NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule, which will be announced shortly by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

The schedule will outline important details including registration procedures, choice filling, and dates for seat allotment results. Shortlisted candidates will need to register on the MCC website, submit their applications, and select their preferred courses and institutions.

Seat allocation will be carried out based on merit, candidate preferences, and seat availability across medical colleges.

### Potential Impact of the Supreme Court Verdict

The Supreme Court’s decision on the transparency of the NEET PG answer key could have significant implications for future medical entrance examinations. It may set new standards for accountability and fairness in postgraduate medical admission processes, enhancing trust in the system for aspirants nationwide.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/neet-pg-2025-supreme-court-hearing-today-on-answer-key-dispute-counselling-schedule-awaited

“Holy sh**!” – MLB wives react as Alex Bregman’s spouse Reagan stuns in black netted dress on New York City streets

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman is married to Reagan, a woman of many talents.

Reagan is not only a devoted mother to their two sons but also a successful entrepreneur.

Her diverse interests and commitment to family life make her an inspiring figure both on and off the field.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-holy-sh-mlb-wives-react-alex-bregman-s-spouse-reagan-stuns-black-netted-dress-new-york-city-streets