Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been reportedly summoned by the Maharashtra cyber cell in connection with the promotion of a subsidiary app of Mahadev online gaming and betting application. According to a report in NDTV, Bhatia has been called in for promoting the viewing of Indian Premiere League (IPL) matches on the Fairplay betting app. The actress has been summoned as a witness and asked to appear before the cyber cell next week. According to the report, a broadcaster complained that some IPL matches were also steamed illegally on the app. The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has already recorded the statement of singer Badshah and managers of actors Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez in the betting case. About the Mahadev app betting case and connection with Bollywood: The Mahadev app betting case, which has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, has led to the summoning of top celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma and Shraddha Kapoor, by the authorities. The alleged scam, worth thousands of crores, involves illegal betting platforms for various games, including live betting on Indian elections. The case came to light through multiple FIRs registered by the Chhattisgarh police and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Andhra Pradesh police, revealing illegal betting activities using these apps. Over 70 FIRs have been filed in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of accused individuals from across the country. They were involved in managing these apps and used Hawala routes to divert funds. The masterminds, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, were operating from Dubai.The Enforcement Directorate’s remand application revealed that the first chargesheet filed by the Chhattisgarh Police implicated Alok Singh Rajpoot, Rampravesh Sahu, Kharag alias Raja Singh, and others for online betting in live ludo, football, casino games, and marks through Mahadev Book. These accused set up a system with laptops to collect money, created online IDs and placed bets through Mahadev Book. How app operates, as per ED The Mahadev app operates multiple websites and closed groups on chat apps. Users are provided with a contact number on their website, which can only be reached through WhatsApp. Upon contacting this number, users receive two separate contact numbers: one for depositing money and collecting points in IDs used for placing bets and another for redeeming accumulated points in designated IDs. These IDs are typically created on various websites like “laser247.com,” “laserbook247.com,” “betbhai.com,” “betbook247.com,” “tigerexch247.com,” “cricketbet9.com,” etc., based on the preferences of the bettors. These operations, including money collection, user ID creation, distribution of user ID credentials, and money distribution, are managed by panel/branch owners. The games are rigged to ensure panel owners do not incur losses, and despite initial profits for users, they are likely to lose money.
25 April,2024 10:23 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Tamannaah Bhatia has been reportedly summoned by the Maharashtra cyber cell in connection with the promotion of a subsidiary app of Mahadev online gaming and betting application. According to a report in NDTV, Bhatia has been called in for promoting the viewing of Indian Premiere League (IPL) matches on the Fairplay betting app. The actress has been summoned as a witness and asked to appear before the cyber cell next week. According to the report, a broadcaster complained that some IPL matches were also steamed illegally on the app. The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has already recorded the statement of singer Badshah and managers of actors Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez in the betting case. About the Mahadev app betting case and connection with Bollywood: The Mahadev app betting case, which has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, has led to the summoning of top celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma and Shraddha Kapoor, by the authorities. The alleged scam, worth thousands of crores, involves illegal betting platforms for various games, including live betting on Indian elections. The case came to light through multiple FIRs registered by the Chhattisgarh police and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Andhra Pradesh police, revealing illegal betting activities using these apps. Over 70 FIRs have been filed in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of accused individuals from across the country. They were involved in managing these apps and used Hawala routes to divert funds. The masterminds, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, were operating from Dubai.The Enforcement Directorate’s remand application revealed that the first chargesheet filed by the Chhattisgarh Police implicated Alok Singh Rajpoot, Rampravesh Sahu, Kharag alias Raja Singh, and others for online betting in live ludo, football, casino games, and marks through Mahadev Book. These accused set up a system with laptops to collect money, created online IDs and placed bets through Mahadev Book. How app operates, as per ED The Mahadev app operates multiple websites and closed groups on chat apps. Users are provided with a contact number on their website, which can only be reached through WhatsApp. Upon contacting this number, users receive two separate contact numbers: one for depositing money and collecting points in IDs used for placing bets and another for redeeming accumulated points in designated IDs. These IDs are typically created on various websites like “laser247.com,” “laserbook247.com,” “betbhai.com,” “betbook247.com,” “tigerexch247.com,” “cricketbet9.com,” etc., based on the preferences of the bettors. These operations, including money collection, user ID creation, distribution of user ID credentials, and money distribution, are managed by panel/branch owners. The games are rigged to ensure panel owners do not incur losses, and despite initial profits for users, they are likely to lose money.
25 April,2024 10:23 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVidya Balan, like many actors today, is wary of commenting on matters of politics. The actor fears getting banned even though such an incident has not happened to her. She also spoke about the polarisation in the country and the world and her take on religion in a recent interview. In an interview with Unfiltered with Samdish, actress Vidya Balan said that she would not like to talk about politics. Elaborating on her reason for the same, she said, "Politics se bohot darr lagta hai, phir humko ban-van kardege toh… It hasn’t happened with me, thankfully, but now actors have are wary about talking about politics because you don’t know who will get offended. Especially around the release of a film, it is the work of 200 people at stake, so I just say keep me away from politics." When asked if she has seen this fear of talking about politics right from the beginning of her career, she said that it was not the case earlier. "This has been happening because of social media, people take offense over everything. They give their input even on matters they don’t know much about. So it’s best to zip your mouth and keep working,” she added. Further when asked if she feels that nation has become more polarised in terms of religion. "I feel we are definitely more polarised. As a nation, we did not have a religious identity before but now I don’t know why… It’s not just politics, it is also social media, because we are all lost in this world and looking for an identity, which we don’t have organically, we are looking for things to attach ourselves to. “So, everything has become… Whether it is religion or this wokeness, with people saying, ‘This is who I am,’ but you don’t know who you are! Which is why you are going, looking for these things. We all need a sense of belonging and in this world, with the proliferation of social media, we are lonelier than ever. At a very superficial level, we are attaching ourselves to ideas and concepts conveniently… The world is polarised today, it is not just one country.” Vidya also said that despite being a deeply spiritual person she said that she never donates to people asking for funds to build a religious structure. She said that she would rather give her funds to areas involving healthcare, sanitation, and education. When asked which areas she would work on from a philanthropy point of view, she said, “Health, sanitation and education. If someone asks me for donation to build a religious structure, it can be anything, I never donate. I say if you are building a hospital, a school or a toilet, I will happily contribute. But not to anymore religious institutions.
25 April,2024 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile most actors usually refrain from making political comments actress Lara Dutta recently made an exception and commented on PM Modi's recent speech in Rajasthan. PM Modi's comments on Muslims during an election rally in Rajasthan has been discussed and debated a lot by critics and opposition. Several have also termed it 'communal' in nature and demanded action by the Election Commission. In an interview with Times Now, actress Lara Dutta spoke about the speech given by PM Modi that is being widely discussed in the country and on social media. The 'Housefull' actress said that on must hold up to their convictions'. "Ultimately, we're all human beings. It's incredibly challenging to appease everyone all the time. Just as actors aren't immune to online criticism, neither is the Prime Minister of our country. We all take it in our stride. You can't constantly tiptoe around issues just to avoid upsetting one side or the other. Ultimately, you have to stay true to your beliefs and convictions. If he has the courage to do so, then kudos. Ultimately, you have to stand by what you believe in," she said. What did PM Modi say? In an election rally in Rajasthan's Banswara PM Modi claimed that the Congress manifesto talks about restituting wealth to Muslims. He also claimed that former PM Manmohan Singh had said, "Muslims have the first right over the country’s resources.’ If it returns to power, the party ‘will gather all your wealth and distribute it among those who have more children’, he said as the crowd applauded. “They will distribute it among infiltrators,” he continued, saying, “Do you think your hard-earned money should be given to infiltrators?” Lara Dutta's work front: Meanwhile, Lara Dutta is gearing up for the release of her new show 'Ranneeti' alongside Jimmy Sheirgill. Directed by Santosh Singh, the series promises to unravel untold stories behind a major defensive operation, shedding light on the amalgamation of traditional and contemporary warfare tactics. On the show, Lara plays the role of Manisha Saigal, a leading news channel’s primetime anchor. “My character is something of a spin doctor, and it is inspired by a couple of people who exist [in today’s journalism world]. These are powerful journalists who work behind the scenes, spinning narratives for people to see and [influencing their] perception,” said the actor talking to Mid-day.
25 April,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuperstar Salman Khan grabbed the eyeballs as he attended the star-studded screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series, 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' in Mumbai. He looked dapper in white printed trousers and a black shirt and struck a suave pose for the paparazzi. He arrived for the event along with a tight security. His security was strengthened after a gun-firing incident outside his house on April 14. The firing was orchestrated by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang who has repeatedly threatened the star with death. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) The event was also attended by several other celebs including Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday, Rashmika Mandanna, Sonam Bajwa, Fardeen Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Fardeen Khan, Anand L Rai, Anupam Kher, Kapil Sharma, among others. About Heeramandi: Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' promises to be an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom. Through the stories of courtesans and their patrons, the series delves deep into the cultural reality of Heeramandi. Bhansali Productions shared the trailer on their official Instagram handle. The caption reads, "In the glittering, regal halls of Shahi Mahal, romance and revolution clash in silence...Sanjay Leela Bhansali's sweeping saga of love, loss and liberation - Heeramandi: The Diamond bazaar..Trailer out now!" The intriguing trailer showcases the lives of courtesans in Heeramandi, Lahore, British India. Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) governs over an aristocratic courtesan house. She plans, fearing no one, until the homecoming of her late nemesis' daughter, Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha), which raises problems in the household. Outside, the city is rolling with revolutionaries seeking India's independence from British domination, with Mallikajaan's daughter, Bibbojaan (Aditi Rao Hydari), joining the struggle for freedom. Meanwhile, Mallikajaan's youngest son, Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal), fantasises about falling in love with the son of a nobleman, Tajdar (Taha Shah Badussha), and wishes to escape Heeramandi. At one point, it gives glimpses of India's freedom struggle and on the other hand, it also shows Mallikajaan and Fareedan face off in an epic battle for the title of Heeramandi's huzoor. 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' is scheduled to be out on May 1. The series, which marks Bhansali's debut in the web world, also stars Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Sharmin Segal in pivotal roles. About Salman Khan: Talking about Salman Khan, a few days ago, two men opened fire outside his house in Mumbai and it has raised concerns among fans and family members. The Mumbai Crime Branch had previously named criminal Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi as the prime perpetrators of the Salman Khan house firing incident. Following the discovery of significant evidence, both were added to the list of wanted accused, reported ANI. According to the report, a case has been filed against four people in connection with the firing incident at Salman Khan's home, including Anmol and Lawrence Bishnoi. Prior to the shooting, the perpetrators had done reconnaissance on Khan's house several times, including a visit to his farmland. According to the report, the Salman Khan house firing incident occurred on April 14 when two individuals on a motorcycle fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments, where Salman Khan resides, before fleeing the scene. Both suspects were captured on CCTV footage wearing caps and carrying backpacks. In a recent development, Delhi crime branch officials on Wednesday reached Mumbai and interrogated the two accused arrested in the Salman Khan firing case. Both the accused Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal were interrogated for about three hours. (with inputs from ANI)
25 April,2024 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPreity Zinta is set to make a comeback to Bollywood in the upcoming film 'Lahore 1947' alongside veteran actor Sunny Deol. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, this project marks a significant milestone for Preity as she returns to the silver screen after a hiatus. The 'Veer Zaara' actor gave fans a delightful sneak peek into the film's production with a series of behind-the-scenes photos shared on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preity G Zinta (@realpz) Expressing her excitement, Preity posted snapshots from the film set, offering fans a glimpse into the world of 'Lahore 1947'. Sharing a photo of the film's clapperboard, Preity captioned it with a simple yet powerful statement, "On set for Lahore 1947." Another image featured the actress sharing a candid moment with director Rajkumar Santoshi, hinting at the camaraderie behind the scenes. The announcement of Preity Zinta's return to Bollywood has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among her fans. Eagerly anticipating her comeback, fans flooded social media with expressions of joy and anticipation. From labeling her as the "queen" of Bollywood to expressing their eagerness to witness her on the big screen again, fans have been vocal about their excitement in the comments section. 'Lahore 1947', produced under Aamir Khan's banner, marks a significant collaboration between Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan's Productions. The film was officially announced last October, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline. Adding to the anticipation, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal has also joined the cast of 'Lahore 1947' in a pivotal role. The movie will also feature Sunny Deol sharing screen space with his elder son Karan Deol. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2024 06:41 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor Jacqueline Fernandez delighted her fans with beautiful pictures from her recent vacation trip. The actress took to her Instagram account on Wednesday to drop stunning pictures from her getaway. The 'Murder 2' actress wrote a caption that read, "Love light happiness and baby goats." Dressed in a stylish all-brown outfit and a bucket hat, Jacqueline looked incredibly mesmerizing. Jacqueline also posted a video of herself feeding young goats and captured sweet candid moments with them. Have a look at the pictures View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez) Soon after Jacqueline shared the vacation pictures, fans flooded the comments section to express their admiration for her beauty. One user wrote, "Very beautiful and cute lady with a lovely smile." Another user commented, "Your smile make me happy Jackie." (along with a heart emoji) "Soo happy & blessed to see you in my feed," penned a third user. Meanwhile, on the work front, Jacqueline Fernandez will be next seen in 'Fateh' opposite Sonu Sood. The film will showcase some breathtaking action sequences, which have been done under the supervision of Hollywood stunt expert Lee Whittaker. 'Fateh' has been shot across global locations including India, USA, Russia, and Poland, read a statement. 'Fateh' is all set to hit the screens this year. With Fateh, Sonu is making his directorial debut. It is produced by Zee Studios and Shakti Sagar Productions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2024 06:37 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIPriyanka Chopra, who is currently busy shooting for her next big project titled 'Heads of State', has dropped a behind-the-scenes picture from her on-location shoot from the film. Priyanka on Wednesday took to her Instagram account to share behind-the-scenes pictures of her from shoot diaries. The 'Barfi' actress looked stunning in a radiant selfie. She wore a cool pair of sunglasses and posed with a river in the background. Earlier, Priyanka gave glimpses of her recent vacation in Switzerland, taking a break from her busy schedule. A few days back, Priyanka offered a peek into her life in France. The series of photos showcased glimpses of the Heads of State sets, along with a snapshot of the actress studying the script of The Bluff. Additionally, Chopra shared adorable moments spent with her daughter on set, highlighting her ability to balance her professional and maternal duties. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Meanwhile, Priyanka is occupied with the shooting of Heads Of State, an upcoming action comedy featuring Idris Elba, John Cena, and Jack Quaid in key roles, under the direction of Ilya Naishuller. Alongside, she recently announced her involvement in The Bluff, directed by Frank E Flowers. On the Bollywood front, she will be seen in Farhan Akhtar's next directorial 'Jee Le Zaraa' alongside Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. However, no update has been provided on the film since the announcement was made a couple of years ago. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2024 06:35 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIWedding shenanigans At Arti Singh and fiancé Dipak Chauhan’s sangeet ceremony, cousin Krushna Abhishek and close friend Karan Singh Grover showered the bride-to-be with hugs and blessings after her performance. We also spotted Vicky Jain and Ankita Lokhande Make way Rani Mukerji seems to be in no mood to entertain anyone until she wraps up her puja at a Hanuman temple in Khar Just in Denim is bae: Kareena Kapoor Khan; We have to hold hands?: Akshara Haasan with Shruti Haasan; Summer feels: Disha Patani; In or out?; Karan Johar; In twos: Rakul Preet Singh with Jackky Bhagnani; Man in black: Ishaan Khatter
25 April,2024 06:23 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamLast May, rumours surfaced about two of KJ’s students uniting for a movie. Almost a year on, we hear that Varun Dhawan, who made his debut with Student of the Year (2012), and Tiger Shroff, who starred in Student of the Year 2 (2017), will collaborate for a Dharma production. However, the film, said to be an action comedy, will go on floors only next year. Raj Mehta, who previously directed Varun in Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022), will helm the yet-untitled film that is scripted by Sumit Roy and has dialogues by Anurag Kashyap. Currently gearing up for the release of Baby John, Varun is set to begin filming director-buddy Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari with Janhvi Kapoor next month. The actor also has filmmaker-father David Dhawan’s next and Anees Bazmee’s No Entry Mein Entry with Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh. Raj’s directorial venture will be Tiger’s second collaboration with KJo, after their actioner Screw Dheela was put on the backburner in November 2022. A gala time Ayushmann Khurrana is in New York for the Time100 Gala event, where the world’s most influential people will be felicitated. The actor, who is also championing the cause of child rights protection as the UNICEF Ambassador, has been honoured twice by the international publication. First, he was named as one of the 100 most influential people of the world in 2020, and last year, he was presented with the Impact Award. At the event in NYC tonight, Ayushmann will interact with icons like Dua Lipa, Sofia Coppola, Elliot Page, Kylie Minogue, Michael J Fox, Taraji P Henson and F1 driver Max Verstappen. Raid to end soon Ajay Devgn, who began filming Raid 2 with Vaani Kapoor in January this year, is set to wrap up Rajkumar Gupta’s directorial venture by April-end. The team is in the midst of the final schedule in Lucknow, after which they will head to Delhi for a two-day shoot. The thriller, a sequel to the 2018 hit, Raid, sees Ajay return as the upright Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik, springing a surprise on the antagonist, essayed by Riteish Deshmukh this time around. The makers had announced November 15 as the release date, but it appears that they may reschedule it. Reason: Ajay and Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again is reportedly being rescheduled to October-end, as a Diwali offering. Interestingly, the new dates of the superstar’s two other films are yet to be finalised. One is Abhishek Kapoor’s yet-untitled action thriller that marks the debut of Ajay’s nephew Aaman Devgn and Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani. Ajay also has Neeraj Pandey’s Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, which was initially slated to arrive on April 29. Jackie, Faffy join the fun venture Even as the makers of Welcome to the Jungle are shooting a mega song with an ensemble cast led by Akshay Kumar, we hear two more actors have joined the comic entertainer. Jackie Shoff and Aftab Shivdasani are rumoured to come on board Ahmed Khan’s directorial venture, which is backed by Firoz A Nadiadwallah. Details of their characters are not known yet. However, it is being said that the makers are planning to release the movie around Christmas 2024. Writer’s choice Contrary to the notion that Salman Khan and his sister Arpita Khan Sharma nudged Aayush Sharma to become an actor, it turns out that veteran writer KV Vijayendra Prasad came up with the suggestion. During a promotional event of their upcoming film, Ruslaan, producer KK Radhamohan revealed that when Salman shared his plans of launching his brother-in-law as a director, the RRR writer wondered why he wanted Aayush to foray into filmmaking. “‘Make him a hero,’ he suggested,” recalled Radhamohan. That’s how Aayush began his journey as an actor, making his debut with LoveYatri (2018). Prasad, who is scripting Rajamouli’s next starring Mahesh Babu, has completed writing the sequel of Salman’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). Tanisha scores her big break Rajkumar Santoshi’s daughter Tanisha Santoshi has bagged her first big film. The actor, who played a small part in the filmmaker’s Gandhi-Godse: Ek Yudh (2023), has been signed on by producer Vishal Rana for a romantic comedy. The makers plan to cast a big name as the male lead for the yet-untitled film. Tanisha recently shot an ad campaign with Ranbir Kapoor. Recalling her first meeting with him on the set of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (APKGK, 2009), she shared their then and now pictures on social media, saying, “From admiring you every day on the sets of APKGK to working with you on my first ad today.”
25 April,2024 06:19 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamThe death of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor undoubtedly deeply saddened The Kapoor family. He passed away on April 30, 2020. On that day, Alia, who was in a relationship with Ranbir Kapoor, was observed comforting Neetu Kapoor by holding her hand. In a recent interview, Ranbir's sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni elaborated on Alia's tremendous support for the Kapoor family during this difficult period and how she also became a pillar of strength for Ranbir. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni praises Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's jodi In an interview with Galatta India, Riddhima shared that she stayed with her mother, Neetu Kapoor, for a few months following her father's passing. Despite trying to maintain a sense of normalcy when together, they often found solace in tears within their own rooms. Riddhima expressed gratitude for Ranbir and Alia's daily visits during this challenging period, “We both were shattered. Ranbir and Alia used to come every single day. They both were amazing but when they would leave I would think of ways to make my mother happy and I would invite all my cousins just to pass the time so that she is happy.” When questioned about Ranbir's approach to dealing with his father's loss and his tendency to keep his emotions to himself, Riddhima replied, “That’s not a good thing. I am sure he has spoken to Alia about it. She was a great support. She has been there at a bad time and she has been a part of it. Ranbir doesn’t talk about his feelings, he doesn’t emote much off-screen. It was a difficult time.” Further praising Alia, Riddhima mentioned, “She is a lovely girl. She is extremely loving and very kind and the best thing about her is that she is very giving. My brother has lucked out with her. Even she is very lucky.” Riddhima’s husband Bharat Sahni also spoke about her bond with Alia, he said, “I love her vibe. She is very chilled out. No politics, she doesn’t like to gossip. So, a lot of similarities.” On the work front: Ranbir Kapoor's sister, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, has announced that she is entering the acting world and will be making her debut in a well-known web series called 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.' She confirmed this news at an event in Mumbai.
24 April,2024 09:48 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
