Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has opened up about how success has been her focus since childhood, as she did not experience a luxurious upbringing. Samantha discussed this topic on her podcast 'Take 20', where she aims to assist people by sharing her experiences, helping them relate, understand, and seek help when needed. In one episode, Samantha explored the human body's fight or flight response in certain situations alongside wellness coach and nutritionist Alkesh Sharotri. "I used to believe that exhaustion and the need for rest were signs of weakness. I was proud of being a hustler, thriving on only six hours of sleep, and being exceptionally productive throughout the day," said the actress, who has been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called myositis. "Despite feeling exhausted, I refused to acknowledge it, working tirelessly without a break for 13 years." The actress added: "Growing up, I didn't have a luxurious childhood, so success was my focus from an early age. I always felt intense pressure to 'Make It' in life. Constantly fed with the notion that I wasn't good enough, so that became an intense motivation for me to succeed at any cost." Samantha, who captivated the nation with her sizzling performance in the song 'Oo Antava' from 'Pushpa: The Rise', said that people often perceive "acting as glamorous, which it is, but that's not the entire reality". "It is a lot of hard work and pressure, especially when you're constantly in the spotlight and being judged. I started in this industry when I was just 22-23 years old, and some girls start even younger. We don't come into this knowing everything; we let others dictate and define us,” she said. Reflecting on her own journey, Samantha said: "I've been letting others define me since childhood, creating a pattern where I worked tirelessly to please and seek approval from others. Eventually, my own thoughts, feelings, and desires became insignificant.” Fears emerged once she achieved success. “When I achieved success, I feared losing it, immediately searching for the next big accomplishment. So, I believe I've been in fight or flight mode throughout my career," she explained. Samantha will soon be seen in the lead role opposite Varun Dhawan in the OTT series 'Citadel: Honey Bunny'. 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
27 April,2024 06:16 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSVijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur's 'The Family Star' was released in theatres a month ago. The film was made available on streaming today. Every since its release on Prime Video, netizens have been watching the film and sharing their reactions and reviews on social media. However, one particular scene in the film has managed to irk the audience on social media. On Friday morning, some netizens took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the makers for a distasteful dialogue. In the said scene, Vijay Deverakonda, a heroic figure is seen threatening again with rape threat towards the women in his family. The scene is projected as massy. This did not sit well with the audience who took to X to slam the scene. Take a look at the reactions: This guy Vijay deverakonda is a disgrace to Telugu cinema. Pls forgive tamils 🙏💔💔 https://t.co/zOkQdGa49q — . (@BloodyRom3o) April 26, 2024 You'll find many reasons not to watch this irritating #FamilyStar 🙏But this reason tops my list! Few people I met said that they will react the same way! (MABBULU IDIPOYINAYY)😭Naaku Wrong ga Ardamaindha or Meeku anthena! Cheppandi🤔#VijayDeverakonda #TheFamilyStar pic.twitter.com/VhPppLinMH — Ungamma (@ShittyWriters) April 26, 2024 Wtf🤢Rape threat from the hero and the movie's title is family star 🤬 https://t.co/TRLHmR8tJw — Devu🍉 (@spicyunniyappam) April 26, 2024 About The Family Star: The Family Star starring Mrunal Thakur and Vijay Deverakonda, directed by Parasuram and produced by Dil Raju and Shirish under Sri Venkateswara Creations, is going to make its global streaming debut in Prime Video on April 26 The Family Star tells the story of Govardhan, a caring family man who must take care of his big family. His life changes when Indu, a charming new tenant, comes into his life. They fall in love but face many challenges that test their love and strength. Despite these difficulties, they hope to overcome them and reunite. Will Govardhan and Indu find their way back to each other? Producer Dil Raju emphasizes the film's universal appeal, highlighting its exceptional performances and masterful direction. Vijay Deverakonda reflects on his portrayal of Govardhan, an everyday hero whose journey resonates with audiences worldwide. Mrunal Thakur adds depth to the narrative with her portrayal of Indu, a woman of strength and grace who uplifts Govardhan's life. Director Parasuram praises the collaboration, underscoring the film's ability to transcend boundaries and connect with viewers on a profound level.
26 April,2024 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVoting for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 began at 7:00 am on Friday across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies spread over 12 States and Union Territories. 89 general observers, 53 police Observers and 109 expenditure observers have been deployed in the regions. As all of the 20 constituencies in Kerala went to polling, several prominent actors were seen casting their vote. Film actor and producer Tovino Thomas on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. The 'Minnal Murali' actor is also the state brand ambassador for the Election Commission's SWEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) program. He cast his vote at the Government Girls Higher Secondary school in Irinjalakkuda. #WATCH | Kerala: Film actor and producer Tovino Thomas casts his vote in the Lok Sabha polls, at a polling booth in Iringalakuda, Thrissur.He is also the state brand ambassador for the Election Commission's SWEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) program… pic.twitter.com/W8RIeQuLEz — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024 Actor Fahadh Faasil was also seen stepping out to cast his vote. He voted at a booth near the district collector's residence in Alappuzha. VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Malayali Actor Fahadh Faasil casts his vote in Alappuzha, Kerala. Polling is underway in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories in the second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024… pic.twitter.com/S5SGllTYaP — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024 Besides them, prominent actors, including Sreenivasan and Renji Panicker, as well as church heads like Major Archbishop of the influential Syro-Malabar Church Raphael Thattil and Cardinal George Alencherry also voted in the morning. Kerala will decide the fate of 194 candidates. Of the 20 constituencies in Kerala going to polls, two seats -Alathur and Mavelikara- are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates. The key candidates in Kerala are, Wayanad: Congress leader and sitting MP Rahul Gandhi is recontesting against Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Both of them are part of the national INDIA bloc but are rivals in the state. Apart from 20 constituencies in Kerala, 13 seats in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir are voting today. Actor Kiccha Sudeep cast his vote in Bengaluru. He also spoke to the media about the importance of voting and how it is the duty of every eligible citizen. #LokSabhaElections2024 | "It is a big day. Voting is a hope, not an assurance. The problems are rising in our country. Now, the request should not be for people to come out to vote but for the political leaders for whom we are voting,"says Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep after he… pic.twitter.com/iBsiQN6Inf — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024 Actor Yash also cast his vote in Bengaluru. #WATCH | Karnataka: Actor Yash cast his vote at a polling booth in Hoskerehalli, Bengaluru.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/nc6qH6z7Na — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024 Actor Prakash Raj, a known critic of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, cast his vote in Bengaluru amid polling for the second phase on Friday. The actor, clad in a red printed shirt and white trousers, arrived at his designated polling station in Bengaluru to get his finger inked. #WATCH | Karnataka: Actor Prakash Raj casts his vote at a polling station in Bengaluru.Karnataka is voting on 14 seats today in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/AzghrtGPPS — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024 Speaking to media persons after casting his vote, the actor, who is not only a prominent face in the South film industry but also made character appearances in several Bollywood hits, said, "My vote is my right. It gives me the power to choose who will represent me, be my voice in Parliament. It is very important that you vote for a candidate you believe in. And, I voted for the candidate I believe in, the manifesto that promised change from the divisive and hate politics we have seen in the last decade." The Lok Sabha election is being held in seven phases till June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4. (with inputs from ANI)
26 April,2024 01:11 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentActress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has made a case for sustainable fashion with her recent outfit for an awards night. The actress stunned in a black bodycon dress that was repurposed from her gown that she wore for her wedding to ex-husband Naga Chaitanya. Samantha Ruth Prabhu took to her Instagram feed to share pictures of her repurposed wedding gown. She also spoke about the importance of sustainability. "We cannot ignore sustainability anymore. We’re past that stage when it was a choice. It’s now a necessity for the longevity of our planet that we call home. The dress I am wearing today is a beloved gown that has been repurposed for this occasion by the most talented @kreshabajajofficial," she wrote. "While that might sound insignificant… entitled even… to many… I assure you that repurposing my old clothes is only one of many steps I am consciously taking to alter my habits and make my lifestyle more sustainable. And every little gesture, every little decisive action, is important. It all adds up. I urge myself and all of you that have goodwill for me in your hearts to make those little efforts. Thank you," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) In a collaborative post with designer Kresha Bajaj, the brain behind the outfit, Samantha shared the making video of the outfit and how elements from her 'beloved' wedding gown was used to create a new one. The caption alongside the video read, "There are always new memories to be made.There are always new paths to walk.There are always new stories to tell. We loved working with Samantha, our muse, to help her create a new memory, and tell another story. Beauty is forever. And it can take on a new form every day. For @samantharuthprabhuoffl, for an award show". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Krésha Bajaj (@kreshabajajofficial) Talking about her sustainable sartorial choices and what it means to her, Samantha says, “Originally crafted by my good friend Kresha Bajaj, wearing it reimagined this way, evokes a range of emotions. This dress has always been special, but now it symbolizes much more. We often tend to assign specific ideas or notions to our cherished possessions, rather than recognizing their true value, which often surpasses our initial perceptions. It can hold varied meaning and purposes, exemplifying the essence of sustainability: understanding the value of our possessions, our ideas beyond their conventional definitions” Samantha and Naga Chaitanya tied the knot in 2017 and announced their separation in 2021. The two never spoke about the cause behind their separation. On the work front, Samantha was last seen in the film 'Kushi' opposite Vijay Deverakonda. She will next be seen in the series 'Citadel: Honey Bunny'.
26 April,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent‘RRR’ fame Jr NTR, who will next be seen in Ayan Mukerji’s ‘War 2’ alongside Hrithik Roshan, was spotted fulfilling his professional commitments in Mumbai. The actor, who is known for his humble persona on and off screen was seen losing his cool at the paparazzi, who were hounding him. Clad in a white shirt and blue jeans, Jr NTR was seen entering a hotel and attending a call simultaneously. He seemed to warn the paparazzi following him asking them to keep their distance. He can be heard saying, "Oye! Keep it back." The video of the same has gone viral. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paparazzi Feed (@paparazzifeed) 'War 2', which is the sixth film of the Yash Raj Films (YRF) spy universe, is directed by Ayan Mukerji. The film pits superstar Hrithik Roshan against Jr NTR in a bloody showdown of epic proportions. It also stars Kiara Advani, while the music is given by Pritam. A report by mid-day.com states that the two actors will also have a dance-off in the new thriller. While it was a foregone conclusion that the Aditya Chopra production would include a dance number featuring Duggu, it seems that the makers have come up with a situation to involve Taarak’s character in showcasing his nimble-footed skills as well. Especially after his smooth moves in the Oscar-winning song, ‘Naatu Naatu’ from SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ (2022) co-starring Ram Charan. Reportedly, Pritam has created a pacy track that is said to be one of the high points of the thriller. Considering that Hrithik’s song, ‘Jai Jai Shivshankar’, with Tiger Shroff in ‘War’ (2019) was a chartbuster, the makers are leaving no stone unturned in upping the ante in all aspects, from scale and action to emotions and music. At this point, it is not known if leading lady Kiara Advani will join Duggu and Taarak in the high-energy dance number. Aditya and Ayan have announced August 14, 2025, as War 2’s date with cinemas. Besides that Jr NTR also has 'Devara: Part 1' in the pipeline featuring Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film promises gripping action sequences and an extraordinary musical score. The first part will hit theatres on October 10, 2024, coinciding with the Dussehra weekend. (With inputs from Agencies)
25 April,2024 07:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, known for her unabashed openness regarding her health, has consistently strived to foster a healthy lifestyle both inside and out. Through her podcast, 'Take 20', she aims to help people by sharing her experiences, enabling them to relate, understand, and seek help when needed. In a recent episode of ‘Take 20’, actress Samantha delved into the human body's Fight or Flight response in certain situations. These survival mechanisms are often misunderstood or overlooked by those experiencing them. During a conversation with wellness coach and nutritionist Alkesh Sharotri, Samantha admitted to previously believing that exhaustion was a sign of weakness, a misconception rooted in the fight or flight mode. She confessed, "I used to believe that exhaustion and the need for rest were signs of weakness. I was proud of being a hustler, thriving on only six hours of sleep and being exceptionally productive throughout the day. Despite feeling exhausted, I refused to acknowledge it, working tirelessly without a break for 13 years. Growing up, I didn't have a luxurious childhood, so success was my focus from an early age. I always felt an intense pressure to 'Make It' in life. Constantly fed with the notion that I wasn't good enough, so that became an intense motivation for me to succeed at any cost." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) Expanding on the subject, she said, "People often perceive acting as glamorous, which it is, but that's not the entire reality. It is a lot of hard work too and pressure, especially when you're constantly in the spotlight and being judged. I started in this industry when I was just 22-23 years old, and some girls start even younger. We don't come into this knowing everything; we let others dictate and define us. In my case, I've been letting others define me since childhood, creating a pattern where I worked tirelessly to please and seek approval from others. Eventually, my own thoughts, feelings, and desires became insignificant. When I achieved success, I feared losing it, immediately searching for the next big accomplishment. So, I believe I've been in the Fight or Flight mode throughout my career." Samantha is currently working on her health podcast and will be soon seen in the lead role opposite Varun Dhawan in the OTT series ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’.
25 April,2024 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Prithviraj Sukumaran and his wife Supriya Menon completed 13 years of marriage today. While Prithviraj is an actor based in Kerala, Supriya was a journalit based in Mumbai when they met and eventually fell in love. As this power couple celebrates their 13th wedding anniversary today, let’s take a look at how this couple met. It was truly fate’s call when Supriya connected with Prithviraj for a story she was working on about the Malayalam film industry for a television network. Little did she know that this story would connect her to her soulmate. The couple began their journey as friends with frequent telephonic conversations but it was during a few visits to Mumbai that sparks ignited between them, and they transitioned into dating. Supriya would always play host to the actor whenever he visited Mumbai, and they often explored places like Haji Ali and Worli in their initial dating stage. In an interview with Mashable, Prithviraj also shared how they both started reading Gregory David Roberts ‘Shantaram’ in the initial stage of their dating and its significance, “I fell in love with my now wife then-girlfriend, who was working out of Bombay, while we were dating, we started reading ‘Shantaram’ together. I was in Kerala when I read the book and I was so infatuated with the City that I told her listen. I’m going to come there. You’ll take me to all the places that Gregory David Roberts so beautifully described in the book.” Prithviraj and Supriya's bond only grew stronger, culminating in their marriage on 25 April 2011 and the rest is history. On their 13th anniversary, Prithviraj took to Instagram to share a picture with his wife. He wrote, "Happy anniversary partner! From being friends to the parents of an incredible little girl, this has been one hell of a ride! To dreaming bigger and taking on tougher battles, can’t wait to see where this journey takes us in the years to come! " View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prithviraj Sukumaran (@therealprithvi) After being married for three years, the beautiful couple welcomed their daughter into the world. We wish the couple a very happy anniversary and wish they continue to bless our feed with their cute pictures and adorable antidotes. On the work front, Prithviraj had two back-to-back releases recently. His Malayalam film 'Aadujeevitham' hit the theatres in March while his Hindi film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' was released on April 11.
25 April,2024 01:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt was nearly 12 years ago that Mahesh Manjrekar had written Juna Furniture—Try Stopping This Old Man. The film’s idea came from a deeply personal space. He recalls, “When I lost my mother, many thoughts went on in my head. One is full of regrets [at such a point]. That’s where the idea came from. Today, there are 1.7 million abandoned senior citizens in India. My story is about the child, who feels he is doing the right thing for his parents, but is he?” That question forms the crux of Juna Furniture, Manjrekar’s upcoming Marathi movie. He has not only written and helmed the courtroom drama, but also played the protagonist, who questions society’s attitude towards senior citizens. He reveals that he had originally wanted to make it in Hindi. “I had written the story in Hindi, but things were not moving fast enough [as I approached production houses and figured out the casting]. So, I decided to make it in Marathi. Producer Yatin Jadhav wanted to make it immediately. Since no actor could give me dates at such a short notice, I decided to play the central character.” While he has directed himself in small roles earlier, it’s the first time he is fronting his own directorial venture. “This film is shouldered by my character. I was apprehensive that if this role falls flat, people will point fingers at me saying that I wanted to play the hero.” Even as he has to wait for a few days to get the audience’s verdict, the National Award-winning filmmaker’s work has been praised by famed screenwriter Salim Khan. “Salim saab loved the movie. I had narrated the script to Salman [for feedback] and he had loved it. I might show it to him this week.”
24 April,2024 05:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRIn describing his training as part of his association with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Telugu actor Arvind Krishna paints the most accurate picture of sport-specific training. Being on the field and competing with players significantly taller than him, he discusses the need to maintain his balance when shoved by opponents, leap high to dunk the ball while being dragged down by his competitors, and display commendable agility to navigate them on the court. If you’ve rarely been introduced to the fascinating science of how sports training is designed to make an athlete shine during the game, Krishna shares a glimpse. “I’m surrounded by guys who are 6 feet and 6 inches tall. So, for me to pull my shot, I need to jump really high and hold myself in the air for a longer period. This ‘hang time’ is dependent on your core strength. So, I have to make sure that I train my core. Ours is a physical sport involving contact. So, to gather ourselves after we are pushed by opponents, we mimic the movements in the gym to build efficiency. For instance, while training, we will have people thrust us with huge sandbags as we try to resist the push. This mimics what we endure on the court. You’ll also see us train with heavy bags on ourselves, and this is because, when we jump to [dunk the ball], we’re jumping with not only our weight but also the weight of the players around us who are attempting to resist us. To mimic that force, we train accordingly. We also train with ankle weights, because that teaches [us to balance ourselves]. When we land, we may land on a player’s foot, and this practice teaches us to deal with that imbalance,” says the athlete-actor, who has starred in Rushi, Lots of Love, and A Masterpiece, a superhero venture. Krishna, 39, is the only Indian actor who has played in the NBA. Considering that he trains for the sport across the year, we assume he refuses to take up acting projects that require him to undergo physical transformations. He, however, disagrees. “I signed a superhero film recently. While I was 92 kilos, I had to drop it to 80 to fit into the costume. And though I cut my calories down from 3,200 to 1,800, I had to do it in such a way that I could retain my strength for my games. In fact, I played a tournament in Japan while shooting for it.” Apart from travelling with a chef who understands his needs, Krishna, who is also vegan, meets his nutritional needs with supplements. His B-Tech degree, he admits, gives him a fine understanding of the supplements that can enhance his performance. “It is because of that that I can sustain energy despite not consuming too many calories. I also do not consume gluten, because both gluten and dairy have been shown to cause inflammation. As an athlete, the less inflammation you have, the better you can perform. Tackling inflammation has also made me look better on screen.” Krishna admits that in bridging his two worlds together, he also hopes to spark a love for basketball in the hearts of his fans. The Cheats: Shruti Haasan What’s your cheat meal: Rice, potatoes and South Indian dishes like sambhar. How often do you indulge:Once or twice a week. Cheat meal vs cheat day:Mostly, it’s just one big cheat meal, but if I’m on a vacation, it’s a cheat week. Do you compensate for it:When I’m training hard, I tend to be more particular with my meals. [I’ll compensate] by eating a light dinner, like soup or salad. In Mahesh Shetty’s Fridge FruitsBengali sweetsNutellaChicken
24 April,2024 05:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaMalayalam star Fahadh Faasil, acclaimed for his recent release, Aavesham, has chalked out the difference between Malayalam cinema and the rest of Indian cinema. The actor, renowned for his roles in Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016), Kumbalangi Nights (2019), Malik (2021), Joji (2021), and others, highlighted that Malayalam cinema still lacks substantial support from OTT platforms. In an interview, Faasil said, “The trade has grown for Malayalam cinema, but our films even now don’t have a solid back-up of an online streaming platform. We need to prove our mettle in theatres for any of these things to come in. Unlike the rest of India, where almost 80 per cent of films are sold even before the shoot is started, things are different for us.” Faasil claims that in case of Malayalam films, the potential of a movie is determined first, before OTT platforms put it out for streaming purposes. The actor said, “Our model is not that, we need to finish the film and release it to demonstrate its potential before it gains traction on OTT platforms. This approach has influenced our industry’s cinematic culture, emphasising the importance of crafting compelling stories and producing quality content.” Faasil will next be seen as the antagonist in Pushpa 2: The Rule. 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
24 April,2024 05:06 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesMalayalam and Tamil film actress Aparna Das is all set to tie the knot with 'Manjummel Boys' actor Deepak Parambol. The pre-wedding festivities have already commenced and the actress took to her Instagram handle to share pictures from the Haldi ceremony. The couple will tie the knot on April 24 in Kerala. Aparna Das Haldi Ceremony For her Haldi ceremony, Aparna Das opted for a traditional half-saree which is red and yellow in colour. She accessorized her look with a red choker and a matching tikka. She looked happy in the pictures that showed her drenched in Haldi water. She is surrounded by her family and friends in the pictures. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wedding Photographer - Elementricx (@momentssbyelementricx) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wedding Photographer - Elementricx (@momentssbyelementricx) Aparna Das made her debut in Malayalam cinema with the film 'Njn Prakashan' opposite Fahadh Faasil. She gained popularity with her performance in 'Manoharam'. In Tamil, she played a supporting role in Thalapathy Vijay's 'Beast' and the lead role in 'Dada'. 'Kavin-starrer 'Dada' became one of the best films of 2023. The actress was last seen in the Malayalam film 'Secret Home' and will next be seen in 'Anand Sreebala'. Work-wide, Deepak Parambol entered into the Malayalam industry with Vineeth Sreenivasan's 'Malarvaadi Arts Club'. Some of his famous films include the recently released 'Manjummel Boys', 'Thattathin Marayathu', 'Thira', 'Kannur Squad', 'Christopher', 'D Company' and 'Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu', amongst others. Deepak was seen earlier this year in the blockbuster survival drama, 'Manjummel Boys', Vineeth Sreenivasan’s period film 'Varshangalkku Shesham', and Abhijit Ashokan’s 'Jananam 1947', 'Pranayam Thudarunnu'.
23 April,2024 04:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
