Sharing her opinion on the Women's Reservation Bill during an exclusive conversation with IANS, popular television actress Shubhangi Atre has revealed that she has a problem with reservations. The 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!' actress said that she believes that a person should achieve everything through merit and not simply because of their gender. She stated that a woman is no less than a man in any aspect. Shubhangi told IANS, "Look, there are two aspects to this. First, I don't know why there were less women in politics. I watch the news, but I don't know why there were less women and why people are not going into politics. They are coming, and they are getting a place. This is a very good thing. But I have a problem with this reservation. I really have a problem. I feel that if any person reaches anywhere, it should be because of their merit. We are no less than a man." Citing an example from her personal life, Shubhangi revealed that her father has always told her and her sisters that they are capable of doing anything a man can do. "We are three sisters. And my father has always taught us that there is nothing in the world that a man can do, and you cannot do. So here I have a problem that women do not need a reservation at all. We are the creators. Nature has given us such a big responsibility to create a new life. So you don't need a reservation." Reiterating that women in general are extremely strong, she concluded, saying, "We are anyway very strong. We are emotionally strong. In crisis management, we are very strong." Shubhangi is best known for her role as Angoori Bhabhi in the popular show "Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!". 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
13 April,2026 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAfter more than a decade away from television, Arjun Punj is making a striking comeback with Yaadein. In an exclusive chat with Midday, the actor opened up about returning to the small screen, his new character, and the nostalgia of stepping onto a set reminiscent of Sanjivani. Expressing his excitement, Arjun shared, "I’m really excited, honestly, to have a show like this and to see myself on screen on a show like this. I have been getting a few options lately, but they are the typical ones. But this show is really, you know, I think it’s going to be a new beginning of a lot of things. I’m very happy and lucky to, I think, be a part of this show." Arjun talks about his character Talking about his role, the actor revealed that what drew him in was the refreshing nature of his character. “What I liked about my character is that he’s a very chill guy. Though he’s with Shrishti and their daughter is being taken care of by them and is in love with Shrishti, he’s naturally very soft, kind-hearted, breezy kind of a guy. Zyada tension nahi hai usko (He doesn't have much tension). And I think a problem solver, log tension lete hain (people take tension), and he just helps everyone out. So it's a very nice, breezy, chilled-out character, which I’m very happy to be a part of.” On the nostalgia of Sanjivani with Yaadein The experience of returning to a familiar kind of set added another layer of emotion for Arjun, especially given his association with Sanjivani, the show that made him a household name. “100 percent! So my first look test and everything was on the set, and the moment I entered, it was so nostalgic because, you know, the Sanjivani set was very similar to this set. I’m like, ‘Oh my god, what is this happening?’ And as you just said, a ‘comeback,’ and that was a show which made my character really popular. And now this show with a similar setup, what better, I could have asked for?” He also recalled how he and wife Gurdeep Punj kept their reunion under wraps until the official announcement. “Gurdeep’s reaction was ‘Chup raho, chup raho, kisi ko batana nahi, aane do phir batayenge’ (Keep quiet, keep quiet, don't tell anyone, let it come out first then we'll tell). Because there were a lot of hits and misses during the vibe. So we were like, just keep it to yourself, I'm also not going to tell anyone, you also don't tell, just let people see on screen now.” With a nostalgic backdrop, a fresh storyline, and a character that marks a new phase in his career, Arjun Punj’s return with Yaadein is already shaping up to be one to watch.
13 April,2026 11:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatThe recent track of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has kept fans hooked, especially with Atmaram Bhide’s shocking decision to resign as society secretary. In an exclusive chat, Mandar Chandwadkar, who plays the beloved character, opened up about the emotional storyline, his approach to acting, and memorable moments from the show. Mandar gets candid about the current track Speaking about the ongoing track, Mandar emphasized the seriousness of Bhide’s decision. “This time it is pretty real and serious. Because Bhide has always been a character of principle, and he would never do something which will go against society or against his principles. So, this time he is quite serious about his resignation. And the kind of false statements which Popatlal has done over the past few days, he is not admitting at all. And he is not ready to accept that he has done any kind of mistake. And though he has all kinds of proofs that he is not guilty, but still he prefers to be aloof and he prefers to give resignation rather than proving himself right.” He further highlighted how Bhide’s decision reflects the often-overlooked challenges of being a society secretary. “The main thing is that the secretary's job is an honorary job. He is not paid for it basically. He is doing so much things and he has done so much for society. He has actually tolerated the tantrums of each and every member. Over the years. So, now he is given up basically. He doesn't want to listen to any kind of false things against him. After doing honorary things also he has to listen from everyone. It is very easy to blame it on someone. I really appreciate the job of the secretary or chairman of the society. Whoever the people are, they do this honorary job because they are not paid for it. But still they do it passionately in order to run the society properly. So, now everyone has to understand the responsibility and the importance of that particular post.” His favourite track from the show Despite being part of the show for nearly two decades, Mandar shared that he continues to find joy and freshness in his performances. Reveals he doesn't find playing Bhide monotonous at any point, “Not at all. I am so lucky. On a daily basis I get to perform in a different way. This is my habit to improvise the scene. I really find that particular opportunity to improvise the scene. We writers write scenes in such a way that we try to add humour to it. We try to make it more humorous. But I really don't find any kind of monotony. I have never found this kind of thing in the last 17-18 years. I really look forward to come to the show even today and perform the scene.” Recalling one of his favourite moments, the actor spoke about a scene he would love to recreate. “There is one scene I would really like to redo it again. When we were doing the sitti wala scene where the whistle gets stuck in my throat and Daya Bhabhi comes to rescue. I still remember the episode number. I would really like to perform the same way because it was the most hilarious scene of the day. I really enjoyed a lot while performing it.” With an emotionally charged storyline and Mandar Chandwadkar’s insights, the current track promises to keep audiences invested as Bhide’s journey takes a serious turn.
13 April,2026 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatActor Kritika Kamra has dropped an adorable birthday wish for her husband, television host and sports presenter Gaurav Kapur. In an Instagram post, Kritika shared a series of Gaurav's pictures, offering a rare glimpse into an unseen, playful side of her husband. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kritika Kamra (@kkamra) "He is the party. Happy birthday @gauravkaps," she wrote. Many reacted to the post, including the couple's friends and fans. Actor Angad Bedi wrote, "happy happy @gauravkaps." Nakuul Mehta added, "Airports clearing out in his honour. Happy happy." Gaurav Kapur also received heartwarming birthday wishes from Yuvraj Singh and Shibani Akhtar. Kritika and Gaurav got married in March this year, followed by a sundowner. They solemnised their relationship in a low-key civil marriage ceremony in the presence of family and close friends. Earlier on Thursday, the couple shared mesmerising pictures from their D-Day with their Instagram family. "This time yesterday, we said yes to forever (red heart emoji) 11.03.2026," they wrote in a joint post. The couple also hosted a grand wedding reception for close family, friends, and members of the sports and film fraternities. Several prominent figures from the cricketing world attended the celebration, including veteran cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh. Kritika, renowned for her roles in television shows like Kitani Mohabbat Hai, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, and Reporters, has also made her mark in films and OTT projects, including Bheed, Tandav, and Bambai Meri Jaan. Gaurav is a prominent Indian television host, sports presenter, and the creator of the popular YouTube talk show Breakfast with Champions. 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
12 April,2026 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPopular television actress Rupali Ganguly expressed her views on the Women's Reservation Bill during an exclusive interaction with IANS. Spilling her excitement, she credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering women with his various reforms. The 'Anupamaa' actress was asked, "India is becoming such a country where 33 percent reservation for women is now going to happen in Parliament and State Assembly. And this bill, which was passed in 2023, is finally going to be implemented. From the next election, you will see 33% women in Parliament, so what do you have to say?" Responding to the question, Rupali told IANS, "It took years. I think it took 27-28 years. In 2023, this bill was passed, and now it is going to be implemented. So, I am just so proud that for so many years, so many women must have fought for this. And today, they have reached this point, that finally, there will actually be 33% reservation for women in the Parliament." Praising PM Modi for all that he has done for the female population of the country, she went on to add, "And this has been possible only after Modi ji's government came into power. It took so many years. Modi ji, you see, all the reforms, all the things, he keeps women in the center. I mean, even if it's the Sukanya Samriddhi scheme, why didn't the other governments bring such a thing earlier? Remember, back then, we used to hear that girls had been killed, and there's so much female mortality, and even then, there were many places where, as soon as a girl was born, she was dipped in milk. But are you hearing all these things after Modi ji came to power? You are not. All that he is doing for the women, for the girls, it is simply commendable. Only Modi ji can do this. Because he sees every woman as his mother, his sister, his daughter." 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
12 April,2026 11:52 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actor Karisma Kapoor is all set to return to television as a judge for the fifth season of the popular dance reality show India’s Best Dancer. The upcoming season is scheduled to premiere on May 9, with the channel recently unveiling a vibrant promo that has already generated excitement among fans. In the newly released promo, Karisma can be seen expressing her enthusiasm about the fresh season and its unique approach. She hints at a renewed format and energy, promising audiences something different this time. Speaking in her signature style, she shares that she will redefine what “best” means in a new way, adding that the show will present a fresh dance narrative. She also teased that the competition will feature exceptionally talented performers, calling them “the best of the best.” Ahead of the show’s launch, Karisma also made a special appearance on Indian Idol during its milestone 50th episode celebration. The episode, dubbed a “golden episode,” served as the perfect platform to announce the new season. During her appearance, the actor expressed her happiness at returning to the singing reality show, where she fondly referred to herself as its “unofficial fourth judge.” She shared that the celebratory occasion made for an ideal moment to introduce the new season of her dance show. Highlighting what sets this edition apart, Karisma revealed that the focus will be on “India wala dance,” emphasizing styles and performances rooted in Indian culture and identity. Her comments suggest that the show will celebrate authenticity and traditional influences while still embracing contemporary talent. Joining her during the announcement was choreographer and long-time judge Geeta Kapur, who urged viewers to shower the same love on India’s Best Dancer as they have consistently given to Indian Idol. Her heartfelt appeal underlined the team’s hopes for another successful season. The previous edition of the show featured Karisma alongside Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis on the judging panel, a trio that was widely appreciated by audiences. As the new season gears up for its premiere on Sony Entertainment Television, expectations are high for a grand showcase of talent, creativity, and captivating performances.
11 April,2026 11:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after comedian Samay Raina spoke about his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan shared a deeply reflective and somewhat cryptic note addressing anxiety and the overwhelming nature of the digital world. Samay Raina's remarks make waves Samay had recently revealed that during his time on the show, he deliberately held back from making controversial jokes in front of the legendary host. His remarks gained attention online, sparking conversations among fans. Shortly after, Amitabh took to his blog, where he often pens philosophical thoughts, to reflect on his state of mind. In his note, the actor spoke about the constant flow of ideas that occupy his mind every day. He explained how each thought demands attention and effort, yet it becomes nearly impossible to act on all of them at once. While one may try to focus on tasks individually, the mind continues to wander, reminding him of unfinished work and creating a sense of anxiety. Amitabh Bachchan shares a cryptic note He further elaborated on the difficulty of calming the mind, even when attempting to pause and step back. According to him, the modern digital landscape adds to this struggle. He described how the “storm of the internet” constantly pulls attention in multiple directions, making it challenging to distinguish what truly matters from what does not. Amitabh also reflected on how access to information has dramatically evolved over time. While knowledge is now instantly available at the click of a button, he noted that this convenience has overshadowed deeper thinking. The speed of information, he suggested, often replaces thoughtful reflection, pushing individuals to keep up with the latest trends rather than engage meaningfully with ideas. Adding a generational perspective, the actor observed that those who have witnessed earlier, slower-paced times may feel particularly overwhelmed by today’s rapid technological changes. However, he acknowledged that younger generations are naturally attuned to living in the present, much like older generations once adapted to the innovations of their own time. On the work front, Amitabh was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, where his performance was widely appreciated. As he continues working on upcoming projects, his introspective note offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of navigating thoughts, expectations, and the relentless pace of the digital age.
11 April,2026 11:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTelevision actress Swati Rajput, best known for her role in Patiala Babes, has shared joyful news with her fans. The actress and her husband Saurabh Goyal have announced that they are expecting their first child together, delighting followers with heartwarming pictures. Swati Rajput announces pregnancy The couple took to social media to reveal the news in a simple yet emotional way. Sharing a series of candid photos, Swati proudly flaunted her baby bump while posing with Saurabh. The pictures captured their happiness and excitement as they step into a new phase of life. Dressed in coordinated outfits, the duo looked radiant, with their smiles reflecting the joy of impending parenthood. In one of the photos, Saurabh is seen lovingly holding Swati close, while another shows him placing a hand on her baby bump, symbolising their shared excitement. The announcement was met with an outpouring of love from fans and friends in the television industry, who flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages and blessings. Swati and Saurabh’s love story has been cherished by their followers over the years. The two first met during a professional project and gradually developed a strong bond. After dating for a considerable period, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2023, surrounded by close friends and family. Their journey from co-stars to life partners has often been admired for its warmth and simplicity. All about their wedding and love story Since their wedding, the couple has continued to share glimpses of their life together on social media, giving fans a peek into their relationship. This pregnancy announcement marks another milestone, one that they are clearly embracing with love and gratitude. Fans of the actress, who have followed her career across various television shows, expressed their happiness at the news. Many noted how Swati’s personal journey feels like a celebration for those who have supported her through the years. As they prepare to welcome their first child, Swati and Saurabh seem to be soaking in every moment of this special time. Their announcement not only highlights their personal happiness but also reflects the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in their lives—one filled with anticipation, love, and countless memories waiting to be made.
11 April,2026 09:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA recent video featuring Ankita Lokhande, Bharti Singh, and Elvish Yadav has gone viral, sparking conversations online about the latter’s party lifestyle. The clip, reportedly from the sets of Laughter Chefs 3, shows the two celebrities playfully yet firmly calling out Elvish for his frequent partying habits. Ankita Lokhande schools Elvish Yadav In the video, Elvish appears to be resting or being checked by a professional on set, which prompts concern from those around him. Ankita, noticing his condition, remarks, “Roz-roz party karke tabiyat kharab hogi hi,” hinting that his regular partying may be affecting his health. Bharti Singh also joins in, expressing worry while keeping the tone light. She is heard saying that Elvish looks unwell, adding to the concern visible in the clip. Ankita further addresses his friends, who were recording the moment, urging them to be mindful of his health and surroundings. The exchange, though humorous on the surface, carried an underlying message. Ankita continued to point out that constant partying could take a toll, saying his condition reflects the impact of such a lifestyle. She even suggested that it’s not necessary to attend every party, subtly advising moderation. Bharti echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Elvish should occasionally prioritise his health over social commitments. She added that it’s perfectly acceptable to skip events if one is not feeling well, reinforcing the idea of balance. Despite the concern, the mood in the video remained friendly and informal, with the trio sharing a comfortable rapport. The light-hearted scolding did not come across as harsh criticism but rather as advice from colleagues who seemed genuinely concerned. All about their bond The clip has since sparked reactions online, with fans divided between amusement and concern. While many found the interaction relatable and humorous, others agreed with Ankita and Bharti’s observations, emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in the public eye. This viral moment highlights how even casual on-set interactions can quickly gain traction online. It also sheds light on the pressures of maintaining a social image, particularly for influencers and reality stars like Elvish. Ultimately, what began as a candid, behind-the-scenes moment has turned into a wider conversation about health, balance, and the impact of lifestyle choices in the entertainment industry.
11 April,2026 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDivyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya recently delighted fans by announcing their pregnancy. The couple, who are expecting their first child, have now reacted to their photograph being allegedly 'misused' alongside reports of women embracing motherhood in their 40s. The couple raised their voice against their image being featured in a story about the IVF market in India. They clarified that their pregnancy is a case of natural conception, and not IVF. Divyanka Tripathi slams misuse of her pregnancy pictures Divyanka Tripathi took to her Instagram story to react to the reports, expressing her dissatisfaction over the misleading presentation. She acknowledged that every path to parenthood is beautiful and conversations around late motherhood are important; however, the publication should have verified before publishing, she said,. “Misleading Image usage. While we appreciate the advancements in medical science and what it means for so many, we’d like to clarify that our positive results are not due to IVF. It’s NATURAL CONCEPTION. That, too, ignites some kind of hope. Every path to parenthood is beautiful, and we support the awareness you are creating through the article. Only if you asked us if it stands true to us or not! We have a story leading us here, just that, this one isn’t ours," the actress wrote. Vivek Dahiya also reacted to the use of their photos in the article, and wrote, “We value responsible journalism and are surprised to see our picture placed next to an IVF story, when our journey was natural- simply isn’t right. Accuracy matters, and this wasn’t verified with us." Divyanka on conceiving at the age of 40 In her earlier vlog, Divyanka spoke about embracing motherhood at 40 and shared that it felt like the right time. “We stayed very positive, even though it took time for things to fall into place. Still, we always had faith in each other. Somehow, we had a strong feeling that something would happen by the end of 2025. That’s why I even stopped taking up work. I felt that if I started something new and then conceived, it might affect the work. I don’t know, but it felt like a strong instinct from God, and in a way, I was already preparing myself for this," she said. Meanwhile, Vivek had revealed that Divyanka had conceived naturally. “And by the way, for everyone who is curious to know, this is a natural pregnancy." “All the modern methods that are available today to help people conceive have supported so many couples, and we truly appreciate science," Divyanka added. Divyanka and Vivek first met during the filming of the TV series Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and tied the knot in 2016.
10 April,2026 06:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Dipika Kakar has been undergoing treatment for liver cancer. Her health struggles have resurfaced as she had to undergo another surgery in March after a 1.3 cm cyst reoccurred. She opened up about how the relapse has left her shaken. The actress revealed how the illness has disrupted her routine, limiting time with her son and affecting her daily life. Dipika Kakar reveals cyst recurrence had left her shaken Earlier this week, Dipika revealed in her YouTube vlog that she has not been able to give time to her son Ruhaan due to her illness. She said, “There are so many things going on in my mind. Due to my illness, Shoaib has been stuck with so many things. I am not able to give Ruhaan time sometimes; on the days I am fatigued, I just sleep. If I am in the hospital, I cannot be with Ruhaan. It does change when you are ill—your routine, your priorities change, and your body needs rest. When we are fighting an illness, we have to be strong and positive. I want to come out of this completely.” Dipika also admitted that the recurring cyst has shaken her. She added, “The recurrence that happened with the 1.3 cm cyst has shaken me. I am a little scared now that it shouldn’t happen again. I have started dieting, but I feel anxious. One thing I have understood is that we ladies are stronger than we think we are. Our bodies are so complex. The hormonal changes in our body—irrespective of any illness—we go through so much, and yet we smoothly function in our lives.” The Sasural Simar Ka actress revealed that her health has impacted her consistency with vlogging, but she continues to film whenever she is able to. About Dipika Kakar’s health The actress came into the spotlight after she left Celebrity MasterChef Season 1 midway due to health concerns. She later shared her diagnosis from last year, when doctors discovered a tennis-ball-sized cancerous cyst near her liver. She underwent major surgery, during which 22 per cent of her liver was removed along with the cyst. In March this year, another cyst reoccurred, and the actress underwent surgery, sharing how she has been in excruciating pain. Throughout this tough journey, the actress has remained open about her health, documenting her chemotherapy sessions and recovery process on her YouTube channel.
10 April,2026 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
