Salman Khan-Amruta Fadnavis lead the charge for Earth Conservation

Salman Khan, addressing a captivated audience at Amruta Fadnavis' Divyaj Foundation event Bacche Bole Morya at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli in Mumbai on Wednesday passionately advocated for the use of eco-friendly materials in crafting Ganesh idols. "It is time we teach adults lessons in being earth friendly. Let us use terracotta or other eco-friendly materials to create our Ganesha idol this year," he stated to thunderous applause.
The program was organised in collaboration with Chhatra Sansad India and supported by BMC and Mumbai Police, is not just a celebration of Lord Ganesha; it is a movement towards a sustainable future. Amruta Fadnavis, the brain behind Divyaj Foundation and Bacche Bole Morya event, seemed elated as the children took yet another earth-friendly advice from Salman Khan. Her enthusiasm reflected the success of the initiative in inspiring the younger generation to adopt sustainable practices.
The evening’s highlight was the performances by renowned singers Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher,who lent their voices to celebrate and encourage the children’s efforts in contributing to a greener planet. Other dignitaries present were Bhushan Gagrani, Honourable BMC Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, Hon Police Commissioner, Deven Bharti, Spl. Commissioner of Police, Ram Anant Lipte, Hon Charity Commissioner Mumbai, Pravin Darade, Principal Secretary, Environment, Dr Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), Abhay Bhutada , Chairman Abhay Bhutada Foundation, Sonali Bendre, Mazhar Nadiadwala, MD Dome Entertainment, Mrs Manju Lodha, Chairperson-Lodha Foundation, Shantilal Muttha, Founder BJS. And a few cultural performances by the young participants.
Amruta Fadnavis, a banker, singer, and social activist, underscored the importance of such initiatives in shaping a sustainable future. She stated, "By starting with our children, we have planted the seeds of awareness and responsibility that will grow into a deep-rooted respect for Mother Earth. It’s about teaching them that every small action counts, and that through mindful choices, we can protect our planet."
In continuation to Bacche Bole Morya and #MiKachraKarnarNahi campaign launch, Amruta Fadnavis and Divyaj Foundation have also called upon people for a beach clean-up initiative at Versova Beach post-Ganpati Visarjan on coming Wednesday, 18th September 2024.

It was important for me to stay in that zone to portray my character with honesty and authenticity: Arshin Mehta 

Arshin Mehta, who started her career with Bajrangi Bhaijaan and went on to star in movies like The Rally, Circle, Main Rajkapoor Ho Gaya, and web series such as Main Hero Bol Raha Hun and Pocket FM’s Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh, as well as in popular TV commercials like Jeevansathi, Dabur, and Imperial Blue, to name a few, will next be seen in The Diary of West Bengal as the protagonist. The film is set to hit theaters on August 30. She will portray the main lead, Suhasini Bhattacharya, and underwent several personal challenges to fully immerse herself in the character.
She said, “Since I wanted to stay in character, I embraced Suhasini’s role as a refugee who wouldn’t have had access to luxury. I avoided sitting on chairs and preferred sitting on the ground, staying in my character's mindset by not talking to anyone much. Suhasini had gone through so much that she was always in her own zone, and I tried to remain in that same zone as well.”  “I made sure to stay in the zone all the time. I would listen to music constantly, avoid talking to anyone, and even after the shoot was over, I would quietly go home and remain in the character's mindset. It was important for me to stay in that zone to portray Suhasini's character with honesty and authenticity, so people could truly relate to her,” she added. 
Arshin further revealed that her character was extremely intense because of the immense trauma Suhasini endured.Throughout the film, there were many intense scenes, and to do justice to the role, I kept listening to music that would help me stay in character and heighten the emotions needed for the scenes,” she said.“One of the most challenging moments was when I had an important monologue, which I prepared for all day. I knew it was the most important scene in the movie, so I kept listening to that type of music to internalize the emotions. When I finally delivered the shot, even the director had tears in his eyes, and many people on set were moved to tears as well. I felt goosebumps while delivering those lines, and the emotional weight of the scene was deeply felt by everyone involved,” she added.

Raviraa Bhardwaj: Me-time is the key to staying balanced and focused 

Actress Raviraa Bhardwaj, who has been part of projects such as Aukaat se zyaada , Aakhri hadd ,AisaQ, Jiyoon Kaise, Saanwarey, and Kantaal, says that it is very important to focus on time for herself. She says that while he concentrates on following his hobbies, she makes sure to take out time to just relax. Talking about her hobbies, she says, “In my free time, I love to indulge in a variety of hobbies that bring me joy and relaxation. Painting is something that truly relaxes me; it’s a way to express myself and unwind after a long day. Dancing is another passion of mine—it’s a great way to stay active and connect with music.She adds, “But my most favorite activities are horse riding and scuba diving. Horse riding gives me an incredible adrenaline rush, the thrill of the ride, and the connection with the animal. On the other hand, scuba diving is like stepping into another world. Being underwater, surrounded by the beauty and mystery of the ocean, always leaves me in awe and makes me feel completely at peace.” 
Taking for time for herself is crucial for her mental heals and well being, she says. “Me time is essential to me because it’s the key to staying balanced and focused. It relaxes me and recharges my energy, giving me the boost I need to dive back into hustle mode. I have a deep love for traveling and exploring new places—it’s one of my favorite ways to spend my free time. But when I’m not out discovering new destinations, you’ll likely find me lounging on the couch, enjoying the comfort of home while watching Friends all over again. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reset,” she says. Meanwhile, support from family also means a lot to her. “My mom is my absolute go-to person—she’s more than just a mother; she’s my closest friend. I can talk to her about anything, whether it’s something small or a major decision, and she always knows just what to say. She’s my biggest supporter, always cheering me on no matter what. And while my dad is like a rock in my life, it’s my mom who I keep running to for everything, from the tiniest worries to the biggest life choices. I guess you could say I love to trouble her with all the little and big things, and she’s always there with a smile. Although I generally trouble my dad for all the big things as he is much more calm and composed compared to my mom,” she says.

The Dutt Legacy : An Insight on Priya Dutt’s commitment as she follows her father

Priya Dutt,well-known for her roles as a social activist and politician, has built an impressive career around contributing to the society at large. Her work with the Nargis Dutt Foundation, named after her late mother, is a testament to her dedication and the efforts that have been undertaken towards helping the masses. The foundation tackles critical issues like healthcare, education, and support for underprivileged communities, making a real difference in many lives.
It’s clear that Priya’s drive for philanthropy is deeply influenced by her father, Sunil Dutt. Sunil Dutt wasn’t just a celebrated actor; he was a man of action when it came to social issues. His work during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War and his continuous efforts to uplift the poor left a lasting impact in the minds of the people. This commitment to service seems to have flowed naturally into Priya’s life and work.
Priya has embraced this legacy wholeheartedly. Beyond her foundation, she advocates for mental health, women’s rights, and youth empowerment, showing that her efforts are about more than just charity—they’re about creating a more meaningful and lasting change.As we celebrate Priya's birthday, it’s not just about marking another year but acknowledging the continuation of a family tradition of compassion and action. Priya Dutt’s life and work are a beautiful reflection of her father’s values and a reminder of the impact one family can have through a genuine commitment to making the world a better place.

Pratik Parihar opens up about being part of Aukaat Se Jyada

Actor Pratik Parihar, who plays the role of Abhimanyu in Yash Patnaik and Mamta Patnaik’s Aukaat Se Jyada, streaming on the YouTube channel Freshh Mint, says that he loves being part of the show. He adds that his character is very relatable.
“I’m playing Professor Abhimanyu. He teaches robotics in college. He’s a genius—smart and geeky—and he loves robots. He has his own style of teaching and doesn’t like to follow the rules. He supports his students and pushes them to grow in life. He also has a past that he’s still dealing with,” he says.
Talking about the series streaming on Freshh Mint, a YouTube channel that caters to youth, he adds, “YouTube is a great platform to share stories with a large audience. As its name suggests, Freshh Mint will freshen up your mind just like a mint does. Today’s youth are very passionate about their dreams and want to take their lives to greater heights. That’s what this series is all about—how to deal with life’s crises and emerge as winners. They’re definitely going to relate to the story and the characters.”
When asked what prompted him to take up the role, he says, “The moment I was given the character brief, I decided to take up the role because it’s something I’ve never done before. The story was so beautiful and fascinating, and my character was written and defined in such a captivating way. I’ve always wanted to be part of a project like this. As actors, we always try to do something different and unique to keep the excitement alive and challenge ourselves. So when the opportunity came, I grabbed it. I’m extremely grateful for it.”
He adds, “I share a few qualities with the character. Professor Abhimanyu is a curious man and likes to acquire knowledge wherever he can, just like me. He leads his life by his own philosophy, and I do the same. I’ve watched a lot of great international films and had a few references in mind for this role. So, I worked hard on my body language, looks, and speech to get into the skin of the character because I wanted to do justice to the role. Hopefully, I’ll be able to achieve that.”
The series is very different from what is currently streaming on the web, says Pratik. “Engaging characters, a compelling plot, and emotional resonance set this series apart. Each character has their own backstory and is dealing with their own crises. People will find it extremely relatable. This series also delivers a positive and important message to our youth and society. I’m sure it will keep viewers hooked till the end,” he says.

Vaibhav Sharma: Cricket taught me patience, discipline and most importantly, Self-Belief

Actor Vaibhav Sharma, who appeared in the film Jersey starring Shahid Kapoor and will be part of the upcoming movie I Am No Queen, says that cricket has taught him a lot. He shares that he has learned not just about the sport but also about life from his years playing cricket. “Everything I am today is because of the sport I played, which is cricket. It taught me a lot of things, including patience, perseverance, endurance, discipline, and most importantly, self-belief. It has made me who I am today, and I will always be thankful for it,” he says.
Talking about his favorite sports players, he says, “I can’t choose just one because I have two—one is from the sport I played, cricket: Virat Kohli; and the other is footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. I also read the thoughts of Kobe Bryant as well. People who achieve milestones in life have a mindset that influences or inspires me.” As for getting motivation from sports films, he says, “More than the spirit, it’s basically the motive or theme of the sports movie that matters—at least that’s what I believe. The purpose behind a sports movie can be to highlight the spirit of the sport or to shed light on the hero and his personal life through the game he played.”
He adds, “Every sports person or athlete would agree with me that the discipline and focus required in any game or sport is the fundamental principle for achieving success, irrespective of the career or in daily life as well. 100% commitment requires dedication, discipline, and focus; otherwise, it’s just enjoyment and nothing else.” He also says that sports can be played at any age. “For me, age doesn’t matter when it comes to playing or indulging in activities that keep you going and help you maintain physical and mental balance. Whether it's doing gym workouts or playing any sport, it just depends on one’s personal fitness choices. As long as it’s good enough for someone, I am no one to judge. But I play sports and I go to the gym, and I love it,” he says.