Not sure if modern 'helicopter parenting' benefits child: Shabana Azami

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi says outrage over cases of crimes against women should not be selective and the society needs to work on the root cause of the menace. Azmi said there is need to end the patriarchal mindset of the people as sexual assault cases have not decreased since the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. The actor attended the roundtable conference on 'Creating a Safer World for Children', organised by Pune-based Gravitas Foundation in association with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday evening.Shabana Azmi said, “We’ve heard from experts, but I’m not one myself. So, I can only speak from personal experience, observing what my parents did and what I’ve seen mothers do with their babies. I feel that today’s mothers are often overly conscious of their roles, which may not always be a good thing. In earlier generations, there wasn’t this level of concern, yet there was a deep, natural bond of love with children. I believe that treating your child with love and respect is essential, and I’m not sure if the modern “helicopter parenting” style benefits the child. She further added, “My husband, for example, lost his mother early, had no toys growing up, but he had the freedom to explore and develop his imagination, which he credits for his success as a writer today.
Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Usha Kakade said, “Our Gravittus Foundation's 'Good Touch Bad Touch' project has reached a significant milestone, impacting over 5 lakh students from 1,095 schools. This initiative is crucial in raising awareness about child safety, empowering children to recognize and report unsafe touch." Sanjay Singh, Chief, UNICEF Maharashtra added, "We are here for every child, regardless of their background, ensuring equal opportunities to not only survive but thrive. The first 1,000 days are crucial for lifelong health and development, but if missed, we must invest in adolescence to secure their future." 
Dr. Simin Irani, Senior Advisor, Newborn Care, UNICEF Maharashtra said, "Investing in early childhood development is the most valuable investment one can make, as it builds the foundation for a child's entire future." Dr. Medha Kulkarni, a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha; and Suraj Mandhare, the Commissioner of Education in Pune. Joining them were Dr. Amita Phadnis, a renowned pediatrician and neonatologist; Dr. Pramod Jog, former National President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics; and Tanisha Mukherjee, an actress committed to advocacy, also attended the event.

Here’s why the movie Chupp was extra special for Somy Ali!

Actress Somy Ali left a career in films in the late 90s and moved to the US. She now successfully runs an NGO called No More Tears and helps save and rehabilitate victims of domestic abuse, rape and exploitation. While she loves how fulfilling her new role is, there are some memories from her showbiz-days that she will always treasure. One such memory is working in the film Chupp.  
Sharing a glimpse of the film on her Instagram feed, she wrote, “The title of this film was aptly named “Chupp.” While its apropos given all assumed I disappeared from India in 1999 which was another implication of the title if translated in English of this film meaning, “Silent.” That wasn’t the case though given my last film was a special appearance with the phenomenal Govinda in a film called Agni Chakra while my ticket back home to Miami had already been booked. This throwback has so much to it that there aren’t enough words to summarize the memories.” Released in 1997, Chupp was a thriller that saw Somy play the role of Asha Narang.

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Everyone who she worked with in the film was significant for her. “First of all, I am working with the late Om Puri ji who was gargantuan. I was elated to be playing his wife and while he played an abusive husband in the movie, he was one of the nicest people I had ever met. Then Jeetuji, I mean do I even need words here! Avinash was kind, sweet, genuine, and beyond a pleasure to work with even though we didn’t share much time on screen, I will never forget his kind demeanor. As for my cameo with Govinda, well let’s say for someone who went to India with zero interest in acting ended up doing a complete 360 pertaining to working with the biggest Hindi cinema actors. I covered it all and without intention of doing so. This my friends is called, we make plans while God laughs. To have screen time with all of the above was an honor and a privilege which I will hold close to my heart for eternity,” she continued.

Kapil Nirmal and Rushad Rana bring Star Power to Phelia Lounge!

Goregaon’s hotspot, Phelia Lounge, recently turned into a glittering haven for film enthusiasts as it hosted a media interaction with stars Rushad Rana and Kapil Nirmal. The evening was a resounding success, marked by an electrifying ambiance that perfectly matched the evening's star-studded charm.Rushad Rana and Kapil Nirmal, with their charismatic presence, share intriguing insights into their latest movie ventures i.e Ulajh which stars Jahnavi kapoor and Vedaa stars John Abraham respectively. Both actors were visibly impressed with the lounge's vibrant atmosphere, which provided a fitting backdrop for their engaging conversation about their career journey so far with top shows.
Rushad Rana, known for his dynamic roles in TV shows like Anupamaa, and also Mehendi wala Ghar and new movie Ulajh, expressed his admiration for Phelia Lounge. He commented, “The energy here was fantastic! It’s the perfect place to unwind and share stories. The vibe really matches the excitement of my projects.”
Kapil Nirmal, known for his show Raja ki Aayegi Baraat , Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Ek Veer Ki Ardaas...Veera, and now as villain in his bollywood debut Vedaa, it’s a project close to his heart. With a touch of his charm to the evening, took his experience at Phelia Lounge a step further by indulging in the culinary delights offered. He was particularly impressed by the food and mocktails, exclaiming, “I had to try the food and mocktails, and I must say, they’re absolutely delightful. It’s a great place for a night out, blending amazing food with a fabulous atmosphere.”
Phelia Lounge has proven itself as a premier destination for unforgettable nights out, where great company and fantastic food come together in perfect harmony. With stars like Rushad Rana and Kapil Nirmal adding their sparkle to the mix, it’s clear that Phelia Lounge is the place to be for both movie buffs and food enthusiasts alike.

Celebrities share the impact of Sports on their lives and careers on this National Sports Day

Lessons Beyond the Field: Celebrities Share their favorite sports films
Ekta Tiwari
Sports have been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my discipline, independence, and understanding of teamwork. As a Shitō-ryū karate brown belt holder and a school baseball player, I learned the importance of effort without expectation. I admire athletes like Sunil Chhetri, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, each teaching unique lessons. Bollywood films like "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" resonate deeply with me. The focus and discipline from sports mirror my career, where real success comes from true learning. Health is real wealth, and everyone should prioritize physical activity.
Saanand Verma
Cricket was my first love, and watching football during the FIFA World Cup was an entertaining experience. Eventually, I developed a keen interest in watching tennis and played a lot of badminton, but due to time constraints, I'm now unable to play badminton. Sports have always been crucial for my fitness, and I believe staying fit is essential. My favorite sportsperson is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who inspires me with his calm demeanor, discipline, and leadership. Chak De! India is my favorite sports-themed film. I believe everyone, regardless of age, should engage in sports for the positive energy and focus it brings.
Vaibhav Sharma
Everything I am today is because of cricket. It taught me patience, perseverance, endurance, discipline, and self-belief. I'm grateful for its influence on my life. My idols are cricketer Virat Kohli and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, while Kobe Bryant’s thoughts also inspire me. Achieving milestones requires a mindset that motivates me. Age doesn’t matter in maintaining physical and mental balance—whether through gym workouts or sports. I embrace both, and I love the journey they offer.
Viraj Babbar
Sports taught me how important it is to stay fit and in shape. Not only do your clothes fit better, but your body and mind work with efficiency. I have learned discipline and that we have to do the same thing again and again to attain perfection; there is no other mantra. Consistency over anything. My favorite sportspeople are Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni. My father and I used to watch cricket together. Dada taught me that you're not supposed to take unnecessary attitude from people. Mahi, on the other hand, taught me that you need to stay calm to make the best decisions of your life.
Rohit Choudhary
Sports have profoundly shaped my life, especially since I was always average academically but thrived during sports periods in school. I eagerly participated in kabaddi and volleyball, which significantly influenced my character. While I respect many athletes, Virat Kohli and Neeraj Chopra stand out as my favorites for their exceptional discipline and passion. Films like "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and "Mary Kom" truly capture the spirit of sports. Discipline in sports mirrors that in careers, as success requires consistent effort. I believe sports should be a regular part of life for overall well-being, fostering both mental and physical health.
Gulfam Khan Hussain
I love watching football. It’s my favorite sport as a spectator. In the past couple of years, though, I’ve somehow gotten involved in sports. I play a bit of badminton and am learning swimming. Maybe I’ll give shooting a shot, too. I recently discovered that I’m pretty decent at it. Maradona, Messi, and Beckham are my favorite footballers. Sports are a more entertaining way of staying fit. I enjoy playing badminton, even though I’m still learning the nuances, and I enjoy swimming too. For those who aren’t into sports, I would say that it’s never too late! Join something, play a bit, go to the playground, and give it your best shot!
Nivedita Basu
Sports have always been a central part of my life, given that both of my parents were sports persons and I was the captain of my school’s sports teams. I believe in a 50/50 balance between academics and sports. Engaging in sports is essential; a gym simply cannot replace the benefits of playing a sport. For those with concentration or attention issues, taking up a sport is highly recommended. Whether it's a team sport or an individual one, both offer unique benefits. Personally, I've never been a gym person. Despite its convenience and structured environment, I prefer the dynamic nature of sports. As a child, I played table tennis and badminton, and later, while working at Balaji, I took up squash. I’m a huge fan of the movie Dangal and its soundtrack. Being from the media industry myself, I appreciate how sports can be portrayed entertainingly in film. Movies like Iqbal, Chak De! India, and Lagaan have shown how sports can be compelling and inspiring. Recently, at the age of 45, I competed in my first national squash championship and reached the quarter-finals. This experience has only fueled my desire to improve, engage with more people, and deepen my understanding of the sport. My goal for the next five years is to become the best I can be.