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Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj, who took the traditional Indian dance form to the world, left for his heavenly abode on Monday. The legendary Kathak dancer passed away at the age of 83 in Delhi after suffering a heart attack. As soon as the news of his death was shared on his social media platform by his granddaughter Ragini Maharaj, several Bollywood celebrities and his fans mourned the loss. Maharaj-ji, as he was popularly known, died surrounded by his family and disciples. His granddaughter Ragini Maharaj told PTI, “He was with us when this happened. He had his dinner and we were playing antakshari because he loved old music. He was lying down and suddenly his breathing became uneven. We think it was cardiac arrest as he was also a heart patient. This happened between 12.15 and 12.30 am. It must have been just a minute or so. We rushed to the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him. He died before reaching the hospital.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his death is an “irreparable loss” to the entire art world. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance a special recognition world over. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief,” the prime minister said. Actor-politician Hema Malini was one of the firsts to pay tribute to the late dancer. “The nation mourns the passing of a true legend, Shri Birju Maharaj, Kathak exponent par excellence. His ghungroos were on his ankles till he breathed his last. I always admired and respected him as a giant of the medium of Kathak & will miss his presence on the firmament of dance,” the actor, who herself is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, shared on Twitter. Madhuri Dixit, who collaborated with him in three films wrote, “He was a legend but had a child like innocence. He was my guru but also my friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and Abhinay but never failed to make me laugh at his funny anecdotes.” Kamal Haasan shared a throwback picture of himself when he was trained by the legendary Birju Maharaj. He called him “the unparalleled dancer.” Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan shared a throwback picture with Birju Maharaj. He said his passing away “marks the end of an era for Indian dance and Kathak.” “For me it’s been a personal loss. He was loved immensely by my family and his memories live in our hearts forever. The heavens will dance for him today and everyday,” he shared. Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan was also among the firsts to react to Maharaj’s passing away. “The world loses a genuine stalwart,” she mentioned via Twitter. Source: PTI

Odisha: The people of Odisha were disheartened to hear the demise of veteran actor Mihir Das. On Wednesday, his mortal remains were consigned to flames with full state honours at the Satichaura crematorium. Amlan Das, his son and widely known actor, lit the pyre in front of his family members and famous people from the film fraternity. Due to Das’s valuable contribution to the Indian cinema with his acting, he was given the ceremonial guard of honour before the final cremation. Even as heavy rains were spread across the region, hundreds of people had gathered to pay their final tributes to the actor. Slogans of ‘Mihir Das amar rahe!’ could be heard during the funeral procession from Das’s residence at CDA area to Satichaura crematorium. According to reports, he was suffering from renal ailments and had been admitted to a hospital for more than a month. He died in the hospital on Tuesday at the age of 63. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, his Andhra Pradesh counterpart B B Harichandan, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Education Minister Pradhan were among people who condoled the actor’s loss. Source: Republic World

Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a change in the T20I game regulations. According to the change, an in-match penalty for slow over-rates will be included, among other changes to the playing conditions for Twenty20 Internationals. The governing body also introduced an optional drinks interval midway through the innings in bilateral T20 international cricket as part of its freshly updated playing conditions. The in-match penalties are in addition to the sanctions for slow over-rates outlined in Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. “The over rate regulations are captured in clause 13.8 of the playing conditions, which stipulate that a fielding side must be in a position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings by the scheduled or rescheduled time for the end of the innings,” the ICC stated. They added further, “If they are not in such a position, one fewer fielder will be permitted outside of the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs of the innings.” Source: The article has been published by IndiaToday with a few edits by the ArdorComm News Network Team  

According to an article by Variety, it has come out that there will be no celebrity presenters when the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announces this year’s Golden Globe award winners on January 9, 2022. This apparently came out when Varity came across an email that was sent by the Globe’s talent booker to several publicity agencies inquiring about the participation from their clients. In addition, sources have revealed that no celebrity has expressed their interest in participating in the ceremony. “The Golden Globes will move forward with a small event on January 9th that will not only award the best performances in television and film for 2021, but also on recognizing the importance of supporting diverse creatives across the industry,” the letter reads. “The event this year will celebrate and honor a variety of diverse, community-based programs that empower inclusive filmmakers and journalists to pursue their storytelling passions. The HFPA has financially supported important underserved organizations for decades and will continue to invest in the future leaders of our industry.” No details were provided about how the winners will be revealed or where the Globes will take place. “The event will have limited guests and with strict COVID protocols that include not only proof of full vaccination, but also a booster shot and a negative PCR test,” the email reads.

The most awaited sports drama film starring Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya panday stole the limelight inarguably ever since its inception. Finally wait is over, the makers of the film unveil the first glimpse of ‘Linger’ Unequivocally much awaited movie of 2022 introducing phenomenal star ‘Vijay Deverakonda’ as a boxer in the film and vivacious rising star ‘Ananya Panday’. The first video of Linger introduces Vijay Deverakonda as a highly feirce filled with humongous passion. Glimpse shows a snippets of Lingers journey. Teaser kicks off by featured Deverakonda Character ‘Linger’ from being a ‘slumdog’ of Mumbai to becoming a professional boxer, who apparently seen competing in a championship. The snippets have also shown his ‘Chaiwalah’ Past. The Glimpse has also featured Ronit Roy’s character, who has been shown as his trainer. The first video has also shown snippets of Liger’s Struggle journey, featured his impassioned Character, fights on road, glance of Mumbai locals, and ofcourse, his journey to the boxing ring. The Widely acclaimed first teaser haven’t not shown Ananya Panday. The film is directed by Puri Jagannadh and also backed by actor-turned-producer Charmmekaur The film is all set to hit the theatres in August 2022. Besides Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday, the film also features Mike Tyson. However, the rumours of the OTT release had also been circulated a while ago, but the actor dismissed the claims on Twitter. “Presenting the #LigerFirstGlimpse – packed with action & thrill. This is just the beginning, we’ll see you in cinemas on 25th August, 2022! #Liger #VaatLagaDenge.” Karan Johar wrote by sharing the first teaser pronouncement on Instagram. Vijay Deverakonda has also given powerful performances in a string of movies, one of them has been highly extolled by his fans ‘ Arjun Reddy’ which was later adapted in Hindi as ‘Kabir Singh’. Deverakonda had also praised the cast and crew for doing a ‘splendid job’ on the film. “Everyone’s doing their job and everyone’s working hard because they want their career to be successful. They want to do their best. The cinema industry is a very competitive industry where only success ensures survival. If you have to survive, you need to be able to deliver the performance, otherwise nobody can help you after a point,” he said in a statement. Apart from Hindi, the film will also release in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada, Telugu.

In the past 2 years, Film Industry had seen shocking deterioration and encountered unpropitious times. After prolonged period of time Film industry had seen subtle bounce back by witnessing good business at box office transitorily, Meanwhile the unwelcome recrudescence of Covid19 Variant created menacing impact. Delhi Government, has given pronouncement of ‘Yellow Alert’ on Tuesday in the capital which in turned ‘shut down’ of theatres. The trade believe it is going to lead to a knock-on effect because of the deferment and it has begun. Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal thakur upcoming ‘Jersey’ Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Jersey is a remake of actor Nani’s Telugu movie by the same name has been postponed due to omicron threat. Makers of Jersey have officially announced that the release has been postponed. “In view of the current circumstances and new covid guidelines, we have decided to postpone the theatrical release of our film Jersey. We have received immense love from you all so far and want to thank you all for everything. Until then everyone please stay safe and healthy, and wishing you all the best for the new year ahead! Team Jersey.” statement from the makers of the film. However, the new date has not been announced yet. The Announcement has been done by team after Chief Minster, Arvind Kejriwal declared the decision to shut down cinema hall, gyms, spas Restricted in the capital. Besides Maharashtra government has decided to run at 50% occupancy. Rumours are also widespread about upcoming movie of Raj Mouli’s RRR which is slated to be released on 7th January, 2022, starring Alia Bhatt, Ram Charan,N.T Rama Rao.Jr and Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj being postponed too.

Pune: Moving to discuss India’s national sport hockey, India beat Pakistan in the Asian Championship Trophy. Our country won the bronze medal after beating Pakistan 4-3 and won third place in the play-off match. Earlier, India suffered defeat at the hands of Japan with a 3-5 scoreline in the semifinals the previous day after having topped the round-robin stages with an unbeaten record. In the other semifinal, South Korea beat Pakistan 6-5. India now looks to return home with the bronze medal after having beaten Pakistan 3-1 in the group match earlier. India took the lead in the very first minute through vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh before Sumit (45th), Varun Kumar (53rd) and Akashdeep Singh (57th) struck a goal each. Pakistan’s goals were scored by Afraz (10th), Abdul Rana (33rd) and Ahmed Nadeem (57th). It was India’s second win over Pakistan in the tournament after having beaten the same opponents 3-1 in the round-robin stages. Source: The news has been published by the Indian Express with a few edits by the ArdorComm News Network Team

Telecom and broadcast sector regulator TRAI have invited public comments to simplify various processes that the companies need in these verticals for doing their business. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its consultation paper on ‘Ease of Doing Business in Telecom and Broadcasting Sector’ floated on Wednesday has sought views on making all the permissions online and setting up a single-window clearance system that will coordinate with other ministries concerned that are involved in granting permission to a telecom or broadcast player. “This consultation paper emphasizes the need for a single-entry window, wherein an investor/entrepreneur should be able to apply for all the licenses / approvals without any further need to submit physical copies of the application and visit any department physically,” the paper said. The consultation paper stresses on identifying various concerns in the existing processes and suggest measures for the reforms required in the regulatory processes, policies, practices and procedures in the telecom and broadcasting sector for creating conducive business environment in India. Trai has proposed that the approval should be streamlined to make it completely integrated and accessible online in trackable response mode in the case of approvals where the process involves the movement of the application across various ministries and departments. The regulator has sought views on time-bound approvals with the provision of deemed approvals from the government departments concerned. It has proposed to involve the Department of Space and power ministry also in the process as they also play a key role in various kinds of permits. “For the timely roll-out of the upcoming 5G technology in the country, the role of the power sector would be quite crucial not only from the perspective of reliable grid power but also from the perspective of sharing of the electrical poles for hosting small cells,” the paper said. The regulator has fixed January 5 as the last date for comments and January 19 for counter comments. Source: Reuters

The first song from Kabir Khan’s upcoming sports drama, 83 is out now. Titled Lehra Do, the victory anthem features Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev as he and his team turn disappointment into victory by emerging as the underdogs who go on to win the Cricket World Cup.   Sharing the song, Ranveer wrote on Twitter, “Gear up for glory!” The energetic number has been sung by Arijit Singh and penned by Kausar Munir, with music by Pritam. The music video opens with a heartbroken Indian cricket team as they lose one match after another, much to the disappointment of their fans. A young fan tells Kapil Dev, enacted by Ranveer Singh that he won’t come to watch the next match as the Indian team never wins. However, they decide to fight and go on to create history and the entire country celebrates the win with much fervour. Several glimpses of Deepika Padukone as Kapil Dev’s wife Romi Bhatia are also shown as she remains by his side during the testing times. Even Neena Gupta is seen for a moment as Kapil Dev’s mom.  The song was hailed by the fans of Arijit Singh who also saw the release of his another song Rait Zara Si from the film Atrangi Re on Monday. A fan commented on the YouTube video, “Arijit Singh’s voice & Ranveer Singh’s acting!” Another said, “This is epic!! What a powerful song! Giving Qawwali like vibe..Arijit has nailed it..Just wow…evoking patriotism nicely..” One more fan said, “It’s not just a song… It’s an emotion of inspiration for everyone.. Who is struggling in their field to achieve their best!” 83 is scheduled to release on December 24.

Yash Raj Films has announced their first big OTT presentation, ‘The Railway Men’. Starring R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu and Babil Khan in the lead, the series will be based on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. The official word from YRF reads that the show will be ‘a tribute to the railway workers at Bhopal station who are the unsung heroes of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, the world’s biggest man-made industrial disaster.’ The Railway Men is being directed by debutant Shiv Rawail, who is the son of filmmaker Rahul Rawail (Love Story, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya). The show will start streaming from December 2022. On December 2, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide factory owned by American Union Carbide Corporation in Bhopal. It has been reported that more than half a million people were poisoned that night and the official death toll exceeded 5,000. “The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is the world’s worst industrial disaster that has impacted scores of people since the tragedy struck the city 37 years ago. At YRF, we are constantly trying to develop the best compelling stories for audience and this is our tribute to the unsung heroes of the tragedy who, despite saving thousands of lives on that fateful day, are still unknown to people across the world,” said Akshaye Widhani of Yash Raj Films about the show.  R Madhavan’s upcoming releases also include Netflix series Decoupled with Surveen Chawla and Rocketry, in which he plays aerospace engineer, Nambi Narayanan. Kay Kay was last seen in the second season of Special Ops and Divyendu is most famous for his work in Mirzapur. Babil is the son of late actor Irrfan Khan. He will also be seen in Clean Slate Productions’ Qala with Tripti Dimrii. Source: ANI