MANILA, Philippines – Amid a lingering title drought, Scottie Thompson hopes Barangay Ginebra can turn its frustration into fuel as the PBA opens its milestone 50th season.
“I think it’s important for us to come into the season with hunger to win,” Thompson said as the crowd darlings prepare to face the Magnolia Hotshots in their Philippine Cup opener.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642956/pba-scottie-thompson-urges-hungry-ginebra-to-end-drought
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, one of Bollywood’s most admired on-screen pairs, were seen together once again in Mumbai, this time in the evening, hours after their morning airport reunion created a social media buzz.
### Stylish Arrivals in the Evening
Upon their return, Ranbir was seen sporting a brown jacket over a white T-shirt paired with dark denim pants, while Deepika looked elegant in a white traditional ensemble. The duo hugged and exchanged greetings before walking together, sharing smiles, and talking casually, leaving fans delighted. They eventually headed their separate ways.
### A Day Full of Sightings
Earlier in the day, the duo had crossed paths at Mumbai airport. Ranbir, dressed in an all-black outfit with a cap and sunglasses, and Deepika, in a grey co-ord set with a zip-up jacket, exchanged a warm hug that immediately went viral online.
#### Deepika & Ranbir’s Airport Hug Sparks Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 2 Buzz
Their warm interaction at the airport quickly sparked excitement among fans, reigniting speculation about a possible collaboration for the much-anticipated *Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 2*.
### On the Work Front
Deepika Padukone is currently busy filming *King*, her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. She is also reportedly teaming up with Allu Arjun for director Atlee’s upcoming project *AA22xA6*.
Recently, the makers confirmed that Deepika will no longer be part of the sequel to *Kalki 2898 AD*. In their statement, they mentioned that the decision came after “careful consideration,” adding that a film like *Kalki* demands a higher level of “commitment.”
This isn’t the first time Deepika has faced a roadblock with a major project. In May, reports surfaced that she had been replaced in Prabhas’s *Spirit*, another high-profile film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Shortly afterward, the makers confirmed that *Animal* actress Triptii Dimri had joined the cast.
Ranbir Kapoor, meanwhile, is preparing for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love & War* alongside his wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. He will also portray Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part epic *Ramayana*.
—
**Follow Us On Social Media** for more updates from Bollywood and your favourite stars!
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-and-deepika-padukone-exchange-warm-hugs-as-they-are-spotted-together-again-after-morning-airport-reunion/articleshow/124312880.cms
**Lorde to Join ‘No Music for Genocide’ Anti-Israel Boycott**
Singer Lorde, along with over 1,000 music industry professionals, has joined the “No Music for Genocide” campaign by geo-blocking their music to make it inaccessible to Israeli listeners. This collective action aims to protest against Israeli policies through a cultural boycott.
Lorde, known for her impactful music and advocacy, is among the high-profile artists participating in this movement. The campaign reflects growing calls within the arts community to take a stand against perceived injustices.
The New Zealand singer was last seen attending Variety’s 2021 Power of Women event at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills, California, on September 30, 2021.
*Photo credit: REUTERS*
*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-869373
The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, in relation to the recent stampede that occurred in Karur last week.
The incident, which resulted in significant public concern, has drawn the court’s attention due to the circumstances surrounding the event. The high court’s remarks highlight the importance of ensuring safety and proper management during political gatherings.
Further investigations and proceedings are expected as the authorities look into the causes and accountability related to the stampede. The court’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the responsibilities held by political organizations in maintaining public order during events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story
The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, in connection with a recent stampede in Karur.
The incident, which occurred last week, raised serious concerns about the party’s event management and safety measures. The court’s remarks highlight the need for greater responsibility during public gatherings organized by political groups.
Further details on the stampede and the court’s directives are awaited as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story
**Rashmika Mandanna’s ‘The Girlfriend’ to Release on November 7, 2025**
By Isha Sharma | October 4, 2025, 3:54 PM
The much-anticipated film *The Girlfriend*, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty, is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. The announcement was made by Geetha Arts, the production house presenting the project.
The movie will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, ensuring a wide reach across diverse audiences.
### Promo Clip
Alongside the release date announcement, a promo video was shared. The clip features Mandanna engaged in an intense conversation with her boyfriend over a meal. Their exchange delves into the themes of relationship compatibility and the reasons why people enter into relationships.
### Film Crew
*The Girlfriend* is written and directed by Rahul Ravindran. The film’s music is composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab, while Krishnan Vasant handles the cinematography.
### Rashmika Mandanna’s Faith in the Film
Rashmika Mandanna has previously praised *The Girlfriend* and its director, Rahul Ravindran. In a heartfelt birthday post for him, she wrote:
> “You are too precious, my friend.. I still can’t believe you’ve made a film like *The Girlfriend*. The emotional depth you have, the niceness that you have in your heart, flows through every frame.”
She further described Ravindran as “a director, a friend, a mentor [and] a partner in crime for a lifetime who I trust wholly and immensely.”
With such strong backing and anticipation, audiences can look forward to an emotionally compelling cinematic experience when *The Girlfriend* releases this November.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/rashmika-mandanna-s-the-girlfriend-gets-release-date/story
The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, following a stampede that occurred in Karur last week.
The court’s remarks came amid investigations into the incident, which resulted in casualties and raised concerns about crowd management during political events.
This development has put the spotlight on the responsibilities of political parties in ensuring public safety during gatherings. The TVK party is expected to cooperate fully with authorities as inquiries continue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story
**Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Wedding: The Chaotic Yet Divine Inside Story**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Oct 04, 2025, 02:34 pm*
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2017 wedding was a beautiful and intimate affair cherished by fans worldwide. However, behind the scenes, the couple faced unexpected challenges that nearly disrupted their special day. Vishal Punjabi, famously known as The Wedding Filmer, recently revealed the untold story of how heavy rain forced a last-minute venue change, causing chaos for the entire wedding planning team.
### The Wedding Chaos: Rain Forces Last-Minute Venue Shift
In an exclusive interview with Adhunika Singh on her YouTube channel, Vishal Punjabi disclosed that rain rained out the original wedding plan, compelling the organizers to move the mandap location unexpectedly. Punjabi shared, “Virat and Anushka’s wedding was rained out. They shifted the location at the last minute. Devika Narain didn’t sleep all night.”
Devika Narain, the wedding planner, worked tirelessly overnight to manage the sudden shift. Despite the chaos, both Anushka and Virat fully trusted Narain’s expertise and taste to keep the event flawless.
### Behind the Scenes: A Secretive and Intimate Celebration
Interestingly, Punjabi revealed that he wasn’t informed about the identity of the wedding couple until he arrived at the venue. “It was all kept under wraps. But you kind of figure out that it might be them. They trusted their planners, who trusted us,” he said. “It was a very small wedding, and it felt like everyone was together.”
### A Unique Experience: Spirituality and Love in the Air
Reflecting on his experience filming the wedding, Punjabi remarked, “They were really nice to me, they were really kind to me. They gave me space. I felt a certain level of Sufism at the wedding. There was a divine love for God’s spirituality and for each other. And it felt divine.”
### The Wedding Setting: A Close-Knit Gathering in Tuscany
In an earlier podcast interview with Shivani Pau, Punjabi spoke about the wedding’s cozy and intimate nature. “A small gathering in Tuscany is doable. That’s what Virat Kohli did. Cricket is a religion in India, and he’s a god. He and Anushka got married in Tuscany. It was really beautiful.”
He added, “The closest family and friends—only 40 of them, including mum, dad, makeup artists, and us. They smashed the wedding.”
### The Couple’s Journey: From Private Romance to Family Life
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli first met in 2013 during the shooting of a television commercial. Though their romance blossomed quickly, they kept their relationship private. The couple married in 2017 in an intimate ceremony in Italy.
Since then, their family has grown with the arrival of their daughter, Vamika, born in January 2021, and their son, Akaay, born in 2024.
### Vishal Punjabi’s Notable Work
Vishal Punjabi has also filmed weddings for other prominent couples, including Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan, as well as Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, earning a reputation as one of the most sought-after wedding filmmakers in the industry.
—
This inside story highlights how, despite unforeseen challenges, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, spirituality, and togetherness — a day to remember for everyone involved.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anushka-virat-wedding-was-delayed-mandap-moved-overnight-due-to-rain/story
**Shreyas Iyer Becomes India’s New Vice-Captain in ODIs: Key Stats**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 4, 2025*
In a significant leadership reshuffle, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian ODI team, taking over from Rohit Sharma. Alongside this change, Shreyas Iyer has been named the vice-captain for the ODI format, chosen ahead of contenders like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah.
### Iyer’s Role in the Leadership Group
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as vice-captain formally inducts him into the leadership group for India’s white-ball cricket. Although he had previously served as a stand-in leader, this new role entrusts him with a key responsibility to assist Shubman Gill in leading the team during future 50-over matches. Iyer’s maiden leadership assignment in an official capacity will begin with the upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19.
### Recent Performances Boost Iyer’s Case
Iyer’s recent form, particularly in India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, significantly strengthened his claim for the vice-captaincy. He amassed 243 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 48.60, including two fifties. Although his strike rate of 79.41 was on the lower side, it reflected the challenging batting conditions in Dubai, where matches saw modest totals. Notably, Iyer was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra who scored 263 runs.
### Stellar Numbers in ODIs
This year, Iyer has been in exceptional form across eight ODI matches, accumulating 424 runs at an average of 53.00, with four half-centuries. Overall, in his ODI career spanning 70 games, he has scored 2,845 runs at an average of 48.22 and a strike rate of 100. His tally includes five centuries and 22 fifties, underscoring his consistency and class in the format.
### Impressive Record in ICC ODI Events
Iyer’s performance on the big stage has been remarkable. In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, he scored 530 runs, finishing as the tournament’s seventh-highest run-scorer with an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24. He became the first middle-order batsman to cross 500 runs in a single World Cup edition. Adding his Champions Trophy 2025 exploits, Iyer has accumulated 773 runs in 16 ICC ODI matches, averaging 59.46, including five fifties and two centuries.
### IPL 2025 Heroics
Apart from his international performances, Iyer led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final as captain. He enjoyed a stellar season with the bat, scoring 604 runs at an average of 50.33. His campaign featured six half-centuries and a remarkable strike rate of 175.07. Iyer also smashed 39 sixes during the season—the highest by any captain in a single IPL edition—highlighting his aggressive yet consistent batting style.
—
With his impressive track record and leadership qualities, Shreyas Iyer now embarks on a new chapter as India’s ODI vice-captain, poised to play a pivotal role alongside Shubman Gill in shaping the future of Indian white-ball cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/shreyas-iyer-becomes-new-vice-captain-of-india-s-odi-team/story
**Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Wedding: The Chaotic Story Behind the Intimate Ceremony**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Oct 04, 2025, 02:34 PM*
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2017 wedding was widely celebrated as a beautiful and intimate affair. However, behind the scenes, the day was far from smooth. Vishal Punjabi, famously known as The Wedding Filmer, recently opened up about the unexpected chaos that unfolded due to heavy rain forcing a last-minute change in the wedding venue.
**Rain Forces Last-Minute Venue Shift**
In an exclusive interview with Adhunika Singh on her YouTube channel, Punjabi revealed details of the wedding day drama. The original outdoor plans were rained out, compelling the team to relocate the mandap at the very last moment. Punjabi shared, “Virat and Anushka’s wedding was rained out. They shifted the location at the last minute. Devika Narain, the wedding planner, didn’t sleep all night.”
Despite the challenges, the couple placed full trust in Devika Narain’s expert judgment and taste, ensuring the day remained as special as planned.
**A Wedding Kept Under Wraps**
Interestingly, Punjabi wasn’t informed about whose wedding he was filming until he arrived at the venue. “It was all kept under wraps. But you kind of figure out that it might be them,” he said. The wedding was a very private affair with only close family and friends present. “They trusted their planners, who trusted us. It was a very small wedding, and it felt like everyone was together.”
**A Divine Experience**
Punjabi also reflected on his experience capturing the wedding memories. “They were really nice to me, very kind. They gave me space. I felt a certain level of Sufism at the wedding. There was a divine love for God’s spirituality and for each other. It felt divine,” he described.
**Earlier Insights on the Wedding**
Previously, Punjabi had spoken about the couple’s wedding on Shivani Pau’s podcast, emphasizing the intimate scale of the event. “A small gathering in Tuscany is doable. That’s what Virat Kohli did. Cricket is a religion in India, and he’s a god. He and Anushka got married in Tuscany. It was really beautiful. The closest family and friends, only 40 of them, including mum, dad, makeup artists, and us. They smashed the wedding,” he recalled.
**A Glimpse Into Sharma and Kohli’s Journey**
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli first met in 2013 while shooting a television commercial. Their romance blossomed quietly, away from the public eye. They tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Italy in 2017.
Since then, their family has grown with the birth of their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021, followed by their son, Akaay, born in 2024.
**The Wedding Filmer’s Prestigious Portfolio**
Apart from capturing the Sharma-Kohli nuptials, Vishal Punjabi has been the creative mind behind wedding films for other prominent couples, including Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan, and Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.
—
*Anushka and Virat’s wedding may have faced unexpected hurdles, but with impeccable planning and trust, their special day turned out to be as magical and intimate as the love they share.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anushka-virat-wedding-was-delayed-mandap-moved-overnight-due-to-rain/story
