Articles by Arts & Entertainment Desk

Entertainment

Esha Deol refutes Dharmendra’s death news, says actor is recovering

Amid circulating rumours about veteran actor Dharmendra's death, his daughter Esha Deol has confirmed that the reports are untrue. The 89-year-old star, who was recently hospitalised at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital due to health issues, is alive and recovering. Esha Deol assured fans that her father's condition is stable and requested everyone to ignore the false rumours spreading online. Family members, including Sunny and Bobby Deol, have been frequently visiting him at the hospital, though an official medical statement has not yet been issued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESHA DEOL (@imeshadeol) Affectionately called Bollywood's original "He-Man," Dharmendra transformed the idea of stardom in Indian cinema with his charisma, versatility, and commanding screen presence. Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, he delivered some of Hindi cinema's most iconic films. Making his debut with "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" (1960), he quickly rose to prominence as one of the leading actors of his era. From the romantic dramas "Anupama" (1966) and "Bandini" (1963) to action blockbusters like "Sholay" (1975), "Dharam Veer" (1977), "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971), and the timeless comedy "Chupke Chupke" (1971), Dharmendra's remarkable versatility made him a true legend of Indian cinema. Through the years, Dharmendra has been more than just a superstar—he has stood as a symbol of strength, humility, and resilience. Even today, he continues to captivate audiences with his warmth and enduring charm. He was last seen in "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya" (2024) alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, following his memorable performance in "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" (2023) with Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Shabana Azmi. His next film, "Ikkis," featuring Agastya Nanda, is slated for release this Christmas.

World

‘Noya Manush’ selected for Dhaka and Karachi film festivals

Filmmaker Sohel Rana Bayati's feature film "Noya Manush" has officially been invited to screen at two prestigious events — the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh and the World Cultural Festival in Karachi, Pakistan. Based on A. M. M. Hasanuzzaman's acclaimed novel "Bedonar Baluchore," the film was adapted for the screen with dialogue and screenplay by Masum Reza. The cast includes Moushumi Hamid, Ashish Khandaker, Jhuna Chowdhury, Raonak Hasan, Shikha Karmakar, Nilufar Wahid, Badruddoza, Mahin Rahman, Nazmul Hossain, Smoron Saha, Sanjana Mehran, and child artist Ushoshi. Speaking about the film's international recognition, Masum Reza said, "I'm delighted that 'Noya Manush' is being invited to film festivals around the world. Writing this screenplay was challenging — it required navigating complex questions of faith, identity, and coexistence. The film speaks of harmony beyond religion or caste and reflects the social fabric of our country. Showcasing it internationally will give global audiences a glimpse into Bangladesh's cultural and spiritual essence." The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), organised by the Rainbow Film Society, will run from January 10–18, 2026, highlighting the best of global and Bangladeshi cinema. "Noya Manush" will compete in the Bangladesh Panorama category — a section dedicated to promoting local filmmakers on the world stage. Meanwhile, the World Cultural Festival, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) in collaboration with the Sindh government, began on October 31 and will continue until December 7, 2025. The 38-day event celebrates global art, music, theatre, and dance, featuring artists from over 100 countries. "Noya Manush" will be screened on November 27, 2025, at 4:00pm (local time) as part of the festival's weekly film showcase. Expressing his excitement, director Sohel Rana Bayati said, "We wanted to tell a simple story that connects with people's emotions. The love and encouragement we've received, both at home and abroad, have been overwhelming. Having my debut film screened internationally inspires me to keep creating stories that speak to our shared humanity." Shot on the remote Kanudir Char in Chandpur during Super Cyclone Sitrang, "Noya Manush" features music by Imon Chowdhury, Mushfiq Litu, and Shovon Roy, with songs performed by Baul Shafi Mondol, Chandana Mazumder, Belal Khan, Animesh Roy, Masha Islam, and Khairul Wasi.