THE HEADLINES:
- Dharmendra, the He-man of Indian cinema passes away.
- President, Vice President and Prime Minister lead the nation in paying tributes.
- India prefers peace but can act strongly when needed, says the Defence Minister.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flag off completion ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir tomorrow.
- European Leaders welcome progress in US peace plan for Russia-Ukraine.
- In Shooting, Pranjali Prashant Dhumal strikes Gold in Women’s 25m Pistol at Deaflympics.
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Indian Cinema’s legendary actor, Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence this morning at the age of 89. The iconic star, who had been grappling with health complications leaves behind a legacy that spans more than six unforgettable decades.
Born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Ludhiana in 1935, the acclaimed actor also served as a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Bikaner from 2004 to 2009. Over the years. He was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Award for Ghayal, and several international recognitions. His last rites were performed this evening at the Pawan Hans crematorium, attended by family, friends and leading figures from the film industry. Tributes poured in from across the country. Karan Johar remembered him as a mega star and an exceptional human being. Actress Kajol remembered Dharmendra as the “OG Good Man,” while Akshay Kumar hailed him as the industry’s original He-Man and a hero every boy admired. Saira Banu, called him a “gem of a man” who was like family to her and Dilip Kumar, and Sharmila Tagore recalled his generosity and humility. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief at the loss. Dharmendra’s journey-from a small village in Punjab to the hearts of millions-remains one of Indian cinema’s most luminous stories. From the black-and-white era to the modern age, he carried with him an effortless charm and a deep humility.”
Our Mumbai Correspondent takes a look at the esteemed actor’s film journey:
The Bollywood’s He-Man, affectionately called Dharam Paaji by many, has left for his heavenly abode, leaving behind a rich legacy of over 300 films. The actor’s six decade long journey began at the age of 25, when he made his acting debut in director Arjun Hingorani’s ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’; however his first commercial success came with Ramesh Saigal’s ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’ and there was no looking back. From the cult Veeru in ‘Sholay’ to a romantic Parimal Tripathi in ‘Chupke Chupke’,
Dharmendra played memorable roles in movies like ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Jugnu’, ‘Dream Girl’ ‘Azad’, and ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’. Earning titles of “Action King” and “He-Man” from films like Dharam Veer and Phool Aur Patthar to playing simple yet effective characters in ‘Anupama’ and ‘Mere Hamdam Mere Dost’, Dharmendra’s aura and charm was unmatchable, which also earned him the title of the most handsome man.
His last film will be ‘Ikkis’, the poster of which was released earlier today, hours before the actor’s demise. Aakashwani pays tribute to the veteran actor, inspired by one of his iconic dialogues, “Jab tak is dharti par suraj chaand rahega, Dharamveer ka naam rahega!” Nisha Raney, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
Our Punjab Correspondent reports, the city of Phagwara is mourning the demise of the legendary actor.
The son of the soil who was born in village Sahnewal near Ludhiana in Punjab was raised in Phagwara. His father, Master Kewal Krishan Chaudhary, was a teacher at Arya High School, Phagwara. He completed his matriculation in the same school in 1950. He is being remembered as a gentle and sincere boy. After completing his intermediate studies at Ramgarhia College, Phagwara, Dharmendra moved to Bombay in 1952 to pursue his cinematic dreams and succeeded despite facing numerous challenges. Dharmendra’s schoolmate a senior advocate, Shivraj Narayan Chopra remembers him as a loving person.
For the people of Punjab, especially of Phagwara and Sahnewal, his death is the passing of a beloved son whose heart never drifted far from his roots. Rajesh Bali, Akashvani News, Jalandhar
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said the Bhagavad Gita’s message extends far beyond India’s borders and serves as a universal guide for humanity. Speaking at the International Gita Conference in Kurukshetra, he said the scripture has shaped lives across generations and remains vital for inspiring youth. Mr Singh said, the Gita’s teachings, delivered more than 5,000 years ago, continue to uplift humanity and that Kurukshetra remains central to understanding India’s spiritual heritage. Referring to the recent Pahalgam incident, he noted that while India favors peace, the nation responded firmly through Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the Mahotsav, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said Bhagavad Gita is a universal guide to righteous living, to inner strength, and to spiritual clarity.
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A grand ritual is underway at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya ahead of the flag hoisting ceremony tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the occasion and participate in the flag hoisting ceremony at Shri Ram janmabhoomi Temple which will also be termed as the completion of the temple construction work. Mr modi will also hold a road show in Ayodhya City. Yesterday, on the third day, various revered deities were invoked and worshipped in the full Vedic manner.
The Prime Minister will also visit Kurukshetra tomorrow evening to participate in a special programme commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
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Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw today flagged off two MEMU train services between Delhi and Shamli from Baraut, Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. These MEMU trains will provide better travel options for students and professionals, improve connectivity, and boost the region’s economy.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Vaishnaw also informed that Shamli station is being upgraded to a modern and world-class level at a cost of 25 crore rupees under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. The Railway Minister also announced the doubling of the Delhi-Shamli rail line.
The Minister further highlighted that over 5 thousand kilometres of new tracks have been built in Uttar Pradesh since 2014 and the state has also achieved 100 percent electrification of railway lines.
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The 56th edition of International Film Festival of India entered Day 5 today. Cinephiles continue to throng screenings and colourful performances. Akashvani brings you an exclusive on ground coverage:
IFFIESTA, a grand cultural odyssey that wove music and art together in the fabric of IFFI, concluded today. The four-day extravaganza saw artists like Osho Jain, Vusat Iqbal Khan and bands like Swastik, MH43 and The Vaigiris, leaving the audience spellbound. WAVES Film Bazaar also concluded today. Cash grants and awards worth over 40 thousand dollars were handed to winners in various categories. Syrian Filmmaker Farida Baqi’s film, ‘The Visual Feminist Manifesto’ saw a packed audience today. The film deals with the much tabooed topic of female sexuality.
Director Farida Baqi shared her insights.
Day 5 saw a vibrant mix of films and performances, adding to the splendor of the mega event. With Adarsh and Nikhil, This is Saira Mujtaba from IFFI, Akashvani news, Goa.”
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Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India today. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Justice Surya Kant has succeeded Justice BR Gavai.
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Union Minister Kiren Rijiju today met Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay. In a social media post, the Minister said, their discussion reflects the depth of India-Bhutan friendship and the values that both countries uphold. Mr Rijiju reached Bhutan earlier in the day, leading a delegation for the return of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which was brought to the Himalayan nation for public exposition.
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European leaders have welcomed progress in talks at Geneva on US peace proposals to end Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting held yesterday in Switzerland discussed a 28-point peace proposal presented last week by the United States that triggered alarm in Ukraine and European capitals for heavily favoring Russia’s demands.
German Foreign Minister Johannes said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directed the talks in Switzerland, made decisive positive contributions to ensuring that this plan can be accepted by both the European and Ukrainian sides.
The plan pressed Ukraine to consent to handing over some of its territory to Moscow and slashing the size of its army, leaving it vulnerable.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, four people were killed and 17 others were injured in a massive overnight strike by Russia on Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city. In a statement Mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov said, the overnight barrage hit three districts, Shevchenkivskyi, Saltivskyi and Kholodnohirskyi, leaving widespread destruction. In total, 40 residential buildings were damaged in the attack.
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In Shooting, Pranjali Prashant Dhumal clinched a gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo today, marking her third medal at the multi-sport event. Pranjali advanced to the final after setting a new world and Deaflympic qualification record with a score of 573 out of 600. Pranjali previously secured gold in the Mixed pistol event alongside Abhinav Deshwal and won silver in the women’s air pistol event. With this, Indian shooters have so far won 16 medals at the ongoing Deaflympics, including seven gold, six silver and three bronze.
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In Men’s Cricket, India were bundled out for 201 runs in their first innings by South Africa on day 3 of second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati today. The visitors took a massive 288-run lead in the first innings. In their second innings, South Africa were 26 for no loss at the draw of stumps extending their lead to 314 runs.
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In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” at 9.30 PM today, we will bring a discussion on Nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 4.0 with Joint Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Dhrubajyoti Sengupta, Deputy Director General, Unique Identification Authority of India Abhishek Kumar Singh and Molly Sengupta, Joint Controller General of Defence Accounts.
Listeners can ask questions about how to submit digital life certificates online, and who to contact for grievance redressal.
To participate, simply dial the telephone numbers 011 – 23310481, 011- 23717117, 011- 23717106 and 011 – 23314444, 9:30 PM onwards tonight.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Dharmendra, the He-man of Indian cinema passes away.
- President, Vice President and Prime Minister lead the nation in paying tributes.
- India prefers peace but can act strongly when needed, says the Defence Minister.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flag off completion ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir tomorrow.
- European Leaders welcome progress in US peace plan for Russia-Ukraine.
- In Shooting, Pranjali Prashant Dhumal strikes Gold in Women’s 25m Pistol at Deaflympics.
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