分类： entertainment

Dharmendra, the iconic figure of Indian cinema whose versatile performances defined Bollywood in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Monday at the age of 89. The actor, who was just weeks away from his 90th birthday, had been frequently hospitalized in Mumbai in recent weeks. A senior police official, speaking anonymously, confirmed his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Dharmendra’s passing as the end of an era in Indian cinema. Modi praised the actor’s ability to bring charm and depth to his roles, resonating with countless audiences. Known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man,’ Dharmendra masterfully blended action heroism with romantic tenderness, earning him a place among India’s most celebrated actors. His portrayal of larger-than-life, patriotic characters, alongside his charming romantic performances, endeared him to the masses. Dharmendra’s role in the 1975 classic ‘Sholay,’ often regarded as one of India’s greatest films, cemented his superstar status. His on-screen partnership with Amitabh Bachchan became legendary, as did his collaborations with actress Hema Malini, whom he later married. Despite the scandal surrounding his second marriage, Dharmendra’s career flourished, spanning over six decades and 300 films. In his later years, he transitioned to character-driven roles, often portraying paternal figures. He was last seen in the 2025 war biopic ‘Ikkis.’ Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra moved to Mumbai in the late 1950s and made his Bollywood debut in 1960. His contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. He is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.

The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Dharmendra, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89. Known for his timeless charm and versatile acting, Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the actor, stating that his death signifies the end of an era in Indian cinema. Born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra, originally named Dharam Singh Deol, hailed from a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to pursue education, Dharmendra’s passion for films led him to win the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare magazine, catapulting him into the world of cinema. His debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere’ marked the beginning of a stellar career that saw him star in over 300 films, including the cult classic ‘Sholay’ (1975), where he played the unforgettable character Veeru. Dharmendra’s on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini, whom he later married, became legendary, and their romance captivated audiences. Beyond his acting prowess, Dharmendra ventured into politics, serving as a BJP MP from 2005 to 2009, though he admitted that politics was not his true calling. Throughout his life, Dharmendra remained humble, often expressing gratitude for the love he received from fans. His contributions to Hindi cinema were recognized with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Dharmendra’s legacy as the ‘original He-Man of Bollywood’ and his ability to connect with audiences through his performances will continue to inspire generations.

The city of Udaipur has been transformed into a hub of glitz and glamour as the wedding festivities of Indian billionaire Netra Mantena and AI entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju unfolded over the past few days. The event, a grand celebration of love and opulence, attracted a constellation of celebrities from across the globe, including global music icon Jennifer Lopez, Bollywood heavyweights like Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, and Sophie Choudry, and even international figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson. Jennifer Lopez, who arrived in Udaipur on Saturday, was greeted by the Indian paparazzi, with her warm interactions captured and widely shared on social media. The wedding, a blend of traditional Indian customs and modern extravagance, featured electrifying performances, with Ranveer Singh stealing the show. The Bollywood star delivered a high-energy rap of ‘Apna Time Ayega’ from the film ‘Gully Boy’ and even managed to get Trump Jr. and Anderson to groove to his hit track ‘What Jhumka’ from ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.’ Netra Mantena, the daughter of Orlando-based billionaires Padmaja and Rama Raju Mantena, and Vamsi Gadiraju, co-founder of AI company Superorder, tied the knot in a ceremony that has set social media abuzz with clips and images of the lavish celebrations. The event not only highlighted the couple’s prominence but also underscored Udaipur’s status as a preferred destination for high-profile weddings.

The 2025 ‘World Television Day’ China Television Conference commenced on November 21 in Datong, Shanxi province, marking a significant gathering of industry experts and scholars. The event, held in the historic city of Datong, focused on the evolving landscape of television and online audiovisual art amidst the deepening integration of media technologies. Yan Shaofei, vice-chairman of the China Television Artists Association, emphasized the transformative era of audiovisual art, urging creators to harness technological advancements to produce high-quality, life-inspired content. Jiang Wenbo, chairman of the Ultra-High Definition World Association, highlighted television’s pivotal role in global cultural exchange and societal development, advocating for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to foster an omnimedia ultra-high definition television ecosystem. Liu Junyi, Datong’s deputy Party secretary and mayor, envisioned the conference as a catalyst for artistic and technological integration, showcasing the city’s unique blend of ancient heritage and modern industry. The event also featured discussions on the acclaimed TV series ‘Silent Honor,’ with director Yang Yazhou stressing the importance of aligning creative efforts with the genuine needs of the audience. A strategic cooperation agreement between Datong Municipal People’s Government and Communication University of Shanxi was signed, aiming to enhance micro audiovisual content creation and talent development, setting a benchmark for university-government collaboration in the region.

Pakistani TV producer Sana Shahnawaz, daughter of renowned actor Humayun Saeed, has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry through her production house, Next Level Entertainment. Known for hit shows like *Mann Mayal*, *Alif*, and the recent *Main Manto Nahi Hoon*, Sana has become a prominent figure in Pakistani television. In a recent interview, she opened up about her creative journey, her connection to Dubai, and her approach to handling criticism. Sana described Dubai as her second home, praising its modern energy, diverse culture, and creative potential. She expressed her desire to shoot more projects in the city, citing its cinematic appeal and collaborative opportunities. Reflecting on her production philosophy, Sana emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling over chasing trends. She also addressed the criticism surrounding *Main Manto Nahi Hoon*, viewing it as a sign of the show’s impact and engagement. Sana credited her father, Humayun Saeed, for his guidance but stressed that she has forged her own path in the industry, free from the pressure of his legacy. Her message to women everywhere is to dream boldly and break barriers, as every achievement paves the way for others to rise.