Farhan Akhtar Reveals Why He Cast Shah Rukh Khan Over Hrithik Roshan in Don

Farhan Akhtar recently shared insights into the casting decisions behind his iconic film Don. Despite initially considering Hrithik Roshan for the lead role, Akhtar ultimately chose Shah Rukh Khan after realizing that Khan's unique qualities made him a better fit for the character.

Hrithik Roshan was Farhan Akhtar's first choice for Don. 

In a candid conversation with Raj Shamani on his podcast, Farhan revealed that he had approached Hrithik Roshan before even starting to write the script. At the time, Akhtar was still reeling from the box office performance of Lakshya and felt that remaking Don could be a fresh start. Hrithik, initially excited about the idea, was supportive of Farhan's vision.

However, as Farhan began developing the screenplay, he found that Shah Rukh Khan's "personality, wit, and sarcastic humor" increasingly seemed ideal for the role. Farhan explained, “While writing it, the only person whose face kept popping into my head was Shah Rukh. His inherent charm and ability to bring a unique energy to the character made him the perfect choice.”

When Farhan reached out to Hrithik to explain the shift, Roshan responded with remarkable grace, saying, "You have to make your film the way you want to. If you feel Shah Rukh is the guy, please go ahead and call him. Don’t worry about me." Hrithik later made a memorable cameo in Don 2.

Farhan praised Shah Rukh Khan not only for his screen presence but also for his off-screen attributes. He described Khan as "exceptionally charming and knowledgeable," noting his wide-ranging interests and engaging personality. "Shah Rukh can talk about any topic with depth and has a natural charisma that makes him enjoyable to be around," Farhan added.

Looking ahead, Farhan Akhtar is gearing up to work with Ranveer Singh on Don 3, promising more exciting developments in the franchise.

July Sees 9% Drop in Equity Mutual Fund Inflows, SIPs Reach Record High

In July, equity mutual fund inflows saw a notable decline of 9% to ₹37,113 crore, down from ₹40,608 crore in June, according to the latest figures from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Despite the dip, the systematic investment plans (SIPs) hit an all-time high, contributing ₹23,332 crore compared to ₹21,262 crore the previous month.

Small cap funds received inflows of Rs 2,109.2 crore compared to Rs 2,263.47 crore in June. Net inflows in the mid cap funds stood at Rs 1,644.22 crore, as against Rs 2,527.84 crore in the previous month.

The mutual fund industry’s net assets under management (AUM) reached a record ₹64.97 lakh crore as of July 31, 2024, driven primarily by increased net inflows into debt-oriented funds. Equity mutual funds also saw their AUM hit a new peak at ₹29.33 lakh crore, representing nearly 45% of the total industry AUM.

Sectoral and thematic funds led in net inflows with ₹18,386 crore, although this was a decrease from June’s ₹22,352 crore. Small cap and mid cap funds experienced a drop in inflows to ₹2,109 crore and ₹1,644 crore, respectively. Conversely, multi cap funds saw a significant rise of 50% to ₹7,085 crore, and flexi cap funds maintained stable inflows of ₹3,053 crore.

In the first quarter of FY25, equity-oriented mutual fund schemes attracted ₹94,222 crore. Debt-oriented mutual funds reversed their previous month’s outflows with ₹1,19,588 crore in inflows. Liquid funds also saw a positive shift with inflows of ₹70,061 crore, up from outflows of ₹80,354 crore in June.

Additionally, hybrid funds saw inflows of ₹17,436 crore, while index funds and gold ETFs experienced substantial increases in inflows. Gold ETFs reached a record high of ₹1,337 crore, attributed to a reduction in customs duty on gold from 15% to 6% in the recent budget.

Blog Post: Akali Dal’s Internal Strife: Blaming BJP and RSS Amidst Party Turmoil

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is embroiled in a heated internal conflict following its poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. The party, led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, is facing criticism from within, with factions accusing each other of conspiring with the BJP and RSS to undermine the party.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) led by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. 

Divided Loyalties and Allegations

The SAD, traditionally a dominant force in Punjab politics, is now witnessing a fracture within its ranks. The party's internal rebellion has led to a complex situation where accusations of ties with the BJP and RSS are being hurled between factions.

The SAD’s leadership has pointed fingers at the rebel group, known as "Sudhar Lehar," alleging that their actions are part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated in Nagpur, the headquarters of the RSS. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, chairman of the SAD’s disciplinary committee, accused the rebels of conspiring with the BJP and RSS, aiming to weaken the party from within.

On June 30, the SAD expelled eight rebel leaders, including notable figures like Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Bibi Jagir Kaur, who had been critical of Sukhbir Singh Badal’s leadership. These leaders had called for a change in the party’s top brass, citing dissatisfaction with the current leadership.

Rebels’ Counterarguments

In response, the Sudhar Lehar faction dismissed these accusations, arguing that the SAD’s leadership is using the BJP and RSS as scapegoats to avoid addressing their internal issues. Charanjit Singh Brar, one of the expelled leaders, contended that both factions have had interactions with the BJP over the years and questioned why the current allegations are being used to distract from the party’s internal problems.

The Sudhar Lehar faction noted that discussions about alliances with the BJP had been ongoing but were disrupted by the farmers’ protests, which began in February.

BJP’s Response

The state BJP has criticized the SAD for its inability to address its internal issues. BJP vice-president Subhash Verma accused the Sukhbir-led SAD of trying to divert attention from its failures by blaming others. According to Verma, the SAD’s attempts to deflect responsibility for its shortcomings are both absurd and ineffective.

Looking Ahead

As the SAD grapples with its internal strife, the blame game involving the BJP and RSS is unlikely to resolve the underlying issues within the party. With both factions continuing to clash, the future of the SAD remains uncertain as it struggles to regain its footing in Punjab politics.

For more updates on the SAD’s internal conflict and its implications for Punjab politics, stay tuned to our blog.

Vinesh Phogat Appeals to CAS for Paris Olympics Disqualification: Legal Heavyweights Roped In

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has turned to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to contest her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite her recent announcement of retirement, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is vigorously pursuing the case, enlisting renowned senior counsels to represent Phogat’s appeal.

Paris 2024 Olympics - Wrestling - Women's Freestyle 50kg Semifinal - Champ-de-Mars Arena, Paris, France - August 06, 2024. Vinesh Phogat of India reacts after winning the match against Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba.

Legal Representation by Top Experts

Vinesh Phogat’s appeal will be represented by two of India’s leading legal experts: Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. Harish Salve, a former Solicitor General of India and a distinguished King’s Counsel, brings extensive experience to the case. Vidushpat Singhania, managing partner at Krida Legal, also adds significant legal expertise. Their involvement underscores the seriousness of the appeal and the high stakes involved.

The Disqualification Issue

Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after being found 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit on the second day of competition. Despite making weight on the first day and winning three bouts, United World Wrestling (UWW) rules dictate that a wrestler’s results are annulled if they fail to meet the weight requirement on either competition day.

In response to the disqualification, IOA President Dr. PT Usha and Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh have formally requested UWW President Nenad Lalovic to reconsider the annulment of Vinesh’s results from the first day of the competition.

Role of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is the highest international tribunal for resolving sports-related disputes. Established in 1984, CAS operates independently from sports organizations and is governed by the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). With headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and additional courts in New York City and Sydney, CAS handles a wide array of disputes involving athletes, coaches, sports organizations, and sponsors.

CAS is renowned for its expertise in complex sports legal matters, boasting a panel of nearly 300 arbitrators globally. Its role in Phogat’s appeal represents a critical juncture in determining the outcome of this high-profile case.

As Vinesh Phogat seeks to overturn her disqualification, the appeal’s outcome could have significant implications for her legacy and the broader wrestling community. The involvement of leading legal minds and the prestigious CAS underscores the importance of this case and its potential impact on the future of sports adjudication.

 

John Abraham Reflects on Humble Beginnings and Parental Struggles

In a recent interview on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, actor John Abraham shared intimate details about his humble upbringing and the impact it has had on his life. Despite achieving great success in Bollywood, John remains deeply connected to his middle-class roots and the struggles his family endured.

John Abraham was seen as the villain in Pathaan.

A Childhood Shaped by Hardship

John Abraham recounted how his early years were marked by financial struggles and the stress his parents faced. He vividly remembered a time when he was in eighth grade, and his father, a struggling architect, came home deeply distressed about not being able to provide for the family. John's father had been cheated by a business partner, leading to significant financial strain.

John revealed, “I remember I was in class eight, and my dad came home from work. We were having dinner, and he said, ‘I don’t know how to put food on the table tomorrow’. He was very tense.” In that moment of tension, John, though only a child, made a bold statement: “Dad, don’t worry. You see this face? I’ll sell it one day.” He explained that this wasn’t a display of ego but rather a form of manifestation, reflecting his determination to overcome the adversity they faced.

Embracing Middle-Class Values

John spoke about how his middle-class upbringing has profoundly shaped his values. Despite his success, he and his elderly parents continue to lead a modest lifestyle. He shared, “My mom is 74 years old, and my father is 86. To this day, they have just one small car and mostly travel by autos and buses.” He emphasized that his adherence to middle-class values has been a significant advantage, contributing to his grounded nature.

John's parents' lifestyle reflects their commitment to simplicity and charity. His mother’s charitable nature and his father’s emphasis on honesty have left a lasting impact on him. “My dad told me, ‘Even if you’re dying of hunger, never be dishonest in life’,” John noted, highlighting the moral lessons he learned from his father.

From Frustration to Pride

John also touched on his feelings of frustration during his youth. Growing up among wealthier classmates and seeing their luxurious lifestyles created a sense of inequality and frustration within him. “I used to travel by local trains, and my classmates had Audis, Mercedes, BMWs… This was in the early 90s. I noticed the inequality,” he said.

However, John has come to appreciate his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. His early struggles have contributed to his success as a model and actor, culminating in significant roles like the villain in the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan. Looking ahead, John is set to star in the upcoming film Vedaa, directed by Nikkhil Advani.

John Abraham’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a prominent figure in Bollywood is a testament to his resilience and the foundational values instilled in him by his family.