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.

Liu Yongxing – Visionary Founder and CEO of East Hope Group

Early Life and Education

Liu Yongxing, born in June 1948 in Sichuan, China, grew up in a family of farm workers alongside his three brothers, Liu Yongyan, Chen Yuxin, and Liu Yonghao, and his sister, Liu Yonghong. The family faced social challenges due to their background as wealthy landlords prior to the Cultural Revolution. Despite these challenges, Liu pursued education and graduated from Xihua University in 1968.

 Liu Yongxing

Personal Life Liu Yongxing is married to a psychologist, and together they have one child. The family resides in Shanghai, China.

Career Beginnings

In the late 1970s, Liu and his brothers ventured into the electronics industry by founding a company that ultimately closed due to the political climate, which viewed such enterprises as overly capitalistic. Undeterred, the brothers pivoted to agribusiness in 1982, pooling their resources to start the Hope Group. The company initially focused on raising quail and hatching chickens in Sichuan Province and later expanded to establish the Hope Research Center for animal feeds in 1986.

Formation of East Hope Group

In 1995, the Hope Group split into four separate entities: West Hope Group, New Hope Group, Continental Hope Group, and East Hope Group. Liu Yongxing retained parts of the agricultural business and expanded into the heavy chemical and aluminum industries. This led to the foundation of East Hope Group, which has grown to become one of the largest aluminum producers in the world. By 1999, Liu had relocated the headquarters of East Hope to Shanghai.

Challenges and Achievements

Liu Yongxing has faced criticism regarding environmental pollution from East Hope’s factories. Despite his claims of adhering to stringent environmental standards, the company has been penalized multiple times for exceeding emission caps. In response to environmental concerns, significant funds have been allocated to upgrade environmental protection facilities, and innovative waste disposal technologies have been implemented.

Notable Incidents

In December 2016, a tragic accident occurred at East Hope’s Sanmenxia plant, where a red mud reservoir failure resulted in two fatalities. Earlier inspections had deemed the facilities compliant with safety standards, and as of yet, the company has not faced major repercussions for the incident.

Recognition and Wealth

Liu Yongxing’s contributions to China’s economy have earned him prestigious awards, including the “2001 CCTV Top 10 China’s Economic Leaders” and the “Sohu 2001 Top 10 Financial Leaders.” He is recognized as one of the richest individuals in China, with a net worth placing him high on Forbes’ China Rich List and Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. His brothers also share similar success, each leading their own prosperous companies.

Positions and Influence

Liu Yongxing serves as the founder, chairman, and CEO of East Hope Group. He holds honorary and academic positions, including honorary president of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce in Sichuan and part-time professor at China Agricultural University. He is also an MBA lecturer and a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Liu Yongxing’s journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a prominent business magnate exemplifies resilience and strategic vision, marking significant contributions to China’s industrial and economic landscape.

Ex-Waqf House Panel Chief Rahman Khan Criticizes New Waqf Bill, Welcomes Joint Committee Review

K Rahman Khan, a veteran Congress leader and former Union minority affairs minister, has raised significant concerns about the new Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the Narendra Modi government. Khan, who led a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf in the late 1990s and early 2000s, believes the new legislation could undo key reforms established by the Waqf Act of 1995 and its 2013 amendments.

The former Union minority affairs minister, K Rahman Khan, headed a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf in 1999 and 2008, recommending amendments to the Waqf Act.

Background and Concerns

The new Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, has sparked controversy and opposition from various quarters. Critics, including Khan, argue that the government has bypassed essential consultations with stakeholders, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other organizations crucial to Waqf affairs.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Khan expressed his discontent with the lack of stakeholder engagement, noting that the previous amendments in 2013 were well-received by the Muslim community and addressed numerous issues related to Waqf properties. The 2013 amendments aimed to curb illegal encroachments and made them criminal offenses, improvements Khan feels are now under threat.

Key Issues with the New Bill

Khan outlined several major issues with the new Bill:

Reversal of Reforms: The proposed legislation seems to roll back the progress made by the 1995 Act and the 2013 amendments. Khan criticized the move to abolish Waqf Tribunals and the requirement for all Waqf properties to re-register, which he believes will lead to significant administrative challenges and potential exclusion of properties without formal deeds.

Impact on Waqf Boards: The Bill removes provisions that allowed Waqf Boards to independently register properties and introduces non-Muslims into Waqf Boards, which Khan argues is inappropriate for managing Muslim charitable and religious affairs.

Government's Stance and Future Review

The BJP argues that the Bill will increase transparency and ensure better representation of women in Waqf Boards. However, Khan disputes these claims, questioning the rationale behind including non-Muslims in Waqf Board management.

Despite his criticisms, Khan welcomed the decision to send the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for detailed discussion. He views this as a positive step, allowing for a thorough examination of the Bill and ensuring that various stakeholders can present their perspectives before the legislation moves forward.

Khan’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill and underscore the need for comprehensive dialogue and consideration of all viewpoints before enacting significant changes to existing laws.

Neeraj Chopra’s Mother Praises Arshad Nadeem: “He’s Also Like My Child”

The Paris Olympics witnessed a historic moment as India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem claimed the top two spots in the javelin throw event, finishing 1-2 in a thrilling competition. While Chopra took home the silver medal, his mother, Saroj Devi, had nothing but praise for both athletes, delivering a heartwarming message that resonated across borders.

Saroj Devi, mother of athlete Neeraj Chopra, speaks; Silver medallist India's Neeraj Chopra and Gold medallist Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem greet each other after the men's javelin throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics. 

In an interview with ANI, Saroj Devi expressed her pride in Neeraj’s achievement, saying, “Silver bhi gold lag raha hai” (Silver feels like gold). Despite her son not clinching the gold, she emphasized that she was equally proud of Arshad Nadeem’s accomplishment. “I am happy with the silver; the guy who got gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child. Everyone goes there after doing a lot of hard work,” she added.

Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters, surpassing the previous mark held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen since 2008. Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, secured the silver with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters, while Anderson Peters of Grenada claimed the bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters.

Neeraj’s father, Satish Chopra, also congratulated Nadeem on his victory, acknowledging that every athlete has their day. “Today, it was Arshad’s day. Twelve players were competing, and Arshad won the gold. Many congratulations to him,” he said.

Neeraj Chopra, who has been battling a groin injury, admitted that he has been struggling with his performance in recent years. Despite fouling on five of his six attempts, Chopra graciously congratulated Nadeem and praised his performance.

This victory marked Pakistan’s first-ever gold medal in track and field, adding another layer to the already intense sports rivalry between India and Pakistan. As Nadeem reflected on the competition, he noted how eagerly fans from both nations had anticipated this face-off in the javelin event. “People back home in Pakistan and even in India were eager to see us both throwing the javelin and beating each other. I’m happy to see Chopra earning silver,” Nadeem said through a translator.

The mutual respect and camaraderie displayed by the athletes and their families offer a refreshing reminder of the shared humanity that transcends national rivalries, making this Olympic moment one to remember.

Ali Fazal Joins Blake Lively and Hugh Jackman for a Glamorous Vogue Photoshoot Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Ali Fazal recently shared a proud moment with his fans on Instagram, revealing his participation in a lavish Vogue photoshoot alongside Hollywood heavyweights Blake Lively and Hugh Jackman. Directed by the renowned Baz Luhrmann, the photoshoot is featured in the September issue of Vogue, one of the most prestigious editions of the magazine.

Ali Fazal shared a note about his experience collaborating with Blake Lively and Hugh Jackman.

In his Instagram post, Ali Fazal expressed his excitement and gratitude for being part of this star-studded project. He shared a photo where he’s seen standing next to Hugh Jackman in a casino setting, styled in a royal sherwani by Sabyasachi. Ali humorously captioned the post, “Ok let me put it to rest – yes that is me all secretly dressed up royalty crashing Baz Luhrmann’s Hitchcockian Whodunnit Casino scene. Hehe.”

Ali also recounted how he was approached for this incredible opportunity while he was filming a project in Los Angeles. He mentioned that this was his third time being featured in American Vogue, thanks to the support of Anna Wintour. Ali also expressed his admiration for Luhrmann, calling the photoshoot a dream come true, even if it was just one scene. He gave a special shout-out to Blake Lively, calling her a "rockstar," and sent a playful “aye aye” to Hugh Jackman.

Blake Lively, who graces the cover of this iconic Vogue issue, also took to Instagram to share her thoughts. She reflected on the experience with heartfelt words, calling it a "lifelong dream come true" to work with Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. She thanked Anna Wintour for always encouraging her to stay true to herself and celebrated the special moment with the team that has supported her throughout her career.

Blake Lively is currently enjoying success with her latest film, It Ends With Us. Ali Fazal, on the other hand, has been making waves in Hollywood with roles in films like Victoria & Abdul, Death on the Nile, and Kandahar. This Vogue photoshoot marks yet another milestone in his impressive international career.

Catch a glimpse of the stunning photoshoot and read more about this exciting collaboration in the September issue of Vogue.

Stock Market Rebound: Sensex Surges Over 1,000 Points; Nifty Climbs to 24,387

The Indian stock market made a strong comeback on Friday, with the 30-share BSE Sensex jumping 1,098.02 points to 79,984.24 in early trade. Similarly, the NSE Nifty surged 270.35 points to reach 24,387.35. This rebound comes after Thursday's decline and follows a significant rally in the US and Asian markets.

"Markets Bounce Back: Sensex Rallies Over 1,000 Points, Nifty Crosses 24,387"

Market Movers

The recovery was broad-based, with all 30 Sensex firms trading in the green. Notable gainers included Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Power Grid, NTPC, Tata Consultancy Services, and Reliance Industries.

Global Cues
Asian markets, including Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, were also trading sharply higher. The positive momentum from the US markets, which ended significantly higher on Thursday, further boosted investor sentiment. According to V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, the sharp rebound in US markets suggests that recession fears may have been exaggerated, as lower-than-expected initial jobless claims indicate a stable labor market.

FII Activity
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers on Thursday, offloading equities worth ₹2,626.73 crore, according to exchange data.

Commodity Market
On the commodities front, global oil benchmark Brent crude rose by 0.14% to USD 79.27 per barrel.

The stock market's sharp rise on Friday follows a volatile session on Thursday, where the BSE benchmark declined 581.79 points, or 0.73%, to settle at 78,886.22. The NSE Nifty also retreated by 180.50 points, or 0.74%, to close at 24,117.

As the markets continue to navigate global and domestic cues, investors remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for further gains.