Do’s and Don’ts for your next immigration application

New USCIS Signature Rules for H-1B, Green Cards: Dos and Don'ts for Your Next Immigration Application
USCIS may reject an immigration application even after processing if it finds a copy-pasted signature.

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim rule on how it will reject applications if officials deem certain signatures invalid. Published in the Federal Register on May 11, 2026, the rule gives USCIS broad authority to deny or deny immigration benefit requests if signature problems are identified even after the application has been accepted for processing. The interim rule is now open to receive public comments as it will come into effect from July 10, 2026.The rule is not new, but DHS said it was previously enforced inconsistently and applicants did not clearly understand how USCIS handles defective signatures.

New signature rule: what to do

  • Handwritten signatures remain the gold standard.
  • Scanned copies of the original wet-ink signature are also acceptable.
  • It is fine to fax photocopied versions of originally signed documents.
  • Some electronic signatures are valid only in limited USCIS-authorized online filing situations.

what not to do

  • copy-paste signature
  • digitally generated signature
  • signature stamp
  • Signature of someone other than the requestor (yes, including attorney)
  • automatically generated signature
  • Signature generated by software

Rules are small but effect is big

It’s a small rule, but immigration experts draw applicants’ attention to this small change because it can have a huge impact if USCIS rejects a case after processing has begun. Applicants risk losing the filing fee and having their due dates delayed if they have to re-file. The agency clarified that there is no ‘cure’ for erroneous signatures other than refilling which will delay the case.

Who does the new signature rule apply to?

Everyone who falls under the immigration framework falls under the new signature rule. Experts warn that in cases that have statutory deadlines, such as H-1B cap cases, PERM-supported I-140, if a signature rejection is detected after 18 months, the entire filing window expires.

5 things employers should do

Immigration attorney Kirsten Crovello said employers should follow these five things from now on:

  • Verifying all required signature fields before filing
  • Maintaining records of original wet-ink signatures
  • Avoiding signature software unless explicitly authorized
  • Carefully reviewing the USCIS form instructions for each filing type
  • Training employees on signature compliance standards

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As uproar over NEET paper leak intensifies, Center clears key NTA appointments

NEET पेपर लीक पर हंगामा तेज होने पर केंद्र ने प्रमुख NTA नियुक्तियों को मंजूरी दे दी 1998 batch Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer Anuja Bapat and 2004 batch Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) officer Ruchita Vij have been appointed joint secretaries in the NTA. Meanwhile, 2013 batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer Akash Jain and 2013 batch Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer Aditya Rajendra Bhojdhiya have been appointed as joint directors in the agency.These appointments come amid a widespread investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested another alleged mastermind in the case. The agency identified Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, as the alleged source of the leaked biology questions in the exam. According to the CBI, Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 process as an NTA expert and had access to the question papers of Botany and Zoology.Read this also NEET paper leak: CBI arrests Pune Botany teacher, who was appointed as expert by NTAInvestigators alleged that he conducted coaching sessions for NEET aspirants at his Pune residence and revealed several questions which later matched the actual exam paper held on May 3.The arrest comes a day after retired chemistry professor PV Kulkarni was arrested in Latur in connection with the alleged leak. The agency said it conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones.Delhi court sent two accused in the case to 10-day CBI custody for further questioning.Read this also NEET paper leak controversy: Delhi court sends two accused to 10-day CBI custodyAfter the cancellation of medical examinations, this controversy has become a big national issue. Student organizations and resident doctors’ bodies have held protests demanding accountability, while some groups have moved the Supreme Court seeking dissolution of the NTA in its current form. Opposition parties have intensified their attacks on the Center over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stepped up his criticism by demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak, while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal urged Gen Z to take to the streets demanding accountability from the government.So far, nine accused have been arrested in the case from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar.

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HC circuit bench likely in Mangaluru by August: Ivan D’Souza

HC circuit bench likely in Mangaluru by August: Ivan D'Souza
MLC Ivan D’Souza addressed the media in Mangaluru on Saturday

Mangaluru: : MLC Ivan D’Souza said on Saturday that the Chief Minister has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court requesting immediate establishment. Circuit Bench in MangaluruAnd they hope that it will be installed by August this year.He told reporters that the Chief Justice is expected to visit the city by the end of this month or in the first week of June to inspect the infrastructure identified for the proposed bench. D’Souza said that when the Chief Minister had visited Mangaluru four months ago, he had expressed support for the demand and said that a decision would be taken after discussion with the Chief Justice.D’Souza said that during a meeting with the Chief Justice in Udupi, he accepted that this was a genuine demand and the law should be decentralized so that justice can be delivered closer to the people. However, the Chief Justice had asked what was the government’s view on the issue, he said.He said that although the Chief Justice can expand the bench, he believes that the government and the Chief Justice should move forward together and has requested the Chief Minister to write a letter. “Now we feel that 80% of the work has been completed after the Chief Minister’s letter,” Ivan said. He expressed confidence that the High Court Circuit Bench would be established soon.D’Souza said, the Chief Justice had raised concerns about infrastructure and basic facilities, which has now been clarified through the government’s communication. He said a demand has been made for a separate committee and a nodal officer to look after the residence of judges.D’Souza said the circuit bench would benefit the citizens of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi, while adding that the decision on jurisdiction rests solely with the Chief Justice.In his letter, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said litigants and lawyers from coastal districts have to travel to Bengaluru, causing financial strain, logistical difficulties and delays in accessing justice. He said a circuit bench in Mangaluru would decentralize judicial access and ensure timely and affordable justice. He said that the government is ready to facilitate this initiative immediately.The letter said that approximately 50,000 square feet of space in the old Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mangaluru has been identified for residential accommodation for judges and necessary civil and administrative infrastructure as well as court operations.

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Diver dies searching for five Italian tourists who drowned in underwater cave

Maldives scuba tragedy: Diver dies searching for five Italian tourists who drowned in underwater cave
Mohammed Mahudhi, who was searching for drowned divers in Maldives, also died.

The death toll in the Maldives scuba tragedy rose after officials reported that a Maldivian diver who was searching for the bodies of five Italian tourists who died in an underwater lake earlier this week has also died. According to The Sun, Sergeant Major Mohammed Mahudhi fell ill on the third day of the recovery operation in Vaavu Atoll, which translated to an ex-post by the Maldivian Army.“His courage, sacrifice and service to the nation will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and colleagues,” the Army reportedly said, according to the outlet.Mahudhi was one of eight divers deployed to find the bodies of Monica Montefalcon, a professor of marine biology at the University of Genoa, and her 20-year-old daughter Giorgia Somacal, who disappeared during a 160-foot dive into the Underworld Cave.Muriel Odenino of Turin, Gianluca Benedetti of Padua, and Federico Gualtieri of Borgomanero also failed to recover from the fatal dive.Authorities said only Benedetti’s body had been recovered.The causes of death of the divers are still under investigation, although some experts have theorized that oxygen toxicity and extreme panic are possible factors that led to the deaths of the five scuba divers.

‘Something must have happened…my wife is one of the best divers’

Montefalcon’s husband, Carlo Somacal, doubted that “something might have happened” in the cave, saying that his wife, a professor at the University of Genoa, was such an experienced diver that he did not take the risk. “The only certainty I have is that my wife is one of the best divers on Earth. And she has always been conscientious. She would never have endangered the lives of our daughter or the others with them,” he told La Repubblica on Friday.“Something must have happened there,” the retired scientist said. He said, “Maybe someone was in trouble, maybe there was a problem with the oxygen cylinder, I have no idea. But I am ready to swear on anything about Monica’s behavior.”

Oxygen poisoning behind death?

Although the cause of deaths is not yet known, experts suspect oxygen toxicity which occurs when too much oxygen becomes dangerous. Humans are made to breathe air containing approximately 21% oxygen. But according to UMass Memorial Health, when someone breathes oxygen in unusually high concentrations or under intense pressure for too long, it can be toxic to the body.This happens because excess oxygen creates an overload of unstable molecules called “free radicals.” Normally, the body can neutralize them with antioxidants. But when too many build up too quickly, they begin to damage cells and tissues.

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Government has barred Central employees from changing CGHS parents/in-laws option later

Government has barred Central employees from changing CGHS parents/in-laws option later

New Delhi: Central government employees opting to have either of their parents or parents-in-law as dependents for availing medical facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944, will not be allowed to change the option later, according to a fresh order issued by the Union Health Ministry.In an office memorandum issued on May 13, the ministry said eligible employees can exercise the option only once and the decision will be final even in cases such as death of parents or change in family circumstances.This order is applicable to beneficiaries covered under both CGHS and CS (MA) Rules, 1944, subject to the existing dependency and eligibility conditions. According to the ministry, if an employee chooses to include parents as dependents to avail medical facilities, the option cannot be later transferred to parents-in-law, and vice versa.The latest directions come as the Center continues the implementation of reforms initiated in the last two years to expand flexibilities under government health schemes. In July 2023, the government for the first time extended the option to cover parents or in-laws under CGHS to male central government employees, bringing them at par with female employees who already had this provision under the earlier rules.The facility was extended to beneficiaries covered under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944, in March 2024 after the ministry said it had received repeated representations and queries demanding the same benefit for CS (MA) beneficiaries as well.Officials said the fresh instructions are aimed at streamlining implementation across ministries and departments and avoiding frequent changes in dependency declarations under government-funded health schemes.CGHS provides cashless and reimbursement-based healthcare facilities to lakhs of serving and retired Central Government employees and their dependent family members through wellness centers and empaneled hospitals across the country. Dependency criteria are linked to the income limit and other eligibility conditions prescribed under the scheme.

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‘There aren’t a lot of smart minds out there’- Ambati Rayudu questions CSK leadership

आईपीएल 2026: 'वहां बहुत सारे स्मार्ट दिमाग नहीं हैं'- अंबाती रायुडू ने सीएसके नेतृत्व पर सवाल उठाए

Chennai Super Kings (AP Photo)

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu believe that Chennai Super Kings There was a lack of calm and experienced players on the field during Friday’s heavy seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, especially when young fast bowler Anshul Kamboj was under constant attack. Michelle Marsh And nicholas puran. CSK’s bowling attack had no answer as LSG chased down the target of 188 runs in just 16.4 overs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The night turned out to be particularly difficult for Kamboj, who was hit for four consecutive sixes in an over by Mitchell Marsh, before Nicholas Pooran repeated the same attack later in the innings. The young fast bowler ultimately finished with figures of 0/63 in 2.4 overs. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s timeout show after the match, Rayudu said that CSK lacked senior players on the field who could step up and help Kamboj regain composure during a brutal spell. Rayudu said, “I think that CSK team, when you see them on the field, there are not a lot of smart minds or experienced players, players who can control the game, who can go and pat it down and say, ‘Boss, just wait, wait for ten seconds, tie your laces.’ The former CSK batsman felt that someone was needed to break the rhythm of Kamboj’s negative thoughts when the attack was unfolding. Rayudu said wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was too far away from the action to make an immediate impact at that pressure moment. “Maybe ask them, ‘Do you think the slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl yorkers now?’ Just change his train of thought. Don’t let him get lost in that moment,” he said. Despite the nightmare, Rayudu defended the youngster and insisted that Kamboj had faced two batsmen playing at an exceptional level. “This guy has been bowling so well all season that you are bound to have a bad day. It’s like getting a duck or a golden duck. If you look at the balls he bowled, except maybe the last ball down the leg side of that over, most of them were good balls. It was unbelievable hitting,” he said. Chasing the target, Marsh played an explosive inning of 90 runs in just 38 balls, which included seven sixes and nine fours. The Australian tore apart the CSK attack from the start and completed his half-century in just 21 balls. His most destructive phase came in the fifth over when he hit four consecutive sixes and a four off Kamboj, taking 28 runs from the over, as LSG reached 67/0 after five overs. Marsh and Josh Inglis put on a massive opening partnership of 135 which effectively sealed the contest inside the powerplay, with LSG reaching 86/0 after six overs and 124/0 after 10 overs. Although CSK pulled things back briefly by taking the wickets of Inglis and Marsh on consecutive balls, Pooran ensured there was no collapse. With 24 runs required from the last four overs, the left-hander launched another ferocious attack on Kamboj, hitting four consecutive sixes to complete the chase brilliantly. Earlier, CSK scored 187/5 after useful contributions from Karthik Sharma, who scored 71 runs, and Shivam Dubey, who remained unbeaten on 32 runs. However, the total proved a far cry from LSG’s unbeatable batting performance. After this defeat, Chennai Super Kings are at sixth position in the IPL 2026 points table with 12 points from 12 matches, having won and lost six matches each.

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Aarohi Music Festival returns with a new generation of classical talent

Aarohi Music Festival returns with a new generation of classical talent
Mumbai’s prestigious Aarohi Mahotsav returns for its 24th edition on 20-21 May, showcasing six promising young Indian classical musicians. Powered by Pancham Nishad, this free event at Rabindra Natya Mandir provides an important platform for emerging talent. The festival, celebrating its legacy of nurturing artistes, promises vibrant performances of traditional music with youthful expression.

For over two decades, Aarohi – A Festival of Rising Stars has quietly built a reputation as one of Mumbai’s most respected platforms for emerging Indian classical musicians. This year, the festival returns for its 24th edition on May 20 and 21 at the Mini Theatre, Rabindra Natya Mandir, with six young artistes set to carry forward the classical traditions of India. The festival starts at 6pm both evenings and is open to all with free entry.Established in 2002 with the vision of “Catching Them Young”, Aarohi has presented over 138 young musicians to Mumbai audiences, not as students, but as serious concert-ready artists. Over the years, the festival has earned the trust of the city’s classical music community for highlighting artistes at the defining moments of their journey.Six artists, six unique musical journeysThe opening evening on May 20 will feature singer Chaitanya Parab, whose performance has sincerity and emotional depth. “It is a privilege to present Indian classical music on a platform that has consistently supported and celebrated India’s rich musical heritage,” he says.Also performing is santoor maestro Divyansh Srivastava, who will present his first full-length classical santoor recital in Mumbai. A disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Srivastava represents the Sopori Sufiana Gharana. He shared, “This performance is particularly emotional for me, it allows me to present the musical aesthetics and bass of the Sopori Sufiana Gharana as a proud disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori.”The evening concluded with a performance by first generation professional musician, singer Adya Mukherjee. “Indian classical music is deeply connected to my identity and emotions. To be able to pursue this professionally and present it on a platform like Aarohi is incredibly meaningful to me,” she says.Tradition meets youth expressionThe second evening on May 21 will begin with Swati Tiwari, a singer trained in both the Gwalior and Banaras gharanas. She says, “I am very grateful for the opportunities that allow young artists to share the essence and purity of our classical music with discerning audiences.”Flutist Samyak Parashari will bring his contemplative perspective on the flute to the stage. He says, “For me, performing at Aarohi is an opportunity to connect with listeners emotionally through the flute and contribute in my own way to keeping our classical traditions alive for young audiences.” The festival will be concluded by singer Abhed Abhisheki, grandson of Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki and son of Shaunak Abhisheki. He says, “I feel extremely honored to be performing at the prestigious Aarohi Mahotsav. This is my first time singing on such a large scale in Mumbai, which is a mix of nervousness and excitement. This is an important milestone, and I am looking forward to giving my best performance.”All six actors will also be co-starring Yeti Bhagwat, Swapnil Bhise, Rohit Dev, Manoj Solanki, Sudhanshu Gharpure and Dnyaneshwar Sonawane.‘Right platform at the right time’What Aarohi has maintained over 24 years is his belief that young musicians flourish not through showmanship, but through meaningful listening and thoughtful platforms. Shashi Vyas of Pancham Nishad, the show’s curator, says, “The vitality of Indian classical music depends on empowering young musicians at the right time. Aarohi was conceived to meet this need – and even after more than two decades, its spirit continues to inspire and resonate.”

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After graduation day Robert F. Why Smith’s Morehouse surprise donation means even more

स्नातक दिवस के बाद रॉबर्ट एफ. स्मिथ का मोरहाउस आश्चर्य दान और भी अधिक क्यों मायने रखता है

Robert F. Details about Smith repaying Morehouse’s debt were missed. Image credit – Wikimedia

At Morehouse College’s 2019 commencement ceremony, Robert F. The statement made by Smith was one of the most remembered events in educational charity. Addressing the crowd of graduating seniors, the entrepreneur said that the donors’ family will pay off all the debts of the entire graduating class. Naturally, there was great joy and applause in the audience. Soon after the ceremony, the video spread across social media platforms.However, what caught people’s attention on the story was not just the donation but its implications. Later, it was revealed that in addition to covering student loans, Smith’s gift also helped relieve parents’ financial problems. As such, this exciting event took on the meaning of a broader discussion about educational opportunities and family debt in African-American communities.As stated by the representatives Morehouse CollegeThe donor contributed $34 million to its Student Success Program to cover student loans belonging to the Class of 2019.This news soon became a nationwide storyIt goes without saying that many commencement speeches inspire students with the promise of opportunity. However, instead of inspiring the graduates to pursue their dreams, Smith removed a major obstacle standing in the way of many of them. It was widely publicized because of the extreme pressure of student debt on graduates of America’s educational system.Student debt in the US alone is estimated to exceed $1.7 trillion. For students, this meant that debt burdens impacted financial decisions about careers, homes, savings, and raising children long after graduation. This added a new element to Smith’s liberal spirit.Importance of Family Loan ReferenceThe heightened emotions were certainly important, but the added context of Morehouse helped add even more value to the story. The school clarified that the donation will cover the debt of both the students and their parents. This was important because college-related debt is typically borne by the family unit as a whole. With co-signed loans, Parent Plus loans and the sacrifices families make are shared responsibility. According to a study conducted by Brookings InstitutionAfrican-American college graduates typically carry greater student loan burdens than many of their peers and typically take longer to accumulate wealth after graduation.Taking into account family debt, Smith’s donation acknowledged a more complex financial landscape with respect to college expenses. This relieved the debt burden not only for graduates but also for their parents, who had played a key role in financing their college tuition.

Robert F. Smith's graduation gift did much more than just clear student loans

Robert F. What did Smith’s graduation gift do more than make up for the obvious student debt? Image credit – Wikimedia

The story didn’t stop hereAn additional reason the Morehouse narrative remains relevant is that it does not end with a graduation ceremony. This donation joins an ongoing campaign dedicated to educational equity and financial empowerment at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).Morehouse now touts its relationship with the Student Freedom Initiative, which was launched in partnership with Smith as well as other donors. This campaign seeks to remove any financial barriers for HBCU students.Education debt has been cited by Smith as one of the biggest barriers to mobility in interviews and media. Smith explained several times that reducing debt can help people start saving for their homes, business ventures, and retirement earlier. By broadening the focus in this way, the story moved beyond an extraordinary incident to larger issues surrounding college affordability and wealth inequality.Why was it memorable?Philanthropic news is often forgotten after its initial splash in the press. The gift to Morehouse was successful because it combined great news with concrete results. These were not just promises of opportunities in the distant future but a real gift given to students when they needed it most.Time also played a role in making this such a powerful story. Graduation is an important milestone that involves years of hard work on the part of the student and their family. However, this gift has done nothing to reduce the huge problem of student debt in America. Morehouse College has made it clear that it views the Act as providing targeted relief, but not a complete solution. Nonetheless, this gift has proven to be an excellent representation of how philanthropy can handle the effects of student loan debt. This explains why people still talk about it many years later. Robert F. Smith’s gift was not about paying off a debt. Instead, it was about improving the future of graduates by giving them an easier start in their careers.

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West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has warned senior TMC leader Jahangir Khan before Falta re-polling.

'पुष्पा अब मेरी जिम्मेदारी': पश्चिम बंगाल के सीएम सुवेंदु अधिकारी ने फाल्टा पुनर्मतदान से पहले टीएमसी के मजबूत नेता जहांगीर खान को चेतावनी दी

Suvendu Adhikari; Jahangir Khan

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday warned Trinamool Congress (TMC) “so-called Pushpa” Jahangir Khan ahead of re-polling in Falta assembly constituency on May 21.“The so-called Pushpa is now my responsibility; Falta repoll should be violence free,” PTI quoted the official as saying.Ahead of the assembly elections, Khan, a powerful Trinamool leader and the party’s Falta candidate, had described himself as “Pushpa” – a take on the smuggler-turned-strongman character played by Allu Arjun in the two “Pushpa” films.The comment was in response to UP-cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, who was appointed by the Election Commission as a police observer in West Bengal, being compared to “Singham” – the police officer character portrayed by Ajay Devgan in the “Singham” film series. In a viral video, Sharma was seen warning Khan’s family, prompting Khan’s reaction.“Tell him, if his men continue to threaten, we will deal with him appropriately…then don’t cry or repent,” Sharma said in the video.The Election Commission ordered fresh polling in Falta after the button next to the BJP symbol was found stuck with tape on electronic voting machines at several polling stations. Counting of votes will take place on May 24.In the West Bengal Assembly elections held on April 23 and 29, the BJP ousted TMC, ending the Mamata Banerjee-led party’s 15-year rule and forming its first government in the state. The election saw over 90% voting in both phases.Adhikari, a former TMC leader, won both his bastion Nandigram and Banerjee’s Bhawanipur bastion, where he defeated the now former chief minister, repeating the 2021 Nandigram contest in which he won by a slim margin. He has since vacated the Nandigram seat and retained Bhabanipur.

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If you want to stand out then it is necessary to step back: Gautam Rode

If you want to stand out then it is necessary to step back: Gautam Rode
Gautam Rode strategically moved from television to films and OTT at the peak of his career, seeing it as a necessary exposure for growth and access to more compelling roles.

In an industry built on constant visibility, taking a step back can feel like a gamble. Gautam RodeHowever, he has accepted that risk – moving away from television at the peak of his career to seek opportunities in films and OTT.He says his decision was both strategic and necessary. “You want to take on interesting roles, meaty roles in other mediums, so you have to step back. If you’re constantly seen on the same platform, you won’t be considered for lead roles on other platforms. Also, it takes time for other platforms to get easy for you because you have a large portion of the work coming from television. So they have to forget you in that space, and then when you meet them, they see you in a different light, and that’s nice.Gautam sees risk not as a disruption, but as an essential part of growth. “Even in a normal job, you can be fired. If you want to move forward, you have to take that chance. Otherwise, you will keep doing the same thing. So changing platforms is a risk I took, but I am glad I did,” says the actor, who has been a part of the OTT show The matter is legal, Undekhi – The Final Battle, State of siege: 26/11 and Naqab. Same craft, different process.Having worked across different mediums, Gautham rejects the idea that acting styles are fundamentally different. He said, “There is a myth that TV acting, OTT acting and film acting are different. There is nothing different. For me, it is just about giving my hundred percent.”He explains that the real difference lies in the process. “With OTT and films, you get time to prepare; you get the script a month or one and a half in advance. You sit over it, you make your notes, the lines are in your mind. In television, you get the script on the set. That’s the difference,” he says.

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