पिछले कुछ दिनों से लगातार पड़ रही गर्मी के बाद मौसम ने करवट ली। गुरुवार शाम चार बजे हल्की बूंदाबांदी हुई। कुछ देर बाद फिर से तेज बारिश होने लगी जिससे मौसम ठंडा हो गया.

on the occasion of labor dayfilm producer Anand PanditKnown for supporting films like Total Dhamaal, The Big Bull and Chehre, the film showcases the often overlooked workforce that makes cinema come alive. For him, the magic of films lies as much in the unseen work behind the scenes as in what unfolds on screen.Tracing the roots of this perspective, he says, “In the seventies, when I saw Guddi, it changed my understanding of cinematic glamour. The film showed with great honesty how lightmen and stunt doubles often work in unsafe conditions, and how the glittering world of cinema is built on the sweat, blood and tears of countless crew members whose names we never know.”He also acknowledges the filmmakers who have attempted to highlight these contributors. “When Farah Khan showed the faces of her crew at the end of Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, she humorously and respectfully acknowledged the unsung artists behind the scenes. It is the technicians, spot boys, dancers, craftsmen and wardrobe, hair and makeup assistants who bring the stories to life on screen.”Speaking about his approach as a producer, Pandit emphasizes responsibility towards crew welfare. “I have always tried to ensure that everyone working on my sets is well taken care of. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I and a few colleagues came together to support the daily wage workers who remain the backbone of our industry.”Highlighting the irreplaceable human element in filmmaking, even in the age of technology, he says, “No matter how much we rely on Artificial Intelligence in pre-production and post-production, we cannot replace the warmth and passion that workers bring to filmmaking. For example, the lavish sets of Mughal-e-Azam, directed by. Asif, were completely handmade. The Sheesh Mahal was built over two years using thousands of pieces of Belgian glass, with artisans devoting a lot of time and skill.“He cites other cinematic landmarks that stand as testimony to collective labor. “The rural world of Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, was recreated from scratch in Ramanagaram, while Lagaan’s fictional Champaner was brought to life by hundreds of workers led by production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai.”Emphasizing how every department contributes to the final vision, Pandit says, “Without those who work in sound, editing, cinematography, lighting, action and costumes, our cinematic vision will remain incomplete. This is not to belittle the contribution of the stars, but we should not ignore the people who support them with their invisible artistry. Films like Luck By Chance capture this ecosystem beautifully. When we admire Vijay Anand’s lyrical depictions, the cinematography of ‘Waqt Ne Kiya’, RD Burman’s music, or the grandeur of films like Umrao Jaan, Pakeezah and Amrapali, we must also acknowledge the countless individuals whose labor made these moments possible.Describing filmmaking as an intensely collaborative process, he concludes, “Filmmaking is an orchestral effort where hundreds of people work together to create something meaningful. The labor involved is not just physical but emotional. When each person on the set feels valued, it turns into magic on screen. We must also ensure safety, fair working conditions and better systems for social security. After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.“

Mohamed Salah of Egypt enters the stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations Group B football match between Egypt and South Africa on Friday, December 26, 2025 in Agadir, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hedebe)

What had long seemed a straightforward, high-priced move away from Europe is no longer so certain, with Mohamed Salah now leaning towards an unexpected option that has quietly emerged in the wake of his exit from Liverpool FC. Earlier speculation had linked him to a move to Saudi side Al Nassr FC, but that route is now less clear as other options developed. The 33-year-old has already confirmed that his nine-year tenure on Merseyside will end this summer, but while the financial pull of the Saudi Pro League remains strong, discussions elsewhere suggest his next move may not follow the expected script.

Fenerbahçe talks and salary expectations

According to Turkish outlet a sporeFenerbahçe have held two meetings with Salah’s agent as they explore the possibility of bringing him to Istanbul, with reporter Erdem Akbaş reporting that the club’s representative Erton Torunogullari has been directly involved in the discussions. During those talks Salah reportedly outlined salary expectations of around £333,000 per week, which matches his current earnings at Liverpool and would put him among the highest-paid players in Europe. The same report indicates that Salah is demanding an annual salary of around €20 million and has made it clear that he wants to continue his career in Europe rather than leave the continent at this stage. A third round of talks was scheduled after Fenerbahçe’s recent derby against Galatasaray, but talks were put on hold due to the club election decision, leaving the situation open but active.

Fenerbahçe references and squad formation

Fenerbahçe, based in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul and founded in 1907, is one of Turkey’s most prominent and widely supported clubs, competing in the Turkish Süper Lig and regularly appearing in European competitions through UEFA.The club has a history of attracting high-profile names, including Roberto Carlos, who spent three seasons there between 2007 and 2009, and Mesut Ozil, who later joined Istanbul Basaksehir in 2021 before moving to Istanbul Basaksehir and retiring in 2023.Recently, the squad has been strengthened with players such as Ederson, Leroy Sané and N’Golo Kante, reflecting an aggressive recruitment strategy.Former manager José Mourinho, who took charge in June 2024, was sacked on August 29, 2025 after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stages.With three weeks remaining in the current Super Lig season, Fenerbahçe are seven points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray, leaving their title hopes in limbo but not mathematically over.

Contract status and timeline of exit from Liverpool

Salah’s departure comes despite signing a contract extension last summer which was due to run until 2027, with Liverpool opting to allow the Egypt international to leave on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign. His final weeks at the club were complicated by injury, he was forced off during a 3–1 win over Crystal Palace on 25 April with what the club later described as a “minor” muscle problem. He was substituted just before the hour mark and took time to acknowledge the Anfield crowd as he walked off the field, an emotional moment which led to concerns that it could be his final appearance at the stadium. Liverpool later confirmed in a statement: “Liverpool FC can confirm that Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season. “The number 11 was substituted during the second half of the Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield last Saturday. “However, the expectation is that Salah will return to action before the conclusion of 2025-26 and his departure from the Reds this summer.” Manager Arne Slott is hopeful of Salah playing again before the end of the campaign, with fixtures against Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Aston Villa and Brentford FC still remaining.

Saudi Pro League interest and alternative options

Saudi Pro League clubs remain leading contenders for Salah’s signature betfair The odds, which are priced at 8/11, reflect the league’s financial strength and long-term recruitment strategy as it continues to target global stars. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has long seen Salah as a central figure in raising the global profile of the league, potentially replacing him. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Major League Soccer is thought to be the next most likely destination at 15/8, reflecting its growing appeal as a competitive and commercially attractive league, while a return to AS Roma is priced at 10/1. Roma remain an emotional option given Salah’s previous spell in Italy, where he scored 19 goals and helped the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals. The other clubs listed in the betting market are FC Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United at 11/1, followed by AC Milan and Real Madrid at 12/1, Juventus at 14/1, Bayern Munich at 22/1 and Tottenham Hotspur at 25/1.

Current season performance and evaluation

Salah’s individual performances continue to be strong, with the forward registering 12 goals and nine assists in 39 appearances this season, while his current market valuation is estimated to be around €30 million. Despite the injury setback, there is an expectation within Liverpool that he will return before the end of the campaign, potentially allowing him to make a final appearance at Anfield in the closing match against Brentford on May 24, 2026.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah smiles as he sits on the field after being injured during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

For Egypt, his recovery time is also important ahead of international commitments, especially with the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, given their previous experience of playing at less than full fitness during the 2018 World Cup.

The decision is still open as the next step takes shape

While Saudi Arabia appears to be offering the most financially attractive route, ongoing talks with Fenerbahce and Salah’s stated preference to remain in Europe have introduced a new dimension to an established transfer narrative. With talks stalled but not collapsed, and many markets still in play, with the final decision unresolved, Salah’s next move is likely to define the closing stages of a 14-year career at the top level of European football.

Use of AI-generated images for representation

New Delhi: The Bengali ‘Manush’ have traditionally displayed deep-rooted political loyalty, often uniting decisively behind a single political force and allowing it to rule for long periods. In the nearly eight decades since independence, West Bengal’s political journey has not been merely a sequence of changing hands of governments, but a story taking shape in clear, influential eras, each of which has been marked by ideological conviction and long mandates.However, the 2026 assembly elections have injected a new intensity into this legacy. What is unfolding is not just another election contest, but a high-stakes, high-voltage battle between the long-serving Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a determined, aggressively expanding Bharatiya Janata Party brigade.

Didi’s 15-year rule is facing its toughest challenge yet. BJP has waged a relentless, grassroots campaign, deployed its top leadership and stepped up its attacks Trinamool Congress. The high command of the saffron party has even said that “the sun has set for TMC in Bengal.”But to understand the weight of BJP’s claim, the story of how Bengal’s political journey evolved has to be told.

Congress Era: Foundation of power and post-partition reconstruction

Like most states in newly independent India, the early political leadership of Bengal was shaped by the Congress. Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of the most important icons of the state’s history, became its first Chief Minister at a time when Bengal was struggling with the devastating effects of partition in 1947.Bidhan Chandra’s leadership extended beyond regular rule. He played an important role in stabilizing a fragmented society and laid the foundation of the administrative and infrastructure of modern Bengal. Among his lasting contributions was the development of Salt Lake City, a planned township that epitomized visionary urbanization.Kolkata, then Calcutta – was not only the state capital but also a political center for the Congress Party. The city hosted several historic sessions of the party over the decades, becoming a stage for defining moments of India’s freedom struggle and political evolution. From the first singing of Vande Mataram to the declaration of Swaraj, Bengal remained at the center of Congress.However, the dominance of the Congress gradually began to wane. Internal divisions, changing political aspirations and turmoil at the national level weakened its hold. The emergence of the Bangla Congress marked the first serious crack in its monopoly, introducing coalition politics and opening the door to alternative ideologies.The death of strong national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri further destabilized the party’s structure and its influence. The 1967 elections, often described as a “political earthquake”, dealt a decisive blow to Congress dominance in Bengal.

Red Age: rise and consolidation of left Effect

Even as Indira Gandhi consolidated her political dominance at the national level, especially after the 1971 election victory and the India–Pakistan war, Bengal was moving in a different direction.The Congress continued to lose in the state and its last Chief Minister to date, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, represented the end of an era. The political void was quickly filled by the Left Front, which came to power in 1977 on the back of strong grassroots mobilization and ideological clarity.At the center of this change was Jyoti Basu, a stalwart Marxist leader who went on to become one of India’s longest-serving chief ministers. Under his leadership, Bengal saw a profound restructuring of its rural and administrative systems.Major initiatives such as Operation Barga redefined land relations by strengthening the rights of sharecroppers, while the institutionalization of the Panchayati Raj system in 1978 decentralized governance and empowered local bodies. These reforms created a durable political base for the left.The Left Front ruled Bengal uninterrupted from 1977 to 2011, one of the longest tenures for any democratically elected communist government in the world. By 2000, Basu stepped down due to health reasons and handed over the command to Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. While Bhattacharjee attempted to recast the Left’s image by focusing on industrialization, the ground reality had begun to change. Discontent was growing and a new political force was gaining momentum under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee.

Mamata Moment: Disintegration and Domination

Mamata emerged as a new strong leader in the state.Emerging as a fierce and persistent challenger, Mamata ended the Left’s decades-long dominance in the 2011 assembly elections. Leading the Trinamool Congress, she secured a sweeping mandate of 184 seats and became the first woman Chief Minister of Bengal.

His victory marks not only a change in government but also a complete political reset. The Congress and the Left, once the major forces in the state, were pushed to the margins. Despite ruling at the Center for almost 6 years under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP remained an insignificant player in Bengal politics at that time.In 2016, Mamata further strengthened her hold and returned to power with an even bigger mandate, crossing the 200-seat mark. At this stage, their dominance appeared unquestioned, with opposition forces scattered and struggling to regain relevance.His style of governance, welfare reach and strong personal connect with the voters ensured that the Trinamool Congress remained the central pole of Bengal politics.

Rise of BJP: From marginal to formidable force

The political balance began to shift dramatically in 2021.The BJP launched an unprecedented campaign in Bengal under the leadership of its stars Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also considered “Chanakya” for the saffron party. The scale, intensity and resources deployed marked a new phase in the electoral politics of the state.While Didi retained power, the BJP’s performance indicated a major success. Winning 77 seats in the 294-member assembly, the party emerged as the principal opposition, defeating both the Congress and the Left.In fact, the strong rise of the BJP pushed the Congress and the Left parties to insignificant margins.This increase was significant not only numerically, but also symbolically. A party that was once struggling to make electoral inroads in Bengal has now established itself as the primary challenger to the ruling establishment led by TMC supremo Mamata.

2026 Showdown: Continuity or Change?

Now, as Bengal records the highest-ever voting percentage and sees an intense, high-decibel campaign, the stakes have never been higher.Is the state signaling change? As the BJP leadership claims, has “the sun set on TMC in Bengal”?Furthermore, the traditional notion of high voter turnout was interpreted as an undercurrent against the incumbent.The contest has increasingly assumed a bipolar character, squeezing out other political players and turning the election into a direct face-off between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.Buoyed by its victory in 2021, the BJP has also fielded a huge number of candidates in TMC’s traditional strongholds like Bhawanipur and other constituencies in south Bengal. As a clear message – no seat is being given without a fight.Many pollsters have also given BJP an edge over Mamata’s TMC in their exit poll predictions. This could be the first sign of uneasiness for Didi. Poll of polls predicted that TMC will no longer be the single strong and leading force as it has been taken over by BJP. In 2021, Mamata faced her former ally and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram and suffered a rare personal defeat, even as she retained power across the state. This time, the dynamics appear more complex, with both sides in a strong contest from Bhavanipre.The elections also saw a massive administrative exercise, including a special intensive vetting process that Mamata criticized but the Election Commission defended, adding another layer of political tension.Will it continue its long-term tradition of supporting a major power, or embrace change and write a new chapter?The answer to this question lies with Bengali ‘Manush’.

उत्तर प्रदेश के हमीरपुर जिले से एक हैरान कर देने वाला मामला सामने आया है, जहां एक अफवाह ने एक शादी का माहौल पूरी तरह से खराब कर दिया. दूल्हे की बारात ललपुरा थाना क्षेत्र के पोठिया गांव पहुंचने के बाद अचानक ‘तीसरी शादी’ की खबर फैल गई. इस अफवाह ने इतना बड़ा विवाद खड़ा कर दिया कि शादी की रस्में बीच में ही रोक दी गईं और बारात को बिना दुल्हन के ही लौटना पड़ा. खास बात यह है कि दूल्हा-दुल्हन की शादी पहले ही सरकारी योजना के तहत हो चुकी थी.

सरकारी योजना के तहत शादी हो चुकी थी.
जानकारी के मुताबिक, पोठिया गांव निवासी संतोष प्रजापति ने अपनी बेटी की शादी मौदहा निवासी दयाराम प्रजापति के बेटे अरविंद से तय की थी. दोनों की शादी 18 मार्च को मुख्यमंत्री सामूहिक विवाह योजना के तहत संपन्न हुई. लेकिन लड़की के पिता चाहते थे कि बारात पारंपरिक तरीके से आए और बेटी की विदाई धूमधाम से की जाए. इसी वजह से दूल्हा गाजे-बाजे के साथ गांव पहुंचा.

जनता में अफवाह फैलने से दहशत फैल जाती है
बारात पहुंचने के बाद सब कुछ सामान्य था. दूल्हा-दुल्हन चाय-नाश्ता कर रहे थे और दूल्हा-दुल्हन फेरे ले रहे थे। तभी एक दूल्हे ने मजाक में कहा कि यह दूल्हे की तीसरी शादी है. यह खबर तेजी से फैली और दुल्हन पक्ष के लोगों में गुस्सा फैल गया। दुल्हन ने भी शादी समारोह बीच में ही रोक दिया और शादी से इनकार कर दिया.

समझाने की कोशिशें भी नाकाम रहीं
मामला बढ़ने पर दोनों पक्षों के बीच बहस शुरू हो गई। मौके पर मौजूद पूर्व मंत्री शिवचरण ने बीच-बचाव कर दोनों पक्षों को समझाने की कोशिश की, लेकिन कोई समाधान नहीं निकल सका. अंत में लड़की पक्ष ने बरातियों पर अभद्रता का आरोप लगाकर उन्हें वापस भेज दिया।

दूल्हे पक्ष ने लगाए गंभीर आरोप
दूल्हे के पिता दयाराम का कहना है कि उनके बेटे की पहले एक शादी हुई थी, जो तलाकशुदा थी और लड़की के परिवार को यह बात पहले से ही पता थी. उन्होंने आरोप लगाया कि द्वारचार के समय लड़की पक्ष ने एक लाख रुपये की मांग की और इनकार करने पर ‘तीसरी शादी’ की अफवाह फैला दी गई.

अफ़वाह और लालच के कारण टूटा रिश्ता!
यह मामला अब पूरे इलाके में चर्चा का विषय बन गया है. लोग इसे उदाहरण के तौर पर देख रहे हैं कि कैसे एक छोटी सी अफवाह या लालच दो परिवारों के रिश्तों को तोड़ सकता है.

Saroj KhanWho passed away on July 3, 2020, was considered one of the best choreographers indian cinema ever seen. Known for creating unforgettable dance sequences like ‘Ek Do Teen’ and ‘Dola Re Dola’, among many others, her professional achievements were monumental, but her personal life saw a lot of struggles and traumas. Yet, it was her passion for dance that helped her move forward. She was married at the age of just 13, but it was later revealed that the marriage was invalid. Forced to take up responsibilities early in life, he never had the chance to experience a carefree childhood. Interestingly, his entry into films was not planned but happened by chance.Recalling those early days, she had said in an interview with Prayas Se Kamyab Tak, “My father had died, and I had to run the household. I became a group dancer. I was studying and wanted to become a doctor, but God had other plans.”A defining moment in his journey came when he caught the attention of the famous dance director Sohanlal On a film set. He noticed that she was not only taking her prescribed steps, but was also matching dancer Helen’s steps perfectly. When he was asked to perform the entire routine, he did so with confidence and secured a position as his assistant at the age of just 12.However, his relationship with Sohanlal soon took a complicated turn. At the age of 13, she married him despite him being three decades older than her, only to later discover that he was already married and had four children, making their union illegal. By the age of 14, she was expecting her first child.Recalling that period in an interview with BBC, she said, “I didn’t know what marriage meant at that time. Just one day he put a black thread around my neck and I thought I was married.”Years later, in 1975, she again found favor with businessman Sardar Roshan Khan, who proposed to her. She agreed to marry him on the condition that he accept and adopt her children from a previous relationship. Saroj Khan, a Punjabi Hindu by birth, converted to Islam after marriage, honoring his request.Despite finding stability later in life, personal loss weighed on him. From her first marriage, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of a baby girl, who died within eight months of birth.