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Walls of hatred erected in name of religion, dissent stifled, is this the India we dreamt of? Naseeruddin Shah in Amnesty video

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In another statement certain to invite trolls once again, noted actor Naseeruddin Shah said walls of hatred are being erected in the name of religion in India and those who stand against this “injustice” are being punished, there is no space for dissent, artistes, scholars, poets are being stifled, journalists are being silenced.

The actor said this in a video released on Friday by Amnesty India against alleged government “crackdown” on NGOs.

In the 2 minute 13 second solidarity video for the human rights watchdog, Shah said those who demand rights are being locked up. “Artistes, actors, scholars, poets are all being stifled. Journalists too are being silenced,” he said in the video message.

“In the name of religion, walls of hate are being erected. Innocents are being killed. The country is awash with horrific hatred and cruelty,” he claimed.

He said that those who stood against this “injustice” were having their offices raided, licences cancelled and bank accounts frozen to silence them so that they were deterred from speaking the truth.

Last year, five prominent activists were arrested over their alleged involvement in the Bhima Koregaon violence.

In October last year, the Enforcement Directorate had raided Amnesty India’s headquarters and its director Aakar Patel’s residence in Bengaluru for allegedly receiving Rs 36 crore foreign funds from overseas in violation of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) guidelines.

In response to the raids, Amnesty had accused the Modi government of “treating” human rights groups like “criminal enterprises”. “We could not agree more with the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) when he says that periods of repression, like during the Emergency, have left a stain on India’s history. Sadly, those dark days are now casting a shadow over India again,” Amnesty had said in a statement.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1546693295859{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #e5e5e5 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]Naseeruddin Shah starts by talking about the adoption of Constitution in India and then expressing concern over the oppression of the poorest.

“The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th January 1949,” Shah said. (The Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949 and came into force on 26th January, 1950.)

He added, “From the beginning, its core value aimed at ensuring social, economic and political justice for everyone in India. For everyone have the liberty of thought, expression, faith and worship. For everyone to be treated equally. For every person’s right to life to be respected. In our country, those who helped save the homes, lands and livelihood of the poorest, those who speak not just responsibilities but of rights, and those who raise their voice against corruption-they are safeguarding that same Constitution.”

“But now, those who demand rights are being locked away. Artists, actors scholars, poets are all being stifled. Journalists too are being silenced. In the name of religion, walls of hate are being erected. Innocents are being killed. The country is awash with horrific hatred and cruelty. And those who stand against this injustice are having their office raided, their licence cancelled, their bank accounts frozen, their voice silenced. Only so that they are deterred from speaking the truth,” says Shah in the video.

“Is this where our country is headed? Had we dreamt of a country where there was no space for dissent, where only the rich and powerful are heard and where the poorest and most vulnerable are oppressed? Where there once was law, there is now only darkness,” he said in the video in Urdu.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Under the hashtag of #AbkiBaarManavAdhikaar, Amnesty said India had witnessed a massive crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights defenders.

“Let’s stand up for our constitutional values this new year and tell the Indian government that its crackdown must end now,” the Amnesty said.

Aakar Patel of Amnesty India, said it might seem that the odds were against human rights defenders and civil society in India at the moment, but human rights had always won and would this time also.

Shah had stoked a controversy last month in the wake of a mob violence that broke out in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr on December 3 over alleged cow slaughter when he had said that the death of a cow had more significance than that of a police officer.

The violence led to the death of two men, including police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh.

“I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks if you are you a Hindu or a Muslim, they will have no answer,” Shah had said.

Separately, a hate tracker initiative by IndiaSpend said about 98% (119) of hate crimes took place after 2014 when the BJP government led by Prime Minister #NarendraModi took charge at the Centre. In 280 religious identity-based #hatecrimes reported in India between Jan 2009 & Jan 04, 2019, at least 100 persons were killed & 692 injured. In 2018, of the 54 victims in 30 incidents, 70% were Muslims and 11% were adivasis. Of the 30 incidents, 20 were in BJP ruled states.

A graphic of incidents since 2009:

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India News

Pahalgam terror victim Vinay Narwal’s wife says don’t want people going after Muslims, Kashmiris

“We seek peace and justice,” Himanshi declared, wiping away tears. “Those responsible for his death must face punishment.”

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In a poignant address on Thursday, Himanshi Narwal, widow of Naval officer Lt. Vinay Narwal, urged unity and restraint, saying, “We don’t want anyone targeting Muslims or Kashmiris.”

Her voice steady yet heavy with grief, she spoke at a blood donation camp in Karnal, honouring her husband, who was tragically killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, just 10 days before his 27th birthday.

The couple, married only a week prior, was honeymooning when terrorists fatally shot Lt. Narwal at close range.

At the Karnal event, organized by the National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFAA), Himanshi and Lt. Narwal’s mother broke down while paying floral tributes.

Himanshi blew a kiss to her husband’s photograph, while his mother, hands folded in reverence, kissed the framed image. “We seek peace and justice,” Himanshi declared, wiping away tears. “Those responsible for his death must face punishment.”

The camp, held in the officer’s hometown, saw an outpouring of support from locals and beyond, reflecting the community’s shared sorrow.

Lt. Narwal’s sister, Shristi, expressed heartfelt thanks to attendees, noting, “People traveled long distances to donate blood, and we’ve received countless messages of support. The government’s response has been overwhelming.”

The event highlighted the officer’s legacy of service, with speakers emphasizing his enduring presence in the nation’s heart. NIFAA Chairperson Pritpal Singh Pannu remarked, “A young hero, destined to serve for decades, was stolen by terrorism. Soldiers shed blood to save lives; today, we donate blood to honor his sacrifice.”

A blood donor at the camp shared, “Lt. Narwal’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. Donating blood is our tribute, but nothing can fill the void he left.” The attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, at Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows, ranks among Kashmir’s deadliest civilian assaults in recent years.

India’s ongoing struggle with terrorism underscores the need for robust security measures, yet Himanshi’s call for peace resonates as a plea to avoid communal division.

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The Bhootnii social media reviews: Fans say horror isn’t scary, even ghosts deserve better scripts

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Bollywood’s fascination with horror-comedy remains undimmed, and The Bhootnii, starring Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Sunny Singh, and Beyounick, dives headfirst into this quirky genre. Helmed by director Sidhaant Sachdev, the film unfolds a peculiar tale of a college tree that conjures a ghost named Mohabbat each Valentine’s Day, blending supernatural antics with a romantic twist.

Released on April 25, 2025, The Bhootnii has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, with Mouni Roy’s standout performance earning raves even as the film grapples with a faltering storyline.

Online chatter has zeroed in on Roy’s captivating portrayal of Mohabbat, with fans showering her with praise. One enthused, “Mouni Roy is pure magic—her ghost is the soul of the film!” Another marveled at her dedication, noting, “Spending 45 days in a harness paid off; she’s mesmerizing in every frame.” A third fan gushed, “Mouni’s Mohabbat makes this chaotic horror-comedy worth watching—she’s a genre gem!” Roy’s ability to infuse the spectral role with both charm and intensity has cemented her as the film’s saving grace, striking a chord with viewers.

Critics, however, have skewered the film’s lackluster script, which struggles to balance scares and humor. One review sighed, “The horror fizzles, the comedy feels stale, and the plot wanders like a lost spirit.” Another jabbed, “The Bhootnii stumbles where Stree danced—its ghost needs a sharper story.” Sanjay Dutt’s belated appearance as an eccentric ghostbuster, armed with oddball tools and arcane wisdom, injects fleeting energy but fails to rescue the narrative. Faisal Khan’s sporadic comedic bits offer mild relief, yet many deem the film a disjointed effort, with one viewer quipping, “I left more haunted by the script than the ghost.”

Amid India’s thriving horror-comedy wave, The Bhootnii has fueled spirited online debates, reflecting the genre’s pull despite its uneven execution. While unlikely to claim cinematic glory, Roy’s luminous performance offers a beacon for fans willing to navigate its bumpy ride. For others, the film’s narrative pitfalls render it a spectral disappointment, underscoring the challenges of crafting a cohesive spooky-laugh riot.

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Bollywood news

Instagram head Adam Mosseri dances with influencers Sakshi Shivdasani, Naina Bhan to Bollywood song, video surfaces

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Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, showcased his playful side by joining actors Sakshi Shivdasani and Naina Bhan for a lively dance reel that lit up social media. Posted collaboratively on their Instagram accounts, the trio danced to the infectious Luv Letter by Kanika Kapoor from The Legend of Michael Mishra, a track dominating Instagram trends.

With Mosseri flanked by Sakshi and Naina, he gamely followed their choreography, bringing a lighthearted charm to the clip. Sakshi captioned the post with a cheeky nod to their podcast MOS, writing, “Naina and Sakshi have a podcast called MOS, so my name is @mosseri (we’re delusional).”

The reel sparked a flurry of reactions, with fans flooding the comments with laughter and admiration. One user exclaimed, “This video is unreal!” while another praised, “Love how carefree you all are!” A third simply declared, “Absolutely obsessed!” The spontaneous moment highlighted Instagram’s role as a platform for creative connections, bridging global executives with local talent.

Mosseri’s India visit, centered around the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai, has been a whirlwind of star-studded interactions.

On Wednesday, he dined with Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at Bandra’s Papa’s restaurant, sharing a selfie on Instagram captioned, “Met the charismatic @deepikapadukone and @ranveersingh in Bombay, savoring incredible food at @papasbombay.”

Deepika responded playfully, “What happens at @papasbombay stays there!” with emojis, while Ranveer added, “Good times!” with heartfelt emojis, reflecting their warm camaraderie.

That same day, Mosseri met content creator Prajakta Koli, who posted a photo on Instagram, writing, “Grateful for the chat, @mosseri!” His packed itinerary culminates on Friday with a high-profile interaction alongside actor Shraddha Kapoor at the WAVES Summit, a global platform celebrating media and innovation.

Mosseri’s engagement with India’s entertainment scene underscores Instagram’s growing influence in the country, where millions use the platform to share stories and connect. His visit, blending professional commitments with cultural immersion, highlights the app’s role in fostering creativity and collaboration across borders, resonating with India’s dynamic digital community.

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