Bollywood actor Soha Ali Khan is making her return to acting with “Chhorii 2” after a seven-year break. She shares that her journey into parenthood led her to drift away from films, but she has since realized it’s time to rediscover her personal identity.

Soha, recognized for her roles in films like “Rang De Basanti,” “Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster,” “Tum Mile,” and “Ahista Ahista,” gave birth to her daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu in 2017 with her husband, actor and filmmaker Kunal Kemmu. Her last appearance on screen was in “Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3,” which came out in 2018.

Reflecting on her time away from the industry, she told PTI, “Honestly, becoming a parent consumed me entirely. I became so fixated on my child that I lost touch with films, friends, family, and even my husband. Now that she’s growing more independent, I feel the need to discover who I am again.”

Soha added, “I’ve come to realize that it’s important not to lose oneself. I was one of those who did, and now I’m on a journey to rediscover myself. I love acting, and while I took a break, I’m excited to be back.”

When approached by director Vishal Furia and producer Vikram Malhotra to portray the antagonist in “Chhorii 2,” the 46-year-old actress eagerly accepted the role.

“The actress in me was thrilled at the prospect of playing an antagonist, and I have a passion for horror. It’s such a captivating genre that, when done well, can leave a lasting impression. I remember watching my first horror film at a young age—I was so frightened that I couldn’t sleep for three months! That’s the power of good horror,” she reminisced.

The original “Chhorii,” released in 2021, focused on a pregnant woman named Sakshi, played by Nushratt Bharuccha, who faces malevolent spirits targeting her unborn child. It was a remake of Furia’s 2017 Marathi film “Lapachhapi.”

The sequel continues Sakshi’s story and premieres on Prime Video, bringing back familiar characters while introducing new elements of fear.

Despite her enthusiasm for the role, Soha initially had reservations about her appearance as an antagonist. “I was concerned about how I would portray a slightly monstrous character; I didn’t want it to appear poorly executed or cliché. Indian horror has a unique way of being represented,” she admitted.

“Yet, it was a leap of faith. I trust my team completely, and I’m delighted with the results. After seeing the film, it has far exceeded my expectations,” she concluded.

“Chhorii 2” is a collaborative effort from T-Series, Abundantia Entertainment, Psych, and Tamarisk Lane Productions.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla fulfilled a promise he made six years ago by participating in the wedding rituals of the daughter of a martyr from Pulwama, held in Kota, Rajasthan. He took part in the traditional ceremonies typically performed by the bride’s uncle or her mother’s brother.

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’. He is the representative of the Kota-Bundi constituency in Parliament and attended the wedding of 25-year-old Reena, the daughter of Hemraj Meena, who died in the Pulwama attack, in the Sangod area of Kota.

Who was Hemraj Meena?

Hemraj Meena served as a head constable in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was from Vinod Kalan village in Sangod, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife, Madhubala Meena, and their daughter Reena. Hemraj lost his life in the 2019 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

In the wake of Hemraj’s death, Om Birla pledged to support his family. Since then, he has been actively involved in their lives, celebrating festivals and providing assistance.

At the wedding, Birla played a significant role by presenting a ceremonial ‘odhni’ and other gifts to Madhubala, while also honouring the memory of Hemraj Meena and taking part in numerous wedding rituals. State Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar accompanied him at the event.

Birla expressed his emotions about the occasion by sharing photos from the ceremony on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “My heart is filled with pride and joy that our daughter Reena is now going to start her new life. This moment is not only emotionally significant for the family but also a source of pride, as it reflects the love, values, and aspirations that have come to fruition. The unique sacrifice and unwavering dedication of Martyr Hemraj Meena Ji to our nation continue to inspire us all.”

He concluded by wishing for Reena’s married life to be filled with love, trust, and harmony, praying that she always finds happiness, prosperity, and respect in her new journey.

In a visually distinct appearance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took the field in green jerseys instead of their traditional red-and-black colours during their IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. The reason? A sustainability campaign aimed at encouraging the plantation of more trees.

Speaking at the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar explained the significance of the green kit.

“This (green jersey) is to raise awareness to plant more trees,” he said, confirming that RCB would bowl first and play an unchanged XI for match 28 of the tournament.

RCB’s green jersey initiative is not new to fans of the franchise. It has been a recurring feature over multiple seasons of the IPL, often worn during one designated home or away game. The objective is to promote environmental consciousness, especially in urban centres, by delivering a simple yet powerful message — “Go Green.”

This year, the campaign gained added visibility with the team playing in Jaipur, and the vibrant green jerseys provided a sharp contrast against Rajasthan Royals’ trademark pink kit.

Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl against RR in their crucial IPL 2025 match in Jaipur. Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted a total of 173 with the help of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 75. Dhruv Jurel added a late flourish to the RR innings, smasing 35 off 23.