Varun Kulkarni, a talented actor who graced the screen in Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 blockbuster Dunki, is currently facing a severe health crisis. He is hospitalized, battling a serious kidney ailment that necessitates dialysis two to three times a week. The mounting medical expenses have placed an immense strain on him, prompting a heartfelt plea for assistance from his friend and fellow artist, Roshan Shetty.

Shetty’s emotional Instagram post details Kulkarni’s struggle, painting a picture of an artist grappling with the exorbitant costs of his treatment. The unpredictable nature of an actor’s income, coupled with the frequent and costly dialysis sessions and emergency hospital visits, has left Kulkarni in a precarious financial position. This situation is particularly poignant given his personal history. Orphaned at a young age, Kulkarni has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication, pursuing his passion for acting against significant odds.

His contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his role in Dunki. He has also appeared in acclaimed shows like Scam 1992 and The Family Man, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. Despite these achievements, the financial realities of his current medical emergency have overwhelmed his resources.

Shetty’s appeal underscores Kulkarni’s character, describing him as not only a brilliant artist but also a kind and selfless individual. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the significant impact even small contributions can have. He provides options for donating, including direct contact details for those personally acquainted with Kulkarni and a link to a Ketto crowdfunding page for broader participation.

The post concludes with a powerful call to action, encouraging everyone to contribute to Kulkarni’s recovery and return to the stage. It highlights the collaborative spirit within the artistic community, demonstrating the willingness to rally around one of their own during a time of profound need. The shared hope is to alleviate Kulkarni’s financial burden, enabling him to focus on his health and ultimately, return to the fulfilling world of acting. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many artists, and the crucial role of collective support in overcoming adversity.

A controversial decision overshadowed a rain-shortened Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and the Melbourne Stars on Wednesday night. The centre of the controversy was a stunning catch by Melbourne Stars fielder Tom Curran that was overturned by the third umpire, giving Sydney Thunder batsman Matthew Gilkes a reprieve and igniting a debate about the complexities of close catching decisions in modern cricket.

The incident occurred in the fourth over. Gilkes, seemingly caught behind by Curran’s diving effort at cover, was initially given out by the on-field umpire. The soft signal suggested a clean catch, but a review initiated by the Thunder revealed a crucial detail: the ball appeared to brush the turf before being securely grasped by Curran. Third umpire Michael Graham-Smith, after meticulous examination of replays, overturned the on-field decision, much to the chagrin of the Stars.

The decision sparked immediate commentary. Legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, providing analysis on Fox Cricket, highlighted the subjectivity inherent in such calls. He observed that the interpretation often depends on the perspective of the viewer – players and commentators alike – and that even if the catch appeared initially clean, the slightest contact with the ground is enough for the third umpire to rule it not out. Gilchrist pointed out a trend of these close catches being overturned this season across all formats of the game.

The controversy wasn’t confined to the immediate aftermath of the decision. During a lightning delay that shortened the match from 20 to 19 overs, Melbourne Stars batsman Hilton Cartwright offered his perspective.

He noted that the issue had even been a topic of conversation between himself and teammate Peter Handscomb the previous night. Cartwright conceded that while the ball undeniably touched the ground, the crucial point lies in whether Curran’s fingers were also beneath the turf at the moment of contact—an aspect obscured by the grass and extremely difficult to definitively ascertain from video replays.

He empathized with the third umpire’s difficult task, highlighting the increased scrutiny and frequency with which these close calls are overturned.

Gilkes, given a second chance on 22, added another six runs before eventually being dismissed for 28. Oliver Davies (36) and Sam Billings (24) were other significant contributors as the Thunder posted 7/135 from their revised 19 overs.

The Thunder’s victory now sets up a crucial semi-final against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Friday night, with a spot in the Big Bash final against the Hobart Hurricanes on the line. The match, however, will be remembered as much for the controversial catch that sparked a debate about the application of technology and the challenges of interpreting close calls in the fast-paced world of Twenty20 cricket.

On January 16, Saif Ali Khan’s life took an unexpected turn. A burglary attempt at his Bandra residence escalated into a violent attack, leaving the actor with six stab wounds. The incident, occurring around 2:30 am, immediately triggered a race against time. However, amidst the chaos and fear, a simple act of kindness would become a defining moment in the narrative.

Bhajan Singh Rana, an auto-rickshaw driver, found himself at the heart of this unfolding drama. A frantic call for help alerted him to the situation outside his gate. Without hesitation, Rana responded, unaware that his passenger was the renowned Bollywood actor.

Khan, despite his injuries, managed to walk to the auto-rickshaw, his primary concern being the travel time to Lilavati Hospital. Rana remembers Khan’s calm demeanour, contrasting sharply with the severity of his bleeding; his white kurta stained crimson from the wounds to his neck and back.

The short, tense journey to the hospital became a silent testament to both the actor’s resilience and the driver’s compassion. Rana, moved by the urgency and the actor’s condition, waived the fare. His only reward was the satisfaction of having provided crucial assistance during a critical moment.

Days later, a deeply moving reunion took place. Saif Ali Khan, now recovering, met with Rana at Lilavati Hospital before his discharge. The encounter was not merely a formal thank you; it was a demonstration of profound gratitude. Khan’s mother, Sharmila Tagore, joined the meeting, expressing her sincere appreciation and bestowing blessings upon the man who played such a vital role in her son’s recovery.

The meeting was a poignant reminder of human kindness amidst adversity. Khan’s words, promising to stay in touch and offering future help, encapsulated the genuine bond forged between the actor and his unexpected saviour.

Rana, in turn, described the encounter as deeply respectful, sharing that he had the honour of touching the feet of both Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore, and that they even took photos with him. The images captured a moment of genuine gratitude and mutual respect, a stark contrast to the violence that had preceded it.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police swiftly apprehended the attacker, 30-year-old Bangladeshi national Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, in Thane. He was subsequently remanded into police custody, facing charges related to the assault and burglary.

The incident, while highlighting the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals, also served as a testament to the unexpected kindness and quick thinking of ordinary citizens like Bhajan Singh Rana.