Dr. K.M. Cherian, a towering figure in Indian medical history and a renowned cardiac surgeon, passed away on Saturday night in Bengaluru at the age of 82. His sudden death cast a pall over the nation, leaving a void in the field of cardiology and beyond. He had travelled to Bengaluru to attend a wedding when he unexpectedly collapsed.

His daughter, Sandhya Cherian, confirmed the tragic news, stating that he was rushed to Manipal Hospitals, where he was pronounced dead at 11:55 pm. The medical community mourns the loss of a true giant, a pioneer whose contributions reshaped the landscape of cardiac surgery in India.

Dr. Cherian’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. His pioneering spirit led him to achieve what was once considered impossible in India. In 1975, he etched his name into the annals of medical history by becoming the first surgeon in the country to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

This groundbreaking achievement marked a turning point, paving the way for countless life-saving procedures and advancements in the field. His expertise and dedication earned him international acclaim, transcending geographical boundaries and establishing him as a leading authority in cardiac surgery.

His profound impact on the medical landscape is further exemplified by his instrumental role in the establishment and growth of the Madras Medical Mission (MMM) in Chennai. As Founder, Vice President, and Director of this leading healthcare institution, Dr. Cherian spearheaded its development into a centre of excellence for cardiac care. His vision and leadership nurtured a culture of innovation and excellence, shaping generations of medical professionals and leaving an indelible mark on the institution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Cherian was recognised for his exceptional qualities and numerous accolades. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London, an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991. These honours reflected not only his exceptional surgical skills but also his unwavering commitment to medical excellence and ethical practice.

Even in his final days, Dr. Cherian’s dedication to his profession and his unwavering belief in the importance of compassionate patient care shone through. Just a day before his passing, he participated in the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, where he shared his insights and experiences, emphasizing the crucial role of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship.

His words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring his dedication to ethical medical practice and leaving a lasting impression. The nation mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, a medical visionary whose contributions continue to shape the future of cardiac care in India. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The second T20I between India and England in Chennai witnessed a thrilling contest, ultimately decided by a masterful display of batting from India’s middle-order batsman, Tilak Varma. His unbeaten 72 runs proved to be the difference, a performance that even England’s pace bowling all-rounder, Brydon Carse, readily acknowledged in the post-match press conference.

Carse, reflecting on the match, conceded that despite England setting a challenging 166 runs and maintaining consistent pressure through wickets, Varma’s mature and calculated innings tipped the scales decisively in India’s favour. The victory secured a commanding 2-0 lead for India in the five-match series, leaving England with a significant uphill battle.

The match wasn’t just about Varma’s individual brilliance; it also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of England’s bowlers. While Carse himself contributed significantly with both bat (a quick 31 runs off 17 balls) and ball (three wickets), the spotlight fell heavily on Jofra Archer’s expensive spell. Archer conceded a hefty 60 runs in his four overs, a stark contrast to his impressive performance in the previous match.

Carse, however, offered a measured defence of his teammate, attributing Archer’s costly spell to a combination of factors rather than solely attributing blame. He pointed out that several of the boundaries conceded were well-struck shots over the keeper, highlighting the power and precision of the Indian batsmen. He emphasized that Archer’s overall performance wasn’t wholly negative; the expensive spell was an anomaly rather than representative of his capability. The sheer pace at which Archer bowls, Carse suggested, inherently carries a risk of such high-scoring overs.

Despite the defeat, Carse remained resolute about England’s aggressive strategy. He asserted that their approach, characterized by a commitment to taking risks in both batting and bowling during the power play, would remain unchanged. He acknowledged that room for improvement always exists, but stressed their intention to persist with this inherently high-risk, high-reward strategy. The lack of success so far, he indicated, does not warrant a change in their fundamental approach.

Looking ahead, Carse found some solace in the closely contested nature of the match. He viewed the narrow defeat as a positive learning experience, especially given the significance of close games in preparing for future tournaments, including the upcoming Champions Trophy. While acknowledging the disappointment of the loss, he emphasized the value gained from such high-pressure situations, believing that these experiences will be invaluable in their future performances.

The current predicament, however, is undeniable. With two consecutive defeats and only three matches remaining, England faces a daunting task. Carse recognized the lack of margin for error, stating that every remaining game would be a crucial battle. While acknowledging a degree of team disappointment, he expressed a sense of optimism, highlighting the improved performance compared to the first T20I as a building block for future success. The challenge is clear: win the next three matches to salvage the series.

Rashmika Mandanna takes on the monumental role of Maratha queen Yesubai Bhonsale in the highly anticipated historical drama Chhaava, sharing the screen with Vicky Kaushal, who portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film’s grand trailer launch on January 22 at Mumbai’s iconic Plaza Theatre showcased the cinematic spectacle to come, leaving Mandanna herself visibly moved.

Overwhelmed by the opportunity, Mandanna expressed her profound gratitude and jokingly declared her readiness for retirement after this career-defining role. “It is an honour. From a girl coming from the South to play Maharani Yesubai is the most privileged and special thing I could ask for in this lifetime,” she shared, her voice thick with emotion.

The weight of portraying such a significant historical figure was palpable, as she confessed the trailer itself brought her to tears. “I tell Laxman sir that after this, I am happy to retire,” she added, highlighting the immense responsibility and impact of the role. Her admiration for Kaushal was also evident, describing him simply as “God” in his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj.

The journey to embodying Yesubai Bhonsale was one of both excitement and apprehension. Mandanna recounted her initial shock at director Laxman Utekar’s offer, questioning how he could even consider her for such a pivotal part. “I remember being absolutely shocked how did Laxman sir even think of giving me a role like this to play? I just surrendered,” she explained.

The challenge was further amplified by the lack of direct references for portraying such a majestic and influential historical personality. She emphasized the importance of surrendering to the director’s vision and the rigorous preparation involved, particularly mastering the nuances of the language. Extensive rehearsals and unwavering dedication were key to bringing the character to life, she stressed.

Chhaava, a Maddock Films production with music composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, boasts an ensemble cast including Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Neil Bhoopalam, Santosh Juvekar, and Pradeep Rawat. The film is slated to hit theatres on February 14th, 2025, a strategic release timed to precede Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19th.

With its impressive cast, stunning visuals, and compelling narrative of a powerful historical period, Chhaava promises a cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences.