India
Much-Watch Bollywood Films Releasing in May 2024
Thanks to top-notch storytelling and rapid advancements in film technology, a touch of diversity is often evident in Bollywood releases. And, this influx of Hindi cinema with diverse genres is observed throughout the year. As a result, film enthusiasts throughout the subcontinent eagerly anticipate the latest Bollywood movies. Let’s take a sneak peek into the must-see Bollywood film lineup for May 2024.
Most Hyped Bollywood Movies Coming This May
Pyar Ke Do Naam | Romantic Drama | May 3, 2024
Written, directed, and co-produced by Danish Javed, the film stars Bhavya Sachdeva, Ankita Sahu, Namita Lal, and Kanika Gautam. This captivating love story unfolds at the iconic Aligarh Muslim University, where two scholars, Aryan and Kaira, clash over their beliefs in togetherness versus commitment during a prestigious peace seminar. The expression of the screenplay embodies the ideologies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
Srikanth | Biographical Drama | May 10, 2024
This film chronicles the journey of Srikanth Bolla, an Indian industrialist who founded Bollant Industries despite being visually impaired. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, it features Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, alongside Alaya F, Jyothika, Jameel Khan, and Sharad Kelkar.
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‘Srikanth’ follows Blind Srikanth's journey to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his establishment of Bollant Industries. The storyline portrays his pursuit of goals for the visually impaired while facing entrepreneurial challenges and navigating personal sacrifices. Through this life struggle the obstacles overcome by the blind in academics and business are highlighted.
Tipppsy | Adventure-Thriller | May 10, 2024
The film, directed by and starring Deepak Tijori, takes its title from the initials of five girls' names in the movie. ‘T’ stands for Tanya, ‘I’ for Iris, ‘P’ for Pony, ‘S’ for Seline, and ‘Y’ for Yami.
Natasha Suri, former Miss World India, portrays Tanya. Nazia Hussain, Sanjay Dutt's niece, plays Iris, a tomboyish DJ and the bossy among the group. Alankrita Sahai takes on the role of Pony, while Sonia Birje, also a DJ and daughter of Hemant Birje, plays the role of Seline, an independent and adventurous woman. And, Lastly, Kainaat Arora portrays Yami, a Haryanvi character.
Read more: Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing in April 2024
The girls started journey to visit Goa for Pony's bachelorette party, but things take a turn for the worse.
Kartam Bhugtam | Psychological Thriller | May 17, 2024
Directed and written by Soham P. Shah, the film stars Shreyas Talpade and Vijay Raaz in lead roles, with Madhoo and Aksha Pardasany in the supporting roles.
The story revolves around the immutable laws of karma and destiny, deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology. It offers a cinematic exploration of the belief that every individual's actions inevitably shape their future.
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PM Hasina likely to travel to India and China in first bilateral visits since forming new govt
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to embark on bilateral visits to New Delhi and Beijing within the next three months, marking her first such engagements after the January 7 national election. These visits are aimed at deepening Bangladesh's connections with India and China, Asia's two leading economic powers.
Following the formation of the new government, Prime Minister Hasina attended the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February, highlighting her active engagement on the global stage.
Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasina's visit to India is planned after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s national election, which is the world's largest democratic exercise, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count set for June 4.
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Pre-election surveys suggest a strong showing for the coalition led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely anticipated to secure re-election.
"Prime Minister's (Sheikh Hasina) India visit will definitely take place. However, it will take place after the election in India," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said.
He said it is not yet discussed at the official level when the visit will exactly take place.
In January, Prime Minister Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh.
The last bilateral engagement between PM Modi and PM Hasina occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was the guest country.
PM Hasina pays tribute to Father of the Nation on Independence Day
PM Modi is expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC country leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Additionally, PM Hasina's forthcoming visit to China in July was underscored during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China's commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations.
Ambassador Yao emphasised the significance of the visit in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh's aspirations for "Vision 2041" and the realisation of a "Smart Bangladesh."
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Bangladesh to provide 190 acres of land in Kurigram for Bhutanese investors; discussion to import hydropower underway
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh will allocate 190 acres of land in Kurigram for a special economic zone for Bhutanese investors.
He said Bangladesh wants to import hydropower from Bhutan and a tripartite agreement is required to bring the electricity through India.
"We are in discussion to that end," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
He said Bhutan has a potential of producing 25,000 megawatts of hydropower.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh will also import hydropower from Nepal and things are settled regarding that initiative.
Hasan said Bangladesh will construct a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu as a goodwill gesture which also demonstrates the country’s capacity.
He also briefed about the visit of the Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Three new MoUs will be signed between Bangladesh and Bhutan while another MoU on cultural exchange will be renewed, said the Foreign Minister.
The new MoUs will be on establishing a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, Specialized Economic Zone in Kurigram and technological cooperation consumers’ rights protection.
The King, along with Bhutanese Foreign, Health, Industry and Commerce Ministers and the Bhutanese Queen, is scheduled to arrive on Monday morning on a four-day visit demonstrating the strong relations that Bangladesh and Bhutan have developed steadily since 1971.
"We have multifaceted relations with Bhutan," Minister Hasan said, adding that there is scope for boosting trade through transit and signing preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Bhutan.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and the First Lady will receive the King amid gun salute and guard of honour.
The King is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10 am on Monday by a special flight, a senior official told UNB.
This is going to be the first VVIP visit to Bangladesh after the formation of new government following January 7 national election.
After the ceremony at the airport, he will go to Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On Monday afternoon, the Bhutanese King will have a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. They will have a one-to-one meeting.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will meet the King at his place of residence the same day before the meeting with the Prime Minister.
On Tuesday, the King will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar.
The King will also visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
He will visit Bangabhaban where he will be received by the president and the first lady.
The King will have a meeting with the president at 4:30 pm on Tuesday.
The president will host iftar and dinner in honour of the visiting royal.
On Wednesday morning, the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and selected Bhutanese delegation members will leave Bangladesh for Bhutan by a special flight.
Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Rehana and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will see them off at the airport.
The Bhutanese King will visit Padma Bridge and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj.
On Thursday, the King will visit Kurigram Special Economic Zone.
He will leave Bangladesh territory for Golakganj, Assam via Sonahat Land Port on Thursday afternoon.
Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, state minister for shipping, will see him off there.
The 4th King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, sent a letter of congratulations to the prime minister recently saying under her dynamic and strong leadership, Bangladesh has enjoyed peace, stability and unprecedented economic development.
He also termed Bhutan as a "close friend" and rejoiced with the people of Bangladesh on this occasion.
Bhutan was the first country to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on December 6 in 1971 when the 3rd King of Bhutan sent a message of recognition by telegram.
Since then Bangladesh and Bhutan share a special multidimensional bilateral relationship. Immediately after the independence, the Bhutanese government took initiative to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and, consequently, formal diplomatic relations was established on 12 April 1973.
Rizvi says ‘India out’ campaign people’s protest against the country’s influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape
In a fervent critique of the ruling Awami League (AL), BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, charged the government with sacrificing the nation's independence and dignity in exchange for support from the Indian government. Rizvi’s allegations were made during a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
Rizvi claimed that AL does not seek the mandate of the Bangladeshi people, instead “clinging to power through the backing of the Modi government and entering into bonds of subjugation.”
He further accused the AL of perceiving Bangladesh as a “dummy state,” alleging that the real power behind the AL is not the people of Bangladesh but India. By supporting the Awami League, India is exercising control over Bangladesh, infringing upon the rights of its citizens,” Rizvi added.
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Highlighting concerns over foreign influence, Rizvi said, “It is believed that India dictates the appointments of crucial positions like the chief of Bangladesh Police and BGB, undermining our sovereignty.”
Rizvi also pointed to statements made by Indian foreign ministry officials expressing support for the Awami League ahead of the January 7 national election. “The notion of our sovereignty is being compromised under the guise of stability under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,” he stated.
The BNP leader criticized the Awami League’s acceptance of India’s alleged dominance, declaring that “people of Bangladesh will never accept the supremacy of India, even if the AL leaders have.” He clarified that the BNP's dispute lies not with the people of India but with the Indian government’s policies towards Bangladesh.
Rizvi also said the “India out” campaign is gaining momentum in Bangladesh, saying that it is people’s protest against the country’s influence.
Addressing the Awami League’s reaction to the campaign, Rizvi mentioned that AL leader Obaidul Quader found the social media movement “not expedient,” implying discomfort within the ruling party regarding the public’s dissent towards India’s role in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
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‘No compromise’: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah defends Citizenship Amendment Act
In a strong response to the growing opposition against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Indian Home Minister Amit Shah declared the legislation irrevocable. He affirmed the BJP-led government’s steadfast stance during remarks reported by NDTV, emphasising, “This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country. We will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back.”
Shah’s comments come in the wake of criticism from the opposition coalition INDIA, particularly a Congress politician who suggested the law would be repealed if they were elected. Shah confidently countered, acknowledging the opposition's recognition of their limited chances at the polls. “Even the INDIA alliance knows that it will not come into power. CAA has been brought by the BJP and the Narendra Modi-led government. It is impossible to repeal it. We will spread awareness about it in the whole nation so that those who want to repeal it do not get a place,” he stated.
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The Indian home minister robustly defended the constitutionality of the CAA, dismissing allegations of it violating the nation’s constitution. He elucidated on the law’s compatibility with Article 14, explaining, “They always talk about Article 14. They forget that there are two clauses in that Article. This law does not violate Article 14. There is a clear, reasonable classification here. This is a law for those who, due to partition, remained in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and were facing religious persecution and decided to come to India.”
Shah further clarified BJP’s motives behind the enactment of the CAA, stating there is “no question of political gain as the BJP’s main aim is to provide rights and justice to persecuted minorities coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.”
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Addressing the concerns of the country’s minorities, Shah reassured, “I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken on it in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen.” He elaborated on the CAA’s objective to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants – Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians – who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, aiming to alleviate their suffering.
In a critique of opposition leaders like AIMIM’s Asaddudin Owaisi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah condemned their claims that the CAA was anti-Muslim, highlighting a broader political discourse surrounding the legislation.
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India announces steps to implement a citizenship law that excludes Muslims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Monday (March 11, 2024) announced rules to implement a 2019 citizenship law that excludes Muslims, weeks before the Hindu nationalist leader seeks a third term in office.
The Citizenship Amendment Act provides a fast track to naturalization for Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians who fled to Hindu-majority India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan before Dec. 31, 2014. The law excludes Muslims, who are a majority in all three nations.
The law was approved by Indian Parliament in 2019, but Modi’s government had held off with its implementation after deadly protests broke out in capital New Delhi and elsewhere. Scores were killed during days of clashes.
The nationwide protests in 2019 drew people of all faiths who said the law undermines India’s foundation as a secular nation. Muslims were particularly worried that the government could use the law, combined with a proposed national register of citizens, to marginalize them.
The National Register of Citizens is part of Modi government’s effort to identify and weed out people it claims came to India illegally. The register has only been implemented in the northeastern state of Assam, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has promised to roll out a similar citizenship verification program nationwide.
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Modi’s government has defended the 2019 citizenship law as a humanitarian gesture. It argues that the law is meant only to extend citizenship to religious minorities fleeing persecution and would not be used against Indian citizens.
“These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation,” Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
India’s main opposition Congress party questioned the announcement, saying “the timing right before the elections is evidently designed to polarise the elections.”
Human rights watchdog Amnesty India in a statement called the law “discriminatory” and said it “goes against the constitutional values of equality and international human rights law.” It said the law “legitimises discrimination based on religion” and is “exclusionary in its structure and intent.”
India is home to 200 million Muslims who make up a large minority group in the country of more than 1.4 billion people. They are scattered across almost every part of India and have been targeted in a series of attacks that have taken place Modi first assumed power in 2014.
Critics say Modi’s conspicuous silence over anti-Muslim violence has emboldened some of his most extreme supporters and enabled more hate speech against Muslims.
Modi has increasingly mixed religion with politics in a formula that has resonated deeply with India’s majority Hindu population. In January, he opened a Hindu temple at the site of a demolished mosque in northern Ayodhya city, fulfilling his party’s long-held Hindu nationalist pledge.
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Most poll surveys suggest Modi will win a majority in a general election that is scheduled to be held by May.
Tragic Smile: Did a cosmetic surgery mishap kill a groom-to-be?
In a tragic incident in Hyderabad’s upscale Jubilee Hills, a man’s quest for a perfect smile ahead of his wedding ended in tragedy. Laxmi Narayana Vinjam, 28, lost his life during a “smile designing” procedure at a local dental clinic on February 16, police disclosed.
The bereaved father, Ramulu Vinjam, has pointed fingers at the clinic, alleging a fatal anesthesia overdose during the surgery. According to an NDTV report, the devastating turn of events unfolded when the clinic’s staff frantically contacted him after his son succumbed during the operation.
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“We rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival,” Ramulu recounted. The sudden loss was compounded by the fact that the family was unaware of Laxmi Narayana’s decision to undergo the procedure. “He had no health issues. The doctors are responsible for his death,” the grieving father asserted.
Following the family’s complaint, authorities have launched a negligence investigation against the clinic, with a meticulous review of hospital records and security footage underway. “We are checking the hospital records and security camera footage,” officials confirmed, signaling a thorough probe into the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
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India allows onion export to Bangladesh, 5 other countries
The Indian government has decided to give an exemption for Bangladesh, as well as five other countries, from its ban export of onions, up to a certain amount.
This permission has been given on the recommendation of the Ministry of External Affairs of the country.
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Along with Bangladesh, India has also allowed the export of onions to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bahrain, and Mauritius. However, New Delhi has not yet taken any decision on the complete withdrawal of the ban imposed on onion exports.
On Monday (February 19), the Indian newspaper Economic Times reported that India officially allowed the export of onions to Bangladesh and some other countries.
An Indian official related to this issue said that the export of onions in limited quantities to these countries has been allowed for bilateral purposes. However, the official could not tell the exact amount of onion that has been allowed to be exported.
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Dhaka, Delhi discuss using non-lethal weapons to ensure zero border killing: FM
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said both Bangladesh and India discussed using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero.
"He (Indian FM) agreed with me that there will be no border killing if non-lethal weapons are used," Dr Hasan told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The issue of border killings was discussed during his bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on February 7.
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Both sides agreed to enhanced cooperation between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) and using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero.
Dr Hasan emphasised on early conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, aiming to strengthen water cooperation between Bangladesh and India.
He also stressed the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty that will expire in 2026.
Responding to a question on Teesta issue, Dr Hasan said the Indian central government has no problem regarding Teesta water sharing but the State government is not yet on-board.
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He said the two countries take forward the discussion on Teesta water sharing after the India's elections in the coming months.
Foreign Minister Hasan requested his Indian counterpart to withdraw tariff and non-tariff barriers for Bangladesh's exports, as well as ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh for maintaining price stability, especially during Ramadan.
India wants to see weak democracy in Bangladesh: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that India wants fragile democracy in Bangladesh since it has extended support to last month's election which was rejected by the people and the most democratic countries.
“The foreign minister said (Thursday) that India has supported the election (held on January 7) to maintain the continuity of democracy," he said.
Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi questioned whether India wants plastic democracy in its neighbouring countries.
Bangladeshi citizens in extreme insecurity along Myanmar border: Rizvi
He claimed that it was recognised by the entire world that the stage-managed and rigged 12th parliamentary election in Bangladesh was rejected and boycotted by the country’s people.
“If that election is fair... if that election helps maintain the continuation of democracy and if India supports that election as per the assertion of the foreign minister, then we have to think that India wants a steel-like strong democracy in its own country, but it wants a plastic democracy in Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said.
Rizvi said, the government is loudly saying which countries are congratulating them and supporting the election. “It has manifested that they’re an isolated government without public support.
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He also said the ministers of the government are bragging about the support of other countries out of their fear of losing power as people boycotted the last polls.
The BNP leader said the current Awami League government is unable to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country as it was not formed with public support. “It is now visible. In the age of technology, every person is now watching how the mortar shells are coming (from Myanmar), killing the people of Bangladesh. But the government is silent. It even can’t give a statement (protesting the border incidents)."
He said the government could not set an example of keeping the independence and sovereignty of the country intact through diplomatic efforts and lodging strong protests. "It has proved once again that the world doesn’t care about a government which lacks public support."
Rizvi alleged that BNP leaders and workers are being subjected to various repression and harassment in jails.
Khaleda taken to Evercare Hospital for health check-ups
“The country's jails are overcrowded with BNP leaders and activists and the jails are accommodating inmates several times more than their capacity. Prison cells have been turned into suffocating concentration camps,” he observed.
The BNP leader alleged that over-enthusiastic officials are oppressing the jailed BNP leaders and workers by depriving them of all the facilities they deserve as per the jail code.