During a recent event in Atlanta, Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan captivated attendees by singing the classic "Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan." This heartfelt performance left fans spellbound, showcasing his multifaceted talent beyond acting. The song, originally composed by his uncle Rajesh Roshan for the 1981 film "Yaarana," holds personal significance for Hrithik. At just eight years old, he influenced the song's final melody selection, a fact that adds depth to his connection with the track. This event underscores Hrithik's enduring charm and his ability to connect with audiences through both his acting and musical expressions. (PC: Instagram)

The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to Malayalam actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran regarding alleged financial discrepancies in his earnings from three 2022 films—Jana Gana Mana, Gold, and Kaduva. As both actor and co-producer, he reportedly earned around ₹40 crore without taking standard acting remuneration. Authorities are examining whether this structure was used to reduce tax liabilities, as co-production income is taxed differently. The notice comes amid ongoing ED scrutiny of L2: Empuraan's co-producer Gokulam Gopalan. Prithviraj has been asked to respond by April 29, 2025. (PC: The Hindu)    

British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 50, has been charged with rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault involving four women between 1999 and 2005, the Metropolitan Police confirmed Friday. Charges include rape in Bournemouth in 1999 and multiple assaults in Westminster between 2001 and 2005. Brand, who denies all allegations, stated on X: “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity… I now have the opportunity to defend these charges in court.” He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2. The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and affected individuals are urged to contact authorities. (PC: PA)

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his powerful portrayal of patriotism in Indian cinema, died at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his nationalistic films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti, he was a trailblazer in promoting patriotic themes through mainstream cinema. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015 for his cinematic contributions. Kumar passed away peacefully at his residence, leaving behind a legacy that deeply influenced Indian film and national identity. (PC: Wikipedia)  

Stocks fell sharply after the White House announced new tariffs. The S&P 500 dropped 3.8%, while the Nasdaq fell nearly 5%. Apple, down 8%, was hit hard due to its reliance on China for manufacturing. Amazon lost 7%, and Nike dropped 11%. Since January, US markets have fallen 10%, the worst start under a new president since 2001. European stocks also dropped. Shipping giant Maersk fell 9.5%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 lost 1.6%. France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX fell over 3%. Investors worry tariffs will hurt global trade. (PC: Getty)

Salman Khan’s latest film, Sikandar, has faced a disappointing box office performance, leading to widespread fan criticism on social media. The hashtag #SalmanKhanDoBetterFilms trended on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens urging him to choose stronger scripts and age-appropriate roles, comparing him to actors like Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal. The film saw a 50% drop in earnings on its fourth day, collecting ₹9.75 crore, bringing its total to ₹84.25 crore. Fans are calling for a shift in his film choices, hoping for a revival of his box office dominance with more meaningful projects. (PC: Instagram)  

Salman Khan's film Sikandar has seen a drop in collections but has still outperformed Sky Force. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the movie earned ₹158.5 crore worldwide in four days. On day four, it made ₹13.85 crore in India and ₹3.5 crore overseas, much lower than day three’s ₹27.16 crore and ₹8.10 crore. While Sikandar has surpassed Sky Force (₹149 crore lifetime), it is far behind Chhaava, which has earned ₹800 crore. Sikandar stars Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, and others. It tells the story of a kind man who stands against corruption.

Val Kilmer, the Hollywood actor renowned for playing Batman in Batman Forever (1995) and Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), passed away on April 1 in Los Angeles at 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed pneumonia as the cause of death. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but later recovered. Known for his charisma and versatility, he starred in Top Gun (1986), Tombstone (1993), and Heat (1995). Despite stepping away from Hollywood for a decade, his legacy as a leading man and a high-profile supporting actor remains influential. Fans and colleagues mourn his loss. (PC: AP)

Netflix's drama "Adolescence," depicting a 13-year-old boy's involvement in a fatal stabbing and the detrimental effects of social media, will be screened in UK secondary schools to foster discussions on online harm. With 66.3 million global views, the series has sparked significant debate in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports this initiative, aiming to educate students on misogyny, online radicalization, and healthy relationships. The charity Everyone’s Invited highlights the rise in child-on-child sexual abuse, advocating for education over social media bans to address misogynistic attitudes early. This effort underscores the collective responsibility to mitigate the negative influence of smartphones and harmful online content on children. (PC: AP photo & The Economic Times)

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan celebrated Eid with his family, sharing warm moments with his sons, Junaid Khan and Azad. The actor was seen distributing mithai and embracing his children in a heartfelt display of togetherness. Fans gathered outside his residence, and Aamir took time to click selfies and interact with them. Videos of the celebration, showing his signature humility and warmth, quickly went viral on social media. The actor’s Eid celebrations highlighted his deep bond with family and fans, making the festival even more special. (PC: Bollywood Helpline)