Ranbir Kapoor opens up on playing both Lord Rama and Parashurama in Ramayana: “It was fantastic”

The anticipation surrounding Ramayana continues to grow, especially after the teaser featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram was unveiled in the United States earlier this week. During the event, the actor interacted with the media and offered insights into one of the most intriguing aspects of the film—his dual role as both Lord Rama and Lord Parashurama in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious magnum opus.

While Ranbir Kapoor is primarily expected to portray Lord Rama, reports suggest that he will also be seen as Lord Parashurama in a brief yet significant appearance. The actor spoke about the mythological connection between the two characters, both of whom are considered incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

“Lord Vishnu had different avatars. Lord Rama was an avatar, and Lord Parshurama was an avatar before Lord Rama." Sharing his excitement about getting the opportunity to portray both roles, Ranbir highlighted how rare and creatively fulfilling the experience has been for him as an actor. “Just to get the opportunity, you know, how I got to play Lord Rama, to also play Lord Parshurama was fantastic. I think as an actor, apart from body language, I think if you deeply understand the spirituality and the emotionality of the characters, I think everything starts from there. I think that’s what I did the year leading up to the shoot of Ramayana, to understand who these people and characters are, what they stand for and what their motives are."

Ranbir Officially Confirms He is Playing Bhagwan Parshuram!#Ramayana pic.twitter.com/n2WxVroeP0 — RK🐰 (@rksbunny) April 3, 2026

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being mounted on a grand scale and is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious adaptations of the ancient Indian epic. The film aims to bring the timeless story of Lord Rama—his journey, ideals, and battle against evil—to a global audience with cutting-edge visuals and a large ensemble cast.

The inclusion of Parashurama, an earlier avatar of Vishnu known for his fierce temperament and warrior spirit, adds an additional mythological layer to the narrative. Though expected to appear briefly, the character holds symbolic importance within the larger context of the epic.

Ranbir Kapoor’s preparation for the role has reportedly involved extensive physical training as well as a deep dive into the philosophical and emotional underpinnings of the characters. His emphasis on understanding spirituality reflects the film’s attempt to go beyond spectacle and present a more nuanced portrayal of these revered figures.

As excitement builds around the project, Ramayana continues to remain one of the most closely watched films in development, with audiences eager to see how this iconic tale is reimagined for the big screen.

Also Read: Ramayana: Dipika Chikhlia reacts to Lord Rama’s teaser; says, “It’s very grand, very beautiful,” says OG Sita

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SCOOP: Sequel of Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen likely to be titled Queen Forever

A few days ago, reports came in that the sequel to Kangana Ranaut’s iconic film, Queen (2014), is in the works. According to the article in Mid-Day, the film will be directed by Vikas Bahl, who also helmed the first part, and is set to go on floors in April. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the film won't be called Queen 2 and that the makers have a title in mind.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers had several options for the film’s title and the one that has really caught their eye is Queen Forever. If all goes well, this will be what the film will be called.”

The source continued, “The makers feel Queen Forever is the apt title and that it suits the film’s subject. They are expected to finalize it very soon and make an official announcement, hopefully before the film’s shoot begins.”

Bollywood Hungama has also learned that Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Entertainment will be producing Queen Forever. His banner, Trigger Happy Studios, earlier produced the Farhan Akhtar-starrer 120 Bahadur along with Excel Entertainment.

As per the Mid-Day story, in Queen’s sequel, Kangana Ranaut’s character, Rani, will not go to foreign shores. Instead, she’ll travel to different cities across India while also embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

About Queen Besides Kangana Ranaut, Queen also starred Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Haydon, Nayani Dixit and others. It was produced by Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap of Phantom Films, along with Viacom18 Motion Pictures, and told the story of a girl left devastated after her fiancé calls off their wedding at the last minute. Nevertheless, she decides to go on her honeymoon alone. How this trip transforms her life completely formed the rest of the film.

Queen emerged as a pathbreaking film and was loved for its subject, progressive theme, treatment, award-winning performance by Kangana Ranaut and music by Amit Trivedi. The film opened at just Rs. 1.75 crores and then went on to earn Rs. 61 crores in its lifetime through sheer word of mouth. It was also a rare film in the 2010s to collect more in Week 2 than in Week 1.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal, Kangana Ranaut and others shower love on Dhurandhar franchise; applaud Aditya Dhar and his work

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BREAKING: Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D to re-release on April 24

In the pre-Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) era, it was Dev D (2009) that made Anurag Kashyap a force to reckon with. It attained a cult following and 17 years after its release, it's all set to re-release in cinemas on April 24.

As per an article in Bombay Times, the Abhay Deol-Kalki Koechlin-Mahie Gill starrer will be back on the big screen, but only in select theatres. It also carried quotes of Anurag Kashyap, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin and music director Amit Trivedi. Anurag said, “To see Dev D return to the big screen feels special. It’s a film meant to be experienced collectively with Amit Trivedi’s music and Rajeev Ravi’s cinematography powering the narrative. I am curious to see how the new generation responds to it.”

Kalki Koechlin revealed, “I remember being so nervous about my Hindi lines that every morning on set, I would practise all my vowels and consonants in Devanagari to get the pronunciation right. The best part about shooting the film was not knowing anything about filmmaking, because it meant I didn’t care about the camera angle or how I looked on camera.”

Interestingly, it was lead actor Abhay Deol who suggested the idea of the film to Anurag. He explained, “I remember when I would narrate the idea of Dev D, the most common reaction I got was that it was ‘too arty’ to be made. When I narrated it to Anurag, I didn’t tell him it was a contemporary treatment. I just narrated a love story. He did not guess what I was actually narrating, and when I revealed that it was a contemporary Devdas, he went quiet for 20 minutes, imagining it in his head. He loved the idea of treating it with a musical score that would take the story forward, one song at a time. Although he went with a different ending (my idea remains Dev dying in the end), my thought was to call out Devdas’ misogyny and highlight the women’s resilience. It’s my only idea that got made into a movie.”

Amit Trivedi’s career also got a boost with Dev D. He stated, “Each song was deeply rooted in the narrative, whether it was the wild energy of ‘Emosanal Attyachaar’ or the quiet ache of ‘Nayan Tarse’. When the film was released, something shifted for me and helped me find my voice as a composer.”

About Dev D Dev D was a contemporary reimagining of the classic Bengali novel Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and was produced by Ronnie Screwvala. While Abhay Deol played Dev, Mahie Gill essayed the role of Paro. Kalki Koechlin was launched with this film and she played Chanda. Nawazuddin Siddiqui featured in an entertaining cameo as a band singer in the song ‘Emosanal Attyachar’.

Also Read: Tanuja picks ‘director’ Aditya Dhar over Ranveer Singh as the hero of ‘Dhurandhar’; calls it a ‘landmark’ film in fun review with Tanishaa Mukerji

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SCOOP: Awarapan 2 locks Independence Day 2026 release; Emraan Hashmi returns as Shivam

The Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani led Awarapan 2 is among the keenly awaited films of 2026. A sequel to Awarapan, the film has been trending on Book My Show and Instagram as the makers had earlier announced an April 3 release. Since the shoot is still pending, we have exclusively learnt that a new release date of Awarapan 2 is locked.

Reliable sources confirm that Awarapan 2 is all set to hit the big screen during the Independence Day 2026 weekend. "Awarapan 2 has shaped up well as a musical intense love story with Emraan Hashmi, and Disha Patani. The makers were considering several release dates, and have finally decided on Independence Day weekend," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

Awarapan 2 is presently on floors, and the shoot is expected to be wrapped up by the end of April. Following two months of post-production, the makers are all set to bring it during the festive period of Independence Day.

For those unaware, Awarapan has gained a cult status over the years, with songs becoming evergreen for the cinema-going audiences. For the sequel too, the makers have recreated two songs from the original album, and they are said to be among the major highlights. Awarapan 2 is directed by Nitin Kakkar.

Also Read: REVEALED: Not Emraan Hashmi or Akshay Kumar, this actor plays Bade Sahab in Dhurandhar The Revenge

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Rajpal Yadav faces fresh legal heat: Delhi High Court reserves verdict in Rs. 6 crores cheque bounce dispute

Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has once again found himself in legal trouble, with the Delhi High Court reserving its verdict in an ongoing cheque bounce case filed by a private company.

The matter was heard on Thursday, where the court appeared visibly dissatisfied with the actor’s changing stance on clearing his dues. The judge indicated that while Yadav claimed he was ready to pay, his legal team’s arguments suggested otherwise, creating confusion around his actual position.

During the proceedings, the court questioned why the case was still being argued if the actor was genuinely willing to settle the amount. The judge also refused to grant additional time when Yadav requested 30 days to arrange Rs. 6 crores, making it clear that no further delays would be entertained.

This case dates back to 2024, when a sessions court had found Yadav guilty in a cheque bounce matter and sentenced him to six months in jail. The High Court had later paused his sentence after he assured that he would resolve the dispute financially, even referring the matter to mediation for a possible settlement.

However, the situation escalated when the court observed that multiple assurances made by the actor were not fulfilled. Despite seeking time on several occasions, Yadav reportedly failed to deposit key amounts he had committed to, including a significant sum he had proposed to pay in instalments.

By early 2026, the court had taken a stricter stance, directing him to surrender due to non-compliance with its orders. His plea for more time was turned down, leading to his surrender in February. He remained in custody until he secured temporary relief after depositing ₹1.5 crore with the complainant.

During the latest hearing, the company’s legal representative argued that completing a jail sentence does not cancel the responsibility to repay the pending amount. It was also pointed out that a large portion of the agreed money still remains unpaid, with dues reportedly standing at around Rs. 7.75 crores, even after earlier payments.

The court explored the possibility of resolving the matter through a one-time settlement and suggested a reduced figure of Rs. 6 crores. The complainant showed openness to this proposal, indicating a willingness to close the case if the amount was paid promptly.

Yadav, who appeared via video conference, stated that he would follow any direction issued by the court regarding payment. At the same time, he claimed to have suffered heavy financial losses, mentioning that he had already paid a much larger amount and even sold multiple properties to manage his obligations.

Despite these claims, the court remained firm on its stance and declined to allow more time for payment. With both sides unable to reach a final agreement during the hearing, the court decided to reserve its judgment, bringing the high-profile case to a crucial turning point.

Also Read: Radha Yadav recalls meeting Rajpal Yadav in Canada: “We didn’t know at that time that we would get married”

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EXCLUSIVE: R Madhavan sneaks into Mumbai’s Chitra Cinema to watch Dhurandhar The Revenge; here’s how he made sure moviegoers didn’t realize he was seated among them

For a celebrity, watching their own film in a theatre is always a risk, as there’s the fear of being recognized by the audience, which can lead to chaos. This is especially true in single-screen cinemas. But at the same time, that’s where one gets to witness the most electric audience response. Two days ago, on April 1, R Madhavan weighed the pros and cons and took the plunge. He watched his film, Dhurandhar The Revenge, with the audience at a single-screen theatre in Mumbai. Usually, actors prefer visiting G7, aka Gaiety-Galaxy. However, R Madhavan chose Chitra Cinema in Dadar instead.

Yesterday, on April 2, film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi posted a story where the actor can be seen enjoying the film. Sometime later, he also posted a picture where R Madhavan is seen posing with Akshaye Rathi and a few more friends in the lobby of Chitra.

After the story and post were uploaded, Bollywood Hungama spoke to Akshaye Rathi. He said, “R Madhavan was keen to get a first-hand experience of how the audience was reacting to Dhurandhar The Revenge. That’s why we chose Chitra Cinema. It attracts the masses and, at the same time, its sound, picture quality and seating are top-class.”

On April 1, @ActorMadhavan secretly watched #DhurandharTheRevenge at Mumbai's Chitra Cinema with @akshayerathi and a few friends. Video Courtesy: Story uploaded by Akshaye Rathi on April 2 pic.twitter.com/XdyiYfPugM

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) April 3, 2026

Akshaye continued, “We knew that if people realized R Madhavan was seated among them, it would become an issue, especially since we weren’t accompanied by any security personnel or bouncers. Hence, we entered the theatre a few minutes after the film had begun. He also wore a cap and hoodie while entering the auditorium. As expected, the staff and the patrons didn’t realize that the actor had visited the cinema hall. However, the manager was informed about his presence.”

Akshaye Rathi then said, “In the intermission, R Madhavan stepped out in the F&B area. This is when some patrons recognized him. However, the actor was quickly ushered into the manager’s cabin. He left from there only when the second half began. The actor is always more than happy to meet the fans and aam junta. But he realized that if word would spread about his presence, it would have caused issues.”

 

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  A post shared by Akkshay Rathie / अक्षय राठी 🇮🇳 (@akshayerathi)

Before the credits rolled, R Madhavan exited the theatre. His mission was successful, much like that of his character, Ajay Sanyal, in the film.

The story uploaded by Akshaye Rathi also revealed that the actor was seated in the last row of the balcony, next to the exit. This, too, was meticulously planned so that he could enter and leave without drawing anyone’s attention.

Also Read: R Madhavan reacts to the praise showered by Allu Arjun on him and Dhurandhar: The Revenge; calls it ‘super super special’ at a pivotal moment

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After Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn drives home the Rs 1.40 crore Mercedes-Benz V-Class on his 57th birthday

Move over, Shah Rukh Khan. Well, almost. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class has only been on Indian roads since late March 2026, and it has already become the must-have luxury MPV for India's biggest celebrities. First, it was cricketer Hardik Pandya who snapped one up for his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma. Then Shah Rukh Khan drove home an Obsidian Black example that was spotted outside his temporary residence Puja Casa. And now, completing a hat-trick of high-profile acquisitions, Ajay Devgn has become the latest and arguably most perfectly timed celebrity to add the Rs 1.40 crore Mercedes-Benz V-Class to his garage. The occasion? His own 57th birthday on April 2. Because some men send themselves flowers, and some men send themselves a rolling German palace.

The timing could not be more fitting. On the morning of April 2, thousands of fans had already assembled outside Devgn's Juhu residence, Shivshakti, holding banners and chanting his name in scenes that made the bungalow look more like a concert venue. When the actor stepped out hands folded, smile quiet and warm it was a reminder that after 35 years and over 100 films, few stars in Hindi cinema command this kind of unfiltered public love. Later that day, the news broke that Devgn had gifted himself the V-Class, and the internet, predictably, went into overdrive. Fans noted that only Ajay Devgn could make buying a car feel like a Singham entrance.

The V-Class story in India has moved fast. Mercedes-Benz launched the luxury MPV in early March 2026 at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 1.40 crore the first time the model has returned to the Indian market in four years and deliveries began almost immediately. Within weeks, it had already found its way into some of the most famous garages in the country. Pandya was first off, the blocks, followed swiftly by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan who selected the stealth Obsidian Black shade. Devgn's acquisition now cements the V-Class's status as the unofficial celebrity MPV of 2026.

And what a vehicle it is. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Extra Long Wheelbase is marketed as a "private suite on wheels" and once you look at the feature list, the description feels entirely earned. The cabin, available in four or six-seat configurations, is built around an extraordinary rear passenger experience. Lounge seats with electrically adjustable recline, ventilation, heating, and massage functions are standard. Three-zone climate control, dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, wireless charging pads, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a 640W Burmester 15-speaker system with Dolby Atmos round out an interior that puts many hotel suites to shame.

The V-Class sits atop a 2.0-litre engine available in both petrol mild-hybrid (231 bhp) and diesel (237 bhp) guises, both mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The peak torque figure of 500 Nm ensures effortless highway cruising appropriate for a vehicle that has no intention of ever being in a hurry. Safety credentials are equally robust: seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and traffic sign recognition are all standard, contributing to its five-star Euro NCAP rating.

For Devgn, the V-Class slots naturally alongside a garage that already reflects his well-established taste for powerful, authoritative vehicles. His collection includes a Mercedes-Benz GLS, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, an Audi Q7, and a BMW X7 a fleet built on substance and quiet command rather than flashy horsepower figures. The V-Class is, if anything, the most refined expression of that philosophy: a vehicle that says everything without raising its voice. Very Ajay Devgn, in other words.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn’s Lens Vault Studios unveils AI short film ‘Happy Birthday Joshi’ on his birthday

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Ramayana FIRST LOOK Teaser introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama; sets stage for epic Diwali 2026 release

The much-anticipated magnum opus Ramayana has finally revealed its most crucial element — the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. Backed by filmmaker and producer Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part cinematic franchise is being mounted on a global scale, with the teaser offering audiences their first look at the iconic character.

Positioned as a landmark cinematic moment, the ‘Rama’ teaser introduces one of mythology’s most enduring figures to a worldwide audience. The film aims to present the story with a fresh perspective while retaining the emotional depth that has made it timeless across generations.

Speaking about the essence of the story, Nitesh Tiwari said, “Ramayana’s greatness lies in its emotional richness. At its heart, it is not just about good and evil, but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right. Rama’s journey is deeply human and that is what we have tried to stay true to.”

Sharing his experience of stepping into the role, Ranbir Kapoor added, “I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare; and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”

Producer Namit Malhotra further elaborated on the significance of the character, stating, “The power of Rama’s story is not in what he conquers, but in what he lets go of. He represents a standard that is not easy, not convenient; but necessary. He chooses duty over desire, truth over comfort, and sacrifice over self. That is why his story has endured for thousands of years, and why it continues to matter today.”

 

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  A post shared by Namit Malhotra (@iamnamitmalhotra)

The film boasts of a massive ensemble cast, with Yash portraying Ravana, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey essaying Lakshman. Apart from them, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Bobby Deol, among others are also expected to be a part of this venture.

Adding to its global appeal, the project brings together international heavyweights, including Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman for the music. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with the eight-time Academy Award-winning VFX studio DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

Mounted as one of the most ambitious films in Indian cinema, Ramayana will release in two parts. The first instalment is slated for a global theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with the second part expected to follow in Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor cites “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” as he shares his approach to playing Lord Ram in Ramayana: “My Dharma is to do my job”

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Salman Khan – Vamshi Paidipally’s film gets a new addition in cast: Arvind Swamy comes on board, reveals report

A major collaboration is taking shape in Indian cinema as Salman Khan teams up with filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally for the first time in a film produced by noted South producer Dil Raju. The yet-untitled project has already generated significant buzz, especially after the recent announcement of Nayanthara as the female lead. The film marks her first collaboration with Salman Khan and her second Hindi outing after Jawan alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

The casting momentum continues, with reports suggesting that Arvind Swamy is likely to join the ensemble. Known for his iconic roles in films like Roja and Bombay, Swamy is expected to play a key role in the film. While initial speculation hinted at him taking on an antagonist’s part, reports clarify that his character will instead be portrayed in a positive light, steering clear of negative shades.

Interestingly, the makers are still on the lookout for a strong antagonist to face Salman Khan on screen, indicating that a major casting announcement could be on the horizon. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions with Anil Kapoor for an important role, although details regarding his character remain tightly under wraps.

Providing insight into the film’s timeline, a source told Bollywood Hungama, "Salman Khan is in talks with Dil Raju and Vamshi Padilpally to plan their schedules in a way that an Eid 2027 release becomes a reality. The producer - director duo is contemplating the option, and plan to get back to Salman with a plan soon."

The source further informs that the film in question is an action-packed entertainer with a strong emotional core.

"It's a pure commercial entertainer with Salman Khan playing to the gallery. Vamshi plans to present Salman in a way audiences like to see him. The pre-production is going on in full swing, and the makers aim to take the film on floors in April," the source added.

The film is expected to go on floors in April and will be shot extensively across multiple locations in India. With substantial VFX work also involved, the team is currently focusing on locking all aspects before making an official announcement. While several details are still under wraps, the makers are committed to bringing the film to theatres in the first half of 2027, with an Eid release firmly in consideration.

Also Read: It’s Official! Salman Khan joins hands with Nayanthara for the first time for Vamshi Paidipally’s next

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Fact Check: John Abraham has NOT spoken against Dhurandhar franchise

One major disadvantage of social media is that it can become a tool for spreading fake news. This mostly happens through memes and image posts that go viral and are considered the Gospel Truth. There are times when a celebrity is attributed with a quote he or she never said in memes. The same is happening with John Abraham right now.

Since recent times, a meme where John has been quoted criticizing Dhurandhar has gone viral in no time. It quotes the actor saying, “Movies like Dhurandhar and The Kashmir Files can sometimes lead people in the wrong direction, and it’s scary to see them being welcomed by so many. I would never produce films like that.”

Once the post got viral, the supporters of Dhurandhar have been slamming John while those who are against the movie are hailing him for showing guts to speak his mind.

However, the truth is that John hasn’t made any such comment against Dhurandhar. In fact, he hasn’t said anything about Dhurandhar in the media or any public space. If you search for his statement on the internet, you won’t find a single news publication to have reported this. Apart from memes on various social media pages, you won’t find this comment anywhere. It is clear that this meme is created by someone who wanted to make a post viral or maybe malign Dhurandhar.

Just imagine – in case John had slammed Dhurandhar in real, almost every news publication would have carried the quote as breaking news. Which publication would not want to capitalize on such a comment?

One needs to note that last year in August in an interview with veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai on India Today, John did say that he would never produce films like The Kashmir Files and Chhaava and expressed his concern on these films finding mass acceptance. At that time, his comment had gone viral and was covered by a number of publications.

But there is no instance where he has spoken against Dhurandhar. In fact, these comments were made four months before the first Dhurandhar released.

Also Read: Rs. 1240 cr, Rs. 1310 cr or Rs. 1400 cr: where will Dhurandhar 2 finally land?

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Rupali Ganguly writes to Narendra Modi urging ban on elephant rides after pink elephant photoshoot row

Following public outrage over images of a captive elephant painted bright pink for a photoshoot in Rajasthan, Anupamaa star and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India supporter Rupali Ganguly who officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024 has written to Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, urging an end to elephant rides and encouraging the use of robot elephants and other non-animal means instead of animal performances. In her letter, Ganguly mourns Chanchal, the elephant featured in the photoshoot, who is reported to have died, and expresses her shared respect for wildlife with the Prime Minister.

Ganguly notes that the owner quoted in news reports — Saddik/Shadik Khan — is also associated with Malti, an elephant who was used for rides at Amer Fort, violently beaten and later transferred to a sanctuary after efforts by PETA India. She stresses that while the photoshoot shocked the public, elephants used for rides at sites such as Amer Fort are routinely kept chained when not in use and controlled using weapons, conditions that can cause severe physical and psychological distress.

“This incident has upset people across India and beyond, reflecting how strongly the public now feels against elephant exploitation,” Ganguly wrote. She appealed, “On World Wildlife Day, you shared the importance of wildlife protection. It is in this spirit, I respectfully urge that India end all elephant rides as Indonesia has now done, and that robotic elephants, decorated electric vehicles, and other non-animal alternatives be encouraged for use to protect our national heritage animal from use in cruel spectacles.”

PETA India notes that frustrated elephants forced into close contact with humans can become unpredictable, and attacks involving elephants used for rides and other performances are regular occurrences. For elephant and human welfare, the Kerala Tourism Department is promoting a mechanical elephant safari experience at Thamboormozhi Butterfly Garden near the iconic Athirapilly waterfalls, instead of a live elephant.

Also Read: Actress-turned-politician Rupali Ganguly writes letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to stop horse-drawn carriages: Reports 

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