Indian television actress Sukriti Kandpal, known for her role as Shruti Ahuja in the popular drama “Anupamaa,” has opened up about a pivotal moment in her life when she called off her wedding at the age of 23. The 38-year-old actress, hailing from Nainital, revealed that at the time, she felt too young and uncertain about balancing a burgeoning career with marital responsibilities, leading her to cancel the planned nuptials.
Recalling a past interview, Kandpal shared details of a long-term relationship with Manavendra Singh Shekhawat, which they had intended to culminate in marriage. However, the relationship eventually ended. Looking back, she now believes that decision was the right one, emphasizing the lack of clarity one often experiences in their early twenties regarding life-altering choices. Currently, Kandpal expresses contentment with her life path and states she would prioritize a long period of companionship before considering marriage again. She has gained significant recognition for her five-year tenure on “Anupamaa,” starring alongside Rupali Ganguly and “Bigg Boss 19” winner Gaurav Khanna.
**Global Entertainment & Beyond**
Elsewhere in the entertainment realm, British-Pakistani actor Ali Khan revealed his casting as Humayun in the critically acclaimed Netflix series, “The Crown.” Pop sensation Taylor Swift recently garnered attention for reportedly surpassing fellow artist Rihanna in an unspecified achievement, further cementing her influence in the music industry. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, also made headlines by alluding to aspects of British royal traditions that she still cherishes, sparking renewed interest in her royal past. In a high-profile cross-cultural encounter, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan met with Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata during Messi’s tour of India to engage with football enthusiasts.
**Pakistani Showbiz Spotlight**
The Pakistani entertainment industry saw veteran actress Bushra Ansari critically assess the prevalence of TV interviews and podcast culture, even as she remains active in both film and television. A verbal spat unfolded between renowned singer Natasha Baig and acclaimed actress-host Nadia Khan. Emerging actress and model Janice Tessa disclosed a past “situationship” offer from a married man, sparking conversations online. Fellow rising star Dananeer Mobeen, famously known as the ‘Pawri Girl,’ playfully engaged social media users by asking them to guess the identity of her soon-to-be fiancé. Hareem Farooq’s video from an awards rehearsal made rounds on Instagram, while Hania Aamir shared behind-the-scenes glimpses immediately after an awards night. YouTubers Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak sought bail in a case concerning the promotion of online gambling, and British-Pakistani TikToker Zareeq Nazir affirmed his willingness to cooperate with Pakistan’s National Cyber Investigation Agency. In cultural news, a film project aims to spotlight the positive aspects, sports culture, and rich heritage of Lyari.
**Briefs & Insights**
In a moment of social reflection, the essence of a peaceful home was highlighted as one where a daughter-in-law feels honored and fulfilled, rather than merely silenced or subservient. Historical revelations resurfaced regarding a 1965 endeavor by the CIA, in collaboration with Indian mountaineers, to install a plutonium-powered spy device on Nanda Devi peak to monitor China’s nuclear activities. In sports, cricketer Shaheen Afridi faced an umpire’s decision to be stopped from bowling further in a match after delivering two ‘beamers’ in his third over. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court convened with Justice Tariq Jahangiri presiding over a hearing in a degree dispute case.
