Tamil Nadu politician V. K. Sathyanarayanan is facing intense backlash from the film fraternity and ruling DMK party after making derogatory comments about actress Nayanthara at a public rally. The controversy began when Sathyanarayanan said, “I wish Nayanthara, just like the chief minister, can fulfill the dreams of the people, can I marry Nayanthara?” The remarks sparked outrage from the film industry and DMK party, with the South Indian Artistes Association (SIA) terming them “shameful and condemnable.”
The SIA expressed disappointment that public representatives should show dignity and responsibility in their language, but Sathyanarayanan’s comments were seen as a breach of parliamentary norms. The association questioned why women in politics, science, medicine, and other fields were being targeted, while women in the film industry were being ridiculed. They demanded that Sathyanarayanan apologize immediately and refrain from making irresponsible comments about women in the future.
This is not the first time an Indian actress has faced backlash for her on-screen performances. Recently, actress Priyanka Chopra faced criticism for not speaking up during a live event when a fellow artiste, Havier Bardem, was promoting Palestine at the Oscars 2026. “Everyone knows what is true and what is being spread, who is building the narrative, everyone knows,” said Nawazuddin Siddiqui in response to the controversy.
Other Indian celebrities are also under fire for their on-screen antics. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is returning to more low-key roles after taking time off due to health concerns and minor injuries. Meanwhile, Pakistani singer Sajjad Ali’s widow has revealed the terms for reconciliation with her daughter-in-law, Faryal Mehmood.
In other news, Sajjad Ali’s AI concert is set to take place three years after his passing. Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, has been discharged from the hospital after a month-long stay due to brain hemorrhage. Akshay Kumar has ordered a set of equipment, including one for Bollywood dancer Nora Fatehi and actor Sanjay Dutt, for their song “Sarkhe Charnati” from the film “KGF: The Devil.” Actress Kangana Ranaut has reacted to the song, calling it “disgusting.”
Pakistani social media users are praising a recent comment by actor Mohib Mirza on desi men marrying foreign women. Meanwhile, TV host and actor Fahad Mustafa and actress Sana Javed got into a fun exchange during a live show, with actress Priyanka Chopra joining them on stage.
In international news, a senior Indian official has said that the drones used by the Taliban in Pakistan were supplied by India. Iran has launched a series of missile attacks on Israeli territories. Instagram user Usman Khawaja announced the birth of his third daughter, Amira Maya, on Saturday, March 13. Israeli President Eyal Benjamin Netanyahu has called the new Iranian missile a “major challenge.”
In a separate development, Russia has sent a condolence message to Iran’s National Security Council head Ali Larijani after his death. Thousands attended Larijani’s funeral, with government officials, military leaders, and representatives from various social classes in attendance.
