Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller storms box office with Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal. Bimal Oberoi, actor-producer (PK, Tiger 3), plays radical leader inspired by Maulana Shirani & Akbar Bugti. Short but powerful role adds tension.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is storming the box office right now. It has propelled its full cast to stardom, including leads like Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan. Even the supporting roles shine brightly, such as Shirani Ahmed Baloch, brought to life by actor-producer Bimal Oberoi, who delivers a memorable performance.Dhurandhar 2 Movie Review

Bimal Oberoi as actor and producer

As reported in AajTak, Bimal Oberoi is known as both an actor and a producer. He brings depth to the role through his performance. He was involved in the production of the film ‘PK’. He has also taken on key roles in ‘Tiger 3’, ‘Panipat’, ‘Bard of Blood’, and ‘Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy’. Additionally, Bimal produced the Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Singh Is Kinng’.

Bimal Oberoi’s industry respect

Lacking the hype of big-screen icons, Bimal earns quiet acclaim in film circles for his dedication. In ‘Dhurandhar’, he demonstrates a supporting character’s power to boost the entire story. His role specifically mirrors Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani from history.

Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani profile

Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani, a Pakistani Islamic scholar and political leader often linked to radical ideologies, was connected to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). He emerged as a prominent figure in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Expelled from the party in 2020, he established his own outfit, JUI-Shirani. Last year, at age 92, he drew attention for his second marriage.

Shirani Ahmed inspired by Akbar Bugti

Reports indicate Shirani Ahmed’s role pulls major cues from Akbar Bugti, who shifted from system insider to champion of Balochistan’s push for autonomy, resources, and justice. Slain amid Pervez Musharraf’s rule, he became a rallying symbol of defiance. The film fictionalizes him, yet stays anchored in genuine historical events.

Shirani Baloch‘s terror network role

In the film, Shirani Baloch links to Pakistan’s terror groups. The character shows the mindset of people who support terrorism. Shown as a powerful and scary leader who controls local networks and radical teams, Shirani’s short role still builds excitement and suspense in the story.

The excitement around the Indian Premier League (IPL) is already reaching fever pitch as the 2026 season is set to begin on March 28. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for another high-octane edition, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) once again find themselves at the center of attention.

The five-time champions enter the new season with a slightly different look and renewed energy. One of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament has been their bold move in the trade window, bringing in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. The wicketkeeper-batter is coming off a dream run, having recently played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where he was also named Player of the Tournament.

With Samson in peak form and CSK known for maximizing player potential, expectations are sky-high as the franchise prepares to chase yet another IPL crown.

Aakash Chopra picks CSK’s probable XI for IPL 2026

Former India cricketer and popular commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his predicted playing XI for CSK this season, offering a glimpse into how the team could shape up. According to Chopra, CSK might opt for a blend of youth and experience, with Ayush Mhatre and Samson to open the innings. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is slotted in at No. 3, followed by the explosive Dewald Brevis in the middle order.

The batting lineup further includes Shivam Dube, who has been a consistent performer for the franchise, along with young talents Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. Veteran MS Dhoni is expected to take up a finisher’s role, possibly featuring as an Impact Player depending on match situations.

On the bowling front, Chopra has backed a strong pace-spin combination featuring Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Matt Henry, giving CSK a well-rounded attack.

Aakash Chopra’s CSK Probable XI: Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

Why expectations are soaring for CSK this season?

CSK’s squad decisions ahead of IPL 2026 have sparked optimism among fans and experts alike. One of the biggest reasons is the blockbuster trade involving Samson. In a bold move, CSK parted ways with experienced stars Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to bring Samson into their setup. Given his current form, this move could prove to be a game-changer.

Another major talking point is CSK’s shift in strategy. Traditionally known for relying on experienced players, the franchise has now invested heavily in young domestic talents. Spending ₹14.20 crore each on uncapped players Prashant and Kartik signals a clear intent to build for the future while staying competitive in the present.

The return of captain Gaikwad is also a significant boost. After an elbow injury disrupted his IPL 2025 campaign, Gaikwad is back to lead the side and will be eager to make an immediate impact. His calm leadership combined with a dynamic batting unit could be key to CSK’s success.

Lastly, all eyes will once again be on Dhoni. The legendary cricketer continues to be the heartbeat of the franchise, and with speculation that this could be his final season, fans will be hoping for a memorable farewell. Whether as a finisher or mentor, Dhoni’s presence adds immense value to the squad.

Also READ: ‘Before the legacy, there were these two’ – CSK inducts Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into inaugural Hall of Fame

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty surged nearly 2 per cent on Tuesday, tracking gains in Asian markets after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt on strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure.The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,372.06 points, or 1.89 per cent, to close at 74,068.45. During the session, it rallied as much as 1,793 points, or 2.46 per cent, to touch 74,489.39.The 50-share NSE Nifty advanced 399.75 points, or 1.78 per cent, to settle at 22,912.40.

Nifty50 top gainers

Nifty50 top losers

BSE Sensex top gainers

BSE Sensex top losers

Trump said on social media that he had extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz –a strategically important shipping route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and would hold off strikes on Iranian energy facilities for five days.“Indian equities witnessed a constructive rebound, with markets closing on a positive note after the sharp sell-off in the previous session. The recovery was largely driven by a moderation in risk perception, as early signs of potential de-escalation in the ongoing US–Iran tensions helped restore some investor confidence,” said Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, PTI quoted.He added that the rally should be viewed in context.“After a sharp, sentiment-driven correction, such rebounds are not uncommon and often reflect a combination of short covering and value buying. Investors typically use such dislocations to accumulate quality stocks at relatively attractive valuations, rather than it being a signal of a structural trend reversal,” Hariprasad said.Asian markets ended sharply higher, with South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng posting gains.European markets were trading mostly lower, while US equities had ended higher on Monday.“The domestic market witnessed a relief rally following a temporary pause in attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, which could lead to further leeway in easing West Asia-related tensions. However, caution persists as investors await greater clarity on developments around the Strait of Hormuz,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited.Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 1.96 per cent to $101.9 per barrel.Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 10,414.23 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), however, purchased shares worth Rs 12,033.97 crore.

Asiya Andrabi (extreme right) and her three young students. (TOI file photo)

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case.Her two associates, Fehmeeda and Nasreen, were sentenced to 30 years in prison in the same case.On January 14, Andrabi, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen were convicted under Sections 20, 38 and 39 of the UAPA.The three were also convicted under IPC sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 121A (conspiracy to commit offences against the State), reported PTI.Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh pronounced the sentence after hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence.The National Investigation Agency, following the conviction, sought life imprisonment for Andrabi, saying she had waged war against India and that “a stern message was required to be sent that conspiring against the State would invite the harshest penalty.”According to her interrogation report accessed by The Times of India, Andrabi told investigators she was in regular touch with former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and often spoke to his foreign policy adviser Sartaz Aziz. The report said Andrabi also spoke about her contacts with officials at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, former ISI chief Hamid Gul, and UN-designated global terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin in connection with discussions on Kashmir. According to the report, Andrabi told the NIA that she had written to Nawaz Sharif in 2014, saying “Pakistan is not doing anything for Kashmir”. She said Sharif replied, “We are doing our best”. It also said that after her mother’s death on November 28, 2015, Sharif sent her a condolence letter by post. During meetings at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2014 with Sartaz Aziz, then Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit and deputy high commissioner Syed Haidar Shah, Andrabi allegedly told them that “Pakistan was taking Kashmir issue casually”. She was told by Pakistani officials that a Kashmir Committee in Pakistan was handling the matter, the report said. The report further said Andrabi remained in regular contact with Hafiz Saeed and asked him to “pressure Pakistan government”. She also spoke to him around the time of the death of his wife, Umi Talha, and later after the death of his nephew Abdul Rehman Makki. According to the interrogation report, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin also regularly called Andrabi, and she asked him to persuade the Pakistan government to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations.

NEW DELHI: As the IPL 2026 season is about to kick off, the biggest story off the field is the USD 1.63 billion (GBP 1.2 billion) acquisition of the Rajasthan Royals by a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani. While Somani has been a minority investor in the one-time IPL-winning franchise since 2021, this move marks a historic shift, making the Royals one of the most valuable sports properties globally.

Who is Kal Somani?

Kal Somani is primarily known as a serial entrepreneur with a deep footprint in the American tech ecosystem. He is the founder and CEO of several global giants, including IntraEdge (a leading technology services and solutions firm), Truyo & Truyo.AI (pioneers in data privacy rights automation and AI governance), and Academian (a major player in the ed-tech and digital content space).His transition into sports began with a focus on sports tech, but it quickly evolved into team ownership. Beyond the IPL, Somani is a co-owner of the Motor City Golf Club and was an early investor in TMRW Sports (the tech-focused sports venture founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy) and the TGL Golf League.ALSO READ: Kal Somani-led consortium buys Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion

Who are in the consortium?

What makes this deal truly remarkable is the “who’s who” of global finance backing Somani. His consortium includes Rob Walton, the heir to the Walmart fortune and owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. With a net worth exceeding USD 110 billion, he is considered the wealthiest sports owner in the United States.There is also The Hamp Family. It is led by Sheila Ford Hamp, the owner of the NFL’s Detroit Lions and a prominent member of the Ford Motor Company family.Somani’s vision for the Royals is rooted in a long-term belief in the IPL’s growth. Upon his initial investment in 2021, he noted the “huge potential” of the league.“We see huge potential with this investment, and we are excited for the future of the IPL”, Somani had said.