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Aamir Khan recalls spending 8 days with Indian soldiers after Kargil War: ‘I stayed a night in a bunker'

Aamir Khan recalls spending 8 days with Indian soldiers after Kargil War: ‘I stayed a night in a bunker'

Hindustan Times5 days ago

Actor Aamir Khan recently faced backlash for his production house's delayed post on Operation Sindoor, India's counter-response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, in a conversation with Rajat Sharma on Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir revealed that he is proud of the Indian Armed Forces and recalled a time when he spent eight days with Indian soldiers after the Kargil War. (Also Read: Aamir Khan reveals why his kids were named Junaid, Ira and Azad Khan despite having Hindu wives: 'I had no say in it')
When asked if he believes he should visit soldiers and boost their morale at the border, Aamir shared, 'I had gone—perhaps you all don't know—but when the Kargil War happened and we won, I was the only person who spent eight days in Kargil. I landed in Leh, and from there, on the road that goes to Srinagar, I travelled for eight days. I met with every regiment. During those eight days, I met only the soldiers and went there to encourage them. That you fought this war for us, you protected us—I salute you and I'm grateful to you.'
He added, 'But during those eight days that I spent with them, I realised that our soldiers don't really need encouragement. They live and defend us in such difficult terrain, yet their spirit is incredible—they have smiles on their faces, they're confident and happy. I thought I was going there to boost their morale, but instead, they boosted mine. During those eight days, I ate with them, asked them about their lives. One night, I even stayed at the border in a bunker. There were six to eight soldiers there, and I don't think anyone else has done something like that.'
Aamir will next be seen in the film Sitaare Zameen Par. Directed by RS Prasanna, the sports drama is a remake of the Spanish film Campeones. Aamir stars as a basketball coach who trains a team of neurodivergent children for a basketball tournament. Genelia D'Souza also plays a key role in the film. It is scheduled to release in cinemas on June 20.

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Is Bridal Jewellery All About The Big Rocks Now?
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Are The Size And Carats Of Gemstones Becoming A Symbol Of The Price Tag Attached To Them? Or Is There An Aesthetic Element Involved When Young Brides Look For Their Wedding Jewellery? Sunita Shekhawat tells NDTV that contemporary brides rate the emotional value their jewellery over their carats and size. 'While size and carat still carry a certain prestige, brides are far more attuned to the aesthetic and emotional value of their jewellery. They want pieces that reflect their personality, not just their price tag. The craftsmanship, design, and how a jewel complements their style matter just as much, if not more than the weight or size of the gemstone. At our atelier, we often see young brides choosing refined, thoughtfully designed pieces where the beauty lies in detail, colour, and hentage. For them, it's about how the jewellery feels, not just how much it weighs.' Aditi Daga adds her opinion, "For today's brides, aesthetics and meaning often outweigh just carat size. 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Has Kareena Kapoor's Solitaire Wedding Ring Become A Cult Symbol For The Brides Of Today To Get Similar Wedding Rings? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) Sunita Shekhawat completely agrees, "Kareena Kapoor's solitaire ring definitely sparked admiration and set a trend, especially among modern brides who appreciate timeless elegance. The solitaire's simplicity combined with its classic appeal makes it a coveted choice. While each bride wants something unique, Kareena's ring has certainly inspired many to embrace understated sophistication in their wedding jewellery." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunita Shekhawat (@sunita_shekhawat_jaipur) Aditi Daga tells NDTV a different tale on this matter, "It probably set a benchmark for clean, classic design. But today's brides want more than replication. Many still gravitate toward solitaire silhouettes, but they're adding personal touches like hidden halos, coloured side stones, vintage-inspired galleries, and meaningful engravings." Speaking of Celebrities, Comment On How Gemstones Are Taking Centre stage on International Red Carpet View this post on Instagram A post shared by BVLGARI Official (@bvlgari) Aditi Daga tells NDTV, "What we're seeing on global red carpets is a return to jewellery with soul. Gemstones are stepping into the spotlight not just for their beauty, but for their power to communicate individuality, heritage and intention. When Priyanka adorns herself in emeralds or when Diljit pairs a s herwani with emeralds and tourmalines, it's not just fashion. It's storytelling. These choices reflect a deeper cultural confidence and a desire for luxury that feels personal rather than prescribed." View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Golu Bhai and Ishmita Badalia also say, "The MET Gala 2025 was nothing short of a gemstone spectacle. From Priyanka's breathtaking emerald-studded neckpiece to Diljit's diamond-dripped ensemble, one thing was clear-bigger is back. Even celebrities are now leaning into the grandeur of high-carat diamonds. It's not just Hollywood; Bollywood too has caught the fever. Diamonds have officially become the craze of the century, and it's refreshing to see Indian stars take the global stage with unapologetic sparkle. The era of minimalism has made way for maximalism-with diamonds leading the charge." Just Like Gold Jewellery, Do These Gemstones Jewels Hold And Grow in Value Or Are Breaking Your Bank? Sunita Shekhawat tells NDTV about the intricacy of investing in gemstones as bridal jewels, "Gemstones, when carefully chosen for quality and rarity, can indeed hold and even appreciate in value over time-much like gold. However, the key is understanding their origin, craftsmanship, and market demand. While some pieces may be an investment, others are meant to be cherished for their beauty and personal meaning rather than financial return. So, it's about balancing passion with prudence." Aditi Daga keeps it short and sweet and opines the same, "Rare gemstones do hold value and are appreciating assets." Top Three Gemstones For The Contemporary Indian Bride Sunita Shekhawat says, "For the modern Indian bride, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires remain timeless favourites. Emeralds bring a fresh vibrancy and symbolise prosperity, rubies exude passion and strength, while sapphires add a touch of royal elegance. Together, they beautifully blend tradition with contemporary style." Achal Gupta adds, "Well, without any doubt big solitaire diamonds, vintage-inspired sapphires, and rich emeralds for contrast are the top three gemstones. Together, they create a bridal palette that's classy, elegant, versatile, and forward-thinking." Conclusive Take On The Future Of Gemstones And Indian Brides Sunita Shekhawat says that the contemporary brides lean towards expression of their individuality over opting for gemstones as status symbols, "Indian brides today crave individuality, sustainability, and stories behind every stone. Gemstones will no longer just be symbols of status but powerful expressions of identity and values. Expect a surge in ethically sourced gems, bold colour combinations, and personalised designs that break the mold-making every bridal piece as unique as the bride herself." Golu Bhai and Ishmita Badalia add a different point of view, "The future is brilliant and undeniably diamond studded. As Indian brides seek luxury with meaning, we foresee solitaires and standout diamonds continuing to dominate, with accent gemstones adding flair. It's the age of bold elegance, and the big rock is here to stay." Let us be honest, the brides of today follow the 'all that sparkles is a big rock' jewellery mantra while following their hearts desires and aesthetics alike.

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