Latest news with #Deepti


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yoga day celebration brings families together for wellness & fun in Bengaluru
The Times of India's International Day of Yoga celebration turned into a vibrant wellness fest on Saturday as families, especially women and children, came together for a morning filled with movement, mindfulness, and a whole lot of energy. The event was organised at Mantri Webcity, Hennur. Held to promote holistic well-being, the event brought together a rich mix of traditional and modern fitness formats. From calming asanas to high-energy dance routines, the session had something for everyone. Residents were treated to a blend of practices, including Ashtanga yoga, led by in-house trainers Naina and Deepti, Vedic yoga, Kundalini yoga with Shri Manjunath Sampath Guruji, and even Chinese yoga by Falun Dafa. Fitness took a fun turn with a lively Zumba session by The Swingers Dance Studio, which had everyone moving to the beat by the end of the programme. What started with slow stretches and deep breathing soon turned into an energetic celebration of wellness. Kids were seen enjoying flexibility drills while many women participated enthusiastically in the Zumba finale. Pragya Sharma, a housewife who attended the different yoga shows, told TOI: "I used to do yoga before marriage, and I still love it. But now, with two kids, I don't get much time. That's why today's event was such a great opportunity not just for me, but for many of us at Mantri Webcity who don't usually get time for ourselves." Shradha, a college student, said, "This is the first time something like this has happened in our apartment, and I really loved it. I came alone because I'm more interested in yoga than my family is. I enjoyed the yoga session and the games; it was a fun and refreshing way to spend the morning." Adding to the festive spirit were stalls offering fresh juice and light refreshments, along with engaging fitness games hosted by Decathlon, making it a family-friendly event. Interesting outdoor activities by Decathlon and a green corner by Make My Garden for plants engaged citizens. This blend of tradition and fun truly captured the spirit of International Day of Yoga — reminding everyone that wellness can be both mindful and joyful. The initiative was made possible by associate sponsors CKPC, with BB Daily as the fresh grocery partner, BIS as the safety partner, and Sundaram Motors as the luxury car partner. The initiative was supported by Oreva Chain of Hearing Clinics, Neev Mattresses, Dash Square, Unilet, Can Fin Homes Ltd, and Jyothy Institute of Technology.


India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Deepti Sadhwani on beauty standards in South: They don't want skinny actors
Actor Deepti Sadhwani, known for her role in 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah', recently opened up about the beauty standards in the entertainment industry. She spoke about the pressure to conform to stereotypes and how she eventually overcame an exclusive interview with Deepti recalled an incident when she was set to walk in a fashion show. However, things took a turn when the designers called her 'fat,' prompting her to undergo a drastic physical her story, the actor said, 'Before Cannes, I was supposed to walk for a fashion show and someone told me I was fat and I took it to heart. If you compare me from last year to now, I've lost 18 kg. This was around seven months ago, just before Paris Fashion Week. I was all set to be a showstopper. Everything was ready, but during trials, the outfit didn't fit. That's when I said to myself, 'I'm going to change. I'll fit into that size 8.' Eventually, I went beyond that and I came down to a size 6. I lost more than expected.' The actor further spoke about how beauty standards in showbiz can take a toll on one's mental health. She compared it to the South Indian film industry and pointed out how women have been objectified in Bollywood for the longest on the issue, she said, 'That's absolutely true. But things are changing now. Earlier, fashion shows mostly featured size four or size six models. Today, inclusivity has become a key focus.'If you go to the South, they actually prefer a fuller body, being skinny often doesn't work there. And in other regions, it's the complete opposite. This just shows how women have been objectified for the longest time. Take Tamannaah, for example. She looked stunning in 'Aaj Ki Raat', but soon after, people started calling her fat. She herself said, 'I didn't even realise I had gained weight, people just came up and told me.'Sadhwani added that Tamannaah is happy the way she is and doesn't appreciate being labelled as 'milky,' 'fat,' or 'slim'.'This objectification has long been part of the industry. It's show business, where looks often come before talent. Acting is considered only after the appearance. But thankfully, that's starting to change. People are finally beginning to value acting over just how someone looks,' the actor Sadhwani started her journey as a singer who lent her voice to tracks like 'Haryana Roadways', 'Lala Lala Lori', and 'Toot Jayein'. However, it was her role in the hit sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' that brought her nationwide recognition. For those unaware, Deepti played the character Aradhana Sharma in the Reel


Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Dubai Marina fire: Wave of kindness as Dubai residents offer homes, meals, and relief
From essentials to shelter, WhatsApp groups with over 1,000 members coordinated urgent aid for Marina Pinnacle residents Three days after a major fire broke out in Dubai Marina 's Tiger Tower, also known as The Marina Pinnacle, the community response has been nothing short of extraordinary. As emergency crews continue to investigate the cause of the fire that erupted on Friday evening, residents across Dubai have mobilized to help the displaced. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that all 3,820 residents from 764 apartments in the 67-storey building were safely evacuated. No injuries were reported. The blaze, which began around 9:30pm, was brought under control within six hours, and emergency teams remained on-site through the weekend. While the charred upper floors remain sealed, many tenants are now grappling with the challenge of temporary displacement. Grassroots Aid: Shelter, Food, and Community Support Much of the relief effort has been coordinated through two WhatsApp groups titled "Support Group to Help", both initiated by Dr Deepti Arora, an HR manager at a luxury retail company. The groups quickly grew past their member limits as hundreds joined in to offer food, clothing, transport, and toiletries. 'We've arranged 35 non-veg and 15 veg meals for one of the buildings today,' a member posted on Sunday. A pinned message reads: "The past two days have seen immense generosity with donations pouring in from all over. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I Tried the $0.87 Generic Viagra and Here's What Happened! fridayplans Learn More Undo The locations are now full, so please stop all donations, perishable and non-perishable. All locations remain open for those in need of clothes, food, and water." Dr Deepti shared with Khaleej Times that the idea stemmed from a call she received from a distressed employee, a young man from Brazil who lived in the building. 'I tried to take the tram to check on him, but it wasn't working. So, I followed the smoke and walked to the building,' she recalled. 'What I saw was gut-wrenching.' Motivated by what she witnessed, she quickly created the WhatsApp group and laid clear rules: no cash donations, only essentials like food, clothing, undergarments, and toiletries. 'Within hours, our group crossed a thousand members, and I had to start a second one,' she told Khaleej Times . Stories of Kindness and Action Another citizen-driven support initiative was launched by Sevgi Anar, a Sydney-born health and fitness professional living on the 72nd floor of a nearby tower. She was among the first to notice the fire. 'People in our building were shouting across to the tower, trying to alert residents,' she said. 'It was hard to tell who had seen the smoke and who hadn't. Everyone just acted instinctively.' The following morning, while walking her dog, she found two men sleeping near a tram station — their feet covered in soot. Upon learning they had escaped the fire, Sevgi and a friend booked them into Rove Dubai Marina Hotel for the night. As more displaced tenants reached out, Sevgi created a WhatsApp group titled Accommodation for Tiger Tower Residents , now with around 150 members, focused solely on providing emergency housing. 'Ten boys, mostly Asian, were roughing it out near Princess Tower. We found them an apartment. Later that night, we put four more into Rove just for the night,' she shared. One grateful resident posted the next day: 'My roommates and I were able to sleep peacefully last night. Thank you, everyone.' Temporary Housing and Continued Needs While the building's management has provided temporary accommodation to residents with tenancy or ownership contracts, including at Nobles Tower in Business Bay, those in shared accommodations have struggled to find shelter. An Indian resident from the 20th floor said: 'I was told to go to Nobles Tower, but by the time I reached, it was full.' He is now staying at Staybridge Suites in Dubai Internet City with support from his company. His wife, who had just left for India two days prior, is expected to return this week. Another account came from Ross, an Azerbaijani expat living on the 60th floor. He was among the first to notice the fire: 'It started small. I thought it was coming from the 62nd floor and went up to check, but then I realised it was the floor right above mine. We tried using extinguishers and then the fire hoses, but it was too intense. Once Civil Defence arrived, we ran down the stairs.' Ross sustained a minor injury from a balcony door that shattered from the heat. He was treated by paramedics. 'The firefighters arrived quickly and handled it very efficiently. I am really thankful for how fast they took control.' A Web of Help: Businesses and Residents Join Hands The network of help has extended beyond shelter and food. One message in the support group read: 'Dear friends, we are a family with three kids and a small dog and urgently need a place to stay.' A response followed almost immediately: 'I have a vacant villa in Dubai Hills. It's unfurnished, but power and water are available. You can stay for a week.' Several businesses also stepped in: Clever Dogs Pets Care in Jebel Ali is offering free pet boarding for displaced animals. Sisters Beauty Lounge in JBR is providing complimentary wash and blow-dry services to 20 women from the tower, upon presentation of a tenancy or ownership contract. 'It's just our way to pitch in,' said Mary, the lounge's marketing manager. 'These women have been through a lot. We wanted to offer a bit of relief.' As investigations continue and residents await clearance to return, what remains clear is the strength of community bonds in Dubai. 'Dubai isn't only home,' said one volunteer as they packed essentials. 'It's where we look out for each other.'


Time of India
01-06-2025
- Time of India
Lawyer, held guilty of abducting doctor & acquitted of murder, released on remission after 19 years in Yerawada jail
Pune: Leena Deosthale (65), who was serving a life sentence for the abduction of orthopaedic surgeon Dr Deepak Mahajan after being acquitted of murder, has walked out on remission after spending 19 years in Yerawada Central Prison. Deosthale's daughter, Deepti, who is undergoing life imprisonment in the case, has also applied for remission. Her plea is pending before a five-member Sentence Review Board of state govt for consideration. Leena, then a lawyer, and Deepti, a cookery expert and writer, are from Dahisar in Mumbai. According to police, they allegedly kidnapped and murdered 47-year-old Mahajan by forcibly giving him an overdose of sedatives after a foiled bid for a Rs25-lakh ransom in July 2006. Pune police arrested them on July 7, 2006, and later filed a chargesheet. On Dec 27, 2007, a fast-track court in Pune sentenced the mother-daughter duo to death. Bombay high court in 2009 acquitted them of murder for lack of evidence but convicted them for the doctor's abduction and ransom, and sentenced them to life imprisonment. Leena applied for remission through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Pune, because she spent 19 years in actual imprisonment and 26 years with remission since her arrest on July 7, 2006. The state prisons department opposed her plea on grounds of her complicity in a serious crime, and that her appeal against conviction was pending for hearing before the Supreme Court. DLSA's pro-bono lawyer Sachin Salunkhe, who represented Leena before the Sentence Review Board, said that under the guidance of DLSA secretary Sonal Patil, they meticulously reviewed the case, highlighting her incarceration, her remorse, her old age, and her potential for rehabilitation. Their efforts, rooted in the principle 'hate the sin, not the sinner' emphasised restorative justice and the possibility of reintegration into society. The Supreme Court, in its order of Sept 15, 2022, said that the cases of convicts spending 14 years in jail could be referred to govt for considering their premature release in a fixed time, irrespective of whether the appeal is pending or not, Salunkhe said. "The state govt resolution of 2006 states that a woman convict is eligible for remission if she has completed 60 years, undergone 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, and if she is physically weak. Another govt resolution of 2008 states that in cases relating to abduction with ransom under section 364 (a) of the Indian Penal Code, if a convict, irrespective of gender, has spent 10 years in jail with remission, totalling 16 years, is entitled to claim remission," he said. The board, after considering the apex court ruling and govt resolutions, on May 16 issued an order granting remission to Leena. She was released from jail on May 23, Salunkhe said. "Her release marks a milestone in the ongoing discourse on criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and the balance between punishment and mercy." The prisons department also opposed Leena's remission on grounds that she had not deposited a fine of Rs59,000 as per the trial court's order. Salunkhe deposited the fine amount on her behalf to secure her release on remission. Pune: Leena Deosthale (65), who was serving a life sentence for the abduction of orthopaedic surgeon Dr Deepak Mahajan after being acquitted of murder, has walked out on remission after spending 19 years in Yerawada Central Prison. Deosthale's daughter, Deepti, who is undergoing life imprisonment in the case, has also applied for remission. Her plea is pending before a five-member Sentence Review Board of state govt for consideration. Leena, then a lawyer, and Deepti, a cookery expert and writer, are from Dahisar in Mumbai. According to police, they allegedly kidnapped and murdered 47-year-old Mahajan by forcibly giving him an overdose of sedatives after a foiled bid for a Rs25-lakh ransom in July 2006. Pune police arrested them on July 7, 2006, and later filed a chargesheet. On Dec 27, 2007, a fast-track court in Pune sentenced the mother-daughter duo to death. Bombay high court in 2009 acquitted them of murder for lack of evidence but convicted them for the doctor's abduction and ransom, and sentenced them to life imprisonment. Leena applied for remission through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Pune, because she spent 19 years in actual imprisonment and 26 years with remission since her arrest on July 7, 2006. The state prisons department opposed her plea on grounds of her complicity in a serious crime, and that her appeal against conviction was pending for hearing before the Supreme Court. DLSA's pro-bono lawyer Sachin Salunkhe, who represented Leena before the Sentence Review Board, said that under the guidance of DLSA secretary Sonal Patil, they meticulously reviewed the case, highlighting her incarceration, her remorse, her old age, and her potential for rehabilitation. Their efforts, rooted in the principle 'hate the sin, not the sinner' emphasised restorative justice and the possibility of reintegration into society. The Supreme Court, in its order of Sept 15, 2022, said that the cases of convicts spending 14 years in jail could be referred to govt for considering their premature release in a fixed time, irrespective of whether the appeal is pending or not, Salunkhe said. "The state govt resolution of 2006 states that a woman convict is eligible for remission if she has completed 60 years, undergone 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, and if she is physically weak. Another govt resolution of 2008 states that in cases relating to abduction with ransom under section 364 (a) of the Indian Penal Code, if a convict, irrespective of gender, has spent 10 years in jail with remission, totalling 16 years, is entitled to claim remission," he said. The board, after considering the apex court ruling and govt resolutions, on May 16 issued an order granting remission to Leena. She was released from jail on May 23, Salunkhe said. "Her release marks a milestone in the ongoing discourse on criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and the balance between punishment and mercy." The prisons department also opposed Leena's remission on grounds that she had not deposited a fine of Rs59,000 as per the trial court's order. Salunkhe deposited the fine amount on her behalf to secure her release on remission.


The Print
23-05-2025
- The Print
Indian cricketer Deepti Sharma accuses teammate Arushi Goel of Rs 25 lakh fraud, theft
According to police, Arushi, along with her parents—mother Manju and father Thanchand—exploited this friendship to transfer Rs 25 lakh to their accounts under various pretexts. Arushi, a member of the North Central Railway cricket team who is posted as a junior clerk at Agra Cantt Railway Station, is an old friend of Deepti. Agra: Indian women's cricket team player and Uttar Pradesh Police officer Deepti Sharma has accused fellow cricketer Arushi Goel of allegedly cheating her of Rs 25 lakh, and breaking into her flat and stealing cash, jewellery and foreign currency. Police filed an FIR following a complaint by Deepti's brother Sumit at Agra's Sadar police station on Thursday. Inspector Vijay Vikram Singh told ThePrint that a case had been registered against Arushi and her parents for theft and financial fraud. 'An investigation is underway based on CCTV footage and other evidence. Strict action will be taken against the culprits,' he said. According to the complaint, when Deepti demanded her money back, the accused first made excuses and then started misbehaving with her. She then barred Goyal from coming to her flat, where Arushi had earlier lived as a housemate. However, Arushi entered the house secretly on 22 April and CCTV footage showed her opening the door and leaving with about $2,500, gold jewellery and cash. On 23 April, Arushi claimed that her belongings were still in the flat, but when Deepti's brother reached there, the key wouldn't work. It was found that the lock had been changed. 'I treated Arushi like my sister. With the support of her family, she has cheated me. There is evidence against her and I have full faith in the law,' Deepti told the media. She added that she didn't want to talk to the accused anymore and considered legal action the only option. Arushi denied the allegations. 'I have family relations with Deepti. If there has been any transaction, it must have been done with mutual consent,' she told the media. 'I want to talk to Deepti face-to-face on all the allegations. My image is being maligned in the media.' The cricketer said she would challenge the case in court and prove her innocence. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: Forced by financial losses, how Gwalior man learnt 'art of theft' via YouTube to target AC trains