Latest news with #Iqbal
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Inspiring tales of mentorship to watch on OTT that mirror Sitaare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan's highly awaited return in Sitaare Zameen Par has sparked excitement among fans. The movie finally hit the screens on June 20 and clashed with Dhanush and Nagarjuna's Kuberaa. As you delve into a heartwarming tale of resilience, compassion, and emotional growth with Sitaare Zameen Par, let's revisit other iconic tales that inspire with their captivating plots and nuanced characters. From sports dramas like Ghoomer to inspiring tales like Nil Battey Sannata, stream binge-worthy films on OTTplay Premium From Naseeruddin Shah's tough mentorship in Iqbal to Amitabh Bachchan's life-changing guidance to slum dwellers, let's check out some epic stories of the on-screen mentors whose beliefs poked potential when no one else did. Explore some magical tales on OTTplay Premium that go beyond blackboards and class sessions. If you're looking for a heartwarming sports drama film, this one is an ideal watch. The story is centered around a deaf-and-mute boy (played by Shreyas Talpade) who beat the odds to fulfill his dream of becoming a cricketer on the Indian team. Whether it is his unwavering spirit or the passion and dedication of his reluctant coach, the movie inspires you to follow your dreams even if they seem difficult to accomplish. Naseeruddin Shah plays his coach, who helps him in his journey. The plot revolves around a sports mentor who teams up with a group of slum children to form a unique football team for keeping them away from the influence of crime and drugs. Amitabh Bachchan plays the leading coach in this sports biopic, which is based on the life of Vijay Barse (NGO Slum Soccer founder). Abhishek Bachchan delivers a powerful performance in this sports drama film as he plays a cricket coach who inspires a batting prodigy named Anina to pursue her dreams after she suffers a tragic fate and loses her right hand. The failed cricket coach develops a new strategy and unconventional training techniques to turn her into a bowler for the national cricket team. Saiyami Kher plays the role of an aspiring cricketer. Featuring R. Madhavan as a gifted boxing coach who becomes a target of workplace politics, this sports film was released in both Tamil and Hindi versions (Saala Khadoos), with the former garnering critical acclaim for its execution and performances. The movie also marks the debut of Ritika Singh. The story revolves around a former boxer who decides to train a fishmonger but talented amateur boxer. Experience a story of optimism and determination that battle the odds.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Accelerated Implementation Programme: Govt releases Rs35.968bn funding package for KP's merged districts
ISLAMABAD: Federal government has released a major funding package of Rs 35.968 billion for the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP). The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has released a major funding package of Rs 35.968 billion with approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the AIP. This approval, issued in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, represents a critical step toward the sustained development and uplift of the newly merged areas (formerly FATA), aiming to ensure inclusive growth and long-term stability in the region. The initiative falls under the broader Ten-Year Development Plan for Ex-FATA, implemented through the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2024–25. With this latest funding authorisation, the total allocation for the AIP Programme under the current fiscal year reaches Rs 42.315 billion. Iqbal emphasised the significance of this investment. 'We are unlocking Rs35 billion for the Newly Merged Areas—one of the biggest investments for the uplift of the area and the communities have ever seen. It's not just numbers; it's hope for families who have waited too long for light, for education, for safety,' the minister said. According to a handout issued by the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday, the allocated funds will support a series of transformative projects aimed at bridging development gaps and improving living standards across the region. Key initiatives include the solarisation of off-grid households, with Rs 13.5 billion set aside to provide solar energy solutions to 120,000 households or implement a 50 MW utility-scale micro grid, ensuring sustainable and affordable power access. Additionally, Rs 7 billion has been allocated for the construction of police stations and police posts, including the transformation of Levies forces, to enhance law enforcement capacity and public safety in the region. The development of FATA University has also been given, with Rs 2.5 billion earmarked for strengthening its academic and institutional infrastructure, providing youth from the region with greater access to quality higher education. Furthermore, an amount of Rs13.145 billion, as requested by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been authorised to clear outstanding liabilities for ongoing schemes, ensuring the timely completion of critical infrastructure and development projects. Minister Iqbal reiterated the government's commitment to inclusive development: 'These are real steps toward a better, brighter future.' 'Our message is simple: Newly Merged Districts are important priority of Federal Government. We look forward to working with KP government above partisan lines for the development of a region, which has suffered greatly due to terrorism,' he said. He said that this landmark funding package reaffirms the federal government's resolve to uplift underdeveloped regions and integrate them fully into the national development framework, ensuring equitable growth, improved governance, and social cohesion across Pakistan. Funds may be utilised under supervision of a steering committee headed by the chief minister KP, with minister finance KP and a federal minister and secretary planning and rep of 11 Corp HQ as members. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Training of 60,000 people begins for Int'l Yoga Day in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A training covering more than 60,000 people across the district has commenced as part of the International Day of Yoga, which will be observed on June 21. District AYUSH officer Dr Mohammed Iqbal said preparations are being made for this year's International Day of Yoga in collaboration with the district administration, Ayush colleges, and yoga organisations. Yoga training programmes are being organised for the public by yoga organisations, AYUSH colleges, and Ayushman health centres in the district, he said. Under the Yoga Harit initiative, programmes involving environmental cleanliness and tree planting are being implemented alongside yoga practice. Under the Yoga Park initiative, a medicinal plant garden has been established at Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Balkunje, where daily yoga training is provided to the public. Meanwhile, under the Y-Break Yoga initiative, the district AYUSH department and Ayush colleges are organising yoga postures and pranayama training that can be done by employees/public while seated at their workplace. This helps employees who sit for long hours manage stress and boost enthusiasm at work. The AYUSH department is introducing a 5-minute yoga break during work hours, Dr Iqbal said. Further, competitions are being organised to convey the importance of yoga to students and youth and to demonstrate its benefits under the Yoga Unplugged initiative, he added.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ahead of Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par release, must-watch influential sports drama movies on OTT
Underdog stories about overcoming immense odds and eventually emerging triumphant, tend to resonate with audiences almost always. Hindi superstar Aamir Khan's next, Sitaare Zameen Par, is one such, a film about a bunch of neurodivergent youngsters that he has to train for a basketball tournament. A remake of the Spanish film Campeones, Sitaare Zameen Par will be in theatres on June 20, 2025. Ahead of the film's release, here are some amazing sports dramas, across languages, that tell stories of triumph, struggle, and the human spirit pushing its limits, all of which are available to stream on OTTplay Premium. Catch more inspiring tales on sports and knowledgeable documentaries on OTTplay Premium Iqbal This enduring Hindi drama tells the story of Iqbal (Shreyas Talpade), a young man, with hearing and speech impairment, whose dream is to play for the Indian national cricket team. However, his condition makes it a significant challenge when he gets overlooked for selection. Determined to pursue his passion, Iqbal seeks out a retired coach to train him and overcome his physical obstacles. Ghoomer This Hindi movie made its World Premiere at the 12th Indian Film Festival in Melbourne in 2023. The story follows young cricket sensation Anina's (Saiyami Kher) promising career getting shattered when she loses her right hand just before her international debut. Soon, her life takes a new turn when a former cricketer (Abhishek Bachchan) decides to help her out. Together, they work on innovative training methods that can help Anina adapt to her new circumstances, Gran Turismo A working-class gamer, a former race driver, and a passionate motorsport executive, played by Archie Madekwe, David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, respectively, join hands to challenge the elite world of racing sports. Against all odds, the team put everything on the line to prove themselves, defying expectations. The biographical drama is based on the life story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player. Mukkabaaz Written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, based on a story by Anudeep Singh, Mukkabaaz revolves around Shravan Singh (Vineet Kumar Singh), who's boxing dreams are shattered when he clashes with Bhagwan Das Mishra (Jimmy Sheirgill), the powerful head of the boxing federation. Things get even more complicated when Shravan falls in love with Bhagwan's niece, Sunaina. Jhund Amitabh Bachchan plays Vijay Barse, a retired sports teacher in this Hindi drama, who decides to make a difference in his community by forming a football team with a group of kids from a slum. His goal is to keep them away from the dangers of drugs and crime, and channel their energy into sports. He trains and mentors the team to participate in a prestigious national tournament. Big George Foreman This biographical drama delves into the life of boxing legend, George Foreman, and his rags-to-riches story. Khris Davis played Foreman, in the film, which follows his Olympic gold medal win as well as his stint as World Heavyweight champion. The movie also focuses on his post-retirement spiritual sojourn and subsequent financial struggles, which saw him make a comeback to the sport. Saala Khadoos Written and directed by Sudha Kongara, this Tamil/Hindi bilingual starred R Madhavan as Adi Tomar, a former boxer, who retired from the sport owing to personal issues, and then sets his sights on a new challenge by training a young girl from the local fishmonger community with a natural talent for boxing, played by Ritika Singh. Together, they work towards achieving Adi's dream, proving that with determination and skill, success can still be within reach, while also overcoming gender discrimination. The Iron Claw Zach Efron and Jeremy Allen White lead this English biographical drama about the lives of the famous Von Erich brothers, who made their mark in the merciless world of the 1980s professional wrestling era, while striving for legendary status despite facing heartbreaking tragedies. The film also stars Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany and Lily James, among others.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Cases against 5 MPs of PTI: ECP to conduct hearing on 24th
ISLAMABAD: The electoral entity has fixed cases on 24th June against five legislators, who belong to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on the petitions mainly moved by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) members, seeking to unseat the said lawmakers. These legislators are: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, his two cousins — Akbar Ayub Khan and Arshad Ayub Khan — both of whom are Members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly — Malik Adeel Iqbal, another Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) in KP legislature, and PTI Lahore chapter President Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, who is Member of Punjab Assembly. All the five legislators had won their respective seats in last year's general elections. Of them, Iqbal had to contest the general election as an independent candidate, and Mahmood had to contest the general poll on Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) ticket — against the backdrop of the PTI election symbol controversy. The reference against Iqbal seeks his disqualification from Punjab Assembly allegedly over having Canadian nationality, an allegation Mahmood denies. The cases against all other four legislators seek re-polling in the respective constituencies, alleging foul play in the general elections. Jamshaid Dasti is another Member National Assembly (MNA) who belongs to PTI against whom cases are pending over allegedly having fake educational credentials, and alleged discrepancies in his wealth statement filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Dasti also had to contest the last year's general election on SIC ticket in the contest of PTI election symbol issue. Apart from that, the hearing of reference against the NA opposition leader, seeking his disqualification from NA over alleged financial corruption and alleged misrepresentation of related facts in the electoral documents, is scheduled in the ECP on July 01. Speaking to the media after the disqualification reference hearing held on 4 June, the NA opposition leader said, Speaker NA Ayaz Sadiq sent reference to the ECP against him out of politically motivated reasons. 'The speaker sent this reference without even using his brain,' Khan deplored. The Article 63(2) of the Constitution of Pakistan provides that if any question arises whether a legislator has become disqualified from being a member, the speaker or chairman (of the legislature concerned), shall, unless they decide that no such question has arisen, refer the question to ECP within 30 days, and if the speaker/chairman fails to do so within the aforesaid period, the question shall be deemed to have been referred to the ECP. The Article 63(3) provides that the ECP shall decide the question within 90 days from its receipt, and if it is of the opinion that the member has become disqualified, the member shall cease to be a lawmaker and their seat shall become vacant. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
