Gujarati singer Ishani Dave is set to bring the spirit of Navratri alive with her Garba track ‘Ghor Andhari’, which celebrates the divine presence of Ambe Maa.

The song blends the richness of Gujarati folk traditions with devotional fervour and festive energy. It aims to connect with Garba enthusiasts while preserving the cultural essence of the festival.

Speaking about the song, Ishani Dave said, “Navratri is not just a festival for me. It is a part of my roots, my faith, and my upbringing. ‘Ghor Andhari’ is my humble offering to Ambe Maa, born from the devotion, traditions, and Garba that have passed down through generations.”

“With this song, we wanted to bring those timeless roots into a joyful, fresh sound that speaks to today’s generation while keeping the soul of our traditional Garba intact. I hope listeners feel the devotion to Maa, the joy of Garba, and that beautiful connection to our roots every time they hear ‘Ghor Andhari’,” she added.

Composer Maulik Mehta said the team aimed to capture Garba’s spiritual power while giving the track a fresh and uplifting sound.

“Working on ‘Ghor Andhari’ was about channelling the spiritual power of Garba while keeping the sound fresh and uplifting. Ishani’s voice brings authenticity and emotional depth to the song, and together we wanted to create something that resonates deeply with both traditional and modern audiences,” Mehta said.

Sujal Parekh, Chief Business Officer at Zee Music Company, highlighted Garba’s cultural significance during Navratri and the song’s appeal to Gujarati audiences worldwide.

“Navratri is an emotion for every Gujarati, and Garba is at the heart of that celebration. With ‘Ghor Andhari’, we wanted to bring together devotion, tradition, and the energy of Garba in a song that people can enjoy and sing along to during Navratri. Ishani’s voice adds a beautiful touch to the song, and we hope ‘Ghor Andhari’ becomes a part of celebrations across Gujarat and wherever Gujaratis celebrate around the world,” Parekh said.

Composed by Maulik Mehta and penned by lyricist Pratik Ahir, ‘Ghor Andhari’ features Ishani Dave’s powerful vocals and combines traditional Gujarati folk influences with vibrant Garba rhythms. The devotional single captures Navratri’s spiritual essence while retaining the festive energy that makes Garba an integral part of the celebrations.

Zee Music Gujarati has released ‘Ghor Andhari’ for listeners to enjoy during the Navratri season.

West Indies captain Shai Hope credited strong partnerships and Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive batting for his team’s six-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, as the visitors chased a daunting target of 250 runs.

Hope smashed a blistering 45-ball century, while Rutherford hammered 84 off just 37 deliveries to help the West Indies complete the second-highest successful run chase in men’s T20I cricket. The visitors reached 252/4 with two overs to spare.

Reflecting on the early setbacks that reduced the West Indies to 5/2, Hope admitted that the chase looked challenging. However, he said teams always believed they could reach big totals when playing in India.

“It was always going to be a tough chase. But when you chase here in India, you always give yourself a chance. You always think you’re in the game, regardless of what score is on the board. But five for two was always going to be challenging,” Hope said after winning the Player of the Match award.

Hope said his partnership with Rovman Powell helped the West Indies regain momentum before Rutherford’s counter-attacking knock gave the visitors the decisive push.

“When we got that partnership going, Rovman and I gave the innings some impetus. Then Sherfane came in and did what he did. He played really well with the bat and gave us the spark we needed to get over the line,” Hope said.

He also stressed the importance of building partnerships, saying batters sometimes needed to trust their partners rather than take unnecessary risks.

“I really believe we need to bat a lot better in partnerships. It’s something we tend to lack every now and again. But sometimes you just have to sit back and watch your partner play shots. In that situation, as long as we kept up with the required rate, I didn’t need to take unnecessary risks. I thought we were going really nicely, so it was about calculating the chase as best we could,” he said.

Hope also praised his SS bats and said he focused on backing himself and choosing the best scoring option whenever the ball entered his hitting zone.

“All those SS bats I have are pretty good. The ball seemed to travel quite a bit here. The boundaries were a little bigger, but you just have to back yourself. Once the ball is in your zone, you look for the best option to find the boundary, and it worked well today. As I said before, I needed some luck to go my way, and today was one of those days,” he added.

The West Indies captain attributed his recent run of form to thorough preparation and efforts to stay mentally fresh rather than any special comfort playing in India.

“When you’re scoring runs, you’re just happy. Maybe I could say I’m enjoying a good run of form right now, but I think the way I’m preparing and trying to stay mentally fresh and ready is giving me the best chance to perform. I just hope it continues for as long as possible,” he said.

Despite his remarkable century, Hope said he would not allow the success to affect his mindset.

Meanwhile, India captain Shreyas Iyer said the dew factor made it difficult to determine a par score after the West Indies chased down India’s imposing total of 249/5.

“Honestly speaking, you cannot put a number to it because when the dew factor comes in, it plays a massive role. Even 249 was chased with two overs to spare. So you cannot give a number or anticipate that this is the total we should aim for,” Iyer said after the match.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir urged his team to address its bowling shortcomings and called for a more competitive contest between bat and ball after the West Indies pulled off the record chase.

“You don’t shrug off any defeat. If you want to keep improving, you don’t want to put anything under the carpet. We are a world-champion team, so we want to keep improving,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.

He acknowledged the difficulty of bowling on flat pitches with dew but said India needed to find solutions, especially after the West Indies lost two wickets in the opening over and three during the powerplay.

“These are obviously tough conditions to bowl in. We know flat wickets with dew make it difficult, but we need to figure things out and find a way. Especially when the opposition had lost two wickets in the first over and then lost three wickets in the powerplay,” he said.

Gambhir also praised Hope and Rutherford for their performances, describing them as world-class batters in the T20 format.

“It was tough on us, but we’re going to keep improving,” he added.

The victory gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series. The visitors staged a remarkable recovery after Mayank Yadav’s three-wicket burst initially put India in control of the chase.

Actress Madhuri Dixit Nene paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who was scheduled to appear in the grand premiere episode of the Marathi game show ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ over the weekend. Madhuri hosts the show, which will premiere on October 12.

Madhuri, who shared screen space with Nana in the 1998 film ‘Wajood’, remembered him as a great artist with a powerful personality. She said his passing marked the loss of a treasured and legendary actor for the film industry.

Actress Sonali Bendre and Nana Patekar were scheduled to appear as the show’s first celebrity guests. The makers also expect several prominent Maharashtrian celebrities to join the show in the coming months.

Sharing her condolences on Instagram, Madhuri wrote, “A great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice… With Nana Patekar’s passing, the film industry has lost a treasured and legendary actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. A heartfelt tribute.”

Reports of Nana Patekar’s sudden demise emerged on October 8. He was 75.

According to a statement attributed to Manipal Hospital in Goa, the veteran actor was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors declared him brought dead.

Nana and Madhuri worked together in ‘Wajood’, an action film that N. Chandra directed and produced in 1998. The film follows Malhar, who falls in love with Apoorva and believes that her engagement to Nihal has taken place against her wishes. Malhar protests against the engagement, but the police arrest him, eventually pushing him towards a life of crime.

‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ will premiere on October 12 on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV. The show promises to celebrate knowledge, ambition and inspiring personal journeys, highlighting how the pursuit of knowledge can open doors to new opportunities.

The Marathi programme follows the format of the popular Hindi quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, which Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan hosts.

Madhuri has previously appeared as a judge and special guest on several television reality shows. Hosting ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ marks a new chapter in her television career.

Veteran actor Sachin Khedekar has hosted ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ for several previous seasons.

Sonali Bendre, who is also scheduled to appear in the premiere episode, has expressed her admiration for Madhuri. Her appearance, along with Nana Patekar’s planned participation, had added to the anticipation surrounding the new season.

The Indian rupee appreciated by 23 paise to 96.65 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by a slight weakening of the US dollar and suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The rupee opened on a positive note as the dollar index slipped towards 102 and Brent crude prices fell to around $103 per barrel. US President Donald Trump said the US would not attack Iran before the midterm elections, easing some concerns in the market.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 96.74 before strengthening to 96.65, gaining 23 paise over its previous close.

Market experts said the US dollar index extended its losses towards 102 as US Treasury yields declined following a well-received 30-year bond auction. The auction indicated continued investor demand for long-term government debt.

They added that lower crude oil prices eased inflation concerns after Trump cited productive discussions between the US and Iran and ruled out an attack before the midterm elections.

Markets assigned an 82 per cent probability to the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates unchanged this month, while the probability of a rate hike in December stood near 81 per cent, according to the experts.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said further rate increases would likely be necessary to bring inflation back to the central bank’s 2 per cent target. However, he emphasised that policymakers retained flexibility over the pace of monetary tightening.

On Thursday, the rupee had depreciated by 13 paise to close at 96.88 against the US dollar.

Indian equity markets also opened higher on Friday, supported by buying in information technology stocks.

The Sensex rose 183.43 points, or 0.26 per cent, at the opening, while the Nifty started the session at 22,314.95, up 83.15 points, or 0.37 per cent.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 12,943 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 10,703 crore.

FIIs have sold equities worth Rs 36,210 crore through exchanges so far in October.

India’s IT industry body Nasscom said on Thursday that relatively few employees transition from H-1B visas to permanent residency through the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process. It added that Indian technology companies would continue to comply with applicable US laws and regulations.

Nasscom issued the statement after the US administration suspended six major outsourcing companies, including India’s Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro and HCL, from the permanent labour certification programme. The action also covered Cognizant and Capgemini.

The industry body said the decision affects a specific immigration pathway. However, it reiterated that immigration and skilled talent mobility represent two distinct issues and require separate consideration.

“The H-1B visa programme has historically played an important role in addressing short-term skill gaps in the US, and it will continue to help meet short-term talent needs. However, over the past few years, Indian technology companies have significantly reduced their dependence on H-1B visas while steadily expanding local hiring and building a strong domestic workforce in the US,” Nasscom said.

The industry body added that Indian IT companies work with most Fortune 500 companies in the US, helping them innovate, expand and create more local jobs.

“Consequently, the number of employees transitioning from H-1B visas to permanent residency through the PERM process is also relatively limited. Indian technology companies operate across more than 80 countries and have consistently demonstrated their commitment to complying with local laws and regulatory requirements. We are confident that they will continue to adhere to applicable regulations in the US as well,” Nasscom said.

US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the suspension of the six outsourcing companies following investigations by the Department of Labor’s Inspector General.

The action prevents the companies from submitting new permanent labour certification applications and halts the processing of their pending applications.

States have welcomed the decisions made at the 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Thursday.

They described the latest reforms as an important step towards simplifying the tax regime, easing compliance and resolving concerns among businesses and taxpayers.

Finance ministers and chief ministers from several states praised the meeting’s focus on procedural and structural reforms. They said the changes would make the GST framework more efficient and improve the ease of doing business.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the GST Council brings states together to discuss ways to simplify the tax framework and make it more convenient for citizens.

She said the Council also discussed ways to improve GST implementation and make the system more effective for taxpayers.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also welcomed the reforms. He said the measures would reduce difficulties for people and make the GST system more convenient.

West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said GST continues to benefit states such as West Bengal, where the tax contributes a significant share of state revenue.

He said the latest structural reforms focused on rationalising provisions and improving the ease of doing business. According to him, these measures would benefit states in the long run by making the system easier to navigate.

Dasgupta acknowledged that the state had faced challenges in ensuring compliance with GST rules. However, he said awareness of compliance requirements had improved. He also described the Council’s discussions as highly positive.

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the GST Council consistently provides a suitable platform for resolving business grievances and simplifying procedures.

He praised the Central government and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their efforts to make the GST system more taxpayer-friendly and protect businesses from unnecessary difficulties.

Khanna also recalled the rate rationalisation exercise at the September 3 meeting. He said the move had provided relief to ordinary citizens without compromising government revenue.

He said the latest meeting focused on simplifying business procedures, particularly in areas where taxpayers had encountered difficulties.

“From registration to refunds, wherever businesses were facing problems, the processes have now been simplified,” Khanna said.

He described the measures as a major Diwali gift for the business community. He also welcomed the steps aimed at protecting businesses from unnecessary arrests under the GST law.

Khanna said the government had adopted a two-pronged approach: first, it provided relief to consumers through rate rationalisation and then addressed business concerns through procedural reforms.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, who is visiting India with a delegation of more than 30 professionals from higher education and advanced technology, said on Wednesday that he held “very, very productive meetings” on quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and defence technology.

“We’re looking for business-to-business collaboration so that we can produce better products and expand economic opportunities for both India and the United States,” Gianforte told.

Gianforte identified quantum technology and photonics as two of the most promising areas for cooperation between India and Montana.

“Some of the most exciting areas for us on this trip are the work being done here in India and in Montana in quantum technology and photonics. We’re having university-to-university discussions and private-sector-to-private-sector discussions,” he said.

The Montana Governor said India has developed significant expertise in quantum technology and photonics, which also remain key areas of focus in Montana.

“We’re looking for university-to-university collaboration on research. We have institutions in Montana that spend hundreds of millions of dollars on research in these areas that are of interest to both India and the United States,” he said.

Gianforte also highlighted opportunities for private-sector collaboration. He pointed to the aerospace sector as an example, noting that India operates a large number of Boeing aircraft while Montana-based companies manufacture parts for those aircraft.

“So, collaboration is a great opportunity,” he said.

He also identified precision agriculture as another potential area of cooperation, as technology can help farmers increase productivity.

“Precision agriculture is another area where technology is helping our farmers become more productive. We also have the dean of our School of Agriculture with us on this trip, and I think we’re going to uncover some great opportunities for collaboration,” Gianforte said.

Montana Delegation Explores Multiple Sectors

Gianforte said the trade mission includes 36 members and focuses on sectors where Montana and India share common interests.

“Let me talk specifically about what we’re trying to accomplish on this trade mission. Again, we have 36 individuals with us. We’re looking at areas of common interest, including aerospace, defence technology, precision agriculture and bioscience,” he said.

The Governor also stressed the importance of strengthening India-US trade ties. He said US Ambassador Sergio Gor had assured him that India and the United States were close to finalising a bilateral trade deal.

Gianforte said Montana wants stronger and more predictable trade relations with India, particularly in agriculture.

“India values its farmers very highly, as it should. We value our farmers in the United States very highly as well. We’ve seen great fluctuations in the purchasing of pulse crops in India. We want to have long-term relationships,” he said.

“Particularly in Montana, relationships are important. So, getting this trade deal done, with reciprocal and fair trade, is really essential for us to continue to expand and deepen the relationship between our two countries,” Gianforte added.

Trade Certainty Key to Deeper Economic Ties

Gianforte said businesses in both countries need certainty to invest and build long-term economic partnerships.

He stressed that completing an India-US trade agreement would provide businesses with greater confidence and encourage deeper commercial ties.

“It’s important that the India-US trade deal gets done, as Indian businesses and American businesses need certainty. Without certainty, it becomes more difficult to build deep economic ties between the two countries,” he said.

“We need a reciprocal relationship that gives businesses confidence that we can do business with each other and that both sides are taken care of,” Gianforte added.

The Montana delegation’s visit aims to strengthen cooperation across technology, education, agriculture, aerospace, defence and bioscience while creating new opportunities for businesses and institutions in India and Montana.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Wednesday awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai for their pioneering discoveries of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.

The Academy honoured the two scientists for discoveries that helped solve a century-old mystery: how molecular asymmetry, or homochirality, emerged in nature.

Kagan and Soai will share a cash prize of 12 million Swedish kronor.

Many molecules, including amino acids, exist in two mirror-image forms. Although these variants share similar chemical properties, living organisms overwhelmingly use only one form.
Scientists have spent decades trying to understand how nature developed this remarkable selectivity.

According to the Nobel Committee, chemists traditionally produced equal amounts of both mirror-image molecules during laboratory synthesis. Kagan and Soai’s discoveries showed how chemical reactions can instead favour one molecular mirror image, producing it predominantly or even exclusively.

“Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have provided a solution to a chemical mystery that is over a century old: how homochirality can emerge spontaneously. The chemical reactions they have developed are spectacular,” said Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

Kagan made a major breakthrough in 1986 when he developed a new method for influencing chemical reactions. His approach enabled scientists to produce a much greater excess of one molecular mirror image than they had previously considered possible.

Soai built on Kagan’s work and demonstrated a groundbreaking chemical reaction in 1995 that could potentially become homochiral.

In 2003, Soai achieved another landmark result by demonstrating a reaction that produced only one of two possible mirror-image forms. Scientists had previously observed such selectivity only in biological systems.

The Academy said the laureates’ discoveries have significantly influenced modern chemistry, particularly pharmaceutical development. Drug manufacturers often need to produce the correct molecular mirror image because different forms can produce different effects in the human body.

Henri B. Kagan

Henri B. Kagan was born in 1930 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He earned his PhD from the Collège de France in 1960 and later became Professor Emeritus at the former Université Paris-Sud.

Kenso Soai

Kenso Soai was born in 1950 in Hiroshima, Japan. He received his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1979 and later became Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Science.

The work of Kagan and Soai has helped scientists better understand how chemical systems can break symmetry and favour one molecular form over another, offering important insights into one of chemistry’s longstanding questions.

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated performers, died at the age of 75 in Goa.

Manipal Hospital, Goa, officially confirmed the actor’s death. According to the hospital, Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and his family rushed him to the hospital. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The acclaimed actor built a remarkable body of work spanning more than four decades. He earned widespread recognition for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, along with his distinctive dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex and unconventional characters.

Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar established himself as one of the most respected performers of his generation.

He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and gradually built a reputation for his intense screen presence and memorable performances.

Patekar gained major recognition with films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda. He later delivered acclaimed performances in Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.

The actor also made a significant contribution to Marathi cinema and theatre. He ventured into filmmaking and made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991.

Patekar also displayed his comic timing as Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise. His portrayal became hugely popular, particularly among younger audiences.

His other notable films include Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu, Gang, Deewangee, Bhoot, Welcome, Welcome Back, Natsamrat and The Vaccine War, among several others.

The government honoured Patekar with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. During his distinguished career, he also won three National Film Awards and several other prestigious honours.

Beyond cinema, Patekar supported several social causes, particularly initiatives aimed at helping farmers and families affected by agrarian distress. Through the Naam Foundation, he contributed to water conservation and water-storage initiatives in rural Maharashtra and supported families of farmers who died by suicide.

Despite his stature in the film industry, Patekar maintained a relatively private life and largely stayed away from the spotlight.

Nitin Gadkari Pays Tribute

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid an emotional tribute to Patekar in Marathi and recalled their close friendship.

Gadkari wrote on X:

“The news of the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a stalwart of Indian cinema, is extremely shocking and saddening. My heartfelt tribute to him. Nana and I shared a very close and friendly relationship. Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar ruled the hearts of audiences for more than five decades through Marathi and Hindi films. With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalised several characters in cinema and created an identity of his own. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema.

“Through the Naam Foundation, his work in the fields of water conservation and water storage in the rural areas of Maharashtra has been remarkable and significant. The helping hand he extended to the families of farmers who died by suicide became a source of support for many families.

“Nana was not only a great artist and actor, but also a sensitive personality who cared deeply about society. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”

Ravi Kishan Remembers Nana Patekar

Actor-politician Ravi Kishan expressed grief over Patekar’s death and highlighted his simplicity and humility.

Kishan wrote on Instagram:

“I was deeply saddened to hear the extremely tragic news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing early this morning. Despite being a star, Nana Ji was always far removed from the trappings of stardom. He was one of the great artists of Indian cinema, known for his simplicity, humility and his down-to-earth personality.

“Even while living amidst the glitz and glamour of Mumbai, he never lost touch with his roots and values. I shared a close and warm relationship with Nana Ji. We would speak from time to time, and I learned a great deal from his acting, simplicity and perspective on life.”

Akshay Kumar Pays Tribute

Actor Akshay Kumar also remembered his work with Patekar in Welcome and Housefull 5.

Kumar wrote:

“Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own.

“I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Jr NTR Remembers the Veteran Actor

Telugu star Jr NTR expressed his grief and praised Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema.

He wrote:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.”

Prabhu Deva Pays Tribute

Actor and director Prabhu Deva also expressed his grief on X.

He wrote:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor Nana Patekar Sir. His powerful performances, remarkable talent and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”

Prakash Raj Recalls His Bond With Nana

Actor Prakash Raj shared a personal tribute to Patekar and remembered their conversations and time together.

He wrote:

“Miss you my dear Nana ji… Will cherish the moments spent… conversations… arguments… the food you cooked… knowledge you shared. Thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #nanapatekar.”

Suniel Shetty Calls Nana ‘One of a Kind’

Actor Suniel Shetty expressed shock over Patekar’s death and praised his honesty and individuality.

Shetty wrote:

“Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau… Cinema won’t be the same without you.”

Arjun Rampal Expresses Shock

Actor Arjun Rampal also expressed his shock over Patekar’s death.

He wrote:

“Devastated, shocked and deeply saddened to wake up to this news. Can’t believe it, this is a huge huge loss to the industry and to all of us, especially people who knew @iamnanapatekar sir personally, whose lives he touched.”

Boman Irani Remembers Nana’s Advice

Veteran actor Boman Irani described the news as difficult and painful while recalling Patekar’s regular advice about walking.

Irani said:

“Difficult, painful and emotional. I was on my morning walk when I received the sad call. Strangely, a morning walk was his regular advice for me. ‘Come on, Boman. Walk, walk,’ he always said.

“I’m heartbroken, but we should not let our sorrow obscure his contribution to cinema and theatre. Good man, no more. Will miss you, Nana. Will keep walking.”

Subhash Ghai Bids Goodbye

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai also paid tribute to Patekar and remembered his contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre.

Ghai wrote:

“GOOD BYE NANA. MARATHI N HINDI CINEMA N STAGE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. For being a real NUT SMRAAT ON SCREEN. A great friend without transactions. A most honest soul to yourself. A great cook at home like mother. A rare person and unique philosopher and philanthropist. We all loved you and shall love you for good. RIP.”

Rajinikanth Remembers His ‘Dear Friend’

Superstar Rajinikanth expressed shock over Patekar’s death and described him as a dear friend.

Rajinikanth wrote:

“I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Manoj Bajpayee Pays Tribute

Actor Manoj Bajpayee also expressed shock and recalled how Patekar’s career inspired aspiring actors.

He wrote:

“Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti.”

Manisha Koirala Remembers His Contribution

Actor Manisha Koirala also paid tribute to the veteran performer.

She said:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

Nana Patekar leaves behind a lasting legacy across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking. His distinctive performances, powerful dialogue delivery and commitment to socially relevant causes have left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Wednesday that financial markets can behave irrationally in the short term and suggested that several indicators show the rupee may remain undervalued rather than overvalued.

Speaking at a post-policy press conference after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Malhotra said market perceptions and currency positioning do not always reflect a currency’s underlying value.

“Only in the long run are markets able to find the right value,” he said in response to a question about the continued depreciation bias reflected in currency surveys and hedging activity.

The RBI Governor pointed to several measures used to assess currency valuation, including the real effective exchange rate (REER), and said they indicate that the rupee does not look overvalued.

“By a number of estimates, including the REER, rupee is not overvalued, may be undervalued,” Malhotra said.

His remarks came as market participants continued to expect weakness in the rupee despite India’s ability to attract foreign capital inflows when required.

Analysts have also highlighted hedging patterns and currency forecasts that point to expectations of further depreciation in the domestic currency.

The comments followed the RBI’s latest monetary policy review, in which the MPC voted to raise the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent.

The August 2026 policy review had marked the fourth consecutive meeting in which the central bank kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent and maintained its neutral stance.

The MPC had also kept rates unchanged in June, April and February 2026 after cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points in December 2025 to 5.25 per cent.

Before the December rate cut, the central bank had maintained the benchmark rate at 5.50 per cent in its October 2025 review.

Meanwhile, the MPC, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, announced a 25-basis-point increase in the key policy rate earlier on Wednesday, taking the repo rate to 5.50 per cent amid a challenging global environment.

The RBI also raised the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate to 5.25 per cent and increased the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and bank rate to 5.75 per cent.