Former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi passed away at the age of 86.
Joshi served as Chief Minister from 1995 to 1999 and was the first leader from the undivided Shiv Sena to occupy the top post in the state. He was also elected as a Member of Parliament and was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004 when the Vajpayee government was in power.
His political career began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and he later became a member of the Shiv Sena. In the 1980s, Joshi emerged as a key leader within the Shiv Sena, and was known for his organisational skills.
Feb 21, 2024
Actor Rituraj Singh Passes Away
Rituraj Singh, a versatile actor passed away at the age of 59. Singh, whose career spanned over several decades, was revered for his dynamic performances across television, cinema, and web series.
Rituraj Singh's journey in the entertainment industry is marked by an array of memorable roles that showcased his acting prowess. He was an integral part of the television landscape, featuring in iconic shows such as "Banegi Apni Baat," "Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii," and "Kutumb." His role in "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" further solidified his standing as a household name, endearing him to audiences across the nation.
Eminent jurist Fali S. Nariman Passes Away
Eminent jurist and senior advocate of the Supreme Court Fali S. Nariman died at the age of 95.
Nariman started his law practice at the Bombay High Court.
When he was 38 years, below the minimum qualifying age, he declined an invitation to be a judge of the High Court.
He was a senior advocate of the Supreme Court since 1971 and had also served as President of the Bar Association of India from 1991 to 2010.
Nariman was a recipient of some of the country's highest civilian awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Feb 20, 2024
Shubman Gill is Punjab 'State Icon' for Lok Sabha Polls
In a significant move to boost voter engagement and participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer's office announced Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the new "state icon" for Punjab. This appointment is a strategic effort to connect with the youth and sports enthusiasts, ensuring that the electoral process resonates more deeply across various demographics.
Under the ambitious target of "Is Vaar 70 Paar", the electoral office aims to surpass a 70 per cent voter turnout in the forthcoming polls. This initiative follows the previous voter turnout of 65.96 per cent during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections across the 13 seats in Punjab. By engaging a figure like Shubman Gill, who holds considerable influence among the younger population, the electoral office is optimistic about achieving and even exceeding this target.
Feb 19, 2024
Legendary South African All-rounder Mike Procter Dies
Legendary South Africa cricketer Mike Procter passed away. He was 77. A great all-rounder of his times, Procter scored a staggering 21936 runs including 48 centuries and took 1417 wickets at 19.53 with 70 five-wicket hauls from 401 first class games.
Widely considered among the country's greatest cricketers, Procter's career unfortunately coincided with South Africa's sporting isolation in the 1970s and 80s and therefore he was restricted to just the seven Test match appearances - all against Australia.
He was also appointed to the International Cricket Council's panel of match referees and also served as South Africa's convener of selectors.
Feb 17, 2024
Padma Shree Awardee, Chef Imtiaz Qureshi Passes Away
Renowned chef Imitiaz Qureshi, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away at the age of 93. Chef Qureshi, known for his culinary expertise as the master chef at ITC Hotels, gained acclaim for establishing the culinary brand Bukhara.
Born in Kolkata in 1928, Chef Qureshi began his culinary journey at the age of seven by assisting the royal chefs in his family home. He was one of the essential pillars in popularising the art of Dum Pukht abroad, making it a global gastronomic sensation.
Qureshi's creative genius shone in the simple sophistication of Dum Pukht, a cuisine which requires patience, discipline, and precision. He mastered the art and science of slow cooking, transforming humble ingredients into mouthwatering, aromatic dishes that resonated with the heart and soul.
'Udaan' Actoress Kavita Chaudhary Passes Away
Kavita Chaudhary, known for her 1989 super hit TV show, 'Udaan', and for playing Lalita-ji in the iconic Surf ads, died at the age of 67.
Kavita Chaudhary's journey in the world of Indian television was marked by her passion for storytelling and her commitment to portraying strong, independent women. Her most notable work, "Udaan," aired in 1989, where she not only played the lead role of IPS officer Kalyani Singh but also took on the roles of writer and director.
Beyond the realm of drama, Kavita Chaudhary became a household name as Lalitaji in the Surf detergent commercials during the 1980s and 1990s. Lalitaji, portrayed as a wise and judicious housewife, became an emblem of smart consumerism, advising viewers on the importance of making informed and sensible purchasing decisions.