Security forces kill five militants in Panjgur ope…

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has described becoming a mother as the most significant milestone of her life, saying family has taken priority over her successful film career during her years away from the spotlight. The actor, who was among Bollywood’s leading stars in the early 2000s, stepped away from acting after marrying in 2016 and later welcoming her children in 2021. Her last on-screen appearance was in Bhaiaji Superhit in 2018, and she is now set to return with Batwara 1947. Speaking in a recent interview, Preity said she never felt the absence of films during her break because she was focused on building her family. She explained that while she has enjoyed many career achievements, raising her children has been the most meaningful accomplishment of her life. According to the actor, motherhood brought a new perspective that became valuable while preparing for her latest role. In Batwara 1947, Preity portrays a Muslim woman living in Lahore during the Partition of India. The story follows her family after her husband, played by Sunny Deol, shelters a Hindu woman amid the violence and upheaval of 1947. The actor said her own experience of putting family first helped her relate to the emotions and decisions of her character. She noted that if family remains her top priority today, she can only imagine how much more important it would have been for people living through the uncertainty of Partition. Preity also admitted she felt nervous returning to the camera after such a long break. She recalled that director Rajkumar Santoshi scheduled one of the film’s most emotionally demanding scenes on the very first day of shooting, leaving her anxious about her performance. She praised co-star Sunny Deol for making the experience easier, describing him as a supportive, kind and encouraging colleague who helped her regain confidence during filming. After completing the challenging opening scenes, Preity said she gradually became comfortable on set and found herself settling back into acting. Batwara 1947 also marks Preity Zinta’s reunion with Sunny Deol after eight years, with the two actors sharing the screen once again following their last collaboration in Bhaiaji Superhit.

Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse has been removed from her title following a review of information that recently came to light, pageant organisers announced. A Blaize Productions, which runs the state pageant, said it had made the decision to end Boltinhouse’s reign after examining the circumstances. The organisers did not disclose the nature of the information that prompted the review. Miss USA organisation president Thom Brodeur said the organisation does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that degrades or strips people of their dignity. Brodeur said the issue was not linked to a single incident. According to him, the information presented to the organisation pointed to conduct that had allegedly occurred over an extended period. He said Boltinhouse had apologised and was expected to issue a statement addressing the matter. She has not publicly provided details about the circumstances leading to her removal. Boltinhouse, 27, won the Miss North Carolina USA title in June. She had been preparing to represent the state at the 75th Miss USA competition in Miami later this month. Organisers said the decision was not taken lightly and followed a “thorough review” of recently surfaced information. They said the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the title and uphold the organisation’s standards. The state’s runner-up, Myla Hadley, will now take over the title and represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant. Hadley said she understood the significance and responsibility attached to the position and was prepared to take on the role despite the short notice. She said she had been preparing to represent North Carolina at the national competition since she first entered the organisation’s pageant system. The winner of the upcoming Miss USA competition will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in November.