Rakhi Sawant, the outspoken entertainer who rose to prominence through her bold television appearances and controversial public image, continues to remain a subject of public fascination. Once a staple of reality shows like Bigg Boss, Sawant’s recent years have been marked by health complications, ongoing legal disputes, and a personal life riddled with dramatic turns — including a highly publicized connection with a Pakistani actor that nearly led to marriage.

In 1975, a year that cemented Amitabh Bachchan’s status as the “angry young man” of Hindi cinema with the release of Sholay and Deewaar, the superstar also took part in a lesser-known cinematic venture far from the Bollywood spotlight — an Assamese film that, intriguingly, never saw the light of day. The project, largely unknown even among ardent fans, was filmed during the peak of Bachchan’s early fame.

Veteran writer Hanif Zaveri has reignited one of Bollywood’s most enduring stories by claiming that Jaya Bachchan once confronted Rekha over her rumored closeness with Amitabh Bachchan. According to Zaveri, Jaya invited Rekha to lunch during the height of speculation about the co-stars’ off-screen relationship and, in a calm yet firm exchange, told her: “Amitabh mera tha, mera hai, aur mera hi rahega” (“Amitabh was mine, is mine, and will always be mine”).

TARC Ltd, a prominent player in the real estate sector, has posted a net profit of Rs. 54 crore for the first quarter, driven by strong housing demand and steady project execution. The company’s quarterly performance reflects the resilience of India’s property market, particularly in the premium and mid-segment categories, where demand has remained buoyant despite broader economic uncertainties. Management attributed the results to timely delivery of projects, disciplined cost management, and strategic land acquisitions that strengthen the firm’s development pipeline.

Global furniture giant IKEA has expressed confidence in India’s long-term growth potential, outlining a strategic vision that spans the next three decades. The Swedish retailer, known for its affordable and modular home furnishings, sees the country as a key driver of its global expansion due to its young population, rising middle class, and urbanization trends. IKEA plans to deepen its presence through a mix of large-format stores, smaller city outlets, and an expanded online marketplace.

HDFC ERGO General Insurance has teamed up with digital payments platform PhonePe to roll out a range of health insurance products accessible directly through the app. The collaboration aims to make comprehensive medical coverage more affordable and convenient for a wide customer base, leveraging PhonePe’s digital reach and HDFC ERGO’s underwriting expertise. The plans, available instantly through a paperless process, are designed to cater to varying healthcare needs, from basic hospitalization cover to more extensive protection.

Low-cost carrier SpiceJet is bolstering its winter flight operations by leasing five Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to meet anticipated surge in passenger demand during the peak travel season. The additional planes will enhance the airline’s domestic and international network capacity, enabling it to operate more frequent flights on high-demand routes and introduce select new services. The move reflects SpiceJet’s strategy to strengthen its market position amid rising competition and capitalize on robust seasonal travel trends.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will impose temporary flight restrictions on August 15 as part of heightened security protocols for Independence Day celebrations. Authorities have announced that certain flight movements will be suspended during specific hours to ensure airspace safety around the national capital, particularly in light of the Prime Minister’s address and ceremonial events at the Red Fort. The restrictions are part of standard annual procedures coordinated between civil aviation authorities, the Air Force, and security agencies.

Juniper Green Energy has secured Rs. 1,739 crore in debt financing to scale up its renewable energy portfolio, underscoring investor confidence in India’s clean energy transition. The funds will be used to develop and commission solar and wind projects across multiple states, aligning with the company’s goal of significantly expanding its operational capacity over the next few years.

India’s hospitality sector recorded a sharp spike in occupancy and room rates during the Independence Day weekend, as domestic travel demand surged across leisure and urban destinations. Hotels in popular tourist spots and metropolitan hubs reported near-full bookings, driven by the extended holiday period and robust consumer sentiment. Average room tariffs jumped significantly compared to last year, with premium properties leading the gains.