A 26-year-old doctor has died by suicide in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly after her boyfriend refused to marry her because her family could not fulfill dowry demands. State health minister Veena George has ordered a probe into the death of Dr Shahana, who was pursuing a postgraduate course at the surgery department of Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram.

The police have registered a case against the boyfriend under the abetment to suicide charge and dowry prevention laws. They have recorded the statements of the woman’s relatives.

According to local media reports, Dr Shahana lived with her mother and two siblings. Her father, who worked in the Gulf, died two years back. She was in a relationship with Dr EA Ruwais and the two decided to marry.

Dr Shahana’s family has alleged that Dr Ruwais’ family demanded 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land and a BMW car in dowry. When Dr Shahana’s family said they cannot meet the demand, her boyfriend’s family called off the wedding, Mathrubhumi reported. This left the young doctor very upset, and she died by suicide, local residents have alleged. A suicide note found at her apartment read, “Everyone wants money only”, it is learnt.

The health minister has said the state Women and Child Development department has been asked to submit a report on the allegations of dowry demand.

The state Minority Commission is also looking into the matter. The panel’s chairperson AA Rasheed has asked the district collector, the city police commissioner and director of medical education to appear before the commission on December 14 and submit a report.

The state women’s commission chairperson P Sathidevi visited Dr Shahana’s home and met the family. Ms Sathidevi said strong steps must be taken if the mental agony caused due to the dowry demand pushed the young doctor to suicide.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has ignited excitement among fans by teasing the sequel to his recent film Animal, titled Animal Park. Promising a more intense, darker, and grander narrative, Vanga assured that the sequel will surpass its predecessor in every aspect. Released on December 1, Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, opened to packed screens despite facing criticism on social media.

The film’s climax tantalised audiences with the prospect of Animal Park, hinting at the emergence of even more formidable characters alongside Ranbir Kapoor’s compelling portrayal.

In an interview, Vanga hinted at the potential collaboration with Ranbir Kapoor for a darker and more violent project than Animal if the film garners a positive response. With Animal already raking in numbers, the path seems clear for Vanga to unveil Animal Park, expanding upon the universe.

Released globally on December 1, 2023, Animal helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Ranbir Kapoor explores the tumultuous bond between a father and son. Alongside Kapoor, the movie features Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri in supporting roles.

Sara Ali Khan can’t believe that it’s been five years since her Bollywood debut in Kedarnath. The Abhishek Kapoor directorial which was released in 2018, saw her star alongside the late Sushant Singh Rajput.

Sara Ali Khan shared a fan page’s post on her Instagram story as she completes five years since her acting debut in Kedarnath. The collage features Sara’s looks from different films.

She added the song Sweetheart from Kedarnath and wrote, “It’s been half a decade???”

Last year, Sara shared behind-the-scenes photos from Kedarnath with a heartfelt note. Remembering her co-star, the late Sushant Singh Rajput, she wrote, “4 years ago, my biggest dream came true. It still feels like a dream and now perhaps always will. I’d do anything to go back to August 2017 and shoot every scene of this film again, relive every moment again, learn so much from Sushant about music, films, books, life, acting, stars and the sky, witness every sunrise, sunset and moonrise, listen to the sound of the river, enjoy every plate of Maggi and Kurkure, wake up at 4am to get ready, be introduced and directed by Gattu sir, and just be Mukku all over again.”

Sara Ali Khan is gearing up for her next film, Karan Johar’s Ae Watan Mere Watan slated for release in 2024.