Trigger Warning: This article contains references to alcohol and drugs.

Actress Prayaga Martin, along with Manjummel Boys actor Sreenath Bhasi, were reportedly under the scanner by the police because of their alleged connection to gangster Omprakash. According to the OnManorama report, authorities claimed that the actors visited the notorious gangster at his hotel room in Kochi, where a small amount of drugs were found. However, Prayaga came forward to share her side of the story and cleared the air.

Speaking to Manorama Online, the actress stated that she met her friends at the hotel and left around 7 PM to attend an event in Kozhikode. Prayaga said, “I don’t know Omprakash personally. To be honest, I only heard his name when a media person approached me for an interview.”

“I had gone to the hotel in Maradu to visit some friends,” she added. Prayaga further went on to say that she had to board the Vande Bharat Express to attend a function the following day, so she stayed in her friend’s room for some time. She claimed that she slept there for two hours, and unfortunately, the incident occurred at the time she was there.  

Meanwhile, Omprakash and his associate Shihas were arrested from the hotel after cops received a tip-off about an alleged drug sale. As per the report, police recovered a small amount of drugs along with liquor bottles. 

Police officials also collected blood samples to determine if the suspects had used them ahead of the Alan Walker music show in Kochi. 

Nonetheless, according to the report, the court granted bail to Omprakash and his associate after stating that police officials could not prove a commercial quantity of drugs from his possession. An investigation into the matter is still underway.

Disclaimer: If you know someone who is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please reach out to the authorities and report it. There are several helplines available for the same.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali owes his major entry into Bollywood to Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The acclaimed filmmaker shared that he started his journey in the industry as an assistant director under Vidhu Vinod Chopra, a position he held for eight years. However, securing a spot on Chopra’s team wasn’t easy and it was Chopra’s ex-wife who forced him to take SLB for work. He then recalled that working with the 12th Fail director for 8 years, ‘changed his life’ and made him like ‘iron and steel’. 

During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali shared his challenging journey into the film industry, mentioning that it seemed nearly impossible for a boy from Bhindi Bazaar, who lacked confidence, friends, and connections, to enter this world.

He emphasized that it was a long and difficult path. He also acknowledged that it was his sister, Bela Segal, who helped him gain access to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s office. 

The Bajirao Mastani director revealed that his sister used to work with Vidhu Vinod Chopra and reached out to Chopra’s ex-wife, Renu Chopra, who persuaded Vidhu to take him on. Initially, Vidhu dismissed him in his usual manner but eventually accepted, allowing Sanjay to work under him for eight years.

Sanjay also expressed his ongoing gratitude towards Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the opportunity. 

He stated, “He made me iron and steel. After working with him for 8 years, you can face anything in the world. Till date if Vinod Chopra’s call comes, I stand up and talk. That is the gratitude I feel towards somebody who changed my life.”

In the same chat, SLB also recalled his early days noting that he came from a small chawl, living in a colorless 300-square-foot space. He explained that growing up in such a cramped environment, where every inch counted, shaped his view of the world. While the walls of the chawl lacked color, his imagination was filled with vibrant dreams.

He also shared that these experiences not only influenced his filmmaking but also fueled his creative frustration. Bhansali stated that he has made significant films and earned the right to do so, but all of it stems from the chaos of his life.