Salaar, helmed by Prashanth Neel and starring Shruti Haasan and Prabhas in pivotal roles, has been one of the most-anticipated films of the year. The film is a lavishly-mounted big-budget entertainer and the glimpses shared have been impressive.

Shruti Haasan took to her social media handle yesterday as she shared some BTS moments from Salaar. From camera clippings to posing with the cast and crew to the extensive locations where they shot. She captioned it with, “SALAAR memories. I truly had the best time working with these awesome awesome people, full of light and positivity. We had so much fun making this movie too Prabhas fed and cared for us so well, Prashant sir was so fun with his between-shots races and matches and Bhuvan sir made a whole entire music video with me! It makes me happy when good people get good things in life. I loved being in this movie and all the memories we made with so so so much hard work from every single person in the crew that worked tirelessly. Thank you Prashant sir for making me a part of your insane majestic world and Thankyou Hombale films and team too.”

The film opened up to mixed reviews and was released on December 21, 2023.

Arbaaz Khan recently tied the knot with makeup artist Sshura Khan. The actor-producer has been posting numerous snapshots and clips from their intimate nikah ceremony, held at Arpita Khan Sharma’s residence in Mumbai on December 24. Among these was an unseen video featuring Arbaaz serenading his wife with the song Tere Mast Mast Do Nain from Salman Khan’s Dabangg, a moment filled with joy and Shura’s gleeful response to her husband’s heartfelt performance.

Taking to Instagram, Arbaaz humorously commented on his singing skills, stating, “No wonder my father wanted me to be a cricketer instead of a singer,” alongside the shared video. Another viral video showcased Arbaaz’s son, Arhaan, playing the guitar for his father while Arbaaz recorded the touching moment on his phone.

The wedding celebration was attended by close family members including Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz’s son Arhaan Khan, his parents Salim Khan and Salma Khan, Helen, Raveena Tandon with her daughter Rasha Thadani, and Iulia Vantur. Arbaaz and Shura crossed paths on the set of the upcoming movie Patna Shukla.

Arbaaz expressed gratitude, sharing a few pictures from the ceremony along with the message, “In the presence of our loved ones, me and mine begin a lifetime of love and togetherness from this day on! Need all your blessings and good wishes on our special day!”

The voting to decide the idol of Lord Ram Lalla for the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya will take place today. The decision will mark a crucial step in the construction and consecration of the temple, scheduled for January 22.

The voting will be conducted during a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust entrusted with overseeing the temple’s construction and management. Three distinct designs crafted by separate sculptors will be presented, with the idol receiving the highest number of votes to be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum during the consecration ceremony.

A 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram, depicting a five-year-old Ram Lalla, will be chosen from the three designs, Champat Rai, the trust secretary, said on Wednesday. “The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected,” he said. 

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As the date for the consecration ceremony approaches, the chairman of the Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, inspected the ongoing construction work on the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the temple complex. Mr Misra assured that the construction is proceeding with a focus on quality rather than haste, with a three-phase plan to complete the entire project.

The consecration ceremony, spanning seven days, will commence on January 16 with an atonement ceremony conducted by the host appointed by the temple trust. Notable events during the ceremony include the procession carrying the child-like idol of Lord Ram, ritualistic baths, worship, and fire rituals.

On January 22, following a morning puja, the afternoon ceremony will see the idol find its permanent home under the auspicious ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’.

Ayodhya Temple Complex

The temple’s trust has unveiled ambitious plans for the complex, emphasising its commitment to environmental sustainability and self-sufficiency.

The sprawling 70-acre complex will predominantly feature lush greenery, with approximately 70 per cent dedicated to a green area adorned with hundreds of trees. The trust has announced the inclusion of state-of-the-art facilities such as sewage and water treatment plants, a fire brigade post, and a dedicated power line within the complex.

READ | “Sita Mata Has Withdrawn Her Curse”: ‘King’ Of Ayodhya On City Revamp

“The atmanirbhar (self-sufficient) complex will not only be a spiritual haven but also a model of responsible environmental practices,” MrRai said.

Sun Pillars

In addition to the green initiatives, Ayodhya is set to witness the installation of sun-themed pillars, known as ‘Surya Stambhs,’ along a prominent road in the temple town. Standing at an impressive 30 feet in height, each pillar will boast an ornamental orb that, when illuminated at night, will transform into a “miniature suns”. 

Constructed from reinforced cement concrete, these pillars will showcase a decorative cladding made from a special fiber, featuring the sacred chant ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ a mace symbolising Lord Hanuman, and other ornamental motifs.