Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui finds himself in hot water after a recent ad sparked controversy. A Hindu organization has accused him of tarnishing the Maharashtra police’s image and is pushing for legal action against the actor.

As per a report in Free Press Journal, the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has called on the Mumbai Police commissioner and Maharashtra’s police chief to take legal action against Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The group alleges that his portrayal of a police officer in an online gaming ad tarnishes the reputation of the Maharashtra Police. 

Their Surajya Abhiyan campaign demands immediate action, accusing Siddiqui of defaming the police by promoting poker while dressed in a Maharashtra police uniform. The organization insists the ad is damaging and disrespectful to law enforcement.

Abhishek Murukate, the Maharashtra state coordinator of Surajya Abhiyan, penned a letter to the state’s DGP and Mumbai Police commissioner, urging them to take action against Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Ankur Singh, the owner of the online gaming app. The letter demands strict legal measures under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, and the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, for allegedly defaming the police through the controversial advertisement.

The letter raised serious concerns about the situation, highlighting the irony that the same police department that arrests gamblers is now involved in this controversy. The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti’s Surajya Abhiyan condemned the advertisement for undermining the reputation of the Maharashtra Police, warning that overlooking this issue could lead to a rise in illegal and unethical advertisements that misuse police uniforms.

The letter read, “It tarnishes the image of Maharashtra Police. Ignoring this could lead to more illegal and unethical advertisements using police uniforms.” It also urged Maharashtra’s home minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to take note of the matter.

Murukate emphasized the hard work and training of the Maharashtra police, criticizing the advertisement for implying that online gambling enhances their skills. He expressed disappointment that no police officer has been prompted to act against the gaming application, noting it was unfortunate that complaints had to come from outside sources. He also expressed hope that Maharashtra’s home minister would take notice of the situation.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Nawazuddin Siddiqui embarked on his Bollywood journey in 1999 with the film Sarfarosh, featuring Aamir Khan in the lead role. Their collaboration continued in Talaash: The Answer Lies Within and extended to Aamir’s co-production, Peepli Live in 2010. 

He later teamed up with Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 crime drama Raees and shared the screen with Salman Khan in blockbusters like Kick and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Siddiqui’s impressive filmography also includes critically acclaimed titles such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Badlapur, Thackeray, Photograph, Mom, Raman Raghav 2.0, and Serious Men, showcasing his versatility and talent in the industry.

Mimi Hines—legendary singer, comedian, television personality, and Broadway performer who famously replaced Barbra Streisand in the original cast of Funny Girl—passed away on Monday, October 21, at age 91 of natural causes. Mark Sendroff, Hines’ longtime attorney, confirmed her demise in a statement to various US media houses, noting she died peacefully at her home in Las Vegas.

Born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1933, Hines showed an interest in showbiz at a very young age. By 12, she was already performing in nightclubs. Who knew then that she would go on to make a name for herself in the industry as part of the duo Ford and Hines, alongside the late actor and comic Phil Ford?

The pair met in 1952 while working in different nightclubs in Alaska. They began working together when Ford’s female partner accidentally broke her ankle, and Hines, then 19, stepped in as a substitute. Love soon followed, and the pair married within two years of meeting in 1954.

Annu Kapoor recently opened up about his experience working with Priyanka Chopra in 7 Khoon Maaf. Back in 2011, rumors circulated that the actress had refused to kiss him during filming. Reflecting on the incident now, Kapoor remarked that she likely wouldn’t have hesitated if he had been the film’s hero, adding that his appearance and lack of the ‘hero’ persona might have been the reason for the discomfort.

During an interview with ANI, Annu Kapoor reflected on an incident from the filming of 7 Khoon Maaf. His character, Inspector Keemat Lal, was part of an intimate scene with Priyanka Chopra. When Vishal Bhardwaj mentioned that Priyanka felt uneasy about it, Kapoor suggested cutting the scene.

However, Vishal Bhardwaj insisted the scene needed to be filmed, so Kapoor completed it and even delivered a solo shot that earned praise from the crew. Despite this, rumors quickly spread that Priyanka had refused to kiss him. Reflecting on the situation, Annu noted that if he had been the leading man, there likely wouldn’t have been an issue. 

He said, “The simple thing is, if I were a hero, Priyanka Chopra wouldn’t have had any problem. She doesn’t have any problem kissing a hero. Then there is me. I don’t have a face. I don’t have a personality. That’s why there’s a problem.”

In Vishal Bhardwaj’s dark comedy 7 Khoon Maaf, based on Ruskin Bond’s short story Susanne’s Seven Husbands, Priyanka Chopra takes on the role of Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes, an Anglo-Indian woman with a tumultuous love life. Annu Kapoor plays Kimmat Lal, an inspector and one of her husbands in this twisted tale of love and betrayal.

On the work front, Annu Kapoor is a true multi-talent, having made his mark as an actor, singer, director, producer, radio jockey, and television host. His versatility shines in cinema, with memorable roles in films like Hum, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, Ram Lakhan, Chaal, Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Aitraaz, Dream Girl, Dream Girl 2, Jolly LLB 2, and many more, solidifying his place as one of the most dynamic performers in the industry.

Priyanka Chopra has an exciting slate of upcoming projects, including the films The Bluff and Heads of State. Alongside these, she’s also immersed in the production of the much-anticipated second season of her hit series Citadel, keeping her schedule packed with thrilling ventures.