In contrast, Russia continues to maintain a time-tested rapport with India

As the dust settles on yet another tense standoff between India and Pakistan, a wave of introspection has swept across India’s strategic and civil circles. From geopolitical alignments to domestic cohesion, the conflict has laid bare uncomfortable truths, prompting many in India to reassess both alliances and national priorities.

One of the starkest revelations has been the geopolitical reality of international loyalties. Despite diplomatic pleasantries and economic ties, Turkey, China, and even the United States appear to consistently position themselves favorably toward Pakistan in times of heightened tensions. For India, this has raised pressing questions about the reliability of its global partnerships, especially when diplomatic neutrality could mean indirect support for hostile narratives or platforms.

In contrast, Russia continues to maintain a time-tested rapport with India, providing a semblance of consistency in an otherwise fluid global arena. While Russia navigates its own complex global relationships, its stance during South Asian crises often reflects a strategic inclination toward New Delhi—an anchor India appears increasingly dependent on.

Beyond diplomacy, the conflict has once again exposed India’s chronic weakness in information warfare. As narratives around the conflict played out across global media, India’s digital diplomacy and media engagement seemed sluggish. Pakistan’s ability to frame its position more compellingly on international platforms left many in India questioning the effectiveness of their country’s strategic communications machinery.

Adding to this frustration is the perceived silence of influential Indian voices—notably from Bollywood, elite athletes, and prominent non-resident Indians in the corporate world. During moments of national crisis, these figures often choose a neutral or muted stance, citing professional boundaries. Critics argue that their silence stands in contrast to their massive influence and the need for soft power mobilization during geopolitical flashpoints.

Yet, amidst external disillusionment and internal criticism, one aspect remains clear: in moments of war or national threat, India stands united. Across states, religions, and political ideologies, there emerges a sense of collective identity and resilience. The surge in public solidarity during conflict is a testament to the depth of national consciousness that still binds the country.

However, concerns over international financial institutions have also intensified. Observers argue that bailouts and financial packages, particularly to economically unstable states with militant linkages, risk indirectly funding destabilizing activities. While not officially acknowledged, the perception that financial support can be misappropriated is gaining traction in Indian public discourse.

The recent episode has forced India into a mirror. It reflects a nation with immense potential and unity, but also with vulnerabilities—diplomatic, informational, and strategic—that demand urgent attention. If anything, the lessons from the conflict point not just to threats from without, but also to gaps within that India must address to navigate an increasingly complex global order.

He also played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several Bollywood actors, including Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.

Saudi-origin Ebrahim Alkazi was a prominent Indian theater director and drama teacher who made a significant contribution to Indian theatre and Bollywood. Alkazi was born in Pune, India, to a Kuwaiti mother and a Najdi father who hailed from Unaizah, Saudi Arabia, and had a prosperous business background.

Alkazi is credited with revolutionizing Indian theatre by introducing modern techniques and staging plays that dealt with contemporary issues. He was one of the first directors to use lighting, sets, and costumes to create a theatrical experience that was on par with international standards.

In addition to his work in theatre, Alkazi also made a significant contribution to Bollywood. He directed several Hindi films during the 1960s and 1970s, including “Dharmputra”, “Kalidas”, and “The Householder”. His films were known for their strong social messages and dealt with issues such as poverty, corruption, and gender inequality.

Alkazi’s contribution to Bollywood was not limited to directing. He also played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several Bollywood actors, including Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.

His focus on realism and attention to detail inspired a new generation of filmmakers who sought to tell stories that were grounded in reality. This approach to filmmaking gave rise to a new wave movement in Indian cinema during the 1970s, which was characterized by socially relevant themes, realistic portrayals, and naturalistic performances.

During the ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ TV show, Shahrukh Khan remembered Alkazi.

Alkazi was the director of the National School of Drama in New Delhi, where he trained several actors who went on to become household names in Bollywood.

Alkazi received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian theatre and Bollywood. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1966 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. He was also the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest award in Indian theatre, in 1962.

In 2016, the Saudi Ambassador to India, Saud Al-Sati, was in Mumbai to attend the inauguration of an exhibition named after Alkazi.

During the inauguration, Al-Sati said, “If we were to choose an individual, who formed the very concept of theater, it would almost certainly be Ebrahim Al-Kazi, the Indian theater legend with roots in Saudi Arabia”.

Alkazi passed away in 2020 at the age of 94, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian theatre and Bollywood. His contribution to Indian theatre and cinema continues to inspire generations of actors and directors, and his work remains an integral part of India’s artistic heritage.

Alkazi’s impact on Indian theatre and cinema will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists.

Abu Dhabi (AP) — Indian celebrities and Bollywood stars on Friday walked a green carpet for a second year in a row in the United Arab Emirates — the signature color of the International Indian Film Academy awards.

The 23rd edition of the “Bollywood Oscars” is being hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, over two days. Friday night kicked off with performances by Bollywood A-listers such as Badshah and Rajkummar Rao.

The spotlight will shift on Saturday night to the main event, a grand awards ceremony that recognizes cinematic achievements from the past year.

“Often film stars and the industry are something that’s far away from things like India and with us traveling around the world, we can bring them closer and create a bigger industry.” said Noreen Khan, vice president of IIFA.

Home to over 3.5 million Indians, the UAE has an undeniable link to India’s thriving multi-billion dollar film industry. Bollywood continues to extend its sway within the UAE, with its films being produced and screened across the country, and affluent Bollywood celebrities acquiring prime real estate properties across this federation of sheikhdoms.

“When would you ever get the chance to see Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, everyone up close, so I think it would be a great way of connecting the world with Bollywood,” said veteran film director Farah Khan, who has attended every single IIFA awards.

The annual ceremony also presents an opportunity for Indian celebrities to showcase their fashion, and this year was no exception. Notable figures such as Urvashi Rautela, Abhishek Bachchan, and Nora Fatehi display their sartorial choices on the green carpet.

“Last year I was here, I met Salman Khan and he gave me three songs in his film, that’s how important it is,” said singer Sukhbir Singh who will be performing on Friday. “So this is where connections are made.”

Salman Khan, one of Indian cinema’s most recognizable names and the brand ambassador for IIFA 2023, will be performing on Saturday night. Hindi film stars Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal will be hosting the event and veteran actor Kamal Haasan is to be awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award.

Over 18,000 local and international fans lined the streets and filled the Etihad Arena, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars.

The 32-year-old Khan who was born in a Muslim family in Mumbai to a Malayali father and Mumbai-based mother, after completing over 15 years in the film industry, stated in her tweet that she wasn’t happy with the line of work, and she was contemplating more about the real purpose of life.

“Today I am talking to you standing at a crucial juncture of my life. lhave been living the Showbiz (Film Industry) life for years, and during this time I have been blessed with all kinds of fame, honour and wealth from my fans for which I am grateful to them”, Khan said. “But for a few days now, I have been possessed of the realization that: Is the real purpose of man’s coming into this world only to chase wealth and fame? Isn’t it a part of his/her duty to spend his/her life in the service of those who are needy and helpless? Shouldn’t a person think that he/she could die at any moment? And what will happen to him after he/she is no more?”

Talking about her life as an actress, she said, she continued to observe things and was searching for answers about what will happen to her after her death.

“I have been searching for answers to these two questions for a long period of time, especially the second question as to what will happen to me after my death? When I searched for the answer to this question in my religion, I realized that this life in the world is actually for the betterment of life-after death”, Khan said. “And what will happen to him after he/she is no more? I have been searching for answers to these two questions for a long period of time, especially the second question as to what will happen to me after my death? When I searched for the answer to this question in my religion, I realized that this life in the world is actually for the betterment of life-after death”.

Khan told her fans that a person’s purpose in life is not all about wealth and fame, while it should be to avoid sinful life and serve humanity, and following the path of God.

“And it will be better if the slave lives according to the command of his Creator, and does not make wealth and fame his only goal; rather, he/she should avoid sinful life and serve humanity, and follow the path shown by his/her Creator”, Khan said.

Finally, she declared her disassociation from the film industry, “Therefore, I declare today that from today onwards, I have resolved to say goodbye to my Showbiz lifestyle forever and serve humanity and follow the orders of my Creator”.

Further, she requested all her fans and followers to pray for the acceptance of her repentance, so that God grants her true ability to live her life according to the laws of God, while serving the humanity.

“All brothers and sisters are requested to pray for me to Allah to accept my repentance and grant me the true ability to live in accordance with my determination of spending my life following the commandments of my Creator and in the service of humanity, and grant me perseverance in it”, Khan said.

In the final note, she declared she cannot be consulted further for any Showbiz work.

“All brothers and sisters are requested to not consult me with regards to any Showbiz work henceforth”, the former actress ended the message.

The tweet is also available in Urdu as well as in Hindi, for her Urdu and Hindi fans.

Khan appeared in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu language films, TV commercials, dance performances, and special appearances in films. She acted in 14 films in over five languages and appeared in over 50 advertisements.

In June 2019, another Indian actress Zaira Waseem known for her roles in Dangal and Secret Superstar quit the film industry since it interfered with her faith and religion.