Brenda Fricker, the acclaimed Irish actress and the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award for acting, has died at the age of 81 after a period of ill health. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for her unforgettable performance as Christy Brown's mother in My Left Foot. Fricker also earned worldwide recognition for playing the compassionate Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. With a career spanning more than six decades across film, television, and theatre, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Irish and international cinema. (PC: Reuters)

Actor Atul Kulkarni has announced a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, bringing renewed attention to the latter's ongoing protest. Sharing a video on Instagram, Kulkarni said he wanted to "connect with the pain" of Wangchuk and urged the Central Government to begin a dialogue, calling conversation the essence of democracy. Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged NEET examination irregularities, demanding accountability, transparency and education reforms. His protest has attracted support from students, activists and several public figures. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to regularly monitor Wangchuk's health as concerns over his deteriorating condition continue.

Aamir Khan has dismissed the long-standing belief that his character Phunsukh Wangdu (Rancho) in 3 Idiots was based on education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. Speaking at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan said neither he nor the film’s writers knew Wangchuk while making the 2009 film. He also corrected co-star Omi Vaidya’s recent claim, saying, “What Chatur said is incorrect.” While rejecting the connection, Khan praised Wangchuk’s work and expressed concern over his deteriorating health during his indefinite hunger strike, stating that the activist deserves respect for his own achievements and urging him to prioritise his life by ending the fast. (PC: NDTV)

Actor Sonakshi Sinha has publicly backed Sonam Wangchuk, expressing concern over his ongoing hunger strike and urging the government to open a dialogue with him. In a video statement, she said Wangchuk was fighting for children who lost their lives and against a system she believes is failing. Questioning the silence of many, Sinha said she could no longer remain quiet, adding, “Main koi anti-national nahi hu,” while defending her decision to speak out. She also asked why authorities were not engaging with Wangchuk. Sonakshi joins several celebrities, including Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol and Omi Vaidya, in supporting him.

Actor Omi Vaidya, best known as Chatur "Silencer" Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, has appealed for attention to activist Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating health during his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk, who inspired Aamir Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu, joined the Cockroach Janata Party's protest on June 28, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak. In a video message, Vaidya urged people to understand Wangchuk's concerns regardless of their views, saying, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die." Wangchuk has reportedly lost 8.2 kg, with his latest medical readings showing blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and blood glucose of 67 mg/dL.

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has opened to a slow start in Japan despite the franchise’s huge global success. Released on July 10 across nearly 80 screens, the film drew only 900 viewers on its first day. It failed to enter Japan’s top 25 films during its opening weekend. Trade reports said the film also missed the list of the top 10 Indian opening-day releases in Japan. The Dhurandhar franchise has earned more than ₹3,100 crore worldwide. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the films have been major hits in India, but the Japan release has received a weak response so far.

Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78. His family said he died suddenly in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones. Neill had revealed in 2023 that he was battling cancer but announced earlier this year that he was cancer-free. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, he built a celebrated career spanning more than 5 decades with acclaimed roles in The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Event Horizon and Peaky Blinders. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans worldwide. (PC: BBC)

Legendary playback singer S Janaki, fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India", died at the age of 88 in Mysore on Friday evening. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi led tributes, calling her death an irreplaceable loss to Indian music. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also remembered her extraordinary contribution to cinema and music. Janaki, who began her playback career in 1957, recorded songs in multiple Indian languages over a career spanning six decades before retiring in 2016. A four-time National Award winner, she had declined the Padma Bhushan in 2013, saying recognition for her contributions had come too late. (PC: X)

The Delhi High Court has upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in a cheque bounce case and sentenced him to three months in jail. The sentence applies to seven cases and will run at the same time. The court also refused to grant him probation. Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha Yadav, have been directed to pay compensation to the complainant. The case began after a loan taken to produce the film Ata Pata Laapata was not repaid. The court gave the actor two months to approach a higher court against the judgment.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan premiered his new film The Odyssey in Mumbai on Friday. It is the first time he has launched one of his films in India. Nolan was joined by actors Tom Holland and Matt Damon. Speaking at the event, he praised Indian movie fans. "Indian audiences are some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cinematic audiences in the world," he said. The film will have special screenings in Mumbai on July 10 and 11 before its worldwide release on July 17. The Odyssey is Nolan's first film after his Oscar-winning movie Oppenheimer.