Bollywood stars joined PM Modi's "Vocal for Local" initiative, promoting local businesses this Diwali through a special video campaign. Prominent celebrities including Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Varun Dhawan, and Shankar Mahadevan encouraged citizens to shop locally and celebrate Indian entrepreneurship. Triptii promoted a Jodhpur footwear shop, stating "every small shop has a big heart," while Madhuri highlighted a Dehradun lights business, emphasizing spreading "light of togetherness." Comedian Sunil Grover and singer Shankar Mahadevan also participated, thanking small vendors for their essential societal role during festive season. The initiative received significant attention, encouraging citizens to support local artisans, weavers, and small businesses, strengthening India's self-reliant economic vision.

Sir David Attenborough, the world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster, has become the oldest person to win a Daytime Emmy at age 99. He won for outstanding daytime personality — nondaily, for his Netflix documentary Secret Lives of Orangutans. Attenborough broke the record set last year by Dick Van Dyke, who won at 98. The ceremony was held in Pasadena, California, though Attenborough did not attend. The documentary also won awards for directing and music. Known for Life on Earth and Our Planet, Attenborough has been making documentaries since the 1950s. This is his first Daytime Emmy. (PC: nytimes)

South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae shared a viral selfie with Shah Rukh Khan at Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, calling it an "honour" to meet the Bollywood icon. The photo captured both stars smiling broadly, thrilling fans worldwide who celebrated the K-drama sensation meeting the King of Bollywood. Joy Forum 2025 brought together global entertainment heavyweights including Lee Byung-hun, Aamir Khan, and Shaquille O'Neal under Saudi General Entertainment Authority's patronage, discussing entertainment's future, creative collaboration, and technological innovation. Shah Rukh reflected on his three-decade career, expressing admiration for fellow stars Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, reaffirming his commitment to inspiring audiences globally.

'Squid Game' star Lee Jung-jae shared an Instagram selfie with Shah Rukh Khan, captioning "Honoured to be with a respected icon Mr. @iamsrk." The photo shows Lee in a grey hoodie while SRK wore a black shirt, both smiling. Fans praised the meeting, calling them "2 LEGENDS." Lee plays protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) in Netflix's 'Squid Game,' portraying a flawed, debt-ridden gambling addict who maintains humanity during deadly games. After winning 45.6 billion won, trauma prevents normal living, leading him to expose the brutal competition. Shah Rukh Khan's next film 'King,' directed by Siddharth Anand with daughter Suhana Khan, releases Gandhi Jayanti 2026.

Singapore Police Force confirmed no foul play suspected in singer Zubeen Garg's death investigation, urging public against spreading unverified speculation. The 52-year-old died during a yacht outing while performing at Singapore's North East India Festival last month. Investigations under Singapore's Coroners Act 2010 may take three more months before findings reach the State Coroner, who'll determine if a Coroner's Inquiry is necessary. Singapore police shared autopsy report and preliminary findings with India's High Commission on October 1 upon request. Five arrests made in India include event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg (cousin), and two PSOs including Nandeswar Bora. (PC: The New York Times)

Comedian Kapil Sharma's Kaps Cafe in Surrey, Canada faced its third shooting in four months Wednesday night, with Lawrence Bishnoi gang members Goldy Dhillon and Kuldeep Sidhu claiming responsibility. Video footage showed multiple handgun shots shattering a window; no casualties reported. The gangsters warned the "general public" to stay away and threatened those "who speak against religion in Bollywood" that "bullets can come from anywhere." Previous attacks occurred August 8 (25 shots fired) and July 10 (10 bullets struck windows). Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi claimed the first attack, citing offense over remarks about Nihang Sikhs at Sharma's show. Mumbai security was increased following threats.

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has become the new voice of Meta AI, marking a historic collaboration as one of the first Indian celebrities to voice an AI assistant. Available across six countries including India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, the feature allows users to chat with her voice in English. Deepika announced the partnership on Instagram, calling it "pretty cool" and encouraging followers to try the experience. The collaboration brings a familiar, friendly tone to Meta's expanding digital platform. On the film front, Deepika was last seen in 'Kalki 2898 AD' and will next appear in 'King' alongside Shah Rukh Khan, plus a pan-India project with Atlee and Allu Arjun. (PC: X)

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for playing Karna in BR Chopra’s iconic TV show Mahabharat, passed away on October 15 at the age of 68. He had been battling cancer, which relapsed a few months ago despite surgery. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) confirmed his death, saying the cremation would be held in Mumbai. Dheer also appeared in films like Sanam Bewafa and Baadshah, and shows such as Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He ran the Abhinay Acting Academy. Fans still remember him as the legendary warrior Karna. He is survived by his wife and son, actor Nikitin Dheer.

Abhinav Kashyap has reignited his feud with Salman Khan, calling him a “criminal” and questioning his casting as a soldier in Battle of Galwan. The Dabangg director accused Salman of hijacking the film and fostering a toxic work environment, claiming the actor “stabbed him in the back.” In a recent interview, Kashyap said Salman has “destroyed his life” and mocked his “chapri” style. Salman responded subtly on Bigg Boss, saying badmouthing others only harms the speaker and urging Kashyap to reflect. The clash highlights deep personal and professional tensions, with Kashyap also taking aim at Shah Rukh Khan, intensifying Bollywood’s ongoing public feuds.

MTV's remaining music channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV Live, and Club MTV will cease broadcasting across UK and Europe by year-end 2025. Paramount Global confirmed the shutdown as part of global restructuring. Launched in 1981 with "Video Killed the Radio Star," MTV revolutionized pop culture through decades, introducing Madonna, Nirvana, and Beyoncé before social media existed. The network pioneered shows like "Yo! MTV Raps" and TRL, building generational identity. However, YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms rendered scheduled music television obsolete. MTV pivoted to reality shows like "Geordie Shore," migrating music to spin-off channels now being silenced. Former VJ Simone Angel called it heartbreaking, noting MTV once united global musical conversations.