Category: News

Mumbai: Veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, father of filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, passed away on Friday at the age of 83. The actor’s death was confirmed by his spokesperson, who revealed that he died due to age-related health issues in the morning.

A Prominent Member of the Samarth-Mukherjee Family

Deb Mukherjee was a distinguished member of the renowned Samarth-Mukherjee family. He was not only the father of Ayan Mukerji, the filmmaker behind hits like Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, but also the father-in-law of director Ashutosh Gowariker.

Also Read: Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Bigots for Turning Holi into a Source of Fear for Minorities

Funeral Details and Expected Attendees

Deb Mukherjee’s funeral will be held on March 14 at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu. It is expected to be attended by close family members, including his nieces, actresses Kajol and Rani Mukerji, along with their families—Ajay Devgn, Tanuja, Tanissha, and Aditya Chopra. Additionally, friends of Ayan Mukerji, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Hrithik Roshan, Sidharth Malhotra, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh, are anticipated to attend.

Legacy and Family Background

Born in Kanpur in 1941, Deb Mukherjee was part of a celebrated film family. His mother, Satidevi, was the only sister of Bollywood legends Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Kishore Kumar. His brother, Joy Mukherjee, was an actor, and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, married to actress Tanuja, was another prominent figure in the family. His nieces, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, are also well-known in the film industry.

Career in Film

Deb Mukherjee began his career in the 1960s with small roles in films like Tu Hi Meri Zindagi and Abhinetri. As his career progressed, he took on supporting roles in popular films such as Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander and King Uncle. His final appearance was in a cameo role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey in 2009.

Deb Mukherjee’s contributions to the industry and his legacy will be remembered by his family and fans alike.

The 48-year-old currently plays school canteen worker Nicky Walters on BBC school drama Waterloo Road

Kym Marsh has admitted she would not want to be a teenager in 2025. The 48-year-old currently plays school canteen worker Nicky Walters on BBC school drama Waterloo Road.

Those who watch the show will know that the actress has just tackled an endometriosis storyline with her on-screen daughter Tonya, played by actress Summer Bird.

And Kym has shared how thinks being a teenager now with the intrusiveness of social media added to a tricky time in a girl’s life due to puberty is harder than ever and she’s pleased she grew up in the 1980s when times were simpler.

When asked whether she would like to be a teenager these days, she told Inside Soap magazine: “Absolutely not! I always say this. I have a teenage daughter- she’s almost 14, going on about 25.

“But the way I look at the years, I would not want to grow up in this era. I was happy in the ’80s, riding my BMX, and just being oblivious to stuff.”

Kym’s character on the show – which she joined two years ago – is a single mum to daughter Tonya who has been taking non-prescribed pills to manage her endometriosis pain.

In this week’s episode, Tonya is hospitalised because of the gynaecological issues going on rather than taking the pills and Kym feels that it is an important storyline to cover.

She added: “This show is brilliant because we’re there to entertain people, but when we hit issues like this one, it really does get people talking. It went bonkers on Instagram last series.

“There were so many people going ‘That’s happening to me’ or ‘I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 30’. You realise how many people are suffering. Summer has done it brilliantly. I’m so proud of my girl!”

Talking about working with her on-screen daughter, she said: “It’s been absolutely beautiful for me. I’ve worked with Summer for the last three years, and she just seems to have grown up in front of me. It’s such a pleasure to watch. I really am like a proud mum!”

The soap legend – who was in Coronation Street for 14 years prior to Waterloo Road – also shared that with the 20th anniversary of ‘Waterloo Road’ coming up, she thinks the show is still engaging for viewers because it is very current.

She said: “It’s always so current. It’s fun but it also tackles some very serious subjects. It has something for everyone, and the cast and crew all get on very, very well. It’s a great family to be a part of.”

By ED HOLT

Published: 08:51 GMT, 14 March 2025 | Updated: 08:54 GMT, 14 March 2025

Mark Wright took to his Instagram Stories on Thursday to announce an ‘exciting’ new business venture just days after becoming a dad for the first time.

The former TOWIE star and wife Michelle Keegan, both 37, shared the arrival of baby daughter Palma on Wednesday with a sweet snap of the tot.

The ex Corrie actress and new mum captioned the post: ‘Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl. Palma Elizabeth Wright 06.03.25’.

Now Mark has reshared a post from forest and gardening tools brand Husqvarna announcing him as their new brand ambassador.

Alongside a snap of the TV personality playing golf the lengthy caption read:  ‘Exciting News. We are delighted to announce that Mark Wright, who we had the pleasure of working with in 2024, is now officially a brand ambassador for Husqvarna!’  

‘Mark’s dedication and passion for excellence have always resonated with our values at Husqvarna. Having collaborated with him last year, we are thrilled to continue this partnership and bring you even more innovative solutions for your outdoor needs’.

It went on: ‘Mark Wright says, ‘I am incredibly excited to join the Husqvarna family as a brand ambassador. Their commitment to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with my own values, and I look forward to showcasing their amazing products.’

‘Stay tuned for exclusive content and updates featuring Mark Wright and Husqvarna! We’d also like to send huge congratulations to both Mark and Michelle, on welcoming their beautiful baby girl into the world’.

Following the birth announcement Mark and Michelle were flooded with messages of adoring support from friends and family members alike – and one person who is certainly ‘over the moon’ is Michelle’s mum Jackie, who is ‘besotted’ with her first grandchild.

A source told The Mirror: ‘Jackie is over the moon to be a grandma. Palma is her first grandchild and she is besotted, as are the whole family. She’s so proud of Michelle.’

Insiders reportedly told the publication she has been a ‘pillar of support’ and a frequent visitor since the baby’s birth.

Mark and Michelle even went as far as installing a designer granny flat when they built their £3.5million Essex mansion, meaning the couple’s parents can stay and help out whenever they like with their own space. 

The 60 sq ft annexe – which is bigger than the average London flat – is used by family members when they come to visit their dream home.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Michelle for comment. 

It comes just after Michelle thanked her friends, family and fans for their support following the arrival of her Palma.

The actress took to Instagram on Thursday afternoon to post an image of balloons in front of a rainbow alongside the message: ‘Thank you everyone for your lovely messages’, with bow and bubble emojis.

She and Mark announced the news on Wednesday with a sweet snap showing their daughter’s head alongside their hands. 

In the sweet black and white photo, the proud new parents held Palma’s tiny hand, with the newborn dressed in a crochet set.

It’s believed the couple chose the name Palma because of their strong links to Mallorca, their go-to holiday destination and the setting for their pregnancy reveal photoshoot.

Michelle married Mark in May 2015 and the couple live together in an Essex mansion they built from scratch.

Heart Radio host Mark, who rose to fame on ITVBe series TOWIE, is an uncle to footballer brother Josh’s two children as well as sister Jess’s son and had spoken at length over the years about wanting to become a father himself one day.

Mark’s mother Carol also shared a heartfelt tribute to her new granddaughter after her son’s wife gave birth to her first child.

She was among those who sent well wishes. Resharing a photo of the tot, she wrote: ‘We are in love with you beautiful baby girl thank you Michelle and Mark for this wonder gift. X.’

After announcing their baby news on Instagram, Mark and Michelle received hundreds of congratulatory messages from friends and family including from Rochelle Humes, Kelly Brook, Vicky Pattison, and best pal James ‘Arg’ Argent.

Arg wrote: ‘I love you and I’m so happy for you both, you’re going to be amazing parents. I can’t wait to be an uncle.’

Mark’s sister-in-law Hollie commented: ‘Josh and Dusty can not wait to meet their new cousin ❤️❤️.’

While Mark’s sister Natalya said: ‘So so happy for you both. The best news ever ✨.’

Rochelle and Marvin added: ‘Over the moon for you both ❤️’, ‘Amazing news guys..so happy for you both ❤️.’

Mark’s brother Josh posted: ‘Over the moon for you both and can’t wait for our boys to meet your little one ❤️.’

Sam Faiers, who previously dated Mark, wrote: ‘❤️ huge congratulations x.’

According to The Sun, Michelle gave birth to Palma at Portland Hospital in London, where Prince William and Kate welcomed children George, Charlotte and Louis.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Mark and Michelle for comment.

As the United States undergoes another presidential transition amidst profound political, economic and social polarization, I find myself reflecting on the words of the Talmudic sage Rabbi Yochanan, who said, “Wherever you find the power of God, you also find God’s humility” (Megillah 31a). I am drawn to the notion that true greatness is found in the humility to listen, to empathize and seek a unity that honors differences rather than erasing them.

This Jewish teaching harmonizes with Jesus’ message in the Gospel of Matthew 23:12: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Across faith traditions, humility emerges as a cornerstone of true strength — a lesson that profoundly shaped my life as an Orthodox rabbi raised by a devout evangelical Christian mother.

My family’s situation might seem like something out of fiction, maybe even a far-fetched comedy. But for us, it was a serious experience that influenced who we are at our core. Our family could model a guide for our deeply divided society that yearns for more than mere tolerance. At this fraught moment, our society demands an active embrace of religious diversity.

A famous Jewish teaching asks: “Who is wise? One who learns from all people” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Similarly, the Christian theologian St. Augustine wrote, “Let us, on both sides, lay aside all arrogance…and seek the truth together.” These insights, though millennia old, hold renewed relevance in an era marked by ideological divides; they urge us to seek shared wisdom rather than entrenchment in opposing worldviews.

As someone who bridges two faith traditions, I have often encountered skepticism in speaking out about the need for closer interfaith dialogue, particularly within the Orthodox Jewish community. Critics point to the 72% interfaith marriage rate among non-Orthodox Jews, reported by Pew, as a sign of cultural crisis. Yet my personal experience offers a different narrative, one of spiritual enrichment through dual heritage. Growing up with a Christian mother while embracing Jewish Orthodoxy in adulthood taught me that religious conviction and pluralistic engagement are not mutually exclusive.

Some of my most treasured memories with my mom, who passed away in 2023, are studying the psalms together. Our differing religious perspectives didn’t divide us; instead, they deepened and enriched our shared journey through the sacred texts. The poetic words of King David became a bridge, revealing how our faiths connect us rather than separate us.

Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, writing in the aftermath of the Holocaust, urged caution in Jewish-Christian theological dialogue. His perspective reflects a historical context of trauma, yet our contemporary challenges call for an expanded, nuanced approach. A Jewish text elucidates the idea that “the crown of a good name supersedes all other crowns” (Pirkei Avot 4:17). In today’s context, that good name might be earned by showcasing interfaith engagement that respects and preserves the integrity of each tradition while acknowledging differences and forging novel paths.

To my Christian friends: Your profound connection with Jesus is worthy of admiration. True pluralism, however, hinges on our ability to understand one another. For Jews, while Jesus holds a historical place, he does not occupy a central role in our theological beliefs. Meaningful interfaith conversations must carefully address this significant difference, using language and expectations that foster relevant discourse rather than create unintended obstacles.

To my Jewish community: While we must remain vigilant in remembering history’s painful chapters, we should also celebrate the righteous gentiles who have demonstrated exceptional moral courage. The 1965 Vatican II declaration Nostra aetate represented a groundbreaking advancement in Catholic-Jewish relations, and it is our responsibility to build on this progress by fostering relationships that balance historical awareness with forward-looking hope.

Imagine a grassroots movement of Jews and Christians studying Torah together, bringing their authentic perspectives while honoring boundaries. Interfaith families, where traditions often intertwine, can discover consequential ways to celebrate both heritages without erasing their unique identities.

Two prophetic voices of our shared history, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrate the transformative power of interfaith collaboration. What we need now are new leaders with even bolder ideas to guide us through uncertain tomorrows and increased paranoia.

Jewish mystical texts beautifully describe divine light as refracted through countless colors, each unique yet emanating from the same source. Similarly, our faith traditions offer diverse paths toward the repair of our world. In an age dominated by consumerism and political tribalism, we need what some of us call a “third space”: a realm where faith, art and culture thrive independently of partisan divides. As C.S. Lewis observed, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook emphasized that the righteous do not dwell in despair but rather ignite the light. This profound insight encourages us to forge a brighter future through humility, empathy and cooperation — turning our diverse perspectives into pillars of strength instead of points of contention.

Engaging with two faith traditions has proven to be both enriching and demanding. My experiences have revealed that true pluralism hinges on a profound respect for our differences while recognizing our common divine essence. In an era marked by significant societal divides, this approach of humility and respect is not just admirable; it is crucial.

Before the Hays Code arrived in 1934 and, for several decades, banned everything from interracial relationships to nudity on screen, there was a glorious time in Hollywood known as the pre-code era. This was a period when filmmakers were allowed to explore taboos, resulting in movies about defiant women like Baby Face, which seemed to hold a rather progressive view of sexuality and gender.

Released in 1933 and directed by Alfred E Green, the film starred Barbara Stanwyck as Lily, a young woman who has been pimped out by her own father since she was 14. Now in her 20s, she leaves home following her father’s death and sets out for a new life in New York. However, without money or connections, Lily has to get creative, and when an old male friend tells her that using her body as a sexual weapon will increase her chances of financial stability, she decides to do just that.

“A woman, young, beautiful, like you, can get anything she wants in the world,” he says. “Because you have power over men! But you must use men! Not let them use you. You must be a master! Not a slave. Look, here, Nietzsche says, ‘All life, no matter how we idealize it, is nothing more nor less than exploitation.’ That’s what I’m telling you! Exploit yourself! Go to some big city where you will find opportunities. Use men! Be strong! Defiant! Use men! To get the things you want”. For 1933, his speech was groundbreaking.

But is the film as feminist as it is often labelled? Lily first utilises this “use men” approach when a railroad worker threatens to report her for travelling without a ticket. She looks at him seductively, and we’re left to assume that Lily pays for her fare by having sex with the stranger. She taps into his weakness – sex – and it works terrifically. From here, she begins working at a bank, continually embarking on affairs with various staff members in order to climb the ranks, including a young John Wayne.

While the film is not explicit by any means (sex is frequently and very heavily implied), the openness with which attitudes towards sex are presented – with Lily taking control of her own narrative via means of seduction – is certainly something that cements her as one of the pre-code era’s most determined and sexually-liberated women. In an act of resistance against the men she has been forced to sleep with since she was a teenager, Lily ensures that she is now in charge of who she goes to bed with, although we’re left to question how many of these men she’d willingly pursue if not for the greater goal of financial security.

At times, it’s hard to figure out whether the movie is trying to empower Lily or shame her because, for all of the movie’s undeniably impressive examples of a woman who wants nothing more than to make it in a male-dominated world, the end of the film seems to suggest that her promiscuity was, inevitably, not worth it. As she falls in love with the bank’s president, Courtland, and indulges in a life of luxury, she soon comes to realise what really matters in her life is true love. While she’s at first reluctant to give up her diamonds and furs, it’s Courtland’s suicide attempt – an act he commits due to Lily’s initial lack of help when he is indicted – that encourages her to realise the superficiality in her life.

Is the film equating her promiscuity to superficiality? While her acts of casual sex get her what she wants, the movie’s overall message seems to suggest that perhaps what women should really be focusing on is finding someone to settle down into a monogamous relationship with. Lily seems to be ‘punished’ when her dalliances lead to chaos within the bank and among its male staff members – to the point that Courtland almost dies.

Thus, Baby Face remains one of the era’s most interesting movies due to its complex exploration of womanhood and patriarchy, inevitably ending with a message that is hardly as progressive as the rest of the film. It’s undeniably forward-thinking in its approach to female autonomy – and of course, we have to hold Baby Face to a contextual standard – but is it really empowering to have to use your body to get what you want from men? And if this much drama comes from a woman’s promiscuity, what is the film trying to tell us about a woman’s status in a patriarchal world?

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Veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, father of Ayan Mukerji, has died at the age of 83. The funeral will be held on Friday evening in Mumbai.

A St Davids hotel is offering a musical afternoon tea for Mother’s Day.

Twr y Felin Hotel is hosting the event on Sunday, March 30.

The hotel has organised the occasion to allow people to celebrate Mother’s Day in a special way, with live music and a range of delicacies.

Pianist Jack Marshall will be providing the music on the Baby Grand Piano in the Oriel Lounge, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of delicate cakes, all complemented by a variety of premium teas.

The event will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm and costs £35 per person.

This price also includes a complimentary glass of prosecco for those over 18.

Spaces for the afternoon tea must be booked in advance by March 29.

A non-refundable £10 deposit per guest is required to reserve a spot.

The reservation will not be confirmed until the deposit has been received.

To book a spot, guests can contact the hotel directly at 01437 725 555 or via email at stay@twryfelinhotel.com.

Twr y Felin Hotel is known for its unique blend of contemporary art and luxurious accommodation, providing a tranquil and sophisticated setting.

Positioned in the coastal town of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, the hotel is a popular destination for travellers seeking a relaxing and stylish getaway.

For more details about the event and other offerings, visit the hotel’s website.