During the filming of a sequence depicting the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Arjun Rampal as ISI’s Major Iqbal and Akshaye Khanna as Lyari’s feared don erupt in fiendish delight alongside Ranveer’s character. The villains toast the bloodshed, their jubilation a stark counterpoint to the horror they unleash. Yet, the moment cameras stopped, reality crashed in. Both actors dissolved into uncontrollable sobs, the weight of their roles – glorifying an attack that scarred India forever – proving too much to bear.

This revelation comes courtesy of R. Madhavan, embodying Ajay Sanyal, who described the set’s instant shift to heavy silence. ‘It was heartbreaking,’ he recounted. ‘As Indians, that tragedy binds us all in shared mourning.’ Social media is abuzz with snippets of his words, amplifying the story’s emotional pull.

The journey to bring Dhurandhar to life was Herculean. Aditya Dhar’s exhaustive two-year research escalated costs, making funding a nightmare. Three years of perseverance later, the film emerged as a landmark, conquering hearts and pioneering new benchmarks in Indian filmmaking. Its success validates the sacrifices, turning pain into powerful art that resonates on multiple levels.

In an industry often criticized for superficiality, moments like these affirm cinema’s capacity for profound impact. Dhurandhar 2 isn’t just entertaining; it’s a testament to the passion fueling its creation.

In an emotional X post, Macron declared, ‘France stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India against terrorism, united in determination.’ The message resonated deeply, evoking memories of the tragic event that shook the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Macron in Mumbai, their meeting marked by warmth and mutual admiration. Sharing a photo, Modi wrote, ‘Great to reconnect with President Macron in vibrant Mumbai. He’s already a fan of the city after his jog this morning.’

The leaders discussed elevating bilateral relations, with Modi expressing confidence in enhanced cooperation. ‘India awaits your visit to propel our partnership forward, fostering progress worldwide,’ he added.

Beyond diplomacy, Macron’s itinerary included a rendezvous with Bollywood stars. ‘Meeting legends of Indian film industry – culture bridges our worlds,’ he captioned the shared images.

Welcomed at Mumbai airport by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat, Macron is here for the India AI Impact Summit. The MEA underscored the agenda: PM-Prez bilateral talks, launching the 2026 Year of Innovation, and invigorating the strategic alliance.

This visit arrives at a pivotal time, as both nations deepen ties in AI, defense, and green energy. Macron’s tribute not only commemorates shared losses but signals unwavering support, promising a future of collaborative triumphs.

Addressing the audience, Khan specifically acknowledged the soldiers and jawans, emphasizing their pride, courage, and unwavering values. He stated, “My humble tribute to the innocent people who lost their lives in the 26/11 terrorist attack, the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and the recent Delhi blasts and my respectful salute to our brave security personnel who were martyred in these attacks.” This sentiment resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the sacrifices made for national peace.

Khan’s powerful speech underscored the significance of unity and responsibility, urging everyone to embrace the “path of humanity” by respecting the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. He recited poignant verses that celebrated the bravery of armed forces personnel, emphasizing their role as protectors of the nation and the immense respect they earn from 1.4 billion citizens. Khan concluded by calling for collective steps towards peace, advocating for the transcendence of caste, creed, and discrimination to ensure that the sacrifices of heroes are not in vain.

The prestigious Global Peace Honours 2025 event took place at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, drawing attendance from notable personalities such as Nita Ambani, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Amruta Fadnavis, Tiger Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Vikrant Massey, and others.

The highlight of the day was an inspiring motivational speech by Colonel Sanjay Kandwal (Sena Medal) of the 36 Jharkhand Battalion, Dhanbad. Titled ‘Nation First, Self Later,’ Colonel Kandwal shared detailed accounts of the terror attacks on the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, and Nariman House. He vividly described how National Security Guards bravely rescued hostages amidst extreme challenges and neutralized the terrorists. Colonel Kandwal, who was part of the counter-terrorism operations during the 26/11 attacks, was honored with the Sena Medal by the President of India for his exceptional courage and dedication. His presentation on the ‘Black Tornado’ operation, detailing the valor of martyrs at the Taj Hotel and the operational hurdles, left the NCC cadets deeply inspired and proud.

Commanding Officer Vijay Kumar (Sena Medal) presented Colonel Sanjay Kandwal with a memento, expressing gratitude for his insightful account of the 26/11 operation. The camp also featured a National Integration Awareness Program competition organized by Second Officer Abhijit Anand, Third Officer Naveen Choudhary, and NCC Officer Lieutenant Alice Minz. Furthermore, the finals of the inter-group volleyball and Kho-Kho competitions took place. Preparations are underway for cultural events including group dances, songs, solo performances, poster making, and Rangoli competitions, coordinated by Abhijit Anand, Girls Cadet Instructor Shivani Sharma, and instructors from various participating states, alongside nine NCC officers.

On April 9, the United States extradited Rana, 64, to India “to face justice for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks,” US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Thursday.

“The United States has long supported India’s efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism,” Bruce was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Rana is in India’s “possession, and we are very proud of that dynamic,” she said. Bruce further stated that some people may not remember the attacks that resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans, that shocked the entire world. “I encourage you to look them up and to find out exactly how horrible this was in the importance of this situation today,” she said.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the US Department of Justice said in a statement to PTI that Rana’s extradition is a “critical step toward seeking justice” for the victims of the heinous attacks. The DOJ spokesperson said that Washington extradited the convicted terrorist and Pakistani-Canadian citizen to stand trial in India on 10 criminal charges stemming from his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

“Rana’s extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the six Americans and scores of other victims who were killed in the heinous attacks,” the spokesperson said. A team led by NIA authorities landed in India late Thursday with Rana, who will now face justice in the country for his role and involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks carried out by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.

The multi-agency team from India had gone to the US, and all paperwork and legalities to bring Rana back to India were completed. The hugely significant development comes just days after Rana’s last-resort attempt to evade extradition to India failed after the US Supreme Court justices denied his application, moving him closer to being handed over to Indian authorities to face justice in the dastardly attacks.

Rana was lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles and had submitted an ‘Emergency Application For Stay Pending Litigation of Petition For Writ of Habeas Corpus’ on February 27, 2025, with Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit Elena Kagan. Kagan had denied the application earlier last month.

Rana had then renewed his ‘Emergency Application for Stay Pending Litigation of Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus previously addressed to Justice Kagan’ and requested that the renewed application be directed to US Chief Justice John Roberts.

An order on the Supreme Court website had noted that Rana’s renewed application had been “distributed for conference” on April 4 and the “application” had been “referred to the court.” A notice on the Supreme Court website Monday said the application was “denied” by the court.

In his emergency application, Rana had sought a stay of his extradition and surrender to India pending litigation, asserting that if extradited to India, he would be “in danger of being subjected to torture,” and “the likelihood of torture, in this case, is even higher though, as petitioner faces acute risk as a Muslim of Pakistani origin charged in the Mumbai attacks”.

The application also said that his “severe medical conditions” render extradition to Indian detention facilities a “de facto” death sentence in this case. It cited medical records from July 2024 that confirm Rana has multiple “acute and life-threatening diagnoses,” including multiple documented heart attacks, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, a mass suggestive of bladder cancer, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, a history of chronic asthma, and multiple COVID-19 infections.

Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

(With agency Inputs)

The first was legal arguments that countered the double jeopardy offence. India, represented by a robust team of legal experts, successfully argued before U.S. authorities that the principle of double jeopardy is determined by the specific elements of the crime rather than the defendant’s conduct.

Indian officials refuted Rana’s claim of double jeopardy, emphasizing that his prosecution under India’s stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act does not violate this principle. The counsel for Tahawwur Rana had urged the US Supreme Court to review the lower court’s decision to extradite him to India, citing the principle of double jeopardy, which prevents a person from being tried or punished twice for the same offense.

The second factor that led to the country’s success in securing the extradition was India’s diplomatic influence. Sources close to the extradition process revealed that India’s strong diplomatic presence, global standing, and amicable relations with the United States played a pivotal role in expediting Rana’s extradition, overcoming legal obstacles along the way.

Meanwhile, Trial court records related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that were called from Mumbai to Delhi at the end of January, naming Tahawwur Rana and David Coleman Headley as accused, were recently received by the Patiala House Court, ANI reported, citing official sources.

In January, Delhi’s Patiala House Court recalled its trial court records related to the Mumbai attacks, following an application filed by the NIA requesting their retrieval from Mumbai.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people. Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The central government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as a Special Public Prosecutor to conduct the trials and other matters related to the NIA case.

On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India’s financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian Sea. As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault that sent shockwaves across the country and even brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.

(With ANI Inputs)

Ashok Chakra Awardee Tukaram Omble, a sub-inspector in Mumbai police, held onto terrorist Ajmal Kasab’s rifle, ensuring his arrest, but unfortunately fell to the bullets during the 26/11 terror attack.

“Many innocent people and policemen were killed. It was a painful night. Tahawwur Rana was the closest ally of David Headley, who was the mastermind of the attack – they all should have been hanged earlier… But it’s a big day for the country. I have a request from the government that he (Tahawwur Rana) should be hanged as soon as possible,” Eknath Omble told ANI.

“He should be given such strict punishment that those in Pakistan who facilitate such things should think twice before committing such things… However, we tolerated the delay in Kasab’s punishment because it exposed the real face of Pakistan before the world.”

Tukaram Omble, a Mumbai Police sub-inspector, was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

On the night of November 26, 2008, Omble played a crucial role in capturing the terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive. Armed only with a baton, he confronted the gunman, allowing security forces to overpower Kasab, but he lost his life in the process.

Meanwhile, the Central Government appointed Advocate Narender Mann as Special Public Prosecutor to conduct trials and other matters related to National Investigation Agency case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI against Tahawwur Hussain Rana and David Coleman Headley, who is in a US Prison following a plea deal.

Rana is being extradited to India, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody of him upon arrival.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

The Indian government has been seeking his extradition for years, and the US Supreme Court’s recent decision has paved the way for his transfer to India.

Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.