FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. 15 No. 163 | BHOPAL | TUESDAY | NOVEMBER 25, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 www.freepressjournal.in Sports Pant’s risky charge sparks Déjà Vu for Gambhir P.13 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL MONEY Monetary measures to bolster pvt investment, economic resilience UJJAIN PUNE INDORE NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit The Chandigarh conundrum PTI Dharmendra, one of India's most enduring stars who sparkled bright right through a remarkable 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from "Satyakam" to "Sholay" died here on Monday days ahead of his 90th birthday. The much loved actor, who lived most of his life in the blazing arclights of publicity, was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai's Ville Parle suburb quietly and with little fuss. Till the end and even after that - his family made no comment on his death. Dharmendra, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had not been keeping well for a while and was in and out of hospital. Finally, on November 12, a day after several media houses reported his death and his furious family requested privacy, he was discharged and taken to his Juhu home where he fp Briefs LONDON UK rolls out ETA scheme International visitors from countries so far visaexempt will not be able to travel to the UK without advance permission in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under new rules announced by the government on Monday. Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who have thus far not needed advance clearance, must apply online for an ETA from February 25, 2026, before entry to the UK. Indians already require visas across different categories when travelling to the UK and will be unaffected by this particular change. NEW DELHI India, Oman solidify def ties India and Oman on Monday held the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting in New Delhi, reaffirming commitment to deepen defence industrial cooperation with emphasis on joint development, technology sharing, and expanded production partnerships. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Secretary General of Oman's Ministry of Defence, Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi cochaired the meeting. According to a statement, the two sides reviewed and appreciated the robust defence cooperation between India and Oman. Scan & Watch breathed his last. With the family maintaining silence, the camera crews and others posted outside his residence picked up cues from an ambulance and several cars seen driving out of the gates. A little later, his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, as well as industry colleagues Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan, were spotted at the crematorium. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes for the veteran actor, who more than anybody else perhaps embodied goodness and wholesomeness through his many films in which he played the romantic hero, the brawny man who beat up the baddies and the comic actor with equal finesse. Condolences also poured in from across the film industry, with celebrities such as Saira Banu, Sharmila Tagore, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor mourning the death of the actor fondly known as "Garam Dharam" and India's first "He Man". Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade career, featuring in over 300 films and headlining classics such as "Sholay", "Chupke Chupke", "Satyakam, "Anupama", "Seeta Aur Geeta" and many others. Dharmendra is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. The actor also played brief innings in politics by winning the Bikaner Lok Sabha seat in 2004 but after just one term, he chose to retire. Dharmendra remained active till the very end and fans would get to see his performance one last time in Sriram Raghavan-directed "Ikkis". T he passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played Narendra Modi, Prime Minister D harmendra’s demise is a great loss to Indian cinema and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire young generations of artists Droupadi Murmu, President T he passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting, is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world Amit Shah, Home Minister H is unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra ji Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader & LoP Mobile users may ROAD BLOCKED | Protestors demand accused’s be held liable for arrest; cops resort to lathicharge misuse of SIMs issued in their name: DoT PTI NEW DELHI Mobile subscribers may be held liable if a SIM card procured in their name is found to have been misused for cyber fraud or other illegal activities, an official statement said on Monday. The Department of Telecom (DoT) in the statement advised citizens to be cautious and avoid using mobile devices with tampered IMEI numbers?. It also warned against buying or using procured or assembled devices like modems, modules, SIM boxes which have configurable or tampered IMEIs; procuring SIM cards through fake documents, fraud, or impersonation?; and transferring or handing over SIM cards procured in their name to others who may misuse them. "Citizens should be aware that using devices with tampered IMEI numbers, procuring SIM cards through fraudulent means, or transferring or giving their SIM cards to others who misuse them for cyber fraud can result in serious legal consequences. The original user may also be held liable as an offender in cases where SIM cards procured in their name are subsequently misused," the statement said. The department has advised subscribers to not use mobile applications or websites that modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunication identifiers?. 4Continued on | P8 Protest over rape sparks 14-km jam Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Residents staged a road blockade in Mandideep, Raisen district, demanding arrest of rape accused Salman Khan on Monday. Police used light cane charge to disperse protesters after a standoff. The accused allegedly raped a six-year-old girl in Goharganj on November 21. Markets remained closed for the third consecutive day as the roadblock, which began at 12 noon, caused a 14-km traffic jam towards Bhopal and a 7-km jam towards Obaidullaganj, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded for several hours. Since Friday, people from Goharganj, Mandideep and surrounding areas have been protesting for the accused's arrest. Organisations like Karni Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal and others joined the demonstration. Our Staff Reporter Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana has postponed her much-anticipated wedding after a sudden health emergency involving her father and her fiance. According to a report, Mandhana removed all her marriage-related posts from A major collision was averted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday when an Ariana Afghan Airlines flight from Kabul mistakenly landed on a runway from where another flight was taking off, a senior DGCA official said. The regulator has already launched a probe into the incident, he said. Ariana Afghan Airlines A310 aircraft operating flight FG-311 (Kabul-Delhi) was given clearance to land on runway 29L. However, the aircraft landed on runway 29R, he said. The pilot-in-command (PIC) of the Ariana flight stated that he lost ILS (Instrument Landing System) at 1 2 3 Before acting, he worked as a clerk at an oil company in Punjab. Dharmendra’s photograph once won the title of “Most Handsome Man in the World” from a UK magazine in the 1960s. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) He was offered Hollywood roles but refused because he didn’t want to leave Indian cinema. 4 5 6 7 8 He produced films like Ghayal and Ghatak, which made his son Sunny Deol a superstar. Dharmendra loved writing poetry and often shared his verses on social media. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) Avoided controversy and believed in forgiveness and friendship. D harmendra, the name itself brings a smile to generations of movie lovers. Born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, he rose from a smalltown boy to one of the greatest stars Hindi cinema has ever seen. With his tall frame, dashing looks, and humble attitude, Dharmendra became the true “He-Man” of Bollywood — a symbol of strength and sincerity. He ruled the silver screen for more than six decades, acting in over 300 films. From romantic dramas in the 1960s to action-packed blockbusters in the 1970s and family entertainers in the 1980s, Dharmendra did it all. He was the man who could make audiences cry with emotion or cheer with excitement. But behind the stardom, there was a man who loved poetry, family, and his fans deeply. His life is a story of passion, simplicity, and grace — a journey that continues to inspire. Personal life and family Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and has four children with her — actors Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta and Ajeeta. During his film career, he met and fell in love with actress Hema Malini, his co-star in many successful films. They married in 1980 and have two daughters — Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. The Deol family is one of Bollywood’s most respected film dynasties. Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, Dharmendra always remained a devoted father and husband. He supported all his children in their film journeys and continues to appear in family productions even today. Chupke Chupke (1975) Even in his late 80s, he maintained his charm and sharp sense of humour. 9 10 Called himself a “simple farmer at heart who accidentally became an actor.” FAMOUS DIALOGUES Sholay (1975) “Kutte, kamine! Main tera khoon pi jaoonga!” “Basanti, in kutto ke samne mat nachna.” Early life and entry into cinema Dharmendra was born in a humble Sikh family in Nasrali, near Ludhiana, Punjab. His father was a schoolteacher, and life was simple but disciplined. From a young age, Dharmendra was fond of movies, often watching them at local theatres. In 1958, he took a big step — he entered the Filmfare talent contest held in Bombay. Out of thousands of participants, Dharmendra was chosen as one of the winners. That contest changed his life forever. He shifted to Bombay with dreams and determination. After many auditions and struggles, he got his first break in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). Though it didn’t do well, his screen presence impressed many filmmakers, marking the start of a legendary journey. Popularity, industry friends and bonding harmendra’s popularity went beyond the screen. He was loved by co-stars and technicians alike. He shared a brotherly bond with actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, and Shatrughan Sinha. Filmmakers admired his professionalism — he was always on time and treated everyone with respect. His chemistry with actresses like Hema Malini, Meena Kumari, and Asha Parekh made him a favourite of directors. People called him “Garam Dharam” — a nickname that showed his fiery energy and kind spirit. Unlike many stars, he never let fame change him. Even today, younger actors like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar call him their inspiration. n 2004, Dharmendra entered politics as a candidate of the BJP. He contested and won the Lok Sabha seat from Bikaner, Rajasthan. His victory showed how loved he was, even outside cinema. Though he served only one term (2004– 2009), his simplicity and honesty won him praise. He later said that politics was a different world and that he missed the creative environment of films. After completing his term, he stepped away from active politics but continued to be a public figure known for his patriotism and affection for people. I Rise to stardom The mid-60s saw Dharmendra transform into a superstar. With Phool Aur Patthar (1966), his strong personality and emotional depth won millions of hearts. Audiences loved how he balanced toughness with tenderness. Then came Anupama, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh — all proving his unmatched versatility. His most iconic role arrived in Sholay (1975), where he played Veeru, the fun-loving yet brave dacoit. His friendship with Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai remains one of cinema’s greatest pairings. The film made Dharmendra a national icon. Dream Girl (1977) “Tere ghar mein calendar hai ... 1997 gaur se dekh le, kyun ki 1998 tu dekh nahin payega.” Political career D Dharmendra earned the title “He-Man of Bollywood” because he brought real power and presence to the screen. In an age before gyms and sixpacks, he maintained a naturally strong, athletic physique. His action scenes were performed without body doubles, and his punches looked real. But what made him special was his balance — he wasn’t just a muscleman, he was also sensitive, respectful, and charming. Off-screen, he was gentle & kind, winning people with his warmth. His combination of toughness, tenderness made him ideal hero — strong enough to fight villains but soft enough to win hearts. His farmhouse near Lonavala is famous for mango trees and horses—he spends most of his time there. “Kafan odhne waale ghante nahin ... gadhiyan ginte hain.” The Burning Train (1980) “Begum, ishq ka mazaa hi chupke chupke se karne mein hai.” Apne (2007) “Mard ka khoon aur aurat ke aasoon jab tak na bahe ... unki keemat nahi lagayi ja sakti.” “Dharam naam hai mera, aur main sach ke liye jeeta hoon.” Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) Compiled by: Aman Jain / Design: Bhaskar Borkar / Pics: X/IMDb IANS SHANGHAI An Indian-origin UK resident from Arunachal Pradesh has alleged that Chinese immigration authorities at Shanghai Pudong Airport detained and harassed her for hours after refusing to acknowledge her Indian passport during a transit stop. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 with a scheduled threehour layover, said her ordeal stretched to 18 hours after officials declared her passport "invalid" because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. According to her, immigration personnel told her, "Arunachal Pradesh is part of China." She said several officers and China Eastern Airlines staff mocked her, laughed at her, and even suggested she "apply for a Chinese passport". What was supposed to be a routine transit, she claimed, turned into a prolonged confinement in the airport's transit area, where she was allegedly denied clear information, proper food, and access to basic facilities, according to a report by NDTV. Prema alleged that her passport was confiscated and she was barred from boarding her onward flight to Japan despite holding a valid visa. Confined to the transit zone, she said she could not rebook tickets, purchase Prema alleged that her passport was confiscated and she was barred from boarding her onward flight to Japan despite holding a valid visa meals, or move between terminals. She further claimed officials pressured her to buy a fresh ticket specifically on China Eastern and hinted that her passport would only be returned after doing so, resulting in financial losses from missed flights and hotel bookings. She managed to contact the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK, following which Indian officials intervened and escorted her onto a late-night departure from the city. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior authorities, Prema described the incident as a "direct insult to India's sovereignty and to the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh". 4Continued on | P8 On November 21 in Goharganj, the six-year-old girl was lured with chocolate and kidnapped. She was taken to a nearby jungle where Salman Khan allegedly raped her. After the attack, he fled. Police announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for his arrest. The victim was found bleeding and initially treated at a local hospital before being referred to AIIMS Bhopal. Verma was jailed for submitting fake papers The comments of IAS officer Santosh Verma on the Brahmin girls have whipped up a wrangle across the state. Verma has been recently reinstated after suspension. Verma was elected regional president of the Anusuchit Jati Evam Janjati Adhikari Evam Karmachari Sangh (AJAKS). Afterwards, he made objectionable comments on the Brahmin girls in his speech at the conference of AJAKS. ‘‘Jab tak mere bete ko koi The rape case IAS officer Santosh Verma, who was holding the post of deputy secretary in the agriculture department, was in jail in 2021. The government suspended Verma after a case was registered against him. Verma was accused of forging an order of the special judge. He was also charged with getting a promotion through fake documents. A woman made a complaint against him. After relief from the court, he has been recently reinstated and posted. SC notice on plea over cash donations to political parties PTI NEW DELHI hospital. Her manager confirmed that she decided to postpone the wedding indefinitely until her father recovers. Complications did not stop there: Mandhana’s fiance Palash Muchhal also faced health concerns, leading to his hospitalisation, although he is said to have been discharged. sened quickly, prompting an ambulance and admission to Ariana Afghan A310 aircraft was given clearance to land on runway 29L. However, it landed on runway 29R 4NM (nautical miles) and the aircraft turned right, after which the captain landed with visual approach on run- Anupama (1966) He once said his biggest dream was to work with Dilip Kumar — his childhood idol. Arunachal in China: Indian woman harassed at Shanghai airport Our Staff Reporter 4Continued on | P8 Collision averted as Af flight lands on wrong runway PTI In a dramatic turn amid intensified anti-LWE operations in Chhattisgarh, Maoist insurgents have issued an urgent appeal for a unilateral ceasefire until February 15, 2026, citing the recent killing of top commander Hidma and the death of several key leaders as triggers for internal panic and reorganisation. The plea, addressed to the chief ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DHARMENDRA BHOPAL offgrid NEW DELHI 8 DECEMBER 1935 – 24 NOVEMBER 2025 IAS officer’s comments on Brahmin girls whip up wrangle 4Continued on | P8 Instagram after the hospitalisation. The wedding had been scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, Maharashtra, and the ceremony was set to be an intimate affair with close family and friends. On the morning of the ceremony, Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, reportedly fell ill while having breakfast. His condition wor- IANS RAIPUR 4Continued on | P8 Smriti pulls wedding posts as father, fiance fall ill INDORE Maoists call ceasefire till Feb Phool Aur Patthar (1966) From Punjab’s small village to Bollywood’s grand stage, veteran actor Dharmendra lived a larger-than-life story of courage, charm & heart P.6 Cinema The Eternal He-Man P.12 List of his most popular films The Eternal He-Man Why ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood? Dharmendra, He-man of Bollywood, dies at 89 MUMBAI DHARMENDRA way 29R, the official said. The ILS is a precision radio navigation system that provides short-range gui- dance to an aircraft allowing it to approach a runway at night, during bad weather and poor visibility. As per the PIC, he lost ILS at 4NM and the aircraft turned right, after which the captain landed with visual approach on RWY 29R, the DGCA official said, adding the ATC confirmed FG 311 4Continued on | P8 The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea which challenged the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive "anonymous" cash donations below Rs 2,000. The plea said this lack of transparency undermines the purity of the election process as it deprives voters of the crucial knowledge about the source of political funding, including the donors and their motives, preventing them from making a rational, intelligent and fully informed decision while casting their vote. The apex court issued notices to the Centre, Election Commission and others seeking their responses on the petition, which has also sought a direction to the poll panel to prescribe as a condition for registration of a political party and allotment of the election symbol that no amount can be received in cash by any political party. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said the matter would be listed for hearing after four weeks. Brahman apni beti daan nahin deta ya samvandh nahin bana le tab tak arakshan jari rahega (until a Brahmin hands over their daughters to his sons in marriage or makes relationships with him, the reservation will continue,’’ he said.” 4Continued on | P8 Justice Kant takes oath as 53rd CJI To remain in office for nearly 15 months PTI NEW DELHI Justice Surya Kant, who has been part of several landmark verdicts, including on abrogation of Article 370 removing Jammu and Kashmir's special status and Bihar electoral rolls revision, took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday. He succeeds Justice B R Gavai. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Kant at a brief ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He took the oath in Hindi in the name of God. Justice Kant was appointed as the next CJI on October 30 and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the senior leaders who attended the ceremony. Soon after being sworn in, Justice Kant went up to Prime Minister Modi to greet him. Later, in a post on X, Modi shared pictures of the swearing in ceremony. "Attended the oath taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead," the prime minister wrote. A customary group photograph was also clicked with President Murmu, Vice President Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Modi, CJI Kant, former CJI Gavai and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal posing for the camera. Former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar was also present and was among those who greeted the new CJI on assuming office. 4Continued on | P8