Nepal Premier League Final! Janakpur Bolts clinched the inaugural Nepal Premier League title by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in a thrilling final. The Bolts showcased remarkable resilience, chasing down a target of 187 runs with five wickets in hand at the TU International Cricket Ground.

Sudurpaschim Royals, batting first, set a competitive total of 184 for nine wickets, led by Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. Zaib scored a solid 69 runs, while Bhandari added a crucial 41. However, their middle order failed to capitalize on a strong start, succumbing to disciplined bowling from Janakpur’s attack.

Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Mohisin starred with the ball for Janakpur, each claiming three wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled an exceptional spell, conceding just 15 runs, including a maiden over. Their efforts restricted Sudurpaschim from posting a more imposing total.

In response, Janakpur’s Lahiru Milantha led the charge with a stunning 87 runs off 49 balls, including six fours and as many sixes. His innings anchored the chase, despite early pressure from Sudurpaschim’s bowlers. Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur captain, played a vital supporting role, ensuring a composed finish.

This victory is a milestone for Nepali cricket, highlighting the league’s competitiveness and its potential to elevate local talent. Fans celebrated the intense final, hopeful for the league’s promising future.

Bollywood fans have long admired stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. However, many filmmakers struggle to bring out the full potential of these superstars. In an exclusive discussion with Pinkvilla, YouTuber and film critic Anmol Jamwal, along with marketing director Varun Gupta, highlighted this issue.

They noted that South Indian filmmakers, like Atlee and AR Murugadoss, consistently bring out the best in actors. Atlee’s work with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan and Murugadoss’ handling of Aamir Khan in Ghajini were key examples. Both directors showcased their stars in new ways, leading to blockbuster successes.

Himesh Mankad, a trade analyst, explained that trust between the actor and director is essential. He mentioned that when actors feel safe with directors, they perform better. He gave an example of Salman Khan’s suggestions during filming. Mankad said it’s up to the director to pick the right ideas and reject the wrong ones.

Anmol Jamwal questioned if Bollywood stars are willing to adapt. He pointed to Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and noted that many films lack strong scripts. He asked if directors like Atlee could bring precision and elevate the material.

Varun Gupta spoke about how directors need to earn an actor’s trust. He pointed out that Ranveer Singh trusts Aditya Dhar because Dhar has proven himself in his genre. Gupta noted that in the South, filmmakers work hard to ensure both the stars and stories succeed.

The trio agreed that the audience plays a key role. Varun explained that watching films in South India is a part of everyday life. In contrast, Bollywood needs to work harder to earn the audience’s trust after disappointing films. The experts concluded that films like Jawan and Kabir Singh prove that great results come when the director and actor trust each other.

After the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) lackluster performance in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has hinted at the possibility of contesting the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently.

Speaking to PTI, Raut said, “Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders about whether to go solo for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo.”

Raut expressed confidence in Shiv Sena (UBT)’s influence in Mumbai, asserting that the party’s base in the city remains strong. “If we had more seats to contest in Mumbai during the assembly polls, we would have won them,” he added. Raut also highlighted the strategic importance of securing Mumbai, emphasizing, “Winning Mumbai is crucial; otherwise, the city could be separated from Maharashtra.”

Historically, Shiv Sena has contested BMC and other civic body polls independently, even before its split with the BJP. However, Raut clarified that the MVA alliance would remain intact for the civic body elections in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Nashik.

The remarks come in response to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s announcement that the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP—will contest the BMC elections as a united front.

About the BMC Elections

The upcoming BMC elections hold immense significance, as the term of the previously elected representatives ended in March 2022. Since then, India’s richest municipal corporation has been functioning without elected representatives for nearly three years, including the COVID-19 period.

Shiv Sena, before its split, had controlled the BMC for an impressive 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. Whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) contests independently or as part of the MVA will significantly impact the political landscape of Mumbai.