Acclaimed New Zealand actor Sir Sam Neill, internationally celebrated for portraying Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed on Monday that the veteran actor passed away in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his loved ones.

In a statement shared through Neill's official social media accounts, the family described his death as "sudden and unexpected" while noting that he had been cancer-free at the time of his passing.

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing," the statement read, adding that he died with the dignity and grace that had defined his life.

The family has not disclosed the cause of death.

Cancer Battle Had Ended

Neill publicly revealed in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. His health journey drew widespread support from fans around the world.

According to his family, the actor had successfully overcome the illness and was cancer-free when he died.

The announcement has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry and political leaders in Australia and New Zealand.

Tributes From Across the World

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Neill, remembering him as one of the region's most respected actors.

In a social media post, Albanese praised Neill's humour, resilience and professionalism, saying he faced illness with the same dignity and conviction that characterised his performances throughout a distinguished career.

He described Neill as a beloved figure who earned a lasting place in Australian hearts and whose legacy would endure for generations.

Career Spanning More Than Five Decades

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, he moved to New Zealand with his family during childhood. He began his acting career with the New Zealand National Film Unit, gradually establishing himself as one of the country's most accomplished performers.

Neill achieved worldwide recognition in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, where his portrayal of palaeontologist Dr. Alan Grant became one of the franchise's defining performances.

He later reprised the role in multiple sequels, including Jurassic World Dominion (2022), reconnecting with audiences nearly three decades after the original film.

Versatile Film and Television Star

Beyond the Jurassic series, Neill built an extensive filmography featuring critically acclaimed productions such as The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Dead Calm, and Event Horizon.

Television viewers also recognised him for his performances as Chief Inspector Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders, Cardinal Wolsey in The Tudors, and the title character in the miniseries Merlin. His work earned him nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards.

Throughout his career, Neill became known for his versatility, effortlessly moving between blockbuster films, historical dramas and independent cinema.

National Honour and Life Beyond Acting

In recognition of his contribution to the film industry, Neill was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) in 2022.

Away from the screen, he was also a successful vineyard owner, operating Two Paddocks, his winery in Central Otago, New Zealand. He remained active on social media, where he frequently shared moments from his vineyard, personal life and professional projects with millions of followers.

A Lasting Legacy

Sir Sam Neill leaves behind a cinematic legacy spanning more than five decades and performances that captivated audiences across generations. From Hollywood blockbusters to award-winning television dramas, his work helped establish him as one of New Zealand's most celebrated international actors.

His family has requested privacy during this period of mourning. Details regarding a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, one of India's most celebrated voices with a career spanning more than six decades and over 48,000 recorded songs, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. She breathed her last at a private hospital in Mysuru after being admitted following a sudden deterioration in her health.

Her death marks the end of an extraordinary era in Indian film music. Widely revered across generations and languages, Janaki's unmatched contribution to Indian cinema earned her the status of one of the country's greatest playback singers.

Her final rites are scheduled to be held on Sunday evening at 5 pm at her ancestral farmhouse in H.D. Kote taluk near Mysuru, with state honours and traditional family rituals.

Health Declined Suddenly

According to family sources, Janaki's health worsened late on Friday after she developed breathing difficulties. She was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mysuru, where doctors made extensive efforts to stabilise her condition. Despite medical treatment, she passed away on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, her mortal remains were placed at Maharaja Grounds in Mysuru to enable admirers, artists, public representatives and members of the public to pay their last respects. Thousands gathered to bid farewell to the legendary singer whose voice became synonymous with Indian cinema across multiple generations.

A Voice That Defined Indian Cinema

S. Janaki enjoyed one of the longest and most prolific careers in Indian music history, recording more than 48,000 songs in several Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.

She was admired for her remarkable versatility, effortlessly rendering romantic melodies, devotional hymns, classical compositions, folk songs and emotionally rich ballads with equal depth and expression.

Among her popular Hindi songs are "Bol Baby Bol," "Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re," "O Maria," "Prabhu More Avgun," and "Gopala Gopala." In South Indian cinema, she earned immense respect and affection, where fans fondly referred to her as "Janaki Amma."

Nation Pays Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over her demise, describing her voice as one that beautifully conveyed every human emotion and touched millions of hearts.

President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute, calling S. Janaki an invaluable treasure of Indian music whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Condolences also poured in from political leaders, musicians and members of the film fraternity. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, superstar Rajinikanth, and several prominent artists remembered her as one of India's finest playback singers whose contribution to music remains unparalleled.

An Extraordinary Musical Journey

Born with exceptional musical talent, Janaki began her playback singing career in 1957, while her first Hindi song was recorded for the 1958 film Miss '58.

Over the next six decades, she became one of the busiest playback singers in Indian cinema, lending her voice to thousands of films and collaborating with almost every leading music composer of her time.

One of the most celebrated musical partnerships in Indian cinema was her long association with legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. Together, the duo recorded thousands of memorable duets that continue to remain favourites among music lovers.

Awards and Legacy

During her illustrious career, S. Janaki received four National Film Awards along with numerous state honours and lifetime achievement recognitions.

In 2013, she made headlines after declining the Padma Bhushan, stating that national recognition had come too late for many South Indian artists, including herself.

After remaining actively involved in playback singing for nearly six decades, she announced her retirement from recording new songs in 2017, saying she had fulfilled her musical journey and wished to step away from professional singing.

Personal Losses in Recent Years

The last few years of Janaki's life were marked by personal tragedy. Her husband, V. Ramprasad, passed away in 1997 following a heart attack. Earlier this year, in January 2026, she also lost her only son, Murali Krishna, to a heart attack.

Family members said the loss deeply affected her emotionally, and she had been facing health challenges since then.

Although S. Janaki's voice has now fallen silent, her timeless songs will continue to resonate across generations, ensuring that her extraordinary musical legacy remains an enduring part of India's cultural heritage.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the celebrated artist and acknowledged her contribution to preserving and popularising Pandavani, a unique folk tradition based on episodes from the Mahabharata.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai. Through her magnificent performances, she gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a distinct identity across the world. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled her death and remembered her as one of India’s most influential folk artists. In his message, Singh said Teejan Bai left an indelible mark on the world of folk arts through her exceptional performances and played a significant role in bringing recognition to Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage at both national and international levels.

Teejan Bai had been undergoing treatment for health-related issues and breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian folk performance traditions, particularly for Pandavani, a narrative art form that combines storytelling, singing and dramatic expression to recount episodes from the Mahabharata.

Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in present-day Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated folk artists in the country. At a time when women rarely performed Pandavani publicly, she broke social barriers and established herself as a leading performer through her powerful voice, commanding stage presence and innovative style.

Over the decades, she became synonymous with Pandavani and introduced the art form to audiences far beyond central India. Her performances captivated spectators across India and abroad, earning widespread appreciation for their emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Cultural experts often credit Teejan Bai with transforming Pandavani from a regional folk tradition into a globally recognised art form. Through numerous national and international tours, she helped showcase India’s rich cultural heritage on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Her extraordinary contribution to Indian arts was recognised with several of the country’s highest honours. The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on her in 1988, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2003. In 2019, she received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting folk culture.

Apart from the Padma awards, Teejan Bai was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and several other prestigious accolades throughout her career. Her influence extended beyond performance, inspiring generations of artists to embrace and preserve traditional Indian art forms.

The passing of Teejan Bai has prompted tributes from across the country, with political leaders, artists and cultural institutions remembering her as a towering figure in Indian folk music and storytelling. Her legacy is expected to continue through the countless performers and admirers inspired by her work.

With her death, India loses not only a celebrated artist but also a cultural ambassador who dedicated her life to keeping a centuries-old tradition alive for future generations.

Suman Kalyanpur, the mellifluous playback singer whose voice became a staple of Hindi film music in the 1960s and 1970s, died on Sunday evening at her Mumbai residence. She was 89. Local reports and a close family friend said she passed away around 8 pm due to age-related complications.

Last rites scheduled Monday

According to Mangala Khadikar, a longtime friend, Kalyanpur had been listening to her recordings in the days before her death and “passed away very peacefully.” Family sources said her daughter, Charu, is surviving her. Funeral rites were scheduled for Monday morning between 11:30 am and 12 pm at the Pawan Hans crematorium in suburban Mumbai.

A distinct voice in a crowded field

Kalyanpur rose to prominence in an era dominated by a small number of lead playback singers. Despite frequent comparisons with Lata Mangeshkar, she carved a distinct niche through a string of popular songs and steady film work. Classics such as “Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche,” “Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhi Se” and “Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye” remain part of radio and streaming playlists, industry historians and music curators said.

She received wide recognition in later years, including the Padma Bhushan in 2023, conferred by the Government of India for her contribution to arts and music.

Career arc and language range

Kalyanpur’s career was notable not only for its output in Hindi films but also for songs in several regional languages. She recorded numbers in Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Odia and Kannada, reflecting the pan-Indian reach of playback singing in mid-20th-century cinema. Musicologists note that her ability to adapt to different linguistic idioms helped sustain her career beyond film cycles and changing musical fashions.

Industry recalls and past anecdotes

Sources close to the music industry recalled that Kalyanpur’s voice was often mistaken for Mangeshkar’s in the 1950s and 1960s, a comparison that followed her throughout her career. In interviews she consistently resisted being labelled a “sound-alike,” underlining instead a friendly personal relationship with Mangeshkar. In a 2022 interview she described their meetings as those between close friends rather than rivals.

Kalyanpur also figured in several well-known industry stories. When a dispute between Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi left a gap in near-term female playback options, producers and music directors turned to Kalyanpur, who delivered a succession of hits with Rafi. Another anecdote often repeated in radio and print profiles involved veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani, who reportedly waited 45 years before getting a one-hour interview with her in 2005—on the singer’s terms of no photographs and the right to skip uncomfortable questions.

Early life and musical training

Born and raised in a family supportive of the arts, Kalyanpur displayed an early interest in painting and music. She completed a degree in arts while training in classical music, first under her father’s encouragement and later with teachers including Pandit Keshav Rao Bhole and other noted masters. Her grounding in classical technique lent a purity and precision to her playback work, listeners and critics have said.

Public reaction and legacy

Tributes from fellow musicians, film personalities and fans began to appear on social media within hours of the news, with many highlighting both her body of work and the understated, private life she maintained after stepping back from regular playback work. Music streaming platforms have seen renewed interest in her songs, according to industry trackers, underlining the continuing appeal of melodies from her peak decades.

What comes next

Funeral arrangements and condolence calls are expected through Monday afternoon as colleagues and admirers pay respects. Biographers and music historians have already signalled plans to reassess Kalyanpur’s contributions to Indian film music in the context of mid-century recording practices and the role of female vocalists in shaping popular soundscapes.

Her death closes a chapter on a generation of singers who bridged classical training and commercial film music, leaving behind a catalogue that continues to be heard across radio, cinema retrospectives and streaming playlists.

Demise in Bhopal

Renowned Urdu poet Dr Bashir Badr died in Bhopal on Thursday afternoon. He was 91. The poet breathed his last around noon, on the day of Bakrid. Family sources confirmed that he had been unwell for several months.

He is survived by his wife Rahat and son Tayyab.

Struggled with Dementia

Bashir Badr had been suffering from dementia for a long time. His memory had weakened considerably over the past few years. Those close to him said he had stopped recognising many people, including sometimes family members. His health had been declining steadily, especially in the last few months.

A Voice of Simplicity

The poet was widely known for his simple yet deeply emotional poetry. Unlike many contemporaries, he stayed away from traditional, heavily ornate forms. He used everyday words that connected easily with common people. His poetry reflected themes of love, pain, loneliness and life's struggles.

One of his most famous couplets remains:

"Ujale Apni Yaadon Ke Hamare Saath Rehne Do, Na Jaane Kis Gali Mein Zindagi Ki Shaam Ho Jaaye."

Another beloved line reads:

"Log Toot Jaate Hain Ek Ghar Banane Mein, Tum Taras Nahi Khaate Bastiyan Jalane Mein."

The Golden Era

Bashir Badr completed his postgraduation from Aligarh Muslim University in 1969. He joined the Urdu department at Meerut College as a lecturer on 12 August 1974 and taught there until 1990. The period between 1974 and 1990 is considered the golden phase of his literary career.

During this time, his poetry gained popularity not only across India but also abroad. More than a dozen of his ghazal collections have been published in Hindi, while seven collections were released in Urdu. His simple language and emotional depth made him one of the most admired voices in Urdu poetry.

Global Reach

Over his lifetime, Bashir Badr participated in more than 500 mushairas. In addition to India, he also travelled to the United States, Pakistan, and Britain for poetry recitals. Several organisations are now planning to translate his poetry into Punjabi, Bengali, Nepali and Russian languages, with permission from his family.

Tributes Flow

Noted script writer and poet Javed Akhtar expressed grief over the demise. "Today, our language Urdu has become a little poorer," Akhtar said. "Bashir Badr, an extremely melodious poet, has departed from our gathering forever. This poet and his poetry will live on in our memories forever."

Aggrieved people started arriving at Bashir's home in Bhopal shortly after the news spread. Many recalled his famous interactions with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who used to attend the poet's mushairas.

Final Rites Later Today

The family has yet to announce the final timing of the funeral. However, sources indicated that the last rites are expected to take place later this evening in Bhopal.

Former Raymond Chairman Vijaypat Singhania passes away at 87; last rites in Mumbai today

The visionary industrialist and aviator breathed his last early Sunday; son Gautam Singhania confirms the news via social media.

Vijaypat Singhania, the former Chairman of the Raymond Group and a pioneering figure in India’s textile industry, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. The news of his demise was shared by his son, Gautam Singhania, through a poignant post on social media platform X.

The veteran industrialist’s last rites are scheduled to be performed today at 3:00 PM at the Chandanwadi crematorium in Mumbai. Family sources and company officials indicated that the industry veteran had been dealing with age-related health issues for some time.

Visionary leader passes away

Gautam Singhania, in his tribute, described his father as a "visionary leader and philanthropist" whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations. The announcement marks the end of an era for the Raymond Group, which became a household name under Vijaypat’s leadership.

Born on October 10, 1938, Vijaypat Singhania was instrumental in transforming Raymond from a woollen mill into a global lifestyle brand. His tenure as Managing Director saw the company diversify into engineering, aviation, and high-end retail.

Architect of modern Raymond

Vijaypat took the reins of the company in 1980, steering it through a period of rapid modernization. He is credited with launching the premium brand 'Park Avenue' in 1986, which redefined the wardrobe of the urban Indian male.

By 1990, he had taken the brand international, opening the first overseas showroom in Oman. His business acumen was matched by his passion for technology, ensuring Raymond remained a market leader for decades in the suiting and shirting segment.

High-flying adventurer and aviator

Beyond the boardroom, Singhania was an avid aviator who held several world records. In 1988, he completed a solo flight from London to New Delhi in a microlight aircraft, a feat that lasted 23 days.

In 2005, at the age of 67, he set a world record by reaching an altitude of approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. His 5,000 hours of flight experience led the Indian Air Force to confer upon him the rank of Honorary Air Commodore.

National honors and recognition

The Government of India recognized his contributions to industry and society by awarding him the Padma Bhushan in 2006. He was also a recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for his daring exploits in the skies.

In addition to his corporate roles, he served as the Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006. He also penned his experiences in a book titled 'An Angel in a Cockpit', detailing his solo flight from the UK to India.

Complex family legacy remains

In recent years, the senior Singhania was frequently in the news due to a highly publicized legal and personal dispute with his son, Gautam, over property and control of the family estate. After handing over the company reins in 2015, the relationship between the two soured significantly.

Despite a brief appearance of reconciliation in March 2024, when Gautam posted a photo with his father at JK House, Vijaypat later dismissed the meeting as forced. These developments had remained a subject of intense public interest across India News Update cycles.

Future of the textile giant

Industry experts suggest that while the personal rift was public, Vijaypat’s professional blueprint remains the foundation of the current Raymond Group. His focus on quality and retail expansion allowed the brand to penetrate deep into the Indian market.

As Mumbai prepares for his final journey, the business community continues to pour in tributes for the man who taught India what it meant to be "The Complete Man."

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Female Prime Minister, Dies at 80

Khaleda Zia, the three-time former prime minister of Bangladesh and the nation's first woman to hold the office, died Tuesday morning at a hospital in Dhaka. She was 80. Her passing marks the end of a defining era in the country's turbulent politics and occurs just weeks before pivotal national elections.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia led for decades, announced her death, stating she passed away at 6 a.m. local time at Evercare Hospital after a prolonged illness. The government has declared three days of state mourning, and her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday. She will be buried beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.

A Nation Mourns a Divisive Icon

The announcement plunged the nation into mourning, with thousands gathering outside the hospital and at her residence in Dhaka. The government's chief advisor, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, called Zia a "symbol of the democratic movement" and said the "nation has lost a great guardian". Condolences poured in from global leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif.

Zia had been in fragile health for years, suffering from liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and heart and kidney complications. She was admitted to the hospital in late November with a lung infection and was later placed on ventilator support.

From "Shy Housewife" to "Uncompromising Leader"

Zia's political life was forged from personal tragedy. Born in 1945 (or 1946 according to some sources) in Dinajpur, she was a reserved homemaker married to army officer Ziaur Rahman. Following his assassination in 1981, party leaders urged the grieving widow to step into the leadership vacuum of the BNP, which he had founded.

Despite being initially dismissed as a novice, she rose to become a formidable force against the military dictatorship of Hussain Muhammad Ershad in the 1980s. Her steadfast refusal to participate in what she deemed illegitimate elections and her willingness to endure repeated arrests earned her the reputation as Bangladesh's "uncompromising leader".

The "Battle of the Begums" That Shaped a Nation

Zia's legacy is inextricably linked with that of her archrival, Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League. Their fierce, decades-long political feud was dubbed the "Battle of the Begums," a title for powerful women that came to define Bangladesh's polarized politics.

A Complicated Alliance and Rivalry: The two women initially collaborated to oust military ruler Ershad in 1990. However, their alliance shattered when Zia defeated Hasina in the landmark 1991 election, becoming prime minister with support from Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami.

A Cycle of Vengeance: Their rivalry became intensely personal, fueled by the bloody history of their families—Hasina's father, the nation's founding leader, was assassinated in 1975; Zia's husband was assassinated in 1981. For the next two decades, they alternated in power, with their governments routinely jailing or prosecuting the other on corruption charges.

The Final Chapters: Hasina's long rule from 2009-2024 saw Zia imprisoned in 2018 on graft charges her party called politically motivated. In a dramatic reversal, Hasina was ousted in a 2024 uprising and is now in exile, while Zia was acquitted and freed.

A Mixed Legacy and an Uncertain Future

Zia leaves behind a contested record. Supporters hail her as a democrat who made primary education free and compulsory and championed women's empowerment. Critics point to her government's failure to curb rising Islamist militancy in the early 2000s and the paralyzing political strikes she endorsed.

Her death closes the personal chapter of the "Battle of the Begums," but the political struggle continues. All eyes are now on the February 12 general election. Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, who returned from exile days before her death, is expected to formally lead the BNP into the contest.

The election will be the first major test of whether the BNP can translate the national outpouring of grief for its matriarch into political victory in a post-begum era.