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Harvey Weinstein’s Retrial Begins Tuesday: Will Justice Prevail After Overturned Conviction? | – The Times of India

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Harvey Weinstein’s Retrial Begins Tuesday: Will Justice Prevail After Overturned Conviction? | – The Times of India


The retrial of Harvey Weinstein, whose prosecution and conviction for rape and sex assault ignited the “MeToo” movement, kicks off in New York on Tuesday.
The disgraced movie mogul’s 2017 conviction by a jury was overturned seven years later by an appeals court that ruled the way witnesses were handled in the original trial was unlawful.
The voiding of the jury’s verdict by the New York Court of Appeals was a setback to the movement against sexual violence and the promotion of justice for survivors.
Former Miramax studio boss Weinstein will be in the dock for the sexual assault of former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006, the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013, and a new count for an alleged sexual assault in 2006 at a hotel in Manhattan.
The trial, expected to last up to six weeks in a Manhattan criminal court, begins Tuesday with jury selection, which could take five days, according to Judge Curtis Farber.
Weinstein, 73, hopes the case will be judged with “fresh eyes,” more than seven years after investigations by the New York Times and the New Yorker led to his spectacular downfall and a global backlash against predatory abusers.
Weinstein is serving a 16-year prison sentence after being convicted on separate rape charges in California in 2023 for raping and assaulting a European actor a decade prior.
– ‘Seeking justice’ –
The producer of a string of box office hits like “Sex, Lies and Videotape,” “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love,” Weinstein has appeared frail and gaunt at recent courtroom hearings ahead of the trial.
“It’ll be very, very different because of the attitude of New York City, New York State and, I think, the overall country,” said his lawyer Arthur Aidala.
“Five years ago, when you guys were here, there were protests. There were people chanting: ‘Fry Harvey, he’s a rapist’… I think that, overall, has died down,” he said, adding that he hoped jurors would try the case on its merits.
Weinstein has never acknowledged any wrongdoing and has always maintained that the encounters were consensual.
Accusers describe the movie mogul as a predator who used his perch atop the cinema industry to pressure actresses and assistants for sexual favors, often in hotel rooms.
Since his downfall, Weinstein has been accused of harassment, sexual assault or rape by more than 80 women, including actors Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd.
In 2020, a jury of New Yorkers found Weinstein guilty of two out of five charges — the sexual assault of Mimi Haleyi and the rape of Jessica Mann.
But the conviction and the 23-year prison sentence were overturned in April 2024.
In a hotly debated four-to-three decision, New York’s appeals court ruled that jurors should not have heard testimonies of victims about sexual assaults for which Harvey Weinstein was not indicted.
“It really reflects the challenges that survivors face in seeking justice for sexual assault,” said Laura Palumbo of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
The three survivors of Weinstein’s alleged crimes are expected to testify once again.





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Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter Naomika Saran steals the spotlight in Mumbai with her graceful charm | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India

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Naomika Saran, the granddaughter of Bollywood legend Rajesh Khanna and daughter of actress Rinke Khanna, is steadily capturing hearts with her elegant public appearances. After recently turning heads alongside her grandmother, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, Naomika once again became the centre of attention during a casual outing in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon.
Dressed in a relaxed outfit, a simple shirt and jeans, with her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, Naomika was spotted by the paparazzi as she arrived at a building. Onlookers couldn’t take their eyes off the young star kid, who appeared visibly overwhelmed by the unexpected attention. Despite the crowd and cameras, she maintained her composure, smiling warmly as she walked in.
While she chose not to pose for pictures, Naomika did acknowledge the photographers with a sweet wave and a charming smile before stepping inside. Her natural beauty and down-to-earth demeanor left fans gushing over her appearance, sparking even more curiosity about her.
Who is Naomika Saran?
Born in 2004, Naomika is the niece of author and former actress Twinkle Khanna and cousin to Aarav and Nitara Kumar, children of Twinkle and actor Akshay Kumar. She completed her schooling in Gurugram, Haryana, and pursued higher education at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Currently, she is studying in London, focusing on her academic pursuits.
Naomika recently turned heads at a Maddock Films event in Mumbai, where she accompanied her grandmother, Dimple Kapadia. Dressed in a chic black mini dress, she exuded elegance and confidence, drawing comparisons to her grandfather, Rajesh Khanna. Dimple Kapadia, in a graceful gesture, encouraged Naomika to pose solo for the paparazzi, allowing her granddaughter to shine in the spotlight.

Akshay Kumar’s son Aarav Bhatia poses with Naomika Saran for an adorable selfie. Find out who she is!

Fans and media outlets have noted Naomika’s striking features, particularly her light-colored eyes, which she shares with her cousin Aarav. Her resemblance to both her mother, Rinke Khanna, and grandfather, Rajesh Khanna, has been a topic of admiration among netizens.

While Naomika has not officially announced any plans to enter the film industry, her recent public appearances and familial connections have led to speculation about a potential Bollywood debut. Reports suggest that she may be preparing for a film opposite Agastya Nanda, adding to the excitement surrounding the next generation of Bollywood stars.





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Nushrratt Bharuccha opens up about being lonely in the industry: ‘Main award leke gaadi mein bethi thi, kis ke saath celebrate karoon?’ – The Times of India

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Nushrratt Bharuccha recently offered a raw and emotional insight into the often-glamourised yet isolating world of showbiz. In a recent interview, the actress shed light on the emotional toll that comes with being in the spotlight.
Though she has found success on the big screen, Nushrratt didn’t shy away from acknowledging how isolating the journey has been. In a conversation with Bollywood Bubble, she shared her thoughts on how rare genuine friendships are in the industry, and how building her bond with fellow actress Ishita Raj took time. “You’ve asked me this question at a very, very wrong time in my life. So, it’s not okay, and it’s terribly lonely. And it’s terribly mindfuck,” she stated.
She also shared an incident where she received an award, but had no one to celebrate with—something that made her forget what the award was even for. “Jabki insaan toh poori zindagi unhi awards, accolades ke peeche bhaagta hai. But mujhe yaad kya hai? Ki main award leke gaadi mein bethi thi, and I was alone. I said to myself, ‘Whom do I tell, yaar? I’ve won an award. Kis ke saath celebrate karoon? Khushi kis ke saath baantoon?’ It’s time only.”

Bhumi Pednekar Chooses ‘The Royals’

Nushrratt questioned why society celebrates stoicism but discourages emotional vulnerability. She spoke about the pressure to appear strong and unaffected, even when one isn’t okay, and raised valid concerns about how emotional honesty is often misunderstood or even frowned upon. Discussing the price one pays for chasing ambition, Nushrratt confessed that she no longer wants to climb any higher if it means losing the essence of human connection. “Main top pe chadh ke apne aap se cheekh rahi hoon—kya matlab hai uss ambition ka jiske peeche aap pagal hoke bhaag rahe ho?”, she said.
She emphasised that she now prioritises meaningful relationships over unattainable career heights, and admitted that she’s content being surrounded by people who genuinely care for her.





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When ‘Jannat’ fame Sonal Chauhan’s real-life boyfriend was arrested for slapping the actress in public: ‘She was avoiding him…’ | – The Times of India

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Sonal Chauhan shot to fame with her Bollywood debut Jannat in 2008 alongside Emraan Hashmi. Recently, the 37-year-old actress has been making waves—not on the big screen, but in the stands at Mumbai Indians matches. Her appearances at Wankhede Stadium have gone viral on social media. But long before this renewed buzz, Sonal had made headlines for a very different reason—one that had nothing to do with cricket or cinema.
Public Altercation with Sahil Zaroo
Sonal was once in a relationship that ended up making headlines for an unfortunate reason. Her boyfriend allegedly slapped her at the airport in front of everyone, which left her fans shocked and concerned.The actress was reportedly in a relationship with Sahil Zaroo, who was also an accused in the Rahul Mahajan drug case. He allegedly slapped Sonal at the airport and smashed her phone, leading to a public scene. Following the incident, Zaroo was arrested by the Santacruz Airport police.
What Led to the Incident
The incident took place when she was on her way to catch a flight to Hyderabad for a shoot. Reports revealed that she had known Sahil Zaroo for a while but had been distancing herself from him. In response, Zaroo had allegedly been sending her inappropriate messages. After the airport altercation, he was arrested under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to causing hurt, trespassing, damaging property, and insulting the modesty of a woman.

Her Career Graph
Despite a strong debut, Sonal couldn’t establish a lasting foothold in Bollywood. Reports suggest she received many offers post-Jannat, but chose to prioritise her studies. Over the years, she appeared in a few films like Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, 3G, and The Power, but remained mostly away from the limelight.
Speaking Out on Nepotism and Favoritism
In a past interview, Sonal opened up about losing many roles due to the favoritism in Bollywood. She acknowledged that nepotism is present in the film industry, just like in other professions. The actress emphasized the importance of patience and persistence, believing that with consistent effort, good opportunities will eventually come.





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