His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan greets India Prime Minister,
Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on February 21, 2018.
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Anaya also highlighted the issues of toxic masculinity and insecurity within the cricketing environment
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“Cricketers sent me nude photos”: Anaya Bangar, Sanjay Bangar’s child, opens up on gender transition
Apr 18, 2025
Anaya Bangar, the child of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has shared her journey of gender transition, including hormone replacement therapy and gender reaffirming surgery. Previously known as Aryan, Anaya is currently based in Manchester, United Kingdom, and has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced, both personally and professionally, since coming out.
Anaya, an athlete and left-handed batter, once followed in her father’s footsteps by playing age-group cricket. She has represented clubs such as the Islam Gymkhana in India and the Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire. However, she revealed that pursuing a cricket career after her gender reaffirming surgery has come with several hurdles.
In a recent interview with Lallantop, Anaya spoke candidly about her early realisation of gender identity, stating that she felt different as early as eight or nine years old. "I used to pick clothes from my mum's cupboard and wear them. Then I would look into the mirror and say, 'I am a girl. I want to be a girl'," she shared.
Anaya also highlighted the issues of toxic masculinity and insecurity within the cricketing environment, especially given her family's high profile. She noted, "I played with some well-known cricketers like Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. I had to maintain secrecy about myself because dad is a well-known figure. The cricket world is filled with insecurity and toxic masculinity."
When asked about the reaction from fellow cricketers after her surgery, Anaya said she received a mix of support and harassment. She claimed that some individuals sent her unsolicited explicit images. "There have been a few cricketers who randomly sent me nude pictures of themselves," she said.
She also recounted instances of verbal harassment and inappropriate propositions. "There was a person who would verbally abuse me in front of others, then come and sit beside me, asking for my photos. On another occasion, I told a veteran cricketer about my situation, and he said, 'Let's go in the car, I want to sleep with you'," Anaya revealed.
In November 2023, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a new policy that prohibits transgender athletes from participating in international women's cricket. Then-ICC CEO Geoff Allardice stated, "Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women's game and the safety of players."
Following this announcement, Anaya took to Instagram to express her disappointment. She continues to share her experiences and thoughts through the platform, staying engaged with her followers and advocating for transgender rights.
Despite the challenges, Anaya remains passionate about cricket and committed to raising awareness around gender identity and inclusivity in sport. Her story has sparked conversations about the treatment of transgender athletes and the culture within competitive sports.
Anaya's candid reflections have shed light on the complexities faced by transgender individuals in professional environments, especially those traditionally dominated by masculinity. Through her openness, she hopes to inspire change and promote acceptance, while continuing her journey both on and off the field.
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Starmer thanked Christians for their community work, including support through night shelters, youth clubs, toddler groups, family services, elderly care and chaplaincy. (Photo: Getty Images)
Starmer thanks Christians for community work in Easter message
Apr 18, 2025
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer extended Easter wishes to Christians across the UK, marking the end of Lent and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In his Easter message, Starmer said the story of Easter is central to the Christian faith. He acknowledged Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict globally who cannot celebrate freely.
Starmer thanked Christians for their community work, including support through night shelters, youth clubs, toddler groups, family services, elderly care and chaplaincy.
He said the Easter message can inspire people to work together for the renewal of the country.
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He admitted he is still recovering emotionally
Instagram/ ranveerallahbadia
Ranveer Allahbadia says he lost reputation but gained perspective after ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy
Apr 18, 2025
Popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia has spoken publicly about the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent. During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on social media, Allahbadia addressed the impact the incident had on his personal and professional life, as well as how he is moving forward.
Responding to a fan’s question about what he had lost as a result of the controversy, Allahbadia listed a range of issues. “Health, money, opportunity, repute, mental health, peace, parents’ contentment and much more,” he wrote. Despite these challenges, he also described the period as one of growth and introspection, saying the experience led to “transformation, spiritual growth” and increased mental resilience.
Allahbadia added that he is now focusing on regaining what was lost. “Will slowly work towards getting back everything that’s lost. Let the work speak,” he said, suggesting a renewed commitment to his career and public platform.
He also reflected on the emotional toll of the backlash, particularly its effect on those around him. In another post, he spoke about the fears he faced in recent months. “That I let down the families of my team members because of my mistake,” he wrote. “People don’t understand how many jobs were at stake. [They] quickly wrote off my career and hence the career of 300+ people.”
He went on to say the experience gave him a deeper understanding of human nature, stating, “Mobs love seeing people fall. But we will keep moving forward.” Allahbadia admitted he is still recovering emotionally, saying, “I am not 100% okay even now. Have to give it my all because MANY livelihoods depend on my work.” He concluded the post by urging followers to “stay humble.”
The controversy began earlier this year during an episode of India’s Got Latent, in which Allahbadia posed an inappropriate question to a contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?” Although the panel, which included Apoorva Mukhija and Ashish Chanchlani, reacted with laughter at the time, the question received widespread condemnation online.
The backlash intensified as multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against Allahbadia and the show’s creators. The matter escalated further when the National Commission for Women (NCW) intervened, demanding accountability. In response, Allahbadia issued a written apology.
The case also reached the Supreme Court of India, which granted him interim protection from arrest. However, the court criticised his remarks, labelling them “vulgar” and stating that they reflected a “dirty mind” that shamed society.
Despite the severity of the fallout, Allahbadia has now returned to his work. In a recent video statement titled “Dear India,” he asked viewers for another chance and promised to take greater responsibility for the content he produces.
“We will improve our podcast quality,” he said. “Like every week, four episodes will come out, focusing on India’s rich history, culture, and personal growth topics.”
With his podcasts now resuming, Allahbadia appears determined to rebuild his reputation through consistency and quality. His public comments mark the first time he has directly addressed the full personal cost of the controversy, while also indicating a long-term plan for redemption through professional dedication.
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The company expects to generate £1bn in profit, with an underlying dip of around £36m, as competition intensifies across the supermarket sector. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sainsbury's warns of profit dip amid supermarket price war
Apr 18, 2025
SAINSBURY’s has forecast that profits from its retail operations may remain flat or decline over the coming year as it continues to reduce grocery prices.
The company expects to generate £1bn in profit, with an underlying dip of around £36m, as competition intensifies across the supermarket sector.
The retailer’s move comes amid expectations of a price war triggered by Asda, which, under new executive chairman Allan Leighton, announced a plan to cut grocery prices to regain market share.
Tesco has also acknowledged it could suffer a significant financial impact if forced to reduce prices further, BBC reported.
Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said, “We're in the strongest position we've ever been [on price competition] and we intend to stay there.”
The company believes its losses from price cuts will be relatively minor compared to Tesco’s potential £400m hit.
Bernstein analyst William Woods, according to the BBC, said the forecast leaves Sainsbury’s with “wiggle room” to compete with rivals if necessary.
Sainsbury’s revealed full-year sales rose by 3.1 per cent to £31.5bn, while pre-tax profit increased from £277m to £384m.
However, fuel sales dropped 8.9 per cent to £4.7bn due to reduced demand and lower fuel prices driven by falling commodity costs in a competitive market.
Sainsbury’s also reported continued decline at Argos, although it said web traffic had improved.
Official data released on Wednesday showed that falling motor fuel prices helped bring UK inflation down to 2.6 per cent in March from 2.8 per cent in February.
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Sinha’s message was one of resilience and realism
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The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare
Apr 18, 2025
Paul Sinha, known to viewers of ITV’s The Chase as “The Sinnerman,” has spoken candidly about his experience living with Parkinson’s disease. During an appearance on Loose Women on Thursday, 17 April, the comedian and quizzer reflected on his journey from diagnosis to managing the condition day to day.
Sinha, who was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2019, revealed that his earliest symptoms were not what many would typically associate with Parkinson’s.
“Everyone thinks Parkinson’s means you shake,” he said. “But for me, it started with a stiff, painful right shoulder. I didn’t think much of it at first; I assumed it would just go away. But it didn’t.”
He explained that over a year, he underwent various treatments and investigations, including injections, X-rays, and scans, before eventually having surgery in January 2019. However, even after the operation, the issue remained unresolved.
The real turning point came a few months later, while he was performing at a comedy festival in New Zealand.
“I started to limp,” he recalled. “There was a growing sense of doom. I was in a taxi and decided to Google ‘Parkinson’s and frozen shoulder’—and I got the fright of my life.”
He said that while a frozen shoulder isn’t a particularly rare symptom, it’s not among the more common ones either. That moment in the taxi sparked a wave of anxiety and concern, but also prompted him to seek definitive answers.
“I’ve always tried to be the perfect patient,” Sinha said. “I never want a doctor to assume I know what’s going on. I go in with the mindset of someone who knows nothing, so nothing gets missed.”
Eventually, a visit to the neurologist confirmed what he had feared: he had Parkinson’s disease. While the diagnosis was difficult, he said there was also an odd sense of relief.
“I just didn’t want it to be motor neurone disease or something that would decline faster,” he admitted. “Parkinson’s gave me a name for what I had, and a bit of time to get on with things I might want to do—although I’ve never actually had a bucket list.”
Sinha did, however, tick off one dream destination. “I went to Brazil last year,” he said. “That was a big one for me.”
Despite the diagnosis, Sinha said there has been no major shift in his lifestyle. He feels fortunate that his work schedule is flexible and not tied to a conventional nine-to-five job.
“I plan my days around what I’m doing,” he said. “I make sure I’m rested in the afternoon so I can get an early night. It’s all about managing energy.”
He also shared how he adapts his daily routine to ensure he can continue doing the things he enjoys, especially quizzing.
“I do an online speed quiz every day at 6 pm. That’s a must for me. But I know I need to take my second tablet of the day about an hour before, so my responses are sharp.”
When asked whether he worried about the future progression of his condition, Sinha was honest.
“It’s always on my mind, especially because of the work I do. As I become more physically disabled, I can still do The Chase and stand-up comedy. But if cognitive decline sets in, those things become impossible.”
He also touched on some of the physical limitations he now faces. “I have to sit on the bed to put my trousers on,” he shared, adding with a smile: “I’m lucky to have a very devoted husband. Oliver makes sure I look hot when I’m on TV.”
The audience responded warmly to the comment, showing their appreciation for the couple’s supportive relationship.
Throughout the interview, Sinha’s message was one of resilience and realism. While Parkinson’s remains a major part of his life, it hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his passions or connecting with his audience, with wit, honesty, and a touch of humour.
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