The Asian Age

Howzat! Hardik springs a surprise Cricketer’s Instagram announceme­nt catches fans unawares

- NAYARE ALI AGE CORRESPOND­ENT

Black rage is seeping out of every nook and corner in the United States. George Floyd’s brutal assault and subsequent death by cops has led to widespread protests. It’s not just the angry plebeian, who is expressing his ire, by looting and vandalisin­g property; even prominent celebritie­s including the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama has expressed her angst. But in India, it is about selective rage. Bollywood celebritie­s and business icons only speak out when they are confident of government­al support. News anchor Nidhi Razdan, who has bravely encountere­d trolls for her strong views online rightly points out the prevalent hypocrisy when she tweets, “Interestin­g to see ‘woke’ celebritie­s in India speak out against the police atrocities and George Floyd’s death all the way across in America, but the same celebs lose their voice when there are police excesses at home; when people are lynched, communitie­s targeted.” Take the case of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who now lives in LA with her pop star hubby Nick Jonas. She has asked her followers on Instagram to sign a petition to get justice for Floyd. A far cry from her coy, wide-eyed act on Koffee with Karan season 6. The actress claimed that she was not aware of any controvers­y in the industry, till an annoyed Kareena Kapoor ticked her off for her pretentiou­s act.

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Kavita Krishnan@kavita_krishnan

Cricketer Hardik Pandya has stunned friends and fans by announcing that he has tied the knot with Natasa Stankovic, and that the two are expecting their first baby.

Team India captain Virat Kohli was the first to recover from the surprise — “Congratula­tions to you both H. Lots of love and blessings for the 3rd member of your clan,” he responded.

Other congratula­tory messages soon poured in.

In January this year, Hardik had sprung a surprise by announcing his engagement to Natasa.

On Sunday, he posted two pictures on Instagram, one showing him holding Natasa’s baby bump while she looks adoringly at him, and the other, a photograph of their wedding ceremony.

“Natasa and I have had a great journey together and it is just about to get better ?? Together we are excited to welcome a new life into our lives very soon. We’re thrilled for this new phase of our life and seek your blessings and wishes,” Hardik posted.

Team India coach Ravi Shastri, Hardik’s colleagues on the team, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya (who is also his brother), and other celebritie­s like Krystle DSouza and Guru Randhawa were among those who wished the happy couple.

In January this year, Hardik had sprung a surprise by announcing his engagement to Natasa. On Sunday, he posted two pictures on Instagram, one showing him holding Natasa’s baby bump while she looks adoringly at him, and the other, a photograph of their wedding

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