News Broadcasting
Poonam Dhillon shifts allegiance from Congress to BJP
MUMBAI: Looks like politics has become an alternate profession for many in the entertainment industry. Statements made by them that they want to contribute to the society and hence the decision, remains a matter of debate.
Smriti Z Iraani led the way and the likes of Hema Malini, Suresh Oberoi, Gajendra Chauhan and Sudha Chandran joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon thereafter. Close to the dates of the upcoming elections, yet another personality to join the bandwagon is film and television actress, Poonam Dhillon who joined the BJP this afternoon.
Party Hopping! Poonam Dhillion smiles her way into BJP after being a Congress supporter in the past.And what’s more Dhillon has surprised many by joining the BJP as she has actively campaigned for the Congress party in the past.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com from Delhi, soon after she was formally inducted into the party today, Dhillon said, “Yes, I was for the Congress, but I was not comfortable in the set-up. I could sense it that I wouldn’t be able to do anything substantial and worthwhile. Hence, I switched my party, which I think that every citizen has a right to. I think that the nation has really gone ahead under the BJP rule and better days lie ahead if this party remains in power.”
Talking about her decision to join BJP, Dhillon says, “As I wanted to switch over, I was talking to a few officials from the BJP. We came to a mutual understanding that when and how it should be done. That’s it!”
But does that mean that her attention will waver from her serial Kitty Party? Clearing all doubts she said, “I’ll very much continue to be a part of Manish Goswami’s Kittie Party on Zee TV. My BJP duties might involve a bit of travel, but I will easily adjust. Frankly, I don’t know what would be my agenda; it’s too early to say. I might contest or I might just canvass for the forthcoming polls.”
Only last week, actor Amarr Upadhyay joined the Shiv Sena. Now it would not come as a surprise if the Congress unleashes a list of celebrities in the near future as a part of the counter attack; in all probability, hectic efforts must already be on to wean the likes of Dhillon and Co.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
