Pope Francis Cancels Meetings, Citing Flu With More Travel Looming

Travel

Francis, 87, is scheduled to visit Belgium and Luxembourg, meeting with sexual abuse survivors, within weeks of returning from a grueling Asia-Pacific tour.Pope Francis canceled appointments on Monday because of a mild flu, according to the Vatican, which said the move was a precautionary step as the pontiff prepares to travel to Belgium and Luxembourg this week.The news of Francis’ illness came 10 days after the pope returned from a long trip to the Asia-Pacific region, a tour that was seen as a test of his health and endurance. During those travels, which included dozens of hours in the air and visits to humid, polluted cities, Francis, 87, often appeared lively and energetic, but the cancellation of his audiences on Monday revived concerns about his health.Francis, who has been using a wheelchair and who lost part of a lung when he was young, canceled some commitments in the past year because of a flu and lung inflammation. The Vatican did not announce any changes to the trip to Belgium, which remained planned for Thursday to Sunday.During that visit, Francis is scheduled to meet with a group of victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, according to Cathobel, a website associated with the French-speaking church in Belgium. In 2010, a commission established by the church reported pervasive abuse in the country.Francis has been hospitalized three times in the past few years. In June 2023, he had surgery for a hernia that had been causing painful intestinal blockages. He had a colon operation in 2021, and in March last year he was hospitalized because of a respiratory infection.The pope’s Asia-Pacific trip this month was the longest of his 11-year tenure and was taken despite his having said that traveling has become harder for him. Supporters viewed the tour as a sign not only of his determination to build a church with a less Eurocentric future but also of his personal resilience.Taking another trip, even a much shorter one, only two weeks after returning is likely to test that resilience again.

Business Tech Roundup: OpenAI Issues A Warning

Business News

Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?

1 – OpenAI issues a warning.

OpenAI’s newest model – o1 –was rated a “medium” risk by the company due to concerns about its potential misuse in areas like biological threats such as chemical weapons. Despite not enabling bad actors to create threats, it could help experts accelerate harmful research. The model shows advanced reasoning and manipulation skills, raising concerns about safety. To address these risks, experts are urging for AI safety regulations, such as California’s AI Bill. (Source: AI Tool Report)

Why this is important for your business:

AI – like so many other things in life – is all about risk and reward. We see all the benefits this technology can provide to us in both our personal and professional lives. But we’re also aware of the risks, from misinformation and deepfakes to security and control challenges as the technology becomes smarter. The greater problem for society is that the risk/reward decision is already being made for us by big tech, and there’s little governments can do to stop them.

2 – NVIDIA, Salesforce announce strategic AI collaboration: what to know.
NVIDIA and Salesforce have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance AI capabilities for businesses. This partnership will combine NVIDIA’s AI platform with Salesforce’s platform to optimize predictive and generative AI workflows. The aim is to improve productivity through AI agents, including human-like avatar interactions using NVIDIA ACE and Agentforce technologies. Meanwhile, Salesforce is making a significant push to train users on AI through its Trailhead platform. The $50 million initiative will offer free AI courses and credentials. “AI for All” – the program designed to boost skills in AI – will also focus on democratizing access to AI education. Training is available through the end of 2025. (Source: Benzinga; CIO Dive)
Why this is important for your business:
Marc Benioff has publicly shown his disappointment with Microsoft’s AI offerings and Salesforce’s own AI features have been met with lukewarm response. So now the company is doubling down. These investments will speed up the implementation and use of AI for its customers. I don’t see any other CRM company making these kinds of investments, and I believe they will pay off significantly for Salesforce.

3 – Intuit Introduces Intuit Enterprise Suite to help businesses grow, streamline operations, and scale.
Intuit has launched the Intuit Enterprise Suite (IES)– an all-in-one solution tailored for mid-market businesses. It integrates financial management, payroll, marketing, project management, and AI-powered insights to enhance productivity and profitability. The suite aims to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and provide real-time business intelligence. (Source: Business Wire)

Why this is important for your business:
No longer just a small business player, this new product line is Intuit’s play to go after mid-sized companies and enterprises by addressingthat age-old problem that has challenged so many companies: why can’t we just have one system that does it all? This update comes as a response to their 2024 Business Solutions Survey which found most businesses are looking for “better integration capabilities and more automation” with their applications. The company will provide a migration path for its current QuickBooks users and will be focusing on the construction and service industries out of the gate. If you feel like you’re outgrowing QuickBooks, it’s a serious consideration.

4 – Slack’s new AI-powered assistant aims to streamline your busy work week.
Slack has introduced a new AI-powered assistant called Agentforce designed to streamline workflow management and simplify a busy work week. Scheduled for release next month, the assistant can answer questions, provide status updates, recommend next steps, draft emails, and more. The company has also added AI-enhanced tools: Huddle Notes summarizes real-time audio and messages from huddle threads; Workflow Builder allows users to create workflows tasks; and Enhanced Search retrieves information from multiple places (Google files, Slack canvases, video transcripts, etc.) (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your business:
Salesforce owns Slack so look for the company to also leverage NVIDIA platforms as well.
5 – Copilot Pages is Microsoft’s new collaborative AI playground for businesses.
Aiming to make AI a central part of daily workflows, Microsoft has announced new features for its AI Copilot assistant. Copilot Pages is designed for a “multiplayer AI collaboration,” according to Microsoft. Copilot Pages are shared with a link giving collaborators the ability to edit and add content. Project plans and meeting notes can also be done in BizChat – a Copilot work hub. “This is an entirely new work pattern — multiplayer, human to AI to human collaboration,” said Jared Spataro – Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. (Source: The Verge)
Why this is important for your business:
My advice to use this the right way: get consulting and training. The software giant also promises a faster Copilot in Office. We’ll see…

From Passport To Podium: 3 Travel Tips For Conference Speakers On The Go

Travel

Getting to be a conference speaker is a privilege. You have the opportunity to share your experience and expertise, motivate your audience, and let them depart with the wisdom you’ve imparted while you had their attention. For me, there’s nothing quite like it.

But it isn’t all big screens, packed seats, and bright lights. It takes a lot of work to keep your presentations fresh and engaging. It takes a tremendous amount of focus and energy to not simply fall flat and disappoint. And when your life becomes a series of conferences, cities, and faces, this enjoyable gift can become taxing.

As a conference speaker, you’re always on the go. To make your speaking experiences run as smoothly as possible, you need to take control of them. Here are three travel tips you can use to enjoy the ride.

1. Take Care of Yourself
Self care is so important, but it can be challenging when you’re frequently on the go. The constant presentations, networking, and travel take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Conference food and snacks between flights aren’t the healthiest. Plus, it’s easy to slip into bad habits like not exercising, drinking too little water, consuming too much caffeine, and losing sleep due to stress, time zone changes, and excessive screen time.

Being a successful conference speaker requires a lot of energy and a healthy work-life balance. That means being well-rested and having reliable healthcare to stay in good shape. It’s important to find a doctor or healthcare team that offers timely appointments, especially when you have specific health concerns that need attention.

Access to healthcare can be tricky, especially when options feel limited. If you often attend conferences for work, finding time for medical appointments can become even harder, making convenient healthcare crucial. This year, I faced a serious health issue that might have been avoided if I’d seen a doctor sooner.

That experience pushed me to explore better healthcare options for myself, my family, and my team. I wanted to find alternatives that could better meet our needs, and the research was worth it. We changed a few options, and everyone seems to be happy and healthy—myself included. No matter how demanding your schedule gets, always prioritize your health.

2. Invest in the Right Gear, Travel Kits, and Gadgets
Advancements in technology have led to a vast lineup of gear and gadgets that can make frequent business travel easier than ever. If you’re still lugging around a heavy laptop and always looking for the elusive airport outlet to keep it charged, you’re making your life more difficult than it has to be.
Start with the right luggage, and learn to travel light. Traveling light can save you the hassle of checking a bag. Opt for a well-designed carry-on that keeps your clothes wrinkle-free, your shoes separate, and everything else organized. The goal is to arrive at your destination and have everything ready to go without unnecessary stress.
Frequent travel can also bring challenges like jet lag, which I’ve struggled with for years. After trying to push through on my own, I realized I needed a better solution. I started using Fount’s jet lag recovery kits, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. The kits include custom supplement packs and other useful items designed to help reset your internal clock and improve your overall recovery after long flights. It’s a smart way to support your body through the stress of travel.
It’s important to take advantage of tools designed to make travel easier, whether it’s for managing jet lag or other inconveniences. Apps are great time- and space-saving travel tools. Download and install maps and reservations, circadian reset, sound, and other useful apps. Make sure you have your airline, hotel, rental car, rideshare, and similar apps updated at all times. I always make sure they’re added to my calendar.
The best luggage, gear, and gadgets can get expensive. But they’re all business investments that will make your life easier and help you focus on why you’re making the trip in the first place. Those noise-canceling headphones or that AI-powered neck pillow might just be worth the investment.
3. Take Charge of Your Travel Arrangements
Most of my travel as a speaker is paid for by the sponsoring organization as part of my compensation. This is great from a financial perspective, but it can cause a few issues if the sponsor makes all the travel arrangements. If you can, take charge of yours.
Direct flights are always better. They save you time and energy and are more environmentally sound as well. Booking your preferred airline helps you take advantage of your frequent-flier status and build perks. You can also ensure that you get the right boarding class, seat choice, and other preferences that will lower the stress that comes with travel these days.
Because you will undoubtedly spend a lot of time in airports, make sure you have lounge access. It’s a far better place to spend layover time than out with the masses. And because arriving earlier rather than later to the airport prior to departure will also lessen anxiety, you’ll have a quiet and more private place to wait for boarding.
If you haven’t filled out TSA precheck, CLEAR, or other such applications, do it. If you travel internationally for business, navigate the global entry process, which includes TSA precheck. You’ll be amazed at how much time you save not standing in long lines and relaxing in that airport lounge instead.
Leaving your travel arrangements in the hands of a sponsoring organization may leave you frustrated. It’s OK to insist that you make your own, even if that means getting reimbursed later. As a frequent traveler, you know what you want. Make sure you get it.
Go Better. Do Better.
Good conference speakers are always in demand, which means they’re always on the go. If that’s where you want to be, take care of yourself, gear up, and take charge of your travel. You’ll have the energy to stand and deliver.

TD Bank moves to seize home of Russian-Canadian jailed for smuggling tech to Kremlin

Technology

TD Bank is moving to seize the Quebec home of a Russian-Canadian convicted in New York for conspiring to secretly ship more than $10 million in restricted electronics to the Kremlin for use in weapons systems in its Ukraine war, Global News has learned.
Toronto-based TD has filed a 60-day notice of its intention to foreclose on the Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue residence of Nikolay Goltsev, 38, who sits behind bars in New York and awaits sentencing.City of Montreal property assessment records say the home he shared with his wife Kristina Puzyreva until their arrests in 2023 has a market value of $848,800. So far, it does not appear to be for sale.

Nikolay Goltsev and Kristina Puzyreva travelled the world over the past few years, including this trip to Milan. Now, they’re in jail.

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The foreclosure comes as TD negotiates with the U.S. Department of Justice and other American financial regulators to pay up to U.S. $4 billion in penalties for multiple money-laundering lapses and announced plans last week for its CEO to retire and be replaced in 2025. Story continues below advertisement

A TD Bank branch is seen in Halifax in 2017.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

U.S. officials have investigated and accused TD’s American affiliate of having lax anti-money-laundering controls and detection systems within at least four branches in New York, New Jersey and Florida that allowed criminals like Goltsev and his wife to use TD to facilitate crimes.In June, Bloomberg News revealed one case featured a TD USA banker in Florida taking $200 bribes to look the other way on a Columbian drug trafficking ring’s money laundering, including by providing falsified records, opening dozens of accounts to help criminals flow their cash across borders.In May, The Wall Street Journal reported a Justice Department probe into TD Bank’s internal controls was focusing on how Chinese crime groups and drug traffickers used TD to launder money from its U.S. fentanyl sales. That probe was launched after FBI agents allegedly uncovered a New York and New Jersey operation that laundered hundreds of millions of dollars from illicit narcotics through several TD branches and other banks, with traffickers greasing bankers with at least $57,000 in gift cards, The Journal reported. Story continues below advertisement

TD Bank corporate spokesperson Elizabeth Goldenshtein declined to discuss specifics of Goltsev’s case in New York or the bank’s foreclosure action on his Quebec home.

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“While we would not comment on any customer details due to our confidentiality policy, I can confirm that this case is not related to our ongoing AML matters in the U.S,” Goldenshtein stated.On July 11, Goltsev entered a guilty plea after reaching a deal with prosecutors with the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Investigators seized TD Bank records south of the border, court records show.

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Prosecutors sealed those, so it is difficult to know how much money sloshed through the TD account.Goltsev’s plea agreement shows he agreed to forfeit and pay U.S. $4 million and surrender assets worth another U.S. $1.68 million seized by FBI and Homeland Security investigators.He also agreed not to appeal any sentence he may get that is 46 months in jail or less, a copy of the plea deal shows. Goltsev also agreed to be deported from the United States, possibly to be returned to Canada or Russia, a copy of the plea agreement shows.On July 17, TD Bank filed its notice of intent to foreclose on the businessman’s Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que., home. A lawyer representing TD said in the filing the jailed Russian-Canadian businessman owes the bank $232,715 on a home equity line of credit portion of a $450,000 mortgage. Story continues below advertisement

An excerpt of a TD Bank real estate filing showing how much Goltsev owes and outlining TD Bank’s plan to foreclose on the house and force its sale to recover the debt.

TD Bank / Registre foncier du Québec

Goltsev signed the mortgage with a TD Montreal branch to buy the home in 2015.Goltsev has failed to make payments since TD cancelled the HELOC portion of his loan and demanded full repayment on June 28, lawyer Olivier Therrien said in the 60-day notice.A bailiff served the 60-day foreclosure notice on Goltsev’s mother-in-law, Russian national Snezhana Puzyreva, who also was living in the residence with another man who was her partner when Global News visited the property this summer , documents show.

Kristina Puzyreva and Nikolay Goltsesv in Cuba in a photo she posted to Instagram on Feb. 25 2020. The couple were arrested in New York City in 2023, and she had $20,000 cash on her person.

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Goltsev’s wife, Kristina Puzyreva, was also charged in the technology smuggling scheme. She pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge. She was sentenced to two years in jail this summer.

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TD has given Goltsev and Puzyreva’s family 60 days to vacate the home or face court-ordered eviction and judicial repossession.

Kristina Puyreva and Nikolay Goltsev lived in this home in St. Anne de Bellevue, which is owned by Goltsev, prior to their arrests in New York City in 2023..

Global News / Andrew McIntosh

City of Montreal property assessment records say the home has a current market value of $848,800.  So far, it does not appear to be for sale.Using aliases like “Nick Stevens” or “Gio Ross,” Goltsev and Puzyreva and other members of their conspiracy admitted to buying electronic components from major U.S. manufacturers and distributors using front companies, SH Brothers and SN Electronics.They were buying restricted technology components that could be used for both civilian and military purposes.The group coordinated more than 300 shipments of restricted electronics that later went to Russian defence contractors and were used on the Russian battlefield to kill Ukrainians, documents show. Story continues below advertisement

FBI and U.S. Homeland Security investigators gathered text messages and banking records which showed Goltsev and Puzyreva knew the technology was being used exclusively for military hardware and lied about it.

In this handout photo taken from video and released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, a Ka-52 helicopter gunship of the Russian air force fires rockets at a target in Ukraine. United States prosecutors in New York charged two Montreal residents with illegally exporting electronic components to Russia for military use. U.S. authorities said some electronic components and integrated circuits exported were found in Russian missile systems, helicopters like this one, drones and battle tanks captured in Ukraine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP.

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Goltsev and his co-conspirator, Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, used front companies in Turkey, China and Hong Kong, India, and United Arab Emirates. Packages were then rerouted to Russia, prosecutors said.Prosecutors collected evidence showing some electronic components and integrated circuits shipped by Goltsev were later found in seized Russian army Ka-52 attack helicopters, Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and T-72B3 battle tanks and Izdeliye 305E guided missiles.

Ukrainian serviceman ride atop a trophy tank after returning from Russia near the Russian-Ukrainian border in Sumy region, Ukraine, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka).

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More electronic parts were found missile defense and electronic warfare intelligence systems. Story continues below advertisement

The U.S. prosecutors said Puzyreva operated the numerous bank accounts and conducted financial transactions to further the group’s scheme.

Kristina Puzyreva pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge and was sentenced to 2 years in jail.

Kristina Puzyreva/Bigbookname.com

She told her husband Goltsev at one point they were raking in so much cash they would be rich.A U.S. judge will sentence Goltsev on December 10, 2024. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

&copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Laapataa Ladies: Meet the cast of Kiran Rao’s film, India’s official entry for Oscars

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Meet the talented cast of Laapataa Ladies, Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed 2023 Oscar-nominated film. Learn about the characters played by Sparsh Shrivastava, Nitanshi Goel, and more as they bring this unique storyline to life.

Laapataa Ladies poster (left) and Kiran Rao (right) (Source: Instagram@raodyness)

New Delhi: The Kiran Rao-directed film Laapataa Ladies (2023) has been selected as India’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards. Produced by Aamir Khan, whose 2001 film Lagaan was the last Indian feature to reach the Academy’s final shortlist, the film tells the story of two newly-wed brides who are comically switched during their journey back home.
The film has received a positive response from both audiences and critics for its simplistic yet well-constructed storyline and its straightforward, empowering message. In addition to Kiran Rao’s nuanced storytelling, the outstanding performances of the young cast also play a significant role in the film’s success.
Cast of Laapataa Ladies
Let’s take a look at some of the actors whose exceptional performances bring this tale of two lost women to life:
Sparsh Shrivastava
Sparsh Shrivastava plays the role of Deepak Kumar, who accidentally exchanges his bride, Phool Kumari, with another woman. His rise to fame began with the dance reality TV show Chak Dhoom Dhoom, followed by several appearances in films and television. One of his earliest commercial roles was in the TV series Balika Vadhu.
Nitanshi Goel
Nitanshi Goel portrays Phool Kumari, one of the film’s female leads. She has appeared as a child actress in numerous TV shows and films, including Thapki Pyar Ki (2017) and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016). Her path to fame started after she won the Miss Pantaloons Junior Fashion Icon 2015 title.
Pratibha Ranta
Pratibha Ranta plays the role of Pushpa, an educated, ambitious, and intelligent young woman who is forcefully married to an abusive man. She made her acting debut in the TV show Qurbaan Hua (2020).
Ravi Kishan
Ravi Kishan plays the role of police officer Shyam Manohar, who plays a pivotal role in Pushpa’s journey to freedom. He is a well-known television personality and a prominent figure in Bhojpuri cinema. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament, he has also produced and appeared in numerous Kannada and Tamil films.
Chhaya Kadam
Chhaya Kadam plays Manju Maai, who runs a tea stall at the railway station where Phool Kumari becomes stranded. She has predominantly appeared in Marathi films. Apart from Laapataa Ladies, her most notable role was in the 2022 film Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Durgesh Kumar
Durgesh Kumar portrays Constable Jaiprakash Dubey, who accompanies Officer Shyam Manohar in investigating the case of Pushpa, also known as Jaya. Known for his role as Bhushan in the web series Panchayat, he made his film debut in Highway (2014).
Is this the film that will finally fulfil the nation’s dream of bringing home an Oscar for Best Foreign Film? That remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Laapataa Ladies is receiving the recognition it deserves.

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Pinaki Gangopadhyay’s ‘God Science and Reality And ‘Ardhosotter Dinrat’ launched

Science and Health

Pinaki Gangopadhyay unveils two of his books on 6 September, this year, at an event hosted by the prominent literary and publishing house, BookPeckers.
The first book, titled, ‘God Science and Reality’, dwells on the intersection of quantum physics and the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta, presenting it through nonfiction narrative. The second is a poetry collection titled, ‘Ardhosotter Dinrat’ or Half Truth, Full Life, in its English translation, offers a series of Bengali poems that reflect contemporary societal norms and values. The event was graced by several luminaries from various fields.

‘God Science and Reality’, was introduced by Shri Swami Vedanishthananda Maharaj and renowned scholar Shri Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri, highlighting its philosophical depth and scientific approach. The book is particularly notable for its ambitious scope, attempting to bridge the often-separate worlds of science and spirituality.

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Top Bollywood movie locations you must visit on your next Indian adventure

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

1. Band Baaja in Udaipur: A royal experience inspired by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
The vibrant friendship drama ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ captured several awe-inspiring locations, one of the most unforgettable being the royal city of Udaipur. The movie’s grand wedding sequence unfolds in the magnificent Udaivilas Palace, a true masterpiece of architecture. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or simply looking to enjoy a luxurious getaway, Udaipur’s majestic beauty won’t disappoint.
Udaipur: A royal experience inspired by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Must-visit spots: Start your day with a serene walk along Lake Pichola, marvel at the regal City Palace, and witness the stunning sunset from Monsoon Palace, where the actors fell in love with Udaipur’s charm. Don’t miss Gangaur Ghat, which offers picturesque views that are straight out of a romantic movie scene.
2. Mountain echoes in Manali: Adventure awaits Inspired by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Besides Udaipur, ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ made people fall in love with the rugged beauty of Manali. The adventurous trek organised by Ranbir and his friends was shot in the mesmerising landscapes of Manali, a perfect place to explore with your best buddies. Trekking through the towering Himalayan ranges, they captured the spirit of adventure that Manali offers.
Mountain echoes in Manali: Adventure awaits Inspired by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Must-visit spots: Embark on a trek to Hamta Pass, explore the scenic Gulaba region near Rohtang Pass, and visit the mystical Hidimba Devi Temple. Add Banjara Camps to your itinerary for a peaceful retreat amidst nature, and if snow-covered peaks are what you’re after, don’t miss the breathtaking views from Solang Valley.
3. Serene escapes in Himachal Pradesh: Inspired by Jab We Met
In ‘Jab We Met,’ the famous song ‘Yeh Ishq Hai’ was shot amidst the snow-filled roads of Himachal Pradesh. The enchanting landscapes not only inspired romance but also motivated many to pack their bags and explore the serene beauty of this region. Perfect for a trip with friends, Himachal offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to refresh their minds and revive their spirits.
Must-visit spots: Head to Shimla for its colonial charm, or visit Kufri for snowy adventures. Explore the tranquil town of Manali and the lush valleys of Kullu for a true Himachal experience. Also, don’t miss the serene Parvati Valley for a peaceful escape.
4. Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s dreamy landscapes: Inspired by Chennai Express
‘Chennai Express’ took audiences on a visually stunning journey through Kerala, known for its emerald green landscapes and tranquil backwaters.
The movie highlighted the region’s natural beauty, especially during the famous train sequence near Dudhsagar Falls. Kerala is the perfect place to unwind with friends and experience the charm of South India.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s dreamy landscapes: Inspired by Chennai Express (Image: Red Chillies Entertainment)
Must-visit spots: Float along the calm Alleppey Backwaters, trek the lush Munnar Tea Plantations, and take in the dramatic beauty of Meesapulimala. For a more adventurous experience, visit the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls or take a spiritual trip to Vattamalai Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu. End your journey with a peaceful tea break at Wai or a cultural stop in Coimbatore.
5. Scenic Coonoor: Inspired by Kapoor & Sons
The family drama ‘Kapoor & Sons’ beautifully showcased the tranquil hill station of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Known for its misty weather and rolling tea plantations, Coonoor offers the perfect getaway to relax and reconnect with nature.
Must-visit spots: Stay at the iconic Mclver Hotel, where scenes from the movie were shot, or dine at La Belle Vie, a picturesque French restaurant featured in the film. Ride the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a nostalgic journey, and don’t forget to explore the Sim’s Park botanical gardens for a touch of greenery. Tea lovers should visit the Highfield Tea Estate to experience a working tea plantation.
6. Peaceful retreat in Darjeeling: Inspired by Barfi!
The serene hill station of Darjeeling came to life in the film ‘Barfi!,’ where Ranbir Kapoor’s character took audiences on a journey through fog-covered mornings, winding pathways, and charming colonial buildings. Darjeeling’s peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation with friends.
Peaceful retreat in Darjeeling: Inspired by Barfi!
Must-visit spots: Stroll along the scenic pathways of Tiger Hill for sunrise views, take a ride on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and enjoy a cup of tea at the historic Glenary’s Café. Don’t miss the famous Batasia Loop for panoramic views of the surrounding hills, and be sure to visit the imposing Darjeeling Clock Tower for a taste of history.
Bhediya was filmed across various breathtaking locations in Arunachal Pradesh. The lush and serene landscapes of Ziro in the Lower Subansiri district served as one of the primary backdrops, known for its picturesque valleys and vibrant green paddy fields.Sagalee in the Papum Pare district, with its hilly terrain and pristine beauty, added a rugged charm to the film’s natural setting.Additionally, parts of the Pakke-Kessang district, which is renowned for its dense forests and wildlife, were featured to enhance the film’s mysterious and adventurous vibe.These locations, with their unspoiled beauty, not only brought authenticity to the film but also introduced audiences to the scenic wonders of Arunachal Pradesh, making them must-visit spots for nature lovers and film enthusiasts alike.