Actor Divya Bhatnagar of 'Yeh Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' fame dies at 36
Mumbai, Dec 7: Popular TV actor Divya Bhatnagar of Yeh Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai fame, who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, died early on Monday at a hospital here following a cardiac arrest, family sources said.
She was 36.
The actor was admitted to Seven Hills hospital recently due to COVID-19.
She died after a cardiac arrest. She was admitted to hospital for about seven-eight days ago, a family member said.
Nidhi Uttam, her co-star from Star Plus' longest-running drama, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai said she can't fathom the demise of her actor friend.
I was keeping a track on her health for the last ten days. I spoke to her mother last evening and she said all the reports were normal but her lung infection was not ok. In the night, we came to know that she is quite critical and soon she passed away around 3-30 am. She shouldn't have gone so soon, Uttam said.
Bhatnagar had also acted in shows including Udaan , Silsila Pyaar Ka , Sasural Genda Phool , Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto , Vish , among others.
Several TV actors took to social media to mourn Bhatnagar's death.
Her co-star Ridhiema Tiwari from Sasural Genda Phool said despite going through several problems in her personal life Bhatnagar always appeared positive and smiling.
She was a spiritual person and was seeking peace and happiness. It is sad to let go of this beautiful soul. I remember her for her smile and positivity. She had a lot of love for everyone. I spoke to her about 15 days back and she sounded all charged up for her new show, Tiwari said.
Popular TV actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who was seen with the late actor in the show Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto said Bhatnagar was always around when she needed her the most.
I know life was too hard on you..the pain is intolerable...but I know today you must be in a better place and free from all the sorrows, pains, sadness, cheats, lies I will miss you divu and you also know that I loved you and cared for you, she wrote on Instagram.
She further said she will be deeply missed and remembered.
God bless your soul. And may you find happiness wherever you are now. You will be missed & remembered. I love you @divyabhatnagarofficial. Too soon to be gone my friend... Om shanty, she said.
Film-TV actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who worked with Bhatnagar in Silsila Pyaar Ka , said she is heartbroken.
I'm so so so heartbroken. RIP my dearest divya, she said.
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US lawmakers seek clarity over financial burden, human cost, endgame in Iran conflict
Washington: Tensions rose at the US Capitol on Tuesday as lawmakers sought clearer answers from the Trump administration on the objectives, duration and costs of the ongoing military campaign against Iran, even as preparations advanced for votes aimed at curbing the president’s war powers.
Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, briefed members of the House and Senate for a second consecutive day behind closed doors, as reported by the Associated Press. The sessions came ahead of votes on war powers resolutions that would limit President Donald Trump’s authority to continue joint US-Israel operations without congressional approval.
Rubio told reporters that the president acted to prevent Iran from striking first. He rejected suggestions that Washington moved only because Israel was poised to launch its own offensive, saying instead that Trump believed the weekend presented a rare opportunity to act with maximum impact. “There is no way in the world that this terroristic regime was going to get nuclear weapons, not under Donald Trump’s watch,” Rubio said.
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The conflict has widened following US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since launched missile attacks targeting US military bases in the region. At least six American service personnel have died so far.
The administration has indicated that supplemental funding may be required to sustain operations. It added that the concerns among lawmakers about the financial burden and potential for a prolonged engagement has disrupted legislative business, sharpening political divisions at the start of a competitive midterm election cycle.
Associated Press cited Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s concerns about what he described as possible “mission creep.” Senator Angus King questioned whether the United States had been drawn into war at Israel’s urging, while Senator Elizabeth Warren asked how the campaign aligned with Trump’s “America First” pledge to avoid extended foreign conflicts.
Defence official Elbridge Colby told senators the president had directed the military to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, stressing that the objective was not nation-building. Trump, speaking separately from the Oval Office, dismissed claims that Israel had forced his decision and suggested the conflict could continue if necessary. He has not ruled out deploying US ground troops.
Senator Richard Blumenthal was quoted by Associated Press as saying that he feared the possibility of American boots on the ground while Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin defended the operation, saying the president had acted decisively.
Uncertainty over Iran’s future leadership has added to concerns, with questions mounting about who might succeed Khamenei as Trump rejected the idea of backing Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran’s former monarchy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the future of Iran should be determined by its people and House Speaker Mike Johnson said the United States would not engage in nation-building.
Lawmakers from both parties also reported a surge in calls from constituents seeking assistance for Americans attempting to leave the region as hostilities intensify.
The US Constitution grants Congress the right to declare war, however presidents have routinely begun military activities without formal declarations. Both houses are anticipated to vote on proposals that would require explicit congressional approval to continue operations. Some members have also argued that if constraints are not imposed, Congress should consider issuing an Authorization for the Use of Military Force to put lawmakers on the record.
Associated Press quoted House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioning the rationale for the campaign and saying there would be strong support among Democrats for the resolution. Johnson, however, warned that restricting the president during active combat could pose risks.
