Veteran director J Om Prakash, Hrithik Roshan's grandfather, dies at 93
Mumbai: Veteran director and actor Hrithik Roshan's grandfather, J Om Prakash, passed away on Wednesday. He was 93. The news of his death was shared by actor Deepak Parashar, who said that Prakash breathed his last in the morning.
"My dearest uncle Mr J Om Prakash passed away about an hour ago. So saddened as he joins his friend, my Mamaji Mr Mohan Kumar in heaven!
"Their contributions to Indian cinema is a gift they left behind for us! Took this pic few months ago when went to see him! Om Shanti!" Parashar tweeted. A spokesperson for Hrithik said the veteran director's last rites were performed at a crematorium next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle.
Prakash is best known for his collaboration with two of Bollywood biggest superstars -- the late Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra. He had a strong penchant for beginning his film titles with the letter 'A'.
With Khanna, he made films such as "Aap Ki Kasam" (1974) and "Aakhir Kyon?" (1985).
His collaboration with Jeetendra yielded five big hits -- "Apnapan" (1977), "Aasha" (1980), "Apna Bana Lo" (1982), "Arpan" (1983) and "Aadmi Khilona Hai" (1993).
Prakash's last film as director was 2001's "Afsana Dilwalon Ka", starring Rahul Roy in the lead.
On Twitter, Amitabh Bachchan condoled his death, saying, "J Om Prakash ji Producer Director of eminence, passed away this morning... A kind gentle affable being ... my neighbor, Hrithik's grandfather... sad! Prayers for his soul..."
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Make polling hours 6am-7pm for May 7 LS polls, Karnataka BJP urges EC citing heatwave
Bengaluru, May 3: Citing the ongoing heatwave in the state, Karnataka BJP on Friday petitioned the Election Commission with a request to modify the polling hours to the 6am-7pm period in the 14 parliamentary constituencies in the state that goes to polls on May 7.
Polling is currently scheduled to be held in the second phase in the state in 14 segments in the northern districts between 7am to 6pm on May 7.
"It has become hard to come out and vote between hours 10.00 to 17.00 due to uncontrollable heat. The average heat in those parts (north Karnataka) covering 14 parliamentary constituencies are between 37 and 42 degree (Celsius). The mercury is rising at an alarming level and it would become hard for the electors to come out and vote," BJP's petition said.
The petition highlighted the alarming rise in temperatures, which are expected to go beyond 40 degree Celsius, and also stated that the number of voters over the age of 40 is high and that they are vulnerable to the heatwave.
"To keep up the good spirit of voting, necessary action should be taken," the BJP petition urged the Election Commission, saying, "In this background, it is requested to modify the time of voting in the 14 parliamentary constituencies from 06.00 to 19.00 hours on May 7".
Polling was held between 7 am and 6 pm during Karnataka's first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in 14 constituencies on April 26.
