Who Was Ananya Raj, The Actor Who Died In Her Sleep 'Fighting Like A Warrior'

Actress Ananya Raj, known for her work in Bollywood films like 7 Hours to Go (2016), The Final Exit (2017) and Ghost (2019), died at the age of 35. On Sunday, her family confirmed the news in an official statement on Instagram. 

Ananya's family also shared a series of pictures from her last rites, a month after her death, on social media. Ananya died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of July 15.

They also shared pictures from Ananya's last rites and revealed that the actress had been experiencing physical and mental discomfort for more than a year. However, they did not disclose the cause of death.

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Who Was Ananya Raj?

Born on October 22, 1991, in the Mumbai, Ananya Raj worked in both Hindi and regional cinema. She stepped into the world of lights, camera, action with the Bollywood film 7 Hours to Go in 2016.  Besides Hindi cinema, she was also part of regional films like the Telugu film Thaggede Le, and the trilingual project Madrasi Gang. Ananya was also seen in music videos presented by T-Series, Zee Music and Times Music.

Ananya Was A Water Baby

In April, Ananya Raj had posted a sun-kissed picture from her time in Spain. In a lavender bikini, Ananya looked drop-dead gorgeous. 

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In an earlier post, she had shared a video montage of her pool time in Alibaug.

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Ananya too had a thing for 'straight or curly' hair

Ananya never failed to give the girl-next-door vibe. In this collage, she channelled her inner boss lady. But it was her 'straight or curly' hair dilemma that stole all the spotlight. 

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Ananya Living Her NYC Dream

All that Ananya needed to slay Times Square was an LBD, curly hair, and an overcoat. 

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Dance Was Her First Love

Ananya never shied away from showing off her inner desi girl on Instagram. Along with a series of pictures dressed in a ghagra choli, she had asked, "Will I find my Soul in Dance?"

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A Travel Enthusiast

Ananya loved to explore new places and this post from her London vaction is proof. 

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Ananya's Family Shared The Heartbreaking News Of Her Death 

The official statement shared after her death on her Instagram account read, “This is Ananya's family. With great pain, we have to announce that Ananya passed away in the wee hours of 15th July. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. For over a year, she was going through physical and mental discomfort. And she fought like a warrior to overcome them.”

Calling the late actor ‘a strong-spirited girl', her family added, “She was a strong-spirited girl and lived like a Queen. Bachcha, your absence will be dearly felt.”

“We urge all of you to pray for her soul. And in these trying times, we wish to maintain privacy and quietitude,” concluded the statement.

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Kartik Aaryan, Parvathy Thiruvothu To Star In Captain India

Kartik Aaryan's upcoming aviation thriller Captain India has added another prominent name to its cast. South actress Parvathy Thiruvothu has reportedly joined the Shimit Amin directorial in a key role, with details about her character being kept under wraps.

The film is said to be inspired by one of India's major humanitarian rescue operations, with Kartik playing a pilot who leads the mission from the front. The project is being produced by Harman Baweja's Baweja Studios and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series.

Parvathy Joins Kartik Aaryan's Captain India

According to Bollywood Hungama, Parvathy will play an important role in the film's story. While the makers have not revealed details about her character, her addition marks another significant casting development for the upcoming film.

Parvathy has earned praise for her performances in films including Take Off, Koode, Uyare and Bangalore Days. Hindi audiences may recognise her from the 2017 film Qarib Qarib Single, where she starred opposite the late Irrfan Khan. She later appeared in the Hindi films Kadak Singh and Tu Yaa Main. She is also set to feature in Storm, Hrithik Roshan's upcoming web series production for Prime Video.

Manish Chaudhary Also Joins Cast

Actor Manish Chaudhary, who was recently seen in Chand Mera Dil, has also reportedly joined Captain India in a key role. 

The film has generated interest not just because of its story but also because it marks Shimit Amin's return to filmmaking. The director is known for films such as Ab Tak Chhappan, Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, released between 2004 and 2009. After staying away from filmmaking for more than a decade, Amin is set to return with the Kartik Aaryan-led project.

Kartik To Play Pilot Leading Rescue Mission

Captain India is inspired by a major rescue mission carried out from a war-torn country. Kartik will reportedly portray a pilot who played a crucial role in leading the operation and helping bring people to safety. The actor is expected to finish Kabir Khan's upcoming sports drama by the first week of September, after which he will move on to Captain India. Shooting is expected to begin next month.

Kartik was last seen on the big screen in the romantic drama film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, co-starring Ananya Panday.

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Rodri lands in Barcelona to complete 'dream' move

Spain midfielder Rodri says it is his "dream" to play for Barcelona as he arrives in the city to complete his move from Manchester City.

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Super Giants survive late wobble to win men's Hundred

Trent Rockets fail in their bid to become the first team to win both Hundred trophies in the same year, as they are beaten by Manchester Super Giants in the men's final.

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Harvard Fund Discloses $2.2 Billion Stake In Musk's SpaceX

Harvard Management Co. disclosed a $2.2 billion stake in SpaceX, showing how the university's endowment has profited from an early bet on Elon Musk's giant rocket company.

Harvard reported it holds the position in its 13F filing on Friday, revealing it's one of the largest endowment holders of the stock. Space Exploration Technologies Corp. is the largest single stock disclosed in the filing, which shows Harvard held $4.3 billion of US equities. Harvard oversaw $57 billion as of June 2025, the latest publicly available figure. 

SpaceX's record-breaking initial public offering in June has boosted returns for college endowments that made investments through venture capital firms, sometimes more than a decade ago. 

Others that have profited include the University of California's investment arm, which reported in a filing this week a position worth about $1 billion, as well as the University of North Carolina and Washington University in St. Louis.  

Harvard's holdings potentially reflect both directly owned shares and distribution from private funds. Patrick McKiernan, a spokesman for Harvard Management, declined to comment on individual investments. 

The gains from SpaceX, which currently has a more than $1.8 trillion valuation, come at time when US university finances are constrained from threats to federal research funding, a smaller pool of college-age students due to demographic changes and muted returns from private equity. Endowment funds with more than $500 million returned a median of 18.9% before fees in the year ended in June, according to Wilshire Trust Universe Comparison Service.

SpaceX shares have fluctuated since the company debuted at $135. Shares fell 0.9% on Friday, closing at $140.

Money managers overseeing more than $100 million in US equities have to file a 13F form within 45 days of the end of each quarter to list their holdings in stocks that trade on US exchanges.
 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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West Ham break EFL record to sign Engels for £22m

West Ham United pay a £22m fee, a new EFL record, to sign Celtic's Belgium international midfielder Arne Engels.

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Independence Day 2026: Dos And Don'ts For Hoisting The National Flag

Every year on August 15, India celebrates Independence Day by remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters who fought for the nation's liberty. The Tricolour is hoisted across the country, from homes to commercial locations, and the national anthem is sung with pride. August 15, 1947, marked the end of nearly 200 years of British rule as India began its journey as a democratic, sovereign nation. Since then, the day has been commemorated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and tributes to those who gave their lives fighting against colonial rule.

According to traditional protocol, the national flag should be hoisted at sunrise and lowered at sunset. However, following the 2022 amendment to the Flag Code of India, the flag can now be flown at night if it is adequately illuminated. On Independence Day, the flag is specifically hoisted from the bottom of the flagpole to the top, symbolising India's triumph over colonial rule in 1947.

Rules For Hoisting The Indian National Flag On August 15

Dos for Hoisting the Tricolour

• The flag should always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly with dignity. The saffron band must be at the top when hoisted vertically.
• Display the flag in a position of prominence, ensuring it is not overshadowed by other flags or objects.
• When displayed horizontally, the saffron band should be at the top. When displayed vertically, the saffron band should be on the left side as viewed by the audience.
• Ensure the flag is clean, undamaged, and free from tears or discolouration.
• The flag can be made of hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, or silk khadi bunting, as per the Flag Code.
• The flag can be flown on all days, including Sundays and holidays, by individuals, private organisations, and educational institutions, as per the amended Flag Code of 2002.
• The flag may be flown at night only if it is well-lit and prominently displayed.
• The flag's proportions (length to width ratio of 3:2) must be maintained, regardless of size.
• During ceremonies, the flag may be used to cover a statue or monument being unveiled, but should not touch the ground or floor.
• A damaged or soiled flag should be disposed of privately by burning or in a manner consistent with its dignity.

Don'ts for Hoisting the Tricolour

• The flag must not be used in a manner that insults its dignity, such as dipping it in salute to any person or thing.
• The flag must not be flown upside down (saffron band at the bottom) or in a manner that disrespects it.
• The flag must not touch the ground, floor, or water.
•  The flag must not be used for commercial purposes, such as on costumes, cushions, napkins, or other items, except as permitted (e.g., paper flags during national events).
• The flag should not be used as a covering for a building, vehicle, or platform, nor as a drapery, except in state or military funerals.
• The flag must not be flown below or alongside another flag in a way that diminishes its prominence.
• The flag must not have any writing, printing, or defacement on it.
• The flag or its design must not be used as clothing, uniforms, or accessories below the waist, though flag pins or emblems may be worn respectfully.
• The flag must not be intentionally torn, burned, or mutilated in public, as this is an offence under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
• The flag should not be stored in a way that could soil or damage it.

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