Following the release of their film Sky Force, actors Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya went beyond the screen to make a real-world impact. The film was based on the life of Squadron Leader AB Devayya, the only Indian Air Force officer posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra. Moved by their story, they played a crucial role in helping recover Devayya’s stolen Mahavir Chakra medal.

During filming, Veer developed a close relationship with the Devayya family. It was during that period that he and Akshay Kumar learned about the missing medal, which had been stolen from the family's home years ago - a loss that had deeply impacted the family, especially Devayya’s wife, Sundari.

"For Mum, the medal was a symbol of my Dad's courage and had held a place of pride on her dresser," shared Preetha Devayya, his daughter, in a family-issued press note.

Before the film was released, Veer, who portrayed the role of Squadron Leader AB Devayya, met the family. Upon discovering this, the two actors decided to personally take on the mission to retrieve the medal. "He, along with Akshay, took the matter upon themselves to get the precious medal back," Preetha added.

In an emotional ceremony held at the Indian Air Force Training Command in Bengaluru, the medal was finally returned to the family. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh AVSM VM officially handed it back to Sundari Devayya.

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"The Mahavir Chakra is back home," Preetha shared on Instagram, calling the event "a very special moment for our family."

Speaking about the impact of the moment, she added, "She (mother) is so touched, so emotional. She keeps saying she finally feels complete. After all these years, there's peace in her heart."

Reflecting on the experience, Veer Pahariya said, "This is why I chose to be an actor... to spread love, make a difference, and leave a little bit of myself behind in every story."

From bringing Squadron Leader Devayya’s story to life on screen and helping restore a lost piece of his legacy, Sky Force became more than just a film.

Also Read: Housefull 5 Box Office: Stays good on Wednesday, will be amongst Top-10 Highest Grossers of Akshay Kumar today

The country and the world at large got a jolt earlier today, June 12, when it came to light that a London-bound Air India flight from Ahmedabad got crashed as soon as it took off. It has led to shockwaves and a wave of sadness. Keeping the sentiment of the nation at mind, superstar Salman Khan decided to not appear at an event in Mumbai.

Salman Khan was all set to attend a press conference where he we going to be announced as brand ambassador of Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) at Mumbai's Taj Lands End. The ISRL's co-founders Veer Patel and Eeshan Lokhande, were going to join Salman on stage. A special fireside chat with Salman Khan was going to be one of the highlights.

The event began at 2:15 pm, that is, the same time when the news of the crash came in. At 3:45 pm, the organizers came up on stage and said, "As you all know, a tragic incident occurred earlier in the day. It's a sad time for everybody. ISRL and Mr Salman Khan stand by united with the nation in these tough times. We have taken a responsible joint decision to reschedule this event as its not a time for celebration."

They added, "We stand by the nation united. All our condolences and prayers with the families of the dead. Stay strong, India."

Due to #Ahmedabad plane crash incident, an event featuring @BeingSalmanKhan was cancelled. Salman was all set to be announced brand ambassador of Indian Supercross Racing League pic.twitter.com/IEg0kLkOa9 — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) June 12, 2025

They further told the mediapersons, “Somebody will be in touch with you (regarding when the event will take place).” They thanked the press and also apologized to them for the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, the promotional event of Kannappa, which was to be held in Indore on Friday, June 13, was cancelled as well. The media from Mumbai was all set to fly to the Madhya Pradesh city and they were informed some time after the crash after the cancellation.

Finally, the premiere of Rana Naidu Season 2 was also called off. It was going to be held in Mumbai’s single screen cinema, Chitra. It was going to be held for media and in the presence of its actors, Rana Daggubati, Surveen Chawla, Arjun Rampal, Kriti Kharbanda, and Sushant Singh. There were reports that even fans were going to be in attendance.

Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal and other celebs mourn tragedy

The Indian film industry is in mourning following the tragic news of an Air India plane crash that claimed numerous lives earlier today. Prominent Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express their shock, sorrow, and solidarity with the victims’ families, offering condolences and prayers during this dark hour.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his emotional resonance with audiences, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram Stories, writing, “Devastating news about the ill-fated AIR INDIA flight… Information of lives lost and injured is still coming in… am praying for all onboard … my thoughts and prayers for the families and loved ones of the passengers onboard…,” followed by multiple praying hands emoticons.

Action star Akshay Kumar, who often portrays real-life heroes on screen, expressed his anguish, stating, “Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time.” Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal posted a poignant message on Instagram, saying, “Devastating news of the Air India plane crash... making my heart sink reading about 242 persons on board. Praying for everyone's safety and recovery.”

On the other hand, Ananya Panday, Nimrat Kaur, Shreya Dhanwanthary, and Pooja Bhatt shared the screenshot of the news on their respective social media handle.

Janhvi Kapoor posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Shaken by the news of the Air India flight crash that took place shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The weight of such tragedies is impossible to put into words. Praying deeply for the passengers, the crew, and every family waiting for answers tonight.”

Sanya Malhotra posted on Instagram, “This is such heartbreaking news. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for strength, healing, and peace for everyone impacted.”

On June 12, 2025, a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad shook the nation. The tragic incident, details of which are still emerging, has cast a pall of sorrow across India, prompting an outpouring of condolences from all quarters.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Kiara Advani, Richa Chadha, and other celebs react to Manipur video of Koki women being paraded around naked going viral

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is set to present the next installment in his ‘Files’ trilogy with The Bengal Files: Right to Life. Following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), the third film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 5, 2025. The project aims to depict another chapter from Indian history. The recently released teaser, marked by intense visuals and emotional tone, features the tagline: “If Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you.”

Originally titled The Delhi Files, the film underwent a title change, suggesting a shift in focus to a historical narrative centered around Bengal. A few months ago, the makers released a teaser featuring Mithun Chakraborty with a rugged look and white beard, walking through an empty corridor while reciting the Preamble to the Constitution with a burnt tongue, leaving a lasting impact.

Produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, and presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal in association with I Am Buddha Productions, The Bengal Files features a cast that includes Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, and Puneet Issar. The film focuses on a historical episode from India’s past, continuing Agnihotri’s approach of engaging with political and social themes.

A major aspect of The Bengal Files is the return of actor Darshan Kumaar, who reunites with Agnihotri after The Kashmir Files. Kumaar once again takes on the role of a Kashmiri Pandit—a role he describes as not just a character, but a “responsibility.” Reflecting on the teaser’s launch and the nature of the role, Darshan shared, “I’m really excited and a little nervous about the teaser of The Bengal Files. My character carries the pain, strength, and resilience of an entire community. After The Kashmir Files, stepping into the shoes of another Kashmiri Pandit was not just a role, but a responsibility.”

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He added, “This time, it’s even more intense—raw, emotional, and brutally honest. I’ve poured my heart into it and tried to do justice to their unhieard voices. I truly hope people connect with my character’s journey and the powerful message this film delivers. Some stories don’t just need to be told — they need to be felt.”

The actor also expressed his admiration and gratitude for working alongside industry legends. “It’s truly amazing to work once again with Anupam Kher ji, Pallavi Joshi ji, Mithun Da, and Puneet Issar, under the direction of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri sir and the production of Abhishek Agarwal. Being part of a film with such legendary artists feels like a blessing. I’m truly grateful to share screen space with these living legends—it’s an experience that inspires and elevates me as an actor,” Darshan said.

Meanwhile, Darshan Kumaar is currently working on multiple projects. Following his role in Aashram 3 and with the upcoming season of The Family Man in the pipeline, he is also shooting for an untitled suspense thriller in Bihar.

Also Read: Darshan Kumaar considers Neena Gupta as his first mentor: “She has played an instrumental role in shaping my journey”

Bollywood actor John Abraham has rented out three properties located in the same residential complex in Mumbai’s Bandra West locality for a total starting monthly rent of Rs. 6.30 lakh, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The deal was officially registered in May 2025.

Bandra is recognized as one of Mumbai’s most established and high-value real estate markets, offering a blend of premium residential and commercial properties. The locality features a mix of upscale apartments, heritage bungalows, and boutique commercial developments, attracting both end-users and investors. It is well-connected via the Western Express Highway, Bandra railway station, and upcoming Metro lines, with close proximity to major business hubs such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Lower Parel, and the international airport. Bandra is also home to several high-net-worth individuals and public figures, including actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, and Ranbir Kapoor.

According to property registration documents accessed by Square Yards, actor John Abraham has rented out three residential units in The Sea Glimpse Co-operative Housing Society. The rental agreement, registered with a stamp duty of Rs. 1,12,600 and registration charges of Rs. 1,000, includes a security deposit of Rs. 36 lakh.

According to the analysis, the lease tenure spans 60 months (five years). The cumulative monthly rent for all three units starts at Rs. 6.30 lakh in the first year and increases to Rs. 8 lakh in the final year. The agreement includes a rent escalation of approximately 8% annually for the first two years and around 5% for the last two years. Over the full term, the total rental value is estimated at approximately Rs. 4.3 crore.

John Abraham is an Indian actor and film producer. He made his acting debut with Jism (2003) and gained recognition with Dhoom (2004). His notable films include Force (2011), Madras Cafe (2013), Satyameva Jayate (2018), Batla House (2019), and Pathaan (2023). In 2012, he founded his production company, J.A. Entertainment, which debuted with Vicky Donor.

Also Read: Lakadbaggha graphic novel launch: John Abraham jokes that he can’t fight like Anshuman Jha; reveals, “I am an atheist but I believe that if there’s God on Earth, it’s a dog”

Fresh details have emerged about the high-profile casting decisions that shaped the much-anticipated Ramayan project. According to the latest buzz, Priyanka Chopra was the makers' original choice for the pivotal role of Surpanakha in the upcoming adaptation, before Rakul Preet Singh eventually landed the part.

A report by The Times Of India quoted an insider saying, “Surpanakha is one of the main reasons Ramayan took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn't work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That’s when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character.” However, the makers are yet to confirm the speculations.

Speaking of the film, it will be directed by Nitesh Tiwari while Namit Malhotra (Prime Focus Studios) and South sensation Yash will be co-producers. Ramayana Part 1 will be released on Diwali 2026. The second part will hit the theatres during Diwali 2027. Reportedly, the budget of Ramayana is close to Rs 835 crore, and it requires 600 days of post-production work. Namit recently spoke about the project briefly at WAVES 2025. During a panel discussion, he revealed, “We are attempting to localize the film in languages with performances. It means it should play in English with lip-sync; without subtitles or dubbed versions. In Spain, it should be in Spanish and in Japan, it should be in Japanese.”

Besides rakul, the film will star Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Arun Govil (who famously played Rama in Ramanand Sagar's TV adaptation) as King Dasharath, among others.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra pays heartfelt tribute to her late father on his death anniversary with a throwback photo

Director Tarun Mansukhani has finally broken his silence on the criticism surrounding Housefull 5, especially the trolling it has received on social media for objectifying women and excessive skin show. In an exclusive conversation with News18, the filmmaker addressed the backlash, asserting that the very fact people are discussing the film means they are engaging with it.

“I feel like that there’s a lot of scrutiny on social media. I also believe that scrutiny tends to only happen on successful films. You tend to keep quiet if a film isn’t working at all. That’s when no one has any opinion and they don’t say anything. So, when people are making noise about my film, I actually feel very happy about it," he said.

Mansukhani, known for his nuanced storytelling in past ventures, maintained that he values audience feedback. He emphasized that viewers have every right to voice their opinions after investing time and money into watching a film. “It means that they’re watching it with a certain eye and sensibility. You can scrutinise it. That’s fine. You’ve paid money to watch it and so, you get to have an opinion on my film. It’s not a placid film about which you don’t care or have an opinion. For those who’re calling it out, I want to say that it’s your choice of seeing and focusing on that aspect of the film," he added.

Defending the narrative arc and character depth, Mansukhani revealed that contrary to the perception of the film being male dominated, the women in Housefull 5 play a pivotal role in shaping the plot. “Akshay decides to play Jolly and he comes to know that there’s a missing son. So, he hires the character of Nargis (Fakhri) and asks him to join him on this search. One thing leads to another and they decide to backstab together. It’s Sonam (Bajwa) who backstabs Riteish (Deshmukh) and helps further the plot, that in turn helps bring a third Jolly. The actual plot is driven by women – to get the money. There’s a Soundarya who’s equal parts a suspect in this entire thing because she’s busy transferring funds into an offshore account."

With this clarification, Tarun Mansukhani hopes viewers will look beyond the surface and appreciate the layered storytelling in Housefull 5.

Also Read: Housefull 5 EXCLUSIVE: Nana Patekar’s body double Tejas Dunbale opens up about his experience: “Nana Patekar appreciated my moves; Akshay Kumar was AMAZED to see my stunts and stamina; Abhishek Bachchan was concerned…”

Ajmal Perfumes, a legacy fragrance house with over 300 scents to its name, has officially announced Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan as its brand ambassador. Known for blending traditional perfumery with modern innovation, the brand has earned its moniker “King of Oud” and now aims to deepen its global presence by partnering with the versatile actor.

Ajmal Perfumes believes that Saif Ali Khan, with his lineage, refined persona, and blend of old-world charm and contemporary appeal, represent the values that the brand holds dear. The collaboration is set to highlight the brand’s mission of merging heritage with modern elegance, while also expanding awareness of Indian perfumery on an international scale.

Speaking about the new association, Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Perfumes, expressed his excitement, stating, “Ajmal Perfumes has always been about legacy, excellence and the power of scent to evoke memory and emotion. Saif Ali Khan, with his regal presence and universal appeal, embodies these values perfectly. We’re excited to welcome him to the Ajmal family as our brand ambassador and look forward to a fragrant journey ahead.”

As part of this partnership, Saif will be the face of an extensive campaign across digital platforms, print, in-store displays, and out-of-home (OOH) media. A special behind-the-scenes video featuring Saif will also be unveiled at the Ajmal store to mark the beginning of the collaboration.

Saif Ali Khan, too, expressed his admiration for the brand and what it stands for, saying, “I am delighted to be associated with Ajmal Perfumes, a brand I have long admired and personally used. There’s something about a well-made perfume – it becomes a signature without trying too hard. Ajmal’s craft speaks to that idea, and that’s what I appreciate about it.”

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan was last seen in the Netflix heist drama Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins which featured him alongside Jaideep Ahlawat and Nikita Dutta. If reports are to be believed, the actor is also expected to return to his famous Race franchise in the fourth instalment but details of the same are currently being held under wraps.

Also Read: Inside the kitchen of Kareena Kapoor Khan: Saif Ali Khan has a ‘Kerala’ obsession and Kareena wants ‘Indian Meal’ daily

With the release of Sitaare Zameen Par approaching, anticipation continues to build. Positioned as a spiritual successor to the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, the trailer offers a glimpse into a heartfelt story filled with warmth and joy. Adding to the buzz, the film’s soulful soundtrack is resonating with audiences and keeping the excitement going ahead of its premiere.

Continuing the spree, yet another song, Shubh Mangalam, from the film is all set to release tomorrow.

The makers took to social media to share the teaser of ‘Shubh Mangalam’. As showcased in the teaser, the song radiates vibrant wedding vibes, featuring Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and 10 shining Sitaare dancing and having a great time.

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They captioned the post with, “Alert the Pandit, prep the mandap. #ShubhMangalam arrives TOMORROW! Stay tuned! Watch #SitaareZameenPar 20th June Only in Theatres. Trailer out now.”

Aamir Khan Productions proudly presents 10 rising stars: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, who previously helmed the barrier-breaking blockbuster Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, now returns with the biggest collaboration with Aamir Khan Production’s Sitaare Zameen Par.

Made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Sitaare Zameen Par stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles along with the 10 rising stars. The lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya and music is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The screenplay is written By Divy Nidhi Sharma. The film is produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, with B. Shrinivas Rao and Ravi Bhagchandka as producers. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, the film will be released in theatres only on 20th June, 2025.

Also Read : Sitaare Zameen Par early review: Sudha Murthy calls Aamir Khan starrer “eye-opener”; says, “This movie can bring a lot of change”

India, prepare to be serenaded by the stirring melodies of one of the world’s most beloved indie folk singer-songwriters, Passenger aka Michael Rosenberg. The voice behind the timeless hit ‘Let Her Go’, is all set to bring his 3-city India Tour, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, to fans this November as part of his much-anticipated Asia Tour.

The multi-award-winning, multi-platinum-selling artist will perform at DLF CyberHub in Delhi-NCR on November 19, followed by Phoenix Marketcity in Mumbai on November 21 and Phoenix Marketcity in Bengaluru on November 22, marking his first ever performances in India.

Tickets for Passenger’s India Tour go on sale at 10 AM IST on June 17, 2025, exclusively on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination.

Passenger shot to global fame with ‘Let Her Go’, the breakout single from his 2012 album ‘All The Little Lights’. The track not only climbed to the number one spot in 19 countries but also became the second most searched song of all time on Shazam, with billions of streams worldwide, transforming Rosenberg into an international sensation. Fans can’t get enough of his extended discography - tracks like ‘Simple Song’, ‘Anywhere’, ‘Sword from the Stone’ and ‘Life’s For The Living’ are on constant repeat, echoing through playlists and hearts alike.

Commenting on the tour, Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow said, “Passenger’s music holds a rare emotional weight, one that is quiet, introspective and deeply resonant. For many fans in India, his songs have been the soundtrack to personal moments, quietly weaving their way into everyday life. Bringing him to India for the very first time across three cities is incredibly special for us at BookMyShow Live. We’ve always believed in curating experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable, and this tour is exactly that: intimate, honest and led entirely by the music.”

From stripped-down acoustic sets to soaring anthems delivered with raw vulnerability, his performances are known for their deep emotional resonance and honest simplicity. With a discography of 15 independently released studio albums, Rosenberg has carved a unique space in the global music landscape through his intimate songwriting, emotional storytelling and grassroots approach to touring.

Whether busking on street corners or headlining world-renowned venues, his ability to connect with audiences remains unmatched. Over the past year alone, Passenger has performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Beacon Theatre in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London and two sold-out nights at the prestigious Sydney Opera House, showcasing his enduring global appeal and the magnetic quality of his live shows.

Passenger’s India tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans to witness one of the most soulful, passionate voices in contemporary music. With his heartfelt lyrics, minimalist sound and warm stage presence, Rosenberg brings stories of love, loss, hope and humanity to life, transcending borders and reaching millions of fans.

Also Read: Himesh Reshammiya’s Delhi show sells out: “We’re building something truly special for this night”

Popular television couple Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee recently revealed they were victims of a devastating financial scam. In an emotional interview with ETimes, the duo shared that they were betrayed by someone they considered family—a close friend who left them financially broken.

“These past 2-3 months have been extremely difficult for us, and we have no idea what will happen next. We have been victims of a fraudulent financial scam, and we lost a huge amount. We have to start from zero, and we won't give up. We don't want to give up. We lost all our savings in this fraud... Humein wapis zero pe laake khada kar diya hai,” said Puja, adding that the betrayal has taken a heavy emotional toll on them.

Kunal Verma, echoing her emotions, said, “When you trust someone for the past 3 years... Has been with you, became a part of your home and family...” To this, Puja added, “We are deeply hurt, but we don't want to give up at this point and come out stronger.”

The couple, who welcomed their son Krishiv in October 2020, expressed that it was incredibly painful to disclose this ordeal publicly. “We have cried enough behind it and these past months were extremely shattering. All we want is support. It was impossible for us to share it with our family but now with this video they will come to know. It feels terrible to share such news with them. All our lives we have worked hard and earned.”

In a heartfelt plea to their fans and well-wishers, Puja asked for support and prayers. “We shall keep updating you all but pray that we get the amount that we lost back. We know it’s a long battle but we will fight it together.”

Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee, who first met on the sets of Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna in 2008, tied the knot in a court ceremony in April 2020 during the pandemic. They later celebrated with a traditional wedding in November 2021, with their son Krishiv also in attendance.

Despite this personal and financial setback, the couple remains determined to rebuild their lives.

Also Read: Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee donate their wedding expenses for COVID-19 relief

A recent report by Mid-Day created a buzz in Bollywood circles by claiming that Vicky Kaushal is in talks to join Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) celebrated Spy Universe. According to the report, the makers approached Kaushal following his acclaimed performance in Chhaava, where he was hailed for his action chops.

A recent report in the portal quoted a trade source about Vicky Kaushal joining the YRF universe saying, “Conversations have been happening for a while, and Vicky is keen to be part of this ambitious franchise. It’s still in the early stages, but the idea is to introduce a fresh narrative thread within the existing world.”

However, a well-placed industry source has now clarified to Bollywood Hungama that there is no truth to these claims. “It is not true at all. Currently, YRF is completely focusing on War 2. Yes, while they do have big plans for the spy universe, there are no plans about adding any such film to the franchise. As of now, no such film is being made,” the source shared, putting speculation to rest.

The YRF Spy Universe, helmed by producer Aditya Chopra, includes mega blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The next confirmed film in the pipeline is War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani which is slated for a global release on August 14, 2025.

Following War 2, the spotlight will shift to Alpha, the first female-led narrative in the spyverse. The film stars Alia Bhatt in the lead, with Sharvari and Anil Kapoor playing pivotal roles. We hear that the team is going to dedicate its complete energy on Alpha after War 2, and the source has asserted that there are no plans as yet for any additional entries.

While fans may love the idea of Vicky Kaushal entering the YRF spy fold, for now, it appears to be nothing more than speculation. As always, the studio is keeping its cards close to the chest—prioritizing confirmed projects over conjecture.

Also Read: Guru Dutt biopic in early talks; Vicky Kaushal considered to play the icon