Actress Pooja Batra is may be away from the silver screen but is leaving no stone unturned to impress her fans on social media with her stunning pictures and videos. An avid social media user, Pooja recently channelized her bold avatar and dropped a few pictures of her from Yosemite wearing a blue bralette amidst the snowy weather. Surprisingly without feeling cold in such freezing temperature of the scenic location, the actress posed for the lens with utmost grace. She captioned the post as, 'When you know it snowed only for you.' No doubt, the actress looked gorgeous, and hence her fans could not stop gushing over her fab looks. As soon as her happy pictures hit cyberspace, it went viral in no time as several fans rushed to the comment section to shower their love upon her by dropping lovely hearts and fire emojis in numbers. While one fan wrote, ‘can’t beat the Yosemite-meets-pooja vibe!’, another one commented, ‘You are so wonderful so charismatic so gorgeous Pooja dear angel.’ 'Fire in Snow Awwwwsome', said another. One ardent fan of her even called the world's most beautiful actress. Earlier, while shelling out major vacation goals on social media, Pooja gave a glimpse of her holiday trip to Switzerland some fantastic pictures and videos. Meanwhile, on the work front, Pooja Batra is known for featuring in films like 'Haseena Maan Jayegi', 'Nayak: The Real Hero', 'ABCD 2', and others. She was last seen in an OTT-released film ‘Squad’ in 2021. For more news and updates, stay tuned to ETIMES.

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Pooja aces headstand in Bora Bora islands. Husband Nawab has the best compliment

Pooja Batra swears by yoga and high intensity workouts. The actor, who is often busy with her shooting schedules or her travel plans round the world, still scoops out time from her busy schedule to connect with her inner self through yoga. Pooja is currently chilling like a villain in Bora Bora islands and her Instagram profile is replete with pictures and videos of the stunning island. However, one picture stood out from the rest – it is the one where Pooja Batra performed a yoga position with Bora Bora in the backdrop.

On Saturday, Pooja shared a glimpse of how her weekend kickstarted and it is serving us with all the fitness inspo we need to start taking workouts seriously. The actor is on a trip right now and yet she found time to perform a yoga position, and this time, it is none other than the Sirsasana. Dressed in a black sports bra and a black pair of gym trousers, Pooja aced the headstand to perfection, by the sea.

In a set of pictures, Pooja shared snippets of her yoga diaries and we are smitten. With the sprawling blue waters in the backdrop, Pooja cut a serene weekend vibe on Instagram with her pictures. She accompanied her pictures with a quote attributed to the Japanese-American artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi - "We are a landscape of all we have seen." Take a look at her pictures here:

In no time, Pooja's pictures were flooded with likes and comments from her friends and fans. But the best compliment came from husband Nawab Shah, who dropped by to write, "Yogini," and added multiple red heart emoticons.

The headstand position, as performed by Pooja in the pictures, has multiple health benefits. It helps in activating the pituitary and pineal gland, stimulating the lymphatic system and the abdominal organs and strengthening the upper body, spine, and core. It also helps in reducing stress and boosting digestion of the body.

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Pooja Batra does yoga poses in Budapest, husband Nawab Shah reacts

Actor Pooja Batra often keeps busy with shooting sprees or travelling around the world. However, no matter how busy her schedule is, the star always finds time to do yoga and motivates us all to exercise too. The star took to Instagram recently to share pictures of herself doing two different yoga poses in Budapest, Hungary.

Pooja is currently in Budapest and enjoying the fall season. The actor posted pictures of herself practising yoga poses in a park on Saturday. She did yoga's Kapotasana or the One-Legged King Pigeon Pose and Ustrasana or Camel Pose. Her husband, Nawab Shah, loved the post and took to the comments section to drop several hearts.

Sharing her photos on the gram, Pooja talked about people pushing their bodies to do prescribed yoga postures when their body is preventing them from doing it. "Many people repeatedly push their bodies into "prescribed" yoga postures when their physiology prevents it. #yogawithpoojabatra a- #kapotasana. b- #ustrasana Both these Asana's work the Piriformis and the Psoas Major Muscle amongst the other muscles," Pooja wrote.

Take a look at her post:

To do the One-Legged King Pigeon Pose, Pooja lifted her one leg and joined her hands at the back of her head. For the back-bending Ustrasana, she pushed her body backwards to touch her hands near her toes.

Benefits of doing Kapotasana and Ustrasana:

Kapotasana or the One-Legged King Pigeon Pose relieves tension in the chest and shoulders, and it also stimulates the abdominal organs, helping digestion. It also releases stress, fatigue, and anxiety.

Ustrasana stretches the entire front of the body, ankles, thighs, groin, abdomen, chest, and throat. It also extends the deep hip flexors. Practising this asana can strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and stimulate the organs in the abdomen and neck.

Meanwhile, Pooja is all set to make a comeback with the OTT release, Squad. The actor plays a Squadron Leader in the film that also marks the debut of actor Danny Denzongpa's son Rinzing Denzongpa.

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Actress Pooja Batra, whose work credit includes several Bollywood and Hollywood projects, awaits the release of her next Hindi film titled Squad, which marks her first Bollywood project after the 2017's Mirror Game. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Pooja Batra was asked about how she has been feeling about "returning to acting" after a couple of years when she said she has been acting in many American shows and hasn't "just been sitting and eating potatoes." Pooja Batra, who played an astronaut in Vincent Tran and Riyaana Hartley's 2017 film One Under The Sun, has also starred in American shows like Lethal Weapon, Timeless and Rookie.

The actress, who rose to popularity in India for her performance in the 1997 film Virasat, also starred in Tony Stopperan's 2019 romantic-drama Draupadi Unleashed that was set in India.

She told Hindustan Times: "I have been doing a lot of work in America. I have done a lot of American shows albeit not as many as I would have done. I did Lethal Weapon, Timeless, Rookie, and a movie in which I played an astronaut. I did Draupadi Unleashed which came out during Covid. Currently, I am doing a movie titled Hexan Galaton and I have booked a pilot as well. I have been working on my craft and haven't just been sitting and eating potatoes."

Pooja Batra added that she hopes her performance in Squad, which will premiere ZEE5 on November 12, will "open the doors in her own country" for more projects. She told the publication: "I am hoping my role in Squad is appreciated and that opens the doors in my own country for me to do more projects."

The actress, whose husband Nawab Shah lives in Mumbai, shuttles between India and California for work. On her Instagram feed, she often shares pictures with Hollywood celebs. Recently, she watched Al Pacino's 1979 film And Justice For All with him< and wrote while sharing their photos: "With the legend himself Al Pacino. Such an honor. Thank you author Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla for the afternoon with Al watching his movie 'And Justice For All'."

Pooja Batra made her debut in Bollywood with the 1997 film Virasat. She has featured in several Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films like Sisindri, Vishwavidhaata, Saazish, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Nayak: The Real Hero and Hum Tum Shabana.

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Right from the time she made her debut in Bollywood in 1997 to now, Pooja Batra is one actress who has never been out of the limelight. She is one celebrity we can't get enough of, even though it may have been a while since we saw her on the big screen, at least over here in India, Bollywood, to be precise. But now, she is all set to make a big bang with an OTT release film. Yes, you heard us right. You will soon see her essaying the role of a Squadron Leader in the film that also marks the debut of actor Danny Denzongpa's son Rinzing Denzongpa. Recently, during an interview with a leading daily, when she was asked about her absence in films here, she was quick to clarify that she has been doing quite a few American shows and movies. She was quoted as saying: 'I have been doing a lot of work in America. I have done a lot of American shows albeit not as many as I would have done. I did Lethal Weapon, Timeless, Rookie, and a movie in which I played an astronaut. I did Draupadi Unleashed which came out during Covid. Currently, I am doing a movie titled Hexan Galaton and I have booked a pilot as well. I have been working on my craft and haven't just been sitting and eating potatoes. I am hoping my role in Squad is appreciated and that opens the doors in my own country for me to do more projects.'

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If you are someone who has been following Pooja Batra on Instagram, you will know that the actress swears by her yoga regime and is a big-time fitness enthusiast. On Sunday, she treated her Instafam to some million-dollar pictures of herself from Budapest. In the pictures, Pooja can be seen soaking up the autumn sun. Pooja Batra shared some picture of herself doing yoga on Budapest's Liberty Bridge.

In the pictures, Pooja Batra can be seen wearing a sweater, black corduroy pants, and a beanie. In one of the pictures, she can be seen doing Vrikshasana or the Tree Pose. "Enjoying Autumn in Budapest (sic)," she captioned the photo.

The comments section is replete with words like "so beautiful", "so sweet" and "cute".

Take a look at some of the comments below:

Earlier, she had shared this picture with her husband Nawab Shah from Budapest. "Home is where Hubby is (sic)," the photo caption read.

Pooja Batra has appeared in films like Virasat, Haseena Maan Jaayegi and Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye. Pooja and her husband Nawab Shah confirmed their marriage in July 2019.

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After tasting huge success with State of Siege: Temple Attack (2021), Dial 100 (2021) and Rashmi Rocket (2021) in recent months, India's largest homegrown streaming media platform ZEE5 is set to entertain audiences with another edge-of-the-seat Original film, Squad.

Produced by Zee Studios and Indian Media Entertainment and directed by Nilesh Sahay, Squad is an action thriller with patriotism at the heart of it. The film marks the acting debut of Rinzing Denzongpa and Malvika Raaj. Pooja Batra, Mohan Kapur and Amit Gaur also play important roles in the film.

Squad has high-octane action sequences involving MIG 8, helicopter chases and 400 soldiers in a never seen before climax scene which will blow everyone's mind. It is the first Indian film to be shot in Belarus. The film boasts of an international crew giving it international scale and grandeur, including Kier Beck known for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) as the stunt coordinator, William Humphris who has Quantum of Solace (2008) and Clash of the Titans (2010) to his credit as a camera assistant and Maciej Kwiatkowski Known for films like King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) as the stunt choreographer. The cast and crew have left no stone unturned to ensure that it is the most awaited action film of the year.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India commented, "Action as a genre works well across the globe and on ZEE5, so we are excited to bring forth the much-awaited action film, Squad. This ZEE5 Original Film will break records with its high-scale, high-octane and high-magnitude action sequences. So, get set to feel the rush with this edge-of-the-seat patriotic entertainer which has an internationally acclaimed crew to its credits".

Director, Producer and Writer Nilesh Sahay shares, "While we faced many challenges due to the pandemic, the film was completed without compromising on quality and I am certain that Squad will set a benchmark when it comes to action sequences in Indian films. I am happy that the film is releasing on ZEE5 and will reach the global audience. I hope people will find it as thrilling as it was for us shooting the film".

Actor Rinzing Denzongpa shares, "Squad has been an amazing journey. We've seen everything through this film – extreme weather and logistic issues due to restrictions during the pandemic but yet we were more on top. I'm proud to have this as my debut film and it's been an honour working with Nilesh. I am truly looking forward to the audience experiencing the spectacle that Squad is".

Squad is set to premiere on ZEE5 on 12th November 2021.

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Pooja Batra says, 'Yoga se hi hoga,' as she practises difficult yoga asanas in her backyard in a new workout post. She practised yoga asanas that helped stretch her body and calm her mind.

When Bollywood actor and Miss India, Pooja Batra, is not hanging out with Al Pacino, she spends her time practising difficult yoga poses in her backyard. The star is currently in Chicago, Illinois, and she took some time out of her day to stretch her body and relax her mind. She inspired us to take that yoga mat out of our closet and raised the bar for fitness goals.

From Milind Soman and Malaika Arora to Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, yoga is the go-to fitness mantra of many Bollywood celebrities. And actor Pooja Batra is also a part of this list. Pooja took to Instagram recently to share several pictures of herself doing yoga asanas. She captioned her photos, "Yoga se hi hoga."

Dressed in a neon green one-shoulder sports bra with keyhole detail on the neckline and matching workout tights, Pooja flaunted her toned midriff while nailing the fitness routine. In the pictures, she did yoga asanas such as Siddhasana, One-Legged Plank Pose or the Eka Pada Phalakasana, and other chest-opening poses that helped stretch her entire body.

Take a look at her photos:

Benefits of doing Siddhasana and Eka Pada Phalakasana:

Practising Siddhasana helps stretch the front part of the ankles, strengthens calf muscles, stretches inner thighs, and strengthens the lower back. It's also a great hip opener and stretches groin muscles which improve body flexibility.

On the other hand, Eka Pada Phalakasana or the One-Legged Plank Pose benefits the muscles in the arms, shoulders, biceps, triceps, abs, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Additionally, it also improves our posture and can increase flexibility. Another benefit of Eka Pada Phalakasana is that it is a strength-building as well as a stretching exercise.

So, are you ready to work out today and say goodbye to midweek blues?

Earlier, Pooja made headlines when she met Al Pacino. She saw the legendary actor's 1979 film And Justice For All with him and shared a few pictures from their get-together on social media.

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New Delhi: 

Pooja Batra, on Tuesday, posted a set of pictures of herself with the one and only Al Pacino. The actress, who is currently in Los Angeles, watched Al Pacino's 1979 film And Justice For All with him and shared a few pictures from their get-together on social media. She looks pretty in a checkered dress while the Godfather actor, as usual, looks dashing in a blue suit. "With the legend himself Al Pacino. Such an honor. Thank you author Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla for the afternoon with Al watching his movie 'And Justice For All'," wrote the actress in the caption of her post.

See Pooja Batra's post here:

After seeing Pooja Batra's pictures with Al Pacino, her husband and actor Nawab Shah is having FOMO. The actor, who is in India, reshared the pictures on his Instagram feed and wrote: "Mastro Al Pacino. Now I am missing LA Pooja." Take a look:

Pooja Batra has been updating her Los Angeles diaries on Instagram almost every day. On Monday, she posted pictures of herself from the Santa Monica Pier and borrowed a quote from Phillip Shepherd for the caption. Check out her post here:

In terms of work, Pooja Batra made her debut in Bollywood with the 1997 film Virasat. She has featured in several Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films like Sisindri, Vishwavidhaata, Saazish, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Nayak: The Real Hero and Hum Tum Shabana. Pooja Batra's last Bollywood film was 2017 psychological thriller Mirror Game.

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39 films to make World and American Premieres at 12th edition of the Sept 25-Oct 2 festival

After the city of Chicago witnessed Lollapalooza looks like Chicagoans are in for some more live events as the 12th edition of Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) returns.

To be held in a hybrid format owing to Covid precautions, the largest festival of its kind in the Midwest, will present about 100 films in a hybrid format virtually and physically in Downtown Chicago at the famous Showplace ICON Theater from Sept 25 to Oct 2.

The festival will begin with the red-Carpet opening night hosted at Showplace ICON Theater. Films from across South Asia will be featured showcasing a variety of regional languages.

Films opening for the first time in the United States include ‘One-way Glass’ from United Kingdom which is the story of a migrant Pakistani woman trapped in a violent, sexless, loveless marriage. ‘Zero Kilometer’ by Shamas Nawab Siddiqui displays the journey of a woman.

Indrani Ray’s film “Love in the times of Corona” shows one lockdown, three women and three empowering stories featuring Natasha Rastogi, Shibani Dandekar, Dipannita Sharma, Adil Hussain, and Shekhar Ravjiani.

Noted actors Pankaj Tripathi’s ‘Laali’ and Vipin Sharma’s ‘Naap’ and ‘Missing’ will also make their way to Chicago along with ‘Unwoven threads of Kashi’, ‘Midnight Delhi’, ‘Sand & Snow’, ‘Conception’, ‘Koko’, and ‘When the music changes’.

The line up of films this year includes several films making their world and American Premieres. The opening night film is ‘Ek Duaa’. Other highlights include  ‘Ae Savere’, ‘Centerpiece’, ‘Americanish’. The closing night film will be ‘Shut up Sona’.

The Festival has a collection of regional films as well such as ‘Searching for Happiness’ (Bengali) by Suman Ghosh, ‘Myth of a Good Girl’ (Tamil) starring Akshara Haasan and Usha Uthup, ‘Yesterday’s past’ by Nila Madhab Panda, ‘Ghar Ka Pata’ by Madhulika Jalali, ‘Montur Montoh’ (Assamese), ‘Blue Bird’ (Kannada), ‘The Other side of the River’ (Gujarati) and many more.

Award winning ‘Sheer Qorma’ by Faraz Arif Ansari starring Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Swara Bhasker and Jitin Gulati is a story of belonging, acceptance, identity, family, and how it all comes together under one roof.

‘Confusion’ from Nepal talks about a woman seeking comfort in another woman. This year’s festival features over 23 world premieres, more than 16 North American premieres and over 60 films debuting their Chicago premiere.

One time Bollywood sensation actor Pooja Batra will be in attendance to walk the red carpet and speak about her film.

Jigar Shah, CSAFF Festival Director  says, “This year’s festival will include some very special artists, panel discussions, moderated Q&A and several major upcoming film releases.”

“I look forward to unveiling and launching our exciting lineup to all film lovers and community members — both old and new faces, our partners and sponsors who are passionate about cinema and have supported CSAFF every year.”

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In a new post on Instagram, Pooja Batra did the Floating Camel yoga asana and shared pictures for her fans and followers.

If you enjoy practicing yoga, you must follow Pooja Batra as she exercises regularly and shares snippets for her fans and followers on Instagram. Over the weekend, Pooja pulled off the Floating Camel Pose, which is a variation of the Ustrasana.

Dressed in a blue sports bra and tights, Pooja did Ustrasana in her garden. This yoga pose is quite beneficial as it strenghtens the back muscles and improves posture. It also stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck.

In the caption of her post, Pooja wrote a significant caption and said that yoga helps with mood swings as well.

“At times, a simple one-hour yoga practice can melt away a gloomy mood. And with longer term yoga practice, of course, this effect can be even more precious, as we grow into a fuller expression of our gifts and inner potential,” Pooja said.

See the post here:

Pooja Batra often shares workout posts and discusses the importance of exercising on Instagram.

Pooja Batra has appeared in the films Virasat, Haseena Maan Jaayegi and Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye.