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Singer Katy Perry has admitted feeling "battered and bruised" by the backlash following her recent space trip, but reassured fans she is OK and would "keep looking to the light," BBC reported.

Writing two weeks after the much-derided Blue Origin voyage, which saw her take an 11-minute flight with five other women, the US star said the "online world" had tried to make her a "human Piñata".

Her comments came after fans paid for a billboard in New York to show their support for her ahead of her world tour. 

Responding to a fan account that posted a video of the billboard, Perry said she was "so grateful" for her fans, adding they were "in this beautiful and wild journey together," according to BBC.

International Jazz Day is being observed by organizing various programs on Wednesday.

In western countries, the music is popular among the youth. In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Assembly declared April 30 as the International Jazz Day. 

The day is celebrated to promote intercultural dialogue, respect for human rights and human dignity, eradicate discrimination, promote freedom of expression and gender equality, and strengthen the role of youth for social change. 

UNESCO believes that the International Day will provide an opportunity for communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz enthusiasts around the world to learn about the art of jazz, its origins, future and effects and contribute to the promotion of international peace and culture. 

According to UNESCO, jazz will contribute to creating opportunities for unity, mutual understanding and tolerance, empowering young people from marginalized societies, and encouraging traditional music to be revitalized in a newer form. 

The Nepali film Anjila was specially screened at Bhojpur Municipality Hall in Bhojpur district. Directed by Milan Chams, the film was shown for the fourth time in the hall equipped with a digital screen and sound system, with the participation of around 500 spectators. Bhojpur Municipality Mayor Kailash Kumar Ale attended the screening.

Director Milan Chams, who was present at the event, expressed his pride in seeing continuous film shows in a place where movie theaters had previously shut down. “It is a historic achievement to have regular screenings in a location without a permanent cinema hall,” he said, adding that he was thrilled to be part of the occasion.

The special show coincided with the ‘8th International Invitational Mayor Bhojpur Gold Cup.’ Chams announced that the proceeds from the screening would go toward building a house for Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the film’s lead actress and real-life protagonist.

Mayor Ale also expressed his happiness at being able to host a meaningful film like Anjila and pledged continued support for such initiatives. Praising the movie team for taking on a role the state should fulfill, he announced a cash donation of Rs 50,000 from the municipality toward Anjila’s house construction. Director Chams said he hopes for similar support from other local governments across Nepal.

Currently in its seventh week of screening, ‘Anjila’ is still showing in about 40 locations nationwide, including the Kathmandu Valley. The team is preparing for a special 51-day celebration event on May 2. Though released on March 12, ‘Anjila’ has already secured a spot among the top five Nepali films of the year and, according to distributors, has grossed over Rs 100m.

Based on the life of Angila Tumbapo Subba, the captain of Nepal’s women’s national football team, the film stars Anjila herself in the lead role. According to director Chams, the film’s portrayal of struggles and dreams resonates deeply with audiences, creating a strong emotional connection. The movie also features performances by Prem Kumar Shrestha, Sunil Thapa, Dayahang Rai, Bijay Baral, Sirjana Subba, Mao Tse Gurung, Sumin Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, and others.

As the release date draws closer, the promotional campaign for the Nepali film ‘Oonko Sweater’ is gaining momentum. The film’s team has been touring different parts of the country, engaging directly with audiences. As part of this campaign, an event titled ‘Oonko Sweater Saajh Pokhara’ with Sujan Chapagain was held Friday evening along the scenic Fewa Lake in Pokhara.

Popular singer and the film’s music director, Sujan Chapagain, delivered a live performance in front of hundreds of spectators at Hallan Chowk. Chapagain performed hit songs from the movie, including ‘Makhmali’, ‘Kafle’, and ‘Phool’. Marking the 90th birth anniversary of the late legendary folk singer Jhalakman Gandharva, Chapagain also delivered a special tribute performance. He sang ‘Bala Joban’ alongside students from the Jhalakman Sarangi School, who captured the audience’s hearts with their sarangi performances. Jhalakman’s family and the Sarangi School were honored during the event.

The event saw the presence of actor Bipin Karki, actress Pariksha Limbu, debutant Alex Paras, artist Mao Tse Gurung, director Naveen Chauhan, executive producer Milan Khatri, distributor Pushkar Ghimire, and media executive Jeevan Parajuli, among others. 

Three new posters of Oonko Sweater were also unveiled during the program. Addressing the crowd, Bipin Karki described the film as original and urged audiences to watch it in theaters. Mao Tse Gurung shared that he always chooses to work with quality banners and readily accepted Artmandu’s offer for this film. Director Naveen Chauhan expressed confidence that the movie, like Artmandu’s songs, would satisfy audiences and encouraged everyone to look forward to its release on May 9.

Actress Pariksha Limbu said she was thrilled by the overwhelming audience response, while newcomer Alex Paras, who had previously gained attention for his role in Artmandu’s music video ‘Phoolthunge Rani’, expressed his excitement about interacting with audiences directly. Adding to the evening’s excitement, Alex and Pariksha performed a lively dance to the song ‘Kafle’, while artists from the Pokhara Art Center also entertained the crowd with vibrant dance performances. 

The next event in the ‘Oonko Sweater Saajh with Sujan Chapagain’ series is scheduled for May 1 in Dharan.