Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

At the grand stage of Bombay Times Fashion Week, heritage met high fashion as House of Marigold unveiled its much-anticipated collaboration with designer Rohit Verma. Titled Banaras Ki Goonj, the collection emerged as a refined tribute to the timeless spirit of Varanasi, capturing its cultural depth and spiritual resonance through couture. The collection draws deeply from the soul of Banaras, a city known for its ghats, ancient temples, and vibrant street life. Each ensemble reflects a careful balance between tradition and modernity. Intricate threadwork, rich textures, and structured silhouettes come together to recreate the visual poetry of the city. From…

The Marathi theatre scene is set to witness an intense and thrilling experience with the upcoming play Bhul Bhulaiyya, a production that dives deep into the complexities of the human mind. Blending suspense, psychological drama, and unexpected twists, the play promises to keep audiences hooked from start to finish. At its core, Bhul Bhulaiyya explores the fragile boundary between reality and illusion. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into a world where perception constantly shifts, making it difficult to distinguish truth from imagination. This layered storytelling creates a gripping atmosphere that challenges the audience to question what they see…

On World Health Day, the spotlight often turns to health trends, fitness apps, and complex diet plans. Yet, some of Bollywood’s most enduring fitness icons prove that staying healthy does not always require extreme routines or expensive regimes. Instead, they champion a philosophy of minimal wellness built on consistency, discipline, and simple lifestyle choices. Anand Pandit stands out as a strong advocate of balance. At 63, the producer manages demanding careers in cinema and real estate while maintaining an active lifestyle. From participating in marathons to cycling across countries like Germany, France, and Spain, his approach combines strength training, cardio,…

Marathi cinema has steadily carved a niche for itself with powerful storytelling and high production values. In recent years, filmmakers have increasingly brought together strong ensemble casts to create impactful narratives, and audiences have responded with enthusiasm. The upcoming Marathi film Salbardi continues this trend, promising a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and drama. Set to release on April 17, Salbardi features an impressive line-up of actors including Pooja Sawant, Shashank Shende, Omkar Bhojne, Bharat Ganeshpure, Anshuman Vichare, Rohit Kokate, Kamalakar Satpute, Chittaranjan Giri, Anil Nagarkar, Madhav Abhyankar, Pravin Dalimbkar, Abhay Gite, Rajendra Satardekar, and Komal Chaudhary. This multi-starrer cast…

India’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, growing 9% year on year to reach ₹2.78 trillion, according to the latest report by FICCI and EY India. Titled Stories, scale and impact: Unlocking India’s media and entertainment economy, the report highlights how digital media, advertising and live experiences have emerged as the key growth drivers of the industry. One of the most significant milestones in 2025 was the rise of digital media as the largest segment of the M&E sector, crossing the ₹1 trillion revenue mark for the first time. Digital advertising alone grew 26%…

At a time when India’s content landscape is changing rapidly, Aahana Kumra believes storytelling today requires far greater courage and honesty from creators. Known for her performances in Lipstick Under My Burkha and The Accidental Prime Minister, along with web series like Marzi and Avrodh, the actor feels audiences have evolved and expect deeper, more authentic narratives. Speaking about how storytelling has shifted in today’s content-driven era, Aahana said that being “brave” is no longer optional. According to her, creators cannot stay on the surface anymore. They must explore complex layers and present stories that feel real. She pointed out…

After a long hiatus from the spotlight, actor Vinay Anand is set to make a strong return, stepping into the digital entertainment space with his OTT debut in the crime thriller series ACP Vikrant on the Kutingg app. Known for his significant contribution to Bhojpuri cinema, Anand’s comeback marks a fresh and exciting chapter in his career. The series ACP Vikrant is positioned as an intense crime drama, blending suspense with powerful storytelling. It brings together a compelling narrative and a talented cast, with Vinay Anand sharing screen space alongside Sharad Malhotra. Their collaboration is expected to deliver gripping performances…

In a unique step towards experiential wellness, Numen Rising has brought the globally recognised IMMERSIV floating breathwork experience to India for the first time. Founded by Madhurima Nigam, the initiative marks a significant moment in the country’s evolving mindfulness and healing landscape. IMMERSIV, which has already gained attention in Dubai, offers a deeply immersive approach to inner well-being. The concept is simple yet powerful. Participants lie on floating beds in warm water while being guided through a structured breathwork journey. This combination of water support and conscious breathing is designed to help release stored emotions, restore balance, and reconnect individuals…

After steadily building a strong presence with projects like Border 2 and Tere Ishk Mein, Paramvir Singh Cheema is now stepping into a defining phase of his career. The actor is set to headline the Punjabi film Pitt Siyapa, starring opposite Sonam Bajwa. Scheduled for release on May 1, the film’s teaser has already created curiosity with its unconventional tone and intriguing premise. Known for his intense dedication to craft, Cheema has earned recognition for fully immersing himself into his characters. His performances often carry a depth that makes his transformations almost unrecognisable to audiences. However, Pitt Siyapa marks a…

In a significant development for Indian cinema, Darsheel Safary has joined the cast of an ambitious cross-border international feature film alongside Mohit Raina and National Award-winning actor Priya Mani. The project, currently untitled, is being positioned as a large-scale global production with a strong emotional core. Backed by Mumbai-based Azure Entertainment, known for films like Badla and Kesari, and the US-based Red Bison Productions, the film represents a growing trend of international collaborations in Indian cinema. The makers aim to deliver a story that blends cinematic scale with deeply personal storytelling, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and human connection across…