Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

Ananya Wadkar, daughter of Padma Shri Suresh Wadkar, has stepped into the world of cinema with an impressive playback debut in O’Romeo. The young singer has lent her voice to the soulful track ‘Vaada Hai’, composed and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and music director Vishal Bhardwaj. Her debut marks a significant milestone in her musical journey and signals the arrival of a promising new voice in Indian playback singing. Trained in Hindustani classical music from early childhood, Ananya has grown up in an environment steeped in melody and discipline. Alongside vocal training, she is also a skilled sitarist, having devoted…

Award-winning actor, producer and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza delivered a deeply personal and moving address at Spoken Fest, speaking about what she calls her “homecoming” and her lifelong bond with nature. In a heartfelt speech, Dia Mirza reflected on a childhood memory that continues to shape her life and work. She recalled watching her father paint a rainforest on the wall of her school. At the time, it was simply a beautiful act of creativity. However, after his passing, that painted forest became a quiet refuge. It offered comfort, strength and a sense of belonging during a difficult…

For decades, they have built the dreams audiences see on the silver screen – the carpenters building the sets, the lightmen creating the mood, the spot boys ensuring the shot is perfect. Yet, when the cameras stop rolling, the financial security of these film industry workers often fades to black. The Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF), the philanthropic arm of Yash Raj Films, is changing that narrative. The Foundation has announced the launch of the Saathi Program 2026, a comprehensive, year long welfare initiative designed to be a steadfast companion to the thousands of workers who power Indian cinema from behind…

Agra: Shivrajyotsav – Sampoorna Bharatvarsh 2026 concluded as one of India’s grandest national celebrations, commemorating the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Organised by Vishal Patil and Abhinav Devgiri Pratishthan, with support from the Government of Maharashtra, the festival united citizens across the country in a powerful display of patriotism, cultural pride, and reverence for the legendary Maratha king. This year, the event gained special significance as it was held at Agra Fort, a historic site where Shivaji Maharaj’s daring escape from the Mughal Empire became legendary. The celebration served as a reminder of Maharaj’s extraordinary courage, strategic vision,…

A wave of nostalgia swept across the stage of Indian Idol as veteran actress Meenakshi Seshadri delivered a mesmerising classical interpretation of the iconic song “O Ramji Bada Dukh Dena.” The special episode, aired on February 14, 2026, became a memorable celebration of cinema, music and timeless artistry. The evening turned extraordinary when legendary filmmaker Subhash Ghai joined the show and reunited with his leading lady from the classic film Ram Lakhan. The emotional moment unfolded after contestant Jyotirmayee Nayak presented a powerful rendition of “O Ramji Bada Dukh Dena,” a song originally featured in Ram Lakhan and loved by…

In a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, filmmaker Kumar Raj has been officially selected for the 10th edition of the Pambujan International Film Festival 2026 in the Philippines. The milestone event will be held on 20 and 21 February 2026 at the Pambujan Municipal Gymnatorium in Eastern Visayas. The selection marks an important international recognition for Kumar Raj, whose women-centric storytelling and socially reflective cinema have earned him critical appreciation. For a festival rooted in inspiration and community transformation, his presence aligns naturally with its larger mission. A Festival Driven by Purpose Founded in 2009 under…

The much-awaited teaser of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has finally arrived, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the biggest Indian films of 2026. After months of carefully crafted anticipation, the makers have offered audiences a powerful glimpse into a cinematic universe that feels both vibrant and brutally intense. The build-up to the teaser was strategic. It began with the striking “Introducing Raya” birthday glimpse featuring Rocking Star Yash. This was followed by visually arresting character posters that introduced Nayanthara as Ganga, Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Rukmini Vasanth as Mellisa, and Tara…

Prime Video and T Series have unveiled the official song video of Lalla from the upcoming Prime Original film Subedaar, starring Anil Kapoor in the lead role. The high energy track arrives after the strong response to the earlier Lalla Anthem and sets the tone for the intense drama that anchors the film. Titled Lalla Taiyaar Rehna, the song blends striking visuals with a powerful musical build up. It reflects the pride, authority and moral code of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, played by Anil Kapoor. The track captures the emotional conflict at the heart of the story and builds anticipation ahead…

India remembered a voice that once flowed through every home with warmth, grace and rare intimacy. On his death anniversary, Deshwale pays tribute to Ameen Sayani, the legendary broadcaster whose greeting, “Behno aur Bhaiyo…”, became a cultural embrace for generations of listeners. Honouring his extraordinary legacy, Mobius Films and Rajil Sayani present Behno Aur Bhaiyo, a feature-length docu-biopic that celebrates the life and enduring resonance of the man who shaped India’s musical memory for over five decades. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Brahmanand S Singh along with Tanvi Jain, the film revisits the golden age of radio, when voices painted…

Mumbai: The launch of the much-anticipated music video RANJHA turned into a memorable evening in Mumbai, celebrating both a new musical release and the official debut of Aman Nagpal’s music company, Sky Entertainment Music. The event marked an important milestone in Nagpal’s journey as he stepped confidently into the entertainment industry. Known for his entrepreneurial presence in the Chhole Bhature business space, Aman Nagpal has now expanded his creative ambitions into music production. The grand launch of RANJHA symbolised this transition and introduced Sky Entertainment Music as a new player in the independent music scene. The evening was made special…