Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Indu Lakshmi is known for her thought-provoking narratives that explore deep-rooted societal issues through compelling storytelling. A writer, director, and producer, she first gained recognition with her debut film Nila, followed by her latest cinematic venture, Appuram, which was recently screened at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival. In this exclusive interview with Jyothi Prakash on behalf of Deshwale, Indu Lakshmi shares insights into her filmmaking journey, the challenges of working with veteran actors, and her aspirations for the future. What exactly is your film Appuram about? My film is about a teenager named Janaki, who finds…

The 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) concluded on 8 March 2025, celebrating global cinema’s diversity and excellence. The festival showcased over 200 films from 60 countries, attracting cinephiles and industry professionals alike. Award Highlights Lifetime Achievement Award Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, marking her 50-year contribution to cinema. Due to prior commitments, she couldn’t attend, and actor Arundathi Nag received the award on her behalf. Festival Highlights The festival’s theme, ‘Universal Peace in Diversity’, resonated through its curated selections. The opening ceremony at Bengaluru’s Vidhan Soudha featured performances by violinist L. Subramaniam and…

Promising newcomer Rasha Thadani graces the cover of Femina’s February 2025 issue, embodying the spirit of a rising star in Indian cinema. The cover story captures her transition from student to leading lady, her passion for acting, and the energy she brings to her craft. As she steps into the limelight with her debut film, Azaad, Rasha has already made waves with her electrifying dance number, Uyi Amma, cementing herself as Bollywood’s freshest sensation. In an exclusive chat with Femina, she shares insights into her early experiences on the sets of Azaad, growing up as a star kid, gaining valuable…

Veteran actor Sachin Khedekar is making a grand comeback to Marathi professional theatre after 21 years. Directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni, the upcoming play ‘Bhumika’ marks his much-anticipated return to the stage. A timeless bond with theatre No matter how many awards an artist wins or how many films he does, the love for theatre never fades. Many accomplished actors eventually return to the stage, embracing live performance with renewed passion. Sachin Khedekar is no exception. Known for his stellar performances in Marathi, Hindi, and South Indian films, he is now set to captivate theatre audiences once again. The powerhouses behind…

Swastik Productions hosted a grand event in Mumbai to mark the success of Shrimad Ramayan and the launch of Veer Hanuman. The gathering brought together key industry figures, cast members, and creative minds behind these shows. Held at The Club Mumbai on 11th March, the event was attended by Gaurav Banerjee (MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India) and well-known actors such as Sujay Reu, Prachi Bansal, Sayli Salunkhe, Mahir Pandhi, Aarav Choudhary, Akshat Gupta, Aman Verma, Nikitin Dheer, Sourabh Raj Jain, Vishal Aditya Singh, Shaheer Shaikh, Nakul Mehta, Shalin Bhanot, and Sumbul Toqueer. Founder and Chief Creative of Swastik…

The much-talked-about Tamil blockbuster film Dragon is all set to release in Hindi (Return of the Dragon) on March 14th. With record-breaking success across the South, the film has emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2025, already crossing the 100-crore mark. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, known for his work on the hit film Oh My Kadavule, and starring Pradeep Ranganathan, the director-actor behind the sensational success Love Today, Return of the Dragon also features Kayadu Lohar, Anupama Parameswaran, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Myosin, among others. The film is set to captivate Hindi audiences with its gripping storyline and…

Shilpa Shirodkar Is All Set to Rule Hearts Again, Actress’ First Look From Upcoming Jatadhara Goes Viral 90s diva Shilpa Shirodkar is known for her iconic films like Gopi Kishan, Aankhen, Khuda Gawah, Kishen Kanhaiya, and Bhrashtachar, among others. Recently, Shilpa made her comeback like never before when she participated in Salman Khan’s reality show Bigg Boss 18. Now, she is all set to resume her acting duties. Shilpa Shirodkar will soon be seen in an upcoming supernatural mystery titled Jatadhara. Her first look from the film has sparked a wave of excitement among her fans and cinema enthusiasts. The…

This March 14th, Ultra Play OTT celebrates the birthday of Bollywood’s perfectionist Aamir Khan, an actor whose dedication and versatility have shaped Indian cinema. To mark the occasion, Ultra Play OTT presents an exclusive collection of his most unforgettable films—movies that not only entertain but also impart life-changing lessons. From the hilarious comedy of Andaz Apna Apna to the high-energy romance of Rangeela, the patriotic intensity of Sarfarosh, the gripping revenge drama of Ghajini, and the thought-provoking brilliance of 3 Idiots, these films have left an indelible mark on audiences. Now, for the first time, they are just a click…

~ Dr. Shilpa Vora, Chief R&D Officer at Marico Holi, the festival of colors, is a time of joy, laughter, and vibrant celebrations with friends and family. As we immerse ourselves in the festive spirit, smearing bright hues and splashing water, our hair often bears the brunt of it. The harsh chemicals in synthetic colors, combined with excessive moisture and humidity, can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, frizzy, and prone to damage. But hair woes need not dull your festive glow! With a little pre-Holi hair care, you can enjoy the celebrations worry-free while keeping…

The much-awaited teaser of the Marathi film Institute of Pavtollogy has been released, offering a sneak peek into its intriguing storyline. The teaser has quickly captured the attention of netizens, sparking curiosity about the film’s unique theme. With its engaging visuals and strong performances, the teaser has only heightened anticipation for the film, which is set to hit cinemas across Maharashtra on 11th April. Presented by Hemant Chavan, Pradyot Pendharkar, and Nikhil Magar’s Six Purple Hearts in association with Fatmar Films, Institute of Pavtollogy is produced by Neha Gupta and Prasad Namjoshi. Vijay Narayan Gavande and Shrikant Desai serve as…