9, Feb 2026
Tata Motors Launches Tamil Nadu Facility, Rolls Out First Locally Made Range Rover Evoque
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles’ new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu begins operations with the local manufacture of JLR’s Range Rover Evoque as the first vehicle
Bengaluru, Feb 09: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. (TMPV), India’s leading manufacturer of cars and SUVs and its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc. (JLR), today announced the commencement of operations at their new manufacturing facility at Panapakkam in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu. The current facility reflects the first phase of development of a greenfield plant for producing next‑generation vehicles, including EVs, for both TMPV and JLR brands. The first vehicle to roll out of the plant is the locally manufactured Range Rover Evoque from JLR, a model celebrated globally for its modern luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
The facility was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, and Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons & Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, in the presence of eminent Ministers, public representatives, senior bureaucrats, government officials, and senior leaders from TMPV, JLR, and the Tata Group.
Inaugurating the Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles – JLR facility, Thiru M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, said,
“Tata Group has long played a pivotal role in nation building and shares a deep, historic partnership with Tamil Nadu. With the commencement of operations at this new manufacturing facility and the rollout of the first Range Rover Evoque in Panapakkam, Ranipet, the state is proud to witness the expansion of world‑class automotive manufacturing. Tamil Nadu welcomes this significant milestone and remains committed to supporting industries that create jobs, drive innovation, and reinforce our position as India’s leading hub for manufacturing and mobility.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons & Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd, said,
“The inauguration of our Panapakkam facility marks a significant milestone in the Tata Group’s journey to accelerate India’s leadership in sustainable and future‑ready manufacturing. We are also proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Tamil Nadu, a state that continues to drive industrial excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. With this facility, we look forward to producing vehicles of exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and technology for customers in India and around the world.”
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- By Neel Achary
9, Feb 2026
20,000+ runners participated in the 8th Edition of Manipal Marathon, organized by Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Feb 09: The 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon concluded successfully at KMC Greens, Manipal, on 8th February 2026, organized by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence and Deemed to be University. Recognized as one of India’s largest student-led community fitness events, the marathon drew over 20,000 participants, including 100+ international athletes, competing across categories for a prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs.
Themed “Miles for a Greener Tomorrow Run for a Sustainable Future”, this edition reinforced MAHE’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The event aligned with ongoing sustainability initiatives, including tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, solar energy utilization, waste management, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable mobility, extending its impact beyond campus into the broader community.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, remarked,
“The overwhelming response to the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon demonstrates MAHE’s vision of fostering holistic development beyond academics. By bringing together over 20,000 runners, we are promoting fitness, wellness, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. What began as a student initiative has grown into one of India’s largest community fitness events, attracting participation from over 10 countries.”
Over 100 international athletes participated, representing countries such as Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA, strengthening the marathon’s global profile. The scenic beachside route for the 42K runners provided a memorable experience, while the newly introduced 10K route, including the Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC), emphasized the marathon’s enduring focus on social impact.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, along with Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor (Mangalore Campus), Dr Anand Venugopal, COO Operations, Dr Gopalakrishna Prabhu, Vice Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University, and other MAHE officials.
In line with MAHE’s focus on equity and inclusivity, the marathon featured dedicated categories for differently-abled and visually challenged runners, with age-wise classification, receiving enthusiastic participation.
MAHE expressed its gratitude to the title sponsors including ICICI Bank, UNEXT, Deloitte, BOBCARD, and all partners whose support contributed to the success of Manipal Marathon 2026.
The names of winners across various categories are:
42K Fastest Male
1 Sathish Kumar
2 Sachin Poojari
3 Desye Endalew
42 Fastest Female
1 Senait Kefelegn Lesharge
2 Yenealem Ayano Buli
3 Neeti Kriplani
21K Fastest Male
1 Rijwan Ali
2 Shashwath Rajesh Poojary
3 Nalinakshan Kizhakkedath
21K Fastest Female
1 Bhawana Negi
2 Nandini G
3 Rutuja Patil
10K Fastest Male
1 Shivanand Chigari
2 Shreedhara SN
3 Mubarak R Dantali
10K Fastest Female
1 Shahin S Dharwad
2 Shreya Moodekallu
3 Chaithra TP
5K Fastest Male
1 Nagaraj Divate
2 Ranga
3 Manjunath Belurappanavar
5K Fastest Female
1 Nagini Nagini
2 HV Deeksha
3 Rekha B.P. Basappa Piroji
The event concluded with a vibrant post-run carnival by fitness enthusiasts and students, featuring music and interactive fitness and Zumba sessions to celebrate the Manipal Marathon.
9, Feb 2026
Nisus Finance Successfully Exits Skytech Estates Investment with 1.5x MOIC
Mumbai, Feb 9: Nisus Finance Services Co Ltd. (Nisus Finance), a leading player in urban infrastructure and real estate finance, today announced the successful and timely exit from its investment in Skytech Estates Private Limited. The exit, completed on February 3, 2026, well ahead of the originally planned timeline of June 2026, yielded an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of approximately 16.5% and a Multiple on Invested Capital (MOIC) of 1.5x over a holding period of approximately three years.
The investment was made in 2023 through the Real Estate Special Opportunities (RESO) Fund in Senior Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures of Skytech Estates Pvt Ltd. The issuer is developing Skytech Mall in Rohtak and Skytech Colours Avenue, a residential project in Greater Noida. The successful exit demonstrates Nisus Finance’s ability to identify and support high-quality real estate opportunities beyond India’s major cities, reinforcing its commitment to enabling urban development in emerging markets.
The investment stands fully discharged, with all outstanding dues settled and security interests released, reflecting Nisus Finance’s strong asset management discipline, strategic stakeholder engagement, and execution excellence.
Commenting on the exit, Avadhoot Sarwate, Chief Investment Officer, Nisus Finance Services Co Ltd, said:
“The successful exit from Skytech Estates highlights Nisus’ disciplined asset management, strong execution capabilities in complex real estate investments, and proven ability to actively manage and turn around stressed assets. This transaction reinforces our RESO fund’s focus on well-located projects with strong fundamentals while bringing hands-on structuring, monitoring, and resolution expertise to protect and enhance investor value. Achieving a full and final settlement ahead of schedule underscores our ability to actively manage risk, engage stakeholders effectively, and deliver targeted, risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”
The Nisus team successfully navigated cash flow challenges, protecting investors’ capital while delivering strong risk-adjusted returns through proactive asset management, disciplined enforcement, and strategic stakeholder engagement. This early resolution highlights Nisus Finance’s expertise in managing and restructuring distressed commercial real estate assets.
9, Feb 2026
ZEE5 Marathi Premieres ‘Uttar’ Starring Renuka Shahane & Abhinay Berde on 13th February
Marathi ZEE5 Brings Renuka Shahane and Abhinay Berde Starrer ‘Uttar’ Home on 13th February: A Tender Drama About a Mother–Son Relationship Tested by Time
Feb 09: In a world constantly rushing forward, Uttar pauses to ask a question we all quietly avoid—what happens to the things we keep for later? Love left unspoken. Truths postponed. Forgiveness assumed to have time. After touching hearts in theatres with its quiet emotional honesty, Uttar is now set to reach audiences across the country with its World Digital Premiere on Marathi ZEE5 on 13th February.
A deeply moving and intimate human drama, Uttar explores the emotional cost of postponement—of love, connection, forgiveness, and selfhood. Rooted in everyday reality yet universal in its resonance, the film captures those fragile moments when time slips through our fingers and life demands answers we are not prepared to give. Told with sensitivity, restraint, and raw emotional clarity, Uttar lingers long after the final frame, inviting reflection on the moments we defer and the bonds we assume will wait.
At the heart of the film lies a tender, complex mother–son relationship shaped by affection, ambition, and growing silences. Uma, a mother whose warmth quietly holds her family together, and Ninad, a young man moving forward in life while drifting almost unknowingly away from home, find themselves navigating emotional distance without confrontation or blame. Set against the rhythm of contemporary life and generational change, Uttar reflects how relationships often fracture not through conflict, but through waiting—for the right moment, the right words, the right time.
Written and directed by Kshitij Patwardhan, and produced by Zee Studios and Jackpot Entertainment, Uttar stars Renuka Shahane and Abhinay Berde in deeply affecting performances, with Hruta Durgule and Nirmiti Sawant adding further emotional depth. As circumstances bring the mother and son to a crossroads, the film unfolds into a soul-stirring exploration of love, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to finally show up—for one another and for oneself.
Sharing her thoughts on the film, Renuka Shahane said,
“Uma is a character shaped by patience, love and an unspoken hope that things will eventually find their way. Portraying her was deeply moving because her silences speak as loudly as her words. I’m grateful that Uttar is now reaching a wider audience, where its emotions can be felt just as intimately”.
Abhinay Berde added,
“Ninad represents a generation constantly moving forward, often without pausing to examine what we leave behind. Playing him helped me reflect on ambition, emotional distance and the quiet pull of home. I’m glad that Uttar will now connect with audiences on ZEE5”.
Director Kshitij Patwardhan shared,
“Uttar was always meant to feel like life—gentle, unresolved, and deeply human. It’s about moments we postpone, believing there will always be time. The film’s digital premiere allows viewers to engage with its emotional core at their own pace, and I hope it resonates in ways that feel personal and lasting.”
Uttar will stream exclusively on ZEE5 from 13th February 2026
9, Feb 2026
Zydus Lifesciences Reports Strong Q3 & 9M FY26 Growth Across Pharma, Wellness and MedTech Businesses
Bangalore, Feb 9: Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. today announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, reporting robust growth across its key businesses.
Financial Highlights:
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Q3 FY26: Revenue from operations at ₹68,645 mn, up 30% YoY; EBITDA at ₹18,164 mn, up 31% YoY; Net Profit (Adjusted) at ₹11,109 mn, up 9% YoY.
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9M FY26: Revenue from operations at ₹1,95,614 mn, up 17% YoY; EBITDA at ₹59,207 mn, up 20% YoY; Net Profit (Adjusted) at ₹38,640 mn, up 15% YoY.
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R&D Investments: ₹6,074 mn in Q3 (8.8% of revenue) and ₹15,750 mn in 9M (8.1% of revenue).
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Capex (Organic): ₹4,637 mn in Q3 and ₹13,568 mn in 9M.
Business Updates:
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India Formulations: Revenue at ₹17,094 mn, up 13% YoY; chronic and super specialty segments continue to lead growth.
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North America Formulations: Revenue at ₹28,043 mn, up 16% YoY; multiple new product launches and approvals, including Zycubo® for Menkes disease.
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International Markets: Revenue at ₹7,881 mn, up 38% YoY with broad-based regional growth.
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API Business: Revenue at ₹2,143 mn, up 26% YoY.
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Consumer Wellness: Revenue at ₹9,578 mn, up 113% YoY with full consolidation of Comfort Click Limited.
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MedTech: Revenue at ₹2,996 mn, following full consolidation of Amplitude Surgical.
Operational and Compliance Highlights:
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USFDA inspections completed with EIR status for Jarod injectable (VAI) and Ahmedabad OSD facility (NAI).
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CE mark approval received for proprietary ‘Andy’ robotic surgical system.
Innovation Pipeline Updates:
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NCE Research: Preparing NDA filing for Saroglitazar Magnesium with the USFDA.
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Biotech: Phase III trial approved for second biosimilar antibody drug conjugate in India.
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Vaccines: Phase II trial initiated for Bivalent Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine; awarded rabies and typhoid vaccine supply tenders for PAHO and UNICEF.
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US Specialty & Biosimilars: Licensing and commercialization agreements for novel 505(b)(2) oncology product and biosimilar Pembrolizumab; BLA approval for Nufymco® (biosimilar Ranibizumab).
Commenting on the results, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, said:
“Our robust performance across key businesses reinforces the strength and scalability of our base business. Our disciplined M&A and business development strategy is translating into tangible results. Anchored in patient centricity, supported by compliance and an agile supply chain, we remain focused on consistent execution and driving long-term shareholder value.”
Zydus Lifesciences continues to strengthen its pharma, wellness, and medtech portfolios, delivering innovative solutions to global markets while creating sustainable value for shareholders.
9, Feb 2026
Mahindra bags its biggest ever export order; 35,000 units of LCVs to be delivered to Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, Indonesia in 2026
Chandigarh, Feb 9: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), today announced that it will supply 35,000 units of Scorpio Pik Up vehicles in 2026 to Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, an Indonesian state-owned enterprise, for the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) Project. These Pik Ups will play a crucial role in enhancing logistics for Koperasi (Cooperatives) being set up in the country.
Under this partnership, Mahindra and Agrinas Pangan Nusantara will work together to equip Koperasi with robust, reliable vehicles to ensure effective and seamless flow of fresh supplies from farmers directly to the marketplace, thereby bridging the gap between producer and consumer. This collaboration aims to enhance rural logistics and enable villages to become independent centers of economic growth.
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said,
“We are looking forward to this association and to supporting Indonesia’s Koperasi through our partnership with Agrinas Pangan Nusantara. By deploying the Scorpio Pik Ups as a part of the Koperasi, we are strengthening a reliable logistics backbone that connects farmers to markets more efficiently. Our Pik Ups are engineered to perform in tough conditions while keeping operating costs to a minimum. The volume committed for this partnership will significantly boost our International Operations, adding as much as our total export volumes achieved in FY 25. In line with Mahindra’s Rise philosophy, this collaboration reflects our commitment to enabling prosperity and supporting national priorities.”
Manufactured at Nashik Plant, Scorpio Pik Ups are globally recognized for their durability, payload capacity, and low operating costs. These vehicles are tailored to meet the operating requirements of Koperasi – from rough rural roads to farm tracks.
Mahindra Scorpio Pik Ups will bolster Koperasi ecosystem by providing first-mile aggregation, which involves transporting produce from farms to cooperatives, and facilitating intra-village logistics, ensuring the efficient movement of goods within the cooperative network.
9, Feb 2026
Casmara honours Esskay Beauty Resources with Outstanding Partnership Award
Esskay Beauty Resources has received the Outstanding Partnership Award from Spanish professional skincare brand Casmara at the Casmara Beauty Congress 2026, held in Spain, last week. During the same event, Esskay Beauty Resources was also officially recognised as Casmara’s No. 1 Distributor Globally, a recognition based on its 18-year-long collaboration & outstanding performance in market expansion and growth rate across India. The announcement was made in the presence of Casmara’s senior leadership and representatives from its global distributor network.
The Outstanding Partnership Award acknowledges the continuity of the long-standing relationship between Esskay Beauty Resources and Casmara, and Esskay’s contribution to building and expanding the brand in professional beauty markets over time. The company has worked closely with salon professionals, clinics, and industry partners to strengthen Casmara’s footprint and visibility across its operational markets.
Commenting on the recognition, Ankit Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, said the acknowledgement reflected the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders.
“This recognition belongs not only to our internal teams but also to our partners who have worked alongside us and believed in the brand’s long-term potential. Being recognised at a global platform like the Casmara Beauty Congress is encouraging,” he said.
Subham Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, said
“the global recognition was the result of sustained and consistent efforts rather than short-term outcomes. “The focus has always been on building the brand steadily across markets and strengthening professional engagement. This recognition reinforces the approach we have followed over the years & motivates us to continue aspiring for our shared goals,” he said.
Esskay Beauty Resources has been associated with Casmara for 18 years, during which the partnership has evolved steadily. Over this period, the collaboration has expanded beyond distribution to include education-led initiatives, professional training programmes, and market development efforts aimed at supporting salons and beauty professionals across India.
Casmara is a Spain-based dermo-cosmetic company specialising in professional skincare solutions. The brand is known for its focus on research-led formulations and professional treatments and operates across 80+ international markets through a network of distribution partners.
Headquartered in Gurugram, Esskay Beauty Resources has operated in the professional beauty and wellness space since 2002 and works with global brands to develop markets through distribution, education, and long-term brand-building initiatives.
9, Feb 2026
ITC Candyman Sourzzz Launches Season 3 of ‘Soury Not Sorry’ Featuring AI Influencer Rysa
New Delhi, Feb 09: After two highly successful seasons, ITC’s Candyman Sourzzz returns with a bolder, punchier, and future-forward edition of its award-winning disruptive clean-roast Intellectual Property, Soury Not Sorry – Season 3. This season marks a category-first leap with the introduction of an AI influencer, Ramya Sathish aka Rysa, as the face of the series.
A first in the confectionery space, Season 3 leverages AI-led storytelling to bring teenagers and young adults a fresh, internet-native voice that mirrors how they think, speak, and clap back. Staying true to the franchise’s signature sass and self-expression, the season unfolds as a 4-week digital campaign, delivering bold, clean “soury” comebacks to misplaced authority figures in everyday life.
Designed to embody unapologetic confidence, Rysa represents a new-age, culturally fluid persona. Delhi-born with Malayali roots, the 23-year-old graduate and corporate baddie is chaotically honest, witty, and thrives on experience-driven internet-native humour.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Subash Balar, VP & Business Head, Confectionery at ITC Foods, said:
“Soury Not Sorry has grown into a powerful youth-culture platform for Candyman Sourzzz, encouraging young consumers to own their individuality without filter, and with flavour. Season 3 is our boldest leap yet. With Rysa, our first-ever AI influencer, we’re stepping into the future of culturally relevant storytelling while staying true to what the Intellectual Property stands for: wit, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression.”
At its core, Soury Not Sorry celebrates the freedom to be unapologetically real. The franchise converts everyday irritants and judgements into fearless, witty roasts, positioning Candyman Sourzzz as the candy of choice for bold, outspoken youth.
Over the years, the series has become a genre-defining digital youth property, with Season 1 achieving 35 million reach and 1.7 million engagement, and Season 2 scaling higher with 36 million reach and 2.7 million engagement. Season 3 continues this trajectory while introducing an AI-powered voice, building a culturally relevant content ecosystem for new-age consumers.
9, Feb 2026
Standard Diabetes Test May Mislead Diagnosis and Monitoring in South Asian Populations, New Analysis Warns
New Delhi, India, Feb 09 : A new evidence-based Viewpoint published online in Lancet Regional Health: Southeast Asia highlights that the widely used glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, as available in India, may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels for millions of Indians, particularly in regions with high prevalence of anemia, hemoglobinopathies, and red blood cell enzyme (G6PD) deficiency. Led by Professor Anoop Misra and collaborators, the review questions reliance on HbA1c as a sole diagnostic or monitoring tool for type 2 diabetes in South Asia. HbA1c measurements primarily reflect the glycation of hemoglobin. Any condition that affects the quantity, structure, or lifespan of hemoglobin—such as anemia, hemoglobinopathies, or other red blood cell disorders—can distort HbA1c values and lead to misleading estimates of average blood glucose.
“Relying exclusively on HbA1c can result in misclassification of diabetes status,” said Professor Anoop Misra, corresponding author and Chairman of Fortis C-DOC Center of Excellence for Diabetes. “Some individuals may be diagnosed later than appropriate, while others could be misdiagnosed, which may affect timely diagnosis and management. Similarly, monitoring of blood sugar status may be compromised.”
Shashank Joshi, co-author from Joshi Clinic, Mumbai, added:
“Even in well-resourced urban hospitals, HbA1c readings can be influenced by red blood cell variations and inherited hemoglobin disorders. In rural and tribal areas, where anemia and red cell abnormalities are common, the discrepancies may be greater.”
Dr. Shambho Samrat Samajdar, co-author from Kolkata, emphasized a comprehensive approach:
“Combining oral glucose tolerance test, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and hematologic assessments provides a more accurate picture of diabetes risk. This approach can help refine public health estimates and guide resource allocation.”
Key findings from the review include:
- HbA1c may under- or overestimate blood glucose in populations with high rates of low blood counts (anemia), inherited blood disorders (abnormal hemoglobin), or enzyme problems like G6PD deficiency anemia, hemoglobinopathies.
- In some regions of India ( more than 50% population in some regions, data from 2025), people are nutritionally challenged with widespread have iron deficiency anemia, which can distort HbA1c readings.
- This would affect both diagnosis and monitoring thus misleading clinicians.
- Reliance on HbA1c alone could delay diagnosis by up to 4 years in men with undetected G6PD deficiency, potentially increasing risk of complications.
- In addition, inconsistent quality control across laboratories can further affect HbA1c accuracy, making interpretation challenging
- Public health surveys based solely on HbA1c may misrepresent India’s diabetes burden.
9, Feb 2026
Avinesh Rekhi Says Portraying Lord Shiva in ‘Ganesh Kartikey’ Strengthened His Patience and Emotional Resilience
On the occasion of Mahashivratri, Avinesh Rekhi shares that playing Lord Shiva in Sony SAB’s Ganesh Kartikey has helped him embrace patience and emotional strength
Mumbai, February 09: As the nation gears up to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, actor Avinesh Rekhi, who essays the powerful and benevolent role of Lord Shiva in Sony SAB’s Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey, reflects on the deeper meaning of the festival and the profound impact the character has had on him.
The festival of Mahashivratri, which symbolises inner awakening, balance, and surrender to higher consciousness, holds a special place for Avinesh this year. Stepping into the role of Lord Shiva has been a spiritually enriching journey for the actor, allowing him to explore strength, compassion, and responsibility in a new light.
Speaking about the spiritual resonance of Mahashivratri, Avinesh said,
“Mahashivratri is not just a festival, it is a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves. Portraying Lord Shiva in Ganesh Kartikey has been a deeply humbling and transformative experience for me. Lord Shiva is not just a deity of power, but also of immense calm, compassion, and balance. Living with this character every day has helped me understand the importance of stillness and faith, especially in today’s fast-paced world.”
He further adds that the occasion has made his experience on the show even more special. He adds,
“Through Ganesh Kartikey, we are exploring Lord Shiva not only as the destroyer of evil, but also as a nurturing father and a guiding force for his sons, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikey. Portraying Lord Shiva has taught me to embrace patience, humility, and emotional strength. On this auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I wish that Lord Shiva blesses everyone and may this night bring transformation and positivity in everyone’s life.”
Tune in to watch Ganesh Kartikey, every Monday to Saturday at 8 PM, only on Sony SAB
