Category Archives: Entertainment

Begni Ronger Alo Teaser Unveiled

– Exploring the Fragile Realities of Love, Marriage and Motherhood –

Kolkata, Sept 12: Poth Cholti Golpo unveiled the teaser of their ambitious film, ‘Begni Ronger Alo’, directed by Manasi Sinha in the presence of the film’s cast and crew members. The film focuses on the relationship between a mother & daughter, their loneliness, emotional neglect and the silent battle against depression. The lead casts Sohini Sarkar, Biswarup Chakraborty, Ankita Brahma, Subham Roy, Chandan Sen & Arpita Ghosh along with the director, Manasi Sinha & producer, Poulami Roy were present for the occasion.

At its heart, ‘Begni Ronger Alo’ is an emotional story of a mother and daughter, exploring love, memories, relationships and the question of whether a child can truly recognise and understand their mother. The film also highlights the lonely life of Diti (Sohini Sarkar), a once lively woman who loved singing, drawing and conversations but gradually becomes silent and withdrawn due to an unhappy and emotionally distant marriage. Neglected by her husband Ashok (Biswarup Chakraborty) and in-laws, she battles depression and loneliness, with little understanding or support at home. Her only emotional support comes from her close friends Ena (Ankita Brahma) and Dodo (Subham Roy), who recognise the change in her and remain by her side. Their friendship, music and conversations become rare moments of comfort in Diti’s otherwise isolated life. Through Diti’s journey ‘Begni Ronger Alo’ sensitively explores depression, emotional neglect and the loneliness that can exist even within a family, asking a poignant question: how well do we truly know the people closest to us?

“Begni Ronger Alo is a deeply personal project and a story that has stayed close to my heart for many years. Bringing this dream to life has been a truly fulfilling journey, made possible by the unwavering support of the entire team and the vision of Poth Cholti Golpo. Every member of the cast and crew has contributed with immense sincerity, sensitivity and dedication. I am hopeful that the film will not only touch hearts but also leave a lasting impression on audiences”, said Director, Manasi Sinha.

‘Begni Ronger Alo’ is produced by Poulami Roy & Biswarup Chakraborty has Soumitra Bhandary as the Executive Producer. Tutul Pal is the Assistant Director, Souvik Basu is the Director of Photography, Amit Chatterjee is the Art Director and Sujay Dutta Roy is the Editor of this film while Pranjal Das has composed the music and background score.

‘Begni Ronger Alo’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on 25th September, 2026.

Inside Podium’s Exclusive Evening at Hollywood’s Magic Castle

Sept 11: Earlier this month, Podium brought together some of the internet’s most recognizable creators, podcast hosts and entertainment industry leaders for an intimate evening inside Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle.

The private celebration marked an exciting new chapter for the rapidly growing, creator-first podcast network, formerly known as The Roost Podcast Network.

Podium and Night’s leadership team celebrate the network’s latest chapter at the Magic Castle. From left: Ezra Cooperstein, President of Night; Catherine Browne, Vice President of Revenue and Partnerships at Podium; Reed Duchscher, CEO of Night; and Taylor Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer at Night. Photo courtesy of Kevin Kling.

The guest list included Jeff Wittek, Jake Webber, Johnnie Guilbert, Gianni Paolo, Kristi Cook (aka Spill Sesh), Coco Mocoe and more. Podium creators and executives were joined by fellow digital talent, podcast hosts and leaders from across the entertainment industry.

Johnnie Guilbert and Jake Webber attend Podium’s private event at the Magic Castle. Photo courtesy of CooolShotzBooth and Kevin Kling 

The celebration coincided with the announcement of four new creator-led shows joining the Podium network: Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, Commander at Home, Stan Wars and Love, Lex P.

The additions continue Podium’s expansion following The Roost Podcast Network’s relaunch as Podium and the signing of Just Trish with Trisha Paytas. The network is also home to some of the biggest creator-led shows including This Past Weekend with Theo Von, The Yard, Sam & Colby Reacts and Weekly Teacap with Kristi Cook.

Jeff Wittek attends Podium’s private celebration at the Magic Castle. Photo courtesy of Michael Tullberg.

The evening brought Podium’s creator-first vision to life by gathering digital talent, entertainment executives and industry insiders under one roof. With its historic setting, camera-free atmosphere and impressive guest list, the event offered a fitting celebration of Podium’s next era.

Shovana Narayan Presents Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal, Bringing Environmental Concerns to the Stage Through Dance

New Delhi | Sept 09: Padma Shri Kathak Guru Shovana Narayan, along with her Asavari Repertory, is set to present Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, on Thursday, September 10th, 2026, at 7 PM. Presented with the support of ReNew, the thematic dance production examines environmental disruption across water, land and space, before turning towards the possibility of restoration and renewal.

Conceived by Guru Shovana Narayan, the production explores how the destruction of nature affects communities, particularly women and vulnerable sections of society, while also recognising their role in shaping change. Through the regenerative forces of Sooraj, Hawa aur Paani, it makes a case for stewardship, coexistence and collective responsibility.

The production brings together the dancers of the Asavari Repertory, musicians, designers, visual artists and technical professionals. The dancers include Dr Pallavi Lohani, Komal Biswal, Suparna Singh, Mahima Satsangi, Ruchi Arya, Praveen Parihar, Anil Kumar, Ashish Kathak, Vishal Chauhan and Mayank Gangani.

The music is set by Pt Madho Prasad and the late Pt Jwala Prasad, while the choreography is by the Asavari Repertory. Sandhya Raman has designed the scenography, sets and costumes, with art by Anuj Prasad, sets by Team Desmania, lighting by Sandeep Dutta, and photography and videography by Innee Singh.

The evening will also feature a foyer exhibition curated by Kishore Labar, showcasing works by visual artists Manju Narain, Bishwaranja Bhunia, Nisha Kumari, Darshan Sharma and Riena A. Jain.

The evening unfolds through four acts.

‘Lament of the Azure’ addresses the pollution of rivers and seas, where plastic, fishing nets and microplastics disrupt a once thriving underwater world. ‘Dishantar’ examines deforestation and its relationship with exploitation, inequality and the marginalisation of women. ‘Echoes in the Void’ takes the conversation beyond Earth, confronting the growing problem of space debris and the need for responsibility in humanity’s expanding footprint. The final act, ‘Restoring Nature’s Harmony’, turns towards healing, bringing the performers together in a vision of collective action, clean energy and a more sustainable future.

“Fractured Harmonies is a subject very close to my heart,” says Guru Shovana Narayan. “Through dance, we have sought to engage with some of the most pressing concerns of our time. While the production acknowledges what is being lost, it also looks towards renewal and our shared capacity to restore balance. Art can encourage us to pause, reflect and perhaps see our responsibilities differently.”

“At ReNew, we believe that creating a sustainable future requires more than technological solutions; it also requires a shift in how we think about our relationship with the environment. Fractured Harmonies brings this conversation into the realm of art, making complex environmental concerns deeply human and accessible. We are pleased to support Guru Shovana Narayan and the Asavari Repertory in using the power of dance to spark reflection, inspire responsibility and remind us that renewal begins with collective action,” says Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder, ReNew.

Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal is an evening that brings together artistic expression and contemporary concern, asking audiences to consider not only the consequences of environmental disruption but also their role in restoring harmony.

Praacheen Kala Kendra To Organise Uttarbhanga Festival 2026 In Siliguri

Siliguri, West Bengal | Sept 09: Praacheen Kala Kendra, a prominent institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical arts, is set to organise the Uttarbhanga Festival 2026 in Siliguri, West Bengal, celebrating the rich traditions of classical music, dance and fine arts.

The two-day festival will be held on October 5 and 6, 2026, with programmes beginning at 5:00 PM onwards each day. The festival will take place at Dinabandhu Manch, Sachin Sarkar Sarani Road, Siliguri – 734001, West Bengal.

The event also marks the opening of Praacheen Kala Kendra’s regional office at Ashutosh Mukherjee Road, Upstairs Bani Library, College Para, Siliguri, Darjeeling (W.B.), further strengthening the organisation’s presence in the region and its efforts to promote Indian cultural heritage.

The Uttarbhanga Festival is envisioned as a platform to bring audiences closer to India’s diverse artistic traditions through performances and presentations centred around classical music, dance and fine arts. The festival aims to encourage greater appreciation of India’s cultural legacy while providing a space for artistic expression and engagement.

Praacheen Kala Kendra has invited art enthusiasts, cultural organisations, students and members of the public to attend the festival and experience the celebrations.

Event Details:
Event: Uttarbhanga Festival 2026
Dates: October 5 & 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM onwards
Venue: Dinabandhu Manch, Sachin Sarkar Sarani Road, Siliguri – 734001, West Bengal
Organiser: Praacheen Kala Kendra
Focus: Classical Music | Dance | Fine Arts
Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India

All are cordially invited to be part of the Uttarbhanga Festival 2026.

Kunal Rawal launches his first-ever Music Video Campaign

Mumbai, Sep 3: Music has never been background noise in the world of Kunal Rawal. For years, it has been part of the way the designer builds a collection, sets a mood and ultimately presents menswear. From earlier tracks including Ishq Mitha that have become synonymous to sangeet and baraat celebrations to original compositions created for the runway, sound has developed alongside the couture as a recognisable part of the world of KR.

Now, that relationship gets its biggest stage yet.

Fresh off the heels of the brand’s showcase at FDCI India Couture Week 2026, Kunal Rawal presents Rawalgarh di Jugni, his first–ever original music video campaign with T-Series. It is a fun and immersive take on the aesthetic world of Rawalgarh: a land of couture, culture, celebration, menswear and a whole lot of music. Created in close collaboration with Akshay & IP, the project takes the brand’s sonic identity beyond the show soundtrack and into a world of its own. At its centre is Jugni: literally, “the light”: a spirit of energy that brings life to the make-believe fort. Jugni is both metaphor and protagonist, representing the individuality that has always remained one of the brand’s strongest codes.

The sound is unmistakably KR: Punjabi folk with a rock-and-roll streak. Guitar riffs cut through dhol beats; heritage verses sit against contemporary production. The result is neither a traditional folk track nor a conventional fashion soundtrack, but something that occupies the space between the two: Indian at its core, contemporary in its treatment and built with the same contrasts that have long informed Rawal’s clothes.

“Music and film have always been a huge part of what inspires me, and that naturally finds its way into the couture we create. Making our first–ever music video feels incredibly exciting, but also like a very natural next step. Rawalgarh gave us the opportunity to bring all those influences together and create something that represents what has shaped me creatively over the years, and what continues to inspire me today.” — Kunal Rawal

That world finds its visual setting at Alila Fort Bishangarh, where Rawalgarh di Jugni was filmed. Set against the fort’s raw stone geometry and golden light, the film plays with the same tensions found throughout Rawal’s work: structure against fluidity, heritage against modernity, permanence against change. Rather than using the location as a decorative backdrop, its architecture becomes part of the frame, interacting with the clothes and the movement around them.

In Rawalgarh, the crow signals the arrival of something exciting. A messenger of what lies ahead, it leads the viewer into the film and towards the world waiting to be discovered.

And then there are the clothes.

First presented at India Couture Week 2026 in July, Rawalgarh is one of the brand’s most expansive expressions of menswear to date, bringing together over 150 looks across Couture Casual, Indian Black Tie and the Ceremonial Modern Groom. Military structure meets sportswear ease; evolved Indian handcraft meets engineered construction; traditional techniques are worked through new textures, silhouettes and colour.

The music video gives those clothes a different life. Away from the runway, they move through the landscape they were imagined for, allowing sound, architecture and couture to operate as parts of the same idea.

49th Barsha 2026: Celebrating Monsoon, Music and the Timeless Beauty of Indian Classical Dance

Aug 24: The 49th Barsha 2026, presented by Chinta O Chetana, will bring together a vibrant selection of Indian classical dance and music traditions for a celebration of art, culture and the monsoon season.

The festival is scheduled to be held at Rabindra Mandap on August 25 and 26, 2026, from 7 PM onwards. The programme will feature Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Sattriya dance performances, along with Odissi and Hindustani vocal recitals and instrumental presentations.

A Celebration of Indian Classical Arts

The festival brings together acclaimed artists, gurus, dance institutions and cultural groups representing different classical traditions. The programme highlights the richness of India’s performing arts, with a strong emphasis on Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Programme Highlights

Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya

• Odissi Dance: Basudha

Sitar Recital

• Raag Megh
• Pandit Subrat De – Sitar
• Guru Kulamani Sahoo – Tabla

Sattriya Dance

• Barish Ke Boond
• Vidushi Anjana Moyee Saikia

Odissi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Nimakanta Routary
• Sushree Bijaya Lakshmi Routary & Troupe

Barsha Bichitra

• Guru Kulamani Sahoo & Troupe

Odissi and Bharatanatyam Performances

Nupur Odissi Dance

• Chinta Chetanara
• Barsha
• Guru Dr. Niranjan Rout & Troupe

Kala Sampada – Bharatanatyam

• The Rain
• Vidushi Veena C. Seshadri & Troupe

Odissi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Rupak Parida
• Guru Dr. Matru Prasad Das & Troupe

Mardal Badan

• Guru Dr. Dhaneswar Swain & Troupe

More Cultural Performances

Orissa Dance Academy

• Barsha Bitana

Adidwani

• Tupp Tupp Barsha
• Guru Rabi Ratan Sahoo & Troupe

Hindustani Vocal

• Raag Malhar
• Pandit Sankumay Debnath
• Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee – Tabla
• Sri Akash Biswal – Harmonium

Odishi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Ramahari Das
• Guru Dr. Bijaya Kumar Jena
• Pandit Sachidananda Das – Mardal

Event Details

• Event: 49th Barsha 2026
• Organiser: Chinta O Chetana
• Venue: Rabindra Mandap
• Dates: August 25–26, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM onwards
• Theme: Monsoon-inspired Indian classical dance and music
• Art Forms: Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Sattriya, Hindustani Classical Music and Indian classical instrumental music

The 49th Barsha 2026 promises a rich cultural experience, bringing together diverse classical traditions and artists under the evocative theme of the monsoon.

AntarHriday Connect to Celebrate Hindustani Music with Special Workshop at KVA DAV College, Karnal

Aug 24: AntarHriday Connect, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI) and in support of KVA DAV College, Karnal, is set to host a special performance-cum-workshop celebrating the rich heritage and evolving expression of Hindustani classical music.

Scheduled for 1 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM at the KVA DAV College Auditorium, Karnal, the programme will bring together established musicians and emerging talent under the theme “Tradition. Expression. Evolution. – Nurturing the Eternal Journey of Hindustani Music.”

The event is designed as an inspiring learning and performance platform for music students, musicians and music enthusiasts. It will offer participants an opportunity to experience Hindustani music through live performances while reflecting on the importance of tradition, individual expression and the evolution of the art form.

The centrepiece of the programme will be a performance-cum-workshop by Pt. Subrata De, who will engage with participants through his musical expertise and provide insights into the nuances, traditions and evolving dimensions of Hindustani music.

Adding to the programme will be a vocal performance by emerging young talent Shri Shantam Tandon, whose participation highlights the growing role of the next generation in carrying India’s classical music traditions forward.

The musical presentation will also feature Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee as collaborator on tabla, bringing together instrumental and vocal elements to create a rich classical music experience.

The programme will be held under the patronage of Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament, who has been named the Chief Patron of the event.

The collaboration between AntarHriday Connect and SBI, with the support of KVA DAV College, reflects an effort to create meaningful platforms for cultural engagement and music education. By bringing experienced performers, young artists and students together, the initiative seeks to encourage a deeper appreciation of India’s classical musical traditions.

The theme of the event underlines the continuing journey of Hindustani music—from its deep-rooted traditions to contemporary forms of expression. Such workshops can provide young musicians with opportunities to learn directly from experienced practitioners while encouraging them to explore their own artistic voices.

Participants attending the programme are requested to join for tea at 10:00 AM, with the main programme beginning at 10:30 AM. Guests have been requested to be seated by 10:15 AM.

With a combination of live performance, learning and interaction, AntarHriday Connect aims to make the event a memorable celebration of Hindustani music and its enduring connection across generations.

Event Details

• Event: AntarHriday Connect – Performance Cum Workshop
• Theme: Tradition. Expression. Evolution. – Nurturing the Eternal Journey of Hindustani Music
• Date: 1 September 2026, Tuesday
• Time: 10:30 AM
• Venue: KVA DAV College Auditorium, Karnal
• Tea: 10:00 AM
• Workshop & Performance: Pt. Subrata De
• Vocal Performance: Shri Shantam Tandon
• Tabla Collaboration: Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee
• Chief Patron: Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament
• In Collaboration With: State Bank of India
• In Support Of: KVA DAV College, Karnal
• Organiser: AntarHriday Connect

For event-related communication, attendees can contact antarhridayconnect@gmail.com.

Kylie Jenner Carries Ahikoza by BRHAM at Malibu Wedding

Kylie Jenner has added her name to the growing celebrity following of Ahikoza by BRHAM, carrying the Indian luxury label’s signature Lilian bag, designed by founder Namrata Karad, at the Malibu wedding of NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods.

Jenner paired the black satin Lilian with her vintage Roberto Cavalli halter gown for the August 15 nuptials, bringing the sculptural Indian-designed accessory into focus at one of the season’s most closely watched celebrity weddings.

The appearance marks another significant addition to the Lilian’s growing celebrity following. Before Jenner, the bag had been spotted with Jessica Alba, Lauren Sánchez Bezos and Cameron Diaz, while Ahikoza’s wider designs have found fans among an impressive roster of global and Indian stars, including Camila Cabello, Kate Hudson, Doja Cat, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

For an Indian-founded accessories label, the growing presence of Ahikoza across Hollywood red carpets, celebrity wardrobes and high-profile events is particularly notable. The brand’s designs have also appeared in films and television, contributing to its visibility beyond traditional fashion circles.

At the centre of that recognition is Karad’s distinctive design language. Ahikoza is known for its geometric forms, sculptural silhouettes and emphasis on craftsmanship rather than prominent logos. Karad has previously described her approach as creating handbags that can be recognised by design rather than by a loud logo.

The Lilian embodies that philosophy with its elongated, structured silhouette and restrained detailing. Its appeal among celebrities reflects a broader shift towards accessories that offer a strong design identity without relying on conspicuous branding.

Jenner’s latest appearance therefore adds another high-profile chapter to Ahikoza’s international journey. From Jessica Alba and Cameron Diaz to Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Camila Cabello, Kate Hudson, Doja Cat and now Kylie Jenner, the label is steadily building a celebrity ecosystem that spans Hollywood and Bollywood.

For Namrata Karad, each appearance reinforces the same proposition that has defined Ahikoza from the beginning: Indian design and craftsmanship can command a place on the global luxury stage through distinctive design, rather than simply through a recognisable logo.

Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Dungeon Crawler Carl as Princess Donut

Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Live-Action Adaptation of Audible Bestseller “Dungeon Crawler Carl” as the Voice of Princess Donut

AR Rahman Launches ‘Tamil Idol’ to Discover Tamil Nadu’s Next Singing Sensation

Mumbai, August 17: Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman has launched ‘Tamil Idol’, a statewide talent hunt aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of singing talent from across Tamil Nadu.

The first-ever Tamil edition of the globally recognised singing competition format was unveiled by Sony Vizha in association with Rahman. The show will seek to bring together promising voices from different parts of the state and provide them with a platform to showcase their musical talent.

Auditions for the show will open from August 18, with aspiring singers invited to register through the Sony LIV app. Participants who cannot attend auditions in person will also be able to submit their entries online.

To audition, participants need to select the Tamil Idol Audition section on the Sony LIV app, complete their registration with personal details and upload three videos demonstrating their versatility across different singing genres.

Rahman said the search for new voices is at the heart of music and that the initiative would help uncover new talent, fresh perspectives and stories from different generations.

“With Tamil Idol, for the very first time, we bring together the extraordinary voices of Tamil Nadu and give them a platform to be celebrated,” Rahman said.

Produced by Fremantle India, Tamil Idol will be available across Sony Vizha and Sony LIV, combining television and digital platforms to reach audiences across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

The initiative is expected to provide a significant platform for emerging singers, particularly those from smaller towns and communities who may not otherwise have easy access to the mainstream music industry.

With Rahman leading the search, the competition aims not only to identify strong vocal performers but also to celebrate the diversity of Tamil Nadu’s musical traditions and contemporary voices.

The auditions will mark the beginning of a statewide search for the first-ever Tamil Idol, with aspiring singers across the state invited to participate.