24, Aug 2026
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.
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- By Neel Achary
24, Aug 2026
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.
23, Aug 2026
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.
17, Aug 2026
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
17, Aug 2026
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.
13, Aug 2026
EXOPLANET, A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Thriller Executive Produced by The Martian and Project Hail Mary Creator Andy Weir, to Launch Exclusively From Audible November 5th
Andy Weir said, “I’m obsessed with problems, the kind where one person and a lot of math are all that stand between survival and disaster. Benjamin Percy’s writing in Exoplanet takes that and adds a twist that genuinely kept me up at night: what if the people trying to save each other were separated not by distance, but by centuries? You can’t see that story. You have to hear it. The crackle across a five-hundred-year gap, the desperation in a voice that doesn’t know if anyone’s still listening. Anthony, Ariana, and John don’t just perform it; they make you feel every impossible mile between them.”
Marshall Lewy, Head of Audible Content for North America, stated, “Andy Weir’s stories transform rigorous science into big-hearted thrill rides with heart stopping action and intense human emotion. That’s why Andy’s books have sold millions and inspired blockbuster films. With Andy as Executive Producer and Benjamin Percy crafting beautiful scripts specifically for the ear, Exoplanet is built for the audiences who loved Project Hail Mary and The Martian while also giving them something entirely new. Exoplanet has brilliant sound design, three extraordinary performances, and a thrilling mystery at its core. This is the kind of ambitious, only-in-audio storytelling Audible exists to make.”
10, Aug 2026
Audible Announces New Slate of Immersive Audio Thrillers from James Patterson and Michael Connelly
1, Aug 2026
From ShemarooMe to the Big Spotlight: Akanksha Chamola’s Inspiring Journey of Growth and Stardom
Aug 1: Every successful journey begins with a defining opportunity. For actress Akanksha Chamola, that opportunity arrived with the ShemarooMe Original Dil Dhoka Aur Desire, where she led a bold, contemporary narrative that showcased her range as a performer. The series not only introduced audiences to her versatility but also marked the beginning of a new and promising chapter in her career.
Since then, Akanksha’s journey has been one of steady growth and reinvention. Building on the recognition she earned through Dil Dhoka Aur Desire, she has expanded her presence across multiple entertainment formats, from starring in several micro-dramas that resonated with digital audiences, to now appearing as a contestant on the reality show Lock Upp. With each project, she has continued to evolve as a performer while deepening her connection with viewers.
Her transition across fiction, short-format digital content and reality television reflects her willingness to explore diverse opportunities and challenge herself with every new project. With each appearance, she has earned greater visibility and carved a distinct identity in the entertainment industry.
Looking back at her journey, Dil Dhoka Aur Desire remains a significant milestone that gave audiences an early glimpse of Akanksha’s talent and screen presence. The ShemarooMe Original provided a strong platform that allowed her to reach viewers and establish herself as a performer capable of taking on layered and engaging roles.
Today, as Akanksha continues to capture attention with her participation in Lock Upp 2, her journey serves as a testament to how dedication, consistency and the right opportunities can shape a successful career. rom leading a ShemarooMe Original to becoming a familiar face across digital and reality entertainment, she has steadily built a growing fan base and continues to make her presence felt in the industry.
ShemarooMe takes pride in being a part of Akanksha Chamola’s professional journey and celebrates her continued success as she reaches newer milestones. Her story reflects the evolving entertainment landscape, where digital originals have become a powerful launchpad for emerging talent, helping actors showcase their abilities and connect with audiences before taking on even bigger opportunities.
As Akanksha’s journey continues to unfold, her growth from a ShemarooMe Original lead to one of the industry’s rising personalities stands as an inspiring example of talent meeting opportunity and making the most of it.
29, Jul 2026
Thodi Si Umeed Thoda Sa Aasman Actress Aarti Birajdar on Vaidehi’s New Chapter: Marriage Should Never Mean Giving Up on Your Dreams
Talking about the ongoing track, Aarti Birajdar, who plays Vaidehi, says,
“In the current track of Thodi Si Umeed, Thoda Sa Aasman, Vaidehi is getting married while also preparing for her exams, and she is trying to balance both these important phases of her life. While I am portraying this on screen, in reality, there are so many girls who are managing their studies, careers, marriages and responsibilities at the same time. It is not easy to take care of a home and family while also working towards your dreams, but so many women continue to do it every single day.I have even come across stories of girls who have appeared for their exams in their wedding outfits, attended their exams, and then gone back to their own wedding ceremonies. Just imagining the strength and determination it takes to do something like that is truly inspiring. I have immense respect for all the girls who are balancing their responsibilities while refusing to give up on their dreams. They may be ordinary girls, but the way they manage their lives and dreams makes them truly extraordinary. Marriage should never mean giving up on your dreams. A huge salute to every such girl who continues to believe in herself.”
24, Jul 2026
The Roost Relaunches as Podium, a Cross-Platform Podcast Company, and Signs Trisha Paytas’ Just Trish as First Major Partnership Under New Brand
SANTA MONICA, CA – July 24 – Night, the talent management and media company behind some of the internet’s most influential creators, today announced the evolution of its podcast division, The Roost Podcast Network, into Podium – a new video-first, cross platform podcast company built for the next generation of creator-led entertainment. Alongside the launch, Podium announced a new partnership with creator, actress, and podcast host Trisha Paytas, who is bringing her hit podcast Just Trish to the network.
The launch marks the next chapter for the company following Night’s acquisition of The Roost in 2024, expanding its focus beyond traditional podcasting to support creators building audiences across YouTube, audio platforms, social media, and live experiences. Podium is built around the way audiences consume content today, through personality-driven shows that live across multiple platforms and foster deeply engaged fan communities.
Home to some of the most influential creator-led shows, including This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Sam & Colby Reacts, The Yard, Weekly Teacap with Kristi Cook, and Just Trish, among others, Podium’s broader roster reaches more than 50 million monthly video and audio impressions and 66 million+ followers across platforms.
“When Night acquired The Roost in 2024, we saw a company that understood something the rest of the industry was just waking up to: that podcasting is video-first, personality-driven, and powered by fandom,” said Reed Duchscher, CEO and Founder of Night. “Two years later, this company has evolved from its origins. Podium is who this team and these creators are today, and there’s no better way to open this chapter than welcoming Trisha, one of the most magnetic influencers on the internet.”
Trisha Paytas Brings Just Trish to Podium
Podium will support the growth of Trisha Paytas’ podcast, Just Trish, leading distribution, audience development, and brand partnerships, building on the company’s work with creator-led podcasts including This Past Weekend with Theo Von and Jeff Wittek’s JeffFM.
Trisha Paytas is a television personality, content creator, and actress with more than 20 million followers across social platforms, known for her lifestyle vlogs, ASMR content, and cosplay videos. Beyond her digital presence, she has also appeared in more than 50 film and television projects including Broadway’s Beetlejuice: The Musical, and HBO’s Euphoria.
Just Trish, launched in 2019, has drawn more than 160 million views for its unfiltered takes on pop culture and entertainment headlines.
“Just Trish started as me talking about pop culture with my fans, and it turned into the thing I love most,” said Trisha Paytas. “My fans show up for everything, and Podium understands how meaningful that is.”
“Trisha has built a deeply connected and loyal audience who have followed her journey from podcasting to Broadway. For nearly two decades on the internet, Trisha continues to entertain and surprise her audience with her creativity and talent,” said Catherine Browne, VP of Revenue & Partnerships, Podium. “Podium was built for creator-first podcasts that cross multiple platforms, and we’re thrilled to partner with Trisha as we launch this new chapter and continue to expand our slate of female-led and pop culture podcasts.”
Podcasting has evolved beyond a single audio feed. Today’s biggest shows are watched as much as they’re listened to, with audiences following hosts across YouTube, audio platforms, social media, and live tours. “Podcast network” described a business built on audio downloads and ad reads; Podium is built for where the medium is moving, with a roster that helped drive the shift. The new identity and website are live today at: www.PodiumNetwork.Co
