14, Apr 2026
Bangla ZEE5 To Stream Horror Comedy ‘Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel’ From Poila Baisakh
Kolkata, Apr 14: comedy Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is soon going to be streamed on Bangla ZEE5 from 15th April, 2026. Directed by filmmaker Aritra Mukherjee, the film unfolds a horror yet humorous tale set in a mysterious hotel nestled in the mountains. Blending suspense with light-hearted moments, the story explores how an ordinary holiday retreat slowly turns into a place filled with unexplained events and hidden secrets.
Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is produced by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee and written by Zinia Sen.
This quirky Bengali horror–comedy seamlessly blends supernatural mayhem with sharp situational humour. Starring Mimi Chakraborty, Soham Majumdar, Bonny Sengupta, and Swastika Dutta in pivotal roles, the film boasts a dynamic ensemble that enriches its eccentric, high-energy narrative. Set within an unconventional hotel brimming with bizarre ghostly encounters, the series stands out for its vivid characters, clever writing, and a refreshingly playful take on fear.
In Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel, eminent actress Mimi Chakraborty will be seen as Nandini, Soham Majumdar as Shaon, Bonny Sengupta as Aranya, and Swastika Dutta as Malini.
The film also features some of the well-known actors from the Bengali film industry including Kanchan Mullick, Manasi Sinha, Anamika Saha, Joydeep Mukherjee, Anasua Majumdar, Subhrajit Dutta, and Ujan Chatterjee in important roles.
“At Bangla ZEE5, on every month we constantly try to bring new, engaging and entertaining stories to our viewers across genres. Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is our Poila Baisakh special occasional release for the viewers. The movie offers a delightful mix of suspense, mystery and humour, set against the intriguing backdrop of a mountain hotel. The film brings together an entertaining narrative with moments of thrill and comedy that will keep audiences hooked. Viewers are bound to enjoy this unique horror–comedy experience and it will become one of the exciting additions to our Bangla content library”, said Ms Rusa Banerjee, Business Head, Bangla ZEE5.
The music of the film is composed by Anupam Roy and Arnab Dutta, while Pratip Mukherjee has handled the cinematography.
Editing is done by Subhajit Singha, with Mridul Baidya serving as the Art Director and Amit Kumar Dutta as the Sound Designer.
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- By Neel Achary
13, Apr 2026
Maharashtra Plans Music Academy as Tribute to Asha Bhosle
Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): The Maharashtra government will move ahead with plans to establish a music institute envisioned by legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday.
The decision comes a day after the iconic singer’s passing at the age of 92, marking the end of an extraordinary musical journey that spanned over seven decades and touched generations of listeners.
Fadnavis said the proposed institute would serve as a tribute to her legacy and contribute to nurturing future talent in music.
The state cabinet also paid homage to Bhosle during a meeting, where a condolence resolution was presented in her honour. Senior officials and ministers observed the moment, remembering her immense contribution to Indian music.
The initiative reflects the state’s effort to preserve her legacy while inspiring aspiring artists for years to come.
13, Apr 2026
Sombre Farewell: Sachin Tendulkar, Asha Parekh, Tabu Among Those Paying Tribute to Asha Bhosle
Pic Credit: https://x.com/ashabhosle
Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): A wave of emotion swept through the film, music, and sports fraternity as several prominent personalities, including Asha Parekh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Tabu, paid heartfelt tributes to legendary singer Asha Bhosle following her passing at the age of 92.
Friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to offer their final respects, remembering her as one of Indian music’s most versatile and enduring voices.
Asha Bhosle, who built a remarkable career spanning over eight decades, created her own distinct identity in playback singing despite the towering legacy of her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar. Known for her unmatched range and versatility, she recorded nearly 12,000 songs in multiple languages and earned a place in the Guinness World Records for her prolific output.
Her journey began in 1943 at the age of just 10, and she continued to sing and record for decades, making her one of the longest-performing artists in global music history.
Over her illustrious career, she received several top honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan. She was also honoured with multiple National Film Awards for timeless classics like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “Mera Kuchh Saaman.”
From soulful melodies to energetic chartbusters, her unforgettable songs such as “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja,” “In Aankhon Ki Masti,” and “Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main” continue to resonate across generations.
As tributes pour in from India and abroad, Asha Bhosle is being remembered not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon whose voice defined an era of Indian music.
13, Apr 2026
Femina Miss India Awards Night Honours Sub-Contest Winners Ahead of Bhubaneswar Grand Finale
Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, Apr 13 (BNP): The 61st edition of the Femina Miss India marked a significant milestone with a dazzling Awards Night in Mumbai, where 30 state winners were honoured with prestigious sub-contest titles ahead of the much-anticipated grand finale in Bhubaneswar.
The event celebrated individuality, talent, and achievement, with contestants receiving titles such as Miss Goodness Ambassador, Miss Lifestyle, Miss Fashion Icon, and Miss Body Beautiful—recognising qualities ranging from compassion and personality to fitness and style.
Held as a glamorous prelude to the finale, the Awards Night brought together top प्रतिभागियों in a vibrant showcase of fashion and performance. The evening was elevated by energetic acts from musical duo Sukriti and Prakriti Kakar, percussionist Rituraj Mohanty, and DJs Techtronix and Benj, blending glamour with high-energy entertainment.
A major highlight of the evening was the fashion showcase themed “Connecting the DOTS – Daughters of This Soil.” Designed by Anmol Singh, the collection featured intricate patchwork crafted from tiny handmade beaded elements, symbolising unity in diversity. The show, directed by Sandeep Dharma and styled by Rishi Raj, seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling, reinforcing India’s rich cultural identity.
The journey to the finale began with a nationwide talent hunt launched last November, covering auditions across five zones. Thirty finalists emerged and underwent intensive grooming at a Mumbai boot camp under industry experts. The Awards Night served as a key checkpoint, celebrating their transformation and readiness for the final stage.
The grand finale is scheduled for April 18 at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar, where the winner will earn the honour of representing India at the prestigious Miss World.
The Femina Miss India legacy includes global icons such as Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Manushi Chhillar. This year’s collaboration with KIIT and KISS further underscores the pageant’s commitment to empowerment through education, alongside celebrating beauty and talent.
As the countdown to Bhubaneswar begins, the stage is set for a spectacular finale that promises to crown not just a winner, but a global cultural ambassador.
9, Apr 2026
Ruffle Dunali Fever: Fans Say Revati Mahurkar Brings Back Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Ek Do Teen’ Magic with Electrifying Moves
The internet is buzzing with excitement as Ruffle Dunali continues to trend, with Revati Mahurkar emerging as the standout performer. Her high-energy act, marked by expressive movements and captivating screen presence, has struck a strong chord with audiences across social media.
Fans have been quick to draw comparisons between Revati’s performance and Madhuri Dixit’s iconic charm from the classic song Ek Do Teen. From her expressive eyes to her fluid dance moves, Revati’s performance has been widely appreciated for evoking a sense of nostalgia while delivering a fresh, contemporary twist.
Social media platforms are flooded with praise for the rising performer. Fans have lauded her lip-sync precision, energetic choreography, and effortless grace, with many calling her performance “electrifying” and “on fire.” Several users also highlighted how her expressions and stage presence elevate the overall appeal of the track.
Adding to the excitement is her on-screen pairing with Prince Narula. The duo’s chemistry has been described as dynamic and engaging, with Prince’s signature style complementing Revati’s vibrant dance moves, making the song highly replay-worthy.
Audience reactions further indicate a growing demand to see Revati in more Bollywood dance numbers, with fans praising her ability to make even complex choreography appear seamless and natural.
With overwhelming appreciation pouring in, Ruffle Dunali has emerged as more than just a song—it has become a cultural moment that places Revati Mahurkar firmly in the spotlight, while reigniting the timeless appeal of expressive, high-energy dance in Indian pop culture.
1, Apr 2026
DIVINE & Riar Saab Unveil Dance Anthem ‘Saucy’ Featuring Mouni Roy
India, 1st April 2026 – India’s leading independent hip-hop label Gully Gang Entertainment has released the official music video for ‘Saucy’ bringing together multi-platinum rapper DIVINE, Punjabi singer-rapper Riar Saab and popular film personality Mouni Roy. The track appears on DIVINE’s fifth studio album ‘Walking on Water’.
Filmed across Singapore, the video directed by Ruel Dausan Varindani unfolds against a sleek, high-gloss backdrop, with Mouni Roy leading the visual narrative through stylized choreography. Landmark locations including the Helix Bridge, Haji Lane and the Swissôtel Helipad anchor the video in a distinctly global, metropolitan setting.
Sweeping between flirtation and finesse, ‘Saucy’ produced by Karan Kanchan leans into a melodic, groove-forward sound, pairing DIVINE’s sharp, rhythmic delivery with Riar Saab’s smooth vocal tone. The track celebrates confidence and independence, framing modern romance through a polished, dance-ready lens.
DIVINE states, “Saucy is that groove record. I wanted to give people something they can just play and feel good. Riar and I always have a good energy when we work together, and with Mouni on the video, the whole thing just came together naturally. When we were figuring out where to shoot the track, Singapore just felt right. I was there recently for F1 and that pace stayed with me, it moves fast but still feels easy. Saucy is a distinct flavour of Walking on Water that I think people needed to witness.”
Mouni Roy states, “Singapore had been on my travel wish list for a while, and now it has my heart. Experiencing this beautiful beautiful country for the first time while shooting Saucy was something else entirely. The food, the fashion, the energy, it all flows together so effortlessly. We moved through so many different spaces and moods while filming, and the city just kept revealing itself. Bustling one moment, beautifully still the next. It stopped feeling like we were working and shooting and started feeling like I was falling in love with the city. I came to film and ended up completely charmed. I will definitely be coming back.”
Riar Saab states, “Bhai and I have a natural chemistry when it comes to making music. Saucy was one of those tracks where the energy was right from day one. Singapore was mad, the whole shoot had a different feel to it. I just wanted to bring that smooth Punjabi touch to the track and let people vibe to it.”
Released in December 2025, ‘Walking on Water’ marked a standout moment for DIVINE. The 16-track album charted his evolution from Mumbai’s underground rap circuit to the global hip-hop stage, arriving a decade after his breakout reshaped the trajectory of Indian hip-hop. The project featured a wide-ranging lineup of collaborators, including Hanumankind, Gurinder Gill, MC Altaf, Sammohit, Riar Saab and Kalyani Priyadarshan, with production from ZZORAWAR, Stunnah Beatz and Phenom. In a milestone first, the album also incorporated samples from A.R. Rahman’s ‘Kehna Hi Kya’ (Bombay) and R.D. Burman’s ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ (Sholay) and ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ (3 Idiots).
The music video for ‘Saucy’ is out now on YouTube.
1, Apr 2026
Harlequin and Dashverse To Launch Animated Microdrama Franchises
“Harlequin romance stories have a long-standing legacy of resonating with readers through their universal themes of love and connection,” said Brent Lewis, EVP and Publisher, Harlequin. “This partnership with Dashverse represents an exciting opportunity to reimagine these cherished stories for a new audience, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bring them to life in an innovative and engaging medium.”“Some of the most powerful stories in the world already exist, they just need to be experienced in new ways,” said Sanidhya Narain, CEO and Co-Founder of Dashverse. “With Harlequin, we’re unlocking a vast library of beloved stories and reimagining them for a format that is visual, immediate, and built for today’s generation. This is a step toward building global entertainment franchises from existing IP, powered by AI.”
30, Mar 2026
Dhurandhar 2 and Ranveer Singh drive Micro Wellness’ entertainment-led brand strategy for DOLO Pain Relief Spray
Bengaluru, Mar 30: Micro Wellness, the wellness division of Micro Labs Limited, has partnered with Dhurandhar 2, a major 2026 action release starring Ranveer Singh, to promote its flagship product, DOLO Pain Relief Spray. The collaboration reflects the brand’s strategy to leverage high-impact entertainment to connect with India’s active and aspirational consumers.
Built around the theme “The Unstoppable Indian”, the campaign draws from the film’s narrative of resilience and determination, aligning with Micro Wellness’ mission to deliver fast, effective pain relief for action-ready lifestyles. The brand aims to position itself as a trusted companion for individuals pushing through physically demanding routines.
The campaign will roll out nationwide across multiple geographies — Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada —to maximize reach and engagement. A digital activation, #PainReliefKaDhurandhar, will invite consumers to share their stories of grit and perseverance, driving meaningful interaction, especially among younger audiences.
Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Diya Surana, Head – Micro Wellness, said:
“Our collaboration with Dhurandhar 2 celebrates the unstoppable spirit of today’s India. With DOLO Pain Relief Spray, we aim to empower individuals to stay active, resilient, and unstoppable.”
Amid rising demand for convenient, on-demand pain relief driven by increasingly active lifestyles, Micro Wellness expects this high-impact collaboration to significantly enhance brand visibility, deepen consumer trust, and drive strong double-digit growth across key markets.
25, Mar 2026
Aditya Rikhari, Kutle Khan and Ravator Set the Tone for Coke Studio Bharat Season 4 with Ae Ajnabee
Mar 25: Coke Studio Bharat, the platform celebrating India’s diverse musical heritage, kicks off Season 4 with its first track, Ae Ajnabee, a song about the one feeling that never goes out of style: longing. Featuring the warm, effortless charm of Aditya Rikhari alongside the evocative artistry of folk maestro Kutle Khan and Ravator’s production, the track is a conversation between eras, between the love that was written in letters and the love that lives in unsent messages.
Ae Ajnabee explores the simple yet universal truth, that while the language of love has changed, the ache beneath it remains the same. From the quiet of stolen glances and handwritten poetry to the restlessness of late-night texts and almost-confessions, the song traces longing across time without choosing sides. It doesn’t romanticize the past or rush toward the present, it lets both coexist, breath by breath.
Musically, the track mirrors this emotional bridge. Folk-rooted melody and contemporary pop find each other naturally here, shaping a track that carries tradition while breathing in the present. Rikhari anchors the song in the relatable and the real, while Kutle Khan brings a local depth and soulfulness that feels as old as longing itself. Ravator ties these worlds together, giving the track a finish that feels new, while keeping everything that matters intact. The result is a song that sits comfortably with someone who grew up on soulful melodies and someone discovering love for the very first time.
Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said,
“Indian music today is not confined to one lane. Listeners move between folk, indie, electronic and many more genres. With Ae Ajnabee, Coke Studio Bharat bridges generations, cultures and sonics.
We are excited to have opened the season with the extremely talented teen heartthrob Aditya Rikhari whose fandom combined with folk maestro Kutle Khan’s roots celebrates the very core of Coke Studio Bharat. DJ Ravator has done an amazing job at bringing these 2 diverse worlds into one melting pot that marks the start of Coke Studio Bharat 4.”
Aditya Rikhari said, “Ae Ajnabee captures a feeling many of us have experienced. Wanting someone, missing someone, and not always having the words for it. What stands out to me is that the song doesn’t try to over-explain that emotion; it simply allows it to exist. Coke Studio Bharat gave us the space to approach it honestly and believe that truth is what listeners will respond to.”
Kutle Khan said, “Folk music has always carried the history of longing, it is built from it. With Ae Ajnabee, we weren’t trying to recreate something old, we were letting something old speak in a new voice. That, to me, is what music should do, and Coke Studio Bharat created a space where that conversation is possible.”
Ravator said, “This song felt very instinctive from the start. For me, the approach to production was simple. Protect the emotion at the centre of the track. Aditya and Kutle Khan brought so much feeling to it that I just followed that energy. It was about listening carefully and building around what was already there.”
In opening with Ae Ajnabee, Season 4 reminds listeners that while sounds evolve, emotions endure. The journey ahead continues to explore those shared truths through voices that define today and traditions that shaped yesterday.
24, Mar 2026
Masked Traditions Come Alive: Himachal’s Ancient Raulane Festival Goes Viral
Raulane Festival of Himachal Pradesh: A Centuries-Old Himalayan Tradition Celebrating Faith, Nature and Community
Bright and colourful images from Himachal Pradesh have recently gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the Raulane Festival, an ancient winter ritual celebrated in the Kinnaur district. The visuals—featuring masked performers, traditional costumes, and symbolic rituals—have sparked widespread curiosity about this unique cultural tradition rooted in Himalayan belief systems.
A Sacred Winter Festival of Kinnaur
The Raulane Festival is a deeply spiritual and culturally significant winter celebration observed in remote villages of Kinnaur. It is dedicated to “Saunis”, celestial fairies believed in local tradition to be gentle, radiant beings who protect villagers during harsh winters.
According to local belief, these divine beings provide warmth, guidance, and protection when life becomes difficult in the extreme Himalayan climate.
Symbolic Marriage Ritual: Raula and Raulane
One of the most fascinating aspects of the festival is its symbolic marriage ritual. During the celebration, two men are chosen to represent the divine couple:
- The Raula (groom)
- The Raulane (bride)
They are believed to act as spiritual vessels for the Saunis. This ritual is not a real marriage but a symbolic performance representing divine unity and protection.
The participants wear heavy traditional woollen clothing suited for the cold Himalayan weather. Their faces are fully covered with masks, and their hands are gloved, giving the ritual a mysterious and sacred appearance.
The Raulane, representing the bride figure, is dressed in elaborate attire with decorative ornaments, traditional jewellery, and detailed headgear, transforming the performer into a ritual identity rather than an individual.
Ritual Dance and Village Participation
A key highlight of the festival is a slow, meditative ritual dance performed at the Nagin Narayan Temple, one of the important spiritual centres in the region. The movement is calm and symbolic, reflecting devotion and spiritual connection.
The entire village takes part in prayers, gatherings, and celebrations, making the festival a deeply communal event rather than an individual ritual.
Cultural and Spiritual Importance
The Raulane Festival is not just a celebration—it is a living expression of Himalayan heritage. It plays a vital role in:
- Preserving ancient oral traditions and folklore
- Strengthening community bonding in remote mountain villages
- Honouring nature-based spiritual beliefs
- Maintaining cultural identity in harsh geographical conditions
Local traditions suggest that the festival may be thousands of years old, with some accounts estimating its origins to be nearly 5,000 years old, though this remains part of oral belief rather than documented history.
Why the Festival Is Trending Now
The festival has recently gained global attention due to:
- Viral social media images and videos
- Unique masked performances and costumes
- Curiosity about Himalayan spiritual traditions
- Increased interest in cultural and heritage tourism
Travel enthusiasts and cultural observers are now highlighting Kinnaur as a destination rich in untouched traditions and deep-rooted beliefs.
Conclusion
The Raulane Festival stands as a powerful reminder of India’s diverse cultural heritage. In the remote mountains of Himachal Pradesh, traditions like these continue to thrive, blending faith, mythology, and community life.
Beyond its striking visuals, the festival reflects a deeper message—of harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality, preserved through generations in the heart of the Himalayas.
