Category Archives: Entertainment

The Gypsy Travel Festival Returns to Mumbai with Its Most Ambitious Edition Yet Wander. Discover. Dream.

Mumbai, Jan 29: Travel is no longer aesthetic-only. It’s time to swap screens for stories, hashtags for handshakes, and curated feeds for lived experiences. This February, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of global discovery as The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF), India’s premier consumer travel showcase, returns with its 4th edition on 7th & 8th February 2026 at Jio World Drive, BKC. Running from 3 PM to 10 PM, TGTF brings together destinations, travel brands, industry experts, and experience-led audiences under one dynamic roof, redefining how Indian travellers discover and plan their holidays.

“TGTF was created as a space where travel conversations could move beyond brochures and algorithms,” says Lubaina Sheerazi, Co-founder, The Gypsy Travel Network. “Over the years, we’ve seen Indian travellers become more curious, more informed, and far more intentional. This edition reflects that shift, bringing together destinations and brands that offer depth, authenticity, and experiences people genuinely want to engage with before they travel.”

Bringing the World to Mumbai

As India’s appetite for immersive, experience-led travel continues to surge, TGTF has evolved into a platform that brings global cultures, conversations, and journeys directly to Indian audiences.

This year’s edition features powerful destination-led storytelling and immersive showcases, including:

• Amazing Thailand, presented in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, spotlighting culture-rich cities, island escapes, wellness journeys, festivals, and emerging sustainable routes.
• Visit Sapporo, Japan’s northern wonderland, Hokkaido, offering a window into snow-laden landscapes, world-class produce, hot springs, and seasonal adventures that redefine experiential travel.
• Magical Kenya, unveiling vibrant coastline, bustling cities, and experiences beyond iconic safaris and unforgettable wildlife encounters that continue to top global bucket lists.

June Chepkemei, CEO, Kenya Tourism Board, said,

“Kenya and India share a natural affinity rooted in connectivity, cultural appreciation, and a mutual understanding of quality travel experiences.” Chepkemei also stated. “Our presence in Mumbai allows us to meet Indian travellers where they are making crucial decisions about their next international journey, presenting Kenya’s full spectrum of offerings in ways that inspire genuine interest and action.”

TGTF 2026 also features a curated selection of lifestyle and hospitality partners like Club Med, CGH Earth, HomeExchange, and Rare India whose offerings reflect contemporary travel sensibilities, where design, storytelling, and utility come together in ways best experienced on the ground. The event will also feature many local and global culinary experiences, fireside chats with food voices we love and trust, and conversations with TV’s favourite Chef Vicky Ratnani and the trusted authority on India’s street food, Rocky Singh.

Across two high-energy evenings, attendees can:

• Tune into Travel Talks led by industry insiders and seasoned travellers
• Participate in hands-on workshops covering itinerary design, smart planning, and real-world travel hacks
• Explore immersive installations and destination-led experiences
• Sample global flavours, unlock festival-exclusive deals, and connect with a community that truly gets travel

Whether you’re planning your next big escape, looking for fresh inspiration, or simply craving discovery beyond the algorithm, The Gypsy Travel Festival is where travel stops being a scroll and starts becoming a story.

The Legend of Hanuman Breaks Through as Only Animated Title in Ormax 2025 Streaming Originals

Mumbai, Jan 28: In a landmark achievement for Indian animation, The Legend of Hanuman – Season 6, produced by Graphic India, has secured the #11 spot in Ormax Media’s Top 50 Streaming Originals in India: The 2025 Story. It is the only animated series to feature on the list, a rare distinction in a landscape typically dominated by live-action crime dramas, thrillers, and reality content.

With an estimated 16.2 million viewers, Season 6 ranks alongside some of the year’s biggest streaming titles, including Special Ops S2, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, The Family Man S3, Panchayat S4, Paatal Lok S2, and global sensations like Squid Game S3 and Stranger Things S5, underscoring its massive appeal in a highly competitive entertainment landscape.

Ormax Media’s annual rankings are based on independent nationwide research measuring actual viewership, making this recognition one of the most credible performance benchmarks in India’s OTT ecosystem.

Produced by Graphic India and created by Sharad Devarajan, Jeevan J. Kang, and Charuvi P. Singhal, The Legend of Hanuman has consistently set new benchmarks for Indian animation. Earlier seasons regularly topped Ormax Media’s weekly charts, with Season 1 holding the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks—a rare feat for an animated show in India. Season 6’s inclusion in the Top 50 reinforces the franchise’s sustained scale and repeat engagement, highlighting its status as one of the most-watched streaming originals of 2025.

The series continues to be a flagship title on Jio Hotstar and reaches audiences across India in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Kannada. It also enjoys critical acclaim, with a 4.9 Google audience score and a 9.2 IMDb rating, reflecting both popularity and quality.

Sharad Devarajan, Creator, Co-Writer, and Producer of The Legend of Hanuman, said:

“This milestone is incredibly meaningful for everyone who has believed in the power of Indian stories told through world-class animation. Our goal has always been to present mythology with emotional depth, cinematic scale, and visual ambition that resonates across generations. Season 6’s success, as the only animated title on the list, signals a real shift in audience perception—animation is no longer a niche or children-only medium, but a powerful storytelling format embraced by all.”

Being the sole animated title in Ormax Media’s Top 50 underscores a larger industry shift. Indian audiences are increasingly open to diverse formats and rooted narratives produced with global standards, making Season 6 not just a franchise milestone, but a breakthrough for the Indian animation sector as a whole.

For Graphic India, this recognition reaffirms its leadership in creating original animated IP that achieves scale, cultural impact, and mainstream success in the streaming era

ITC Master Chef Launches Freshly Frozen Prawns with Piri Piri Masala

Hyderabad, Jan 28: ITC Master Chef, one of India’s most trusted brands in the frozen foods category, has strengthened its leadership with the launch of Piri Piri Prawns — a bold, flavourful addition designed for seafood enthusiasts seeking a juicy, restaurant-style snack at home.

While prawns are a favourite for many, their perceived cooking complexity often discourages home preparation. ITC Master Chef Piri Piri Prawns solves this with easy-to-use masala mix sachets that can be added to prawns and cooked to perfection in minutes.

The product combines the natural juiciness of freshly frozen prawns — frozen within 15 hours of harvesting to preserve taste — with the fiery, tangy notes of Piri Piri masala. Each pack includes two Piri Piri Masala sachets, offering the perfect balance of convenience, taste, and ITC Master Chef’s renowned quality. Rich in protein and ready in minutes, these prawns are ideal for quick meals or foodie gatherings, making every bite a moment to savour.

Speaking on the launch, Ashu Phakey, Vice President and Business Head – Frozen and Fresh Foods at ITC Limited, said:

“At ITC Master Chef, our endeavour has always been to delight consumers with high-quality, convenient, and delicious food solutions. With Piri Piri Prawns, we aim to bring restaurant-style food right into home kitchens — delivering the perfect balance of freshness with flavour. This launch is another step forward in strengthening our non-veg portfolio and driving deeper category penetration.”

With this launch, ITC Master Chef continues to expand its ready-to-cook delicacies that offer a gourmet experience at home — from chicken snacks and cheesy delights to now, flavour-rich prawns that deliver a fiery, delicious bite.

India TV Unveils New Avatar of Speed News, Redefining Fast News with Clarity

New Delhi, Jan 27: India TV unveils a new avatar of its Speed News Channel, India’s first 24×7 speed news platform, reinforcing the network’s commitment to innovation in news delivery and viewer-first journalism. The refreshed format is designed to redefine how fast news is consumed by combining pace with clarity and context.

Under the new format, India TV’s Speed News Channel moves away from the conventional fast news approach, where stories are often flashed in just 4–5 seconds, making them difficult to follow and understand. Instead, each news story will now be presented in a 25–30 second format, allowing viewers to clearly understand the complete news while retaining the pace of speed bulletins.

The new avatar of Speed News is aimed at viewers who want to stay quickly informed without missing essential details. The channel will deliver sharper and more comprehensive updates on politics, major national developments, big events, and key international news, ensuring relevance and depth across the news spectrum.

Alongside core news coverage, the refreshed format also places a strong focus on the interests of younger audiences. Viewers will receive regular updates on cinema and entertainment, sports, markets and business, gadgets, technology, and new product launches, making Speed News more engaging and contemporary.

Commenting on the revamp, Ritu Dhawan, Managing Director, India TV, said, 

“We are witnessing a clear shift in audience expectations from fast news, with greater emphasis on clarity and context. At India TV, we believe the new avatar of Speed News reflects this shift by evolving the fast news format to balance speed with better understanding. We aim to ensure viewers receive complete and clear information in a short span of time, while staying aligned with responsible news delivery.”

With this transformation, India TV’s Speed News Channel further strengthens its position as a pioneer in the speed news genre, offering a clearer, smarter, and more meaningful fast news experience for audiences across the country.

‘Victoria’ Tops Indian Showcase Awards 2026; ‘Shape of Momo’ Secures Second Best Film

Malayalam feature ‘Victoria’ wins Best Film at Indian Showcase Awards 2026 at GAFF; ‘Shape of Momo’ gets Second Best Film

Guwahati, Jan 27: The Indian Showcase Awards 2026, presented as part of the second Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF), celebrated outstanding achievements in Indian and regional cinema, recognising filmmakers and artists whose work reflects cinematic excellence, diversity and storytelling depth.

In a glittering awards ceremony, the Best Film Award was conferred on the Malayalam feature ‘Victoria’, directed by Sivaranjini, for its compelling narrative and strong visual language. The film also earned additional recognition at GAFF with cinematographer Anand Ravi receiving the Jury Special Mention for his exceptional cinematography in the film.

The Second Best Film Award was awarded to the Nepali film ‘Shape of Momo’, directed by Tribeny Rai, applauded for its sensitive storytelling and fresh cinematic voice.

Highlighting regional cinema from the Northeast, the NE Spotlight Award went to the Assamese film ‘Noi Kotha’ (River Tales), directed by Dr Pankaj Borah, acknowledging its cultural relevance and strong narrative rooted in the region.

“The Indian Showcase Awards reflect the spirit of GAFF – celebrating bold storytelling, regional diversity and meaningful cinema. This year’s winners demonstrate how powerful narratives can emerge from different cultural landscapes while remaining universally resonant. We are proud to provide a platform where such voices are discovered, appreciated and encouraged,” said Monita Borgohain, Honorary Festival Director of GAFF.

The Indian Showcase Competition jury at GAFF 2026 was chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, with noted film personalities Utpal Borpujari and Anupama Bose serving as jury members.

The awards underline GAFF’s commitment to promoting diverse voices from across India and Asia, offering a platform for emerging and independent filmmakers alongside established talent.

The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 also conferred its Lifetime Achievement Honour on veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria (also known as Bishnu Kharghariya), in recognition of his extraordinary and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. Instituted as an annual honour, the award celebrates artists whose body of work has significantly shaped cinematic culture and inspired generations.

Organised by Trending Now Media, the second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival held with the support of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The festival showcased 26 curated films from across 10 Asian countries, attracting strong participation from filmmakers, cinephiles and industry professionals.

GAFF has steadily positioned itself as an important cultural platform in Northeast India, fostering dialogue, creative exchange and regional cinematic growth.

Anime Heroes, Fun-filled Toons and the Spirit of India’s Republic Day with Sony YAY!

This Republic Day, patriotism gets a fun, high-energy twist as anime and toons come together to celebrate the spirit of the nation. Beyond parades and speeches, the day is also about feel-good stories that ignite belief, courage, and inspiration, as seen through the journeys of beloved anime heroes and toons. From ninja training and heroic journeys to laugh-out-loud mischief, fearless fun, and supercharged strength, it’s the perfect excuse to binge patriotism the Sony YAY! way.

After all, whether it’s anime heroes or our favourite mischievous toons, these characters aren’t just about epic battles or playful chaos. They stand for dreaming big, never giving up, standing by friends, and always backing what’s right values that sit at the heart of a proud nation. Every story arc, every against-the-odds comeback, and every giggle-filled win reflects the spirit of a country that loves to rise, cheer, and celebrate together, one inspiring and entertaining story at a time.

 Naruto: Discipline, Dreams & the Will to Never Give Up
Naruto’s journey from an underestimated outsider to a respected hero reflects the aspirations of a rising India. His unwavering belief in himself, loyalty to his people, and relentless determination echo the values of hard work and resilience that form the foundation of our Republic.

 One Punch Man: True Strength Lies in Purpose
With power that can defeat any enemy in a single punch, One Punch Man flips the definition of heroism on its head. Beneath the humour and action lies a powerful message—true strength isn’t about recognition or glory, but about integrity, restraint, and standing up when it matters. A reminder that real heroes serve without seeking applause.

 Shin chan: Freedom, Fun & Fearless Individuality
Unfiltered, mischievous, and unapologetically himself, Shin chan celebrates freedom in its purest form. His loud laughter and carefree chaos embody the joy of a free nation, reminding us that patriotism can be playful, expressive, and full of heart.

Kicko & Super Speedo: Power, Play & Patriotism

This dynamic duo shows how strength and speed go hand in hand with fairness and courage. Whether it is defending their town or standing up for what’s right, Kicko and Super Speedo represent young India’s fearless energy.

 Oggy and the Cockroaches: Chaos, Comedy & Coexistence

Oggy’s never ending battles with the cockroaches may be full of madness, but at the heart of it is a quirky lesson in coexistence. Just like India, diverse, noisy, and full of contrasts, somehow everything finds a way to live together.

From iconic anime heroes to beloved toons, animation has become the new language of patriotism for a generation that prefers binge-watching over broadcasts.

Parade pride, Tricolour love, or pure patriotic vibes, however you celebrate, Republic Day i

Hyatt Regency Delhi Celebrates Republic Day with ‘Unity in Diversity’ Brunch at Café 

New Delhi, Jan 23: Hyatt Regency Delhi invites guests to come together in the true spirit of the nation with a thoughtfully curated Republic Day Brunch, titled “Celebrating Unity in Diversity,” on Monday, 26th January 2026, at Café, Hyatt Regency Delhi. 

Marking the day India adopted its Constitution and embraced the values of sovereignty, equality, and unity, this special brunch is designed as a relaxed yet meaningful celebration. Moving beyond traditional commemorations, the experience offers an inclusive space where families, friends, colleagues, and guests from diverse walks of life can gather over food, conversation, and shared pride in the nation’s journey. 

Scheduled from 12.30 PM to 4.00 PM, the Republic Day Brunch will showcase a rich spread inspired by India’s diverse culinary heritage, reflecting the country’s cultural mosaic. Thoughtful touches and an inviting ambience will create an atmosphere of warmth, reflection, and celebration, making it a perfect setting to honour the values that bind us together. 

Speaking on the occasion, the team at Hyatt Regency Delhi shared that the brunch is envisioned as more than a dining experience. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the ideals of unity, resilience, and community that define India. 

Open to local community members, residents and visiting guests, diplomats, dignitaries, and partner organisations, the Republic Day Brunch aims to foster cultural exchange, strengthen community bonds, and celebrate the contributions of citizens who shape the nation every day. 

Event Details: 

Date: Monday, 26th January 2026
Time: 12.30 PM to 4.00 PM
Venue: Café, Hyatt Regency Delhi

Zee Tamil Launches ‘Vaagai Sooda Vaa’ to Bolster Prime-Time Lineup

Zee Tamil strengthens its Prime-Time lineup with Vaagai Sooda Vaa, a powerful narrative of resilience and relationships, premiering from 26th Jan 2026

Chennai,  Jan 23: Zee Tamil, a channel renowned for delivering popular and engaging content cherished by Tamil audiences worldwide, continues to set new benchmarks with its strong fiction lineup. Celebrated for its compelling storytelling, strong character arcs and relatable narratives, the channel is all set to launch its brand-new serial Vaagai Sooda Vaa. The show premieres on 26 January 2026 and will air Monday to Saturday at 9.30 PM, only on Zee Tamil & Z5 Tamil.

Set against the backdrop of a close-knit town in Madurai, Vaagai Sooda Vaa traces the journey of two sisters, Meenakshi (Pavithra) and Thenmozhi (played by Parveen), raised by their single mother, Sumathi (played by Gayathri). A staunch believer in the sanctity of marriage, Sumathi instils strong values in her daughters, unaware that life is poised to take unforeseen turns.

Meenakshi, sincere and strong-willed, dreams of giving her mother a comfortable life. However, when unexpected circumstances alter the course of her journey, her life becomes closely intertwined with Jeeva (played by Irfan), setting the tone for a compelling narrative. As the story unfolds, the sisters find their paths diverging in unexpected ways, drawing them into a household led by Annapoorani (played by Kuyili), where relationships are put to the test and unspoken tensions surface. At its core, Vaagai Sooda Vaa follows how Meenakshi and Thenmozhi navigate these challenges and stand their ground, keeping viewers invested in what lies ahead.

With an interesting premise and compelling storytelling, Vaagai Sooda Vaa is all set to be an exciting new addition to Zee Tamil’s prime-time slate.

Don’t miss the premiere of Vaagai Sooda Vaa from 26th January 2026, airing Monday to Saturday during 9.30PM, on Zee Tamil & Z5 Tamil!

Garima Jain Brings a Story of Dignity and Resilience to Life in Hungama OTT’s Hasratein 3

Hungama OTT, one of India’s leading digital entertainment platforms, returns with the much anticipated third season of its acclaimed anthology Hasratein 3, continuing its bold exploration of women, desire, and quiet rebellion. With the first two episodes premiering on 22nd January 2026, Season 3 brings six powerful stories of women navigating hidden longings, strained relationships, and the courage to reclaim their sense of self.

Episode two, Beauty Parlour, set in the narrow lanes of Lucknow, introduces Salma, played by Garima Jain, a resilient beautician balancing low wages, two children, and an emotionally absent husband. Behind her quiet resilience lies years of compromise, financial control, and stolen dreams. When Salma discovers her husband’s betrayal, her world cracks open, forcing her to confront harsh truths about love, marriage, and self-worth. With the quiet support of Suleiman, portrayed by Kunal Verma, who recognises her strength without taking advantage of it, Salma chooses dignity, independence, and the courage to start anew.

Speaking about her role, Garima shares, 

“This is a women empowerment story that shows that dreams can be achieved at any age and after any situation. Salma’s journey is about choosing herself and becoming successful despite everything she has been through. I have seen many real-life stories like this, and I truly want to portray strong characters that leave a meaningful message.”

She adds, 

“Working with Kunal was a wonderful experience. His approach to the character made the scenes feel honest and grounded, and it pushed me to give my best every day on set.”

Hasratein Season 3 promises yet another compelling chapter of quiet courage, rebellion, and self-discovery, with the first two episodes premiering on 22nd January, followed by new episodes on 27th January and 4th February, streaming on Hungama OTT and partner platforms.

The OG Gang Reunites as Amazon MX Player’s Campus Diaries Season 2 Starts Filming

MUMBAI, India, Jan 23: Amazon MX Player’s beloved youth series Campus Diaries has officially begun filming for its second season. Following its success with young audiences for its honest, slice-of-life depiction of college friendships and the journey of growing up, the show returns with the same warmth, humour, and emotional authenticity that defined Season 1. The season is produced by Prem Mistry and Abhishek Yadav (Yellow Montage) and directed by Abhishek Yadav.

Season 2 reunites the fan-favourite ensemble cast, including Harsh Beniwal as Sudheer, Ritvik Sahore as Abhilash, Srishti Ganguly Rindani as Sushmita, Saloni Gaur as Priyanka, Abhinav Sharma as Raghav, and Salonie Patel as Sanya. Known for its relatable storytelling, Campus Diaries continues to explore the nuances of friendships, emotions, and everyday campus life that have resonated with young viewers.

The new season will stream for free on Amazon MX Player, accessible through the MX Player app, Amazon Shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Airtel Xstream.