Category Archives: Entertainment

Johnnie Walker Elevates Lollapalooza India 2026 with Craft, Flavour and Culture

Johnnie Walker Redefines the Festival Experience at Lollapalooza India 2026 with World-Class Craft, Flavour and Cultural Energy

Mumbai, Jan 23: Johnnie Walker Blonde Non-Alcoholic Lemonade is set to redefine the festival experience at Lollapalooza India 2026 through an extraordinary showcase of innovation, craftsmanship and culture. As one of India’s most anticipated cultural events, Lollapalooza offers an electric atmosphere that serves as the ultimate stage for Johnnie Walker’s premium mixology and its progressive ‘Keep Walking’ spirit. This year, Johnnie Walker has also come on board as the official partner for the Platinum Lounge – the festival’s most exclusive space for music lovers who seek elevated experiences.

At the heart of the Platinum Lounge experience, premium design, hospitality and creativity converge. The fully air-conditioned lounge offers unparalleled comfort and fanpit access across stages, combining the thrill of live music with sophisticated hospitality. A bespoke Whisky Experiments menu, led by Arnold Hou, Head Mixologist, Dali & Gala, Bengaluru, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship with serves inspired by distinct flavour directions – Spice, Coffee, Smoke and Sweet, each designed for a high-energy, all-day setting. We also have another unique experiential space on- ground -The Blonde Social Club. Festival-goers can personalize merchandise, play a game of pickleball and unwind while enjoying signature serves like the Blonde Bloom – a refreshing coffee-based cocktail and the Kokum Highball, an ode to Mumbai’s coastal zest. Exclusive slushies and flavor-led mixes will be available, promising a unique tasting journey for every guest. Completing the world-class experience, a premium bar experience is also being curated within the exclusive Red Stud Club, in collaboration with Bar Paradox, blending festival energy with refined craftsmanship.

Speaking on the association this year, Varun Koorichh, Vice President Marketing, Portfolio Head, Premium and Luxury, Diageo India said:

 “At Lollapalooza, the ‘Keep Walking’ spirit finds its most vibrant stage, allowing us to weave Johnnie Walker Blonde Non-Alcoholic lemonade’s craftsmanship into India’s most iconic musical moments. Our vision this year was to create a world-class experience that celebrates the craft, flavor, and progressive energy of the brand, while continuing to push boundaries across experience, innovation, and cultural relevance. From the artisanal serves at the Platinum Lounge to the interactive Blonde Social Club, every element is designed to feel both premium and participatory – an authentic reflection of how we continue to ‘Keep Walking’ at the forefront of culture.”

Extending its footprint beyond the festival grounds, Johnnie Walker Blonde Non-Alcoholic Lemonade partners with Uber, Zepto, MyGate, and Indē wild to create a holistic, lifestyle-led experience. This collaboration touches every moment of the consumer journey – from the first mile to the after-party.

With its world-class cocktails, visionary design and seamless brand storytelling, Johnnie Walker continues to push boundaries at Lollapalooza India 2026 – where every sip, serve and space is crafted to inspire progress and celebrate the spirit of Keep Walking.

EuroKids Celebrates Saraswati Puja across 300 Centres, Nurturing a Joyful Love for Learning in Early Childhood

Mumbai, Jan 23: EuroKids, India’s leading preschool chain, celebrated Saraswati Puja across 300 centres nationwide engaging 15000 students, marking the occasion with joyful activities designed to introduce young learners to India’s rich cultural heritage while fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.

Recognised as a festival that honours knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati Puja was celebrated at EuroKids as a cultural and educational experience. The celebrations were carefully curated to suit early learners, focusing on exploration, expression, and meaningful engagement with ideas that support holistic development.

The celebrations began with a simple Saraswati Puja, observed across centres to introduce children to the cultural significance of learning and knowledge. This was followed by thoughtfully planned learning-led activities. Children participated in storytelling, music and movement, art and craft, creative play, and interactive conversations that encouraged imagination, expression, and curiosity. These experiences helped children associate learning with joy, exploration, and confidence.

The celebrations also saw active participation from teachers and parents, creating a warm, inclusive environment that highlighted the importance of cultural awareness in a child’s formative years. By engaging families, EuroKids ensured that children experienced the occasion as a shared, joyful journey rooted in both tradition and modern pedagogy.

This approach reflects EuroKids’ strong alignment with its child-centric learning philosophy and the vision of NEP 2020, which emphasises holistic development, cultural rootedness, and experiential learning in the early years. Through such celebrations, EuroKids continues to integrate Indian traditions into everyday learning in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and age appropriate.

Commenting on the occasion, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, EuroKids (Lighthouse Learning), said,

 “Basant Panchami is a meaningful reminder that learning should begin early and with joy. At EuroKids, we believe the early years shape a child’s curiosity and love for learning. Celebrations like these allow us to connect cultural significance with early education in a way that helps parents understand why the right start matters so deeply.”

EuroKids’ brand ethos is rooted in creating safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Powered by its Heureka Curriculum, based on Harvard’s Project Zero and aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the brand places curiosity at the heart of learning, encouraging children to explore, question, and discover, while continuing to emphasise holistic development through learning by play, emotional security, social skills, language development, independence, and school readiness.

With a legacy of nurturing over seven lakh children across 1,700+ preschools in more than 500 cities, EuroKids continues to lead the way in early childhood education. The brand remains steadfast in its mission to champion what truly matters in the early years, building not just sharper minds, but kinder hearts and resilient individuals who are prepared for school and for life.

Moj launches Micro drama Challenge: Unique accelerator programme unlocking access to a INR 20 Cr annual budget

New Delhi, Jan 23: Moj, India’s leading homegrown short video platform from ShareChat, today announced the launch of the Micro Drama Challenge, a first-of-its-kind accelerator programme designed to support and strengthen the micro drama ecosystem in India. The company has initially set aside over a ₹20 crore annual budget, to scout and groom upcoming studios in India’s rapidly growing short-form entertainment ecosystem.

This initiative opens doors to discover, finance and groom the next wave of storytellers building vertical micro drama series for India’s fastest-growing short-video audience, to showcase their talent and content capabilities. By fostering collaboration between content creators, filmmakers, production houses, and storytellers, Moj’s initiative aims to supercharge the micro-drama landscape, delivering fresh stories that resonate with millions of users nationwide and open up fresher revenue streams in the industry.

The application process open till January 26th, 2026, will enable Moj to shortlist 10 applicants by January 31st, 2026, and equip them with a grant of ₹10 lakhs each to craft engaging micro-dramas tailored for short-form vertical viewing. While the initiative provides complete creative freedom, these will need to adhere to basic guidelines of the format that entail it being at least an hour long, with each episode being 1-2 minutes long. Moj will also support these studios with deep consumer insights from state of the art recommendation systems allowing creators to craft their stories for maximum consumer engagement.

Thereafter, till March 31st, these participants dive into a high-stakes monthly challenge, showcasing their storytelling prowess through the genre of choice – ranging from action-packed narratives, emotional dramas, and culturally rooted tales. As these micro dramas get uploaded on Moj, it would face the real audience test with its 60 million strong micro drama viewer base.

In the end of the competition that enables creators to promote their series across mediums for driving viewership, the first placed team will secure a winning prize of ₹25 lakhs, followed by ₹15 lakhs for the second placed team, and ₹5 lakhs for the third team, not just enabling them to scale operations and produce even more compelling series’, but also be considered for future Moj Originals. 

Manohar Singh Charan, Co-Founder & CFO, ShareChat & Moj, said,

“This recurring monthly accelerator program acts as a launchpad, building a robust ecosystem that enables discovery of new storytellers. We are committed to building an enabler ladder where independent studios and creators can thrive alongside industry giants. It not only accelerates talent development but also ensures a steady influx of diverse, culturally rooted stories from all parts of India, bringing out something of interest and relevance for everyone. Our state-of-the-art recommendation systems will sit on top of this treasure trove and enable discovery of the right audience for each of these stories. We are moving to a world where every user should be able to access a deep supply of content tailored to their own unique taste. With ShareChat and Moj uniquely positioned to democratize access to micro-drama content to its users, this initiative reflects our resolve towards enabling a cohesive ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth across the board.”

The initiative is in line with the company’s vision of innovation in India’s booming short-video space. Through this, studios gain professional resources, access to a larger pool of revenue, mentorship, and exposure, while users benefit from an ever-expanding library of binge-worthy micro-dramas.

Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 begins at Jyoti Chitraban, day 2 to showcase 6 films

Guwahati, Jan 23: The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) opened on January 22 at Jyoti Chitraban, celebrating the richness of Asian and Indian cinema with 26 curated films to be screened over four days.

The inaugural ceremony was held on January 22 (Thursday) in the presence of eminent filmmakers, guests, and delegates. The event is being organised by Trending Now Media with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

GAFF 2026 opened with the Uzbekistan feature ‘Sunday’, directed by Shokir Kholikov. The opening day also featured the India premiere of Japanese film ‘S’ by Masahiro Ota in the Asian Cinema section, and ‘An Evening Ballad’ by Bishal Swargiary in the Indian Showcase (non-competition) section.

On January 23, the second day of the festival will feature Karbi film ‘The Lost Path’ (Kangbo Aloti) by Khanjan Kishore Nath, Assamese film ‘Morning Sunshine’ (Rador Pakhi) by Bobby Sarma Baruah, ‘Cu Li Never Cries’ by Pham Ngoc Lan from Vietnam, Assamese film ‘The Woodcutter’ (Gos Kota Manuh) by Prakesh Deka and Manipuri film ‘Phouoibee’ (The Goddess of Paddy) by Rakesh Moirangthem.

The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) will be held till January 25 at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati, showcasing as many as 26 regional, national and international films from across 10 Asian countries.

In addition to film screenings, GAFF 2026 will feature a series of masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals from India and other Asian countries.

Pocket FM launches 36 exclusive Marvel audio story titles in India 

Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has collaborated with Disney Publishing APAC to bring 36 iconic Marvel audio series in Hindi to listeners in India.

Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers, and Wolverine will be featured across 36 Hindi audio series, produced as high-quality audio content for on-the-go listening. These stories will unfold across multi-episode arcs, bringing the power of Disney’s storytelling to a new, mobile-first generation of listeners.

“We’ve always believed in the power of Disney storytelling, proving that stories can travel anywhere when they connect with audiences,” said Veronica Cabalinan, VP – Publishing and Experiences, APAC, Disney Publishing. “Pocket FM is turning listening into a deeply emotional and almost cinematic experience. We are excited to see how Marvel’s Super Heroes will inspire a new generation of fans in India by harnessing the power of audio.”

From mythology-inspired series to supernatural thrillers and dark fantasy sagas, listeners in India are embracing worlds that stretch the imagination. Pocket FM, a leading platform for fantasy audio series, sees fantasy as an emerging genre blending tradition, technology, and creativity.

“Our cultural DNA is built on imagination, and larger-than-life storytelling.” said Rohan Nayak, Co-Founder and CEO, Pocket FM. “Together with Disney, we’re turning the epic stories of Marvel Super Heroes into serialized audio journeys that feel native, emotional, and accessible. Fantasy and super-hero series have always been one of Pocket FM’s strongest genres and continues to grow exponentially. With this collaboration, we are ensuring that premium fantasy entertainment is inclusive and deeply relatable  so that anyone, anywhere in India, can feel like they are truly part of  the story.”

Deconstruct’s campaign bringbackbarbershops celebrates the neighbourhood barber: the original influencers

Bengaluru, Jan  20: Deconstruct Skincare, the science-backed skincare brand, unveils #BringBackBarbershops, a campaign that celebrates a space many of us hold close: the neighbourhood barbershop. Supported by digital amplification, the campaign invites people to rediscover these local institutions.

For generations, these shops have been more than places to get a haircut or a shave. They’ve been safe havens where conversations flow easily, where human bonds form naturally, and where the rhythm of routine brings a rare kind of comfort. There’s something special about these spaces – the familiar chair, the trusted hands, the unrushed attention. They’re cornerstones of the neighbourhood, quietly important in ways that go beyond grooming.

Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO, Deconstruct, said:

“Before algorithms told men how to groom, there was the neighbourhood barber. We wanted to honour that tradition, not disrupt it. This campaign isn’t about selling a new routine; it’s about recognising one that’s already there and showing how thoughtful products can fit seamlessly into rituals men already trust. The barbershop has always been a place of care. Our Oil-Free Moisturiser simply replaces the sting at the end with something gentler.”

Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2026 to Confer Lifetime Achievement Honour on Veteran Actor Bishnu Kharghoria

Guwahati, Jan  16: The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 will confer 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.

Announcing the honour, Festival Director Monita Borgohain said,

“Bishnu Kharghoria’s contribution to Indian cinema especially to Assamese films is profound and timeless. His performances reflect rare integrity, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. We are honoured to celebrate a life dedicated to cinema.”

The second edition of GAFF, organised by Trending Now Media, with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, will be held from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati.

A towering presence in Indian and particularly Assamese cinema, Bishnu Kharghoria is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation. Bishnu Kharghoria began his film career with Bristi in 1974 and went on to build an illustrious career spanning several decades. He delivered numerous memorable performances in landmark films such as Kollol (1978), Firingoti (1992), Xagoroloi Bohudoor (1995), Pokhi (1998), among many others that shaped Assamese and Indian cinema. His exceptional talent has been nationally and internationally recognised- he received the National Film Award (Special Mention) for Xagoroloi Bohudoor in 1995 and again for Baandhon in 2012. In addition, he won the Best Actor Award at the Singapore International Film Festival in 1996 for Xagoroloi Bohudoor, reaffirming his stature as one of India’s most respected veteran actors.

The Lifetime Achievement Honour will be presented during GAFF 2026 as a tribute to Bishnu Kharghoria’s remarkable journey and his invaluable contribution to the evolution of Indian cinema.

Celebrate Republic Day with a Curated Binge-Watch on Airtel IPTV

As the spirit of nationalism fills the air, it’s the perfect time to brighten your screens with stories of courage, emotion, and freedom. Alongside flag hoisting, family dinners, and a well-earned day off, indulge in meaningful binge-watching with Airtel IPTV—bringing the best of cinema and streaming to the comfort of your home.

With 29+ top streaming apps, 600+ live TV channels, and an extensive on-demand library, Airtel IPTV offers a cinematic experience like no other. From gripping dramas and legal thrillers to international favourites and heartwarming reality TV, there’s something for everyone this Republic Day.

Must-Watch Series & Films:

• Freedom at Midnight – Season 2 (SonyLIV): Streaming from 9 January 2026, this series explores post-1947 India’s political struggle, capturing the human stories of Partition and independence.

• The Night Manager – Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video): Premiered 11 January 2026, a sophisticated spy thriller featuring greed, deception, and moral conflict—perfect for Republic Day evenings.

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (JioHotstar): Premiered 19 January 2026, a character-driven prequel to Game of Thrones, celebrating chivalry, loyalty, and political intrigue.

• Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web (Netflix): Premiered 14 January 2026, an intense Emraan Hashmi-led thriller about smuggling, betrayal, and high-stakes drama.

• Hijack – Season 2 (Apple TV): Released 14 January 2026, a high-octane thriller exploring crisis management and human psychology under extreme pressure.

• 120 Bahadur (Amazon Prime Video): Re-released 16 January 2026, depicting the heroic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War—a tribute to bravery and sacrifice.

• Stranger Things – Season 5 (Netflix): Streaming with One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 from 12 January, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the emotional final season.

Bonus Patriotic Picks for Republic Day:

• Border (Amazon Prime Video): Classic war film on the 1971 Indo-Pak War, a must-watch for patriotic fervour.

• Shershaah (Amazon Prime Video): The inspiring story of Captain Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra awardee, from the Kargil War.

• Uri: The Surgical Strike (ZEE5 & Airtel Xstream Play): Dramatization of the 2016 surgical strike, blending reality with thrilling action.

• Raazi (Amazon Prime Video): A gripping spy thriller about an Indian intelligence operative embedded in a Pakistani military family.

With Airtel IPTV, every story shines brighter on the big screen. Plans start at just ₹699, and as a special Republic Day festive offer, new subscribers can enjoy up to 30 days of free service via the Airtel Thanks App.

Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Celebrates the Harvest Season with Pongal Utsav

Pongal is more than a festival it is a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and prosperity. Embracing this spirit, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road presents Pongal Utsav, a thoughtfully curated South Indian Harvest Food Festival that pays tribute to age-old traditions, community bonding, and the joy of sharing a wholesome meal.

Reflecting Novotel’s commitment to cultural authenticity and immersive culinary experiences, Pongal Utsav will be hosted from January 10 to January 14, 2026, at The Square, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant.

The festival brings the essence of the harvest season—gratitude, abundance, and togetherness—to the table through a harvest-inspired menu that celebrates South India’s rich culinary heritage. Curated by Executive Chef Owaize Ahmed Khan and his culinary team, the menu showcases time-honoured recipes from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The culinary journey begins with traditional favourites such as Medu Vadai, crisp and golden, and Kuzhi Paniyaram, soft, spiced, and comforting. The highlight of the festival, Ven Pongal, is slow-cooked with rice, lentils, ghee, and pepper, and served with classic accompaniments including Sambar and Coconut Chutney.

Guests can further indulge in regional delicacies such as Kara Kuzhambu, Avial, and seasonal Poriyals, perfectly paired with steamed rice and traditional condiments. The experience concludes on a sweet note with Sakkarai Pongal, symbolising prosperity and sweetness for the year ahead.

Set in a warm and inviting ambience, Pongal Utsav at The Square promises a soulful dining experience that honours South Indian harvest traditions with authenticity and care.

Event Details:
What: Pongal Utsav – South Indian Harvest Food Festival
Where: The Square, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
When: January 10 to January 14, 2026

The Great Gokuldham Kite Festival: Neela Mediatech Brings Makar Sankranti Alive with a Special 3D Animated TMKOC Episode

Neela Mediatech has announced the release of a special 3D animated episode of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to mark the festival of Makar Sankranti. Titled “The Great Gokuldham Kite Festival,” the episode will premiere on 12 January at 6:30 PM on the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 3D Animated Series YouTube channel. The episode will be available in eight languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam, Bangla, Telugu, and Kannada, making it accessible to audiences across regions.

By anchoring digital content around widely celebrated Indian festivals, Neela Mediatech is building a content approach rooted in cultural continuity and emotional resonance. The Great Gokuldham Kite Festival captures the spirit of Makar Sankranti by celebrating togetherness, community bonding, and shared traditions brought alive through the show’s signature humour and fun storytelling.

A long-standing favourite among viewers, the Gokuldham Society’s Makar Sankranti kite festival has featured multiple times in the television show. This animated special builds on that legacy, offering a fresh visual interpretation of a well-loved festive moment. An unexpected disruption during the celebrations triggered by an unusual kite creates chaos across Gokuldham Society, as the episode explores how the residents respond when a joyful tradition takes an unforeseen turn, while retaining the cultural warmth and humour associated with the festival.

The release further strengthens Neela Mediatech’s ongoing focus on developing IP-driven animated content, games, and merchandise that blend culture, technology, and scalable digital storytelling formats for younger digital-first audiences.