Category Archives: Entertainment

Hoopr and Universal Music India Launch Industry-First Artist Accelerator Programme for Emerging Independent Musicians

Mumbai, Jan 13th: Hoopr India’s leading music licensing platform and Universal Music India (UMI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, have partnered to launch an Indian music industry-first Artist Accelerator Programme, designed to provide emerging independent domestic artists with structured funding and support to create, release, and earn money from their artistry.

The programme aims to address key challenges faced by many independent musicians by offering end-to-end publishing, distribution, sync and micro-sync and brand opportunities. It will include the creation of a large catalogue of new original compositions, which will be released on Hoopr’s YouTube channel, Songfest, and published on its music-tech platform, Hoopr Smash. Songfest has previously collaborated with leading artists such as Monali Thakur, Shalmali Kholgade, Nikhil D’Souza and Ash King, and has also delivered award-winning brand music projects

Additionally, the programme will also make available a significant collection of iconic UMI classics for Hoopr artists to reimagine and recreate — a collection of these remixes will be released on UMG India’s Revibe YouTube channel.

UMG’s vast global distribution network and first-class ability to market music around the World, combined with Hoopr’s extensive community of independent artists, will provide emerging musicians with a unified platform to create new music with visibility and monetisation opportunities

To identify participants, curated auditions will be available to Hoopr’s community of 1000s of artists and will be conducted by UMG. Through this process, emerging talent will be selected. These artists will receive end-to-end support—including A&R guidance, studio access, mixing and mastering, music video production, and sync opportunities via Hoopr.

The programme is open to all genres and languages. At a time when independent music is leading India’s charts and brand sync opportunities are expanding rapidly, this joint programme offers a tech-enabled launchpad for the next wave of musicians.

Viral Jani, the Chief Revenue Officer at Universal Music Group in India and South Asia, said:

 “Our partnership with Hoopr is a strategic and creative one.  We pride ourselves in being an artist- first label, and we invest equally in discovering emerging talent from anywhere, and in promoting some of the biggest superstars in the business. With Hoopr, we have found a perfect sync: their significant network of emerging independent artists will have the chance to create new music the way they want – especially in the case of recreating classics from the UMG catalogue.  When this new music is combined with the extensive distribution network of UMG, these new artists will have the chance to reach audiences all around the world.”

Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO, Hoopr, said:

“This program represents an essential breakthrough for India’s independent artist community – a chance, for the first time, for new musicians to receive the support they require to produce high-quality music, launch their music on an international scale, and make money doing it using transparent means such as sync or microsync. Our ambition has always been to create an ethical, opportunity-rich music ecosystem. In establishing this program, we have begun to achieve that vision. We are grateful to UMG for this partnership, which has created a first-of-its-kind collaboration and sets a new benchmark for the industry. We believe that this program will define how we identify, develop, and grow talent going forward”

Avakai Amaravati festival for arts, culture and cinema a grand success

Vijayawada, Jan 13: The inaugural edition of Avakai  Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature concluded successfully after three vibrant days of immersive cultural programming, marking a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s cultural calendar. Conceived as a large-scale public cultural initiative, the festival brought together cinema, literature, music, theatre and the performing arts, creating a dynamic platform that celebrated Telugu heritage while engaging contemporary creative voices. Spread across Bhavani Island and Punnami Ghat along the Krishna river, Avakai witnessed enthusiastic participation from artists, writers, filmmakers and, most significantly, thousands of children, college students and families, who became the heartbeat of the festival.

From morning to late evening, the venues buzzed with curiosity, excitement and emotional engagement, as young audiences encountered traditional and contemporary art forms—many for the first time. Their active participation, questions, applause and hands-on involvement established Avakai as a people-driven, inclusive cultural celebration, rooted in community ownership and shared experience.

Day One set a powerful tone by transforming the Krishna riverfront into a living cultural canvas. A grand procession featuring giant puppets, Teen Maar drummers and musical ensembles animated public spaces, drawing families and passersby into the festival’s celebratory spirit. The ceremonial inauguration, sacred musical ensemble and the world premiere of Love Story – A Musical, created exclusively for Avakai, emerged as defining highlights. Interactive art installations and traditional craft demonstrations encouraged visitors—especially children and students—to engage directly with Telugu artistic practices, making culture accessible, participatory and immersive from the outset.

Day Two deepened the festival’s intellectual and creative engagement through a rich mix of literary conversations, cinema-focused discussions and hands-on workshops. Writers, filmmakers, journalists and cultural practitioners examined the evolving relationship between literature and cinema, storytelling across formats, language, translation and changing audience sensibilities. Conversations explored how classical narratives continue to inspire contemporary cinema, the challenges of storytelling in the age of OTT platforms, and the responsibility of writers and filmmakers in shaping cultural memory.

Workshops emerged as some of the most animated spaces of the festival. Martial arts, Nagada percussion, puppet-making, dance and Kalamkari art sessions saw sustained participation throughout the day, with children and college students immersing themselves in rhythm, movement and storytelling. These high-energy workshops became spaces of learning and discovery, fostering intergenerational exchange and nurturing creativity, confidence and cultural curiosity among young participants.

Day Three brought the festival to a resonant crescendo, weaving together storytelling, dialogue and performance. Sessions such as Katha Kalakshepam: Timeless Tales through Music and Word by StoryHour UK, Words on Water – Katha Tarangalu, Friday Release: Cinema and Journalism, Sundaramaina Telugu – Glory of Telugu Literature and Cinema, and The Art of Translation: Words without Borders explored Telugu oral traditions, literary heritage, cinema, language and cross-cultural translation. Parallel workshops continued to draw enthusiastic participation, reinforcing Avakai’s commitment to experiential learning.

As evening descended, Punnami Ghat transformed into a vibrant performance arena. Live performances by Chowraasta, Natasaarvabhowma NTR – Homage to the Vishwaroopam of Acting, the musical theatre presentation Love Story, and a soulful concert by Javed Ali drew large crowds, bringing the Krishna riverfront alive late into the night and providing a grand, emotionally charged conclusion to the festival.

Beyond cultural celebration, Avakai significantly contributed to tourism and local economic activity in Vijayawada. The city witnessed increased visitor movement across venues, while local vendors, food stalls, artisans and small businesses benefited from the festival’s scale and footfall. Avakai functioned as a creative marketplace where culture and livelihood intersected, demonstrating how public festivals can drive sustainable, culture-led economic growth.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, said,

“Avakai demonstrates how culture can play a transformative role in public engagement, tourism and the creative economy, particularly for Telugu youth. Over three days, the festival has showcased the richness of Telugu arts while positioning Vijayawada and Amaravati as vibrant cultural destinations. By integrating cinema, literature and performance into public spaces, Avakai has created meaningful cultural experiences and sets the tone for upcoming major cultural events in the state. I am pleased to announce that the next edition of Avakai Amaravati Festival will be held from December 17 to 19, 2026.”

Mr. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said,

“Avakai has been envisioned as a shared cultural dialogue, and its success is the result of collective effort. We thank the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Hon’ble Tourism & Culture Minister for their vision and support. I would also like to acknowledge the local vendors and stall owners who animated the festival spaces, the sanitation workers who ensured cleanliness, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, police and SDRF teams for seamless coordination, and the cultural troupes of the Andhra Pradesh Government. Most importantly, the people of Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh made Avakai a truly public festival through their warmth, participation and ownership.”

Syed Shams Jawaid, Vice President, Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer, added,

“Avakai demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, cultural institutions and private partners in building inclusive cultural ecosystems. The enthusiastic response from young audiences reaffirms the importance of platforms that encourage learning, participation and innovation. We are grateful to partners such as Kia India, whose support reflects a commitment to the creative economy, youth engagement and future-facing cultural spaces, and Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited, whose infrastructure and operational support were critical to delivering a festival of this scale. Avakai has opened new opportunities for artists and practitioners while remaining deeply rooted in Telugu traditions.”

As the curtains came down on its inaugural edition, Avakai Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature concluded as more than a three-day event. It emerged as a long-term cultural movement—connecting heritage with innovation, public participation with economic opportunity, and local creativity with global exchange—firmly reinforcing Amaravati’s place on India’s cultural map.

Two Spectacular Days of Cinema Conclude as 3rd Niri9 International Film Festival Ends on a High Note

Hyderabad, Jan 13: The third edition of the Niri9 International Film Festival concluded two remarkable days (10th Jan & 11th Jan 2026) of cinematic excellence, creative exchange, and cultural celebration. Hosted at Prasad Film Labs and Raj Bhavan Samskruti Auditorium, the festival emerged as a vibrant platform that brought together filmmakers, artists, industry veterans, and cinema enthusiasts from across India and abroad.

The two-day festival showcased an impressive range of films across Feature Films, Short Films, Shorter Films, and Documentaries, reflecting diverse voices, themes, and cinematic styles. From socially charged narratives to experimental storytelling and globally acclaimed features, the carefully curated lineup deeply engaged audiences and sparked meaningful conversations.

Shri M Dana Kishore, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Governor was present as the Chief Guest of the event. Smt C Priyanka, Managing Director of Telangana Film Development Corporation was present as Special Guest. Other dignitaries present during the closing ceremony included Shri VN Aditya, Senior Director & Chairman, National Film Awards; Shri Ashok Kumar, Actor & Director; Shri Ajitah Surabhi, Principal of SVFFA, among others.

One of the major intellectual highlights of the festival was the panel discussion held on Day 2, featuring eminent personalities such as Seema Biswas, Carlyta Mouhini, Manoj Nandwana, Jadumoni Dutta, Dr Padmini Nagulapalli, Satish, Y Ravi Shankar and Dr Junmoni Devi Khaund, the festival director. The session was moderated by Sunitha Krishnan. The discussion witnessed insightful conversations on cinema as a tool for social change, independent filmmaking, representation, and the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital era. It also deliberated upon film production, co-production, and distribution, both nationally and globally.

The category-wise winners of the film festival are as follows:

Feature Films:

• * Best Feature Film: Juiphool
• * Second Best Feature Film: Ghar
• * Third Best Feature Film: Dahini – The Witch
• * Jury Special Award: Kuhipath
• * Best Actor (Male): Bishnu Khargoria (Akash Henu Nodir Nam)
• * Best Actor (Female): Akanksha Yadav (Ghar)
• * Best Child Artist(s): Nihar Kashyap, Sanidul Islam, Manik Ali (Kuhipath)
• * Best Director: Rajesh Touchriver (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Cinematography: Noushad Shereef (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Editor: K Sasi Kumar (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Music Director: Sourabh Mahanta (Akash Henu Nodir Nam)
• * Best Concept: Ritul Phukan (Writer of Life Behind the Life)
• * Best Art Direction: Pranab Jyoti Sarmah (Dhonguloi)
• * Best Script: Kangkan Bora (Ghar)
• * Best Make-Up: N G Roshan (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Sound Design: Debajit Gayan (Prastabana)
• * Best Costume Design: Nandini Sharma Dutta (Juiphool)

Short Films:

• * Best Short Film: Character
• * Second Best Short Film: Abaseshot
• * Third Best Short Film: Manitha Subhvam
• * Jury Special Award: Chori
• * Best Director: Himjyoti Talukdar (Ilish)
• * Best Actor (Male): Sunny Kawale (Chori)
• * Best Actor (Female): Sima Barua (Abaseshot)
• * Best Editor: Uddipta Kumar Bhattacharya (Ilish)
• * Best Child Actor: Karshita Subhnagi Kayshap (Abaseshot)

Shorter Films:

• * Best Shorter Film: That Ugly Green Planet
• * Second Best Shorter Film: Shesh Chithi
• * Third Best Shorter Film: Omnipresent

Documentary Films:

• * Best Documentary Film: Golden Thread
• * Second Best Documentary Film: The Elephant Haven
• * Third Best Documentary Film: PAPA – From Darkness to the Light
• * Best Actor (Popular): Samit Choudhury (Dr Nishant)

Notably, Juiphool received the Dr Zubeen Garg Memorial Best Feature Film Award, marking a highlight of the valedictory ceremony.

Speaking on the successful conclusion, Festival Director Dr Junmoni Devi Khaund expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, jury members, dignitaries, partners, volunteers, and audiences. She said,

“Niri9 stands for fearless storytelling and meaningful cinema. These two days have reaffirmed our belief that films can connect cultures, challenge perspectives, and create lasting impact. I am deeply thankful to everyone who made this journey possible.”

The Niri9 International Film Festival, an initiative of NIRI 9, an OTT platform under NIRI Media (OPC) Private Limited, Guwahati, continues to strengthen its position as a significant cultural forum for independent and socially conscious cinema. With its commitment to inclusivity, regional voices, and global narratives, the festival once again proved that cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums of expression and dialogue.

The Rookie Season 8 Set to Premiere in India on January 22, 2026 Category:

Mumbai, India, Jan 12: Popular crime drama series The Rookie is set to return with its eighth season on Moviesphere+ from 22nd January 2026 in India with the launch of first three episodes. Ahead of the new season, The Rookie Season 7 is currently available to stream on Moviesphere+, allowing audiences to catch up on the series.

Starring Nathan Fillion, The Rookie has built a strong global following with its compelling mix of high-stakes police procedural drama, character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. The upcoming season is expected to continue exploring the evolving personal and professional journeys of its characters, while introducing fresh challenges and intense new storylines.

Season 8’s world premiere marks the next chapter in the series’ successful run, while its India premiere on Moviesphere+ further strengthens the platform’s offering of premium international television content for Indian audiences.

As part of global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LION), Moviesphere+ continues to expand its catalogue in India with a diverse slate of Hollywood blockbusters, acclaimed series and popular global titles. Viewers in India can stream The Rookie Season 7 now and watch Season 8 from 22nd January 2026 exclusively on Moviesphere+.

Suraj Pratap Singh Applauds Young Co-Stars of Divya Prem for Focus and Quick Learning

Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani Actor Suraj Pratap Singh Praises Young Co-Stars: They are fast learners and extremely focused

“Since the kids Harathi and Aqdas have joined the show, the atmosphere on set has become even more fun and lively. All the children are extremely adorable, and together we keep pulling pranks on our co-actor Megha Ray, which adds to the laughter on set. Their energy is contagious and brings a fresh vibe to our shoot days. Being around them reminds us to enjoy the process and not take things too seriously. Honestly, when kids are on set, work stops feeling like work, it feels like play with purpose.”

“What truly amazes me is how smart and sharp today’s generation of kids is. Even during shoots, they pick up their lines very quickly and perform scenes with such confidence that retakes are rarely needed. They are fast learners and extremely focused. Kids today are also very curious, they ask questions that sometimes even surprise me. There are moments when I think, “Wow, this question never even crossed my mind!” Working with them feels less like teaching and more like learning from a new generation.”

Amazon MX Player Unveils Trailer for Bharat Ke Super Founders, Bringing INR 100 Crore of Real Capital to India’s Entrepreneurs

Mumbai, India, Jan 12: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, today unveiled the trailer for its upcoming entrepreneurial reality series, Bharat Ke Super Founders, offering an exclusive glimpse into a high-stakes pitch room where ambition is tested, ideas are scrutinised, and real investment decisions are made. The series will stream for free from 16th January 2026, with new episodes dropping every Thursday and Friday.

Hosted and mentored by Suniel Shetty, the show brings together an illustrious panel of business tycoons to back India’s next wave of entrepreneurs who are building with clarity, discipline, and long-term vision. Produced by Rusk Media and Recur Club, the series is co-powered by StockGro and Legacy Collective, with Jana Small Finance Bank as the Start-Up Banking Partner, OnePlus Pad3 as the Productivity Partner, and Bowlers as the Pet Food Partner.

Bharat Ke Super Founders positions itself as a platform for entrepreneurs driven by long-term ambition and grounded execution. The trailer highlights a ₹100 crore investment pool, the largest-ever commitment for an Indian entrepreneurial reality series, backed by leading industry tycoons and Recur Club. The show focuses on founders from across Bharat, including small towns and emerging markets, building businesses rooted in real needs and scalable solutions.

The series captures authentic entrepreneurial journeys, showcasing founders presenting their ideas with clarity and conviction while facing direct feedback from the investor panel. The combination of equity and AI-driven debt financing ensures that ideas are met with real capital and mentorship.

The show features some of India’s most respected business minds, including:

• Dr. A. VeluMani, Creator of Thyrocare and MD, AVMLabs

• Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO, Nazara Technologies

• Dr. Aarti Gupta, Chief Investment Officer, Anikarth Ventures

• Shanti Mohan, Founder & CEO, LetsVenture Trica

• Aditya Singh, Co-Founder, All In Capital

• Ankur Mittal, Partner, Physis Capital and Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures

Additional investors and mentors will join throughout the season, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives and real-world experience.

Commenting on the trailer, Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, said:

“With Bharat Ke Super Founders, we are introducing a format that places authenticity at the heart of entrepreneurial storytelling. By combining real founders, real capital, and a stringent evaluation process, the show creates genuine opportunities across Bharat, giving ideas and innovations a platform to flourish.”

Suniel Shetty, host and mentor, shared:

“I’ve always believed that success comes from consistency, not shortcuts. Bharat Ke Super Founders is about putting in the work, learning from failures, and getting back up. Guiding founders in a space where real ideas are backed by real capital is a truly rewarding experience.”

Dr. A. VeluMani, investor, said:

“Bharat Ke Super Founders reflects the ground reality of building a business. Every founder on the show has earned their place, and the series respects entrepreneurship and the effort it takes to create real value.”

Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO, Nazara Technologies, added:

“True entrepreneurship demands patience, adaptability, and courage. I’m excited to engage with founders ready to build the next generation of enduring Indian companies.”

Bharat Ke Super Founders streams exclusively on Amazon MX Player from 16th January 2026, accessible via the MX Player app on mobile and Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

Sanrachna Expo Begins at Janpath with ‘Bharat Weaves’ Fashion Showcase Celebrating India’s Textile Heritage

New Delhi, Jan 12: The Sanrachna Handloom and Handicrafts Expo, organised by the National Design Centre, has begun at Handloom Haat, Janpath, opening its doors to visitors from January 10 to January 18, 2026. The exhibition will be open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

The opening day featured a vibrant fashion showcase titled ‘Bharat Weaves’, curated in collaboration with Satyam Fashion Institute, which brought India’s rich textile traditions to the ramp in a contemporary format. The showcase presented a wide spectrum of collections, including wedding wear, Phulkari ensembles, saree collections, Khadi designs, and traditional handloom-inspired corporate wear. The presentations highlighted the finesse of Indian craftsmanship while aligning with modern design sensibilities.

The expo is being organised in association with Development Commissioner (Handlooms), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Jute Board, NABARD, and Satyam Fashion Institute. Its objective is to strengthen the visibility of India’s handloom, handicraft, and traditional craft sectors while enabling artisans to access wider markets.

Visitors to Structura Expo can explore an extensive range of handicrafts, handloom textiles, jute products, home décor, gift items, and innovative textile offerings. More than 100 participants from across the country, including weavers, self-help groups, cooperatives, and production units, are showcasing their work. The expo provides a platform for direct engagement with buyers, wholesalers, exporters, and industry stakeholders.

Positioned as a bridge between traditional weaving techniques and contemporary consumer demand, Structura Expo offers urban audiences an opportunity to experience the diversity and cultural depth of Indian handloom traditions.

 Through this initiative, the National Design Centre continues its efforts to preserve India’s weaving heritage, empower artisan communities, and expand the global reach of Indian handloom products.

From celebration to chaos: Rashi’s wedding leaves Pushpa at an emotional breaking point in Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible

 Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible continues to strike a chord with audiences through the inspiring journey of Pushpa (Karuna Pandey), an ordinary woman with extraordinary grit. From a devoted homemaker to a determined lawyer, the show traces her rise against every challenge, as she refuses to be defined by life’s setbacks and remains steadfast in her beliefs and resilience.

In the upcoming episodes, Pushpa’s daughter Rashi (Akshaya Hindalkar) marries Rishabh (Shrey Maradiya) amid intense drama. Before the wedding, Swara (Pari Bhatti) suspects Rishabh of gaslighting Rashi with false promises, including a flat he never intended to buy. When her concerns are dismissed, a furious Swara runs away with Titli (Bhoomi Ramola) to meet her mother Kadambari (Brinda Trivedi) in jail, triggering panic during the wedding. Kadambari manipulates Titli into believing Pushpa was responsible for her father Jugal’s (Anshul Trivedi) death, leading Titli to leave home and move in with Viren (Hemant Kher). Pushpa is left at a painful crossroads as three daughters drift away from her. After the wedding, Rashi begins to see cracks in her marriage as Rishabh continues to emotionally manipulate her.

As Pushpa battles heartbreak on multiple fronts, will she be able to save her daughter trapped in a toxic marriage?

Speaking about the ongoing track, Karuna Pandey, who essays the role of Pushpa, shares, 

“This phase is one of the most painful chapters in Pushpa’s journey. As a mother, watching your children drift away, misunderstand you, and make choices that could hurt them is heartbreaking. Pushpa has always believed in raising strong, independent daughters, but here she realises that empowerment also means knowing when to step in and protect. This track reflects the silent strength of a mother who may be breaking inside, yet refuses to give up on her children or her values.”

Central Park Rings in 2026 amid Razzmatazz, Delectable Gourmet, Splendour and Indulgence  

Gurugram, Jan 05: Central Park, a leading Gurugram-based real estate developer under the Bakshi Group of Enterprises hosted a grand New Year’s Eve celebration for its residents at Central Park Resorts, Sohna Road, Gurugram. Beginning at 8 PM, the in-house celebration brought together live entertainment, an expansive culinary alchemy, and family-friendly experiences in a secure and vibrant setting.

Themed ‘Glitz and Glam’, the New Year’s Eve celebration was curated as a high-energy yet sophisticated community experience, blending music, gastronomy, and festive engagement for residents across age groups. Celebrations kicked off with a tectonic DJ troupe setting the tone for an exuberant evening. A traditional dhol flared the frenetic energy well into the night without a single dull moment.

A live performance by popular Punjabi singer Sara Gurpal, further ignited the high-octane night of celebration. The festivities were headlined by renowned Punjabi pop artist Parmish Verma, who took the stage from 11:30 PM to usher in the New Year with his special performance.

Living up to the ethos of unparalleled bespoke hospitality by Central Park a key highlight of the evening was the expansive culinary showcase. The gourmet spread featured more than 200 dishes, offering a refined mix of Indian and global cuisines. Guests enjoyed Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, and Continental fare alongside Indian regional specialities including Kashmiri, Rajasthani, Punjabi, South Indian, and Mughlai cuisines. The dining experience was further elevated with LIVE lip-smacking Delhi 6 and Mumbai Chaat counters; a dedicated salad island; and an elaborate dessert showcase featuring both European confectionary and traditional Indian sweets. The venue also featured themed photo-op corners and dedicated senior citizen zones with unmatched F&B service.

 In attendance for the grand celebration were approximately 2,500 residents and guests. Superlative luxury quotient clubbed with the finesse of gourmet food made it an affair to remember.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Rajit Sardana, President, Hospitality, Central Park, said

“We were delighted to host a celebration of this scale and grandeur for our residents. At Central Park, creating experiences that bring people together has always been at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. This New Year’s Eve was thoughtfully curated to combine premium entertainment, a memorable culinary experience, and a safe, family-first environment, allowing residents to welcome the New Year with comfort, joy, and the assurance of a world-class celebration within their own community.”

Through a blend of high-energy entertainment, curated dining, and community engagement, the event reinforced Central Park’s commitment to delivering lifestyle-driven experiences infused with bespoke hospitality elements that extend well beyond residential living.

Jana Nayagan director H Vinoth wonders why Bollywood overlooked Bobby Deol

As H Vinoth prepares for the release of his upcoming political action drama Jana Nayagan, the filmmaker has stirred an interesting conversation by calling out Bollywood for failing to fully recognise Bobby Deol’s true potential. Speaking ahead of the film’s release on January 9, Vinoth praised Deol’s commanding performance as the main antagonist and wondered how Hindi cinema allowed such a versatile star to remain underutilised for years.

Sharing his thoughts in an interview with Ananda Vikatan, Vinoth said that Bobby Deol is inherently built for powerful action roles and has delivered far beyond expectations in Jana Nayagan. “I don’t know how Hindi cinema let go of Bobby Deol for so long, because he is pure action-hero material. When we write certain characters, we imagine how they might finally look on screen. In this role, he exceeded everything I imagined,” he stated.

Vinoth also pointed out the striking contrast between Bobby’s calm off-screen persona and the electrifying energy he brings to camera. “Bobby is naturally quiet, but on screen he scores big and leaves a strong impact. If I ever get an opportunity to direct a Hindi film, I would love to make an action film with him. That’s how much I enjoyed working with him,” he added.

Jana Nayagan features Thalapathy Vijay in the lead, with Bobby Deol playing a formidable adversary. The film boasts a strong ensemble including Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, Prakash Raj and Narain. The story revolves around a former police officer who rises to unexpected leadership after standing up against injustice.