Category Archives: Entertainment

Over 50 Artistes to Unite at the NCPA for a Global Tribute to Zakir Hussain

On N0v 19th:- the world of music mourned the loss of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. A visionary percussionist, composer, and collaborator, Hussain’s genius transcended boundaries and genres — from Indian and Western classical music to rock, pop, jazz, and world music.

The NCPA’s association with Hussain began on a historic note, with his performance alongside his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, at the Centre’s foundation day in 1969. This marked the start of a 55-year-long journey, including landmark concerts and collaborations with the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), for which he composed two original works in the last decade. Hussain also served as a respected member of the NCPA Council, contributing not only as a musician but also as a mentor and guide.

Beyond his virtuosity, Hussain was celebrated for his generous heart, gentle nature, and charismatic presence, qualities that endeared him to audiences and fellow musicians alike.

To honour his life and legacy, the NCPA will present ‘Maestro Forever’, a two-day global tribute on 14th and 15th December, featuring over 50 national and international artistes, students, and family members. Many of these artistes shared the stage and personal bonds with Hussain.

The stellar line-up includes John McLaughlin, Louis Banks, Dave Holland, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Ranjit Barot, V. Selvaganesh, Shankar Mahadevan, Chris Potter, Sanjay Divecha, Gino Banks, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Amjad Ali Khan, Rakesh Chaurasia, and many others.

The programme will feature:

• Musical performances

• Lecture-demonstrations and talks

• Photo exhibition tracing his journey

• Documentary screenings

Hussain’s wife Antonia, daughters Anisa and Isabella, and his brothers will also participate, honouring the maestro who redefined the tabla and inspired generations.

Running from 9 AM to 9 PM across multiple NCPA venues, this commemorative event promises a multidimensional and heartfelt celebration of Zakir Hussain’s unmatched contributions to music and the countless lives he touched.

Shivam Malhotra Becomes First Indian Honoured in Billboard Canada 40 Under 40

Malsons Media Founder Shivam Malhotra Becomes First Indian Honoured in Inaugural Billboard Canada 40 Under 40

Mumbai, Nov 19th: Billboard Canada has unveiled its first-ever 40 Under 40 list, recognizing young executives, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of the Canadian music industry. Shivam Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Malsons Media, has become the first and only Indian to be inducted into this prestigious inaugural edition.

The 2025 list highlights rising visionaries across labels, management, live music, streaming, radio, marketing, and culture. Amid business partners of global superstars Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, and senior executives from major music companies worldwide, Malhotra stands out as the only honouree from India and the sole South Asian media leader represented.

Billboard recognizes Malhotra as “a central force in taking Punjabi music from Canada to the world,” while driving innovative intersections between Canadian music, film, and technology. As founder of Malsons Media, he has built a multi-vertical entertainment incubator spanning artist management, original content, and strategic investments—empowering creators to grow globally without compromising artistic ownership.

At just 33, Malhotra has been instrumental in the meteoric rise of Brampton-based Punjabi hip-hop star Shubh, whose music has crossed 6 billion career streams and generated a digital footprint exceeding 40 billion. Under Malhotra’s strategic direction, Shubh has sold out arenas across North America and the Middle East, earning accolades including SOCAN Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year (2025) and Jim Beam Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Canadian Music Week (2023).

Malsons Media has released over 250 songs across Punjabi hip-hop and pop, collaborating with more than 70 artists, including chart-toppers like Jubin Nautiyal and Harshdeep Kaur, and emerging talents such as Gravity, JXGGI, Frappe Ash, and Awee. Multiple releases have appeared on global and Billboard charts, as well as top playlists on major streaming platforms, yielding #1 hits in India and several Top 10 placements worldwide.

Reflecting on his recognition, Malhotra said:

“I’m super grateful for this honour and encouragement. The future isn’t coming—it’s what we’re building right now. The global Punjabi wave is the blueprint, not the exception. Language is no longer a barrier—it’s a superpower. The old, one-sided artist deal is dead. The new model is artist ownership and building real enterprises. We’re creating global pipelines from hubs like India and Canada.”

Billboard notes that through Malsons Media, Malhotra continues to support artists shaping Canada’s evolving cultural identity and expanding its global creative footprint. He adds, “I’m endlessly inspired by Canada’s artists, collectives, and cultural builders. Spotlighting greatness has always been the goal—and Canada has no shortage of it.”

In addition to the Billboard Canada 40 Under 40 recognition, Malhotra was recently named to the Billboard Global Music Managers Watchlist 2025 (Canada). Previously, he was honored as one of the ‘Most Influential Personalities’ by Economic Times. Under his leadership, Malsons Media has won accolades including Business Connect’s “Startup of the Year” and Brands Impact’s ‘Best Entertainment & Tech Startup’.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Malhotra has previously worked at Snap, Parkes+MacDonald Productions, and Universal Films. Beyond entertainment, he actively supports social initiatives aiding senior citizens and stray animals.

Phurr Becomes the Internet’s New Party Favourite as Honey Singh and Kapil Sharma Team Up

For the first time ever, Honey Singh and Kapil Sharma have come together on screen, and their collaboration has created instant magic for the audience. Their latest track Phurr has taken social media by storm, with fans celebrating the duo’s refreshing and high-energy pairing. Viewers are showering love on their effortless camaraderie, infectious vibe and the fun spirit they bring to the screen.

Phurr has already crossed over 25+ million reach across platforms, emerging as one of the most talked-about songs this season. The track is being widely hailed as the party anthem of the year as listeners continue to groove to its upbeat sound and the duo’s crackling presence. The excitement further grew when Mika Singh and Kiku Sharda shared the song on their Instagram stories, adding to the buzz and amplifying its visibility online.

The anticipation around Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is only rising with this hit track. The film features Kapil Sharma in the lead along with Manjot Singh, Ayesha Khan, Tridha Choudhury, Hira Warina and Parul Gulati. With Phurr already winning hearts, the film’s momentum is stronger than ever ahead of its theatrical release.

Aanandita Sahoo’s Parents Never Miss an Episode of Satyaa Sachee

Aanandita Sahoo’s Parents Never Miss an Episode of Satyaa Sachee

Boh!B Brings the Beats to Mindspace SOCIAL

Mindspace SOCIAL presents SOCIAL Selects ft. Boh!B, a high-energy night of genre-blending sounds designed to set the dance floor on fire.

Siddharth Negi, aka Boh!B, turns every set into a genre-blending party, fusing Hip-Hop, Garage, Amapiano, Funk, and Soul. High-energy, boundary-pushing beats that keep the dancefloor alive!

Let the beats take control, the grooves move you, and Boh!B turn the dancefloor into your ultimate playground!

Date: 15th November 2025, Saturday

Time: 8:00 pm onwards

Genre: Hip-Hop/House/Commercial

Venue: Mindspace SOCIAL

Divine lessons and brotherly bonds: Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikey’s growth shines in Sony SAB’s Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey

Sony SAB’s mythological saga, Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey, continues to captivate audiences with its divine storytelling that unveils the lesser-known tales of Lord Shiva (Mohitt Maalik) and Goddess Parvati’s (Shrenu Parikh) sons, Lord Ganesh (Ekansh Kathrotiya) and Lord Kartikey (Subhan Khan). The show explores the Shiv Parivaar’s bonds, challenges, and triumphs, seamlessly weaving cosmic order with deep human emotions.

In the upcoming episodes, Lord Ganesh brings Lord Kartikey back to Kailash, where they encounter three Brahms, Haha (Guru Govinda), Huhu (Sohit Soni), and Tumbru (Kunal Seth). These Brahms possess five idols representing Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Brahma, but they fail to include Lord Kartikey, as they do not recognize him as a deity. Instead, they refer to him merely as Senapati. Observing this, Lord Ganesh gently intervenes, and Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma enlighten the Brahms about Lord Kartikey’s divine importance. Realizing their mistake, they sincerely apologize. Meanwhile, Mushak Raj causes chaos in Rishi Parashar’s (Manoj Kolhatkar) ashram, prompting Lord Ganesh to step in. Mushak challenges Lord Ganesh to a battle of wit, doubting his divinity as merely the God of knowledge. However, Lord Ganesh answers every question with ease, leaving Mushak humbled. Realizing his error and moved by Lord Ganesh’s wisdom, Mushak repents and requests to serve as his vaahan. Through these parallel journeys, the story beautifully showcases how both brothers, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikey, are being shaped by their experiences, evolving and coming into their own as complete deities.

Ekansh Kathrothiya, playing the role of Lord Ganesh in Ganesh Kartikey shared: “This track shows a very sweet and fun part of Lord Ganesh’s journey. He uses his intelligence and calm nature to solve problems without getting angry. I really enjoyed the scenes with Mushak Raj, they’re full of wit and learning. It also shows how Lord Ganesh starts understanding his purpose and how kindness and knowledge can make someone truly special.”

Subhan, playing the role of Lord Kartikey in Ganesh Kartikey shared: “I really liked performing this track because it shows how Lord Kartikey is growing and learning what it means to be a god. At first, people don’t understand his importance, but slowly, they realize who he truly is. The bond between Lord Kartikey and Lord Ganesh in this story is very touching, they support and complete each other as brothers.”

Campus Activewear & Terribly Tiny Tales Launch “Five, Six, Seven, Ate!” Celebrating Gen Z Spirit

Mumbai, 11th November 2025: Campus Activewear Ltd., one of India’s leading Sports and Athleisure brands, has partnered with Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) to launch a social storytelling series that captures how young India moves: confident, expressive, and authentic.

Set in the world of competitive dance, the 15-part Instagram microdrama, Five, Six, Seven, Ate!, follows the stories of four young women chasing their dreams, navigating friendship, and finding their own paths in a world that’s constantly moving. Each under-2-minute episode blends emotion with energy, celebrating ambition, individuality, and the unspoken bonds that keep you going.

At its heart, the series reflects Campus’ Move Your Way philosophies, stories of confidence, creativity, and the courage to keep moving, each driven by the passion that fuels one’s journey.

Prerna Aggarwal, Chief Innovation Officer, Campus Activewear Ltd., said, “Gen Z connects most deeply with stories that feel real and unfold in the spaces they inhabit, especially social. Partnering with TTT was a natural step for us, to create narratives that reflect the world our consumers live in.This microdrama brings both  our philosophies ‘Move Your Way’ and ‘You Go, Girl’ alive in a way that’s instinctively social, emotionally honest, and reflective of how young India tells its own stories today.”

Anuj Gosalia, Founder & CEO, Terribly Tiny Tales, added, “TTT has always been about stories that feel like they belong to you. Collaborating with Campus felt seamless, both of us speak to the same world, one that’s expressive, curious, and constantly evolving. It’s not content for Gen Z; it’s storytelling from their world.”

Together, Campus and TTT are reshaping brand participation in youth culture by embodying the role of storytellers who move in step with the generation they champion. 

Dish TV Group Collaborates with Amazon Prime to Offer Prime Lite Benefits to Customers

Shaktimaan Returns: India’s Original Superhero is Finally Back on Pocket FM!

India, 10th November, 2025: Audio Series platform Pocket FM, has brought the country’s most beloved superhero roaring back to life. Reviving the legend with an all-new 40-episode audio series, Shaktimaan Returns is a nostalgic yet contemporary environmental thriller, backed by none other than the original creator and face of Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna. The series, now streaming exclusively and free for all users on Pocket FM, redefines India’s most loved superhero for a new generation, blending nostalgia, purpose, and cinematic sound design to create an immersive storytelling experience unlike anything before.

A New Era. A New Battle. A New Storyline.

This time, Shaktimaan’s mission goes beyond battling evil. In Shaktimaan Returns, he faces an enemy unlike any before, humanity’s own greed and its reckless exploitation of nature. His nemesis, Mahatatva, once a guardian of balance, has turned into a corrupted force determined to restore Earth’s harmony by any means necessary. To save the world, Shaktimaan must embark on a quest to collect five mystical jewels, the Manis of Elements, and discover that true power lies in compassion, and not destruction.

Packed with cinematic soundscapes, the series runs nearly 10 hours of adrenaline, emotions, and moral awakening, proving that the power of light still shines bright in today’s chaotic world. With a cast of beloved characters – Gangadhar Shastri, Gita Vishwas, Mahatma, and TRP Baba, it’s one of the largest superhero productions in India’s audio entertainment space to date.

“For many of us, Shaktimaan was the first hero we truly believed in. Bringing him back wasn’t about rebooting the 90s; it was about showing how timeless Indian heroes can be when told through a modern style of storytelling and with a new storyline,” said Rohan Nayak, CEO and Co-founder of Pocket FM. “For decades, the world has looked to the U.S for its superheroes, from caped crusaders to cinematic universes. But India has its own legends, its own heroes shaped by our values and imagination. Shaktimaan brings a refreshing shift with an Indian superhero who stands for purpose, balance, and moral strength. We’re thrilled to bring him to Pocket FM, and this is just the beginning as we continue to create and reimagine more superheroes for our audiences. Audio is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums, and this project demonstrates how classic Indian IPs can evolve with technology and reach new audiences globally.”

For the man who first gave India its superhero, this revival is deeply emotional. Mukesh Khanna, the original Shaktimaan, said, “Shaktimaan was created to inspire truth, selflessness, and courage in young minds. These values are timeless. When Pocket FM approached me, I was curious to see how those ideals would come alive through audio. But the way they’ve reimagined it, with a fresh storyline while preserving the soul of Shaktimaan, truly moved me. I doubt if any other production house could have done such justice to the character. I’m glad to see that the essence of Shaktimaan is alive and speaking to a new generation in a new voice.”

Bollywood’s Baddies React Villains in Panic Mode!

To celebrate the launch, Pocket FM dropped a hilarious brand film featuring Bollywood’s most notorious 90s villains Gulshan Grover, Ranjeet, Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Khan, and the original Shaktimaan villain Surendra Pal in full panic mode after discovering Shaktimaan is back!

From “Andheraa…” to “By God” to “Bad Man”, the villains deliver a nostalgia-packed performance as they scramble to deal with their old foe’s return. The film, aptly titled “Distressed Villains”, captures the 90s chaos and humour fans loved, ending with a cheeky salute to the man who made them all go “Sorry Shaktimaan!” once again.

Speaking about the film, Vineet Singh, SVP and Head – Brand Marketing, Pocket FM, said, “We wanted to celebrate Shaktimaan’s return in a way that felt fun, familiar, and full of nostalgia. Who better to react than the very villains who made our childhoods so entertaining? Bringing them together in one frame was pure joy — a reunion of Indian pop culture itself. The idea was to create a moment that makes people smile, reminisce, and realize how deeply Shaktimaan lives in our collective memory.”

With Shaktimaan Returns, Pocket FM honors the nostalgia attached to Shaktimaan while reimagining the future of storytelling through the power of audio series. It stands as a cultural milestone, reviving a legend who continues to inspire generations and reaffirming that the spirit of Indian heroes is alive, evolving, and ready to shine in new forms.