Category Archives: Entertainment

Noted actor Neha SK Mehta joins Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi as Anvita’s self-centered mother

Mumbai, October 9th, 2025: Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi continues to win hearts with its heartwarming narrative that beautifully captures the Divekar family’s joys, struggles, and the bonds that hold them together. Adding a fresh twist to the ongoing storyline, former Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Neha SK Mehta will be seen entering the show as Hetal, Anvita’s (Sumbul Touqeer Khan) dramatic mother.

Hetal’s entry promises to bring a fresh wave of drama and entertainment to the show. She’s talkative, flamboyant, and unapologetically self-absorbed, always finding ways to be the center of attention and never misses a chance to flaunt her stylish, glamorous persona. Her obsession with maintaining a well-to-do image often makes her the source of chaos and comic relief in the household. However, beneath her loud exterior lies a woman driven by her own insecurities and desires. Hetal isn’t a typical loving mother, she prioritizes herself over everyone else, including her children. She masks her vulnerabilities behind her wit and larger-than-life attitude, making her both unpredictable and endearing.

Neha SK Mehta, playing the role of Hetal in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “It’s exciting to be part of a show that blends heartfelt emotions with light-hearted family moments. Playing Hetal is going to be so much fun! She’s bubbly, dramatic, and full of life, yet wonderfully flawed. I absolutely love how she flaunts her style and confidence while hiding her vulnerabilities, creating chaos, and unforgettable moments in equal measures. This character is very different from the roles I have played so far and after playing a rooted character earlier, joining Itti Si Khushi feels like a refreshing new chapter.”

House of McDowell’s Soda Launches ‘Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0’ Campaign Featuring Kartik Aaryan

India, 9th October 2025: House of McDowell’s Soda, in partnership with Publicis Groupe India’s Team Spirit, has unveiled its latest campaign, Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0 an extension of its core philosophy of celebrating Yaari. Titled ‘Karo Kuch Pehli Baar Jab Saath Hon Yaar’, the campaign celebrates the unforgettable firsts that friends experience together moments that turn into memories, stories that get retold for years, and experiences that carry the spirit of Yaari forward. It positions McDowell’s Soda as vibrant and aspirational, cementing its place as the fizz that brings friends and moments together”.

The film shows Kartik motivating a hesitant friend to take on a daunting experience he’s never tried before a metaphor for the courage that friendship inspires. What follows is a playful, high-energy montage where Kartik reimagines some of history’s most iconic firsts — from landing on the moon to inventing social media — all made possible by the power of friendship. These humorous sequences lend the film its light-hearted charm, showing that when friends come together, even the impossible feels within reach. 

“Friendship has always been at the heart of House of McDowell’s Soda, and with Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0 we’re taking that legacy forward for a new generation.” said Varun Koorichh, Vice President and Portfolio Head – Marketing, Diageo India. “The firsts we share with friends are often the ones that shape us the most. Young people today are seeking experiences that matter, not just highlights of success. Through this campaign, we want to inspire them to keep creating those unforgettable stories together. With Kartik bringing this alive, Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0 is more than a brand film, it is an invitation to celebrate friendship in its truest form and reinforce our role in culture as the brand that champions the power of friendship.”

Kartik Smetacek, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi India, added, “The brief was to reinterpret McDowell’s ‘yaari’ promise for the next generation of consumers. We started with a powerful insight – that so many of our first-time experiences happen with friends. The creative idea took a leap from there, giving ‘yaari’ a grand stage in history, but doing it with wit and a lightness of touch.”

Kartik Aaryan, long-term brand ambassador, said, “My journey with House of McDowell’s Soda has always been about celebrating the magic of Yaari. What makes ‘Yaaron Wali Baat 2.0’ special is how those moments with your yaars change you – they give you courage, bring out your best, and turn into stories you’ll never forget. For me, it’s never just about the memory, it’s about the bond that lasts. That’s the true spirit of Yaari, and why my partnership with House of McDowell’s Soda has always been close to my heart.”

The film marks a new chapter in House of McDowell’s Soda’s journey – one that continues to celebrate the timeless magic of friendship and the unforgettable firsts it inspires. The campaign extends across social media, Out-of-Home, and shopper platforms, positioning House of McDowell’s Soda as a brand that is of, for, and by friendship – aspirational, relatable, and emotionally resonant.

Race to the Finale: Nayandeep and Aarush Clash as Alliances Shift in the Tower

MUMBAI, India, October 8, 2025: The game in the Rise and Fall Tower is at a critical stage where alliances are shifting by the minute, and every contestant is strategizing to save themselves. The latest episode saw high drama, with nominations putting the spotlight on the workers and rulers alike. The workers nominated Akriti, Aaditya, and Nayandeep, while Kiku was chosen by the rulers, setting the stage for tense confrontations.

As the day unfolded, tensions flared between Nayandeep and Aarush. What started as Aarush’s usual teasing quickly triggered Nayandeep, who snapped: “Haa, tere taraf hai, kyunki bekar mai you are triggering me for no reason.” Aarush, ever the provocateur, fired back: “Kya hogya, nominate hi to hua hai. Hum tereko yahi samjha rahe the, hum yaha 30 din se hai, ek game se nahi hota.” The heated back-and-forth highlighted not just their contrasting approaches to the game, but also the intense pressure and high stakes in the Tower.

Nayandeep voiced his frustration further:“Aree, nominate hua hu theek hai, baar baar aake mere kaano ke aage bolne ki zarurat nahi hai ki tu eliminate ho jayega.” Aarush, standing his ground, reminded him: “Dusre task mai to tu behosh hogya, tu task karne layak hai nahi… Dekh raha hai kaun 10 logo se rishte bana ke good books me aane ka try kar raha hai.” Nayandeep countered, “Mai aisa hi hoon, mai bahar bhi aisa hi hu,” to which Aarush humorously added, “Pata hai mereko, tabhi teko mithi churi kehte hai.”

Amid the intense strategizing, the Tower also prepared for a monumental change: the crowning of a new Ultimate Ruler, who would not only hold ultimate power but also secure a ticket to the finale. With Arjun’s tenure as Ultimate Ruler coming to an end, every decision carried weight, alliances were tested, and every move could make or break the contestants’ paths to victory.

As the episode concluded, the tension, strategy, and emotional stakes left everyone on edge, highlighting that in Rise and Fall, it’s not just about who rises or falls, but who plays the game smartest under pressure.

In the game of Rise and Fall this week, the house is split between Workers and Rulers, with Aarush Bhola, Aaditya Narayan, Kiku Sharda, Akriti Negi and Nayandeep Rakshiit hustling as Workers, while Manisha Rani, Arjun Bijlani, Bali, Dhanashree Verma and Arbaz Patel, hold the throne as Rulers. Watch daily new episodes of Rise and Fall for free, on Amazon MX Player at 12 PM and on Sony Entertainment Television at 10:30 PM.

Hoopr Boosts Emerging Artists’ Earnings, Disburses INR4.5 Crore to 1,500 Musicians

India, 8th October 2025: Hoopr, India’s first music licensing platform, has announced that it has paid over INR4.5 crore in payouts to more than 1,500 artists across 20+ genres, through its platform, over the past three years. This milestone marks an industry first in micro-sync licensing payouts, underscoring Hoopr’s commitment to building a transparent, scalable, and sustainable ecosystem that empowers music creators and ensures fair compensation for their work.

With this milestone, Hoopr has established itself as a powerful revenue engine for musicians who operate behind the scenes such as music producers, composers, and background score creators who often remain outside the spotlight of traditional music monetization.

While conventional revenue streams like streaming, live performances, and royalties tend to favor established artists and major labels, Hoopr has opened up a new monetization frontier for mid-tier and emerging talent. Through its transparent licensing model, every time a brand or creator licenses a track from Hoopr, the artist earns directly, making it one of the most inclusive and sustainable income opportunities in India’s evolving music landscape.

Hoopr’s current roster includes known and emerging producers and music composers such as Nilesh Dahanukar (Special 26, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, OMG: Oh My God!), Aditya Kudalkar (Konkani short film Gathan), Divya Limbasia (The Family Man), Sayan Chakraborty, Devashish Korani (Yeh Chahiye, Ruaa Ruaa), among many others.

Over the last three years, Hoopr has built a strong platform which is being used by 30,000+ creators, including popular names such as Ashish Vidyarthi, Chef Ranveer Brar, Flying Beast, and has partnered with 175+ brands including ITC, Himalaya, Myntra, Meesho, Marico, UltraTech and many more.

Hoopr’s model ensures that every time a brand or creator licenses a track, the respective artist earns between 50–65% of the revenue. Artists on Hoopr benefit from two key revenue channels  direct licensing income when their music is used, and royalty payments facilitated through Hoopr’s strategic partnership with IPRS.

An inspiring example is Trivarg Arandhara (Triv), an emerging independent artist from a small town in Assam, who earned from a single micro-licensing deal on Hoopr an amount equivalent to what he would have made from a whopping 4.8 lakh streams on conventional platforms like Spotify or YouTube.

Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-founder & CEO of Hoopr, said: “This milestone goes beyond the payouts—it represents a shift towards sustainable income for artists across India. We firmly believe that licensing is the future of creator monetization, and ₹4.5 crore in payouts is only the beginning. As the adoption of licensed music accelerates, we expect artist earnings to rise exponentially. By FY2028, our goal is to surpass ₹100 crore in cumulative payouts, driven by expansion into new genres and languages, deeper collaborations with global and regional labels, and the increasing use of licensed music by brands, agencies, and content creators.”

Meghna Mittal, Co-founder & CRO of Hoopr, added: “Transparency and trust have been core to Hoopr’s DNA from the very beginning. Our tech-enabled backend ensures that artists are paid promptly whenever their music is used. By combining a seamless, automated licensing experience for both artists and brands, we’re raising the bar for fairness and accountability in the Indian music economy. This is only the beginning — we’re building an inclusive ecosystem where every artist can thrive, and brands can effortlessly access culturally resonant music.”

As India’s music ecosystem matures, a new era is taking shape—one built on transparency, shared growth, and the belief that fair licensing can power a more creative and sustainable future

Sundaa Ravaan: Aparshakti Khurana & Barkha Singh Star in Tips Music’s New Romance Track

Mumbai, 7th October 2025: Tips Music Ltd. is thrilled to announce the release of “Sundaa Ravaan,” a vibrant romantic track that brings together the charming Aparshakti Khurana and the vivacious Barkha Singh for the first time on screen. This feel-good anthem of young love drops today across all major platforms, just in time to add some extra sparkle to your festive celebrations.

Pairing Aparshakti and Barkha together for the first time, “Sundaa Ravaan” captures the playful, carefree spirit of modern romance. Their fresh on-screen chemistry brings an infectious energy that today’s youth will instantly connect with – making this the perfect soundtrack for every budding love story.

The song features an engaging music video directed by Nirali Naik. The track comes alive with catchy lyrics by Karan Malhotra and Amar Jalal, and foot-tapping music composed by Karan Malhotra  a perfect blend that’ll have you hitting replay.

Mr. Kumar Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Music Ltd, shared, ” Tips has always believed in creating music that connects people. ‘Sundaa Ravaan’ is a feel-good song that captures the energy and playfulness of romance. Aparshakti has surprised us all with his singing talent, and this track is the perfect showcase for it. The song has a refreshing vibe that will appeal to everyone who enjoys music that makes you want to move and celebrate.”

Aparshakti Khurana expressed, “Music has been an integral part of my life ever since I can remember, and getting to bring a beautiful romantic track like ‘Sundaa Ravaan’ to life feels incredible. Karan Malhotra created this song, and Kumar ji instantly appreciated it; I am thankful that I could be a part of it. The entire process was simply exhilarating! Working with Karan on the song was a truly wonderful collaboration. I hope listeners enjoy this song as much as we loved creating it!”

Barkha Singh, sharing her thoughts on the project, “This was my first time venturing into music videos & shooting Sundaa Ravaan was a lot of fun. Apar and I had a blast while shooting & I think that comes through in the video as well. This is the kinda song that makes you smile, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

Karan Malhotra, Music Composer and Lyricist, added, “Creating ‘Sundaa Ravaan’ was all about capturing that carefree feeling of being in love. We wanted a sound that feels fresh yet familiar, something that celebrates romance in a lighthearted way. Working with Aparshakti as a singer brought a unique charm to the track, and I’m really proud of how it’s turned out.”

Tune in to “Sundaa Ravaan” today, October 6, 2025, and let this charming track brighten your day!

Gargee Roychowdhury Launches Theatre Plus with Debut Production ‘TARASUNDARI’

Gargee Roychowdhury Launches Theatre Plus with the Announcement of Its Maiden Venture TARASUNDARI

Kolkata, 6th October, 2025: The city’s cultural landscape witnessed the launch of Theatre Plus, a new production house founded by acclaimed actress Ms. Gargee Roychowdhury. The launch was marked by the official poster release of the production house’s maiden venture, Tarasundari — a solo act play by Gargee, dedicated to the legendary actress Tarasundari. The occasion was graced by the Advisor and Mentor of the play, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Higher & School Education Department, Government of West Bengal, and eminent theatre personality Mr. Bratya Basu.

Tarasundari, one of the brightest names in Bengal’s professional theatre history, was a trailblazing performer who excelled equally in tragedy and comedy — a gifted singer who could effortlessly render even European melodies, and a dancer whose stage presence was unmatched. Her life, filled with courage, resilience, and artistic brilliance, continues to inspire generations.

The play will debut on 1st November 2025 at GD Birla Sabhagar, where Gargee will step into the shoes of Tarasundari, bringing alive the story of a woman far ahead of her time. The production will seek to rediscover her extraordinary journey — from her celebrated career to her courage in standing up for her dignity and self-respect during an era when actresses were often socially ostracized.

“Tarasundari was not just a remarkable actress but a symbol of courage and grace who refused to bow to social stigma. Bringing her story to life is my tribute to her indomitable spirit. With Theatre Plus, I would like to continue telling stories that celebrate the lives of cultural icons and the richness of Indian literature. This is a dream production, and it will be staged across the country,” said Ms. Gargee Roychowdhury, Actress & Founder, Theatre Plus.

The play Tarasundari is written and directed by Ujjwal Chattopadhyay, with music and soundscape by Prabuddha Banerjee, stage craft by Soumik Piyali, lighting by Soumen Chakraborty, costumes by Abhishek Roy, visual design by Ekta Bhattacharya, and stage management by Ambarish.

The launch of Theatre Plus ushered in a new era of theatre productions that aim to revive forgotten legends and reintroduce them to contemporary audiences with honesty, passion, and artistry.

Dam Good Fish Brings Authentic Flavours & Festive Joy to CR Park and Maitri Mandir Durga Puja Celebrations

New Delhi, 4th Oct, 2025: This Durga Puja, Dam Good Fish is thrilled to participate in the celebrations at CR Park, & Maitri mandir Safdarjung, New Delhi honoring the tradition, the community and the taste with a one-of-a-kind collaboration. Throughout the Puja , our brand will be stationed at important pandals across CR Park, to repurpose regular food stalls into essential experience centers.

Attendees will sample products from our highly regarded marinated range – signature kebabs and patties that were designed with authentic flavour, and 21st century convenience in mind. But we will do so much more than be a snacking station. Our participation will deepen the festival attendee experience with Dam Good Fish- showcasing the stark contrast between fresh, responsibly sourced seafood versus every other fish, and showing you how easy it is to order at home.

After tasting, attendees will be able to dispatch a live order right through the Dam Good Fish app, allowing them to have a part of the Puja celebration in their kitchen all year round. We cannot wait to offer the Maitri mandir Safdarjung & CR community delicious, chemical free fish specialties and whether or not it is what you’re used to, make it a special golden jubilee year for all.

Come celebrate Durga Puja with us at Maitri mandir Safdarjung & CR Park, while letting Dam Good Fish offer a new flavor and togetherness dimension!

Rise and Fall Basement Banter Turns Explosive: Anaya Bangar Refuses to Play the Victim Card

MUMBAI, India–September 25, 2025: The tower of Rise and Fall is shaking with scandals, shifting loyalties, and fiery confrontations. At the center of it all is Anaya Bangar, who’s making it clear she won’t play the “victim card.”

Down in the basement, Arbaz Patel seems quite excited about living the struggling life, turning the so-called struggle zone into a gossip adda. But today, the real spice came when Arbaz spilled the beans about Kubbra Sait’s off-camera game plan, accusing her of nudging him to target Aarush. When confronted, Kubbra broke down in tears, but Arbaz wasn’t having any of it. His blunt one-liner? “Tower mein koi kisi ke liye khada nahi hoga, even if you stand for them.”

Pointing straight at Anaya, he recalled: “Arey, kal main upar se iske liye bol raha hoon, toh yeh niche se bol rahi hai mujhe kuch bolna hi nahi hai.” Anaya put her foot down, making it clear to Arbaz that she would speak when the time comes — during the elimination. The conversation didn’t end there. When Arbaz pushed her to highlight her struggles for sympathy, Anaya cut him off with a strong statement, “Mujhe woh victim card nahi use karna hai.” No tears, no drama — just unapologetic clarity.

Meanwhile, the house is split in its weekly battle: Arbaz Patel, Bali, Aahana, Anaya, Aarush, and Akriti and Arjun Bijlani are grinding it out as Workers, while Dhanashree Verma, Aaditya Narayan, Aahana Kumra, Kiku Sharda, Nayandeep Rakshit, and Kubbra Sait enjoy their reign as Rulers. But with trust cracking and alliances breaking faster than ever, this masala reality show promises twists that no one sees coming. Catch the chaos, the gossip, and the ultimate game of power on Rise and Fall streaming daily at 12 PM on Amazon MX Player and airing at 10:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

Experience Bollywood music and dance with Festival of India

New Delhi, 25th September 2025: Following two highly successful editions, TV9 Festival of India is back with its 3rd edition of Friends & Family Fest, taking place from September 28 to October 2, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The five-day festival is supported by Hero Splendor as the Mobility Partner, HMD Human Mobile Devices as the Mobile Partner, Lyra Women’s Wear, Philips Home Appliances and Macho as Special Partners, GAIL as the Green Energy Partner, Everest as the Spice Partner and Sarvodaya Healthcare as the Healthcare Partner. The Associate Sponsors of the Event include Hamdard Foods India, Polo Elevators, Eveready, SBI, Adani Ambuja Cement, Smart Bazaar, Sudhakar Gasoleen, I Ads & Events and Royal Enfield.

This year’s edition of TV9 Festival of India will offer enhanced and accessible experiences for all visitors. The festival will feature live performances by Bollywood’s celebrated artists, Shaan and Sachet-Parampara, along with three nights of high-energy Dandiya Dance fusion with Bollywood-Garba and EDM beats. DJ Sahil Gulati will set the floor on fire on 29th September, DJ D’Ark will perform on 30th September, and an international DJ from Ukraine DJ Viola will be giving a special performance along with celebrity DJ Japs on 2nd October. Over the five days, audiences can enjoy a variety of live music acts, lifestyle exhibitions, culinary delights, art corners, workshops, games, and immersive cultural activities, including Delhi’s tallest and most intricately designed Durga Puja pandal, blending India’s rich heritage with modern vibrancy under one roof.

Speaking on the significance of sponsorship, K Vikram, Chief Operating Officer, TV9 Network, said, “Our partners and sponsors play a key role in making the TV9 Festival of India happen. Their support helps us mix tradition, modern entertainment, and fun, giving everyone a memorable experience. With their collaboration, we can offer bigger stages, more exciting performances, and a wider range of activities for all visitors. It’s their support that makes this festival a true celebration of India’s culture and vibrancy.”

TV9 Festival of India is set to be a landmark celebration of culture, music, and festivity, offering something for all ages. Attendees can look forward to five days of immersive experiences that capture the vibrancy and spirit of India.

Save the Dates!

• Dates: September 28 – October 2, 2025
• Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sachet – Parampara LIVE in Concert: 28th September | 7 PM Onwards
• Shaan LIVE in Convert: 1 st October | 7 PM Onwards

Dandiya Nights: 29th (DJ Sahil Gulati), 30th September (DJ D’Ark) and 2nd Oct (DJ Viola & DJ

Bangla ZEE5 Launches ‘AmarBhashaAmarGolpo’ Brand Film Celebrating the Many Stories of Durga Pujo

Kolkata, 25th September 2025: Bangla ZEE5 unveils its Durga Pujo campaign, AmarBhashaAmarGolpo’, an integrated festive campaign designed to make Pujo entertainment more inclusive, accessible and deeply connected to Bangla audiences. The campaign is accompanied by a brand film that brings together many stories of the season, uniting in a shared spirit of joy during Durga Pujo — from a little girl sketching the goddess’ eyes, to a female priest leading a ceremony, an electrician balancing work and fatherhood, and even an unexpected festive meet-cute.

At the heart of the initiative is the Pujo Special Offer, giving subscribers the chance to enjoy the platform at a festive price. With the coupon code PUJO59, the monthly Bangla plan is available at just ₹59 instead of the regular ₹99, making it easier for families to come together and enjoy their favourite Bengali stories this season. 

Adding to the celebrations, from 22 September to 2 October, a curated line-up of popular TV shows including Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, Jowar Bhata, SIT, Kone Dekha Aalo, will be available at no cost on Bangla ZEE5, creating a festive window for family viewing. To further immerse audiences in the spirit of the season, the platform is also livestreaming rituals from top Pujo pandals, alongside 35–40 VOD specials, ensuring that the sacred rituals and ceremonies can be experienced from the comfort of home

Speaking on the campaign, Rusa Banerjee, Business Head, Bangla ZEE5, said, “Durga Pujo is not just a festival; it is the heartbeat of Bengal, a celebration that brings people together across generations and communities. With ‘#AmarBhashaAmarGolpo,’ we wanted to capture this living heartbeat and carry it into every home. Our brand film and campaign echo the spirit of inclusion and togetherness, showing how Pujo is experienced in many different ways yet unites in one joyous spirit. From the PUJO59 festive offer and free TV shows to live pandal streams and community activations, every element has been designed to bring audiences closer to the essence of Pujo with Bangla ZEE5.”

Adding to this, Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEE5 and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “In a vibrant market like Bengal, Durga Pujo is when the state celebrates its culture in its richest form – through stories, music, pandal hopping, and shared moments. With ‘#AmarBhashaAmarGolpo,’ we’ve created a campaign that feels like home. It speaks to the very core of Pujo; its emotion of togetherness, nostalgia, and newness all at once. This is our commitment to the market to stay rooted in its culture even as we reimagine stories for a digital-first generation.”

Adding to this, Bangla ZEE5 premiered Mahalaya — Jago Maa Jago Durga, a program that is traditionally appointment viewing, and made it available on-demand. The special garnered an overwhelming response, driving a significant jump in subscriptions and allowing audiences to relive the moment at their own convenience.

Extending the campaign beyond digital screens, Bangla ZEE5 is rolling out outdoor branding across the city through banners and cab wraps. The creatives spotlight Mrigaya – The Hunt, a multi-starrer box office blockbuster and Bangla ZEE5’s big Pujo offering, alongside a line-up of other titles paired with quirky, colloquial Pujo liners that capture the local idiom and festive spirit. Featured shows include the upcoming Bangla ZEE5 original series Ganoshotru, as well as popular titles Abar Proloy, Bibhishon and Bohurupi, offering audiences a mix of nostalgia and newness this season.

To deepen its cultural connection, Bangla ZEE5 is also engaging with 50 residential complexes where Durga Pujo celebrations are hosted. Through RWA partnerships, the campaign will bring on-site screenings, festive activities and the PUJO59 offer directly to apartment Pujos and neighbourhood gatherings, turning the digital platform into a physical presence in community spaces.