Category Archives: Entertainment

Naach Gaana and Narebaazi: Prime Video’s Panchayat Season 4 is here to rock on World Music Day

When someone says “Panchayat,” chances are the first thing that plays in your head is the iconic title track—the one that tugged at your heart and perfectly captured the soul of Phulera. Over the years, the music of Panchayat has quietly built its own fanbase, becoming as beloved as its characters. Whether it’s a soul-stirring background score or a full-blown anthem, the show’s music has consistently struck the right chord with audiences across the country.

As Prime Video’s Panchayat gears up for the premiere of its much-awaited fourth season on June 24, the buzz isn’t just about plot twists or beloved characters. It’s also about the music—because in Panchayat, every beat tells a story. After winning hearts with the rhythmic powerhouse Hind Ke Sitara and setting the internet ablaze with the viral sensation Raja Ji, the music of Panchayat season 3 has gone beyond the show. It had taken over reels, playlists, and pop culture itself—cementing its place as a true sonic signature of small-town India. And now, with Season 4, the world is humming to Panchayat’s newest tunes. The album has already begun turning heads with three brand-new tracks that are unapologetically desi, irresistibly groovy, and bursting with Phulera-style flair and drama. Each track has been beautifully woven into the narrative of the show, capturing the chaos of election season with high-voltage narebaazi, emotional highs, and quirky vibes—making it more than just background music, but a character in itself.

It’s Panchayat times bhai, gaane ke bina kaise chalega? Here is the tracklist from the 4th installement:
1. Saavdhani Hati by Anuraj Saikia, Romy, and Juno
2. Generator Song by Anuraj Saikia, Aanand Bajpai, and Juno
3. Dekh Tamasha by Anuraj Saikia, Divya Kumar, and Juno

This World Music Day, we’re not just listening—we’re celebrating how Panchayat’s music has become a phenomenon. From echoing in the gullies of Phulera to trending across global timelines, this is a soundtrack that speaks the language of the people.

Returning with its trademark humor, heart, and grounded storytelling, the latest season welcomes back its beloved ensemble cast, featuring Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha. Produced by The Viral Fever, Panchayat Season 4 is created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, written by Chandan Kumar, and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya. Get ready for some heightened emotions as Panchayat Season 4 promises another unforgettable chapter in Phulera—streaming on Prime Video from June 24.

‘Radio City Originals’ Drops the Beat – A New Era of Homegrown Hits Begins

India, June 21^th, 2025: This World Music Day, Radio City, India’s leading FM radio network, alters audio entertainment by introducing a musical innovation with the launch of its in-house music endeavour “Radio City Originals” – to celebrate World Music Day 2025. With this launch, Radio City becomes the first FM radio network in India to create and release its own exclusive music tracks, crafted in-house and unveiled across all major Hindi-speaking markets. The first track under Radio City Originals will go live at 9:00 am on 21st June 2025 across Radio City stations.

There are more surprises for the listeners, a curated all-day ‘A to Z of Indian Music Artists’ marathon, and Sound of Mumbai – a hyperlocal musical celebration.

The A-Z of Indian Music Artists special will take over airwaves with a musical marathon featuring iconic Indian artists across generations and genres. From timeless legends to contemporary hitmakers, each artist has been handpicked to represent a letter of the alphabet. The day-long celebration includes:

• Diverse representation of Bollywood, Indie, Folk, and Contemporary hits
• Rare tracks, fan favourites, and milestone songs that shaped Indian music
• Behind-the-scenes trivia, untold anecdotes, and exclusive artist soundbites
• RJ-led storytelling and talk-ups to keep listeners immersed

Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, said, “Radio City Originals is our pledge to nurturing India’s indie music scene by giving original voices the stage they deserve—on air, online, and everywhere in between. From AI-assisted production to multi-genre artist showcases, we’re pushing the envelope to create music that reflects modern India. Be it the gullies of Dharavi or digital dreams of a Gen Z singer-songwriter, we’re turning up the volume on talent that deserves to be heard.”

World Music Day 2025 marks a special moment for Radio City and its listeners — a day of new beginnings, unforgettable voices, and unparalleled experiences. Whether you’re vibing to fresh originals, Bollywood legends from every era, or exploring Mumbai’s musical streets, the channel invites every Indian to tune in and turn up the volume on ‘what makes our music unique.’ Celebrate with us — One nation, Countless sounds, One Radio City.

Over 1 Million Branded Videos Monthly, Yet Artists Lose Rs 900 Crore in Royalties Every Year

By-Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO, Hoopr

As we observe World Music Day, it is vital to acknowledge that music in today’s world is not simply a form of expression; it acts as a business driver, culture connector, and strategic marketing asset. In India’s rapidly expanding digital landscape, over 1 million branded content pieces are produced every month by more than 80,000 brands and 550,000 creators. Music in any form is an essential part of all of this content and adds emotional depth and recall. Campaigns employing well-integrated and licensed music see 25–35% higher engagement, improved platform performance, and increased ROI.

But the industry still faces serious challenges. An estimated 87% of branded content uses music without proper licensing, largely because of ignorance, a fragmented ownership structure, and long licensing processes. This leads to staggering annual losses of  ₹8,000-10,000 crore, almost ₹3,600 crore from unpaid licensing fees and ₹900 crore in royalties lost to artists. The risk of take downs, strikes and penalties of up to ₹5 crore for using unlicensed music is significant for brands and creators. In some cases, even influencer-led campaigns have resulted in legal action, with brands held accountable for copyright misuse.

At Hoopr, we’re building a tech-first solution to this problem. Our platform provides instant licensing for Bollywood, regional, and independent music – delivering turnarounds from weeks to minutes and enabling licensing of music rights for all creators. With Hoopr Smash, we’re enabling access to over 18,500 tracks, including culturally rich music from across India, tailored for high-frequency digital content.

India is one of the largest music-consuming countries globally, yet less than 1% of users pay for music subscriptions. Streaming platforms deliver payments to content creators as low as ₹0.01 per stream – which makes sync licensing a vital revenue stream for artists and labels. At Hoopr  we are enabling legal, instant and affordable licensing, helping to protect brands as well and establishing a fair ecosystem that shares the benefits of our enabling rights and content owners and creators.

As the industry moves from mass media communication to platform storytelling, music is no longer just one jingle for all. It’s about having an adaptive soundtrack to reach smaller niche audiences. Music must be included from the beginning in the campaign strategy—not as a last-minute inclusion—but as a creative foundation. That is the future that we believe in— a compliant, scalable, inclusive music economy, that honors rights, inspires performance, and provides predictable sources of income and support to creators at all levels.”

Prime Video launches a one-of-its-kind WhatsApp experience that lets fans become a Phulera-vaasi

Phulera’s election fever is coming to your phone — literally! As Panchayat Season 4 premieres on June 24, Prime Video today launched a never-seen-before WhatsApp activation where you become part of the drama — a one-of-a-kind interactive journey where fans don’t just watch the elections unfold — they play a pivotal role in shaping them.

Fans are dropped straight into Phulera’s political battleground — not as bystanders, but as their chosen party’s Election Guru. And, just like the show’s four leads who meet for their night-outs, all it takes is a “hi”. Users are invited to pick a side and guide their candidate to victory. Through a series of interactive prompts, they’ll co-create campaign posters, star in party anthems, shape manifesto promises — and decide the fate of Phulera, one chat at a time.

Expect meme wars led by the mischievously clever Banrakas and his sharper, quick-witted partner Kranti Devi, rally cries from Pradhanji, and quirky puzzles and reminders from the strong and composed Prahlad. Vikas brings in comic chaos with quizzes and filters, while Manju Devi welcomes you with equal parts sarcasm and warmth. The game pulls viewers right into Phulera’s election madness, where every chat feels like a fresh campaign twist. The race is on, and the drama has never been more delicious.

Pick your side — Team Manju Devi or Team Kranti — and help your party rise to power through a series of mini-games, slogan drops, poster wars, and more. The village is watching, and every tap counts. Launched with cast-led vertical videos that stay true to the show’s raw, rooted vibe, the campaign is already drawing fans into the thick of the action.

MAI Applauds Aamir Khan’s Decision to Release Sitaare Zameen Par Exclusively in Cinemas

National, 19 June 2025 — Multiplex Association of India (MAI) proudly applauds Mr. Aamir Khan for his visionary and resolute decision to release his film, Sitaare Zameen Par, exclusively in theatres on 20 June 2025.

In an era wherein media and distribution platforms have become increasingly fragmented, Aamir Khan’s choice to back the theatrical format reaffirms the enduring power of the big- screen experience. Known for his deep connection with audiences and exceptional commitment to meaningful storytelling, Aamir’s move sends a powerful message — that cinemas remain the premier destination for community-driven, immersive storytelling. It also serves as a rallying moment for multiplexes and single screen theatres all over the country.

“Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who puts the audience first. His decision to bring Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience. Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres. As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, Sitaare Zammen Par will remain a shining example of cinema’s resilience and its irreplaceable magic” said Kamal Gianchandani, President, MAI.

“Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who creates for the theatrical experience. His decision to back cinemas with Sitaare Zameen Par is a significant moment for all of us. It’s not just a film release; it’s a message of unwavering belief in theatres. We’re incredibly grateful to Aamir Khan Productions for boldly standing by cinemas. Sitaare Zameen Par is exactly the kind of film that brings people to theatres, thoughtful, moving, and made for a collective experience,” added Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis India.

As India’s cinemas continue their march forward, Sitaare Zameen Par marks a key milestone, one that reaffirms the vitality of theatrical storytelling and the strong relationship between Indian filmmakers and the exhibition community.

Salakaar” Premieres August 15 on JioHotstar – A Gripping Tale of Valor and Patriotism

“Salakaar” Premieres August 15 on JioHotstar – A Riveting Drama of Intelligence, Sacrifice, and Patriotism

Mumbai, June 18, 2025: Salakaar is a high-stakes spy thriller where the past and present collide with devastating consequences. Set across two timelines, the series follows a young Indian spy on a covert mission that uncovers hidden truths and national secrets. Inspired by real events, Salakaar tells the story of a decorated spymaster who, driven by sheer mettle and crucial intelligence, successfully disarms enemy forces to safeguard national security. With layers of intrigue, action, and patriotism, Salakaar brings a powerful narrative of courage and sacrifice to the screen, only on JioHotstar on August 15.

Alok Jain, JioStar, said, At JioHotstar, we are committed to shaping an entertainment ecosystem that reflects the evolving preferences of India’s diverse audience and Salakaar embodies that perfectly. We are proud to bring a story that is both emotionally resonant and cinematically ambitious. We continue to support stories that challenge convention while staying rooted in powerful human truths. I’m thankful to the entire team who dedicated their precious years to bringing this to audiences this Independence Day.”

Faruk Kabir, director and co-writer, said, “Salakaar is not just a spy thriller, it’s a deeply emotional narrative about fractured legacies and the cost of silence. We’re looking at espionage not only as a mission but as a burden, as a debt that passes from one generation to another.”

Sunjoy Waddhwa, Chairman & Managing Director, Sphereorigins said, “With Salakaar, we wanted to push the boundaries of spy thrillers in India – this is an incredible story, it is layered, relevant and emotionally sharp. We’ve found great partners in JioHotstar to bring this tale to life and are looking forward to Aug 15 when the audiences get a chance to watch Salakaar.”

Mahir Khan, Proprietor Mahir Films, added, “We at Mahir Films have been looking forward to telling the world about Salakaar and the phenomenal story that it is, filled with courage, thrill, vulnerability and so much more. Together with Sphereorigins and JioHotstar, we aspire to bring forth an all-consuming spy thriller to the audiences.”

The launch of Salakaar builds on JioHotstar’s momentum following the success of genre-defining shows such as Criminal Justice: A Family Matter and the recent announcement of Special Ops Season 2. It is a reflection of the platform’s continued commitment to creating content that evolves with India’s changing tastes, pushing boundaries in scale, storytelling, and cultural relevance.

Salakaar will premiere on JioHotstar from August 15th!

“Jab Tu Sajan” Sets a Soulful, Monsoon-Perfect Tone for Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh

National; 18th June 2025: —Love doesn’t always arrive with fireworks, sometimes, it quietly finds its way to you. Jab Tu Sajan from R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer Aap Jaisa Koi is one such song that was released today. The song is a tender ballad that captures the quiet, soul-stirring essence of love. A melodic ode to unexpected companionship, Jab Tu Sajan blends timeless music with lyrics that resonate like home. Directed by Vivek Soni, and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra under Dharmatic Entertainment, the film slated to release on 11th July 2025 worldwide on Netflix.

Sung by the inimitable Mohit Chauhan, Jab Tu Sajan is composed by Rochak Kohli, with heartfelt lyrics penned by Gurpreet Saini. The track is produced by Rochak Kohli and Sharan Rawat. A beautiful blend of timeless melody and evocative lyricism, Jab Tu Sajan offers a moment of serenity in an ever-rushing world. It’s a song about manifesting love, about finding a sense of belonging, and about the kind of emotional connection that doesn’t rely on grand gestures. With Mohit Chauhan’s voice and Rochak Kohli’s signature warmth in composition, Jab Tu Sajan is poised to become a modern classic.

Madhavanadded, “This is the song I’ve been most excited about in a long time. It’s not a one-time listen—it takes over your soul. I’ve had the fortune of some timeless tracks, and Jab Tu Sajan is right up there. Mohit’s voice brings such sincerity and ease—it lingers long after it ends. There’s a quiet magic in the way he captures emotion. This one’s close to my heart—it speaks of love in its purest form. Grateful to Rochak, Mohit, Dharmatic and Netflix for this timeless gem.”

Fatima Sana Shaikh said, “The moment I heard Jab Tu Sajan, I felt an instant connection. It’s one of those songs that stays with you—soft, honest, and deeply real. Just like the relationship in the film, it grows on you slowly and meaningfully. It’s amazing to be part of a story where the music carries as much emotion as the characters do.”

Mohit Chauhan said “This song isn’t about dramatic declarations—it’s about the kind of love that unfolds quietly, the kind that feels like it’s always been there. There’s tenderness in it, a lived-in quality that’s rare to find. When I first heard the composition, it struck me how Rochak and Gurpreet had managed to capture something so emotionally still yet so moving. To lend my voice for R Madhavan was indeed very special and I hope this one will resonate with both our fans.”

Composer Rochak Kohli added, “With ‘Jab Tu Sajan’, we wanted to create something that felt like home, yet leave a mark, something that people would instinctively hum. With Mohit sir’s timeless voice and Gurpreet’s honest words, I think we found that sweet spot.”

Lyricist Gurpreet Saini, “Writing the lyrics for ‘Jab Tu Sajan’ was a deeply personal experience. I wanted to capture the subtlety of love—the kind that doesn’t rush or demand attention but grows quietly and steadily. It’s about celebrating those unspoken moments that define true connection.”

‘Jab Tu Sajan’ is set to become a monsoon favourite for those who like their music to echo long after the last note fades. Aap Jaisa Koi promises to be a deeply relatable exploration of love, life, and rediscovery, complete with a memorable soundtrack that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

When Love Doesn’t Listen, Turn Up the Sass with Simran Choudhary’s ‘Sayyian Na Maane’

India, 18th June 2025: Not every love story is tragic. Some just need a beat drop, a side-eye, and a killer hook. Folk-pop innovator Simran Choudhary returns with her latest track ‘Saiyyan Na Maane’, a sonic blend of sass, soul, and sheer storytelling power. Known as the voice behind the internet’s most-loved songs like Aje Na Jaa & Rehle Mere Kol, Simran is steadily crafting a genre of her own, one that feels like home, yet hits with a global beat.

Simran, who writes, composes, and stars in her own music videos, continues to be the hero of her own story in Saiyyan Na Maane, which is more than just a song — it’s a statement. The old-school nostalgia through the folk beats, while dressed in a contemporary pop aesthetic, is impossible to ignore. Think rolling your eyes, owning your mood, and turning up the volume. The sound of a woman tired of chasing mixed signals, choosing instead to dance through the drama.

While talking about the track, Simran shares, “We’ve all had that one person who just won’t listen, no matter how loud you love them. This song is my way of saying ‘fine, don’t listen’ but I’ll still love you in my own way.” She further adds, “Saiyyan Na Maane is for every girl who’s ever felt unheard or sidelined. Don’t be disheartened when they ignore you, but own your story, and remember that the mic’s still in your hand.”

 As it happens, the track made its debut just in time for World Music Day, with a special preview hosted at the Meta office. With infectious energy and vibe, ‘Saiyyan Na Maane’ is a girl’s playful wink to the universe — she chats, she teases, she glows with love, spinning stories of a stubborn beloved who keeps her waiting yet forever owns her heart. Whether you’re nursing a heartbreak or rolling your eyes at yet another unread text, this is your song.

JioStar Kids’ Network gives Kids and Families a chance to meet Aamir Khan

Mumbai, 17^th June, 2025 — In a strategic partnership aimed at reaching and resonating with kids, Sitaare Zameen Par, one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the year has teamed up with JioStar Kids’ Network, home to powerhouse kids’ channels Nick, Sonic, Disney Channel and Hungama. As the Kids Channel Partners for the film, this collaboration offers the movie an opportunity to connect with kids & families through one of India’s most trusted and beloved destinations for kids’ content.

This leading kids’ cluster, known for identifying content white spaces and building iconic characters, brings its expertise in engagement and storytelling to this campaign.

At the heart of the campaign is a once in a lifetime opportunity for kids to win a memorable meet-and-greet with Aamir Khan! This campaign is being promoted on the JioStar Kids’ Network with a week-long on-air contest, featuring a special promo with Aamir Khan alongside the iconic toons from the network.

This partnership blends the magic of cinema with the influence of JioStar toons, offering a real-world experience that not only attracts young audiences but also deepens brand love and engagement in ways that go beyond the screen.

Catch Sitaare Zameen Par in theatres near you on 20th June

Himmat Singh Returns: Special Ops 2 Streams July 11 on JioHotstar

Mumbai, June 16th, 2025  – When the enemy hides behind screens and strikes without a sound, only one man can decode the chaos – Himmat Singh. JioHotstar unveiled the explosive trailer of Special Ops Season 2, reigniting the nation’s love for high-stakes storytelling that blends real-world relevance with blockbuster intensity. With Kay Kay Menon reprising his iconic role as R&AW officer Himmat Singh, the new season promises a deeper, darker, and more urgent mission than ever before.

Set in a volatile geopolitical landscape, Special Ops 2 mirrors the heightened security anxieties of our times where wars are no longer fought solely on battlegrounds, but in the cloud, and the enemy is embedded in everyday life. As coordinated cyber breaches threaten national stability, Himmat and his elite squad are thrust into a silent war, one without warning, smoke, or visible scars, but with consequences that strike at the very soul of the nation.

With his trusted team by his side, Himmat races against time to stop a faceless adversary one who plays by no rules, leaves no trace, and is always one step ahead. Featuring a fresh new antagonist portrayed by Tahir Raj Bhasin, and powered by a global scale, layered intrigue, and razor-sharp performances, Special Ops Season 2 sets the stage for a gripping July 11 release. This time, the battlefield is everywhere!

Alok Jain, Head of Cluster, Entertainment (Colors, Digital Hindi, Niche, Movies and Studio), JioStar, said, “With Special Ops 2, we continue our commitment to delivering sharp, genre-defining storytelling that is bold, disruptive, and deeply meaningful. This season isn’t just the return of an iconic franchise — it’s a timely, cinematic response to cyber threats and the complex digital battleground that surrounds us today. At JioHotstar, we’re focused on bringing impactful narratives that matter — stories that resonate with audiences and reflect the world we live in.”

Creator Neeraj Pandey said, “This season reflects the times we live in, where the enemy doesn’t announce their arrival. We wanted to explore how new-age warfare has altered everything we know about threat, security, and sacrifice. Special Ops 2 is about the war we don’t see, until it hits home. It’s a reminder that in today’s world, the greatest battles are fought without a single bullet fired, but the damage runs just as deep”

“Special Ops 2 is more than just a high-octane thriller, it’s a cultural pulse check. In a time when digital threats feel closer than ever, this story captures the urgency of the moment while delivering edge-of-the-seat entertainment. For us, it’s not just about creating buzz it’s about starting conversations that matter” said, Sushant Sreeram, Head of SVOD Business and CMO, JioStar.

Versatile Actor Kay Kay Menon who is portraying the iconic character of Himmat Singh said, “Himmat Singh has always fought with grit, intellect, and instinct. But this time, the war isn’t visible. The stakes are bigger, the threats more unpredictable and that made this season both relevant and deeply personal to portray. There’s a quiet burden Himmat carries of duty, of sacrifice, of knowing more than he can say. This chapter allowed me to explore not just the strategist, but the man behind the mission, the father, the patriot, the constant protector.

Vinay Pathak, Actor – Abbas Sheikh, “The danger in Special Ops 2 doesn’t come with explosions, it creeps in through the everyday. That’s what makes this season so powerful. It shows us how vulnerable we really are in a hyperconnected world. As an actor, portraying Abbas again felt like coming home but with higher stakes. Balancing his wit with the weight of what’s at risk this time made the journey all the more meaningful.”

Karan Tacker, Farooq Ali, “Farooq has evolved and so has the mission. This season forced us to think beyond guns and disguises. The tension lies in not knowing where the next hit will come from because the enemy is invisible. I’m incredibly proud to be back, and grateful to Neeraj Pandey and JioHotstar for pushing the boundaries of Indian storytelling with such fearless ambition.”

Tahir Raj Bashin, Antagonist” As a fan first, stepping into the world of Special Ops has been both thrilling and humbling. This role pushed me emotionally and physically, and I’m grateful to Neeraj Pandey and JioHotstar for the trust. Speaking of the character, what makes this antagonist terrifying is how believable he is. He doesn’t need guns, he uses code, data, and people’s blind trust. That’s what makes him truly dangerous: he doesn’t belong to fiction, he exists in the world we live in today”.

The war is silent, the danger is real, and the clock is ticking. Watch Special Ops 2 unfold on JioHotstar — streaming from July 11