23, Apr 2025
Stars Sip and Spill as Actors Share Their Love for Tea
For most of us, a cup of tea is a comforting habit. But for actors whose lives revolve around tight schedules, early call times, and emotionally intense scenes, it means much more. On National Tea Day, &TV actors open up about their bond with tea, not just as a beverage but as a daily companion that offers energy, warmth, and a moment of stillness amid the chaos. Here’s how Smita Sable (Dhaniya in Bheema), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) find comfort and calm in their favourite cup of chai, share how tea plays a calming and invigorating role in their dynamic lives. Smita Sable, who essays the role of Dhaniya in Bheema, shares, “Tea is my silent cheerleader. It understands me without words. When I am on set at dawn and the world still feels half asleep, a strong masala chai is like a warm nudge, saying, ‘You’ve got this.’ The spices awaken me instantly. On chilly days, I reach for ginger. The way it travels through me, warming every inch, it feels like home. And during scorching summer shoots, I swear by a tall glass of iced lemon tea. It is tangy, cold, and instantly uplifting. Even emotionally demanding scenes feel a little easier with green tea in hand. It centres me. For me, tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood, a memory, and a mindful pause all rolled into one.”
Yogesh Tripathi
Yogesh Tripathi, aka Daroga Happu Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “Chai is my meditation in a kulhad. Whether I am gearing up for a packed day or winding down from one, it never fails to match my mood. My mornings start with a strong chai, as it acts as my wake-up call. I am a desi chai lover, made with milk, tea leaves, sugar, ginger, cardamom, and sometimes even a hint of black pepper. As much as I enjoy drinking tea, I also love the process of making it. Whenever I am home, you will find me in the kitchen, brewing a good cup of chai for my wife and me. She loves it. She says my chai is the best, and honestly, I take that as the highest compliment. Those little shared tea breaks are our way of reconnecting after a long day.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “I am a chai lover, but I mostly enjoy aromatic teas. You could say I have tried every flavour that exists. Discovering new varieties of tea has become a hobby of mine whenever I travel. Be it Moroccan mint tea in Marrakech, matcha in Japan, or oolong from China—I love exploring local brews. But my all-time favourite will always be the desi kulhad wali chai I had in Varanasi during a recent trip. It instantly elevated my energy, and I thoroughly enjoyed every sip. There’s just something about that earthy flavour and the way it connects you to your roots.”
Watch Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
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21, Apr 2025
Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025: A Soulful Celebration of Culture and Compassion by Bengal Club – Shivaji Park
Mumbai, April 21, 2025 — Bengal Club – Shivaji Park, one of Mumbai’s most cherished cultural institutions with a legacy spanning over a century, successfully hosted the Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025 — a two-day celebration of Bengali art, music, and tradition — on April 19th and 20th at Rang Sharda Auditorium, Bandra West. The event was a grand confluence of cultural richness and social responsibility, bringing together an illustrious lineup of artists and an enthusiastic audience under one roof. Notably, ₹3 lakh was donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from the proceeds of the festival, further underlining the Club’s commitment to giving back to society.
The event witnessed several highlights beyond the stage. Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s Minister of IT, graced the first day of the festival and lauded Bengal Club for its remarkable cultural and social efforts.
Well-known Bollywood composer Pritam Chakraborty, who headlined Sunday’s star-studded lineup, performed in support of the cause. Reflecting on his participation, Pritam shared, “. I am deeply moved by the compassion and generosity shown by the audience. It’s a reminder that art can heal, uplift, and make a real difference, and I am grateful to have contributed in my way.”
Over the course of two unforgettable days, the stage was set ablaze with captivating performances from Bengal’s finest — including the renowned elocutionist Bratati Bandyopadhyay, veteran theatre actor Debshankar Haldar, and celebrated vocalists Shirin Soraiya, Joy Sarkar, and Lopamudra Mitra. The excitement reached new heights as Anandan Sivamani, Pritam Chakraborty, and an impressive lineup of vocalists, including Nikhita Gandhi, Shalmali Kholgade, Arunita Kanjilal, Shashwat Singh, Nakash Aziz, Abhijeet Sawant, and Tapas Maiti, delivered electrifying performances that had the audience cheering and on their feet.
The festival wasn’t just a celebration of culture — it was a celebration of compassion. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting cancer patients and other critical social initiatives, reinforcing Bengal Club’s commitment to meaningful change.
Mr. Joy Chakraborty, Member of Bengal Club – Shivaji Park, shared, “Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025 was not only a tribute to our rich artistic heritage but also an opportunity for Mumbai to come together for a greater cause. It was a celebration of culture, compassion, and community, and we are deeply humbled by the overwhelming response and support from all those who participated. This event has shown us the immense power of art to unite people and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful to everyone who contributed, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”
The Banga Sanskriti Utsav 2025 once again highlighted the role of cultural platforms in fostering unity, empathy, and positive impact, making it a truly memorable experience for all involved.
2, Apr 2025
Hip Hop at Its Best! Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 Delivers Thrills, Skills, and a Legendary Face-Off
MUMBAI, India–April 2nd, 2025: Buckle up for an adrenaline-packed ride as Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to redefine dance battles like never before. Streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, the competition has hit a fever pitch, with every performance pushing the limits of skill, passion, and raw energy. But beyond the battle for the top spot, the latest episodes delivered a moment so iconic, it’s already being hailed as one of the greatest in the show’s history.
This week, the legendary Jaaved Jaaferi stepped in as the guest judge, bringing his signature energy and charisma to the Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 stage. But that’s not all! The real show-stopper of the episode was the jaw-dropping dance-off between Jaaved Jaaferi and Remo D’Souza — a never-seen-before sight that fans won’t stop talking about anytime soon. This first-of-its-kind clash not only bowled audiences over but also cemented this season as one for the books.
Speaking about the face-off, Remo D’Souza said, “Dancing alongside Jaaved Jaaferi was a lovely experience. His energy is unmatched, and to go head-to-head with him was surreal. Moments like these are what make Hip Hop India Season 2 so special—pushing boundaries, creating memories, and celebrating the joy of dance. I’m beyond excited for what’s yet to come!”
Filled with high-voltage performances, unparalleled energy, and a stage that features the country’s best hip-hop talents, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.
1, Apr 2025
From Impressions to Performances: Aditya Syal Shares His Acting Evolution in Exclusive Interview
While some stumble upon their passion, others seem born for it—like Aditya Syal, who plays Vyom in Ishq Jabariya on Sun Neo. Aditya’s journey into entertainment began long before he stepped onto a television set, and he recently shared how it all started.
Speaking about the artistic influence his family had on him, Aditya said, “My father was involved in theatre in Nainital, working with renowned artists such as Nirmal Pandey and acclaimed NSD actors like Idris Malik. So, I grew up in a household filled with creativity. Since childhood, I’ve been doing voice-overs, mimicking famous actors, capturing their voices, and closely observing people around me. Sometimes, I would mimic Amitabh Bachchan, sometimes Farhan Akhtar, and sometimes even my teachers and friends. My journey started with imitation, but over time, I became serious about acting.”
Recalling an early moment that ignited his passion, Aditya shared a fond childhood memory: “When I was in fifth grade, I visited Mumbai during my holidays. At the time, there was a popular show called Boogie Woogie, and my father’s friend, who was a writer for the show, noticed my playful nature. He said, ‘Your son is very mischievous; I think he should say a fun punchline about Nag Panchami as a filler with Javed Jaffrey and Naved.’ I was thrilled and immediately agreed! When I performed, it was done perfectly in just one take. That day, I felt an undeniable excitement, a spark that hinted at my future in acting.”
The Ishq Jabariya actor also shared the moment he realized the power of being on screen: “After my three-month winter vacation in Mumbai, I returned to school, and my classmates told me, ‘Hey, we saw you on Boogie Woogie!’ That was the moment I understood how even a small appearance on television could leave an impact. I thought, ‘If such a tiny role can make a difference, imagine what would happen if I pursued this seriously.’ Thankfully, my family supported me. My mother was also into English theatre—she performed in plays by Anton Chekhov and Shakespeare and had a passion for modeling as well. So, I guess, from both sides, art and creativity were always in my blood.”
Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 10:00 PM, is an engaging love story centered around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Dipshikkha Nagpal, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.
