Category Archives: Entertainment

Swaranjali Delhi, in Association with Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, Pays Musical Tribute to Guru Pandit Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi

Eminent artists and disciples gathered at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar, to celebrate the enduring musical legacy of the legendary sitar maestro through soulful classical performances

Bhubaneswar, June 21: A musical tribute programme in memory of the renowned sitar maestro, Guru Pandit Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi, was organized this evening at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar, jointly by Swaranjali Delhi and Shreyas Webmedia solutions.

The programme was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Shri Surendra Das, Editor of Chinta O Chetana and a senior organizer. Distinguished guests included Smt. Pankajini Sethi, wife of late Pandit Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi, Shri Neel Achary, Shri Partha Sarathi Lenka, and Smt. Gouri Achary.

The event was organized through the efforts of Pandit Subrata De, a beloved disciple of the late maestro and the chief artist of Swaranjali Delhi. The programme was coordinated by Guru Alok Das.

The event commenced with an invocation dance (Mangalacharan) and Sthayi presentation by dancer Geet Mallik. In the second segment, students of Mancheswar Shishu Niketan—Om Prakash Mahalik, Srittik Kuanr, Dipanki Rana, Saismita Mahanti, Suprip Jena, Salvi Tanaya Rout, Saikrupa Das, and Ananya Pattnaik—presented a group classical vocal recital under the guidance of Guru Abhimanyu Sahu. They were accompanied on the tabla by Guru Jitendra Sahu.

In the instrumental segment, Shri Jiban Prakash Das on sitar and Dr. Sandeep Kumar Rout on sarod performed a jugalbandi in Raga Mishra Shivaranjani, presenting a vilambit composition in Ektal followed by a drut composition in Teentaal. They were accompanied on tabla by young tabla artist Matru Prasad Panda and on tanpura by Lakshmipriya Behera.

Dr. Bilambita Banisudha presented Hindustani classical vocal music in Raga Madhukouns, including a vilambit composition in Ektal, a drut composition in Teentaal, and Hindi bhajans. She was accompanied on tabla by Guru Kulamani Sahu, on harmonium by Guru Dhaneswar Ojha, and on tanpura by Kehera.

The concluding performance featured Pandit Subrata De, who presented Raga Desh and a Dhun on the sitar. He was accompanied on tabla by Guru Prana Prakash Das.

The sound arrangement was managed by Mrudul Nath, audio technician from RMS Audio, Hyderabad.

On behalf of Mancheswar Shishu Niketan, Smt. Mayuri Sinha and Smt. Bijayalakshmi Mishra received honors. All participating artists were felicitated with certificates of appreciation by Swaranjali Delhi in recognition of their contributions to the programme.

Sony India partners with G. V. Prakash Kumar and EPR Iyer to celebrate India’s diverse music culture through immersive audio experiences

New Delhi,  June 19: Sony India today announced collaborations with celebrated music artists, G. V. Prakash Kumar and acclaimed hip-hop artist EPR Iyer as part of its growing artist collaboration initiative aimed at strengthening connections with music audiences and creator communities across India. The initiative reflects Sony India’s commitment to celebrating the country’s diverse music landscape by bringing together artists, creators and immersive audio experiences across genres, cultures and communities. The collaborations will spotlight Sony’s premium audio portfolio, including the ULT Power Sound series known for its powerful bass and shared music experiences designed to bring people together through music, alongside the flagship 1000X series that continues to reinforce Sony’s leadership in premium personal audio.

Commenting on the announcement, Sunil Nayyar, Managing Director, Sony India said,

 “India’s music landscape is shaped by a diverse range of artists, cultures and creative communities. At Sony India, we are committed to supporting and celebrating this diversity by collaborating with artists who inspire audiences and contribute to the country’s vibrant music culture. Through these partnerships, we aim to create more immersive and meaningful music experiences for listeners.”

A creative force across South India’s music and film ecosystem, G. V. Prakash Kumar brings deep influence across music and cinema and enjoys a strong connection with audiences through his creative work. Commenting on the partnership, G. V. Prakash Kumar said,

 “Music and cinema have always played an important role in shaping culture and bringing communities together. What excites me about this collaboration is Sony India’s vision to celebrate diverse musical identities while creating more immersive experiences for audiences.”

Known for his distinctive voice within India’s independent hip-hop movement, EPR Iyer represents a new generation of culturally driven and digitally native music communities. Speaking about the association, EPR Iyer said,

 “Hip-hop has always been rooted in authenticity and self-expression. Collaborating with Sony creates a platform where artists and communities can push creative boundaries while connecting through powerful sound experiences.”

Through these collaborations, Sony India aims to deepen its engagement with India’s evolving music landscape while building stronger connections with young audiences, creators and music communities.

By bringing together artists, fans and immersive sound experiences through the ULT Power Sound series, Sony India aims to help shape the next generation of music culture and community engagement across the country.

Brompton processing powers LAMDA’s professional-grade virtual production studio

June 18: Brompton Technology’s Tessera LED processing platform is at the core of a state-of-the-art virtual production studio at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the world’s most respected drama training institutions. Supplied and integrated by Universal Pixels, the installation forms part of a significant strategic investment by LAMDA in emerging screen technologies, and is already reshaping how the school trains the next generation of creative professionals.

The studio is centred around a 7m wide by 3.5m high LED volume of AOTO RM 2.3 panels on a gently curved structure using 2.5° panel increments, and driven by a Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processor alongside two Tessera XD 10G data distribution units. Running in conjunction with Unreal Engine, the volume renders real-time environments ranging from photorealistic exteriors to fully abstract sci-fi worlds. It sits alongside a dedicated 30-camera Vicon motion capture volume with a sprung floor, a combination that places LAMDA’s facility among the most technically advanced of any drama school in the UK.

Rather than treating the technology as an add-on, LAMDA has made the LED volume a genuine academic priority. It features across the school’s full range of programmes, from its Foundation in Stage and Screen (CertHE) and BA Professional Acting through to MA/MFA courses in Classical Acting, Musical Theatre, and Professional Acting. The new studio serves as a shared space where acting, directing, and production & technical arts students work together, mirroring real-world virtual production practice.

The choice of Brompton processing was a considered one. Head of Innovation Bethany McShepherd is clear that LAMDA’s students deserve nothing less than the tools they will encounter in the industry. “LAMDA’s graduates are the future of the creative industries,” she says. “Investing in their careers with the very best technology and the very best training is what matters most to our institution.”

With LED volumes now standard on high-end film and TV productions, from prestige streaming drama to commercials, students working inside LAMDA’s volume engage with the same workflows, technical language, and environmental demands they will meet on professional sets, long before they graduate.

Charles Douglas, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing with Emerging Technologies and Head of Screen & Audio Training, sees the potential as transformative. “This technology opens the door to XR or mixed reality, to new ways of making films, and to extending the physical stage and the spaces in which we work,” he says. “Using it in practice is one thing, but it’s also an invitation to reimagine the frame of what we do. That’s an important departmental mandate for us, to catalyse a new chapter of performance and storytelling.”

Brompton’s API has also become an integral part of how students are taught to work on set. Through an integration with BitFocus Companion, test patterns can be triggered via a Steam Deck, enabling students to quickly identify hardware or cabling issues and move efficiently through the troubleshooting process. The reliability and colour consistency of the Tessera platform, meanwhile, give LAMDA the confidence to use the volume not just for student projects, but for professional-grade output: the system supports graduate films, commercial digital assets, and collaborative research productions with equal consistency.

That professional reach is already evident in the work produced. A short film made in partnership with Media Trust, funded by The Crucible Foundation and based on stories from Prison Reading Groups, was shot entirely within the volume and features actor Ralph Ineson. The space has also played a central role in the LAMDA x Lyric Future Technicians Programme, a widening participation initiative delivered with the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, through which a cohort of young people from West London recently got hands-on experience with professional filmmaking infrastructure. For many, this was their first encounter with this level of technology. For Assistant Professor of Screen Acting, Gary Pillai, the purpose of all of it is straightforward: “Our remit now is to understand that and make sure our graduates are really able to walk into the profession, and the screen acting element of the industry, straight away.”

“We were proud to work with LAMDA on this project, supplying the technology that gives students hands-on access to professional production workflows used throughout the film and TV industry,” adds Dan Edmonds, Film & TV at Universal Pixels. “Facilities like this play an important role in bridging the gap between education and industry, helping students gain practical experience with the tools they’ll use throughout their careers.”

Beyond the technical specification, LAMDA’s relationship with Brompton reflects something deeper. The school’s strategy is built around a ‘Partnership First’ principle, and Head of Marketing & Communications, Stephen Court, describes Brompton as a direct expression of that approach. “Brompton Technology is a prime example of a partner who shares our values of being inquisitive, innovative, and inspiring,” he says.

The scalability and forward compatibility of Brompton’s platform mean the investment is built to evolve alongside both the curriculum and the wider industry. “It’s not just about servicing the industry with skilled talent,” Douglas concludes. “It’s about actively working with innovative productions at LAMDA to move both training and practice forward.”

The volume has been operational for just over a year. On the strength of its first 12 months, it is clear this is only the beginning.

Doraemon Brings His Iconic Anywhere Door to the Big Screen in India

Mumbai, June 18: The beloved anime icon Doraemon is set to return to Indian cinemas on October 2 with an exciting new adventure centered around his famous “Anywhere Door,” a magical gadget that allows travel to virtually any destination.

The upcoming film promises a captivating blend of fantasy, friendship, and adventure, bringing together Doraemon and his friends on a journey that explores new worlds and unexpected challenges. Known for inspiring generations of young viewers, the franchise continues to enjoy immense popularity among Indian audiences.

The theatrical release is expected to attract families, children, and long-time fans of the iconic character, offering a wholesome entertainment experience during the festive season. The film showcases the imaginative storytelling and heartwarming themes that have made Doraemon one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in global animation.

Industry observers expect the release to strengthen the growing appeal of Japanese animated films in India, where anime has witnessed a significant rise in popularity in recent years.

With its blend of magical adventures, emotional storytelling, and beloved characters, the latest Doraemon film is poised to be a major attraction for audiences when it arrives in cinemas nationwide on October 2.

Tinaa Dattaa Is Back with Her Most Layered Role Yet in Hungama OTT’s ‘Personal Trainer 2’

Hungama OTT is all set to raise the temperature with its hit original series Personal Trainer 2, releasing on 18th June 2026. Featuring Tinaa Dattaa in a compelling new role as Neha Malhotra, and also starring Akanksha Puri, Poonam Pandey and Rrahul Sudhir in pivotal roles, the series returns to the gleaming, high-stakes world of Mumbai’s most elite gym, where ambition, desire and dangerous power games play out behind polished mirrors and sculpted bodies.

Personal Trainer 2 unfolds at one of Mumbai’s most exclusive fitness spaces, where celebrities, influencers and the city’s wealthy elite come to sweat in secrecy. But beneath the surface of this world of ambition lies a far darker arena,  where seduction becomes strategy, betrayal lurks around every corner and desire pushes boundaries beyond control. Loyalties shift, alliances crack and the stakes grow dangerously high. In this world, true strength has nothing to do with muscle, it is about manipulation, survival and knowing exactly when to strike.

Sharing her excitement about the role, Tinaa Dattaa says, “In my real life, I have always been into fitness, whether it’s yoga, gym workouts or Pilates. So when I heard about Neha Malhotra, I instantly connected with her. But she is far more than just a fitness enthusiast, she is a woman of many faces and layers, and what I love most is how those layers slowly unravel as the series progresses. Audiences will get to see a side of me they have simply not seen before. Personally, I was really impressed with the story of Season 1 and when the makers approached me for Season 2, I didn’t take a second to say yes. The way my character evolves throughout the show is truly amazing. Working with Akanksha Puri was wonderful, she is also very passionate about fitness and we shared many fitness tips on set. It was also great working with Rrahul Sudhir, he is a fantastic actor and brought a lot of depth to our scenes together. I’m sure audiences will love Personal Trainer 2 as well.”

Personal Trainer 2 premieres on Hungama OTT from 18th June 2026. 

First Look of ‘Batwara 1947’ Unveiled; Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta Bring Partition-Era Story to Life

Mumbai, June 17: The makers of the upcoming historical drama Batwara 1947 have unveiled the much-awaited first look of lead actors Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, offering audiences a glimpse into a powerful story set against the backdrop of India’s Partition.

The first-look posters introduce the central characters whose lives are profoundly shaped by the events of 1947, one of the most defining and emotionally charged chapters in the history of the Indian subcontinent. With the tagline, “Meet those who lived through it,” the film aims to portray the human experiences, sacrifices, resilience, and emotional turmoil faced by millions during the Partition.

The visuals have generated considerable excitement among cinema enthusiasts, with Sunny Deol appearing in a strong and intense avatar, while Preity Zinta’s look reflects the emotional depth and complexities of the era. The film marks a significant project for both actors and is expected to blend historical events with compelling personal narratives.

Industry observers believe that Batwara 1947 has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences by revisiting a pivotal moment in history through the lens of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The film is expected to highlight themes of identity, displacement, courage, and hope amid one of the largest mass migrations in human history.

Following the release of the first look, anticipation has grown among fans eager to see the celebrated actors share screen space in a story rooted in history and human emotions. More details about the film’s release schedule and promotional campaign are expected in the coming weeks.

Imagicaa Brought the Madness of Dhamaal 4 to Life with an Exclusive Poster and Trailer Launch

Mumbai, June 13: Imagicaa, one of India’s leading entertainment and theme park destinations, successfully hosted the official poster and trailer launch of the much-anticipated comedy blockbuster Dhamaal 4 on June 12, 2026. In collaboration with T-Series Films, the event brought together Bollywood superstars, entertainment media, influencers, and fans for a larger-than-life celebration filled with laughter, entertainment, and memorable moments.

The event witnessed the presence of the film’s lead cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi and Ravi Kishan, along with Bhushan Kumar, Indra Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and other key members associated with Dhamaal 4. As the film’s official Adventure Partner, Imagicaa proudly collaborated with one of India’s most loved comedy franchises, bringing together the excitement of Bollywood and immersive entertainment for audiences and fans alike.

Known for hosting world-class attractions, family entertainment, and memorable live experiences, Imagicaa transformed into a hub of Bollywood excitement as the much-awaited poster and trailer of Dhamaal 4 were unveiled amidst an electrifying atmosphere. The event generated significant buzz across entertainment, lifestyle, and digital media platforms, further amplifying anticipation for the film’s release.

Speaking about the collaboration, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaa, said, “Imagicaa has always been about creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through entertainment. Partnering with T-Series Films and the team of Dhamaal 4 was an exciting opportunity to blend the magic of Bollywood with the thrill and adventure that Imagicaa is known for. We were delighted to host the trailer launch and welcome fans, media, and the film fraternity for a truly memorable celebration.”

The launch also featured extensive opportunities for fan engagement, media interactions, celebrity appearances, influencer participation, and digital content creation, offering attendees an exclusive glimpse into one of the year’s most anticipated comedy blockbusters.

With Bollywood’s biggest stars, blockbuster entertainment, and the spirit of adventure coming together, Imagicaa delivered a truly unforgettable Dhamaal-filled experience.

Shreyas Webmedia Solutions Participates in Raja Mahotsav 2026 at WTC Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, June 12: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions was delighted to participate in the vibrant Raja Mahotsav 2026, hosted by the World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar at The Jalsa, Kalinganagar. The event beautifully celebrated the spirit of Raja Parba, one of Odisha’s most cherished cultural festivals that honors womanhood, nature, and joy.

The celebration brought together the WTC Regional Director, distinguished members, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals from various sectors for an evening of cultural celebration, networking, and togetherness. The festive atmosphere, traditional attire, and warm hospitality created a perfect platform for interaction, relationship-building, and community engagement. Participants enjoyed meeting fellow entrepreneurs, exchanging ideas, and celebrating the rich heritage of Odisha in a joyful and festive environment.

A special Game Zone was organized to keep participants engaged and entertained throughout the event. Members enthusiastically participated in exciting activities such as Tombola, Musical Chairs, Dum-Te-Raas, Glass Fun Games, and an interactive Question & Answer Round, which brought laughter, friendly competition, and excitement to the gathering. The games encouraged teamwork, participation, and added a vibrant energy to the celebration.

The event also featured captivating cultural performances, including dance presentations and an open floor for members to showcase their talents. Winners of various games and competitions were felicitated with attractive prizes and gifts, making the occasion even more memorable. One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition and crowning of the Best Raja Queen and Best Traditional Costume Winner, celebrating grace, confidence, and cultural pride.

Special arrangements such as Mehendi (Henna), Altaa Application, and Gajara (Flower Adornment) added traditional charm to the festivities, especially for women participants. Guests also enjoyed a delightful spread of authentic Odia delicacies, including Aloo Dum & Dahi Bara, Golgappa, Traditional Sweets, and Paan, which added flavor to the celebrations.

Representing Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, members of the senior management team actively participated in the cultural activities, games, networking sessions, and festive celebrations. The team thoroughly enjoyed the event, sharing moments of happiness, fun, and togetherness with fellow entrepreneurs and WTC members. The Raja Mahotsav served as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen professional relationships while celebrating Odisha’s rich cultural traditions in a spirit of unity and joy.

Shreyas Webmedia Solutions extends its sincere appreciation to WTC Bhubaneswar and the organizing team for hosting such a successful and memorable event and looks forward to participating in many more community and business networking initiatives in the future.

Goldin Announces Closing Night Live Event for the Spring Goldin 100, Featuring Karl-Anthony Towns, Jesser, and Ken Goldin

The live event combines the closing night of Goldin’s flagship quarterly auction with grail-level collectibles and star-powered appearances at Goldin HQ

June 9: Goldin, an internationally recognized auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today announced the Spring Goldin 100 Closing Night Live Event which will take place at Goldin HQ (Runnemede, New Jersey) on June 28 starting at 9:00 PM. The event marks the closing night of Goldin’s flagship quarterly auction featuring exactly 100 elite, grail-level collectibles spanning sports, trading cards, pop culture, gaming, and history.

Building on the success of Goldin’s Logan Paul Auction Closing Night experience, the event fuses live auction excitement, creator-driven entertainment, and a global livestream reaching collectors around the world. Confirmed talent for the evening include NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and Jesser, one of the largest sports and collectibles creators in the world with more than 44 million YouTube subscribers. Fans attending in person will also have the opportunity to participate in a Meet & Greet with the featured talent beginning. The evening will be broadcast live on Jesser’s YouTube channel and Goldin on eBay Live.

Ahead of the event, Goldin will host a dedicated 2026 Live Box Break Event Auction, featuring 48 pack-slot lots now open for bidding. The auction went live Monday, June 8th at 12:00 PM ET, and will close Sunday, June 13th at 10:00 PM ET (extended bidding), with winning bidders earning ownership of packs that will be ripped live on stage during the June 28 event. Winners will also receive an invitation to attend in person at Goldin HQ with a guest, plus-one access, and the opportunity for a custom live-read shoutout. On June 28, those winning collectors will watch their packs opened live as part of the evening’s entertainment.

The five featured products span some of the hobby’s most iconic eras. 1980 Topps Basketball (“The Origins”) offers collectors a shot at the legendary Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Julius Erving rookie cards serving as the evening’s vintage lottery ticket. 2003-04 Topps Chrome Basketball (“The LeBron Era”) features a shot at arguably the most recognizable rookie card in the hobby, a Lebron James rookie card alongside Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. Also featured is 2018-19 Panini Prizm Basketball (“The Modern Superstar Era”), widely considered one of the strongest modern basketball products ever produced, headlined by Luka Dončić Rookie Silver, Gold Prizm, and Black Finite 1/1, with additional stars including Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Trae Young.

Representing the present day, 2025-26 Topps Chrome Basketball Jumbo features Victor Wembanyama Autos and Parallels, Cooper Flagg Rookies, and major rookie autos. Rounding out the lineup is 2018 Bowman Chrome Baseball (“Jesser’s Personal Chase”), featuring Shohei Ohtani rookie cards, Refractors, and Superfractors, and key cards of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto.

With a packed calendar of marquee auctions and live events, Goldin continues to be the premier destination for collectors this summer.

Additional ongoing and upcoming auctions include the newly opened USA 250 Auction, the Global Football Auction, open through June 13, the Combat Sports Auction, open through June 15, the Spring Pop Culture Auction, open through June 17 and the Goldin 100, open through June 28.

Debut Feature Film ‘Contradiction’ Wins Best Director at Indie Vegas Film Festival

No-budget psychological thriller is recognized following debut in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (MAY 26, 2026) — Contradiction, the debut feature film from writer-director Pierce Kafka, was awarded best director after screening for the first time at Indie Vegas Film Festival on May 1. 

Produced entirely as a no-budget independent feature, Contradiction stood out at the festival for its stylised storytelling and ambitious creative execution. The award marks a major milestone for Kafka’s first feature film and highlights the growing recognition of emerging independent filmmakers outside of traditional studio production.

Set in 1990s Miami, the film follows a security guard whose life begins to unravel after meeting a dangerously charismatic coworker. It explores themes of fear, identity, and self-destruction, while also tapping into broader conversations around indie filmmaking and creative risk-taking. 

“We made Contradiction as a true no-budget independent thriller, built entirely on passion, resourcefulness, and a deep belief in the story we wanted to tell,” says Pierce Kafka. “Winning Best Director at our first-ever film festival means a lot because it represents what independent filmmaking is all about. Through trusting the vision and taking risks, you can connect your story to audiences in a meaningful way regardless of resources.”

With a background that spans award-winning creative campaigns, public speaking, and personal experiences, Kafka’s personal and professional experiences helped shape the film’s introspective tone and visual style.

Indie Vegas Film Festival is a platform dedicated to showcasing independent filmmakers and original storytelling in the heart of Las Vegas. Now in its third year, the festival highlights a diverse slate of films across genres. 

Follow Contradiction on its national film festival run at https://contradictionmovie.com/