Category Archives: Entertainment

South Star Vijay Remains Focused on Tamil Cinema, Keeps Distance from Hindi Films

May 5 (BNP): Leading South Indian actor Vijay continues to focus his career on Tamil cinema and has largely stayed away from working in Hindi films.

Over the years, the actor has built a strong presence in the Tamil film industry, earning wide popularity through regional projects and maintaining a consistent connection with his core audience.

His career choices reflect a sustained preference for South Indian storytelling, with a strong emphasis on Tamil-language films. This approach has helped him maintain a significant fan base and commercial success in the regional market.

Industry reports suggest that Vijay remains committed to working primarily within Tamil cinema, reinforcing his position as one of the prominent figures in the South Indian film industry.

Bob Nguyen ACS wins Milli Award for 2026 Australian Cinematographer of the Year at the 56th ACS National Awards

ADELAIDE, 4 May 2026 – At this year’s Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) 56^th National Awards in Adelaide, it was Bob Nguyen ACS who won the prestigious Australian Cinematographer of the Year Milli Award. Nguyen also won a Gold Tripod in the Feature Films – Budget Under $5m category for Ky Nam Inn.

Bob Nguyen ACS accepting his awards by video link

Nguyen is a critically acclaimed and highly awarded member of the Australian Cinematographer’s Society and an extremely experienced celluloid cinematographer. His notable works include SUT and SONG LANG, with SONG LANG garnering more than 30 international awards. In 2019 Nguyen won the Golden Tripod and the prestigious Milli Award for Australian Cinematographer of the Year for the first time. Bob’s cinematography on BLACK HEN and MUOI – THE CURSE RETURNS also earned him double Gold Awards and two additional Golden Tripods at previous ACS National Awards.

On winning the award Nguyen said, “It is a great honour to have won the Milli for the second time, particularly when the standard of cinematography in Australia is so high. I would like to thank the ACS, all of their sponsors for putting on the awards and for everything they do for cinematographers and congratulate all of the other nominees for their excellent work.”

(l-r) Ray Martin AM and ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS

The 2026 56^th ACS National Awards was, as always, in the ever capable and professional hands of host and MC for the evening, Ray Martin AM. Martin, in his inimitable fashion, entertained and guided the full house alongside presenters that included ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS.

Crockett presented Hall of Fame Awards to Mark Wareham ACS and László Baranyai HSC ACS HCA, the Life Membership Award to Richard Chataway ACS and Carolyn Constantine ACS and the John Leake OAM ACS Emerging Cinematographer Award to Emilie Lowe.

Then the Student Cinematography Award went to Jake Frazer for The Native Police and other Gold Tripod winners included Aaron Farrugia who won the John Bowring ACS Station Breaks & Promos for The Block “Heartland”, Maximilian McKay took home the Music Videos award for 21st Century Cool Girl – Chloe Qisha and Haidarr Jones who won the Neil Davis International News award for Gaza Aid Delivery.

The Current Affairs award went to Tom Hancock for Australian Story: Betrayal, The Story Of Hannah Grundy and Dave May ACS won in Entertainment & TV Magazine for Love on the Spectrum U.S. – E7.

The Ron Taylor AM ACS & Valerie Taylor AM Wildlife & Nature award went to Jack Riley and Nick Robinson for The Kimberley S1E1 and Alper Kasap took out the gong for Short Films with KUDUZ.

The Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget under $1m went to Brendan Barnes SASC ACS for Go and the Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget $1m and over went to Nicola Daley ACS BSC for The Handmaid’s Tale.

Then the Feature Films – Budget $5m and over Gold Tripod award went to Stephen Windon ACS ASC for THE ELECTRIC STATE.

The Judges’ Merit Award went to Matthew Davies for Javelin Aerospace ‘In Our Blood’.

ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS

ACS National President Brent Crockett ACS said, “A huge congratulations to Bob Nguyen ACS on being named Australia’s Cinematographer of the Year for the second time. It’s a powerful reflection of Bob’s consistency, craft and extraordinary eye behind the camera. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. My sincere thanks to our industry sponsors, supporters and the South Australian ACS Branch Committee for delivering an outstanding night in Adelaide and congratulations to all award recipients. Australian cinematography continues to stand among the very best in the world and it’s exactly why our talent is so highly sought after here and internationally.”

Other Gold Tripod and Award Winners included:

Serial TV & Comedy Series – Dave Cameron NZCS ACS for Madam S1E1

Branded Content & Advertising – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Penta Tequila – Método Penta Quintaesencia

Corporate – Branded Content, Education & Events – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Sub-Atmospheric Carbon Neutral Vacuum Distillation

Commercials – Budget under $200K – Jackson England for AMAN – Amankora

Commercials – Budget $200K and over – Jani Häkli for Go Mongolia

Bob Miller ACS Scholarship – Tom Waugh and Tad Errey

Ron Windon ACS Contribution award to Mick Fanning (presented to Mick by Ron’s son Steve Windon ACS ASC)

Images by Sam Oster

Bhubaneswar to Host ‘Shraddhanjali 2026’ — A Musical Tribute to Guru Bauri Bandhu Sethi

Bhubaneswar, April 30: Delhi-based cultural organization Swaranjali is set to bring an evening of classical music and tribute to Odisha’s capital with Shraddhanjali 2026, a commemorative concert dedicated to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi.

The event will be held on June 20, 2026, at 5 PM at Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Organized in association with Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, the program aims to honor the legacy of the late guru through a curated lineup of classical performances.

The evening will feature a group vocal presentation by the disciples of Shri Avimanyu Sahoo from Sishuniketan School, Mancheswar. Instrumental highlights include a sitar and sarod duet by Shri Jeeban Prakash Das and Shri Sandeep Rout. Vocal recital by Smt. Bilambita Banisudha and a solo sitar performance by Shri Subrata De are also part of the program.

The event will be anchored by Vidwan Shri Alok Das, adding a narrative touch to the musical proceedings.

Organizers have extended an open invitation to music lovers, patrons of classical arts, and the general public to attend the event and pay tribute to the revered गुरु through music.

For further details and RSVP, interested attendees may contact 9910300319, 8447507053, or 9937001349.

Swaranjali, founded by Subrata De, continues to promote Indian classical music through performances and cultural initiatives across the country, in collaboration with partners like Shreyas Webmedia Solutions.

NCPA’s Mudra Dance Festival 2026 Highlights Young Talent in Indian Classical Dance

Mumbai, Apr 30 (BNP): The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) has successfully concluded the 2026 edition of its annual Mudra Dance Festival, placing a strong focus on young performers and the future of Indian classical dance traditions.

Held on April 16, 23, and 24 at the Experimental Theatre, the festival also featured its first-ever interschool dance competition on April 20 and 22. Celebrated around International Dance Day, Mudra is known for presenting thematic performances rooted in culture and tradition, with this year’s editions exploring ideas such as motherhood, emotions, colours, and expressive art forms.

A major highlight of the 2026 edition was the “Children’s Edition,” which brought young dancers to the centre stage. The initiative aimed to recognise early-stage learners and provide them with a formal platform to showcase their training, discipline, and artistic growth.

Performances across the festival featured students from several reputed dance institutions, reflecting the depth of classical training and the diversity of styles being nurtured across Mumbai.

The newly introduced Mudra Interschool Classical Dance Competition received an overwhelming response, with participation from more than 75 schools and 115 entries. Students performed in classical styles such as Kathak and Bharatanatyam, along with group and fusion presentations.

Organisers said the initiative is an important step in integrating classical dance into school-level education, encouraging institutions to treat it with the same seriousness as sports and other structured disciplines. The festival also aims to strengthen appreciation for Indian classical arts among younger generations.

From Movies to Motherhood, Yami Gautam Dhar’s Momentum Is Inward, Intentional, Inevitable

 

From Foster Care to Homelessness, “No Address” Exposes a Growing Crisis

The feature film ‘No Address’ delivers an emotional and urgent look at the pipeline from foster care to homelessness, and the courage to find a way out

Sacramento, Calif. – Apr 30 – May is Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by youth in the foster care system and the families, professionals, and advocates who support them. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), more than 320,000 children are currently in the U.S. child welfare system, with an average age of just eight years old.

Against this backdrop, Robert Craig Films’ feature movie No Address brings a deeply human perspective to the issue, illustrating how quickly a child’s life can be disrupted, and the critical role support and stability play in shaping a better future. The film has resonated with audiences, earning a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“No Address humanizes the story of so many individual experiences of homelessness, and Lauren’s story begins with her entering the foster system,” said Robert Craig, Producer at Robert Craig Films. “It’s heartbreaking when children are left without support due to circumstances beyond their control.”

“Films like No Address are critical in helping people understand the real-life challenges foster youth face every day,” said Cheryl Williams, Founder of Fundamentals For Foster Care, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster youth through educational stability initiatives. “When young people age out of the system without strong support, they are at significantly higher risk of homelessness.

In No Address, actress Isabella Ferreira portrays Lauren, a young girl whose life is upended when her mother, her only family, passes away, forcing her into the foster care system. Her journey reflects one of many pathways into care, showing how quickly a child’s world can change. Through the support of those around her, Lauren begins to find stability, hope, and a path forward.

The film features an acclaimed ensemble cast including William Baldwin, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Ashanti, Xander Berkeley, Beverly D’Angelo, and Ty Pennington, whose performances bring authenticity and depth to this powerful story.

Robert Craig Films invites the public to host their own group screenings of the movie as a step toward greater understanding of foster care and homelessness and a better future for those suffering. Information can be found at www.NoAddressMovie.com/Groups. 

Through No Address and its broader storytelling initiatives, Robert Craig Films is committed to creating films that inspire empathy and meaningful action. Central to this effort is The Big 5 GIVEBACK, part of the No Address Movement, which pledges 50% of net profits from five No Address productions to nonprofit organizations and churches working to combat homelessness in their communities.

For streaming, rental, and purchase information for the feature film, NO ADDRESS, visit www.NoAddressMovie.com.

Tribeny Rai’s ‘Shape of Momo’ Creates History with Triple International Honours!

Los Angeles[US], Apr 29 (BNP): Filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s acclaimed film “Shape of Momo” has earned international recognition by securing triple honours at film festivals in Los Angeles and the Indie Meme Film Festival.

At the prestigious Indie Meme Film Festival, the film created history by winning both the Jury Award and the Audience Choice Award, becoming the first film in the festival’s history to receive both top honours simultaneously.

The remarkable achievement highlights the film’s strong critical acclaim as well as its popularity among audiences.

In addition to its success at Indie Meme, the film also received recognition at a film event in Los Angeles, completing a memorable hat-trick of honours on the global stage.

“Shape of Momo” has been praised for its compelling storytelling, unique cultural narrative, and emotional depth, helping it connect with viewers across different backgrounds.

The triple win is being seen as a proud moment for Indian independent cinema, especially for emerging voices bringing regional stories to international platforms.

Film enthusiasts and critics have lauded Tribeny Rai’s achievement, noting that such global recognition will inspire more diverse and original storytelling from India.

Indian Golf Legend Vijay Kumar Passes Away at 57

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Veteran Indian golfer Vijay Kumar, one of the most accomplished figures in the country’s professional golf circuit, passed away in Lucknow following a heart attack. He was 57.

Kumar was widely respected for his consistency and dominance in Indian golf, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He turned professional in 1988 and went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than a decade at the top level.

Among his notable achievements, he won the Indian Open in 2002 and secured the Order of Merit title four times, making him one of the most successful players in Indian golfing history.

Known for his disciplined approach and competitive spirit, Vijay Kumar played a key role in shaping the growth of professional golf in India and inspired a generation of emerging golfers.

His demise has been widely mourned across the sporting community, with tributes highlighting his contribution to Indian golf and his legacy as a champion athlete.

Aamir Khan Confirms 3 Idiots 2, Set to Return as Phunsukh Wangdu After 10 Years!

Mumbai, Apr 28 (BNP): Actor Aamir Khan has confirmed that work on the much-awaited sequel to 3 Idiots is underway, raising excitement among fans eager to revisit one of Bollywood’s most iconic stories.

Speaking in a recent interview, Aamir revealed that the script for 3 Idiots 2 is progressing well and retains the same humour and emotional appeal that made the original film a blockbuster success. He said the new story is unusual and compelling, while being set 10 years after the events of the first film.

The actor also indicated his intention to reprise his much-loved role as Phunsukh Wangdu, saying it is one of the projects he plans to begin soon. He praised the writing team for crafting a beautiful and engaging storyline.

Industry reports suggest that the sequel may reunite the original star cast, including R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Kareena Kapoor Khan alongside Aamir Khan, though an official announcement is awaited.

Released in 2009, 3 Idiots became a landmark film in Indian cinema, celebrated for its humour, emotional depth, and sharp take on the education system. The sequel is expected to blend nostalgia with a fresh narrative for audiences across generations.

AR Rahman Makes Royal Albert Hall Debut, Showcases Next-Gen Indian Talent on Global Stage!

Mumbai/London, Apr 28 (BNP): Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman marked a major milestone in his international concert journey with a sold-out debut performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, celebrating the rise of a new generation of musicians.

The three-night orchestral showcase, titled “AR Rahman x Rushil Ranjan,” was created in collaboration with composer and Associate Artist Rushil Ranjan. The production brought together emerging Indian talent and world-class performers in a unique blend of Indian and Western classical traditions.

A defining highlight of the concert was Rangreza, a newly commissioned composition co-created by Rahman and Ranjan. Rooted in Sufi philosophy, the piece explored shared spiritual and musical connections across cultures. It was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Voices, alongside Associate Artist Abi Sampa, under the baton of Melvin Tay.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came with the participation of musicians from Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory and the Sunshine Orchestra, an initiative supporting talented youth from underserved communities in Western classical music. Their performance alongside an international orchestra at one of the world’s most prestigious venues was hailed as a landmark moment of representation.

Rahman said seeing the Sunshine Orchestra share the stage with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was deeply special, adding that he was proud of the young musicians for making India proud globally and taking music to new heights.

The programme also featured vocalist Sarthak Kalyani and percussionist Janan Sathiendran, while choreography by Aakash Odedra added a striking visual dimension to the performance.

Audiences were also treated to grand orchestral reinterpretations of Rahman’s celebrated scores from Jodhaa Akbar, Guru, 127 Hours, and Rockstar, among others.

The showcase marked a significant evolution in the global presentation of Indian film music, positioning emerging Indian artists at the forefront of an international cultural dialogue.