18, Apr 2026
‘Bou Buttu Bhuta’, ‘Ananta’ Bring Glory to Odia Film Industry
Bhubaneswar, Apr 18(BNP): Odia cinema delivered a standout performance at the Indian National Cinema Academy (INCA) Awards 2026, strengthening its growing presence on the national film stage.
The film Bou Buttu Bhuta emerged as one of the top winners of the evening, securing three major honours, including Best Odia Film. Lead performances by Babushaan Mohanty and Archita Sahu were recognised with Best Actor and Best Actress (Odia) awards, respectively.
Another Odia film, Ananta, also received national recognition, with Sabyasachi Mohapatra and Kumar C. Dev Mohapatra winning Best Director for their work, further highlighting the creative depth emerging from the industry.
The success of these films reflects the steady evolution of Odia cinema, which is increasingly gaining visibility beyond regional audiences. Improved storytelling, stronger production values, and wider reach have helped Odia films connect with a broader national audience.
The recognition at INCA 2026 underscores a positive shift for regional cinema, where Odia films are steadily earning a place alongside other major Indian film industries on prestigious national platforms.
Overall, the awards mark another step forward for Odia cinema’s growing reputation and its continued journey toward wider recognition in India’s entertainment landscape.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Apr 2026
Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi Light Up SGT University During ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Promotions
Apr 15 (BNP): Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and actress Wamiqa Gabbi brought high energy and excitement to SGT University in Gurugram during the promotions of their upcoming film Bhooth Bangla.
Akshay Kumar made a grand helicopter entry, which immediately set the campus abuzz with cheers and excitement from students. The university grounds turned into a lively celebration space as a large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars.
During the event, Akshay interacted with students, shared motivational thoughts on discipline and hard work, and encouraged them to stay focused on their goals. He also led a short fitness session, inspiring students to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.
The visit created a memorable experience for students, offering them a close interaction with film personalities and a glimpse into the world of Bollywood promotions on campus.
15, Apr 2026
Aakash Aath To Present A Poila Boishakh Special Musical Celebration In The Show ‘Aakashe Superstar’
Kolkata Apr 15: Aakash Aath, one of the popular General Entertainment Channel (GEC) of Bengal is going to telecast a Poila Boishakh special episode in their known music reality show Aakashe Superstar. Renowned Bengali singer Raghab Chatterjee, hosted by Sujoyneel Bandyopadhyay along with the budding young singers will enthral the audience with impressive melodious songs celebrating the joyous spirit of Bengal, its people and their rich heritage.
The episode will present a vibrant blend of music, culture and entertainment to mark the pious occasion of Bengali New Year. It will highlight the cultural significance of the day while bringing together artists, performers and audiences in a festive environment reflecting the warmth and traditions of Bengal and its widely celebrated culture.
“The auspicious occasion of Poila Boishakh is the beginning of a new year filled with hope, positivity and cultural pride for the Bengalis everywhere. Through this special episode of Aakashe Superstar, we wanted to celebrate the spirit of the festival through music and meaningful performances. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the contestants and the entire team. Having Raghab Chatterjee join the celebration made the episode even more memorable and special for all of us,” said Priyanka Bardia, Director Aakash Aath.
“It was a wonderful experience to be part of the Poila Boishakh special episode of Aakashe Superstar. The festival represents new beginnings and celebrating it through music makes it even more meaningful. I truly enjoyed listening to the contestants and witnessing their passion for singing. Shows like this provide a great platform for emerging talent to express themselves and grow. I am glad to have shared this special celebration with the contestants, the host and the entire team,” said singer, Raghab Chatterjee.
The show has consistently provided aspiring singers with an opportunity to perform on a recognised platform while receiving guidance and encouragement from experienced mentors from the music industry. Over the seasons, it has built a loyal audience base through its engaging format and heartfelt performances.
The Poila Boishakh special episode added a festive touch to the show by blending traditional Bengali musical influences with contemporary performances. The set reflected the celebratory spirit of the Bengali New Year, coming alive with enthusiastic performances, vibrant décor and an atmosphere that captured the joy and cultural essence of the occasion.
Aakash Aath airs Aakashe Superstar, on every Monday to Sunday from 2:00 PM.
The Poila Baisakh special episode of Aakashe Superstar is going to be telecasted on 15th April, 2026 from 2:00 PM.
15, Apr 2026
NFDC to Release Malayalam Film Achappa’s Album Nationwide on April 24
New Delhi, April 15, (BNP): The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has announced the nationwide release of its Malayalam feature film Achappa’s Album (Grampa’s Album) on April 24, 2026.
Blending family fantasy, comedy and emotion, the film centres on a time-travel narrative in which a father and son unexpectedly begin living each other’s lives, offering a humorous and poignant look at generational perspectives.
Directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan and written by Sanjeev Sivan, Anirban Bhattacharya and Umesh Nair, the film explores themes of memory, relationships and life choices.
The cast includes Mohan Agashe, along with Anjana Appukuttan, Aadinath Kothare, Priyanka Nair and Sidhanshu Sanjeev Sivan.
The film’s technical team features cinematographer Manoj Pillai, editor Sreekar Prasad and music composer Gulraj Singh.
Director Deepti Pillay Sivan said the film uses a simple but engaging time-travel concept to explore deep human relationships, while NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum noted that the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting unique voices in Indian cinema.
The teaser for the film has been released on NFDC’s social media platforms, with the official trailer expected soon.
14, Apr 2026
Bangla ZEE5 To Stream Horror Comedy ‘Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel’ From Poila Baisakh
Kolkata, Apr 14: comedy Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is soon going to be streamed on Bangla ZEE5 from 15th April, 2026. Directed by filmmaker Aritra Mukherjee, the film unfolds a horror yet humorous tale set in a mysterious hotel nestled in the mountains. Blending suspense with light-hearted moments, the story explores how an ordinary holiday retreat slowly turns into a place filled with unexplained events and hidden secrets.
Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is produced by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee and written by Zinia Sen.
This quirky Bengali horror–comedy seamlessly blends supernatural mayhem with sharp situational humour. Starring Mimi Chakraborty, Soham Majumdar, Bonny Sengupta, and Swastika Dutta in pivotal roles, the film boasts a dynamic ensemble that enriches its eccentric, high-energy narrative. Set within an unconventional hotel brimming with bizarre ghostly encounters, the series stands out for its vivid characters, clever writing, and a refreshingly playful take on fear.
In Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel, eminent actress Mimi Chakraborty will be seen as Nandini, Soham Majumdar as Shaon, Bonny Sengupta as Aranya, and Swastika Dutta as Malini.
The film also features some of the well-known actors from the Bengali film industry including Kanchan Mullick, Manasi Sinha, Anamika Saha, Joydeep Mukherjee, Anasua Majumdar, Subhrajit Dutta, and Ujan Chatterjee in important roles.
“At Bangla ZEE5, on every month we constantly try to bring new, engaging and entertaining stories to our viewers across genres. Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is our Poila Baisakh special occasional release for the viewers. The movie offers a delightful mix of suspense, mystery and humour, set against the intriguing backdrop of a mountain hotel. The film brings together an entertaining narrative with moments of thrill and comedy that will keep audiences hooked. Viewers are bound to enjoy this unique horror–comedy experience and it will become one of the exciting additions to our Bangla content library”, said Ms Rusa Banerjee, Business Head, Bangla ZEE5.
The music of the film is composed by Anupam Roy and Arnab Dutta, while Pratip Mukherjee has handled the cinematography.
Editing is done by Subhajit Singha, with Mridul Baidya serving as the Art Director and Amit Kumar Dutta as the Sound Designer.
13, Apr 2026
Maharashtra Plans Music Academy as Tribute to Asha Bhosle
Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): The Maharashtra government will move ahead with plans to establish a music institute envisioned by legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday.
The decision comes a day after the iconic singer’s passing at the age of 92, marking the end of an extraordinary musical journey that spanned over seven decades and touched generations of listeners.
Fadnavis said the proposed institute would serve as a tribute to her legacy and contribute to nurturing future talent in music.
The state cabinet also paid homage to Bhosle during a meeting, where a condolence resolution was presented in her honour. Senior officials and ministers observed the moment, remembering her immense contribution to Indian music.
The initiative reflects the state’s effort to preserve her legacy while inspiring aspiring artists for years to come.
13, Apr 2026
Sombre Farewell: Sachin Tendulkar, Asha Parekh, Tabu Among Those Paying Tribute to Asha Bhosle
Pic Credit: https://x.com/ashabhosle
Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): A wave of emotion swept through the film, music, and sports fraternity as several prominent personalities, including Asha Parekh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Tabu, paid heartfelt tributes to legendary singer Asha Bhosle following her passing at the age of 92.
Friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to offer their final respects, remembering her as one of Indian music’s most versatile and enduring voices.
Asha Bhosle, who built a remarkable career spanning over eight decades, created her own distinct identity in playback singing despite the towering legacy of her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar. Known for her unmatched range and versatility, she recorded nearly 12,000 songs in multiple languages and earned a place in the Guinness World Records for her prolific output.
Her journey began in 1943 at the age of just 10, and she continued to sing and record for decades, making her one of the longest-performing artists in global music history.
Over her illustrious career, she received several top honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan. She was also honoured with multiple National Film Awards for timeless classics like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “Mera Kuchh Saaman.”
From soulful melodies to energetic chartbusters, her unforgettable songs such as “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja,” “In Aankhon Ki Masti,” and “Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main” continue to resonate across generations.
As tributes pour in from India and abroad, Asha Bhosle is being remembered not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon whose voice defined an era of Indian music.
13, Apr 2026
Femina Miss India Awards Night Honours Sub-Contest Winners Ahead of Bhubaneswar Grand Finale
Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, Apr 13 (BNP): The 61st edition of the Femina Miss India marked a significant milestone with a dazzling Awards Night in Mumbai, where 30 state winners were honoured with prestigious sub-contest titles ahead of the much-anticipated grand finale in Bhubaneswar.
The event celebrated individuality, talent, and achievement, with contestants receiving titles such as Miss Goodness Ambassador, Miss Lifestyle, Miss Fashion Icon, and Miss Body Beautiful—recognising qualities ranging from compassion and personality to fitness and style.
Held as a glamorous prelude to the finale, the Awards Night brought together top प्रतिभागियों in a vibrant showcase of fashion and performance. The evening was elevated by energetic acts from musical duo Sukriti and Prakriti Kakar, percussionist Rituraj Mohanty, and DJs Techtronix and Benj, blending glamour with high-energy entertainment.
A major highlight of the evening was the fashion showcase themed “Connecting the DOTS – Daughters of This Soil.” Designed by Anmol Singh, the collection featured intricate patchwork crafted from tiny handmade beaded elements, symbolising unity in diversity. The show, directed by Sandeep Dharma and styled by Rishi Raj, seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling, reinforcing India’s rich cultural identity.
The journey to the finale began with a nationwide talent hunt launched last November, covering auditions across five zones. Thirty finalists emerged and underwent intensive grooming at a Mumbai boot camp under industry experts. The Awards Night served as a key checkpoint, celebrating their transformation and readiness for the final stage.
The grand finale is scheduled for April 18 at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar, where the winner will earn the honour of representing India at the prestigious Miss World.
The Femina Miss India legacy includes global icons such as Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Manushi Chhillar. This year’s collaboration with KIIT and KISS further underscores the pageant’s commitment to empowerment through education, alongside celebrating beauty and talent.
As the countdown to Bhubaneswar begins, the stage is set for a spectacular finale that promises to crown not just a winner, but a global cultural ambassador.
9, Apr 2026
Ruffle Dunali Fever: Fans Say Revati Mahurkar Brings Back Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Ek Do Teen’ Magic with Electrifying Moves
The internet is buzzing with excitement as Ruffle Dunali continues to trend, with Revati Mahurkar emerging as the standout performer. Her high-energy act, marked by expressive movements and captivating screen presence, has struck a strong chord with audiences across social media.
Fans have been quick to draw comparisons between Revati’s performance and Madhuri Dixit’s iconic charm from the classic song Ek Do Teen. From her expressive eyes to her fluid dance moves, Revati’s performance has been widely appreciated for evoking a sense of nostalgia while delivering a fresh, contemporary twist.
Social media platforms are flooded with praise for the rising performer. Fans have lauded her lip-sync precision, energetic choreography, and effortless grace, with many calling her performance “electrifying” and “on fire.” Several users also highlighted how her expressions and stage presence elevate the overall appeal of the track.
Adding to the excitement is her on-screen pairing with Prince Narula. The duo’s chemistry has been described as dynamic and engaging, with Prince’s signature style complementing Revati’s vibrant dance moves, making the song highly replay-worthy.
Audience reactions further indicate a growing demand to see Revati in more Bollywood dance numbers, with fans praising her ability to make even complex choreography appear seamless and natural.
With overwhelming appreciation pouring in, Ruffle Dunali has emerged as more than just a song—it has become a cultural moment that places Revati Mahurkar firmly in the spotlight, while reigniting the timeless appeal of expressive, high-energy dance in Indian pop culture.
1, Apr 2026
DIVINE & Riar Saab Unveil Dance Anthem ‘Saucy’ Featuring Mouni Roy
India, 1st April 2026 – India’s leading independent hip-hop label Gully Gang Entertainment has released the official music video for ‘Saucy’ bringing together multi-platinum rapper DIVINE, Punjabi singer-rapper Riar Saab and popular film personality Mouni Roy. The track appears on DIVINE’s fifth studio album ‘Walking on Water’.
Filmed across Singapore, the video directed by Ruel Dausan Varindani unfolds against a sleek, high-gloss backdrop, with Mouni Roy leading the visual narrative through stylized choreography. Landmark locations including the Helix Bridge, Haji Lane and the Swissôtel Helipad anchor the video in a distinctly global, metropolitan setting.
Sweeping between flirtation and finesse, ‘Saucy’ produced by Karan Kanchan leans into a melodic, groove-forward sound, pairing DIVINE’s sharp, rhythmic delivery with Riar Saab’s smooth vocal tone. The track celebrates confidence and independence, framing modern romance through a polished, dance-ready lens.
DIVINE states, “Saucy is that groove record. I wanted to give people something they can just play and feel good. Riar and I always have a good energy when we work together, and with Mouni on the video, the whole thing just came together naturally. When we were figuring out where to shoot the track, Singapore just felt right. I was there recently for F1 and that pace stayed with me, it moves fast but still feels easy. Saucy is a distinct flavour of Walking on Water that I think people needed to witness.”
Mouni Roy states, “Singapore had been on my travel wish list for a while, and now it has my heart. Experiencing this beautiful beautiful country for the first time while shooting Saucy was something else entirely. The food, the fashion, the energy, it all flows together so effortlessly. We moved through so many different spaces and moods while filming, and the city just kept revealing itself. Bustling one moment, beautifully still the next. It stopped feeling like we were working and shooting and started feeling like I was falling in love with the city. I came to film and ended up completely charmed. I will definitely be coming back.”
Riar Saab states, “Bhai and I have a natural chemistry when it comes to making music. Saucy was one of those tracks where the energy was right from day one. Singapore was mad, the whole shoot had a different feel to it. I just wanted to bring that smooth Punjabi touch to the track and let people vibe to it.”
Released in December 2025, ‘Walking on Water’ marked a standout moment for DIVINE. The 16-track album charted his evolution from Mumbai’s underground rap circuit to the global hip-hop stage, arriving a decade after his breakout reshaped the trajectory of Indian hip-hop. The project featured a wide-ranging lineup of collaborators, including Hanumankind, Gurinder Gill, MC Altaf, Sammohit, Riar Saab and Kalyani Priyadarshan, with production from ZZORAWAR, Stunnah Beatz and Phenom. In a milestone first, the album also incorporated samples from A.R. Rahman’s ‘Kehna Hi Kya’ (Bombay) and R.D. Burman’s ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ (Sholay) and ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ (3 Idiots).
The music video for ‘Saucy’ is out now on YouTube.
