Actors reflect on their Academic Journeys!

It’s often said that your qualifications shape your future, but did you know how academically accomplished some of your favourite &TV actors are? These familiar faces, who entertain audiences every day with their strong and lovable characters, have impressive educational backgrounds that have played a key role in shaping their journeys in the world of entertainment. These include Neeta Mohindra (Kailasha Bua, Bheema), Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neeta Mohindra, seen as Kailasha Bua in &TV’s Bheema, shares, “My journey into the world of acting is deeply rooted in academia. I hold an MA and a PhD in Fine Arts, and I have had the honour of serving as the Head of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Guru Nanak Dev University. My academic pursuits have not only shaped my understanding of the arts but also enriched my expression as a performer. Education, for me, has always been a guiding light helping me blend theory with practice, and intellect with emotion, in every character I portray on screen.”

Himani Shivpuri, who portrays the lovable Katori Amma in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, reflects, “I belong to Dehradun and began my academic journey at The Doon School, known for nurturing creativity and academic brilliance. My deep interest in science led me to pursue a postgraduate degree in Organic Chemistry from DAV College, Dehradun. However, the pull of the performing arts was strong, and I followed my passion by graduating from the National School of Drama in 1984. Education, to me, is about balancing intellect with emotion, reason with creativity, which has been the cornerstone of my acting career.” Shubhangi Atre, who plays the iconic Angoori Bhabi in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, says, “Although I’m known for my bubbly and naïve character on screen, my real-life journey has always been rooted in education. I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing, which has empowered me with strategic thinking and adaptability qualities that have helped me navigate the entertainment world. From handling endorsements to taking on versatile roles, my education has given me the confidence and clarity to pursue my goals purposefully.”

Tune in to watch your favourite actors Neeta Mohindra in Bheema at 8:30 PM, Himani Shivpuri in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Shubhangi Atre in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, every Monday to Friday only on &TV!

“That moment really stayed with me,” Remo D’Souza reflects on a powerful moment on Amazon MX Player’s dance reality show Realme Hip Hop India S2

MUMBAI, India–May 27, 2025: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service is back in the spotlight with Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, the trailblazing dance reality show that’s redefining the country’s hip hop scene. Leading the charge are Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora, bringing their signature blend of passion and expertise to the judging panel. This season, the stage belongs to India’s rawest underground talent, whose fierce performances and authentic stories are captivating audiences nationwide. With every episode packed with unexpected twists and jaw-dropping moves, the show continues to raise the bar and its viewership.


Reflecting on a powerful moment from the previous season, Remo D’Souza shared, “There was this one dancer who walked up to me and said, ‘Sir, this show gave me the courage to tell my parents I want to do this for life.’ That moment really stayed with me.” Highlighting the emotional impact of such encounters, he added, “It took me back to my beginnings and reminded me just how tough it is to pursue an unconventional path. That feeling reminded me of why shows like Hip Hop India matter. It’s not just a competition; it’s a catalyst. For so many, it’s the step toward owning their truth.” 

As rivalries intensify and emotions run high, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to redefine the boundaries of dance competition. New episodes drop every Thursday, only on Amazon MX Player, accessible on the Amazon Shopping App, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs.

Quirk Meets Brilliance as Ram Kapoor Dons the Role of Mistry – Releasing on June 27 on JioHotstar

Mumbai, 27 May 2025: Some crimes are predictable. Some are a tangled mess. And then there are cases Mistry comes on board for! Filled with quirks, he is a detective who is anything but ordinary. Witness crime, chaos and humour collide in the most unexpected way as Ram Kapoor takes center stage in and as Mistry. His brilliance is unmatched, his methods are unconventional, and working with him? Let’s just say — it’s complicated. In a world where crime is messy and answers are never easy, Armaan Mistry is the mind you want on your side! The series will premiere on June 27, 2025 on JioHotstar.

Produced by Banijay Asia in association with Universal International Studios and directed by Rishab SethMistry is the Indian adaptation of the multi-award-winning US series Monk. The star cast includes Ram Kapoor as the eccentric genius Armaan Mistry and Mona Singh as the fearless ACP Sehmat Siddiqui. Shikha Talsania and Kshitish Date will also be seen in pivotal roles.

Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, said, “At Banijay Asia, we’ve always believed in telling stories that not only entertain but also challenge conventions. Mistry is a perfect reflection of that vision — it is a seamless blend of crime, humour and heart. It is also a very character-driven show, and we have put our best foot forward to make our protagonist, Armaan Mistry, portrayed brilliantly by Ram, hit all the right chords. We are looking forward to its release on JioHotstar.”

Linfield Ng, VP, Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal Formats added, “It’s always exciting to see a format as iconic as Monk take on new life, and with Mistry, we couldn’t have asked for a better team to bring it to screen. Ram Kapoor brings real charisma and depth to Armaan Mistry, and together with the rest of the exceptional cast, the series promises something truly special. Huge credit to our incredible partners at Banijay Asia and director Rishab Seth for capturing the spirit of the original while reimagining it through a distinctly local lens.”

 Director Rishab Seth added, “Mistry was such a unique and fulfilling experience. Ever since I came on board, I was excited to dive right in as it is such an interesting premise and an even more interesting character to explore. Ram has done absolute justice to our vision of Armaan Mistry and the rest of the cast – Mona, Shikha, Kshitish have added so much value to the overall story.”

Ram Kapoor expressing his excitement on playing Armaan Mistry on the show said, “Armaan Mistry is a character unlike any I’ve played before. The whole experience of shooting Mistry was so immersive – I have deep dived into this character and understood his quirks, his brilliance and his vulnerabilities. It is a character very close to my heart and I am thrilled with how it has come out. I cannot wait for the audiences and my fans to see me as Mistry on “JioHotstar.”

Brilliantly bizarre, unexpectedly hilarious, and packed with suspense, Mistry on JioHotstar takes crime-solving to a whole new level.

Meet Armaan Mistry on JioHotstar from 27th June 2025!

From Mangos to Kulfis – Sony SAB celebs dish out their summer food favourites

Sony SAB continues to keep things light, relatable, and refreshing—not just on-screen but off-screen too! As the temperatures rise, your favorite artists from across Sony SAB shows are serving up their coolest cravings and go-to summer treats. From childhood favorites to nostalgic homemade delights, actors like Krishna Bharadwaj, Sayli Salunkhe, Bharti Achrekar, and little Aan Tiwari are dishing out their favorite summertime foods—and their stories behind them are as heartwarming as they are delicious!

Bharati Achrekar, who essays the role of Radhika Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya- Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, said, “Summer, to me, is a season full of flavor and memories. Growing up, we didn’t have fancy coolers or cold drinks, but we had our traditional favorites—chaas, kokum sherbet, and homemade mango pickles. Even today, I stick to those roots. My fridge is always stocked with buttermilk, and every evening I enjoy a bowl of Alphonso mangoes. There’s a certain joy in sitting back after a long day, relishing the sweetness of a mango slice—it’s simple, comforting, and timeless.”

Krishna Bharadwaj, who essays the role of Tenali in Tenali Rama, said, “Summers instantly take me back to my childhood days in Ranchi, where every afternoon meant a glass of chilled aam panna made by my mother. That tangy, spicy flavor still holds a nostalgic place in my heart. Even today, no matter how hectic my shoot schedule is, I try to keep a bowl of fresh watermelon or a glass of aam panna handy. It cools the body and mind! I play Tenali Rama a witty, historical character on-screen, but off-camera, mangoes and summer fruits bring out the child in me!”

Aan Tiwari, who essays the role of young Hanuman in Veer Hanuman, said, “I love ice cream! My favorite flavor is chocolate chip, and I ask for it every day after lunch—when it’s really hot or I’ve just come back from school. Sometimes, my mom says I can’t have it every day, but then I give her my puppy face… and she says okay! I also like watermelon—it’s sweet and juicy and fun to eat after playing outside. And cold mango juice—it’s yummm! Summer is fun because there are holidays, no school, and lots of tasty things!”

Sayli Salunkhe, who essays the role of Anjani Maata in Veer Hanuman, said, “For me, summer is all about indulgence—and yes, that includes street food! I absolutely love pani puri, especially when it’s extra spicy and cold. And once the heat kicks in, I balance it out with my all-time favourite: kulfi. There’s something about holding that matka kulfi on a hot afternoon—it’s like an instant mood lifter. While I try to eat healthy most of the year, summer is when I allow myself these little joys, right?”

Tune in to Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama, Veer Hanuman, Wagle Ki Duniya-Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey from Monday to Saturday

Lord Hanuman decides to confront and take down Shani in Sony SAB’s ‘Veer Hanuman’

Mumbai, May 26, 2025: Sony SAB’s Veer Hanuman continues to enthrall audiences with its dynamic and heartfelt story of young Maruti’s extraordinary transformation—from a curious child to the mighty divine warrior, Lord Hanuman. Featuring Aan Tiwari as the young Lord Hanuman, Arav Chowdharry as Kesari, Sayli Salunkhe as Anjani, and Mahir Pandhi in a dual portrayal of Bali and Sugreev, Veer Hanuman is a captivating watch for all. In recent episodes, viewers have witnessed Veer Hanuman save Neel, the son of Agnidev, in the chaos in Kishkinda.

Viewers will witness Hanuman’s return after saving Neel, only to find Kishkinda under the shadow of Shani Dev’s drishti. A sacred granth has been stolen, and Kesari is wrongly accused, leading to chaos in the kingdom. Taking advantage of the turmoil, demons attack Kishkinda, but this time, Bali refuses to step in and protect the land. Determined to clear his father’s name, Hanuman vows not to return until he recovers the stolen granth and removes the stain of defamation from Kesari. In his quest for justice, Hanuman makes a shocking discovery—the sage in disguise is not a rishi, but Shani Dev himself.

What will Lord Hanuman do now to stop Shani Dev?

Arav Chowdharry, who plays the role of Kesari in Veer Hanuman, said, “In this sequence, Lord Hanuman goes to great lengths to protect Kesari’s honour, and the audience will be eager to witness how a son stands up to clear his father’s name. It beautifully highlights the deep bond and unconditional love between a father and son. Portraying young Lord Hanuman’s father on-screen has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me and I feel truly. blessed to be part of this journey.”

 Tune in to Veer Hanuman, Monday to Saturday at 7.30 PM, only on Sony SAB

Actor Adarsh Gourav Trips in Public, Accidentally Drops Several POVA Curve Phones

 26th May 2025: Versatile actor Adarsh Gourav, known for his standout performances in Superboys of Malegaon (2024)The White Tiger (2021), and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), continues to ride a wave of momentum. He recently took to social media to tease his upcoming film Tu Yaa Main, where he stars opposite Shanaya Kapoor — a fresh on-screen pairing that has fans buzzing with excitement. Amidst this rising career graph and popularity, Adarsh was recently spotted by paparazzi in Mumbai accidentally dropping multiple smartphones, leaving fans gasping for details.

A popular paparazzi page Viral Bhayani hints that the phones could be from the actor’s collaboration with TECNO for their POVA Curve series. The pap shots offer a close-up look at the phone’s striking star ship inspired design and curved aesthetics. From cosmic blues to starlit silvers, the POVA Curve brings together futuristic design and performance in a way that stands out.

Adarsh’s effortless charisma and dynamic presence align perfectly with TECNO’s bold, youthful energy. The reel cleverly blends entertainment and product showcase, capturing the essence of POVA Curve’s sleek identity.

Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025: 176 Elephants Awarded; Piyush Pandey Named Master of Creativity

26th May 2025, Mumbai: Kyoorius announced the winners of the 2025 Kyoorius Creative Awards, presented by ZEE, today at the awards night held at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre amidst an audience of over 1500 professionals from India’s marketing & communications industry.

Seven standout entries rose as nominees for the rare and revered Black Elephant, the highest honour at the Kyoorius Creative Awards. While the award remained elusive this year, each nominee was recognised with a Baby Black Elephant. These nominees are:

  • “Best Birthday Gift” for Pran Foods | Tasty Treat by Grey Bangladesh
  • “Beta Stayfree Le Aana” for Kenvue | Stayfree by DDB Mudra Group
  • “Dabba Savings Account” for ESAF Small Finance Bank by McCann Worldgroup India
  • “Desi Oon” for Centre for Pastoralism by Studio Eeksaurus Productions
  • “Nature Shapes Britannia” for Britannia Industries by Talented
  • “Write for Rights” for Mumbai Press Club by Famous Innovations
  • “Neeraj” for Samsung by LoudMouth Film

Kyoorius also celebrated living legend and a true giant of Indian advertising, Piyush Pandey, with the Master of Creativity award. A name that needs no introduction, Pandey has shaped the way India thinks, feels and communicates through ideas that have stood the test of time. The award honours his unmatched ability to tell stories with heart, humour and deep cultural understanding. Instituted in 2018, the Master of Creativity award recognises individuals who have continually inspired the industry and raised the bar for creative excellence.

This year, Kyoorius received over 4000 entries from over 500 entrants, the highest ever in history. 1124 entries made it to the First List after the first round of judging.

514 entries emerged as winners of the Baby Elephant. A total of 60 unique agencies, 177 campaigns, and 116 brands were awarded Baby Elephants.

Out of the 514 Baby Elephants, only 166 entries were awarded Blue Elephants. A total of 37 unique agencies, 80 campaigns, and 62 brands took home Blue Elephants.

Here are all the brands that took home the Blue Elephant/(s):

Adani Group | Adani Green Energy, Amazon India, Amazon India | Amazon Prime Video, Apollo 24/7, Apple, Archian Foods | Lahori Zeera, Asahi India Glass | AIS, Asianet, Axis Bank, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. | Times Of India, Britannia Industries | Britannia Marie Gold, Britannia Industries | Britannia Treat Croissant, Britannia Industries Ltd, Buckaroo India | Buckaroo Footwear, Centre for Pastoralism, Colgate-Palmolive India, Def Jam Recordings | Hanumankind, DSP Mutual Fund & Falco Robotics, Duolingo, Emcure | Galact, ESAF Small Finance Bank, Finolex Group, Flipkart, Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds, Grasim | Birla Opus, Hardcastle Restaurants | McDonald’s India, HUL | Clinic Plus, Instamart, ITC Foods | Sunfeast Mom’s Magic, ITC Savlon, KCA24, Kenvue | Stayfree, Krafton India | BGMI, Linc | Pentonic, Mondelez India | Bournvita, Mondelez India | Cadbury 5 Star, Mondelez India | Cadbury Bournville, Mondelez India | Cadbury Dairy Milk, Mumbai Press Club, MyMuse India, National Payments Corporation Of India, Nestle India | Kit Kat, P&G India | Ariel, PepsiCo | Pepsi, Petfully Yours, Pidilite | WD40, Pran Foods | Tasty Treat, Reliance General Insurance, Reliance Retail | Zivame, RPG Group | CEAT, Samsung, Sporta Technologies | Dream11, Steadfast Stationary, Swiggy, The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Company | Coca-Cola, Titan Company Ltd | Titan Eye, Ultraviolette Automotive, Urban Company, Veeba | Wok Tok, Volvo Cars India, Wakefit Innovations

3 entries were awarded Purple Elephants as part of the Zee Equality Award.

Massive congratulations to all the winners! From time-honoured legends to fearless young disruptors, what truly stood out this year was the incredible spectrum of brands that stepped up. And the work? It mirrored that energy and diversity. At Kyoorius, we’ve always believed in championing pure, honest creativity, no rankings, no politics, just the work. That’s the soul of the Elephants. And that’s why they still matter deeply to the industry,” said Rajesh Kejriwal, founder and CEO of Kyoorius.

Awards By Kyoorius do not follow a hierarchical structure – there are no golds, silvers or bronze medals. Instead, only the work that deserves recognition wins an Elephant.

The Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 was presented by ZEE, with Luxury Experience Partner Glenmorangie and is supported by Indian Creative Women. The Spotlight partners were The Hindu and Tribes Group. The venue was the Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai.

India’s most awaited dance extravaganza, Super Dancer Chapter 5, returns on Sony Entertainment Television

Sony Entertainment Television’s iconic dance reality show Super Dancer is all set to return with its fifth season. The new season will see 12 exceptionally talented young contestants, each handpicked by 12 renowned choreographers who have personally chosen these young prodigies for their extraordinary talent and popularity. Each contestant will be paired with an individual Guru – a mentor who will help nurture their talent into extraordinary artistry. But Super Dancer – Chapter 5 isn’t just about dance, it’s also about emotion and dives deeper into the emotional bond between the contestants and their first Gurus aka Mothers, celebrating the unconditional love and sacrifices behind every superstar child.

The soul of the show is brought alive by the much-adored judges — the stunning and spirited Shilpa Shetty Kundra , the ever-graceful Geeta Kapur (fondly known as Geeta Maa), and bringing fresh energy to the judges’ panel this year is none other than the celebrated choreographer Marzi Pestonji . Together, they bring heart, humor, and honesty to the journey of each young performer. Known for his unique and entertaining style, Paritosh Tripathi is all set to take on hosting duties for the new season.

Speaking about the show Shilpa Shetty adds, “It’s every mother’s dream to see her child shine. Being a mother myself, I understand the deep, unconditional love and endless support that a mother gives her child. As a judge, I always look for that impact — a performance that not only impresses me with technique but touches my soul. I am extremely excited about the new season and look forward to seeing all the superstars along with their extraordinary mothers.”

 Speaking about the show, Geeta Kapur shares, “This season goes a step further by highlighting the sacred bond between a mother and her child. Each contestant, who already enjoys massive fanbase on social media, will bring with them a spark of originality, fearless experimentation, and the dedication to turn an idea into a breathtaking performance. I am looking forward to bonding with all the talented and popular contestants.”

Speaking about the show Marzi Pestonji expresses, “I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest on Super Dancer in the past, and every single time, I walked away amazed by the sheer talent, the energy, and the passion these young dancers bring to the stage. But being here now, as a judge for the very first time, feels incredibly special and honestly, quite emotional.”

Thousands Gather for a Star-Studded Musical Night at Spectrum@Metro with Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta and Nimrat Khaira

Noida, 26th May 2025: Spectrum@Metro, Sector-75, was buzzing with excitement as over 6,000 enthusiastic attendees gathered for a spectacular Musical Night. The evening brought together a thrilling mix of music, star power, and celebration, making it one of Noida’s most vibrant entertainment events this season.

The spotlight was on Punjabi cinema’s beloved trio — Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta, and Nimrat Khaira — who took the stage to promote their upcoming comedy Saunkan Saunkanay 2. Their appearance was met with roaring applause, and their interaction with fans added a lively cinematic flair to the event.

Live performances by Hommie Dilliwala and RTIST91 had the crowd grooving, while popular RJ Kamby and RJ Kavneet kept the momentum high with their engaging commentary and fun-filled hosting.

“Spectrum@Metro has always envisioned creating vibrant experiences that bring people together,” said Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro. “Seeing such enthusiasm for music and cinema affirms our vision of making this destination a cultural heartbeat of Noida.”

With the massive crowd soaking in the music, lights, and entertainment, the night marked a new high for Spectrum@Metro — setting the tone for many more unforgettable experiences to come.

Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 Nears Explosive Finale: 3 Finalists Revealed in High-Stakes Episode Streaming Now on Amazon MX Player

MUMBAI, India–May 26th, 2025: As Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, draws closer to its grand finale, the latest episode cemented the show’s position as one of the most viewed shows nationwide. With only one finalist spot left, the dance floor is more cutthroat — and more inspiring — than ever before. Alongside judges Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora, this week’s episode also featured guest judge Munawar Faruqui, who brought along a twist that turned the competition on its head.

This week’s ‘Collab Round’ kicked off with an electric duet between Hectik (Shubhankar) and Rules Breakerz, two of the already announced finalists, raising the bar sky-high for what followed. After Norbu’s withdrawal from the competition due to an injury, members of the Hip Hop Army stepped up to partner with the contestants, elevating the competition a notch higher. But the real curveball came courtesy of Munawar, who arrived on set with a mystery briefcase filled with scorecards ranging from 0 to 5. Each dancer was required to use each card once, giving the judging format a strategic twist.

The leaderboard saw quite a shuffle until Remo announced an unexpected last-minute contest between Lil Pool and Hitesh to choose the third finalist, with Munawar as the sole judge for the tie-breaker. Emotions were running high as Hitesh edged out the win, earning the coveted third spot in the finale and a brand-new Realme GT7 Dimensity 9400. With only one spot left in the final race, the top three finalists are now Rules Breakerz, Hectik, and Hitesh.

Munawar Faruqui, who joined the latest episode of Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 as the guest judge of the week, expressed his thoughts, sharing, “When I came to Hip Hop India Season 2, I witnessed some truly mind-blowing performances. What struck me most was how diverse and evolved the show is. We’ve all seen dance on TV, but this was different, it had flavour, originality, and so many unique styles I hadn’t seen commercialised before. It felt like real hip-hop. Everyone brought something different to the stage, and it seemed like one race, but with runners, swimmers, and high jumpers all competing in their own way. It was exciting, fun, and honestly, a privilege to be part of this experience. I’m grateful I got to witness it up close.”

With just one finalist slot remaining and the leaderboard wide open, Realme Hip Hop India S2 is only getting more thrilling from here. New episodes drop every Thursday, only on Amazon MX Player, accessible on the Amazon Shopping App, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.