Category Entertainment

MUMBAI, Nov 19th: Amazon MX Player’s I-POPSTAR has quickly emerged as one of India’s most refreshing and culturally defining music shows of the year, celebrating original tracks, original voices, and original stories. Over recent weeks, the show has fueled a genuine indie-music movement, guided by four dynamic mentors King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma — each championing the next generation of homegrown pop talent.

From its inception, I-POPSTAR set itself apart: no covers, no remixes, only fresh compositions. This unique approach created a space where creativity was not just encouraged, it was the rule. The show beautifully blended regional flavors, genre-bending sounds, and deeply personal storytelling into a national platform. Standout moments included Rishabh Panchal’s four-buzzer audition, Radhika Bhide’s Marathi originals that moved mentors to tears, Anurag Srivastava’s socially charged anthems, and Rohit Raut’s collaboration with Parmish Verma  each performance signaling the evolution of India’s pop scene.

The show’s influence extended beyond the stage. Maan Panu’s original single “I’m Done” went viral nationwide, gaining massive traction on Instagram and even earning praise from Salman Khan, who expressed his admiration for the track. This moment highlighted how I-POPSTAR is not only discovering talent but also launching artists into the mainstream.

Original tracks from the show are now streaming on Spotify, complemented by a special label partnership with Universal Music India, making I-POPSTAR one of the first Indian reality formats where contestants’ original compositions reach global streaming platforms immediately.

As the competition reaches its climax, the Grand Finale features Rohit, Rishabh, Maan, and Radhika alongside Charan, while Elvis, Riya, and Anurag exit the competition. Each finalist represents a distinct shade of India’s evolving pop landscape, setting the stage for a finale that celebrates innovation, artistry, and the spirit of independent music.

The Grand Finale drops on 21 November 2025, exclusively on Amazon MX Player, streaming free on mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

Harshdeep Kaur’s ‘Hind Di Chadar – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’ a stirring remembrance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Hind Di Chadar: Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur is a soul stirring devotional creation that brings alive one of the most defining moments in Sikh history. Sung by the iconic Harshdeep Kaur, this shabad captures the emotional intensity of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice. Her voice carries the weight of the story, the pain of injustice and the strength that comes from faith. Every note feels like a prayer and every line feels like remembrance.

Composed by Jaidev Kumar and written by Hind Geharimandi, the song draws inspiration from the powerful imagery expressed in the lyrics. The song releases today on Times Music. Hind Di Chadar – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, recounts the day of 24th November 1675, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and his companions were martyred. The verses describe the sky weeping, the sword striking, Delhi trembling and the courage of Sikhs like Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das who embraced death without fear. The lyrics speak of tyranny, injustice and the spiritual resilience that defined Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice. The song honours his title ‘Hind Di Chadar’, a symbol of protection and unmatched bravery.

As the world approaches the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, this song is a tribute to the Guru who stood for freedom of faith and changed history. Hind Di Chadar– Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, celebrates his legacy through devotion and the timeless spirit of gurbani shabad. The track connects deeply and touches not only followers of Sikhism but every listener of devotional music. Harshdeep Kaur’s music has always left a great impact and combined with music by Jaidev Kumar, it’s a soulful combination.

Harshdeep Kaur said, “Hind Di Chadar, moved me deeply while recording. The lyrics paint the pain and the courage of that day in a way that touches the soul. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice is one of the greatest chapters of Sikh history and singing this song felt like offering my prayers and respect.”

Jaidev Kumar expressed, “The music had to do justice to the power of the words. I composed this song with complete devotion so that listeners can feel the emotion in every line and understand the depth of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifices.”

“Hind Di Chadar – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur” is out now on Times Music Spiritual, available across all streaming platforms and YouTube.

Bangalore, Nov 19th: Wonderla Holidays, India’s largest amusement park chain, today announced the launch of Wonderla Chennai, its fifth and most ambitious park project, marking a futuristic milestone in India’s family entertainment landscape. Spanning across 64.30 acres (of which 37 acres are currently developed) along Chennai’s scenic Old Mahabalipuram Road and built with an investment of over INR 611 crores, Wonderla Chennai represents a bold new chapter, blending a fusion of futuristic innovation and ancient Tamil architecture. The park will be officially inaugurated on 1st December 2025 by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin along with other chief dignitaries, and will open to the public on 2nd December 2025.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Arun K. Chittilappilly (Executive Chairman & Managing Director), Dheeran Choudhary (COO), Ajikrishnan A G(VP-Engineering) and Vyshakh Ravindran (Park Head – Chennai).

Wonderla Chennai features 43 world-class rides across high thrill, family, kids, and water categories,  built to entertain up to 6,500 visitors daily. Tickets for Wonderla Chennai start at a base price of ₹1,489, with a 10% discount available for online bookings and a 20% concession for college students presenting a valid ID, along with other curated offers for groups and seasons.

Speaking on the launch, Arun K Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Wonderla Holidays said,

“Wonderla Chennai is the culmination of a decade-long dream, made possible through the continued support and encouragement of the Government of Tamil Nadu. We’ve created what we believe is India’s most advanced and immersive amusement park. We wanted Wonderla Chennai to truly belong to the people of Tamil Nadu, to reflect their creativity, culture, and warmth. Every corner of the park tells that story, from its temple-inspired design to its authentic local flavours.  This launch not only marks our presence across all of South India, but also reflects our deep appreciation for Tamil Nadu’s progressive vision for tourism and infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming families and adventure seekers from across the country”

Dheeran Choudhary, COO, Wonderla Holidays said,

“We are proud to continue Wonderla’s legacy of safety, innovation, and operational excellence with the opening of Wonderla Chennai. Every aspect of the park; from ride operations and guest services to hygiene and crowd management, has been planned with precision to deliver a seamless experience. Beyond rides and attractions, we want Wonderla Chennai to become a destination for celebration, a place where families and communities come together to mark festivals, milestones, and shared moments of joy. With thoughtfully designed value offerings, curated seasonal events, and accessible pricing, our goal is to make world-class entertainment a part of everyone’s calendar in Tamil Nadu.” 

World-Class Rides. Made for Chennai.

Tanjora, India’s first and largest Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) Inverted Coaster:
  A Swiss-engineered masterpiece with multiple inversions, zero-G rolls, and a floorless configuration delivering a true sensation of flight.

Spin Mill:
India’s tallest spinning thrill ride at 50 meters ,combining vertical loops, multi-axis motion, and 4.5G forces.

Sky Rail:
A 540-meter elevated monorail soaring 12 meters above the park, offering panoramic views from Viking-inspired golden gondolas.

Design Meets Culture

Located in Illalur village, Wonderla Chennai’s design takes visitors on a “journey through time and space”– transitioning from stone-carved heritage avenues to futuristic ride zones.

• Climate-responsive  with multiple shaded zones,, natural ventilation, and indigenous landscaping
• Locally sourced materials like stone and granite to reflect Tamil Nadu’s legacy

Beyond Rides- Dining, Events and Retail Offerings

Wonderla Chennai celebrates Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary diversity through 8 themed dining venues (1,384 seats), each offering regional specialities such as Dindigul biryani, Chettinad chicken, and Chennai-style seafood — alongside international favourites.
Guests can enjoy a mix of buffets, à la carte dining, live cooking counters, and kiosks. Hygiene and freshness are ensured through Wonderla’s “Make-Ready-Discard” philosophy, guaranteeing that every dish is freshly prepared and served on the same day.

The park’s retail experience has been designed to go beyond souvenirs, featuring merchandise inspired by Tamil cinema,  and collaborations with local artisans creating Thanjavur and Marapachi dolls, supporting regional craft traditions.

Additional guest facilities include spacious changing and locker rooms for individuals and groups, first-aid and paramedic stations staffed at all times, and a multipurpose conference hall with 1500 seating capacity, along with a large 8500 sqft. open-air event space, ideal for corporate gatherings, celebrations, and community events. The park also features dedicated baby care/ kids friendly zones, and barrier-free pathways to ensure accessibility, safety, and comfort for every guest.

Economic & Environmental Impact

Wonderla Chennai is projected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, supporting local livelihoods and tourism.

The project was facilitated by the Government of Tamil Nadu’s Industrial Guidance & Export Promotion Bureau, underscoring the state’s commitment to tourism and entertainment infrastructure.

• 3.75 crore-litre rainwater harvesting tank
• 1,000 kW solar power installation (Phase 2)
• 32,000 sq.m of green cover and 1,000+ indigenous trees
• Water and ride systems compliant with EN 13814, IS 3328, and IS 10500 standards

With its entry into Tamil Nadu, Wonderla reinforces its leadership in the amusement and leisure industry, deepening its presence across South India and paving the way for a stronger national footprint in the country’s vibrant tourism and entertainment landscape.

NIIT MTS and Client Nominees Earn Seven Chief Learning Officer Learning in Practice Awards 2025

New Delhi Atlanta, Nov 18:  NIIT Learning Systems Limited [NIIT Managed Training Services (NIIT MTS)] (Ticker Symbol: NIITMTS), a global leader in managed learning services, announced today that its client nominees and projects have won seven Chief Learning Officer Learning in Practice Awards in 2025: 

NIIT’s AI-powered tool, NVERSE, was recognized with a Silver Award for Excellence in Technology Innovation. In addition, NIIT’s client nominees John Kusi-Mensah at Metlife and Mark Slaga at Kyndryl won six awards across categories  including Gold and Silver in Innovation, Gold and Silver in Strategy, Gold in Technology, and Gold in Trailblazing Leadership.

View the complete list of winners here. 

Since 2003, the Chief Learning Officer Learning in Practice Awards have recognized learning leaders who demonstrate excellence in the design and delivery of employee development programs through a combination of qualities such as leadership, vision, business acumen and strategic alignment. 

“We are delighted to be recognized for our AI innovation, NVERSE, and congratulate all our nominees for their achievements. At NIIT, we continually innovate by leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics to deliver personalized, future-ready learning solutions. These initiatives ensure our offerings are not only impactful but also equip learners with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The award recognizes our strategic vision and reinforces our position as a leader in the L&D industry,” said DJ Chadha, Chief Customer Officer, NIIT MTS. 

Abhijeet Sawant’s Surprise Entry Brings Nostalgia and a Dream Indie-Pop Crossover with Elvis on Amazon MX player’s I-POPSTAR

As Amazon MX player’s I-POPSTAR inches closer to its Grand Finale, emotions, pressure, and performances hit an all-time high. With King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma leading as mentors, the show dives deep into the heart of India’s new sound — one that cuts across languages, genres, and borders. The week kicked off with the Top 10 contestants giving double the effort, each artist presenting two OG tracks: one collaboration and one solo piece.

Episode 12 opened with judge Aditya Rikhari, recalling how Maan and Charan had once joined him for a college concert. Maan shared a heartfelt memory of performing before a massive crowd for the very first time. He also reflected that Aditya became more than a mentor — almost like an elder brother, and that joining his team on I-POPSTAR felt destined. Their collaborative performance left everyone awestruck. The motivational track ‘Sab Ho Jayega’ brought goosebumps to the mentors, prompting a standing ovation. Judge Aastha Gill broke down to tears, sharing how deeply the song resonated with her creative journey. King admired the song’s introspective lyrics, Parmish praised Charan’s flawless vocals, while Aditya lauded Maan’s composure and stage presence, calling it his best performance yet. The energy continued with Jaya and Riya’s ‘She’s The Drama’, a peppy, unapologetic anthem that had the mentors vibing. While Judge Parmish found it lyrically weak, Aditya praised their jugalbandi, and King highlighted how their distinct voices still blended as one. The episode wrapped on a soulful note with Radhika and Inderjeet’s emotional duet, earning admiration from all mentors. The week had clearly begun with fire, friendship, and fierce performances.

Episode 13 opened with Anurag and Elvis performing their collaboration, but the chemistry didn’t land as expected. Parmish highlighted that the song had potential but the energy felt mismatched — the rest of the judges echoed similar sentiments. The tension peaked during the Ticket to the Finale round, where Charan earned his place in the finale week over the rest. In a surprising moment, Abhijeet Sawant graced the stage with cheers, applauses and nostalgia as he praised the concept of I-POPSTAR. What followed was a dream crossover, with Elvis and Abhijeet sharing the mic and seamlessly blending two generations of indie-pop. Each mentor had their fan moment — King admitted he’d been a fan since childhood, and Abhijeet returned the compliment, singing ‘Tu Aake Dekhle’ with him live on stage. Keeping the energy high, Elvis delivered a solo act that earned deep praise from all, with King calling it “playlist-worthy.” The nostalgia peaked when Abhijeet performed ‘Mohabbatein Lutaunga’, bringing the mentors on stage to groove with him — Parmish called it “the best memory of I-POPSTAR.” The episode also saw Radhika and Riya deliver strong solo acts, with constructive feedback that kept the competition razor-sharp.

Episode 14 was all about gratitude, growth, and goodbyes! The show opened with a career-defining revelation — Rohit shared that Parmish Verma offered him a collaboration for his upcoming film Shera. Following the announcement, Rohit’s solo performance had the judges praising, dancing, hooting, and cheering. Parmish, brimming with pride, said Rohit had made him proud as a mentor. The emotional peak came when Maan Pannu performed a song he’d written during lockdown, about loneliness and nightmares. His off-beat delivery drew honest feedback — King called it “below average” for marking his mark on the finale week. Moments later, Maan’s parents were invited on stage and his mother’s words left everyone teary-eyed, including King. Parmish summed it up simply — “You’ve already won in life.” The episode also saw Rj Yashi from Mirchi drop by for a fun rapid-fire with the mentors, leading to playful roasting and inside jokes, including Parmish dubbing Aastha “I-POPSTAR ki bua.” Later, Anurag Srivastava’s high-octane act left everyone stunned with its bold intent. King praised the concept but offered sharp musical critique, while Aastha’s father, Jaspal Gill, shared heartfelt feedback after meeting the mentees. As the episode drew to a close, the results were revealed — Rohit, Rishabh, Maan, Radhika, and advanced to the Grand Finale alongside Charan, while Elvis, Riya, Anurag, and Inderjeet bid an emotional farewell. The week ended on a bittersweet note, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale week.

As I-POPSTAR heads into its final week, one thing’s certain — the stage is about to erupt with powerhouse performances and a finale that promises pure, edge-of-the-seat energy. Catch the new episodes every Friday to Sunday at 12 PM, only on Amazon MX Player, streaming free across mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

Aranya Sahay’s feature Humans in the Loop has been awarded the Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant, as the film officially qualifies for Academy Awards consideration.

The Sloan Distribution Grant, given by Film Independent and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, supports narrative features that engage meaningfully with science or technology themes or characters, helping to reach wider audiences through strategic release support. Over the past two decades, the Sloan Film program has backed more than 850 screenplays, short films and feature films, including The Imitation Game, Hidden Figures, The Man Who Knew Infinity, and Oppenheimer. The grant makes Aranya Sahay and Mathivanan Rajendran Film Independent Fellows.

Humans in the Loop tells the story of an Indigenous woman working at a rural data-annotation centre in India. The film examines the ethics and inequities of machine learning while foregrounding empathy, lived experience, and cultural knowledge.

“We are at a cusp with artificial intelligence, and humanity needs to take responsibility for the kind of AI and the kind of future we are building. I’m deeply grateful to Film Independent and the Sloan Foundation for allowing us to take this conversation across the US. Humans in the Loop is about the human heartbeat inside technology, and this grant recognises the people whose labour and stories often remain unseen.” said Aranya Sahay, Writer- Director.

“Through Humans in the Loop and our work at the Museum of Imagined Futures, we’ve been creating space for technologists and creatives to rethink how stories about technology are told,” added Mathivanan Rajendran, Producer. “The Sloan Foundation’s support and now the film’s entry into the Oscar race are a validation of Aranya’s screenplay that creatives can help shape the future of tech” He added.

“We are proud to help bring awareness in the US about Humans in the Loop through the Sloan Distribution Grant,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs at Film Independent. “The film’s rigorous and deeply human approach to exploring AI and the role of technology in our lives perfectly reflects the mission of the grant.”

Earlier this month, the producers onboarded Misaq Kazimi as Executive Producer to lead the film’s US distribution strategy, which the grant will support further. “It is no surprise that Humans in the Loop has received this prestigious grant from a preeminent US film institution, as the film is both timely and relevant globally,” said Kazimi. “We have already begun our impact screenings, hosting a weeklong theatrical showcase in Los Angeles and at UCLA, bringing together filmmakers, academia, and technologists to have interconnected discourse on the film’s pivotal question of how AI is handled by humanity. These conversation-sparker screenings will continue, and anyone interested in the film’s themes are invited to help us bring the film to their city.”

Following its U.S. theatrical release and meeting other eligibility criteria, Humans in the Loop has officially qualified to be a contender for the 98th Academy Awards, where it will compete to be in the Best Original Screenplay category.

Mumbai, Nov 17: Maximus Collabs proudly announces the launch of What Happened?, an inspiring new podcast series dedicated to highlighting the journeys of self-made individuals whose grit, resilience, and determination embody the true spirit of progress. The series celebrates those who have forged their own path and serves as a powerful reminder that unwavering commitment can take us anywhere.

Anchoring the series is Saumya Sharma, a seasoned marketer and storyteller known for his work with leading brands. Driven by a passion for impactful narratives, Saumya aims to bring India stories that spark ambition, empower listeners, and ignite dreams.

“It’s an honour to be the first guest on this podcast and reflect on the experiences that shaped my journey. Every obstacle, every kitchen, and every plate taught me something invaluable. I hope these conversations inspire others to follow their own path with courage and heart,” shared Chef Vikas Khanna.

“Vikas sir will always remain our very first guest—no one else could have filled that place in our hearts or in this series. He has been one of the biggest inspirations in our lives, and I’m grateful that a long-held dream is finally coming alive,” said Saumya Sharma, Anchor of What Happened?

The debut episode shines a spotlight on Vikas Khanna, whose remarkable journey from Amritsar to becoming a globally acclaimed chef, humanitarian, and storyteller perfectly reflects the spirit the series aims to celebrate.

With What Happened?, Maximus Collabs is committed to amplifying stories that deserve to be heard—stories that motivate millions to pursue their goals with passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Double the Drama, Double the Emotion Chembarathy, Durga Premiere on Zee Keralam This November 17

Kochi, 15th November, 2025 : Zee Keralam, one of Kerala’s leading entertainment channels, is set to captivate family audiences once again with two brand-new fictional series, titled Chembarathy and Durga. The two series will premiere on November 17, 2025.

Promising a refreshing mix of powerful storytelling and heartfelt emotions, both shows bring unique female protagonists and compelling narratives that redefine prime-time entertainment.

A Nostalgic Tale of Dreams and Destiny – Chembarathy

Airing at 8:00 PM, Chembarathy tells the moving story of Kalyani, a humble village girl unaware of her hidden royal lineage. When she moves to the city with her mute mother, she is thrust into a world of class conflicts and emotional battles that test her spirit and resilience. With layers of nostalgia and warmth, Chembarathy promises to connect deeply with Malayali families everywhere. The cast is led by Haritha and Subeer Bavu, and the series also stars Reneesha, Jayaprakash and Roopashri in prominent roles.

A Bold New Face of Family Drama – Durga

At 8:30 PM, viewers will meet Durga – a charming, spirited young woman living a dual life as an undercover cop. Beneath her sweet demeanor lies an unyielding determination to clear her mother’s name from a cloud of suspicion. With unexpected twists, emotional depth, and a gripping investigation at its heart, Durga follows her journey alongside Kiran, a member of her undercover team, as they unravel secrets that threaten to tear their world apart. Sandra and Kaushik Ram Patalii are the lead actors in Durga.

With both Chembarathy and Durga, Zee Keralam continues its mission to deliver original, emotionally resonant stories that celebrate strength, family, and hope. Tune in to Zee Keralam starting November 17, 2025 where every evening unveils a new chapter of courage, love, and destiny.

Telecast Details:

• Chembarathy – Monday to Friday, 8:00 PM
• Durga – Monday to Friday, 8:30 PM

Mystery Solved: Sahher Bambba’s “Special Someone” Turns Out to Be AI Star Naina

Mumbai, 15th November, 2025: The suspense around Sahher Bambba’s cryptic Instagram post has finally been lifted, and the reveal is as imaginative as it gets. The actor’s “someone truly special” is none other than Naina, India’s first AI influencer.

A few days ago, Sahher posted an elegant Instagram Story featuring two clinking wine glasses a post that seemed romantic and sparked widespread speculation. However, as a series of striking Reels from Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, began to unfold featuring Sahher alongside AI persona Naina, the true story emerged. This was part of the groundbreaking Smash the Ordinary campaign by Yas Island in partnership with travel platform Pickyourtrail, showcasing a unique blending of human experience and virtual creativity.

The campaign represents the world’s first-ever collaboration between a human and an AI influencer, merging genuine emotion with digital innovation through cinematic storytelling. It celebrates a not-so-ordinary creative synergy designed to inspire modern audiences across travel and lifestyle.

“This collaboration with Naina was truly a ‘smash the ordinary’ experience for me,” said Sahher Bambba. “It challenged everything I thought I knew about creativity and storytelling. There was something surreal and exhilarating about creating moments with someone who exists purely through technology. This campaign pushed me to think beyond the ordinary and explore new creative possibilities when imagination meets innovation.”

Captured through three evocative reels, their travel journey seamlessly blends Sahher’s authentic expressions with Naina’s digital curiosity. Together, they redefined travel storytelling by offering a futuristic and immersive way to experience and share a destination.

This collaboration marks a transformative moment in India’s storytelling landscape where real and virtual creators unite to inspire audiences, spark creativity, and expand the horizons of brand engagement.

“My mom always made Children’s Day special for me with a small gift, my favorite dish, or something handmade that showed her love. Those little gestures made me feel so happy and loved! It was one of the most exciting days of the year, no uniforms, colourful clothes, fun assemblies, games, and songs that made us feel truly celebrated. Even today, those memories bring a big smile to my face. This year, while shooting for Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani on Sun Neo, we plan to celebrate with the kids on set and relive those joyful moments together.”

“Children’s Day takes me back to my carefree childhood running barefoot in the rain, climbing guava trees with my cousins, and laughing endlessly in the village playground. Those days were full of innocence, mischief, and pure joy. Even today, I try to keep that child within me alive by enjoying little things like an ice cream treat or a sunset. This year, on the sets of Satyaa Sachee, I’m planning to bring nostalgic treats old-school toffees, chocolates, and snacks so that my co-actors and I can relive those beautiful childhood memories together.”

“Children’s Day was always one of the most fun and exciting days of the year! It was that one day when we actually loved going to school because there were no studies at all. We could sit wherever we wanted, play games, sing songs, and share snacks with friends. Teachers were extra sweet no scolding, no homework, just smiles all around! Those little joys made childhood so beautiful and carefree. Even today, those memories make me smile. This year, on the sets of Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani, we’re planning to celebrate by cutting a cake and reliving that childlike happiness together.”