Category Entertainment

Raaga & Raasa of Indian Classical Music

In collaboration with Eternal Oasis Gurugram

Gurugram, Haryana | Feb 27 – Swaranjali Delhi, dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical music, proudly presents Baithaki 2026 – Raaga & Raasa of Indian Classical Music, an evocative evening celebrating the depth, devotion, and dynamism of India’s timeless musical heritage. The event is being organized in collaboration with Eternal Oasis Gurugram, a distinguished Centre for Art, Culture, and Spirituality.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 21st March 2026

Time: 5:30 PM onwards

Venue: Anandam | 1st Floor, Eternal Oasis

Sector 42, Gurugram, Haryana – 122002

Baithaki 2026 promises an immersive classical music experience in an intimate baithak-style setting, where audiences can connect deeply with the raagas, emotions (raasa), and spiritual essence of Indian classical traditions.

Featured Artists:

• Master Arjun Ahluwalia – Sitar
• Smt. Sonali Natta – Vocal
• Dr. Rama Sundar Ranganathan – Vocal
• Shri Subrata De – Sitar

Accompanying Artists:

• Shri Jitendra Swain
• Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee
• Shri Mukesh Bharadwaj

The evening will showcase a rich blend of instrumental and vocal renditions, offering audiences a soulful journey through classical compositions rooted in tradition yet resonating with contemporary sensibilities. Each performance is thoughtfully curated to highlight the intricate beauty of raaga expression and the emotive power of Indian classical music.

Eternal Oasis Gurugram, known for nurturing artistic and spiritual dialogue, provides the perfect ambiance for this gathering — creating a serene environment where music becomes meditation and performance transforms into shared experience.

Baithaki 2026 aims not only to present exceptional artistry but also to foster appreciation for India’s classical heritage among diverse audiences, including young rasikas and seasoned connoisseurs. Through such initiatives, Swaranjali Delhi continues its mission to create meaningful platforms for artists while strengthening the cultural fabric of society.

Music lovers, patrons of the arts, and members of the community are warmly invited to be part of this enchanting evening celebrating the Raaga and Raasa of Indian Classical Music.

RSVP & Contact:

Swaranjali Delhi

Website: www.swaranjali.org

Eternal Oasis Gurugram

Website: www.eternaloasis.org

Contact: +91-9910300319

Be a part of this unforgettable celebration of melody, devotion, and artistic excellence on 21st March 2026 at Anandam, Eternal Oasis, Gurugram

Starting something new, especially after a big change, often brings expectations and comparisons along with it. Recently, Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani underwent a major transformation with its generation leap, introducing new faces and a fresh direction to the story. After this change, Kushagre Dua, who is playing the lead role of Garv in the show, shared his thoughts on pressure and comparison. Kushagre opens up about how he looks at this new phase and what it means to him as an actor.

Sharing his thoughts on handling pressure, Kushagre said, “I don’t feel any pressure at all. I believe that when you take pressure, you lose your creativity. I stay focused on my character and my acting. I try to understand the character deeply, and once I do that, ideas automatically come to my mind. I just follow those ideas and give my hundred percent to every scene. I am someone who believes in going with the flow and trusting the process.”

Further talking about the comparisons, he added, “If we talk about comparing the old characters with the new ones, that is natural in the beginning because a lot has changed in the show. But the best thing we can do is give our best and stay honest to our work. The real happiness will be when people stop comparing and start remembering us because of our character. That will be a big win for us as actors.”

Watch Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani Everyday at 09:00 PM only on Sun Neo

Feb 26: Bangla ZEE5, unveiled the giant poster of the much-anticipated second season of Abar Proloy at Jatra Shuru Sangha Ground, Garia, igniting excitement among fans and audiences alike. Building on the momentum of the grand poster reveal, the official trailer of Season 2 was unveiled the following evening, offering audiences a gripping first glimpse into the high-octane drama that awaits. The highly anticipated new season is set to premiere on 27th February, exclusively on Bangla ZEE5.

Directed by Raj C, the cultural phenomenon that redefined Bengali crime thrillers is all set to return, bigger, bolder and more explosive than ever. The grand poster unveiling marked the beginning of the celebrations, with the much-awaited trailer being launched the following evening, further amplifying anticipation among fans. The unveiling was marked by the presence of the cast including Saswata Chatterjee, Sauraseni Maitra, Rohan Bhattacharya, Debasish Mondal and Raj C, Director, who shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

Rusa Banerjee, Business Head, Bangla ZEE5 stated, “The love and response that Abar Proloy Season 1 received was truly phenomenal. It grew beyond a series to become a cultural conversation, with audiences embracing its characters and storytelling wholeheartedly. The grand poster unveiling of Season 2 reflects the scale and ambition with which we are approaching this new chapter. This season is bigger in ambition, grander in scale and truly gigantic in every sense,”

At the core of the narrative stands Animesh Dutta, the resolute and sharp-witted cop whose unwavering moral compass and commanding presence once again place him at the forefront of a brewing storm. The newly revealed poster hints at heightened stakes, sharper tension and an even more intense chapter ahead. The storm is building once again and Bengal is ready.

Abar Proloy Season 2 premieres on 27th February 2026, exclusively on Bangla ZEE5 – the storm returns, and this time, it is unstoppable.

Feb 25: NDTV has announced the appointment of Naveen Kapoor as Editor, NDTV World, strengthening the network’s global editorial leadership as it expands its international news footprint.

A senior newsroom leader with over 25 years of experience, Naveen Kapoor has been part of the core leadership teams behind some of India’s most influential news organisations, including Times Now, WION, and Press Trust of India (PTI). Over the course of his career, he has played a pivotal role in building, scaling, and leading news platforms that are today leaders in their respective segments. 

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, said, ‘Naveen’s experience in building global newsrooms and leading complex editorial operations makes him a strong addition to NDTV World as we deepen our international focus. His leadership and editorial depth align strongly with our journalism‑first approach.’

Before joining NDTV, Naveen was the Founding Editor of PTI’s Video Services, where he built a modern television and digital news agency from the ground up. His responsibilities included setting up editorial frameworks, domestic and international bureaus, newsroom systems, and content delivery mechanisms aligned with international standards. Earlier, as Head of Newsroom at WION, India’s first global news channel, he was instrumental in transforming the channel into a credible international news brand with an expanded global footprint and robust coverage of major geopolitical and world events. Naveen has also served as Senior Vice President and Chief of News Operations at Times Now, where he was part of the core team that shaped the channel’s editorial and operational foundations and supported its rise as a leading news network.

Across roles, Naveen has led coverage of several defining national and international stories, built high‑performing newsroom teams, and driven journalism that balances credibility, speed, and a strong global perspective.

He holds a B.A in English from Delhi University and a Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and has completed the Reuters Foundation Course in TV Journalism. He has also undergone TV Broadcast Journalism training in the United States under the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). 

In his new role, Naveen Kapoor will lead the editorial direction of NDTV World, with a focus on strengthening its global outlook, editorial depth, and commitment to credible, independent journalism.

Some films grow louder with time. Mandali grows quieter and sharper. Now streaming on OTT, the film feels less like a period reflection and more like a mirror held up to the present. The film shows how difficult, yet how important, it is to protect the ideals of Sanatan values.

Directed by Rakesh Chaturvedi, Mandali draws from Munshi Premchand’s Ramleela to explore a society where righteousness is praised on stage but punished in real life. At its centre is Purushottam Choubey, portrayed by Abhishek Duhan, a man whose faith is simple, deeply personal and increasingly out of place. Times are changing. Society is changing. But will we change our sense of dignity and values?

Puru plays Lord Laxman in Ramleela, believing the role demands humility and discipline. When his uncle Ramsevak (Vineet Kumar), the moral anchor of his life, is sidelined by those who control the performance, Puru is forced to confront a hard truth that power often hides behind tradition and devotion can be weaponised. In today’s fast-paced life, we often forget that our traditions and values are our true identity. Mandali reminds us how Ramleela artists, despite living in poverty, continue to uphold dignity and moral values.

As political influence, caste prejudice and social pressure close in, the film refuses easy victories. Rajneesh Duggall’s character embodies authority that speaks softly but controls deeply, while Aanchal Munjal’s Bunty brings emotional weight to the cost of standing by principles when survival demands surrender. From the Ramleela stage to the reality of society, this is a journey that will open your eyes.

What makes Mandali resonate today is its refusal to romanticise resistance. It shows how lonely moral courage can be and how choosing the right path often means losing comfort, belonging and love. In the name of entertainment, are we losing our values?

With its OTT release, the film finally reaches audiences in a space that allows reflection rather than reaction. Chanting Lord Ram’s name is easy, but walking on the path of Ram’s values is difficult. Mandali reflects the pain of those artists who, despite poverty and humiliation, continue to keep the divine stories of Lord Ram alive.

Produced by Prashant Kumar Gupta, Geetika Gupta and Neetu Sabarwal, Mandali now streams on Amazon Prime Video, asking a timeless question: what happens when doing the right thing costs you everything?

New Delhi, Feb: Rapoo, a global technology brand known for its wireless peripherals and accessories, has been recognised with the “Best Wireless Mouse” award for its MT760L Wireless Mouse at the DeviceNext Tech Awards 2025. The award underscores Rapoo’s continued focus on building intuitive, reliable products that support modern work and digital lifestyles.

Now in its sixth year, the DeviceNext Tech Awards have become a key platform for celebrating innovations that shape India’s consumer technology ecosystem. The 2025 edition highlighted the rapid evolution of IT, computing, and gaming technologies segments that are increasingly central to productivity, creativity, and entertainment. Products across more than 60 categories were evaluated for their design, performance, and real-world impact.

The Rapoo MT760L Wireless Mouse stood out for its precision tracking, ergonomic design, and flexible multi-mode connectivity, making it suitable for users who switch between laptops, desktops, and other devices throughout the day. Designed with comfort and efficiency in mind, the MT760L reflects Rapoo’s philosophy of combining thoughtful design with dependable performance.

This recognition further strengthens Rapoo’s growing presence in India, where the brand continues to expand its portfolio across peripherals and audio products. Recently, Rapoo introduced the A250 and A350 Bluetooth Soundbars in India, reinforcing its commitment to offering practical, value-driven technology solutions for work, gaming, and everyday entertainment.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore, in conversation with Mr. Anis Sajan (aka Mr. Cricket UAE), hailed Gautam Gambhir’s unwavering commitment to victory as a defining force behind the franchise’s Indian Premier League (IPL) success.  

Speaking on the latest episode of the Mr Cricket UAE Podcast, Mysore revisited KKR’s championship years, shared insights into the franchise’s auction strategy including their strong pursuit of Cameron Green and expressed confidence ahead of IPL 2026. 

Gambhir’s Leadership: The Turning Point for KKR Mysore described Gambhir as the foundation of KKR’s resurgence, revealing that the former India opener was the very first player he secured after joining the franchise in 2011.

“Gautam was amazing. First and foremost, he was the very first player I picked once I joined Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2011 Auction. His name came first, we picked him first and it was a great association when he led the team. We won both championships, we won under him as captain.” said Mysore.

He emphasized Gambhir’s single-minded focus on winning and his ability to rally the squad, particularly during the 2014 season in the UAE, a campaign that saw KKR lift their second IPL trophy despite Gambhir enduring three consecutive ducks at the start of the tournament.

“Just for people who don’t remember, 2014, when the championship happened in UAE, Gautam Gambhir, I guess, had made four or five [three] ducks. And I was fortunate enough to see one game with Shah Rukh Khan in Sheikh Zayed Stadium. And I remember he was telling me, this guy is going to make me win the championship, even though he has made four or five ducks. And the rest is history.”

Drawing parallels with young left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma, who is currently going through a lean patch in the T20 World Cup 2026, Mysore reiterated the importance of backing quality players during tough phases.

“After Gautam got his series of ducks initially, he came up to me, and he said if you have to bench me, you should bench me. Then I said to him, Gautam, if you had played 50-60 balls and not scored runs, I would have said, ‘You are out of form’. You played only 5-6 balls, and you scored 4 ducks. How can you say you are out of form? The same holds true for Abhishek Sharma. I think he is a quality player. Sometimes it’s just that one ball hitting the middle of the bat; things can change. Maybe the next game is going to be his game”

Auction Strategy and the Cameron Green Pursuit Turning to KKR’s approach for IPL 2026, Mysore underlined the franchise’s meticulous preparation at auctions and revealed their strong intent around marquee all-rounder Cameron Green.

“I think when it comes to auctions, there’s so much preparation that goes in. You might see me there with the paddle. We were the first ones to use analytics in the auction from 2011. At that time, if you remember, we cleaned the slate, released everybody, went with the full purse, built a team which has paid dividends. So, we think the strategies we adopt are solid.”

On their aggressive pursuit of Green, Mysore signaled the franchise’s ambition to secure players who fit both their skill and strategic framework.

KKR’s auction philosophy, he explained, is rooted in data-backed decision-making combined with a clear understanding of team balance and long-term vision. 

Sustained Success Built on Structure Despite multiple leadership changes over the years including different captains and head coaches, Mysore highlighted KKR’s consistency as evidence of a strong foundational strategy.

“Over the last 15-16 years, if you look at win-loss ratios across teams, we always rank among the top two. We have about a 55-56 percent win ratio.”

With a balanced squad, experienced support staff, and a data-driven blueprint, Mysore expressed optimism for the upcoming campaign.

“Ultimately, when they go out and cross that boundary line, go on the field, it’s the players who have to make it happen. So, I think we have an outstanding team, we have a great support staff and the skill sets and the combination that we have is great. Now, ultimately, it has to happen on the field. So, we are always very optimistic in this class.”

As KKR gear up for IPL 2026, Mysore’s reflections underscore a recurring theme: belief in leadership, conviction in preparation, and the relentless pursuit of victory. And at the heart of that winning culture stands Gautam Gambhir, whose legacy continues to shape the Knight Riders’ journey.

Actor Paras Arora, who plays Jeetu in &TV’s supernatural horror comedy Gharwali Pedwali, recently took a refreshing break from his hectic work schedule to enjoy some much needed “Me Time” amidst the picturesque hills of Shimla. Known for his dedication and packed shooting calendar, Paras made the most of this short getaway, where the serene mountains, crisp air, and stunning landscapes offered him a rejuvenating escape.

Sharing his experience, Paras Arora aka Jeetu, says, “With back-to-back shoots and long working hours, it becomes very important to occasionally disconnect and recharge. Shimla has always been on my travel list, and I am so glad I finally made it. There is something incredibly calming about the mountains the fresh air, the slow pace of life, and the breathtaking views instantly make you feel lighter. During my stay, I explored some of the city’s most charming spots, including the iconic Mall Road, where I enjoyed long evening walks, and the historic Christ Church, admiring its timeless architecture. I also visited Kufri to soak in panoramic views of the snow-kissed mountains and spend quiet moments amidst nature. Watching the sunrise over the hills was a surreal experience it felt as if time had slowed down just for me.” He further adds, “No trip is complete without indulging in local flavours, and I made sure to savour Himachali delicacies during my stay from piping hot momos and thukpa in the chilly weather to traditional dishes like siddu. Enjoying warm food with a mountain view felt truly special. This short trip helped me reset mentally and emotionally. The serenity and untouched beauty of Shimla remind you to pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. I am heading back to work feeling refreshed, grateful, and creatively energized.”

Catch Paras Arora as Jeetu in Gharwali Pedwali, airing every Monday to Friday at 10:00 PM, only on &TV. Stream all episodes anytime on Hindi Z5!

Feb 20:  A fresh breeze of change is set to flow through Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani as the story takes a generation leap, introducing new faces and a renewed perspective. The upcoming twist promises engaging drama and emotional depth for viewers.

Among the key new entrants is actress Shreya Jain, who will be seen portraying the character of Vaishnavi. Recently, Shreya opened up about her role and expressed her excitement about being part of this new chapter of the show.

Speaking about her character, Shreya Jain shared,

“Vaishnavi is a girl with a modern way of thinking who believes in equality in every relationship. She does not agree with old and regressive traditions that treat men and women differently. For her, love means honesty and openness — if one person knows everything about the other, then the same respect should be given in return. She feels that relationships should be based on trust, understanding, and equal rights. Playing Vaishnavi allows me to show a strong message that women deserve the same respect and freedom as men.”

She further added,

“The culture shown in the show is very close to my heart because I have grown up with the same values and traditions. This helped me understand the character better and made it easier for me to perform naturally. I also connect deeply with Vaishnavi because her thoughts are very similar to mine in real life. Through her journey, I hope to inspire women, especially in Rajasthan, to believe in themselves and stand for equality, while still staying connected to their roots and family values.”

Don’t miss Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani, airing every day at 9:00 PM only on Sun Neo.

Mumbai, Feb 19 : Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and production of animated shows and feature films based on Mukta Arts’ iconic intellectual property portfolio.

As part of its strategic expansion into animation, Mukta Arts launched SGM Animation Studio in 2025 as its dedicated Animation and Games division. The studio is focused on developing, producing and co-producing animated films, series, comic books and games, leveraging Mukta Arts’ rich IP library built over four decades, along with creating new original properties rooted in the company’s storytelling legacy.

Green Gold Animation, founded by Rajiv Chilaka, is India’s leading animation studio and the creator of some of the country’s most successful homegrown animation IPs, including the globally popular Chhota Bheem universe. With decades of experience and hundreds of hours of animated content, Green Gold brings deep expertise in building scalable, character-driven franchises for television, OTT and feature films.

Under the MOU, Mukta Arts and Green Gold Animation will work together to develop multiple animated IPs inspired by landmark films from Mukta Arts’ celebrated catalogue, including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar, Iqbal and more, along with character-led spin-offs from these universes.

Creative teams from Mukta Arts and Green Gold Animation have already initiated discussions, with the first project currently in development.

Commenting on the collaboration, Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO, Green Gold Animation, said

“This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”

Subhash Ghai, Filmmaker and Founder, Mukta Arts Ltd added,

“Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”