Category Entertainment

December 3rd, 2024: The 4th edition of the Me•Gong Festival 2024 came to a close with a trailblazing performance by the renowned European rock band, Europe. The event was graced by the presence of Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya.The Hon’ble Chief Minister welcomed the band Europe and other performers to Meghalaya and Garo Hills. He mentioned that many people in the state and the entire Northeast region had grown up listening to their songs, and it was a dream come true for many. He also noted that the region had a strong influence of rock music from the 80s and 90s, and that the Me•Gong Festival had attracted a large number of fans from across the country.

“We’re thrilled to perform at Me•Gong Festival in Garo Hills, it’s incredible that our music has reached this far corner of the world,” said Joey Tempest, Europe’s lead vocalist. “I recall our frantic fans in 1988, and we’re excited to experience the same energy here. This visit to Garo Hills will undoubtedly inspire our future lyrics.”

Tempest praised the breathtaking landscape of Garo Hills. “This band is still one of the best on the planet, and our impact continues to be huge.” With conviction, he declared, “Music will never die! Rock music lives on, underlying everything.”
In a lighthearted moment, Tempest quipped, “Garo Hills meets Gora (White)!”

The two-day festival, which began on November 29, 2024, witnessed a massive turnout of over thousands of people on the first day alone. The Day 1 event featured captivating performances by singer Gajendra Verma, India-based rock band Euphoria, and DJ Udita Goswami.

Day 2 of the event included the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP) stage which featured local talents like Sans the Clothes, Wangkimit, Strange Origins, and Ahaia. The evening performances by Restless Desire, Shanka Tribe, Indus Creed, and Europe got the audience in lakhs jumping.

The Me•Gong Festival upholds the rich cultural heritage of the Garo community. The event featured handloom and handicraft exhibitions with demonstrations from local artisans weaving traditional Garo attire and a culinary showcase of authentic Garo food such as Panta Bhaat, Nakham Bitchi, and Wak Pura. Sessions and workshops where visitors learned traditional Garo weaving techniques and crafted items like bamboo baskets and beaded necklaces were also available.

Furthering the festival’s commitment to environmental sustainability, there was a strong implementation of eco-friendly practices, including eco-friendly waste disposal bins and plastic-free zone. Additionally, promotion of local materials and ingredients in exhibitions and the food court was focused alongside a collaboration with local environmental organisations for tree-planting initiatives during the event.

2nd December 2024: Celebrating the brilliance of the Indian OTT industry, Filmfare successfully held the Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 on December 1, 2024. The event recognized outstanding achievements in web original series and films. Among the evening’s top honours, The Railway Men won Best Series, while Amar Singh Chamkila was named Best Film, Web Original. The comedy category saw Maamla Legal Hai emerge victorious as Best Series, Comedy, showcasing the diversity of Indian storytelling.

The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT awards 2024 celebrated 50 categories spanning acting, direction, storytelling, and technical artistry. In the acting categories, Rajkummar Rao impressed audiences with his award-winning performance, securing Best Actor, Series (Male): Comedy for Guns & Gulaabs. Kareena Kapoor Khan captivated with her powerful portrayal in Jaane Jaan, earning Best Actor, Web Original Film (Female). Vedang Raina received the Best Debut Male, Film award for The Archies, marking a promising start to his career. Meanwhile, Manisha Koirala was crowned Best Actor, Series (Female): Drama for Heeramandi, further solidifying her legacy in the industry. Critics’ choices celebrated exceptional storytelling, with Guns and Gulaabs named Best Series, Critics’ Choice, and Jaane Jaan won Best Film, Critics’ Choice. In the drama categories, Diljit Dosanjh won Best Actor, Web Original Film (Male) for Amar Singh Chamkila, while Ananya Panday charmed her way to Best Actor (Female), Critics – Film for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Jaideep Ahlawat bagged 2 awards – Best Actor Critics’ Male(Web Original film) for Jaane Jaan and Best Supporting Actor (Web Original Film) for Maharaj.

The technical awards spotlighted innovation and artistry, with Heeramandi winning Best Cinematography, Series, Amar Singh Chamkila earning Best Editing, Web Original Film, and Kaala Paani taking home Best Sound Design, Series. These accolades, along with numerous others, underscored the industry’s commitment to quality and creativity.

A memorable moment of the evening came when R Madhavan, who won the award for Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Drama for The Railway Men, dedicated his achievement to the victims of the Bhopal Tragedy, moving the audience with his heartfelt tribute. Another standout moment was when Ananya Panday spoke about winning her first Best Actor award. She graciously expressed her gratitude and admiration for her fellow nominees, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Parineeti Chopra, Bhumi Pednekar, and Divya Dutta. A truly emotional moment was Manisha Koirala winning Best Actor, Series (Female): Drama for Heeramandi. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how, years ago, she faced cancer with uncertainty, but now, holding her fifth Black Lady award marked her third decade in acting—a testament to her resilience and dedication. Another memorable moment was Gagan Dev Riar winning Best Actor, Series (Male): Drama for Scam 2003: The Telgi Story. He shared how receiving the prestigious award felt like a childhood dream come true, calling it a moment of immense pride and joy.

Additionally, the event was adorned by some of the prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Rajkummar Rao, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Manisha Koirala, Ananya Panday, Abhishek Bachchan, Ravi Kishan, Sonakshi Sinha, Daisy Shah, Vedang Raina, Kay Kay Menon, Huma Qureshi, Vijay Varma, Manish Malhotra, Imtiaz Ali, Patralekha, Sanya Malhotra, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sajid Ali, Sparsh Srivastava, Nidhi Bisht, Lakshya, Saurabh Sachdeva, Ahsaas Channa, Karishma Tanna, Fardeen Khan, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Gulshan Devaiah and Raja Kumari among others.

The day unfolded in two exciting segments, with the celebrations brought to life by hosts Meiyang Chang and Sharib Hashmi. Their wit and charisma kept the audience engaged throughout the event.

In its continued commitment to mental health awareness, Filmfare partnered with ITC Fiama for the second consecutive year to honour OTT content that sparks meaningful conversations on mental health, promoting acceptance and well-being. This year, the movie Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan was also honorarily recognized for its impactful portrayal of mental health challenges and its contribution to promoting awareness.
This year also marks the continuation of the celebrated Filmfare OTT Short Films Awards, a distinct platform that honours creative excellence in short-format storytelling. Recognizing talent across five key categories, winners included Deshkari for Best Short Film (Fiction), Jayaraj R for Best Short Film (Director), and Satya for Best Short Film (People’s Choice Award), and more, exemplify the creativity and talent thriving in this space.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV and Digital Network shared “The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 exemplifies Filmfare’s enduring commitment to acknowledging brilliance in storytelling and performance. This year’s winners have set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation in the OTT landscape, and we’re proud to recognize and celebrate their remarkable achievements with the support of our partners.”
Mr. Jitesh Pillaai, Filmfare, added, “ The Filmfare OTT Awards have become a hallmark celebration of creativity, diversity, and innovation in India’s rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. We are excited to witness the expanding talent pool and the captivating stories emerging on these platforms. As we continue to spotlight the very best in digital entertainment, we are proud to honour the artists whose contributions make it unforgettable.”

Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Properties Dubai, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Filmfare in recognizing the trailblazing talent shaping the OTT revolution. The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 stand as a testament to the passion, creativity, and innovation driving the evolution of entertainment in India. This year’s winners exemplify the resilience and brilliance of India’s vibrant OTT landscape, and we are honoured to celebrate their exceptional achievements.”

Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Hyundai Motor India is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Filmfare, supporting events like the Filmfare OTT Awards that reflect our values of innovation and creativity. The Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 highlight the power of digital storytelling in bridging cultural and emotional connections, and we are excited to celebrate the creators and performers leading this change.”
The fifth edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 honoured creative, artistic, and technical greatness across the Hindi web original shows and films released between August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Fans can watch the show on Filmfare.com and on its social media touchpoints.
Partners:
Title Partner: Danube Properties Dubai
Co-powered by: Hyundai Motor India Limited & Uttar Pradesh Mahakumbh 2025
In Association with: ITC Fiama, KPT Pipes, Campa Energy & Uttar Pradesh Tourism
Radio Partner: Mirchi
Audio Partner: Gaana
Education Partner: Bennett University
Trophy Partner: The Award Gallery

Here are the list of winners:

POPULAR AWARD WINNERS
Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Drama
R Madhavan (The Railway Men)

Best Supporting Actor, Series (Female): Drama
Mona Singh (Made In Heaven Season 2)

Best Supporting Actor, Web Original Film (Male)
Jaideep Alhawat (Maharaj)

Best Supporting Actor, Web Original Film (Female)
Wamiqa Gabbi (Khufiya)

Special Recognition
Arjun Varain Singh ( Kho Gaye Hum Kahan)

Best Debut Director, Film
Arjun Varain Singh (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan)

Best Debut Director, Series
Shiv Rawail ( The Railway Men)

Best Debut Male, Film
Vedang Raina (The Archies)

Best Series, Critics
Guns and Gulaabs

Best Director, Critics-Series
Nikhil Advani (Mumbai Diaries Season 2)

Best Actor, Series (Male), Critics: Drama
Kay Kay Menon (Bambai Meri Jaan)

Best Actor, Series (Female), Critics: Drama
Huma Qureshi (Maharaani Season 3)

Best Actor, Series (Male): Comedy
Rajkummar Rao (Guns And Gulaabs)

Best Actor, Series (Female): Comedy
Geetanjali Kulkarni (Gullak Season 4)

Best Film, Critics
Sujoy Ghosh (Jaane Jaan)

Best Actor ( Male ), Critics – Film
Jaideep Ahlawat (Jaane Jaan)

Best Actor ( Female ), Critics – Film
Ananya Panday (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan)

Best Music Albums, Films
A R Rahman ( Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Series
The Railway Men

Best Director, Series
Sameer Saxena & Amit Golani (Kaala Paani)

Best Film, Web Original
Amar Singh Chamkila

Best Director, Web Original Film
Imtiaz Ali ( Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Actor, Series (Male): Drama
Gagan Dev Riar (Scam 2003: The Telegi Story)

Best Actor, Series (Female): Drama
Manisha Koirala (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Actor, Web Original Film (Male)
Diljit Dosanjh ( Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Actor, Web Original Film (Female)
Kareena Kapoor Khan (Jaane Jaan)

TECHNICAL AWARD WINNERS
Best Story, Web Original Film
Zoya Akhtar , Arjun Varain Singh & reema Kagti (Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan )

Best Original Story, Series
Biswapati Sarkar (Kaala Paani)

Best Dialogue, Series
Sumit Arora (Guns and Gulaabs)

Best Original Screenplay, Series
Raj & DK, Suman Kumar (Guns and Gulaabs)

Best Adapted Screenplay, Series
Kiran Yadnyopavit , Kedar Patankar and Karan Vyas (Scam 2003 – The Telgi Story)

Best Dialogue, web original film
Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Original Screenplay, Web original Film
Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Cinematographer, Series
Sudeep Chatterjee (ISC), Mahesh Limaye (ISC), Huenstang Mohpatra and Ragun Herian Dharuman (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Production Design, Series
Subrata Chakraborty & Amity Roy (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Editing, Series
Yasha Jaidev Ramchandani (The Railway Men)

Best Costume Design, Series
Rimple, Harpreet Narula & Chandrakant Sonawane (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best VFX, Series
Filmgate AB & Hive Studios (The Railway Men)

Best Cinematographer, Web Original Film
Sylvester Fonseca (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Production Design, Web Original Film
Suzanne Caplan Merwanji (The Archies)

Best Editing, Web Original Film
Aarti Bajaj (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Background Music, Series
Sam Slater (The Railway Men)

Best Original Soundtrack, Series
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Raja Hasan & Sharmishta Chatterjee (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Sound Design, Series
Allwin Rego And Sanjay Maurya (Kaala Paani)

Best Background Music, Web Original Films
A R Rahman (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Sound Design, Web Original Film
Dhiman Karmakar (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Short Film (Director)
Jayaraj R (Vakuppu)

Best Short Film (Fiction)
Deshkari

Best Short Film (People’s Choice Award)
Satya

Best Short Film Actor – Male
Saurabh Sachdeva

Best Short Film Actor – Female
Madhura Gokarn (OCD)

Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Comedy
Faisal Malik (Panchayat Season 3)

Best Supporting Actor, Series (Female): Comedy
Nidhi Bisht (Maamla Legal Hai)

Best Comedy, (Series) Special
Maamla Legal Hai

Best Non Fictional, Original Series
The Hunt for Veerappan

New Delhi, 2nd December 2024: The opening night of ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ — the mega-musical odyssey detailing Shri Krishna’s eternal saga — received an overwhelming reception in Delhi, captivating the audience with its artistic brilliance. The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium in the national capital resonated with the symphony of music and the sacred name of Shri Krishna, filled with devotion long after the notes had faded.

The auditorium was packed on its second day too with an enthusiastic audience, and renowned Bollywood celebrities, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor and Vedang Raina adding an extra touch to the glamour.

Conceptualised by the visionary Dhanraj Nathwani, the show united generations under one roof to celebrate the rich tapestry of art, culture, and tradition. Of all, it brought them closer to the eternal divine Rajadhiraaj Shri Krishna.

On the debut night of the musical theatrical in Delhi, Dhanraj Nathwani said, “Creating Rajadhiraaj has been a long-held dream. It is not just a musical for me, but a reflection of my devotion and unwavering belief in Shri Dwarkadheesh. From the idea to its execution, I have poured my heart into this, and I have enjoyed every bit of the Rajadhiraaj journey. Shri Krishna’s life and teachings have been a source of inspiration for ages, and I have always wanted to bring them to the people in a way that has never been done before. We received an overwhelming response in Mumbai, and the opening night in Delhi was also spectacular. I hope the audience enjoys the captivating tales of Shri Krishna as much as we did while creating it.”

After a stellar run in Mumbai, the show marked its debut in Delhi on November 29, 2024. The one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, which brings to life the magnanimity and benevolence of Shri Krishna, will enchant the city’s spectators until December 8, 2024. Executive producer Bhoomi Nathwani described the musical as a celebration of India’s rich culture and tradition.

Sharing her thoughts on the spectacular reception from the audience in Delhi she said, “Rajadhiraaj is an incredibly personal and emotional project for Dhanraj, and me. The mega-musical has been brought to life by some of the best creative minds in a way that has never been showcased before. The storyline, the music, the choreography, the set, the props, and the costumes — all come together to create a magical experience on the stage. We are absolutely thrilled with the love and response the show has received in Delhi and look forward to sharing this incredible experience with even more audiences in the coming days.”

The world’s first musical on Shri Krishna’s life has been penned by celebrated screenwriter and lyricist, Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi. It portrays two forms of Shri Krishna— Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh. The musical offers audiences a captivating journey through the numerous tales of Shri Krishna staged by 180 artists. Speaking about the spectacular night, Prasoon Joshi said, “Shri Krishna is divine, and his life is eternal. Bringing his story to life on stage was a privilege and a great learning experience. All of us have put in a lot of effort to bring this grand musical that resonates with all generations. We are truly humbled by the overwhelming response from the audience in Delhi.”

The production allure is the 20 original soul-stirring soundtracks composed by the musical duo Sachin-Jigar. The music blends western symphonic elements from Budapest and Indian classical, weaving intricate melody that transcends borders.
Omung Kumar’s intricate set design and Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna’s mesmerizing choreography add a stunning visual appeal to the show, enhancing its emotional depth and cultural richness. Celebrated costume designer Neeta Lulla brings mythical characters to life with her bespoke, custom-made costumes.

The show is creatively produced by Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh, while National Award-winning writer Raam Mori has contributed to the project’s in-depth story research.

‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela’ is a celebration of art, devotion and the eternal divine. It promises an unforgettable evening and a mesmerising theatrical experience

Delhi, Oct 24th, 2024,  Konica Minolta, a global leader in advanced imaging and printing solutions, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the highly anticipated Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. Set to release this Diwali 2024, the collaboration will build on Konica Minolta’s “We Power Your Growth,” campaign, accelerating Konica Minolta’s legacy of driving industry-first initiatives, through innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge brand experiences.

Key highlights of the collaboration include exclusive content form Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, public contests, and the story of how Konica Minolta’s technology aligns with the film’s themes. Fans can look forward to exciting prizes, such as exclusive Singham Again merchandise and meet-and-greet opportunities, and immersive experiences inspired by the upcoming movie – Singham Again.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We believe that by aligning ourselves with such a beloved franchise, we are creating meaningful connections with our audience through shared narratives of courage and creativity. By integrating our branding with Singham Again, we are strategically positioning ourselves within a cultural phenomenon that commands attention across demographics. The co-branded marketing efforts will utilize exclusive film footage and innovative digital content, ensuring that our message resonates far beyond the theatre experience.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Mr. Mohit Kaval, Head of Marketing Communications & Brand Management at Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to announce our collaboration with Singham Again. Our state-of-the-art multi-functional peripherals and production print systems have been pivotal in enhancing the film’s visual storytelling. This partnership showcases our innovative technology in action, empowering filmmakers and aligning with our commitment to excellence. Exclusive content and targeted digital campaigns will highlight our solutions and resonate with fans, reinforcing our leadership in advanced imaging”

With a reputation for launching groundbreaking collective campaigns like PrintXpress and PowerHouse, Konica Minolta continues to lead the industry with creativity and bold partnerships. While further details of the co-branded marketing campaign will be announced soon, Konica Minolta remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and creating experiences that resonate far beyond the screen.

This Navratri, on popular demand, Shemaroo TV will air Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan,’ one of India’s most famous mythological stories. Through this Ram Katha, viewers can gain valuable life lessons and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment. The legendary mythological show, featuring Arun Govil as Ram, Deepika Chikhalia as Sita and Sunil Lahiri as Lakshman, is a timeless classic on Indian television. It not only touched people emotionally but also made them feel as if they were truly witnessing Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The show was so beloved that people would sit with a thali of aarti before watching it.

This epic story of Lord Rama highlights many important events that teach valuable life lessons, relevant for all situations and age groups, even today. By airing this show, Shemaroo TV aims to stay connected with its audience and inspire them.

Watch India’s greatest mythological story, Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan,’ airing from 3rd October, every Monday to Sunday at 8 PM, only on Shemaroo TV.

Agra, 1st October, 2024: The city of Agra was filled with excitement and devotion as it hosted the grand Ram Baraat, a mega event that represents the divine wedding procession of Lord Ram. Among the thousands participating in this magnificent event were two beloved characters Daroga Happu Singh (Yogesh Tripathi) and his Dabang Dulhaniya Rajesh (Geetanjali Mishra) from &TV’s gharelu comedy Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. They shared their spiritual experiences and joy in being part of the celebrations, seeking blessings from Lord Ram ahead of Dussehra.

Yogesh Tripathi expressed his excitement, saying, “Participating in the Ram Baraat in Agra was an unforgettable experience. Our show is set in Uttar Pradesh, and being part of such a grand event felt like celebrating the occasion with my people. I had witnessed the grandeur of the Ram Baraat before, but this time was truly special. The love and hospitality from the people of Agra were overwhelming. Joining Lord Ram’s baraat was a profoundly divine experience. Meeting fans who cherish our show was deeply moving. I was surprised to see how much they love my catchphrase, ‘Arre Dada!’. Although I often ask for nyochavar on the show, the warmth I received here was the greatest offering of all. Agra’s beauty and hospitality left a lasting impression, and of course, the trip wouldn’t have been complete without enjoying the city’s famous chaat and bringing home some Pethas for friends and family!” Geetanjali Mishra, who plays Rajesh, added, “Attending Agra’s Ram Baraat was truly unforgettable. The vibrant atmosphere, stunning lights, and beautifully adorned Janakpuri felt like a divine celebration. Interacting with the locals and feeling their warmth and love was wonderful. I feel blessed to have participated in this sacred festival, and I pray to Lord Ram to bless everyone, including our show!”

Don’t miss your favorite characters Daroga Happu Singh and Rajesh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, airing Monday to Friday at 10:00 PM only on &TV!

Mumbai, September 30, 2024 – Cordelia Cruises, India’s premier cruise line, is thrilled to commemorate three years of delivering unforgettable experiences and exceptional services, redefining the cruising landscape in India. Operating the Empress, Cordelia has completed over 450 sailings, hosted more than 600,000 guests, delivered 2,500+ live shows, and called at 10 beautiful ports across the country and beyond.

Over the past three years, Cordelia Cruises has set new industry standards by offering an Indian-inspired cruising experience that goes beyond captivating destinations. Aboard the Empress, guests enjoy a vibrant mix of Bollywood-themed shows, live music, and rock climbing, alongside indulgent dining, lounges, and spa services. With family-friendly activities and world-class entertainment catered to diverse age groups, Cordelia Cruises has become the premier choice for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure on the high seas.

Since 2021, Cordelia Cruises has been the sole cruise line offering consistent voyages to Lakshadweep, facilitating Indian travelers’ discovery of this untouched paradise. In addition to providing a unique travel experience, Cordelia Cruises significantly contributes to the local economy through shore excursions at the island, fostering positive relationships with communities and boosting regional economic growth.

In just three years, Cordelia Cruises has transformed the once widely held notion that cruising was an exclusively Western, luxury experience. By creating a cruise landscape in India that is “built by Indians for Indians,” Cordelia has made luxury cruising more accessible and relatable for Indian travelers. Today, India has a trusted, home-grown luxury cruise operation, where guests not only explore breathtaking Indian and international destinations but also enjoy a world-class experience and varied entertainment options. Cordelia Cruises has firmly established itself as the preferred choice for Indian travelers seeking a seamless blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural relevance at sea.

Cordelia Cruises has been steadily expanding its horizons by expanding its fleet, destinations, and onboard offerings, while embracing technology and sustainable practices. Plans for longer cruises to destinations such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and Middle East are under consideration, with a possible 10-night Chennai to Singapore itinerary being explored for the coming year. Additionally, Cordelia is looking at increasing frequencies on key routes and introducing new domestic itineraries, including potential calls at Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, while continuing efforts to expand cruising options in Lakshadweep. All future plans are being carefully evaluated as we continue to enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises said “As we celebrate three remarkable years at Cordelia Cruises, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our growth, and the overwhelming support from our guests and partners, are a testament to our mission of bringing world-class, uniquely Indian cruising experiences to life. This journey would not have been possible without the dedication of our team, the loyalty of our guests, and the support of our partners. Together, we are redefining what it means to cruise in India, and the future holds even more exciting opportunities for us all.”

The cruise line’s operations include a mix of weekend and weekday itineraries across both the western and eastern coastlines of the Indian subcontinent. As of August 2024, Cordelia Cruises offers sailings to various domestic and international destinations: Mumbai, Kochi, Goa, to Lakshadweep, and from Chenn­ai to Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Cordelia Cruises stands out for its one-of-a-kind itineraries which provide more than simply a journey but also an immersive cultural and environmental experience.

Sangita Ghosh is one of the most talented actresses in the Indian entertainment industry. Currently captivating viewers as Saroj in Sun Neo’s Saajha Sindoor, she recently shared how her parents’ relentless support has shaped her personal and professional journey, helping her achieve success in life.

Opening up about the support she received from her parents, Sangita Ghosh shared, “My parents, I think, managed that beautifully. They never questioned me about anything and gave me a lot of freedom and liberty, which is why I am where I am today. I’m happy in life, and my thinking and outlook have developed in a way that they never drew distinctions between a boy and a girl.”

She further added, “My brother and I were raised equally. I was never asked to do certain things just because I was a girl, nor was he treated differently. For instance, he wasn’t told to go out and play while I was expected to stay home and focus on other things. It was never like that. I remember playing cricket, kabaddi, and football with the boys. They never imposed restrictions on me because of my gender. Whether it was my studies, wanting to work, or going out, they always trusted me. They never questioned me for coming home late or for having male friends in my circle. Because of the freedom they gave me, I became much more responsible. For that, I’m incredibly grateful. They allowed me to live my life freely with them, and I feel truly blessed to have such parents.”

The Saajha Sindoor actress also reflected on how relationships between parents and children have evolved. She shared, “These days, it’s common for parents to want to be friends with their children, probably to break that barrier or thaw the ice, or however you’d describe it. But I’m not sure how I’ll be with my daughter as she grows up. That said, I believe there’s a very fine line to maintain. You have to be a parent first, before anything else.”

Sangita, who plays Saroj, the stepmother to Gagan (played by Sahil Uppal) in Saajha Sindoor, also discussed the difficult decision she made to leave her daughter behind for the role. “It wasn’t just about playing a negative character. There were many factors, especially thinking about my daughter. I had to leave her in Jaipur while I traveled to Mumbai, so I wanted to make sure the role was truly worth it. I had immense trust in the team, and that’s ultimately why I chose to move forward with it.”

Saajha Sindoor, airing on Sun Neo at 8 PM, explores the grandeur and complex relationships within a royal family in Rajasthan, featuring Stuti Vinkle, Sangita Ghosh, Sahil Uppal, Neelu Vaghela, and Krutika Desai.

Mumbai, September 28, 2024 – Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal opened up about their intimate wedding, offering a glimpse into the special day at CNN News18 Mumbai Townhall 2024 on Friday.

The couple discussed their decision to keep the ceremony low-key, surrounded only by close friends and family, and Sonakshi shared her uncontainable excitement.

When asked why they didn’t openly discuss their relationship or make public appearances as a couple, Sonakshi had a heartfelt response. “Nazar,” she quipped, hinting at the common belief of warding off negative energy. She went on to explain that being in the limelight as an actress often means that attention can divert from one’s work and legacy. “I feel it’s always better to keep private things private,” Sonakshi said.

“You’re already so much in the limelight; everybody knows everything about you. Something that is so dear to you should be kept for yourself.”

Reflecting on the overwhelming love they received after the wedding, Sonakshi admitted she hadn’t expected such a heartfelt reaction. “Honestly, no,” she said, recalling the days leading up to their big day. “There were so many mixed emotions and different things we were reading online. But we decided to drown out the noise and just focus on each other.” After dating for seven years, both Sonakshi and Zaheer were determined to celebrate their love without worrying about outside opinions. “We said, to hell with the world, and we’re going to celebrate our love,” Sonakshi said.

She described a beautiful shift that occurred once they were finally married. “The day we got married, I don’t know what shifted, but there was only love. Everyone there could see the love between us—our family, our friends. We wanted only the people who genuinely and truly love us to be there. Positive, positive, positive energy. And that’s what happened.”

One of the most touching moments was when Sonakshi’s excitement shone through as she signed the marriage papers. The session’s host fondly recalled how Sonakshi clapped her hands in childlike delight, a moment that clearly radiated her joy. “I was just more expressive,” Sonakshi said with a laugh. “I might have screeched in excitement and then realised, ‘It’s your wedding day!’”

Zaheer shared similar sentiments, explaining how both of them were filled with excitement as the moment finally arrived. “There was a sort of urgency—we just wanted to get married. We wanted to call each other husband and wife,” he said. “It’s been a very long time.”

Sonakshi reflected on how significant the moment was for him personally. “When you ask kids what they want to do, some will say they want to be an actor or a doctor. I used to say, I want to grow up and be married,” she revealed.

For Zaheer, the wedding represented the culmination of something he had dreamed about since childhood, and his excitement matched Sonakshi’s. “When I found the right person, and we were signing those papers, I was just ecstatic.”

Zaheer summed up their emotions perfectly. He said if anyone ever asks whether they should get married, he would show them the video of their wedding and say, “If you don’t feel like this when you’re signing the papers, then don’t get married!”

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, actors Kartik, Tina, and Vaishnavi recently shot an exciting dance sequence that has caught the audience’s attention. While the cast brought their energy to the performance, Ashish Dixit opened up about his experience shooting alongside the show’s trained dancers, Brinda Dala and Maitri Bhanushali.

Ashish Dixit shared, “Shooting the dance sequence with Brinda and Maitri was honestly a mix of excitement and nerves for me. They’re both such talented, trained dancers, and I’m definitely not, so I was really worried about being able to keep up with them. But I have to say, they were absolutely incredible throughout the whole process. They were so patient and supportive, guiding me through every step. What I thought would be stressful ended up being so much fun because of how they handled everything.

He added, “We laughed a lot during rehearsals, which really helped ease the pressure. It didn’t feel like work; it felt like a team effort where we were all just having a good time. I actually learned a lot from them in terms of dance, but more than that, the whole experience brought us closer together. Our chemistry off-screen naturally translated into stronger chemistry on-screen. By the end, something I had been really nervous about turned into one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the shoot. I’m so grateful to them for their help and the way they made the entire experience so comfortable and fun.”

Ashish plays the role of Kartik in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. In the recent episodes we saw how Kartik is torn between Vaishnavi and Tina, who are both trying to win his heart. However, he is yet to reveal what is in his heart. Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya highlights the triumph of good over evil, emphasizing faith and devotion to Chhathi Maiyya, who guides and protects her devotees. The show features Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit in key roles and airs on Sun Neo every Monday to Saturday at 7 PM.