Category Entertainment

Maharashtra, July 2025 — Matkar Musics is set to launch an exciting new Marathi song titled “Apsara” on August 1st, marking the dynamic screen debut of Mukul Phate and Sakshi Kamble as a lead pair. Known for his award-winning work in literature and acting education, Mukul Phate now brings his signature energy to the Marathi music world.

July 26, 2025: What if your grandfather came back from the afterlife, not to bless your wedding—but to stop it? And what if the wisest voice in the story belonged to a talking crow? That’s the kind of wild, wonderful world Fakt Purusho Maate invites you into. After a successful theatrical run, this Gujarati fantasy-comedy is now making its world digital premiere on the JOJO App, a leading platform for premium Gujarati content. Rooted in culture, layered with emotion, and told with humour and heart, the film delivers more than meets the eye. Here are five surprising reasons why Fakt Purusho Maate is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

1. A Crow Is the Film’s Sutradhar and It Works Brilliantly

Ever heard life lessons from a crow? In Fakt Purusho Maate, Kaagesh the crow isn’t just background noise. He is the film’s witty narrator. Voiced by Malhar Thakar, Kaagesh adds humour, sarcasm, and unexpected wisdom to every twist in the story. It is rare to see a bird character take on such a smart and sassy role, making it a refreshing narrative choice that instantly hooks you.

2. A Battle Between Two Generations But With Magic

It is not your regular saas-bahu or father-son drama. Here, a grandfather from the afterlife literally uses magical tricks to stop his grandson’s wedding. Instead of angry lectures and emotional blackmail, you get flying furniture, confused priests, and rituals gone hilariously wrong. It is absurd, chaotic, and surprisingly moving, all at once.

3. Amitabh Bachchan Plays a God-Like Guide With a Gujarati Twist

You have seen Amitabh Bachchan play powerful roles before. But here, his cameo brings calm to chaos in the most rooted and respectful way. Appearing as a divine force, he does not preach, but gently nudges the characters (and the audience) to think. His dialogues are short, but they stay with you long after the scene ends.

4. The Film Talks About Gender Equality Through Laughter, Not Lectures

One of the most beautiful surprises in the film is how it addresses patriarchy and gender bias without being heavy. The grandfather wants control, but life and a clever script keep reminding him that times have changed. The story makes you laugh at things we have accepted for years, and by the end, it nudges you to question them too.

5. It Is a Sequel That Is Not Trying to Repeat the First Hit

Unlike most sequels that rely on the success of their original, Fakt Purusho Maate stands on its own. While Fakt Mahilao Maate focused on understanding women, this one flips the lens to the male perspective. But not in a preachy or one-sided way. Instead, it pokes fun at men’s confusion, fears, and ego with grace, charm, and tons of laughter.

Fakt Purusho Maate is full of surprises. It gives you magical realism with Gujarati flavour, a talking crow with attitude, a superstar cameo with soul, and a heart that beats for change. Now streaming exclusively on the JOJO App, this one is not just worth watching. It is worth thinking about long after it ends.

Shobha Kapoor’s name is synonymous with Indian television. A visionary, a powerhouse, and the silent architect behind some of the most iconic shows on Indian screens, she has shaped narratives that defined generations and connected deeply with millions of households. At the Indian Telly Awards 2025, this extraordinary contribution was honoured with the Editor’s Choice: Ramanand Sagar Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to her enduring impact on the industry.

For over two decades, Shobha Kapoor has been the driving force behind Indian television’s most defining moments. As Managing Director of Balaji Telefilms, she has masterfully balanced creativity and commerce, leading the creation of era-defining shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasamh Se, Pavitra Rishta, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Naagin, and many more. With sharp business acumen, emotional insight, and a deep commitment to storytelling, she has helped shape the daily viewing habits of millions, building not just a content empire but a cultural legacy.

Reflecting on the recognition, Shobha Kapoor said, “Thank you so much, Indian Telly Awards, for honouring me with this Lifetime Achievement Award. Honestly speaking, I had never thought that I would reach so far. It was Ekta’s dream to tell stories, and I, just being her mother, decided to support her because she was so young at that time. And slowly, slowly, her dream became my passion too — my strength too. Balaji Telefilms gave me my own identity. So, thanks to Ekta for reinventing my life as well.

She further added, “And a special thanks to my husband Jeetu and my son Tushar. If they had not encouraged me and supported me, I would have never achieved this. Thanks to all the channels who trusted us and gave us the freedom to express ourselves. And last but not the least, thanks to our audience — it’s all because of their love. Ye award sabse zyada unka hai. Jai Mata Di!”

This prestigious honour, named after the legendary Ramanand Sagar, celebrates individuals who have left a lasting imprint on Indian television, and few embody that spirit more profoundly than Shobha Kapoor. While this is a moment of reflection and recognition, her journey of storytelling continues.

25th JULY 2025: After much anticipation, Shankaraa, the debut single by entrepreneur Nirvaan Birla, is finally out, offering listeners a deeply soulful experience rooted in devotion, silence, and inner stillness. Written and sung by Nirvaan himself, with music composed by Kalyan Baruah, the track marks the beginning of his music album under his initiative ‘Sounds for the Soul.’

More than just a song, Shankaraa is a heartfelt offering to Lord Shiva. It combines soothing melodies with deep emotion, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and reconnect. The composition is simple yet powerful, making it a comforting companion for anyone seeking moments of peace, whether through prayer, meditation, or quiet listening.

In today’s fast-moving world, where the mind is often overwhelmed, Shankaraa reminds us of the healing power of sound. The track also touches upon the role of music in mental wellbeing, creating space for calm and emotional balance in everyday life.

Talking about his musical debut, Nirvaan Birla shared, “Music has always been my personal anchor, a quiet space I go to when things feel heavy. I’ve realised how deeply sound can impact mental wellbeing, especially when it’s honest and rooted in something higher. Shankaraa came from that space of stillness and surrender.

He further added, “It’s my ode to Lord Shiva, a way of expressing devotion, gratitude, and the peace I feel in His presence. It’s not just about Shiva; it’s also about finding a little more peace within ourselves. This is the first song I’m putting out into the world, and I’ve poured my heart into it. I truly hope it reaches the right ears and touches people in the way it touched me while creating it.”

As the sacred month of Shravan unfolds, Shankaraa serves as both a spiritual and emotional release. The full track is now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and JioSaavn.

Tune in. Reflect. Let the music lead you inward.

Every year on July 26, India pauses to remember an extraordinary chapter of courage and grit. Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the day in 1999 when Indian soldiers, braving harsh terrain and relentless enemy fire reclaimed the peaks of Kargil and secured victory with resilience. But beyond the legendary win and history books lie countless stories of bravery, brotherhood and sacrifice. This day is not just to commemorate a military triumph but is to pay tribute to the spirit of those who stood tall so India could sleep in peace. As we reflect on their legacy, here are some powerful moments and lesser-known facts shared through audiobooks and films that remind us why Kargil Vijay Diwas will always matter.

The Kargil Story: Tales of Valour and Sacrifice from the Summer of 1999

Service: Audible

This gripping narration by Suyash Mohan, penned by Deepak Surana revisits the fierce summer of 1999 when young Indian officers and soldiers fought to reclaim peaks like Tiger Hill, Pimples, Tooling, Khalubar and Pt.4875. Drawing from candid interviews with over a hundred veterans, the audiobook reveals intimate moments where they risked their lives with quiet resilience on the frontline action. Stories range from a Rajput officer who inspired troops who were under fire to a soldier from Nagaland who risked his life at 16,000 feet. This audiobook is more than just the army’s battlefield strategy, but is a tribute to real people and untold anecdotes. It is for those drawn to military history or personal heroism.

Kargil: Untold Stories from the War

Service: Audible

This powerful audiobook written by Rachna Bisht plunges you into the jagged heights of Kargil where paratroopers found themselves in dire straits. Through heartfelt interviews with survivors and the families of martyrs, Bisht weaves an intimate tapestry of courage and loss ranging from a grieving father in Palampur to a devoted soldier’s endured legacy. The story also sheds light on the unsung heroes by offering gritty human accounts of sacrifice and perseverance. This is more than just a story that chronicles the battle but is a tribute to the 527 brave soldiers who lost their lives in exchange for our safety.

The Kargil Girl: An Autobiography

Service: Audible

The Kargil Girl is an inspiring first-person audiobook by Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of the Indian Air Force’s pioneering female pilots, narrated by Swasti Shree Sharma. The audiobook chronicles her journey from her selection process at 20, her rigorous training and her historic deployment during the 1999 Kargil War. As the first woman to fly in the combat zone, Gunjan carried out daring supply drops and medevac missions under enemy fire, evacuating hundreds from Dras and Batalik. Listeners get a candid and intimate account of Saxena’s childhood dreams, airforce challenges and the grit that earned her the title The Kargil Girl. This audiobook is a compelling blend of heart, her family ties, her personal doubts and heroism, documenting an extraordinary chapter in military history.

Shershaah

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

This moving biopic starring Sidharth Malhotra and directed by Vishnuvardhan brings the daring journey of Captain Vikram Batra, lovingly called “Shershaah,” to life. The movie traces his evolution from an eager student to a Param Vir Chakra-winning hero in the Kargil War. The story intertwines Malhotra and Kiara Advani’s portrayal of Dimple’s romance with powerful moments of grit and unshakeable determination. From childhood cricket scenes to adrenaline-charged army action in Kashmir and Kargil, the film captures both heart-tugging moments and pulse-rating battlefield drama.

LOC: Kargil

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

LOC: Kargil is an emotionally charged war drama directed by J.P. Dutta bringing to life the actual events of the 1999 Kargil War and its Operation Vijay, where Pakistani forces occupied strategic heights along with the Line of Control. The four hour epic weaves together multiple battalions including the 17 Jat, 18 Grenadiers, 13 J&K Rifles, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles and their courageous commanders, including real life heroes like Vikram Batra, Captains Manoj Pandey and Anuj Nayyar. The film weaves battlefield action and emotional moments like the heartbreak experienced by families. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan and Manoj Bajpayee, the film delivers powerful performances that honor true martyrdom and bravery.

Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of the Indian Air Force

Platform: JioHotstar

Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of the Indian Air Force spotlights the Indian Air Force’s crucial yet lesser-known Kargil War. Through firsthand accounts from pilots, commanders, and war veterans, this documentary captures the courage and precision involved in executing the world’s highest-altitude air campaign, Operation Safed Sagar. With gripping visuals, rare archival footage and war diaries, it uncovers how the IAF overcame extreme terrain and hostile conflict. From emotional tributes to fallen heroes to behind-the-scenes strategy, this film offers a powerful and humane perspective on an operation that changed the course of history.

Prime Video hosted a special screening of its upcoming comedy-drama Rangeen, drawing a full house of industry favourites. The evening offered an early look at the series’ quirky yet stirring narrative, anchored by stellar casts including Viineet Kumar Siingh, Rajshri Deshpande, Taaruk Raina and Smita Bansal. Also in attendance were producers Kabir Khan and Rajan Kapoor, creators and writers Amardeep Galsin and Amir Rizvi, and director Pranjal Dua. Earning enthusiastic praise from an audience packed with industry insiders, the cast and crew were joined by close friends from the fraternity—including Dino Morea, Sunny Kaushal, Mini Mathur, Shashank Arora, Amit Sadh, Faisal Malik, Munawar Faruqui, Sharib Hashmi, Prajakta Koli, Sahil Sangha, Sayani Gupta, Renee Sen, Vivaan Shah, Aahana Kumra, Yashaswini R Dayama, Aakash Khurana, Abhinav Sharma, Bijoy Nambiar among others.

Directed by Pranjal Dua and Kopal Naithani, Rangeen is produced by Kabir Khan and Rajan Kapoor, and written by Amir Rizvi and Amardeep Galsin. Brought to life by an incredibly talented ensemble cast featuring Viineet Kumar Siingh, Rajshri Deshpande, Taaruk Raina and Sheeba Chaddha in lead roles, this sharp, insightful, and refreshingly relatable series is set to premiere on July 25, exclusively on Prime Video.

Mumbai, July 23, 2025: Ever since its premiere, Mitti, the latest offering from Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has been winning hearts for beautifully capturing what it truly means to return home. At the heart of this story is Raghav, an ambitious city man who finds himself back in his ancestral village, where old ties, buried emotions, and forgotten promises begin to stir something within. The series is bound to strike a heartfelt chord with anyone who’s ever moved away from home, only to realise that some parts of us always stay behind. With moving performances by Ishwak Singh, Shruti Sharma, Diksha Juneja, Yogendra Tiku, and Alka Amin, the show leans into emotion with honesty and restraint.

For Shruti Sharma, who plays a steady, comforting Kratika, the experience hit closer to home than expected. She shared, “We shot the whole show in Lucknow, which also happens to be my hometown. Because of Mitti, I got to spend an entire month there — with my cousins, my uncle, and my grandmother. That’s not something I get to do often, and it felt like such a gift during shoot days. I got to relive all those little joys — playing Ludo, badminton, just sitting together and chatting. It really brought back the warmth I grew up with.”

Mitti is now streaming for free exclusively on the Amazon MX Player app on mobile and Connected TVs, on the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.

July 23, 2025: Television actor Ashish Dixit, who is currently seen portraying the lead in Dangal TV’s popular show Pati Bramachari, may soon be stepping into a completely different kind of household — this time with his real-life wife, Shweta Kanoje, by his side.

The couple, who recently renewed their wedding vows at the Trimbakeshwar temple to mark six years of marriage, is reportedly in advanced talks for a wild card entry on the hit reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga.

Known for their strong bond and vibrant personalities, Ashish and Shweta could bring a refreshing mix of romance, maturity, and unpredictability to the show’s dynamic.

When reached for comment, Ashish Dixit said:

“It’s too early to confirm anything right now — conversations are happening. Let’s see how it goes. Fingers crossed!”

If they sign on, this would be the couple’s first reality TV appearance together, making it a much-anticipated addition for fans of both the actor and the show.

With Ashish balancing a lead role on a fiction daily and the possibility of stepping into a high-drama reality format, all eyes are on what this real-life couple decides next.

Watch this space — love, drama, and a wildcard twist may be on its way!

Mumbai, July 22, 2025: As Parents’ Day approaches, the artists of Sony SAB take a heartfelt pause from their busy schedules to reflect on the immense love, values, and support they’ve received from the most important people in their lives: their parents. Whether it’s the lessons that shaped their careers or the quiet encouragement that saw them through tough times, each artist has a deeply personal story to share. Here’s how Sumeet Raghvan, Pariva Pranati, Karuna Pandey, Ashi Singh and Tarun Khanna express their gratitude to the guiding forces behind their journeys.

Sumeet Raghvan, who is playing the role of Rajesh Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, shared, “For me, the essence of Parents’ Day lies in acknowledging the people who shape us silently yet powerfully; and for me, that has always been my father. He was my first teacher, my toughest critic, and my pillar of strength. He didn’t just teach me values he lived them every single day. Watching him navigate life with quiet dignity, integrity, and compassion left an indelible mark on me. He would always say, ‘No matter how far you go, stay grounded and treat people right.’ As an actor, I often lean on his wisdom, especially the one line that’s stayed with me: ‘Give your best, and let the work speak.’ On this Parents’ Day, I celebrate him and all the parents who shape their children’s paths not with grand gestures, but through everyday actions and unconditional love.”

Karuna Pandey, who is playing the role of Pushpa in Pushpa Impossible, said, “Everything I am today began with the encouragement I received from my father. He was the first one to notice my love for dance and theatre, and instead of dismissing it as a hobby, he wholeheartedly supported it. Whether it was rehearsals, performances, or auditions, he was always there, cheering me on from the sidelines, quietly being my strongest pillar. His belief in my dreams gave me the confidence to pursue them without fear. But it wasn’t just my father. My mother has been equally supportive. Even though she feared this profession, since no one from our family had ever been in acting, she never let that fear stop her from motivating me. And my sister has been like a second mother to me, guiding, protecting, and always standing by my side. Honestly, my entire family has played a big role in helping me chase my dreams. On this special day, I want to thank my parents and every parent out there who encourages their children to turn their passions into careers. It takes courage, and I truly respect them for it.”

Pariva Pranati, who is playing the role of Vandana Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, shared, “This is a very special day for me. The way I play Vandana on screen is actually how I am in real life with my child. I always want to be the kind of mother my child can talk to about anything, just like how my father has always been with me. Interestingly, now that he’s growing older, he’s become like my second child! He recently learned how to use an iPhone from his grandson, and he gets excited about gifts just like a kid. We all love pampering him. I feel truly lucky to be his daughter, and if there are five more lives ahead, I’d still want to be his daughter in all of them.”

Tarun Khanna, who is playing the role of Mahadev in Veer Hanuman, shared, “Even when I doubted myself, my parents never did. Such a belief is rare and incredibly powerful. My parents have been my silent strength; they didn’t need to say much, but their actions always spoke louder than words. Whether it was dropping me off for auditions or standing by me through the ups and downs of this unpredictable profession, my father has been my constant. My mother is my emotional anchor. Her faith, her prayers, and her ability to sense how I’m feeling without me even saying a word; that’s something only a parent can do. As an actor, I often draw from personal experiences, and for me, it’s the values and resilience they’ve instilled in me that I channel into every role I play. Parents’ Day is just a reminder, but their presence is something I cherish every single day. Everything I am, I owe to them.”

Ashi Singh, who is playing the role of Kairi Sharma in Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, shared, “Parents have always been my biggest support system. I started my journey in this industry at a very young age, and it hasn’t always been easy, whether it was learning, struggling, or celebrating success, they have been right there beside me. My success is as much theirs as it is mine. My mom, especially, has been my rock. From managing everything at home to being with me on set whenever I need her, she’s been my guide, my biggest cheerleader, and comfort, quietly holding it all together. Her support goes beyond words. On this Parents Day, I want to thank my parents for allowing me to dream big, for being by my side throughout this journey, and for being my haven.”

Roongta Cinemas Hosts NCR’s Largest Influencer-Cinema Event ‘CineFluence’ – A Groundbreaking Confluence of Cinema and Social Media

Vaishali, Ghaziabad , July 22, 2025 : Roongta Cinemas made history this weekend by successfully hosting CineFluence, Delhi NCR’s largest influencer-cinema experience . The event brought together over 150 top social media influencers from across fashion, food, lifestyle, and entertainment for a day that redefined how cinema interacts with digital culture.

From a glamorous red carpet welcome to exclusive film screenings, live content creation zones, and curated brand experiences, CineFluence transformed the cinema into a creative playground designed for the social media generation.

The initiative, conceptualized by Roongta Cinemas, was aimed at bridging traditional cinema with modern content ecosystems.

Speaking after the event, Sanjay Barjatya, CEO of Roongta Cinemas, said: “CineFluence proved that cinema today is more than just the big screen — it’s a hub for real-time storytelling, digital creativity, and cultural connection. We’re thrilled with the response.”

Ishita Bhatnagar, Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Roongta Cinemas, added: “We witnessed influencers not just attending, but co-creating moments that went viral in real time. The entire cinema came alive with energy, engagement, and innovation.”

Event Highlights:

• Red Carpet-style Influencer Walk
• Live Reel, Vlog & Story Zones
• Branded Pop-Ups, Giveaways & Experience Zones
• A massive digital buzz under the official hashtag #CineFluence

The hashtag #CineFluence trended locally on Instagram and Threads, generating over 4 million impressions in under 24 hours.