Author: Ankita Singh

Grammy-nominated and National Award-winning singer Shilpa Rao recently returned to Jamshedpur, the city that played a vital role in shaping her earliest dreams.

Performance at Jharkhand’s Foundation Day

Invited to perform at Jharkhand’s 25th Foundation Day, Shilpa graced the stage not just as one of India’s most celebrated contemporary voices, but also as the daughter of Jamshedpur—a city intricately tied to her journey.

A Touching Tribute to Her Parents

An emotional highlight of the evening was when Shilpa invited her parents onto the stage, recognizing the people who first championed her talent. Among them, her father stood out with his unwavering belief in her abilities. A trained musician with an MA in Music, he was instrumental in encouraging her to pursue classical training and guiding her initial practice sessions.

Not many know that it was in their Jamshedpur home where Rao’s soulful melodies first took shape, with afternoon practice sessions becoming a ritual. “Everything I am today is because of Jamshedpur. It all began in Jamshedpur, with my parents standing rock solid. Bringing them on stage during the show was my way of honouring the two people who shaped my voice, my discipline, and my dreams. Whatever the world celebrates in me today is rooted in the foundation they gave me,” Shilpa expressed, sharing her joy and deep emotions.

An Overwhelming Experience

Performing in front of thousands, and with her parents by her side, Shilpa Rao appeared visibly overwhelmed and emotional. Her parents were equally stunned by the overwhelming love and admiration their daughter received.

Awards and Recognitions

For those unfamiliar, Shilpa Rao received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her song “Chaleya” from the blockbuster film Jawan (2023). She also earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards for her collaboration with Anoushka Shankar on the album Love Letters.

Singer-songwriter Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers is a “huge fan” of Dancing with the Stars, yet he chooses not to participate in the show.

Despite various offers to join the competition over the years, the 38-year-old has consistently declined. For a long time, he has enjoyed watching the hit TV series but has never felt it was the right fit for him, as reported by Female First UK.

During an interview with InStyle, Nick Jonas, his brother, inquired, “They’ve asked you pretty much every season for the last 20 years I think. Is that the deal?”

Kevin, who performs alongside Nick and Joe Jonas in the Jonas Brothers, responded, “For a long time, yeah. I have said no. It’s just not for me. But thank you so much. I’m a huge fan.”

Interestingly, Kevin also mentioned that he’s been keeping a close eye on the current season of Dancing with the Stars. He stated, “I will say, we watch the show. It’s very fun. I feel like it’s really back. Dancing With the Stars is fully back.”

In a more personal note, Nick recently shared how his family grew “closer” after their father, Kevin Jonas Sr., faced a cancer scare. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2017, he has been in remission since 2018. Nick believes this challenging health situation actually brought their family together.

The singer, who is married to actress Priyanka Chopra, told People magazine, “(The) more emotionally challenging periods really test your endurance. But (our dad) was just such a champion and so brave through our whole process.”

He added, “It (was) with such thoughtfulness that I think it helped all of us a lot and provided us with the encouragement we needed when in fact we were just trying to support him. Everyone has their own experience too in life’s challenging moments, and I’m so grateful that we have gotten to the other side of that and become closer as a family and stronger.”

Bollywood director and creative producer of the streaming special ‘Dining with the Kapoors’, Tarun Mansukhani, recently shared insights about the experience of shooting with the entire Kapoor clan.

A Chaotic Yet Fun Experience

“If I had to say it in one word, then chaotic,” he remarked. “But chaotic in a fun way because in this film, there was no script. It’s reality, right? And you want them to be as authentic as possible.”

He added, “Our jobs for the first time were actually to keep the cameras away, just shooting this and letting them be by themselves and be with each other to create that kind of moment that we wanted from the show. What was great is that we got to see the family the way they always are with each other.”

Celebrating Bollywood Legacy

The special features a gathering of Hindi cinema’s first film dynasty, the Kapoors, who come together to celebrate the centenary of Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor, as well as the family’s patriarch, Prithviraj Kapoor. Key members include Randhir Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Rima Jain, Ranbir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Aadar Jain. This once-in-a-generation gathering of Bollywood royalty celebrates love, legacy, and camaraderie.

An Intimate Look at the Kapoor Family

The 1-hour special, created by Armaan Jain and directed by Smriti Mundhra, offers an intimate glimpse into one of India’s most beloved film families. Shot in a fly-on-the-wall documentary style, it invites viewers to share in the Kapoor family’s laughter, stories, and cherished memories. Expect playful banter to tender reflections, all beautifully tied together by their shared passion for food.

Director’s Reflection

Director Smriti Mundhra expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve been lucky to work with Netflix a few times before, so coming back to do this project is like a homecoming in more ways than one. Telling a story about the importance of family and the value of legacy in a time when life’s pace is taking us away from those things feels very special.”

She continued, “The Kapoors are not just a Bollywood dynasty but the type of family we all want to be a part of: extremely tight, fun-loving, and absolutely obsessed with food. I wanted to capture not just their story on the surface, but that feeling of being right there at the table with them, hearing the stories, the laughter, and the unfiltered moments that happen when the performance drops away.”

On November 15, the first trailer of ‘Dining with the Kapoors’ was unveiled, and it is set to premiere on November 21 on Netflix.

Rapper Badshah, known for his innovative music, has composed the track ‘It’s Your Turn’ for the upcoming film ‘52 Blue’. He reveals that this track represents a pivotal moment when a person stops waiting for their dreams and takes action.

About ‘52 Blue’

The film stars Neha Dhupia and Adil Hussain and is directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi. This project signifies a remarkable intersection of contemporary Indian music and international cinema.

Badshah’s Insights

Commenting on the song, Badshah shared, “Ashish’s journey reminded me of the dreams many of us grow up with—big, impossible, sometimes lonely. Composing ‘It’s Your Turn’ was my way of giving voice to that moment when you stop waiting and start moving. I’m grateful to be part of a film that will connect with audiences worldwide. Working with Ali El Arabi and this incredible team reminded me how powerful storytelling becomes when cultures collaborate.”

The Film’s Narrative

The track features prominently in the film’s main trailer and serves as the thematic heartbeat of the protagonist’s journey. ‘52 Blue’ follows Ashish, portrayed by Yadav Shashidhar, a young man living on a remote island in Kerala. Defying his father’s restrictions, he pursues his dream of meeting his idol, Lionel Messi, at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Encouraged by his mother, played by Neha Dhupia, and inspired by memories of his late brother, Ashish steps into the wider world for the first time.

Emotional Depth

Neha Dhupia and Adil Hussain portray Ashish’s parents, adding emotional authenticity to the film. Shot by acclaimed Egyptian cinematographer Mahmoud Basher, the film is imbued with atmospheric realism and visual lyricism. ’52 Blue’ cleverly blends fiction with documentary elements, providing rare, intimate insights into the 2022 World Cup and the lives of the workers whose efforts made it possible.

Production Details

Produced by Ambient Light, with offices in Cairo and Los Angeles, the film is executive-produced by Tariq Al-Naama. Co-producers include Krysanne Katsoolis, Joe Matthews, and Katara Studios.

Farah Khan recently shared a fun glimpse of a shoot day featuring Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Manish Malhotra on social media.

The post showcases the lively camaraderie on set, revealing joyful moments behind the scenes. Farah took to her Instagram to share a cheerful selfie with Vijay, Fatima, and Manish, where all four are seen smiling as the designer captures this candid moment.

In her caption, Farah wrote, “Best type of shoot day.. food, friends n gossip with #gustaakhishq .. n oh, we shot a vlog too with the best host @manishmalhotra05 n @itsvijayvarma @fatimasanashaikh.” They all looked their sartorial best, adding a touch of glamour and style to the exciting day.

Farah shares a strong friendship with Manish Malhotra and has been actively promoting his upcoming production, “Gustaakh Ishq.” She has publicly supported the film and shared its teaser across her social media platforms.

This romantic comedy features veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah alongside the main cast. Produced under Manish Malhotra’s new banner, Stage5 Production, “Gustaakh Ishq” is set against the bustling lanes of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) and the fading kothis (heritage homes) of Punjab, weaving a tale of love, passion, and unspoken longing.

Directed by Vibhu Puri, “Gustaakh Ishq” is scheduled to hit theatres on November 28. In a recent interview, Vijay Varma described his experience working with Fatima Sana Shaikh, noting her as a delight on set and praising her professionalism.

He expressed, “I really like to work with her. To be very honest, she is a very real person, a very capable actor. At the same time, she is extremely fun-loving and a chill person. And extremely sincere — she has to get it right, and she has to do her best. She has to give more than 100% in every shot. I really enjoyed working with her.”

Popular YouTuber and Bigg Boss season 19 contestant Mridul Tiwari seems to be on a devotional and religious trip to Ujjain.

Arriving in Ujjain, he offered prayers at the Mahakal Temple and received blessings from Baba Mahakal. Mridul shared that prior to entering Bigg Boss, he visited Ujjain to seek Mahakal’s blessings, and now, post-show, he has returned for the same purpose.

While reflecting on his Bigg Boss experience, Mridul described it as wonderful and full of learning. “My journey on Bigg Boss was very good. I received much more love and respect than I had expected. I stayed in the house for 80 days, and when I came out, I felt everyone’s support just as strongly as before. People told me, ‘Mridul, you are exactly the same person we sent inside,’” he stated.

He acknowledged the feedback about his limited airtime during the show, but emphasized that what mattered most was staying true to his values. “I want to say that I have never changed before, and I won’t change in the future either. No matter how much success I get, I will always be your brother, your younger brother.”

Mridul considers Ujjain more than just a city; he refers to it as his “head office,” where he draws spiritual energy. He believes this energy has significantly contributed to his successes. “I call Ujjain my ‘head office.’ This is the place from where I feel guided and protected. I believe everything good in my life happens because of Baba Mahakal’s blessings. If I face any problem, he helps me out. My experience with Mahakal has been wonderful,” he shared.

Regarding his social media presence, he noted that after visiting the temple and being on Bigg Boss, his following has grown, and he anticipates continued growth in the future. “These things depend on faith. The people who feel a connection with me understand what I mean. And everything good that happens in my life, I believe it happens through Mahakal’s grace.”

Ujjain and the blessings of Mahakal hold a special significance in Mridul’s life, and he affirmed his intention to continue visiting the city for spiritual energy in the future.

Singer-composer Siddhant Bhatia has recently shared insights on the significance of his Grammy nomination for the album “Sounds of Kumbh.”

A Landmark Moment for Indian Spiritual Music

In an exclusive interview, Siddhant described this recognition as a pivotal moment for Indian spiritual music. He emphasized that the Grammy nomination not only honors India’s rich cultural heritage but also paves the way for global collaborations. When discussing his nomination for “Sounds of Kumbh,” he expressed a desire to work with artists worldwide to create music that celebrates their cultural roots.

Vibrant Spiritual Music Landscape

“The spiritual music space is vibrant today—everyone is creating devotional, spiritual, and gospel music. It is beautiful. A Grammy nomination is a landmark moment. It tells me that as a musician, I am trusted. This trust will help me reach more people and bring the magic of India to the world,” he stated.

Learning from Global Experiences

When asked about his collaborations with globally acclaimed artists, including Grammy winners and nominees, Siddhant reflected on how these experiences have shaped his artistry. He likened working with senior musicdigihunt to experiencing an Upanishad, where every moment is a lesson. He recounted a memorable session with his godmother, Kala Ramnath, one of the world’s finest violinists, who performed beautifully during their time together.

“Working with senior artists is like experiencing an Upanishad. Every moment becomes a learning experience. Kala Ramnath, who is my godmother and one of the world’s greatest violinists, sang beautifully during our session. That’s how our track ‘Sangam’ was born—completely unexpected and magical,” he said.

Grammy Recognition for “Sounds of Kumbh”

Siddhant Bhatia has been nominated for the 68th Grammy Awards in the Best Global Music Album category for “Sounds of Kumbh.” He shares this nomination with sitarist-composer Anoushka Shankar and the Shakti Band, led by Shankar Mahadevan.

The album pays tribute to the Mahakumbh, which will be held in 2025. “Sounds of Kumbha” is a landmark global music collaboration, bringing together over 50 Indian and international artists, showcasing the richness of Indian classical music on a global platform.

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently shared an intriguing insight into the casting process and production of the upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar’ during the ongoing 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

Chhabra revealed that the initial production plans for the film were quite modest. However, as pre-production progressed, the creators realized the necessity of securing prominent actors to truly do justice to the film’s story and scale. This realization led to the addition of several big names to the cast.

He explained, “At first, we thought that we would reduce the budget of the film and not hire a very big star. But we felt that the film deserved a big star. That’s why we thought about R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The grandeur of the film has increased. And the casting is so interesting. I’ve been watching it all day.”

Chhabra expressed confidence in the film’s potential success, stating, “It’s going to be Dhurandar. It’s going to be a big hit. It’s going to be released on 5th December.”

Emphasizing the significance of casting, he noted, “90% casting is very important for any film. If you have a good story, good director, and correct casting, then nobody can stop you.”

He also addressed the evolving dynamics within cinema, emphasizing the shared responsibility among all stakeholders. “I think it’s everyone’s responsibility. Everyone should think for themselves. We should work comfortably for everyone. We should take care of seniority—director, producer, actor. It should be their individual call, as per the demand of the film,” he added.

As “120 Bahadur” approaches its release, intriguing stories from its intense shoot schedule are making headlines, showcasing not only the film’s scale but also the dedication of its cast.

Behind-the-Scenes Commitment

One noteworthy incident involves actor Ankit Siwach during the filming of this Excel Entertainment war drama. While preparing for “120 Bahadur,” the cast engaged in rigorous action rehearsals to ensure authenticity in the film’s combat scenes.

In one physically demanding training session, Ankit was involved in a choreographed wrestling sequence with another actor. The duo meticulously mapped out the fight to see how it would translate on camera, practicing each move with precision, timing, and controlled aggression. Reflecting on the experience, Ankit shared, “We were rehearsing a wrestling block, and everything happened very fast. I felt a sudden jerk in my finger, but when you’re in the flow of an action piece, you don’t stop. You just stay with the energy of the scene.”

Initially unaware of how serious his injury was, Ankit continued with the entire sequence without breaking character. “My priority was to complete the movement cleanly. I didn’t want the team to reset everything because of me. We were all in it together.” However, after completing the run-through, he felt intensified pain. The crew examined his hand and discovered he had injured his finger during the grappling transition, prompting immediate medical attention on set.

Unwavering Dedication

Despite the discomfort, Ankit returned to rehearsal shortly after. “In a film like ‘120 Bahadur’, the physicality is part of the journey. These are soldiers we’re portraying, men who operate beyond pain. That mindset stays with you, even off-camera.” His remarkable dedication impressed the entire team and reinforced Ankit Siwach’s reputation for reliability, intensity, and unwavering discipline. In a film that embodies grit and courage, it seems that Ankit embodied that spirit even behind the camera.

Film Overview

Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, “120 Bahadur” is slated for release on November 21. Backed by Excel Entertainment, the film brings to life the heroic story of the 120 soldiers who valiantly fought at the Rezang La frontier, transforming their battle into a lasting symbol of courage and sacrifice.

The film features a talented cast, including Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, Ankit Siwach, Devendra Ahirwar, Ashutosh Shukla, Brijesh Karanwal, Atul Singh, Ajinkya Deo, and Eijaz Khan in key roles.

Bollywood superstar and politician Kangana Ranaut appears to have developed a deep appreciation for Gujarat, its vibrant culture, and delightful cuisine.

The actress recently posted a picture showcasing a plate filled with authentic Gujarati dishes, along with a heartfelt caption that celebrated the simplicity of the food. She wrote, “Cruelty-free, low on spices (non-tamsik), gently sweetened—would it be wrong to call Gujarati food ‘the food of Gods’?”

The plate features a comforting and colorful array of traditional Gujarati cuisine, renowned for its mild, sweet, and well-balanced flavors. Among the offerings is shaak, a vegetable sabzi that embodies a hint of sweetness and gentle spices, characteristic of Gujarati style.

On the side, there’s a thepla, a spiced flatbread roasted to perfection. In the background, delicious pieces of dhokla can be seen, the famous steamed yellow snack embellished with tempered mustard seeds and coriander. A small bowl of kadhi complements the meal, enhancing the overall experience.

Kangana was also seen visiting the revered Somnath temple. Sharing several pictures from her visit, she captioned, “Aaj Baba Somnath ji ke darshan aur aarti ki, saath he aaj dhwaja pujan kar baba ke mandir mein dhwaja arpit karne ka saubhagya mila. Har har Mahadev.” (Today I took the blessing of visiting Baba Somnath ji, attending the aarti, and performing the flag worship. I also had the fortune of offering a flag at Baba’s temple. Har Har Mahadev.)

Additionally, the actress explored the stunning wildlife at Gir National Park, claiming to have seen various exotic species. In the photos shared on social media, Kangana appeared ready for adventure in a safari jacket and hat, binoculars in hand, while riding a jeep through the park.

During her travels, she was accompanied by her nephew Prithvi, with whom she shared multiple photos enjoying the breathtaking landscape and local culture. Expressing her experience, Kangana wrote on her official Instagram, “Gujarat is so wholesome. Speechless at its beauty, culture and authenticity. Today in Gir National Park and Sanctuary with my little friend Prithavi, who is my favourite travel buddy now. We are very thrilled to get sightings of various species aur vaise bhi Gujarat Lion toh world famous hai.” (slightly smiling face emoji)

For those unfamiliar, Gir National Park is famous for being the sole habitat of the Asiatic lion, with the population rising from fewer than 200 in the late 1960s to 674 lions, according to the 2020 census.

The park also hosts a rich variety of wildlife, including leopards, spotted deer, nilgai, and over 300 bird species.