Category: Entertainment

Sony Entertainment Television’s MasterChef India Becomes a Powerful Brand Magnet, Celebrating the Pride of India

Mumbai, Jan 12: Sony Entertainment Television’s MasterChef India continues to strengthen its position as one of Indian television’s most compelling brand magnet properties, offering partners a rare combination of scale, credibility, and purpose-led storytelling. As India moves ahead with confidence and purpose, ‘Desh Front Foot Par Chal Raha Hai’, the new season celebrates the spirit, identity and the pride of India, creating a powerful cultural and emotional canvas for brands that stand for trust, quality, heritage, and innovation.

Reinforcing this strong brand alignment, Ananda Dairy Ltd. comes on board as the Co-Presenting Sponsor, seamlessly integrating with the show’s celebration of homegrown pride and nourishment. Further strengthening the association, Fortune Edible Oils and Foods and Catch Salts and Spices join as Co-Powered By Sponsors categories that sit at the heart of everyday Indian cooking and mirror the show’s focus on taste, trust, and culinary excellence.

Reflecting MasterChef India’s broad-based appeal across cookware, energy, and lifestyle ecosystems, the season is further supported by Bergner India, Bharat Gas and Vim ProClean Dishwashing Liquid (Hindustan Unilever Limited) as Special Partners.

Anchored by the return of iconic judges Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, and Chef Kunal Kapur, MasterChef India continues to deliver aspirational content, premium audiences, and deep cultural relevance—making it a definitive platform for brands looking to build meaningful, value-led connections with a nation on the front foot.

Akshay Agrawal, Cluster Head, Ad Sales, Hindi GEC, Travel & Tourism Business, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI):

“MasterChef India continues to be a preferred destination for brands looking to engage with discerning, value-conscious consumers at scale. The show’s strong credibility, aspirational storytelling, and relevance to Indian households make it a natural fit for categories spanning food, kitchen, energy, lifestyle and more. Our brand partners this season are aligned with the show’s ethos of excellence, trust, and homegrown pride, creating a collaborative canvas that delivers both impact and authenticity.”

Dr. Radhey Shyam Dixit, Chairman at Ananda Dairy Ltd:

“At Ananda Dairy Ltd., nourishment begins with the purity of Indian dairy farms and finds its way into the soul of every meal. This season, MasterChef India’s celebration of India on a plate beautifully mirrors our own ethos of honouring homegrown ingredients and authentic flavours. Our partnership is a natural fit—rooted in a shared belief in bringing genuine dairy goodness to Indian kitchens while inspiring creativity, pride, and togetherness through food.”

MasterChef India airs at 9:00 PM, every Monday to Friday on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV

Crackling Bonfires and Festive Cheer: Sony SAB Artists Share Their Lohri Traditions

 As winter nights glow brighter with crackling bonfires and the air fills with folk music, laughter, and the aroma of festive treats, Lohri brings with it a heartfelt celebration of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. Marking the harvest season and the promise of longer days ahead, the festival symbolises hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. This Lohri, beloved Sony SAB artists Avinesh Rekhi, Gaurav Chopra and Pari Bhati share what the festival means to them, reminiscing about childhood memories, family traditions, and the simple joys that make Lohri a celebration of community and cheer. 

Avinesh Rekhi, who essays the role of Lord Shiva in Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey, says, “Lohri has always been one of those festivals that instantly brings a sense of warmth and togetherness. Growing up, it meant gathering around the bonfire with family and friends, singing traditional songs, and enjoying treats like peanuts, rewri and gajak. What I love most about Lohri is how it brings everyone together, regardless of age, to celebrate gratitude and positivity. Even today, no matter how busy life gets, taking a moment to pause, celebrate, and share that warmth makes the festival truly special for me.” 

Gaurav Chopra, who plays the role of Professor Shastri in Pushpa Impossible, shared, “For me, Lohri is deeply rooted in memories of family gatherings, laughter, and that unmistakable energy around the bonfire. There was something incredibly comforting about standing in the cold, warming your hands by the fire, and listening to elders talk about traditions and harvests. The festival teaches us to be grateful for what we have and to welcome new beginnings with optimism. Celebrating Lohri today still gives me that same sense of joy and grounding.” 

Pari Bhatti, who plays the role of Swara in Pushpa Impossible, shared, “Lohri has always felt like a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. I remember the excitement of the evening bonfire, the rhythmic beats of dhol, and the joy of sharing festive sweets with neighbours and friends. It’s a festival that reminds us of the importance of gratitude, and togetherness. Even now, celebrating Lohri, whether at home or on set, instantly fills the atmosphere with positivity and warmth.” 

Watch Ganesh Kartikey and Pushpa Impossible every Monday to Saturday only on Sony SAB

Avakai–Amaravati Festival Day 2 Celebrates Art, Cinema and Tradition

Cultural Fiesta on Day 2 of Avakai- Amaravati Festival: A Vibrant Fusion of Art, Cinema, and Tradition at Bhavani Island

Vijayawada, Jan 10: The Avakai Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature continued to captivate audiences on Friday with a compelling blend of intellectual discourse, artistic expression and participatory experiences at the scenic Bhavani Island. The festival’s second day strengthened Avakai’s vision of celebrating Telugu heritage while creating meaningful conversations around cinema, storytelling, music and traditional art forms through curated panels, workshops and live performances.

The day opened with an insightful session titled “Pure Evil: Anti-heroes of Cinema”, featuring S. Hussain Zaidi, Yandamuri Veerendranath and Sudhir Mishra in conversation with Balaji Vittal, exploring evolving portrayals of anti-heroes in Indian cinema and literature. This was followed by “Evolving Storytelling: The Journey of Indian Mythology”, with BNIM, Kasturi Muralikrishna, Sanjeev Pasricha and Anuradha Mothali, and “Katha Kalakshepam: Timeless Tales through Music and Word” by StoryHour UK, bringing the Ramayanam alive through music, narration and visual art. The afternoon also featured “Abhilasha – From Novel to Screen”, where Yandamuri Veerendranath and A. Kodandarami Reddy explored the journey of literary works into cinematic adaptations.

Hands-on workshops added a vibrant, interactive dimension to the festival. The Dance Workshop by French choreographer Gilles Chuyen drew enthusiastic participants, offering a unique opportunity to engage with movement and rhythm, while Martial Arts with Tuhon Aditya Roy, Nagada with master percussionist Nathoo Lal Solanki, Puppet-making with celebrated puppeteer Shameem, and Kalamkari sessions celebrated traditional craftsmanship and physical expression.

The post-lunch panel “Cinema in the Age of OTT” engaged Leena Yadav, Shibashish Sarkar, Sunil Chainani, Saugata Mukherjee, Supriya Yarlagadda and Shreerupa Mitra in a discussion on digital platforms, original storytelling and evolving creator-audience dynamics. Evening performances at Punnami Ghat included Carnatic and devotional music by Chandana Bala Kalyan, Kuchipudi by Vanashree Rao in “Dramatic Tales – Rasa United”, and “The Sound of Stories: Music & Poetry in Cinema” featuring Shekhar Ravjiani and Kasarla Shyam. The day concluded on a high note with the celebrated Mushaira, Mehfil-e-Sukhan, featuring leading poets, followed by the musical collaboration “Aaj Rang Hai” by Anirudh Varma Collective and Nizami Bandhu.

Tribute to Human Bondage: A Soul-Stirring Homage to India’s Legendary Rock Era

Bengaluru, Jan 9: India’s rock legacy comes alive once again as some of the original members of the iconic 1970s rock band Human Bondage come together with the contemporary sound of the Rajeev Raja Combine, on stage for a powerful, nostalgic, and emotionally charged concert series BLR Airport presents Tribute to Human Bondage with Travel Partner Air India Express

This three-city musical celebration opens in Bengaluru on 16 January 2026, travels to Goa, and culminates in Mumbai, offering audiences a rare opportunity to relive the magic, rebellion, and raw energy that defined India’s formative rock years.

Bengaluru will feature founder members Henry Babu Joseph and Ramesh Shotham at all venues and Radha Thomas at BLR Hubba, performing alongside the acclaimed jazz-fusion ensemble Rajeev Raja Combine. Together, they bring alive the timeless soundscape of a band that reshaped Indian rock music in the 1970s and 1980s and left a lasting cultural imprint on generations of music lovers.

The Bengaluru concert marks a homecoming of sorts for Human Bondage, whose roots are deeply intertwined with the city’s early rock movement, making it a fitting launchpad for this tribute tour. Human Bondage remains etched in the memory of true rock aficionados.

Over the years, the band’s evolving line-up also included Henry “Babu” Joseph (vocals), Radha Thomas (vocals), Suresh Shottam (guitar), Ramesh Shotham (drums/percussion), Steve Law (keyboards), Fred Manricks (keys), and Xerxes Gobhai / Vinty Bunyan (bass) and Gasper D’Souza as manager.

Tribute to Human Bondage is not merely a concert, it is a celebration of an era, a sound, and a cultural movement that helped define contemporary Indian music.

BLR Airport’s collaboration with the Tribute to Human Bondage tour strongly reflects its identity as a thriving hub of Art, Culture and Entertainment. By supporting this tour, BLR Airport reinforces its commitment to championing live music and creating meaningful cultural experiences.

The series resonates with Air India Express’s ongoing engagement with India’s cultural landscape, reflected in its support for community-led art and music initiatives, including its role as Travel Partner for the recently concluded Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.

Talking about the tour, Rajeev Raja says,

“Growing up in Bengaluru, I had heard stories of the iconic band Human Bondage, which greatly inspired me. As a young musician, Babu Joseph, the band’s vocalist, was also a mentor who encouraged me immensely. I’m delighted to be sharing the stage with the founder members of Human Bondage and bringing alive their music with my band, Rajeev Raja Combine. I’m grateful to Air India Express for supporting this initiative and helping celebrate the legacy of such a defining chapter in the city’s musical journey.”

Henry Babu, founder member and vocalist Human Bondage, “I’m really delighted and excited to be playing with my ex-band mates and Rajeev Raja Combine in Bengaluru, my hometown. Also happy to be playing in Goa and Bombay with RRC, three major cities, where we played in the 70s”

The collaboration also reflects Air India Express’s ‘Tales of India’ initiative, under which every new aircraft tail showcases indigenous art from across the country through distinctive livery, turning the airline’s fleet into flying canvases that celebrate India’s rich artistic heritage.

With music deeply ingrained in its brand essence, Air India Express sees this collaboration as a seamless extension of its sonic identity, created by BrandMusiq. Tribute to Human Bondage becomes a platform to nurture this relationship with music—one that goes beyond campaigns into sustained cultural partnerships.

Tribute to Human Bondage, allows younger audiences to experience rock & roll in its purest form: raw, unfiltered, and alive on stage. The series foregrounds the culture of live music as a shared, physical experience—where musicianship, improvisation, and the energy of the room matter ensuring that the legacy of Indian rock continues to grow rather than simply be remembered.

From celebration to chaos: Rashi’s wedding leaves Pushpa at an emotional breaking point in Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible

 Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible continues to strike a chord with audiences through the inspiring journey of Pushpa (Karuna Pandey), an ordinary woman with extraordinary grit. From a devoted homemaker to a determined lawyer, the show traces her rise against every challenge, as she refuses to be defined by life’s setbacks and remains steadfast in her beliefs and resilience.

In the upcoming episodes, Pushpa’s daughter Rashi (Akshaya Hindalkar) marries Rishabh (Shrey Maradiya) amid intense drama. Before the wedding, Swara (Pari Bhatti) suspects Rishabh of gaslighting Rashi with false promises, including a flat he never intended to buy. When her concerns are dismissed, a furious Swara runs away with Titli (Bhoomi Ramola) to meet her mother Kadambari (Brinda Trivedi) in jail, triggering panic during the wedding. Kadambari manipulates Titli into believing Pushpa was responsible for her father Jugal’s (Anshul Trivedi) death, leading Titli to leave home and move in with Viren (Hemant Kher). Pushpa is left at a painful crossroads as three daughters drift away from her. After the wedding, Rashi begins to see cracks in her marriage as Rishabh continues to emotionally manipulate her.

As Pushpa battles heartbreak on multiple fronts, will she be able to save her daughter trapped in a toxic marriage?

Speaking about the ongoing track, Karuna Pandey, who essays the role of Pushpa, shares, 

“This phase is one of the most painful chapters in Pushpa’s journey. As a mother, watching your children drift away, misunderstand you, and make choices that could hurt them is heartbreaking. Pushpa has always believed in raising strong, independent daughters, but here she realises that empowerment also means knowing when to step in and protect. This track reflects the silent strength of a mother who may be breaking inside, yet refuses to give up on her children or her values.”

Sun Neo Actors Suraj Pratap Singh, Bharat Narang, and Akash Jagga Share Their Resolutions and Positive Goals for 2026

As the year comes to an end, Sun Neo actors are welcoming the New Year with fresh hopes, meaningful resolutions, and a positive mindset. Reflecting on their personal journeys and professional growth, Suraj Pratap Singh, Bharat Narang, and Akash Jagga open up about their New Year promises and goals. Their heartfelt thoughts offer a glimpse into how they are stepping into the New Year with positivity, purpose, and determination to make it brighter and more balanced in the year ahead.

Suraj Pratap Singh means Prem from Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki kahani shared, “For the New Year, I have made one simple promise to myself to take equal care of my body and mind. We often focus on physical fitness but ignore mental health, so this year I want to change that by starting new habits like early-morning yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. As an actor, mental balance is just as important to me as physical fitness because a calm mind helps me stay focused and energetic at work. One bad habit I want to leave behind is eating junk food between shoots. On the sets of my Sun Neo show Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani, we often order outside food during tea or lunch breaks, but now I’ve decided to stick to healthy, home-cooked meals.” 

Bharat Narang who plays Vikrant in Satyaa Sachee says, “First of all, a very Happy New Year to everyone! I wish that this year brings happiness, good health, and success to all. My resolution for 2026 is simple but meaningful. I want to stay happy throughout the year, make my parents feel proud, and spend quality time with them. Professionally, I aim to give my best and help my Sun Neo show “Satya Sachee” become a top show that audiences truly connect with. Most importantly, I want to help animals in every way I can, whether big or small. For me, a kind heart and a healthy mind matter the most; that’s my true goal for the New Year.”

Akash Jagga from Prathaon ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani’s Kundan said, “One important lesson I’m taking from the past year is to stay patient and trust the process, both in life and work. Not everything happens at the pace we expect, but consistency always leads to growth. The best thing that happened to me this year was becoming a part of my Sun Neo show Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani, which has been a truly special journey. My New Year resolution is to focus more on self-growth, maintain a healthy routine, and give my hundred percent to my craft, while continuing to learn and evolve as an actor.”

Watch Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani at 7:30 PM, Satyaa Sachee at 8:00 PM, and Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani at 9:00 PM, only on Sun Neo

Sheela Chamariya’s “Contours of Joy” Exhibition Opens at Triveni Gallery, New Delhi

New Delhi, December 2025: The solo exhibition “Contours of Joy by self-taught sculptor Sheela Chamariya opened at Triveni Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, in a warm and cheerful atmosphere celebrating art, life, and small joys.

The opening was graced by the presence of distinguished guests including Mr. Ashok Lavasa, Ms. Sushma K. Bahl, and H.E. Dr. Janice Darbari, who appreciated the artist’s thoughtful and joyful sculptures. The evening reflected a festive Christmas mood, with guests adding colour and charm to the occasion. Highlights included a guest arriving with a pet kitten in a small carriage and attention-grabbing accessories, such as Ram Rahim’s unique camera-shaped bag.

Sheela Chamariya, with over twenty years of dedication to sculpting, has worked closely with prominent sculptors and completed a short course in Germany. Speaking about her work, she said:

“My work is a reflection of my inner thoughts and an expression of life’s simple joys. I want my sculptures to create emotion, connection, harmony, and rhythm.”

The exhibition celebrates the beauty of simple moments through form and texture, reflecting Sheela’s personality and artistic philosophy. Her works are part of several respected collections worldwide, showcasing her unique approach to sculptural storytelling.

Notable attendees at the opening included Shruti Gupta Chandra, Kanchan Chandra, photographer Manoj Arora, Durga Kainthola, and Mrinali Luthra, among others.

The exhibition continues until 31 December 2025, inviting art lovers and visitors to experience the joy of simple pleasures through Sheela Chamariya’s captivating sculptures.

The Debut India’s Music Scene Has Been Waiting For: Coke Studio Bharat LIVE Takes Over Delhi & Guwahati in January 2026

Coca-Cola is set to create a landmark cultural moment as Coke Studio Bharat LIVE makes its first-ever public debut this January. This January in Delhi and Guwahati, Coke Studio Bharat fans will experience an all-new format that brings together music, food, and cultural expression in a way never seen before.

For the first time, audiences will experience Coke Studio Bharat not on a screen but in real life as a large-scale public showcase created exclusively for music lovers. Designed for India’s youth, the concert opens the world of Coke Studio Bharat to the audience, letting them step into the sound and setting they’ve long connected with, now shared with the artists under one roof.

Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola INSWA, said, 

“Coke Studio Bharat has evolved into a powerful cultural platform where consumers and artists unite around shared passions for music and storytelling, with Coca-Cola at its core. The organic growth of this community over the past seasons has been inspiring, and extending the experience beyond digital into live, immersive spaces was a natural next step for us. With the launch of Coke Studio Bharat LIVE, our ambition is to create culture-shaping, high-impact fan moments that celebrate India’s rich musical heritage in the iconic Coca-Cola way.”

Coke Studio Bharat is built on the belief that India’s truest stories live in its local sounds. It curates folk forms, regional dialects, traditional instruments and new-age styles in combinations that honour where the music comes from while pushing it forward. With CSB LIVE, the platform also aims to bridge culture across generations, reintroducing Gen Z to India’s musical roots through contemporary collaborations that feel fresh, relatable and deeply connected to where the music comes from.

In Delhi, Shreya Ghoshal, Aditya Rikhari, Rashmeet Kaur, Divyam & Khwaab will take the stage, offering a blend of vocal mastery, indie presence and the depth that defines Coke Studio Bharat.

Shreya Ghoshal said,

 “My association with Coca-Cola goes back many years, and being part of Coke Studio Bharat has always felt creatively enriching. CSB has reimagined how India experiences its own music, and stepping onto the stage for the first-ever Coke Studio Bharat LIVE show is truly a privilege. I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with the fans.”

Aditya Rikhari said, 

“Being part of the first-ever Coke Studio Bharat LIVE is a celebration of what music truly means, connection, culture and creative courage. My songs have always been about honesty in feeling and storytelling, and Coke Studio’s spirit of authenticity and experimentation resonates deeply with me. I’m excited to bring my voice into this remarkable cultural moment, share it with audiences in Delhi and continue pushing my own artistic journey in ways that inspire and unite.”

Rashmeet Kaur said, “Coke Studio Bharat LIVE takes the music out of the studio and into a shared moment. Performing it live, in front of an audience, adds a different kind of honesty to the sound, and I’m looking forward to that experience in Delhi.”

The Guwahati showcase will feature Anuv Jain, Shankuraj Konwar, Rito Riba and Anoushka Maskey, each representing a distinct sound and cultural identity.

Anuv Jain said, 

“Coke Studio Bharat LIVE lets us connect with audiences beyond the recording and the screen. Being part of its first-ever live show, and getting to represent my sound on a stage like this feels special. After the love for Arz Kiya Hai, this moment means even more.”

Shankuraj Konwar said, 

“Coke Studio Bharat has created space for regional voices to be heard with pride. Being part of the debut LIVE showcase is an honour, it allows us to bring the culture of the Northeast directly to fans on a national stage and it feels incredible to represent our home in a moment that will stay with us for a long time.”

Rito Riba said,

 “Coke Studio Bharat LIVE gives artists a chance to connect beyond the screen. Performing in Guwahati feels special, it’s about sharing our stories live, where they belong, with people who truly understand them.”

Each collaboration preserves the authenticity of its local roots, bringing artists from across Bharat together to create expressions that reach far beyond geography. The LIVE format is a natural extension of this mission, taking the music off the screen and into a shared cultural experience

“They Know the Characters Literally Better Than the Director”: Arunima Sharma on Directing the Beloved Girl Gang in Prime Video’s Four More Shots Please! Season 4

As Four More Shots Please raised a final toast, the series prepared to bow out with a season that reflected both its legacy and evolution. The International Emmy-nominated Prime Video Original returned for its fourth and final chapter, closing the journey of Damini, Umang, Anjana, and Siddhi with the same emotional honesty and cultural relevance that had defined the show since its debut. Releasing at the cusp of the holiday season, the farewell season positioned itself as a fitting year-end watch for audiences who had grown alongside these characters. Season 4 marked a significant creative transition behind the camera, with Arunima Sharma stepping in as director, joined by long-time collaborator Neha Parti Matiyani as Director-DOP. Together, they inherited a universe deeply shaped by its creators, cast, and crew one built over years of trust, continuity, and lived-in performances. Rather than reinventing the world, the final season leaned into familiarity, emotional depth, and a shared understanding of the characters’ journeys.

For Sharma, one of the biggest strengths of the series lies in its leading women actors who have lived with their characters for years and brought an innate understanding to the final season. Speaking about collaborating with the core cast and the extended ensemble, she said, 

“In this series, what really helps is the four girls. I like Kirti, Sayani, Maanvi, and Bani. They have lived the characters for so long. They know the characters literally better than the director. I have come for season 4, so I came in with full humility. That you girls have lived the characters. And we can always talk about what happened between season 3 and season 4 in their lives, and workshop it. But when they are there, they hardly need any direction because they have become those characters. So, acting-wise challenges were very less. Also, as a director, I would say I have had a lot of fun. The challenges have been less than average on this series.”

Director-DOP Neha Parti Matiyani talks about how the directing of the show has been a cakewalk for her and said, 

“In the third season I did only two episodes, to be fair. Having been in the ecosystem from the beginning, this next move just felt very natural. But having said that I think I didn’t operate from a place of fear because of the immense amount of trust that Rangita, Ishita and PNC had in me and the blind faith that the actors had in me having shot them over the years. So I think that was cakewalk but I’m emotionally very attached to this show. You know how you do a film for 60 days and you move on. This show has been a part of my life for close to a decade. So, I mean it was just a natural transition and it was smooth”

Starring Sayani Gupta, Kirti Kulhari, Bani J, and Maanvi Gagroo in the lead, the finale also sees Prateik Smita Patil, Milind Soman, Rajeev Siddhartha, Lisa Ray, and Ankur Rathee reprising their respective roles, with Dino Morea, Anasuya Sengupta, and Kunaal Roy Kapur joining the cast this season. Produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, Four More Shots Please! Season 4 is created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy, developed and written by Devika Bhagat, with dialogues by Ishita Moitra, and directed by Arunima Sharma and Neha Parti Matiyani. The series is streaming exclusively on Prime Video in India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.