Category: Entertainment

From Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz to Kantar: 5 stories where India’s small-town culture takes centre stage

India’s most powerful stories often rise from its smallest towns – from temple courtyards, riverbanks, dense forests, and bustling bazaars where culture is not performed for spectacle but lived every single day. Across languages and regions, storytellers are returning to these deeply rooted spaces, discovering that when narratives emerge from authentic tradition, they carry an emotional weight that travels far beyond geography.

Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz | Punjab (ZEE5)

Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz immerses viewers in a family of Ragi singers devoted to Sikh customs, where music is prayer and tradition is inheritance. Against this devotional backdrop, the series delicately explores the tension between faith and individuality, as a son grapples with carving his own path without severing the spiritual ties that bind him to his father and community. Punjab here is not just a location but a rhythm, discipline, devotion, and generational memory, shaping every decision and emotional fracture within the family.

Stree | Chanderi (JioHotstar)

In the narrow lanes of Chanderi, Stree transforms local folklore into a wildly entertaining yet culturally sharp narrative. Rooted in the legend of a mysterious female spirit who kidnaps men at night, the film blends horror and humour while subtly examining gender dynamics within a small-town ecosystem. The town’s gossip networks, festive energy, and collective belief systems make the folklore feel lived-in rather than imagined, proving how deeply myths are woven into everyday life in India’s smaller communities.

Kantara | Karnataka (Prime Video)

Moving to coastal Karnataka, Kantara draws from the sacred ritual of Bhoota Kola and Daiva worship, placing indigenous belief systems at the centre of a gripping tale about land, power, and identity. The forests, rituals, and ancestral traditions are not decorative elements but living forces that dictate morality and justice within the community. By grounding its drama in local spiritual practice, Kantara demonstrates how stories born from soil and shrine can achieve both cinematic spectacle and cultural authenticity.

Dashavatar | Konkan (ZEE5)

Along the Konkan coast, Dashavatar (ZEE5) celebrates Maharashtra’s traditional folk theatre form inspired by the ten avatars of Vishnu, while examining the generational shifts that challenge age-old art forms. Notably, the film made history as the first Marathi film to enter Oscar contention in 2026, marking a landmark moment for regional cinema. At its heart lies the emotional journey of an ageing performer confronting changing times, making the story not just about performance but about preserving identity in a rapidly evolving world.

Masaan | Varanasi (Netflix)

On the ghats of Varanasi, Masaan captures the quiet intensity of small-town life where tradition and modern aspiration collide. Set against the sacred rituals along the Ganga, the film sensitively portrays characters negotiating love, loss, caste, and societal expectations. The city’s spiritual weight and conservative social codes shape every conflict, showing how even the most intimate personal struggles are deeply influenced by cultural context.

What connects these stories is their rootedness. India is not a singular narrative but a mosaic of dialects, rituals, landscapes, and inherited belief systems. When filmmakers embrace this diversity whether through Punjab’s devotional music or Chanderi’s folklore, they create stories that feel intimate yet universal. Because when culture is treated not as a backdrop but as a living character, the impact lingers long after.

Tune in to these stories if you want to explore India’s culture even more, Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz now streaming exclusively on ZEE5

Kennedy Actor Aamir Dalvi on Director Anurag Kashyap’s Process: Doing Less Became Everything for This Film

For Aamir Dalvi, stepping onto the set of Kennedy meant stepping into Anurag Kashyap’s way of seeing cinema. It was a space where performance was not pushed, emotions were not explained, and silence was treated as dialogue.

Talking about working with Kashyap, Aamir says the director dismantled many of his instincts as an actor. “Anurag never wanted anything loud or dramatic from me. At first, it’s unsettling, because as actors we’re trained to fill silence, to justify emotion. Here, he was asking me to trust it.”

That trust, Aamir explains, did not come overnight. Even after Anurag sir saw the first shots of the character, the process remained about observation rather than instruction. “He wouldn’t over-explain scenes or spell out emotions. Sometimes he’d just watch and say very little, or in fact nothing. What spoke instead was his smile or a shift in energy. It was like a vibe check after each shot. With sir, you slowly realise he wants the character to exist, not perform. That kind of faith pushes you into uncomfortable territory, but it also frees you.”

It is this approach that shaped Salim Kattawala into a presence rather than a personality. Quiet, controlled, and deeply unsettling, the character never announces himself. “When you stop performing and allow stillness to take over, the character begins to breathe on its own,” Aamir shares. “That’s when it becomes dangerous, because it feels disturbingly real.”

Though Kennedy marks his first Bollywood film as an antagonist, Aamir says working with Kashyap shifted his focus away from labels. “This was my first time playing an antagonist in a Bollywood film, and it came with a certain weight. But Anurag sir never framed it as good or bad. He only spoke about honesty. I kept thinking that if I’m going to be remembered for this, it has to be honest, even the ugly parts.”

That emotional honesty followed him home. “There were days later when I felt heavy and unsettled, even though the scenes were quiet. Nothing dramatic had happened, yet something stayed with me. That’s when I realised the character had entered me quietly, the same way he enters the film.”

He ends with a thought that lingers. “If a character leaves me disturbed and unfinished, I know something has been done right. Salim didn’t leave me soon after the shoot ended. He stayed, and I think that’s exactly what Anurag sir wanted the audience to feel too.”

Starring Rahul Bhat alongside Sunny Leone, Kennedy unfolds as a bleak, immersive noir where survival comes at a cost. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film premieres on ZEE5 on February 20.

Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026 to Celebrate Global Indian Classical Heritage in Kolkata

 Kolkata, India | 19th Feb 2025| 5:00 PM | Rathindra Mancha, Jorasanko Thakurbari

February 17: The prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026 will present an enchanting evening of Indian classical music and dance, celebrating the depth of India’s cultural heritage and its enduring global resonance. The grand cultural gathering is scheduled for 19th February 2025 at 5:00 PM at the iconic Rathindra Mancha, situated within the historic Jorasanko Thakurbari in Kolkata.

The festival is being organised in association with Sarbabharatiya Sangeet O Sanskriti Parishad, reaffirming its commitment to preserving and promoting India’s classical traditions across borders.

A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Cultural Exchange

This year’s Mahotsav brings together eminent maestros, distinguished gurus, and talented performers from India and abroad, creating a powerful platform for artistic exchange and cultural unity.

Featured Performances Include:

Tabla Solo Recital by Vidwan Florian Schiertz

Vandana, Sur Sanchari Sangeet Vidyalaya, Krishnanagar

Direction: Vidushi Jaya Biswas

Vocal & Instrumental Performances by:

Vidushi Mitali Bhawmik (Vocal)

Shri Monit Paul Bharatha (Sarod Recital)

Shri Subhajit Dutta (Bharatanatyam)

Nritya Malancha Group Presentation

Kuchipudi Performance by Ms. Ipshita Chakraborty

Classical Dance Performances by:

Smt. Debdatta Lahiri (Odissi)

Smt. Trisha Pal Das (Kathak)

Co-Artists:

Pt. Amit Chatterjee

Shri Tapas Guha Thakurata

Dr. Kamalaksha Mukherjee

The evening will be gracefully anchored by Smt. Sonali Chattopadhyay, ensuring an engaging and seamless cultural experience for the audience.

Honouring Tradition in a Historic Venue

Hosting the festival at Jorasanko Thakurbari — the ancestral home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore — adds profound cultural significance to the occasion. The venue stands as a symbol of Bengal’s artistic and intellectual legacy, making it an ideal setting for this grand celebration of classical arts.

Strengthening Cultural Bridges

The Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav aims to:

Promote Indian classical music and dance globally

Provide a platform for established and emerging artists

Foster cultural dialogue between resident and diaspora communities

Encourage youth participation in traditional art forms

Through this initiative, the organisers reaffirm their commitment to sustaining India’s artistic heritage while embracing contemporary global audiences.

The event is proudly supported by Shreyas Webmedia Solutions Pvt Ltd.

Invitation

Art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, patrons of classical arts, and members of the media are cordially invited to attend this distinguished cultural evening and witness a confluence of rhythm, melody, and movement.

Contact & RSVP

RSVP: SWARANJALI

📞 9910300319

🌐 www.swaranjali.org

🌐 www.sssparishad.org

Anirudh Ravichander Unveils Albuquerque Records, Expanding His Footprint Beyond Film Music

February 17: After more than a decade of reshaping Indian film music with award-winning background scores, chart-topping albums, and viral anthems, renowned composer and performer Anirudh Ravichander has announced the launch of Albuquerque Records, an artist-owned music label that marks a defining new chapter in his creative journey. The label is designed to build a rich catalogue across film and non-film music (POP) music, while also serving as a platform for nurturing original voices and championing the future of regional POP.

From the viral breakthrough of Why This Kolaveri Di to trend-setting soundtracks across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, Anirudh has built one of the most recognisable musical identities in Indian entertainment. Albuquerque Records marks his next creative leap, moving beyond composing and performing to building a long-term music business rooted in ownership, independence, and original storytelling. Conceived as a home for both film and non-film music, the label will initially release select original soundtracks (OSTs) from Anirudh’s film projects, along with all his non-film music (POP) releases. It will also introduce a new generation of emerging artists, with a focus on shaping contemporary regional POP culture that reflects evolving audiences and creative voices.

Albuquerque Records business and operations will be headed by Mr. B Kaushik as Label Head & COO. Kaushik brings over 15 years of experience across South Indian film music and non-film music (POP), having previously headed POP at Sony Music India – South. His professional association with Anirudh dates back to the Kolaveri era.

“This is an important step for me, both creatively and strategically,” said Anirudh Ravichander, Founder, Albuquerque Records.

“This is an important step for me, both creatively and strategically,” said Anirudh Ravichander, Founder, Albuquerque Records. “Albuquerque Records is my entry into building a music business around creativity, ownership, and cultural impact. Before films, I was deeply invested in independent music, and this label gives me a home for both my film and non-film work while also supporting new, talented artists who deserve to be seen and heard. We want to build a strong catalogue, introduce original voices, and fuel a brand that pushes the regional POP culture forward. To begin with, select OST projects of mine will be released under the label, along with all my POP music.”

On appointing Mr. B Kaushik as Label Head & COO. Anirudh Ravichander, further shared

“Kaushik and I have come a long way since the Kolaveri days, and he understands both the creative and business side of this industry. Having him lead the label gives me confidence that we can build something meaningful and lasting together.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. B Kaushik, Label Head & COO, Albuquerque Records,

“I’m beyond excited to be a part of this journey at Albuquerque Records. Partnering with a visionary like Anirudh feels incredibly timely, especially as the industry moves toward an artist-driven ecosystem. Together, we’re determined to build a label that focuses on collaboration, artistic excellence, and developing sustainable careers for artists, while building a strong and scalable catalogue.”

Positioned at the intersection of creativity and commerce, Albuquerque Records aims to address the growing demand for artist-owned platforms in India by combining creative independence with structured business leadership, unlocking new opportunities for both established and emerging talent.

Ayshankar Tripathi Hails &TV’s Hey Bhagwaan as Divine Blessing This Mahashivratri

As Mahashivratri draws near, actor Jayshankar Tripathi finds himself embracing a moment that feels divinely timed. A devoted Shiv bhakt at heart, Jayshankar shares a deep spiritual bond with Lord Mahadev one that guides his personal life as much as his artistic journey. This year, the festival holds even greater significance for him, as he prepares to step into the role of Mahesh Sharma in &TV’s upcoming divine dramedy Hey Bhagwaan Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan a project he considers nothing short of a blessing from above.

Sharing his thoughts on the sacred occasion, Jayshankar Tripathi playing Mahesh Sharma says,

“Mahashivratri has been an integral part of my life since childhood. I have always been a devoted Mahadev bhakt and follow the rituals of fasting, prayers, and night-long devotion with complete faith. This year feels especially divine because in my upcoming show Hey Bhagwaan Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan, Mahadev is portrayed as a companion and guiding presence for my character. Being part of a show that reflects my personal beliefs feels like Mahadev’s blessing itself. I truly believe he has guided me to this project, and I thank him for trusting me with such a meaningful role.”

Talking about the festive rituals he adds,

“Every year in Mahashivratri, I observe a strict fast and begin my day with chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya.’  I make it a point to visit the temple with my family, where we perform jal and milk abhishek on the Shivling and offer bel patra, dhatura, and flowers. There is something incredibly peaceful about standing together in prayer and seeking Mahadev’s blessings. We also stay awake late into the night, listening to bhajans and reflecting on His teachings. These rituals keep me grounded and remind me of the immense faith and strength Lord Shiva brings into my life.”

Atlantis Dubai Champions Ocean Conservation with Shark & Stingray Release

Dubai, Feb 16: Atlantis Dubai, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to ocean conservation through the Atlantis Atlas Project, partnered with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) to release five Honeycomb Stingrays and eight Arabian Carpet Sharks into the Arabian Gulf at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary. The initiative also included a beach clean-up and hands-on educational experiences for 25 local school pupils, aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Launched in 2021, the Atlantis Atlas Project is Atlantis Dubai’s flagship sustainability programme, built around four pillars: responsible tourism, environmental conservation, community engagement, and social impact. The project underscores the resort’s long-term dedication to protecting marine ecosystems while fostering positive change in local communities.

HE Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General, Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, commented,

“Marine biodiversity is one of our most valuable resources. Protecting it requires science-led initiatives, strong partnerships, and early community engagement. The Atlantis Atlas Project exemplifies how conservation, education, and responsible tourism can come together to safeguard Dubai’s marine environment.”

The release is part of Atlantis Dubai’s Honeycomb Stingray breeding programme, which since 2019 has successfully contributed to the release of 73 Arabian Carpet Sharks and 17 Honeycomb Stingrays into the wild. Each animal, aged between six months and five years, was raised at the Lost World Aquarium and carefully prepared for life in the wild, including health assessments, independent foraging, and interaction with compatible marine species.

Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations, Atlantis Dubai, said, “With over one third of shark, ray, and chimera species threatened with extinction, conservation action has never been more critical. Initiatives like this release allow us to support local marine populations while educating future generations on the role they can play in protecting our oceans. True impact begins with awareness, collaboration, and long-term commitment.”

Following the release, Atlantis Dubai colleagues, DECCA representatives, and participating students conducted a beach clean-up, reinforcing lessons on responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.

Atlantis Dubai has consistently demonstrated leadership in sustainable tourism, earning top-tier EarthCheck certifications, Gold Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamps, and the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge. The resort’s newly redeveloped Lost World Aquarium, home to 65,000 marine animals, serves as a key educational hub to raise awareness about marine conservation.

As part of its ongoing contribution to environmental initiatives, Atlantis Dubai donates USD $1 from every marine animal experience booked to support conservation and sustainability projects, raising over half a million dollars since June 2021.

Poland in Focus at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival

Bengaluru | Feb 13- The 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes 2026) proudly presented Poland as its Focus Country, celebrating a vibrant showcase of Polish cinema and strengthening cultural ties between Poland and India.

The festival opened in Bengaluru with distinguished guests, including the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. Siddaramaiah, who welcomed the delegation from Poland and underscored his appreciation for the country’s rich cinematic heritage. Also present were Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Polish Institute in New Delhi, and Mr. Raghu Rajappa, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Bengaluru.

Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak at the Opening Ceremony of the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival

A highlight of this year’s programme was a Centenary Tribute Retrospective dedicated to the legendary Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda, whose decades-long career profoundly shaped global cinema. Landmark works such as Kanal, Ashes and Diamonds, The Promised Land, Man of Marble, Maids of Wilko and Afterimage were presented, offering Indian audiences a rare and immersive journey into Wajda’s visionary body of work.

Complementing this retrospective was a carefully curated selection of contemporary Polish films, introducing festivalgoers to the vitality and diversity of modern Polish filmmaking. Featured titles included Chopin, Chopin (dir. M. Kwieciński), Franz (dir. Agnieszka Holland), Under the Volcano (dir. Damian Kocur) — Poland’s official Oscar entry — and the acclaimed documentary Letters from Wolf Street.

The Polish delegation also enriched the festival’s professional programme. Ms. Joanna Łapińska, Artistic Director of the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia, served as a jury member for the Asian Cinema Competition, while director Damian Kocur led a Directing Masterclass titled From Short Films to First Features: Finding a Language. The masterclass explored creative process, narrative voice, and cinematic storytelling for emerging filmmakers.

A special panel discussion, Polish Cinema and the Andrzej Wajda Legacy: Art, History, Cinema and Identity, was held on January 30, bringing together scholars and practitioners to reflect on cinema as a medium of cultural memory, social history, and artistic expression. The session highlighted the enduring impact of Polish cinema on audiences worldwide.

One of the festival’s most heartfelt moments came with the screening of Letters from Wolf Street, a documentary by Indian-born filmmaker Arjun Talwar. The film — set on a one-kilometre street in Warsaw — explores themes of migration, identity, and belonging, resonating deeply with viewers and emphasizing cinema’s power to bridge cultures.

By bringing together the timeless legacy of Poland’s cinematic giants and the innovative voices of contemporary filmmakers, BIFFes 2026 offered audiences a rich, panoramic view of Polish cinema — past, present, and future. 

On World Unani Day, Discovery Channel Premieres ‘Unani Ki Kahaani’ Documentary Narrated by Actor Jim Sarbh

Chandigarh, Feb 12: Marking World Unani Day, Unani Ki Kahaani, a new documentary narrated by actor Jim Sarbh, is set to premiere today exclusively on the Discovery Channel at 7:00 PM. The film showcases Unani medicine not merely as a traditional system, but as a philosophy of health that continues to hold relevance in a modern world grappling with chronic illness, lifestyle disorders, and fragmented approaches to care.

Produced in collaboration with Hamdard Laboratories, Unani Ki Kahaani traces the evolution of Unani medicine, from its origins in ancient Greece to its development and practice on Indian soil. Through this journey, the documentary raises fundamental questions: What does it really mean to be healthy? Why are symptoms being managed but not cured?

At its core, the film explores Unani’s foundational belief in the balance of body, mind, spirit, and environment rather than viewing disease in isolation. The documentary also reflects on moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when India looked not only towards modern medicine, but also inward, towards its own long-standing systems of care and preventive wisdom.

Jim Sarbh’s narration lends a contemporary tone to the storytelling, guiding viewers through complex ideas with curiosity, and allowing the subject to unfold with clarity and depth.

Speaking on the documentary, Mr. Abdul Majeed, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Hamdard Laboratories, said, “Unani Ki Kahaani is an attempt to reflect on healing as a larger idea that looks beyond symptoms to balance, prevention, and long-term wellbeing. On World Unani Day, the documentary invites viewers to revisit a system of medicine that has quietly evolved with time, while staying rooted in nature and human understanding. Through Unani medicine, we are committed to help everyone improve their overall health and understand that healing is not just about fixing what is broken, but restoring harmony.”

Talking about his experience, Actor Jim Sarbh said, “Narrating Unani Ki Kahaani was a learning experience. I was struck by how this system of medicine connects history, culture, and the idea of living in balance.”

The narrative weaves together historical figures such as Hippocrates and Ibn Sina, alongside Indian pioneers including Hakim Ajmal Khan, Hafiz Abdul Majeed, and Hakeem Abdul Hameed, highlighting how Unani evolved as a living, adaptive system shaped by multiple civilizations and cultures.

The documentary features voices from across modern medicine, Ayurveda, Unani practice, academic research, and public health institutions of national importance. Through this, it brings together diverse perspectives to examine how traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare can coexist with each other. The documentary aims to make these ideas accessible to today’s audiences, particularly younger viewers seeking context, depth, and holistic healing to all their health issues.

Unani Ki Kahaani premieres today, February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM, exclusively on the Discovery Channel.

Gurdas Maan Announces ‘Live Like Never Before’ Concert in Mumbai

India, 13th February 2026- Mumbai is set to witness an extraordinary cultural moment as veteran Punjabi music icon Gurudas Maan returns to the city for a one-night-only exclusive live concert on 21st March 2026 at NESCO Center. Produced and promoted by EVA Live, this landmark event marks the maestro’s highly anticipated return following his last Mumbai appearance at a special Baisakhi Night concert in 2024, and stands as his only India performance during this global touring cycle a rare and unrepeatable experience for audiences.

Titled ‘Gurdas Maan – Live Like Never Before’, the premium outing has been conceived as a singular, immersive evening that transcends the traditional live music format. Known worldwide as a living legend, Gurdas Maan’s concerts are celebrated for their emotional depth, cultural authenticity and electrifying energy. Backed by a formidable 11-member live band, the performance unfolds as a richly layered journey through Punjabi folk music, poetry and heritage. The production is expected to feature a pind-inspired stage aesthetic, evoking the warmth and nostalgia of old-school Punjab, while incorporating elements such as Bhangra, Giddha and Gatka, transforming the concert into a full-scale cultural celebration that typically extends beyond two hours.

The carefully curated setlist is expected to traverse the breadth of his iconic repertoire, weaving together timeless anthems such as Challa, Apna Punjab Hove, Ki Banu Duniya Da, and Sajna Ve Sajna with deeply soulful compositions like Peer Tere Jaan Di and Raati Chann Naal Gallan Karkey. Audiences can also expect celebrated classics including Mamla Garbar Hai, Dil Da Mamla, and Hasdi De Dand Ginda, alongside newer, conceptual material from the Sound of Soil album and contemporary Lofi and Trap reinterpretations of his legendary works. The result is a concert experience that honors tradition while embracing evolution.

Gurdas Maan states,

“I have been blessed to perform many times in Mumbai and across the country, and every show has given me immense love and audiences have embraced me with warmth. But this upcoming event is special larger in scale, richer in production and designed to offer a brand new live experience that audiences haven’t seen before. This show marks the first in a series of many more that will be announced soon.”

Deepak Choudhary, Founder and Managing Director, EVA Live states,

“Gurdas Maan saab is in the midst of a major global run, and bringing him to Mumbai for a single, exclusive night was a conscious decision to preserve its rarity and emotional weight. There will be no second date, and that is exactly what makes this evening extraordinary. The event is poised to be a night that celebrates legacy, culture and the power of the classics.”

Tickets for this exclusive showcase will be available exclusively on District by Zomato. The Mastercard Presale is now live which will run from until the 14th February 2026 at 12:00 PM IST. General ticket sales will open on 14th February 2026 at 12:30 PM IST onwards.

‘Gurdas Maan – Live Like Never Before’ is co-promoted by BBP, powered by Mastercard and co-powered by Vijay Sales and Teacher’s Packaged Drinking Water, with Bollywood Music Project as the experience partner.

Over the past year, Gurdas Maan has continued to captivate audiences globally through acclaimed concert series including ‘Sound Of Soil’ and ‘Yaar Punjabi’, both lauded for their conceptual depth and emotional resonance. Building on this momentum, he is now set to headline the ‘Soul Of Punjab’ Canada Tour 2026, with announced dates across Brampton, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, beginning on March 28, 2026 and running through April 2026. Positioned just days before the launch of this major international tour, the Mumbai concert assumes heightened significance a standalone performance that bridges his recent artistic explorations with what lies ahead on the global stage.