Rajesh Wagle takes on a new identity in Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’ as Venkat Swami Raju!
Mumbai, May 1, 2025: Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey’ continues to win hearts with its relatable middle-class struggles and heartwarming family moments. In recent episodes, Kiara (Anju Jadhav) experiments with an AI app to create her “dream man” — only to be shocked when the app generates the face of Rajesh Wagle (Sumeet Raghavan). Though she quietly saves the image, Rajesh accidentally stumbles upon it, sparking his confusion and panic. Things take a comical turn when Kiara unexpectedly spots Rajesh at a café during work hours, prompting him to lie about the man she saw being his lookalike, a Tamilian named Venkat Swami Raju.
In upcoming episodes, as the situation spirals as Dakku (Deepak Pareek) helps Rajesh transform into the fictional ‘Venkat’, complete with mannerisms and a convincing disguise. But trouble deepens when Kiara confides in Vandana (Pariva Pranati), revealing that she once saw Rajesh as her ideal match, but now believes Venkat is her true soulmate. Unaware of the truth, she even plans to propose to him. Things get further complicated when Vandana expresses her desire to meet this mysterious lookalike and invites him home to meet the Wagle family.
How will Rajesh handle this tangled mess? Can he be both Rajesh and Raju at once — especially when both are expected to appear at the same time? The upcoming episodes promise a fun, quirky ride filled with mistaken identities, chaos, and classic Wagle-style humour.
Sumeet Raghvan, who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle, said, “Honestly, the Venkat Swami Raju track has been such a riot! Imagine Rajesh who is always so proper now pretending to be a Tamilian person. Not many know this, but I’m Tamilian in real life, so slipping into Venkat Swamy Raju’s skin felt easy, nostalgic and entertaining. Rajesh trying to hold this lie together while everything spirals, is classic Wagle chaos, and I think families are really going to enjoy watching it play out.”
Reliance Fashion World Joins Hands with Francorp to Accelerate Pan-India Franchise Expansion
New Delhi, 30th April 2025: Reliance Retail’s Fashion World has announced a strategic partnership with Francorp, India’s leading franchise consulting firm, to drive the nationwide expansion of its latest high-street fashion format, Fashion World. This alliance marks a significant milestone in democratizing fashion across India and empowering small and mid-sized entrepreneurs.
Fashion World by Reliance is poised to revolutionize India’s fashion retail landscape with its unique “Invest. Own. Operate. Grow.” model, aimed at tapping the vast potential of the unorganized retail market. The brand offers franchise partners an unmatched opportunity to operate stores that carry a curated portfolio of Reliance Retail’s best-performing fashion labels across apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Fashion World brings to market a dynamic “Invest. Own. Operate. Grow.” model, enabling franchisees to capitalize on the strength of Reliance Retail’s most successful fashion labels across apparel, footwear, and accessories. Built on a robust B2B backbone through AJIO Business—which offers access to over 3 lakh styles—the format promises franchisees an unmatched opportunity to participate in India’s booming fashion consumption story.
Backed by Reliance’s retail acumen and Francorp’s franchise development expertise, this collaboration aims to transform India’s fragmented fashion market into a more organized, inclusive, and profitable sector. Fashion World envisions reaching over 200 million consumers across 500 cities over the next five years.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India Group, said: “This partnership with Reliance Fashion World is not just a collaboration—it’s a movement to empower local retailers, create inclusive entrepreneurship, and expand the frontiers of organized fashion retail. With Reliance’s unmatched retail prowess and Francorp’s franchise development expertise, we are laying the foundation for the next big retail revolution in India.”
Fashion World franchise formats include Family Stores (3000+ sq. ft.) and Specialty Stores (1000 sq. ft.), offering partners flexibility in investment and scalability. With support ranging from store design and merchandise curation to marketing and seasonal promotions, the model is engineered for profitable growth.
Entrepreneurs with retail acumen, local market knowledge, and a drive to deliver exceptional customer experiences are invited to be a part of this high-growth journey with India’s largest fashion retailer.
Sachet Parampara Announce Their Debut India Tour
India, April 30, 2025 – The Indian live event landscape is set to be painted with the vibrant hues of Sachet Parampara’s soulful soundscapes as the celebrated Indian music directors and singers announce their most ambitious multi-city India tour to date, aptly titled the ‘Raanjhan India Tour,’ as “Raanjhan” is dominating the top charts worldwide. This extensive musical odyssey, meticulously produced and presented by Team Innovation, promises to immerse audiences in a tapestry of their chart-topping hits and emotionally resonant compositions, offering unforgettable experiences with their soulful music that connects with the inner soul.
Sachet and Parampara Tandon, legends of the new era and the only musical duo that has defined contemporary Bollywood romance and ignited independent music fervor, have cultivated a devoted following through their distinctive fusion of modern sonic textures with the timeless essence of Indian musical traditions. Their compelling stage presence and the profound emotional depth of their songs have firmly established them as leading voices in the nation’s vibrant music scene.
The 10-city Raanjhan India Tour, taking its name from their deeply cherished and chart-topping romantic ballad from Do Patti, is envisioned as both an intimate and expansive exploration of Sachet Parampara’s musical universe. Attendees can anticipate a carefully curated setlist weaving together their high-energy film anthems with deeply moving ballads such as Raanjhan Do Patti, Mahiya Do Patti, Bekhayali, Mere Mehboob, Maiyya Mainu, Malang Sajna, Mere Sohneya, Shiv Tandav, Ram Siya Ram, Muqabla, Humraah, Pal Pal Dil Ke Pas amongst others.
The initial leg of this nationwide tour, spanning across two months, will commence with Mumbai in May 2025, followed by a series of captivating performances across key cities such as Pune, Surat, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, New Delhi, Goa, and culminate with Bengaluru in July 2025.
Sachet Parampara states, “Raanjhan is more than just a tour for us; it’s a deeply personal and incredibly exciting opportunity to connect directly with our fans across India and share the music that defines our artistic journey. We aim to pour soulful music into every heart that craves for inner light and deep music. We’ve meticulously curated a larger-than-life show that we believe will be a vibrant tapestry of emotions and music, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Team Innovation to bring this dream to life.”
Mohit Bijlani, Co-Founder, Team Innovation states, “We are deeply honoured to collaborate with the extraordinary musical artistry of Sachet Parampara for their most ambitious India tour, ‘Raanjhan.’ Their profound connection with audiences and their exceptional musicality deeply resonate with our commitment to crafting unforgettable live experiences. We are dedicated to producing a tour that not only showcases their remarkable talent but also establishes a new benchmark for concert production in India.”
For ticket information and further details please visit www.bookmyshow.com
Sachet Parampara, the musical entity of Sachet and Parampara Tandon, has significantly impacted India’s sonic landscape as accomplished music directors & singers. Formed after their participation in The Voice India 2015, their synergy has redefined modern Indian music. A prominent force in Bollywood, they’ve lent their artistry to numerous films, including Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Bhoomi, Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se, Kabir Singh, Arjun Patiala, Jabariya Jodi, Saaho, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Tanhaji, Street Dancer 3D, Malang, Baaghi 3, Shiddat, Hum Do Hamare Do, Satyameva Jayate 2, Jersey, Hurdang, Adipurush, Gumraah, Starfish, Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay, Srikanth, Do Patti, Nadaaniyan and Raid 2. Their journey from independent artists to celebrated performers exemplifies their passion, love for deep music and influence in Indian music.
Tour Details
23rd May 2025 – Mumbai 31st May 2025- Pune 1st June 2025 – Surat 7th June 2025 – Jaipur 14th June 2025 – Hyderabad 29th June 2025 – Ahmedabad 5th July 2025 – Lucknow 6th July 2025 – New Delhi 18th July 2025 – Goa 19th July 2025 – Bengaluru
FICCI Celebrates World IP Day, Spotlights India’s Music Industry
New Delhi: FICCI celebrated World Intellectual Property (IP) Day in New Delhi with the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP.” The aim of the event was to recognize India’s rapidly growing music industry and appreciate the contributions of artists, music companies, and platforms that are advancing the country’s creative sector. The event also addressed challenges faced by the music community.
Speaking on the occasion, singer Shibani Kashyap said, “I envision a future where royalties form a significant part of an artist’s income — ideally 50% from royalties and 50% from live shows — so that artists can gain both financial stability and due recognition.” The event began with renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar, who stated in his address that India has immense creative potential which needs proper direction and encouragement.
The panel discussion featured several notable figures including Atul Churamani, leading lawyer Priyanka Khimani, film director Mayur Puri, eminent IP lawyer Pravin Anand, Sanjay Tandon, and independent artist-singer-composer-live performer Shibani Kashyap. The panel shared insights on the role of Intellectual Property (IP) and the challenges artists face in the digital age.
Representing the Bollywood music industry at the FICCI World IP Day 2025, Shibani Kashyap emphasized the importance of Intellectual Property in the creative world. She said, “As an artist, I believe it is vital to connect fellow musicians with organizations like IPRS, which can protect their work and ensure income. Royalties can provide artists with financial security, much like a fixed deposit, along with rightful credit for their creations.”
ekincare Secures Investment from MSD IDEA Studio to Boost Digital Health in India
Hyderabad, 30th April, 2025 – ekincare, India’s leading AI-powered integrated digital health gateway, announces the raising of a strategic, undisclosed investment led by global healthcare leader MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) through MSD IDEA Studio Asia Pacific, an initiative by the MSD Global Health Innovation Fund (MGHIF). The round also saw participation from ekincare’s existing investor, HealthQuad, a venture capital fund focused on healthcare innovation. This investment round will empower ekincare to advance its mission of revolutionizing corporate primary and preventive healthcare through AI-driven, personalized Outpatient Department (OPD) solutions.
Founded in 2015 by Kiran Kalakuntla, Co-Founder & CEO, Srikanth Samudrala, Co-Founder & CTO, Noel Coutinho, Co-Founder & CBO, ekincare has emerged as a leader in integrated digital health solutions. The platform leverages AI, data analytics, and telemedicine to make preventive healthcare more personalized and accessible. Since its inception, ekincare has partnered with over 1,000 companies and built a network of 40,000+ healthcare providers across India.
“Healthcare in India is at a turning point. Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, demand for preventive care is growing, and digital solutions are becoming a necessity. This investment from MSD IDEA Studio, with continued support from HealthQuad, is a visionary step forward for us. Their expertise in medicines, vaccines, and digital health, combined with our AI-driven, customer-centric approach, will help us deliver seamless, personalized healthcare to millions”, said Kiran Kalakuntla, Co-founder & CEO of ekincare.
With this investment, ekincare aims to expand its cashless OPD network and enhance AI-powered analytics to drive better preventive care, chronic disease management, and employee wellness outcomes. Over the last five years, from 2020 to 2025, ekincare has grown its corporate client base tenfold as organizations increasingly recognize the value of preventive health benefits, expanded the range of services and benefits offered by four-fold to address diverse healthcare requirements, increased its network coverage by six times to improve accessibility and reach, and onboarded 11x more healthcare and wellness partners to deliver integrated, end-to-end care solutions. This sustained growth reflects the company’s deep commitment to building a future-ready, scalable healthcare infrastructure that meets the demands of India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.
“We see strong potential in our investment in ekincare to accelerate the shift toward personalised and preventive healthcare in India by harnessing the power of technology for both individuals and enterprises,” said Saumick Pal, Head of Digital, Data Analytics & Innovation, MSD Asia Pacific. He added, “India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem is not only growing rapidly but also redefining healthcare through bold innovation and entrepreneurial energy. At MSD, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality care, and investments in platforms like ekincare reflect our belief that scalable, tech-enabled solutions can make healthcare more proactive, affordable, and inclusive. We look forward to supporting visionary start-ups like ekincare that are reshaping the future of health in India by making it more accessible.”
HealthQuad, a leading healthcare-focused venture capital fund, has been instrumental in supporting health-tech startups transforming the Indian healthcare landscape. Ajay Mahipal, Partner at HealthQuad, said, “ekincare’s AI-powered platform is at the forefront of digital health innovation. Our investment will support their mission of integrating preventive care into the everyday lives of individuals and enterprises, enhancing affordability and access to quality healthcare.”
Adrift Kaya at JW Marriott New Delhi Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
Adrift Kaya, one of New Delhi’s finest modern Japanese dining destinations, is set to mark a milestone moment in its culinary journey. This May, as the restaurant celebrates three years of epicurean excellence, it promises an unparalleled gastronomic experience, unlike anything the capital has seen before.
A milestone celebration calls for a landmark event, and this year, Adrift Kaya is bringing together two Michelin-starred icons—Chef David Myers and Chef Masa Ishibashi—for an exclusive four-hands collaboration. For the first time ever, Delhi will witness two culinary greats crafting a menu that fuses innovation with deep-rooted tradition, redefining the city’s fine-dining landscape.
Meet the Icons
Chef David Myers – The Gypsy Chef’s Take on Japanese Cuisine A Michelin-starred chef, global restaurateur, and culinary innovator, David Myers—widely known as the Gypsy Chef—has shaped dining experiences across Los Angeles, Singapore, Tokyo, and Dubai. With a philosophy that celebrates bold flavors and ingredient-driven cuisine, Chef Myers has established Adrift Kaya as a leading name in New Delhi’s culinary scene, introducing the city to a modern, Izakaya-style dining experience. His dedication to craftsmanship and boundary-pushing creativity makes him the perfect collaborator for this momentous occasion.
Chef Masa Ishibashi – The Master of Edomae Sushi Joining him is Chef Masa Ishibashi, a revered master of Edomae-style sushi, a tradition dating back over 200 years to the Edo period. Born into a family of sushi chefs, Chef Ishibashi has spent decades honing his craft, elevating Edomae sushi to an art form that blends precision, history, and innovation.
His illustrious career includes multiple Michelin stars, with accolades spanning Tokyo, Singapore, and Malaysia. As the driving force behind Sushi Masa in Tokyo’s prestigious Ginza district, as well as other celebrated restaurants in Asia, Chef Ishibashi is known for his exceptional precision, dedication to seasonality, and use of the finest Japanese ingredients. His philosophy treats sushi as a performance art—where every movement, every cut, and every plate tells a story of heritage and mastery.
A Feast of Innovation and Tradition
For the first time in New Delhi, these two culinary powerhouses will join forces to curate an eight-course dining experience that seamlessly blends contemporary Japanese innovation with time-honored sushi traditions. Chef Masa will showcase his signature Edomae sushi, meticulously prepared using traditional techniques such as aging, curing, and marination to enhance flavours and textures. Crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan, this menu will offer guests a rare chance to savor an authentic, world-class sushi experience in the heart of the capital.
Known for their meticulous craftsmanship and respect for traditional techniques, this epicurean collaboration of 2 culinary legends is a tribute to the past, enhanced by modern innovation and a befitting milestone celebration for Adrift Kaya.
Exclusive Collaboration Dinner Details
Dates: 2nd & 3rd May, 2025
Time: 7 PM – Midnight (last seating at 9 PM)
This once-in-a-lifetime dining experience is set to be one of the most sought-after reservations in Delhi’s fine-dining history.
Badshah Stuns With His Solo Dance Moves In ‘Galiyon Ke Ghalib’
India, 30th April 2025– Critically acclaimed Indian musical innovator Badshah, via his avant-garde imprint Pentertainment 0075, unleashes new era in hypnotic synth-pop stunner ‘Galiyon Ke Ghalib,’ a standout track from his profoundly intimate and sonically expansive five-track EP, ‘Fitoor.’
The release marks a watershed moment in Badshah‘s artistic evolution as he not only delivers a relentlessly infectious anthem characterized by incisive lyrical storytelling, street sensibility and dynamic production, but also unveils his dynamic dance skills for the first time in the song’s catchy music video, showcasing his signature swagger and effortless flow.
The meticulously constructed sonic journey of ‘Fitoor’ reaches its zenith with ‘Galiyon Ke Ghalib,’ a track that exemplifies Badshah‘s brilliance in crafting dance floor anthems. The accompanying music video amplifies this auditory experience, radiating raw, unbridled energy as it spotlights Badshah‘s dynamic solo dance debut, bringing his signature swagger to life through movement and rhythm.
Badshah shares, “‘Fitoor’ represents a pivotal moment in my artistic journey, a profound exploration of self and sound where I’ve shed the constraints of expectation to embrace creative autonomy. ‘Galiyon Ke Ghalib‘ is a testament to this metamorphosis, a track that embodies the raw experimental energy I’ve always strived for, fueled by a primal love for hip-hop and the kaleidoscopic culture that has shaped and defined my unique creative expression. It’s an unapologetic expression of my artistry, and I hope will resonate with listeners on a visceral level. This is Badshah, unfiltered and unbound.”
‘Fitoor,’ meaning passion or obsession, transcends the typical EP format; it is Badshah‘s deeply personal musical bildungsroman, a revealing letter to his past, present and future selves that highlights his multifaceted talents as a singer-songwriter, rapper, and visionary record producer. Designed to resonate globally, ‘Fitoor’ is a meticulously composed artistic statement that blends evocative storytelling with cutting-edge sonic textures and visionary visuals. Through innovative, genre-bending arrangements and groundbreaking production techniques, Badshah aspires to elevate Desi Hip-Hop onto the global stage, pushing its sonic and thematic frontiers while remaining deeply committed to its essential spirit. The EP invites listeners to embark on an immersive journey through Badshah‘s personal odyssey, witnessing the birth of a bold new artistic paradigm.
The EP’s narrative tapestry begins with ‘Dear Aditya,’ a profoundly poignant overture that establishes the deeply personal themes explored throughout. This raw and emotionally resonant track unfolds as an intimate epistolary address to Badshah‘s younger self, Aditya Prateek Sisodia, offering an unvarnished glimpse into his formative years and the trials that shaped him. ‘Dear Aditya’ is a cri de coeur, grappling with ambition, resilience, and the paradoxes inherent in artistic greatness, enhanced by a visually arresting music video that interweaves past and present to create an atmosphere of reflection and emotional catharsis.
In stark contrast, ‘Blessed’ emerges as a vibrant and sophisticated paean, a dynamic testament to gratitude intertwined with a declaration of personal triumph. Introspective reflection meets infectious rhythms as Badshah acknowledges the blessings that propelled his ascent to the zenith of the Indian music industry. His signature verbal virtuosity is meticulously arranged atop pulsating rhythms and cutting-edge sonic textures, celebrating his triumphs and affirming his stature as a dominant creative force, complemented by visuals filmed amidst Nepal’s serene landscapes.
‘Velvet Flow’ boldly departs from the emotionally charged tones of its predecessors, asserting itself as a seductive yet authentic declaration of hip-hop pride. Seamlessly blending Badshah‘s distinctive rap with the alluring undertones of contemporary R&B, it reveals the raw essence of the genre. Replete with unapologetically bold lyrics, ‘Velvet Flow’ showcases Badshah at his most unfiltered, diving headfirst into themes of dominance and unwavering self-assurance, amplified by a music video touching upon success and the unapologetic enjoyment of life lived to the fullest.
‘Fitoor’ is Badshah unleashed—unfiltered, uninhibited, and unapologetically authentic. This EP marks a transformative moment in his career, inviting listeners from every corner of the globe to embark on a shared journey of self-discovery and sonic exploration, cementing his place as one of South Asia’s most powerful cultural exports.
Tracklist
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Dear Aditya
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Blessed
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Velvet Flow
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Galiyon Ke Ghalib
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Jordan
Gold Poised for 5-Year Rally as Global Uncertainty Rises, Says Expert
By – Mr. Sandip Raichura, CEO – Retail Broking and Distribution, Director – PL Broking and Distribution.
“Gold is shining as brightly as ever as uncertainty for the globe rises , dollar possibly will remain weaker yet India finds itself in a sweet spot of global macros. On this auspicious day, one would do well to still continue to buy gold at current rates for a fabulous run ahead for the next 5 years.”
Sakra Doctors Perform Rare Liver Tumor Surgery on 3-Day-Old Newborn
Bengaluru – A 33 week pregnant lady with foetal distress was admitted and delivered a preterm baby in a private hospital. But, the newborn started facing breathing difficulty, and was immediately referred to Sakra World Hospital for further diagnosis of the newborn. The infant weighed only 2.18 kg at birth.
The breathing difficulty was due to a huge swelling inside the abdomen, which was compressing on the lungs. The baby was put on ventilator support and on evaluation it was found to be an intra-abdominal tumor, but the origin of it was not clear. Therefore, Dr. Anil Kumar Pura Lingegowda, HOD & Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery; Dr. Shruthi Reddy, Consultant Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgeon; Dr Shishir Chandrashekhar, Director & HOD – Anaesthesia & OT Management; and, Dr. Shivakumar Sambargi, Senior Consultant- Pediatrics & Neonatology of Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, decided to perform surgery on the baby to remove the swelling because of its pressure effect on vital organs.
Dr. Anil shared, “The swelling was arising from the left lobe of the liver and occupying 70% of the abdominal cavity, that is the size of the tumour was 10*8*7 cm. But the challenge was to perform resection of the tumor, which was very risky for a 3–day–old, 2 kg preterm baby because of bleeding and low weight of the baby.”
Dr. Anil added, “The intra-operative phase posed a significant challenge, particularly due to the need for massive blood transfusion, which was managed by Dr. Shishir Chandrashekhar and his team. Additionally, the tumor resection from the liver was successfully performed with the expertise of liver transplant surgeon Dr. Shruti Reddy.”
Dr. Shruthi Reddy, Consultant Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgeon, shared, “Liver surgeries are no longer formidable like it was a few decades ago. Tumour resections or transplants during extremes of age like this newborn baby or an elderly person are much safer now with the recent advances in surgical technology and techniques. Caregivers should keep an open mind if such surgeries are offered by an expert. The trust afforded in us by the parents of this baby enabled us to save the baby’s life”.
The post-operative period was equally challenging, requiring careful management to maintain homeostasis. The neonatology team, led by Dr. Shivkumar Sambargi, provided exceptional care to save the child.
Dr. Shivakumar Sambargi, Senior Consultant- Pediatrics & Neonatology, shared, “The tumor was identified as a mesenchymal hamartoma, a rare occurrence in neonates, with complete excision being the definitive cure. This is usually discovered in infancy, mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver (MHL) is a rare, benign developing tumour in infants that has a mixture of solid and cystic areas. After infantile haemangioma, it is the second most frequent benign liver tumour in children.”
Dr Shishir Chandrashekhar, Director & HOD – Anaesthesia & OT Management, shared, “Managing anesthesia and blood transfusion in such a tiny newborn was extremely challenging, but our team ensured the baby remained stable throughout the procedure.”
“Notably, there are no reported cases worldwide of liver tumor resection in a 3–day–old preterm baby weighing just 2 kg. And the operating process should always be carried out in a well-equipped centre under expert supervision,” said Dr. Anil.
Ms. Sunitha (Name Changed) shared, “I’m truly grateful to Dr. Anil and team for curing my baby. He explained the case and procedure, which made us have faith in him, and now my baby is recovering healthy.”
TripXL Ready to Transform India’s Travel Sector with its April 2025 Launch
“We believe in the philosophy of ‘going global while acting local.’ Today’s digital landscape is flooded with platforms offering online bookings, but trust remains a key concern for many travelers. At TripXL, our mission is to bridge this gap by providing an authentic, transparent, and value-driven experience, all while ensuring the highest standards of safety,” said Anil Lohia, COO of TripXL.