MUMBAI, India–April 29, 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has been topping the charts with India’s first and only hip–hop-based dance reality show, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2. With raw talent, fierce battles, and mind-blowing performances, the show has been making waves week after week, even consistently securing its spot in the Top 3 of Ormax’s ‘Most-watched Streaming Originals in India’ list. Steering the ship this season is the dance maestro Remo D‘Souza, along with the ever-glamorous Malaika Arora. Together, they continue to mentor and encourage contestants through each battle and beat. As the stakes climb higher, the duo teases even more unexpected twists in the upcoming episodes that promise to leave viewers floored.

Each episode of Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is packed with unpredictable challenges that push contestants beyond their comfort level. Talking about what lies ahead in the coming episodes, Remo D’Souza shared, “All I can say is, expect the unexpected. This season, we’ve added a few curveballs and introduced new layers that do not just test contestants’ technique but also their mental and emotional strength. There are rounds that challenge their ability to adapt, improvise, and collaborate on the spot. From surprise eliminations to high-stakes dance-offs and fresh entries that shake up the competition, it’s going to keep both the dancers and the viewers on their toes.”

Malaika Arora echoed his sentiment, adding, “Let’s just say this season of Realme Hip Hop India is far from predictable. From the first episode itself, we, as judges, have been equally surprised as the contestants.  Every challenge, every twist, and every new round is designed to push them harder, challenging their strength, imagination, and will. In each challenge, the task is different, and before you even think you’re onto it, something new catches you off guard. They’re thrilling, emotional, and will keep your mind guessing every single step of the way.”

 As rivalries heat up and emotions run higher than ever, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to rewrite the rules of competition. New episodes drop every Thursday, only on Amazon MX Player, accessible on the Amazon Shopping App, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

One of the most dynamic and versatile artists of her generation, Shruti Haasan has carved a distinct identity across music, films, and television, effortlessly straddling industries from India to Hollywood. Born to legendary actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika, Shruti has embraced both the privileges and pressures of her celebrated lineage while forging her own path in the industry. Over the years, she has navigated the highs and lows of stardom with honesty, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her personal growth.

In a heartfelt and revealing episode of In The Ring With Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel, Shruti sits down for a candid conversation with Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare. She opens about being labelled ‘unlucky,’ addressing early labels, navigating mental health struggles, career struggles, personal milestones, and much more.

Recalling the challenges she faced at the start of her career, Shruti shared, “There was this whole myth in the Telugu industry that I was unlucky because my first two films didn’t work. But what people didn’t realize was that both those films had the same hero. They just decided, ‘We don’t want her, we don’t want her.”

When asked if she ever felt privileged growing up, Shruti voiced, ”No, because a lot of people don’t know what happened to me prior to me joining the film industry. I was humbled by life with my parents’ separation. We were not living in a big mansion, and when my mom decided to leave, we moved from Chennai to Mumbai.”

Opening up about love, relationships, and lessons Learned, she added, “I wish I wasn’t so influenced by my relationships, but it’s something about me that hasn’t changed over the years. When I go in, I go all in — and when I leave, I go all out and run away. Yes, we all have that one dangerous ex, you know, but apart from that, I really do close each chapter with no regrets. I try my best every time. That’s why when people say, ‘Oh, which boyfriend is this?’ they don’t realize — for them, it’s a number, but for me, it’s the number of times I’ve failed at finding the love I want.”

On how her father’s guidance shaped her outlook, Shruti said, “There isn’t a moment when I’m not aware of and proud of my parents’ achievements. But he didn’t raise me to watch every film of his or to be in awe of him — he removed the fear from it. That said, working with him is more nerve-wracking as a daughter. My dad always says, ‘No pain, no gain,’ and that holds true in every aspect of life — professionally, personally, and psychologically. You have to go through tough times to come out stronger on the other side.”

Delving into her mental health journey, she revealed, “I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, especially after long work hours when my anxiety tends to spike. I chose not to go on medication because it didn’t work for me; instead, I focused intensely on talk therapy. Over time, I developed a personal toolkit to manage my anxiety and panic attacks — I actually prefer handling them alone. I believe healing is a continuous process, and real strength comes from understanding yourself and building ways to cope.”

Talking about her experience working alongside the legendary Rajinikanth, she said, “It was really wonderful getting to know him and working with him. I didn’t go in with that sense of being star-struck because I’ve grown up with Papa, so there’s a certain neutrality to it. You just can’t figure Rajinikanth sir out — that’s the best part about him. He’s an amalgamation of so many great qualities. He’s extremely humble yet very sharp and observant. He seems genuinely non-judgmental, but at the same time, he’s very clear about how he does things. Overall, he’s just very kind to everyone.”

Finally, remembering her interactions with Sridevi, Shruti fondly reminisced, “She was peculiarly innocent till the very end. I found her to be so childlike in a real way — pure inside, especially in the way she would talk about stories. But the rest of the time, she was commanding and incredibly powerful on set, like a queen had entered. She carried this quiet, strong grace and humility — just incredible, truly incredible.”

Reflecting on her Hollywood debut in the psychological thriller The Eye, Shruti shared, “It was mostly a women-led crew, and I was the last one to join the mix. I don’t like token feminism — for example, when people say, ‘There’s an all-women crew flying to space,’ I’m like, ‘That’s cool. Whatever.’ This, however, was real sisterhood. In any creative environment, you experience toxicity, ego, humility, creativity, and intellect — it’s all a roller coaster. I found it more challenging to work with a female director. When you’re a woman and you tell a male director, ‘As a female, I believe this is my character’s perspective,’ they usually step back and listen. But that dynamic was different here.”

28th April 2025 – Mumbai, India: India’s podcasting scene marks a landmark moment this week as The Chill Hour, the soulful, no-filters podcast hosted by creator and entrepreneur Deepak Pareek, releases its 100th episode, celebrating a journey built on honesty, depth, and connection.

Since its inception, The Chill Hour has grown into one of India’s most beloved independent podcasts, with over 4 lakh followers across platforms and a loyal listener base that spans generations and geographies. What began as an intimate space for candid conversations has evolved into a genre-defying show that explores everything from the personal to the profound.

The podcast has featured a wide range of voices, including Bollywood icons like Gajraj Rao and Adah Sharma, youth culture leaders like Raghav Juyal and Avika Gor, and niche powerhouses like Sneh Rana, Tridha Choudhury, Pavail Gulati, Atul Khatri, Shalini Passi, Sameeksha Takke, and Niharicka Singh. With appearances from comedians, cricketers, creators, and changemakers, The Chill Hour has become a rare space where vulnerability meets versatility.

The 100-episode catalogue reflects the show’s incredible thematic depth. Listeners have tuned in for episodes that span self-growth, content strategy, productivity, mental health, relationships, and modern dating, to women’s health, skincare, cricket, entrepreneurship, law, society, culture, and even true crime, AI, and the future of tech. Each conversation is a window into topics that are often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.

“This milestone is a moment to pause, reflect, and thank the listeners who made this journey possible,” says Deepak. “These 100 episodes are not just numbers, they’re 100 deep dives into the lives, minds, and hearts of some truly incredible people.”

To mark the occasion, the podcast features Ankur Warikoo in its centennial episode, one of India’s most respected voices on mindfulness, money, and meaning. His episode continues the show’s ethos of open, grounded, and growth-focused dialogue.

Outside of the studio, Deepak continues to amplify meaningful narratives through Iceberg Creations, his media production company. He also regularly speaks at leading institutions like IIT Kanpur, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Kharagpur, offering fresh perspectives on storytelling, digital culture, and staying authentic in the age of algorithms.

As The Chill Hour enters a new phase, fans can expect regional expansions, on-ground experiences, and new formats, all rooted in the show’s founding promise: real people, real stories, real impact.

Episode 100 of The Chill Hour featuring Ankur Warikoo is now streaming on all major platforms.

Kasauli, April, 2025 — The scenic hills of Kasauli came alive with the sounds of soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt purpose as the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival 2025 wrapped up a power-packed edition at Baikunth Resort on April 18th and 19th. Hosted by Genesis Foundation, in association with DLF, the festival once again brought together music lovers from across the country to support a noble cause—saving the lives of critically ill underprivileged children with congenital heart defects.

This year’s line-up was a celebration of diversity and talent. Day 1 saw electrifying performances by Euphoria, Rasika Shekhar, Indie Republic, and Dhiren. Day 2 amped up the energy with Parikrama & Friends, Madboy Mink, Carnatic 2.0, and Aneesha Dass leaving the audience mesmerized.

Beyond the main stage, the festival offered immersive experiences for all ages—face painting, block printing, a drum circle, and a rejuvenating yoga session at sunrise. These added elements transformed the festival into a holistic escape—an embodiment of explore, engage, enjoy.

“At Genesis Foundation, every beat at this festival carries the heartbeat of a child we hope to save. Kasauli Rhythm & Blues is more than a music festival—it’s a movement to create impact through joy,” said Jyoti Sagar, Founding Trustee, Genesis Foundation.

Aakash Ohri, Joint Managing Director and Chief Business Officer, DLF Homes, remarked on the occasion, “DLF has enjoyed a longstanding association with the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival, and we are once again delighted to partner with this celebration of music and meaningful community impact. At DLF, our commitment extends beyond building spaces, we endeavour to foster inclusive, sustainable communities while supporting initiatives that uplift the underprivileged. The festival’s ethos resonates deeply with our vision of creating a holistic ecosystem, one that nurtures both culture and compassion. We are proud to continue this journey and remain steadfast in our support for such purposeful endeavours.”

Ravi Avalur, Managing Director at Harley-Davidson India shared, “We believe in journeys that matter—on the road and in life. Partnering with Genesis Foundation at Kasauli Rhythm & Blues allows us to ride with purpose and amplify a cause that touches hearts and saves lives.”

Manav Sahni, BEO Dairy – Nestle India added “Music has the power to unite, uplift, and heal — and we’re proud to support a festival that beautifully blends entertainment with empathy. It’s initiatives like these that not only strengthen communities but also celebrate life’s simple pleasures, reminding us of the joy found in every shared moment. And just like your favorite music track, the new Nescafé Café Style Cold Coffee range is crafted to hit the right notes and indulge your senses.”

Joining hands to support this cause were marquee sponsors and partners, including Harley-Davidson, DLF, Nestlé, and many others

With stunning mountain views, genre-defying performances, and a cause that resonated deeply with every attendee, Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival 2025 proved yet again that music can do more than entertain—it can change lives

After the phenomenal success of its first season, Hasratein — Hungama OTT’s most–watched original — is back with a bang! Hungama Digital Media, one of India’s leading digital entertainment platforms, proudly announces the highly anticipated return of its critically acclaimed anthology series with Hasratein Season 2.

Premiering on April 17, 2025, with two powerful episodes, Season 2 promises to take audiences deeper into the emotional, intimate, and unspoken lives of women — exploring the complex tapestry of desire, identity, and personal freedom. Produced by Shakuntalam Telefilms and directed by Vaibhav Singh and Anshuman K Singh, this season introduces six new stories — each bold, thought-provoking, and unapologetically real.

Season 1 captured hearts across the country for its raw, honest portrayal of women’s hidden inner worlds. With millions of viewers and rave reviews, Hasratein carved a space for stories often left untold. Now, Hasratein 2 is ready to raise the bar even higher — pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and sparking important conversations.

Releasing in three parts, the first two episodes drop on April 17, the next two on April 24, and the final two on April 30 — exclusively on Hungama OTT.

Episode 1 – Khushboo Starring Dolly Chawla, Sanam Johar & Vishal Chaudary
Sunaina stuck in a lifeless marriage, meets a stranger on vacation who reignites feelings she thought were long gone. Torn between duty and desire — will she choose herself?
Episode 2 – Aankh Micholi Featuring Gulki Joshi, Vivek Dahiya & Vinit Kakar
Neha’s silent suffering in a hollow marriage takes a turn when a past connection resurfaces. Hidden truths unravel, forcing her to find her voice in a world that tried to mute it.
Episode 3 – Adla Badli With Amika Shail, Saisha Sehgal, Zuber K. Khan & Karan Sharma
When two friends float the idea of swapping wives, they don’t expect the tables to turn. What follows is a sharp twist on trust, consent, and control.
Episode 4 – Mehek Starring Nyrraa M Banerji, Param Singh & Aarush Shrivastav
Leela, a gifted perfumer lost in a loveless marriage, rediscovers her essence through a creative spark — and a new man — who sees her for who she truly is.
Episode 5 – Hello Zindagi Featuring Puja Banerjee & Sandeep Kumaar
Navina, 40 and always selfless, dares to swipe right. What starts as curiosity becomes a bold step toward love, life, and long-overdue self-prioritization.
Episode 6 – Pyar Ka Punch With Akanksha Puri, Rishaab Chauhaan & Navveen Sharrma
Suri, a fierce female wrestler, rises above societal judgment and embraces love on her terms. In a world obsessed with perfection, she chooses power and unapologetic passion.

Speaking on the launch, Siddhartha Roy, CEO of Hungama Digital Media, said, “With the return of Hasratein Season 2, we’re bringing you stories that dive deeper, explore more and truly resonate on a personal level. This season pushes storytelling boundaries, tackling themes of desire, self-discovery and raw human emotions. We’ve always been focused on delivering content that speaks to you, connects with your experiences and lingers long after the credits roll. We’re excited to bring you these bold, meaningful stories that are sure to leave an unforgettable impact.”

A stirring celebration of longing, identity, and silent revolutions, Hasratein 2 is now streaming on Hungama OTT. Download the HungamaOTT app today to watch all episodes. Hasratein Season 2 is also available on partner platforms, including Tata Play Binge, Watcho, Airtel Xstream Play , PlayboxTV, RailWire Broadband TV and BSNL.

24^th April 2025: Aadyam Theatre, the one-of-a-kind live storytelling initiative by Aditya Birla Group, has forged a new path for the theatre tradition in India. For its seventh season, Aadyam Theatre brings alluring tales from the pages of classics and original multi-genre plays, with some renowned personalities from the theatre world helming them. Since the first Aadyam production, the year-long theatre initiative has displayed a renewed rigour among the audience, and its fourth play for the season, Mumbai Star, directed by Nadir Khan, is all set to debut two shows in Mumbai on 24th May and 25th May 2025, at the St. Andrew’s Auditorium. The theatrical presentation will be brought to Delhi at the Kamani Auditorium on 14th June and 15th June 2025.

Nadir Khan returns to the director’s chair with Mumbai Star, while also curating Aadyam‘s seventh season. Following the grand success of the Aadyam musical Sing India Sing, he now brings another riveting musical drama to the stage—Mumbai Star, an underdog spectacle. Originally written by Devika Shahani, the script has been reimagined with a fresh perspective by long-time Aadyam collaborators Akarsh Khurana and Arghya Lahiri, promising a theatrical experience like no other.

Composed by Dhruv Ghanekar, the musical extravaganza is a saga of an aspiring actor told through song and movement with vivid imagery and meticulously choreographed dance acts. It is a musically rich composition of eight songs and 11 instrumental pieces by the musical genius. A mélange of genres, it is an audacious attempt to seamlessly merge dance anthems, romantic ballads, kathak-influenced dance pieces, and the flavour of rap/hip-hop.

An eclectic mix of music artists has lent their voices to the songs on the Mumbai Star studio album. It includes the Bollywood mainstays Sunidhi Chauhan, Nakash Aziz, and Kunal Ganjawala, the classical and fusion artists like Ravi Chary and Naveen Kumar, rapper Stony Psyko, and the future of Indian pop like Yatharth and Riya Duggal. The actors will breathe new life into the soundtrack, enhanced by the thrilling dance acts, enlivening each track from the album.

Mumbai Star asks a poignant question: Will the soul survive the success that fame brings? It is the story of Dev, a sincere boy from a coastal village in Maharashtra, whose late mother envisioned him becoming a big star. Dreams in his eyes and rhythm in his feet, an opportunity like Mumbai Star, a talent hunt competition, comes knocking at his door, catapulting him to the city of dreams.

The city embraces and tests him. It provides tenderness and pushes him into the trenches of harshness. He meets a love interest that might be out of his reach, a mentor who acts like a compass in this maze, and a well-wisher who saves him from the grim shadows more than once. Will Mumbai defeat Dev, or will he emerge as the biggest star in the city? Will fame shape him, or will he let it define him?

Set against the background of the ancient guru and shishya parampara, breathtaking spectacle, and electrifying choreography, Mumbai Star explores themes of love, struggle, fame, and the ultimate cost of it. The dance musical is an homage to every dreamer who dares to rise in this city and pulls the curtain on the dizzying journey to the spotlight.

Mumbai Star boasts a stellar cast of actors, which includes Avenav Mukherjee as Dev, Abhishek Choksi as Tilak, Arushi Nigam as Koel, and Jayesh Sarange as Adi. Srishti Shrivastava as Laya, along with veteran actor Rajit Kapur as the mentor, are additions to the cast. The supporting cast is a troop of incredible artists like Eden Dolreich Pereira, Jimit Thaker, Melitta D’Souza, Navin Kelamane, Nikhil Thamke, Paridhi Somani, Sonakshi Amitabh, Sruti Vasudevan, Surabhi Andrare, Veronica Jose, and Vinay Bankar.

The visionary behind the choreography of these dance acts is Avantika Bahl, joined by Vivaran Dhasmana, who is choreographing the hip hop sets, and Krutika Mehta, who is overseeing the Bollywood choreography. The Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, Uma Dogra, is behind curating the enchanting Kathak numbers. Mumbai Star brings together celebrated Indian and Western dance forms, including kathak, bharatnatyam, hip-hop, contemporary, and others. 

Talking about envisioning the world of Mumbai Star on paper, Devika Shahani said, “Mumbai Star is very close to my heart. It is a universal story about one of the most important relationships of our lives—the guru and shishya. The seed of this subject germinated from my determination to present the dynamic between mentor and disciple through music and dance. Aadyam is taking a new and bold step in this different storytelling form. I am grateful to be able to tell this story, my third production with Aadyam, and an ode to my mentor, on this beautiful stage!”

Talking about staging a musical like Mumbai Star, Nadir Khan said, “Mumbai Star is my second time staging a musical with Aadyam Theatre. The writers have created this intriguing world that Dev resides in, and to be able to bring that vision to life has been an interesting journey. It is also a tribute to the millions of artists who come to this city to fulfil their dreams of carving an artistic niche. I am thrilled to bring it through Aadyam, the best platform to introduce it to the heartland audience. It has kept the spirit of theatre tradition alive by allowing us storytellers to stage our stories with rigour, passion, and love.”

Through six seasons, Aadyam Theatre has created a legacy of pushing artistic boundaries, bringing forth impeccable talents, and staging some of the most intriguing pieces of live storytelling. The seventh season offers an array of different stories, both adapted and original, each offering a unique thought and vision, showcasing a rich diversity of themes and perspectives.

Director Ravi Udyawar said, “Yudhra is a raw and powerful revenge story. When I heard the basic story, I knew it was a strong foundation on which to build the film. It is the story of a young man who is filled with anger and resentment, who is unable to control it and what the consequences are. This film is intense, raw and very emotional. I am eagerly waiting for people to watch it on Zee Cinema on 27th April.”

Siddhanth says, “I always wanted to do a powerful action film, and Yudhra gave me that opportunity. The film is amazing – fast-paced, thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat at every moment. I considered this as my first big solo action project and put my heart and soul into it. Yudhra is a character who is fearless, fearless, extremely cunning, dangerous and haunted by his past. Now I can’t wait for everyone to watch it on Zee Cinema!”

Malavika Mohanan says, “Doing action in Yudhra was a fun challenge for me! I have always loved dancing, but stunts brought out a new side of me. Sid has been very supportive of me throughout this – he always says that I should talk about it more because he is proud of me. Even today, there are very few female characters who are strong, genuine and yet maintain their softness. My friends have even started jokingly calling me the ‘female Bruce Lee’! Now I am waiting for everyone to watch Yudhra on Zee Cinema on April 27.”

Ram Kapoor said, “What makes Yudhra special is not just its high-octane action, but also its emotional depth and amazing story, which sets it apart from the crowd. Each character has a unique aspect and the film constantly surprises you with new twists. Emotions, twists and visuals – everything is powerful in this film. It was very special for me to be a part of this journey, and now I am happy that audiences across the country will be able to watch it on Zee Cinema from the comfort of their homes.”

MUMBAI, INDIA —April 23, 2025—Today, Prime Video released first-look images from the mystery thriller based on the best-selling novel by E. Lockhart, “We Were Liars.” All eight episodes will be available on June 18, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

 “We Were Liars” follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit inner circle, nicknamed the Liars, during their summer escapades on her grandfather’s New England private island. The Sinclairs are American royalty—known for their good looks, old money, and enviable bond—but after a mysterious accident changes Cadence’s life forever, everyone, including her beloved Liars, seems to have something to hide.

 Starring “the Liars“: Emily Alyn Lind as Cadence Sinclair Eastman, Shubham Maheshwari as Gat Patil, Esther McGregor as Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, Joseph Zada as Johnny Sinclair Dennis; alongside Caitlin FitzGerald as Penny Sinclair, Mamie Gummer as Carrie Sinclair, Candice King as Bess Sinclair, Rahul Kohli as Ed Patil, and David Morse as Harris Sinclair.

 The series is written and executive produced by co-showrunners Julie Plec (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Legacies”) and Carina Adly MacKenzie (“Roswell, New Mexico,” “The Originals”). Also executive producing are Emily Cummins (“The Endgame,” “Vampire Academy”) for My So-Called Company and the novel’s author, E. Lockhart. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amazon MGM Studios are behind the project. The novel is published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.