April 2,2025:Shana Sood is a self-taught, late-blooming artist with roots in India and a home in the U.S. Her distinct style began to take shape only in her late thirties, deeply influenced by her Indian heritage. Born and raised in New Delhi, she lived there before moving to the United States in 2005.
Through her art, Shana explores her own romanticism and seeks to bridge the cultural divide between her Indian upbringing and her American experiences. She aims to enrich both Indian and American art scenes by expanding their emotional and cultural dimensions. Her portraits reflect stories of the people she has encountered along the way, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper conversation about the subtle differences—and shared experiences—between cultures. These works are designed to stand as individual pieces, sparking curiosity and dialogue about the complexities of relationships and identity.

Shana’s work has been featured in exhibitions at renowned New England galleries such as the North Shore Arts Association, Arlington Center for the Arts, and Marblehead Arts Association. In January 2021, she became one of the anchor artists at The Patriot Place Art Gallery (a co-op) near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

As an Indian artist residing in Massachusetts, she finds inspiration in the vibrant mosaic of art and culture that surrounds her, as well as the open-mindedness toward diverse artistic styles. This environment has played a crucial role in nurturing her unique artistic expression without confining it within any predetermined boundaries. Over the years, her work has been showcased at esteemed galleries and art centers across New England, including Arlington, Marblehead, and Plymouth. However, the most fulfilling experience came from serving as an anchor artist at the Patriot Place Art Gallery in Foxboro for four years until its closure in 2024. Immersed in a community of fellow artists and surrounded by inspiring creations, she has had the opportunity to learn from exceptional talents along the way. While she has gained valuable insights from these encounters, she continuously strives to infuse her own distinct style into her artwork, seeking to evolve her artistic expression and venture beyond her current capabilities and perspective.
Much of her work revolves around Indian womanhood, as this subject closely aligns with her own lived experiences and serves as the truest passage to her identity. The women in her paintings act as both muses and storytellers. Reflecting on feedback from viewers, she realizes that, regardless of the various avatars her subjects take, they consistently appear self-sufficient and complete in themselves. Her subjects also serve as silent carriers of her own biases and struggles with growing up as a woman in India, helping her challenge stereotypes and invite viewers to confront the complexities of gender dynamics within Indian society. The choice to depict women in traditional Indian attire is intentional, capturing the cultural legacy embodied in these garments while simultaneously challenging stereotypes and celebrating the diversity of women’s experiences. While adorned in traditional clothing, these women exude independence, modernity, and individuality, demonstrating that seemingly conservative traditions and contemporary identities can coexist harmoniously.

A deep red hue frequently appears in her recent works, serving as a powerful conduit between reality and nostalgic imagination. As a diasporic artist, this color evokes a deep connection to her homeland, conveying not just passion and fury but also a complex web of memories and cultural associations. In Indian culture, red ignites a divine spark. It is often associated with weddings, where traditional Hindu brides still wear red on their wedding day. The color is also linked to the base chakra, or mooladhara, which ties individuals to Mother Earth and survival instincts. Furthermore, feminine power, or Shakti—the Divine Goddess Herself—is associated with red. The fearsome Goddess Kali’s tongue bears this hue, signifying anger, power, passion, blood, and feminine mysticism. Contradictorily, red also represents love, particularly maternal love, which is as passionate, if not more so, than other forms of love.

Across multiple cultures, including Indian culture, women navigate a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, seamlessly transitioning between strength and tenderness in their daily lives. This juxtaposition is not a contradiction but rather a tribute to the complexity and richness of womanhood. This power is what she taps into when creating her work, hoping to convey it through her lines, colors, and format. Her art embodies both the long-established and the modern, reflecting the duality of existence as a woman who inhabits a space filled with elements of both. While there is a natural inclination toward progress, there is also a desire to cling to time-honored rituals—at least those that are fair and equitable. A certain sense of belonging is ingrained in the diaspora experience, and this element is reflected in her work, bridging the past and the present, tradition and modernity, nostalgia and progress.

April 2, 2025 — The magic of the big screen returned to Vizag—bigger, brighter, and better than ever. Mukta A2 Cinemas rolled out the red carpet once again at its iconic venue, now fully upgraded and reopened over the weekend with one of the year’s most anticipated blockbusters: Sikandar, starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, which hit screens this Eid. Located at the heart of the city—4th Floor, Vizag Centro Mall, Opp. Super Bazar Main Road, Jagadamba Junction, Town Kotha Road—the three-screen revamped multiplex has undergone a glamorous transformation, and it’s all been done with one leading star in mind: you, the audience.

As soon as you step into the refurbished Mukta A2 Cinemas Vizag Central, the experience feels larger than life. Everything has been reimagined to give you the feel of a premium movie destination, from the stylish new interiors to the calm, comfortable lobby area where you can relax before the show begins. Inside, the changes are big-screen worthy. Gone are the old pushback seats. In their place? Only soft, cosy recliners and wide sofas with extra legroom, plush cushioning, and armrests that don’t make you fight for elbow space. Whether you’re with family or on a solo movie date, you’ll feel the difference from the moment you sink in.

The technology has had a complete reboot, too. The cinema now boasts 2K Laser and 3D projection systems for stunning, razor-sharp visuals—every colour pops, every detail shows, even in the most intense action scenes. With Dolby Atmos surround sound, you’ll hear every dialogue, every footstep, and every heartbeat like you’re inside the film itself. Air-conditioning has also been upgraded, so your comfort stays constant throughout, even during packed shows and summer matinees.

And for the foodies? The menu is now more exciting than ever—with freshly made gourmet options like sandwiches, pizzas, wraps, rolls, nachos, popcorn buckets, samosas, burgers and desserts. You can also sip on a variety of hot and cold beverages—from classic cutting chai, filter coffee, and hot chocolate to iced teas, cold coffees, refreshing coolers and evergreen cola soft drinks. Whether it’s a spicy snack or something sweet, there’s something delicious for every mood.

Rahul Puri, Managing Director of Mukta Arts Ltd., said, “This theatre has always meant something to Vizag. So we didn’t just renovate it—we brought it back to life with heart. It’s now a space where people can watch films the way they’re meant to be watched—with great sound, beautiful visuals, and real comfort.”

The reopening couldn’t have come at a better time. Telugu cinema is riding a high this week with two major releases lighting up the screens. Nithiin’s Robinhood opened to solid reports and is already laying the groundwork for its follow-up, Brotherhood of Robinhood. And the youthful, energetic MAD Square is winning over college crowds as it gears up for MAD 3. Each of these films is part of a growing cinematic universe, and Mukta A2 Vizag—with its new sound and projection tech—is the ideal setting to watch these stories unfold, just as their makers intended.

“We believe the audience deserves the very best—because they are the real stars of cinema. Whether it’s a festive family outing, a first-day-first-show, or just a weekend escape—this cinema is now built to make people feel good, seen, and welcomed,” said Satwik Lele, CEO of Mukta A2 Cinemas.

So if you’re ready to feel the thrill, laugh louder, and live every frame—head to the all-new Mukta A2 Cinemas Vizag. The show is about to begin.

April 2, 2025—From today, Apple TV+ will be available via Prime Video in India as an add-on subscription. Available at INR 99 per month in India, Prime members who subscribe to Apple TV+ via Prime Video can stream exclusive shows and movies with new releases weekly. They can enjoy heartwarming comedies like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, thrilling dramas—from Severance and The Morning Show to Slow Horses and Disclaimer—as well as epic sci-fi like Silo, hit movies like Wolfs and The Gorge and much more. Apple TV+ is now also available via Prime Video as an add-on subscription in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other territories in Europe and Latin America. 

“We’re delighted to continue to roll out Apple TV+ on Prime Video with the launch in India today bringing Prime Video customers an even greater selection of TV shows and films, all in one app experience,” said Kelly Day, Vice President of International, Prime Video.

“Over the years, we’ve built Prime Video India as a first-stop entertainment destination offering a wide selection of premium programming including Indian and international Originals, movies and series on our service, and over 75,000 hours of additional content selection across genres through 25+ Indian and international add-on subscription partners,” said Gaurav Bhasin, head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals), Prime Video, India. “We are now thrilled to welcome Apple TV+ and its stellar content to Prime Video’s extensive library in India. We are certain that Prime members in India will enjoy the easy access to Apple Originals with a simple add-on subscription, along with all the features of Prime Video, like convenient and streamlined content discovery, unified watchlists, and centralized billing.”

“Viewers have been loving the ability to subscribe to Apple TV+ on Prime Video and we’re pleased to now launch this offering in India,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of Services. “We want to make Apple TV+ and its award-winning library of series and films from the world’s greatest storytellers available to audiences around the world.”

Apple TV+ joins Prime Video India’s extensive collection of add-on subscription options such as Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, BBC Player, MGM+, Sony Pictures – Stream, Anime Times, Crunchyroll, Animax+GEM, CN Rewind, FanCode, Channel K, Chaupal, Hoichoi, Manorama Max, among others.

Benefits of add-on subscriptions on Prime Video for Prime members include:

• No hassle login & billing: Customers do not have to juggle between multiple usernames, passwords and billing due dates. With add-on subscriptions, all premium content subscriptions are managed within a single destination – Prime Video apps and website.
• More time watching, less time deciding: Customers don’t have to spend time toggling between their favourite services to discover what’s new and popular. With add-on subscriptions they can browse in one place, search across all their premium subscription and get personalized recommendations. All of this without ever having to leave the Prime Video app or website.
• Enjoy your favourite features, no matter which service: Customers can access a single consolidated watch list and download library for offline viewing. Subscribers can also manage data consumption and much more across all their add-on subscriptions.
• More Choice: With add-on subscriptions, Prime members can access thousands of additional titles across 25+ OTT services, including Apple TV+

April 2, 2025:The third edition of 3AI’s GCC X…Summit 2025 will be held on Thursday, April 17th, at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru. The signature large scale format conference will host more than 600 delegates, 250 GCC leaders, and 60 speakers who will share their work and new ideas. The summit offers a special platform to discuss the new trends, innovations, and shifts in GCCs, with an emphasis on AI.

The 3AI GCC X… Summit 2025 dwells upon the significance that AI & Gen AI beholds for the existing & future GCCs. India GCCs are at the epicenter of action and are the key driver of growth; with 410+ GCCs on the 3AI platform , GCC X…summit 2025 will bring together seasoned & marquee GCC country heads, Data, AI, and analytics leaders from GCCs to discuss avenues for developing AI & Gen AI capabilities , building new age Gen AI COE & capability hubs and spurring innovation & transfromation using AI for global businesses .

Seasoned industry leaders such as Lalit Ahuja, founder and CEO of ANSR, Lalitha Indrakanti, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover – TBSI, Sheenam Ohrie, Managing Director- Broadridge India, Senior GCC industry advisor KS Vishwanathan & many more will be sharing their expertise about the rapidly evolving GCCs landscape. They along with others also delve into the latest best practices, and transformative strategies that are shaping the future of GCCs. Their insights will traverse the intersection of GCCs w.r.t strategy, technology, business transformation and innovation, bringing valuable perspectives to leaders and professionals looking to remain at the forefront of the AI & Gen AI.

Having the largest GCCs representation with 410+ GCCs on its platform, 3AI has strived to build integrated marketplace for GCCs to leverage the external ecosystem for its business requirements by bringing in select partner ecosystem to build & scale AI & Gen AI capabilities & solutions for GCCs.

“3AI is on a relentless mission of building & scaling premier thought leadership, enhance mindshare & visibility, promote talent advocacy & outreach , devise cutting edge AI & Gen AI capabilities & solutions and drive upscale professional development for leaders & professionals in GCCs through diffentiated & curated & differentiated engagements and GCC X…summit 2025 is an ideal platform for GCC leaders & professionals to come together and witness the largest showcasing of transfromation & innovation in GCCs with AI & Gen AI “, says  Sameer Dhanrajani , CEO at 3AI .

02 April 2025: Edstead, a leading research-driven documentary studio committed to impactful storytelling, has named Charu Budhiraja as its Chief Business Officer. With career spanning decades in branded content, content innovation, and strategic partnerships, Charu will play a key role in shaping Edstead’s business growth and expanding its influence in the media landscape.

In this role, Charu will lead business strategy, forge key brand partnerships, and drive revenue growth while ensuring Edstead’s purpose-driven storytelling reaches wider audiences. With an extensive experience in content creation and creative leadership, she will focus on expanding the studio’s impact by strengthening collaborations with brands, media platforms, and content creators to bring compelling, research-backed narratives to the forefront.

Speaking about her new role, Charu Budhiraja shared, “Edstead stands for storytelling with purpose—stories that challenge perspectives, ignite conversations, and create real impact. In today’s media landscape, authenticity and depth matter more than ever, and Edstead has built a strong foundation in this space. I’m excited to build on that momentum, foster strategic partnerships, and help scale Edstead’s reach while staying true to its mission.”

Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead, welcomed Charu’s appointment, stating, “Edstead is driven by the belief that powerful stories can inspire change. Charu’s expertise in branded content and content strategy will be instrumental in amplifying our impact and expanding our reach. Her ability to bridge creativity with business strategy makes her the perfect partner as we take Edstead into its next phase of growth.”

 Charu joins Edstead from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), where she was a Creative Head, leading award-winning content initiatives across travel, lifestyle, history, education, and culture. Throughout her career, she has conceptualized and executed high-impact IPs, built brand narratives for some of India’s most iconic companies, and driven strategic collaborations that bridge storytelling with business growth. She has also held leadership roles at Discovery, Ogilvy, Creativeland Asia, and JWT, working at the intersection of media, marketing, and content creation.

2nd April 2025: In a significant move to further its commitment to strong governance and long-term value creation, BharatPe Group has nominated Sumeet Singh, Executive Director & General Counsel at BharatPe, as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director on the Board of Unity Small Finance Bank (Unity SFB). Simultaneously, Ram Rastogi, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in banking, IT, and digital payments, has joined Trillionloans as an Independent Director.

Singh brings to the Unity SFB Board an extensive track record in corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and legal strategy. At BharatPe, he has been instrumental in building a robust governance framework and navigating the company through complex regulatory and legal challenges. His leadership was pivotal during times of crisis, including high-stakes litigations and boardroom transitions, where he played a key role in steering BharatPe toward stability and growth.

In addition to his governance credentials, Singh has led multiple equity fund-raising rounds for BharatPe, contributing to the company’s expansion and strategic investments, including its 49% stake in Unity SFB. His appointment to the bank’s board reflects BharatPe’s intent to safeguard its interest as a key financial investor while reinforcing Unity SFB’s governance and regulatory capabilities. He also led the negotiations on behalf of BharatPe with Centrum group in setting up the Unity joint venture. Unity SFB is a new-age digital-first bank, established as a joint venture between BharatPe Group and Centrum Group. BharatPe Group holds a 49% stake in the bank.

Meanwhile Rastogi is currently the Chairman of the FinTech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE), and has played an important role in shaping India’s digital payments landscape, notably through his leadership at NPCI in launching UPI, IMPS, and NACH. His extensive experience will guide Trillionloans, BharatPe Group’s NBFC arm, in expanding its lending portfolio and advancing credit access for underserved businesses and individuals nationwide.