Thursday, October 9, 2025
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*Sanam Sekhon & JK Tyre Levitas Drift into Guinness World Record Books at Umling La, Ladakh*
~The historic feat at 19,023 ft showcases Indian talent and JK Tyre’s cutting-edge innovation on the world stage~
New Delhi, October 8, 2025: Sanam Sekhon has carved his name into motorsport history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the Highest Altitude Drift by a Car at 5,798 metres (19,023 ft) at Umling La Pass in Ladakh on 31st July this year. The breathtaking feat pushed the limits of both man and machine, as Sekhon executed the record-breaking drift against low oxygen levels, chilling winds, sub-zero temperatures, and unpredictable road surfaces. The achievement was powered by JK Tyre’s Levitas XTREME, a cutting-edge ultra-high-performance tyre designed for precision, control, and durability.
Widely regarded as India’s ‘Drift King’, Sanam Sekhon has steadily risen through the ranks of Indian motorsport, earning a reputation for unrelenting desire to push the limits. The winner of the inaugural JK Tyre Drift Challenge in 2023, Sanam has built a career rooted in passion and persistence. His success at Umling La is a reminder that drifting requires skill, endurance, and engineering all working in perfect harmony.
Speaking on this massive achievement, Sanam said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to hold this record, but honestly, I couldn’t have done it without my fantastic team. We knew what we were getting into and were both mentally and physically prepared, but the oxygen levels and altitude really tested us. Just running around and managing things up there was tough and we even had ambulances on standby. Getting everything in place a 20-21 member crew, our tuner flying in from Thailand, and ensuring a steady fuel supply was a challenge in itself. The tyres played a huge role too. The tyres gripped really well on that rough surface, which made all the difference. In drifting, tyres are everything you can have the best power and setup in the car, but it’s the tyres that meet the road, and that’s what really counts.”
The record was made possible on JK Tyre’s Levitas XTREME, part of the premium Levitas range that represents the company’s forward-looking commitment to performance and innovation. While Levitas Ultra serves the luxury car segment, Levitas XTREME is engineered for ultra-high performance under the harshest conditions, combining advanced compounds and precision tread design to deliver unparalleled grip, control, and resilience. Its performance at Umling La was a powerful demonstration of how JK Tyre continues to blend decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of extreme motorsport.
Celebrating this achievement, Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said, “This Guinness World Record is not only a proud milestone for Indian motorsport but also a reflection of JK Tyre’s unwavering spirit of innovation. By supporting extraordinary drivers like Sanam Sekhon and pushing our technology to perform under the toughest conditions on the planet, we continue to demonstrate that Indian talent and engineering can stand tall on the global stage. At JK Tyre, we believe in redefining limits, and this achievement at Umling La is a shining example of our philosophy in action.”
This landmark accomplishment cements JK Tyre’s position at the forefront of motorsport innovation while also showcasing the rising stature of Indian drivers globally. By uniting human grit with engineering brilliance, Sanam Sekhon and JK Tyre have not only conquered Umling La but also redefined the boundaries of what is possible in motorsport.
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At Yash Raj Films, British PM Keir Starmer gets mesmerised listening to 'Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam' from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) marking the film’s 30th release anniversary
Check out the video here.
In a memorable cultural exchange moment, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios in Mumbai, where he was hosted by India’s premier film studio. The Prime Minister was treated to an unforgettable experience as the iconic love anthem Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) played, marking the timeless blockbuster’s 30th anniversary since its release.
The UK and Yash Raj Films share a deep and long-standing relationship, with DDLJ itself having been extensively shot in London and other parts of the United Kingdom—cementing its place as a bridge between Indian cinema and British culture.
Furthering this creative and cultural collaboration, YRF announced that its relationship with the UK will deepen through a three-film production pact set to commence in 2026.
YRF is also currently producing the English-language stage musical adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall In Love: The DDLJ Musical, which celebrates the spirit of inclusivity and love beyond borders, an ‘East meets West’ story that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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Sanjay Dutt Launches Getepay’s ‘Vega’: A Next Gen Payment Switch Powering Digital Bharat
Mumbai, India, 9th October 2025 — Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt officially unveiled Vega, the indigenously developed payment Switch by Getepay, alongside Pravin Sharma, Founder and Managing Director, Getepay, at Taftoon Lounge, BKC, Mumbai. Headquartered in Jaipur, Getepay is a leading payment aggregator focused on simplifying and strengthening India’s digital payments landscape.
Vega by Getepay is a certified next-generation Payment Switch designed to empower banks, payment service providers, and merchants with seamless, scalable, and secure payment capabilities. Built on a robust microservices-based architecture, Vega enables high transaction throughput, real-time settlements, automated reconciliation, and intelligent merchant management — all while maintaining top-tier reliability and speed.
Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Dutt shared, “I’ve always believed in backing things that are real, solid, and made with heart — and that’s exactly what Vega is. Launching Vega with Pravin and the Getepay team is special because this is about more than technology; it’s about giving every entrepreneur — from a street vendor to a shop owner — the confidence to go digital. That’s the Bharat I want to cheer for.”
Explaining the company’s vision, Pravin Sharma, Founder and Managing Director, Getepay, said, “Vega is a proud milestone for all of us at Getepay. It’s not just a technological leap, it’s a bridge for millions of micro and small entrepreneurs who are powering India’s economy. With Vega, we aim to simplify digital payments for banks and merchants alike and enable every corner of India to participate confidently in the digital revolution. We chose Sanjay Dutt to launch Vega because he represents resilience, strength, and relatability — qualities that echo with small business owners across India.”
With its future-ready design, Vega connects banks and financial partners effortlessly, enabling instant transaction routing and processing even during peak load periods. Its compliance with the regulatory bodiesI and Indian banking standards ensures security and operational integrity, while its rapid deployment framework helps institutions modernize without disruption.
With Vega, Getepay reinforces its commitment to Make in India, financial inclusion, and digital empowerment. The platform’s scalable and secure architecture enables banks, fintechs, and payment partners to expand deeper into Bharat — ensuring every entrepreneur, no matter how small, has access to world-class digital payment solutions.
About Getepay
Getepay is a Jaipur-based payment aggregator founded by Pravin Sharma committed to simplifying digital payments for businesses of all sizes. By combining innovation with inclusivity, Getepay aims to make financial empowerment accessible to every entrepreneur, powering the vision of a Digital Bharat. Getepay has raised more than $8 million over multiple funding rounds. Its last funding round was led by former cricketer Virender Sehwag, alongside investors including Hyderabad Angels, ITI Growth Fund and DBR Ventures. The funds will be used to strengthen product development, expand merchant acquisition, and scale its digital payments infrastructure nationwide.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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“Hi Zindagi” Trailer Sparks Debate on Gender Neutrality in Law; In Cinemas October 31
Mumbai: The much-anticipated trailer of “Hi Zindagi”, produced by Sunil Kumar Aggarwal and directed by Ajay Ram, was launched in Mumbai with great enthusiasm and star-studded attendance. The film, inspired by real-life incidents and addressing a socially relevant issue, is slated for a theatrical release on October 31.
Backed by C.R. Films and Sunil Aggarwal Films, Hi Zindagi was extensively shot in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, capturing the essence of small-town India.
The film features Gaurav Singh, Garima Singh, Aayushi Tiwari, Somi Shree, Deepanshi, and Rishabh Sharma in pivotal roles. The trailer launch event saw the presence of the lead cast along with music director Aditya Raj Sharma, lyricist Jamil Ahmed, and choreographer Ravi Akhaday.
A Bold Subject Rooted in Reality
The trailer opens with a striking scene where a young man walks into a police station to file a complaint, claiming that four women had physically assaulted him. The officers burst into laughter, questioning how such an incident could even happen. The tone quickly shifts as the story progresses, highlighting the serious message behind the narrative — the need for legal protection and equality for men as well.
One of the most impactful lines in the trailer comes toward the end, when a character states, “There should be an act to protect men too.” This sentiment reflects the film’s central theme — challenging societal and legal double standards regarding gender-based harassment and violence.
Producer’s Stand: “The Law Should Be Equal for All”
Speaking at the launch, producer Sunil Kumar Aggarwal — who is also a practicing lawyer — emphasized that the film is a result of his deep concern over the existing legal framework. “When the Indian government launched the BNS, I studied the Indian Penal Code thoroughly and noticed several loopholes in the new law,” Agarwal said. “Law should be equal for everyone, and gender equality must reflect in our legal system as well.”
He referred to a statement made in September 2025 by former Chief Justice U.U. Lalit, who had remarked that the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) failed to address the issue of adult male victims of sexual assault. In his lecture, Justice Lalit noted that the omission left men without legal recourse and created a gap in protection for male victims — a concern echoed by many legal experts and social commentators.
A Film with a Purpose Agarwal elaborated that Hi Zindagi aims to ignite a much-needed conversation about gender neutrality in laws. “Through this film, I am raising my voice,” he said passionately. “If a man faces harassment or domestic abuse from a woman, he currently has no platform to seek justice. Are men not victims too? This film is about giving that message — that men also deserve legal protection and dignity.”
He added that it’s time for lawmakers to either amend existing acts or introduce new ones that ensure equal rights and safeguards for all genders.
Director’s Vision and Musical Touch
Director Ajay Ram revealed that the story of Hi Zindagi was originally penned in 2017, but underwent significant revisions under Aggarwal’s guidance to reflect the latest legal developments and the societal landscape. “The subject was sensitive and ahead of its time,” Ajay Ram noted. “Sunil Kumar Aggarwal brought fresh depth and realism to it by connecting it to the present legal discussions.”
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Aditya Raj Sharma, features four soulful tracks. Among them, “Kanha Ki Murli Baaje,” sung by Raj Nandini Sharma and Aditya Raj Sharma, has already been appreciated for its melodious blend of devotion and emotion.
Expanding Horizons: Launch of CRF Studios OTT App
At the event, the team also announced the launch of their new OTT platform “CRF Studios,” which aims to provide a space for meaningful and socially relevant cinema. The initiative reflects the production house’s commitment to storytelling that challenges norms and provokes thought.
A Story that Sparks Dialogue
With its strong performances, thought-provoking theme, and emotionally charged storytelling, Hi Zindagi is poised to stir conversations around gender equality, legal fairness, and societal perceptions of masculinity and victimhood.
As India continues to debate the contours of gender-sensitive laws, Hi Zindagi arrives as a cinematic voice advocating for balance, empathy, and justice — reminding viewers that every life, regardless of gender, deserves protection and respect.
“Hi Zindagi” releases in theaters nationwide on October 31.
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6th Edition of Mumbai Art Fair Returns from 10th to 12th October 2025, showcasing 3000+ artworks by 250 artists at Nehru Centre
Mumbai 8th October 2025 -The highly awaited Mumbai Art Fair, one of India’s leading platforms for emerging and mid-career artists, is back with its 6th edition from 10th to 12th October 2025 at the Nehru Centre, Discovery of India Building, Worli. This year, the fair will present a grand celebration of contemporary creativity, featuring over 3000 artworks by 250 artists from across the country. The 3 day show will be open from 11am to 8pm.
The exhibition will unfold across 85 air-conditioned booths, displaying a wide spectrum of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints. Since its inception, the Mumbai Art Fair has remained dedicated to providing opportunities for new talent, giving them visibility while connecting them with collectors, galleries, and art enthusiasts.
Mr. Rajendra Patil, Founder & Curator Mumbai Art fair shared, “Far more than a display of artworks, the 3 day art show provides art lovers with moments of reflection, tranquillity, and storytelling, encapsulating both spiritual and symbolic dimensions of Indian art. By uniting diverse artists and genres year after year, the fair has established itself as a vibrant cultural platform that caters equally to the passion of art lovers and the investment interests of collectors.”
This edition welcomes several regularly participating galleries including the curators art, Bouquet of Art Gallery, Dev Mehta Art Gallery, Studio3 Art Gallery, RS Art Space, and Grayscale from Mumbai, along with Artecious World Art Gallery and Aura Planet from Delhi, and Arpitam Kala Mandir from Kolkata.
Among the featured artists are Om Thadkar, Ashwin Kumar, Dev Mehta, Beena Surana, Vijay Kumavat, Shirish Kathale, Gautam Das, Anjum Shah, Rohan Kunthale, and many others. Their works represent a variety of genres and styles from vibrant figurative art and symbolic works to abstract, experimental, and hyper-realistic pieces.
Visitors can expect to see figurative paintings by Purvi Lohana, Niyati Amlani, Akshata Shetty, and Ujjwala Surwade, alongside the strikingly orchestrated works of Pooja Vijayarangan and Jenaifer Daruwalla. Minimalist and symbolic creations will be presented by Rashmi Pote, Urvi Shah, Rupali Mansinghka, Devi Rani Dasgupta, and Sohan Kumar, while sculptor Rohan Sonavane will showcase his distinctive metal forms.
Also, on display are detailed realistic works by Shreekant Potdar, spiritual compositions by Monalisa Parekh, Shweta Rohira, Kanta Warde, Susmita Mandal, and abstract canvases by Ankita Rohra, Shivani Bannerjee, Lalita Sonavane, Manish Soni, Anjali Prabhakar, Mahek Gor, Samta Gala and Kailas Kale. Artist Shweta Rukme brings a monochromatic dimension with her black-and-white studies focusing on light, form, and value.
For admirers of landscapes, the art fair offers a wide variety – from abstract and semi-abstract landscapes to romantic, pastoral, floral, seasonal, and cityscapes. Highlights include landscapes by Varsha Patil, Ravishankar T and Kartikeya Khatau, flowerscapes by Ria Das, Vatsala Thakur, Sunandini Jayant, Dr. Jessica Serrao, and Gagandeep Singh Kochar, oils by Ashwin Kumar and Vasundhara Nanavati, and semi-abstract interpretations with diffused light by Rupali Mansinghka.
The exhibition will also present a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, seen in the works of Jeenu Madan and Premal Shah, graphical pseudo-realism by Payal Sethia, traditional Indian-style paintings by Arvind Sharma, symbolic works by Rajiv Malayil, and photographic narratives by Rajeev Rai.
Tickets are available through BookMyShow:
[https://in.bookmyshow.com/activities/india-art-festival/ET00427061].
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THREE FILMS OF YASH RAJ FILMS TO BE MADE IN THE UK FROM 2026, PM Keir Starmer announces!
Three Films of Yash Raj Films to Be Made in the UK.JPG
(Photo caption: Akshay Widhani, CEO - Yash Raj Films & Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, United Kingdom at YRF Studios (L-R))
Yash Raj Film, India’s leading film production and distribution company, have confirmed plans to bring their major productions to locations across the United Kingdom from early 2026, creating over 3,000 jobs and boosting the economy by millions of pounds, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced in Mumbai today.
To mark the announcement, the Prime Minister visited Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai today alongside a delegation of some of Britain’s biggest names in film including the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios. Yash Raj’s Studio completes 20 years of operations in India on October 12th.
The Prime Minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest growing economies in the world and put money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. That includes deepening the collaboration of the UK and India’s globally renowned creative industries.
The UK film industry contributes £12 billion a year to the economy and supports 90,000 jobs across every region of the country. It is a sought-after destination for international filmmakers thanks to its world-leading studio infrastructure and iconic backdrops.
India is the largest producer of films in the world, and Yash Raj’s commitment follows an 8-year hiatus from filming in the UK – showcasing the impact the UK-India trade deal is already having.
The UK’s creative industries are globally recognised as world-leading, consistently setting international trends and commanding respect for artistic excellence, commercial success and cultural influence worldwide.
As a country of 1.4 billion with a growing entertainment industry, India represents a major opportunity for UK companies to expand and grow – and vice versa.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is destined to unlock – driving growth, strengthening cultural ties and delivering for communities across the country.”
Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widhani said:
“The UK holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country.
“We were honoured to host the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at YRF today to ink this pact and also had the pleasure to discuss how India and UK could come together to push the content landscape globally through landmark collaborations like this.
“It is truly special to reignite YRF and UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ - a film that is synonymous to UK-India’s relationship. Our company is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL) in the UK too.
“So, we are thrilled to join hands with the UK again and return to filming in the country that has always been extremely kind to us. UK’s infrastructure, technology and talent is unmatched and we are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a country that has always empowered us to excel creatively.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
"The UK’s and India’s film industries are truly world class, entertaining billions around the world. Given the strength of our sectors and the deep cultural ties between our two countries, partnerships between Bollywood and British studios make complete sense.
"By making these Bollywood blockbusters in Britain we will be driving more growth in our world-class creative industries, as we committed to in our Creative Industries Sector Plan."
Today’s announcement is the latest example of how the UK’s deepening partnerships with India’s booming cultural scene will create new jobs, drive investment and bolster creative content in the UK, while celebrating our valuable people-to-people links.
Supporting this further will be a cooperation agreement (MoU) between the British Film Institute and the National Film Development Commission of India, which will reinvigorate co-production and enable filmmakers from both countries to share resources and talent.
Past Indian productions have yielded global hits. Cross-cultural hit film Slumdog Millionaire, brought in around £300million to the UK economy, on a budget of just £12milllion, highlighting what’s possible when UK technical expertise and Indian storytelling unite.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
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ZEE5 Announces Telugu Original Series ‘D/o Prasad Rao: Kanabadutaledu’, Premiering October 31st
~Directed by Poluru Krishna and Produced by South Indian Screens, ‘D/o Prasad Rao: Kanabadutaledu’ will feature versatile actors Rajeev Kanakala and Udaya Bhanu-
India, 7th October 2025: ZEE5, India’s leading homegrown OTT platform, is set to premiere its upcoming Telugu original series ‘D/o Prasad Rao: Kanabadutaledu’ on 31st October 2025. The series is directed by Poluru Krishna and produced by South Indian Screens, the makers of successful titles such as ‘Recee’ and ‘Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting’.
Featuring acclaimed Tollywood actors Rajeev Kanakala as Prasad Rao, alongside Udaya Bhanu in a pivotal role and rising OTT star Vasanthika as Swathi, the story unfolds as a deeply emotional and suspenseful thriller.
At its core, it’s a story of a father’s (played by actor Rajeev Kanakala) relentless search for his missing daughter (played by actress Vasanthika). What begins as a desperate quest soon unravels into a trail of secrets, betrayals, and shocking truths hidden beneath everyday lives. With every step closer to the truth, the lines between love, loss, and deception grow thinner, pulling viewers into an emotional yet suspense-filled journey.
Actor Rajeev Kanakala said, “What drew me to D/o Prasad Rao: Kanabadutaledu was the emotional core of the story. It goes beyond suspense and mystery to highlight the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter. As a parent myself, I could strongly feel the depth of those emotions while portraying Prasad Rao. It is a role that stays with you because it speaks to something universal, the love and strength that define family.”
Actress Udaya Bhanu said, “For me, I liked the way, the story balances raw human emotion with edge-of-the-seat suspense. It is a story that grips you with its intensity, while also touching you with its heart. As a mother to daughters, I felt its emotional weight deeply, but as an actor, I was equally drawn to the way the narrative keeps you questioning what lies ahead. That rare combination makes this series truly unique.”
Anuradha Gudur, Business Head, Telugu ZEE5, said, “At ZEE5, we believe the most powerful stories are those that come from human emotions, and D/o Prasad Rao: Kanabadutaledu is one such story. It captures the raw intensity of a father’s love, his determination, and the unspoken fears that every family can relate to, while weaving it into a suspenseful narrative that keeps you at the edge of your seat. With Rajeev Kanakala and Udaya Bhanu delivering standout performances, Vasanthika bringing a fresh spark, and the creative strength of Poluru Krishna and South Indian Screens, this series reflects our commitment to presenting Telugu originals that are both heartfelt and impactful.”
Don’t miss the emotional thriller of the year, ‘D/o Prasad Rao: Kanabadutaledu’ premieres on 31st October 2025, only on ZEE5!
About ZEE5
ZEE5 is India’s largest homegrown video streaming platform and the global destination for South Asian content, reaching viewers across 190+ countries. As the streaming platform of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., a leading content and technology powerhouse, With a focus on 'Apni Bhasha, Apni Kahaniyan' (multiple languages, infinite stories)., ZEE5 drives a language-first platform approach, delivering hyper-local content, language specific packs and deeply personalized experiences in seven languages, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi. With a vast library spanning Originals, Indian and international films, TV shows, kids’ content, news, live TV, and bite-sized micro dramas, ZEE5 is the destination for diverse, multilingual content for Indians everywhere.
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