Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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The Comeback I Had Been Waiting For”: Shiny Doshi on Stepping Back into the Spotlight with Ishk Dum aur Idli Rasam Balaji Studios’ latest YouTube Original show ‘Ishk Dum Aur Idli Rasam’ is already striking a chord with audiences, and the buzz around its lead pair is only getting louder. In a candid conversation, the show’s lead actress, Shiny Doshi opened about the overwhelming viewer response, her unexpectedly effortless on-screen chemistry with co-star Abhishek. Shiny spoke about the unusual way her pairing with Abhishek came together, revealing there were no joint readings or look tests before they began shooting. “My readings and look tests for the show were done with Shoaib. He’s a fabulous and very nice guy. I think replacing Shoaib was a mutual decision between him and the producers. As for Abhishek, I found out only a few days before shooting that he was coming on board. We met briefly for about 15 minutes in the office, and the very next day shooting started.” She added, “I’m being very honest, no matter how much experience you have in the industry, the first few days are always a little nervous because you’re still trying to get into the skin of the character. But Abhishek, he was so effortless. I never felt like I was working with him for the first time. In fact, after our first scene, our director came up to us clapping and said, ‘I could see the chemistry.’ As Abhishek says, some things are destined for the person who is meant to receive them. I think this role was written in his destiny.” Shiny Doshi also addressed her decision to move away from stereotypical “Bahu” roles on screen. She said, “Yes, I had always wanted to break away from the typical ‘Bahu’ image, even though most of my roles ended up being in that space. I have no regrets at all because each character I played was powerful and meaningful, and I’m genuinely grateful for them. After Pandya, I consciously took a break. I wanted to return only with a character or a show that felt genuinely new and different for me. It’s not that I wasn’t offered shows, but nothing substantial came my way. I’m someone who really likes exploring new spaces and new characters. But this show with Balaji Telefilms, it felt like a comeback for me and the kind of comeback I had been waiting for.” Reacting to the audience response to the show, Shiny shared her excitement. “It feels good. The response has been amazing. People are loving Abhishek and me together on screen, and Arjun and Meera are also getting a lot of love. When you put in so much hard work and get this kind of appreciation, it feels wonderful. Like Abhishek, I also read all the comments. And whenever I want to know the stats or algorithms, I go to him, he’s very active with tracking everything like trends and YouTube numbers. We didn’t even know our trailer was trending until he came and told us!” Balaji studios’ latest show continues to win audience love, with the lead pair’s effortless chemistry becoming a major highlight and Ishk Dum Aur Idli Rasam stands out as one of the most refreshing digital drops of the year. New episodes release every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 PM on the Balaji Telefilms YouTube Channel.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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*“A Woman Goes Through So Much”: Sambhavna Seth Opens Up About 7 Failed IVF Cycles and Her Journey to Motherhood* XX June 2026, Mumbai: The upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa- Ghar ki Superstar* welcomes actress and YouTuber *Sambhavna Seth* on stage, celebrating her journey of strength and resilience as she opens up about her journey of delayed motherhood and the support she received from her husband Avinash, during this journey, and how he became her pillar of strength. Asking Sambhavna about her journey before entering parenthood, Rajeev said, _"Iss khushi ke kshan tak pahunchne se pehle ka jo safar tha, woh kitna mahatvapurna tha."_. To which Sambhavana replied _“10 saal humaari shaadi ko ho gaye, next month 10 saal complete ho jaayenge. Aur kyunki humein pata tha ki humne ek doosre se shaadi kari hai, toh embryo freezing humne shaadi se hi pehle kar li thi, thinking ki jab humein plan karna hoga toh hum easily kar lenge. Lekin kehte hain na, upar wale ki marzi hoti hai, uske saamne kisi ki nahi chalti. Toh humaare naseeb mein jo likha tha, woh fail hue humaare. Jab humne transplant karaye, woh fail hue. Ek failure, doosra failure, laga teesra ho jaayega. Phir dobara IVF karaane lage, phir teesra cycle, chautha cycle... aise 7 cycles IVF ke karaaye hue hain. A woman goes through so much, ki ek aurat mein hi itni shakti ho sakti hai.”_ Praising her husband later, she said, _"Mere husband ne mujhe uss waqt support kiya ki koi tere peeche ho na ho, mujhe nahi chahiye baccha, tum kyun karna chah rahi ho? Main khush hoon tumhare saath. Lekin yeh meri fight thi, main karna chahti hoon. Mujhe bachchon se pyaar hai, mujhe chahiye baccha. Avinash ke parivaar ko dena hai aisa koi pressure nahi tha mere upar, phir bhi out of love I carried on. Aur humne milkar fight ki ki humein iss journey ko anjaam tak leke jaana hai."_ Later, she revealed that with a lot of difficulties, she is today blessed with her children in her hands and is thankful for the law of surrogacy, due to which she could experience motherhood. With such inspiring stories of strength, patience, and sacrifices, Tum Ho Naa is set to celebrate Sambhavna’s journey of parenthood. *Watch Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.*

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*Match made in heaven: Sony MAX and Aamir Khan Productions celebrate 25 years of meaningful storytelling* Link - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZcF3aDgVT_/ *Mumbai, 23rd June 2026:* Sony MAX, India’s leading movie channel, proudly announces a landmark celebration honouring 25 years of Aamir Khan Productions — a cinematic journey that has redefined storytelling and inspired generations. For over two decades, Sony MAX has been the home of blockbuster entertainment, iconic stars and unforgettable movie moments. Guided by its "Deewana Bana De" philosophy, Sony MAX has consistently celebrated the powerful bond between audiences and cinema, creating experiences that bring fans closer to the stories and stars they cherish. The collaboration with Aamir Khan Productions further marks a union of two legacies — a channel that has championed iconic films and a production house that has consistently delivered narratives rooted in purpose and human connection. On 28th June 2026, audiences across the country will witness a day-long celebration of the storytelling legacy of Aamir Khan Productions. From the underdog triumph of Lagaan to the heartfelt journey of Taare Zameen Par, to the empowering spirit of Secret Superstar, and the warmth and optimism of Sitaare Zameen Par, these films continue to spark conversations and touch lives. Sony MAX’s special showcase will bring these landmark titles together, reaffirming the enduring power of cinema to entertain, inspire and connect. Adding to the celebration is an exclusive Sony MAX brand film, "Match Made in Heaven" featuring Aamir Khan. Created specially for Sony MAX viewers, the brand film celebrates the coming together of Aamir Khan's ‘pagalpan’ for meaningful storytelling that matters and Sony MAX’s ‘deewanapan’ for cinema that stays with audiences long after the credits roll. The brand film honours the enduring bond between Aamir Khan’s iconic films and the fans who have cherished them over the years. Aamir Khan, Director and Founder, Aamir Khan Productions added, _“As we celebrate 25 years of Aamir Khan Productions, I am deeply grateful for the love our films have received over the years. Cinema has the power to entertain, inspire and bring people together, and I am delighted that all our films are on Sony MAX. They have been wonderful partners in taking these stories to audiences across every corner of India.”_ This one-day festival is more than a retrospective. It is a tribute to a remarkable cinematic journey that has shaped perspectives and reinforced the belief that films can be both entertaining and transformative. With Sony MAX at the helm, the celebration promises to be a cultural event that honours legacy while inspiring the future. _The Aamir Khan Productions 25-Year Celebration airs on 28th June 2026, exclusively on Sony MAX_

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ROOH brings Emraan Hashmi into a world that is close to his heart and deeply connected to the kind of cinema audiences have always loved him for. The film is written by Mayank Sharma and Vishal Kapoor, known for Lapachhapi and Chhorii, and produced by Vikram Khakhar and Sunny Khanna, a Vicked Films Productions. Speaking about the film, Emraan Hashmi shares, “ROOH is a film that immediately connected with me because it brings together new-age horror, emotion and music in a very powerful way. This is a space that audiences have always associated with me, and the world Mayank is creating feels intense, emotional and cinematic. That is what excited me the most about ROOH, and I am really looking forward to audiences experiencing it on the big screen.” Speaking about the film, director Mayank Sharma adds, “As someone who has always loved the horror genre...ROOH is my attempt to create a film that goes beyond fear. It’s emotionally layered and immersed with unsettling atmosphere and presented with contemporary cinematic treatment… I’m thrilled to collaborate with Emraan for this deeply layered character. My entire team and I hope to bring audiences a truly unique and unforgettable horror experience.” With ROOH, the intent is to create a haunting, immersive and emotionally charged cinematic journey that goes far beyond the conventions of a regular horror film. Adding to the film’s commercial strength is its music. In true Emraan Hashmi style, ROOH will carry a powerful soundtrack, with the first glimpse of its tune already hinting at the kind of melody, longing and emotional recall that audiences have always associated with his films. The combination of horror and memorable music gives the film a strong edge across cinema, digital, music, youth and wider audiences. Industry insiders suggest that the project is also being developed with global ambitions, backed by international creative and technical collaborations that elevate the film’s visual scale and overall cinematic experience. More than a conventional horror film, ROOH blends fear, emotion, music and supernatural power into a theatrical world designed for audiences in India and beyond. With Emraan Hashmi, Mayank Sharma’s immersive vision and music as a major commercial driver, ROOH is shaping up to be one of the most exciting horror properties to watch out for. https://youtu.be/HQBxZjXSm5c

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*Rajeev Khandelwal Reveals His Parents Once Opposed His Acting Dream: “Maa-Baap Ka Support Nahi Tha”* *XX June 2026, Mumbai* : The upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar* will witness an emotional and inspiring conversation as host *Rajeev Khandelwal* reflects on his own journey while speaking to contestant *Priya* and her family. During the episode, Priya shared her inspiring story of becoming a Bollywood background dancer despite facing resistance from her father in the early years. She revealed that her father was initially not supportive of her dream of pursuing dance as a career. However, things changed when her hard work began paying off and she started earning well through her performances. Seeing her stay at reputed hotels, travel for work, and meet well-known celebrities eventually convinced him that she had chosen the right path. Adding to the conversation, Priya’s mother proudly revealed that her daughter had even worked alongside *Madhuri Dixit* in the popular song Ghagra, *Kareena Kapoor* in the song Fevicol Se and *Deepika Padukone* in the song Deewani Mastani. Rajeev praised the contribution of background dancers and said that they are often the unsung heroes who elevate every performance through their dedication and hard work. He then turned to Priya’s father and asked why he had not supported her from the beginning. Her father admitted that he was unsure whether Priya would be able to make a stable living through dance and was also concerned about societal perceptions. The conversation then took a deeply personal turn when Rajeev opened up about his own experience of chasing his dream of becoming an actor. Sharing his story, Rajeev said, _“Jab mujhe actor banna tha toh mere maa-baap ka support nahi tha. Lekin jab Papa ne dekha ki yeh bahut serious hai apne kaam ko lekar aur yeh ab peeche aane wala nahi hai, toh unhe yeh baat lagti hai ki kyun 3-4 saal maine waste kiye.”_ Rajeev then asked Priya’s father whether he felt the same way today. Reflecting on his journey as a parent, Priya’s father admitted that mistakes happen and acknowledged that he now fully supports his daughter and is proud of what she has achieved. The heartfelt exchange served as a reminder of how belief and support can transform dreams into reality, and how parents sometimes come to understand their children’s passion only after witnessing their unwavering determination. _*Watch Tum Ho Naa Ghar Ki Superstar, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV*_

Monday, June 22, 2026

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*Pandit Birju Maharaj’s Legacy Finds Its Next Torchbearer in Granddaughter Shinjini Kulkarni* *XX June 2026, Mumbai :*The upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar* hosted by *Rajeev Khandelwal* will witness a heartfelt and inspiring moment as renowned Kathak master *Shinjini Kulkarni* Pandit Birju Maharaj's Grand daughter opens up about the challenges, responsibilities, and pride that come with belonging to one of India's most celebrated artistic families. Questioning her about the expectations attached to her performance, being the grand daughter of the kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, Rajeev Khandelwal asked Shinjini _“Bade legend ki aap naati hai, jabhi perform karti hai aapke dimag mein aisa chalta hai ke yeh sab log jante hai aap innki naati hai”._ Shinjini shared, " _Ek chotasa mera apna struggle hai rajeev ji, ofcourse logo ke jeevan ke hisaab se yeh bohot badi cheez nahi magar logo ko aapse itni jyada apeksha hoti hai ki, aapko koi galti karna allowed hi nahi hai, aur agar aapne koi galti kar bhi di aapse pehle aapke guru ke naam pe, nana ke naam pe aanch aajayegi toh aap humesha itne high bench mark ke against compete kar rahe hote hai ki mushkil hota hai, kai bar logo ko yeh bhi lagta hai ki aare tumhe toh sab kuch paros ke mil gaya, bohot aasani se mil gaya, aur uske piche ka humara jo riaaz hai, ghanto ki mehenat hai, jo hum aapne balbute pe, apni mehenat pe badhne ki koshis kar rahe hai, kai bar woh credit bhi chala jata hai. Magar uss samay mujhe bas itna yad rehta hai ki main dance, ya main kathak iss liye kar rahi hu kyunki bhagwan ne mujhe chuna iss parivaar mai paida hone ke liye, aur mujhe kisi aur se validation ki jaarurat nahi hai._ " Applauding her perspective and strong mindset, Rajeev said, _"Absolutely, vo kehte hai na legacy woh humare samaj mai kaha jata hai sirf ladke aage leke jate hai kisi bhi legacy ko, yaha pe aap, itni mahaan legacy ko aage leke ja rahi hai, woh bhi apne aap mai kabile tareef hai aur woh aasan nahi hai aur main samajh sakta hu, aur aab ye jo talent hai yeh jo art hai usse aur aage jana chahiye, main sochta hu umeed karta hu aur aage jab aap jayengi zindgi mai, toh yeh tradition chalta rahe, toh yeh talent chalta rahe, yeh legacy kabhi khatam nahi honi chahiye, jaise aapki mummy ne bataya 9th generation se yeh legacy chali aarahi hai, yeh bhi aapke upar pressure rehta hoga ki yaar isse aage bhejna hai._ " Talking about how she would like to utilize the prize money, Shinjini revealed that if she gets the opportunity to win, she hopes to use it to preserve and strengthen the oral traditions of Kathak and support young students who are passionate about the art form. Later Highlighting the importance of preserving the generational heritage, she added , _"My great Grand father unhone 5000 Thumriyan likhi aur kyunki woh aise hi yaad hoti thi ek peedhi se doosri peedhi tak students ko yaad karayi jaati thi, aur agli generation mein kai log kam umr mein hi guzar gaye,woh 5000 mai se mere nana ke pass sirf karib 500 hi reh pai, baki sab khatam ho gai, sab kho gai."_ To which Rajeev replied _"Yeh heritage hai matlab jise aapko sambhalke rakhna padta hai, aur jaise innhone kaha agar kuch baccho ki ruchi hai iss art form ki taraf toh unhe protsahan milna chaiye kyunki woh humare desh ki shaan hai, humara desh jaana jata hai iss tarha ki art form se_ ." As Shinjini later performed one of the most legendary and celebrated choreographies of Pandit Birju Maharaj _’Mohe Raang Do Laal’_ , Rajeev curiously asked her _“Aur yeh jo apne nritya kiya aapne yeh bhi aapke nanaji ka hi kya hai”_ . Expressing about how lucky she felt of being the part of such a legendary creation Shinjini revealed _“Iski choreography nana ji ne hi kari hai aur main bohot lucky thi ki Delhi mai jab iski rehearsal chal rahithi to Sanjay Bhansali ke sath aur Deepika Padukone ji ke sath humne rehalsal attend ki, unko train karte hue dekha ki ek non kathak dancer ko itne chote se samay ke andar kathak ki barikiya kaise sikhai ja sakti hai yeh bohot hi amazing experience tha.“_ Later Rajeev asks, _“Aur kabhi mauka mila hai ki aap kabhi Pandit Birju Maharaj ke sath dance kar sake kabhi, kabhi sath mai stage share kiya hai”_ Further responding to Rajeev’s question She revealed the biggest flex of her career was when she had the opportunity to perform in the USA not only with her grandfather but also sharing the stage with legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain. Expressing his gratitude Rajeev said _“Bataaiye kitni badi hasti ke sath main iss samay ki baat kar raha hu, yeh actual mai, jo log aise parivaar se nahi aate hai unhe aisa lagta hai ki, kitni lucky hai aap ki aapke parivaar mai aise legend hai, aur ye art form inhone zinda rakhi hai, aur aane wali generations ko bhi woh de ke gaye hai"_ The emotional exchange serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with preserving centuries-old traditions and ensuring that India's rich heritage continues to inspire generations to come, and Tum Ho Naa continues to celebrate the person that strongly holds on to the legacy. *Watch Tum Ho Naa - Ghar Ki Superstar, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.*

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MIFF 2026 Concludes on a High Note, Celebrating Global Excellence in Documentary, Animation and Short Fiction Cinema The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026) drew to a successful close today, marking the culmination of six days of cinematic celebration, creative exchange, and meaningful storytelling. The festival brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, film enthusiasts, students, and emerging creators from across the world, reaffirming MIFF’s position as one of the leading platforms for documentary, animation and short fiction cinema. A total of 17 awards were presented at the closing ceremony, honouring outstanding achievements across international and national competition categories. The prestigious Golden Conch for Best International Documentary Film, carrying a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, was awarded to the Polish documentary Silver. The Silver Conch for Best International Short Fiction Film and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh went to the Iranian film Under The Snow, while the Silver Conch for Best International Animation Film and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh was presented to the German animation film Maya’s Song. In the National Competition, Waai won the Silver Conch for Best Indian Documentary Film along with a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. The FTII-produced Small Clouds received the Silver Conch for Best Indian Short Fiction Film, while Tamil animation film Armstrong from Angaalamman Temple Street won the Silver Conch for Best Animation Film. Among the special honours, the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize was awarded to The Hug of Emptiness by Pradeep Kenchanuru, while the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director went to Pooja Tolani for Raaza. The IDPA Award for Best Student Film was presented to Milan Kumar for The Old Bull Knows, or Once Knew. MIFF 2026 witnessed an overwhelming global response, receiving 1,459 film entries from around the world. The Competition Section featured 144 films, including 52 international and 92 national entries representing 13 countries. The Non-Competition Section showcased 202 films from 46 countries across 24 curated segments such as Mosaic, Best of Fest, Busan Next Wave, Oscar Winners, Raimund Krumme Retrospective, NFDC Showcase, Echoes from North East, Marathi Films and IFFI CMOT. The film festival concluded as a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence, cultural diversity, and the transformative power of storytelling.