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Vedanta Top Pick Among Aluminum Cos, Provides Best Risk-Reward Among Peers: Kotak Securities Kotak Institutional Equities said in a report that Vedanta Ltd. is best placed among its peers as it stands to benefit from robust aluminium prices. The brokerage noted that Vedanta has volume growth across all divisions over FY2026-28E, increased backward integration in alumina/coal/bauxite in the aluminium division, and higher commodity price sensitivity. Kotak expects aluminium supply additions to remain tepid, with China operating at almost 97% utilization and Indonesia being the only region where large capacity of around 3 mtpa addition is under works. The brokerage estimates around 2.5 million tons production of growth over CY2025-28E from supply ramp-up ex-China, but the overall aluminum market to remain in deficit. This comes at a time when Vedanta remains on track to achieve 50% India market share in aluminium, with the company ramping up capacity and planning to operationalize captive mines, strengthening raw material security while positioning aluminium as a critical input for infrastructure, automotive, aerospace, power transmission and clean-energy hardware, betting that its central role in the energy transition will drive sustained domestic demand despite global volatility. Vedanta is expanding its Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) smelter by 435 KT taking it to a million tonnes, thus strengthening its ability to cater to rising domestic demand. A higher share of sales in the Indian market is expected to support margin expansion, given stronger realizations compared to export markets. The company is making a sharp pivot toward higher-margin, value-added products, with the goal of lifting its sales share to more than 90%. These comprise a range of new product lines that are poised to fulfil India’s rising aluminium demand across high growth sectors including billets for building & construction, railways, auto and clean energy; rolled products manufactured at Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), serving automotive, electrical, power, insulation and packaging sectors; and Primary Foundry Alloys catering to both auto sector and advanced manufacturing. The shift to value added products is aimed at India’s fastest-growing aluminium end markets, where consumption is rising at an accelerated pace benefitting from the country's fast economic growth. Policy-led electrification, including a target of 30% electric-vehicle penetration by 2030, along with a push to use domestically produced raw materials in manufacturing, are shaping demand for premium aluminium. Vedanta Aluminium’s high domestic market share is underpinned by a backward integration strategy targeting production costs of around $1,500 per tonne. In Q3FY26, Vedanta Aluminium recorded a hot metal cost of $1,674 per tonne, the lowest in the past seventeen quarters and ahead of its full-year guidance range of $1,700–$1,750 per tonne. It recorded the highest-ever quarterly & nine-month aluminium production at 620 KT & 1,842 KT, respectively, and delivered the best-ever quarterly EBITDA margin at $1,268 per tonne. The company is also executing an aggressive vertical integration blueprint through the operationalisation of secured bauxite (aluminium ore) resources and five coal blocks. This is expected to unlock structural cost advantages that will reduce hot metal production costs from Q2FY26 levels of $1,826 per tonne to the design target of $1,500 per tonne. Upon achieving this target, Vedanta is expected to be positioned within the global first decile of the cost curve. Vedanta Aluminium is also developing a ₹1.3 trillion greenfield aluminium smelter in Dhenkanal, Odisha, which will comprise a 3 MTPA smelter along with a 4,900 MW captive power plant, significantly enhancing India’s global aluminium production capacity. Vedanta Aluminium is set to be demerged from Vedanta Ltd. as part of the conglomerate’s ongoing restructuring, which will create four additional listed entities.

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---------------------------------------------------- Kennedy Actor Aamir Dalvi on Director Anurag Kashyap’s Process: Doing Less Became Everything for This Film For Aamir Dalvi, stepping onto the set of Kennedy meant stepping into Anurag Kashyap’s way of seeing cinema. It was a space where performance was not pushed, emotions were not explained, and silence was treated as dialogue. Talking about working with Kashyap, Aamir says the director dismantled many of his instincts as an actor. “Anurag never wanted anything loud or dramatic from me. At first, it’s unsettling, because as actors we’re trained to fill silence, to justify emotion. Here, he was asking me to trust it.” That trust, Aamir explains, did not come overnight. Even after Anurag sir saw the first shots of the character, the process remained about observation rather than instruction. “He wouldn’t over-explain scenes or spell out emotions. Sometimes he’d just watch and say very little, or in fact nothing. What spoke instead was his smile or a shift in energy. It was like a vibe check after each shot. With sir, you slowly realise he wants the character to exist, not perform. That kind of faith pushes you into uncomfortable territory, but it also frees you.” It is this approach that shaped Salim Kattawala into a presence rather than a personality. Quiet, controlled, and deeply unsettling, the character never announces himself. “When you stop performing and allow stillness to take over, the character begins to breathe on its own,” Aamir shares. “That’s when it becomes dangerous, because it feels disturbingly real.” Though Kennedy marks his first Bollywood film as an antagonist, Aamir says working with Kashyap shifted his focus away from labels. “This was my first time playing an antagonist in a Bollywood film, and it came with a certain weight. But Anurag sir never framed it as good or bad. He only spoke about honesty. I kept thinking that if I’m going to be remembered for this, it has to be honest, even the ugly parts.” That emotional honesty followed him home. “There were days later when I felt heavy and unsettled, even though the scenes were quiet. Nothing dramatic had happened, yet something stayed with me. That’s when I realised the character had entered me quietly, the same way he enters the film.” He ends with a thought that lingers. “If a character leaves me disturbed and unfinished, I know something has been done right. Salim didn’t leave me soon after the shoot ended. He stayed, and I think that’s exactly what Anurag sir wanted the audience to feel too.” Starring Rahul Bhat alongside Sunny Leone, Kennedy unfolds as a bleak, immersive noir where survival comes at a cost. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film premieres on ZEE5 on February 20.

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Divya Agarwal and Starrer First Look Poster of Supernatural Thriller ‘The Wardrobe’ Unveiled Raj Gavali Production has unveiled the first-look poster of its upcoming Bollywood supernatural thriller The Wardrobe, giving audiences a glimpse into a dark and haunting cinematic experience. Directed by Saurabhh Chaubey, the horror-based film stars Divya Agarwal and Rajniesh Duggall in the lead roles. The project is produced by Jyoti Raj Gavali and co-produced by Raj Gavali. The newly released poster presents a chilling visual — a mysterious woman emerging from an old, half-open wooden wardrobe entwined with creeping vines. Bathed in an ominous red glow from within, the eerie figure, dressed in a blood-stained white gown, creates an atmosphere of fear and suspense. The smoky surroundings and shadowy backdrop further intensify the supernatural tone, hinting at dark secrets concealed behind the wardrobe doors. Actress Divya Agarwal is set to make her Bollywood debut with the upcoming supernatural thriller The Wardrobe. She is best known for winning Bigg Boss OTT 1 and MTV Ace of Space 1. Divya is excited about the project and exploring the horror genre on the big screen. “This film challenged me as an actor. The story is gripping and atmospheric, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience it,” she said. The bold red title The Wardrobe stands out against the grim setting, reinforcing the horror theme. The poster also announces the film’s theatrical release date as April 24, 2026. Actor Rajniesh Duggall said the film offers a unique take on the supernatural genre. “The moment I heard the script, I knew it had something different. It blends suspense with psychological elements, and the poster gives just a glimpse of what audiences can expect,” he added. According to the makers, the film revolves around a terrifying chain of events triggered by what appears to be an ordinary household object. They describe the narrative as a suspense-driven supernatural thriller that promises unexpected twists and edge-of-the-seat moments. Producer Jyoti Raj Gavali said the film aims to present horror in a gripping and emotionally engaging format. “The Wardrobe is not just about fear, but about the unknown secrets that can change lives. From the very beginning, we wanted the first look to reflect the intensity and mystery of the story,” Gavali said.

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Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation Announce MOU to Develop Animated Shows and Films from Mukta Arts IP Mumbai January 18, 2026: Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and production of animated shows and feature films based on Mukta Arts’ iconic intellectual property portfolio. As part of its strategic expansion into animation, Mukta Arts launched SGM Animation Studio in 2025 as its dedicated Animation and Games division. The studio is focused on developing, producing and co-producing animated films, series, comic books and games, leveraging Mukta Arts’ rich IP library built over four decades, along with creating new original properties rooted in the company’s storytelling legacy. Green Gold Animation, founded by Rajiv Chilaka, is India’s leading animation studio and the creator of some of the country’s most successful homegrown animation IPs, including the globally popular Chhota Bheem universe. With decades of experience and hundreds of hours of animated content, Green Gold brings deep expertise in building scalable, character-driven franchises for television, OTT and feature films. Under the MOU, Mukta Arts and Green Gold Animation will work together to develop multiple animated IPs inspired by landmark films from Mukta Arts’ celebrated catalogue, including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar, Iqbal and more, along with character-led spin-offs from these universes. Creative teams from Mukta Arts and Green Gold Animation have already initiated discussions, with the first project currently in development. Commenting on the collaboration, Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO, Green Gold Animation, said “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.” Subhash Ghai, Filmmaker and Founder, Mukta Arts Ltd., added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.” Watch this space for some very interesting announcements emerging from this partnership. About Mukta Arts Ltd. Founded in 1978 by Subhash Ghai, Mukta Arts Ltd. is a leading Indian film production company with a celebrated catalogue of iconic films and enduring intellectual property. The company is expanding into animation and gaming through SGM Animation Studio to build new-age franchises from its rich IP library

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Delna Poonawalla to showcase her much-awaited capsule collection at the annual Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million; Set to Celebrate Legacy, Luxury, and Raceday High Fashion ~Where heritage meets haute couture, honouring a celebrated racing legacy with a modern design moment~ 17th February, Mumbai: The iconic Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million will return at the prestigious Royal Western India Turf Club, Ltd. (RWITC) in Mumbai, bringing together the worlds of elite horse racing, heritage and high fashion. A landmark fixture on India’s racing calendar, the Multi Million will continue to stand as a symbol of excellence, breeding leadership and sporting prestige. This year’s edition will elevate the experience through a special showcase that blends tradition with contemporary luxury. In a defining highlight of the evening, Ms Delna Poonawalla will unveil an exclusive teaser of her upcoming capsule collection at the racecourse, offering a first glimpse into a design narrative inspired by refined turf elegance, timeless craftsmanship and modern Indian glamour. The unveiling will celebrate the Poonawalla family’s longstanding legacy and enduring impact on Indian thoroughbred racing. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Delna Poonawalla will say: “The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million is more than just a race; it reflects decades of our family’s passion and commitment to the sport. Growing up around the racecourse, I have witnessed firsthand the discipline, dedication and love that goes into breeding champions. Showcasing my capsule collection here feels deeply personal. It is my way of honouring our family’s legacy while bringing a contemporary lens to a tradition that is rooted in our family for so many decades.” The capsule collection will serve as a precursor to a more elaborate showcase earmarked for next month. As the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million continues to define the pinnacle of Indian thoroughbred racing, this year’s edition promises an unforgettable convergence of speed, sophistication, and style. With Delna Poonawalla’s capsule collection teaser adding a fresh layer of contemporary glamour to the storied traditions of the Poonawalla legacy, racegoers and fashion enthusiasts alike are invited to witness history in motion—where champions are crowned on the track and elegance reigns supreme off it. About the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million The Poonawalla Breeders' Multi-Million is India's richest juvenile horse race and a cornerstone event in the nation's thoroughbred racing calendar. Inspired by prestigious international races like the Magic Millions in Australia and the Cartier Million in Ireland, it began with a guaranteed stake of Rs 1 million and has grown to offer nearly Rs 15 million in prizes. Held annually on the third Sunday of February at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse, this Group 1 produce race for three-year-olds over 1400 meters determines the country's leading juvenile champion. Beyond the competition, the event fosters a vibrant, festive atmosphere, drawing crowds with exciting contests—including a free prediction challenge for a grand prize car—alongside prizes for the best-turned-out attendees. Featuring Bollywood stars, fashion models, and global racing luminaries as guests of honour, the Poonawalla Breeders' Multi-Million blends high-stakes sport with fun, fashion, and fortune, making it the most glamorous highlight of Indian racing

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Viraj Bahl Sets Benchmark for Founder Trust in India’s Startup Ecosystem February 2026, National; Viraj Bahl, Founder and Managing Director of Veeba, is receiving widespread recognition from founders featured in the latest season of Shark Tank India for his integrity, accessibility and consistent follow through beyond the on screen pitch process. Founder interactions following the broadcast have reinforced his reputation as an investor who prioritises real relationships, practical guidance and long-term value creation. Continued engagement with entrepreneurs beyond the show format has resonated strongly across the startup ecosystem, strengthening confidence in purpose driven mentorship and responsible investing. A Founder-First Approach Having built Veeba into one of India’s leading sauces and condiments brands, Viraj brings deep operational experience to his role on the show. His journey from scaling a strong B2B foundation to building a widely loved consumer brand shapes his investment philosophy, one that centres on accessibility, honest feedback, and long-term value creation for entrepreneurs. As India’s startup landscape evolves, the importance of trust led investor founder partnerships continues to grow. Viraj remains focused on enabling entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing, industry access and sustained engagement, contributing meaningfully to the next phase of India’s innovation and consumer growth story.

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*“My Wife Is a Writer, But I’ve Never Read a Book!” says Akshay Kumar* *18th February 2026, Mumbai:* The upcoming episode of *Wheel of Fortune* promises not just thrilling spins but also some candid and heartfelt moments. In a surprising confession, *Akshay Kumar* opened up about his reading habits during an engaging interaction with contestant Yash. While introducing himself, *Yash* shared an interesting analogy about his life. _“Meri life bhi Wheel of Fortune ke pahiye jaisi hai pahiye ka kaanta kahan rukta hai mujhe bhi nahi pata,”_ he said. A Marine Engineer by education and profession, Yash revealed that for the past 10 years, he has also been working as a cartoon scriptwriter and is an anchor for the Mumbai Indians. He further added that he has written for several cartoon shows and has penned three projects for *Rohit Shetty, Golmaal, Little Singham, and Simmba.* With a touch of humor, he said he is now waiting to write for Sooryavanshi too: *“Helicopter pakad ke Sooryavanshi ki entry ho, main uske liye bhi likhu.”* Impressed by his journey, *Akshay* responded, _“So basically, you are a writer.”_ That’s when the conversation took an unexpected turn. *Akshay* candidly admitted, _“Aapko pata hai maine zindagi mein aaj tak ek bhi kitab nahi padhi hai. Main chehre padhta hoon. Sach bataun, meri wife writer hain aur mujhe lagta hai woh din mein ek kitab zaroor padhti hain. By God, maine ek bhi kitab nahi padhi. Maine sirf chehre padhe hain. Sach kehta hoon, chehre se badiya kitab koi nahi hoti.”_ The honest and humorous confession left everyone amused, adding yet another memorable moment to the show. *Watch Wheel Of Fortune, hosted by Akshay Kumar, every Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television & Sony LIV.*