Friday, June 26, 2026
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*5 Best Moments of Vishal Dadlani on Indian Idol*
Happy Birthday, Vishal Dadlani! On his special day, we celebrate not just the singer-composer, but also the ever-inspiring judge who has given Indian Idol some of its most memorable and heartfelt moments. From guiding contestants with honest feedback to sharing the emotion behind songs and even opening doors for fresh talent, Vishal has consistently proved why he remains one of the show’s most loved personalities.
*1. Vishal Dadlani’s Pancham Da tribute lit up the stage*
Vishal Dadlani has often said that he is the biggest fan of Pancham Da, and Indian Idol gave him the perfect stage to celebrate that love. In one memorable moment, he sang classics like 'Gulabi Aankhen,' 'Mehbooba Mehbooba,' and 'Bachna Ae Haseeno,' turning the set into a full-blown musical celebration. His energy was so infectious that everyone on the stage ended up grooving with him, making it one of the most joyful and unforgettable moments of the show.
*2. Giving honest, meaningful feedback*
Vishal has always been a judge who says exactly what a contestant needs to hear. His feedback is sharp, thoughtful, and rooted in experience, helping singers improve while keeping the performance space supportive.
*3. Offering Contestant Manraj Veer a big opportunity*
One of Vishal’s most memorable gestures was giving contestant Manraj Veer a chance to sing on his world tour. It was a powerful reminder that Indian Idol is not just about competition it can also be a launchpad for real opportunities.
*4. Explaining the soul of a song*
Vishal often shares the story, emotion, or struggle behind a song before or after a performance. That makes each moment richer and helps both contestants and audiences connect with the music on a deeper level. He shared the story behind the classic song 'Chingari Koi Bhadke' from Amar Prem. He explained how the line was inspired by a real-life moment involving Anand Bakshi and a cigarette lighter in the rain, and how R.D. Burman worked through the night to create the tune. His storytelling turned the moment into a reminder of how legends can transform ordinary experiences into timeless music.
*5. Opening up about his own inspiration*
In a touching moment, Vishal revealed that his parents’ love for music inspired him. That personal reflection made him even more relatable and showed where his own musical journey truly began.
*Don’t miss this special episode of Indian Idol, airing every Saturday and Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on SonyLIV.*
BVLGARI ANNOUNCES SHAHID KAPOOR AS FIRST FRIEND OF THE HOUSE FOR FRAGRANCES Bvlgari-Shahid-Kapoor-June26'-0031
BVLGARI ANNOUNCES SHAHID KAPOOR AS FIRST FRIEND OF THE HOUSE FOR FRAGRANCES
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Mumbai, India - Bvlgari welcomes Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor as Friend of the House, marking the first partnership for fragrances between Bvlgari and a male personality in the Indian market.
Shahid Kapoor is an artist who embodies charisma, versatility, and confidence that deeply resonates with Bvlgari values.
As Friend of the House, Shahid Kapoor will represent a selection of the Maison's iconic fragrances, including the collections of Bvigari Man and Bvigari Le Gemme.
Each fragrance expresses a distinct facet of the Bvlgari olfactory universe. The Bvlgari Man collection captures the powerful connection between man and nature, with each fragrance embodying the vital force of natural elements. Inspired by the rarest gems of nature, the Le Gemme collection represents the essence of Bulgari's olfactive artistry.
"I've always believed that fragrance is an extension of one's personality. What stood out to me about Bulgari is how every scent feels distinctive, confident, and memorable in its own way. I am delighted to begin this journey with the Maison."
— Shahid Kapoor
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Prateek Walia Unpacked the Soundscape of Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past’
Music composer and singer Prateek Walia recently made a major mark in Bollywood with Vikram Bhatt’s horror film Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, starring Mimoh Chakraborty. Known for his fresh, distinctive style and emotionally layered soundscapes, Prateek composed seven songs for the film, while also lending his voice to one of the tracks and penning lyrics for two songs. The film’s music album featured nine songs in total, with Prateek contributing to the majority of the soundtrack as a composer, singer, and lyricist, bringing his signature versatility, creative depth, and contemporary musical sensibility in shaping the film’s haunting narrative.
The album of Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past featured a diverse mix of romantic ballads, haunting melodies, and emotionally rich tracks, with each song carrying a distinct mood and sonic identity. Leading the soundtrack was Janmo Janam, sung by Mohit Chauhan, a soulful romantic number drenched in longing and nostalgia, elevated by soft acoustic arrangements and emotionally rich vocals that captured the intensity of timeless love. Bringing mystery and emotional depth to the soundtrack was Raaz Hai, sung by Palak Muchhal, a haunting melody layered with delicate harmonies and atmospheric production that perfectly complemented the film’s supernatural world. Further expanding the album’s emotional palette was Nazrein Tu Mila, sung by Pragati Nagpal, a soft romantic track infused with youthful warmth and contemporary charm, while Lauta Do, performed by Gurdeep Mehndi, explored a more intense and soulful space, showcasing the singer in a refreshingly different musical style. Adding another dimension to the soundtrack was Nazrein Tu Mila 2.0, sung by Neha Karode, which reimagined the original with a fresher, moodier sonic treatment, followed by Janmo Janam GenZ Mix, sung by Raghav Chaitanya, a modern reinterpretation of the original track that blended contemporary production with emotional vulnerability, giving the timeless melody a younger and more current appeal.
Rounding off the musical lineup was Aashiqui Mein, sung by Prateek Walia himself, a deeply personal and emotionally driven composition that held a special place at the heart of the album, as it marked the first song he officially signed for a feature film. Built on heartfelt lyrics, melodic intensity, and contemporary romantic arrangements, the track reflected both vulnerability and passion, while also capturing the sentimental core of the film’s narrative. In addition to composing the majority of the soundtrack, Prateek also contributed as a singer and lyricist, penning two songs for the album and further adding a personal creative imprint to the film’s music.
Reflecting on the musical journey, Prateek Walia shared, “Getting the opportunity to work with Vikram sir feels like pure serendipity to me, and this film will always remain extremely close to my heart because it changed my life as an artist. My journey with him started during the Covid lockdown in 2020, when he used to come live on Instagram, and one day I got the opportunity to sing an original composition for him. He really liked the song and that became the beginning of our connection. Later, when I moved to Mumbai in 2022, I would often visit production houses and offices, trying to meet people and share my music. One day, Vikram sir saw me outside his office and instantly recognised me from that Instagram Live session. He remembered my face and the song I had sung for him. That moment stayed with me because, eventually, it led to meetings, music sessions, and finally my first film song, Aashiqui Mein. The song changed my life in many ways because after that, I got the opportunity to work with Vikram sir on more projects and explore new creative journeys as a composer.”
Talking about his experience of working on the film and collaborating with the singers, Prateek further added, “I got the opportunity to work with singers whose songs I grew up listening to, and that in itself was a very rewarding feeling for me. Recording with Mohit Chauhan and Palak Muchhal was a memorable experience, while collaborating with newer artists was equally exciting because it gave me the space to experiment more and push my creative boundaries as a composer. Every song in this album holds a different emotion and memory for me. Working on a horror film was both exciting and creatively challenging because it pushed me to think differently as a composer. As someone who has been in Mumbai for only a few years, I feel grateful that people trusted my music and welcomed me with so much warmth and faith. I also thank the Almighty for everything I have been able to achieve in the last four years. Every opportunity, every collaboration, and every milestone has played an important role in shaping my journey.”
Before stepping into mainstream film composition, Prateek Walia began his musical journey with independent music and cover tracks, gaining recognition after one of his acoustic covers trended among India’s top music videos. Over the years, he went on to compose and sing multiple original tracks, gradually building his space as a composer and vocalist. Following his work in projects like Bloody Ishq and Tumko Meri Kasam, Prateek Walia took a significant leap forward with Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, further establishing his growing presence in the industry with his distinct musical identity. He also composed the title track of the Gujarati film Badhu Alright Che, which was released alongside Haunted 3D, marking another exciting milestone in his growing musical journey.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
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Asrani’s last Film Faces Legal Heat; Makers Plan ₹5 Crore Claim in Sholay Rights Dispute
Hum Angrezo Ke Zamane Ke Jailer Hain Row Deepens; Makers Counter with ₹5 Crore Legal Move
Mumbai, 25 Jun 2026: What was expected to be an emotional and celebratory release surrounding veteran actor Asrani’s final screen appearance has now unexpectedly turned into a legal battle. The makers of Hum Angrezo Ke Zamane Ke Jailer Hain have gone on the offensive after receiving a legal notice linked to alleged intellectual property concerns associated with the iconic film Sholay, and are now reportedly preparing to seek damages of ₹5 crore.
The controversy began after a legal communication from Sholay Media and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. reportedly raised objections over the title Hum Angrezo Ke Zamane Ke Jailer Hain, a phrase that became one of the most memorable dialogues delivered by Asrani in the 1975 classic film. The notice allegedly claimed exclusive rights over creative elements associated with Sholay, including characters and dialogues.
However, producer Bhanwar Singh Pundhir and filmmaker Rakesh Sawant have strongly denied all allegations and have now issued a detailed legal response challenging the claims.
According to the reply submitted on behalf of the makers, the producers have described the allegations as “baseless,” “frivolous,” and “without merit,” while asserting that the title of the film was lawfully obtained through IMPPA procedures and that the film already possesses a valid certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The response further claims that notices being circulated to theatre chains, exhibitors, distributors and trade partners just before release may have caused avoidable disruption to the film’s business prospects. The producers have allegedly termed the move as pressure tactics and indicated that they are evaluating legal remedies, including seeking damages reportedly amounting to ₹5 crore for the losses and impact caused to the project.
The makers have also highlighted an emotional aspect behind the title selection. In their legal response, they stated that the film title was chosen as a tribute to veteran actor Asrani, whom they described as one of the industry's most respected and admired performers. According to the reply, since this is believed to be the legendary actor’s final film appearance, the intention was to honour his legacy rather than exploit any existing intellectual property.
Industry observers note that disputes involving classic film references and intellectual property continue to be sensitive issues in the entertainment sector, particularly when nostalgia and commercial rights intersect. The situation has generated considerable discussion within trade circles, especially because Hum Angrezo Ke Zamane Ke Jailer Hain had already attracted attention as Asrani’s final cinematic outing.
Produced under the banners Gajanan Motion Pictures and JAYAS FILMS LLP, the film features Asrani alongside Bhanwar Singh Pundhir, Milind Gunaji, Zarina Wahab, Mushtaq Khan, Raksha Gupta, Muskan Verma, Vishnu Sharma and Abhinav Chauhan.
With both sides now taking firm legal positions, industry attention remains focused on whether the matter proceeds toward litigation or reaches a settlement before affecting the film’s release plans further.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
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Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani and Shaan surprise fans at exclusive YouTube event for Welcome to the Jungle
An exclusive YouTube Music event for the upcoming Welcome to the Jungle soundtrack transformed into an unforgettable fan experience. Creators and superfans were joined by singer Shaan, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and actor Disha Patani in a series of major surprises!
The audience initially gathered for an intimate music preview, before Shaan and his band took the stage for an unexpected live, unplugged performance of tracks from the upcoming film.
The momentum built further as Akshay and Disha joined the session to engage directly with the audience, elevating the exclusive preview into a high-energy, interactive fan moment.
Hosted by YouTube Music in collaboration with Times Music, the event showcased how digital-first experiences are helping films connect with audiences well before release. By bringing together artists, creators, and fans in a direct and engaging way, the event underscores YouTube’s role in driving community engagement while providing filmmakers and labels a powerful launchpad ahead of theatrical release.
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C.O.R.E. 2026 Brings India’s Fandom Revolution to Life with over 13,000 Attendees
C.O.R.E. 2026 Brings India’s Fandom Revolution to Life with over 13,000 Attendees
With record-breaking participation, immersive global franchises, a ₹5.8 lakh cosplay prize pool, and a multi-generational audience, C.O.R.E. signals the rise of a new era of experiential entertainment in India
National, June 2026: What happens when superheroes walk alongside anime fans, children meet their favourite characters, gamers race in F1 simulators, artists showcase their worlds, creators connect with their communities, and thousands of people celebrate their passions under one roof? The answer was witnessed at C.O.R.E. – Culture of Real Experiences, which concluded its spectacular debut edition in Mumbai with over 13,000 attendees across two unforgettable days, establishing itself as India’s largest and most immersive pop-culture festival.
Conceptualized by Fanthology Studios in collaboration with Black White Orange, C.O.R.E. brought together the worlds of entertainment, gaming, anime, cinema, music, art, technology, collectibles and storytelling at an unprecedented scale. From children as young as two years old discovering the magic of beloved characters to fans above the age of 60 embracing nostalgia and shared passions, C.O.R.E. became a truly intergenerational celebration that proved fandom has no age.
The festival transformed the Jio World Convention Centre into a multi-universe playground featuring over 80 leading brands and exhibitors, more than 2,000 creators and community members, globally loved franchises, immersive installations, interactive zones and live performances that created unforgettable moments for attendees.
Among the biggest attractions was the high-speed F1 simulation experience that drew massive crowds, while India Gully stood out as a powerful celebration of India’s achievements in space exploration and defence, showcasing stories from ISRO and the Indian Armed Forces and inspiring visitors with a sense of national pride. The C.O.R.E Artist Lab offered a platform to ten emerging Indian artists to showcase and sell their creations, while experiential zones from leading brands, fan interactions, character parades and interactive storytelling moments made every corner of the festival come alive.
The festival also became a landmark moment for India’s growing cosplay community. With six winners recognised over the two days and a cumulative prize pool of ₹5.8 lakh, C.O.R.E. hosted one of the country’s most significant cosplay showcases, celebrating the incredible craftsmanship, creativity and dedication of fans who transformed themselves into their favourite characters from across the worlds of anime, gaming, comics, film and television.
Adding a meaningful social impact dimension to the celebration, Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis partnered with C.O.R.E. to bring 400 children from underprivileged farming families, supported by the Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana, to experience the festival. For many of these children, it was their first encounter with the worlds of superheroes, gaming, immersive technology, music, and storytelling, an experience that embodied C.O.R.E's vision of making culture, creativity, and inspiration accessible to all. Through this initiative, the festival extended beyond entertainment, creating moments of joy, discovery, and possibility for young minds from communities that have faced significant challenges.
The initiative aimed to foster a sense of belonging, community, and aspiration, encouraging young minds to dream bigger and imagine new possibilities for their future. Reflecting her longstanding commitment to social welfare and youth empowerment, Mrs. Fadnavis championed an experience that placed people at the heart of the celebration, ensuring the joy and opportunities of C.O.R.E. reached those who could benefit from them the most.
The entertainment quotient reached new heights with performances by some of India’s most exciting artists, including W.I.S.H., Ritviz, AminJaz, Karan Kanchan and Nucleya, while the festival also featured iconic showcases, creator interactions and conversations spanning global entertainment, anime, gaming and Indian storytelling.
Speaking on the overwhelming response to the inaugural edition, Bhavik Vora, Co-Founder, C.O.R.E. and Fanthology Studios, said, "C.O.R.E. was born from a simple belief that fandom is one of the strongest cultural forces shaping today’s generation. The response we witnessed over these two days has exceeded every expectation. Seeing over 13,000 fans, thousands of creators, artists, families and communities come together proves that India is ready for a world-class platform built around shared passions and real experiences. This is just the beginning of the C.O.R.E. journey, and we are excited to take this movement to newer cities and build an even larger community of fans in the years to come."
In addition, Avisha Goswamy, Head of Business & Growth at C.O.R.E., said, “C.O.R.E. was created to bring the worlds fans have only experienced on screen into real life. Our goal is to give people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultures, characters, and stories they love through meaningful, interactive experiences. We are not competing with other festivals; we are contributing to India’s growing fandom movement by creating immersive, officially licensed experiences that go beyond traditional retail. The response to our debut edition has been incredible, and we are excited to bring C.O.R.E. to more cities across India in the coming year.”
In addition, Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis took to the stage at C.O.R.E and said, “This is what culture truly means, bringing real experiences to life. The way gaming, comics, anime, technology, VR, and more have been showcased in one place is remarkable. It is a great space for young minds to connect and a glimpse of what our future looks like. Beyond the fun, there is so much for children to learn through interactive workshops and experiences ranging from ISRO and the Indian Navy to SUMO Wrestlers from Japan. It is a perfect celebration of fandom, and I applaud this first-of-its-kind festival. This is for our next generation and for the world that lies ahead. I congratulate the organisers for putting together this festival for our youth to celebrate.”
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*After Losing Her Leg at 15, Sudha Chandran Refused to Give Up on Her Dreams*
*XX June 2026, Mumbai:* The upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar*, hosted by *Rajeev Khandelwal*, will witness an inspiring Journey and a deeply emotional conversation with actress and classical dancer *Sudha Chandran*, as she revisits the life-changing journey that turned her into a symbol of inspiration for generations.
In a conversation with Rajeev, when Sudha’s helper recalled reading about Sudha ji in his school textbook and shared, _When I was a little child, I read a story in my Class 4 school textbook. It said that when I grew up, I would have to choose between the two, and here I am today, with Sudha ji_
Later, Sudha revealed, _Actually, there’s a chapter about me in school textbooks across the country. These children read it when they’re in school, and in fact, I always say that many children are still studying it today. I would say this is the greatest achievement of my life. I may be a heroine on screen, but being a heroine in real life is what truly fills me with pride._
Highlighting the significance of her achievements, Rajeev added, _She truly is a real-life heroine because there was an entire chapter dedicated to Vidhayak Ji in the NCERT Hindi textbooks. It was a chapter about her achievements and her life that schoolchildren used to study. So, when I say that superstars grace this stage, I genuinely mean it—they are real superstars. Since we've started talking about that chapter, Sudha ji, I have to mention it. I can't leave the story unfinished. I would definitely like to turn those pages once again and revisit what was written in that chapter._
In response to Rajeev's question about the chapter, Sudha shared that her story had been included in textbooks because she believed it was important for future generations. She reflected on how, after losing her leg in an accident, many people questioned how she would continue dancing and encouraged her to focus on academics instead, believing that her future lay in education rather than in dance.
Recalling the life threatening accident she faced at the age of 15, she said, _I was on the threshold of my teenage years, and everyone knows that adolescence is a phase filled with countless dreams. I often compare my life to an aircraft that was almost ready for takeoff. But it was as if the takeoff was aborted, my wings were clipped, and I crashed back to the ground. At that moment, I had no choice. She further recalled the moment doctors informed her in the operation theatre that her leg had to be amputated because gangrene had spread. She added, “Actually, I was a minor, so my parents made that decision. They told the doctors, ‘Please go ahead with the operation. We just want our daughter back.’”_
Speaking about the determination that kept her moving forward after her surgery, Sudha said, _The decisions you make in life are not always the result of a long thought process. Sometimes, you have to make them instantly. The reason is that if you give yourself too much time, people begin to influence you, and somewhere along the way, you start getting swayed by what they say. I had made up my mind that I would make a comeback. How I would do it, I didn't know that, I left in God's hands._
Further, she added _Within three months, the Jaipur Foot was developed by Dr. P. K. Sethi and Dr. D. R. Mehta. My doctor walked in and said, ‘Here is the answer to your question.’ At that moment, I knew nothing could stop me anymore._
Later, admiring her strength, Rajeev asked Sudha, _When you underwent the surgery at the age of 15, had you already decided that you would dance again?_ to which Sudha said, _No, I had only decided that I would make a comeback. How I would do it, I didn't know._
Later, she shared that after three years of relentless hard work, she returned to the stage in 1984. Recalling one of the most emotional moments of her life, Sudha revealed that after her performance, her father came up to her and touched her feet. Surprised by the gesture, she asked him what he was doing. Her father replied that he was not touching his daughter's feet, but was bowing to the goddess Saraswati, whom he saw residing within her.
Moved by her incredible story, Rajeev reflected, _When we get a fever, we often feel like we can't do anything. When life throws setbacks our way, it feels as though it's the end. Just imagine a 15-year-old girl who was a dancer, full of dreams, suddenly loses a leg. Summing up, Sudha said, “You don't need limbs to dance; you need a soul to dance.”_
Referring about the doctor who treated her during that time she said _The surprising part was that Dr. P. K. Sethi himself was sitting there. He came up to me and asked, ‘My child, how did you manage to dance?’ I replied, ‘Doctor, you were the one who told me that I could do it.’ Revealing his honest confession, she said, ‘You know what he admitted? He told me, “When I first met you, I couldn’t bring myself to say no, so I accidentally said yes.” That one unintended “yes” became the biggest turning point in my life, and that’s how I started dancing.’_
To this, Rajeev added with admiration, “Sudha ji, that soul is still very much alive. Is it possible for us to see a little dance?” Sudha replied with a smile, “Oh, it's more alive than ever!” What followed was a spectacular performance by Sudha Chandran. Her extraordinary journey stands as a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges.
*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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