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Tucked away on the iconic Bandstand promenade in Mumbai, with a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, lies a culinary gem that has quickly become a hotspot for celebrities and food lovers alike: The Bandstand Pantry. More than just a cafe, it's a tranquil retreat that offers a perfect blend of gourmet food, a relaxed ambiance, and a touch of A-list glamour. The Man Behind the Magic The Bandstand Pantry is the brainchild of Sinan Kader , a former Ranji Trophy cricketer turned successful restaurateur. Kader, who is also behind other ventures like Slow Burger Co., brought his passion for high-quality food and a unique dining experience to life with this cafe. The interiors, which exude a warm and cozy vibe, were reportedly designed by businesswoman and socialite Mana Shetty , adding another layer of celebrity association to the place. The menu itself is a work of art, curated by celebrity chef Shantanu Gupte , drawing inspiration from his global travels. A Star-Studded Guest List The cafe's stunning location and appealing menu have made it a favorite among Bollywood's elite. While the list of visitors is constantly growing, some of the well-known names who have been spotted grabbing a bite include: Aryan Khan : The son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose famous residence, Mannat, is just a stone's throw away. Ahan Shetty : Son of Suniel Shetty, he is often seen enjoying the cafe's offerings. KL Rahul : The Indian cricketer is a frequent visitor, adding to the cafe's appeal among sports enthusiasts. Manushi Chillar : The former Miss World and actress has also been seen at this popular spot. Varun Dhawan : The actor once gave a shoutout to the cafe on Instagram, thanking Sinan Kader for a healthy and delicious smoothie bowl. What Makes It a High-Rated Hotspot? The Bandstand Pantry's rave reviews and high ratings are no accident. It’s a combination of several factors that make it a standout destination: The View:  This is arguably the cafe's biggest draw. Its sea-facing location provides an unmatched experience, allowing diners to enjoy their meal with the sound of waves and a cool sea breeze. Guilt-Free Gourmet:  The menu is designed to offer a "guilt-free gourmet experience." It focuses on healthy, fresh, and high-quality ingredients, from free-range eggs to artisanal bread and single-origin coffee. Popular dishes like the Avocado Toast with Truffle Oil and the Forest Mushroom dish have received special praise. Ambience and Design:  The cafe's laid-back yet chic atmosphere, designed with a blend of modern minimalism and warm nostalgia, makes it an inviting space for a relaxed brunch, a quick coffee break, or a leisurely evening with friends. Diverse Menu:  From hearty breakfast options like smoothie bowls and egg dishes to sandwiches, flatbreads, and healthy juices, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a local Mumbaikar or a tourist exploring Bandra, a visit to The Bandstand Pantry promises a delightful experience where you can enjoy great food, stunning views, and perhaps even a celebrity sighting. It’s a perfect example of how a well-thought-out concept, a prime location, and a focus on quality can create a truly memorable dining destination.

From edgy courtroom dramas to spy thrillers, the new-age leading ladies of Bollywood are going full throttle with fresh genres, bold scripts, and unexpected pairings. These actresses aren't just "working"—they're leading  a new chapter of Indian cinema. Let’s deep dive into the six power-packed film lineups that are keeping all eyes on them. 1. Fatima Sana Shaikh: Social Drama Meets Grit After shining in Aap Jaisa Koi  and Metro In Dino , Fatima is moving into hard-hitting territory. Her next features her as a cop in a gritty courtroom drama fighting for a minor rape victim. She’s also teaming up with Vijay Varma ( Gustaakh Ishq ) and has a mysterious project with Roy Kapur Films. Expect intensity. 2. Triptii Dimri: The Indie Queen Goes Pan-India Fresh off Dhadak 2 , Triptii returns with Spirit , reuniting with Sandeep Reddy Vanga and co-starring Prabhas. Plus, there’s an untitled Vishal Bhardwaj project brewing—signalling that she’s ready to oscillate between mainstream and artistic cinema with ease. 3. Rashmika Mandanna: The Genre Hopper From horror-comedy ( Thama  with Ayushmann) to potential love triangle buzz ( Cocktail 2  with Shahid & Kriti) and the mysterious Mysaa —Rashmika is bringing surprise and spunk to every frame. 4. Janhvi Kapoor: Massy Meets Classy With Param Sundari  alongside Sidharth Malhotra, and a full rom-com blast in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari , Janhvi’s doubling down on heartland meets high-glam. She’s also stepping into Telugu thrillers with Peddi  and Allu Arjun’s next. Her career’s clearly in 5th gear. 5. Ananya Panday: Romance Reimagined Ananya's upcoming rom-com Tu Meri Main Tera  with Kartik Aaryan and the visually aesthetic Chand Mera Dil  with Lakshya are tailored to her Gen-Z brand. She's cementing her spot as the face of modern rom-coms. 6. Alia Bhatt: Leading a Spy Universe & A Sanjay Leela Bhansali Epic Alpha  marks Alia’s entrance into the YRF Spy Universe, sharing screen space with Sharvari. She also stars in Bhansali’s Love and War  alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Talk about balancing espionage with epic romance. Conclusion: These six actresses aren’t just following trends—they’re setting them . With gutsy choices and diverse storytelling, they’re redefining what it means to be a Bollywood heroine in 2025.

Move over bro-code, it’s time for the bold code . These five female filmmakers—Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Mansi Bagla, Guneet Monga, Pragya Kapoor, and Ektaa Kapoor—aren’t just directing or producing films. They’re flipping the script, genre by genre, and redefining what Indian cinema feels  like. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari: The Empathy Architect Films like Nil Battey Sannata , Panga , and Bareilly Ki Barfi  made Ashwiny a master of middle India magic. She doesn't shout feminism—she lives  it through real stories of real women. Mansi Bagla: Bollywood’s Quiet Disruptor From Forensic  to Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan , Mansi Bagla is all about storytelling that challenges conventions—like a blind hero in a romantic musical. It's not flashy rebellion; it's meaningful innovation. Guneet Monga: Global Indie Royalty Oscar winner. The Lunchbox . Masaan . Kathal . Guneet gives Indian stories an international soul. Her work proves Indian cinema isn’t just commercial—it’s cultural capital . Pragya Kapoor: Emotion Meets Revolution Whether it's climate ( Maali ), identity ( Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui ), or spirituality ( Kedarnath ), Pragya Kapoor delivers spectacles that move you—and make you think. Ektaa Kapoor: The Empire Builder From TRPs to theatrical thrillers, Ektaa Kapoor mastered every medium. She knows  what the masses want and then surprises them anyway. Conclusion: These five women are not outliers. They’re the new normal . And the cinematic future? It’s already wearing heels.

The Medha Shankr we see on-screen is remarkably different from the off-screen one! Just as much as she impresses everyone on the bigger canvas, Medha is equally interesting in real life too! As she celebrates her birthday today, here are five unknown facts about the actress you probably didn’t know! 1. For the unversed, Medha Shankr is a trained classical singer. Yes, you read that right! She has even impressed her fans with impromptu singing sessions, leaving many surprised with her singing talent. Recently, she even dropped her own version of Jugraafiya from Super 30, and received praise from audiences and celebrities, too! 2. Medha Shankr is also a dancer! Since her younger days, Medha has grown up dancing in her schools and society functions, making the art form stay with her. While the actress hasn’t explored the dancing space on-screen, her fans would surely like to see her dance her heart out! 3. Medha even likes to pick up a pen and fill pages during her leisure! For the unknown, the 12th Fail actress has written two scripts by herself, completely personal to her. Despite this, her fans would surely like to see a glimpse of her writing knack! 4. Medha is an avid traveller. From the plush greenery to beaches and mountains, the actress likes to take some time off from her schedule to relax and rejuvenate in the open air. 5. Medha is also a hearty food-lover! At times when actresses stick to strict diets, Medha comforts her soul by relishing different delicacies and cuisines, be it scrumptious street food or gourmet. Though Medha has recently stepped into Bollywood and has won hearts with her acting prowess, she is surely multi-talented, and her fans are eager to see more of her!

Alright, let's talk about Son of Sardaar 2 . If you're walking into this expecting anything remotely close to nuanced storytelling or groundbreaking cinema, you're in the wrong theater. This film is a loud, chaotic, and often baffling attempt to recreate the "magic" of its predecessor, and frankly, it mostly trips over its own feet. What I Liked (Barely) Honestly, the few moments of genuine laughter came almost exclusively from Ravi Kishan . The man is a riot, and his comic timing is impeccable. He pretty much carries the comedic load, delivering some truly hilarious lines and making the most out of his screentime. Ajay Devgn, bless his heart, tries his best with his signature deadpan humor, and a few of his gags do land. If you're a die-hard fan of his particular brand of comedy, you might find fleeting moments of enjoyment. Where It All Went Wrong Let's not sugarcoat it: the plot is a convoluted mess . It's like they threw every possible comedic trope into a blender and hoped for the best. Jassi's journey from an estranged husband to a fake war hero involved in a mafia war and a bizarre wedding in Scotland is as nonsensical as it sounds. The film tries to juggle too many elements – India-Pakistan banter, awkward romance, family drama – and ends up fumbling most of them. The pacing is a real issue . The first half is a slow, tedious slog. You're just waiting for something, anything , to click, and it rarely does. By the time the second half picks up, you're already exhausted. Many of the jokes feel forced, wildly out of place, or just plain outdated. It relies heavily on slapstick and over-the-top gags that often fall flat, making you cringe more than laugh. And the chemistry between Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur ? It's practically non-existent. It feels incredibly forced and lacks any genuine warmth or conviction. The age gap isn't the issue; it's the complete absence of any believable romantic spark that makes their scenes together awkward and unconvincing. Even the action sequences feel uninspired, and the music is entirely forgettable. The scenic locales of Scotland are barely utilized, serving as little more than a backdrop for the chaotic proceedings. The Verdict Ultimately, Son of Sardaar 2  is a film that demands you switch off your brain entirely. If you're looking for a mindless, loud, and occasionally funny distraction, and you're willing to overlook a messy plot, inconsistent humor, and a lack of genuine connection between the leads, then maybe, just maybe, you'll find it tolerable. For me, it was a largely uneven and forgettable experience that struggled to live up to the original's chaotic charm. It's a "paisa vasool" only if your definition of value is a few scattered laughs amidst a whole lot of noise.

The much-anticipated Dhadak 2 , starring the talented Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, has finally arrived, and it's a cinematic experience that is both raw and deeply affecting. As a "spiritual sequel" to the 2018 film Dhadak , this movie sheds the gloss and instead offers a gritty, heart-rending look at the realities of caste discrimination and forbidden love in modern India. A Story That Hits You Where It Hurts Based on the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal , Dhadak 2  follows the journey of Nilesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a law student from a marginalized caste, and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), an upper-caste girl who also studies at the same college. Their romance is not the central focus, but rather a vehicle to explore the pervasive and brutal injustices that Nilesh faces simply for existing. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of his struggles, from subtle snubs to outright violence. It forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths, ripping off the "moral mask" that hides caste discrimination in urban settings. Director Shazia Iqbal, who also co-wrote the screenplay, handles this sensitive subject with honesty and restraint. While some critics feel the first half is a bit uneven, the film truly finds its footing after the interval, building to a powerful and emotional climax that leaves a lasting impact. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of oppression, but it also finds moments of genuine humor and humanity, preventing the film from becoming relentlessly bleak. Performances That Will Stay With You Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers what many are calling a career-best performance. His transformation from a timid young man to a self-assured individual, simmering with a quiet rage and wounded resilience, is nothing short of brilliant. He embodies the pain and struggle of his character with a raw intensity that is both convincing and deeply moving. Triptii Dimri is equally impactful as Vidhi. Stripped of the usual Bollywood glamour, she is vulnerable yet supportive, and her performance is a testament to her acting prowess. Her character's journey is one of awakening, as she confronts the ingrained prejudices of her own family and society. Together, Dimri and Chaturvedi share a natural, lived-in chemistry that makes their romance believable, even if some critics felt it was a little underdeveloped compared to the social commentary. A Necessary and Powerful Film Dhadak 2  is more than just a love story; it's a social commentary that demands to be seen. While its predecessor focused on a star-crossed romance in a different setting, this film uses its love story as a powerful lens to examine systemic injustice. It's a courageous and bold piece of cinema that tackles a pressing societal issue with sincerity and depth. The film may not be a light-hearted watch, but for its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and a message that is both timely and essential, Dhadak 2  is a must-watch. It's a movie that will not only touch your heart but also challenge your mind and make you think long after the credits have rolled.

The legendary Amitabh Bachchan has extended his support to Matrix Fight Night (MFN), India’s premier platform for MMA fighters. Ahead of the much-anticipated event on 2nd August, Bachchan took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to wish Jackie Shroff and the entire MFN team. He wrote, “T 5456(i) - All good wishes and prayers Jackie.” Bachchan’s encouragement has added to the growing momentum around MFN—a platform dedicated to empowering Indian athletes. Founded by Krishna Shroff and Ayesha Shroff, MFN has become a driving force in India’s MMA scene by giving young fighters the recognition, training, and stage they deserve. MFN continues to lead the charge in promoting combat sports in the country, with a strong focus on nurturing talent and supporting the dreams of passionate Indian sportsmen and women.

Gangsters. Grit. Guns. And a major OTT giant going full masala theatrical. Bollywood’s master of messy morality and underground realism, Anurag Kashyap, is officially back with Nishaanchi , a gangster thriller that promises to revisit the dark, pulsating streets that made Gangs of Wasseypur  a cult. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 19, 2025 . And what’s wild? The backing. It’s not Phantom Films this time—Kashyap’s long-brewing script found its godfather in Amazon MGM Studios , marking one of the first major Hollywood + Bollywood  collabs that’s genuinely creative-first . In Kashyap’s words, it felt like going back to the days when his best work got the right kind of support. The Storyline: Nishaanchi  follows the turbulent journey of two brothers who take starkly different paths in life think crime, betrayal, and the classic Kashyap themes of power, redemption, and everything in between. It’s all about the consequence emotional, political, and violent. Casting Curveball: The film is headlined by Aaishvary Thackeray , yes, from that  Thackeray lineage. But don’t dismiss him as another political scion cashing in—he cut his teeth as an assistant director on Bajirao Mastani . Joining him are rising stars like Vedika Pinto , Monika Panwar , Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub , and the ever-reliable Kumud Mishra . Why This Matters for Bollywood: For Amazon MGM, this is more than content play—this is positioning. Theatres in India are still kingmakers, and a gritty gangster epic backed by an iconic indie director is a signal to the industry: the OTT giant wants prestige and  pop appeal. Nishaanchi  could be Kashyap’s return to theatrical relevance, a comeback on his own terms. It’s retro, it’s violent, it’s emotional—and in a sea of sanitized Bollywood, that might just be its greatest asset.

The Bandra Gymkhana is clearly on a mission this August to turn every weekend (and quite a few weekdays!) into a celebration. Whether you're a karaoke crooner, a quiz buff, or just in it for the vibes, there’s something for everyone at this iconic Bandra institution. It all kicks off on 2nd Saturday (Aug 2)  with Karaoke Night a classic Gymkhana crowd-puller. The Monsoon Bumper Housie  series runs almost every Sunday, starting Aug 3rd. From Monsoon Mania  to Bonanza , Magic , and ending with a full-blown Monsoon Extravaganza  on 31st Sunday , it’s rain-themed fun with prizes galore. Don’t miss Family Masti  with Rosemary & Kevin on 9th Saturday because East Indian Hall + 8:30 PM = guaranteed good time. Independence Week  is buzzing: Eve Social  with Bryn & Roland on 14th Thursday Flag Hoisting  on 15th Friday  at 10 AM Medical Mantra  health awareness on 16th Saturday And, of course, Independence Day Bumper Housie  on 17th Sunday Culture fans, 22nd Friday  is your night: Literary Reading  with Rinki Bhattacharya at 6:30 PM. Party lovers, mark your calendars for: Bar Night  with VDJ Ryan on 30th Saturday Sunday Vibes  with DJ Carlisle on 24th Sunday And for the sporty ones, close the month with the Round Robin Badminton Tournament  on 31st Sunday . With over 15 vibrant events, the Bandra Gymkhana August calendar is a reminder of how community spaces can keep culture, celebration, and connection alive. Whether you’re a regular or just planning to drop by there’s no better time to be in Bandra. Ask ChatGPT

For the second consecutive year, Delhi played host to the International Emmy® Awards Semi-Final Judging Round , with none other than Dr. Annurag Batra . The jury meet, focused on the Sports Programming  category, brought together India’s top media veterans to evaluate some of the best global content in the genre. The session wasn’t just about awarding excellence; it was a reminder of India’s growing role as a global cultural gatekeeper. While Dr. Batra offered continuity and leadership, the spotlight was shared across a table of seasoned editors, broadcasters, and creatives. From emotional grassroots Olympic stories to hard-hitting football documentaries, the jury reviewed content that showed how sports transcend language and borders, much like the Emmys themselves. This wasn’t just a judging panel. It was a quiet power move for India in global media diplomacy.

Sitarist, composer, and performer Rishab Rikhiram Sharma opens up about a deeply spiritual and artistic experience at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, which inspired his latest release The Burning Ghat. What began as a moment of quiet reflection amidst the raw energy of India’s holiest cremation ground soon evolved into a powerful creative vision one that bridges the spiritual symbolism of Burning Man and the sacred rituals of Kashi, giving rise to the concept: From Burning Man to The Burning Ghat. *Reflecting on the experience, Rishab shared,* “Shooting at Manikarnika Ghat was a deeply moving experience. We were surrounded by real rituals, real people, and the powerful energy of letting go. Performing the Ganga Aarti with the priests as the sun dipped behind the ghats was surreal the river shimmered with diyas, the chants echoed through the air, and there was a collective sense of reverence that humbled me. Playing the sitar amidst that atmosphere, for live devotees who were grieving, praying, or simply watching in stillness, was unlike any stage I’ve ever stood on. It wasn’t a performance it felt like a spiritual offering.” *Known for pushing creative boundaries and exploring deeper human truths through art, Rishab drew a striking parallel between two spiritually charged spaces* : “Standing there amidst the smoke and chants, witnessing the eternal flame, I felt something shift within me. It reminded me of Burning Man that same essence of surrender, of release, of detachment. Whether it’s the desert in Nevada or the ghats of Kashi, the message is universal: it’s about Moksha, breaking the cycle of rebirth. That connection gave birth to the idea From Burning Man to The Burning Ghat.” After the success of his India tour, Rishab is now ready to take his vision global with the Sitar for Mental Health Tour. Kicking off on 14th September in New York as part of the NMACC India Weekend a prestigious three-day cultural celebration also featuring Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal the tour will span across Europe and North America, culminating in Toronto on 12th November. This marks a significant chapter in Rishab’s musical journey, as he continues to use the sitar not just as an instrument of melody, but as a medium of healing, consciousness, and connection.

Max Marketing completes a decade of boosting the magic of big screens through precise marketing skills and out-of-the-box strategies. Having been the driving force of marketing behind blockbuster films like Kabir Singh, Angrezi Medium, Padman, RRR, Animal, Drishyam 2 and several more, Max Marketing has added a significant edge to creative marketing, all under the guidance of its creative force - Varun Gupta. Celebrating 10 years of Max Marketing, several stalwarts of Bollywood expressed joy and heaped praise on the feat. Here’s what they said: Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films says, “Max Marketing ideas and team’s hardwork made campaign of our film truly unforgettable.” Celebrated filmmakers Abbas Mustan say, “The campaigns crafted by Max Marketing capture the essence of each film perfectly.” Filmmaker and music composer Vishal Bhardwaj says, “Dependable, inventive and always ahead of the curve - Max Marketing delivers with purpose. Varun Gupta’s imagination fuels their magic.” Producer and writer JP Dutta says, “Max Marketing isn’t a company that promotes films. It breathes life into films and makes sure the film gets its due place in the sun. They create the world of the movie even before the audience enters the theatres. Congratulations to Varun, the force behind the biggest blockbusters and his team on completing 10 years!” Director and producer Aditya Dhar says, “Article 370 was a very difficult movie to market. But Varun and his talented team at Max Marketing consistently and relentlessly came up with unique, out-of-the-box campaigns, to ensure that the film creates strong buzz, before, during, and even after its release. They truly are the best in biz.” Director Nag Ashwin says, “Varun has been a great support and a bouncing board for a lot of marketing ideas.” Director Kabir Khan says, “Working with Varun and the Max Marketing team on Chandu Champion has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Their sharp marketing instincts, and tireless commitment helped shape a campaign that truly captured the spirit of the film.” Director and producer Ashutosh Gowariker says, “Their ability - to first analyse the product and its corelation with the creator of the product and then accordingly adapt and plan the campaign - is unmatched! To say Max Marketing is always one step ahead, will be an understatement!” Sooraj Barjatya of Rajshri Productions says, “Max is a masterclass in marketing! Agreeing to set and break the trends to reflect the soul of the film is paramount to them! Max and Rajshri share the same values. With Varun on board, the film finds a second home.” Director Sriram Raghavan says, “Team Max is a bunch of passionate movie lovers and that’s a big advantage.” Director and producer Abhishek Kapoor says, “As a director & producer, I’ve never felt more supported. Max Marketing’s team is responsive, creative and results-driven.” Director Prasanth Varma says, “Their campaigns resonate deeply, making a lasting impression.” Actor Anupam Kher says, “Max Marketing consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation in film marketing.” Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios expressed, “The best team to work with when it comes to film marketing.” Murad Khetani of Cine1 Studios says, “Collaborating with Varun and the Max Marketing team has been a remarkable journey. Their strategic vision and creative execution consistently helped films connect deeply with the audience.” Atul Agnihotri of Reel Life Productions says, “With Varun and the Max Marketing team, it’s more than just business - it’s a true partnership with people who are deeply invested in your film’s success. With unmatched marketing strategies and creative ways to bring films in front of the audience, Max Marketing has truly upped the bar of cinema’s marketing. These words of appreciation and praise by some of the most celebrated and respected personalities of Bollywood stand as a testament to Max Marketing and Varun Gupta’s drive to go beyond the imaginable!