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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!

Guess who’s back in the living room war zone? “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”  has returned reincarnated, rebranded, and already breaking the internet. The Season 2 trailer dropped, and Twitter wasted no  time. From nostalgia overload to savage roasts, desi Twitter is delivering peak entertainment. Here's a quick scroll through the chaos:

First Look at Warlord  Shekhar Kapur’s AI-Painted Love Letter to the Cosmos Every once in a while, something drops that doesn’t feel like marketing—it feels like someone cracked open a dream and let it leak into your screen. That’s exactly what the first look at “Warlord”  does. Directed by the legend himself, Shekhar Kapur  (yes, Mr. Elizabeth  and Mr. Bandit Queen ), and presented by the fresh forces over at STUDIO BLO , this isn’t your run-of-the-mill sci-fi. It’s cosmic poetry. An AI-generated fever dream. And maybe—just maybe—a whole new language for storytelling. The Trailer: A Symphony of Scale & Solitude We open with a planet, not Earth, but hauntingly familiar. A sunrise, but not warm. It bends into a ripple of shimmering energy, like the planet itself is alive, breathing light. Then bam —we dive in. And suddenly, we’re not floating anymore. We’re on ground zero. A brutal, snowy wasteland. Wind howling. Mountains jagged like broken teeth. A lone figure cloaked in green stands still. No army. No war. Just him. Enter: her. A woman, not quite real. Part mist. Part memory. She isn’t walking—she’s emerging , like a spirit pulled from the wind itself. And then the moment that punches silence into your chest:A colossal jellyfish , made of light and longing, drifts through the sky. Bioluminescent. Alien. Divine. The visuals build, layering curiosity with emotion. A gaze. A question. A rupture. "CAN LOVE EXIST ACROSS DIMENSIONS?" It hits like a whisper screamed through a canyon. Why This Trailer Hit Me Like That 1. The Premise Is Bold AF A warlord stuck in one reality. A cosmic being from another. And the only thing that connects them? Love. Not the soft kind. The impossible kind.This isn't just sci-fi this is interdimensional dard-e-dil. 2. AI, But With Soul We’ve all seen AI art that feels… dead. But Warlord  flips that. It’s not using AI for hype. It’s using it like oil on canvas. The visuals? Unreal. Woman dissolving into fog. Planet wrapped in living light. Every frame feels like a dreamscape torn from a lucid night. 3. The Scale Will Break Your Brain From the granular glow of energy pulses to that massive creature looming like a myth you’re constantly shifting between intimate and infinite. It’s personal. And planetary. 4. The Music (Shoutout Kartik Shah) Kartik’s score is what ties it all together. Grand, emotional, atmospheric like the music already knows how the story ends, and it’s trying to prepare your heart. Who's Behind This Cosmic Madness? Directed, Written & Produced by:  Shekhar Kapur Co-Produced by:  STUDIO BLO Creative Direction:  Joel James, Rishabh Suri, Dipankar Mukherjee Music:  Kartik Shah Editor:  Krutika Mulekar AI Artistry:  Sameer Bhaya, Akif Mohammed, Anuj Pandey, Prathamesh Kharat Visual Design:  Alpesh Agre Production Assistant:  Naomi Duarte What Are We Even Watching? “Warlord” feels like more than a movie. It’s cinema 3.0. It’s what happens when a master storyteller is handed a paintbrush from the future. And instead of fearing AI, he collaborates with it. It’s asking the big, painful, beautiful questions: Can love outlive reality? Can loneliness echo across dimensions? What if we’re all just warlords looking up at a sky full of jellyfish, hoping something sees us back? This is just the first look. But if this is how the story begins...I don’t think we’re ready for how it ends.

Aamir Khan just did what no other Bollywood star has dared —He skipped OTT, skipped theatres, and released his latest film, Sitare Zameen Par , directly on his new YouTube channel. And yes, it’s priced at just ₹100 per view. No subscriptions. No streaming clutter. Just pure storytelling — on his terms. Sitare Zameen Par  is emotional, powerful, and deeply personal — a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par , now reimagined for today’s digital India. This isn’t just a release. It’s a statement : “If the story is strong, the platform doesn’t matter.” With this move, Aamir becomes the director, distributor, and disruptor — all in one frame. Bollywood 2.0 has logged in. And Aamir Khan just hit "Upload."

If you've ever been stuck in Mumbai traffic with a grin on your face, chances are Malishka had something to do with it. For 20 years, she hasn’t just hosted a radio show she’s been the  voice of the city. From calling out civic messes to celebrating everyday heroes, from laughter to loud truths Malishka didn’t just do radio, she ruled  it. “Morning No.1” wasn’t just a time slot it became a Mumbai ritual. And she? Mumbai ki Raani, every damn morning. What’s special is how she made radio feel personal . She knew what the city felt, and she said it out loud. With her, it never felt like just a show it felt like Mumbai talking to itself. As she hits this insane 20-year milestone, one thing’s clear: legacies like this don’t get built in silence. They get built in voice, in volume, and in vibes. So here’s to Malishka for the chaos, the courage, and the chai-sipping candour. You didn’t just wake up the city you shaped  it. Can’t wait to see how you celebrate this one.

In the dazzling world of high fashion and entertainment, where collaborations often make headlines, it’s the stories of genuine, long-standing friendships that truly resonate. This was beautifully on display as actor Taha Shah Badussha took a moment to celebrate his dear friend and iconic designer, Manish Malhotra. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18kRQwWLms/ Following Manish Malhotra's "pure magic" of a fashion show in Delhi, Taha shared a series of warm photos and a heartfelt message that spoke volumes about their bond. The pictures capture the two sharing smiles and candid moments, radiating a camaraderie that clearly goes beyond professional courtesy. Taking to social media, Taha penned a touching tribute, giving a glimpse into their shared history. "It's always special to see a friend shine," he wrote. "We've shared over a decade of friendship, and I've seen your passion and hard work up close. Proud to stand by you, always." This simple, yet powerful, message is a beautiful reminder that behind every grand success are years of hard work and the unwavering support of true friends. In an industry often perceived as fleeting, Taha's post celebrating a decade of mutual respect and admiration is a testament to a bond that is as timeless as Manish Malhotra's own designs. It's a heartwarming display of celebrating each other's journey, from the early days to the pinnacle of success.

When legendary composer A.R. Rahman  teams up with OpenAI’s Sam Altman , it’s not just a tech-meets-art moment it’s the birth of an AI-powered music universe . Their new project, Secret Mountain , goes beyond AI-generated music. It’s an immersive digital world where music, storytelling, and artificial intelligence collide. At the heart of this project: A fictional universe designed to be explored through music AI avatars who form a virtual meta-band A narrative-led experience starring a protagonist named Luna A dynamic AI entertainment ecosystem  for artists, fans, and storytellers Rahman isn’t just creating tracks he’s building the future of Indian entertainment with AI in music , empowering a new generation of digital creators  to blend tech and tradition. In a global race where the West dominates generative AI tools like ChatGPT  and DALL·E , Secret Mountain positions India as a pioneer  in immersive, emotionally intelligent music tech. This is more than a music project. It’s a blueprint for AI-powered storytelling  — and a look at how creators will build, perform, and live inside the music of tomorrow.

Let’s not pretend we didn’t all stop mid-scroll when we saw that  KFC ad. Urvashi Rautela, looking like she just walked out of an alternate reality in a red polka-dot dress, staring dead into the camera, claiming to be Pythagoras’ successor and the future Finance Minister — while Karan Sonawane silently questions all of his life choices beside her. And then, boom: “ It’s Epic Savers. ” Punchline landed. Internet won. Campaign viral. But here’s the real plot twist this wasn’t a happy accident or “let's hope this works” moment. This was a perfectly choreographed moment of chaos  by the creative and production team at DIY Solutions , and it’s honestly one of the smartest pieces of brand marketing I’ve seen this year. This Ad Was Born  to Go Viral Let’s get one thing clear — this wasn’t a traditional ad. This was a meme disguised as a commercial , and that’s exactly why it worked. Most brands are out here trying to “look cool” or “talk Gen Z,” but end up sounding like that uncle who just discovered Instagram Reels. KFC, with DIY Solutions at the wheel, didn’t just try to be internet-friendly — they became  internet-native. They leaned into the absurd. They weaponized Urvashi Rautela’s already-memeified public persona and built the chaos around  her. Not against her. Not despite her. With her. “Warren Buffet? ChatGPT karlo.”If you’re not quoting that line at least once in your group chat, are you even online? The Payoff? A Masterclass in Bait-and-Switch The whole script builds toward a crescendo of madness. You’re waiting for something anything to make sense. And then the rug is pulled: “It’s Epic Savers.” And suddenly, everything clicks. The product isn’t  just casually inserted. It’s the twist ending . The “A-ha” moment. The setup was  the ad. And the punchline is  the product. That’s storytelling. That’s marketing. That’s respecting your audience’s intelligence . DIY Solutions Deserve Their Flowers The real heroes here? DIY Solutions . They didn’t just direct a fun commercial they understood the internet . They knew how to take a “risky” idea and fully commit  creatively and in execution. When agencies and production teams work together seamlessly, this is the level of magic that’s possible. They trusted the weird. They embraced the chaos. And they proved once again: Safe ideas don’t go viral. Brave ones do. Final Thoughts This isn’t just an ad. This is the blueprint . For meme culture. For character-driven storytelling. For not  over-explaining your joke to death. For embracing bold ideas and letting the audience figure it out. KFC’s “Epic Savers” didn’t just sell chicken. It started a conversation . And in 2025, where attention is currency that’s the real win. Bravo. More ads like this, please.

Let’s not kid ourselves Adipurush gaslit us . It sold us a dream, shouting from the rooftops about how we keep running to the West for our superheroes while ignoring our own. The result? A bloated, tone-deaf mess I wouldn’t even recommend to someone I mildly tolerate, let alone a close friend. And then, quietly, Hombale Films walked in.  No grand declarations. No chest-thumping. Just clean, well-crafted production and a vision that respects both its roots and its audience. And that  is how you earn attention. I’ve Been Screaming Into the Void About This If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know I’ve been ranting for years  about the absolute goldmine  of Indian animation talent that either sits untapped or is forced to look overseas for work. Our industry has been skeletal, almost ghosted in its own home. And yet, I still do this little thing every time I watch a Hollywood VFX-heavy movie: I wait for the credits, eyes peeled for Indian names. They’re always  there. Because the talent exists. But here? The industry is treated like an afterthought. There was a time when Bollywood tried . We had Chhota Bheem , Dashavatar , The Mahabharat , Return of Hanuman  (directed by Anurag Kashyap, mind you), and my personal favorite Arjun: The Warrior Prince . We were building momentum, and then poof no funding, no support, and certainly no courage. We just let it all fizzle out. Meanwhile, Hollywood kept building billion-dollar franchises off talking toys, dragons, and frozen princesses. Japan and China doubled down on their cultural roots. And us? We fed our kids algorithm-crushed Cocomelon content on loop and gave up. Enter: Mahavatar Narsimha When I heard Hombale Films (yeah, the KGF, Kantara, Salaar  guys) were entering the animation space with a slate called the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe , I rolled my eyes. Another mythology cash grab? But damn, was I wrong. Mahavatar Narsimha  is not just good — it’s a statement . It’s the dark horse we didn’t see coming, and if nurtured right, it can become India’s first true 1000-crore animated franchise . No star faces. No borrowed hype. Just soul. And vision. Director Ashwin Kumar gets it. He’s not here to repackage mythology as a gimmick. He’s here to build . And with a production house that respects craft, the result is a film that feels like a beginning  — a literal roar to wake up an entire dormant industry. The Story You Know, Told Like You’ve Never Seen The film retells the iconic tale of Hiranyakashyap  — the Asur king who defies the Gods, seeks immortality, and is ultimately outwitted by the divine loophole in the form of Lord Narsimha . But this isn’t a dusty retelling. Ashwin infuses modern storytelling beats , crisp pacing, and epic world-building  that can rival any cinematic universe in the making. You’ve got teleportation, divine battleships, power surges that feel straight out of a Tekken -meets- Mortal Kombat  fever dream — and yet, it never  loses its cultural grounding. This is not mythology diluted. This is mythology adapted  — for an audience that grew up on both Amar Chitra Katha and PS5. Now, Let’s Be Real It’s Not Perfect There are  problems. Facial expressions feel stock , the mouth movement is often off , and if you’ve watched enough Pixar or DreamWorks, you’ll notice the gap. But let’s be honest — this was probably made on 1/10th the budget of Minions: Rise of Gru . And yet? It dares to compete . It’s raw. But it’s not amateur . It’s just the first confident step from an industry that’s been crawling. And I’d rather watch a flawed but sincere Indian animated film than a perfectly rendered hollow product. The Highs? They’re Sky-High. Score by Sam C.S. This man doesn’t compose, he summons . His music in Roar of Narsimha  had me grinning ear to ear. It lifts  scenes into legend. The final battle? Gave me chills. Dubbing That Demands Respect Let’s normalize celebrating voice actors , shall we? Aditya Raj Sharma as Hiranyakashyap and Harpriya Mata as Prahlad give performances that echo with power and innocence, respectively. Despite the visual hiccups, their voices carry the film . Themes That Matter This isn’t just good vs evil. It’s about ego vs faith , power vs empathy , tradition vs tyranny . It mirrors our current world in ways that sneak up on you. Possibility. Pure Possibility. You step out of the theater and your head starts spinning — imagine a Mahabharat trilogy like this. A Ravana origin story. A Kalki arc. Animated. Indian. Loud. Proud. Why This Matters Countries build cultural soft power through their stories. Japan did it through anime. Korea through K-dramas. The US through everything. We? We outsource. But Mahavatar Narsimha  changes the tone. It's not asking for your validation. It’s demanding your attention . And if you’ve ever complained about “why don’t we make stuff like Pixar” — then show up . Pay for a ticket. Take your little cousin. Or just sit with the inner child who grew up listening to these stories  but never got to see  them on the big screen. Final Thoughts This is not the end product. But it’s the first meaningful roar . And sometimes, that's enough to wake up an empire . Watch it not just for what it is — but for what it can become . And trust me, Vishal rarely  says that after walking out of an animated film in India.