Category: Entertainment

Dr Ishita Joshi Wins ‘NariFirst Jewel of India Season 3’ Award

Apr 22 (BNP): Indore-based gynaecologist Dr Ishita Joshi has been awarded the prestigious NariFirst Jewel of India Season 3 title, recognising her contributions to women’s healthcare and community awareness initiatives.

The award was presented in the presence of Malaika Arora, who felicitated the winners for their achievements and impact across diverse professional fields.

Dr Joshi was selected for her dedication to advancing women’s health services and her efforts in promoting awareness around reproductive health and maternal care. Her work has been acknowledged as a significant contribution to both clinical practice and social outreach.

The NariFirst Jewel of India initiative celebrates women achievers from across India in sectors including healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and public service. Season 3 of the platform continued its mission of recognising impactful women leaders who are driving change in society.

The recognition underscores the growing importance of women professionals in shaping India’s healthcare landscape and community development efforts.

Swaranjali Delhi to Host Shraddhanjali 2026 in Tribute to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi

A Musical Tribute Dedicated to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi

Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Apr 21: Swaranjali Delhi proudly presents Shraddhanjali 2026, a heartfelt evening dedicated to the revered Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi, in association with Shreyas WebMedia Solutions.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar.

Shraddhanjali 2026 will celebrate the timeless beauty of Indian Classical Music, featuring captivating vocal and instrumental performances by distinguished artists and emerging talents. The program aims to honour the immense contribution of Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi to Indian classical music and inspire future generations to preserve this rich heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, the organisers shared that the event is envisioned as a tribute filled with devotion, artistry, and gratitude, bringing together music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and disciples under one roof.

The evening promises to be a soulful experience showcasing tradition, excellence, and the enduring legacy of Indian classical music.

The organisers cordially invite all music patrons, members of the cultural fraternity, and the public to attend this special event.

Event Details:

• Event: Shraddhanjali 2026
• Date: June 20, 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM onwards
• Venue: Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan

Program Details:

Group – Indian Classical Music

• Sitar & Sarod Duet: Shri Jeeban Prakash Das & Shri Sandeep Rout
• Vocal: Smt. Bilambita Banisudha
• Sitar: Shri Subrata De

RSVP:

9910300319 | 8447507053 | 99370 01349

‘Bou Buttu Bhuta’, ‘Ananta’ Bring Glory to Odia Film Industry

Bhubaneswar, Apr 18(BNP): Odia cinema delivered a standout performance at the Indian National Cinema Academy (INCA) Awards 2026, strengthening its growing presence on the national film stage.

The film Bou Buttu Bhuta emerged as one of the top winners of the evening, securing three major honours, including Best Odia Film. Lead performances by Babushaan Mohanty and Archita Sahu were recognised with Best Actor and Best Actress (Odia) awards, respectively.

Another Odia film, Ananta, also received national recognition, with Sabyasachi Mohapatra and Kumar C. Dev Mohapatra winning Best Director for their work, further highlighting the creative depth emerging from the industry.

The success of these films reflects the steady evolution of Odia cinema, which is increasingly gaining visibility beyond regional audiences. Improved storytelling, stronger production values, and wider reach have helped Odia films connect with a broader national audience.

The recognition at INCA 2026 underscores a positive shift for regional cinema, where Odia films are steadily earning a place alongside other major Indian film industries on prestigious national platforms.

Overall, the awards mark another step forward for Odia cinema’s growing reputation and its continued journey toward wider recognition in India’s entertainment landscape.

Nikhil Siddhartha and Ravi Basrur Deliver a Mega Musical Blockbuster with Rara Dheevara from Swayambhu

A grand musical spectacle returns to Telugu cinema as Rara Dheevara from Swayambhu makes a powerful entry, bringing scale, intensity, and immersive storytelling to the forefront. Crafted on an epic scale, the track brings together powerful storytelling, high-voltage composition, and striking visuals to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. Released today, the song is presented by Junglee Music, a division of Times Music. 

Composed by blockbuster hitmaker Ravi Basrur, Rara Dheevara is a commanding blend of devotion and intensity, set against the backdrop of the sacred Vaikunta Ekadasi. Powered by the electrifying vocals of Santhosh Venky and penned by Ramajogayya Sastry, the track seamlessly transitions from spiritual fervour to a high-energy celebration of the hero’s rise. 

Featuring the charismatic Nikhil Siddhartha and Nabha Natesh, and directed by the visionary Bharat Krishnamachari, Rara Dheevara unfolds on an epic scale with over 500 dancers, seamlessly blending vibrant festive visuals with the protagonist’s transformation into a fierce warrior. The track carries Basrur’s signature larger-than-life sound, elevating the scale and ambition of Swayambhu.ss

The song is released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, reaching audiences across the country. 

Ravi Basrur, the music director of Swayambhu, added, “With this track, we wanted to bring back that grand, powerful sound that elevates both the character and the story. Rara Dheevara is designed to make you feel the energy, the devotion, and the strength all at once.”

Actor Nikhil Siddhartha shares, “Rara Dheevara reflects the essence of my character and everything he stands for. The scale, the energy, and the emotion that went into this song are truly special, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.” 

Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music and Junglee Music, says, “Rara Dheevara is a grand, phenomenal track built for a massive cinematic experience. We are excited to bring this to audiences across languages.” 

With its powerful composition, massive scale, and striking visuals, Rara Dheevara is set to become one of the biggest musical highlights of the year, heralding the arrival of Swayambhu in truly grand fashion. Rara Dheevara is now streaming on all platforms. Watch the full video on the Junglee Music Telugu YouTube channel. 

Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brP0jtNUDBM

Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi Light Up SGT University During ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Promotions

Apr 15 (BNP): Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and actress Wamiqa Gabbi brought high energy and excitement to SGT University in Gurugram during the promotions of their upcoming film Bhooth Bangla.

Akshay Kumar made a grand helicopter entry, which immediately set the campus abuzz with cheers and excitement from students. The university grounds turned into a lively celebration space as a large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars.

During the event, Akshay interacted with students, shared motivational thoughts on discipline and hard work, and encouraged them to stay focused on their goals. He also led a short fitness session, inspiring students to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The visit created a memorable experience for students, offering them a close interaction with film personalities and a glimpse into the world of Bollywood promotions on campus.

Aakash Aath To Present A Poila Boishakh Special Musical Celebration In The Show ‘Aakashe Superstar’

Kolkata Apr 15: Aakash Aath, one of the popular General Entertainment Channel (GEC) of Bengal is going to telecast a Poila Boishakh special episode in their known music reality show Aakashe Superstar. Renowned Bengali singer Raghab Chatterjee, hosted by Sujoyneel Bandyopadhyay along with the budding young singers will enthral the audience with impressive melodious songs celebrating the joyous spirit of Bengal, its people and their rich heritage.

The episode will present a vibrant blend of music, culture and entertainment to mark the pious occasion of Bengali New Year. It will highlight the cultural significance of the day while bringing together artists, performers and audiences in a festive environment reflecting the warmth and traditions of Bengal and its widely celebrated culture.

“The auspicious occasion of Poila Boishakh is the beginning of a new year filled with hope, positivity and cultural pride for the Bengalis everywhere. Through this special episode of Aakashe Superstar, we wanted to celebrate the spirit of the festival through music and meaningful performances. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the contestants and the entire team. Having Raghab Chatterjee join the celebration made the episode even more memorable and special for all of us,” said Priyanka Bardia, Director Aakash Aath.

“It was a wonderful experience to be part of the Poila Boishakh special episode of Aakashe Superstar. The festival represents new beginnings and celebrating it through music makes it even more meaningful. I truly enjoyed listening to the contestants and witnessing their passion for singing. Shows like this provide a great platform for emerging talent to express themselves and grow. I am glad to have shared this special celebration with the contestants, the host and the entire team,” said singer, Raghab Chatterjee.

The show has consistently provided aspiring singers with an opportunity to perform on a recognised platform while receiving guidance and encouragement from experienced mentors from the music industry. Over the seasons, it has built a loyal audience base through its engaging format and heartfelt performances.

The Poila Boishakh special episode added a festive touch to the show by blending traditional Bengali musical influences with contemporary performances. The set reflected the celebratory spirit of the Bengali New Year, coming alive with enthusiastic performances, vibrant décor and an atmosphere that captured the joy and cultural essence of the occasion.

Aakash Aath airs Aakashe Superstar, on every Monday to Sunday from 2:00 PM.

The Poila Baisakh special episode of Aakashe Superstar is going to be telecasted on 15th April, 2026 from 2:00 PM.

NFDC to Release Malayalam Film Achappa’s Album Nationwide on April 24

New Delhi, April 15, (BNP): The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has announced the nationwide release of its Malayalam feature film Achappa’s Album (Grampa’s Album) on April 24, 2026.

Blending family fantasy, comedy and emotion, the film centres on a time-travel narrative in which a father and son unexpectedly begin living each other’s lives, offering a humorous and poignant look at generational perspectives.

Directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan and written by Sanjeev Sivan, Anirban Bhattacharya and Umesh Nair, the film explores themes of memory, relationships and life choices.

The cast includes Mohan Agashe, along with Anjana Appukuttan, Aadinath Kothare, Priyanka Nair and Sidhanshu Sanjeev Sivan.

The film’s technical team features cinematographer Manoj Pillai, editor Sreekar Prasad and music composer Gulraj Singh.

Director Deepti Pillay Sivan said the film uses a simple but engaging time-travel concept to explore deep human relationships, while NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum noted that the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting unique voices in Indian cinema.

The teaser for the film has been released on NFDC’s social media platforms, with the official trailer expected soon.

Maharashtra Plans Music Academy as Tribute to Asha Bhosle

Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): The Maharashtra government will move ahead with plans to establish a music institute envisioned by legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday.

The decision comes a day after the iconic singer’s passing at the age of 92, marking the end of an extraordinary musical journey that spanned over seven decades and touched generations of listeners.

Fadnavis said the proposed institute would serve as a tribute to her legacy and contribute to nurturing future talent in music.

The state cabinet also paid homage to Bhosle during a meeting, where a condolence resolution was presented in her honour. Senior officials and ministers observed the moment, remembering her immense contribution to Indian music.

The initiative reflects the state’s effort to preserve her legacy while inspiring aspiring artists for years to come.

Sombre Farewell: Sachin Tendulkar, Asha Parekh, Tabu Among Those Paying Tribute to Asha Bhosle

Pic Credit: https://x.com/ashabhosle 

Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): A wave of emotion swept through the film, music, and sports fraternity as several prominent personalities, including Asha Parekh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Tabu, paid heartfelt tributes to legendary singer Asha Bhosle following her passing at the age of 92.

Friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to offer their final respects, remembering her as one of Indian music’s most versatile and enduring voices.

Asha Bhosle, who built a remarkable career spanning over eight decades, created her own distinct identity in playback singing despite the towering legacy of her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar. Known for her unmatched range and versatility, she recorded nearly 12,000 songs in multiple languages and earned a place in the Guinness World Records for her prolific output.

Her journey began in 1943 at the age of just 10, and she continued to sing and record for decades, making her one of the longest-performing artists in global music history.

Over her illustrious career, she received several top honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan. She was also honoured with multiple National Film Awards for timeless classics like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “Mera Kuchh Saaman.”

From soulful melodies to energetic chartbusters, her unforgettable songs such as “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja,” “In Aankhon Ki Masti,” and “Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main” continue to resonate across generations.

As tributes pour in from India and abroad, Asha Bhosle is being remembered not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon whose voice defined an era of Indian music.

Femina Miss India Awards Night Honours Sub-Contest Winners Ahead of Bhubaneswar Grand Finale

Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, Apr 13 (BNP): The 61st edition of the Femina Miss India marked a significant milestone with a dazzling Awards Night in Mumbai, where 30 state winners were honoured with prestigious sub-contest titles ahead of the much-anticipated grand finale in Bhubaneswar.

The event celebrated individuality, talent, and achievement, with contestants receiving titles such as Miss Goodness Ambassador, Miss Lifestyle, Miss Fashion Icon, and Miss Body Beautiful—recognising qualities ranging from compassion and personality to fitness and style.

Held as a glamorous prelude to the finale, the Awards Night brought together top प्रतिभागियों in a vibrant showcase of fashion and performance. The evening was elevated by energetic acts from musical duo Sukriti and Prakriti Kakar, percussionist Rituraj Mohanty, and DJs Techtronix and Benj, blending glamour with high-energy entertainment.

A major highlight of the evening was the fashion showcase themed “Connecting the DOTS – Daughters of This Soil.” Designed by Anmol Singh, the collection featured intricate patchwork crafted from tiny handmade beaded elements, symbolising unity in diversity. The show, directed by Sandeep Dharma and styled by Rishi Raj, seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling, reinforcing India’s rich cultural identity.

The journey to the finale began with a nationwide talent hunt launched last November, covering auditions across five zones. Thirty finalists emerged and underwent intensive grooming at a Mumbai boot camp under industry experts. The Awards Night served as a key checkpoint, celebrating their transformation and readiness for the final stage.

The grand finale is scheduled for April 18 at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar, where the winner will earn the honour of representing India at the prestigious Miss World.

The Femina Miss India legacy includes global icons such as Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Manushi Chhillar. This year’s collaboration with KIIT and KISS further underscores the pageant’s commitment to empowerment through education, alongside celebrating beauty and talent.

As the countdown to Bhubaneswar begins, the stage is set for a spectacular finale that promises to crown not just a winner, but a global cultural ambassador.