Category: Entertainment

Marathi Zee 5 continues its commitment to compelling storytelling with Adkitta premiering on Sept 11th

Sep 3: Continuing its commitment to bringing audiences stories that are rooted in real emotions and relatable human experiences, Marathi Zee 5 is set to premiere Adkitta on 11th September 2026. As part of its growing slate of compelling Marathi originals that explore relationships, family dynamics and contemporary social realities, Adkitta delivers a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that examines the complexities of parenthood, trust and attachment.

Directed by Ashutosh Parandkar and produced by Zee Studios, Adkitta is a compelling family drama that delves into the emotional intricacies of family dynamics, work life balance and caregiving. Starring Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Chandekar and Sakhi Gokhale, the film brings together a stellar cast in a story that is both intimate and moving. Balancing emotional depth with a relatable narrative, Adkitta further strengthens Marathi Zee 5‘s commitment to showcasing distinctive stories that spark conversation while staying deeply rooted in human emotions.

Key Details:

Title: Adkitta
Language: Marathi
Genre: Family Drama
Premiere: 11th Sept 2026
Director: Ashutosh Parandkar
Producer: Zee Studios
Cast: Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Chandekar and Sakhi Gokhale
Streaming: Exclusively on Marathi Zee 5

Vihang and Kasturi are a happy, independent couple who have built a comfortable life away from their hometowns while focusing on their careers. Their decision to start a family, however, changes everything. After a difficult pregnancy and the birth of their premature son Omkar, the couple finds themselves trying to navigate the demanding world of parenthood while also keeping up with their professional lives. 

As family responsibilities begin to compete with their careers, the couple welcomes Mangal into their lives to help care for Omkar. What initially appears to be a practical solution gradually alters the dynamics of their household, forcing them to confront unexpected emotions, difficult choices and evolving relationships. As circumstances become increasingly complex, Vihang and Kasturi find themselves questioning their assumptions about family, trust and belonging.

Through moments of emotional vulnerability, tension and introspection, Adkitta explores the complexities of modern parenthood and the unexpected situations that arise when people are simply trying to do what they believe is best for their loved ones. At its heart, the film is a poignant exploration of human relationships, emotional bonds and the lengths people will go to in order to protect the ones they care about.

Why Adkitta stands out:

• A relatable slice-of-life story that explores the joys and challenges of modern parenthood

• A refreshing blend of situational comedy, emotional drama and human relationships

• Brings alive the everyday struggle of balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities

• Features nuanced performances by Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Chandekar and Sakhi Gokhale

• Explores themes of empathy, understanding, forgiveness and the choices we make for the people we love

• A heartfelt story that finds humour and warmth even in moments of confusion and chaos

Sai Tamhankar, who plays Mangal, said: “Mangal is a character who enters Vihang and Kasturi’s life at a very unexpected moment and slowly becomes an important part of their journey. What I found interesting about her is that there is much more to her than what we see on the surface. Adkitta beautifully explores how people can arrive at difficult choices because of love, loss and circumstances. It has humour, emotion and a lot of heart, and I’m really happy that audiences will now get to experience this story on Marathi Zee 5.” 

Siddharth Chandekar, who plays Vihang, said: “Vihang is someone who believes he has figured out his life, until parenthood changes the equation completely. I connected with the character because his confusion and struggle come from a very relatable place, wanting to be there for your family while also trying to build your career. Adkitta presents these situations with a lot of warmth and humour, but there is also a strong emotional journey underneath. I’m excited for the film to reach audiences on Marathi Zee 5.” 

Sakhi Gokhale, who plays Kasturi, said: “Kasturi is a woman trying to find her footing in a completely new phase of life. She loves her family deeply, but she is also ambitious and wants to continue building her career, and that conflict makes her journey very human. Adkitta doesn’t try to give easy answers; instead, it shows how complicated life can become when we are trying to do the right thing. I hope audiences enjoy the humour and emotion in the film and find a little bit of their own experiences in these characters.” 

Get ready for a warm, funny and deeply relatable story about love, parenthood, relationships and the unexpected chaos that comes with trying to keep everything together as Adkitta premieres exclusively on Marathi Zee 5 on 11th Sept 2026. 

49th Barsha 2026: A Grand Celebration of Indian Classical Arts and Monsoon Culture

Aug 24: The 49th Barsha 2026, presented by Chinta O Chetana, will bring together a vibrant selection of Indian classical dance and music traditions for a celebration of art, culture and the monsoon season.

The festival is scheduled to be held at Rabindra Mandap on August 25 and 26, 2026, from 7 PM onwards. The programme will feature Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Sattriya dance performances, along with Odissi and Hindustani vocal recitals and instrumental presentations.

A Celebration of Indian Classical Arts

The festival brings together acclaimed artists, gurus, dance institutions and cultural groups representing different classical traditions. The programme highlights the richness of India’s performing arts, with a strong emphasis on Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Programme Highlights

Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya

• Odissi Dance: Basudha

Sitar Recital

• Raag Megh
• Pandit Subrat De – Sitar
• Guru Kulamani Sahoo – Tabla

Sattriya Dance

• Barish Ke Boond
• Vidushi Anjana Moyee Saikia

Odissi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Nimakanta Routary
• Sushree Bijaya Lakshmi Routary & Troupe

Barsha Bichitra

• Guru Kulamani Sahoo & Troupe

Odissi and Bharatanatyam Performances

Nupur Odissi Dance

• Chinta Chetanara
• Barsha
• Guru Dr. Niranjan Rout & Troupe

Kala Sampada – Bharatanatyam

• The Rain
• Vidushi Veena C. Seshadri & Troupe

Odissi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Rupak Parida
• Guru Dr. Matru Prasad Das & Troupe

Mardal Badan

• Guru Dr. Dhaneswar Swain & Troupe

More Cultural Performances

Orissa Dance Academy

• Barsha Bitana

Adidwani

• Tupp Tupp Barsha
• Guru Rabi Ratan Sahoo & Troupe

Hindustani Vocal

• Raag Malhar
• Pandit Sankumay Debnath
• Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee – Tabla
• Sri Akash Biswal – Harmonium

Odishi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Ramahari Das
• Guru Dr. Bijaya Kumar Jena
• Pandit Sachidananda Das – Mardal

Event Details

• Event: 49th Barsha 2026
• Organiser: Chinta O Chetana
• Venue: Rabindra Mandap
• Dates: August 25–26, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM onwards
• Theme: Monsoon-inspired Indian classical dance and music
• Art Forms: Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Sattriya, Hindustani Classical Music and Indian classical instrumental music

The 49th Barsha 2026 promises a rich cultural experience, bringing together diverse classical traditions and artists under the evocative theme of the monsoon.

AntarHriday Connect to Showcase the Timeless Journey of Hindustani Music in Karnal

Aug 24: AntarHriday Connect, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI) and in support of KVA DAV College, Karnal, is set to host a special performance-cum-workshop celebrating the rich heritage and evolving expression of Hindustani classical music.

Scheduled for 1 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM at the KVA DAV College Auditorium, Karnal, the programme will bring together established musicians and emerging talent under the theme “Tradition. Expression. Evolution. – Nurturing the Eternal Journey of Hindustani Music.”

The event is designed as an inspiring learning and performance platform for music students, musicians and music enthusiasts. It will offer participants an opportunity to experience Hindustani music through live performances while reflecting on the importance of tradition, individual expression and the evolution of the art form.

The centrepiece of the programme will be a performance-cum-workshop by Pt. Subrata De, who will engage with participants through his musical expertise and provide insights into the nuances, traditions and evolving dimensions of Hindustani music.

Adding to the programme will be a vocal performance by emerging young talent Shri Shantam Tandon, whose participation highlights the growing role of the next generation in carrying India’s classical music traditions forward.

The musical presentation will also feature Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee as collaborator on tabla, bringing together instrumental and vocal elements to create a rich classical music experience.

The programme will be held under the patronage of Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament, who has been named the Chief Patron of the event.

The collaboration between AntarHriday Connect and SBI, with the support of KVA DAV College, reflects an effort to create meaningful platforms for cultural engagement and music education. By bringing experienced performers, young artists and students together, the initiative seeks to encourage a deeper appreciation of India’s classical musical traditions.

The theme of the event underlines the continuing journey of Hindustani music—from its deep-rooted traditions to contemporary forms of expression. Such workshops can provide young musicians with opportunities to learn directly from experienced practitioners while encouraging them to explore their own artistic voices.

Participants attending the programme are requested to join for tea at 10:00 AM, with the main programme beginning at 10:30 AM. Guests have been requested to be seated by 10:15 AM.

With a combination of live performance, learning and interaction, AntarHriday Connect aims to make the event a memorable celebration of Hindustani music and its enduring connection across generations.

Event Details

• Event: AntarHriday Connect – Performance Cum Workshop
• Theme: Tradition. Expression. Evolution. – Nurturing the Eternal Journey of Hindustani Music
• Date: 1 September 2026, Tuesday
• Time: 10:30 AM
• Venue: KVA DAV College Auditorium, Karnal
• Tea: 10:00 AM
• Workshop & Performance: Pt. Subrata De
• Vocal Performance: Shri Shantam Tandon
• Tabla Collaboration: Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee
• Chief Patron: Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament
• In Collaboration With: State Bank of India
• In Support Of: KVA DAV College, Karnal
• Organiser: AntarHriday Connect

For event-related communication, attendees can contact antarhridayconnect@gmail.com.

Former Israeli hostage Daniella Gilboa to perform her powerful debut single Where Everything Ends at Sydney Opera House.

Sydney, Australia, 20th August 2026, SHIR: Australian Jewish Music Festival is proud to announce UNBREAKABLE, an extraordinary evening of Jewish music taking place at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 25 October 2026.

Headlined by former Israeli hostage Daniella Gilboa, UNBREAKABLE will bring together an exceptional line-up of performers for an evening celebrating Jewish music, courage, resilience and hope.

Daniella will perform her powerful debut single, Where Everything Ends, alongside a distinguished line-up of artists, reflecting her journey from captivity to healing, freedom and hope.

SHIR: Australian Jewish Music Festival presents an extraordinary evening celebrating Jewish music, cultural identity and artistic excellence.

UNBREAKABLE brings together acclaimed Australian and international performers in a powerful live concert experience featuring contemporary Israeli music, classical, liturgical, traditional and popular repertoire.

Join us for an extraordinary evening of Jewish music, featuring former Israeli hostage Daniella Gilboa, acclaimed pianist Simon Tedeschi AM, 2025 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition winner Sidra Nissen, award-winning cellist Rebecca Herman, Carols by Candlelight vocalist Jemma Cher, soul powerhouse and SHIR performer Sarit Michael, brothers Ezra and Menachem Israel, and Fiddler On The Roof star violinist and Director of SHIR Ben Adler, and the CHUTNEY ensemble.

This unforgettable concert celebrates the beauty of diverse musical traditions, through inspiring collaborations with guest artists to be announced soon from Indian, Iranian, and Christian backgrounds.

Daniella Gilboa: from captivity to healing

At the centre of UNBREAKABLE is Daniella Gilboa, who will perform Where Everything Ends as part of an evening celebrating music, courage, resilience and hope.

Her performance will form part of a powerful live concert experience that brings Jewish music and culture to one of Australia’s most iconic stages.

UNBREAKABLE is an opportunity for the Australian Jewish community to come together through music and celebrate the richness of Jewish musical traditions, contemporary Israeli music and the extraordinary artists who continue to share these stories through performance.

The concert also reflects the universal power of music to create connection, while remaining firmly rooted in Jewish music, culture and identity.

Ben Adler, Director of SHIR, says: “The concert is UNBREAKABLE in reference to the UNBREAKABLE spirit of the Jewish people epitomised by Daniella Gilboa who has emerged from captivity and transformed into an extraordinary artist.  And also in reference to the bonds that we share with our fellow citizens in this beautiful place I call home .”

UNBREAKABLE: THE CONCERT

Sunday 25 October 2026
7.00pm
Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Booking link:

https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/contemporary-music/unbreakable

Melbourne tickets go on sale soon.

Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Dungeon Crawler Carl as Princess Donut

Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Live-Action Adaptation of Audible Bestseller “Dungeon Crawler Carl” as the Voice of Princess Donut

AR Rahman Launches ‘Tamil Idol’ to Discover Tamil Nadu’s Next Singing Sensation

Mumbai, August 17: Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman has launched ‘Tamil Idol’, a statewide talent hunt aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of singing talent from across Tamil Nadu.

The first-ever Tamil edition of the globally recognised singing competition format was unveiled by Sony Vizha in association with Rahman. The show will seek to bring together promising voices from different parts of the state and provide them with a platform to showcase their musical talent.

Auditions for the show will open from August 18, with aspiring singers invited to register through the Sony LIV app. Participants who cannot attend auditions in person will also be able to submit their entries online.

To audition, participants need to select the Tamil Idol Audition section on the Sony LIV app, complete their registration with personal details and upload three videos demonstrating their versatility across different singing genres.

Rahman said the search for new voices is at the heart of music and that the initiative would help uncover new talent, fresh perspectives and stories from different generations.

“With Tamil Idol, for the very first time, we bring together the extraordinary voices of Tamil Nadu and give them a platform to be celebrated,” Rahman said.

Produced by Fremantle India, Tamil Idol will be available across Sony Vizha and Sony LIV, combining television and digital platforms to reach audiences across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

The initiative is expected to provide a significant platform for emerging singers, particularly those from smaller towns and communities who may not otherwise have easy access to the mainstream music industry.

With Rahman leading the search, the competition aims not only to identify strong vocal performers but also to celebrate the diversity of Tamil Nadu’s musical traditions and contemporary voices.

The auditions will mark the beginning of a statewide search for the first-ever Tamil Idol, with aspiring singers across the state invited to participate.

Zee 5 Expands Its Malayalam Storytelling Universe with Bold New Originals, Sports and Unconventional Formats

~Drama, romance, football, and reality come together in a Malayalam line-up designed to reflect the many worlds, moods and voices shaping entertainment in Kerala~

Kochi, Aug 15: Kerala has always had a profound relationship with stories and storytelling. As audience tastes evolve, Zee 5 is committed to looking beyond conventional genres and bringing to life narratives inspired by the people, passions, and cultural pulse that define the state today. With its latest slate, the platform is taking a bold step in bringing stories audiences know and love, while making room for new voices, genres and formats. The line-up brings together drama, romance, sport, music and contemporary storytelling, reflecting an unconventional mix that mirrors the many facets of Kerala’s entertainment culture.

Celebrating Kerala’s enduring passion for football, the slate features highly anticipated titles such as Panthadikkam, featuring Mammootty and Vyshakh Perambra and Malabar Cup, starring Ashwant Lal and Vineeth Vasudevan. Alongside these are originals such as A Queen and Secrets of Vellimala, both produced by TrendsAd; Bangalore Boys, produced by Aroma Movies and featuring Shabin Shahul, Rishi Kaini, Pranav, and Amrutha; and Sathyameva, produced by Aroma Movies and starring Rony David Raj. The slate also features Corporate Love Story, Muthassi, and Yakobinte Koodaram. Further expanding the offering is Kerala Underground, a Zee 5 original hip-hop reality show featuring The Imbachi, Dabzee, Parimal Shais, and MC Cooper. The platform will also premiere post-theatrical releases including Balan: The Boy, featuring Chidambaram, and Uyir, starring Roshan Andrew.

Sports continue to be a key pillar of the offering, with globally celebrated properties including FIFA, Bundesliga, Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, and ILT20. More than just sporting events, these properties reflect a passion shared across generations and communities, bringing fans together through rivalries, unforgettable moments, and a collective spirit of celebration.

Lloyd C Xavier, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Head, Tamil & Malayalam, Zee 5, said, “Kerala has never been a market where audiences are satisfied with entertainment that simply follows a formula. There is an enduring appetite here for new voices, new ideas, and stories that feel connected to the world around them. With this slate, we wanted to build on that instinct – from the energy of Kerala’s hip-hop scene in Kerala Underground to the deep connection with football reflected in Malabar Cup and Panthadikkam. We will continue to strike a balance between celebrating the stories and themes that audiences already love and empowering creators to bring fresh, distinctive perspectives to Kerala’s vibrant and diverse entertainment landscape.”

Zee 5’s Malayalam offering extends beyond originals, bringing together a wider mix of entertainment across genres and formats. This includes premium animation titles such as Aiyappan, Garuda, Vikram Vetal, Shiv Sati, Chandrakanta, Tirupati Balaji, Narmada, and Ram Anjanay Yudh, along with kids’ content including Barbarik and Kundaka Mandakka.

With this slate, Zee 5 continues to expand the canvas of Malayalam entertainment, bringing together stories that are unstoppable in their range and spread across the many ways that Kerala engages with culture, sport, and storytelling. The focus is not on one kind of audience or one kind of story, but on creating a platform where different voices, formats, and experiences can find their place.

EXOPLANET, A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Thriller Executive Produced by The Martian and Project Hail Mary Creator Andy Weir, to Launch Exclusively From Audible November 5th

Andy Weir said, “I’m obsessed with problems, the kind where one person and a lot of math are all that stand between survival and disaster. Benjamin Percy’s writing in Exoplanet takes that and adds a twist that genuinely kept me up at night: what if the people trying to save each other were separated not by distance, but by centuries? You can’t see that story. You have to hear it. The crackle across a five-hundred-year gap, the desperation in a voice that doesn’t know if anyone’s still listening. Anthony, Ariana, and John don’t just perform it; they make you feel every impossible mile between them.”

Marshall Lewy, Head of Audible Content for North America, stated, “Andy Weir’s stories transform rigorous science into big-hearted thrill rides with heart stopping action and intense human emotion. That’s why Andy’s books have sold millions and inspired blockbuster films. With Andy as Executive Producer and Benjamin Percy crafting beautiful scripts specifically for the ear, Exoplanet is built for the audiences who loved Project Hail Mary and The Martian while also giving them something entirely new. Exoplanet has brilliant sound design, three extraordinary performances, and a thrilling mystery at its core. This is the kind of ambitious, only-in-audio storytelling Audible exists to make.”

Audible Announces New Slate of Immersive Audio Thrillers from James Patterson and Michael Connelly

The Roost Relaunches as Podium, a Cross-Platform Podcast Company, and Signs Trisha Paytas’ Just Trish as First Major Partnership Under New Brand

SANTA MONICA, CA – July 24 – Night, the talent management and media company behind some of the internet’s most influential creators, today announced the evolution of its podcast division, The Roost Podcast Network, into Podium – a new video-first, cross platform podcast company built for the next generation of creator-led entertainment. Alongside the launch, Podium announced a new partnership with creator, actress, and podcast host Trisha Paytas, who is bringing her hit podcast Just Trish to the network.  

The launch marks the next chapter for the company following Night’s acquisition of The Roost in 2024, expanding its focus beyond traditional podcasting to support creators building audiences across YouTube, audio platforms, social media, and live experiences. Podium is built around the way audiences consume content today, through personality-driven shows that live across multiple platforms and foster deeply engaged fan communities. 

Home to some of the most influential creator-led shows, including This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Sam & Colby Reacts, The Yard, Weekly Teacap with Kristi Cook, and Just Trish, among others, Podium’s broader roster reaches more than 50 million monthly video and audio impressions and 66 million+ followers across platforms.

“When Night acquired The Roost in 2024, we saw a company that understood something the rest of the industry was just waking up to: that podcasting is video-first, personality-driven, and powered by fandom,” said Reed Duchscher, CEO and Founder of Night. “Two years later, this company has evolved from its origins. Podium is who this team and these creators are today, and there’s no better way to open this chapter than welcoming Trisha, one of the most magnetic influencers on the internet.”

 

Trisha Paytas Brings Just Trish to Podium 

Podium will support the growth of Trisha Paytas’ podcast, Just Trish, leading distribution, audience development, and brand partnerships, building on the company’s work with creator-led podcasts including This Past Weekend with Theo Von and Jeff Wittek’s JeffFM.

Trisha Paytas is a television personality, content creator, and actress with more than 20 million followers across social platforms, known for her lifestyle vlogs, ASMR content, and cosplay videos. Beyond her digital presence, she has also appeared in more than 50 film and television projects including Broadway’s Beetlejuice: The Musical, and HBO’s Euphoria.

Just Trish, launched in 2019, has drawn more than 160 million views for its unfiltered takes on pop culture and entertainment headlines. 

“Just Trish started as me talking about pop culture with my fans, and it turned into the thing I love most,” said Trisha Paytas. “My fans show up for everything, and Podium understands how meaningful that is.”

“Trisha has built a deeply connected and loyal audience who have followed her journey from podcasting to Broadway. For nearly two decades on the internet, Trisha continues to entertain and surprise her audience with her creativity and talent,” said Catherine Browne, VP of Revenue & Partnerships, Podium. “Podium was built for creator-first podcasts that cross multiple platforms, and we’re thrilled to partner with Trisha as we launch this new chapter and continue to expand our slate of female-led and pop culture podcasts.”

Podcasting has evolved beyond a single audio feed. Today’s biggest shows are watched as much as they’re listened to, with audiences following hosts across YouTube, audio platforms, social media, and live tours. “Podcast network” described a business built on audio downloads and ad reads; Podium is built for where the medium is moving, with a roster that helped drive the shift. The new identity and website are live today at: www.PodiumNetwork.Co