Category: Entertainment

Gati 2026: A Grand Celebration of Indian Classical Dance and Music in Siliguri

Krishnavataram Witnesses Massive 92% Surge in 24 Hours, Emerging as a Nationwide Cultural Movement

May 19:A remarkable wave is sweeping across cinemas worldwide as Krishnavataram records an extraordinary 92% jump in the last 24 hours, turning the film into far more than just a box office success, it is now becoming a full-fledged cultural and spiritual movement.

What began as a film has transformed into an emotional experience that audiences are celebrating with unmatched devotion. Across cities, towns, and even overseas markets, theatres are turning into temples as devotees chant Krishna bhajans, pray together, cry during emotional scenes, dance in celebration, and collectively immerse themselves in Bhagwan Krishna’s story on the big screen.

Families are returning to cinemas repeatedly with friends, children, and elders, making Krishnavataram a shared spiritual experience across generations. Social media is flooded with emotional testimonials, celebration videos, and requests demanding exhibitors increase screens and add more shows. Audiences from Canada, France, Dubai, and several international markets are passionately writing in asking for the film to release in more locations and languages.

The movement’s scale is reflected not just in occupancy numbers but in the emotional connection audiences are forming with the film. Viewers across India are calling it “not just a movie, but a journey of love and devotion,” while theatres across regions continue to witness packed houses and euphoric audience reactions.

What makes this phenomenon truly extraordinary is its universal acceptance across regions and languages. While Hindi audiences have embraced the film wholeheartedly, the Telugu and Tamil versions are also witnessing packed theatres and overwhelming appreciation across the South. From Hyderabad to Chennai and Bengaluru, audiences are celebrating Krishnavataram as a landmark cinematic and spiritual event rooted deeply in Indian culture and faith.

The movement has also received blessings and support from some of the country’s most respected spiritual and cultural voices. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared the film tax-free in the state, acknowledging its spiritual and cultural significance. Revered spiritual leaders including Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gaur Gopal Das, respected Shankaracharyas, Swami Premanand Puri Ji, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji, and Premanand Maharaj Ji have also praised and blessed the film, encouraging devotees and families to experience its uplifting message.

At a time when cinema is dominated by spectacle and franchises, Krishnavataram has achieved something incredibly rare: it has united audiences emotionally and spiritually. It is reigniting devotion, bringing generations together, and creating a shared cultural moment that people carry in their hearts long after they leave the theatre.

Krishnavataram is no longer just a film. It is becoming a people’s movement powered by faith, emotion, and the timeless love for Bhagwan Krishna.
#krishnavataram

Hakimpara NrityaMalancha Siliguri Announces ‘GATI 2026’ – A Three-Day Festival of Indian Classical Dance and Music

May 18 | Siliguri, West Bengal: Hakimpara NrityaMalancha Siliguri is all set to present “GATI 2026”, its prestigious annual Festival of Indian Classical Dance and Music, from 5th to 7th June 2026 at Dinabandhu Mancha, Siliguri, beginning daily from 5:30 PM onwards.

Organised under the guidance of renowned Guru and Founder Vidushi Sangita Chaki, the festival has been celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage for the past 42 years, making it one of the region’s most respected platforms for Indian classical performing arts.

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning movement and rhythm, GATI embodies the spirit of Indian classical traditions through an immersive showcase of dance, music, and folk artistry. The three-day cultural celebration will feature acclaimed artists, distinguished musicians, and vibrant performances representing diverse classical forms from across India.

The festival will also host a special evening dedicated to Indian classical instrumental and vocal music featuring celebrated maestros:

• Sitar: Pt. Sandeep Neogi
• Sarod: Pt. Sunondo Mukherjee
• Tabla: Pt. Subir Thakur, Pt. Subir Adhikari & Shri Riju Saha
• Harmonium & Vocal: Pt. Sourav Chakraborty

GATI Festival 2026 – Day Wise Highlights

5th June 2026 | Day 1

The inaugural evening will begin with devotional and classical presentations including:

• Ganesh Vandana
• Guest Felicitation
• Maha Ganapati Shlokam
• Pushpanjali
• Nagendra Haray Shiva Stotram
• Ananda Nartana Ganapati Kirtanam
• Jatiswaram
• Tillana
• Provincial Folk Dances from Different States

Guest Artist: Shri Rahul Dev (Kathak, Agartala)

6th June 2026 | Day 2

The second day will feature an elaborate Kathak repertoire and traditional rhythmic compositions including:

• Shiva Vandana
• Felicitation Ceremony
• Guru Charanam in Trital
• Trital Sidhya Nritya
• Jhaptal Sudha Nritya
• Darbari Tarana
• Ektal Shudhyo Nritya
• Rupak Sudhyo Nritya
• Chautal Sudha Nritya
• Trital Sudhya Nritya
• Thumri
• Provincial Folk Dances from Different States

Guest Artist: Shri Shuvojit Dutta (Kathak, Kolkata)

RSVP

Vidushi Sangita Chaki
Founder, NrityaMalancha Siliguri
Contact: 9434006943

NrityaMalancha Siliguri

Media Partner: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions

Siliguri Welcomes ‘GATI 2026’ – A Cultural Celebration of Indian Classical Arts

Festival to be Followed by a 2-Day Bharatanatyam Workshop

Siliguri, May 12: Hakimpara Nritya Mancha is set to present ‘GATI 2026’, its annual Indian Classical Dance and Music Festival, from 5th to 7th June 2026 at Dinabandhu Mancha, Siliguri. Beginning daily from 5:30 PM onwards, the three-day cultural celebration will bring together renowned classical dancers and musicians from across India for an immersive showcase of India’s rich artistic traditions.

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “movement” and “rhythm,” GATI celebrates the spirit of Indian classical heritage while creating a vibrant cultural platform for audiences, students, and art enthusiasts in Siliguri.

Festival Schedule & Featured Artists

Day 1 – 5th June 2026

An evening dedicated to Indian classical dance performances featuring:

• Bharatanatyam by Subhajit Dutta – Kolkata-based exponent of the Pandanallur style
• Kathak by Rahul Dev – Acclaimed Kathak artist from Agartala

Day 2 – 6th June 2026

A special evening of Indian classical instrumental and vocal music featuring:

• Sitar – Sri Sandeep Neogi
• Sarod – Sri Sunondo Mukherjee
• Tabla – Subir Thakur, Subir Adhikari & Riju Saha
• Harmonium & Vocal – Sourav Chakraborty

Day 3 – 7th June 2026

A grand finale showcasing three major Indian classical dance traditions:

• Bharatanatyam by Vidwan P. Praveen Kumar
• Kathak by Vidushi Gauri Diwakar
• Odissi by Vidushi Puspita Mishra

Bharatanatyam Workshop

Following the festival, Hakimpara Nritya Mancha will also host a 2-day Bharatanatyam Workshop on 8th and 9th June 2026 at Dinabandhu Mancha, Siliguri. The workshop is designed for students and dance enthusiasts seeking deeper exposure to the techniques and nuances of Bharatanatyam.

Event Details

Media Partner: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions
Website: nrityamalancha.com
RSVP / Contact: Nritya Malancha – 9434006943

Hakimpara Nritya Mancha warmly invites art lovers, students, and patrons of Indian classical culture to witness this celebration of rhythm, grace, music, and tradition.

Equinox Virtual Announces ‘Mohini’ – An AI-Powered Musical Micro-Drama Series Redefining Entertainment Built with Google Cloud

Mumbai, May 11:Equinox Virtual today announced the launch of the first episode of Mohini, an original AI musical micro-drama series on Instagram and Youtube. The first episode will drop on 15th May, 2026. The project signals a new chapter in immersive storytelling; where music, cinema, and generative AI converge to shape a distinctly contemporary narrative format and is brought to life through Equinox Virtual’s collaboration with Google Cloud.

Created and written by Amita Madhvani, CEO and Co-Founder of Equinox Virtual, Mohini is the studio’s flagship original IP in a new, digital-format storytelling slate. The series reimagines the musical as an episodic micro-drama; emotionally charged, visually dynamic, and built for a global digital audience. Mohini centers on a compelling female protagonist navigating identity, illusion, ambition, and reinvention, themes that resonate across cultures and generations. 

The collaboration leverages Google Cloud’s advanced AI infrastructure and generative media models to explore a new generation of digital storytelling. Equinox Virtual utilized Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform and next generation AI models across creative development and production workflows. This includes Gemini for script and lyrics generation, Nano Banana for image generation and Veo for video generation. This integration has enabled accelerated concept visualization, cinematic experimentation, music-driven narrative structuring, and iterative world-building.

Amita Madhvani, CEO and Co-Founder, Equinox Virtual, said: “Mohini was born from a desire to explore new storytelling grammar; where music doesn’t accompany emotion, it becomes the narrative. With Google Cloud’s leading edge AI tools, we’ve been able to experiment at a scale and speed that would otherwise be impossible, while remaining deeply rooted in human intention. Every frame of Mohini began as a human-authored prompt and ended with a human-led edit. Our AI stack functions as a high-performance engine, but the steering wheel remains firmly in the hands of our artists. This collaboration represents what’s possible when technology serves imagination.”

Ram Madhvani, Co-Founder, Equinox Virtual, said: “Storytelling has always evolved with technology. With Mohini, we are consciously building a new format; intimate yet expansive, musical yet narrative-driven. Working with Google Cloud allows us to push creative boundaries responsibly and ambitiously, as we explore how AI can elevate cinematic craft rather than replace it.”

Sashi Sreedhraran, Managing Director, Google Cloud, India said: “What Equinox Virtual is bringing to life with Mohini shows how generative AI can be integrated into a sophisticated creative process. With Google Cloud AI, Equinox is able to enhance their world-building and narrative development through more agile workflows. By letting the platform manage the multi-layered complexities of production, the creators can remain focused on the soul of the story.” 

Building a New Storytelling Universe

Equinox Virtual is crafting a growing universe of original stories and characters in this micro-drama musical format, with multiple projects already in development. Mohini is the first in a pipeline of AI-enabled narrative IPs designed for immersive, global-first audiences.

With a rich legacy in storytelling through film and advertising, the studio is now expanding into AI-powered narrative experiences that combine cinematic craft with technological innovation. The vision is to create new forms of entertainment that are intimate, and immersive,  built for audiences in India and across the world.

Prabhas–Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit to Hit Screens in March 2027!

Hyderabad, May 6 (BNP): The makers of Spirit, starring Prabhas, have confirmed that the film will release as scheduled in March 2027.

Putting an end to speculation around delays, the production team announced that the project is progressing as planned, with shooting and post-production timelines on track. The update has come as a relief to fans eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated film.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit is one of the most talked-about upcoming projects in Indian cinema. While details about the storyline remain under wraps, the film is expected to feature Prabhas in a powerful and intense role.

The makers stated that further updates, including teasers and promotional material, will be released in due course as the film moves closer to completion.

Isha Ambani Stuns in Gaurav Gupta Couture Saree at Met Gala 2026

New York, May 6 (BNP): Isha Ambani made a notable appearance at the Met Gala 2026 in a custom couture ensemble designed by Gaurav Gupta, celebrating Indian craftsmanship on one of the world’s biggest fashion stages.

 Her outfit featured a handwoven saree crafted with gold threads and intricate detailing inspired by traditional Indian art forms. The ensemble was created by over 50 artisans and took more than 1,200 hours to complete, incorporating techniques such as zardozi, aari embroidery, and hand-painted motifs.

A key highlight of the look was the blouse, embellished with over 200 diamonds from Nita Ambani’s personal jewellery collection. The design combined heirloom pieces with contemporary couture, reflecting a blend of personal heritage and artistic craftsmanship.

She completed the look with a sculpted cape, diamond jewellery, and traditional accessories, adding to the grandeur of the ensemble. Ambani also carried a symbolic mango accessory, which she described as a meaningful and personal element of her outfit.

Her appearance at the event highlighted the global spotlight on Indian design and craftsmanship, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modern luxury on an international platform.

Shashi Shekhar Vempati Named Chairperson of CBFC

Mumbai, May 6 (BNP): The government has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (Central Board of Film Certification).

He takes over from Prasoon Joshi, who has recently been assigned the role of Chairperson of Prasar Bharati.

An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Vempati is also an author and co-founder of AI4India Org, an initiative working to expand access to artificial intelligence technology in India.

His appointment is expected to guide the CBFC’s role in film certification and regulatory oversight with renewed focus and leadership.

Kareena Kapoor Khan Leads Race Opposite Salman Khan in Raj & DK’s Upcoming Superhero Film!

Mumbai, May 5 (BNP): Speculation is mounting around Salman Khan’s upcoming superhero project with filmmaker duo Raj & DK, as Kareena Kapoor Khan emerges as the frontrunner for the female lead, reportedly overtaking earlier buzz around Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

According to industry sources, Kareena Kapoor Khan is currently in advanced discussions for the yet-untitled film and has shown strong interest in the role. Reports suggest that Salman Khan has personally facilitated discussions, further strengthening her position for the project.

If finalised, the film will mark the reunion of Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, one of Bollywood’s most popular on-screen pairs, who last appeared together in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Their previous collaborations, including Kyon Ki, Main Aur Mrs Khanna, and Bodyguard, continue to enjoy strong audience recall.

Backed by Atul Agnihotri in association with Mythri Movie Makers, the film is envisioned as a large-scale superhero spectacle. Salman Khan is expected to portray a unique role of an ageing superhero drawn back into action, promising a blend of stylised action and humour—hallmarks of Raj & DK’s filmmaking.

The project is expected to go on floors around October–November 2026. Prior to this, Salman Khan is engaged in an action entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally, scheduled for release during Eid 2027.

Notably, the upcoming film will also mark Raj & DK’s return to the big screen nearly a decade after their last theatrical release, A Gentleman, further heightening anticipation around the project.

Indian Heritage and Contemporary Design Shine at Met Gala 2026

New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): Indian art, heritage, and modern design took centre stage at the Met Gala 2026, as several Indian celebrities showcased carefully curated ensembles inspired by the country’s rich cultural and artistic legacy.

The event witnessed strong references to classical and contemporary Indian art forms, drawing inspiration from figures such as Raja Ravi Varma, Ajanta cave paintings, and modern artists like Subodh Gupta. Traditional craftsmanship, intricate embroidery, and gemstone detailing were prominently featured across several high-fashion looks.

Prominent appearances included Isha Ambani in a diamond-studded ensemble inspired by traditional draping styles, Sudha Reddy adorned with an elaborate high-value jewellery piece, and Ananya Birla wearing a striking metallic-themed accessory designed by Subodh Gupta.

Filmmaker Karan Johar made a statement in a cape inspired by classical Indian paintings, while philanthropist Natasha Poonawala and members of Jaipur’s erstwhile royal family showcased couture designs blending heritage and contemporary fashion. Designer Manish Malhotra also presented a fusion look featuring traditional tailoring with modern artistic elements.

The showcase highlighted the growing global influence of Indian design, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling in international fashion platforms.