Category: Entertainment

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.

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.

Irasva Fine Jewellery Grazia Fashion Awards 2026: Ananya Birla, Malaika Arora, Bhumi Pednekar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharvari, Ishaan Khatter, Kriti Sanon, Agastya Nanda, Ahan Shetty, Raghav Juyal and Himesh Reshammiya Shine Among Top Honourees

 Irasva Fine Jewellery Grazia Fashion Awards 2026 co-presented by Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water was held on 31st March 2026 at J.W. Marriott, Mumbai. Hosted by Grazia India, the evening celebrated contemporary fashion, innovation, and cultural influence with a dynamic gathering of leading and upcoming names from fashion, pop culture, and entertainment.

The evening brought together a dynamic mix of emerging voices and industry stalwarts, celebrating the best of fashion and individuality.Adding to the evening’s celebration of style and individuality, Malaika Arora was named ‘GFA Mould Breaker of the Year’, while Raghav Juyal earned the title of ‘GFA One & Only Breakthrough Style’. Sharvari was named ‘GFA Gen Z Style Star’, while Ahan Shetty won ‘GFA Rising Style Star’. Ishaan Khatter was honoured with the title of ‘GFA One & Only Global Game Changer’, while Bhumi Pednekar was recognised for ‘GFA Fashion with Purpose’. Aditi Rao Hydari was celebrated as ‘GFA Fashion’s Favourite Muse’, and Kriti Sanon took home the award for ‘GFA Force of Fashion’. Agastya Nanda took home ‘GFA Rising Star’.

Setting the tone for innovation and craftsmanship, the evening celebrated designers redefining fashion. Shantnu & Nikhil were honoured as ‘GFA Masters in Menswear’, Falguni Shane Peacock claimed the title of GFA One & Only Global Fashion Impact.  Somya Lochan, Quarter got ‘GFA Indie Cool’, Yash Patil, That Antiquepiece received ‘GFA Innovation in Fashion’. Diya Joukani was honored as the ‘GFA Fashion Disruptor’, and Tina Tahiliani Parikh was recognized as ‘GFA Fashion Entrepreneur’.

The evening, hosted by Rohan Joshi, was packed with unforgettable moments. The band Outstation set the stage ablaze with a high-energy performance. The red carpet unfolded as a stunning visual showcase, with some of the industry’s biggest names turning heads in bold, avant-garde ensembles featuring standout appearances by Nikita Porwal (Femina Miss India World 2023), Rajat Bedi, Isha Koppikar, Farhana Bodi.

Reflecting on the spirit of the awards, Mehernaaz Dhondy, Editor of Grazia India, remarked, “Grazia has always been at the forefront of driving fashion’s evolution in India, from championing emerging voices to recognising the cultural forces that shape how we dress, express, and identify. The Grazia Fashion Awards celebrate individuals who are shaping how fashion is consumed, perceived, and redefined today. Each year, we spotlight voices and personalities who are not just part of the industry but are actively pushing it forward and setting the tone for what comes next.”

Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director WWM & Times Strategic Solutions Ltd CEO Digital – Times Television Network, said, “Grazia India has always been at the intersection of fashion and culture, and the Grazia Fashion Awards are the ultimate expression of that ethos, it is where legacy meets the next generation. We are incredibly proud to bring together a dynamic cross-section of the industry: young, upcoming designers who are pushing creative boundaries, breakthrough style personalities who are redefining influence, and iconic names who have shaped the very identity of Indian fashion on a global level. We thank Irasva Fine Jewellery and Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water for their continued support tonight.”

Partner’s List:

Title Partner: Irasva Fine Jewellery

Co-Presented by: Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water

In-association with: Lovetc

Hospitality partner: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

Please find below the detailed winners list:

NODWIN Gaming Appoints Sidharth Kedia to Drive Strategic Growth and Shareholder Value Creation, Amid Pre-IPO Fundraise

Gurugram, India, 1st April, 2026 : NODWIN Gaming, a global leader in gaming, esports and youth entertainment, today announced the appointment of Sidharth Kedia as Chief Strategy and Investments Officer. In this role, Sidharth will be responsible for strategy, fundraising, and mergers and acquisitions, as NODWIN continues to scale its global youth media portfolio and advance toward its next phase of growth.

Sidharth returns to NODWIN at a defining moment for the company, having previously served as CEO from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, NODWIN delivered a tenfold increase in revenue, raised over $50 million in capital, and significantly enhanced its market position, with valuation growing from approximately INR 140 crore (approx $19.4M at the time) post Nazara’s investment in 2018, to $350 million pre-money following the Sony Group Corporation-led round in 2023. He also played a key role in shaping NODWIN’s evolution from an esports-focused business into a broader youth media and entertainment company, laying the foundation for its current multi-vertical ecosystem. 

Sidharth brings over two decades of experience across media, investments, and strategy. He has held leadership roles across fintech, private equity, and media. He was part of the early evolution of India’s payments ecosystem at Venture Infotek, built one of the country’s early analytics and data science practices at eFunds, and co-founded Ambit Pragma Ventures, a $150 million private equity fund focused on high-growth sectors, leading their Media & Entertainment practice. He later played a key role within Reliance Industries, leading turnaround and restructuring initiatives across the Network18 portfolio and advising on media investments for Jio. As Head of Strategy at Viacom18, he worked across corporate strategy and M&A while driving data-led decision making and innovating traditional media models. His career reflects a consistent focus on identifying shifts in consumer behaviour and enabling businesses at the intersection of technology, content, and distribution. 

In his new role, Sidharth will focus on sharpening NODWIN’s long-term strategic direction, driving shareholder value, and identifying inorganic growth opportunities across key international markets. His mandate includes strengthening the company’s investment thesis as it builds a scalable, IP-led business across gaming, content, live experiences, and youth culture.

Sidharth Kedia, Chief Strategy and Investments Officer, NODWIN Gaming, said:“It feels great to be back at NODWIN at such an important point in its journey. Having seen the company grow over the years, it’s clear how strong the foundation is today and how much opportunity lies ahead. NODWIN is entering a phase where focused strategy, thoughtful capital allocation, and strong execution will unlock its true value potential. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on this momentum and take NODWIN into its next stage of growth.”

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said: “Sidharth has played a pivotal role in shaping NODWIN’s journey, and his return back to the NODWIN Family comes at an important stage as we continue to scale the business globally and look at a potential listing. He combines a deep understanding of our ecosystem with strong expertise in capital strategy and corporate development. As we expand our IP portfolio, enter new markets, and advance our capital plans, his leadership will be instrumental in driving long-term value creation for the company.”

NODWIN Gaming has continued to strengthen its position across emerging markets, building a diversified platform spanning esports, gaming, creator ecosystems, and youth culture. With a growing portfolio of owned IPs and strategic partnerships, the company remains focused on expanding its global footprint while enhancing its institutional capabilities in preparation for future capital market opportunities.

To contextualise the momentum: after delivering INR 524 Cr in FY25 on the back of a consistent 50%+ CAGR since 2018, NODWIN has already surpassed that milestone within the first three quarters of FY26, reaching INR 530.3 Cr while remaining EBITDA positive, signalling a record year ahead and a structurally stronger business.

Sidharth Kedia’s appointment comes on the back of NODWIN Gaming reinforcing its Board and leadership with the appointment of Arnd Benninghoff to its Board of Directors, reflecting the company’s continued focus on building institutional depth and preparedness for a potential IPO.

 

Raulane Festival of Himachal Pradesh: A Centuries-Old Himalayan Tradition Celebrating Faith, Nature and Community

Bright and colourful images from Himachal Pradesh have recently gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the Raulane Festival, an ancient winter ritual celebrated in the Kinnaur district. The visuals—featuring masked performers, traditional costumes, and symbolic rituals—have sparked widespread curiosity about this unique cultural tradition rooted in Himalayan belief systems.

A Sacred Winter Festival of Kinnaur

The Raulane Festival is a deeply spiritual and culturally significant winter celebration observed in remote villages of Kinnaur. It is dedicated to “Saunis”, celestial fairies believed in local tradition to be gentle, radiant beings who protect villagers during harsh winters.

According to local belief, these divine beings provide warmth, guidance, and protection when life becomes difficult in the extreme Himalayan climate.

Symbolic Marriage Ritual: Raula and Raulane

One of the most fascinating aspects of the festival is its symbolic marriage ritual. During the celebration, two men are chosen to represent the divine couple:

• The Raula (groom)
• The Raulane (bride)

They are believed to act as spiritual vessels for the Saunis. This ritual is not a real marriage but a symbolic performance representing divine unity and protection.

The participants wear heavy traditional woollen clothing suited for the cold Himalayan weather. Their faces are fully covered with masks, and their hands are gloved, giving the ritual a mysterious and sacred appearance.

The Raulane, representing the bride figure, is dressed in elaborate attire with decorative ornaments, traditional jewellery, and detailed headgear, transforming the performer into a ritual identity rather than an individual.

Ritual Dance and Village Participation

A key highlight of the festival is a slow, meditative ritual dance performed at the Nagin Narayan Temple, one of the important spiritual centres in the region. The movement is calm and symbolic, reflecting devotion and spiritual connection.

The entire village takes part in prayers, gatherings, and celebrations, making the festival a deeply communal event rather than an individual ritual.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

The Raulane Festival is not just a celebration—it is a living expression of Himalayan heritage. It plays a vital role in:

• Preserving ancient oral traditions and folklore
• Strengthening community bonding in remote mountain villages
• Honouring nature-based spiritual beliefs
• Maintaining cultural identity in harsh geographical conditions

Local traditions suggest that the festival may be thousands of years old, with some accounts estimating its origins to be nearly 5,000 years old, though this remains part of oral belief rather than documented history.

Why the Festival Is Trending Now

The festival has recently gained global attention due to:

• Viral social media images and videos
• Unique masked performances and costumes
• Curiosity about Himalayan spiritual traditions
• Increased interest in cultural and heritage tourism

Travel enthusiasts and cultural observers are now highlighting Kinnaur as a destination rich in untouched traditions and deep-rooted beliefs.

Conclusion

The Raulane Festival stands as a powerful reminder of India’s diverse cultural heritage. In the remote mountains of Himachal Pradesh, traditions like these continue to thrive, blending faith, mythology, and community life.

Beyond its striking visuals, the festival reflects a deeper message—of harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality, preserved through generations in the heart of the Himalayas.

New Delhi, Mar 23: The 2026 edition of the Habitat International Film Festival (HIFF) drew to a resounding close with the screening of the acclaimed Polish biographical film Chopin, Chopin, marking a fitting finale to a vibrant celebration of global cinema.

The closing evening was attended by distinguished guests and cinema enthusiasts, culminating in a deeply moving cinematic experience that resonated strongly with the audience. Chopin, Chopin received a standing ovation, underscoring its powerful impact and the audience’s appreciation for its artistic and emotional depth.

(L to R) H.E. Dr. Piotr Świtalski, Prof (Dr.) K G Suresh, Dr. Mariann Erdo, Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak

On the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) K G Suresh, Director of the India Habitat Centre, made a significant announcement, declaring Poland as the Focus Country for the 2027 edition of the Habitat International Film Festival. The announcement reflects the growing cultural collaboration between India and Poland and builds upon the success of this year’s Polish showcase, including the Andrzej Wajda centenary retrospective.

As part of the closing ceremony, Prof. Suresh felicitated His Excellency Dr. Piotr Antoni Świtalski, Head of Mission of Poland to India, and Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish Institute, in recognition of their continued efforts in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening Indo-Polish ties.

HIFF 2026 featured a diverse and engaging lineup of films from across the world, along with retrospectives, discussions, and special events that brought together filmmakers, scholars, and audiences in a shared celebration of cinema.

The festival’s successful conclusion reaffirms the India Habitat Centre’s commitment to promoting meaningful cultural dialogue through the medium of film, while setting the stage for an exciting and expanded edition in 2027 with Poland in focus.  

New Delhi, India/Mar 20– Swaranjali Delhi, in collaboration with Dhwani Foundation, is delighted to announce the much-anticipated “Swar–Dhwani Festival 2026”, a grand celebration of Indian classical music bringing together some of the finest maestros and emerging talents on a single मंच.

Scheduled for Sunday, 19th April 2026, the festival will take place at the prestigious Muktadhara Auditorium, located within Banga Sanskriti Bhawan (18-19, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Sector 2, Gole Market, New Delhi – 110001). The event will run from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering an immersive day-long musical experience.

The festival will commence with a soulful Vandana by the disciples of Shri Partha Sarathi Lenka, setting a devotional tone for the evening. The program features an exceptional lineup of renowned artists across diverse classical genres:

• Flute: Shri Aanjaneya Joshi

• Santoor: Pt. Raj Kumar Majumdar

• Vocal: Pt. Ashish Narayan Tripathi

• Sitar: Pt. Smarajit Sen

• Vocal Duet: Dr. Prabhakar Kashyap & Dr. Diwakar Kashyap

• Tabla Solo: Pt. Biplab Bhattacharya

Accompanying Artists:

• Tabla: Pt. Subh Maharaj, Ustad Babar Latif, Shri Shubhendu Das, Shri Rudraksha Shrivastava

• Harmonium: Pt. Vinay Mishra & Shri Lalit Sisodia

“Swar–Dhwani Festival 2026” aims to celebrate the richness of Indian classical traditions while fostering cultural exchange and appreciation among audiences of all ages. The event promises an enriching confluence of melody, rhythm, and artistry.

You are cordially invited to be part of this musical journey.

RSVP:
Swaranjali Delhi | Dhwani Foundation
Website: www.swaranjali.org

New Delhi, India | Mar 14:  Swaranjali Delhi, in collaboration with Dhwani Foundation, will present Swar Dhwani Festival 2026 on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Muktadhara Auditorium, Banga Sanskriti Bhawan, 18–19, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Sector 2, Gole Market, New Delhi.

The festival will feature a series of vocal and instrumental performances by noted artists. The program includes a vocal presentation by The Shriram Millennium School, followed by a vocal performance by Pt. Ashish Narayan Tripathi and a sitar recital by Pt. Smarajit Sen.

The event will also present a vocal duet by Dr. Prabhakar Kashyap and Dr. Diwakar Kashyap, along with a flute performance by Shri Aanjaneya Joshi and a santoor recital by Pt. Raj Kumar Majumdar. The festival will further feature a tabla solo by Pt. Biplab Bhattacharya.

The performances will be supported by co-artists Pt. Shubh Maharaj, Pt. Vinay Mishra, Ustad Babar Latif, Shri Lalit Sisodia, Shri Shubhendu Das, and Shri Rudraksha Shrivastava.

Event Name: Swar Dhwani Festival 2026
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Muktadhara Auditorium, Banga Sanskriti Bhawan, 18-19, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Sector 2, Gole Market, New Delhi

RSVP & Contact:
Swaranjali Delhi | Dhwani Foundation
Phone: 9910300319 | 9873003625
Website: www.swaranjali.org

Media Partner: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Delhi,  Feb 27: For an entire generation, Calvin Harris is not merely a DJ — he is the architect of the golden era of EDM. The producer behind unforgettable club nights, sold-out college festivals, and countdown drops that felt almost spiritual, his music didn’t just dominate charts — it defined mainstage culture.

Now, in a landmark moment for India’s live music scene, Calvin Harris is set to bring his era-defining catalogue to the country for the very first time. Produced and promoted by Sunburn and BookMyShow Live, the debut India tour will kick off in Bengaluru on 17th April 2026, followed by Mumbai on 18th April and Delhi on 19th April 2026.

A Soundtrack That Defined Two Generations

Calvin Harris represents a rare phenomenon in global dance music — a chart-dominating shapeshifter who has seamlessly moved between house, funk, and pop without losing his identity. Few artists have bridged two generations of ravers with such scale and consistency.

To mark this milestone, here’s a look at the tracks that shaped global mainstages:

• Feel So Close (2011)
  Emotional yet explosive, the track marked Calvin’s emergence not just as a producer but also as a vocalist. Its soaring synths and cathartic build turned it into a unifying festival anthem that still resonates today.

• We Found Love (feat. Rihanna, 2011)
  A cultural turning point, the song blurred genre lines and reshaped global pop-dance crossovers, becoming one of the most recognisable records of the decade.

• Summer (2014)
  Bright, driving, and instantly replayable, “Summer” became more than a hit — it became a seasonal ritual.

• This Is What You Came For (feat. Rihanna, 2016)
  Minimal yet magnetic, the track showcased a sleeker evolution of his sound, proving equally powerful on streaming charts and global festival stages.

• One Kiss (feat. Dua Lipa, 2018)
  With house influences returning to global pop, “One Kiss” topped charts worldwide and introduced a new generation to his timeless dancefloor instincts.

• Miracle (feat. Ellie Goulding, 2023)
  Leaning into euphoric trance energy, “Miracle” delivered nostalgia with a fresh edge, reconnecting longtime fans with peak EDM emotion.

Across more than a decade of reinvention, Calvin Harris has remained at the centre of global dance culture. These tracks are more than chart successes — they are cultural markers that propelled electronic music from club subculture into global mainstream dominance.