Take a sneak peek at the Indian celebrities we’re looking forward to dazzle at Cannes 2025
Alia Bhatt
ishaan Khattar
Aishwarya Rai
Janhvi Kapoor
Karan Johar
Nitanshi Goel
Neeraj Ghaywan
Parul Gulati
For acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, returning to his roots has always been a deeply personal dream. And now, after years of winning hearts across the globe with his impactful performances, the versatile actor is finally shooting a film in his home state of Bihar — a first in his illustrious acting career.
The untitled social human drama, directed by Amit Rai of OMG 2 fame, brings together two passionate storytellers who both hail from Bihar. In a rare and touching coincidence, this marks the first time both Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai are shooting a film in their home state — a moment of immense pride and emotion for the duo.
The film, supported by the Bihar Film Niga, features a strong ensemble cast including Pawan Malhotra, Rajesh Kumar, and many talented actors from the Bihar film industry. With a 35-day shooting schedule, the film is being shot across real locations in Bihar, offering an authentic backdrop for the compelling narrative.
Getting emotional about the milestone, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to me. I began my journey as a performer on the dusty streets of a small village in Bihar, doing theatre and nukkad nataks, never imagining that one day I would return to these very lanes with a film crew. After spending over two decades in Hindi cinema, this is the first time I am shooting a film in my home state, and it feels like life has come full circle. Hindi films are rarely shot in Bihar — the last I remember was Manoj Bajpayee’s Shool in 2003 — so this experience is incredibly special and long overdue.”
He further adds, “There is a different kind of magic in working on a story that’s rooted in your soil. I feel a deeper responsibility and an emotional connection to every scene, every location, every face I see here. Collaborating again with Amit Rai, who is also from Bihar, makes this project even more personal. We both understand the nuances, the language, the spirit of the land — and I believe that will reflect on screen. This film is more than just another project; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the place that made me who I am.”
This powerful and intimate film aims to explore socially relevant themes through a human lens, with Bihar not just serving as the location but as a living, breathing character in the story.
Sunny Deol, who plays a pivotal role in the much-anticipated film Lahore 1947, has reportedly delayed the remaining patchwork shoot of the film, which spans around 15 days. While the actor is said to be deeply passionate about the project and its subject matter, sources from the film industry suggest he is exercising caution given the current geopolitical scenario.
Reportedly, Sunny has prioritise Border 2
According to insiders, Deol is concerned that the film’s message — rooted in the Partition era and involving themes related to India and Pakistan — may be misconstrued by certain groups in today’s sensitive climate. With rising tensions and incidents involving Pakistan targeting civilian areas, Deol fears that the narrative might be misinterpreted or politicized by vested interests, leading to unnecessary controversy.
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently opened up about why Bollywood often chooses silence over resistance when it comes to political issues. In a conversation on Kapil Sibal’s YouTube channel, he revealed that the fear of agencies like the ED and CBI looms large in the industry, making it difficult for artists to express dissent.
Akhtar drew a striking comparison with Hollywood, citing Meryl Streep’s vocal criticism of Donald Trump. “There was no income tax raid on her,” he said pointedly, adding that while the truth of the threat is debatable, the perception of punishment for speaking out is very real in India.
He went on to say that Bollywood stars are often judged harshly for staying quiet, but they are human too, operating within the same societal fears and limitations as everyone else. “They may be in the industry, but they live in the same society,” he explained.
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Known for his unfiltered views, Akhtar acknowledged that he may be one of the few voices speaking openly, but he also understands why others might choose not to. He emphasised that the glamor of Bollywood doesn’t shield its members from institutional intimidation.
Speaking about his interactions with trolls, Akhtar revealed that while he’s advised to ignore them, he sometimes claps back when necessary. “You can’t take this liberty and think I won’t respond,” he said, asserting that staying quiet is not always a sign of maturity, it’s often self-preservation.
In a time where even a tweet can trigger investigations, Javed Akhtar’s words shed light on a chilling truth: in today’s climate, free speech in Bollywood is not just risky, it’s potentially dangerous.
In a world constantly torn between pride and power, the announcement of a full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan is not just a diplomatic success, it is a much-needed reminder of the cost of conflict and the value of peace.
Donald Trump stated, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
In a historic moment for the Indian music industry, over 25 renowned artists, including Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Sameer Anjaan, Prasoon Joshi, Salim- Sulaiman, Shaan, Lalit Pandit, Anand- Milind, Papon ,Aruna Sairam, Manan Shah , Anusha Mani ,Shweta Mohan, Hariharan and Raju Singh, launched “Goongoonalo,” India’s first artist-owned cultural app. The grand event took place at the Studio Theatre, Jio World, BKC, Bandra East, Mumbai.
Goongoonalo is a digital platform created by artists for artists. It is dedicated not only to music but also to poetry, storytelling, and other creative expressions. The app features original content, unreleased classics, mentorship sessions, masterclasses, jam sessions, open mics, and direct fan interactions.
Founding members include Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh, Prasoon Joshi, Sameer Anjaan, Vishal Dadlani, Amit Trivedi, and others. The app was developed by technology expert Sridhar Ranganathan, with Sherley Singh serving as CEO.
Artists’ Perspectives on Goongoonalo:
Javed Akhtar:
“May 5, 2025, is a historic day. Goongoonalo gives artists the freedom to create without the constraints of producers or music companies. It’s the first of its kind globally, where musicians, lyricists, and singers are shareholders. Artists will have complete creative freedom, and no committee will oversee their work. Members will also introduce new talents, giving exposure to emerging singers, lyricists, and composers.”
Shankar Mahadevan:
“Goongoonalo is a platform created by artists for artists. It’s a stage to write the next chapter of music. Today is a significant and historic day for all artists. Through this platform, the dreams of many artists will come true.”
Sonu Nigam:
“When I came to Mumbai in the 90s, we wanted to do something different. Now, Goongoonalo is the platform that offers the creative freedom we were looking for.”
Sameer Anjaan:
“This is the best day for people in the music field. After years of dreams and efforts, this app has been launched. Whether it’s folk singers or classical artists, this platform is unparalleled. Creators are given complete freedom to do what they want.”
Prasoon Joshi:
“People think that if an artist has a mic and a stage, they don’t need anything else. But writers and musicians often express someone else’s thoughts. This platform allows them to share their own voice. Goongoonalo provides the freedom to think and create without any constraints.”
Sridhar Ranganathan (Founder Member):
“We’ve been working on this app for the past four years. Bringing all artists together was challenging, but after years of effort, this platform is ready. Artists and fans can register at www.goongoonalo.com to become part of this creative family.”
Sherley Singh (CEO):
“If you’re a dreamer, Goongoonalo is where you should be. This platform changes the equation. Typically, when an artist releases a song, the rights belong to the makers or music label. Here, the artist owns their song, and any revenue generated is shared with them.”
Hariharan:
“This platform is different because artists themselves own the company. I hope some excellent music will be produced, which listeners can enjoy on Goongoonalo.”
Salim Merchant:
“This is a significant opportunity for art and music. We’ve become accustomed to composing based on others’ stories, but this app allows us to express what we feel and think. Our community will inspire many people.”
Sulaiman Merchant:
“This is a historic initiative that will empower artists. It’s the first streaming platform of its kind.”
Raju Singh:
“This platform will fulfill our incomplete dreams that we couldn’t realize due to market pressures. We can present our ideas with freedom here.”
Lalit Pandit:
“We’ve been waiting for this day for years, and now this historic app is here.”
Anand – Milind:
“Goongoonalo will bring forth creations close to our hearts. It’s an essential and excellent platform for songwriters, composers, and singers.”
Aruna Sairam:
“I’m thrilled to be a shareholder in Goongoonalo. As a classical singer, I’ve always wanted to collaborate with non-classical artists, and this platform offers that opportunity.”
Papon:
“There’s no other app in the world that offers artists such freedom and partnership. All artists will work together, and songs will be released on Goongoonalo’s platform.”
Shaan:
“This is truly historic. It started with good intentions, and anything done from the heart yields good results. We’ll strive to present our best songs on Goongoonalo.”
Ehsaan Noorani:
“This platform allows us to create something new and different on our terms. It’s a unique platform owned by artists, offering numerous collaboration opportunities.”
Shweta Mohan:
“This app will preserve the soul of independent songs and bring them to the audience.”
Anusha Mani:
“The team behind this platform is so inspiring that I immediately became a part of it. It’s a medium for our creative expression.”
Manan Shah:
“Being part of Goongoonalo with music legends is an honor. Creating songs with complete creative freedom here will be a unique experience.”
Amitabh Bhattacharya:
“I hope this platform proves to be a game-changer for music-related artists. Through this platform, we can work on ideas we’ve longed to realize.”
Siddharth Mahadevan:
“We artists will release our songs on our own company, Goongoonalo. Its USP is that every artist will promote each other’s songs, reaching a vast audience.”
Features and Upcoming Events:
Under ‘Goongoonalo Originals,’ a special song by Shreya Ghoshal will be released first. Activities like a singing workshop with Arijit Singh, a lyrics lab with Irshad Kamil, and production sessions with Salim-Sulaiman will follow. The ‘Fanverse’ feature will allow fans to design merchandise, participate in crowdfunding, and join virtual meetups.
The Future of Culture with Goongoonalo:
Shankar Mahadevan concluded, “Here, unique collaborations like Aruna Sairam with Sonu Nigam or Vishal-Shekhar with Kaushiki Chakraborty will be seen. This is the new digital form of India’s cultural soul.”
Tiger Baby Records, the music label founded by filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti in collaboration with musician Ankur Tewari, unveiled its debut album ‘City Sessions’ at an intimate evening hosted at Soho House, Mumbai. More than just an album release, the evening marked the beginning of an IP that reimagines the way music is created, performed and experienced.
In collaboration with Island City Studios, City Sessions is a singer-songwriter initiative that brings artists together in an immersive studio setting. In an age defined by digital shortcuts and AI-generated content, Tiger Baby Records embraces an analog, collaborative approach to music creation.
“In today’s AI driven world, with City Sessions we wanted to revisit a more personal & collaborative way of creating music. We believe that this organic process allows for a genuine connection, as singer songwriters are the storytellers of our generation” – Ankur Tewari, Co-founder Tiger Baby Records
The debut City Sessions album comprises six original tracks by independent artists Neel Adhikari, Pushan Kripalani (Slight Diversion), and Arijit Datta (Airport). Releasing on audio platforms on 9th May 2025, the album is divided into two parts: Side A and Side B, with music videos launching in two waves.
The three songs in Side A: Yahaan by Neel Adhikari, I Will Walk With You by Slight Diversion and Jaane Bhi Do Na by Airport capture the collective emotions of our times, reflecting anxiety, struggle, and quiet defiance. Side B, featuring Le Chale by Airport, I Will Hold You Close by Slight Diversion and Na Raha by Neel Adhikari, dives into the emotional aftermath that is the resolve and bittersweet act of moving forward. These songs are the introspective counterpart to Side A’s restless energy, like the flip of a vinyl record where the storm settles into a reflective hush.
“At Tiger Baby we have a soft spot for singer song writers and we wanted to present a new kind of musical story where the process of ‘making’ matters as much as the final song made” said Zoya Akhtar. “With City Sessions our endeavour is to champion a return to organic, emotion- driven artistry, by working with acoustic instruments, live recording methods and face to face collaboration” added Reema Kagti.
The property also brings a unique visual style that will continue to grow with future releases under the ‘City Sessions’ name, creating not just a music experience but a creative world built with purpose- with the songwriter at the heart of it.
Post dramatic escalation by Pakistan, Indian forces reportedly has targeted three Pakistani airbases overnight, according to top government sources. A Fatah-1 missile launched by Pakistan was also intercepted and destroyed by Indian air defence while heading toward a strategic target in the western sector.
Islamabad has reportedly closed its airspace amid rising tensions.
Nur Khan Air base at Rawalpandi, Rafiqui Airbase at Jhang and Lahore are reportedly on Line of Fire.
The Indian government is expected to brief the media at 10 AM today to confirm the scale and impact of the strikes.
Courtesy – Sakshi Shah
Luxury was in the details at the Met Gala 2025. From oversized gemstones to custom-made pieces, these stars wore jewellery that lit up the red carpet.
Hailey Bieber
Diljit Dosanjh
Kendall Jenner
Shah Rukh Khan
Colman Domingo
Gina Alice Redlinger
Natasha Poonawalla
Sabyasachi
A$AP Rocky
Teyana Taylor
Kim Kardashian
A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.
Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted.
Our actions have been focused, measured and non- escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.
These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.
There will be detailed briefing on ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, later today.