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Shabana Azmi’s illustrious career began with her Christopher Columbus Shyam Benegal’s Ankur which kickstarted her romance with immortality.

Now when Benegal turns 90, Shabana turns emotional as she says, “I wish him a very long and healthy life. He changed the face of Hindi cinema and I am so fortunate to have started my career with him. If not for him, my career would have taken a completely different trajectory if I had not started with Ankur.

She fondly sees Shyam Babu as much more than a filmmaker. “He is my mentor and guru, albeit a reluctant one. But above all the other equations that I share with him, I consider him a dear dear friend. I don’t have enough words to describe what he means to me. I value the fact that he takes the trouble to call me when he has watched a performance of mine,...

In this age of larger-than-life ‘mass’ movies, it is surprising that the makers planned a film capitalizing on the stardom of a female star like Alia Bhatt. With this, the makers made a bold move and offered a response to the toxic masculinity, sexism, and misogyny celebrated on screen. However, setting aside the political undertone, ‘Jigra‘ delivers a mediocre experience, failing to engage due to its loose screenplay and the director’s excessive attempts to emulate a Tarantino-esque style.

‘Jigra’ tells the story of Satya and her unconditional love for her brother, Ankur. After their father takes his own life, Satya assumes responsibility for Ankur and vows to protect him at any cost. But suddenly, one fateful event shatters their world as Ankur is wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death penalty, leaving Satya to fight to save him.

Check also this interview

This story clearly positions ‘Jigra’ as a prison break film.

After its world premiere and three sold-out screenings at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Saba, a film by Maksud Hossain, has embarked on a prestigious global festival circuit, screening at the Busan International Film Festival and now in competition at the Red Sea International Film Festival. I recently reconnected with Maksud, my Global Media Makers Fellow, for an in-depth conversation about the creation of his film, reflecting on our shared experience in Los Angeles back in June 2023.

Film Independent’s Global Media Makers (Gmm) is a six-week residency in LA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, supporting independent filmmakers worldwide. This is where I, a Lebanese screenwriter and director, met Maksud Hossain from Bangladesh while we were both in the screenwriting track. It was here that I first read the screenplay for Saba and later watched an early draft of his debut film.

Jigra Ott Release ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

The Alia Bhatt starrer Jigra is heading for its Ott release soon. The movie was released on October 10, 2024, to the theatres. Even though the film failed to do wonders at the box office, it garnered immense critical acclaim.

Jigra Plot

Jigra revolves around an elder sister’s quest to go to any lengths to protect her younger brother. Alia Bhatt plays Satya, a young woman whose life revolves around her younger brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) after they are orphaned as kids. However, her life turns upside down when her brother is imprisoned in a foreign land under false charges. The situation worsens after it is revealed that he has gotten a death sentence. When all hope seems futile, Satya devises a prison break plan to rescue her brother, which is nothing less than a suicide mission.

When And Where To Watch Jigra Online?

Those...

Shabana Azmi is in and out of cities these days. Shabana Azmi’s 50-year journey as an actor continues to be celebrated all over the world. Now it is at the Nantes Film Festival in France.

Sighs the formidable actress, “Nowadays I am living in suitcases. Itni travelling toh maine pehle kabhi nahin kee hai.”

Her work has consistently found favour in France where retrospectives of her films have featured at George Pompidou Centre, Cinematheque , and earlier at Nantes festival of three continents where Godmother was the opening night film in 1997. In 1989 At the Biennale of Human Rights in France she was chosen as one amongst sixteen women including Mother Teresa, Rigoberta Menchu , Albertina Sisulu , who were honoured by President Mitterand for her human rights work for slum dwellers and women’s rights activist and for using cinema as a medium of social change.

At the prestigious Nantes Film Festival,...

“Saba” is a powerful movie about life, duty, and how strong people are against the busy and complicated landscape of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The movie, directed by Maksud Hossain for the first time, is about Saba, a 25-year-old woman who is taking care of her paralyzed mother, Shirin while living an unbelievably hard life.

The story is mostly about Saba’s desperate efforts to get money for her mom’s heart surgery, which will save her life. She faces societal judgments and personal sacrifices while working at a seedy hookah bar, which reflects the struggles of Bangladesh’s young people who are on the outside. Her life is too stifling; her tiny apartment is both a safe place for her and a jail since she has to lock her mother inside while she works.

The first book by Hossain is not just a personal story; it’s also a complex political...

In 2022, upon the release of “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” Anurag Kashyap a close friend and collaborator of director Vasan Bala noted that Alia Bhatt is the new Bacchan. Bala, who we all know is fascinated by pop culture and how it shapes the narrative of the present, past, and future of cinema itself, must have taken the comment quite literally. With “Jigra,” his third directorial venture (fourth if you consider the unreleased “Peddlers“) Bala has a bigger budget and even greater star power in his kitty.

The usually dependable Alia Bhatt stars as Satya, an orphan who had made herself into such a rock-solid young woman that her meditative gaze can get any shit done. Early on in her life, she witnessed the tragic suicide of her father when she and her younger sibling Ankur (later played by Vedang Raina) returned from school one day. It’s obvious that ever since that day,...

Jigra (which means both heart and courage) is, in equal parts, gutting and emotional but also far-fetched and logic-free. Director and co-writer Vasan Bala creates a jailbreak movie that tries to find the sweet spot between moving sibling drama, thrilling action and breathless suspense, and although he doesn’t hit all the marks, lead actor and co-producer Alia Bhatt reconfirms that she is a formidable talent.

Even when the plot becomes looser and the twists too convenient, Bhatt doesn’t miss a beat. She’s fabulously fierce as protagonist Satya, her eyes maintaining an expression of unblinking determination. She might be small physically, but when she takes down a grown man, we don’t question it because her conviction is so absolute. In one scene, another character admiringly calls her a gundi (gangster). In this environment, it’s a compliment.

Satya is unbreakable because she’s had to grow up too fast.

Vedang Raina may be young and a very newcomer to film but already has made his mark on the screen with his starring role in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies and his most recent release Jigra which also starred Alia Bhatt.

In this interview with Subhash K Jha, Vedang Raina speaks about getting into character for Jigra, the hard scenes he had to shoot and more.

What are your feelings at the moment?

Weirdly this time I’m quite numb compared to Archies. I was definitely more nervous last time. Could either be because I’m a bit more used to or because I just haven’t registered it yet. I’ll give it a few days ha, ha.

Was it smooth-sailing shooting for Jigra?

It was the best experience being on the set of this film. It was definitely not smooth because everyday felt like a challenge. It was emotionally demanding.

Jigra tells the gripping story of Satya and her fight to save her brother Ankur. Directed by Vasan Bala, it stars Alia Bhatt in a standout role as Satya, a woman with bold conviction who will stop at nothing to protect family.

The film belongs to the jailbreak thriller genre. Satya’s brother Ankur finds himself sentenced to death in the fictional country of Hanshi Dao after being framed for drug possession. As an older sister would, Satya vows to rescue Ankur from this foreign prison, wherever it may be.

Alia Bhatt brings Satya to life with layers of emotion beneath a composed surface. You feel her pain from past tragedies and fierce love for her brother. The film starts strong, drawing us into Satya and Ankur’s close bond. But later it loses some focus amid references to other films.

Still, Bhatt anchors the film, keeping us invested in Satya’s mission.

Rani Chatterjee and Satya Anand have little in common.

The leads of Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” and Vasan Bala’s “Jigra” are both played by Alia Bhatt, one of the top actors in her class, and the only connective tissue between the saree-clad romantic heroine and the resolute woman out to save her brother is that if you cross them, or someone they love, they would probably kill you. It’s a trait Bhatt wears on her sleeve — think “Gully Boy” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” — and Bala unleashes the best iteration of that to date.

“Jigra” is the story of siblings Satya (Alia Bhatt) and Ankur (Vedang Raina), orphaned in their childhood and raised in the home of wealthy relatives. When Ankur ends up on death row for drug possession in the fictional country of Hanshi Dao, Satya resolves to get him free at all costs.

Bhatt plays a woman trying to spring her brother from prison in a fictional East Asian state, after he is framed by their rich-kid cousins

Director Vasan Bala has a knack for capturing the way some humans view others as disposable, as lives to spend for power. In Bala’s new Hindi-language production Jigra, a jailbreak film that frequently alludes to earlier, better Bollywood thrillers, Satya (a luminous Alia Bhatt), has learned from the best; after witnessing her father’s suicide she is raised by powerful relatives, and works as a fixer in one of their luxury hotels where she handles any inconveniences, human or otherwise.

Satya’s sole loyalty is to her younger, less savvy brother Ankur (Vedang Raina); whose attempts to raise money for a tech start-up with his reckless, far richer cousin Kabir (Aditya Nanda) go from bacchanalia to drug bust. Kabir and his family summarily frame...

Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra is not just about its story or strong acting performances; it’s much more than that. It’s about Bala’s love for cinema; it’s about the masterful cinematography by Swapnil S. Sonawane and the editing done artfully by Prerna Sehgal. The story might be a bit hit or miss for some, but for me personally, it’s a delight to watch a filmmaker as passionate as Bala get the means and resources to spread his wings. So let’s find out what happened in the film, what sorts of conflicts Alia Bhatt’s character, Satya, had on her way, and if she was successful in her quest.

Spoiler Alert

What happened to Satya’s father?

At the beginning of Jigra, we saw two kids enter their home and see their father jumping off from their balcony. Satya and Ankur were very young when both their parents passed away.

One of the most esteemed and outstanding actors in cinema, Shabana Azmi has starred in a myriad of genres, showcasing her immense talent. From her debut film Ankur, for which she won a National award, to incredible turns in films like Mrityudand and Fire, to her most recent excellent films What’s Love Got To Do With It? and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and so many more, each performance by Ms. Azmi has been exceptional.

In a very special interview, Shabana Azmi talks with Subhash K Jha about why she still has a passion for acting, whether she would ever step behind the camera and so much more.

74, and still India’s finest actress?

Please, itni taarif ki koi zaroorat nahin. I don’t want to get my head swollen at this stage of life. It is very important to be level-headed about one’s achievements and not get carried away.

The progress of Bangladeshi cinema during the last few years is rather evident even if sporadic. Although the presence of Mostofa Sarwar Farooki remains the most dominant one, Maksud Hossain, in his feature debut, comes to add his name in a list including Rubaiyat Hossain, Abdullah Mohammad Saad and Mohammad Rabby Mridha among others, who highlight the fact quite eloquently. The script is based on personal experience, as Hossain’s wife and co-writer of the movie Trilora Khan, has been the primary caregiver for her paraplegic mother for 25 years following a car accident.

Saba is screening at Toronto International Film Festival

The story revolves around 25-year-old Saba, who lives and takes care of her rather demanding mother, Shirin, who has been paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident 20 years ago. As Shirin’s need for medical treatment increases, with the complications with her heart causing significant issues, Saba...

A sense of financial and personal stagnation permeates “Saba,” the Bangladeshi social drama from first-time director Maksud Hossain. A strong (if stylistically straightforward) debut, it follows 25-year-old Saba (Mehazabien Chowdhury), who struggles to make ends meet while looking after her ailing, paraplegic single mother Shirin (Rokeya Prachy), whose own frustrations often explode in Saba’s direction.

To pay for Shirin’s life-saving surgery, Saba finds a waitressing job at a seedy hookah lounge in Dhaka — a position in which, she’s told, women tend not to last — with long hours that only complicate her caregiving duties. It’s one indignity after the next, both for Saba, who has to beg for the job to begin with, and for Shirin, who has no choice but to wait in bed until Saba can bathe her and change her diaper.

Tales of such misfortune run the risk of veering into pity porn, but...

The makers of ‘Undekhi’ starring Harsh Chhaya, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Surya Sharma, and Ankur Rathee unveiled the trailer for Season 3 on Friday, in which ‘Papa Ji’ delves deeper into the realm of darkness and deception.

The show features Harsh as Papa ji, Dibyendu as Dsp Barun Ghosh, Surya as Rinku Atwal, and Ankur as Daman.

This trailer takes viewers on a massive ride of emotions and thrill as the story progresses spine-chilling bloodshed. As the Atwal family unleashes chaos, grappling with family politics and confronting their concealed past becomes a massive challenge.

Thrilling encounters, a battle for ultimate supremacy, and long-buried mysteries resurfacing to haunt them, this season promises to showcase an electrifying fight for power amidst a relentless force of revenge.

Sharing the trailer, the makers wrote: “Papaji is back and so is his past! As he fights to reclaim his power, new predators emerge from the shadows. With every ally turned adversary,...

Exclusive: The world premiere of Rumana Molla’s Indo-Belgian film Minimum and the UK premiere of Indian actor Anshuman Jha’s directorial debut Lord Curzon Ki Haveli will be on show at this year’s UK Asian Film Festival (Ukaff).

Prominent figures including actors Shabana Azmi and Karisma Kapoor will be feted for their roles in Indian cinema at the annual event.

Ukaff, which says it is the longest running South Asian film festival in the world, will run its 26th edition from May 2 to 12 in venues across London, Leicester and Oxford.

Themed ‘Climate of Change,’ the festival will open with the premiere of Minimum at the BFI IMAX in London, while Lord Curzon Ki Haveli will close out the event at the Regent Street Cinema.

Indian industry veterans such as Kapoor, playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and designer Rina Dhaka are expected to attend the closing gala in London, with...

Actors Naman Shaw, Shruti Choudhary, Trupti Mishra and Ankur Verma have reflected upon their childhood memories of Holi, alongwith sharing their plans for the festival this year. Naman, essaying the role of Adit in ‘Mangal Lakshmi’ said: “As a child, I eagerly counted down the days to Holi, and now, as a parent, I am excited to introduce my three-year-old son to the magic of this festival. I’ve been planning something special– a makeshift pool brimming with water, colours, and water balloons.”

“One of the traditions I hold dear is preparing platters of assorted desserts at home for our loved ones. Amid our busy lives, I pray that this festival draws us closer to our family and friends. May it serve as a reminder of the importance of cherishing moments of togetherness,” added Naman.

Shruti, who plays the role of Bulbul in ‘Mera Balam Thanedaar’ shared: “As a child,...

Mumbai, Feb 13 (Ians) A day ahead of Valentine’s Day, actors Mallika Singh, Karamm Rajpal, Ankur Verma and Anchal Sahu have opened up on their views about the power of love, and shared their plans for the day.

Mallika, who portrays the role of princess Kaurwaki in ‘Pracchand Ashok’ shared: “From Kaurwaki’s character, I have learned the strength and passion it takes to believe in love’s ability to triumph over any challenge. Her personality reflects the timeless love that has shaped history as we know it.”

The actress feels fortunate to have the chance to essay a historical legend, whose resilience and love set a stellar example when it comes to changing the world for the better.

“I wish we continue to spread love in the universe,” she added.

Karamm plays Rajneesh in ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak’.

Calling himself an old-school romantic, Karamm shared: “I value loyalty, honesty,...

Mumbai, Feb 6 (Ians) The viral hit song ‘Khalasi’ has truly shaped the contours of the soundscape of social media. The song had countless impressions on social media serving as the background score for many dramatic and funny Reels on Instagram. Musician Ankur Tewari, who serves as the creative architect on the second season of ‘Coke Studio Bharat’, has decoded the idea behind the viral hit song ‘Khalasi’.

In a conversation with Ians, Ankur shared that the idea for the song was cracked within a couple of hours during their discussions. He also shared his philosophy as a musician and how it finds a strength in a platform like ‘Coke Studio Bharat’, and opened up on some of the defining moments from the first season of the show.

Ankur told Ians, “Working on ‘Khalasi’ was an exhilarating experience, especially with Saumya Joshi and Kausar Munir, who were integral members of our think tank.

Singer Ankur Tewari spoke about the track ‘Plum Pudding’ from the latest release ‘The Archies’. Ankur said: “‘Plum Pudding’ is truly the sweetest surprise for our audience within the entire album. It’s a beautiful composition that Shibani Akhtar and I couldn’t help but smile while singing. My aim when writing the lyrics was that they resonate with the audiences, reminding people of simpler, nostalgic times and the joy of enjoying with your family and friends.”

Composed by the musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, penned by Ankur Tewari and Zoya Akhtar, and beautifully sung by Ankur Tewari and Shibani Akhtar, ‘Plum Pudding’ offers heartwarming lyrics and beautiful visuals.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy said: “‘Plum Pudding’ brings an instant freshness and a romantic element to ‘The Archies’. It’s beautifully written by Zoya Akhtar and Ankur Tewari. Shibani Akhtar and Ankur Tewari have done a wonderful job singing it, evoking the right emotions and feel.

Actor Ankur Verma got nostalgic and shared that he’s missing his family for Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations in his hometown, Gurugram.

The actor talks about the festival’s importance, recalling moments spent with family and visits to the famous Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Delhi on this special day.

Ankur said: “Celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak is very dear to me. Back home, every year I visit a gurdwara with my family. I love enjoying langar and watching firecrackers at the gurdwara—it’s a tradition we cherish. Nothing can compare to the solace I find in offering prayers and gratitude for the blessings I’ve received so far.”

“This year, due to work commitments, I’ll miss visiting the iconic Bangla Sahib Gurdwara. I will visit a gurdwara near my house in Mumbai. I thank God for giving me some of the best fans, who have supported me throughout my journey,...

Actor Ankur Verma got nostalgic and shared that he’s missing his family for Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations in his hometown, Gurugram.

The actor talks about the festival’s importance, recalling moments spent with family and visits to the famous Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Delhi on this special day.

Ankur said: “Celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak is very dear to me. Back home, every year I visit a gurdwara with my family. I love enjoying langar and watching firecrackers at the gurdwara—it’s a tradition we cherish. Nothing can compare to the solace I find in offering prayers and gratitude for the blessings I’ve received so far.”

“This year, due to work commitments, I’ll miss visiting the iconic Bangla Sahib Gurdwara. I will visit a gurdwara near my house in Mumbai. I thank God for giving me some of the best fans, who have supported me throughout my journey,...

One of the most awaited films of the year, Netflix’s ‘The Archies’ has released its first song ‘Sunoh,’ featuring Dot (Aditi), Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina and Yuvraj Menda. ‘The Archies’ is a coming-of-age musical following the lives of the town’s favourite set of teenagers by filmmaker Zoya Akhtar.

‘Sunoh,’ is a song created by the ingenious duo of Ankur Tewari and The Islanders, lyrically woven by the maestro Javed Akhtar and the young and talented Dot, harmoniously performed by Tejas Menon and Shivam Mahadevan. ‘Sunoh’ helps viewers to immerse into the exciting world of ‘The Archies,’ introducing the characters of the film.

Legendary Lyricist Javed Akhtar said, “Writing ‘Sunoh’ was like unlocking a time capsule of the 1960s’ rock and roll era. It’s a musical experience that bridges the past and present, celebrating the enduring essence of this iconic period through melody and lyrics.

Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming teen comedy coming-of-age film ‘The Archies’ has released its debut track ‘Sunoh’, which is a feel-good ’60s-style rock ‘n’ roll anthem. ‘Sunoh’ is a vibrant and energetic track whose rhythm and melody harnesses old-school rock ‘n’ roll vibes, while simultaneously bringing in aspects of modern production and catchy teenage grooves.

A pure garage rock ’n’ roll style production, the song is extremely feel-good, reminiscent of the old bubblegum pop-rock music, though it is incredibly well produced and well mixed, feeling both old-school, and yet new.

‘The Archies’ had initially given a glimpse of ‘Sunoh’ in its very first trailer, though this time we have the full song and it is a sure foot-tapper. The track is created by the music duo of Ankur Tewari and The Islanders.

Penned by lyrics maestro Javed Akhtar and Dot who is both a singer and one of the film’s lead cast,...

Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming teen comedy coming-of-age film ‘The Archies’ has released its debut track ‘Sunoh’, which is a feel-good ’60s-style rock ‘n’ roll anthem. ‘Sunoh’ is a vibrant and energetic track whose rhythm and melody harnesses old-school rock ‘n’ roll vibes, while simultaneously bringing in aspects of modern production and catchy teenage grooves.

A pure garage rock ’n’ roll style production, the song is extremely feel-good, reminiscent of the old bubblegum pop-rock music, though it is incredibly well produced and well mixed, feeling both old-school, and yet new.

‘The Archies’ had initially given a glimpse of ‘Sunoh’ in its very first trailer, though this time we have the full song and it is a sure foot-tapper. The track is created by the music duo of Ankur Tewari and The Islanders.

Penned by lyrics maestro Javed Akhtar and Dot who is both a singer and one of the film’s lead cast,...

Actor Ankur Verma, who essays the role of Rajeev in the television show ‘Parineetii’, has made an eco-friendly Ganpati idol at home, using materials like mud, and shadu mati. Ankur, who is from Delhi is excited about worshipping Lord Ganesha at home for the very first time.

Talking about celebrating eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi, Ankur Verma said: “It’s exciting for me to be celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and what better than making an eco-friendly Ganpati idol all by myself. Keeping the recent

reports of climate change and the importance of going green, I chose to make the idol at home with shadu mati.”

He further mentioned: “We owe the younger generation a sustainable future. Instead of talking about change it’s better to lead by example, knowing that our small steps today will go a long way in raising awareness about

environmental concerns. Let’s celebrate responsibly, not just for us,...

Actor Ankur Verma, who essays the role of Rajeev in the television show ‘Parineetii’, has made an eco-friendly Ganpati idol at home, using materials like mud, and shadu mati. Ankur, who is from Delhi is excited about worshipping Lord Ganesha at home for the very first time.

Talking about celebrating eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi, Ankur Verma said: “It’s exciting for me to be celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and what better than making an eco-friendly Ganpati idol all by myself. Keeping the recent

reports of climate change and the importance of going green, I chose to make the idol at home with shadu mati.”

He further mentioned: “We owe the younger generation a sustainable future. Instead of talking about change it’s better to lead by example, knowing that our small steps today will go a long way in raising awareness about

environmental concerns. Let’s celebrate responsibly, not just for us,...

Actress Sushmita Sen shared her thoughts about her on-screen brother-sister bond with Ankur Bhatia, portrayed in ‘Aarya’, saying Rakshabandhan is a celebration where you embrace ‘imperfect’ bond, promise to be each other’s strength in tough times

From having each other’s backs to fighting over the silliest things, brother-sister bond experiences all emotions possible. One such complex aspect of the relationship we witnessed in the fan-favorite series ‘Aarya’. While Aarya (Sushmita) and Sangram (Ankur) do not share the perfect brother-sister relationship, the love and care for one another remain unwavered.

Opening up about the same, Sushmita said: “Sibling relationships are very difficult to put into words. They fight, they make-up, they fight again, it’s a vicious cycle that we all enjoy going through. The bond between Aarya and Sangram is not the ideal one but what I love about their relationship is that they have accepted their bitter...

Actor Ankur Verma has shared insights into his fitness journey, and the art of harmonising his demanding acting career with a dedicated workout regimen. He is currently seen as Sanju Mehra in ‘Parineetii’. As the show’s interesting storyline continues to entertain audiences with its intricate narrative of love and destiny, Ankur embodies dedication and discipline both on and off the screen.

Maximising his time on set, Ankur diligently works out in his green room that is stocked with pieces of gym equipment.

Despite his chock-a-block schedule, the actor is in his best shape, all thanks to his dedication to working out no matter where he is. According to him, the key is making exercising easy at first so that it becomes a habit.

Talking about his fitness routine, Ankur said: “While, it’s a blessing to be busy as an actor, I make sure that I make time for fitness.

As the world gears up to celebrate the beauty of friendships on this ‘Friendship Day’, there’s a heartwarming tale of camaraderie that transcends the screens and touches the hearts of millions. The terrific trio of ‘Parineetii’ – Tanvi Dogra, Anchal Sahu, and Ankur Verma – have breathed life into the show’s compelling characters and forged an unbreakable bond offscreen.

‘Parineetii’ follows the story of two friends, Neetii (Tanvi Dogra) and Parineet (Anchal Sahu), whose lives intertwine after they marry the same man, Rajeev aka Sanju (Ankur Verma).

Having ruled the television screen for a year and a half, the trio shares a family-like vibe, and their camaraderie translates impeccably into the narrative of the show.

On the eve of this Friendship Day, the cast members come together for joyous celebrations, cherishing their extraordinary bond with heartfelt messages, reminding us all of the power and beauty of true friendships.

Tanvi shares:...

Having starred alongside Sushmita Sen, as siblings in the two seasons of the critically acclaimed series ‘Aarya’, actor Ankur Bhatia has now reunited with the actress again for the biographical drama ‘Taali’.

In the Ravi Jadhav directorial, Ankur will be seen in a bold choice of role as a gay activist. The role celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

Talking about his role in the series, Ankur revealed: “In the show, I play the character of Navin, who is a gay activist, and the biggest supporter of Gauri Sawant, played by Sushmita Sen.”

In the crime thriller ‘Aarya’, Ankur had played the character of Sangram Singh Rathore, who was Aarya Sareen’s (played by Sushmita) half brother.

On his reunion with Sushmita, Ankur shared: “It brought me immense happiness and excitement to reunite with Sushmita after ‘Aarya’, and especially on this kind of a subject that carries such an important message.”

“And...

Mumbai, Feb 21 (Ians) Coke Studio Bharat released its second celebratory track ‘Holi Re Rasiya’ ahead of the festival. The song features Maithili Thakur’s soulful voice, Ravi Kishan’s playfulness alongside Seedhe Maut’s rap. The track aims to light up the dance floors during the Holi celebrations.

For the track, musician-songwriter Ankur has collaborated with a think-tank including poet-lyricist-scriptwriter Kausar Munir along with national award-winning sound engineer and music producer Kj Singh.

Talking about his experience of working with Coke Studio Bharat, Ravi Kishan said, “This has been a fun experience for me, to be recognised by Coke Studio Bharat and to work together with young talents who bring in different genres to the platform. I have sung a few songs in the past that had a traditional touch but to be a part of traditional and new age music was a thrilling experience for me.”

Ankur, who is...

Mumbai, Feb 3 (Ians) Music enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice as Coke Studio is set to return to India with ‘Coke Studio Bharat’. The new season will feature an amalgamation of over 50 artists from across the country and its hinterlands coming together to create over 10 memorable tracks celebrating the roots of India.

The platform will host music that pays homage to the various parts of India that artists call home, connecting with stories that are rich in history, with diverse languages, and using varied musical instruments creating magical melodies set to enthral.

Arnab Roy, Vice President, Marketing Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia said: “Coke Studio, a globally acclaimed platform, has always aimed to celebrate authentic regional music. Musical traditions from multiple regions in India are at an inflexion point not only in India but even globally. Coke Studio Bharat connects the truly distinct cultural dots of various regions in the...

New Delhi, Jan 11 (Ians) Mehuli Ghosh of West Bengal and Ankur Goel of Uttarakhand won the women’s 10m air rifle T1 and men’s 25m rapid fire pistol T2 competitions, on day four of the National Shooting Trials (Rifle/Pistol) for Group A shooters at the Karni Singh Shooting Range, here.

Mehuli emerged a dominant 17-9 winner over Tamil Nadu’s R Narmada Nithin in the gold medal encounter while Ankur edged out Rajasthan’s Bhavesh Shekhawat with 29 hits to the latter’s 25 in the medal round.

Narmada had topped qualification earlier with a quality 633.5 after 60-shots while Mehuli had logged 631.2. Olympian Elaveni Valarivan, who won bronze, was fifth in qualifying with 629.3. In the top eights, both Narmada and Mehuli finished with the same scores of 264.2 to finish on top of the pile and setup the gold medal clash.

In the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol T2, Ankur...

The odds are not good for “V/H/S” — which is to say it’s the even-numbered entries in this horror omnibus franchise that have been by far the best to date. As No. 5, “V/H/S/99” unfortunately maintains that pattern, providing an uninspired extension of the series that had rebounded after a seven-year lull with last fall’s “V/H/S/94.”

That installment was typically uneven, but the better segments were terrific. Here, nothing stands out: The best episodes are merely good enough, and the worst just tiresome. Nonetheless, this brand has proven viewer appeal for genre streaming platform Shudder, where it should do well when launched in various territories on Oct. 20. Set in 1999 — the tail of the titular format’s commercial reign, since DVDs were introduced two years prior — the film is unlikely to be the series’ last.

If this “V/H/S” has any binding theme, it would appear to be bullying. All...

New Delhi, Aug 22 (Ians) Uttarakhand’s Ankur Goel won his second successive Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Rfp) trials, shooting 28 in the T6 medal match to edge out Rajasthan’s Bhavesh Shekhawat, who shot 26 to come second.

Haryana’s Sameer was third with 18 hits. Ankur had also won the T5 Men’s Rfp on Saturday.

In the qualifications, however, it was Punjab’s Udhayveer Sidhu who topped with a score of 583. Ankur was fifth with 577 and Bhavesh fourth with the same score but with more inner 10s than the former.

The duo also took different routes to the final. Ankur came through in second place with a score of 15, while Bhavesh topped the first semifinal with 14 hits. The top two from each semi made the four-man medal match.

In the Junior Men’s Rfp, Haryana’s Adarsh Singh won the T6 trials with a score of 25 in the medal match.

Bhopal, Aug 21 (Ians) Seasoned Army marksman Chain Singh claimed the Men’s 50m Rifle Prone T5 title at the ongoing National Shooting Selection Trials, at the M.P. Academy Shooting range here.

Chain scored 623.6 in 60-shots to upstage the Navy’s Niraj Kumar who shot 622.5 to come second. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar of Madhya Pradesh came third with 622.2.

On Saturday, at New Delhi’s Dr Karni Singh Shooting range (Dkssr) where the Pistol trials are going on, Ankur Goel of Uttarakhand beat Haryana’s Sameer 28-25 in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol T5 trials. Himachal’s Vijay Kumar Sm came third with 21.

Ankur had shot 577 in qualification to reach the top eight semi-final stage in fourth position. Sameer topped the stage with a score of 579. Both got through to the medal match from the second semis where Ankur topped with 18-hits while Sameer got 14. Shivam Shukla and Vijay Kumar...