Neha Dhupia, Navya Naveli & many more to grace the first edition of Podmasters

Fever FM, known for backing the best in Bollywood and entertainment have now come up with an intriguing celebration of India's best podcasters in partnership with HT Smart Cast, the podcasting arm of HT Media Ltd. This landmark occasion will unite India’s foremost podcasters, celebrities, experts, and industry leaders to celebrate and elevate the modern audio medium.Taking place on May 30th in Mumbai, 'Podmasters Conclave and Awards' will feature 35 award categories, meticulously designed to honor the finest in podcasting. The winners have been chosen from over 240 nominations and have garnered more than 30,000 votes, reflecting the immense popularity and impact of their work.
A distinguished panel of 12 judges will preside over the awards, including Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor of HT; Aditya Kuber, Co-founder and CEO of Ideabrew Studio; Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune; Mantra Mugdh, Director of MnM Talkies; Kavita Rajwade, Co-founder of IVM Podcasts; and Varun Duggirala, Co-founder and CEO of EMoMee."Podcasting in India has long been seen as nascent. We decided to take action and drive its evolution. The PodMasters Conclave & Awards is our bold step to elevate Indian podcasting to an international level. By bringing together thep pioneers and emerging talent of Indian podcasting, we aim to celebrate their contributions and shape the future voices of this dynamic medium," added, Ramesh Menon, CEO, Fever Network.
Adding star power to the event, several prominent celebrities will be in attendance, such as Cyrus Broacha, Raj Shamani, Zakir Khan, Neha Dhupia, Aakash Chopra, Jackie Shroff and Jimmy Shergill.This celebration aims to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of those who have transformed the podcasting landscape.

Sara Khan's Decent Camp gets a poster release at prestigious Cannes

Dreams do come true, says actress Sara Khan, whose film Decent Camp had a poster release recently at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival.The actress, who has been basking in the glory of her recently released film Guilt 3, says that she is thrilled to see that their hard work put into Decent Camp translating into success. “I feel great! Nothing is impossible and when you work hard towards it, God just shows the way. My co-actor Rajpal Yadav was present there. I wasn’t present, but I was overjoyed after seeing the pictures from Cannes. It’s such a proud moment,” she says.
Talking about the film, she adds, “It’s a comedy movie that features Rajpal Yadav and Brijendra Kala. Their comedy is a much-watch. I just enjoyed each scene while shooting for the film.The movie will be releasing soon.” The actress says that they are fortunate to have got a platform such as Cannes for their film poster release. “I feel that the kind of publicity a Cannes gives you, nothing else can compare to it. We are simple overjoyed!” she says. Sara Khan rose to fame with Rajan Shahi’s Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai. Her portrayal of a simpleton struck a chord with the viewers.

Piyush Shankar's soulful voice and Composition shine in "Vada Humse Karo" from the Film 'SAVI'

The music industry is graced with a deeply moving romantic ballad as singer and composer Piyush Shankar's latest work, "Vada Humse Karo," is featured in the highly anticipated film 'SAVI.' This song promises to tug at the heartstrings of audiences with its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies, masterfully composed by Piyush Shankar and brought to life by the powerful and emotive voices of Piyush Shankar himself and the legendary late singer KK.Watch the song here-

Piyush Shankar, a name synonymous with musical innovation and soul-stirring compositions, has once again proven his prowess with "Vada Humse Karo." The song, written by the talented Rashmi Virag, tells a story of love, loss, and longing, capturing the essence of heartache in a way that resonates deeply with listeners."Vada Humse Karo" stands as a testament to Piyush Shankar's exceptional talent as both a singer and composer. His ability to weave intricate emotions into his music is evident in every note, creating a symphony of feelings that echo through the soul.
"It's an honour and a deeply emotional experience to have my voice alongside the legendary KK”_ *said Piyush Shankar* _"KK's contribution to this song is invaluable, and his legacy continues to inspire me and countless others in the music industry. 'Vada Humse Karo' is a tribute to timeless love and the emotions that come with it, and I hope it touches the hearts of all who listen”_

Ayesha Khan: Balancing a daily soap is much tougher when you have a child

Actress Ayesha Khan, who plays the role of Shalu in Mrinal Abhigyan Jha Productions Janani - AI ki Kahani, says that she makes sure to adjust her schedules in order to spend time with her 5-year-old. She adds that this can be challenging.“Balancing personal time with a hectic soap schedule requires careful planning and prioritization, and it is much tougher when you have a child. Yes, I have a five-year-old kid, so it is difficult to maintain time, but adjusting schedules or finding moments during breaks on set helps,” she says.
She adds, “Especially night shoots can be challenging. I'm not a night person, so they're always tough for me. But it's okay; I make sure to get enough rest during the day to compensate. It helps me stay focused and energized during the night shoot." A daily soap means daily grind and with summers in, it is physically exhausting too. However, the season does not bother her too much. “My work keeps me happy and healthy, regardless of the season. Whether it's summer, winter, or the rainy season, I love what I do. When I'm on set, I don't even notice the weather outside. Even though I'm not a fan of the rainy season, when I'm onset, it doesn't matter whether it's summer, winter, or rainy season—I'm just focused on my work,” says Ayesha.
Daily soaps also mean constant work and constant income, and that’s the best part, says the actress. “I have no idea about the other actors or people working in TV serials. However, for me, stability in terms of work and income remains appealing, despite the demanding nature of the format. Balancing the challenges and rewards of steady employment in the industry is key. I love my work. Earning money through my hard work brings me immense satisfaction and confidence. It fills me with happiness and a sense of accomplishment.”
She says that actors should not be labelled and confined to a particular platform. “Acting knows no boundaries. How can we confine someone to just being a TV actor or actress? Some actors may prefer not to be exclusively associated with TV roles, seeking versatility and exposure across different mediums,” she says, adding, “According to me the best part about working on television is the immediate connection with the audience. TV's wide reach enables actors to influence viewers' lives and create memorable characters that resonate deeply with them.”

Varunn Jain: I have come to accept the nature of my work

Actor Varunn Jain, who plays the role of Mohnish Parmar in Mrinal Abhigyan Jha Productions’ Janani - AI Ki Kahani on Dangal TV, says that he loves his work so much that it doesn’t feel very hectic to him. He adds that when he is shooting, he is the happiest. “I have come to accept the nature of my profession, so when I am shooting, I enjoy my work, and when I am not shooting, I am happy enjoying my time and spending it with loved ones,” he says.He adds, “I prefer day shoots over night shoots. Night shoots disturb your sleeping patterns and can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Having said that, it is a requirement of my profession, and being a professional artist, I will continue doing what needs to be done.”
Meanwhile, he says that he loves to get a chance to work in different mediums as an actor. “As an actor, I have had the opportunity to work not only on TV but also in different mediums like films, web series, ads, and music albums. The best part about being an actor is that I can bring different characters to life. There is so much I get to learn from every character I enact. Also, as actors, we work on assignments, so when I have one, I give myself totally to it, and when I am free, I get ample time for myself to pursue my other desires,” he says.

Actress Shiwani Chakraborty speaks about Kaveri’s look in Maati Se Bandhi Dor

Actress Shiwani Chakraborty, who will be next seen in Maati Se Bandhi Dor, speaks about her desi look in the show. “My character’s name is Kaveri - the elder sister of Vaiju, the lead character. This is the first time I am playing a village girl. Although I have played traditional roles before in my last show "Nimki Mukhiya”.In my new show I have a very de-glam look with minimal makeup—just enough to appear on camera. I wear small earrings and a simple chain because my character belongs to a family that is struggling. The family is simple and from a small village. My character, Kaveri, has a desire to dress up a little and look nice. So, I wear simple cotton sarees, and my look includes a single braid. I am really enjoying playing this character because in the past, I have always worn heavy jewellery, like big earrings, which often became a trend. In every show, I had heavy makeup and wore gorgeous sarees and dresses. I am enjoying this change and have received lots of compliments.”
She also adds, ”When my promo came out, my friends, family, and fans gave very positive feedback. They are excited to see me in this new avatar and have told me that there is beauty in simplicity. As an actor, I believe I should portray each character in the best possible way, and I am happy with this role. A lot of time a look sets the tone for the character and I am happy that Kaveri is doing that for me.”

"I am a learner, very curious as a person" Kriti Sanon starting her own skincare brahd

Kriti Sanon is basking in the glory as of her supremely versatile performance in The Crew. Nailing the role of a girl who built a career from scratch and seeking happiness in the little joys of life Kriti's performance was widely appreciated. The multifaceted actor also is the owner of a leading skincare brand 'Hyphen'.The brand with its variety of products ranging to various categories and catering to the diverse needs of people have garnered a thumbs up from make up and skin enthusiasts. Talking about Kriti Sanon's idea of owning a skin care brand she said,"I genuinely feel that you should hyphen everything that you want to do in your life, I think bachpan mein jab puchte hein ki aap ko kya banna hein, usually ek answer expect kiya jata hein actor banna hein, teacher banna hein, doctor banna hein jo bhi. Ek hi kyu banna hein? Bohot kuch kyu nahi ban sakte, so thats what I believe and I like also being a new comer every once in a while, learning new things, I am a learner, very curious as a person and that comes from being an engineer I think you are curious as people and I love acting and I love doing it every single day but if I feel passionate about something else, I just go for it."
Kriti emphasized the fact of being open to every option in life and experimenting in all spheres of life rather than restricting yourself to just in a particular field. She also advised on how being curious is a need and she is an extremely curious person. Kriti Sanon over the time has emerged as one of the most prominent female actors in Bollywood. With back to back hits in the first quarter of the year Kriti has proved her dominance over the box office. She was seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljah Jiya where she played a robot Shifra and had taken audiences by surprise. She was paired opposite Shahid Kapoor and we just loved their electrifying chemistry. Her chemistry quotient with Diljit Dosanjh in The Crew was simply heart winning.
As she steps into the shoes of a producer in 2024 with Do Patti. It is the maiden project for her production house Blue Butterfly Films. Apart from co - producing the film Kriti Sanon stars in too along with Kajol and we are going to witness the coming together of two powerhouse actresses together for Do Patti.

Screening of Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah's "Pukaar- Dil Se Dil Tak was a rocking affair

On Monday, May 27th, the first episode of "Pukaar- Dil Se Dil Tak" hit the screens, kicking off a thrilling journey into drama. The show's debut attracted big names and fans alike, promising an exciting ride ahead.The first episode of "Pukaar- Dil Se Dil Tak" introduced a lively cast, leaving a strong impression on viewers. With an engaging story and interesting characters, the series offers a peek into a world full of love, secrets, and excitement.
The screening was graced by the presence of the show's talented cast Sayli Salunkhe, Sukhada Khandkekar, Abhishek Nigam, Anushka Merchande and Vimarsh Roshan along with producers Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah, and Programming head of Sony SAB Prashant Bhatt highlighting their dedication to great entertainment. Other actors like Arjun Bijlani,Nikki Sharma, Sachin Sharma, Alka Kaushal and Mandeep Bamra from popular Studio LSD’s shows added to the buzz, showcasing industry unity.
After the screening, the media got to chat with the cast and makers, learning about the show's making and getting hints about what's to come, stirring up anticipation.As "Pukaar- Dil Se Dil Tak" gears up for its weekly episodes fans can expect an immersive experience that will keep them hooked with its mix of emotions, suspense, and drama. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride every week Monday to Friday 8.30 PM on Sony Entertainment television.