XG announces highly-anticipated 2nd mini album, to be out on July 26

XG has announced that the first pre-release track from the 2nd mini album, "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT," would be released Friday, July 26th. "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT" is a retro-style track based on garage rhythms and featuring addictive refrains that highlight the individuality of each of the seven XG members, with a variety of sounds hidden within its minimalism. The song is directly produced by JAKOPS (SIMON JUNHO PARK), the head and general producer of XGALX, and combines an up-tempo 90s-esque track along with XG's vivid originality to create "music that makes everyone want to dance, regardless of age or gender."
The cover photo differs in style from XG’s previous work "WOKE UP," and is a colorful pop design full of the individuality of the seven members, showcasing XG's unique abilities. XG's 5th single "WOKE UP," released on May 21st, ranked number one on the YouTube trending chart in the United States. Additionally, it topped the “Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan” chart, which ranks Japanese songs that are hits worldwide, for five consecutive weeks. Each release continues to set new records, cementing XG’s status as a "global rising group" with unstoppable momentum.
Currently, XG is on their first world tour, "The first HOWL," and will kick off their overseas performances on Thursday July 11th, with a concert in Seoul, aiming to excite ALPHAZ worldwide. Anticipation is high for XG's 2nd mini album and their upcoming song "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT", as the world eagerly awaits the impact they will surely deliver.

Charrul Malik: 'I know myself very well'

While there might be others who are confused about what they want in life, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai actress Charrul Malik says that she is not one of them. The actress adds that she is very aware of who she is and what she likes.“I am a fun-loving, creative, generous, charming and positive person, this is me in 5 words. It's very easy for me to answer what kind of person I am because I know my worth and exactly who I am. So, I think it's the easiest answer to give; you don't have to think twice. In five words, ten words, or even in one line, you can describe yourself,” she says.
She adds that we interact with others differently as that is required for us to make everyone comfortable. “This is our way of communicating with people who are different from us. It means that we adjust our behaviour to make others comfortable in different situations. So, I believe these are not different sides of us but rather different ways of interacting with different people,” she says.
She adds, “Everyone has multiple facets to their personality. We all have an inner child. I think there's an easy-going child within me that often reflects in my behaviour. So, of course, we all have hidden characters within us.”  She says that she does not look for validations. “I don't seek validation as a person. I make my own decisions and I'm confident in what I'm doing. Unless I'm stuck in a situation, then I'll talk to my sister or my father. Otherwise, I don't seek any validation, and it doesn't affect my life. Actually, it affects my life in a good way because I am answerable to myself. Whatever I do in life, I take responsibility for it. So, it has a positive impact on my life because I'm not seeking validation from others.”

Sahil Balani: 'TV industry cannot solely be blamed for a decline in an actor's success'

Actor Sahil Balani, who plays the role of Dilip Jadhav in Rahul Tewary Production’s Udne Ki Aasha, says that a person’s evolution as an actor does not depend on where they come from. While many people blame a TV background for not making it big in Bollywood, this is not true, says the actor. “I firmly believe that a person's growth is dependent on their decisions and their work. The TV industry cannot solely be blamed for a decline in an actor's success. We have numerous examples of individuals who have achieved tremendous success coming from a TV background, such as Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput, Sharad Kelkar, Ram Kapoor, and many others. Their remarkable achievements in the industry are a testament to this. So, I believe good work, opportunities, and our decisions make us successful. In fact, I feel very lucky and blessed that I got the opportunity to work in such a great industry and be recognized and loved by the people, which I believe every actor wants in his life,” he says.
Ask him if he feels that it is difficult to maintain success in the TV industry, and he says, “Maintaining success can be challenging, but I believe that achieving and attaining success are vital. As an actor, realizing that maintaining success is even more demanding than achieving it is crucial. Even after gaining recognition, there's still intense competition. While being loved for a specific role is wonderful, breaking that image takes time and patience. I understand that the industry can be unpredictable, but I'm determined to thrive and remain successful, no matter what challenges come my way.” 
Talking about various opportunities on TV, he says, “I believe that it's not the pattern that defines us, but rather the choices and opportunities we encounter along the way that shape our individual paths. In my last show, I played the role of a character artist with ups and downs. After it ended, I took the time to reflect and figure out the type of work I wanted to pursue and carefully planned my next steps. So, I don't think there's a specific pattern that we all have to follow.”
Meanwhile, he says that his current track is one that his fans will love. “My track currently is very low key compared to how it started. I've been absent from the show for quite a few episodes, but now I'm back. I believe that with time, there will be significant changes in the storyline that will captivate the audience and bring a new energy to the show. The anticipation for this upcoming development motivates me to give my best every day,” he says.

The entourage culture has indeed taken the industry by storm: Sherleen Dutt

Actress Sherleen Dutt, who has been a part of 'KINK' and 'Honey Trap Squad', feels the entourage culture has taken the industry by storm. Referring to Anurag Kashyap’s recent interview where he opened up about the entourage culture that exists in the industry, and said that actors come with their own team of 7-8 people, and they are allowed to do it because he or she is the actor of the film. He further said that the entourage makes it a crowd; they are quite demanding, and it increases the cost too.
Sherleen has supported him and said, “The entourage culture has indeed taken the industry by storm, as observed by Anurag Kashyap. The fairness of this trend can be seen from multiple perspectives. On one hand, actors bringing their entourage—comprising assistants, hair and makeup artists, and social media teams—ensure that they are well-prepared, confident, and able to focus on their performance. This can enhance the overall quality of the production.” “On the other hand, such a large entourage can increase costs significantly and create a crowded, potentially disruptive environment on set. The fairness of this practice depends on balancing the actor’s needs with the logistical and financial constraints of the production,” she added.
Anurag had also pointed out that there is one person who is making reels and handling social media of the celebrity. To this Sherleen said, “The presence of a dedicated person to create social media content, such as reels, highlights the importance of online presence for actors today. While it reflects the changing dynamics of the industry and the necessity for actors to maintain a strong social media presence, it can also be argued that this trend has gone too far.” “The primary focus on social media can sometimes overshadow the creative process and lead to distractions on set. However, it is also a reflection of the evolving nature of celebrity and audience engagement in the digital age,” she added.
Sherleen also believes that having too many people on the set can disturb the atmosphere and potentially invade the privacy of other actors. She said, “This can create tension and discomfort, especially for actors who prefer a more intimate and focused working environment. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that an actor providing work for seven or eight individuals can be seen as a positive contribution to the industry.” “This not only creates jobs but also helps in building a reliable team that understands the actor's needs and enhances their performance.
Ultimately, while some actors might feel envious or uncomfortable with another actor’s large entourage, it's crucial to recognize that each actor's approach is unique and tailored to their comfort and professional needs. Balancing individual preferences with the collective harmony of the set is key to ensuring a productive and respectful working environment for all,” she ended.

Producers Sanjay & Binaiferr Kohli on balancing budgets and creative challenges

With two successful shows on air; Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, Sanjay & Binaiferr Kohli of Edit II, distinguished names in the television industry, have carved a niche for themselves with their unique approach to production. Known for their commitment to quality and innovative storytelling, they shared their experiences, challenges, and what viewers can expect from their upcoming projects.
Sanjay also known as "The King of Comedy" describes their journey in the industry as both enjoyable and tough. "It’s tough doing a comedy," he says, "as one episode of comedy equals five episodes of a daily soap." Despite the difficulties, their passion for creating engaging content has driven their success. Managing the budget of a show is a delicate balance of financial prudence and creative ambition. "The budget should ensure profitability for the channel and sustainability for the show," Sanjay explains.
He emphasizes that while quality is paramount, extravagance is unnecessary. Hid ability to deliver compelling stories within budget constraints is a testament to his skill and experience. In an industry where deadlines are tight and stakes are high, Binaiferr has developed an effective approach to time management. "We are workaholics but typically maintain quality," she says. By focusing on a limited number of projects, the Kohlis ensure that each receives the attention it deserves. "Your goodwill is what takes you along," she adds, noting that maintaining a strong reputation is crucial. Binaiferr’s creative problem-solving skills have been instrumental in her success. She recounts an instance where she creatively tackled a challenge while staying within budget. "We created a village setting with all characters dressed in straw, and a fisherman village with two huge boats," she shares.
These innovative creations by the team & her solutions demonstrate her ability to think outside the box and deliver high-quality productions. Building and maintaining strong relationships with actors is a cornerstone of Binaiferr’s production philosophy. "My shows are like my babies, and my actors are wonderful," she says. Mutual respect and professional behavior are key to nurturing these relationships, ensuring that both she and her actors can deliver their best performances. "Everyone ( &TV, writers, actors, directors, creatives, technicians) are giving their 100 percent, and it's a united effort from the entire team," she says. Fans can look forward to exciting developments and engaging storylines as the Kohlis and their team continue to push the boundaries of television production. Sanjay Kohli's journey as a producer is marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to quality, making him a standout figure in the television industry. With his unwavering dedication and innovative approach, viewers can expect many more captivating stories from Edit 2 Productions in the future.

Aadesh Chaudhary: 'I draw the line when it comes to compromising my values'

Aadesh Chaudhary, who has been part of shows such as Maitree, Laal Ishq, Sasural Simar Ka and Laagi Tujhse Lagan and was recently seen in the music video Love Zalay Tuzyavari, says that social media is both a bane and a boon. He adds that while he uses the platform well, he does not go beyond a certain limit just to get followers. “Social media plays a significant role in my life as it allows me to connect with a broader audience and share my work with people who appreciate it. However, I draw the line when it comes to compromising my values or integrity for the sake of gaining views or followers. I believe in using social media responsibly and staying true to myself, even if it means not always following the latest trends,” he says.
Social media is often viewed as a double-edged sword, he says, adding, “Personally, social media is a great way to connect with fans. It has opened up opportunities for collaboration and allowed me to engage with a community that supports my work. It has also provided a platform to voice my opinions and participate in meaningful conversations, which has been incredibly fulfilling.” 
Ask him if he has ever felt overwhelmed by how quickly those around him have got popular on social media, and he says, “There have been times when I’ve felt overwhelmed seeing others gain popularity quickly on social media. However, I try to remind myself that everyone's journey is different. While some social media popularity is credible and well-earned, other times it can be fleeting and not necessarily reflective of true talent or hard work. I focus on my growth and staying authentic to my craft.”
Views are often based on an algorithm that keeps changing, he says, adding, “The ever-changing algorithms can be quite frustrating. It’s disheartening to see a drop in views despite putting in consistent effort and creativity into my content. However, I try to focus on the quality of engagement and the value I provide to my audience rather than getting too caught up in the numbers.”
Meanwhile, social media is given a lot of importance even while casting. Talking about the same, he says, “As an actor, it's disconcerting that social media presence is sometimes given more weight than talent or experience during casting. While I understand the business perspective of having a built-in audience, I believe that true talent and dedication to the craft should be the primary criteria for casting decisions. Balancing social media influence with genuine talent is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the industry.”

Nitin Bhajan: 'Death penalty is the most fitting consequence for rape'

As per a new criminal law, child rape perpetrators will be given the death penalty Actor Nitin Bhajan, who was last seen in movie Chandu Champion, stands by this decision, and says that there is no bigger crime than rape. “As an actor and a responsible citizen, I firmly believe that gang rape, especially against minors, is a heinous crime that can never be forgiven. The brutality and violence inflicted upon a child, who represents our future generation and has yet to experience life, is unbearable. This crime destroys their innocence, shatters their dreams, and leaves them scarred for life. In my opinion, there is no crime worse than this, and it is our responsibility to ensure that justice is served and such criminals are punished severely. The victims, particularly minors, are extremely vulnerable and have their whole lives ahead of them. They have just started living, and their lives are brutally cut short. The consequences they face after rape are disturbing, and it is challenging for parents to come to terms with it. The judiciary system and police are supposed to protect human rights, but they often fail to deliver. This leads to a loss of faith in the system, and the victim's life is never the same,” he says.
Talking about rape of minors, he says, “In my opinion, the crime of gang rape against minors is so heinous that it is unforgivable. We consider various punishments, such as the death penalty, life imprisonment, or other measures, but ultimately, the victim deserves a life that we cannot provide after the incident. The brutality of the crime is immense, and primarily, I believe that the death penalty is the most fitting consequence for such a heinous act. The biggest immediate change that comes from such harsh punishments is the strong message that resonates in people's minds - we will not tolerate heinous crimes like this, and those found guilty will face similar consequences. This decision sets a precedent and gives hope to victims' families that they will get justice and satisfaction. Our laws should be strong enough to deter people from committing such crimes in the first place.”
He adds that there is nothing better than death penalty and this will surely change the frequency of these crimes. “I believe the death penalty is the ultimate solution to prevent heinous crimes like gang rape. It sends a strong message to society, giving confidence to the victims' families and the public that justice will be served. However, the implementation and enforcement of this punishment are crucial. We need fast-track courts, tamper-free evidence, and an efficient legal system to ensure that the law is upheld. Only then can we see a significant reduction in crime rates. The current system has flaws, and influential people often escape punishment. We need strict and timely enforcement of the law, so that victims get justice and perpetrators are held accountable,” he says.
Although he adds that education and poverty also need to be dealt with first. “I understand that the death penalty might not be the sole solution to prevent crimes like gang rape. Society's deeper issues, such as lack of education, poverty, and unhealthy relationships, need to be addressed. We need to understand that these issues are deeply rooted in our culture and will take time to change. Education and awareness from the grassroots level, starting from schools and colleges, are essential. Strict laws and punishments alone cannot solve the problem. We need to work on changing the mindset of society, especially men, to respect women and treat them as equals. Only then can we hope to see a significant reduction in crimes against women. This requires a long-term effort, but it's the only way to bring about real change,” he says.