Sara Khan represents India at the Namaste Vietnam Festival

Sara Khan, currently seen in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, represented India at the Namaste Vietnam Festival held in August. She expressed her love for visiting the country and described herself as fortunate. She said, “Representing your country in another country is a big responsibility, especially when it's such a prestigious opportunity. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have the support that allows me to experience this.” “Vietnam is a beautiful country with warm and loving people. The food there is different but delicious. It’s milder compared to Indian spices, but it’s a nice change and very healthy. We explored some breathtaking locations in Vietnam, which we are considering for our next project. The flowers, especially, were stunning. I’ve never seen such a variety of colors in one place before. It was truly outstanding,” she added.
She thanked the Consul General of India in Vietnam, Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, and Captain Rahul Bali, who is the curator of the Namaste Vietnam Festival.Sara has turned producer and has collaborated with the Ministry of Vietnam for her upcoming movie, Night Out. She said, “India and Vietnam have joined forces to create some unique and entertaining projects. This collaboration aims to bring together local entertainment industries from both countries to create something fresh and engaging.” She shared that with the film, she wants to branch out into other fields of the entertainment industry while exploring and showcasing different cultures, places, and beauties from around the world. “Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve seen, and my movie will focus on a night out, travel, and the journey of my protagonist. It’s an out-and-out comedy that I’m excited to produce, as it allows me to showcase different cultures and settings in a unique way,” she added.
She is taking one step at a time and called this collaboration a learning experience. She said, “Every day is a new lesson, and I’m always striving to do better and grow. Although it can be challenging at times, I’m trying to adjust and will share more of my experiences as I gain them.” As Sara gears up to don the producer’s hat, she is hopeful that the film will do well, as people internationally are excited about Indian films and TV shows. “The people and filmmakers there are talented and excited about working with us. They appreciate our work and are eager to collaborate on new projects, which is very encouraging,” she concluded.

Nivedita Basu enjoys Ganpati festival lunch at Ekta Kapoor’s house, meets her gal pals

Nivedita Basu, Group Senior VP at Atrangii, and Hari Om (app), recently attended a lunch hosted by TV and film producer Ekta Kapoor at her residence in Mumbai. Like every year, the latter welcomed Ganpati to her home and had organised a puja at her home.
The bigwigs of the TV industry were in attendance for the lunch, a perfect opportunity for Nivedita to meet her friends. She was clicked with Hina Khan, Ridhima Pandit, Kanchi Kaul, Sakshi Tanwar, Ruchika Sheikh, Harleen Sethi, Mushtaq Sheikh, and Anupriya Goenka, to name a few. Nivedita wore a printed co-ord set by Ritu Kumar, gifted by her friend, astrologer Saurish Sharma aka Rimmiji. It was the perfect ensemble for the festivities, and she completed her look with open hair, a layered beaded neckpiece, and nude heels.

Sherleen Dutt meets Paralympic gold medalist Navdeep Singh, says felt inspired

Sherleen Dutt, who has been part of shows like AFL (Anything For Love), KINK: Kiss Ishq N Konnection, Honey Trap Squad, to name a few, is on cloud nine. Not only is her latest web series Koi Jaye Toh Le Aaye, making waves all over the Internet, but she is also doing great in her personal life too. In fact, she had the privilege to meet para-athlete Navdeep Singh, who won the gold medal at the Paralympic Games in the Men's Javelin throw F41 category.
She clicked a photograph with him and said that she felt truly inspired by him. She congratulated him for his win, which brought India’s gold medal count to seven. Sherleen said, “Meeting Navdeep Singh was truly inspiring. He’s such a humble and down-to-earth person, despite his incredible achievements. It’s always motivating to meet someone who has worked so hard and made such a significant mark not just for himself but for India. His journey is a testament to dedication and resilience.” 
Navdeep, who achieved a distance of 47.32 metres at the men's javelin throw, had initially finished second, thus securing a silver. However, he was awarded gold after Iranian Beit Sayah Sadegh was disqualified for displaying an objectionable flag at the men’s javelin final. This is India’s first gold at the Men's Javelin F41 category at the Paralympic Games.
Sherleen is bowled over by India’s performance at the Paralympics and called it “phenomenal”. She further said, “Our athletes have shown incredible grit and determination, proving that no obstacle is too big.”  “It’s not just about winning medals; it’s about their journey, which is filled with challenges that they’ve overcome. Their stories are a source of pride for the entire nation, and I feel like we’re finally recognizing the importance of their contributions,” she added.
Well, sports did play a huge role in Sherleen’s life too, as she was interested in basketball. “I loved the energy and teamwork involved in it. However, my passion for acting took center stage, and I eventually had to choose one path. And my family was strict, so they didn't allow me to go and play sports. But I’m happy with where I am now. And I am happy that people are giving so much importance to sport,” she ended.

Irshad Kamil: The an ehind Bollywood’s most soulful hits

In the world of Bollywood music, where melodies can make or break a film, Irshad Kamil stands out as a rare poet who weaves magic into every lyric he pens. In a recent episode of *Small Towns Big Stories* hosted by Pankaj Dubey, a platform agnostic storyteller, Kamil shared insights into his journey, creative process, and the essence of his work.
Irshad Kamil’s work is a fusion of influences, stemming from his background in Hindi literature and the timeless verses of Punjabi poets like Baba Farid, Kabir, and Gurdial Singh. "I try to embed literature into everything I write," he shares, referencing these literary giants. Growing up in Malerkotla, a small town with a unique blend of Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, Kamil's linguistic environment was as diverse as his influences. This cultural cocktail gave his writing a distinct flavour, serving as inspiration for all of his lyrical compositions.
Irshad Kamil’s writing process is unorthodox, almost childlike in its spontaneity. He says, "My work is like that of a small child, it just appears and sits on the sheet,". His approach is immersive—he becomes the characters he's writing for. Whether it’s Ved from *Tamasha* or Jordan from *Rockstar*, he steps into their shoes, imagining their emotions and situations, and then composing the lyrics.
For Kamil, staying true to the words is essential. “You have to express the words in the composition,” he insists. One example is his collaboration with A.R. Rahman for the songs of the film *Chamkila*, where Rahman refused to let Kamil go until he delivered the lyrics. Another is *Tum Se Hi* from *Jab We Met*, where Kamil was so floored by the composition that he disappeared for three days before delivering the final version of the song.Kamil’s creative aspirations go beyond lyrics. He wants to explore other forms of writing and is even interested in filmmaking. His work is not just about writing songs; it’s about bringing the straightforwardness of small-town life into the hustle of big cities. Watch the full episode to discover the emotional journey behind Irshad Kamil’s unforgettable songs and how they became Bollywood classics, streaming on-

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The lyricist also shared the story behind his name. He wanted a longer name and found Irshad inadequate. So he searched the dictionary for inspiration and his mother chose ‘Kamil’ as it means ‘complete’, thus he became Irshad Kamil. Despite his success, Kamil remains grounded. He still sees himself as the unconfident guy from the small town, which makes him relatable to today’s youth.

Mumbai’s biggest and oldest star-studded Durga Puja shifts venue to SNDT College ground Juhu 

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, the crown jewel of Mumbai’s festive calendar and a dazzling confluence of devotion and stardom, is all set to captivate the city at a grand new venue this year. For the first time in its storied history, this illustrious celebration will move from its traditional home at Tulip Star, Juhu, to the expansive grounds of *SNDT, Juhu, from 9th to 12th October 2024*
As always, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja will draw a constellation of Bollywood’s brightest stars, adding to the event’s iconic allure. This year, devotees and fans will have the opportunity to celebrate in the company of their favourite celebrities, including the stunning Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and many more. With the move to SNDT Juhu, this star-studded affair is set to be bigger and more glamorous than ever before, offering fans a chance to witness their icons amidst the divine festivities.
This iconic shift in venue promises to elevate the devotional fervour and cultural extravaganza associated with one of Mumbai’s most prestigious Durga Puja celebrations. For decades, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja has been synonymous with artistry, tradition, and community spirit, drawing legions of worshippers and admirers to its immersive and meticulously crafted experience. Expect the return of the Maha Aarti, Pushpanjali, and a host of enthralling cultural showcases that celebrate the richness of Indian traditions

Jaan Kumar Sanu and Arjuna Harjai breathe new life into “Chand Mera Dil"

In a magical tribute to the golden era of Indian cinema, the reimagined version of the evergreen classic "Chand Mera Dil" is set to captivate hearts once again. Originally sung by the legendary Rafi Sahab in the iconic 1977 film Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, this reinterpreted version showcases the extraordinary talents of Jaan Kumar Sanu and Arjuna Harjai. “Chand Mera Dil” is a journey back to the golden age of Hindi cinema, reimagined for a new generation. Whether you are a fan of classic love ballads or someone discovering this gem for the first time, this track promises to strike a chord deep within your heart.

*Jaan Kumar Sanu says of this project* _“It’s an absolute honour to reimagine a song that is so close to my heart and to millions of music lovers around the world. Rafi Sahab’s voice has been the soul of this track, and while recreating it, we’ve ensured that the essence of the original stays intact, while infusing it with today’s musical styles”. Arjuna Harjai adds, “When you work with a classic like ‘Chand Mera Dil,’ it’s about striking the perfect balance between reverence and reinvention. We wanted to keep the soul of the song alive, but also give it a fresh feel for today’s listeners. The orchestration, the sound design—it’s all about connecting generations through music”_

Dhanda Nyoliwala drops a Haryanvi banger “Russian Bandana"

Haryanvi hit-maker Dhanda Nyoliwala has dropped “Russian Bandana” – a fire sonic explosion that will blow your mind. This track is the ultimate anthem of unfiltered opulence, where unapologetic hooliganism meets an unexpected heart of gold. Dhanda’s got that energy we can’t resist, and this song is the perfect mix of raw power and infectious vibes. With captivating lyrics that dive deep into a lavish lifestyle and beats that hit hard, it’s a banger you won’t forget. Dhanda’s ability to fuse catchy hooks with a storyline that showcases the wild side of luxury while staying true to his goodness makes this track an absolute masterpiece.
And it doesn’t stop at the music. Filmed in the stunning landscapes of Russia, the music video is a visual masterpiece. From mind-blowing cinematography to epic locations that scream bold and brazen energy, the video will take you on a wild ride. Expect insane visuals, pulsating energy, and a glimpse into Russia’s untamed beauty like never before.

“With 'Russian Bandana,' I wanted to show that even in a life full of chaos and luxury, there's still heart and hustle. I want to take listeners on a journey that’s as raw and real as my life – wild, unpredictable, but with purpose. This one hits different. I really hope people will shower their love on this single like they have always in the past.” *says Dhanda Nyoliwala*