Ramayana's Laxman Celebrates Diwali With Rakul, Ajay Devgn
The guest list in Producer Anand Pandit's Diwali bash includes the who's who of Bollywood.
Bollywood Gets Into The Halloween Spirit
From spooky vampires and Wednesday Addams to Batman and princesses, Bollywood stars had plenty of fun celebrating Halloween 2026.
Reliance's Jio Studios wins 15 IIFA 2026 trophies; Dhurandhar leads with 12
Jio Studios achieved remarkable success at the IIFA 2026 by winning a total of 15 trophies. The film Dhurandhar received accolades in multiple categories, including Best Film and Best Director. Other films like Baramulla and Mrs also earned awards for their performances and storytelling. This marks the second consecutive year that Jio Studios has secured 15 trophies at these awards.
JioHotstar launches StreamToCart Ads, enabling in-stream shopping through Instamart
Introducing a game-changer in digital advertising, JioHotstar has launched StreamToCart Ads, an interactive format that merges streaming with online shopping. Viewers can now browse and directly add products to their shopping carts without interrupting their viewing, consequently boosting user engagement. Advertisers are empowered to monitor user behaviors from impressions to purchases, optimizing their marketing strategies.
Zee 5 launches ZAP with Saptharushi to deliver privacy-first audience intelligence
Zee 5 has introduced the Zee 5 Audience Platform, called ZAP, to enhance advertising through targeted audience insights. The platform uses viewing behavior and consented signals from various sectors to optimize campaigns. It allows brands to create precise audience cohorts based on specific business objectives and viewing patterns.
Shah Rukh Khan reportedly celebrated his 61st birthday with family and friends at a Mumbai hotel after skipping his annual Mannat appearance. A fan shared a video showing the superstar leaving the venue, waving and blowing kisses to admirers waiting outside.
Parliamentary panel to review media laws across print, TV and digital platforms
The parliamentary panel on Communications and IT will examine the implementation of laws governing print, television and digital media as part of its 2026-27 review of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Its agenda also covers OTT platforms, Prasar Bharati, film regulation and television ratings, building on earlier calls for a common media regulatory framework.
Diljit Dosanjh says not afraid of critics
New Delhi, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh says he is aware of all the egative energy being created around him but isn't scared of criticism.In an Instagram Live session hours after opening his Aura India tour with a concert at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday, the 42-year-old singer said he will continue to work for as long as he wants.I know a lot of people will make fun of me. Many news channels will also make fun of me and create negative energy. But no matter how much negative energy you create, I'm still here, baby. I'm not going anywhere, he said.I've been working here for 25 years. I'll stop only when I want to. I won't stop before that, he added.The singer said his decision not to respond to every criticism should not be mistaken for fear or an indication that he could be stopped from pursuing his work.I don't answer anyone's questions, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of anyone or that I care about what anyone says. Nor does it mean that someone can stop me, he said.I know what people say about me, but I don't want to say anything to anyone because it isn't important to me. Those people aren't important to me, he added.The Delhi concert, the first of his eight performances as part of the tour, had faced uncertainty a week before it was scheduled to happen.Delhi Police had initially denied permission citing security-related inputs and festive-season law and order commitments. Organisers subsequently submitted a revised security, traffic and crowd-management plan, following which clearance was granted.Rain also threatened to play spoilsport, with the stage still wet after two days of intermittent showers but Dosanjh went ahead with the power-packed performance, which lasted over two hours.Dosanjh spoke about the difficulties his team encountered while organising the Delhi concert.I don't want to say what the problems were. I do shows all over the world. There are always problems. But when the India show starts, problems start, especially for me. I don't know why, he said.The singer also thanked Delhi Police and CRPF personnel for their arrangements at the concert, which marked his return to the national capital after two years.You made excellent arrangements and made it very easy for us to put on the show. Shout-out to Delhi Police and our young CRPF personnel. Thank you so much to all of you, he said.The Instagram Live session followed a series of remarks by Dosanjh during Friday's concert, where he addressed criticism over his position on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led student protest in July and the controversy surrounding his film Satluj.I love everyone because I'm an artist, bro, he said pointedly, repeating his statement from July, when he was asked about the CJP protest from which he had distanced himself.His comments drew widespread criticism on social media, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also criticising his stance, saying it was important for artists to speak up on pertinent issues or risk having their films repeatedly banned, in an apparent reference to the controversy surrounding Dosanjh's film Satluj.Responding to the criticism, Dosanjh said, I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. Don't teach Punjabis how to fight battles. The film you were making fun of from stage -- Jaswant Singh Khalra ji's film ('Satluj'). We fought for a very long time for that film. I stay quiet, I love everyone. If someone hates us, no problem. From our side it's only love for everyone.The film, earlier titled Punjab '95, saw Dosanjh portray Khalra, who documented alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s. After facing a prolonged wait for release, it premiered on ZEE5 in July this year but was taken down within two days.Dosanjh's public positions have frequently placed him at the centre of debate.His support for the farmers' protest in 2020 drew criticism on social media, with some branding him anti-national. He later spoke about the backlash and legal trouble he said he faced over his support for the movement.In January 2025, he also faced criticism after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some farm leaders questioning his support for the farmers' movement.Later that year, his decision to cast Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 drew backlash from film bodies following the Pahalgam terror attack. Dosanjh said the film was shot before the attack and he later released it in overseas territories.Despite the controversies, Dosanjh's international profile has continued to grow, with the singer taking Punjabi music to audiences across the world.He became the first Punjabi-language singer to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2023 and made his US television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2024.He has collaborated with international artistes, including British singer Ed Sheeran and Sia, and performed alongside Sheeran at concerts. At the 2025 Met Gala, Dosanjh used the global fashion platform to showcase his Punjabi and Sikh heritage, wearing an ensemble inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.As an actor, he has balanced mainstream commercial entertainers with films exploring complex social and historical themes, including Udta Punjab, Jogi and Amar Singh Chamkila.
Diljit Dosanjh turns Delhi into a giant singalong as Aura India Tour opens to a full house
The RuPay AURA India Tour 2026 launched spectacularly as Diljit Dosanjh performed for a packed house in Delhi. The evening began with his popular number 'Morni', instantly connecting with the enthusiastic crowd that sang along fervently. With breathtaking visuals and a coordinated drone display, the concert was a feast for the eyes.
'Will Make Kaante 2 Your Dream'
'Gupts, my brother. I still cannot believe that you are gone. We have shared so much together, so many memories and so many years of friendship. You have always been family to me, and that will never change. I will miss you, our conversations and all the times we spent together.'
Diljit Dosanjh sends strong message at Aura tour in Delhi, says 'don't teach Punjabis how to fight'
Diljit Dosanjh commenced his India leg of the Aura tour at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, attracting numerous fans. The concert faced initial uncertainty due to security concerns but proceeded with enhanced measures in place. During the performance, Dosanjh expressed gratitude to fans, while also addressing his critics. He performed popular songs and engaged actively with the audience throughout the evening.
Amazon steps up creator investments as it looks to convert social media influence into sales
Between January and September, creator content influenced 42 million customers on Amazon, of whom 28 million made a purchase. A total of 133 million products were purchased through creators during the period, said Nidhi Thakkar, head of social commerce for emerging marketplaces at Amazon. Influenced customers grew 50% year-on-year, while purchasing customers increased 92%. The figures were recorded before the Diwali shopping season.
JioStar Q2 profit drops 13.2% to Rs 1,147 crore as margins contract
JioStar's net profit declined 13.2% year-on-year to Rs 1,147 crore in Q2 FY27, despite a 10.1% rise in operating revenue to Rs 6,806 crore. Operating EBITDA fell 10.5%, with margins contracting 600 basis points. JioHotstar averaged 440 million monthly active users, supported by growth in viewership and subscriptions.
Abundantia Entertainment and invideo announce first film of their co-production slate Beta Builder
Abundantia Entertainment and invideo have announced the commencement of production for the film Beta Builder. Directed by Hridaye A Nagpal, this innovative film blends live-action with AI-driven technology. The story follows Jai, a self-taught architect from Dharavi, as he navigates the virtual reality landscape. The film explores themes of ambition and community, highlighting the importance of belonging. With a talented cast, this production marks a significant step into AI-assisted filmmaking.
PVR INOX targets 500 new screens in three years, bets on SMART Cinemas
The multiplex operator aims to open 90-100 screens in FY27, followed by 150-175 in FY28. It has identified around 300 cities for SMART Cinemas, an affordable, capital-light format designed for smaller markets.
Shah Rukh's 'King' poster sparks online debate, netizens draw parallels with 'Dhurandhar 2'
Shah Rukh Khan revealed the poster for his upcoming film titled King, set to release on December 24. The poster features him in a rugged look, holding a gun and a rose. Social media reactions were mixed, with some users praising the aesthetic while others made comparisons to Ranveer Singh's film. Critics pointed out similarities with other action movies, suggesting potential influence or imitation.
JioHotstar expands to Nepal through DGO partnership
JioHotstar has launched its streaming services in Nepal through a collaboration with the local platform DGO. This partnership allows viewers to access a variety of Indian films, series, and live international sports. Subscriptions are available in two plans, which offer flexible pricing for local audiences. DGO will also continue to add new Nepali films weekly to enhance the viewing experience.
Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on media groups' challenge to privacy law
A petition from the Digital News Publishers Association challenges provisions of India's digital privacy law. The law may restrict journalistic activities by requiring consent from individuals under investigation. News publishers argue that this could hinder the freedom of the press and expose confidential sources. Concerns regarding the potential penalties for non-compliance have also been raised by the petitioners.
Goan food and history come together in this immersive theater performance by PaChaak Productions
Goa is a Bebinca will be staged in Bengaluru. It is an immersive theatre production by PaChaak and serves traditional Goan food along with the enactment of a family drama
Theatre group Ank revisits the legacy of warrior queen Veera Rani Abbakka
To mark its golden jubilee, Ank presents Veera Rani Abbakka: The Queen of the Seas, The Flame of Ullala, a new play written, directed and headlined by Priita Mathur Thakur
Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival 2026: Six plays on identity and belonging
The upcoming festival brings six productions by theatre groups making their Bengaluru debut, exploring belonging through stories of migration, memory, caste, gender and climate change, shaped by diverse languages and lived experiences
Slaves, a new production by The Madras Players, is a translation of writer Sujatha
For years, Sujatha has captured the imagination of Tamil audiences through short stories, film scripts, and even theatre plays. On October 24, the Madras Players dramatises one of his earlier works, Adimaigal as Slaves on fortune, love, and loss
Uday Shankar highlights that India's sports industry presents substantial long-term investment opportunities, particularly in cricket and others. He urges potential investors to adopt a longer timeframe beyond five years for returns. Shankar also notes that while cricket remains dominant, other sports are gaining significant audiences as well. The challenges include rising media-rights costs and competition with technology platforms. Furthermore, simplifying cricket formats could enhance viewer enjoyment and excitement over time.
Nuvama expects festive spending to improve in Q3FY27, with the late Diwali likely to support advertising and consumer engagement
First Drop Theatres Care-Tharsis provides caregivers with a platform for their stories
First Drop Theatre celebrates its tenth anniversary with a playback theatre enactment of caregiver stories
JioStar vice chairman Uday Shankar said sports, particularly cricket, has been a major investment for the company, helping it build a digital audience of 600 million monthly active users. However, he said soaring cricket media rights costs have made the business increasingly difficult.
