socially conscious storytelling

In her role as Aradhya in 'Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera,' actress Aishwarya Raj Bhakuni champions the themes of female empowerment and resilience, capturing the essence of contemporary social issues. She expresses the significant impact television can have on shaping societal norms.

Actor and content creator Gaurav Gera has received widespread appreciation for his performance in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, but the actor says the film's success has not changed his outlook towards fame, ambition, or the way he approaches his career. Gera reflected on the overwhelming response to the film, the increase in offers, the debate around the film being labelled "propaganda" by some sections online, and why he consciously stayed away from the spotlight before the movie's release.

Rekha Bhardwaj champions culturally rich music, asserting that audiences crave depth beyond viral trends. Her Coke Studio Bharat track, ‘Kachaudi Gali’, revives Bhojpuri folk traditions, exploring themes of longing and memory. Bhardwaj believes the industry, not listeners, prioritizes fleeting hits, while genuine emotion and storytelling remain timeless and resonant.

Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee on 25 years of storytelling, taking risks, and why rooted cinema travels

Kannada original series Jerax is creating a stir with actor-producer Daali Dhananjaya backing the project and Srinidhi Bengaluru directing. Nagabhushana, known for his authentic performances, has been cast as the lead. He described the series as unpredictable and eccentric, set in a world that feels both familiar and bizarre, promising a fresh narrative for audiences.

Henry James, a master of psychological realism, explored the intricacies of human consciousness and the "international theme" in his novels. His complex style and focus on interiority influenced modernist writers. A profound quote emphasizes kindness as a fundamental, unwavering principle for navigating life's complexities and fostering connection.

William Faulkner, a Nobel Prize-winning author, is celebrated for his unique Southern-inspired storytelling. His works explore universal truths of perseverance and growth. A quote attributed to him emphasizes dreaming beyond perceived limits and focusing on self-improvement over external competition, advocating for a personal journey of development.

Rachi Sharma embraces her new show, 'Do Duniya Ek Dil,' seeing it as a reflection of current times, blending love and family emotions with crucial social awareness. Having explored diverse genres, she seeks roles that evolve, stating, "I just want to keep doing something new. That’s always exciting.

Actress Koel Mallick, celebrating 22 years in cinema, discusses her private nature, career choices, and deep connection to Kolkata. She emphasizes her commitment to meaningful storytelling, whether commercial or arthouse. Now stepping into politics as an MP, Mallick aims to connect with and serve people, drawing inspiration from her roots.

Tamil television is gearing up for a new drama, Poongatru Thirumbuma. It will premiere on April 28. Shobanaa Uthaman and Sameer star in lead roles. The show explores a woman's journey through a psychologically abusive marriage. It focuses on trauma, endurance, and self-discovery. The series is produced by the team behind popular shows like Siragadikka Aasai and Baakiyalakshmi.

'Tourist Family,' starring Sasikumar and Simran, has achieved critical and commercial success, grossing ₹50 crore worldwide in 13 days. Sasikumar, addressing his salary, stated he would not increase it to keep film budgets manageable for emerging filmmakers. The film's success has revitalized his career and inspired hope within the Tamil film industry.

Following a successful theatrical run, Adhiyan Adhirai's socially conscious thriller 'Thandakaaranyam' is set for an OTT release on Simply South from October 20. Starring Attakathi Dinesh and Kalaiyarasan, the film, praised for its blend of thriller elements and social commentary, will now reach a global Tamil audience, offering a compelling narrative on society and human relationships.