Category: iWorld

  • Interim Budget is a outcome based continuum towards viksit Bharat: Dr Anish Shah

    Interim Budget is a outcome based continuum towards viksit Bharat: Dr Anish Shah

    Mumbai : Commenting on the Interim Union Budget 2024-25 announced by the Finance Minister, FICCI president Dr Anish Shah said, “The Interim Budget is a clear and outcome-based continuum towards Viksit Bharat. It brings together growth, climate, and social empowerment, while maintaining a careful balance between current investment rate and fiscal discipline.”

    “Enabling States to adopt reforms for Viksit Bharat will seize the momentum created from the Centre towards Amrit Kaal. Focus on Blue Economy, expanding and strengthening the EV ecosystem, domestic tourism, and multi-modal logistics will propel India towards the vision of a developed nation by 2047,” Dr Shah added.

    “The Interim Budget recognises Innovation as a key driver for growth through introduction of a significant corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore for offering fifty-year interest free loan to scale up R&D in sunrise domains. The fiscal performance bodes well for the country’s macroeconomic stability and investor confidence,” he concluded.
     

  • Indian Police Force tops Prime Video’s first-week binge-watch charts

    Indian Police Force tops Prime Video’s first-week binge-watch charts

    Mumbai: Following its worldwide premiere, Amazon Original Indian Police Force has achieved the milestone of becoming the most binge-watched first season of an Indian Original on Prime Video in the first week of its launch.  The action-packed series by Rohit Shetty has been lauded by the viewers, and it continues to win hearts across India and around the world. The high-octane action series also trended in the ‘Top 10’ titles’ list in 65 countries globally in the launch week.

    With its adrenaline-pumping action sequences, gripping narrative, larger-than-life visuals and stellar performances, the seven-episode series makes for a binge-worthy mass entertainer. Indian Police Force proudly pays an ode to the selfless service, unconditional commitment and fierce patriotism of the Indian police officers across the country who put everything on the line in their call of duty to keep us safe.

    “Amazon Original series Indian Police Force has set a new benchmark in the streaming space. The show has received immense love and appreciation for its thrilling action sequences, edge-of-the-seat storytelling, and brilliant performances,” said Prime Video, India country director Sushant Sreeram. “Embraced as a fast-paced, action-packed mass entertainer, showcasing Rohit Shetty’s signature style of filmmaking, the series has found love worldwide, trending in the Top 10 list of 65 countries. Our collective intent with the show was not only to entertain audiences but also pay an ode to the many men and women in uniform who have contributed to building our great nation. The success of the series is a testament that the show and its intended spirit has resonated with audiences in India and globally. We are thrilled with such an overwhelming response for Indian Police Force, which truly celebrates the patriotism and relentless spirit of our police officers.”

    “It has been absolutely wonderful to have joined forces with Prime Video and scripting a success story together with Indian Police Force. Embracing my digital directorial debut, the maiden collaboration truly gave wings to my creative vision in taking my passion project to a wide spectrum of audiences worldwide. My fans have loved my cop films over the years, and it gives me immense joy to transport my craft of storytelling and action filmography to the world of streaming through Indian Police Force. I’m thrilled with the love and appreciation that the show has garnered so far not only in India but also in several other countries around the globe on Prime Video. I am grateful to all my fans, the cast and crew for making this show super successful. Kudos to all!” said filmmaker Rohit Shetty.

    Directed by Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash, Indian Police Force features Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, and Vivek Oberoi in lead roles, along with Shweta Tiwari, Nikitin Dheer, Rituraj Singh, Mukesh Rishi, and Lalit Parimoo in pivotal roles. The series is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
     

  • Meta’s ‘Link History’: Decoding privacy dilemma

    Meta’s ‘Link History’: Decoding privacy dilemma

    Mumbai: In a move that has sparked conversations about digital privacy and user tracking, Meta, the parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, has introduced a new feature called ‘Link History.’

    Meta’s ‘Link History’ is a feature designed to provide users with a comprehensive record of the websites they visit through Facebook and Instagram. This means that every link clicked while using these platforms will be logged and stored in a personal archive accessible to the user. The intention behind this feature, as Meta claims, is to allow users to revisit and manage the content they engage with on a daily basis more easily.

    This feature, while aiming to enhance user experience, also raises concerns about the extent to which our online activities are monitored and recorded. While Meta emphasises the user-centric benefits of ‘Link History,’ critics argue that it raises red flags concerning privacy. The concern primarily revolves around the vast amount of personal data that Meta already possesses about its users and how this new feature might contribute to a more extensive and detailed user profile.

    In this article, we reached out to some experts who delved into the details of Meta’s ‘Link History’ and explored the implications it holds for user privacy.

    Edited excerpts

    Content creator Akshat Tongia

    While the concept of increased accessibility seems promising, there’s a level of uncertainty surrounding how Meta intends to leverage our data for understanding our online behaviours.

    What stands out is the somewhat intricate process of turning off this feature, suggesting a preference for users to keep it enabled. Additionally, many users may not be aware of these settings, contributing to heightened privacy concerns.

    From a content creator’s perspective, where my digital presence is integral to my work, I appreciate tools that enhance efficiency. However, the ambiguity surrounding the use of this data prompts a thoughtful consideration of striking the right balance between convenience and privacy.

    Newton Consulting India & Newton PR COO Smita Khanna

    Meta’s ‘Link History’ isn’t convenient, it’s an off-site surveillance dragnet. This granular record of our non-Facebook journeys raises not just ethical alarms, but blatant hypocrisy for a company notorious for data stumbles. We deserve an online world where our clicks don’t morph into targeted nightmares. Meta needs to ditch the Big Brother act and grant users control over their digital footprints.

  • “I believe this story will resonate with who aspire to make a difference” – Samir Kochhar

    “I believe this story will resonate with who aspire to make a difference” – Samir Kochhar

    Mumbai : –Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service released its entrepreneurial drama, Hustlers- Jugaad Ka Khel. With an impressive rating of 8.3 on IMDB, the compelling narrative captures Sanjay’s journey as he hustles through life’s challenges with determination and resilience and achieves success. In his journey, he meets Mihir Jain, a significant start-up investor, a revered business figure, and a venture capitalist who is known to bet on the ‘winning horse’.

    His interest in Sanjay’s start-up idea, followed by finance, sets off a chain of events that would lead to the launch of Sanjay’s start-up. Through sheer determination and hard work, Sanjay rises to the top and establishes his name in the competitive start-up industry.

    Reflecting on his journey and key takeaways, Samir Kochhar, portraying the character of Mihir Jain in the show, expresses, “The crux of the narrative lies in recognising that many people have talent but not all of them know how to grasp the opportunity. If you generate ideas that have the potential to uplift society, redefine values, and breathe life into them, seize those opportunities. I mean, the value of that idea is huge, so the initial step should be to identify them. Subsequently, transforming these ideas into a thriving business is an intriguing journey. The first thing is to identify that idea, and secondly, how to turn that idea into a full-blown business is a very interesting journey. Many people have talent, but attitude is a way to build a business.

    I believe this story will resonate with those who aspire to make a difference in their lives and those who strive to progress; they may not be academic achievers, but they can look at themselves and say, “Do I have any ideas, can I bring about some change, Is there anything I can do so that not only will I earn money, but I will also bring a significant change in the society? ”

    Furthermore, he added, “The story encompasses ups and downs, including how we (Mihir and Sanjay) met, how Sanjay comes up with an idea for a startup and eventually becomes overconfident. To bring him back on his path, my character declines his idea, but Sanjay doesn’t give up, and after a lot of effort, he achieves his goals. I had a fantastic time filming for this series. I believe that everyone will see their potential in this uplifting story. I think this is my main takeaway from the show.”

    Hustlers – Jugaad Ka Khel, produced by Rainshine Entertainment and featuring Vishal Vashishth, Maharshi Dave, Anjali Barot, Anurag Arora and Samir Kochhar in pivotal roles, is streaming for free on Amazon miniTV, which is available on Amazon’s shopping app, Fire TV, and the Play Store.

  • “I worked as an intern at a financial firm,” shares Rajeev Siddhartha

    “I worked as an intern at a financial firm,” shares Rajeev Siddhartha

    Mumbai : The recently-released series on Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service, Badi Heroine Banti Hai, captivates the viewers with its concept and engaging plot. The story revolves around Kajal from Ludhiana, who comes to Bombay to intern at the renowned design house Veer Singhania Designs. Her life turns upside-down as she gets fired her on the first day of her job but also gets designated as the company’s heir on the same day. As a result, Kajal and Advait’s polar opposite personalities get intertwined in a game of love and blame.

    Rajeev Siddhartha who essays the role of Advait Singhania recollects the times when he was away from his hometown and talks about his first job, here’s what the actor said “Since I was five years old, I have gone through every phase of attending a boarding school. After spending a significant amount of time away from my parents while I was a child, I have become accustomed to being on my own. Similar to Kajal, who relocated from a small town to a big city, I, too, moved from one place to another to attend school and college, which for me was an amazing experience.

    “When I was doing my MBA, between those two years I had to do an internship, so I worked as an intern at a financial firm. The people around me were very good and supportive. Luckily, unlike Kajal, I didn’t pick ten cups of coffee at once. It was hectic yet very fulfilling,” he further added as he candidly spoke about his internship days.

    Created by Gul Khan, Badi Heroine Banti Hai features Prerna Lisa, Rajeev Siddhartha, Nehal Chudasama, and Utkarsh Kohli in pivotal roles. The series is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and Play Store.

     

  • Nodwin Gaming invests Eur eight million in Germany-based Freaks 4U Gaming

    Nodwin Gaming invests Eur eight million in Germany-based Freaks 4U Gaming

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming International Pte. Ltd (NODWIN), a fully-owned subsidiary of premier gaming and esports company, NODWIN Gaming, today announced an investment of Eur eight million in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a global full-service gaming and esports company, marking a significant financial endorsement in the global gaming industry.

    With its convertible loan agreement of 3.6 million Euro initiated on 27 December 2023 now converted into equity, NODWIN has acquired additional shares of Freaks 4U Gaming with a contribution of 4.4 million Euro. The total investment of NODWIN in Freaks 4U Gaming stands at 8 million euros for a 13.51 per cent stake in the company. NODWIN also has the option to acquire majority control in the future by swapping the equity of Freaks 4U Gaming investors and founders with NODWIN shares.

    As part of this agreement, NODWIN and Freaks 4U Gaming will exclusively start utilizing resources in each other’s key territories such as personnel, equipment and facilities. NODWIN  will get access to the Freaks 4U Gaming network across the developed markets, the PC ecosystem and the full-service capabilities they have. Freaks 4U Gaming in turn will get access to NODWIN ’s emerging market network, and facility capabilities in the mobile esports and youth culture ecosystems. NODWIN will appoint Niels Wolter to the Freaks 4U Gaming advisory board to consult on strategy, operations and integration, ensuring the synergy benefits identified by NODWIN and Freaks 4U Gaming are realised on time.

    Freaks 4U Gaming CEO Michael Haenisch commented: “Under Akshat’s leadership, NODWIN has become a force to be reckoned with in the emerging market and the global landscape of gaming and esports. I am excited to be working alongside Akshat and his team, as we further our discussions on how Freaks and NODWIN will collaborate and grow together in this strategic alliance.”

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee commented: “Our collaborative journey with Freaks is growing stronger, especially in the realms of PC and mobile gaming. We hold continuous admiration for the team at Freaks as we jointly explore new avenues for cooperation. This financial contribution is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing together on this shared venture.”

  • Moneycontrol unveils comprehensive coverage for ‘The Election Budget: India 2024’

    Moneycontrol unveils comprehensive coverage for ‘The Election Budget: India 2024’

    Mumbai: Moneycontrol is proud to announce its latest initiative, The Election Budget: India 2024′. Using innovative data visualization tools and leveraging the unmatched experience of the country’s leading business newsroom, this coverage is designed to provide the most cutting-edge coverage of the Narendra Modi government’s last budget before the general elections.

    With accurate, insightful, and easy-to-understand reporting, Moneycontrol’s coverage of Budget 2024 will cater to the changing needs of diverse digital audiences. Moneycontrol’s team of expert journalists will demystify government policies, providing a comprehensive analysis of their implications on Indian businesses and investors.

    Alongside in-depth reportage and analysis, Moneycontrol has introduced new interactive data tools to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Union Budget. Users can immerse themselves in games like ‘Play the FM’ and ‘Budget Word Cloud’, which offer a playful yet informative experience. Furthermore, its Income Tax Calculator will provide readers with instant valuable insights into the Budget’s impact on their pockets.

    Moneycontrol’s live digital video broadcast feed on Budget Day will feature exclusive perspectives from top industry leaders, investors, market gurus, and its team of experts. Coming straight out of India’s leading business newsroom, this broadcast will offer unparalleled insights. This includes how the Budget will impact key industries and companies. ‘Pitch Report’ delves into key issues, expectations, and the potential impact on major sectors, providing viewers with a thorough understanding of the economic landscape.

    ‘Fast and focused’, a key aspect of this coverage is to identify key gainers and losers with an in-depth perspective. Furthermore, the Personal Finance segment decodes how the budget will impact individuals. The ‘Budget in Charts’ feature simplifies complex financial information into easy-to-understand visuals, ensuring the audience stays well-informed. Additionally, in the Modi@10 series, we analyze the impact of budgets presented during Narendra Modi’s decade-long tenure. To complete the narrative, Moneycontrol also profiles the people behind the scenes with a special feature series, ‘Team FM’.

    The interim Budget 2024, scheduled on the eve of national elections, presents a unique challenge of striking a delicate balance between policies aimed at pleasing voters and upholding fiscal responsibility. Moneycontrol will delve deep into the nuances of these policies, offering critical insights essential for navigating the complex economic landscape.

    Moneycontrol managing editor Nalin Mehta said “Though this is an Interim Budget, it sets the political agenda ahead of national elections. As India’s leader in business news, Moneycontrol’s unmissable coverage will provide news and insights that matter for investors, traders, consumers, and everyone interested in the larger India story. To cut through the clutter and understand the big story behind the Finance Minister’s numbers, log into Moneycontrol.com on Budget Day.”

  • Technological renaissance transforms the music industry

    Technological renaissance transforms the music industry

    Mumbai: The music industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation propelled by recent technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. From music production to distribution and consumption, these technologies are reshaping how music is created, promoted and enjoyed around the world. Many experts describe this phenomenon as a “technological renaissance” for the music industry. The AI music generation industry is projected to achieve a market value of $1.10 billion by 2027, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.89 per cent.

    AI and the creation of music

    One of the most groundbreaking applications of AI is its ability to actively participate in the creative process of songwriting. Algorithms can now analyse patterns in existing songs or musical styles and use that data to generate original melodies, harmonies and lyrics. Companies like Amper Music and Popgun use advanced AI to produce customisable, royalty-free music tracks for content creators within minutes. The quality of these AI-generated tracks is impressive and continues to improve each year.

    For human artists, AI tools provide songwriting support by suggesting intelligent chord progressions, unique melodies and clever lyrical ideas. Musical skills that once took years to develop can now be augmented with smart technology. Apps like Runway ML and Amadeus Code let artists craft catchy tunes through accessible AI-aided interfaces. With the help of artificial intelligence, both professional and amateur musicians have new ways to actualise their creative visions.

    The democratisation of music production

    Emerging AI applications are also making music production much more inclusive for creators worldwide. Tools like Splice Studio use machine learning to provide real-time feedback during a recording session, allowing vocalists to hone their performance without extensive studio knowledge. For home producers, apps like Landr and Cvr provide instant online mastering and distribution at the click of a button. Users can upload their tracks to be optimised sonically by an AI mastering engineer and published across leading streaming platforms.

    Such innovations are lowering economic barriers and enabling broader participation in music creation. Bedroom artists can now achieve near industry-standard production quality without expensive hardware or audio engineering degrees. With these technologies, musical expression is no longer limited to those with access to professional studios.

    Reimagining music distribution

    The companies leading music’s technological renaissance also aim to improve how artists reach listeners and achieve commercial success.

    Streaming platforms are leveraging artificial intelligence in their distribution and recommendation features. Services like Spotify, YouTube Music and SoundCloud are training algorithms to study users’ listening patterns and musical tastes. They then utilise predictive modelling to recommend relevant new artists that align with an individual’s preferences. For emerging musicians, scoring a top spot on a service’s editorial playlist can mean mass exposure and a platform for sustainable growth.

    To increase streaming revenue, artists are also beginning to experiment with lyrics written by AI that target popular searches. Further, blockchain technology also shows potential for transforming music distribution. Smart contracts can facilitate direct payments to artists, allowing them to bypass labels and keep a higher share of streaming royalties. By incorporating blockchain, musical creators gain more control over rights management and unlock new community-driven business models.

    The immersive musical experience

    As virtual and augmented reality mature, music fans can expect even more immersive listening environments powered by interactive AI capabilities. Spatial audio innovations from Dolby and Sony are bringing dynamic new sonic dimensions to headphone and speaker experiences. Of course, live shows are still irreplaceable for most fans – but virtual concerts hosting 3D holograms of artists could expand access and customisation. Imagine choosing camera angles while watching AI-generated versions of Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley dancing across a stage! For pop stars embracing eligibility, AI imaging lets them appear continuously young and modify their looks to suit different videos or promotions.

    Preserving musical heritage

    Beyond pioneering new sounds, artificial intelligence opens exciting doors for preserving our existing musical heritage. MIREX organisation hosts annual competitions challenging researchers to build algorithms that can accurately transcribe or detect attributes of specific recordings. Such technologies may soon help digitise archives of classical, folk or traditional music more efficiently. AI transcription also helps map the long cultural impact of seminal artists like the Beatles through tools such as deconstructing their melodic particularities or vocal phrasing nuances over time.

    Responsible innovation

    However, such seismic change does not come without risks or challenges to overcome. As the application of artificial intelligence transforms this industry, leaders must prioritise transparency and fair practice. Developing guidance around responsible innovation safeguards artists and audiences while allowing helpful disruptions to improve music’s future.

    Data protection concerns

    The vast data collection powering modern AI does raise critical privacy issues. To create accurate musical insights, companies may utilise personal information or recordings without obtaining full user consent. Artists run the risk of having their brand identity digitally exploited without proper permissions or attribution. Startups should follow strict protocols around announcing data collection policies and securing user sign-off before gathering any musical samples for machine learning development.

    Copyright infringement fears

    Another area needing governance is establishing protections around copyright violations. Existing songs and sonic works used to train musical prediction algorithms could become replicated through imitative AI attempting new compositions. While these occurrences appear rare currently, standards preventing plagiarism should be instituted as the technology progresses. Companies might submit lyric samples or full tracks to panels gauging substantial similarity before releasing any AI-generated content. Such oversight reduces legal disputes.

    Moderating synthetic media

    Perhaps the most dangerous misuse lies in AI’s ability to generate synthetic impersonations of real-world artists through manipulated imagery or vocals. Nefarious uses involving political figures also display how easily the technology enables falsification. While debunking tools emerge alongside synthetic media itself, undoubtedly more aggressive identification and reporting mechanisms must counteract malicious attempts. Significant lawsuits or regulations could follow if the technology becomes an outlet for fraud. Progress relies on equitable access paired with accountability.

    Preserving creative jobs

    Economic anxiety also looms large, as promising automation often prompts fears of technology replacement. Musicians’ unions have already voiced scepticism about enterprises promising to simulate the nuances of human creations through algorithms alone. However, a balanced perspective shows AI will more likely augment roles rather than outright replace creative professions in the years ahead. Just as past production tools expanded options rather than abolished instruments, artificial intelligence can unlock new vocations we have yet to envision.

    To conclude

    This wave of exponential progress makes today an electrifying period to participate in the music industry. Behind the nerves around any sweeping change rests confidence that new paradigms ultimately shift power closer towards consumer benefit. Fans gain more choice over what they hear and how media gets made. Musicians unlock tools once unthinkable to achieve their creative goals through mass collaboration; funding channels or instant information sharing increase their strategic autonomy. Though the days ahead are not without uncertainty during this technological renaissance, one certainty persists – our cultural fervour for music will only intensify in remarkable ways through artificial intelligence.

    The author of this article is TreadBinary founder and director Darshil Shah.

  • Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bias to inaugurate Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2024

    Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bias to inaugurate Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2024

    Mumbai: The National School of Drama (NSD) has announced the forthcoming Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM 2024), the world’s largest theatre festival. BRM will kick off with a splendid inaugural ceremony at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on 1 February 2024. His excellency governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais, accompanied by NSD chairperson Paresh Rawal, will officially open the festival with a special ceremony.

    The event is scheduled to take place from 1 February to 21 February, 2024. Spanning across 15 cities in the country, this 21-day theatre festival will feature over 150 performances, and numerous workshops, discussions, and master classes, providing a rich tapestry of Indian and global theatre traditions. Additionally, this year will commemorate the 25-year-anniversary of the inception of Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

    The Mumbai press conference was addressed by NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy, NSD Society chairperson Paresh Rawal, BRM ambassador (Rang Doot) Pankaj Tripathi, Mukti Foundation founder & chairperson Smitha Thackeray, Shri Chattrapati Shivaji Smarak Mandal (Trust) chairman Brigadier Sudhir Sawant and other prominent members of NSD were present at the press conference.

    To promote theatre in Mumbai, Mukti Cultural Hub has partnered with Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Mukti Foundation chairperson Smita Thackeray has provided crucial support, enabling Mukti Cultural Hub to host three days festival from 4 to 6 February. Additionally, Shivaji Natya Mandir has generously supported the festival, hosting two days festival in their theatre auditorium on 2 and 3 February.

    This year’s festival revolves around the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam, fostering global unity among thespians and artists. Emphasizing social harmony, it seeks to create a sense of a shared world – the entire world one large family, bringing diverse cultures together through the powerful medium of the performing arts for a truly enriching experience.

    NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed profound enthusiasm for the impending festival, stating, “As we embark on the 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, it is truly a momentous occasion that reflects our enduring commitment to artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Over the post quarter-century, this festival has served as a guiding light, illuminating the rich tapestry of global theatre traditions. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasizing the beauty of collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering the magic of theatre, providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. This year’s festivities will not only mark a milestone but also reaffirm our steadfast belief in the transformative power of the performing arts.”

    In Mumbai, this cultural extravaganza, set to enchant audiences for six exhilarating days from 1 to 6 February 2024, will culminate with a grand closing ceremony on 6 February at Mukti Cultural Hub. It will feature a total of six captivating plays, each a masterpiece in its own right, spanning various genres and languages. It will commence with the compelling play Humare Ram, featuring renowned actor and NSD alumnus Ashutosh Rana, produced by Felicity Theatre, Delhi, followed by a diverse array of productions, including ‘GAJAB TICHI ADA’ by Rangpeeth Theatre, Mumbai, ‘BABUJI’ by NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, ‘THE ZOO STORY’ by Panchkosi, Delhi, ‘TODI MILL FANTASY’ by Theatre Flamingo, Goa, and ‘SWAHA’ by Darpan, Lucknow.

    The 25th year of this festival holds special significance as it brings together diverse theatrical voices in a celebration of the magic of theatre. Audiences can expect a captivating array of theatrical forms, including international productions, folk and traditional plays, modern dramas, graduate showcases, and collegiate street plays. The festival will unfold in parallel venues across Mumbai, Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of theatre.

    In an innovative move, this year NSD also introduces Rang Heat, an annual initiative aimed at establishing Asia’s inaugural global theatre market and nurturing international collaborations. in the theatrical domain. Rong Hoat will unite theatre artists, programmers, patrons, and supporters, fostering the discovery of hidden talent, showcasing international projects, and facilitating both creative and financial partnerships. Participants will gain exposure to a broader audience, fostering potential collaborative ventures and injecting dynamism into the global theatre landscape.

    The BRM extends beyond the stage, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Parallel exhibitions, director-audience dialogues, discussions, and seminars will explore various facets of theatre, sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Attendees can engage in masterclasses with veteran thesplans, immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.

  • Rajeev Siddhartha talks about being part of Badi Heroine Banti Hai, ‘Everything just fell into place’

    Rajeev Siddhartha talks about being part of Badi Heroine Banti Hai, ‘Everything just fell into place’

    Mumbai: – Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently released its rom-com series, Badi Heroine Banti Hai. With a captivating narrative, the series follows the story of Kajal who moves from Ludhiana to Bombay to pursue her dreams. As she gets fired on the first day of her job, her life takes a turn with her being tangled in a game of love and blame with her boss, Advait Singhania. Set against the backdrop of the shimmery world of fashion, the series takes a thrilling route with an unexpected murder mystery as Kajal ends up in a tangle with the murderer. Amalgamating romance, drama, thrill, and comedy, the series creates a gripping storyline that binds together complex and raw characters. Rajeev Siddhartha, who is seen portraying the role of the heart-throb CEO, Advait Singhania, candidly spoke about the series and shared his thoughts on its narrative.

    Talking about Badi Heroine Banti Hai and its intriguing narrative, Rajeev Siddhartha explained the context behind the title of the series, “I just loved it, and as I always say, a series or film at the very least must be entertaining; otherwise, it shouldn’t be made. And while this seemed like a lot of fun, I also think that there should always be a message for the viewers to think about. The series Badi Heroine Banti Hai traces the journey of a young girl overcoming challenges to achieve her goals and, with love, positively impacting the hearts and lives of those around her.”

    He further expressed his delight in being part of the show by adding, “The story is so beautiful, and my character also has such a nice arc throughout the series that I had to say yes to it. In my conversation with Gul, the creator, I discovered her sensibility, which resonated perfectly, and everything just fell into place.” I am grateful and fortunate to be a part of this series.”

    Created by Gul Khan, Badi Heroine Banti Hai features Prerna Lisa, Rajeev Siddhartha, Nehal Chudasama, and Utkarsh Kohli in pivotal roles. The series is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on the Play Store.