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Category: News Headline

  • Teen Taal tunes into Lucknow for 125th bash

    Teen Taal tunes into Lucknow for 125th bash

    MUMBAI: They’ve tickled funny bones across the country, and now they’re bringing the laughter live. Aaj Tak Radio’s chart-topping Hindi podcast Teen Taal is heading to Lucknow for a special live recording of its 125th episode on Saturday, 4 October, promising an evening that’s equal parts wit, warmth and wackiness.

    After the roaring success of their 100th-episode celebration in Pune, where fans even flew in from abroad, the trio is now set to charm the city of nawabs with their signature flair. Expect Tau (Kamlesh Kishore Singh), Sardaar (Kuldeep Mishra) and Khan Cha (Asif Khan) to serve up their trademark mix of humour, satire and spicy observations, all wrapped in the kind of banter that’s made Teen Taal a national favourite.

    The live show at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan will turn everyday tales into laugh-out-loud stories, with the audience playing an active role in the fun. Fans can meet the hosts, join the conversation and be part of a recording that’s sure to become podcasting legend.

    A clever cocktail of storytelling and social commentary, Teen Taal has cemented its place as India’s No.1 Hindi podcast, consistently topping Apple Podcasts and other platforms. The Lucknow live marks not just a milestone episode but a celebration of the show’s unique ability to turn ordinary life into extraordinary entertainment.

    The laughter kicks off at 8 pm, but with seats limited and anticipation high, fans would do well to tune in early and register fast. After all, Teen Taal’s rhythm is best enjoyed live, with the crowd clapping in perfect sync.

     

  • Amit Shah steps into Bihar’s political dangal

    Amit Shah steps into Bihar’s political dangal

    MUMBAI: When it comes to Bihar, the battle is always bigger, the banter sharper, and the stakes sky-high. News18 India’s Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025 promises just that, a full day of political punchlines, fiery face-offs and candid confessions, live from Patna.

    As the state gears up for its much-awaited assembly elections, union home minister Amit Shah will headline the conclave, decoding Bihar’s development priorities, political pulse and the broader national vision. His appearance is set to be the showstopper of the event, offering viewers an inside track on the BJP’s strategy and outlook ahead of the polls.

    Kicking off with a charged debate featuring Waris Pathan (AIMIM), Abhay Dubey (Congress) and Ajay Alok (BJP), the day’s discussions promise no shortage of fireworks. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Pawan Khera will bring their own political flavours to the mix, dissecting Bihar’s governance, leadership and future course.

    The conclave’s star-studded lineup also features Chirag Paswan, Rajneet Ranjan, Samrat Chaudhary, Keshav Maurya, Mukesh Sahani, and Bhupesh Baghel, among others. Each session aims to go beyond election rhetoric, tapping into the hopes, challenges and choices shaping Bihar’s tomorrow.

    With voices across party lines, Guru Prakash Paswan, Divjyoti, Rajiv Ranjan, and journalist Kanhaiya Bhelari, joining the fray, expect sparks to fly as politics meets perspective.

    Closing the day on a reflective note, JDU’s Sanjay Jha will share his insights on Bihar’s evolving political landscape and development journey.

    Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025 is more than a pre-election spectacle. It’s where power meets people, politics meets purpose, and Bihar’s heartbeat is felt, loud, live and unfiltered.

  • Abundantia writes a new script with AI in the director’s chair

    Abundantia writes a new script with AI in the director’s chair

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, algorithm! Storytelling just got a digital co-writer as Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment takes a bold leap into the future with its brand-new division Abundantia aiON, dedicated to creating and producing stories powered by artificial intelligence.

    With a mission as cinematic as its name, aiON is built on one simple but stirring philosophy “Human First. AI Empowered.” The idea? To prove that technology can fuel imagination, not flatten it. The new division aims to bring together the best of human creativity and machine intelligence to craft films, series, characters and universes that stretch beyond traditional boundaries.

    “AI isn’t here to replace creativity, it’s here to magnify it,” says Abundantia Entertainment founder and CEO Vikram Malhotra “We want storytellers to think beyond the possible and tell stories that are emotionally richer, visually bolder, and globally relevant. We see AI as the ultimate collaborator, a force multiplier for human imagination.”

    Abundantia aiON will harness cutting-edge AI tools across ideation, world-building, visual development and production, working hand-in-hand with top tech platforms and creative talent. But at its core, the division remains committed to human authorship every story will begin with a human creator, a distinct voice and an original point of view.

    The new wing also aims to create opportunities for talent, not replace them. Writers, artists and filmmakers will be upskilled in next-generation storytelling, learning to use AI as a creative accelerator rather than competition.

    The announcement follows Abundantia’s recent partnership with Collective Artists Network to produce Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, touted as India’s first Made-In-AI feature film, set for theatrical release in 2026. The new film is already making waves for its audacious ambition to blend mythology, emotion and machine learning in one frame.

    And this is just the beginning. The studio is gearing up to announce aiON’s first slate of projects soon, promising a lineup that fuses cutting-edge innovation with cinematic soul.

    The move adds another chapter to Abundantia’s growing repertoire of daring originals, which includes upcoming titles like Subedaar, an action drama directed by Suresh Triveni and starring Anil Kapoor; Daldal, an Amazon Original led by Bhumi Pednekar; an untitled comedy headlined by Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga and Ravi Kishan; and a business drama directed by Hansal Mehta.

    For a studio known for redefining Indian storytelling, aiON marks a new age of cinematic creation where art meets algorithm, and every story begins with a spark of human imagination, amplified by a pulse of artificial intelligence.

    Because in Abundantia’s next act, it’s not man versus machine, it’s man plus machine.

  • Sunfeast melts hearts with a squeeze of chocolate

    Sunfeast melts hearts with a squeeze of chocolate

    MUMBAI: When life gives you bread, drizzle chocolate on it. ITC’s Sunfeast Fantastik! is making that sweet fantasy a delicious reality with its latest innovation, Choco Meltz, a rich, smooth molten choco that’s playful, portable and priced at just Rs 5.

    Reimagining how India indulges, Choco Meltz isn’t just another chocolate fix. It’s a squeeze of joy that can be sipped, drizzled or spread, over toast, paratha, fruit bowls or even straight into your mouth. With its no-fuss packaging and silky texture, this one’s designed to turn every “yum” moment into a “yummy” one.

    The new campaign, crafted by FCB Ulka, captures that feeling perfectly through a series of fun, relatable stories, from siblings sneaking a molten choco moment to friends sharing secret squeezes under desks. Each film showcases how Choco Meltz makes even everyday snacks feel indulgent.

    Speaking on the launch, ITC Foods VP & head of marketing (confectionery, chocolates and coffee) Anuj Bansal said that Choco Meltz was all about “democratising indulgence,” making rich chocolate accessible, affordable and irresistibly fun. Meanwhile, FCB Ulka national creative director Suchitra Gahlot noted that the campaign blends “indulgence and emotion” to show how a squeeze of chocolate can melt hearts as easily as it melts on toast.

    Currently available across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, Sunfeast Fantastik! Choco Meltz is already sweetening shelves and smiles at just Rs 5, proof that a little chocolate can go a long way. 
     

  • Bingo! chips away at Its past with a bold new bite

    Bingo! chips away at Its past with a bold new bite

    MUMBAI: Now that’s how you take the chips on your shoulder and turn them into a punchline. Bingo! potato chips has flipped the script on its “Big No” phase with a hilariously self-aware new campaign that sees the brand roast itself before making a fiery comeback.

    Known for its trademark wit and quirky energy, Bingo! has never shied away from humour, and this time, it’s using it to reclaim its snack throne in north and west India. In the new campaign film, the brand cheekily admits it wasn’t quite everyone’s first pick before declaring, “Yes, we were a Big No. But not anymore!”

    The bold relaunch features a complete makeover, right from edgy, gothic-inspired pack designs to two flavour-packed innovations, butter garlic, the garlic-bread-in-a-chip experience, and Himalayan pink salt, a refined twist on a timeless classic. With six striking packs that blend art, attitude and appetite, Bingo! is betting on curiosity, confidence and serious crunch.

    “Humour has always been in Bingo!’s DNA,” said ITC Foods VP & head of marketing, snacks, noodles & pasta Suresh Chand. “This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a new energy, a new attitude, and a brand that’s owning its journey.”

    Echoing that sentiment, Ogilvy senior executive creative director Rohit Dubey added, “When mischief and marketing meet in the right spot, magic happens.”

    With this self-roasting, high-flavour reboot, Bingo! isn’t just back on the shelves, it’s back in the conversation. And this time, the answer to Bingo! is a loud, crunchy “YES.”

  • Rangeela rolls again in 4K 90s magic gets a new frame of mind

    Rangeela rolls again in 4K 90s magic gets a new frame of mind

    MUMBAI: It’s time to put on those dancing shoes again Rangeela is ready to paint theatres in technicolour nostalgia. Three decades after Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar, and Jackie Shroff set the screen ablaze, Ram Gopal Varma’s cult classic is making a grand comeback. The 1995 musical will hit cinemas once again on 28 November 2025, exactly 30 years after it first redefined Bollywood cool.

    The re-release isn’t just a replay; it’s a revival. Presented in a 4K HD restored version with immersive sound, the film promises razor-sharp visuals, richer colours, and a sonic polish worthy of A.R. Rahman’s iconic soundtrack. The restoration comes courtesy of Ultra Media, under its Ultra Rewind initiative, a project devoted to bringing India’s cinematic gems back to the big screen, one frame-perfect classic at a time.

    When it first released, Rangeela was nothing short of revolutionary, a vibrant cocktail of melody, ambition, and Mumbai masti that marked a turning point for Hindi cinema in the 90s. From Rahman’s foot-tapping “Tanha Tanha” to the breezy “Yaaron Sun Lo Zara,” the soundtrack redefined Bollywood music, while Urmila’s star-making turn and RGV’s kinetic storytelling gave Hindi cinema a fresh, stylish edge.

    Reflecting on the film’s enduring legacy, Ram Gopal Varma said, “Rangeela embodied the spirit of aspiration, showing that ordinary people can also dare to dream big. Its success demonstrated that rule-breaking cinema is often the most unforgettable.”

    Ultra Media CEO Sushilkumar Agrawal added, “For many, Rangeela is a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of Bollywood. With Ultra Rewind, we’re bringing this beloved classic to modern audiences in a stunning 4K format, ensuring that its timeless charm continues to mesmerise audiences for years to come.”

    Rangeela is the second project under Ultra Rewind, following the Guru Dutt Centenary Retrospective earlier this year on 8 July. That initiative saw the re-release of gems like Pyaasa, Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam, Kagaz Ke Phool, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand in 4K glory. The studio now plans to restore and re-release many other classics across languages, keeping India’s cinematic heritage alive and looking sharper than ever.

    So, come November, the big screen will once again shimmer with Rahman’s rhythms, RGV’s storytelling swagger, and Urmila’s electric charm. Because some films don’t just age, they replay beautifully.

  • Uber shifts gears with Rituraj Chaturmohta in the driver’s seat

    Uber shifts gears with Rituraj Chaturmohta in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: Uber for Business is cruising into a new chapter, and it’s Rituraj Chaturmohta taking the wheel. The enterprise arm of Uber has appointed him as senior country manager for India and South Asia, a move aimed at fuelling its next phase of growth across the region’s bustling corporate mobility landscape.

    From boardrooms to backseats, Rituraj’s mission is clear: strengthen partnerships, build smarter enterprise travel solutions, and keep innovation firmly in the fast lane. With over a decade of experience across two-sided marketplaces and platform businesses, he’s no stranger to navigating complex ecosystems.

    Before joining Uber, Rituraj led sales and business development at Airbnb, where he managed teams across supply and demand balancing the platform’s dynamic growth on both ends. A former entrepreneur in India’s hyper-local delivery space, he brings a sharp understanding of what drives both businesses and consumers in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

    Welcoming him aboard, Uber regional general manager and of Uber for Business head for APAC Eric Lee, said, “We are delighted to have Rituraj join our leadership team to drive Uber for Business’ growth and partnerships in India and South Asia. His experience in scaling platform businesses and understanding the Indian market will be instrumental in strengthening our enterprise offering.”

    Excited about the road ahead, Rituraj said, “I am thrilled to join Uber for Business to lead India and South Asia, one of Uber’s most dynamic growth markets. Uber for Business is reimagining how businesses move with scale, sustainability, and customer centricity at the core. My focus is to deepen Uber’s relationships with business clients, build tailored mobility solutions that drive measurable ROI, and make Uber for Business a growth partner for every company in this region.”

    Globally, Uber for Business powers mobility for over 200,000 organisations, helping them manage employee travel, meals, and commute programmes through Uber’s trusted platform. In India alone, more than 8,000 organisations are already on board, using its solutions for business travel, daily commutes, and employee shift transport.

    With Rituraj in the driver’s seat, Uber for Business seems ready to chart new routes merging convenience, technology, and enterprise efficiency into one smooth ride.

     

  • India’s shining stars gear up for CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year

    India’s shining stars gear up for CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year

    MUMBAI: Who runs the world? Indians do and CNN-News18 is here to prove it once again. The news network is rolling out the red carpet for the 15th edition of its flagship awards, Indian of the Year (IOTY), a celebration of the nation’s most inspiring achievers who’ve turned dreams into revolutions and talent into timeless influence.

    Over the years, the IOTY stage has seen everyone from Shah Rukh Khan to Neeraj Chopra and Virat Kohli walk away with the honour. Now, in its 15th year, the awards return with even greater sparkle, ready to spotlight India’s brightest minds and boldest spirits across nine categories like Entertainment, Sports, Rising Sports Star, Business, Youth Icon, Global Indian, Iconic Woman Achiever, Influencer, and Climate Warrior.

    Each category boasts five stellar nominees who’ve left an indelible mark this year. The Sports category is packed with champions like D Gukesh, Shubman Gill, Avinash Sable, Smriti Mandhana, and Manpreet Singh, while the Rising Sports Star segment features up-and-coming powerhouses Suruchi Phogat, Kush Maini, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Pooja Singh, and Divya Deshmukh.

    In Entertainment, expect a clash of charisma between Rashmika Mandanna, Mohanlal, Laxman Utekar (Chhaava), Arijit Singh, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Meanwhile, the Youth Icon list brims with dynamism from Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter to comedian Zakir Khan and naval trailblazers Lt. Cdr Dilna K and Roopa A.

    Online sensations get their due in the Influencer category with Raj Shamani, Kamiya Jani, Khan Sir, Parul Gulati, and Revant Himatsingka leading the charge. The Business nominees include entrepreneurial giants like Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Albinder Dhindsa (Blinkit), Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra), Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCLTech), and Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge).

    Fighting the good fight for the planet, the Climate Warrior nominees Garvita Gulhati, Aditya Mukarji, Morningstar Khongthaw, Vidyut Mohan, and Vinay Manchala — are being recognised for turning sustainability into a movement. Meanwhile, the Iconic Woman Achiever list celebrates the grit and grace of Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Ashwini Bhide, Chhonzin Angmo, Radha Bahin Bhatt, and K Kamini Maheshwari.

    And proving that the Indian spirit knows no borders, the Global Indian category shines on the world stage with Payal Kapadia, Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Hanumankind, and Chef Vijay Kumar.

    The winners will be chosen by an elite jury panel featuring names as illustrious as Sanjiv Goenka, DY Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra, Prasoon Joshi, Mahesh Jethmalani, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Amitabh Kant, Shefali Shah, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Gagan Narang, and Lara Dutta, a line-up that’s as stellar as the nominees themselves.

    Reflecting on the milestone Network18 CEO of english & business news Smriti Mehra said, “The 15th edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is a special milestone for all of us. It’s an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose passion, resilience, and creativity inspire millions across the country and beyond.”

    Adding to that, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “This year, we’re introducing three new awards to reflect the changing world better whether it’s Indians making a global impact, influencers reshaping conversations, or extraordinary women breaking barriers.”

    Backed by partners including the RPSG Group (Presenting Partner), and Polycab, HDFC Securities, and Reliance (Associate Partners), the grand finale in November 2025 promises a celebration of spirit, strength, and stories that continue to shape modern India.

    Because in a nation bursting with brilliance, choosing one Indian of the Year might just be the toughest job of them all.

  • Transbnk taps Amar Bhartia to drive global product vision

    Transbnk taps Amar Bhartia to drive global product vision

    MUMBAI: Transbnk is cashing in on global experience to turbocharge its product game. The next-gen transaction banking platform has appointed Amar Bhartia as global product head, marking a strategic move as it gears up for international expansion.

    A Deutsche Bank veteran, Amar brings over a decade of expertise in cash management, treasury solutions and fintech partnerships. At Deutsche Bank, he played a key role in rolling out Payment Acceptance across the APAC region, working with regulators, payment aggregators and fintech innovators.

    “I’m excited to join Transbnk at such an exciting phase in its journey,” said the newly minted global product head Amar Bhartia. “The intersection of banking, fintech and digital infrastructure offers a rare chance to reimagine how institutions transact globally. I look forward to shaping world-class products and delivering real value for clients.”

    Co-founder and CEO Vaibhav Tambe, welcomed the appointment, calling it a timely boost for Transbnk’s global ambitions. “Amar’s proven ability to scale banking-grade platforms will be vital as we expand our reach. With our recent Series B raise and Amar’s leadership, we’re powering ahead towards building a unified transaction-banking operating system for banks and enterprises,” he said.

    The appointment follows Transbnk’s successful 25 million dollars Series B funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The fresh capital will help strengthen its tech and product teams while driving expansion into Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

    With Amar at the helm of product strategy, Transbnk seems ready to turn its global growth plans into a blockbuster sequel, one transaction at a time.

     

  • Diljit’s got the right Aura as fans inspire his global groove

    Diljit’s got the right Aura as fans inspire his global groove

    MUMBAI: When Diljit Dosanjh talks music, even silence feels like a rhythm waiting to drop. In a candid and characteristically cheeky chat on Gal Baat with Spotify, the global Punjabi superstar revealed that his latest album and world tour Aura owes its name to his fans. “They’d say they felt a special energy at my shows, that’s how Aura happened,” he smiled.

    Dosanjh, who’s been effortlessly blending bhangra beats with pop swagger across continents, spoke about how India’s soundscape is a musical buffet. “Indian music is so diverse,” he said, “but Punjabi music… it just dominates the world.” The statement, delivered with his signature grin, was less brag and more truth considering his sold-out arenas from Vancouver to Wembley.

    Amid all the spotlight and studio sessions, the Lover hitmaker admitted that his creative fuel often comes from quieter, humbler places. “I don’t get much time in my schedule, so whenever I find an escape, I go to this park where people sing free music and sometimes I just join them,” he shared. It’s a glimpse of the artist beyond the stage lights, someone who finds melody in the everyday.

    Reflecting on the roots that anchor his global fame, Diljit also paid tribute to Punjab’s musical legends. “Chamkila’s beats stay unmatched,” he said, nodding to the folk icon whose raw storytelling continues to echo through contemporary soundscapes.

    Through his easy humour and grounded wisdom, Diljit offered more than just anecdotes, he gave fans a peek into the soul of an artist who’s rewriting what it means to be desi and global at once. From farm fields to festival stages, his Aura clearly resonates far beyond language or borders.

    Watch the full Gal Baat on Spotify.