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Tag: Gagan Dev Riar

  • Sony Liv’s 13th cracks open India’s exam-prep grind with MT Sir’s story

    Sony Liv’s 13th cracks open India’s exam-prep grind with MT Sir’s story

    MUMBAI: The toughest test isn’t always on paper, sometimes it’s the year between. Sony Liv is set to premiere its long-awaited original series 13th on 1st October 2025, pulling viewers into the high-pressure universe of India’s competitive exam-prep culture.

    The title itself is a nod to the “drop year” after Class 12, when thousands of students dedicate an extra 12 months solely to cracking the IIT-JEE entrance exam. For many, that 13th year becomes a make-or-break moment filled with sleepless nights, financial strain, and the constant balancing act between ambition and anxiety.

    At the heart of the story stands mentor Mohit Tyagi (MT Sir), a real-life educator whose teaching revolution has reached over 20 lakh students across India. With his Youtube channel followed by more than 2.2 million learners, Tyagi has built an open-access classroom that rivals the mega coaching hubs of Kota but without the lakhs in fees. Over two decades, his consistency and discipline-driven methods have produced Top-100 ranks year after year, proving that resilience and rigour trump hype.

    What makes Tyagi’s story remarkable is his rejection of crore-level salary offers in favour of free, quality education. His vision has reshaped the meaning of mentorship in India, cutting across economic and social divides. Instead of becoming a coaching magnate, he created a movement where students are treated as individuals with dreams, not just roll numbers on a register.

    13th stars Gagan Dev Riar as the mentor, portraying a role steeped in both realism and inspiration. The series doesn’t sugarcoat the grind, it delves into the loneliness of hostel rooms, the sacrifices families make, and the crushing weight of repeated attempts. It also shines a light on the resilience of students who fight through failure, financial strain, and fear, armed with little more than hope and persistence.

    Speaking about the premiere, Tyagi himself reflected on the deeper message: “Teaching has always been about much more than solving equations. It’s about resilience, discipline, and reminding students that they are more than their marks. 13th tells the untold story of lakhs of youth carrying gigantic pressure but also gigantic dreams.”

    For Sony LIV, the series is more than just a drama, it’s a mirror to India’s youth, their aspirations, and the cracks in a system where education can feel like war. By weaving Tyagi’s mission into a scripted narrative, the platform hopes to start conversations in living rooms across the country between parents, students, and society at large.

    With hashtags #My13thStory and #13thOnSonyLiv, the show is already sparking anticipation online. Come October, 13th promises to be more than binge-worthy content; it’s set to become a cultural talking point on what success really means when the journey is tougher than the exam.

  • Nawazuddin Siddiqui battles corruption in Zee5’s new film Costao

    Nawazuddin Siddiqui battles corruption in Zee5’s new film Costao

    MUMBAI: Zee5 has unveiled the trailer for its much-anticipated original film Costao, a gritty drama set against the backdrop of 1990s Goa. The film follows the fearless customs officer Costao Fernandes, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as he dares to challenge an empire fuelled by smuggling, corruption, and fear.

    Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, Costao promises a powerful narrative of courage, sacrifice, and the brutal cost of defying a corrupt system. Joining Nawazuddin in the cast are Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal. The film is set to premiere on Zee5 on 1 May.

    The trailer introduces viewers to Costao’s unrelenting fight against the underworld and his own system, showcasing heart-pounding action and emotional depth. When a deadly confrontation with a notorious smuggler’s brother ignites a high-stakes manhunt, Costao finds himself hunted and betrayed. Battling alone for justice, family, and redemption, he embodies audacious courage and sharp instincts. As the stakes rise, the question looms can he survive the system he dares to oppose and at what cost?

    A Zee5 spokesperson commented, “At Zee5, we remain steadfast in our mission to tell stories that challenge norms and ignite meaningful dialogue. Real-life stories like Costao hold immense significance for us as they reflect courage, resilience, and truths that deserve to be seen and heard. The film is a strong addition to our expanding original film slate, with a story that is not only compelling but also thought-provoking. Our collaboration with the makers reflects a shared vision for delivering powerful narratives that go beyond the expected. As we continue to focus on differentiated storytelling, we are proud to back films like Costao that leave a deep and lasting impression on viewers.”

    Producer Vinod Bhanushali added, “We’ve always loved creating untold stories that are as interesting as they are unique, and Costao is the perfect example of that. With Nawazuddin in the lead, you know you’re in for something special. His performance as Costao is pure magic raw, intense, and layered in a way that will keep you hooked from the very first second. After Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, we felt Costao deserved a platform like Zee5 for the story to reach the right audience. Our shared vision for authentic storytelling perfectly aligned, allowing us to craft a movie that challenges conventions and surprises at every turn. As a movie Costao demands your attention, and trust me, you won’t want to look away. We’re beyond excited for you to experience this rollercoaster when it drops on May 1!”

    Speaking about her debut, director Shah said, “Costao is the story of an officer who risked his life to do the right thing and paid the price for it. It’s raw, intense, and full of moments that will leave you questioning how far one person can go in the name of duty. Bringing this world to life has been a challenge and a privilege, and I couldn’t have asked for a better actor than Nawazuddin to play Costao. He brings an unmatched authenticity and complexity to the character. Zee5 has always backed bold, powerful storytelling, and I’m excited to collaborate with them. I can’t wait for audiences to experience Costao a story that deserves to be told.”

    Nawazuddin reflected on his role, saying, “Costao is not just a story about a customs officer fighting against a ruthless smuggling empire it’s about the cost of standing up to an entire system built on corruption and betrayal. There is a dialoug in the film where the character says ‘Humare society mein sabko chahiye ki Officer honest ho aur brave ho… lekin Ghar mein Nahi’; it’s so true. Costao’s courage in the face of unbeatable odds reflects this perfectly. His battle is not only against criminals but against a system that tries to break him at every turn. I can’t wait for viewers to experience the explosive twists, raw emotion, and relentless intensity that Costao brings. It’s a story that will keep you at the edge, questioning what’s right, what’s wrong, and what one man is willing to sacrifice for justice. Don’t miss it; Costao drops on May 1”

    Produced by Vinod, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Shah, Shyam Sunder, and Faizuddin Siddiqui, and written by Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava, Costao is poised to be a must-watch thriller.

    Watch the trailer here.

  • Sabhyata’s campaign encourages workplaces to support new mothers

    Sabhyata’s campaign encourages workplaces to support new mothers

    New Delhi:  Sabhyata unveiled its latest Diwali campaign, #CelebratingMotherhood. Known for spotlighting the essence of womanhood through their festive campaigns, Sabhyata takes it further this year by focusing on motherhood—highlighting the importance of supporting new mothers and creating empathetic work environments that foster their growth.

    The campaign film, starring the talented Mahathi Ramesh (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Unpaused) and seasoned actor Gagan Dev Riar (Scam 2003- The Telgi Story) is set against the vibrant backdrop of Diwali. It captures a heartwarming interaction between a manager and Chhavi, a driven employee returning from maternity leave to lead a project. In a candid conversation, the manager enquires about her frequent visits to a storage room, unaware that it is the only private space she can find to pump breast milk for her baby. The film delicately explores the guilt many ambitious mothers feel while balancing their careers with personal responsibilities, underscoring the challenges new mothers face in environments lacking adequate support.

    In a touching turn of events, the manager sends Chhavi back to the storage room to retrieve some personal items. When she arrives, she finds the room transformed into a Mother’s Room, complete with a Sabhyata Gift bag and a card wishing her luck on the new project—an act of accountability and celebration, acknowledging the overdue need for such a space.

    Through #CelebratingMotherhood, Sabhyata aims to shed light on the challenges new mothers encounter in today’s India, emphasising the role that workplaces and society can play in supporting their well-being. The campaign also subtly celebrates modern Indian women’s love for ethnic wear at the workplace, reflecting the brand’s ethos.

    Sabhyata marketing head Chayan Verma shared his thoughts on the campaign: “At Sabhyata, celebrating the strength and beauty of womanhood has always been at the heart of what we do. This campaign addresses a real issue faced by working mothers—privacy and support at the workplace. While maternity leave is important, it’s often not enough to help women transition smoothly back into their careers. The idea for this campaign came from conversations with mothers who struggled to find private spaces to pump breast milk. This affects their ability to fully reintegrate into the workforce despite their commitment. We believe it’s essential for organisations to foster an empathetic environment that supports new mothers, empowering them to succeed. Through this campaign, we hope to spark conversations that drive meaningful change.”

    P se Picture director Manish Sharma said  “While writing this story I realised that corporate culture often overlooks the full reality of a working woman’s life. But when a workplace truly cares and supports her role as a mother, she thrives—and so does the company. It’s time we reimagine what success looks like for working mothers.”

    The campaign adopts a digital-first approach and will be promoted across all of Sabhyata’s social media platforms. Additionally, the video will be screened at Sabhyata stores nationwide to ensure the message reaches customers directly.

    This heartfelt campaign reflects Sabhyata’s ongoing commitment to celebrating life’s pivotal moments while advocating for progressive change that uplifts women.