Tag: Karan Johar

  • Hindi cinema shines bright at Filmfare’s 70th night

    Hindi cinema shines bright at Filmfare’s 70th night

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, nostalgia! The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism turned Ahmedabad into the heart of Hindi cinema, where stars, stories and songs collided in a night of pure cinematic magic. The telecast of the unforgettable evening airs on 9 November at 9 pm across Zee TV, Zing and Zest, promising fans a front-row seat to the glamour, grandeur and golden memories.

    Hosted by the ever-charismatic Shah Rukh Khan, joined by Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul, the ceremony was a dazzling blend of celebration and emotion. The event honoured not just the brightest stars but the creative minds behind the camera, directors, writers, musicians and technicians, all of whom keep Indian cinema’s soul alive.

    One of the night’s most goosebump-inducing moments came when SRK and Kajol brought back the magic of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, leaving the audience awash in nostalgia. Adding a heartfelt touch, Abhishek Bachchan paid tribute to his legendary father with a dynamic medley of Amitabh Bachchan classics, from Khaike Paan Banaras Wala to Jumma Chumma.

    The evening’s rhythm soared higher with Akshay Kumar’s powerhouse performance of timeless hits and Kriti Sanon’s glamorous homage to Zeenat Aman, who, along with Shyam Benegal, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Ananya Panday brought Gujarat’s vibrant culture to life, while Siddhant Chaturvedi saluted Hindi cinema’s dance icons with electrifying energy.

    Taking the celebration sky-high, a stunning drone show lit up Ahmedabad’s skyline, tracing the evolution of Hindi cinema through the decades. A nostalgic ‘Cine Icon Awards’ segment revisited legends like Bimal Roy, Sridevi, Dilip Kumar, Nutan, and Amitabh Bachchan, right up to the 1990s icons SRK, Kajol and Karan Johar.

    The telecast also captures intimate moments, from the audience joining SRK to wish Big B a happy birthday to Ravi Kishan and Abhishek Bachchan winning their first-ever Filmfare trophies.

    So, polish that popcorn bowl and prepare for an unforgettable evening. The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 promises everything Hindi cinema stands for, emotion, entertainment and eternal magic, on 9 November at 9 pm only on Zee TV, Zing and Zest.

     

  • Karan Johar adds star power to Nuuk’s smart style

    Karan Johar adds star power to Nuuk’s smart style

    MUMBAI: Now that’s what you call a reel good design! Filmmaker Karan Johar is bringing his trademark flair to the world of home appliances, teaming up with Nuuk for a multi-film campaign that celebrates the brand’s design-first philosophy.

    Known for turning everyday emotions into cinematic moments, Karan channels that same touch into Nuuk’s new range, where sleek form meets smart function. The collaboration kicks off with Nuuk Brīsk, India’s first food-safe ILAG Ceramictech air fryer, a toxin-free innovation built for the modern kitchen.

    The film, set in a stylish kitchen, captures Karan’s blend of drama and detail, showcasing an appliance that’s as safe as it is smart. With 8 preset cooking modes (including tandoor, crispy fry and ferment) and a 360 rapid air circulation system, the Brīsk proves design can be delicious too.

    “I’ve always admired creations that combine innovation and intent,” said Karan Johar. “Nuuk’s design-first approach mirrors my belief that everyday experiences can be transformed through thoughtful design.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Nuuk’s co-founders Gazal Kalra and Shalabh Gupta said the partnership brings together Karan’s creative sensibility and the brand’s mission to reimagine home living with purpose and polish.

    The campaign will unfold through a series of stylish short films featuring Nuuk’s hero products, from air fryers to heaters and humidifiers, each crafted to highlight how design and function can beautifully coexist.

    Since its launch in 2024, Nuuk has been redefining Indian homes with sleek, smart, and sustainable innovation. And with Karan Johar now in the frame, this partnership promises to make even kitchen counters feel red-carpet ready.

     

  • Google gets festive with smarter searches through new AI Mode

    Google gets festive with smarter searches through new AI Mode

    MUMBAI: Move over Khans and Kapoors, there’s a new star making its big-screen debut this festive season, and it answers to Hey Google. As India dives head-first into Diwali chaos and cinematic emotions, Google’s AI Mode on Search arrives like a filmy hero with perfect timing armed not with dance moves, but with data.

    Picture this: instead of scrolling through a dozen links, you toss Google a question that’s as layered as a family drama and out comes a full-blown, conversational answer that ties it all together. That’s AI Mode for you: your all-knowing, never-judging, eternally patient sidekick who remembers everything you say. Think of it as the Jeeves to your Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham moments.

    And because no Indian launch is complete without a dose of filmi flair, Google has rolled out a two-part digital film campaign conceptualised by the clever minds at Bare Bones Collective, the same team behind the viral GenZ Chudail and Gangoogly campaigns. This time, they’ve turned everyday dilemmas into high drama with a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Bollywood tropes we love (and love to laugh at).

    The first film, released just as the country entered festive overdrive, follows a young man on a mission to win over his girlfriend’s father, every rom-com’s biggest villain-turned-softie. When his attempts at decorating the house flop harder than a box-office dud, he turns to AI Mode for step-by-step guidance. With its clever prompts, he transforms the chaos into a picture-perfect home, earning both the father’s nod and a new nickname: Festihul Tyohari.

    The second film flips the script with a “heroine ki entry” moment worthy of a Karan Johar production. Enter Riya, who lights up a festive party with a dazzling look all curated with help from AI Mode. From outfit inspo to accessory suggestions, Google plays stylist, ensuring her grand entrance is nothing short of a blockbuster reveal.

    Then comes the delightful cameo nobody saw coming: Farah Khan. In a hilariously meta moment, the choreographer-filmmaker trades banter with veteran actor Dilipji, only to have AI Mode jump in and “manage” the kitchen chaos better than any sous-chef. If only all family gatherings came with that feature.

    Launched right as India plunges into the most chaotic, colourful, and emotionally charged time of year, the campaign cleverly reimagines Google Search as the go-to problem-solver for the season helping users plan smarter, shop faster, decorate better, and celebrate calmer. From “how to impress an angry father” to “best last-minute Diwali gifts,” AI Mode doesn’t just give you answers, it gives you peace of mind (and a cinematic sense of timing).

    Bare Bones Collective nails the tone playful, self-aware, and oh-so-desi while giving Search the spotlight it deserves. The films blend humour with heart, showing how technology can keep up with India’s most dramatic, high-stakes, and glitter-coated time of year.

    Because when it comes to over-the-top emotions and even more over-the-top solutions, let’s be honest no one does drama quite like us. And this Diwali, Google’s AI Mode is ready for its hero shot.

     

  • Kevin Vaz urges lighter regulation as India’s media story hits new high

    Kevin Vaz urges lighter regulation as India’s media story hits new high

    MUMBAI: When the lights came up at Ficci Frames’ silver jubilee edition, JioStar Entertainment CEO and president of the Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation Kevin Vaz, took the stage with a rallying cry: “Rise Together.” The theme Reimagine, Innovate, Strengthen, Empower set the tone for a morning that was equal parts reflection and call to action.

    Marking 25 years of one of India’s most influential media and entertainment (M&E) gatherings, Vaz reminded the audience how far the industry has travelled since 2001, when Ficci Frames coincided with the government formally granting industry status to M&E. “It opened the doors to institutional finance, enabling capital flows, investments, and risk-taking in content and technology,” he noted, a turning point that defined India’s creative economy.

    Vaz saluted industry stalwarts like Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, and Uday Shankar for steering FRAMES through the years, while welcoming dignitaries including Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs minister Ashish Shelar, MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and actor Ayushmann Khurrana. “A quarter century of dialogue, discovery, and doing,” he said, “and yet the best is still ahead.”

    From satellite TV to OTT, from animation and VFX to gaming, the sector has evolved at lightning speed. India’s “AND” market, Vaz said, stands out globally for how television and digital coexist each expanding the other. “Unlike Western markets, India’s consumers haven’t chosen between TV and digital. They’ve embraced both,” he quipped, adding that the combined strength of PayTV, FreeTV, and Connected TV continues to grow the overall M&E pie.

    Sports, too, has emerged as India’s cultural engine. “Cricket may rule, but football, kabaddi and esports are fast catching up,” Vaz observed, calling for ease-of-doing-business reforms to boost live broadcasting from India.

    On cinema, he celebrated how regional and independent voices have made global waves from RRR and The Elephant Whisperers at the Oscars to Indian films shining at Cannes and Berlin. “Our stories aren’t just travelling,” Vaz declared, “they’re leading.”

    He spotlighted the rise of the AVGC sector, now moving from outsourcing to creating original IP, with 500 plus million gamers and the National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai giving India global creative heft. With MeitY’s support, gaming startups are scaling worldwide proof that technology and storytelling are increasingly entwined.

    But amid the applause, Vaz urged urgency. “The pace of change is accelerating,” he warned, “and this calls for stronger collaboration between business and policy-makers.” His sharpest message was reserved for regulators: “The heavy-handed regulation of linear broadcasting has stifled innovation. We need forbearance, a light-touch regime that allows creativity and competition to flourish.”

    Broadcasting, contributing nearly 40 per cent of the Indian M&E industry, he emphasised, remains central to the prime minister’s vision of making India the world’s content hub. “We’re in a golden era,” he said, “but to truly lead, quality must match ambition and innovation must be inclusive.”

    As Frames 25 concluded its opening key notes Vaz’s address resonated as both celebration and manifesto, a reminder that India’s creative economy, employing millions and inspiring billions, is ready for its next act.

    “Together,” he said, “we will Rise reimagining the next 25 years of storytelling, policy, and purpose.”

  • Pitch to Get Rich: Where fashion meets big business

    Pitch to Get Rich: Where fashion meets big business

    MUMBAI: India’s fashion scene is getting a glamorous makeover. Jiohotstar is set to premiere Pitch to Get Rich on October 20, a reality series that fuses Hindi cinema’s sparkle with entrepreneurial grit. Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment and the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, the show features a Rs 40 crore investment pool aimed at turning creative fashion ideas into thriving businesses.

    Fourteen aspiring founders will compete in a first-of-its-kind format, pitching their fashion ventures while navigating real-world business challenges. Celebrities and industry leaders, including Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, and Malaika Arora, join forces with top business tycoons to mentor, judge, and invest in India’s fashion talent.

    Dharmatic Entertainment CEO Apoorva Mehta said, “Pitch to Get Rich is more than entertainment. It’s a stage for dreamers who want to build, innovate, and shine globally.” Founder of FEF Sanjay Nigam added, “The show champions ‘Make in India’ while inspiring the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs.”

    With homegrown talent in the spotlight, Pitch to Get Rich promises a thrilling mix of style, strategy, and star power, streaming exclusively on Jiohotstar.

  • Oppo sparks festive glow with Reno14 Diwali Edition and Prime Video show

    Oppo sparks festive glow with Reno14 Diwali Edition and Prime Video show

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, your screen time may just outshine the diyas. Oppo India has teamed up with Prime Video to light up the festive season with a double treat, a sparkling new Reno14 5G Diwali edition smartphone and the much-anticipated unscripted talk show Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, streaming exclusively on Prime Video from today.

    The show kicks off with a reunion fans never thought they’d see Aamir Khan and Salman Khan sharing the couch, swapping stories, laughs, and surprises. The line-up that follows reads like a Bollywood blockbuster: Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Govinda, Chunky Panday, and Janhvi Kapoor are all set to appear, promising spontaneous conversations and plenty of star-studded chaos.

    While Kajol and Twinkle keep the cameras rolling, Oppo brings the sparkle with its limited Reno14 5G Diwali Edition, a device that is as much art as it is tech. Priced at Rs 39,999 (special festive price Rs 36,999), the smartphone draws from Indian tradition, with a mandala base symbolising harmony, a peacock representing prosperity, and flame motifs echoing the light of countless diyas.

    The black-and-gold palette captures Diwali’s essence black as the new moon, symbolising obstacles, and gold as the glow of lamps, signifying triumph and prosperity.

    In a first for India, the device features heat-sensitive Glowshift technology, transforming from deep black to radiant gold at body temperature. The shift, achieved through nine layers of lamination and six intricate processes, can be triggered over 10,000 cycles meaning the magic won’t fade with the season.

    The Reno14 Diwali Edition packs a 50MP Hypertone triple camera with a 3.5x telephoto lens, 4K HDR video at 60fps across all lenses, and even an Underwater Photography Mode. On the inside, it’s powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350, paired with a 6000mAh battery backed by 80w Supervooc fast charging. At just 7.42mm thin and 187g, it’s built with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass 7i, and IP66/68/69 protection.

    Running ColorOS 15 with GenAI integration, it also doubles as your AI assistant, offering tools like Translate, Mind Space, AI Summary, Circle to Search, and AI Toolbox 2.0.

    For Oppo, the festive edition isn’t just a smartphone, it’s a storytelling device. As Oppo India, head of PR and communications Goldee Patnaik put it: “This special edition smartphone is a festive keepsake inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage… Our collaboration with Prime Video for Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle echoes the same sentiment celebrating real, unscripted connections and the joy of being in the moment.”

    With a smartphone that changes colour with your touch and a talk show that promises raw, unscripted conversations, Oppo has blended tech and tradition into a festive narrative. This Diwali, your upgrade might just come with both a new device and a binge-worthy watchlist.

  • Lakshya brings bold attitude to Tyaani Jewellery in ‘forces of Tyaani’

    Lakshya brings bold attitude to Tyaani Jewellery in ‘forces of Tyaani’

    MUMBAI: Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, has unveiled a powerful new campaign look from its ongoing ‘forces of Tyaani’ series, featuring Ba***ds of Bollywood fame Lakshya Lalwani. Known for his meteoric rise in Hindi cinema, Lakshya represents a new wave of unapologetic self-expression and bold individuality.

    Lakshya has been an integral face of ‘Forces of Tyaani,’ a campaign that redefines fine jewellery as natural, aspirational, and commanding for both women and men. This latest chapter captures him in a youthful yet striking avatar, blending the raw edge of his Bads of Bollywood persona with the sophistication of fine jewellery. The styling channels both rebellion and regality, showing that jewellery is not just an accessory but an attitude.

    The growing conversation around men’s jewellery reflects more than just a fashion movement, it signals a cultural shift towards confidence, individuality, and authenticity. From understated essentials to unapologetic statements, jewellery is emerging as a language of self-expression, with Tyaani leading the narrative.

    In the campaign visuals, Lakshya is styled in layered necklaces, cocktail rings, and bangles from Tyaani’s men’s collection. Each piece is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, set with natural uncut diamonds, cut diamonds, and striking gemstones, brought to life through a modern setting technique that bridges tradition with contemporary design.

    Tyaani Jewellery, founder, Karan Johar said, “Lakshya is not just a face in our campaign, he is a force. His presence, charisma, and journey align perfectly with what we celebrate at Tyaani: individuality and fearlessness. This new look in ‘Forces of Tyaani’ pushes the boundaries of men’s style and celebrates fine jewellery as a bold, personal expression of self.”

    Reflecting the campaign’s philosophy, Lakshya added, “For me, presence is power. When you hold your ground, the world learns to wait. You remember the face? Good. Now remember the voice. This is what power sounds like, in Tyaani.”

    Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar is currently present in eight cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad and is also available online at tyaani.com.

  • Legendary Zeenat Aman shines in Tyaani’s latest campaign

    Legendary Zeenat Aman shines in Tyaani’s latest campaign

    MUMBAI: When timeless glamour meets contemporary brilliance, the result is Zeenat Aman for Tyaani. The legendary actor, whose style has inspired generations, headlines Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar in the brand’s latest campaign, Forces of Tyaani, celebrating individuality and self-expression as the rarest forms of luxury.

    In striking modern attire, Aman is transformed into a living masterpiece, adorned in Tyaani’s signature uncut diamond jewellery. The campaign positions her as more than a cinematic icon, she is the embodiment of the jewellery’s ethos: bold, luminous, and timeless.

    Forces of Tyaani has previously showcased stars like Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Tillotama Shome, and Kalki Koechlin. With Aman joining the roster, the narrative reaches a showstopper moment, pairing her enduring charisma with Tyaani’s contemporary jewellery mastery.

    At the heart of the collection lies Tyaani’s reimagined uncut diamond technique, allowing light to pass freely through each stone, enhancing brilliance while remaining elegantly lightweight. Each piece reflects the balance of tradition and modernity, a mirror to Aman’s own ageless allure.

    Tyaani Jewellery founder Karan Johar said, “Having Zeenat Aman headline Forces of Tyaani is a dream realised. Her legacy stands untamed by time, and she embodies our belief that individuality is the rarest form of luxury.”

    The campaign is a celebration of more than just jewellery. It champions empowerment, inclusivity, and self-expression, encouraging women to embrace their own rhythm and story with jewels that are at once modern and eternal.

    Tyaani Jewellery is available in eight cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad, and online at tyaani.com.

  • Prime Video renews The Traitors after a killer debut

    Prime Video renews The Traitors after a killer debut

    MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on deception. After a wildly successful debut, the streamer has announced that season two of its reality thriller The Traitors is officially in development. Hosted by the ever-dramatic Karan Johar, the Indian adaptation of the BAFTA- and Emmy-winning format has gripped viewers across the country—and the numbers prove it.

    Since its 12 June premiere, the series has been watched in 88 per cent of India’s pin codes, turning Thursday nights into a frenzy of speculation, strategy, and social media theories. A star-studded cast, twist-laden gameplay, and Johar’s flair for theatrical tension have made The Traitors an unexpected pop-culture phenomenon.

    Based on a global format by IDTV, and distributed by All3Media International, The Traitors has been adapted in over 35 countries, becoming one of the fastest-growing reality formats globally. The Indian version, filmed in a dramatic Rajasthani palace, pits 20 celebrities—ranging from Raftaar and Uorfi Javed to Anshula Kapoor and Ashish Vidyarthi—against each other in a mind game of trust, betrayal and elimination.

    “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see The Traitors strike such a powerful chord with audiences across India,” said Prime Video India Director and Head of Originals Nikhil Madhok. “With its distinctive mix of tension, strategy and emotional honesty, brought to life by our versatile host, Karan Johar and a stellar line up of players who have brought their A-game to the show, the series has emerged as a true breakout. As we continue to shape a bold and diverse unscripted slate at Prime Video, The Traitors stands out as a marquee title that pushes the boundaries of the reality genre. Buoyed by the overwhelming response, we’re thrilled to begin work on Season Two and take the experience to the next level.”

    All3Media International EVP APAC Sabrina Duguet added, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming reception and audience response to the Indian adaptation of The Traitors. Our fantastic collaboration with Prime Video resulted in delivering a version of the format that feels both fresh and true to its core, one that struck a real chord with viewers, who came for the thrill, drama, and their favorite celebrities, but stayed for the novelty, intrigue, and high entertainment quotient. Given the show’s rising popularity within just weeks of its launch, we’re delighted that Prime Video is greenlighting the development of season 2 of the much-loved format that’s sure to raise the bar even higher.”

    New episodes of The Traitors season one drop every Thursday at 8 PM, exclusively on Prime Video. If you haven’t been betrayed yet—you’re missing out.

  • Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.

    The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.

    “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.

    Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.

    The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.

    E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.

    Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.

    What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.