Tamil actor Ajith Kumar finally returned to Chennai on Tuesday, March 10, after being stranded in Dubai for several days due to the crisis in West Asia. The actor was in Dubai when rising tensions linked to the Israel-US-Iran conflict led to widespread airline restrictions. Ajith reportedly was unable to depart after reaching the airport in Dubai, where his scheduled flight was cancelled. His manager had earlier confirmed that he was safe and staying in Dubai until commercial services resumed. The actor has a luxurious home in Dubai.

Ajith Kumar was among several Indian celebrities affected by the travel disruptions in West Asia. Actors including Sonal Chauhan, Nargis Fakhri, Esha Gupta and Lara Dutta were also in the UAE during the period of flight suspensions, with some sharing updates on social media to reassure fans about their safety. 

Ajith Kumar Safely Returns to Chennai from Dubai amid West Asia conflict 

In a move to bridge the gap between Indian independent cinema and the global stage, Women in Film India (WIF India) has launched a nationwide search for two emerging women producers to represent the country at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

Founded by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, the non-profit is offering a comprehensive scholarship that includes participation in the impACT Lab and the prestigious Producers Network during the Cannes Marché du Film this May.

The initiative is a natural extension of WIF India’s mission. While the organization made its debut at Cannes in 2025, this year marks the first time the opportunity has been opened to a public, nationwide call for applications, specifically targeting producers who are ready to scale their careers internationally.

The scholarship is a rigorous professional development track. The two selected producers will undergo a hybrid mentorship program, starting with virtual workshops in April before heading to Cannes from May 13–18, 2026.

Once on the ground, the producers will be integrated into the Producers Network, giving them direct access to industry breakfasts and private sessions with global decision-makers. "International festivals have been transformative spaces in my own journey," said Guneet Monga Kapoor. "This scholarship is about ensuring that more women get the chance to bring their stories, their voices, and their projects into those rooms."

The call is specifically looking for India-based women producers who have a proven track record in short films but are now looking to break through with their first feature-length project. 

Applicants must have made at least two short films and be in the process of developing their first feature-length project. To be considered, applicants must submit a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines their vision, including a director and producer’s note, a detailed treatment and budget, and viewing links to their previous work.

Alexandra Zakharchenko, Head of Industry Programs at the Marché du Film, noted that the partnership aims to foster a "new generation of like-minded producers" who are committed to sustainable production practices and impact-driven storytelling.

With the festival fast approaching, the window for applications is tight. Interested producers have until March 17, 2026, to submit their portfolios.

According to Rabia Chopra, WIF India’s head of programming, the goal is to dismantle the barriers that often keep Indian women from the international co-production ecosystem. "We’re helping create visibility and opening doors for stories that deserve a global stage," Chopra said.

Guneet Monga-led Women in Film India Announces Cannes Scholarship for Emerging Women Producers

After months of legal back-and-forth, actor-producer Ravi Mohan has officially decided to part ways with the title of his upcoming film, 

. The decision comes as part of a settlement with IndoSpirit Beverages Pvt. Ltd., the company behind the popular alcoholic drink of the same name.

The dispute, which had the film stuck in legal limbo for some time, was finally ironed out through a mediation process under the Delhi High Court. According to the terms of the agreement, Ravi Mohan’s studio will scrub the "Bro Code" name from the movie itself, as well as all existing posters, teasers, and social media content.

The trouble started late last year when the Delhi High Court issued an injunction stopping the filmmakers from using the title, arguing it was a direct hit on IndoSpirit’s registered trademark. Interestingly, the case had a bit of a jurisdiction hop—Mohan had initially secured a win in the Madras High Court to keep the name, but he has now withdrawn those proceedings as part of the global settlement.

The actor hasn't been silent about the friction, either. Earlier in the dispute, Mohan’s team alleged that the whole mess started because he turned down a product placement deal. According to his camp, the beverage company wanted their drink featured in the film, but Mohan refused, reportedly telling them it would "set a wrong example" for his audience. He also suggested at the time that the lawsuit was a "publicity stunt" to help the brand break into the Tamil Nadu market.

Directed by Karthik Yogi, the now-untitled film stars S. J. Suryah, Arjun Ashokan and Shraddha Srinath alongside Ravi Mohan. The cast also includes Sri Gouri Priya, Malavika Manoj, Upendra Limaye and Aishwarya Raj. Despite legal battles, production is reported to be on track.

The film is expected to release theatrically next year. The makers are yet to announce a new title.

'Bro Code': Ravi Mohan Drops Title After Dispute Over Trademark With Beverage Company

At a moment when India’s wellness conversation is shifting from indulgent escapes to intentional living, Fairmont Mumbai is introducing a new chapter with the launch of Fairmont Spa & Longevity — a destination that places longevity at the heart of self-care. Anchoring this evolution is Blu Xone, India’s first luxury-integrated longevity hub, where science-led therapies meet the refinement of a world-class hotel experience.

Blu Xone isn’t a spa add-on or a trend-driven wellness experiment. It is a carefully designed ecosystem rooted in the emerging global philosophy of health-span optimisation — the idea that living longer matters less than living better, stronger and more energetically.

Inspired by the world’s Blue Zones — regions known for exceptional longevity due to lifestyle, diet, movement and community — Blu Xone reinterprets these principles through the lens of modern life. Instead of rustic simplicity, it offers precision wellness, delivered through advanced, non-invasive therapies that support cellular repair, metabolic balance and recovery.

“Longevity is no longer a concept reserved for the future — it’s a lifestyle for today,” says Dr. Rashmi Ambastha, Director – Spa, Wellness & Recreation, Fairmont Mumbai. “With Blu Xone, we’re not offering treatments. We’re offering a new relationship with your own biology.”

Each guest’s journey begins with an understanding of their unique physiological blueprint. Guided by medical wellness practitioners, programmes are built around biomarker-driven personalisation, ensuring that every intervention is purposeful, measurable, and aligned with individual goals — from improved energy and recovery to enhanced skin health and cognitive resilience.

Blu Xone’s suite of therapies reflects the most sought-after longevity practices globally, all delivered in a refined, hotel-integrated setting: Cryotherapy to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and stimulate cellular regeneration, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, delivering oxygen under pressure to accelerate healing and revitalise skin. Red-Light Therapy uses low-level wavelengths to stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and improve skin tone, while Intermittent Vacuum Therapy (IVT) enhances circulation, deep oxygenation and gentle detoxification. Lastly, Intermittent Hypoxic Therapy (IHT) is a simulated altitude experience that trains the body to use oxygen more efficiently, boosting endurance and metabolic performance.

What sets Blu Xone apart is not just the technology, but the intention behind it. This is longevity without extremism — suited for all, whether for global travellers recovering from long-haul flights or city professionals seeking sustained performance.

Blu Xone exists within the larger philosophy of Fairmont Spa & Longevity, a space that balances futuristic wellness science with ancient healing wisdom. While Blu Xone focuses on precision and performance, the Fairmont Spa offers ritual-driven therapies rooted in Indian, Eastern and more global traditions.

Design plays a subtle yet important role. Inspired by Mumbai’s monsoon — the spa features ripple-patterned ceilings, raindrop-inspired art and water-infused motifs that encourage a sense of flow. Nestled within the hotel’s Art Deco grandeur, the space feels both grounding and forward-looking at the same time.

The longevity philosophy extends beyond the spa walls. Fairmont Fit, a next-generation fitness studio powered by Technogym, offers AI-assisted training, breathwork sessions and recovery-focused programming. At the same time, a dedicated Health Bar serves cold-pressed tonics designed to complement wellness goals, reinforcing the idea that movement and nourishment are daily rituals, not occasional commitments.

For those seeking sustained access, Fairmont Mumbai has also introduced a limited number of Annual Wellness Memberships, offering entry into Blu Xone therapies, spa facilities and fitness spaces — crafted for individuals and couples who see well-being as a way of life.

With Blu Xone, Fairmont Mumbai challenges the traditional perception of wellness as indulgence. It marks a significant moment in India’s luxury wellness landscape— where science, sophistication and self-awareness meet.

Blu Xone is operational from 8:00AM to 12:00AM and the Fairmont Spa is operational till 2:00AM.

Fairmont Spa & Longevity: Where Luxury Meets the Science of Longevity

Hansal Mehta’s production banner True Story Films

 has unveiled a diverse lineup of films, cutting across genres, languages and formats. The boutique production company with a new-age tilt was launched last year in collaboration with producer Sahil Sehgal. It has been set up through a strategic partnership with Vinod Bhanushali’s Bhanushali Studios Ltd and producer Parag Sanghvi. 

, True Story Films' upcoming slate includes several projects in various stages of development. Among the new titles revealed is 

, a large-scale action film directed by Mehta. The project is expected to be mounted on a vast scale, presenting a violent action story set in Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace. 

, a cannibal-themed horror project that has completed its development phase and has a studio partner attached. The film is currently seeking a director.

In the regional cinema space, the company is backing 

, a Gujarati-language film directed by Rishabh Ghelani. The film explores a formative early chapter in the life of Indian freedom fighter and statesman Vallabhbhai Patel. 

 (Birds in the Dark), a Punjabi-language independent film directed by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Shashank Walia. The film follows a disillusioned police agent and a wrongly accused man whose lives intersect during a period of agrarian unrest.

Beyond these titles, True Story Films is serving as co-producer on 

, the upcoming feature from Shonali Bose and starring Pratik Gandhi.

On the series front, the company has co-produced the Netflix series 

 with Abundantia Entertainment and is currently developing a second series for the platform.

The banner has also revealed additional details about 

, a post-apocalyptic thriller headlined by Ranveer Singh. The film is currently in active pre-production. It will be directed by Hansal Mehta's son Jai Mehta.  

that "it's the kind of film that India hasn't seen before". An international crew has been engaged for the film. 

Hansal Mehta’s True Story Films Unveils Multi-Genre Slate, Violent Action Drama 'Porbandar' In Works

on board to play screen icon Madhubala in her biopic? That’s what the internet was abuzz with after speculation emerged that the

star had bagged the role in the upcoming film. However, 

has learnt that this may not be the case.

A media report, citing an unnamed source, stated that Padda had already been finalised for the project and that filming was expected to begin soon, with additional casting details to be announced later.

reached out for confirmation, a Yash Raj Films talent division spokesperson dismissed the claim and stated that the rumours were "untrue". Padda was last seen in her feature debut 

, opposite Ahaan Pandey. The film became a massive box office success, reviving the romance genre in the theatrical space.

Speculation around the project has circulated for some time. Earlier reports had suggested that actor Kiara Advani was in talks to play the lead role. 

The biopic is reportedly being directed by Jasmeet K. Reen, best known for helming the 2022 film Darlings starring Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah. Further details about the project, including its full cast and production timeline, have not yet been officially announced.

Often called the "Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood" for her timeless beauty and charm, Madhubala is one of India's most celebrated actresses. She began as a child artist in the early 1940s and landed her first lead role in 1942 with 

directed by Amiya Chakrabarty and co-starring Mumtaz Shanti.

With a career spanning about two decades, Madhubala created a filmography of landmark films including 

(1960), among others. Like Monroe, Madhubala's tumultuous personal life was also the subject of widespread industry conversation.

Aneet Padda Not Attached to Star in Madhubala Biopic

Tips Films has just announced a new release date for its upcoming romantic film 

. The film is now set to arrive in cinemas worldwide on June 12, 2026, which is a week later than its previously announced release date of June 5.

Directed by David Dhawan, the film stars Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. Positioned as a colourful rom-com, the film promises to deliver the David Dhawan's signature mix of humour, romance and high-energy storytelling.

The decision to postpone the release comes after Toxic locked June 5 as its release date.

Ramesh Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Films, 

said, “We would like to clarify that our film 

 was originally scheduled for release on June 5, a date we had announced several months ago. However, after recent developments and considering the prevailing situation, we felt it would be more appropriate to shift our release.”

He added that the decision was made in order to maintain a healthy environment in the entertainment industry. “We strongly believe that it is always healthier for the industry when filmmakers support one another rather than compete unnecessarily on the same date. In that spirit of solidarity, we have decided to move the release of 

 to June 12 and bring our film to audiences a week later,” Taurani said. A tentpole film like 

 would definitely hamper ticket sales for smaller films by cannibalising their business.

Promotional activities, including the launch of the film’s soundtrack and trailer, will proceed as planned in the lead-up to the revised release date. Father-son duo David and Varun Dhawan last collaborated on 

 will now release in cinemas worldwide on June 12, 2026.

Varun Dhawan's 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' Postponed by a Week, Sets June 12 Release Date

is breaking records at the box-office nine days ahead of its global release.

has already sold nearly three lakhs tickets in India.

The makers will open the film on March 18 with paid previews, which have set the cash registers ringing. According to industry tracker 

, the film’s total ticket sales have crossed ₹15 crore, with the number reaching ₹21 crore after including block bookings.

With eight days to go for the paid previews, the figure is likely to touch around ₹35 crore nett, which would be a record for Indian cinema. 

held the paid preview benchmark for Bollywood films at around ₹8.75 crore, while the Telugu actioner 

, starring Pawan Kalyan, holds the pan-India record at ₹25 crore.

With paid previews included, the opening day for 

is being projected to comfortably cross the ₹100 crore mark. Since the makers haven't opened bookings for the weekend yet, the numbers might increase once the full showcasing is out.

is also expected to smash the ₹500 crore club within a week of its release and set new global benchmarks for an Indian film, with weekend numbers expected to consistently hit triple digits.

The sequel continues the journey of Indian intelligence agent Hamza Ali Mazari, also known as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who operates undercover in Karachi, infiltrating criminal syndicates and political power structures to dismantle a terror network threatening India.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, the film is set for a grand release on March 19, coinciding with Eid, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. It will be released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film will enjoy an open run as 

which was scheduled to hit cinemas on March 19, has moved to June.

'Dhurandhar 2' Advance Booking: Ranveer Singh-Aditya Dhar Film On Track for Historic ₹100 Crore Opening

Actor and filmmaker R Parthiban has responded to the controversy around his comments about actor Trisha Krishnan at a recent award show, by releasing an almost eight-minute long video explaining the context behind his remarks and denying any intentional wrongdoing.

The controversy began after Parthiban made a remark on stage referencing Trisha’s character Kundhavai from 

. During his speech, he said that it might be “better to ask this Kundhavai to sit at home for a while”, a comment that quickly picked up steam online.

Trisha responded on social media: “A microphone doesn’t make a comment intelligent or humorous. It just makes stupidity louder.”

In his video, Parthiban clarified the difference between intention and accident. “There is a difference between a mistake and wrongdoing. A mistake is something done unknowingly. A wrongdoing is something done willingly. Similarly, there is a difference between an apology and expressing regret,” he said.

He maintained that the incident was unintentional and said the appearance of Trisha’s photo during his speech had caught him by surprise. According to Parthiban, he had been speaking about actors Vijay and Ajith Kumar when her image appeared on screen. “The claim that I specifically requested her photo to be displayed is 100 per cent wrong,” he said.

Parthiban also referred to online discourse regarding Trisha’s appearance alongside Vijay at a wedding reception, including remarks made in a video by YouTuber Anthanan from the channel Valaipechu. He said similar opinions were being discussed backstage before the event.

When the image appeared on screen, he said, the host referenced Kundhavai which prompted his off-the-cuff reaction. “I simply said, ‘Let Kundhavai sit at home so that problems don’t arise.’ I said it with anguish. That is all,” he explained.

The actor and filmmaker added that journalist Rangaraj Pandey had advised him after the speech that the remark could have been avoided altogether. Acting on that suggestion, Parthiban said he asked the event organisers to delete the segment from the video, but the clip had already circulated online by the next morning.

Additionally, he expressed regret about the broader controversy, while criticising Trisha’s response to the incident. Parthiban said he had recorded a video message around International Women’s Day to clarify the situation but learned only later that Trisha had already posted her reaction online. “I regretted the entire incident wholeheartedly,” he said, adding that the aftermath of the incident had far exceeded what he had expected or intended.

R Parthiban on Vijay-Trisha Controversy: 'There is a Difference Between a Mistake and Wrongdoing'

In the recently released trailer of Ken Karunaas’ 

we see the young actor, who has also directed the film, in quite a conundrum. As his mother yearns that he would study hard to become an IAS officer, we see Ken’s character Praveen declaring that he only has love in his mind. And then we see him fall in love with as many as three different girls throughout the length of the trailer. His father, played by Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramoodu, is more realistic about the expectations he has from his son. Instead of building castles in the sky, he knows his son better and his “romantic” ways. The trailer features short romantic passages with each of the three heroines in the film, and it also shows Ken in full action mode. The trailer ends with the line, “written, directed and performed by Ken and Gang” on what looks like the blackboard of a classroom.

In promotional interviews, Ken had stated that he was inspired by the "cool and casual romantic" format of the Malayalam blockbuster 

. The songs of the film, composed by GV Prakash Kumar, have already become a huge success. The promo video showing Ken interacting with the composer to announce their collaboration was also a hit. The film will be released next week on March 19.

Ken Karunaas had previously played vital roles in films such as 

. Suraj Venjaramoodu and Devadarshini are playing the roles of his parents in this film. Suraj had played the antagonist in last year’s acclaimed action thriller 

, starring Vikram. Suraj will also be seen in 

. Suraj’s two previous releases in Malayalam, 

, were both successes. The heroines of the upcoming romance are Anishma Anilkumar, Meenakshi and Sri Devi. The film has been co-directed by two more people, Pradeep Devakumar and Joshua Williams. 

'Youth' Movie Trailer: Ken Karunaas In An Energetic Rom-Com 

is going to have a broader release. The superstar's 2025 comedy drama will have its OTT debut on Sony LIV, nearly nine months after Khan released the film theatrically and opted for a direct pay-per-view (PPV) model on his YouTube channel, bypassing traditional streaming.

opened in cinemas on June 20, 2025 and then skipped the OTT release to premiere directly on YouTube from August 1 at a price point of ₹100 in India. 

Khan's idea was to disrupt the traditional theatrical-to-OTT window distribution model, where viewers access a film for free after the eight-week timeframe. The actor, instead, released the film as a TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand), where viewers could rent the film for ₹100 for 48 hours. 

Sony LIV, in a statement, said, "Nearly a year after its theatrical release in June 2025, Aamir Khan’s feel-good sports comedy-drama is set to stream on Sony LIV, bringing its uplifting and inspiring story to audiences at home."

The streamer also stated that the film's release marks a special milestone for Sony LIV, as 

becomes the "platform’s first Hindi theatrical film to premiere on the service." Produced by Khan and Aparna Purohit, under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, with B. Shrinivas Rao and Ravi Bhagchandka serving as producers, 

Written by Divy Nidhi Sharma and also starring Genelia Deshmukh, the film features Khan as a suspended basketball coach who must serve community service by helping a team of neurodivergent players prepare for a tournament. 

also starred Ashish Pendse, Aroush Datta, Aayush Bhansali, Rishi Shahani, Gopikrishnan K Varma, Rishabh Jain, Vedant Sharma, Simran Mangeshkar, Samvit Desai and Naman Misra.

Khan, meanwhile, is yet to announce his next film as an actor.

Aamir Khan's 'Sitaare Zameen Par' To Stream on Sony LIV Nearly a Year After Pay-Per-View Model

In yet another setback for Vijay’s final film, 

, the review committee’s screening of the revised version was reportedly postponed again yesterday, Monday, the 9 of March. The reason given for the postponement was the unavailability of a committee member due to illness. A member of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) was expected to preside over the examination with a different set of advisory panel members. A new date for the screening has not yet been finalised. According to reports, production house KVN Productions received a notification regarding the postponement. The film was originally scheduled to be released on January 9.

In February, the production ended a month-long legal stalemate by withdrawing their petition before the Madras High Court challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to refer the film to a revising committee.  The withdrawal clears the way for the CBFC’s revising committee to examine the film and determine whether it will be granted an Adult (A), Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U), or Unrestricted Exhibition with Parental Guidance (U/A) certificate. On February 10, Justice PT Asha of the Madras High Court heard the case and permitted the withdrawal of the petition, 

 reported. A February release of the film can thus be foreseen following the dissolution of the legal deadlock.

 in Hindi—is positioned as Vijay’s final film before he transitioned into full-time politics. The big-budget political thriller also features Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju and Priyamani, and is among the most anticipated releases of 2026.

a few days ago, Vijay’s wife initiated divorce proceedings against him, accusing him of long-term infidelity.

Sangeetha Sornalingam, Vijay’s wife of 27 years, has filed a petition seeking divorce on grounds of alleged infidelity, claiming that the actor was involved in an extramarital relationship with a female actor. She has reportedly been living separately from Vijay for the past two years.

Vijay’s 'Jana Nayagan' Review Screening Postponed: Reports

Director RJ Balaji posted a short video on his social media handles to give us an update on his upcoming film starring Suriya. The film, which was expected to be released on April 10 until recently, coinciding with the Tamil New Year season, has been pushed indefinitely. In this video, he acknowledged the disappointment being felt by Suriya fans at the film’s postponement and added that he’s back to working on the film’s final post-production work. 

“I’ve been working on this film for more than two years, but I assure you that the wait will be worth it,” he said. He also added that an update about the film’s release would be revealed soon, even though it might not hit screens on April 10. Jokingly, he also dismissed rumours of any arguments or fights he was having with the film’s producer, SR Prabhu, apologising again for the film’s delay. He was last seen as a commentator during the recently concluded T20 World Cup, which India co-hosted.

In his Pongal wishes for fans earlier this year, the actor-filmmaker said that the festival season would not bring any special update about his upcoming film 

 starring Suriya. He joked about how every festival comes with a new updated poster of a star’s new film, but the poster does not always bring any new information with it. He said the release date announcement of 

 will come out with the launch of the film’s second single, although he did confirm when the second song would be out.

 is being shot by GK Vishnu, who was the cinematographer behind films such as 

 is written by Ashwin Ravichandran, Rahul Raj, T. S. Gopi Krishnan and Karan Aravind Kumar and produced by Dream Warrior Pictures. Apart from Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, the film features actors Swasika, Indrans, Yogi Babu, Sshivada, Natty Subramaniam and Supreeth Reddy.

Suriya’s ‘Karuppu’ Will Not Release On April 10

For sitar player Rishab Sharma, the story of his musical journey already reads a little like a film script. It begins not in concert halls or grand music academies, but inside his father’s shop, where the young musician spent his days surrounded by visiting maestros. 

“I was just a young musician with my sitar in my dad’s store,” Sharma recalls in the League of Excellence powered by BMW India. “All these great maestros would come in and teach me a little bit.” Each encounter left behind a small lesson—a phrase, a rhythm, a musical idea. “I was like this musical piggy bank for them,” he says. “One raga here, one taal there, one sargam here.”

Those early, informal exchanges would quietly shape the musician he would become. Instead of a single rigid lineage, Sharma’s understanding of classical music grew through fragments of guidance from many different artists. 

The experience also left him with a sense that his life, shaped by these chance encounters, carries a narrative worth telling.

“I do want to make a movie inspired by my life,” he says. It’s not an immediate plan, but a long-term goal. “Eventually, when I have more significance to my story.”

For now, Sharma is still in the middle of living it. The musician admits that the scale of his journey has often exceeded his own expectations. “I stopped dreaming after a while. Because even when you dream, you fall short of what the universe has to offer you.” The statement is less about giving up on ambition and more about remaining open to possibility—allowing life to unfold in ways that cannot always be planned, he says.

The sitar continues to be Sharma’s way of connecting with audiences across cultures and spaces, from traditional stages to new digital platforms. His ultimate ambition, he says, is simple. “I want to play the sitar for each and every soul on this planet.”

Rishab Sharma on His Unlikely Journey: 'I Want to Make a Movie Inspired By My Life'

Indian sitar player Rishab Sharma has emerged as one of the most recognisable young faces of contemporary classical music, bringing the centuries-old instrument to audiences far beyond traditional concert halls. In recent years, the musician has built a wide following through live performances, digital platforms and collaborations that place the sitar within modern contexts.

For him, the act of making music begins with something far more inward: self-reflection. “Music is deeply personal and it is a reflection of oneself,” he says in the League of Excellence powered by BMW India. Sharma believes authenticity is what ultimately resonates. “I’ve never made music with the intention of, oh I want to make cool music, I want to target a particular audience,” he explains. “Once you start, it’s a rabbit hole.”

Sharma’s philosophy has shaped not just his artistic process but also the purpose behind his performances. Through his initiative 'Sitar for Mental Health', the musician has been using classical music as a space to spark conversations around emotional wellbeing—an area that still carries significant stigma in India. The idea, he says simply, “is to bring conversation around mental health.”

Yet even naming the project was not straightforward. Sharma recalls facing resistance from those around him because of the discomfort attached to the word itself. “There were a lot of fights at home, when I was naming it Sitar for Mental Health, because the word ‘mental’ itself has so much stigma around it,” he says. 

At one point, he softened the title to 'Sitar for Mindfulness', hoping the gentler phrasing might feel more acceptable. But the change didn’t sit right with him. “After the inaugural show, I realised I’m not feeling this—it defeats the purpose,” he says. He eventually reverted to the original name, embracing the discomfort that comes with confronting difficult conversations. “You have to have those awkward conversations at home.”

The response from audiences has reinforced his decision. Sharma often meets listeners after performances who tell him his music has affected them in deeply personal ways. “Some people come up to me after my shows and say, ‘Your music has changed my life,’” he says.

Those moments, while gratifying, come with their own sense of weight. For Sharma, they are a reminder that the relationship between artist and listener can extend far beyond the stage. “It feels like a huge responsibility,” he admits. “I have to keep doing what I do, and keep doing it better.”

Rishab Sharma on His Show 'Sitar for Mental Health': 'It Feels Like a Huge Responsibility'

A debate around working hours in the Indian film industry has resurfaced after Deepika Padukone recently suggested that new mothers should be allowed to work eight-hour shifts. Her remarks sparked a wider conversation online and within the industry about the long-standing culture of extended shoot days, with several actors voicing support for the idea of more flexible schedules.

Film shoots in India have historically run for long stretches depending on production demands. While many male actors have managed to establish an 8-hour shift, women in the business have had to fight harder to set the same boundaries. 

, actors Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Ananya Panday addressed the debate and shared their perspectives on how working hours are negotiated within the industry.

Kapoor Khan emphasised the importance of setting expectations early in a project. “Everything needs to be really well-planned and you have to be very clear right from the beginning. I will say, ‘This is what I can do,’ because I have two children. I need to come back. Obviously, even if you’re married, have children and as a woman, if you do not want to give that time, you should be able to have that freedom to say, ‘This is what I want. I can only work this number of hours.’ It’s fine to say that way before a film starts,” she said.

Priyadarshan pointed to the realities of demanding shooting schedules, particularly in the Malayalam film industry, while acknowledging incremental progress. “The Malayalam industry is 16-hour shifts. We just brought it down to 12 hours and I think it’s a huge win for our industry. Cinema can’t be boxed into fixed hours, but I think we all deserve respect and rest and support,” she said.

Panday described the issue as one that ultimately requires negotiation between actors and producers rather than a uniform rule. “It’s a discussion, and I think the film should be the priority. It’s okay to have a conversation with your producer, to find a balance. It’s a private conversation to have, and it’s something that can be worked around. There’s no hard and fast rule. Everyone is allowed to have that conversation,” said Panday.

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Ajith Kumar Safely Returns to Chennai from Dubai amid West Asia conflict

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