Entertainment

entertainment

Anant Nag to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024; PM Modi hails 'richly deserved' honour

Veteran actor Anant Nag, whose career spans five decades and more than 250 films in Kannada and Hindi cinema, will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024. The government announced the honour, the highest in Indian cinema, ahead of the National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the actor, calling it a 'richly deserved honour'.

16 Sep 2026, 01:57 PM

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Kitty Su launches queer-led beauty line to mark 15 years of drag and nightlife

Kitty Su, known for its queer nightlife spaces, has launched Kitty Su Beauty, billed as India's first queer-led beauty brand. The initial collection includes three lipsticks and two glosses, created with drag performer Hash Brownie.

26 Aug 2026, 05:59 AM

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Pilot Theatre: The rise and fall of Chennai's once-modern cinema

Pilot Theatre, once a modern cinema in Chennai's Royapettah, opened in 1968 with 70 mm projection and air-conditioning. It was a cultural hub for decades before closing in 2014 and being demolished in 2017, leaving behind memories of a bygone era.

25 Aug 2026, 03:39 AM

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Microdramas Gaining Ground in India as Gen Z Embraces Minute-Long Episodes

India is witnessing an early boom in microdramas — shows with episodes lasting one to two minutes — driven largely by Gen Z viewers on mobile phones. Industry executives say the format leverages India's serialised storytelling tradition and changing time commitments, while noting China's larger market as a reference point.

23 Aug 2026, 11:57 AM

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Toxic: Can Yash Redefine His Stardom with a Nuanced Performance?

Yash, known for his superstar persona, faces a new challenge with his upcoming film 'Toxic'. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, offers him a chance to showcase his acting range beyond the larger-than-life roles he is famous for.

22 Aug 2026, 06:24 AM

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Veteran actor 'Sowcar' Janaki, who lit up screens for 7 decades, dies at 94

Veteran actor 'Sowcar' Janaki, whose career spanned over 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, died at a private hospital in Chennai on Friday. She was 94. Her last film in Telugu was Anni Manchi Sakunamule (2023), and she was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022.

21 Aug 2026, 09:36 AM

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Kerala to grant industry status to Malayalam cinema by September-end, says Minister

The Kerala government will grant industry status to Malayalam cinema by September-end, as part of its 100-day action plan. Minister P.C. Vishnunadh also outlined initiatives for a film literacy programme in schools and colleges, and plans to activate three cultural complexes across the state.

21 Aug 2026, 06:01 AM

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How a Modest Chinese Animated Film Became a Box-Office Hit Through Memes

Low-budget Chinese animated film 'Niu Lai' defied expectations after social media clips turned it into an internet sensation. Despite early poor performance and mockery of its simple graphics, the film earned millions at the box office, sparking debates about online culture and audience taste.

21 Aug 2026, 02:41 AM

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Harry, Meghan Reportedly Moving Back to UK This Month, Children to Start School

Media reports indicate Prince Harry and Meghan are to return to Britain this month with their children for an extended stay, with the kids starting school in September. No official confirmation has been made, though a source close to the couple confirmed the reports.

19 Aug 2026, 11:51 PM

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Shubha Mudgal Leads Jackfruit Festival with 194 Young Musicians in Bengaluru

The eighth Jackfruit Festival in Bengaluru will feature 194 young musicians from across India, with Shubha Mudgal as festival director. The event includes ensemble performances, prodigy showcases, drumming presentations, and workshops, emphasising inclusivity and diverse musical traditions.

19 Aug 2026, 02:20 PM

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Improv theatre gains ground in Hyderabad with new workshops and clubs

Hyderabad's improv theatre community is expanding, with collectives like Improv Commune and Vikram Bae-Taal drawing audiences through unscripted performances. Practitioners say the art form builds confidence and offers therapeutic benefits, as new platforms like Cue Ball prepare to launch.

19 Aug 2026, 08:12 AM

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Tupac Trial Witness Turns Combative, Says 'I Don't Want to Send Him to Prison'

A key witness in the Tupac Shakur murder trial grew combative and said he did not want to see defendant Duane "Keffe D" Davis sent to prison. The former gang member, who acknowledged he was not present at the shooting, claimed others in Shakur's entourage had identified the attackers. The trial continues.

19 Aug 2026, 03:00 AM

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Hayden Panettiere, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ star, dies at 36, family says

Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ has died at 36, her family confirmed through a statement reported by U.S. media. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Panettiere was a former child actor and a two-time Golden Globe nominee.

17 Aug 2026, 05:51 AM

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Hayden Panettiere, 'Heroes' and 'Nashville' star, dies at 36

Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for 'Heroes' and 'Nashville', has died at the age of 36, her family confirmed. Her father paid tribute to her as 'an incredible light' and asked for privacy as the family grieves.

17 Aug 2026, 04:27 AM

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Pug Jinny Lu Wins 50th World's Ugliest Dog Contest in California

A 6-year-old pug named Jinny Lu won the 50th Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest in California, taking home a $5,000 prize. Organisers say the event celebrates the uniqueness of rescue dogs and promotes adoption.

17 Aug 2026, 02:48 AM

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How FTII's founding model shaped Indian cinema's leading rebels and innovators

This article examines the founding philosophy of the Film and Television Institute of India under Jagat Murari, highlighting how debate, dissent, and diversity helped produce leading filmmakers. It draws lessons for today's education system from FTII's early success despite resource constraints.

15 Aug 2026, 06:48 AM

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Chennai's Beaches: A Guide to Love, Loss, and the City's Coastal Charm

Explore Chennai's beaches as romantic venues, from the iconic Marina to secluded Thiruvanmiyur, with practical tips on timing, safety, and the sweet charm of soan papdi. A guide to the city's coastal love affair.

14 Aug 2026, 04:02 AM

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Malayalam actor Rajesh Hebbar's rock covers strike a chord with young fans

Malayalam actor Rajesh Hebbar, known for his villainous roles on screen, is now winning over young audiences with his viral rock covers. From his college band days to his National Award-winning film career, he shares his enduring passion for music.

13 Aug 2026, 11:54 AM

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Arun Vijay, Muthaiya join hands for rural drama 'Irulan'; first look out

Tamil actor Arun Vijay and director M Muthaiya have collaborated for a new rural drama titled 'Irulan'. The first-look motion poster was released on Wednesday, revealing the actor's rustic appearance, while plot details remain under wraps.

13 Aug 2026, 08:43 AM

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Travis Kelce shares rare details of Taylor Swift wedding: 'Best night of my life'

Travis Kelce has opened up for the first time about his wedding to Taylor Swift, calling it 'the best night of my life.' The private ceremony at Madison Square Garden featured actor Adam Sandler as officiant and included several star guests.

12 Aug 2026, 11:11 PM

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez marry in intimate ceremony in Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have married in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, after a decade together. The wedding was attended by their five children, and the couple confirmed the news on Instagram. Ronaldo's club Al Nassr begins its season days later.

12 Aug 2026, 01:49 AM

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First Kalaratna Award for Kathakali Artiste Sibi Chakravarthy

Kalamandalam Sibi Chakravarthy will receive the inaugural Kalaratna Award from the Palakkad Kathakali Club, which carries ₹10,000 and a citation. The award is part of the club's 20th anniversary celebrations, with a special Kathakali performance to mark the occasion.

08 Aug 2026, 08:18 PM

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BTS Opts Out of Grammys, Says Music 'Should Not Be Defined by Region or Language'

BTS has decided not to submit their music for next year's Grammy Awards, citing the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The group says music should be judged on its own merits, not by region or language.

08 Aug 2026, 04:12 AM

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Malayalam cinema's Onam releases: A crucial test for stars and box office

Malayalam cinema's Onam releases this year feature three big-budget films starring Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, collectively costing around ₹150 crore. The industry and exhibitors hope the festival season will attract family audiences and revive box-office prospects after a mixed first half of 2026.

07 Aug 2026, 05:12 AM

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Beyond Ravi Varma: A New Book Recovers Kerala's Lost Artists

A new book, 'The Forgotten Atelier' by Sharat Sunder Rajeev, uncovers the overlooked artists of 19th-century Kerala, including women in Raja Ravi Varma's family and painter Ramaswamy Naidu. It explores how artistic styles travelled across regions, offering a richer view of India's art heritage.

06 Aug 2026, 08:07 AM

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Yakshagana’s Academic Journey Begins: Mangalore University Pioneers Formal Curriculum

Mangalore University has taken a pioneering step to bring Yakshagana into formal academia with a curriculum design workshop. Artistes and scholars say this will help preserve, promote, and expand the traditional art form globally while retaining its core values.

06 Aug 2026, 08:20 AM

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Chennai's Madras Rock Collective to revive 1980s rock anthems at upcoming concert

The Madras Rock Collective, a band of seasoned musicians, will perform classic 1980s rock anthems at an upcoming Chennai concert. The group, formed in 2018, features members with decades of experience in the city's music scene and will play hits from bands like The Scorpions and Van Halen.

03 Aug 2026, 07:28 AM

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Chennai Singing Circle Turns Online Lessons Into Citywide Bus Singalong

Paadarivom Padipparivom, a Chennai-based community singing group, will hold its first Bus Singalong on August 2 with two buses and about 85 participants. The group, founded during the 2020 lockdown, helps adults learn Tamil film songs through free online lessons and regular events across the city.

02 Aug 2026, 01:44 AM

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Jamuna Rani, legendary playback singer of South Indian cinema, dies at 88

Veteran playback singer Jamuna Rani, renowned for her distinctive voice and thousands of songs in Tamil, Telugu, and Sinhalese films, passed away in Bengaluru at 88. Her career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting legacy in South Indian cinema.

31 Jul 2026, 05:46 AM

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day Overtakes Pathaan, Kantara Chapter 1 with Rs 72.44 Crore Opening

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has recorded the highest opening day collection for a Hollywood film in India, grossing Rs 72.44 crore. The film surpassed recent Indian blockbusters like Pathaan and Kantara Chapter 1 on its debut day.

31 Jul 2026, 03:48 AM

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Producer Seeks $105 Million From Netflix Over Stolen Nicolas Cage Film

Producer Simon Afram has sued Netflix for $105 million after an unreleased Nicolas Cage film, 'Fortitude,' was stolen from the streaming company's studios. Afram says the theft of the unencrypted master copy could lead to piracy and wreck the movie's commercial prospects.

31 Jul 2026, 04:03 AM

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Vijay's final film 'Jana Nayagan' crosses Rs 260 crore worldwide, but Day 8 sees sharp drop

Vijay's final film 'Jana Nayagan' crossed Rs 260 crore worldwide on Day 8, but its India net collection dropped to Rs 3.98 crore. The producer cited the 'A' certificate and competition from Hollywood releases as factors behind the slowdown.

31 Jul 2026, 02:50 AM

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Jana Nayagan Box Office: Vijay's Farewell Film Earns Rs 255.63 Crore Worldwide in First Week

Vijay's political actioner Jana Nayagan earned Rs 6.10 crore net in India on Day 7, taking its worldwide gross to Rs 255.63 crore in the first week. The film has seen a gradual decline in collections but remains a major box office success.

30 Jul 2026, 03:06 AM

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Kashmir's first international film festival receives 875 entries from 50 nations

Jammu and Kashmir's first international film festival has garnered 875 submissions from 50 countries, signalling growing global interest. The September 2026 event aims to position the region as a cinematic hub and promote cultural exchange.

30 Jul 2026, 01:03 AM

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Vrajesh Hirjee on 30 Years of Acting: Comedy, Theatre, and the Joy of Performance

Vrajesh Hirjee, at 55, reflects on his 30-year acting career, his love for theatre and comedy, and why he remains content despite typecasting. He discusses his latest role in Aadyam Theatre's 'Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala' and the honesty required in comedy.

30 Jul 2026, 12:00 AM

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Jana Nayagan Box Office: Vijay’s Film Nears Rs 250 Crore Worldwide, Director Addresses Mixed Reviews

Vijay’s political thriller ‘Jana Nayagan’ earned Rs 8 crore net on Day 6, bringing its worldwide gross to Rs 246.07 crore, close to the Rs 250 crore mark. Director H Vinoth responded to mixed reviews, urging audiences to distinguish genuine feedback from paid promotions.

29 Jul 2026, 02:52 AM

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Kolhapur artistes protest move to privatise historic Palace Theatre

Artistes in Kolhapur are protesting a proposal to privatise the historic Palace Theatre, which is set to reopen after a ₹35-crore renovation. They demand the theatre remain under municipal control, warning that privatisation would harm experimental theatre and cultural access.

28 Jul 2026, 08:13 PM

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Suneil Anand, actor and son of legendary Dev Anand, dies at 70 in London

Suneil Anand, actor and son of legendary filmmaker Dev Anand, died of a heart attack in London at age 70. His niece confirmed the news, requesting privacy as the family grieves.

28 Jul 2026, 12:25 PM

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IMAX Bets Big on India as Nolan’s Odyssey Solves Camera Noise

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey prompted IMAX to create a quieter camera, enabling sync sound. India, lacking 70mm projection, will screen digital versions, yet IMAX plans to double its 34-screen presence in the country.

27 Jul 2026, 01:50 AM

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Weekly Horoscope: July 27 to August 2, 2026 – Navigate the Week Ahead with Clarity

Explore our weekly horoscope for July 27 to August 2, 2026, covering Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces. Navigate relationships, finances, career, and health with practical advice grounded in planetary influences.

27 Jul 2026, 12:45 AM

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Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Crosses Rs 171 Crore Worldwide in Three Days

Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' earned Rs 171.84 crore worldwide in three days, with a 34.8% jump in India on Day 3. The film, his last before politics, saw strong occupancy in Tamil Nadu and steady overseas contributions.

26 Jul 2026, 02:42 AM

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Malayalam film actors' association AMMA faces internal crisis after president resigns

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is facing a serious internal crisis after its president Shwetha Menon resigned following a no-confidence motion, sparking legal battles and public recriminations among members. The conflict, rooted in allegations of communal remarks and governance issues, echoes earlier turmoil triggered by the Hema Committee report on sexual harassment in the industry.

24 Jul 2026, 03:00 AM

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Actor Saanvi Talwar Alleges Misconduct by Co-star Karan Kundrra on TV Show Set

Actor Saanvi Talwar has accused co-star Karan Kundrra of kissing her without consent during a scene and later slapping her on the set of 'Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum'. She also claimed producer Ekta Kapoor apologised on Kundrra's behalf. Kundrra has not responded.

23 Jul 2026, 03:14 PM

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Bengaluru Poetry Festival Returns for 10th Edition with Focus on Indian Languages

The Bengaluru Poetry Festival celebrates its 10th edition on August 1-2 at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha, featuring poets from over 15 Indian languages, performances, and workshops. The free event aims to showcase the richness of Indian poetic traditions.

22 Jul 2026, 12:43 AM

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Multilingual Concert Unites Pre-Modern Poems on Equality

MD Pallavi performed a multilingual concert titled Atmageete at the Bangalore International Centre, featuring pre-modern poems on equality. Supported by guitarist Srinivas Achar, the event highlighted linguistic diversity and cultural unity.

22 Jul 2026, 12:47 AM

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Grammy-Winning Saxophonist Plas Johnson, Known for ‘Pink Panther,’ Dies at 94

Plas Johnson, the tenor saxophonist who performed the Grammy-winning ‘Pink Panther’ theme, has died at 94. A versatile session musician, he worked with many greats and was a member of The Wrecking Crew. His contribution to the iconic film theme remains his most celebrated work.

22 Jul 2026, 01:18 AM

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Jana Nayagan Is 50% Remake of Telugu Film, Director Confirms

Director H Vinoth confirms that Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' is a 50% remake of the Telugu film 'Bhagavanth Kesari', with significant changes to suit Tamil sensibilities and Vijay's screen persona. The film releases on July 23.

21 Jul 2026, 02:24 AM

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Tulu Film 'Imbu' Wins National Award, Explores Digital Age Struggles

Tulu film 'Imbu' has been awarded Best Tulu Movie at the 72nd National Film Awards. The film explores digital literacy and the clash between tradition and modernity through the story of a devout man who falls victim to a mobile phone scam.

19 Jul 2026, 11:52 AM

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72nd National Film Awards 2026 Announced: Jury Headed by Jayaraj

The 72nd National Film Awards winners were announced in New Delhi, with a jury chaired by filmmaker Jayaraj. The awards cover films certified in 2024 across feature, technical, and music categories.

18 Jul 2026, 12:13 PM

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Bishnoi Gang Allegedly Threatens Actor Aamir Khan Over 'Love Jihad' Claim

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has allegedly threatened Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in an unverified social media post, accusing him of promoting 'love jihad.' Police are investigating the post, which also warns political leaders against shielding accused in a separate crime. Khan has not filed a complaint yet.

18 Jul 2026, 06:09 AM

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