Entertainment

Entertainment As India celebrates the historic World Cup victory of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, the spirit of cricket and inspiration returns to the big screen with Ghoomer, the critically acclaimed sports drama directed by R. Balki. Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher, Ghoomer is all set for a special theatrical re-release this Friday, November 7, in celebration of the nation’s enduring love for the game and the women who continue to redefine it. Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher starrer Ghoomer re-releases on November 7 nationwide to honour India’s Women’s Cricket Team’s World Cup win Originally released on August 18, 2023, Ghoomer tells the inspiring story of a cricketer who overcomes immense personal challenges under the guidance of a determined coach who refuses to let her quit. Directed by R. Balki and produced by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Abhishek A. Bachchan, Gauri Shinde, Wg Cdr Ramesh Pulapaka (Retd) and Anil Naidu, the film highlights themes of resilience, mentorship, and the unbreakable spirit that lies at the heart of Indian cricket. Speaking about the re-release, director R Balki said, “I’m thrilled that Ghoomer is releasing again to celebrate the incredible achievement of our women cricketers. Ghoomer was always a tribute to women’s cricket and the resilience of women cricketers. And they did it at the same stadium where Ghoomer was shot. Two matches, one fiction, one fact, on the same pitch. I can’t wait to see audience reactions again.” The film’s message feels even more powerful today. The Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s historic World Cup win echoes the very soul of Ghoomer a story rooted in determination, discipline, and the will to rise beyond limitations. What Ghoomer captured on screen the grit, grace, and glory of women breaking barriers has now come alive in reality through the champions who have made the nation proud. Ghoomer stands as a tribute to every dreamer who refuses to give up, and to every coach, mentor, and supporter who helps them rise again. Its re-release not only celebrates India’s recent cricketing triumph but also reignites the pride, joy, and hope that every cricket fan holds dear. Returning to theatres this Friday, November 7, Ghoomer offers audiences the perfect chance to relive a story of spirit, resilience, and victory both on and off the field. Also Read : Abhishek Bachchan on responding to a journalist’s accusation of him buying an award, “I normally avoid confrontations with trolls but…” More Pages: Ghoomer Box Office Collection , Ghoomer Movie Review Tags : Abhishek Bachchan, Bollywood, Bollywood News, Ghoomer, honour, India, Nationwide, News, November 7, Re-releases, Saiyami Kher, Sports, Win, Women’s cricket team, World Cup BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment After the overwhelming response to the first poster of Border 2 featuring Sunny Deol, the makers T-Series and JP Films have now revealed the highly anticipated first look of Varun Dhawan, ushering in a new generation of courage for India’s biggest patriotic film. Varun Dhawan’s fierce first look from Border 2 unveiled, set to release on January 23, 2026 The poster features Varun Dhawan in a powerful and intense depiction of an Indian soldier on the battlefield captured mid-action with a gun in hand, symbolizing the courage and spirit of the nation’s heroes. Dressed in full army uniform with a fierce expression, Varun’s look embodies the strength and emotion at the heart of Border 2, showcasing the actor in a striking new avatar. Border uska farz hai aur Bharat uska pyaar! ????????????#Border2 releasing on 23rd January, 2026.@iamsunnydeol @Varun_dvn @diljitdosanjh #AhanShetty #BhushanKumar #JPDutta @RealNidhiDutta #KrishanKumar @SinghAnurag79 @ShivChanana @binoygandhi @neerajkalyan_24 @TSeries… pic.twitter.com/bhMz937vjD — T-Series (@TSeries) November 5, 2025 This latest reveal adds a powerful new chapter to the film’s emotional legacy one built on courage, brotherhood, and sacrifice that defined a generation and now aims to inspire the next. With Varun Dhawan’s impactful first look, Border 2 sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most anticipated and stirring cinematic experiences of 2026. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 unites a stellar ensemble cast featuring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, the film is slated for release on January 23, 2026, perfectly timed to honour the Republic Day weekend with a story of bravery and patriotism. Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a stellar production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and helmed by director Anurag Singh, the film carries forward the legacy of honouring the heroism and unyielding spirit of Indian soldiers. Promising an unforgettable cinematic experience filled with patriotism, courage, and sacrifice, Border 2 is all set to storm into cinemas on January 23rd, 2026. Also Read : Varun Dhawan brings back the ’90s Vibes! Audio teaser of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Title track out now More Pages: Border 2 Box Office Collection Tags : Bollywood, Bollywood News, Border 2, Fierce, First Look, January 23 2026, News, Release, Social Media, Twitter, Twitter India, Unveiled, Varun Dhawan BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment Salman Khan is in the eye of a legal storm after a consumer court issued a notice to him in connection with allegedly misleading advertisements for a pan masala brand. Salman Khan summoned by Consumer Court for alleged misleading ‘Pan Masala’ ads A complaint filed by senior BJP leader and Rajasthan High Court advocate Inder Mohan Singh Honey accused the actor and the company behind the product of deceptively promoting the product as “saffron-infused cardamom” and “saffron-infused pan masala.” Honey pointed out that saffron costs about Rs. 4 lakh per kilogram and contended it “cannot be an ingredient in a product priced at Rs. 5.” Honey further remarked, “Salman Khan is a role model for many people. We have filed a complaint against it in the Kota Consumer Court, and notices have been issued for a hearing. Celebrities or film stars in other countries don’t even promote cold drinks, but they are promoting tobacco and pan masala. I urge them not to spread the wrong message to the youth, as pan masala is one of the leading causes of mouth cancer.” Following the filing of the complaint, the Kota Consumer Court has formally issued notices to the actor and the manufacturing company, requesting their responses ahead of the next hearing scheduled for November 27. It’s worth noting that while Salman Khan has appeared in advertisements for the brand’s elaichi (cardamom) product, he has not featured in ads for the pan masala product itself. The firm in question is the manufacturer of both elaichi and pan masala under the brand name. As of now, no reply has been publicly confirmed from Khan’s side or the company regarding the notice. The coming hearing will reveal whether the court deems the promotional claims unfair to consumers and whether the actor’s involvement will have further legal implications. Also Read : Salman Khan to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s right hand Jeeva Mahala in Riteish Deshmukh’s Raja Shivaji BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment As the anticipation builds for the trailer of 120 Bahadur, a powerful war drama based on the legendary Battle of Rezang La, actors Farhan Akhtar and Raashii Khanna are set to mark the occasion with a deeply emotional gesture. On November 6, the duo will visit Jodhpur to pay tribute at the memorial of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC — the heroic soldier whose extraordinary courage inspired the film. Farhan Akhtar and Raashii Khanna to visit Jodhpur for emotional tribute on the day of 120 Bahadur trailer launch According to a source close to the production, the visit has been planned as a heartfelt homage to the late war hero and the values of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism that 120 Bahadur celebrates. “Farhan Akhtar and Raashii Khanna will be visiting the memorial of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC, in Jodhpur on the day of the trailer launch. This visit is being organized as a mark of deep respect to the Major and his indomitable spirit,” the source revealed. In a touching gesture, the actors will first showcase the trailer privately to Major Shaitan Singh Bhati’s son, Narpat Singh Ji, and his family before unveiling it to the public. The moment is expected to be one of solemn reflection and national pride, highlighting the real-life heroism that forms the core of the film. Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment in association with Trigger Happy Studios, 120 Bahadur stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh and Raashii Khanna as his wife, Shagun Kanwari Singh. The film chronicles the heroic defence of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where 120 soldiers of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment — all from the Ahir community — stood their ground against a 3000-strong Chinese force, inflicting over 1300 casualties despite being vastly outnumbered. Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour, for his extraordinary bravery. 120 Bahadur aims to bring his story and the valor of his men to a new generation of audiences. The film is slated for a theatrical release on November 21, 2025. Also Read: Makers of 120 Bahadur starring Farhan Akhtar to host a grand music album launch at the iconic Royal Opera House on November 4 More Pages: 120 Bahadur Box Office Collection BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment The sitarist-composer jumped into the Mumbai show soon after returning from a U.S. tour (Left) Steven Wilson jams with Purbayan Chatterjee at the former’s The Overview Tour India stop in Mumbai on Nov. 3, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the artist Despite the request from British artist Steven Wilson at his Mumbai show on Nov. 3, 2025 that fans should refrain from recording the concert, it was a phones-out moment when sitarist-composer Purbayan Chatterjee was called on stage to jam on “Voyage 34,” a seminal psychedelic jam from Porcupine Tree. The lights even turned all blue, red, and white, in a possible nod to the 2004 re-issue artwork. On stage, the energy was at an all-time high for what the sitarist calls a trip in progress. “It was a transformative experience for me as a musician, just being on stage. The Mumbai audience made it magic for me,” Chatterjee says over a phone call. It was in June this year that a video of sitarist-composer Purbayan Chatterjee jamming with prog band Dream Theater’s keyboardist and composer-producer Jordan Rudess did the rounds on social media. The sitarist surmises that Wilson and his team perhaps saw that video and reached out to him about a possible guest appearance during his The Overview Tour India 2025. “They were trying to take me [on the entire tour] but the dates didn’t match, as I was also supposed to go to Azerbaijan,” he says. Purbayan Chatterjee at soundcheck ahead of Steven Wilson’s Mumbai concert. Photo: Courtesy of the artist Familiar with Wilson’s solo work as well as Porcupine Tree’s discography, Chatterjee had some reservations considering they weren’t going to have a chance to rehearse the songs. While on tour in the U.S., he received “Voyage 34” and was asked to play sitar over it and send it back to Wilson. “I recorded something from Houston and sent it to him. And he said, ‘Wow, this is going amazing.’ I played on a lot of the song. and I thought that he will say, ‘Oh no, no, you had these 16 bars here.’ But to my surprise, he said we’ll keep all of it and I’d play throughout the song,” Chatterjee recalls. They finally met on stage during soundcheck, and the sitarist says it was “magic from the get-go.” Following the on-stage collaboration, there might be more in the works between the artists. “He [Wilson] reached out to my manager yesterday, and he said he would like to keep in touch. I’m actually going to be in the U.K. in February, so let me see if I can hang out with him and figure some stuff.” In addition to Wilson, Chatterjee is also working with Rudess on material. “We are constantly in touch, and we are working on songs together. We also share a passion for technology and apps,” he says. We remind Chatterjee that Dream Theater are back in India in January 2026 with shows in Bengaluru and Kolkata. Asked if we might see another on-stage collaboration, Chatterjee laughs and says, “I don’t know, they haven’t asked yet.” In December 2023, the sitarist made a similar star appearance, called on by fusion band Snarky Puppy to add a solo to their song “Lingus” in Mumbai. While he’s collaborated with bandleader Michael League on his album Unbounded (Abaad) in 2021, this jam led to an upcoming album with guitarist Mark Lettieri. “We’re coming out with an album called Feathered Creatures. I think the first single will drop in April, as things are planned now. So we’re taking that on the road and touring, and that’s in the electronic production space,” Chatterjee says. There are also plans to set up a second home in New York and work with more musicians from around the world, with Chatterjee hoping to express himself as a “contemporary individual,” drawing from Indian classical music as well as other forms. He adds, “Music cannot become an anachronistic thing, fossilized with no relevance. We have to keep it relevant. We have to keep it very interactive. We have to keep it very conversational. It’s very important to do that.” Read More

Entertainment “What a pleasant surprise,” Dylan says in a statement. “Who knows what path my career might have taken if I’d been fortunate enough to learn from some of the great musicians who taught at Berklee” Bob Dylan has accepted an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the Berklee College of Music, marking the first time he’s received such an honor from an American college or university since 1970. “Thank you, Berklee College of Music, for bestowing on me this prestigious honor. What a pleasant surprise,” Dylan says in a statement. “Who knows what path my career might have taken if I’d been fortunate enough to learn from some of the great musicians who taught at Berklee. It’s something to think about.” The school says that they are recognizing Dylan’s “extraordinary influence on modern music” and “lifelong commitment to creative exploration.” “This is an incredible moment for this institution,” said Berklee President Jim Lucchese. “Bob Dylan’s music has shaped how the world hears itself. He’s an artist who has never stopped evolving, who keeps chasing truth through sound and language. That’s the spirit we try to cultivate here every day. Honoring him feels like a reaffirmation of the creative impulse that built this place.” Adds Berklee’s American Roots Music Program artistic director Matt Glaser: “Bob Dylan has spent a lifetime learning, absorbing, and transforming every American song tradition, and Berklee strives to teach all the music that Dylan loves. His deep immersion in African American blues parallels much of Berklee’s curriculum, which is rooted in the distinctly American variants of the music of the African diaspora.” “As anyone who has read his books or listened to his hundred-plus radio programs can attest, Dylan is also a great teacher and learner,” Glaser continues. “He shows us how to keep learning about music and the arts our whole lives through, and to embrace it all as one thing. I love the anecdote Dylan himself tells: he once went up to Thelonious Monk at the Five Spot in Greenwich Village, introduced himself, and said, ‘I play folk music down the street.’ Monk replied, ‘We all play folk music.’” Dylan dropped out of the University of Minnesota in 1959 after spending just one semester on campus, where he barely attended any classes. He accepted an honorary degree from Scotland’s University of St. Andrews in 2004, but hasn’t received one from an American education institution since Princeton awarded him one in 1970. Dylan attended the ceremony in person alongside David Crosby, inspiring his 1970 New Morning song “Day of the Locusts.” (The event took place while cicadas were swarming the campus.) “Oh, the benches were stained with tears and perspiration,” Dylan wrote in the song. “The birdies were flying from tree to tree/There was little to say, there was no conversation/As I stepped to the stage to pick up my degree/And the locusts sang off in the distance/Yeah, the locusts sang such a sweet melody/Oh, the locusts sang off in the distance/Yeah, the locusts sang and they were singing for me.” In his 2004 memoir Chronicles, Dylan looked back on the day. “I was glad to get the degree, though,” he wrote. “I could use it. The very look and touch and scent of it spelled respectability and had something of the spirit of the universe in it. After whispering and mumbling my way through the ceremony, I was handed the scroll. We piled back into the big Buick and drove away.” This time around, there are no plans for Dylan to appear at any event commemorating the honorary degree from Berklee. But the school is staging a concert on Wednesday evening entitled Watching the River Flow: A Roots Salute to Bob Dylan. It will features students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists performing Dylan classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind, “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” and “Chimes of Freedom.” It will culminate in a unique rendition of “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” where a hand-selected group of students will take turns singing each of the 20 verses. From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Entertainment The former English soccer star received the U.K.’s top honor form King Charles III in recognition of his contributions to sport and charity Sir David Beckham with wife Victoria Beckham after receiving his knighthood. Richard Pohle – Pool/Getty Images David Beckham has finally earned the honorific he’s long craved after being knighted by King Charles III at a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, Nov. 4. That makes the former English soccer star officially Sir David Beckham, or, if you prefer, “Sir Becks” or “Sir Goldenballs.” Beckham, who was previously made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2003, was recognized this time around for his services to sport and charity. After the ceremony, Beckham called being made a Knight Bachelor “without a doubt my proudest moment” (via The Guardian). He continued: “I’ve been very obviously lucky in my career to have won what I’ve won and done what I’ve done, but to receive an honor like this, of a knight, is beyond anything that I ever thought that I would receive.” Beckham’s sporting honors are myriad: He won the Premier League six times with Manchester United, while also winning the UEFA Champions League once. He also made 115 appearances for the England Men’s National Team and played for Real Madrid in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, and Paris Saint-Germain in France. He played a significant role in the growth of soccer in the U.S., too, becoming one of the first major European stars to ply their trade in the MLS when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.  As for his charitable work, Beckham has worked closely with organizations fighting malaria and has been serving as an ambassador for UNICEF since 2005. UNICEF and others are working to eradicate malaria. “I think mostly it’s because of the career that I’ve had and the teams that I’ve played for and the things that I’ve won and the respect that I’ve gained throughout my career, and I think that that is why people listen to me,” Beckham said. “And I think it’s a very powerful tool to have in charity. I just found very quickly that we could make change with things that I said and things that I got involved in and I think that’s why it’s so important to me.” Beckham’s yearning for a knighthood has been well documented, though not necessarily in the most flattering light. In 2013, he was rejected for the award, and several years later, hacked emails revealed his frustration with the decision. He reportedly called the honors committee “unappreciative cunts” while also insisting he didn’t “care about being knighted.” The emails also revealed some concerns from U.K. officials about Beckham’s taxes. From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Entertainment The sci-fi franchise best known for interstellar hunters stalking humans asks: What do you get when you pair a chatty android with the killer of killers? Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in ‘Predator: Badlands.’ 20th Century Studios He’s part of a race of extraterrestrial hunters who take pride in their stalking prowess and being the “killer of killers.” She’s an android programmed to collect alien specimens and, apparently, offer a cheerful running commentary whenever disaster looms. Along with an adorable creature blessed with the agility of a Rhesus monkey and the scrunchy face of a pug, they’ve got to navigate dangerous environment rife with deadly obstacles. We don’t want to say that hilarity necessarily ensues when, you know, one of the characters splits a massive beast in half with a laser sword and holds its bloodied, severed spine up as a spoil of victory. But it’s pretty obvious you’re watching a buddy comedy. One in which the co-lead is a Predator. [Cue theme to The Odd Couple] Once upon a time, this stone-cold killer from a galaxy far, far away was merely another threat that stood between Arnold Schwarzenegger and survival in the jungles of Central America. Thanks to Stan Winston’s extraordinary design and the need for endlessly franchised creature features, the interstellar intruder with the mandibles and dreadlocks kept coming back to Earth, hunting everyone from 18th century Native American tribes to future-shocked L.A. cops. Sequels, comic books, video games, action figures, and an animated feature followed. It even got to go toe-to-toe with Xenomorphs. A star was born. The sixth film in the series — eighth if you count the Alien vs. Predator offshoots — Predator: Badlands retains the mix of B-movie action and pulpy horror, with a lot of hard sci-fi elements thrown in. Most of the dialogue is in the title character’s native language, which we believe is called “Predatorese,” and everything takes place on two planets that answer the question, “What if Frank Frazetta and Roger Dean had a baby?” But it’s really a comedic road movie at heart, with as much yuks over a mismatched pair trying to get along as yucks involving the goopy innards of cosmic mastodons. Finally, the Predator cinematic-universe remake of Midnight Run that no one knew they, er, needed? Things kick off with a bit of inter-family strife, involving a young predator named Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). He’s attempting to go through the traditional Yautja rituals of manhood, which will earn him his invisibility cloak. Those involve besting a fellow warrior in battle. The one testing his mettle happens to be his brother, Kwei (Mike Homik). Dek is soon marked for extinction by his dad, the tribal leader, because “weaklings” must be culled from the herd. Long story short, our hero escapes and vows to bring back the ultimate trophy: the head of a Kalisk, an indestructible monstrosity with regenerative healing powers that lives deep within the harsh terrain of Genna. If you’re already confused or bewildered, leave now — it’s only going to get wonkier from here. Mike Homik and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in ‘Predator: Badlands.’20TH CENTURY STUDIOS Once he lands on Genna, Dek fights off a number of indigenous flora, fauna, and the odd hungry behemoth. He also discovers Thia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic made by the Weyland-Yutani corporation — yes, that Weyland-Yutani corporation — who was also sent to capture and retrieve the Kalisk. Congratulations, AvP fans, the franchise crossover is now officially canon! Their meet-cute involves a pterodactyl, a number of plants that shoot paralyzing needles, and a nest in which Thia has been imprisoned. Once she is freed, Dek discover the robot is missing her bottom half. Help her retrieve her legs, Twia says, and she may be able to aid him in finding a Kalisk. He straps her to his back and, along with that aformentioned monkey-dog hybrid who Twia names Bud, they set off to meet their destiny. [Cue “Movin’ Right Along” from The Muppet Movie] There are thrills and chills and spills and a lot of cross-lingual back and forth; you’d be surprised how much banter you can get out of English-to-Predatorese bickering. Fanning knows exactly to add a slightly Pollyanna-ish aura to her opportunistic yet optimistic synthetic, as well as a cold, menacing vibe when playing her evil synth twin. Director Dan Trachtenberg has given us both the franchise’s undisputed masterpiece Prey (2022) and this year’s animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers, and his third time up now makes him the series’ resident go-to ringmaster. He knows how present paperback-cover vistas, yowling monster attacks, and a set piece involving Twia and her still-disembodied gams respectively fighting off Weyland-Yutani thugs. Everything bops breezily along, stopping occasionally to have Dek growl maxims about strength through domination, and observe a decapitation or two. Badlands does have something close to a message that makes itself apparent before the triumphant final-boss fight (there’s one more Alien-related bit of business in store), the Greek-tragedy climax, and a post-credits stinger, in which you’re reminded there’s a difference between the cosmic killer clan you’re born into and the cosmic killer clan you choose, yadda yadda yadda. Or maybe its that the real apex-predator hunt is the friends we made along the way. Regardless, this detour into a genre not previously associated with clacking mandibles and righteous kills suggests the brand’s braintrust wants to diversify its portfolio a bit. To which we can only reply: Bring on the raunchy teen-musical Predator rom-com! From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Entertainment Across four days, we caught up with first-time visitors to the valley in Arunachal Pradesh, returning local heroes and indie artists The very first year that Ziro Festival was about to kick off in 2012, it almost didn’t. Co-founder Anup Kutty, sitting on a hill overlooking the festival grounds in Biirii as well as green fields as we speak, says torrential rains nearly made them call it off. “It was a big mess, but then we still somehow pulled it off,” he says. The festival had support from the Arunachal Pradesh government soon after, who recognized the potential of a DIY festival in a faraway valley that focused on music discovery, specifically from the Northeast. Over the span of more than a decade, Ziro Festival has been home to international artists ranging from post-rock giants Mono, guitar great Lee Ranaldo to rock experimentalist Damo Suzuki, mainstream hitmakers Kailasa, Lucky Ali, Farhan Akhtar, and last month, Shilpa Rao.   At the core of it, however, Ziro Festival has never been about tooting its horn over the big names. Unlike most Indian music festivals, the lineup posters for Ziro mention all names in the same font size, creating an equalized roll call. That’s where Indian indie acts like the Ganesh Talkies, Easy Wanderlings, Parvaaz, Aswekeepsearching, Polar Lights, Murder In Space, Taba Chake, Street Stories, Trance Effect, David Angu, and more have all been presented as festival highlights over the years. Kutty, also part of seasoned rock act Menwhopause, says he’s always been driven to curate the artists he would like to see on Ziro stages, and that remains the core philosophy. “You also keep your ears open to other people’s suggestions. Then we also keep in mind how diverse we can make the lineup. For instance, we need to have representation from each of the Northeast states. That has always been there since year one.” Arivu live at Ziro Festival 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Ziro Festival At Ziro Festival 2025, we see artists make the trek to Arunachal from places like Goa (Signal W), Chennai (Arivu), Berlin (Anna Erhard), and New York City (Guitar Prasanna), with layovers, multiple modes of transport and long journeys. The likes of Arivu even stayed back after his high-energy set (where he skipped his film song catalog for songs from his two albums and unreleased material) and went fully local. On stage, he taught his audience Tamil chants, and off it, he was vibing hard to Congolese act Kin’Gongolo Kiniata, partying with campers at afterparties and making new friends. Arivu tells Rolling Stone India, “It was a long journey, but I knew the vibe would be worth it. That’s the beauty of Ziro — the crowd is open, tasteful, and ready to participate. So I showcased a lot of my independent and experimental tracks (like ‘Origins’).” The rapper says he could feel the festival was “curated with care.” Curation and programming are key to bringing exclusive performances and have become a major draw of the festival. Ziro Festival 2025 had standout performances by international artists like K’ingongolo Kiniata and Thai funk act Ford Trio, while Manipuri rocker Sorri Senjam, Soumik Datta & The Travellers delivered a somber set touching upon the state of the world, Susheela Raman and Sam Mills interpreted William Blake’s poetry. There were also numerous heartfelt tributes to Assamese star voice Zubeen Garg by Sorri Senjam, Shilpa Rao, Swanand Kirkire’s Baawra Live, Chorun Mugli, Niil, Remi Remi and Da Minot. Guitar Prasanna live at Ziro Festival 2025. Photo: courtesy of Ziro Festival Guitar Prasanna says he caught the Carnatic harmonica performance of Saitejas Chandrashekar and his accompanists, as well as the groovy set by Gauley Bhai and Shillong blues great Rudy Wallang. “The range of music that is featured… so many amazing bands that I didn’t know [about], there’s a lot of creative music happening in India and platforms like this are absolutely necessary,” he says. Even his own set featured the Northeast’s top musicians — guitarist and singer-songwriter Takar Nabam, bassist Nishum Pul, and drumming powerhouse Nishant Hagjer. After their performance at Ziro — which featured everything from Carnatic guitar riffs to Nabam leading the audience in sing-alongs of local Arunachali Nyishi songs — Prasanna promises this set of musicians is “going to do a lot more,” and that Ziro was just the starting point. “I want to do more with these people and showcase the young talent here,” he adds. Rudy Wallang live at Ziro Festival 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Ziro Festival Arivu chimes in about the festival’s thoughtful curation, adding, “They bring together underground voices, folk traditions, hip-hop, electronic, indie rock — all in one valley. The organizers clearly understand music as culture, not just entertainment.” Elsewhere, emerging artists like Rudy got to road-test a whole new iteration — a live band, in her case —for the first time at Ziro. While she has previously performed on stage solo with a backing track, this time, Rudy brought an all-girl quartet to play her moody, intimate R&B-informed tunes. The sunny, verdant setting at the Danyi stage was a study in contrasts, but Rudy didn’t mind. “I’ve never played a festival in such a scenic spot, so it’s a whole different vibe. This is my first set with a band as well, so we thought we’d just give it our best and see how it goes. I think it was great for a first try,” she says. Rudy Mukta live on the Danyi stage at Ziro Festival 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Ziro Festival The festival’s spotlight on Northeast talent from the start is why it’s looked at as a pillar of support among musicians in the region. Singer-songwriter Chorun Mugli went from playing the Danyi (day) stage in 2023 to a full house, to closing day one of Ziro Festival on the Pwlo (night) stage. Mugli, who sings in Hindi and Arunachali dialects, says, “As a regional artist, it’s very difficult to get our music out there, outside of this region.

Entertainment From Left to Right: Travis Scott// Courtesy of BookMyShow Live, Balajitelefilmslimited//Instagram October ended in the blink of an eye, but it felt more like the eyes were kept wide open in one crazy, lucid dream. They don’t call it a cannon arc for no reason. While you were doomscrolling, the partly aggravating, partly catchy meme ‘6 7,’ a gestural phrase that got popularized due to Skrilla’s 2024 track “Doot-Doot”, was crowned Word of the Year by Dictionary.com. What the hell? Sure. This month was all about honoring one’s whimsy, so much so that people were celebrating a good ol’ fashioned heist, thanks to jewelry-stealing thieves at the Louvre. The seismic shifts didn’t stop there. Through a letter, revolutionary heartthrob Luigi Mangione opened up about finally listening to artists like Taylor Swift and Charli XCX, before his inmate replaced all the music with Lil Durk songs. Well, a win is a win. Meanwhile, Britain’s pop culture icons were on side quests of their own. While Lily Allen exposed all of David Harbour’s infidelities on West Side Girl, British YouTubers Dan & Phil finally confirmed their relationship, leaving the pop culture landscape aghast.  In the spirit of celebrating the internet’s unfailing unhingedness, saddle up, as we chronicle them in this month’s Rodeo. Travis Scott’s “FE!N” Kirtan Remix Travis Scott’s highly anticipated concert in New Delhi had the country in a chokehold. From ticket resellers scrambling to the most random B-plot characters like Abhinav Arora, a 10-year-old spiritual content creator, attending the concert, the double-takes never stopped. Consequently, an unmissable barrage of memes flooded people’s timelines. An honorary mention, however, must go to this relic: A group of Indian women performing Scott’s high-octane crowd-favorite “FE!N” at a kirtan. Armed with a dholak and a vision, they probably deserve a whole lot of aura points for putting the wildest mosh pits to shame. Shaq In His ‘Punjabi Munda’ Arc Get in line, Ed Sheeran, there’s a new Aadhar card contender in town. American Basketball player and actor Shaquille O’Neal was seen showing off his innate lip-syncing skills as a run-down version of Punjabi MC’s “Mundian Toh Bach Ke” played in the background. We were not familiar with your game, Shaq paaji. Bill Gates And Tulsi Vibe It Out Yes, you’re the first in your bloodline to read this title. Former Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates made a guest appearance on Ekta Kapoor’s Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. This also marked his debut on a Hindi TV serial. The promo had him warmly greeting “Jai Shree Krishna” as Tulsi conversed with him via a video call (and on an Apple Mac, no less). First Lee Jung Jae and Shah Rukh Khan, and now this? This year’s overarching theme is definitely the multiverse of madness. Robert Pattinson Is Reportedly Pivoting To Music In true multi-hyphenate fashion, the Twilight actor has seemingly registered seven songs with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). As of now, Pattinson has submitted six songs. However, this is not the first time he has ventured into music. Tracks from the Twilight soundtrack, such as “Never Think” and “Let Me Sign,” which especially garnered a lot of fanfare, were both performed by the British actor.  The Mahabharata gets an AI spin Since no one can seem to resist jamming AI into every crevice of content, we’re now also getting an AI mythological drama. Collective Network is set to release Mahabharta-Ek Dharamyudh, the world’s first AI-led microdrama of the Indian mythological epic, positioned for Gen Z consumption. Part of the “Historyverse” initiative, the project will be executed under Galleri5, Collective Network’s AI-powered studio that will be used for this modern, animated adaptation. Studio. In the same capacity, a thread on X, which read: “Tweet like you’re in the Mahabharata, go!” got some chuckle-worthy responses. While the novelty of seeing AI reimagine a classic might draw curiosity clicks, it also raises the question: are we enriching storytelling or just automating it for virality? Read More