Entertainment

Actor Aamir Khan has expressed his admiration for superstar Rajinikanth, stating, “I am a huge fan of Rajinikanth.” Aamir made this statement while promoting his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by R.S. Prasanna, which is set to release on June 20. As part of the promotional activities, Aamir gave an interview where he spoke about the film Coolie for the first time. In the interview, Aamir mentioned his role in Coolie, which stars Rajinikanth and is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. He said, “After Lokesh finishes directing Kaithi 2, I will be working with him on another project. In the meantime, I have played a special appearance role in Rajini sir’s Coolie. It was a great experience working with him.” He further added, “I have great love and respect for Rajini sir. I have been a lifelong fan. When Lokesh told me that the film stars Rajini sir, I agreed to the role without even listening to the full script. My character in Coolie is quite interesting and I’m sure audiences will enjoy it.”

In a time where school violence dominates headlines and communities search desperately for solutions, Dr. Melanie Barton Bragg offers a beacon of hope and healing in her poignant book, A Mothers Worst Fear Becomes a Healing Journey. Drawing from decades of experience as a pastoral counselor, educator, and trauma therapist, Bragg crafts a compelling narrative inspired by real-world cases and grounded in Restorative Justicea scientifically supported approach to healing after violence. The story begins with unthinkable tragedy: a 14-year-old boy, suffering from a brain tumor, lashes out violently against his teacher and classmates. Amid the chaos, grief, and fear, two mothersone a manic widow, the other a single parent mourning the loss of a childforge an unexpected alliance. Instead of being consumed by anger, these women choose a different path: healing through community, empathy, and justice that restores rather than punishes. Their journey becomes a guide for families, educators, and communities struggling to move forward after violence. Braggs experience as a licensed clinical social worker, ordained minister, and educator shines throughout the book. Her professional insight is invaluable for teachers seeking to recognize and de-escalate violent behavior, and for families looking to turn pain into purpose. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online bookstore retailers, A Mothers Worst Fear Becomes a Healing Journey is a movementa reminder that even in the darkest moments, grace and healing are possible. This is the book every educator, parent, and survivor needs. Learn more and listen to Melanie Barton Braggs podcast at www.thedrmelanieshow.com. About Writers Branding Writers Branding is a full-service self-publishing company that provides aspiring authors exclusive access to publicity and a pool of book evaluators and marketing creatives and bridges them to literary agencies and traditional publishing houses. Please visit www.writersbranding.com for more information.

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Customers travelling to North America will have access to more than 34,000 additional seats, alongside a boost of 20,500 premium seats across the wider long haul network. The airline is also bringing up to seven newly retrofitted 787 Dreamliners into service by the end of the year, offering a completely refreshed inflight experience from nose to tail. Overall, the airline will operate 8% more seats to the United States and Canada compared to the previous year, including a 15% increase in premium seating. With premium demand continuing to rise, AirNewZealand is delivering, with an additional 4,300 premium seats on Asia services alone. AirNewZealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy OBrien says New Zealanders desire for travel is strong, and international visitor demand continues to grow. [p”Were seeing strong demand, including growing popularity of our premium cabins. Customers want a more comfortable and seamless experience, and we are responding by increasing premium availability and growing flight frequencies across our long haul network.[/p][p”As we move through the year, more of our newly retrofitted 787 aircraft will enter service, bringing a refreshed experience to destinations such as San Francisco, Honolulu, Vancouver, and Shanghai. The feedback so far has been fantastic, with customers loving the new seatingparticularly the additional space and comfort in premium cabins.[/p][p”With strong summer demand on the horizon, we are pleased to be offering even more options to our customers, whether they are travelling for business, leisure, or reconnecting with friends andwhānau”[/p]North America: More flights, more comfort Customers heading to the United States and Canada later this year will spot additional flights added to key routes and more opportunities to book in premium cabins: Auckland to Los Angeles will see 1112 flights per week between December and March, adding nearly 24,000 more seats than the same period last year (16% increase), including an additional 6,800 premium seats. Auckland to Houston returns stronger this summer, with AirNewZealand adding 4,500 seats between January and March. Auckland to Vancouver maintains up to seven services per week with the larger 777 added to the schedule over the December to early February peak, just in time for the Canadian snow season. Premium seating will increase by 25%, including a 30% increase in Premium Economy and an 18% increase in Business Premier. Auckland to San Francisco will see 1,800 additional seats (3% increase) and 2,700 more premium seats (21% increase), as daily services continue into mid-February and March frequencies rise from five to six flights per week. Asia: Premium growth and increased capacity Customers flying to and from Asia will benefit from increased availability and schedule refinements this summer, resulting in more premium seats to key destinations: Auckland to Taipei expands from three to four flights per week between December and February, adding 11,800 seats (27% increase), timed to serve both the Christmas peak and Chinese New Year travel. Auckland to Bali sees a 49% increase in premium seats (anadditional 2,400 premium seats on the route). Auckland to Hong Kong will see a 28% rise in premium seats, adding 3,700 Business Premier and Premium Economy seats on the route. Auckland to Shanghai will see 35% more premium seats compared to the same period last year. Increased capacity on AirNewZealand flights to North America and Asia are available to book now at www.airnewzealand.co.nz Issued by AirNewZealand Communications Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320 About AirNewZealand AirNewZealands story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat – a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. Its a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. AirNewZealands global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. AirNewZealand was named 2025 Worlds Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airlines laser-focus on safety. AirNewZealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. AirNewZealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airlines efforts in tackling some of New Zealands and the worlds most complex challenges. Airpoints, AirNewZealands loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. AirNewZealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience. About Star Alliance The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, AirNewZealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways. For more information about AirNewZealand visitwww.airnewzealand.comand for more information about Star Alliance visitwww.staralliance.com

The partnership, formed between two SkyTeam members, is designed to enhance travel convenience, expand connectivity, and offer passengers the ability to earn and redeem SAS EuroBonus or LotusMiles points across both networks. Ticket sales are expected to begin in early July. The agreement will allow passengers to book itineraries that include segments operated by either airline through a single reservation, making travel between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the Scandinavian capitals Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo more flexible and efficient. With SAS ranked as the most punctual airline in both Europe and the world, travelers can also expect a reliable and seamless journey across continents. We are pleased to expand our network to Vietnam through Vietnam Airlines, a trusted partner internationally recognized for its safety and on-time performance. As the worlds most punctual airline, we take pride in offering our passengers reliable and seamless connectionsnow extended to Vietnam through this partnership. This agreement is a testament to the value of the SkyTeam alliance in delivering global connectivity and shared benefits for frequent flyers. It also opens up exciting opportunities for our passengers to experience Vietnams vibrant culture, natural beauty, and exceptional cuisine, says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS. The codeshare collaboration marks a step forward in linking two regions with strong cultural and economic ties and supports broader ambitions for increased tourism and business travel. We are delighted to partner with Scandinavian Airlines, one of the leading national carriers in the Nordic region, renowned for its extensive European route network and services that reflect the distinct essence of Scandinavian culture. As both airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance, this provides a solid foundation for implementing an effective codeshare agreement, offering passengers more destination choices and enhanced benefits for members of each airlines frequent flyer program. At the same time, this partnership marks an important step forward in promoting economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and the Scandinavian region, says Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. The announcement was made at the VietnamSweden Business Forum, held in connection with the official visit of Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh to Sweden, and in the presence of Swedens Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa.

Verizon is heating things up with bundled smartphone, smartwatch, tablet and home internet deals that keep the good vibes rolling New York, NY – WEBWIRE – Friday, June 13, 2025 What you need to know: Verizon has the savings you need for the perfect summer. New and existing customers can get select Apple, Samsung and Google smartphones on us, on any MyPlan with eligible trade-in AND get a tablet and smartwatch, also on us. Plus, get up to $200 in Amazon gift cards when switching to select Verizon 5G Home, LTE Home and Fios internet plans. Whether youre roadtripping, beach hopping or streaming your way through the summer, Verizons got your back with hot deals that feel like sunshine in your pocket. Starting now, new and existing customers on any myPlan can unlock an epic tech bundle a smartphone, tablet and smartwatch on us, when they trade in their current eligible phone.The super bundle breakdown Pick your dream team of bundles when you switch to Verizon or upgrade your phone and get up to $2,000 in value! Apple: Get an iPhone 16 Pro, iPad (A16) and an Apple Watch Series 10, all on us, with eligible trade-in on any myPlan. Google: Get a Google Pixel 9, Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G and Pixel Watch 3, all on us, with eligible trade-in on any myPlan. Samsung: Get a Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G and Galaxy Watch7, all on us, with eligible trade-in on any myPlan. Verizon also continues to provide value for its customers with an industry-leading guarantee a 3-year price lock on all myPlan and myHome network plans and free satellite texting. Price guarantee applies to base monthly rate only.Stay connected at home, too And, if youve been thinking about switching to a Verizon Home Internet plan, the savings just got better! For a limited time, when you sign up for one of the plans below youll receive an Amazon gift card: 5G Home Plus or LTE Home Plus plans: $200 Amazon Gift Card 5G Home or LTE Home plans: $100 Amazon Gift Card Fios 2 Gig or 1 Gig plans (500 Mbps at non-Gig addresses): $200 Amazon Gift Card Fios 300 Mbps and Fios 500 Mbps plans: $100 Amazon Gift Card And it gets even better!Sign up for 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig or 2 Gig and get a bonus gift of your choice: $400 off select Samsung products (when you spend $799 or more at Best Buy), OR A JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential just in time for backyard BBQs. No matter which Verizon Home Internet plan you choose, youll get the Verizon price lock guarantee, up to five years, depending on the plan. Plus, you can save an additional $15/mo when you have myPlan and myHome, and get a perk on us.With exclusive savings, top-tier perks, the flexibility to customize your plan with myPlan and myHome, its never been a better time to be a Verizon customer.Learn more about these amazing summertime deals at your local Verizon retail store or visit verizon.com/deals/. (Apple) Phone: $999.99 (128 GB only) device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) reqd. Less $1,000 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility reqs are no longer met; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Apple, Google, Motorola or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later. Apple Watch/iPad: Up to $499.99 device payment purchase w/new line on eligible plan (min. $20/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) reqd per Apple Watch/iPad. Less up to $500 promo credit per device applied over 36 mos; 0% APR. All promo credits for iPhone/Apple Watch/iPad offers end if eligibility reqs per device are no longer met. $2,000 value based on phone, watch and tablet.(Google) Phone: $799.99 (128 GB only) device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) reqd. Less $800 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility reqs are no longer met; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Samsung, Apple, Google or Motorola; trade-in terms apply. Tablet/Watch: Up to $349.99 device payment purchase w/new line on eligible plan (min. $20/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) reqd per Tablet/Watch. Less up to $350 promo credit per device applied over 36 mos; 0% APR. All promo credits for Phone/Watch/Tablet offers end if eligibility reqs per device are no longer met. $1,420 value based on phone, watch and tablet.(Samsung) Phone: $799.99 (128 GB only) device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) reqd. Less $800 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility reqs are no longer met; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Samsung, Apple, Google or Motorola; trade-in terms apply. Tablet/Watch: Up to $349.99 device payment purchase w/new line on eligible plan (min. $20/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) reqd per Tablet/Watch. Less up to $350 promo credit per device applied over 36 mos; 0% APR. All promo credits for Phone/Watch/Tablet offers end if eligibility reqs per device are no longer met. $1,420 value based on phone, watch and tablet. Price Guarantee: myPlan: Applies to the then-current base monthly rate charged by Verizon for your talk, text, and data; excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, additional plan discounts or promotions, and third-party services. Price guarantee is void if any of the lines are canceled or moved to an ineligible plan. Plan perks, taxes, fees, and

Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd in ‘Friendship.’ Photo:Spencer Pazer/A24 Meet Craig Waterman, the world’s most socially awkward suburbanite. The fact that he’s played by Tim Robinson — co-creator of the brilliant sketch show-slash-meme-generator I Think You Should Leave — tells you everything you need to know from the jump. Craig’s wife Tami (Kate Mara), a cancer survivor clearly still in love with her firefighter ex-boyfriend, is perpetually embarrassed by him. Though to be fair, her husband has a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Talking to her support group, Tami confesses her fear that she’ll never experience sexual release again in her post-remission state. When Craig is asked how he’s doing, he assures the assembled that, “I’m orgasming fine!” Full disclosure: This is only the seventh most cringeworthy thing you’ll hear him say over the course of the next 100 minutes. His son (Jack Dylan Grazer) thinks he’s a dweeb. The guys at his corporate job, which involves finding new ways to get people addicted to apps (“We prefer the term ‘habit-forming’”), barely tolerate him. Craig is the poster boy for a certain kind of middle-aged male. You definitely know this guy. You’ve seen him buying two-for-one beige khakis at the mall, getting way too excited over weeknight specials at Chili’s, or rocking out way too hard at a Third Eye Blind show. But hey, whatever, Craig isn’t moping his way through life. The gentleman wears his sense of existential defeat like an off-the-rack suit. He’s orgasming fine! Then a package meant for their new neighbor arrives at Craig’s doorstep. He walks it over. And that’s when Craig meets Austin. It becomes apparent within a few seconds that this dude is, like, awesome. He’s a weatherman at the local news station. He rocks a truly astounding Burt Reynolds mustache. He collects prehistoric tools, forages for mushrooms, and has his own catchphrase (“Stay curious, Craig Waterman”). He’s in a band! Called Mayor Nichols Sucks! The name of which directly trolls the town’s mayor, because that’s so fucking hardcore! Austin looks and acts like a milder version of the Paul Rudd character in Anchorman, i.e. the one who was man enough to rock Sex Panther cologne. Which is probably why the powers that be cast Rudd in the part. That and star power, sure, but go with us here. We’re barely into Act One, and already, Friendship is setting you up for a cross-comic dynamic: Imagine I Love You Man as filtered through I Think You Should Leave, and that’s the bullseye that writer-director Andrew DeYoung’s feature debut is aiming for. And despite the fact that it’s Rudd’s character who starts actively courting a bromance — Robinson’s every-schlub isn’t looking for mid-life friendship, but he’s not not looking for it, either — it’s the ITYSL sensibility that’s the guiding light here. DeYoung has said he’d crafted his script with Robinson in mind, though you’d have thought that the star and his sketch program’s writing staff personally penned most of the scenes themselves. Part of what makes Robinson’s Netflix show so consistently hilarious is the way his characters double down on the wrong reaction, turn minor fixations into all-consuming obsessions, escalate their anger to overthrow a situation’s over-the-top absurdity. It’s also got the kind of 21st century cringe-comedy voice that forges die-hard fans or disbelievers. You either find the idea of a session musician hijacking a country ballad with a breakdown of the undead’s personal economy (“The bones are their money/In our world, bones equal dol-lars!”) totally side-splitting, or you stare confusedly at those who do. Friendship, at its best, nails that signature vein of humor to a T — it’s almost like a lost I Think You Should Leave sketch extended to feature length. That’s good news for those who need a fix in between seasons. It’s also a problem overall. There’s enough glorious weirdness threaded throughout this peanut butter-meets-chocolate combination of Judd Apatow-type setups and the kind of comedy that results in Robinson berating himself with a bar of soap in his mouth to justify a lot. A handful of random WTF moments are capable of inducing zero-to-full-giggle-fit reactions; an impromptu rendition of Ghost Town DJs’ hit “My Boo” by Austin’s sensitive-guy wolf pack is worth it just to hear Rudd croon, “If your game is on, give me a call, boo.” The Adult Swim vibe is strong with this one. Tim Robinson in ‘Friendship.’ Photo: A24 But the whole of Friendship isn’t as attractive as the sum of its disparate parts, and you wonder if a more concise, focused version of this look at the self-consciousness of dudes trying desperately to bond wouldn’t have hit better. There are a half dozen or so oddball non sequiturs — that self-inflicted soap-in-mouth punishment, a coffee cup filled perilously to the brim, the world’s most horribly banal psychedelic vision quest, rage over spoilers about “the new Marvel that’s supposed to be nuts!” — that would have been instant classics as stand-alone set pieces on Robinson’s show. Here, they’re just highlights in between long stretches of uncomfortable dead air. It’s a movie pre-designed to be turned into a supercut. From Rolling Stone US.

  Music composer Alokananda Dasgupta created the soundtrack to the horror series ‘Khauf.’ Photos: Rajeshwari Dasgupta, Prime Video Growing up in Kolkata, composer Alokananda Dasgupta was first introduced to horror not through films but through Bengali literature. “I couldn’t read English at the time,” she recalls. “As a person, you’re trying to make sense of life as a child by losing yourself inside fantasy stories or forcing yourself to feel fear.” For the 1980s-born artist, the horror genre offered a kind of “beautiful escapism”—a way to safely explore fear. The Bengali stories she gravitated toward weren’t your typical haunted house tales, like Goosebumps. They were instead set in daytime hostel environments; they turned scorching summer afternoons in Kolkata into something quietly unsettling. “It made those afternoons eerie,” she says, noting how these stories first sparked her fascination with the contrast between light and shadow. That same sense of disquiet and atmosphere came rushing back when she read Smita Singh’s script for Khauf, the Prime Video horror anthology that was released last month. “The script reminded me of things I’d read,” she says. “I haven’t come across too much of that category coming from India. So this was something new. I last loved [2018 Netflix series] Ghoul and [2018 horror movie] Tumbbad, but other than that, I haven’t seen anything.” Dasgupta, known for her work on shows like Sacred Games and thrillers such as Trapped, joined Khauf as composer for the directorial debut of cinematographer and writer Pankaj Kumar, who is best known for his work on Ship of Theseus, Haider, and Tumbbad. The reception to Khauf has been encouraging, she says. “It’s a very good reminder to everyone that there is a section of the audience that you have to cater to,” she adds. “You can’t just brush them off as niche.” At a time when Bollywood’s comedy-horrors have been making a dent at the box office, Khauf pairs psychological and supernatural with a dose of important social commentary. As an avid fan of the genre, Dasgupta believes Indian cinema has rarely managed to do horror right. For that to change, she says, there needs to be deeper attention to the technical aspects of filmmaking, particularly mise en scène and design. “I’m not talking about just it being top-notch in terms of money,” she clarifies. “I’m talking about top-notch in terms of attention to these details.” She adds, “Secondly, just trust the audience and thereby hold back, create restraint, and show what is needed. We have seen the more is more [approach], not the less is more [approach].” She shares these thoughts with conviction, confident that “there is a huge audience for different styles of horror” in Indian cinema. On Khauf, it was the visual storytelling that drew her in. “Every frame is like a painting, so it creates a certain world,” she says. “I’m a huge fan of the horror genre, but not particularly the other kinds, which are in-your-face and have too many jump scares.” The score, now streaming on major platforms, enhances the tension and haunting mood of the series, often leaning into subtlety. The opening title track, “Dread Of The Night,” layers guitars with a hair-raising violin, clarinet, and more to set the tone. In preparation, Dasgupta immersed herself in a wide spectrum of horror film scores—from It Follows to 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front and even the recent Nosferatu. These works, she says, “created that atmosphere of sheer dread.” She also references Rosemary’s Baby, The Wicker Man, the original 2003 Danish film Midsommer, and the music of The White Lotus—a playlist of sorts that she and the creators of Khauf exchanged to understand the emotional and cinematic universe they were building. “It’s for you [the composer] to understand, almost like the playlist of the showrunner or the maker and what are they thinking and what is the world they are in,” she explains. With that foundation, her mission was clear. “I was looking to create intrigue,” Dasgupta says. She connected deeply with Madhu, the character played by Monika Panwar, and felt compelled to contribute her own voice to the story—not just as a composer, but as someone with something personal to express through horror music. Her aim was to find the right balance between melodic, ambient, and atmospheric sound. “My instruments chose themselves,” she says. The score features a mix of bass clarinet, low brass, and prepared cello, each contributing distinct textures. Chennai-based violinist Vignesh brought further depth, experimenting with thumping and scraping the instrument’s body to produce eerie effects. The original score also includes contributions from composers Aditya N. and Himanshu Prakash, with mastering by Keshav Dhar. One standout motif features a flute, inspired by a clinic in the series named Ruhani Dawakhana, or spiritual pharmacy. “It was very inspiring to me,” she says. “It was a very beautiful and poetic name that took me back to reading those [Bengali horror] stories.” While horror still struggles to find a consistent audience in India, Dasgupta notes that horror music—especially ambient, minimalist scores—faces an even steeper climb. Yet she remains hopeful. “Let it be released, even if it’s an ambient, understated score. Let it be out there,” she says, with quiet conviction. Watch Khauf on Prime Video.  

  Khwaab, Divyam Sodhi. Photo: Utkarsh Masand Vocalist Divyam Sodhi and composer-producer Khwaab go from strength to strength as collaborators on “Kya Kahein,” a song that deals with the difficulty of finding the right ways to express oneself amid an “overflow of emotions.” Sodhi and Khwaab have been collaborating right from their days of releasing the single “Bohot Bechain” in 2021. Sodhi says their bond grew over admiring “new, yet honest” music. He adds, “We connected over our passion for honest storytelling. Khwaab’s take on production has always been refreshing and I was always looking to work with someone who’ll understand where I’m coming from.” Through both its song and music video by filmmakers Pencils & Frames, “Kya Kahein” explores the difficulty of articulating emotions when a deep connection is forged. With visual cues that hark back to pre-digital India, two boys (played by Sodhi and actor Rutwik Deshpande) form a bond while seated on opposite sides of a river, sharing food, stories, and games. As one bids a bittersweet farewell to home, another is left in the lurch. Hailing from Karnal in Haryana, Sodhi felt the video should tell a small-town story. The song was written during a “reflective phase” in mid-2024, according to Khwaab, with lyrics penned by writer Tanmay Maheshwari. “We wanted to capture that unspoken feeling of love—the words you can’t say but feel deeply. It went through multiple iterations until we found the right balance of vulnerability and simplicity. We wanted it to sound timeless, and once we felt that, we knew it was ready,” the producer says.   With the timelessness, there’s also an unmistakable nostalgia in the sound, bearing Sodhi’s distinctive ghazal-informed vocal texture. The singer says he’s drawn to the evergreen nature of simplicity in songs, which is what drove “Kya Kahein.” He adds, “We believe the essence of a song lies in its rawness—whether it’s a heartfelt lyric, a subtle melody, or a genuine emotion.” Khwaab adds that while they’re “constantly evolving” to try different sounds, there’s a soft spot they have for “the elegance of old-school music.” The producer explains, “How it lingers and evokes feelings long after the song ends—that’s the kind of impact we strive for.” “Kya Kahein” follows the duo’s 2024 album Haal-e-Dil, which spawned the millions-streamed song “Piya” with lyricist Likhari. Khwaab notes that the “dream project” of the album allowed them to become really good friends and continue building on its legacy. They also went on a country-wide tour as part of the gig series Darkroom Sessions in November 2024, previewing Haal-e-Dil prior to its release. Khwaab says, “We’re just getting started! We’ve been playing live gigs all across the country and to hear people sing songs back to us, feels amazing!” After a few shows in Mumbai and New Delhi earlier this year, Sodhi and Khwaab perform in Bengaluru on May 10. The writing, of course, never stops between the duo. Sodhi says, “We’re working on new music constantly and want to be able to perform our music to a large audience across India. Hopefully, we’ll be able to take our live set to more cities in India and music festivals around the world!”

  Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s new home is a six-storey bungalow in Bandra, named after Ranbir’s grandmother, Krishna Raj Kapoor. Valued at ₹250 crore, it stands as the most expensive celebrity residence in Mumbai. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, who became parents to their baby daughter Dua, will be moving into their new house in Bandra. It is a sea-facing quadruplex, spanning from 16 to 19 floors of the building. Hrithik Roshan bought reportedly bought a sea-facing property in Juhu in 2020 and the work is still going on as he wants to merge 14th, 15th and 16th floor into one apartment. Meanwhile, the actor has shifted to a rented apartment.