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“I paid tax at 7”: Aditya Narayan recalls earning Rs. 3.5 lakhs for film with Salman Khan

Entertainment Singer and television host Aditya Narayan recently opened up about his early career in the entertainment industry, revealing that he started paying income tax at the age of seven and earned Rs. 3.5 lakh for his role in the film Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai, which starred Salman Khan.  Aditya began his journey in showbiz as a child actor and playback singer. He admitted that achieving fame at such a young age had an impact on his attitude and financial habits. “I paid tax at 7”: Aditya Narayan recalls earning Rs. 3.5 lakhs for film with Salman Khan Aditya Narayan on his early earnings In a recent appearance on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, Aditya shared stories from his early career, including how much he earned while hosting the popular singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007. “I had to go through three rounds of auditions before being selected as the host. They offered me Rs. 7,500 per episode. Since we used to shoot two episodes in a day, I earned Rs. 15,000 per shoot day. I was just 18, living with my father, had no expenses, and suddenly I was spending Rs. 75,000 a month,” he said. Aditya recalled that he did around 52 episodes in one season, earning approximately Rs. 8 lakhs in total. He said that his attitude shifted after suddenly coming into that much money at a young age. Comedian Bharti Singh jokingly added that Aditya probably wouldn’t even do a single episode for that fee now, leading to laughter on the podcast. He further mentioned that in the next season, his pay increased to Rs. 25,000 per episode, which made him start thinking seriously about saving. “I paid my first tax when I was seven. I don’t even remember if I had a PAN card, but I definitely remember paying taxes,” he added. His biggest payday as a child actor Aditya revealed that his highest earning as a child came from the film Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai, where he worked alongside Salman Khan. He said that the production house, Tips, paid him Rs. 3.5 lakhs for the role—a significant amount for a child actor at the time. About Aditya Narayan Aditya is the son of veteran playback singer Udit Narayan. Over the years, he has become a well-known face on Indian television, hosting multiple seasons of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian Idol (Seasons 11 and 12). He has also sung popular songs like “Chhota Bachcha Jaan Ke” and “Tattad Tattad.” In December 2020, Aditya married actor Shweta Agarwal, whom he met while working on his debut film Shaapit in 2010. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tvisha Narayan Jha, on February 24, 2022. Also Read: Rise And Fall: Aditya Narayan says nepotism has levels as he speaks about earning his place More Pages: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai 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

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Kartik Aaryan buys Rs 13 crores office space in Mumbai’s Andheri west with parents

Entertainment Indian actor Kartik Aaryan, along with his parents, Mala Tiwari and Manish Tiwari, has purchased an office space in Andheri West, Mumbai, for Rs 13 crores. As per property registration documents available on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) Maharashtra and reviewed by real estate platform Square Yards, the deal was registered in September 2025. Kartik Aaryan buys Rs 13 crores office space in Mumbai’s Andheri west with parents Andheri West is one of Mumbai’s prominent real estate markets, catering to both commercial and residential needs. The locality is well-connected through road, rail, and metro networks, and is also in close proximity to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Its strategic location near key business hubs such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), SEEPZ, and Lower Parel makes it attractive for both professionals looking for homes closer to work and businesses seeking convenient access to commercial centres. According to property registration documents from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), reviewed by Square Yards, the office space is located in Signature by Lotus. It has a RERA carpet area of 176.98 sq. m. (~1,905 sq. ft.) and a built-up area of 194.67 sq. m. (~2,095 sq. ft.). The deal also includes three car parking spaces. The transaction incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 78 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000. On the work front, Kartik Aaryan made his debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama in 2011. He went on to feature in films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Satyaprem Ki Katha. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the prominent young actors in contemporary Bollywood. Also Read : Vikrant Massey confirms Dostana 2 with Lakshya, marks his first film with Dharma Productions: “I’m doing my first Dharma movie” 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

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Chunky Panday turns 63: Housefull 5 to Prassthaanam: 7 Must-watch films of the actor on Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar, Netflix, and YouTube

Entertainment Bollywood star Chunky Panday has appeared in over 80 films and turned 63 today, September 26. Take a look at some of his best films available on OTT platforms. 1/8 Entertainment Who is Chunky Panday? Chunky Panday, born on September 26, 1962, is an Indian actor who mainly works in Hindi films. He started his career in 1987 with the movie Aag Hi Aag. 2/8 Entertainment Housefull (2010) Housefull is a comedy movie released in 2010. It revolves around Aarush (Akshay Kumar), a jinxed loser. Chunky Pander played the role of Aakhri Pasta. It is available on Amazon Prime Video. 3/8 Entertainment Tezaab (1988) Tezaab is an action romantic film in which Chunky Pandey played the role of Baban, Mahesh’s (Anil Kapoor) best friend. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. 4/8 Entertainment Begum Jaan (2017) Begum Jaan is a Hindi period drama film. Chunky Pandey played the role of a criminal, Kabir. It is available on Amazon Prime Video. 5/8 Entertainment Housefull 5 (2025) Chunky Pandey appeared in the 5th movie of the series as Aakhri Pasta once again. It is available on JioHotstar. 6/8 Entertainment Prassthanam (2019) Prassthanam is an action film in which Chunky Panday portrays Don Bajwa Khatri. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and MX Player. 7/8 Entertainment Bullett Raja (2013) Chunky Panday played the role of Lallan Tiwari in the film Bullett Raja, which is an action movie. It is currently available on Apple TV+. 8/8 Entertainment Kya Super Kool Hain Hum (2012) Kya Kool Hain Hum is a comedy film. Chunky Panday played the role of Baba3G. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Entertainment Subscribe Now Read More

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Salman Khan or Aamir Khan: Which Khan has acted in more films?

Entertainment Both Aamir Khan and Salman Khan debuted in the same year. So who, out of the both of them, has more films? Read more to know ahead. By: Toshani  |  Published: September 26 2025, 04:23 PM IST 1/8 Entertainment Salman Khan or Aamir Khan, who has more films? Both Salman and Aamir debuted in the same year, in 1988. Both the actors have become superstars over the span of their careers. They both have been in the film industry for more than 35 years. 2/8 Entertainment Aamir Khan’s debut The 3 Idiots actor’s debut as a lead was Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Before that, he appeared in Holi (1984) as well. The actor instantly ended up becoming a youth icon. 3/8 Entertainment Salman Khan’s debut Salman Khan debuted by acting in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). However, he gained major stardom after his film Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). After that film, Salman Khan ended up becoming a household name. 4/8 Entertainment How many films has Salman Khan acted in? Salman Khan has acted in more than 120 films over the span of his career. The actor is known as the blockbuster Khan. He began his career in 1988, along with Aamir’s. 5/8 Entertainment How many films has Aamir Khan acted in? Aamir Khan has acted in over 60 films in the span of his career. This Khan believes in quality over quantity. He is also called Mr. Perfectionist for the same reason. 6/8 Entertainment Salman Khan’s style Salman Khan usually focuses on mass entertainers. His movies are often family-friendly and extremely entertaining. For example, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai, etc. 7/8 Entertainment Aamir Khan’s style Aamir Khan focuses on the quantity of his films and usually does 2 or even fewer films a year. His films often have very strong messages. For example, Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, and 3 Idiots. 8/8 Entertainment What’s the conclusion? Salman Khan has acted in more films than Aamir has. Salman has done more films, but Aamir has done iconic films. There is no comparison between the two, and both the actors have made their place in the hearts and souls of the Indian cinema audience. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Entertainment Subscribe Now Read More

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Who is Qiao Renliang? Chinese actor’s MYSTERIOUS death sparks…, CHILLING parallels drawn with Yu Menglong’s…

Entertainment Home News and Gossip Who is Qiao Renliang? Chinese actor’s MYSTERIOUS death sparks…, CHILLING parallels drawn with Yu M… Chinese actor Yu Menglong’s death has sparked intense speculation and conspiracy theories online. Meanwhile, a similar death case of another actor, Qiao Renliang, has made a buzz on social media. Chinese actor Alan Yu died in Beijing on September 11, 2025. Initial reports suggested that the actor had fallen from a building and was drunk at the time. Two weeks later, new claims surfaced on social media, revealing audio and video recordings, which further mystified the death and sparked various rumors. The incident reminded people of the late actor Qiao Renliang, who died young in 2016. Entertainment Who is Qiao Renliang? Qiao Renliang was born on October 15, 1987. He was a singer and actor and appeared in hit series such as Legend of Lu Zhen, Tiny Time, and Cruel Romance. He was found dead in his Shanghai home on September 16, 2016, just a month before his 29th birthday. According to the China News Service, he had long suffered from depression and had become dependent on sleeping pills. Those close to him said that work pressure, rumors, and public criticism worsened his mental state. Entertainment How did Qiao Renliang’s mysterious death spark controversy? Police ruled his death a suicide and denied any suspicious activity related to his death, but numerous theories still emerged on social media. Some bloggers claimed that Qiao had suffered pressure and abuse from powerful figures. There were even allegations that he had been harassed at a party and had injuries on his body. According to reports, it is said that his parents were threatened and silenced to prevent them from seeking justice. These claims were never officially confirmed, but the mystery and rumours continued to create a buzz among people. Entertainment How did Qiao Renliang’s mysterious death spark chilling parallels with Yu Menglong’s death case? Some similarities were seen in the deaths of Yu Menglong and Qiao Renliang. Both achieved popularity at a young age, both were associated with the same agency and law firm, and both were linked to actress Song Yiren. He was accused of leading both actors into dangerous situations and even had a drug-related dispute with Yu Menglong. While all of this remains unclear, it has fueled speculation. This isn’t the first time a star in the Chinese entertainment industry has succumbed to mental stress or mysterious circumstances; previously, Hong Kong star Leslie Cheung succumbed to depression. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Read More

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Jolly LLB 3 box office collection day 8: Akshay Kumar-Arshad Warsi’s courtroom drama INCHES CLOSE to Rs…

Entertainment Home News and Gossip Jolly LLB 3 box office collection day 8: Akshay Kumar-Arshad Warsi’s courtroom drama INCHES CLOSE to… Jolly LLB 3 has improved Akshay Kumar’s luck. It is clear from the first weekend alone that the movie will be a big success. Here’s a look at its day 8 box office report. Jolly LLB 3 box office collection day 8: Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar’s Jolly LLB 3 was released on Friday, September 19, and did well on its first day. In addition to having a huge opening, the movie was supposed to expand through great word-of-mouth, and that is exactly what has happened. It witnessed growth on Saturday and went marginally better on Sunday. The best part was that on Saturday, there was an organic growth of almost 50%. The Monday decline was anticipated as usual, but it has managed to stay within the Rs 5 crore bracket. Here’s a look at its day 8 box office receipts. Entertainment Jolly LLB 3 box office collection day 8 This week marks the film’s first week in theatres after its Friday, September 19, 2025, release. On its first day, this Akshay Kumar starrer generated Rs 12.5 crore. The film earned Rs 20 crore on Saturday and Rs 21 Crore on Sunday during its first weekend of release. The movie generated Rs 5.5 Cr on Monday, but its sales declined. On Tuesday, the fifth day of the film’s release, the box office took in Rs 6.5 Cr. Sacnilk reports that on its sixth day, this Jolly LLB film earned about Rs 4.2 Cr. On its seventh day (first Thursday), the movie earned Rs 3.50 crore. Now, the movie has managed to earn Rs 0.66 Crore on its 8th day, taking the net total to Rs 74.66 crore. Entertainment Jolly LLB 3 cast Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Annu Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Huma Qureshi, and Annu Kapoor return in their roles from the previous two films. It marks Amrita Rao’s cinematic return after six years. Entertainment About Jolly LLB 3 This franchise began with the release of the first Jolly LLB film in 2013. Jolly, played by actor Arshad Warsi, was the primary character in this first Jolly LLB film. Jolly LLB 2, the franchise’s second film, was released in 2017 and this time. Akshay Kumar played the lead character of Jolly in this second movie. Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar will both be in the forthcoming Joly LLB 3. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Read More

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Navratri 2025 Day 5: Who is Maa Skandamata? Understand auspicious colour, timings and rituals to worship her

Entertainment Home News and Gossip Navratri 2025 Day 5: Who is Maa Skandamata? Understand auspicious colour, timings and rituals to w… Navratri 2025 Day 5: Maa Skandamata is worshipped on the 5th day of the Navratri. Read ahead to know more about the auspicious colors, rituals, and more about the day. By: Toshani  |  Published: September 26, 2025 3:36 PM IST Navratri 2025 started on September 22, 2025, and will end on October 2, when Vijaydashmi, or Dusshera, will be celebrated. On the 5th day of this nine-day-long festival, devotees worship and pray to Maa Skandamata. Maa Skandamata is the motherly incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She is the mother of Lord Skanda, whom we know as Lord Kartikeya or Lord Murugan. She is the ruler of the planet of Budha, and it is believed that everyone who worships her also gets the benefits of worshipping Lord Kartikeya. According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Skandamata is seen riding on a ferocious lion, sitting on a lotus flower, and carrying baby Kartivkeya in her lap. She is shown to have 4 hands. More about Maa Skandamata Maa Skandamata carries a lotus in the upper two hands while holding baby Kartikeya in the right and keeping the left one in Abhaya Mudra. The goddess represents motherly love and care. It is said that those who pray to her get rewarded with wisdom, guidance, and clarity in decision-making, especially in tough situations. Navratri Day 5 2025: Auspicious timings As per Drik Panchang, here are the Shubh Muhurats that you need to keep in mind for Day 5 of Navratri. Panchami Tithi begins at 9:33 AM on September 26, 2025, and ends at 12:03 PM on September 27, 2025. Chaturthi tithi will last until 9:32 AM. Brahma Muhurta will go on from 4:36 AM to 5:24 AM. Abhijit will be from 11:48 AM to 12:36 PM. Vijaya Muhurta will be observed from 2:12 PM to 3:00 PM. Panchami’s auspicious color The luckiest and most auspicious color for the 5th day of Navratri is green. Green represents nature, serenity, growth, and the beginning of new life. By wearing green, you will be able to attract tranquility in your life. Panchami Puja, Rituals, and More On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees should wake up early and take a bath in Brahma Muhurat. They should get dressed in the color green and then offer bhog to Maa Skandamata and worship her. You should also prepare the samagri for puja rituals and light a diya in the place of worship or at the temple. You can also offer a garland to Maa. She likes red-colored flowers. For Bhog, devotees can offer bananas to the goddess. You can also make banana pudding or banana sweets, as she is fond of them. Moreover, fruits, sweets, sugar candy, and pudding can be offered to her. Also, for puja, prepare red flowers, akshat, batasha, paan, betel nut, clove, incense, and bananas. Panchami Mantras, Stuti, Prayers, and more Prarthana for Panchmi Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya। Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥ Stuti for Panchami Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥ Dhyan for Panchami Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam। Simharudha Chaturbhuja Skandamata Yashasvinim॥ Dhawalavarna Vishuddha Chakrasthitom Panchama Durga Trinetram। Abhaya Padma Yugma Karam Dakshina Uru Putradharam Bhajem॥ Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam। Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Dharinim॥ Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Pina Payodharam। Kamaniyam Lavanyam Charu Triwali Nitambanim॥ Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Read More

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What The Music Industry Doesn’t Talk About Enough: The Merch Economy

Entertainment Globally, merch is a billion-dollar lifeline for musicians. In India, it remains underdeveloped, caught between cultural habits, price sensitivity, and patchy infrastructure Artwork by Sharanyaa Nair Merch has always been more than fabric and ink. For fans, it’s memory and identity; for artists, it’s supposed to be one of the few levers they control in the income stack. In many parts of the world, merch has matured into a business model, not just an afterthought. MIDiA Research projects that the global music merchandise and physical goods market will reach $16.3 billion by 2030, underscoring the growing importance of merchandise to the artist economy. Meanwhile, AtVenu’s 2023 settlement data shows that, on average, small and mid-tier artists generate eight times more in one night’s gross merchandise sales than in an entire year of streaming royalties. That contrast alone explains why global tours are now as strategic about merch tables and online drops as they are about the music itself. If you want a sense of how powerful this culture can be, look at K-pop. Lightsticks, t-shirts, and collectibles have become billion-dollar drivers for the genre. Fans routinely pay $80 or more for Bluetooth-enabled items that double as both a concert prop and a badge of loyalty. The culture is so ingrained in the zeitgeist that buying official merch isn’t seen as optional; it’s almost part of the ticket price. In India, merch is still treated more as a novelty than a necessity. Despite a booming live music scene — Reuters reported over 27,000 live events in 2024, a 35 per cent increase year-on-year — artist merch rarely generates meaningful income. The infrastructure is patchy, fan habits are still forming, and the economics are stacked against independents. Yet recent developments hint that this may finally be starting to change. Take AP Dhillon, who just announced his One of One India tour this December. Along with eight arena-scale dates, his team confirmed that official merchandise will be sold directly alongside tickets. That detail matters because it signals a shift: merch isn’t being treated as a side table in the foyer, but as part of the concert’s business plan. When a star with Dhillon’s cross-border reach embeds merch in the fan journey, it normalizes the practice. Other artists have tested the waters in their own ways. Prateek Kuhad has long been associated with having a “MERCH” tab on his official site, and past runs included vinyl and apparel via partners like Ambient Inks and The Souled Store. But as of now, his store doesn’t list active products — highlighting just how inconsistent and fragile artist-driven merch ecosystems are in India. Divine, by contrast, tapped into corporate backing. During Budweiser’s Kolkata event, his show featured exclusive Budweiser merchandise as part of the live activation, a brand-backed model that seeded merch culture through sponsorship muscle. The hip-hop community has also started experimenting. Seedhe Maut has released limited merch runs — including their “Shutdown” T-shirt drop and the Nayaab limited line — which sold out quickly among their fiercely loyal base. These examples prove that when artists lean into merch thoughtfully, fans respond. But the scale is still tiny compared to the revenue the merchandise generates abroad. So what’s holding India back? Part of it is cultural. Unlike in the West or in K-pop fandoms, Indian listeners aren’t conditioned yet to see buying a ₹1,000–₹1,500 t-shirt as an act of support. For many, it feels like an optional luxury, not an essential part of being a fan. Without that mindset shift, even the most beautifully designed hoodie ends up as deadstock. The financial realities make it worse. Producing quality merch requires upfront capital — minimum order runs, good fabric, and reliable printing. Independent artists often can’t afford the risk. Price sensitivity means that lowering costs often leads to cheaper quality, which undermines repeat sales. Raise the price to cover margins, and you risk alienating your audience. It’s a lose-lose equation many artists avoid altogether. Then there’s distribution. E-commerce in India is efficient in metro cities but inconsistent in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, where much of today’s fan growth is happening. Handling logistics, returns, and sizing issues is exhausting for small teams. At live shows — the place where merch sells best globally — artist stalls are often sidelined in favor of sponsor activations. And without visibility, merch simply doesn’t move. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. There are solutions the Indian industry can adopt if it takes merch seriously. Ticketing companies could integrate merch into presales and bundles, turning it into part of the event flow rather than an afterthought. Platforms like The Souled Store, Comet, and Redwolf could develop small-batch, artist-friendly solutions that don’t require big upfront spends. Independent collectives could pool resources to create shared fulfillment hubs for smaller artists, reducing costs. Festivals could mandate dedicated artist merch areas, creating visibility and sales opportunities. And most importantly, artists themselves can reframe the narrative: merch isn’t swag, it’s support. When fans buy a shirt, they’re directly funding the music they want to keep hearing. The stakes are high. India’s live music economy is expanding at breakneck speed, and brands are pouring money into concerts and festivals. If merch doesn’t evolve alongside it, the country risks leaving a major revenue stream on the table — one that could make the difference between survival and sustainability for independent artists. Until the flywheel turns, merch here will remain what it is today: a space full of creativity and potential, but still waiting for the infrastructure, habits, and industry vision that could turn it into a powerhouse. Read More

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Spotify Embraces AI Music With New Policies, While Combating ‘Spam’ and ‘Slop’

Entertainment Even as it welcomes AI-generated music, the streaming giant reveals it removed 75 million “spammy” AI tracks in the last 12 months Spotify isn’t banning AI bands like the Velvet Sundown — they’re just encouraging them to correctly identify themselves Under new rules Spotify announced today, an AI “band” like the now-infamous Velvet Sundown will still be allowed on the service, but would be encouraged to label itself properly from the start. Overall, Spotify has zero intention of eliminating AI-generated music from its service, execs said Tuesday, in a press conference announcing its new guidelines. At the same time, the company said it’s waging war against a flood of low-quality AI content, removing more than 75 million “spammy” tracks in the past 12 months alone. There’s no question that in the wake of the rise of services such as Suno — which allow near-instant generation of new songs — AI-generated music is deluging streaming services. Spotify competitor Deezer has said that approximately 28 percent of daily uploads are fully AI-generated music, though those tracks account for a mere 0.5 percent of actual streams. But even as Spotify aims to curb the impact of that onslaught, they’re signaling that AI music is here to stay.  “We’re not here to punish artists for using AI authentically and responsibly,” said Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s VP global head of music product. “We hope that artists’ use of AI production tools will enable them to be more creative than ever.”  Spotify is most concerned about “mass uploads, duplicates, SEO hacks, artificially short track abuse, and other forms of slop,” according to a blog post from the company. Accordingly, it’s rolling out a new spam filter to flag uploaders engaging in those practices, and thus “help prevent spammers from generating royalties that could be otherwise distributed to professional artists and songwriters.” The company will stop short of removing those tracks, though, instead simply making them ineligible for recommendation by the streamer’s algorithm. The company will still have no rules in place against boosting AI-generated songs in general.   The platform will encourage, but apparently not mandate, that artists label their AI usage via a new industry standard developed through DDEX — a long-standing non-profit that creates technical standards for song metadata across platforms. The idea is that artists will specify their precise uses of generative AI, ranging from fully prompt-generated songs to human-made songs with AI-tweaked lyrics. The approach treats AI use as “a spectrum, not a binary,” said Sam Duboff, Spotify’s global head of marketing and policy, music business. The new policies also include more explicit bans on unauthorized AI voice clones and deepfakes. “Some artists may choose to license their voice to AI projects—and that’s their choice to make,” Duboff  said. “Our job is to do what we can to ensure that the choice stays in their hands.” At the same time, the company says it’s aiming to be more vigilant about “profile mismatches,” where fraudsters upload content under the name of real artists, often famous ones.  This summer, the Velvet Sundown, a fake AI-generated band that initially didn’t acknowledge its nature, amassed over a million monthly listeners, while appearing to benefit from algorithmic promotion on Spotify. The band eventually admitted in an updated bio that it was “a synthetic music project guided by human creative direction, and composed, voiced, and visualized with the support of artificial intelligence.” Duboff suggested the “band” might have gained much less notoriety if it was properly labeled from the start. “I think the kind of news cycle, the fan interest, would’ve been really different,” he said. From Rolling Stone US. Read More

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Kristen Bell and Adam Brody Test Their Faith in ‘Nobody Wants This’ Season 2 Trailer

Entertainment The rom-com series returns to Netflix on Oct. 23 Nobody Wants This: Adam Brody as Noah, Timothy Simons as Sasha, Kristen Bell as Joanne, Jackie Tohn as Esther (from left) in episode 209 of ‘Nobody Wants This’ ERIN SIMKIN/NETFLIX The sun starts to set on the honeymoon phase for Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in the Season Two trailer for Nobody Wants This. The rom-com series returns to Netflix on Oct. 23 with the ultimate test of faith as their characters, Joanne, the filterless sex podcaster, and Noah, the rabbi, start building on the somewhat shaky foundation of their relationship. “Part of being in a relationship is dealing with these issues, and we will,” Noah attempts to assure Joanne in the preview. She replies, “I feel like we’ve been saying that a lot lately.” They’ve only just started integrating friend groups, families, and the more complicated challenge of blending their faiths. When Joanne mentions during a dinner party that they’re “going to do the whole interfaith thing,” Noah is clearly not on the same page. “I think that’s what the show can explore,” Brody told Netflix TUDUM. “What should he do? What should she do? What version of sacrifice is worth it? What constitutes growth, or what constitutes dimming yourself to be with someone else? It’s a sacrifice, but ideally, you grow together and you’re better for it — you don’t have to [lop] off a limb.” Bell shared similar sentiments in an interview with Rolling Stone last year, saying, “I liked the real-life complexity of a girl who doesn’t really know how to have a good date because she’s a self-sabotager [being] with a ‘good boy,’ where the world around him doesn’t necessarily approve of this relationship, and then figuring out if and how they can make it work.” Nobody Wants This Season Two will also feature Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, Stephanie Faracy, Michael Hitchcock, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Emily Arlook, Sherry Cola, and Shiloh Berman. Guest stars for Season 2 include Leighton Meester, Miles Fowler, Alex Karpovsky, and Arian Moayed. From Rolling Stone US. Read More

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