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Entertainment The winners of the 71st National Film Awards were unveiled at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on Friday, honouring cinematic excellence for films certified in 2023. Among the major winners, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery stood out, clinching the prestigious Best Hindi Film award. The satirical social drama, produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor under the Sikhya Entertainment banner, was recognised for its sharp storytelling and impactful themes. Guneet Monga Kapoor on Kathal winning best hindi film at 71st National Awards: “Grateful beyond words for this recognition” Celebrating the win, Guneet Monga Kapoor expressed her heartfelt gratitude in a statement: “Every time a story from the heart of India is honoured, it’s a win for every voice that deserves to be heard. We are incredibly honoured to receive the Best Hindi Film award for Kathal at the 71st National Film Awards. Grateful beyond words for this recognition.” She acknowledged the film’s director, Yashowardhan Mishra, and co-writer Ashok Mishra, calling the story “sharp, original, and deeply human.” Guneet also extended thanks to producing partners Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms, Netflix India, and her own team at Sikhya Entertainment, including co-producer Achin Jain. A special mention was made for lead actress Sanya Malhotra, whose portrayal of Mahima, a determined police officer. Guneed added, “Kathal wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support of my co-producer Achin Jain and the incredible team at Sikhya Entertainment, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without your belief and support. And to Sanya Malhotra, your performance as Mahima was both powerful and full of heart.” She added, “You brought Mahima to life with such nuance, warmth, and unwavering strength, dil jeet liya! Thank you for leading this story with such grace, authenticity, and quiet power. Set and shot entirely in the culturally rich state of Madhya Pradesh, Kathal is a satirical tale rooted in the everyday, a reminder that truth often hides in the most unexpected places. MP ki saadgi ne humari film ko aur khoobsurat bana diya! This win is for every storyteller who dares to look closer and tell stories that matter. Bahut bahut shukriya!” With this award, Kathal cements its place among the year’s most impactful films, continuing Guneet Monga Kapoor’s legacy of producing socially conscious cinema with heart. Also Read : Guneet Monga Kapoor leads launch of Women in Film India, fellowship announced at Cannes Film Festival 2025 More Pages: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Box Office Collection , Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Movie Review 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 winners of the 71st National Film Awards were officially announced on Friday at a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the National Media Centre, New Delhi. The prestigious awards honour excellence in Indian cinema and recognise films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023. 71st National Film Awards: Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh starrer Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani wins Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Choreography Among the biggest winners this year was Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which took home two major honours. The romantic family drama, known for its vibrant storytelling and strong ensemble cast, won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The category celebrates films that resonate widely with audiences while upholding cinematic and emotional integrity. In addition, the film also bagged the award for Best Choreography for the energetic and visually striking number ‘Dhindhora Baje Re’, choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant. The elaborate dance sequence, featuring leads Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, was praised for its grandeur, fusion of classical aesthetics, and impeccable execution. Reacting to the recognition, director Karan Johar shared, “I am ecstatic and overwhelmed to win the national award for a film exceptionally close to my heart. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.. I am grateful to the jury and continue to be humbled by the enormous love the film continues to recieve.” The National Film Awards continue to serve as one of the most credible platforms in recognising artistic merit across languages and genres in Indian cinema. With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani securing key wins, the film’s success highlights the enduring appeal of mainstream cinema that blends traditional values with modern narratives. The full list of winners showcases the diversity and evolving creativity in Indian filmmaking, affirming the industry’s commitment to both entertainment and excellence. Also Read : From Alia Bhatt to Malaika Arora: 5 Bollywood diva’s who light up the perfect light More Pages: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Box Office Collection , Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Movie Review Tags : 71st National Film Awards, Alia Bhatt, Awards, Best Choreography, Bollywood, Bollywood News, Entertainment, National Film Awards, News, Ranveer Singh, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Wins Best Popular Film 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 winners of the prestigious 71st National Film Awards were announced on Friday at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, honouring excellence in Indian cinema for the year 2023. Among the standout achievements this year, Rani Mukerji bagged the National Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Rani Mukerji wins Best Actress at 71st National Film Awards for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway The emotional courtroom drama, directed by Ashima Chibber and produced by Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and Nikkhil Advani under the banner of Emmay Entertainment, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Based on true events, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway narrated the harrowing journey of a mother fighting a foreign legal system to regain custody of her children. Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Debika Chatterjee — a mother’s raw, unrelenting fight — was widely praised and now stands recognized at the highest national level. On winning the award Rani Mukerji stated, “I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Incidentally, this is the first ever National Award in my 30 year career. As an actor, I have been fortunate to have some incredible films in my body of work and have got so much love for them. I thank the National Award jury for honouring my work in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. I share this moment with the entire team of the film, my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this truly special project that celebrated the resilience of motherhood. For me, this award is also a validation of my 30 year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry of ours.” She stated, “I dedicate my National Award to all the incredible mothers of this world. There is nothing like a mother’s love and her ferocity to protect her own. The story of this Indian immigrant mother who went all out for her child and took on a nation shook me deeply.. a mother’s love for her child is unconditional…I realised this when I had my own. So, this win, this film feels deeply emotional and personal. A mother can move mountains for her children and also make the world a better place. This film tried to show this.” Rani further elaborated, “It also feels the apt time to again thank all my fans, from across the world, who have relentlessly supported me through thick and thin for these 30 years! Your unconditional love and support is everything that I have ever needed to stay motivated, to show up at work every day and to deliver performances that have entertained you. You’ve embraced every role, every character, every story I’ve had the good fortune to bring to life. So, without you I would be a nobody today. Rani delivered a powerful performance, infusing the character with raw emotion, vulnerability, and strength. She authentically portrayed the pain and determination of a mother who refused to back down. The emotional intensity she brought to both the courtroom scenes and the more subdued moments of maternal grief is profoundly affecting and uplifting. The film not only highlighted cultural tensions and the indifference of bureaucracy but also reinforced Rani’s exceptional talent in leading a film with grace and depth. Also Read : Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey to win National Awards this time? More Pages: Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway Box Office Collection , Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway Movie Review 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 outrageous adult comedy The Naked Gun has been released today, August 1, in cinemas and it has been noticed due to the popularity of the series, casting and hilarious trailers. There was apprehension among the fans of the series about whether the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) would recklessly ask for cuts in adult scenes. But in a rare instance, the CBFC hasn’t made any major changes in the film. EXCLUSIVE: Sanskaari CBFC springs a surprise; allows NAKED butt scene in Liam Neeson’s The Naked Gun As per the cut list, the Examining Committee of the CBFC just deleted a one-second ‘obscene visual’ at 41 minutes into the film. What has astonished the fans is that there’s a 2-3 second shot of lead actor Liam Neeson’s naked butt. The CBFC, however, neither asked the studio to blur the posterior of the veteran actor nor instructed them to do away with the shot. After the only cut was implemented, The Naked Gun received a censor certificate on July 25. The film was passed with an ‘A’ rating. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 87.31 minutes. In other words, The Naked Gun is 1 hour, 27 minutes and 31 seconds long. A trade source commented, “One can argue that since The Naked Gun received an ‘A’ rating, the butt shot has been allowed. But then, there have been instances in the past where the CBFC has cut scenes even in adult films. A recent example is that of the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal (2023), where close-up shots in an intimate scene were axed despite the film getting an adults-only rating. While violent scenes often are untouched, the CBFC often targets such scenes, which is why it is called the ‘Sanskaari Censor Board’.” However, an industry insider reminded, “Maybe, the CBFC has no issue with showing male butt. Wasn’t Ranveer Singh’s buttock shot in Befikre (2016) approved by CBFC, that too with a U/A rating?” Also Read: Pamela Anderson opens up on playing Femme Fatale in The Naked Gun: “I work a lot on the character” More Pages: The Naked Gun (English) Box Office Collection , The Naked Gun (English) Movie Review 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 From Karan Aujla’s swaggering “MF Ghabru!” and Divine’s fiery “Aag” to Kavya’s EP Hyperreal, this week’s new music is packed with emotion, edge, and reinvention Photo: (From Left to Right) Courtesy of the artist, Amitava Saha It’s been a stacked week for new music, with heavyweights and emerging voices alike delivering standout drops. Karan Aujla kicked off his P-Pop Culture era with the swaggering single “MF Ghabru!,” while Divine returned to his fiery form on the hard-hitting “Aag.” Indie mainstays also made their mark—Dualist Inquiry offered up the nostalgic, synth-driven “Get You Back,” and W.i.S.H. teamed up with Panther for the punchy “Bolo Bolo.” Elsewhere, Gini’s emotive “Naadaani” tugged at heartstrings, Farhan Khan delivered a delicate ballad with “Pehli Mohabbat,” and tricksingh staked his claim with the fierce, no-holds-barred “Taaj.” Karan Aujla – “MF Ghabru!” Marking the lead single from his upcoming album P‑Pop Culture, which drops August 22, Karan Aujla releases “MF Ghabru!” on August 1, pairing his trademark Punjabi swagger with catchy pop sensibilities. Divine – “Aag” Divine storms back with “Aag,” a visceral declaration of resilience rooted in the chaos and grit of Mumbai life. Co‑composed with Abhijay Sharma, the track arrives with a intense, VFX‑heavy music video that treats the city itself as a character in the narrative. Gini – “Naadaani” Gini’s “Naadaani” is a poetic and personal reflection on grief, longing, and unfulfilled love, delivered in hushed, emotionally resonant vocals over minimal instrumentation. As described by Radio and Music, the track feels more like a meditation than a song—charged with raw emotional weight from its earliest lines. W.i.S.H. & Panther – “Bolo Bolo” “Bolo Bolo” is a bold and fun track where W.i.S.H. and Panther tell you to speak your mind and stop holding back. Set to a catchy beat with Punjabi touches, the song mixes attitude and energy in the best way. Dualist Inquiry – “Get You Back” Sahej Bakshi, also known as Dualist Inquiry, is back with a new track. “Get You Back” is both joyful and conflicted, capturing the feeling of wanting someone but not being sure about the timing—when your heart and head don’t agree, but you keep dancing anyway. “Get You Back is what happens when a dancefloor anthem gets tangled up in its own feelings,” says Bakshi. “It’s bouncy, driving, dreamy, and just a little ridiculous, enough to keep bodies moving and hearts confused. The whole thing feels like a high-speed chase scene where you’re fleeing from a solitary-flower-wielding pursuer who wants you back, but it’s too little, too late.” Farhan Khan – “Pehli Mohabbat” Farhan Khan returns with “Pehli Mohabbat,” a heartfelt love ballad from Alif Laila (Part 1)—India’s first-ever hip-hop concept album. Known for his poetic Urdu rap, Farhan captures the feeling of falling in love in a way that feels brand new, even if it’s not your first time. “Pehli Mohabbat isn’t your routine rap song,” he says. “It’s more like my melody—fresh and raw.” tricksingh – “Taaj” With “Taaj,” tricksingh shifts into emotionally charged terrain, exploring the digital residue of love lost—late-night scrolling through memories, chasing ghosts in chat logs, the ache of one-sided devotion. The track allows space for slow-burn storytelling over atmospheric production, voicing the frustration and longing of unreciprocated connection. Fans describe it as his most deeply affecting release yet, both lyrically sharp and sonically immersive. Chammeili – “Call Me When” Chammeili, the project of Kaamya Talwar Sharma, returns with “Call Me When,” the lead single from her upcoming sophomore album I Love Big Old Dogs (out October 17). Released on July 31, the track is a dreamy, emotionally layered reflection on heartbreak—one that mixes soft bitterness with the ache of unresolved love. “It’s difficult to miss someone so much knowing there is no going back,” Sharma says. “Making it was cathartic… It’s a song people can sing along to in their cars in the last moments of heartbreak, right before they move the fuck on.” Anirudh & Sivakarthikeyan – “Salambala” The first single from Madharaasi is here. “Salambala,” composed by Anirudh Ravichander and sung with fire by Sai Abhyankkar, flips the usual breakup song formula on its head. Packed with swagger, attitude, and a beat that doesn’t let up, the track captures the high-octane spirit of AR Murugadoss’ upcoming film starring Sivakarthikeyan. Anirudh calls it “fun and unpredictable,” while Murugadoss says it “sets the tone for the madness that’s coming.” Kavya – Hyperreal Kavya is back with Hyperreal, her first EP in four years, released on August 1. Known for mixing music, fashion, and film, Kavya brings all her creative sides together in this four-track project. Hyperreal takes listeners through a bold, dreamlike soundscape with heavy beats, distorted guitars, and emotional depth. It follows her debut EP Know Me Better, but this time, KAVYA is louder, freer, and more confident. She describes the new EP as a turning point—something she made as a true reflection of the producer she’s always wanted to be. Songs like “Stolen Games” and “Submission” are already out, while “Elf’s Manifestation” and “FELT” arrive with the full EP. Read More

Entertainment Featuring BTS, Seventeen, TXT, and more in this playlist of six memorable K-pop songs that celebrate friendship BTS. Photo: courtesy of Big Hit Music. True friendships often hit right when you least expect them. Whether born from sheer chaos or forged through deep, late-night conversations, there’s no love quite like the comfort of knowing you can send your best friend 200 unhinged texts without any fear of judgment. It’s messy, it’s sacred, and it’s the kind of closeness that outlives logic. So, in the spirit of celebrating that rare kind of friendship, here are some memorable K-pop tracks to soundtrack your bond. “Spring Day” – BTS As life takes us forward, we often leave behind pieces of our past as well as the friends who were a part of it. BTS’s “Spring Day” captures the ache of longing that follows. RM’s melody for the pop-rock ballad, born from a winter stroll, says “I miss you,” a bittersweet sentiment that only deepens with time. The lyrics, which he wrote remembering friends from middle school and high school he’d lost touch with, express the pain of lost connections: “Time’s so cruel, I hate us / Now it’s hard to even see each other’s faces.” However, like spring’s promise of renewal, the song holds catharsis in hope and memories that bring warmth to our lives, just like friendships. “Super” – Seventeen In a conversation with Billboard, band member Woozi explained that “Super” was Seventeen‘s way of reflecting on their journey, including those who’ve fought for them, who stood by them and continue to build a support system that drives them forward. The track is an alternative jersey club song themed around unity, camaraderie, and team spirit, fueled by a heavy kick drum sound and perfectly captured in the line, “I love my team, I love my crew.” The energy is as insane as it is infectious, hooking you right from the beginning to the very end. “Run Away” – TXT (Tomorrow X Together) Also known as “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away),” the song layers TXT’s vocals onto clashing genres like synth-pop, 80s New Wave, and rock-pop. A nod to Platform 9 ¾ in Harry Potter, the secret passage that leads to the realm of magic, the tune evokes a similar sense of intrigue and wonder. It’s a reminder that in tough times, true friends are all the magic you need to get you through. “Mikrocosmos” – BTS Within “Mikrocosmos,” BTS and Army (the fans) come together to build a world of their own that’s at once intimate and infinite. When BTS sings, “This dark night (Don’t be lonely)/Like stars (We shine)/Don’t disappear/’Cause you’re a big existence/Let us shine,” it’s like they’re saying to the fans, “We’re in this together.” Musically, a rich indie synth-pop track, “Mikrocosmos,” is a love letter to the fans, built on the unique bond they share with BTS. It celebrates the feeling of sharing a close connection with someone, even from afar, and is reminiscent of a solid friendship that makes everything okay. “Best Friend Ever” – NCT Dream “Best Friend Ever” is a bright, feel-good pop anthem that captures the ride-or-die energy of a real friend. With lyrics like “The dreams we shared/Our hearts resonate/Each of us carrying our own pain/Overcoming that all/We connect,” it’s an ode to the friends who become our pillars of strength through life’s highs and lows, and the comfort of knowing you’re never alone with them by your side. “Imaginary Friend” – Itzy Itzy has made a refreshing dance-pop track in “Imaginary Friend,” which drives home the message that you can be your own friend and source of solace. The lyrics, “I’m your imaginary friend… I’m here tonight to give you strength… When there are monsters on your ceiling, I’ll keep you safe,” hint at the fictitious companion we long for, symbolizing our inner resilience. This song is a beautiful ode to self-empowerment and the often-overlooked friendship we share with ourselves. Read More

Entertainment The American rock veterans will stop by Bengaluru and Mumbai as part of their Rock Invasion 2025 Asia Tour The Smashing Pumpkins – (from left to right) James Iha, Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin – will perform in India in October 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the artist Chicago-origin band the Smashing Pumpkins are set to play two shows in India this October, marking the alt-rock act’s debut in the country. As part of their Rock Invasion 2025 Asia Tour, the band—comprising vocalist-guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin—will perform in Bengaluru on Oct. 11, 2025, at Terraform Arena and in Mumbai on Oct. 12, 2025 at Jio World Garden. The tour is presented by live event company EVA Live, which has previously brought down the likes of Canadian rock great Bryan Adams, and will also bring Enrique Iglesias to India in October 2025. The band says in a statement, “We’re thrilled to be finally coming to India, some 36 years after we started in Chicago. Our music has been unmistakably shaped by this great and mighty culture, and so it will be an honor to play for you, and loudly! For what we hope will be the first of many, many trips to come.”  In addition to founding members Corgan, Iha and Chamberlin, the Smashing Pumpkins are rounded out by live members bassist Jack Bates, multi-instrumentalist Katie Cole and guitarist Kiki Wong. Best known for songs like “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” “Zero,” “Tonight, Tonight” and “1979” among others, Smashing Pumpkins were a key part of the Nineties rock era, particularly for their first three albums, Gish (1991), Siamese Dream (1993) and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). While the band called time on their career in 2000, which led to members creating music with other seminal acts like A Perfect Circle and Zwan, Corgan and Chamberlin reunited around 2005. They went on to release several albums that escaped easy categorization, even amid shuffling lineups. They most recently released their album Aghori Mhori Mei in 2024. The Smashing Pumpkins’ India arrival marks yet another reason for cheer in the country’s rock community. Where festivals like Bandland and Mahindra Independence Rock have capitalized on rock fandoms across generations, shows by Guns N’ Roses, Bryan Adams, and more have given fans plenty to raise their horns to. EVA Live’s founder and managing director Deepak says in a statement, “To bring The Smashing Pumpkins to India for the very first time is a landmark achievement for the live music ecosystem in this country. India is ready to welcome one of alternative rock’s most influential bands, and we promise an unforgettable experience.” Ticket registrations are now open via the District app, with an early access window for Mastercard users from Aug. 5 to 7, 2025. A second round of presales will follow, running from Aug. 7 to 12 on the app. General ticket sales will begin on Aug. 12, 2025 at 4:30 pm, on District by Zomato. Read More

Entertainment Between an accidental fire and a rogue thunderstorm, the electronic music festival proved that the show really must go on Just 36 hours before Tomorrowland 2025 was set to open for its first weekend, disaster struck. A massive fire that reportedly broke out during a pyrotechnics test ripped through the festival’s mainstage, reducing Orbyz, a mythical ice kingdom that was years in the making, to charred ruins within minutes. The accidental blaze cast a dark cloud over one of the world’s most iconic EDM festivals, leaving everyone asking: could the magic still go on? Just over a week after the fire, as I stood on a hill overlooking the new mainstage, moments before some 200,000 people flooded in for Tomorrowland’s second weekend, I couldn’t help but ask myself the same question.  The new mainstage was essentially a long LED wall with parts taken from a Metallica stage, flanked by jutting truss towers and a semi-canopy that barely concealed the destruction left behind by the fire. Sven Moresi from the Tomorrowland team recalled the chaos of that night—decisions made hour by hour, with the visuals team reprogramming effects even as firefighters were still trying to quell the blaze. As he spoke, my eyes locked on a salvaged part of what was once Orbyz’s glorious ice towers, now clinging to jagged scaffolding and cranes like a remnant of resilience. It was one of those bittersweet sights that made my heart sink and swell with pride all at once. As I watched the first festival-goers shuffle in to French House beats—a special Daybreak set by Bob Sinclar and his daughter Paloma Le Friant—under an LED canvas that simply read “Unite,” I knew I had my answer. Devoted to the dance As soon as you enter Tomorrowland, there’s a relentless positivity that thumps in sync with the sounds spilling out from every corner. For many, Tomorrowland isn’t a festival, but a pilgrimage, where the love for electronic music borders on reverence. And this unwavering devotion was evident even a day before Weekend 2’s official opening, when an isolated thunderstorm threatened to dampen festivities at The Gathering, Tomorrowland’s kickoff party held at its campsite, Dreamville. Despite the downpour, more than 30,000 people braved the weather to revel in the rhythm as they stomped through the soaked, mushy ground in ponchos and boots, bobbing along to the thunderous bass of surprise sets by Kaskade, Alok, and Novah. Despite the muck all around us, thousands grinned through it, their faces streaked with mud, clothes damp with drizzle and spilled beer, and fists pumping in the air. Come fire or storm, the spirit of Tomorrowland trudged on.  All the world’s a stage A big part of Tomorrowland’s appeal is its spectacular stage production, each one a feat of intricate craftsmanship and imagination. Founded in 2005 by brothers Manu and Michiel Beers, the festival set out to bring electronic music out of gritty underground spaces and into a fantasy realm built within De Schorre in Boom, Belgium. Now in its 19th edition, Tomorrowland had 16 staggering stages, each tailored to the genre it housed—from techno and psytrance to big room, drum and bass, and hardstyle. Each day at Tomorrowland was a discovery trail of new sounds and stages. The Great Library stage featured steampunk-esque palatial structures, 3D floating pages, and swishing star trails that felt straight out of the Hogwarts playbook. Here, I discovered Italian rapper BRESH’s brand of introspective melodic rap on Day 1, and got swept away by a lush, sunset-tinged melodic house set by Lost Frequencies on Day 2.  Then, there was Atmosphere, a custom-built tent dedicated to techno, lined with razor-thin LED strips that ignited in perfect synchrony as I bore witness to the likes of CARV, Bad Boombox, and Adam Beyer unleashing their seismic drops.  There was also The Rose Garden, where an animatronic dragon loomed large, winking and exhaling plumes of smoke as ravers moved to sounds of psytrance and high-BPM hardstyle. At the Crystal Garden, a floating stage design inspired by an enchanted swamp, I found myself jumping uncontrollably to FISHER’s chaotic brand of electro house, with fountains erupting, luminescent lights pulsing, and pyrotechnics roaring behind him as he pumped up the the crowd with tracks like “World Hold On” with Bob Sinclair and “Take It Off” with Aatig. But perhaps my favorite was the Freedom stage—a collaborative creation with Budweiser that served as a high-tech escape room of sound and light, anchored in a “Floating Sky” of 210 video tiles and 300 square meters of LED screens engineered to mirror the music’s every thump and twist. I lodged myself inside this raver’s sanctuary long enough to watch Eric Prydz shut it down on Day 1 with a visual spectacle of epic proportions, complete with glowing orbs, space turtles, and sci-fi robots levitating to the sound of his progressive tech house cuts.  On Day 2, ARTBAT delivered a full-blown visual onslaught as sculptural 3D figures hovered across the stage, laser rain sliced through the air, and the crowd cheered in collective awe at their electrifying renditions of tracks like Empire of the Sun’s “We Are the People” and Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.”  One of the most memorable feats of musical mastery and shared emotion I witnessed at the Freedom Stage—and perhaps across all of Tomorrowland—was the Symphony of Unity, a performance piece featuring live classical musicians that reimagined Tomorrowland’s greatest hits into sweeping orchestral compositions. From Eric Prydz’s “Generate” to Sebastian Ingrosso’s “Payback” to Hans Zimmer’s “Tomorrowland Hymn”, each track was layered with soaring strings, delicate harp flourishes, and soul-piercing vocals that surged through the space like a cosmic cathedral of sound. Behind them, visuals of festival memories lit up the LED walls, illuminating with every crescendo before exploding into a million shards of pixels at every drop. The energy in the room shifted: eyes welled with tears as strangers swayed together in what can only be described as a fugue state. It was one of those

Entertainment When teasing his third release of 2025, Rema asked fans to create some easy steps to the song for cash Swan Gallet/WWD/Getty Images After building anticipation online all week, Afrobeats star Rema has released “Kelebu,” a raucous, horn-driven new single. “Ok ..I want y’all to DANCE this summer!” he posted on X on July 26 as he teased the song online. Nigerian culture publication the Native pointed out that “Kelebu” blends influences from, Bouyon, a high-octane dance music from Dominica, as well as Makossa from Cameroon and Coupé-décalé from Côte d’Ivoire, all French-speaking countries across the Caribbean and Africa.  When Rolling Stone asked a representative of Rema what “Kelebu” means, Rema provided the following statement: “Growing up, I didn’t have a phone to create my music taste, my household had different music tastes, I listened to what everybody played. In school parties, we used to dance to a lot of Caribbean and Francophone bounces. We didn’t care about what they were saying because most of them were not even in our local language in Nigeria. They just kept repeating one word with a fantastic instrumental backing it up, and we all danced. Making music now, I’m reliving those moments by expressing it with my art.” On July 27, Rema offered a major incentive to get people moving. “$10K for whoever come up with a EASY dance for KELEBU. out this Friday!” he posted on X. Since then, there have been around 14,500 posts using a clip of the sound on TikTok. In one video, a creator wrote, “Me explaining to my friends the thing we could buy with $10k if they can stop being shy and dance with me on the internet,” while conducting to the song’s dramatic opening synths with what looks like a make-up brush. When the beat dropped, she list things like “Buy Nigeria” and “Buy our enemies.” “Kelebu” marks Rema’s third single of the year, following April’s “Bout U” and February’s “Baby (Is It a Crime)”, which earned nearly three million streams on its first day, and has since tallied over 62 million streams on Spotify and 20 million streams on its official music video. “I didn’t really spend much time on the comments or reception, trying to feed my ego or something,” Rema told Rolling Stone the day he was interviewed for his April cover story.  “I’m that guy who’ll post something and just go to bed.” From Rolling Stone US. Read More