Entertainment

Popular Celebrities and Influencers Of Kolkata

Intro: Kolkata, once Calcutta, always cultured- is not just a city. It’s a mood, a melody, a memory that lingers like Rabindra Sangeet on a rainy evening. Traditionally known as the intellectual and cultural capital of India, Kolkata has birthed legends in literature, cinema, and the arts. But today, a new generation is redefining the essence of this city. They aren’t poets with quills, they are influencers with ring lights, storytellers with scripts, fashionistas with reels, and icons with hashtags. This is not about nostalgia, it’s about evolution. DHANUSH KUMAR, writes about the celebrities and influencers from Kolkata who are making waves nationally and globally, all while keeping their roots firmly grounded in the soil of the City of Joy.

1.Rukmini Maitra- Glamour with Grit

Rukmini Maitra isn’t just a name, she’s a brand. One of the most prominent faces in Kolkata, her journey from modeling to blockbuster cinema is a masterclass in consistency and class. Whether she’s dazzling on the red carpet or advocating for mental health and women’s empowerment, Rukmini balances style with substance. She’s become a household name not just in Bengali, but across India, thanks to her OTT roles and brand collaborations.

2.Saurav Das-laughter with a message

Saurav Das started his journey in theatre, and that grounding in craft shows in everything he touches. Known for his comedy sketches, sharp satire, and emotional performances, he has become the thinking millennials’ entertainer. Saurav’s social media is a mix of laughter, activism and raw honesty, qualities that make him a relatable voice in today’s chaotic digital world.

3.Wonder Munna( Indrani Biswas)

You can’t talk about content creation in Bengal without mentoring Wonder Munna. What started as fun videos has now evolved into a full-blown platform for fashion, feminism, social critique, and mental health awareness. Her videos blend intellect with sass, tradition with rebellion. She’s Gen Z’s go-to creator for real talk, wrapped in quirky editing and stunning visuals.

4.Abir Chatterjee

A household name in Bengali cinema, Abir Chatterjee represents the evolution of the thinking man’s hero. Best known for his roles as Byomkesh Bakshi and Feluda, he’s also a fashion icon and a youth mentor. His presence is dignified yet approachable, a rare blend in today’s fame game. From hosting quiz shows to lending his voice to social causes, Abir is every bit the Renaissance man Kolkata takes pride in.

5.Neel Bhattacharya and Trina Saha

They act. They vlog. They travel. They love-openly, honestly and unapologetically. Neel and Trina are not just stars on screen. They are stars of the algorithm. With their relatable relationship content, travel diaries and behind the scenes peeks into celebrity life, this couple has redefined the term power couple in the age of social media.

6.Anindita Bose

Anindita Bose is a force of nature. With striking performances in films, web series, and independent cinema, she brings an unmatched rawness to the screen. Off-screen, she’s an open book discussing mental health, relationships, and creative burnout. She speaks the language of modern women, unapologetic, ambitious, and deeply aware.

7.Shayan Roy

For those tired of cliché content, Shayan Roy’s wit is a welcome relief. His humor is deeply Bengali, brilliantly sarcastic, and wildly relevant. From meme pages to music to short-form comedy, he holds a mirror to society, and we can’t stop laughing. He’s proof that even in a sea of reels, intelligence can trend.

Conclusion

The stars from Kolkata today are more than performers, they are cultural navigators. They carry forward a legacy built by literary giants and silver screen legends. But they are also writing their own scripts in real-time on digital stages. Whether you are a Gen Z trend chaser or millennial who grew up on Satyajit Ray, there’s someone in this list who speaks your language. These celebrities and influencers are not just creating content, they are creating culture. They represent a Kolkata that is no longer just about the past, but powerfully poised for the future.

June 16, 2025

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy