Entertainment

Snippets

BTS Breaking records:

In a first of its kind BTS’s latest song Butter Tops Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 5th consecutive week. Butter had sold at least 100,000 downloads in each of its first five weeks, the first song to do so since Despacito in 2017. According to Billboard, Butter is just the 11th song out of the 54 songs that have debuted at No 1 to spend its first five weeks at No. 1 in the history of the Hot 100. The group is set to release their new single Permission to Dance on July 9, and rumour has it that it might be a collab with British pop icon Ed Sheeran Shape of You fame.

Bebo back on the sets

Guess who is all set to get back on sets! Our very own hot mommie Kareena Kapoor Khan. Before going on a baby break the-mom-to-be had finished shooting for Laal Singh Chadha with Aamir Khan. Now the actress is busy reading scripts and if rumor mills are to be believed she will be back on the sets this October for a project with her bestie Karan Johar. The last time the duo came together they created magic on screen and we have no doubts they can create history once again.

Dhanush on a roll

Dhanush, known for movies such as Aadukalam and Raanjhanaa, is set to make his debut in Hollywood as the actor has joined the cast of Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans-starrer The Gray Man. Even as the actor is busy shooting for the project based on Mark Greaney’s 2009 novel of the same name and revolves around freelance assassin and former CIA operative Court Gentry, he has already gone on to tweet about his next project with director Shekar Kammula for a trilingual. Shekar is known for his offbeat movies and subjects and all expectations are riding high on this one.

Sheer Qorma ends Pride Month on the right note

Written and directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, Sheer Qorma, starring Swara Bhasker and Divya Dutta in lead roles, is earning plaudits in film festivals around the world. Also starring Shabana Azmi, the film, which features two queer muslim characters, played by Swara and Divya won the Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the Connecticut LGBT Film Festival. The film also won the Grand Jury Narrative Short at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. No better way to end Pride month!

July 20, 2021

Snippets

The Rise of Meenaakshi Chaudhary: Reigning Queen of the South India

From donning a crown in beauty pageants to delivering powerful performances on screen, MEENAAKSHI CHAUDHARY’S journey from dentistry to dazzling stardom is nothing short of cinematic. With a string of critically acclaimed roles across Telugu and Tamil cinema, Meenaakshi is fast emerging as a pan-Indian powerhouse. With exciting projects lined up, including collaborations with Naga Chaitanya and Naveen Polishetty, her star power continues to soar, captivating audiences with her blend of talent, grace, and versatility. SINDURI VUPPALA catches up with the actress for an exclusive conversation, tracing her inspiring rise and what lies ahead. Let’s start from the beginning—what drew you to acting, and how did your journey into Telugu cinema begin? Was the transition from pageants and dentistry to movies something you planned, or did it unfold organically? I believe it was a destiny move for me, because I never thought of becoming an actor. I grew up wanting to be Miss India for sure, a doctor and probably in civil services. After I joined Miss India, I got a lot of other opportunities, which I never thought that I could possibly foray into. So, I gave everything a try because whatever comes my way, I never just let it go, and I thought I might as well try it. If I don’t like it, I can continue doing what I’m doing, and I think that’s how my journey began. The transition from pageantry, modelling, dentistry to getting into acting was truly something that just happened and I think when something’s meant to happen, it just finds its own way and that’s truly what happened in my case as well. What inspired you to leave your dental career behind and pursue acting? Was there a specific moment that made you feel this is where I belong? Honestly, I never really thought of considering dentistry as my first option, I

Entertainment

Action Reloaded: Sunny Deol Steps into the South with Jaat

Sunny Deol is riding high on the success of Jaat, his first full-fledged lead role in a South Indian film. Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film has struck critical and commercial gold. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Sunny opens up about his experience working in the South, redefining stardom, and why audiences are returning to strong, rooted cinema. Exclusive Excerpts After Gadar 2, would you call this a golden phase in your career? Absolutely. When the first Gadar became a hit, meri dukaan band ho gayi. Then came the second one and dukaan khul gayi. People said Gadar 2 was outdated, but the audience loved it. Today, we’re returning to rooted films. Bollywood directors have moved away from making original, grounded stories—they’re focusing too much on city-centric films. But 99 percent of our audience is Indian, and they want stories they can connect with. How do you define stardom today? Do you consider yourself a star or an actor? I focus on my work, not on stardom. These days, actors feel the need to constantly stay in the public eye. But for me, stardom is enjoying my work as an actor. If my work is appreciated, I feel fulfilled. I feel blessed to be in this industry where we live different lives through our characters, even if it means no weekends and no regular work hours. We are people who love a peaceful life. Is doing physically demanding roles still challenging for you?Honestly, I’ve never found physical roles difficult. That’s just who I am. Age is just a number. If the role suits me and I can live the character truthfully, that’s enough. I don’t shy away from physically demanding work. What precautions do you take while performing

Entertainment

5 Paranormal Podcasts which will send shivers down your spine

Love the thrill of a good scare? Paranormal podcasts are the perfect escape into the unknown, where haunted tales, ghostly encounters, and eerie investigations come alive through chilling audio. If you are looking for something more than just background noise, these supernatural podcasts will tingle your spine and mess with your sleep. Grab your headphones and prepare to get haunted as DHANUSH KUMAR brings five podcasts that are not for the faint of heart. 1. Bhay Originals Created by Ankan Sharmishtha Bose, Bhay Originals has rapidly become a leading name in Indian horror podcasts. With over 2 million organic listens, it offers immersive, movie-style Hindi horror audio dramas that delve into ghost stories, paranormal encounters, and suspenseful narratives. Why it’s popular: High-quality production and original storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge. Listener feedback: Praised for its originality and spine-chilling narratives. 2. Paranormal Reality Hosted by paranormal investigator Jay Alani, Paranormal Reality explores real-life, supernatural phenomena across India. Jay shares his extensive experiences, discussing various entities and their characteristics, making it a compelling listen for those intrigued by the unknown. Why it’s popular: Authentic accounts from a seasoned investigator who provides a unique perspective. Listener feedback: Appreciated for its legitimacy and engaging content. 3. Ghosts Encounters Unfiltered Produced by Scare Events India, this podcast features Pooja Vijay, Sarbajeet Mohanty, and Savio Furtado from the Parapsychology and Investigations Research Society (PAIRS). They dissect infamous paranormal cases, sharing decades of experience and insights into the supernatural world. Why it’s popular: In-depth analysis of well-known paranormal incidents by experienced investigators. Listener feedback: Valued for its detailed discussions and professional insights. 4. Spookcast Spookcast offers original horror stories in Hindi, narrated by Avi and produced by Manjila Basu. The podcast covers a range of spooky tales, from haunted highways to eerie personal experiences, providing

Entertainment

Top 10 Travel Destinations Most Indian Celebrities Flock to During Summer Vacations

From pristine beaches to mountain hideouts and global fashion capitals, Indian celebrities love to escape the spotlight and unwind in some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic destinations during summer. Whether it’s Bollywood stars, cricketers, or influencers, their vacation choices often set travel trends for fans. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 travel destinations by Hashtag Magazine that are hot favourites among Indian celebrities for their summer getaways. 1. Maldives – The Celebrity Island Escape The Maldives continues to top the list as the most Instagrammed vacation destination by Indian celebrities. With its overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and unmatched privacy, stars like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Janhvi Kapoor, and Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma have chosen this paradise for summer getaways. 2. London, United Kingdom – The Summer Chill Spot London’s cool summer weather, art scene, shopping hotspots, and Indian food joints make it a magnet for celebs like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, and Saif Ali Khan. Several Bollywood families often spend weeks at a stretch in their London homes during summer. 3. Paris, France – The Style Capital Paris is not only about romance but also fashion and culture. Celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone often make it a point to stop in Paris for fashion shows or a summer escape. 4. Tuscany, Italy – Rustic Luxury Tuscany’s scenic countryside, vineyards, and historical villas make it an ideal celebrity retreat. Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Sharma, and even Hrithik Roshan have been spotted exploring this region. 5. New York City, USA – For the Buzz and Vibe The Big Apple is a summer hot spot for Indian celebrities looking for energy, art, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Stars like Priyanka Chopra, who partly resides there, and others like Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt visit frequently. 6. Switzerland – The Eternal Bollywood Dream From DDLJ nostalgia to skiing in the Alps, Switzerland remains a dreamy escape for Indian