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

Marathi cinema continues to flourish thanks to a vibrant mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. These actors, through compelling performances in theatre, television, and film, have profoundly impacted the industry. Here’s a spotlight on some of the most influential figures today: 1. Swapnil Joshi Fondly regarded as the “Shah Rukh Khan of Marathi cinema,” Swapnil Joshi is a superstar whose versatility has wooed audiences across mediums. He rose to prominence with hits like Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai and its sequel, while his television work (Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta) also earned widespread acclaim. Joshi’s charismatic screen presence and consistent box-office success make him a pillar of the industry. 2. Ankush Chaudhari A multi-faceted talent—actor, writer, producer, and director—Ankush Chaudhari earned fame through the romantic hit Double Seat and further cemented his appeal with Dhurala, Daagdi Chaawl 2, and others. Honored with Filmfare Awards in the category of Best Actor for Double Seat and Dhurala, his commitment to quality storytelling places him among the elite 3. Subodh Bhave An actor, director, and writer of considerable repute, Subodh Bhave shines in both historical and modern narratives. His portrayal of freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, in Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush, garnered widespread praise His nuanced performance in the Zee Marathi TV series Tula Pahate Re further underscores his versatility 4. Sachit Patil Multi-talented as an actor, director, and playwright, Sachit Patil broke through with the 2010 hit Zenda and seamlessly transitioned from television to impactful film roles in Aboli and Tu Chandane Shimpit Jashi His deep understanding of character and narrative structure enriches the projects he selects. 5. Shreyas Talpade Having made a mark in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, Shreyas Talpade is perhaps best known nationally for Iqbal (2005), which showcased his dramatic depth A voice actor as well—he dubbed for Allu Arjun in the Hindi

The Marathi film and television industry has seen a powerful resurgence in recent years, bolstered by a fresh wave of storytelling and a host of talented actresses who have breathed life into complex, memorable characters. These women have not only redefined the portrayal of female roles on screen but have also become cultural icons. Hashtag Magazine highlights five of the most prominent Marathi actresses today and explores their journeys, work, and influence. 1. Sai Tamhankar Sai Tamhankar is one of the most versatile and commercially successful actresses in Marathi cinema. Hailing from Sangli, she began her career on television before moving into films. Known for her natural screen presence and nuanced performances, Sai has worked across multiple languages, including Marathi, Hindi, and Tamil. Her breakout roles in films such as Duniyadari, Hunterrr, and Dhurala showcased her depth as an actress. In addition to mainstream success, she has delivered critically acclaimed performances in independent cinema. Her ability to portray strong, independent women with authenticity has made her a favourite among audiences and directors alike. Sai is also a popular face in the OTT space, with performances in web series like Samantar 2 and Pet Puraan. Her career reflects a conscious mix of experimental and commercial projects, helping bridge the gap between art and popular cinema. 2. Amruta Khanvilkar Amruta Khanvilkar embodies glamour, talent, and resilience. She first came into the limelight through a national talent show and quickly established herself as a performer to watch. Her performance in Natarang particularly the dance number “Wajale Ki Bara” remains iconic in Marathi film history. Amruta has balanced her career across both Marathi and Hindi industries, with roles in films like Katyar Kaljat Ghusali, Raazi, and Malang. A trained dancer, she brings grace and intensity to both dramatic and musical roles. Apart from acting,

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