I’m a Loyalist of Cinema: Aamir Khan Fresh off the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan opens up about his enduring love for cinema, why he champions children’s stories, and how he balances personal evolution with creative instincts. In an exclusive interaction, he also speaks candidly about declaring his relationship with Gauri and the stability she brings into his life. In this heartfelt conversation, Aamir reflects on movies, meaning, and moments, with LIPIKA VARMA capturing it all. Excerpts- How do you feel when your film is on the verge of being released? Whenever my film is on the verge of being released, the feeling is like a father of a newborn child, though we cannot compare our feelings to a mother of a newborn child. But when my films are released, I feel the same nervousness and excitement as a father. The more excited you are, the more you contemplate whether your film is good, and then the nervousness grows if people will like it or not. I always get nervous whenever my films are on the release. Why are children’s films made in lesser numbers in Bollywood? Yes, it’s sad that the Hindi film industry is making very few children’s films. According to my thought process, the industry feels there is no market for children’s films. I disagree with this. We have so many children in this country, of course, they watch films! But sadly, many end up watching Western films dubbed in Hindi. We must take responsibility as filmmakers and create more meaningful stories for our children. Will you make more children’s films? I have decided to make children’s films even in the future. Kids are the future pillars of our country. They need to be sensitive, caring, and empathetic. Our films touch them in ways to

From royal drama to twisted reality, here’s what India is watching (and obsessing over) this year. In the ever-evolving world of Indian entertainment, 2025 has delivered a goldmine of binge-worthy content from palace intrigue and dysfunctional families to comedy classics and reality chaos. With OTT platforms upping the game and audiences craving variety, these five shows have emerged as the biggest must-watch of the year. Here’s what’s streaming, what’s trending, and why you’ll want to clear your weekend watchlist immediately: The Royals – India’s Glamorous New Obsession Streaming on: NetflixCast: Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, Milind SomanGenre: Romantic Comedy Drama | Royalty Meets Modern Hustle What’s It About?Set in modern India, The Royals follows a once wealthy royal family trying to reinvent themselves after financial ruin. When the charming heir (Ishaan Khatter) teams up with a driven entrepreneur (Bhumi Pednekar) to convert their ancestral palace into a luxury resort, sparks and scandals fly. Why Everyone’s Bingeing It: Ishaan Khatter shines as the reluctant prince with charm and depth. Bhumi Pednekar brings fire as the modern businesswoman challenging royal traditions. Zeenat Aman and Sakshi Tanwar add multigenerational richness. Nora Fatehi is a comic delight in a glam role. Opulent visuals, witty writing, and a perfectly chaotic royal family setup. USP:Think Downton Abbey meets Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. It’s lavish, light, emotional, and incredibly stylish, easily Netflix India’s most buzzed-about show this year. Rana Naidu – Season 2 Streaming on: NetflixCast: Rana Daggubati, Venkatesh Daggubati, Surveen Chawla, Suchitra PillaiGenre: Action | Family Dysfunction | Crime Noir What’s It About?Rana Naidu is a high-powered fixer for India’s elite but this season, his biggest mess is at home. As his criminal past catches up with him and his father’s release from jail threatens his empire,

Introduction: For decades, Bollywood held the lion’s share of Indian cinema’s spotlight. However, in recent years, a significant shift has occurred and it’s unmistakable. The Telugu film industry (Tollywood) is not just holding its own; it’s leading from the front, dominating pan-India box offices, winning international recognition, and giving rise to a new wave of superstar directors and culturally rooted blockbusters. From ‘RRR’ to the upcoming ‘Pushpa 2’, Telugu cinema is no longer just regional, it’s national, even global. Box Office Boom: Numbers Don’t Lie Telugu films are now commanding unmatched collections both in India and overseas: ‘RRR’ (2022) by S.S. Rajamouli: Grossed over ₹1,200 crore worldwide Won an Oscar for Best Original Song (“Naatu Naatu”), putting Indian mass cinema on the global map Created hysteria in Japan, USA, and even the West Indies ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ (2021) by Sukumar: Broke records with over ₹360 crore gross on a modest budget Its dialogues and songs became viral across languages Pushpa 2: The Rule is already creating massive pre-release hype with deals crossing ₹100 crore+ in Hindi rights alone The Winning Formula: Mass, Emotion, and Craft Telugu films have found the sweet spot between mass action, emotional depth, and visual grandeur. They don’t just aim to entertain they immerse audiences in rich storytelling rooted in local culture, yet universally relatable. It’s a formula that Bollywood, in its struggle to reconnect with a broader audience, is now trying to replicate. Visionary Directors Turned National Icons Names like S.S. Rajamouli, Sukumar, Trivikram Srinivas, and Prashanth Neel have become synonymous with scale, innovation, and success. Their storytelling is rooted in emotion but mounted on ambitious canvases and that blend is exactly what audiences are demanding across India. As a result, these directors are not only breaking records in Telugu-speaking states, but are being actively

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