Vijay Sethupatji starrer Viduthalai 2 is currently streaming on ZEE5 after its successful run in the theatres. The film produced by Elred Kumar of R S Infotainment and directed by Vetrimaaran, is a riveting political crime thriller. Vijay stars as a revolutionary named Perumal, a man whose life story weaves together anger, empathy, and a battle against an oppressive system.&nbsp;
In the film, Perumal gets captured and following that episode, he recounts his transformation from a righteous school teacher to a revolutionary leader, to the officers transporting him.&nbsp;
We got in touch with Vijay Sethupathi as he spoke about his character Perumal in Viduthalai: Part 2, why it struck a chord with the audiences and more.
Here are the edited excerpts:&nbsp;
Q: You&rsquo;ve played an array of characters, but what makes Perumal stand out in your filmography? Is there any aspect of his persona that you personally relate to?
Vijay: Perumal is different from any role I&rsquo;ve played before because of his conviction and resilience. He&rsquo;s not just fighting for himself&mdash;he represents a larger struggle. His strength is not in just his physical actions but in his belief system, which makes him a deeply compelling character.&nbsp;
Personally, I relate to his sense of purpose. As an actor, I also believe in standing by what I feel is right, and that connection helped me portray him with sincerity.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rishan-shettys-kantara-chapter-1-getting-delayed-heres-what-makers-have-said-8920366" aria-label="Rishan Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 getting delayed? Here's what makers have said">Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 getting delayed? Here's what makers have said</a>
Q: The first part of Viduthalai left audiences on a tense note. What can you tell us about the film&rsquo;s larger message?
Vijay: If Viduthalai Part 1 was a build-up, Part 2 is an explosion of emotions, action, and consequences. Perumal&rsquo;s journey takes unexpected turns, and the stakes are much higher. I can say that audiences will witness a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that forces them to think about justice, power, and survival. The film&rsquo;s message is deeply relevant to today&rsquo;s world, and it will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Watch trailer here:
<iframe width="1280" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TijuR7kEIzM" title="Viduthalai Part 2 - Official Trailer | Vetri Maaran | Vijay Sethupathi | Ilayaraaja | Soori" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/three-way-box-office-clash-between-bazooka-alappuzha-gymkhana-and-maranamass-this-april-10th-8920546" aria-label="Three way box office clash between Bazooka, Alappuzha Gymkhana and MaranaMass this April 10th">Three way box office clash between Bazooka, Alappuzha Gymkhana and MaranaMass this April 10th</a></h2>
Q: With Viduthalai Part 2 expanding its reach on OTT in Hindi, how do you see the impact of Tamil cinema growing among pan-Indian audiences, especially in the digital space?
Vijay: Tamil cinema has always had strong storytelling, but today, with digital platforms like ZEE5, these stories are reaching a much wider audience. The language barrier is slowly disappearing, and people are now embracing content based on its strength rather than where it comes from.&nbsp;
Films like Viduthalai Part 2 showcase the richness of Tamil storytelling, and I believe that its Hindi release will open the doors for more such films to find recognition across India.

Entertainment Trending In an exclusive chat, Vijay Sethupathi spoke his latest film Viduthalai 2 and connecting with his character Perumal.

Vijay Sethupatji starrer Viduthalai 2 is currently streaming on ZEE5 after its successful run in the theatres. The film produced by Elred Kumar of R S Infotainment and directed by Vetrimaaran, is a riveting political crime thriller. Vijay stars as a revolutionary named Perumal, a man whose life story weaves together anger, empathy, and a battle against an oppressive system. In the film, Perumal gets captured and following that episode, he recounts his transformation from a righteous school teacher to a revolutionary leader, to the officers transporting him. We got in touch with Vijay Sethupathi as he spoke about his character Perumal in Viduthalai: Part 2, why it struck a chord with the audiences and more. Here are the edited excerpts: Q: You’ve played an array of characters, but what makes Perumal stand out in your filmography? Is there any aspect of his persona that you personally relate to? Vijay: Perumal is different from any role I’ve played before because of his conviction and resilience. He’s not just fighting for himself—he represents a larger struggle. His strength is not in just his physical actions but in his belief system, which makes him a deeply compelling character. Personally, I relate to his sense of purpose. As an actor, I also believe in standing by what I feel is right, and that connection helped me portray him with sincerity. Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 getting delayed? Here's what makers have said Q: The first part of Viduthalai left audiences on a tense note. What can you tell us about the film’s larger message? Vijay: If Viduthalai Part 1 was a build-up, Part 2 is an explosion of emotions, action, and consequences. Perumal’s journey takes unexpected turns, and the stakes are much higher. I can say that audiences will witness a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that forces them to think about justice, power, and survival. The film’s message is deeply relevant to today’s world, and it will stay with you long after the credits roll. Watch trailer here: Three way box office clash between Bazooka, Alappuzha Gymkhana and MaranaMass this April 10th Q: With Viduthalai Part 2 expanding its reach on OTT in Hindi, how do you see the impact of Tamil cinema growing among pan-Indian audiences, especially in the digital space? Vijay: Tamil cinema has always had strong storytelling, but today, with digital platforms like ZEE5, these stories are reaching a much wider audience. The language barrier is slowly disappearing, and people are now embracing content based on its strength rather than where it comes from. Films like Viduthalai Part 2 showcase the richness of Tamil storytelling, and I believe that its Hindi release will open the doors for more such films to find recognition across India.

Exclusive: Vijay Sethupathi on why Viduthalai's Perumal is nothing like what he's played before

Buzz tells the story of India&rsquo;s most celebrated tattoo artist, Eric D&rsquo;Souza, The documentary backed by Bollywood star Anil Kapoor captures his extraordinary journey by filmmaker Maahir Khan. Filmed like an intimate documentary, Buzz traces Eric's inspiring journey from the lanes of Mumbai to national prominence. Buzz released on February 28 on JioHotstar. on 28th February on JioHotstar.&nbsp;
We got talking to filmmaker Maahir Khan to understand his inspiration behind this documentary which is more than a regular film and acts as a starting point for a cultural conversation. Maahir explains how he captures the intersection of art, identity and resilience via his documentary.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:
Q: Buzz tells a deeply personal story of Eric D&rsquo;Souza. What drew you to his journey, and why did you feel it needed to be told?
A: Simply because I found him to be a great ambassador for the underground countercultural movement of Mumbai. I felt Eric was the right person, and tattoos were the correct medium to show the subculture that took me in at a young age and showed me great compassion, kindness, and patience as well as empowering me artistically.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/149bdc9f-88d.jpg" alt="Buzz" style="width: 580px;">
Q: Tattoos in India have traditionally carried a certain stigma. How do you think Buzz contributes to changing that perception?
A: I think any bias is formed from a lack of being able to empathise, and I hope that by seeing Eric&rsquo;s story working in a subversive industry, people would not only challenge their perceptions about people with tattoos or tattoo artists, but all people who do something they don&rsquo;t understand.
<h2>A cultural conversation starter</h2>
Q: The documentary captures the intersection of art, identity, and resilience. How did you weave these themes into the narrative?
A: It definitely was all a product of Eric&rsquo;s honesty. I don&rsquo;t think those are things I could have planned &mdash; he was so authentic and truthful that all we did was highlight his powerful vulnerability.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in telling Eric&rsquo;s story in a way that felt authentic and impactful?
A: When you&rsquo;re dealing with a documentary and you have a lull in the edit, the temptation is to go sensationalist through misdirecting the audience with your cuts. Basically, what reality television does. But I saw truthfulness as an unshakeable tenet in this project, because it would be horribly wrong to deceive people even slightly as that would compromise Eric&rsquo;s trust and vulnerability. So, I think to make the film move cleanly and having a clear narrative thread without using tricks was the main challenge here.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/776455a6-5db.jpg" alt="Buzz" style="width: 580px;">
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rs-3400000-salman-khan-flaunts-limited-edition-ram-janmabhoomi-watch-with-lord-ram-engraving-8895890" aria-label="Rs 34,00,000! Salman Khan flaunts limited edition 'Ram Janmabhoomi' watch with Lord Ram engraving">Rs 34,00,000! Salman Khan flaunts limited edition 'Ram Janmabhoomi' watch with Lord Ram engraving</a>
<h2>Tattoo culture in India</h2>
Q: Do you think India is now more accepting of tattoo culture, or is there still resistance?
A: I think it is far more accepting now than it was when I was first getting tattooed. Back then, you didn&rsquo;t tell people you had tattoos, or show them &mdash; it is highly likely they would form a false perception of you. While resistance may still exist in some pockets, it has severely diminished over the past decade or so.
Q: Your father, Feroz Abbas Khan, is a celebrated filmmaker and theatre icon. Did his storytelling sensibilities influence your approach to Buzz?
A: Not really. My father and I have great respect for each other, but our specialties are very different. I cut my teeth in counterculture and existentialism as a writer, he in Indian culture and socio-political issues as a director. So, while we love each other&rsquo;s work, we are rarely involved in influencing either of our processes.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ground-zero-poster-emraan-hashmi-to-play-a-bsf-commandant-in-action-flick-8895911" aria-label="Ground Zero poster: Emraan Hashmi to play a BSF Commandant in action flick">Ground Zero poster: Emraan Hashmi to play a BSF Commandant in action flick</a>
<h2>Collaborating with Anil Kapoor</h2>
Q: How involved was Anil Kapoor in shaping the final cut, and what was it like collaborating with him?
A: Anil Kapoor is an amazing person to work with because he truly understands the artist&rsquo;s mind. And that was no different for me. His involvement was less with the cut &mdash; though he did have very valuable inputs there &mdash; and far more on mentoring my artistic ability so I could be empowered to make the correct decisions along the way. I am incredibly grateful for that. He showed immense faith in me and helped me hone my own voice significantly.
Q: Buzz is not just a documentary but a cultural conversation. What do you hope audiences take away from it?
A: I hope they take from it whatever it chooses to give them. The same reason a film is riveting for one person can be another person&rsquo;s reason to hate it. Either is okay &mdash; art gives in complex ways because it is often dealing with a walled up subconscious psyche. However, if there is one thing I hope happens from people watching this film, it is that people feel less alone after hearing Eric&rsquo;s trials and tribulations and how he overcame them. It&rsquo;s never too late, you are never too broken and it will get better, so never give up.
Q: In a time where streaming platforms are bringing diverse content to viewers, how do you see Buzz contributing to this shift in Indian storytelling?
A: Honestly, I feel it is beyond my pay grade to claim Buzz does anything on a larger level in terms of a shift. What I can claim is that we made this film with the goal to be relentlessly truthful, wherever that may lead us. The novelty of the subject or the circumstances of the people were never the main point of the film, so it&rsquo;s difficult for me to say that this fits under &ldquo;diverse&rdquo; though hopefully it does feel like a fresh take of a subculture for audiences.&nbsp;
The shift I hope Buzz is part of is bringing back more character driven films and documentaries, and fewer high-concept macro ideas because I think fewer people loving a film versus a lot of people just liking it leads to more engagement and honestly, movies that have a longer life.

Entertainment Interview Discover the captivating journey of Eric D'Souza, India's renowned tattoo artist, in the documentary Buzz, directed by Maahir Khan and backed by Anil Kapoor.

Buzz tells the story of India’s most celebrated tattoo artist, Eric D’Souza, The documentary backed by Bollywood star Anil Kapoor captures his extraordinary journey by filmmaker Maahir Khan. Filmed like an intimate documentary, Buzz traces Eric's inspiring journey from the lanes of Mumbai to national prominence. Buzz released on February 28 on JioHotstar. on 28th February on JioHotstar. We got talking to filmmaker Maahir Khan to understand his inspiration behind this documentary which is more than a regular film and acts as a starting point for a cultural conversation. Maahir explains how he captures the intersection of art, identity and resilience via his documentary. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: Buzz tells a deeply personal story of Eric D’Souza. What drew you to his journey, and why did you feel it needed to be told? A: Simply because I found him to be a great ambassador for the underground countercultural movement of Mumbai. I felt Eric was the right person, and tattoos were the correct medium to show the subculture that took me in at a young age and showed me great compassion, kindness, and patience as well as empowering me artistically. Q: Tattoos in India have traditionally carried a certain stigma. How do you think Buzz contributes to changing that perception? A: I think any bias is formed from a lack of being able to empathise, and I hope that by seeing Eric’s story working in a subversive industry, people would not only challenge their perceptions about people with tattoos or tattoo artists, but all people who do something they don’t understand. A cultural conversation starter Q: The documentary captures the intersection of art, identity, and resilience. How did you weave these themes into the narrative? A: It definitely was all a product of Eric’s honesty. I don’t think those are things I could have planned — he was so authentic and truthful that all we did was highlight his powerful vulnerability. Q: What was the biggest challenge in telling Eric’s story in a way that felt authentic and impactful? A: When you’re dealing with a documentary and you have a lull in the edit, the temptation is to go sensationalist through misdirecting the audience with your cuts. Basically, what reality television does. But I saw truthfulness as an unshakeable tenet in this project, because it would be horribly wrong to deceive people even slightly as that would compromise Eric’s trust and vulnerability. So, I think to make the film move cleanly and having a clear narrative thread without using tricks was the main challenge here. Also read: Rs 34,00,000! Salman Khan flaunts limited edition 'Ram Janmabhoomi' watch with Lord Ram engraving Tattoo culture in India Q: Do you think India is now more accepting of tattoo culture, or is there still resistance? A: I think it is far more accepting now than it was when I was first getting tattooed. Back then, you didn’t tell people you had tattoos, or show them — it is highly likely they would form a false perception of you. While resistance may still exist in some pockets, it has severely diminished over the past decade or so. Q: Your father, Feroz Abbas Khan, is a celebrated filmmaker and theatre icon. Did his storytelling sensibilities influence your approach to Buzz? A: Not really. My father and I have great respect for each other, but our specialties are very different. I cut my teeth in counterculture and existentialism as a writer, he in Indian culture and socio-political issues as a director. So, while we love each other’s work, we are rarely involved in influencing either of our processes. Also read: Ground Zero poster: Emraan Hashmi to play a BSF Commandant in action flick Collaborating with Anil Kapoor Q: How involved was Anil Kapoor in shaping the final cut, and what was it like collaborating with him? A: Anil Kapoor is an amazing person to work with because he truly understands the artist’s mind. And that was no different for me. His involvement was less with the cut — though he did have very valuable inputs there — and far more on mentoring my artistic ability so I could be empowered to make the correct decisions along the way. I am incredibly grateful for that. He showed immense faith in me and helped me hone my own voice significantly. Q: Buzz is not just a documentary but a cultural conversation. What do you hope audiences take away from it? A: I hope they take from it whatever it chooses to give them. The same reason a film is riveting for one person can be another person’s reason to hate it. Either is okay — art gives in complex ways because it is often dealing with a walled up subconscious psyche. However, if there is one thing I hope happens from people watching this film, it is that people feel less alone after hearing Eric’s trials and tribulations and how he overcame them. It’s never too late, you are never too broken and it will get better, so never give up. Q: In a time where streaming platforms are bringing diverse content to viewers, how do you see Buzz contributing to this shift in Indian storytelling? A: Honestly, I feel it is beyond my pay grade to claim Buzz does anything on a larger level in terms of a shift. What I can claim is that we made this film with the goal to be relentlessly truthful, wherever that may lead us. The novelty of the subject or the circumstances of the people were never the main point of the film, so it’s difficult for me to say that this fits under “diverse” though hopefully it does feel like a fresh take of a subculture for audiences. The shift I hope Buzz is part of is bringing back more character driven films and documentaries, and fewer high-concept macro ideas because I think fewer people loving a film versus a lot of people just liking it leads to more engagement and honestly, movies that have a longer life.

Interview: Buzz director Maahir Khan discusses working with Anil Kapoor in film on tattoo culture in India

What's better news for cinephiles than the fact that watching movies may also come with added health benefits? Confused? Whether you watch a horror film or a comedy-drama, each film genre significantly impacts your health. Find out more interesting facts about movies in this episode of E-Club.

Did you know that watching movies have health benefits? | E-Club

Egypt has pitched it self to become a member of India Middle East Europe or IMEE corridor that was announced during Delhi G20 summit in 2023. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Egypt's Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib said that his country has the required infrastructure, pointing to railway connect. 

In January 2023, during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to India, both nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a "strategic partnership," aiming to boost bilateral trade to US$12 billion within five years.

Egypt’s strategic location, particularly with the Suez Canal, enhances its appeal as a gateway for India into African and European markets.

WION Exclusive: Egypt pitches to become a member of IMEE corridor

Estonia's Foreign Secretary, Jonatan Vseviov has said that India can be a powerful voice, in response to Delhi's role when it comes to Russia Ukraine war. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, 'India is a major global power. 21st could be Indian century. It's voice matters. We want India to use to powerful voice...India can be strong voice in side of UN charter, territorial integrity'. The comment come amid talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Asked about ties, he said relationship hold, 'great potential'.India opened its embassy in Tallinn in December 2021, while Estonia established its embassy in New Delhi in February 2012, signalling commitment to deepening ties. Economically, trade between India and Estonia remains modest but shows potential. In 2007, bilateral trade was valued at €30.8 million, with India s Estonia’s 34th largest import partner and 37th largest export partner.

Estonia says India is a powerful voice amid Ukraine war

Thailand foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa has batted for strong ties with India. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal he said, 'we have a long a history together. India is strong and strategic partner of Thailand'. He pointed  food security, energy security, Human security as areas of cooperation between the 2 countries. The minister recalled how India last year sent Buddha relics to Thailand. He said,'I would like to express my appreciation to India, to exhibit relics of Lord Buddha to Thailand. Very good opportunity to show the strong link'. He minister also spoke about fake Job scam, Myanmar, & upcoming Bimstec summit.

Thai FM Maris Sangiampongsa bats for strong ties with India

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister and Secretary of State, Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski has said that PM Modi can ask President Putin to withdraw Russian forces. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the deputy FM pointed, that faced with threats of tactic Nuclear retaliation, US, China, India tried to dissuade Russia & that PM Modi against use of nuclear weapons. India-Poland ties have seen significant high-level visits, with PM Modi visiting the country last year. Bartoszewski spoke about India ties, ceasefire in Ukraine etc. Watch to know more!

Poland calls on India to mediate Russia-Ukraine war

The Norway Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has said that his country can work with India for 'lasting peace'. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he explained that the lasting peace has to be 'fair peace' & "not any peace at any price, it has to be lasting". 

The war in Ukraine is in 3 year and talks are underway for a ceasefire, led by the Trump administration. 

Terming India-Norway ties "close and developing" he pointed that Norway parliament is set to ratify India-EFTA trade pact.

Can work with India for lasting peace, Norway FM Eide on war in Ukraine

Superboys of Malegaon actors Adarsh Gourav and Shashank Arora speak to WION about their new film which has been helmed by Reema Kagti and backed by Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar. The two actors talk about the booming film industry of Malegaon, the lessons learn while the film, their favorite scenes from the film, the magic of cinema, and if OTT is taking over theatrical releases.

Superboys of Malegaon stars Adarsh Gaurav and Shashank Arora discuss their favourite scene, their biggest learning and magic of cinema

The iconic play, Mughal-e-Azam, has mesmerized audiences once again in Delhi with its grand musical production. Since its inception in 1960, this 16th-century tale has undergone a remarkable transformation - from script to stage, to screen, and now, back to stage as a spectacular musical.
WION goes behind the scenes to bring you an exclusive glimpse into the making of this magnificent production. We caught up with producer Deepesh Salgia and director Feroz Abbas Khan to talk about their vision and creative process and showcase the intense rehearsals and backstage preparations that bring this epic musical to life.
Report by Samarpita Das

'Mughal-E-Azam: The Musical': Inside India's first Broadway-style musical

He's someone who suffers from a condition that makes him immune to any kind of physical pain — he doesn't feel hot or cold, he doesn't feel any pain however hard you hit him, he's Nathan Caine. Hollywood actor Jack Quaid speaks to WION's Zeba Khan about his upcoming Paramount Pictures film Novocaine, how he makes for an unlikely action hero and why it's a must watch. Novocaine releases on March 14 in theatres.

Novocaine actor exclusive: Jack Quaid Interview

Italian Senator Matteo Gelmetti has termed India as a "perfect partner" of his country, especially in IT sector & pointed to personal camaraderie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the senator who is member of the India-Italy parliamentary friendship group said, "PM Modi knows European politics and he knows Giorgia Meloni very well....Giorgia Meloni  is, I think, the European best friend of PM Modi".  India-Italy relations have seen significant upward trajectory in the last several years, marked by a strengthening of diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties. In November 2024, during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, outlining a roadmap for enhanced collaboration over the next five years. PM Meloni had visited India in March 2023, during which bilateral relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership.

India is Italy's "perfect partner", says Italian Senator Gelmetti: WION Exclusive Interview

Indian singer Shaan needs no introduction. From doing playback singing for some of the biggest stars to belting out one romantic hit after another and now venturing into independent songs, Shaan opens up about his latest single track &ldquo;Tera Ho Raha&rdquo;, how it captures the magic of first love and how he stays relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.
Here are the edited excerpts of the chat:
Q: Your latest single &ldquo;Tera Ho Raha&rdquo; captures the magic of first love. What inspired you to create this song?
A: "Tera Ho Raha", as you rightly mentioned, is a song about realising the feeling of falling in love. I am aware that many songs have been made about this emotion, but I was particularly enamored by the lines written by Rajesh Manthan: &ldquo;Jaise hi subah uthte, leta hu main hothon se naam tera&hellip; Meri zubaan pe din bhar, reh jata hai meetha sa ik zaika.&rdquo;
It is a very fresh take on that &ldquo;falling in love&rdquo; feeling, and I wanted to design a song in a minimalist indie-vibe that has its own charm.
<h2>New song takes reference from personal life</h2>
Q: Is the song rooted in personal experience?&nbsp;
A: Most love stories start from friendship and then progress to a point where they evolve into something more special. My love story is much like that, and that phase&mdash;where you contemplate how and when to take that leap&mdash;is always fresh in our minds and close to our hearts, no matter how many years pass by.
Q: The song beautifully portrays the transition from friendship to love. What do you think makes this transition so special?
A: While the song says &ldquo;Tera ho raha&rdquo; and not &ldquo;ho gaya,&rdquo; the video needed to capture a slice-of-life story that reflects that present continuous moment, very simply, as it happens in life. There is no grand location or dramatic professing of love&mdash;just a couple with a boy/girl next-door vibe. I believe the video captured the essence of the storytelling perfectly.
Q: &ldquo;Tera Ho Raha&rdquo; is your latest release under your independent label, Shaan Music Label. What motivated you to start your own label, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
A: Shaan Music is a passion project&mdash;it is not a business. I am not focused solely on profitability, but I always look forward to every release, hoping that listeners enjoy the song, that it keeps our connection alive, and ideally reaches a younger audience. In the future, I would love to introduce and encourage fresh talent on my label.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/exclusive-sanya-malhotra-on-mrs-i-wont-change-anything-about-richa-8777210" aria-label="Exclusive Interview | Sanya Malhotra on Mrs: 'I won't change anything about Richa....'">Exclusive Interview | Sanya Malhotra on Mrs: 'I won't change anything about Richa....'</a></h2>
<h2>Staying relevant</h2>
Q: Your music has always been known for its ability to connect with listeners of all age groups. What do you think is the secret to creating music that resonates with such a wide audience?
A: I do not consider myself highly qualified as a singer or musician, nor do I try to over-intellectualise my music. I am particular that my songs remain original and carry a fresh appeal. Beyond that, I simply go with what makes me happy. While I do not know if my music resonates with a wider audience, I would love it if it did.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/exclusive-dhoom-dhaam-star-pratik-gandhis-take-on-dos-and-donts-in-a-relationship-8755274" aria-label="Exclusive | Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on do's and don'ts in a relationship">Exclusive | Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on do's and don'ts in a relationship</a></h2>
Q: You&rsquo;ve had an illustrious career spanning several decades. How do you stay relevant and connected with your audience in the ever-changing music landscape?
A: It is in my nature not to dwell on my past achievements; I am always excited by the present moment. That is perhaps why I remain relevant, not only professionally but also as an individual.
&nbsp;

Entertainment Lifestyle In an exclusive chat, singer Shaan spoke about releasing new track about the magic of first love, keeping on his toes with the changing times and more.

Indian singer Shaan needs no introduction. From doing playback singing for some of the biggest stars to belting out one romantic hit after another and now venturing into independent songs, Shaan opens up about his latest single track “Tera Ho Raha”, how it captures the magic of first love and how he stays relevant in the ever-changing music landscape. Here are the edited excerpts of the chat: Q: Your latest single “Tera Ho Raha” captures the magic of first love. What inspired you to create this song? A: "Tera Ho Raha", as you rightly mentioned, is a song about realising the feeling of falling in love. I am aware that many songs have been made about this emotion, but I was particularly enamored by the lines written by Rajesh Manthan: “Jaise hi subah uthte, leta hu main hothon se naam tera… Meri zubaan pe din bhar, reh jata hai meetha sa ik zaika.” It is a very fresh take on that “falling in love” feeling, and I wanted to design a song in a minimalist indie-vibe that has its own charm. New song takes reference from personal life Q: Is the song rooted in personal experience? A: Most love stories start from friendship and then progress to a point where they evolve into something more special. My love story is much like that, and that phase—where you contemplate how and when to take that leap—is always fresh in our minds and close to our hearts, no matter how many years pass by. Q: The song beautifully portrays the transition from friendship to love. What do you think makes this transition so special? A: While the song says “Tera ho raha” and not “ho gaya,” the video needed to capture a slice-of-life story that reflects that present continuous moment, very simply, as it happens in life. There is no grand location or dramatic professing of love—just a couple with a boy/girl next-door vibe. I believe the video captured the essence of the storytelling perfectly. Q: “Tera Ho Raha” is your latest release under your independent label, Shaan Music Label. What motivated you to start your own label, and how do you see it evolving in the future? A: Shaan Music is a passion project—it is not a business. I am not focused solely on profitability, but I always look forward to every release, hoping that listeners enjoy the song, that it keeps our connection alive, and ideally reaches a younger audience. In the future, I would love to introduce and encourage fresh talent on my label. Exclusive Interview | Sanya Malhotra on Mrs: 'I won't change anything about Richa....' Staying relevant Q: Your music has always been known for its ability to connect with listeners of all age groups. What do you think is the secret to creating music that resonates with such a wide audience? A: I do not consider myself highly qualified as a singer or musician, nor do I try to over-intellectualise my music. I am particular that my songs remain original and carry a fresh appeal. Beyond that, I simply go with what makes me happy. While I do not know if my music resonates with a wider audience, I would love it if it did. Exclusive | Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on do's and don'ts in a relationship Q: You’ve had an illustrious career spanning several decades. How do you stay relevant and connected with your audience in the ever-changing music landscape? A: It is in my nature not to dwell on my past achievements; I am always excited by the present moment. That is perhaps why I remain relevant, not only professionally but also as an individual.

Interview | Shaan on how he stays relevant: 'I don't try to over-intellectualise my music'

Amid all the love and outpouring of support for Sanya Malhotra&rsquo;s film and the bold themes of patriarchy and sexism it tackles, ZEE5 film Mrs. has been at the top of trends and is possibly one of the most talked about movies of the past month.&nbsp;
Sanya Malhotra in an email interaction exclusively spoke to WION about the impact of her film Mrs. and if there&rsquo;s anything she&rsquo;d like to change about her role. Sanya Malhotra plays a woman named Richa who marries into what she thinks is a good family only to feel stifled and pressured against the weight of the expectations of running a house, killing her own ambitions and desires.&nbsp;
Here are the excerpts of the chat:
<h2>Homemakers are often made to feel invisible</h2>
Q: Mrs has become a conversation starter. How do you feel about the story resonating with audiences globally?
A: It&rsquo;s incredibly heartwarming to see Mrs. resonate with audiences across the world. Even though the story is deeply rooted in a household, its themes of sacrifice, identity, and unspoken resilience are universal. What makes it even more special is how this seemingly simple story is making people reflect on their own experiences. It shows that homemakers, no matter where they are, are often made to feel invisible, undervalued, and unappreciated despite the immense work they do.&nbsp;
The fact that people from different cultures connect with Richa&rsquo;s journey shows that these emotions transcend borders, sparking conversations that are long overdue.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mrs-review-sanya-malhotras-film-is-deeply-impactful-much-like-the-malayalam-original-8697804" aria-label="Mrs. review: Sanya Malhotra's film is deeply impactful, much like the Malayalam original">Mrs. review: Sanya Malhotra's film is deeply impactful, much like the Malayalam original</a>
<h2>Sanya won't change anything about Richa</h2>
Q: Is there anything that you would change about Richa&rsquo;s portrayal in Mrs.?
A: Honestly, Mrs. was crafted with such thoughtfulness and authenticity that I wouldn&rsquo;t change anything about the portrayal. Every detail, from the nuances of Richa&rsquo;s journey to the way her emotions were captured, felt real and impactful. If anything, I just hope the film sparks even more conversations about the silent efforts of homemakers and the value of their work.&nbsp;
The beauty of the film lies in its honesty, and I&rsquo;m grateful to have been part of a story that feels so raw and relatable.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/entertainment/loved-mrs-here-are-sanya-malhotras-other-movies-that-you-cant-miss-8747409" aria-label="Loved Mrs? Here Are Sanya Malhotra's Other Movies That You Can't-Miss">Loved Mrs? Here Are Sanya Malhotra's Other Movies That You Can't-Miss</a>
Q: What was the set of Mrs. like? Can you share something that makes you happy about the film&rsquo;s set?
A: The set of Mrs. was filled with little moments that made the experience truly unforgettable. Every day, Arati (the director) and I had a small ritual&mdash;she would join me in my vanity for coffee and snacks, always surprising me with a thoughtful little gift. It was such a warm gesture that made each day feel extra special. Another highlight was the incredible food on set. Our chef prepared the most delicious meals, and I still find myself thinking about those flavours. These moments of connection and togetherness made the journey of Mrs. even more meaningful.
Watch the trailer of Mrs. here:
<iframe width="1280" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/komnC2EPIBc" title="Mrs Official Teaser | Sanya Malhotra | Nishant Dahiya | Kanwaljit Singh | Arati Kadav" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Entertainment | Bollywood | Sanya Malhotra on Mrs.: Sanya discusses her role as Richa in Mrs. in this exclusive interview. She shares why she wouldn’t change a thing about the character and gives insights into her journey in the film.

Amid all the love and outpouring of support for Sanya Malhotra’s film and the bold themes of patriarchy and sexism it tackles, ZEE5 film Mrs. has been at the top of trends and is possibly one of the most talked about movies of the past month. Sanya Malhotra in an email interaction exclusively spoke to WION about the impact of her film Mrs. and if there’s anything she’d like to change about her role. Sanya Malhotra plays a woman named Richa who marries into what she thinks is a good family only to feel stifled and pressured against the weight of the expectations of running a house, killing her own ambitions and desires. Here are the excerpts of the chat: Homemakers are often made to feel invisible Q: Mrs has become a conversation starter. How do you feel about the story resonating with audiences globally? A: It’s incredibly heartwarming to see Mrs. resonate with audiences across the world. Even though the story is deeply rooted in a household, its themes of sacrifice, identity, and unspoken resilience are universal. What makes it even more special is how this seemingly simple story is making people reflect on their own experiences. It shows that homemakers, no matter where they are, are often made to feel invisible, undervalued, and unappreciated despite the immense work they do. The fact that people from different cultures connect with Richa’s journey shows that these emotions transcend borders, sparking conversations that are long overdue. Mrs. review: Sanya Malhotra's film is deeply impactful, much like the Malayalam original Sanya won't change anything about Richa Q: Is there anything that you would change about Richa’s portrayal in Mrs.? A: Honestly, Mrs. was crafted with such thoughtfulness and authenticity that I wouldn’t change anything about the portrayal. Every detail, from the nuances of Richa’s journey to the way her emotions were captured, felt real and impactful. If anything, I just hope the film sparks even more conversations about the silent efforts of homemakers and the value of their work. The beauty of the film lies in its honesty, and I’m grateful to have been part of a story that feels so raw and relatable. Loved Mrs? Here Are Sanya Malhotra's Other Movies That You Can't-Miss Q: What was the set of Mrs. like? Can you share something that makes you happy about the film’s set? A: The set of Mrs. was filled with little moments that made the experience truly unforgettable. Every day, Arati (the director) and I had a small ritual—she would join me in my vanity for coffee and snacks, always surprising me with a thoughtful little gift. It was such a warm gesture that made each day feel extra special. Another highlight was the incredible food on set. Our chef prepared the most delicious meals, and I still find myself thinking about those flavours. These moments of connection and togetherness made the journey of Mrs. even more meaningful. Watch the trailer of Mrs. here:

Exclusive Interview | Sanya Malhotra on Mrs: 'I won't change anything about Richa....'

Vivek Ramaswamy, American entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has been trolled as he was seen barefoot at an interview. The interview video, which was live streamed last year, has been making rounds on social media.&nbsp;
The video has sparked a wave of strong reactions on social media, with some calling him "uncivilised" and "anti-American".&nbsp;
Ramaswamy is currently running for the governor of Ohio following 2024 US Presidential elections.
One of the users wrote, "Vivek will never be governor of Ohio. This is unacceptable for America."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-revive-our-conviction-vivek-ramaswamy-joins-ohio-governor-race-8754588">'Will revive our conviction': Vivek Ramaswamy joins Ohio governor race</a>
Another commented, "Maybe at least have some socks on while you interview for a position in the most powerful empire on the planet, yeah?"&nbsp;
While a third user wrote, "Vivek lectures us about education while barefoot. Uncivilised."
Commentator Ian Miles Cheong quickly defended Ramaswamy, calling it the "dumbest argument" he's heard.
He further pointed out that going barefoot in one's own home is hardly anti-American.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-india-american-entrepreneur-vivek-ramaswamy-in-us-8719088">PM Modi meets Indian-American entrepreneur-politician Vivek Ramaswamy in US</a>
&ldquo;I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed," he added.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The dumbest argument I&rsquo;ve heard against Vivek is that going barefoot in your own house is anti-American. I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed. <a href="https://t.co/JVfJMa6VKe">pic.twitter.com/JVfJMa6VKe</a>
&mdash; Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) <a href="https://twitter.com/stillgray/status/1895485277403287798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
Ramaswamy himself addressed the backlash, saying, "This is America, folks. I let the dogs out in my house when I feel like it."
His remark was commended by some, while, others criticised it.&nbsp;
One user wrote, "Vivek showed extreme class when Coulter stated flat out because of his race she would not vote for him. He kept the conversation going and never fell into an offended or victim mentality. Well done by him."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alleged-friction-white-house-confirms-vivek-ramaswamy-wont-serve-in-doge-8639030">Result of friction? White House confirms Vivek Ramaswamy won't serve in DOGE</a>
Many other users also came to support Ramaswamy and pointed out that removing shoes indoors is a common practice in many cultures, including South and East Asia.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Nearly all Indians go barefoot in their own homes. There's nothing wrong with it. Just a cultural thing&rdquo;, a user posted.&nbsp;
Another user said, "&ldquo;In Indian tradition, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's home, considered a sign of respect and hygiene, as it prevents bringing dirt and germs from outside into the house; this practice is widely followed."
Further, political commentator Kim Iversen also joined the debate, saying, "I understand this is a &lsquo;culture' thing, but you non-Asians wearing shoes in your homes need a culture shift."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-restricts-transgender-students-from-using-multiperson-bathrooms-779779">Ohio restricts transgender students from using multiperson bathrooms</a>
Iversen added that in her own home, shoes are not allowed, and that socks are also prohibited due to the risk of slipping on hardwood floors.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, trending: Many other users also came to support Ramaswamy and pointed out that removing shoes indoors is a common practice in many cultures, including South and East Asia.

Vivek Ramaswamy, American entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has been trolled as he was seen barefoot at an interview. The interview video, which was live streamed last year, has been making rounds on social media. The video has sparked a wave of strong reactions on social media, with some calling him "uncivilised" and "anti-American". Ramaswamy is currently running for the governor of Ohio following 2024 US Presidential elections. One of the users wrote, "Vivek will never be governor of Ohio. This is unacceptable for America." Also read: 'Will revive our conviction': Vivek Ramaswamy joins Ohio governor race Another commented, "Maybe at least have some socks on while you interview for a position in the most powerful empire on the planet, yeah?" While a third user wrote, "Vivek lectures us about education while barefoot. Uncivilised." Commentator Ian Miles Cheong quickly defended Ramaswamy, calling it the "dumbest argument" he's heard. He further pointed out that going barefoot in one's own home is hardly anti-American. Also read: PM Modi meets Indian-American entrepreneur-politician Vivek Ramaswamy in US “I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed," he added. The dumbest argument I’ve heard against Vivek is that going barefoot in your own house is anti-American. I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed. pic.twitter.com/JVfJMa6VKe — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 28, 2025 Ramaswamy himself addressed the backlash, saying, "This is America, folks. I let the dogs out in my house when I feel like it." His remark was commended by some, while, others criticised it. One user wrote, "Vivek showed extreme class when Coulter stated flat out because of his race she would not vote for him. He kept the conversation going and never fell into an offended or victim mentality. Well done by him." Also read: Result of friction? White House confirms Vivek Ramaswamy won't serve in DOGE Many other users also came to support Ramaswamy and pointed out that removing shoes indoors is a common practice in many cultures, including South and East Asia. “Nearly all Indians go barefoot in their own homes. There's nothing wrong with it. Just a cultural thing”, a user posted. Another user said, "“In Indian tradition, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's home, considered a sign of respect and hygiene, as it prevents bringing dirt and germs from outside into the house; this practice is widely followed." Further, political commentator Kim Iversen also joined the debate, saying, "I understand this is a ‘culture' thing, but you non-Asians wearing shoes in your homes need a culture shift." Also read: Ohio restricts transgender students from using multiperson bathrooms Iversen added that in her own home, shoes are not allowed, and that socks are also prohibited due to the risk of slipping on hardwood floors. (With inputs from agencies)

'Uncivilised, anti-American': Vivek Ramaswamy faces backlash for appearing barefoot in interview | See HERE

Relationships are tricky, and actress Plabita Borthakur would agree that it always takes a lot more than just romance to keep a relationship alive. Plabita recently featured in ZEE5 original web show Pyaar Testing, which takes an interesting look at why it&rsquo;s pivotal for two individuals in love to guide their relationship how they want to without succumbing to external pressures and societal forces.&nbsp;
Pyaar Testing in the words of Plabita explores the colours of Jaipur, tells the story of a Rajput family and how tradition meets modern understanding of romance. Plabita shares her understanding of whether society should draw a line while commenting on a couple&rsquo;s choice of expression of love, what her show stands for, and why communication is key to a successful relationship.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of the chat:
Q: Plabita, where should we draw the line in letting society dictate what's okay and what's not okay in a relationship?&nbsp;
A: I don't think there is a line because there shouldn't be anything that the society should be able to dictate for any relationship because a relationship is purely between two people, and I don't think anybody except those two concerning persons has anything to contribute in that relationship because, as a society or as an outsider, we do not know what their lives are like. We do not know what they want from their relationship. I don't think we as a society have any right to dictate or have an opinion about somebody else's relationship.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/exclusive-dhoom-dhaam-star-pratik-gandhis-take-on-dos-and-donts-in-a-relationship-8755274" aria-label="Exclusive| Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on Do's and Don'ts in a relationship">Exclusive | Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on Do's and Don'ts in a relationship</a>
<h2>Plabita's musts for a healthy relationship</h2>
Q: What are some things that are non-negotiable for you in your romantic partner, things that tick you off?&nbsp;
A: Non-negotiable for me is communication. I feel that is one of the most important thing in a relationship because if we can freely communicate and try to understand the other person's point of view, it&rsquo;s a huge step towards a healthier relationship. Another thing very important to me is the willingness to work on the relationship because I feel any relationship needs work, be it one with parents, siblings or friends. I don't believe we should take any relationship for granted, and I definitely would love my partner to be willing to work on our relationship so we can grow together as a couple.&nbsp;
<h2>Do live-ins work?</h2>
Q: How do you feel about the idea of a live-in relationship personally?&nbsp;
A: I feel if two consenting people want to live together, I am really no one to have an opinion on other people and their relationships. If they want to share a common space, I think it's great, and it's also a good way to understand if they're compatible before getting married and committing.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/saba-azad-exclusive-interview-on-playing-maya-in-crime-beat-being-socially-awkward-and-her-love-for-delhi-and-its-food-8751788" aria-label="Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food">Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food</a>
Watch the trailer for Pyaar Testing:
<iframe width="1280" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1j-Wm01UqZM" title="Pyaar Testing | Official Trailer | A ZEE5 Original | Plabita B, Satyajeet D | Watch Now on ZEE5" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Q: What, according to you, is the best thing about Pyaar Testing?
A: I love the acceptance bit. In the show, we get to see two different generations. It&rsquo;s like the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modern and how each generation takes a step towards understanding or being accepting of the other.&nbsp;
Pyaar Testing is currently streaming on ZEE5. The OTT comedy series is directed by Shiva Varma and Saptaraj Chakraborty. It stars Satyajeet Dubey and Plabita Borthakur in leading roles.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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Entertainment Bollywood In an exclusive chat, Plabita Borthakur who we saw in ZEE5 show Pyaar Testing opened up about why live-in relationships are amazing.

Relationships are tricky, and actress Plabita Borthakur would agree that it always takes a lot more than just romance to keep a relationship alive. Plabita recently featured in ZEE5 original web show Pyaar Testing, which takes an interesting look at why it’s pivotal for two individuals in love to guide their relationship how they want to without succumbing to external pressures and societal forces. Pyaar Testing in the words of Plabita explores the colours of Jaipur, tells the story of a Rajput family and how tradition meets modern understanding of romance. Plabita shares her understanding of whether society should draw a line while commenting on a couple’s choice of expression of love, what her show stands for, and why communication is key to a successful relationship. Here are the edited excerpts of the chat: Q: Plabita, where should we draw the line in letting society dictate what's okay and what's not okay in a relationship? A: I don't think there is a line because there shouldn't be anything that the society should be able to dictate for any relationship because a relationship is purely between two people, and I don't think anybody except those two concerning persons has anything to contribute in that relationship because, as a society or as an outsider, we do not know what their lives are like. We do not know what they want from their relationship. I don't think we as a society have any right to dictate or have an opinion about somebody else's relationship. Also read: Exclusive | Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on Do's and Don'ts in a relationship Plabita's musts for a healthy relationship Q: What are some things that are non-negotiable for you in your romantic partner, things that tick you off? A: Non-negotiable for me is communication. I feel that is one of the most important thing in a relationship because if we can freely communicate and try to understand the other person's point of view, it’s a huge step towards a healthier relationship. Another thing very important to me is the willingness to work on the relationship because I feel any relationship needs work, be it one with parents, siblings or friends. I don't believe we should take any relationship for granted, and I definitely would love my partner to be willing to work on our relationship so we can grow together as a couple. Do live-ins work? Q: How do you feel about the idea of a live-in relationship personally? A: I feel if two consenting people want to live together, I am really no one to have an opinion on other people and their relationships. If they want to share a common space, I think it's great, and it's also a good way to understand if they're compatible before getting married and committing. Also read: Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food Watch the trailer for Pyaar Testing: Q: What, according to you, is the best thing about Pyaar Testing? A: I love the acceptance bit. In the show, we get to see two different generations. It’s like the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modern and how each generation takes a step towards understanding or being accepting of the other. Pyaar Testing is currently streaming on ZEE5. The OTT comedy series is directed by Shiva Varma and Saptaraj Chakraborty. It stars Satyajeet Dubey and Plabita Borthakur in leading roles.

Interview | Plabita Borthakur: Society is no one to dictate anything for two people in love

From Harshad Mehta&rsquo;s Scam 1992 on SonyLIV to Netflix film Dhoom Dhaam, Pratik Gandhi agrees it&rsquo;s been a &ldquo;gratifying journey&rdquo;. Looking back at five years since his role as scamster Harshad Mehta made everyone look up and take him seriously, Pratik pondered fondly at the time he got to spend behind camera playing characters, bringing stories to life and nurturing the actor within him. &ldquo;I feel ecstatic. I feel absolute satisfaction when I look back at my journey as an actor, since even before Scam,&rdquo; reflected Pratik on his filmography.&nbsp;
Pratik recently starred in Netflix&rsquo;s Dhoom Dhaam opposite Yami Gautam in which he plays a simple boy who is a veterinarian by profession, eats vegetarian food because he doesn&rsquo;t want to eat his patients, has multiple phobias, including those of height and closed spaces, and has never lived his life adventurously. In an exclusive chat, Pratik Gandhi spoke about exploring heroism through the film, why being a &lsquo;nice guy&rsquo; is a virtue and what according to him are some do&rsquo;s and don'ts in a romantic relationship.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;
Q: Why did you say yes to Dhoom Dhaam?&nbsp;
A: It's a unique film in the sense that we've seen rom-coms in the past and rom-com is a genre that all generations have always loved. But the film offered me a character who is very unique, he portrays heroism in a different way. The film establishes that heroism is not always being macho and alpha. It&rsquo;s not about picking fights. Hero is someone who also avoids fights. Hero is someone who can be a safety net for others. I am glad I got to explore that side of heroism via my character Veer.&nbsp;
<h2>Veer, a hero who confirms his phobias and fears</h2>
Q: Who is Veer to you?
A: Veer to me is a real hero, and the most interesting thing is that we all know such people around us. Someone with a good physique doesn't necessarily have to fight. He can be man enough to confirm his phobias and fears. He&rsquo;s someone who can easily cry. Veer is someone we see every day. The only thing is that we don't see them as heroes.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/a3f3a3c7-413.jpg" alt="Veer" style="width: 580px;">
Veer is a nice guy. Sadly, being nice is no longer a compliment. But I feel being a nice guy is a virtue. Nice guys need to be celebrated.&nbsp;
You know, I've seen my father, who was equally vulnerable but a very strong man. Not just physically, he was very strong mentally. I am sure that&rsquo;s the case with all our fathers. We have never seen our fathers with six packs, but they are still our heroes.&nbsp;
Q: Is there something you don't like about him?&nbsp;
A: Yes, there are certain things. Veer is a stickler for rules. I know you have to follow rules, but not at the time when somebody is behind you with a gun in his hand, but I guess he's too hardwired to follow rules. If put in the same situation (in Dhoom Dhaam), I would have actually reacted the way Koyal (Yami Gautam) did.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/saba-azad-exclusive-interview-on-playing-maya-in-crime-beat-being-socially-awkward-and-her-love-for-delhi-and-its-food-8751788" aria-label="Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food">Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food</a>
Q: Veer and Koyal start off their marriage on a crazy adventure. Their first night as a married couple has a lot of drama. Do you think any regular real-life couple could survive so much drama on the first night of their wedding?
A: Oh, that's a very tricky one, actually. Had they known each other, things would have been different, but considering it was their first night as a couple, it&rsquo;s too much for anyone. I would like to say good luck to anyone who will go through something like this in real life.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/b0803fde-15b.jpg" alt="Dhoom Dhaam" style="width: 580px;">
<h2>Fun on Dhoom Dhaam set</h2>
Q: What&rsquo;s something fun you can share from the sets of Dhoom Dhaam?&nbsp;
A: Don&rsquo;t tell Yami I told you this but she&rsquo;s said in all interviews that she&rsquo;s very far from her character Koyal but I feel that there is a little bit of Koyal&rsquo;s personality in Yami. Yami is a sleeper cell of Koyal. If that can be awakened, then it can be disastrous. She has the potential to become Koyal.
<h2>Pratik Gandhi's guide to successful romance&nbsp;</h2>
What works
Q: What according to you are some things that make a romantic relationship successful?
A: Acceptance and patience. If you can accept a person as is, I guess most of the job is done. Then you just need patience for the tough days. When I see around me, among my friends and a lot of family members, separation has become very common. Most of the time I personally feel as a third person when I listen to their stories or their incidents, that if they showed a little more patience and love, they would have solved the issue.
In a relationship if you keep that door open, there is always a chance of walking out. If you always have that option, then you will never try to work it out. But relationships are complex. I think it's different for everybody.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/exclusive-tanya-maniktala-on-revisiting-classic-old-romance-with-palki-mein-song-from-khal-nayak-with-ishwak-singh-8729284" aria-label="Exclusive | Tanya Maniktala on revisiting classic old romance with Palki Mein.....song from Khal Nayak with Ishwak Singh">Exclusive | Tanya Maniktala on revisiting classic old romance with Palki Mein.....song from Khal Nayak with Ishwak Singh</a>
Watch the trailer for Dhoom Dhaam here:
<iframe width="1280" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RT3cB3T74w" title="Dhoom Dhaam | Official Trailer | Yami Gautam, Pratik Gandhi | Netflix India" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What doesn't
Q: What is a dealbreaker for you in relationships?
A: For me, the dealbreaker is intention and trust. If there is no intention, if the intentions are wrong, then it'll never work out. So don't force.
Q: Do you believe in the idea of opposites attract in romantic relationships? In Dhoom Dhaam too, Veer and Koyal are poles apart in their expression of individuality and yet they fall in love.&nbsp;
A: Yes, totally. The logic for it, the way I understand it, is that if you don't have something in you as a person, then that is something that you would look for in your partner. When two people are too similar, they can be good friends. In a romantic relationship, I would get bored if I married someone like me. In my opinion, it will never work.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/358f85a8-cc5.jpg" alt="Dhoom " style="width: 580px;">
Dhoom Dhaam premiered on Netflix on February 14. The film stars Yami Gautam, Pratik Gandhi, Pavitra Sarkar, and Eijaz Khan in pivotal roles.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Entertainment Bollywood Interview From why being a nice guy is a 'virtue' to what makes or breaks a relationship for him, Dhoom Dhaam actor Pratik Gandhi opens up on his new film.

From Harshad Mehta’s Scam 1992 on SonyLIV to Netflix film Dhoom Dhaam, Pratik Gandhi agrees it’s been a “gratifying journey”. Looking back at five years since his role as scamster Harshad Mehta made everyone look up and take him seriously, Pratik pondered fondly at the time he got to spend behind camera playing characters, bringing stories to life and nurturing the actor within him. “I feel ecstatic. I feel absolute satisfaction when I look back at my journey as an actor, since even before Scam,” reflected Pratik on his filmography. Pratik recently starred in Netflix’s Dhoom Dhaam opposite Yami Gautam in which he plays a simple boy who is a veterinarian by profession, eats vegetarian food because he doesn’t want to eat his patients, has multiple phobias, including those of height and closed spaces, and has never lived his life adventurously. In an exclusive chat, Pratik Gandhi spoke about exploring heroism through the film, why being a ‘nice guy’ is a virtue and what according to him are some do’s and don'ts in a romantic relationship. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: Why did you say yes to Dhoom Dhaam? A: It's a unique film in the sense that we've seen rom-coms in the past and rom-com is a genre that all generations have always loved. But the film offered me a character who is very unique, he portrays heroism in a different way. The film establishes that heroism is not always being macho and alpha. It’s not about picking fights. Hero is someone who also avoids fights. Hero is someone who can be a safety net for others. I am glad I got to explore that side of heroism via my character Veer. Veer, a hero who confirms his phobias and fears Q: Who is Veer to you? A: Veer to me is a real hero, and the most interesting thing is that we all know such people around us. Someone with a good physique doesn't necessarily have to fight. He can be man enough to confirm his phobias and fears. He’s someone who can easily cry. Veer is someone we see every day. The only thing is that we don't see them as heroes. Veer is a nice guy. Sadly, being nice is no longer a compliment. But I feel being a nice guy is a virtue. Nice guys need to be celebrated. You know, I've seen my father, who was equally vulnerable but a very strong man. Not just physically, he was very strong mentally. I am sure that’s the case with all our fathers. We have never seen our fathers with six packs, but they are still our heroes. Q: Is there something you don't like about him? A: Yes, there are certain things. Veer is a stickler for rules. I know you have to follow rules, but not at the time when somebody is behind you with a gun in his hand, but I guess he's too hardwired to follow rules. If put in the same situation (in Dhoom Dhaam), I would have actually reacted the way Koyal (Yami Gautam) did. Also read: Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food Q: Veer and Koyal start off their marriage on a crazy adventure. Their first night as a married couple has a lot of drama. Do you think any regular real-life couple could survive so much drama on the first night of their wedding? A: Oh, that's a very tricky one, actually. Had they known each other, things would have been different, but considering it was their first night as a couple, it’s too much for anyone. I would like to say good luck to anyone who will go through something like this in real life. Fun on Dhoom Dhaam set Q: What’s something fun you can share from the sets of Dhoom Dhaam? A: Don’t tell Yami I told you this but she’s said in all interviews that she’s very far from her character Koyal but I feel that there is a little bit of Koyal’s personality in Yami. Yami is a sleeper cell of Koyal. If that can be awakened, then it can be disastrous. She has the potential to become Koyal. Pratik Gandhi's guide to successful romance What works Q: What according to you are some things that make a romantic relationship successful? A: Acceptance and patience. If you can accept a person as is, I guess most of the job is done. Then you just need patience for the tough days. When I see around me, among my friends and a lot of family members, separation has become very common. Most of the time I personally feel as a third person when I listen to their stories or their incidents, that if they showed a little more patience and love, they would have solved the issue. In a relationship if you keep that door open, there is always a chance of walking out. If you always have that option, then you will never try to work it out. But relationships are complex. I think it's different for everybody. Also read: Exclusive | Tanya Maniktala on revisiting classic old romance with Palki Mein.....song from Khal Nayak with Ishwak Singh Watch the trailer for Dhoom Dhaam here: What doesn't Q: What is a dealbreaker for you in relationships? A: For me, the dealbreaker is intention and trust. If there is no intention, if the intentions are wrong, then it'll never work out. So don't force. Q: Do you believe in the idea of opposites attract in romantic relationships? In Dhoom Dhaam too, Veer and Koyal are poles apart in their expression of individuality and yet they fall in love. A: Yes, totally. The logic for it, the way I understand it, is that if you don't have something in you as a person, then that is something that you would look for in your partner. When two people are too similar, they can be good friends. In a romantic relationship, I would get bored if I married someone like me. In my opinion, it will never work. Dhoom Dhaam premiered on Netflix on February 14. The film stars Yami Gautam, Pratik Gandhi, Pavitra Sarkar, and Eijaz Khan in pivotal roles.

Exclusive | Dhoom Dhaam star Pratik Gandhi's take on do's and don'ts in a relationship

Is there anything that Saba Azad can&rsquo;t do? She sings, she acts, she does theatre, she wants to direct, and she&rsquo;s also a trained dancer. While she enjoys dipping her fingers in the pie, Saba maintains that she is socially awkward and doesn&rsquo;t love the idea of cameras following her.&nbsp;
Following the release of her recent ZEE5 show Crime Beat, the quirky and chirpy actress spoke about things dear to her, playing a journalist named Maya in Crime Beat, being unabashedly real about the lesser opportunities coming her way and a surprise role we will see her play very soon. In an exclusive conversation, Saba Azad let her guard down and told us about her favourite places in Delhi and her favourite things to eat when she&rsquo;s in &lsquo;Dilli&rsquo;.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;
Q: Saba, you play a journalist in ZEE5&rsquo;s Crime Beat. What was the experience like?
A: It was a no brainer for me to say yes to the project. I was told it's a Sudhir Mishra show and was based on a novel. I read the novel, I read the script and I knew I was doing it.&nbsp;
As for the role, I know it&rsquo;s set in the world of journalism, but the idea was to get inside the character, no matter what profession she was inhabiting &ndash; her emotions, her trials and tribulations. It was more about finding the human in the character. It just so happens that she was a journalist. She could have been in a corporate world. She could have been anywhere else. What really helped was how the script was very clear about what it required of the character.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/fa9d4b3c-396.jpg" alt="Crime Beat" style="width: 580px;">
<h2>Playing a journalist in new OTT show</h2>
Q: Who is Maya according to you?
A: I think Maya is an extremely passionate and driven girl who comes from privilege. She wants to prove herself as a journalist and wants to be a part of the crime beat and do investigative journalism. Her struggle, her arc, is basically her trying to prove herself worthy and be like, &lsquo;Look, take me seriously. I'm trained for this. I&rsquo;ve studied investigative journalism. I know I come from privilege and that's why you put me in lifestyle, but what I really want to do is this&rsquo;. How she finds a way into crime beat is her journey.&nbsp;
What I like the most about Maya is that her moral compass is very centred. So, it's not like she wants to achieve anything at the cost of letting go of her morality. She wants to succeed, but not at the cost of other people or at the cost of letting go of her morals. I think that&rsquo;s very interesting and rare, perhaps in the world of journalism as we speak now.
Q: Was Maya&rsquo;s character rooted from Saba&rsquo;s character in real life?&nbsp;
A: Absolutely. I think because I have grown up around journalists &ndash; my parents, friends, a lot of them are journalists. I have sort of seen that world and my understanding of journalism from when I was a kid was that most journalists who hold the strength to speak truth to power usually lean towards socialism in general. I added a bit of a socialist angle to Maya. Although she comes from privilege, she's nearly almost embarrassed of it because she's like, &lsquo;Listen, I know my father may have money, but I want to prove myself and I can go to the grittiest areas in the city and get the story I need to. I am not privileged. My father has money. I don't. I'm working for my bread&rsquo;. So there was some kind of merit to this character, which was very attractive to me.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/a2eae71e-4a4.jpg" alt="Crime" style="width: 580px;">
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/katrina-kaif-visits-maha-kumbh-with-mother-in-law-veena-kaushal-meets-swami-chidanand-saraswati-8752011" aria-label="Katrina Kaif visits Maha Kumbh with mother-in-law Veena Kaushal, meets Swami Chidanand Saraswati">Katrina Kaif visits Maha Kumbh with mother-in-law Veena Kaushal, meets Swami Chidanand Saraswati</a></h2>
Q: What&rsquo;s your relationship with co-star Saqib Saleem like?&nbsp;
A: You know when you start your career with some people, you&rsquo;re always rooting for them. When I first worked with Saqib, it was my second film and his first &ndash;&nbsp;Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. We were kids back then. This was 14 years ago. Moving forward, we might not have been in touch on a daily basis, but we've crossed paths many times. Whenever we would meet, it would be like old times.
<h2>Saba on not being covered in scripts</h2>
Q: Why are you so selective about your roles? Why don&rsquo;t we see you very often on the big screen?
A: In all honesty, you pick from what you're offered. I'm an actor, not a producer or a director. I hope to be a director someday, but as of now, I am at the mercy of someone else's imagination. It's not like I had a plethora of scripts to choose from, if I were entirely honest. So from the ones that came my way, I tried to pick the ones that challenged me as an actor and kind of made me do different things. So whether it was Rocket Boys, which you know was a period story and a biopic or, Who's Your Gyneac, where I got to sink my teeth into comedy and kind of lighthearted drama. Whether it was something gritty like this, I try to do something different each time. But honestly, I'm not covered in scripts.&nbsp;
Q: What's something that people don't know about you Saba?&nbsp;
A: I am a trained dancer and I have been dancing professionally for almost a decade. I trained in Indian classical. I did Odissi. I trained for around 14 years after which I trained in Jazz and Ballet and then I taught for a while as well. I was part of many dance companies and we travelled too.&nbsp;
Q: I feel you&rsquo;ll do really well in a biopic on a singer since you can sing your own songs too. Would you be open to that if given a chance?
A: You know, it's funny you mentioned that because I have just done a film about an artist, a musician and it should hopefully release sometime this year. It's about this singer called Raj Begum, who was a legendary singer from Kashmir. This was at a time when women weren't allowed to sing on the radio. She was the first female singer on Radio Kashmir and it's her story.&nbsp;
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-praises-arranged-marriages-in-india-has-this-to-say-about-ben-affleck-jlo-divorce-8750336" aria-label="Kangana Ranaut praises arranged marriages in India, has THIS to say about Ben Affleck-JLo divorce">Kangana Ranaut praises arranged marriages in India, has THIS to say about Ben Affleck-JLo divorce</a></h2>
<h2>Saba on constant vigil on her life</h2>
Q: You&rsquo;ve always been vocal about the press breaching your privacy at times and not drawing a line when they should. Do you feel maybe they&rsquo;re just trying to do their job and these are just perils of the profession?
A: I think I can only speak for myself. I don't think I want to speak for other people. I think I'm a fairly private person and if I might add, a very awkward person socially. So I guard my privacy with my life. I think when you're choosing to be a performer, you are actually putting yourself out into the world. So I think this comes with the territory. And at the end of the day, if I were to be honest and mildly empathetic I would say that that person is also trying to make their living. They are also trying to find a story to get eyeballs.
Many actors are comfortable being in the public eye. I am still warming up to it. I think I'm slightly better than I was when I started but by and large, I am a pretty awkward person. So I try to keep to myself but its actually to each their own.&nbsp;
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chhaava-box-office-collection-vicky-kaushals-film-races-towards-rs-300-crore-8748778" aria-label="Chhaava Box Office Collection: Vicky Kaushal's film races towards Rs 300 crore mark">Chhaava Box Office Collection: Vicky Kaushal's film races towards Rs 300 crore mark</a></h2>
Q: Saba you performed in Delhi recently. When are you coming back next? What&rsquo;s something you like about the city?
A: I keep coming to Delhi. I am from Delhi. I can give you a very long list of places I love here. I love food so its Purani Delhi, Jama Masjid for early morning Nihari. Then there&rsquo;s Paranthe Wali Gali. There&rsquo;s Ghanta Ghar's Gulab Jamun. I love chaat. I'm obsessed with food.&nbsp;

Entertainment Bollywood Interview From her favourite places in Delhi to why she doesn't like cameras following her around, Saba Azad spoke about ZEE5's Crime Beat & more.

Is there anything that Saba Azad can’t do? She sings, she acts, she does theatre, she wants to direct, and she’s also a trained dancer. While she enjoys dipping her fingers in the pie, Saba maintains that she is socially awkward and doesn’t love the idea of cameras following her. Following the release of her recent ZEE5 show Crime Beat, the quirky and chirpy actress spoke about things dear to her, playing a journalist named Maya in Crime Beat, being unabashedly real about the lesser opportunities coming her way and a surprise role we will see her play very soon. In an exclusive conversation, Saba Azad let her guard down and told us about her favourite places in Delhi and her favourite things to eat when she’s in ‘Dilli’. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: Saba, you play a journalist in ZEE5’s Crime Beat. What was the experience like? A: It was a no brainer for me to say yes to the project. I was told it's a Sudhir Mishra show and was based on a novel. I read the novel, I read the script and I knew I was doing it. As for the role, I know it’s set in the world of journalism, but the idea was to get inside the character, no matter what profession she was inhabiting – her emotions, her trials and tribulations. It was more about finding the human in the character. It just so happens that she was a journalist. She could have been in a corporate world. She could have been anywhere else. What really helped was how the script was very clear about what it required of the character. Playing a journalist in new OTT show Q: Who is Maya according to you? A: I think Maya is an extremely passionate and driven girl who comes from privilege. She wants to prove herself as a journalist and wants to be a part of the crime beat and do investigative journalism. Her struggle, her arc, is basically her trying to prove herself worthy and be like, ‘Look, take me seriously. I'm trained for this. I’ve studied investigative journalism. I know I come from privilege and that's why you put me in lifestyle, but what I really want to do is this’. How she finds a way into crime beat is her journey. What I like the most about Maya is that her moral compass is very centred. So, it's not like she wants to achieve anything at the cost of letting go of her morality. She wants to succeed, but not at the cost of other people or at the cost of letting go of her morals. I think that’s very interesting and rare, perhaps in the world of journalism as we speak now. Q: Was Maya’s character rooted from Saba’s character in real life? A: Absolutely. I think because I have grown up around journalists – my parents, friends, a lot of them are journalists. I have sort of seen that world and my understanding of journalism from when I was a kid was that most journalists who hold the strength to speak truth to power usually lean towards socialism in general. I added a bit of a socialist angle to Maya. Although she comes from privilege, she's nearly almost embarrassed of it because she's like, ‘Listen, I know my father may have money, but I want to prove myself and I can go to the grittiest areas in the city and get the story I need to. I am not privileged. My father has money. I don't. I'm working for my bread’. So there was some kind of merit to this character, which was very attractive to me. Katrina Kaif visits Maha Kumbh with mother-in-law Veena Kaushal, meets Swami Chidanand Saraswati Q: What’s your relationship with co-star Saqib Saleem like? A: You know when you start your career with some people, you’re always rooting for them. When I first worked with Saqib, it was my second film and his first – Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. We were kids back then. This was 14 years ago. Moving forward, we might not have been in touch on a daily basis, but we've crossed paths many times. Whenever we would meet, it would be like old times. Saba on not being covered in scripts Q: Why are you so selective about your roles? Why don’t we see you very often on the big screen? A: In all honesty, you pick from what you're offered. I'm an actor, not a producer or a director. I hope to be a director someday, but as of now, I am at the mercy of someone else's imagination. It's not like I had a plethora of scripts to choose from, if I were entirely honest. So from the ones that came my way, I tried to pick the ones that challenged me as an actor and kind of made me do different things. So whether it was Rocket Boys, which you know was a period story and a biopic or, Who's Your Gyneac, where I got to sink my teeth into comedy and kind of lighthearted drama. Whether it was something gritty like this, I try to do something different each time. But honestly, I'm not covered in scripts. Q: What's something that people don't know about you Saba? A: I am a trained dancer and I have been dancing professionally for almost a decade. I trained in Indian classical. I did Odissi. I trained for around 14 years after which I trained in Jazz and Ballet and then I taught for a while as well. I was part of many dance companies and we travelled too. Q: I feel you’ll do really well in a biopic on a singer since you can sing your own songs too. Would you be open to that if given a chance? A: You know, it's funny you mentioned that because I have just done a film about an artist, a musician and it should hopefully release sometime this year. It's about this singer called Raj Begum, who was a legendary singer from Kashmir. This was at a time when women weren't allowed to sing on the radio. She was the first female singer on Radio Kashmir and it's her story. Kangana Ranaut praises arranged marriages in India, has THIS to say about Ben Affleck-JLo divorce Saba on constant vigil on her life Q: You’ve always been vocal about the press breaching your privacy at times and not drawing a line when they should. Do you feel maybe they’re just trying to do their job and these are just perils of the profession? A: I think I can only speak for myself. I don't think I want to speak for other people. I think I'm a fairly private person and if I might add, a very awkward person socially. So I guard my privacy with my life. I think when you're choosing to be a performer, you are actually putting yourself out into the world. So I think this comes with the territory. And at the end of the day, if I were to be honest and mildly empathetic I would say that that person is also trying to make their living. They are also trying to find a story to get eyeballs. Many actors are comfortable being in the public eye. I am still warming up to it. I think I'm slightly better than I was when I started but by and large, I am a pretty awkward person. So I try to keep to myself but its actually to each their own. Chhaava Box Office Collection: Vicky Kaushal's film races towards Rs 300 crore mark Q: Saba you performed in Delhi recently. When are you coming back next? What’s something you like about the city? A: I keep coming to Delhi. I am from Delhi. I can give you a very long list of places I love here. I love food so its Purani Delhi, Jama Masjid for early morning Nihari. Then there’s Paranthe Wali Gali. There’s Ghanta Ghar's Gulab Jamun. I love chaat. I'm obsessed with food.

Saba Azad exclusive Interview on playing journo in new OTT show, being socially awkward and her love for Delhi's food

Elon Musk claimed that the two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, were left stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) by the former US President Joe Biden administration.&nbsp;
Trump, while speaking at an exclusive interview with Fox News, said Joe Biden was going to leave stranded NASA astronauts, including Williams, in space, to which Musk quickly added that the reason was "political".&nbsp;
&ldquo;At the President&rsquo;s request, or instruction, we are accelerating the return of the astronauts, which was postponed, kind of, to a ridiculous degree," Elon Musk said on being asked about the return of the two astronauts.
&ldquo;They got left in space," Trump added to Musk.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-dress-in-t-shirts-trump-mocks-genius-doge-staffers-who-dress-worse-than-elon-musk-8736789">&lsquo;They dress in T-shirts&rsquo;: Trump mocks &lsquo;genius&rsquo; DOGE staffers who dress &lsquo;worse than Elon Musk&rsquo;</a>
Musk further said, "They were left up there for political reasons, which is not good."
When asked about SpaceX's mission to bring back Williams and Wilmore, Musk said, "We don&rsquo;t want to be complacent, but we have brought astronauts back from the space station many times before, and always with success."&nbsp;
&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s about &ndash; about four weeks to bring them back," he added, upon being questioned about the timeline of the mission to bring them back.
&ldquo;You now have the go-ahead," Trump said, to which Musk responded, &ldquo;Yes. Well, thanks to you."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-releases-video-of-shackled-deportees-elon-musks-reaction-sparks-condemnation-8736268">White House releases video of shackled deportees; Elon Musk's reaction sparks condemnation</a>
The US president further claimed that Musk's company did not have the go-ahead with the Biden administration.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He (Biden) was going to leave him in space. I think he was going to leave them in space, can you believe it?" Trump said.&nbsp;
<h2>Astronauts say 'not abandoned'</h2>
The two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore, have been stranded in low-Earth orbit since June.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-refuses-to-block-elon-musk-doge-from-accessing-data-firing-workers-8735259">US Court refuses to block Elon Musk, DOGE from accessing data, firing workers</a>
In January, slamming Joe Biden, Trump and Musk claimed that the two astronauts were left high and dry by the previous administration. To which the astronauts said that they &ldquo;were not stranded, nor have been abandoned" at the ISS.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s been the rhetoric. That&rsquo;s been the narrative from day one: stranded, abandoned, stuck&mdash;and I get it. We both get it," Wilmore said.
&ldquo;But that is, again, not what our human spaceflight programme is about. We don&rsquo;t feel abandoned, we don&rsquo;t feel stuck, we don&rsquo;t feel stranded."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/musk-trump-bromance-shines-in-joint-interview-as-doge-chief-calls-himself-tech-support-for-us-president-8734740">Musk-Trump 'bromance' shines in joint interview as DOGE chief calls himself 'tech support' for US prez</a>
Wilmore added a request: &ldquo;If you&rsquo;ll help us change the rhetoric, help us change the narrative. Let&rsquo;s change it to &lsquo;prepared and committed.&rsquo; That&rsquo;s what we prefer," Wilmore said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Speaking at an exclusive interview with Fox News, Trump said Biden was going to leave stranded NASA astronauts in space. Musk added that the reason was "political".

Elon Musk claimed that the two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, were left stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) by the former US President Joe Biden administration. Trump, while speaking at an exclusive interview with Fox News, said Joe Biden was going to leave stranded NASA astronauts, including Williams, in space, to which Musk quickly added that the reason was "political". “At the President’s request, or instruction, we are accelerating the return of the astronauts, which was postponed, kind of, to a ridiculous degree," Elon Musk said on being asked about the return of the two astronauts. “They got left in space," Trump added to Musk. Also read: ‘They dress in T-shirts’: Trump mocks ‘genius’ DOGE staffers who dress ‘worse than Elon Musk’ Musk further said, "They were left up there for political reasons, which is not good." When asked about SpaceX's mission to bring back Williams and Wilmore, Musk said, "We don’t want to be complacent, but we have brought astronauts back from the space station many times before, and always with success." “I think it’s about – about four weeks to bring them back," he added, upon being questioned about the timeline of the mission to bring them back. “You now have the go-ahead," Trump said, to which Musk responded, “Yes. Well, thanks to you." Also read: White House releases video of shackled deportees; Elon Musk's reaction sparks condemnation The US president further claimed that Musk's company did not have the go-ahead with the Biden administration. “He (Biden) was going to leave him in space. I think he was going to leave them in space, can you believe it?" Trump said. Astronauts say 'not abandoned' The two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore, have been stranded in low-Earth orbit since June. Also read: US Court refuses to block Elon Musk, DOGE from accessing data, firing workers In January, slamming Joe Biden, Trump and Musk claimed that the two astronauts were left high and dry by the previous administration. To which the astronauts said that they “were not stranded, nor have been abandoned" at the ISS. “That’s been the rhetoric. That’s been the narrative from day one: stranded, abandoned, stuck—and I get it. We both get it," Wilmore said. “But that is, again, not what our human spaceflight programme is about. We don’t feel abandoned, we don’t feel stuck, we don’t feel stranded." Also read: Musk-Trump 'bromance' shines in joint interview as DOGE chief calls himself 'tech support' for US prez Wilmore added a request: “If you’ll help us change the rhetoric, help us change the narrative. Let’s change it to ‘prepared and committed.’ That’s what we prefer," Wilmore said. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Biden leave NASA astronauts in space for 'political reasons'? Musk, Trump claim in joint interview

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has assured that India's security will not be 'jeopardize' over Dhaka's ties with Islamabad. Dhaka under Chief Advisor Md. Yunus has seen increased ties with Pakistan. 

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Muscat, he said, "Pakistan was singled out due to the visa system...We look Pakistan as just as another country. Hue and cry being created. We are normalising ties at par with other countries"

The Foreign Advisor has a bilateral meeting with EAM Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday. Speaking on the bilateral, he said,''Bangladesh, India need mutually beneficial good relationship. We are working on that. I had a good meeting with EAM Dr S Jaishankar. We discussed steps'

He spoke on number of issues including situation of minorities, ties with Trump Administration, border situation.

"Indian security will not be jeopardised", says Bangladesh's foreign adviser on Pakistan ties

Can music ever get old? The last time we crooned to "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar", it was the year 1993, when a bright pink lehenga clad Madhuri Dixit danced to the Alka Yagnik sung song in the film Khal Nayak. Cut to 2025, and the song is back with a newer vibe, telling a new story this time with fresh new faces and even fresher onscreen pairing. From Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt in the film, we now have Tanya Maniktala and Ishwak Singh infuse a new energy into the song and make it their own.
"Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar" is essentially a romantic number with the woman singing about longing to go to her lover, making plans to meet him as she gets on a palki (palanquin) which was earlier used by brides in a wedding.&nbsp;
In an exclusive chat with Tanya Maniktala, the Kill actress reveals what it was like to perform "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar" Tips Take 2, the relevance of the song today, and her equation with Ishwak Singh of Paatal Lok fame.
Here are the excerpts of the chat:&nbsp;
Q: Tanya, what is &ldquo;Palki Mein&hellip;.Sawaar&rdquo; all about? How is the song relevant today?&nbsp;
A: The song beautifully captures the essence of modern romance while staying true to traditional emotions. It's a perfect blend of classic love expression and contemporary energy. What makes it particularly relevant today is how it resonates with the current generation's approach to weddings&mdash;maintaining the core sentiment of love while adding elements of fun, playfulness, and mutual respect. The beautiful interplay between traditional lyrics and modern arrangement creates this perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh energy.
<h2>Reimagining popular old songs</h2>
Q: How do you feel about remixing and reimagining popular old songs?&nbsp;
A: Reimagining classics is our way of bridging generations through music. These recreations allow us to pay homage to iconic melodies while introducing them to a new audience. It's not just about modernizing the sound - it's about preserving the soul of these timeless pieces while making them accessible to today's listeners.
Watch the song here:
<iframe width="1280" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ep_GKAtOH9I" title="Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar - Take 2 | Ishwak S, Tanya M |@AseesKaurMusic Shahid M | Raaj A, Seepi J" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Q: How was working with Ishwak? Have you seen his work in Paatal Lok and how did you find it?&nbsp;
A: I really enjoyed working with Ishwak. I had seen his brilliant performance in the first season of Paatal Lok and knew he was an incredibly talented and dedicated actor, and it was a truly great experience.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-shweta-tripathi-on-her-favourite-character-from-mirzapur-i-love-guddu-8704385" aria-label="Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......'">Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......'</a>
<h2>What's playing on Tanya's playlist?</h2>
Q: What's your personal music playlist like?&nbsp;
A: My playlist varies, and it all depends on the mood and what kind of vibe I'm feeling. You will find everything from 90s Bollywood classics to country music, soft rock to Punjabi hits. Music for me is about the emotion it evokes rather than the genre.
Q: Which artists do you listen to and vibe the most these days?
A: This song has had me revisiting Khal Nayak, and &ldquo;Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar&rdquo; is definitely on repeat right now. My music taste varies, from piano pieces to Punjabi music, but I listen mostly to 90s retro and Bollywood.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kicking-balls-docu-filmmaker-vijayeta-kumar-on-telling-stories-of-girls-fighting-child-marriage-with-football-8729004" aria-label="Kicking Balls docu-filmmaker Vijayeta Kumar on telling stories of girls fighting child marriage with football">Kicking Balls docu-filmmaker Vijayeta Kumar on telling stories of girls fighting child marriage with football</a>
Q: What&rsquo;s next?&nbsp;
A: I am excited about my recently announced show with MX Player, and there are several interesting projects in development that I'm really looking forward to sharing soon.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Entertainment Bollywood Exclusive Tanya Maniktala recently surprised her fans as she collaborated with Paatal Lok actor Ishwak Singh for TIPS song Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar 2.0.

Can music ever get old? The last time we crooned to "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar", it was the year 1993, when a bright pink lehenga clad Madhuri Dixit danced to the Alka Yagnik sung song in the film Khal Nayak. Cut to 2025, and the song is back with a newer vibe, telling a new story this time with fresh new faces and even fresher onscreen pairing. From Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt in the film, we now have Tanya Maniktala and Ishwak Singh infuse a new energy into the song and make it their own. "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar" is essentially a romantic number with the woman singing about longing to go to her lover, making plans to meet him as she gets on a palki (palanquin) which was earlier used by brides in a wedding. In an exclusive chat with Tanya Maniktala, the Kill actress reveals what it was like to perform "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar" Tips Take 2, the relevance of the song today, and her equation with Ishwak Singh of Paatal Lok fame. Here are the excerpts of the chat: Q: Tanya, what is “Palki Mein….Sawaar” all about? How is the song relevant today? A: The song beautifully captures the essence of modern romance while staying true to traditional emotions. It's a perfect blend of classic love expression and contemporary energy. What makes it particularly relevant today is how it resonates with the current generation's approach to weddings—maintaining the core sentiment of love while adding elements of fun, playfulness, and mutual respect. The beautiful interplay between traditional lyrics and modern arrangement creates this perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh energy. Reimagining popular old songs Q: How do you feel about remixing and reimagining popular old songs? A: Reimagining classics is our way of bridging generations through music. These recreations allow us to pay homage to iconic melodies while introducing them to a new audience. It's not just about modernizing the sound - it's about preserving the soul of these timeless pieces while making them accessible to today's listeners. Watch the song here: Q: How was working with Ishwak? Have you seen his work in Paatal Lok and how did you find it? A: I really enjoyed working with Ishwak. I had seen his brilliant performance in the first season of Paatal Lok and knew he was an incredibly talented and dedicated actor, and it was a truly great experience. Also read: Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......' What's playing on Tanya's playlist? Q: What's your personal music playlist like? A: My playlist varies, and it all depends on the mood and what kind of vibe I'm feeling. You will find everything from 90s Bollywood classics to country music, soft rock to Punjabi hits. Music for me is about the emotion it evokes rather than the genre. Q: Which artists do you listen to and vibe the most these days? A: This song has had me revisiting Khal Nayak, and “Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar” is definitely on repeat right now. My music taste varies, from piano pieces to Punjabi music, but I listen mostly to 90s retro and Bollywood. Also read: Kicking Balls docu-filmmaker Vijayeta Kumar on telling stories of girls fighting child marriage with football Q: What’s next? A: I am excited about my recently announced show with MX Player, and there are several interesting projects in development that I'm really looking forward to sharing soon.

Exclusive | Tanya Maniktala on revisiting classic old romance with Palki Mein.....song from Khal Nayak with Ishwak Singh

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has assured that India's security will not be 'jeopardized' over Dhaka's ties with Islamabad. Dhaka under Chief Advisor Md. Yunus has seen increased ties with Pakistan.

Bangladesh's foreign adviser speaks to WION on ties with India and Pakistan

From the New York Indian Film Festival to IFFI in Goa, a short documentary feature on young girls changing their lives with football has been making its mark, breaking notions of western feminism and championing the cause for women to stand up for their rights. Kicking Balls by director Vijayeta Kumar proves that passion can take you to places.&nbsp;
On just a regular trip to Ajmer city, Vijayeta spotted some girls playing football in what used to be the compound of her old school. Curious about how a small city like Ajmer had started training girls in football, something she'd never seen before, she followed the girls. Kicking Balls is a result of that curiosity. Now, after travelling with her film to close to 10-12 film festivals around the world, the film has finally been released in India on Prasar Bharti&rsquo;s OTT app Waves.
Speaking about why she made this film and how Kicking Balls will act as an eye-opener for those who are unaware of a young girl&rsquo;s struggle in a small city of India, Vijayeta Kumar bares it all.
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;
Q: How did you come up with the idea? What struck you to make a film on this topic?&nbsp;
A: I'm from Ajmer. I went to visit the city a couple of years ago when I spotted a football camp at what was the compound of my old school. As I drove past, I saw these girls play football and I got curious about them because my school didn't have a girls football team. Then I met them and came to know about this project.
So, I spent some more time just hanging out with them, getting to know them, getting to know their stories and I just felt that this is a story that needs to be told and the world needs to know this.&nbsp;
Q: What was the response to your film during its festival run?&nbsp;
A: It&rsquo;s gone to like almost 10-12 film festivals. The film was received really well at festivals. It also won a couple of awards and we found some beautiful audiences for the film. They had a lot of questions. They were totally engaged with the film. They wanted to know more. Festivals helped us build a lot of visibility for the film.
<h2>Girls fighting child marriage with football</h2>
Q: Where are these girls from your documentary now?&nbsp;
A: So, a lot of them are pursuing football. Some are pursuing further studies. They are fully on their own path now. They have broken away from their marriages. Some have gotten divorced. One of the girls in the film is now a FIFA certified coach. She trains others. A few of them are playing Under-17 football in the state football team. They have got college admissions through the sports quota. We can safely say that they are now pursuing their dreams.&nbsp;
Q: Would you be able to say that this is a result of the visibility that their stories have got via your film?&nbsp;
A: No, the film had nothing to do with it. This is what they have done on their own. For me, this was just about telling their stories to people in the urban areas who have no idea how things work in villages. Even if I didn't make the film, they would still be doing this.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-c-girinandh-takes-us-through-his-vision-while-composing-music-for-netflixs-the-greatest-rivalry-india-vs-pakistan-8713710" aria-label="Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan">Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan</a></h2>
Q: Why did you want to tell their story to the world? &nbsp;
A: I was very inspired by them when I heard their stories. Then I also wanted to shatter the western idea of feminism we have in big cities. I'm now in Mumbai for 15 years. Before that, I studied in Delhi. In these cities, we feel feminism is about the things we do, like how we can stand up against the men in our lives. But when I saw these girls, I understood what true feminism means. They are fighting for their lives, literally at the grassroots level.&nbsp;
When you see them you realise that they are standing up for their rights without the privilege or a solid support system. Their fight and struggle is inspiring.&nbsp;
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/malaysian-artist-on-creating-something-new-with-tamil-language-and-reggae-music-8728482" aria-label="Malaysian artist on creating something new with Tamil language and reggae music">Malaysian artist on creating something new with Tamil language and reggae music</a></h2>
<h2>Collaboration with Guneet Monga</h2>
Q: What can you tell us about your collaboration with Guneet Monga on the film?
A: Guneet Monga was the first person I approached. She came on board. Then Ashwini Yardi came on board. I approached her because she had that background from Viacom. She made this amazing TV show called Balika Vadhu. She&rsquo;s someone who believes in this cause and supports the movement. I got very lucky in finding my producers.
Q: Why was the film only released on Waves, the Prasad Bharti OTT and not a mainstream streaming partner like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?
A: Waves will take the film to the audience it's intended for. I've already taken the film to urban audiences via film festivals. Now I feel this film needs to be seen by people in smaller towns, in villages and Waves gives that kind of accessibility, which, like, a Netflix or anything else doesn't.
&nbsp;

Entertainment Bollywood Kicking Balls director Vijayeta Kumar speaks about her film which tells the stories of young girls who are fighting against child marriage with football.

From the New York Indian Film Festival to IFFI in Goa, a short documentary feature on young girls changing their lives with football has been making its mark, breaking notions of western feminism and championing the cause for women to stand up for their rights. Kicking Balls by director Vijayeta Kumar proves that passion can take you to places. On just a regular trip to Ajmer city, Vijayeta spotted some girls playing football in what used to be the compound of her old school. Curious about how a small city like Ajmer had started training girls in football, something she'd never seen before, she followed the girls. Kicking Balls is a result of that curiosity. Now, after travelling with her film to close to 10-12 film festivals around the world, the film has finally been released in India on Prasar Bharti’s OTT app Waves. Speaking about why she made this film and how Kicking Balls will act as an eye-opener for those who are unaware of a young girl’s struggle in a small city of India, Vijayeta Kumar bares it all. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: How did you come up with the idea? What struck you to make a film on this topic? A: I'm from Ajmer. I went to visit the city a couple of years ago when I spotted a football camp at what was the compound of my old school. As I drove past, I saw these girls play football and I got curious about them because my school didn't have a girls football team. Then I met them and came to know about this project. So, I spent some more time just hanging out with them, getting to know them, getting to know their stories and I just felt that this is a story that needs to be told and the world needs to know this. Q: What was the response to your film during its festival run? A: It’s gone to like almost 10-12 film festivals. The film was received really well at festivals. It also won a couple of awards and we found some beautiful audiences for the film. They had a lot of questions. They were totally engaged with the film. They wanted to know more. Festivals helped us build a lot of visibility for the film. Girls fighting child marriage with football Q: Where are these girls from your documentary now? A: So, a lot of them are pursuing football. Some are pursuing further studies. They are fully on their own path now. They have broken away from their marriages. Some have gotten divorced. One of the girls in the film is now a FIFA certified coach. She trains others. A few of them are playing Under-17 football in the state football team. They have got college admissions through the sports quota. We can safely say that they are now pursuing their dreams. Q: Would you be able to say that this is a result of the visibility that their stories have got via your film? A: No, the film had nothing to do with it. This is what they have done on their own. For me, this was just about telling their stories to people in the urban areas who have no idea how things work in villages. Even if I didn't make the film, they would still be doing this. Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan Q: Why did you want to tell their story to the world? A: I was very inspired by them when I heard their stories. Then I also wanted to shatter the western idea of feminism we have in big cities. I'm now in Mumbai for 15 years. Before that, I studied in Delhi. In these cities, we feel feminism is about the things we do, like how we can stand up against the men in our lives. But when I saw these girls, I understood what true feminism means. They are fighting for their lives, literally at the grassroots level. When you see them you realise that they are standing up for their rights without the privilege or a solid support system. Their fight and struggle is inspiring. Malaysian artist on creating something new with Tamil language and reggae music Collaboration with Guneet Monga Q: What can you tell us about your collaboration with Guneet Monga on the film? A: Guneet Monga was the first person I approached. She came on board. Then Ashwini Yardi came on board. I approached her because she had that background from Viacom. She made this amazing TV show called Balika Vadhu. She’s someone who believes in this cause and supports the movement. I got very lucky in finding my producers. Q: Why was the film only released on Waves, the Prasad Bharti OTT and not a mainstream streaming partner like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video? A: Waves will take the film to the audience it's intended for. I've already taken the film to urban audiences via film festivals. Now I feel this film needs to be seen by people in smaller towns, in villages and Waves gives that kind of accessibility, which, like, a Netflix or anything else doesn't.

Kicking Balls docu-filmmaker Vijayeta Kumar on telling stories of girls fighting child marriage with football

Reflecting on his journey as an artist, Malaysian music artist Sasi The Don, who likes being called the "Reggae Ambassador of Asia&rdquo; by his fans, opened about a new single called Santhosham, how he envisions spreading positivity and joy through his music, and more.&nbsp;
In an exclusive chat with WION, Sasi The Don spoke about his one true objective behind making music, and that is creating joy in the lives of those who enjoy his genre of music.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;
Q: Congrats on your new song, Santhosham? What does it signify?
A: Music is a great tool to do wonderful things. Different song creators and artists around the world create music for different purposes. For me, from the beginning, music has always been a tool to spread my messages, my ideas, and positivity&mdash;especially joy.
People often say happiness comes from within, and that&rsquo;s true as individuals, but the real essence of spreading happiness is sharing it with the people who matter. That&rsquo;s where I draw the line and take happiness to a whole new level: celebrating it with people who matter. As I convey in the song&rsquo;s lyrics and message, it&rsquo;s about sharing a piece of the cake with those who matter. That&rsquo;s how I view my positive message going out to those who listen to this song.
<h2>Tamil music and reggae rhythms</h2>
Q: Santhosham is a unique blend of Tamil music and reggae rhythms. How did you approach combining these diverse styles, and what challenges did you face during the process?
A: I think the point about challenges during the process of making the song is less about facing obstacles and more about feeling content and satisfied with the outcome. That was the main focus of what I was trying to achieve. All my life, I&rsquo;ve been the kind of artist or producer who creates songs that always sound different. I don&rsquo;t want to be seen as a copycat or hypocrite, especially when it comes to reggae. Reggae is not my culture&mdash;it originates from the Caribbean&mdash;but it&rsquo;s a style of music I&rsquo;ve always been a fan of since my younger years. The artists I grew up listening to always taught me something unique about reggae music.
Different reggae artists come from different cultures and countries. For instance, Apache Indian&mdash;he&rsquo;s a British-born Indian, and his music resonated deeply with me. He had this unique style of mixing Asian Indian elements with powerful reggae beats, which became his signature.
As a Tamil artist, I&rsquo;ve always taken the Tamil language very seriously, out of love for the language. Tamil is such a powerful language, and bringing Santhosham to life was all about incorporating South Asian and South Indian musical elements with strong reggae beats. That&rsquo;s how the whole fusion idea came together.
I had moments where I questioned whether to include Tamil or not, but I realised it was time to elevate the combination of Tamil and English to a new level.&nbsp;
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-c-girinandh-takes-us-through-his-vision-while-composing-music-for-netflixs-the-greatest-rivalry-india-vs-pakistan-8713710" aria-label="Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan">Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan</a></h2>
Q: From collaborating with global icons like Dr. Alban and Apache Indian to opening for stars like Shaggy, what has been your most memorable experience, and how have these shaped your musical journey?
A: As a reggae artist, most of us usually draw inspiration from the works of Bob Marley. Bob Marley serves as the main point of connection for all of us because his music has always been a benchmark&mdash;not just in terms of work, but also in terms of his message, emotion, and composition.
As a person, he molded what it means to deliver a positive message through a song. I think all of us, as artists, have taken this message deeply in our own ways.&nbsp;
I grew up in Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur, in a very small suburb. Life was simple, but music kept me occupied and motivated throughout my life. From the days of listening to Dr. Alban, Apache Indian, Shaggy, and others, these artists represented the modern evolution of reggae music&mdash;the more electronic, digital, and fusion styles of reggae. Discovering this music made my life very exciting. But one of the best parts of my journey was meeting the people I idolized. The senior artists I grew up listening to completely changed my life. This wasn&rsquo;t something I ever saw coming. I never thought I&rsquo;d be a singer. I never thought I&rsquo;d go on stage and entertain people. That was the last thing I thought I&rsquo;d do, but everything fell into place.
In the beginning, I wasn&rsquo;t sure what was happening, but now, after 25 years, I realize that this is what I was chosen to do.&nbsp;
<h2>India's long association with reggae music</h2>
Q: What do you feel makes reggae such a powerful medium for connecting cultures, and how have you adapted it to resonate with Indian and global audiences?
A: To me, the purpose of reggae has always stayed true to its roots and its existence. Reggae began as the music of the people, often self-taught musicians who emerged during the genre&rsquo;s formative years. It wasn&rsquo;t about money or wealth&mdash;it was about creating something meaningful, occupying life with purpose. From the early pioneers before Bob Marley to Marley himself, reggae has always had the power to inspire and unite, not just as a genre but as a movement.
Reggae grew from the small island of Jamaica and crossed the globe, touching every corner of the world. Today, you see reggae being embraced in places like Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Russia, and beyond. Bob Marley, being one of the greatest global icons of our lifetime, played a massive role in spreading reggae&rsquo;s influence. Along the way, reggae has not only inspired cultures worldwide but has also been shaped by these cultures in return.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-shweta-tripathi-on-her-favourite-character-from-mirzapur-i-love-guddu-8704385" aria-label="Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......'">Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......'</a></h2>
I&rsquo;ve always felt reggae is a powerful medium because it is rooted in love and positivity. Reggae doesn&rsquo;t speak of hate; it doesn&rsquo;t involve dissing or negativity. It&rsquo;s a genre that teaches respect, spreads joy, and uplifts the human spirit. It&rsquo;s music that changes your mood and your perspective, encouraging you to see life differently.
Even in Indian cinema, music legends like Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and Anirudh have infused reggae-inspired elements into their compositions. Whether people consciously recognise it as reggae or not, those songs always resonated and became hits because of their infectious rhythm and soul.
Indian culture, being deeply connected to movies and music, has always been influenced by a mix of global sounds. Reggae, with its unique frequency and uplifting energy, naturally connects with people. It has a way of tuning us into a better state of mind, changing how we feel about the world around us.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s why I believe Indians, and people everywhere, resonate with reggae so well. It&rsquo;s not about whether it&rsquo;s Indian or not&mdash;it&rsquo;s about the universal language of love and positivity that reggae carries.

Lifestyle Malaysian artist Sasi The Don is proud of his new single Santhosham which offers Tamil music wrapped in reggae beats and rhythms. He tells us what it means to be a reggae artist.

Reflecting on his journey as an artist, Malaysian music artist Sasi The Don, who likes being called the "Reggae Ambassador of Asia” by his fans, opened about a new single called Santhosham, how he envisions spreading positivity and joy through his music, and more. In an exclusive chat with WION, Sasi The Don spoke about his one true objective behind making music, and that is creating joy in the lives of those who enjoy his genre of music. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: Congrats on your new song, Santhosham? What does it signify? A: Music is a great tool to do wonderful things. Different song creators and artists around the world create music for different purposes. For me, from the beginning, music has always been a tool to spread my messages, my ideas, and positivity—especially joy. People often say happiness comes from within, and that’s true as individuals, but the real essence of spreading happiness is sharing it with the people who matter. That’s where I draw the line and take happiness to a whole new level: celebrating it with people who matter. As I convey in the song’s lyrics and message, it’s about sharing a piece of the cake with those who matter. That’s how I view my positive message going out to those who listen to this song. Tamil music and reggae rhythms Q: Santhosham is a unique blend of Tamil music and reggae rhythms. How did you approach combining these diverse styles, and what challenges did you face during the process? A: I think the point about challenges during the process of making the song is less about facing obstacles and more about feeling content and satisfied with the outcome. That was the main focus of what I was trying to achieve. All my life, I’ve been the kind of artist or producer who creates songs that always sound different. I don’t want to be seen as a copycat or hypocrite, especially when it comes to reggae. Reggae is not my culture—it originates from the Caribbean—but it’s a style of music I’ve always been a fan of since my younger years. The artists I grew up listening to always taught me something unique about reggae music. Different reggae artists come from different cultures and countries. For instance, Apache Indian—he’s a British-born Indian, and his music resonated deeply with me. He had this unique style of mixing Asian Indian elements with powerful reggae beats, which became his signature. As a Tamil artist, I’ve always taken the Tamil language very seriously, out of love for the language. Tamil is such a powerful language, and bringing Santhosham to life was all about incorporating South Asian and South Indian musical elements with strong reggae beats. That’s how the whole fusion idea came together. I had moments where I questioned whether to include Tamil or not, but I realised it was time to elevate the combination of Tamil and English to a new level. Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan Q: From collaborating with global icons like Dr. Alban and Apache Indian to opening for stars like Shaggy, what has been your most memorable experience, and how have these shaped your musical journey? A: As a reggae artist, most of us usually draw inspiration from the works of Bob Marley. Bob Marley serves as the main point of connection for all of us because his music has always been a benchmark—not just in terms of work, but also in terms of his message, emotion, and composition. As a person, he molded what it means to deliver a positive message through a song. I think all of us, as artists, have taken this message deeply in our own ways. I grew up in Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur, in a very small suburb. Life was simple, but music kept me occupied and motivated throughout my life. From the days of listening to Dr. Alban, Apache Indian, Shaggy, and others, these artists represented the modern evolution of reggae music—the more electronic, digital, and fusion styles of reggae. Discovering this music made my life very exciting. But one of the best parts of my journey was meeting the people I idolized. The senior artists I grew up listening to completely changed my life. This wasn’t something I ever saw coming. I never thought I’d be a singer. I never thought I’d go on stage and entertain people. That was the last thing I thought I’d do, but everything fell into place. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what was happening, but now, after 25 years, I realize that this is what I was chosen to do. India's long association with reggae music Q: What do you feel makes reggae such a powerful medium for connecting cultures, and how have you adapted it to resonate with Indian and global audiences? A: To me, the purpose of reggae has always stayed true to its roots and its existence. Reggae began as the music of the people, often self-taught musicians who emerged during the genre’s formative years. It wasn’t about money or wealth—it was about creating something meaningful, occupying life with purpose. From the early pioneers before Bob Marley to Marley himself, reggae has always had the power to inspire and unite, not just as a genre but as a movement. Reggae grew from the small island of Jamaica and crossed the globe, touching every corner of the world. Today, you see reggae being embraced in places like Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Russia, and beyond. Bob Marley, being one of the greatest global icons of our lifetime, played a massive role in spreading reggae’s influence. Along the way, reggae has not only inspired cultures worldwide but has also been shaped by these cultures in return. Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......' I’ve always felt reggae is a powerful medium because it is rooted in love and positivity. Reggae doesn’t speak of hate; it doesn’t involve dissing or negativity. It’s a genre that teaches respect, spreads joy, and uplifts the human spirit. It’s music that changes your mood and your perspective, encouraging you to see life differently. Even in Indian cinema, music legends like Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and Anirudh have infused reggae-inspired elements into their compositions. Whether people consciously recognise it as reggae or not, those songs always resonated and became hits because of their infectious rhythm and soul. Indian culture, being deeply connected to movies and music, has always been influenced by a mix of global sounds. Reggae, with its unique frequency and uplifting energy, naturally connects with people. It has a way of tuning us into a better state of mind, changing how we feel about the world around us. That’s why I believe Indians, and people everywhere, resonate with reggae so well. It’s not about whether it’s Indian or not—it’s about the universal language of love and positivity that reggae carries.

Malaysian artist on creating something new with Tamil language and reggae music

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